Occurrence of antibodies to group specific chlamydia antigen in Finnish sheep, cattle and horse sera

A serological survey on the occurrence of group-specific chlamydial antibodies in random sera of Finnish sheep, cattle and horses was performed. The whole material consisted of 1347 serum samples, including 432 ovine, 454 bovine and 461 equine sera. The sera were sent to the laboratory for various serological tests during 1968–1972. Of the ovine sera 9.5%, bovine 12.8 % and equine 7.1 % showed a titer ≥ 1:16 in the complement fixation test.No definite geographic differences could be found in the distribution of the herds which showed positive results. The ubiquity of chlamydial infections in domestic mammals and their role as a cause of clinical diseases is discussed.     

A Serological Study on The Prevalence of Toxoplasma Gondii in Meat-Producing Animals in Sweden

Sera from 200 sheep, swine and cattle, respectively, collected at slaughter at each of 3 abattoirs situated in the north, middle and south of Sweden were examined for the presence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii by the indirect fluorescent antibody test. Seropositive animals (titre ≥ 1:20) were found at the following rates from north to south: sheep 60%, 66% and 68.5%, swine 9%, 2.5% and 37%, and cattle 10%, 6 % and 35%. The significance of the serological findings is discussed, and it is concluded that T. gondii infection is common in Swedish farm animals. Thus the meat from particularly swine and sheep may provide a potential source of human toxoplasmosis.     

Occurrence of Antibodies to Group Specific Chlamydia Antigen in Cattle and Reindeer Sera in Finnish Lapland

The occurrence of group specific complement fixing antibodies was studied in random sera of cattle and reindeer in Finnish Lapland. Sixty-eight (40.5%) of the 168 cattle sera were positive. Sixty 4hree (21.6 %) of the 291 reindeer sera were positive. The difference is statistically nearly significant in the t-test. The antibody titer ≥ 1:16 was regarded as positive. The antibody frequency of cattle sera was statistically significantly higher and the antibody frequency of reindeer sera was nearly significantly higher than in earlier studies on cattle sera in South and Central Finland. The reasons are discussed.     

Survival of Listeria monocytogenes in cheese made of unpasteurized goat milk

Food-born infections with Listeria monocytogenes have been reported during recent years, cheese being mentioned as one of the foods responsible. A classical opinion is that cheese represents a very inhospitable environment for pathogens due to antagonism by the starter culture of lactic-acid-producing organisms. In order to study the survival of L. monocytogenes in goat cheese, cheeses were made with the addition of L. monocytogenes cultures. The maximum survival time for L. monocytogenes was 18 weeks in two of the cheeses. It is concluded that L. monocytogenes has the ability to survive in semi-soft cheese made of unpasteurized goat milk during normal curing (2–3 months).     

The World Health Organization's Clean Hands Save Lives: A concept applicable to equine medicine as Clean Hands Save Horses

Even before the discovery of germs, the practice of hand hygiene had revealed itself as a crucial element in the fight against infectious diseases. In fact, supported by the historical discoveries and more recent evidence based data, the World Health Organization considers hand hygiene as the pillar of infection control, particularly when related to nosocomial infections. Therefore, the World Health Organization has a strong focus on “Clean Hands Save Lives” campaigns, a principle that is easily translatable into “Clean Hands Save Horses”. Considering the recognised importance given to skin health and integrity as the first principle of good hand hygiene, using decontamination methods and products that are the least harmful to the skin is mandatory. This is why the currently accepted presurgical hand preparation methods do not involve aggressive brushing and disinfecting soaps anymore. Rather, hands should be washed with a neutral pH friendly soap first before a hydroalcoholic solution is applied. Although the principles and benefits of proper hand hygiene have been recognised in the healthcare world, one of the major drawbacks remains the lack of compliance with established protocols. To increase compliance, equine clinics should work on improving product accessibility, enhancing staff and client education as well as helping each other to remember to actually do it. This article reviews historical and current facts on hand hygiene and relates it to equine practice. Clean equine care is safer equine care: it's all in your hands!     

Descriptive epidemiological study of the use of antimicrobial drugs by companion animal veterinarians in New Zealand

Abstract

AIM: To describe the patterns of use of antimicrobial drugs by veterinary surgeons treating commonly presented bacterial infections in companion animals in New Zealand.

METHODS: A postal survey of 800 randomly selected companion animal veterinarians practicing in New Zealand was conducted between August and December 2008. Data were collected regarding the antimicrobials prescribed for recent cases of skin, ear and urinary tract infections; the use of culture and susceptibility testing; and veterinarian characteristics such as proportion of time spent treating companion animals and recent attendance at continuing professional development (CPD) events. Potential associations within the data were explored using extended mosaic plots and multivariable regression models.

RESULTS:Completed surveys from 393 respondents were available for analysis, providing data on systemic antimicrobial drug use for 1,799 cases of presumptive bacterial infections. The most frequently prescribed drugs were amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (864 cases, 48%), cephalexin (558, 31%), and fluoroquinolones (198, 11%). Of 359 cases of canine superficial pyoderma, 157 (44%) were treated with amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and 155 (43%) were treated with cephalexin with median reported treatment durations of 7 and 10 days, for these two drugs respectively. Culture and susceptibility tests had been used in 376 of 1,984 (19%) of all reported cases and 160 (43%) of these were suspected urinary tract infections. Practitioners that spent 100% of their time treating companion animals and who had attended a CPD course related to companion animals within the 12 months prior to completing the survey were more likely to submit a sample for culture and susceptibility testing and to prescribe longer courses of antimicrobials for the treatment of canine pyoderma than practitioners who spent less than 100% of their time treating companion animals and had not attended a CPD course in the last 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS: Broad-spectrum drugs considered by the World Health Organisation to be critically important for human health, such as fluoroquinolones and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, are amongst the most frequently prescribed antimicrobials in companion animal medicine, and these drugs are often prescribed without submitting a sample for culture and susceptibility testing.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Many cases of superficial pyoderma were treated for less than the recommended duration of 21 days, which may contribute to a higher rate of recurrent pyoderma and the development of drug resistance within the causal bacteria. Veterinarians should be aware that the use of fluoroquinolones, in particular, should be based upon the results of a culture and susceptibility test.     

当前我省常见猪病的诊治要点

猪圆环病毒感染,猪生殖-呼吸道综合症和猪链球菌病是近年来我省猪群中经常发生的几种疾病,本文对这三种疾病的临床症状,病理解剖学变化和防治措施进行了介绍。     

引起猪繁殖障碍综合征的六种传染病的血清学监测

作者采用试剂盒7套，监测了六种能引起猪繁殖障碍综合征的传染病，对来自有繁殖障碍症状的182场次进行猪瘟（HC）抗原检测，并对包括这182场次在内的335个猪场病例的血清样品1790份及田间血清样品28950份进行HC、猪繁殖与呼吸综合征（PRRS）、伪狂犬病（PR）、日本乙型脑炎（JE）、细小病毒感染（PPV）、布鲁氏菌病（Bruc）等六种传染病的抗体监测。结果表明，在有繁殖障碍症状猪场，HC抗原检出率高达69．8％，并且在不使用疫苗的情况下，PRRS、PR、JE和PPV的抗体阳性均分别为46．9％、33％、10．5％和52．6％。不使用疫苗时，血清样品的PRRS和PR的抗体阳性率也高。PPV较为普遍，它与JE也不容忽视。HC与PRRS、PR、JE和PPV中的一种或几种混合感染可能是引起繁殪障碍造成严重损失的主要原因。Bruc，在湖南省的猪群中已得到控制。要控制猪繁殖障碍综合征，必须注重综合防制，优化免疫程度、把握引种关、加强生物安全措施是防制的关键。     

Review of the epidemiology and infection control aspects of nosocomial Salmonella infections in hospitalised horses

Outbreaks of nosocomial Salmonella infections in hospitalised horses can occur when surveillance and infection control protocols are not in place, or not well structured and enforced. The aim of this article is to present a review of published studies that have contributed to the literature of the epidemiology and infection control aspects of nosocomial Salmonella infections in hospitalised horses. The review highlights important elements that must be taken into consideration during the formulation, implementation and evaluation of a hospital surveillance and infection control programme designed to reduce the risk of an outbreak of nosocomial Salmonella infection in hospitalised horses.     

Systemic treatment of bacterial skin infections of dogs and cats

Abstract Antibiotics and immunostimulants are used in the systemic treatment of bacterial skin infections in small animals. The major antibiotic groups commonly utilized are the macrolides, lincosamides, potentiated sulphonamides, β-lactamase-resistant penicillins, cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones. Empirical usage, culture and sensitivity, mode of action, dosages, efficacy and side-effects are reviewed. A summary of the veterinary literature relative to immunostimulants is also included. Résumé— Antibiotiques et immunostimulants sont utilisés dans le traitement systémique des infections bactériennes cutanées des animaux de compagnie. Les families d'antibiotiques les plus utilisées sont les macrolides, les lincosanides, les sulfonamides potentialisés, les pénicillines résistantes à la lactamase, les céphalosporines et les fluoroquinolones. L'utilisation empirique, l'isolement et l'antibiogramme, le mode d'action, les dosages, l'efficacité et les effets secondaires sont présentés. Un résumé de la littérature vétérinaire concernant les immunostimulants est également inclus. [White, S. D. Systemic treatment of bacterial skin infections of dogs and cats. (Traitement systémique des infections bactériennes cutanées du chien et du chat). Veterinary Dermatology 1996; 7 : 133–143.] Resumen Para el tratamiento sistémico de ls infecciones bacterianas cutáneas en pequeños animales se usan antibióticos e inmunoestimulantes. Los grupos de antibióticos más frecuentemente utilizados incluyen los macrólidos, lincosamidas, sulfonamidas potenciadas, penicilinas beta-lactamasa resistentes, cefalosporinas y fluoroquinolonas. Se revisan su uso empirico, cultivo y sensibilidad, mecanismo de acción, dosis, eficacia y efectos colaterales. Se incluye un resumen de la literatura veterinaria sobre immunoestimulantes. [White, S. D. Systemic treatment of bacterial skin infections of dogs and cats. (Tratamiento sistemico de las infecciones bacterianas cutaneas de perros y gatos). Veterinary Dermatology 1996; 7 : 133–143.] Zusammenfassung— Antibiotika und Immunstimulantien werden in der systemischen Behandlung von bakteriellen Hautinfektionen bei Kleintieren eingesetzt. Die Hauptgruppen der gewöhnlich verwendeten Antibiotika sind Markrolide, Lincosamide, potenzierte Sulfonamide, beta-Laktamase-resistente Penicilline, Cephalosporine und Fluroquinolone. Die empirische Anwendung, Kultur und Empfindlichkeit, Wirkungsweise, Dosierung, Wirksamkeit und Nebenwirkungen werden dargestellt. Eine Zusammenfassung der Veterinärliteratur bezüglich Immunstimulantien wird miteingeschlossen. [White, S.D. Systemic treatment of bacterial skin infections of dogs and cats (Systemische Behandlung von bakteriellen Hautinfektionen bei Hund und Katze). Veterinary Dermatology 1996; 7 : 133–143.]     

A long-term study of apicoectomy and endodontic treatment of apically infected cheek teeth in 12 horses

The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term results of apicoectomy and retrograde endodontic treatment in 12 horses with apical cheek teeth infections. The affected apices were removed using a diamond bur mounted on a dental drill, and after pulp removal the root canals were filed with Hedstrøm files and then alternately flushed with sodium hypochlorite, hydrogen peroxide and alcohol. The pulp canals were dried and filled with endodontic cement and gutta-percha points. An undercut was made in the apical aspect of the root canals that were then sealed with self-curing glass ionomer cement.Follow up information was obtained 38–67 months following treatment and indicated that the treatment had been successful in 7/12 horses (58%), partially successful in 2 horses (17%) and unsuccessful in 3 (25%). With good case selection, apicoectomy can preserve a proportion of apically infected cheek teeth. The use of advanced imaging techniques and improved surgical techniques could increase the success rate.     

Antibiotic‐resistant Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli: An overview of prevalence and intervention strategies

Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are foodborne pathogens that can cause severe diseases, including bloody diarrhoea and kidney failure, in humans, while remaining harmless to its primary reservoir hosts, cattle. Antibiotics such as azithromycin, fosfomycin and meropenem are being used and recommended in the treatment of early‐stage STEC (mainly E. coli O157:H7) infections, as these are reportedly effective in preventing Shiga toxin release and kidney failure while eliminating the pathogen. However, antibiotic resistance among STEC isolates could negatively impact these and other similar treatment options while contributing towards the spread of antibiotic resistance genes especially if encoded on mobile genetic elements like plasmids. Antibiotic resistance among STEC isolates recovered from animals and patients is being reported globally. A comprehensive understanding of the prevalence of antibiotic‐resistant STEC (AR‐STEC) and the mechanisms promoting this resistance among these bacteria could help direct therapies and develop strategies to effectively reduce/eliminate these pathogens. Here, we have reviewed literature from the past three decades to gain insights on this prevalence and its impact on human infections. In addition, we have reviewed various strategies proposed by researchers to control STEC that in turn would be applicable to AR‐STEC as well.     

A Survey of U.S. Obstetrician‐Gynecologists' Clinical and Epidemiological Knowledge of Cryptosporidiosis in Pregnancy

Although cryptosporidiosis is frequently diagnosed in the U.S., there has been very little assessment of obstetrician–gynaecologist knowledge about this disease. In 2010, we surveyed U.S. obstetricians about the diagnosis, treatment and epidemiology of cryptosporidiosis. Data were examined through univariable analysis and multivariable regression models. Of 1000 obstetrician–gynaecologists surveyed, 431 (43.1%) responded. Only 44.4% of respondents correctly identified that prolonged, intermittent diarrhoea would lead them to consider cryptosporidiosis in a differential diagnosis. Routine ova and parasites (O&P) testing was incorrectly chosen to identify Cryptosporidium in stool by 30.4% of respondents. Questions about nitazoxanide, the only drug approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of cryptosporidiosis, were the most frequently missed questions. Only 9.0% of respondents correctly classified nitazoxanide as an FDA pregnancy Category B drug, and only 5.6% of respondents correctly indicated that FDA approved nitazoxanide for immunocompetent patients aged ≥1 years. Regarding prevention‐ and control‐related knowledge, only 14.1% of respondents correctly indicated that alcohol‐based hand sanitizers were not effective at inactivating Cryptosporidium spp., and <10% correctly indicated that cryptosporidiosis is a reportable disease in their state of practice. Multivariable analysis found that ≥19 years in practice was positively associated with O&P diagnostic testing knowledge, while rural and urban non‐inner city practice location, compared with suburban practice location, was positively associated with nitazoxanide knowledge. The low level of knowledge among obstetrician–gynaecologists about cryptosporidiosis indicates a need to develop resources for physicians about all aspects of cryptosporidiosis, particularly on diagnosis, treatment and prevention strategies.     

Occurrence of antibodies to group specific chlamydia antigen in cattle in various areas of Finland.

The occurrence of group specific complement fixing antibodies was studied in 361 cattle sera from 36 herds in 6 areas in Finland. Sixty-two (17.2%) were positive. The antibody frequency increased significantly from the south to the north and the frequency was significantly higher in forest than in field pastures. The reasons for the differences are discussed. The tick, Ixodes ricinus, perhaps has no significant epidemiological role in chlamydial epidemiology in Finland.     

ANTIMICROBIAL SUSCEPTIBILITY PATTERNS OF BIOFILM FORMING STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS ISOLATED FROM PIGEON EXTERNAL OCULAR INFECTIONS

Pathogenic microorganisms are commonly associated with external ocular infections in birds. Pathogen virulence factors as well as reduced host defenses resulting from poor living conditions, nutrition, genetics, physiology, hygiene, fever, and age may increase host susceptibility. Staphylococcus species are bacteria known to serve as opportunistic pathogens in eye infections. The changing profile of microorganisms involved in ocular infections and the emergence of acquired microbial resistance dictate the need for investigative studies regarding bacterial profiles and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns for external ocular infections. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus ocular infections in pigeons and to evaluate their biofilm production ability and antibiotic resistance patterns. Twenty pigeons with confirmed eye infections were included in this project. Conjunctival specimens were collected with swabs presoaked in sterile normal saline. Bacterial growth was identified by standard laboratory procedures and susceptibility testing of the isolates was performed by the Kirby-Bauer method. The ability of the isolates to form a biofilm was also assessed using the microtiter plate method. Of the 20 specimens processed, 20% of the pigeons had staphylococcal eye infections. The resistance pattern of these isolates showed that Staphylococcus spp. from pigeon samples were resistant to tetracycline (100%), erythromycin (100%), azithromycin (100%), nalidixic acid (100%), and cefazolin (50%). All of the Staphylococcus spp. isolated from the pigeons were susceptible to gentamycin and furazolidone. The results of the biofilm detection test showed that 75% of the isolates were biofilm producers. In conclusion, biofilm forming S. aureus with multidrug resistance patterns were the most prevalent bacteria isolated from the pigeons examined in this research study.     

1例藏香猪伪狂犬病、猪圆环病毒病与附红细胞体病混合感染的诊治

为对送检的发病藏香猪病死因进行确诊,本试验采用常规PCR、RT-PCR及荧光定量PCR方法,并结合流行病学调查、临床诊断及病理剖检等实验室检测对送检病料进行诊断,结果显示病死猪心脏、肺脏充血出血,肺脏肉变,气管内充满白色泡沫,全身淋巴结出血;荧光定量PCR方法检测猪圆环病毒呈阳性,PCR方法检出猪伪狂犬病病毒特异性条带,未见猪传染性胸膜肺炎放线杆菌、猪肺炎支原体条带,RT-PCR方法未扩增出猪瘟病毒、猪繁殖与呼吸综合征病毒特异性条带;血液涂片染色镜检可见猪附红细胞体。结果表明病死猪为猪伪狂犬病、猪圆环病毒病与猪附红细胞体病混合感染,采用经实验室诊断给出的综合防治方案治疗后,疫情得到控制。本次病例的诊治为养猪业可能发生的猪伪狂犬病、猪圆环病毒病、猪附红细胞体病的混合感染提供了有效的防治方法和借鉴经验。     

Meningoencephalomyelitis in a foal due to Salmonella agona infection

CASE HISTORY: A neonatal Thoroughbred foal was presented with rib fractures and left forelimb lameness secondary to dystocia.

CLINICAL FINDINGS: The foal developed a head tilt, seizures and watery diarrhoea during hospitalisation and died at 7 days of age. Histological examination of the brain and spinal cord revealed a suppurative meningoencephalomyelitis with vasculitis, and numerous intralesional, gram-negative bacilli. Similar microscopic lesions were noted in the lungs, renal medullary interstitium, and umbilicus. Bacilli in the brain, spinal cord and umbilicus were identified immunohistochemically as Salmonella group B. Salmonella agona was isolated in pure culture from the brain, lung, liver, kidney, and intestine.

CONCLUSION: This is the first report of meningoencephalomyelitis and septicaemia due to Salmonella infection in an equine neonate.