The infl uenza is a respiratory disease considered as a zoonosis. Its transmisssion between humans and animals can occur through animal contact, manipulation and consumption of food from contamined animals. Avians and swine are responsible by infl uenza contamination in food. The presence of compounds with antioxidant activity in food is related in the inhibition of free-radicals formation and also to inactive viruses. To evaluate the presence of infl uenza virus in animals and the anti-viral action from oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) on the infl uenza virus was also investigated. Samples from 34 swine and 50 ducks were collected. The hemagglutination (HA) and Gold-labeled-optically-read-immunoassay (Gloria) tests were employed for isolation and identifi cation of the infl uenza virus. Antioxidant activity in oregano extract was evaluated by β carotene / linoleic acid system and the total phenolic compounds by Folin-Ciocateau reagent. The antioxidant activity of 100 ppm of phenolic compounds from oregano extract was 89.2% and the association with BHT was observed the increase to 93.6%. Infl uenza positivity was observed in 10% of ducks and 53% of swine, presenting HA 04 HAU/μL and 12 HAU/μL, respectively. These titers decreased after infl uenza virus inactivation by contact for 1 h with 100 ppm (v/v) oregano extract. Therefore, this infl uenza virus could be transmitted by both workers and migratory birds. These data suggest that animals are able to generate infl uenza contamination of food (avian meat, eggs, swine meat) and the phenolic compounds revealed anti-viral action on infl uenza virus.
RESUMOA doença respiratória causada pelo vírus infl uenza é considerada uma zoonose. Através do contato entre humanos e animais e, ainda, pelo consumo de alimentos de origem animal contaminados, pode ocorrer a transmissão viral. As aves e os suínos são os mais comuns geradores de alimentos contaminados por infl uenza. Os compostos fenólicos presentes em alimentos possuem ação antioxidante inibidora da formação de radicais livres e inativante viral. Este trabalho avaliou a presença de infl uenza nesses animais e a ação antiviral do orégano (Origanum vulgare L.). Amostras de 34 suínos e 50 patos foram coletadas. O isolamento e identifi cação do vírus infl uenza foram realizados através dos testes de hemaglutinação (HA) e gold-labeled-optically-read-immunoassay (GLORIA). A atividade antioxidante do orégano foi avaliada pelo sistema β-caroteno/ácido linoleico e os teores de fenólicos totais pelo reagente de Folin-Ciocateau. A atividade antioxidante de 100 ppm dos compostos fenólicos extraídos do orégano foi de 89,2% e na associação deste com o BHT foi observado o aumento desta atividade para 93,6%. Os patos (10%) e os suínos (53%) foram positivos aos testes de infl uenza, apresentando, respectivamente, 4 UHA/μL e 12 UHA/μL. Esses títulos de HA foram reduzidos após a inativação do vírus, promovida pelo contato por uma hora com 100 ppm de extrato de orégano. Esses animais são capazes de contaminar o alimento com o vírus...