Escherichia coli and diarrhoea in the rabbit.

An outbreak of severe diarrhoea and death in young rabbits was associated with many nonenterotoxigenic Escherichia coli in the caecum. The severe clinical, pathological and bacteriological features of the diesase, acute diarrhoea associated with typhlitis and many E. coli in the caecum, could be reproduced either by the intraintestinal inoculation of many bacteria recovered aerobically or anaerobically from the caecum of these rabbits or by the intestinal inoculation of large numbers of a serogroup of E. coli, 0153, recovered from the caecum. Further experiments showed that this serogroup of E. coli, as well as a nonenteropathogenic serotype recovered from human faeces, would cause typhlitis and diarrhoea if inoculated in large numbers into the jejunum; pathological changes also were seen in the liver and kidney. Similar changes also could be induced by intravenous inoculation of a freeze-thaw (endotoxic) extract prepared from these strains. Any factor that allows rapid multiplication of E. coli in the rabbit caecum may be followed by absorption of endotoxin and subsequent typhlitis and so metimes by severe diarrhoea; this effect is seen in some field cases of diarrhoea in the rabbit.     

Diarrhoea in adult horses: a survey of clinical cases and an assessment of some prognostic indices

Samples of faeces and blood were obtained from 66 adult horses with diarrhoea. The results of routine bacteriological, parasitological, haematological and biochemical tests were correlated with the outcome of the cases. Twenty-two (33 per cent) of the horses died or were destroyed as a consequence of the diarrhoea. A diagnosis was reached in only 23 cases (35 per cent), and in nine of them only at post mortem examination. Salmonella typhimurium was isolated from five cases. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences between the horses which survived and those which died in their packed cell volumes, white blood cell counts, neutrophil counts, serum albumin concentrations and alkaline phosphatase activities.     

Study on diarrhea in young calves. 2. Pathomorphological studies in clinically healthy calves and in calves with diarrhea

Pathological-anatomical and histological investigations were performed in 49 calves aged from 1 to 18 days, 26 of them being affected by diarrhoea, 23 being without clinical signs. In both the groups above all rhinitis, gastritis and typhlocolitis could be observed, thus the affection could be characterized as rhinogastrocolitis. Significant differences only existed between diarrhoea affected and clinical incospicuous calves concerning the macroscopic signs of the colon, periportal infiltrates of the liver and thymus in involution. The peak of inflammatory reaction is in general reached at the 7. to 10. day of life. In concordance with bacteriological findings the results refer to an affection not due to coli infection. Virus etiology may not be excluded and has to be examined in further studies.     

Salmonella typhimurium DT104 septicaemia with meningitis in neonatal piglets.

Clinical salmonellosis in pigs in the Netherlands usually manifests itself as diarrhoea. In finishing pigs this is sometimes accompanied by peracute mortality, mainly in the last month of the finishing period. This is the first report describing Salmonella Typhimurium DT104 infection of 1-week-old suckling piglets in the Netherlands. The piglets showed nervous symptoms and died. The clinical symptoms, gross pathology, histopathological, bacteriological and phagetyping results are presented as well as the antimicrobial resistance pattern. This case is not only important as an extension of the clinical syndrome of salmonellosis in pigs in the Netherlands, but also because of the risk of human infection after consumption of pork or pork products contaminated with this pathogenic and multiple resistant Salmonella clone.     

A field investigation of causes of abortion in dairy cattle

Cases of abortion on dairy farms on the Lancashire/Cumbria border were investigated by means of a systematic diagnostic procedure, using the facilities of a veterinary practice's laboratory, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food veterinary investigation centre. Among approximately 3600 animals, 149 abortions were investigated on 54 farms in two years, an annual abortion rate of 2 per cent. A diagnosis was made in 34 per cent of the cases, based on a pathological examination of aborted material and bacteriological and serological findings. The most common pathogens associated with abortion were bovine viral diarrhoea virus (39 cases), bacterial or fungal infections (20 cases), infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus (19 cases), and Leptospira hardjo (18 cases), either as single or multiple infections.     

Transmissible gastroenteritis in endemically infected breeding herds of pigs in East Anglia, 1981-85

Endemic infection was a common sequel to primary outbreaks of transmissible gastroenteritis in large breeding herds of pigs in East Anglia. The main clinical features of the disease were diarrhoea affecting sucking piglets aged about six days or more, diarrhoea among recently weaned pigs and brief episodes of overt clinical recrudescence in part of the herd. Post mortem and bacteriological findings were often more suggestive of colibacillosis than transmissible gastroenteritis. In some herds, endemic infection remained clinically mild or inapparent for long periods. Evidence of endemic transmissible gastroenteritis infection was found in 43 (50.6 per cent) of 85 herds of pigs studied prospectively between 1981 and 1983. There was a significant correlation with herd size; the disease recurred during the 12 months after primary outbreaks in 36 (65.5 per cent) of 55 herds with over 100 sows compared with seven (23.3 per cent) of 30 herds with less than 100 sows (P less than 0.001). In the larger herds it occurred more commonly where finishers were kept (P less than 0.05). Sow morbidity and management factors during the primary outbreak had no statistically significant effect on the incidence of recrudescence. Epidemiological aspects of the findings are discussed with emphasis on the difficulties associated with the diagnosis and control of endemic transmissible gastroenteritis infection.     

The first report of Histophilus somni pneumonia in Nigerian dairy cattle

Clinical signs of severe bronchopneumonia, including anorexia, coughing, nasal discharge, dyspnoea, diarrhoea, distension of the neck, lethargy, recumbency, lameness preceding collapse, and death were observed among a herd of Holstein–Friesian dairy cattle. The outbreak occurred over a 30-day period, and attack and case-fatality rates were 0.4% and 50%, respectively. At necropsy, extensive consolidation in the cranioventral parts of the lungs was observed. Histologically, a severe acute bronchopneumonia with slight pleuritis was present. Both pathological and bacteriological evaluation of the lungs incriminated Histophilus somni (heavy growth). Supplementary laboratory investigations also isolated Clostridium and Klebsiella species (scanty growth) from the lungs. Histophilosis in cattle was confirmed for the first time in Nigeria.     

Actinobacillus suis infection of horses

Nineteen isolates of Actinobacilfus suis were recovered from horses during the period October 197%December 1980. Animals varied in age from a full term foetus to 12 years. One isolate was obtained from the nose of an apparently healthy horse, the remainder were obtained from still-born foetuses (2), foals dying within a week of birth (5), older animals with respiratory (6) or genital infections (3) or abscesses in the jaw (1). One isolate was obtained from the lung of a 2-week-old foal which had shown diarrhoea.

The bacteriological characteristics of the isolates and the pathological lesions present in eight cases are described. The organism has a wide geographical distribution in New Zealand, and in the northern part of the North Island appears to be more common than A. equuli.     

Antimicrobial resistance of Providencia spp. isolated from animal manure

Providencia spp. are Gram negative bacteria, belonging to the family Enterobacteriaceae and are responsible for gastrointestinal disorders both in humans and animals. We report on the isolation of multi-drug resistant Providencia spp. (n=4) from animal manure. The isolates were found to be resistant to clindamycin and to tetracycline, as well as to the macrolide and sulphonamide groups of antibiotics.     

Comparative field evaluation of marbofloxacin tablets in the treatment of feline upper respiratory infections

One hundred and three cats presenting with clinical signs of feline acute upper respiratory Infection were selected from Belgium, France and the Netherlands In a randomised comparative field trial. Each cat underwent a bacteriological examination before treatment (day 0) and received either marbofloxacin, at a dosage of 2 mg/kg once daily for five days, or amoxycillln-clavulanic acid (ACA) at a dosage of 12·5 mg/kg twice dally for five days. Clinical examinations were performed on days 2, 5 and 14. Pasteurella species were cultured in one-third of the samples. The other main bacteria isolated were Streptococcaceae, Enterobacterlaceae and Staphylococcaceae. Response rates (cures + improvements) to treatment on day 5 were 87·8 vs 77·8 per cent for marbofloxacin and ACA, respectively. A few mild side-effects (diarrhoea, vomiting) were recorded with both drugs.     

The effect of dietary spray-dried porcine plasma on clinical response in weaned piglets challenged with a pathogenic Escherichia coli.

Weaned piglets were used to determine the effect of dietary spray-dried porcine plasma (SDPP) on the clinical response to an infection with a pathogenic Escherichia coli (E. coli) O139:K82 LT(-). The piglets were divided into two groups of 10 animals each. One group was fed the control diet containing soybean(meal) plus whey powder. The test piglets were fed a diet with 8% SDPP. Piglets were orally infected with the challenge strain on days 6 and 7 after weaning. The experimental period lasted 14 days after which the piglets were euthanised and necropsied. Faecal samples were collected daily for bacteriological analysis. Segments of jejunum, caecum and rectum were removed for bacteriological analysis post mortem. Feed intake and weight gain, faecal and condition scores and body temperature were measured daily. In the control and SDPP groups, 6 and 7 piglets died from diarrhoea. The average daily feed intake (ADFI) and average daily gain (ADG) were substantially higher in the SDPP group than in the control group. SDPP-fed piglets generally had a more favourable faecal score and a healthier appearance than did the control piglets. The faecal excretion of E. coli O139:K82 was similar for control and test piglets. There were no diet effects on the E. coli O139:K82 counts at different sites of the intestine. In this experiment, the inclusion of SDPP at an economically acceptable percentage in the diet could not prevent piglet losses due to challenge with a pathogenic E. coli, but improvements of ADG, ADFI and faecal and condition scores were achieved.     

白鳍鲨雷极氏普罗菲登斯菌的分离鉴定与药敏试验

从北京海洋馆死亡的白鳍鲨腹腔脓液和心血中分离到一株病原菌,经生理生化、培养特性、16S rRNA序列鉴定为雷极氏普罗菲登斯菌。以16S rRNA序列为基础构建了包括普罗菲登斯菌属模式株在内的系统发育树,分离菌株与雷极氏普罗菲登斯菌模式株DSM4542的同源性最近。药敏试验结果表明,该菌对氨曲南、头孢曲松、磷霉素、哌拉西林、头孢呋辛钠、诺氟沙星、头孢哌酮敏感。毒力试验结果显示该菌可致小鼠死亡。     

Providencia stuartii infection in a dog with severe skin ulceration and cellulitis

The aim of this report is to present a case of severe skin ulceration and cellulitis in a seven year old mongrel dog following cystitis. The Providencia stuartii strain was the only isolate from skin lesions. This bacterium is a Gram-negative rod belonging to the family of Enterobacteriaceae. To the best of our knowledge, even though there are some reports in the literature concerning animal infections with Providencia species, there have been no cases of cellulitis in which this pathogen is involved. The Providencia stuartii strain was highly sensitive to amikacin, and the dog responded quickly to this antibiotic.     

Serogroups and antimicrobial susceptibility among Escherichia coli isolated from farmed mink (Mustela vison Schreiber) in Denmark

Escherichia coli is commonly found in outbreaks of diarrhoea in mink during the production season although its role as a primary causal organism remains unclear. The present study was undertaken to determine the serogroups and antimicrobial susceptibility of E. coli isolates from healthy and diarrhoeic mink. Rectal swabs were taken from healthy and diseased animals, on six different farms, once at the onset of disease and again approximately 2 weeks later. The swabs were subjected to bacteriological investigation; a total of 210 E. coli were isolated, 98 from healthy animals and 112 from diseased. All isolates were serotyped and MICs were determined for nine antimicrobial compounds. Non-haemolytic isolates numbered 147, whereas 63 were haemolytic. Both haemolytic and non-haemolytic isolates were isolated from both healthy and diseased animals.A wide range of serogroups was detected, the most frequent being O2 (11.0%), O78 (11.0%), O153 (7.1%), O25 (5.7%), O6 (4.8%), and O15 (4.8%), but diarrhoea was not associated with specific serogroups. All isolates were sensitive to enrofloxacin, neomycin, gentamicin and colistin. In contrast, considerable variations in susceptibility were found among the six mink farms, for tetracycline (0-46.4%, average 21.9), ampicillin (2.9-50.0%, average 23.3), spectinomycin (8.0-35.7%, average 21.9), sulfamethoxazole (8.6-57.7%, average 30.0) and trimethoprim (0-35.7%, average 9.5). Resistance to tetracycline was statistically more prevalent among haemolytic than among non-haemolytic strains.In conclusion, serogrouping and haemolysin testing failed to identify any association with diarrhoeal disease and antimicrobial resistance was highly variable between different mink farms.     

Experimental Salmonella typhimurium infection in calves.

The paper describes the clinical, bacteriological and pathological findings in experimental Salmonella typhimurium infection in calves. Oral doses of 10(8) and 10(9) organisms produced clinical disease and high mortality; doses ranging from 10(4)--10(7) organisms were less consistent in their action. Jersey calves appeared more susceptible to infection than Friesian calves. The clinical signs in most calves were pyrexia and a characteristic diarrhoea that lasted for up to 11 days; more severe symptoms were seen in the calves that received the higher doses. Following infection, all calves excreted S typhimurium in their faeces, the highest counts being observed in the calves that died. In the calves that survived, counts ranging from 10(2)--10(5)/g faeces occurred continuously for up to a maximum of 20 days and subsequent intermittent excretion occurred in a number of calves. In the calves that died, necrotic enteritis in the ileum and large intestine was the most striking lesion; lesions were uncommon in other organs. The findings are discussed in relation to the pathogenesis, diagnosis and control of the disease.     

Efficacy of two antibiotic treatments in curing clinical and subclinical mastitis in lactating dairy cows

AIM: To compare the bacteriological and clinical cure rates for clinical and subclinical mastitis in New Zealand dairy cows following treatment with either an intramammary penicillin-dihydrosptreptomycin preparation or a subcutaneous injection of penethamate hydriodide. METHODS: Milk samples were collected from clinical and subclinical cases of mastitis before and 14 and 21 days after initiation of treatment for bacteriological culture, somatic cell count determination and conductivity testing. RESULTS: No significant differences in the bacteriological cure rate of major Gram-positive pathogens, clinical cure rate, somatic cell count or conductivity were found between treatments. However, the bacteriological cure rate of coagulase-negative staphylococcus infections and the overall bacteriological cure rate was lower for quarters treated with penethamate than with penicillin-dihydrosptreptomycin. CONCLUSIONS: The bacteriological cure rate of mastitis caused by major Gram-positive pathogens, the clinical cure rate, somatic cell count and conductivity did not differ between the two antibiotic treatments. .     

Porcine circovirus as a possible cause of postweaning wasting in pigs in Switzerland

Postweaning wasting is a major worldwide problem in pig production, particularly with respect to the disease termed postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS). In addition to wasting, PMWS symptoms include respiratory distress, diarrhoea, pallor and occasional cases of jaundice. The causative agent is porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV-2). The objective of the present study was to determine the significance of PMWS and similar conditions in Switzerland. A total of 72 weaned piglets from 26 farms showing wasting were examined for the presence of PCV-2 by immunohistochemical and histological analysis and 57 piglets from 21 farms were examined serologically. Possible causes for wasting other than PCV-2 were investigated by macroscopic, histological and bacteriological methods. PCV-2 antigen was identified immunohistochemically in the lymphatic organs in 11 of these 72 piglets. However, only 4 animals showed histological changes typical of PMWS. PCV-2 antibodies were found in 70% of the piglets. Piglets with wasting syndrome not associated with PCV-2 infection suffered from conditions including porcine proliferative enteropathy, gastric ulcers, polyserositis and polyarthritis. The most frequent condition was chronic enteritis not associated to circovirus infection. The results from the serological analyses indicate a wide distribution of PCV-2 in the Swiss pig population. However, confirmed cases of PMWS were rare in the investigated piglets.     

Diagnostic studies of the fetus, placenta and maternal blood from 265 bovine abortions

During 1981, the fetus, placenta and maternal serum were received from each of 265 bovine abortions. These specimens were examined using histopathological, histochemical, bacteriological, mycological, endocrinological, immunological, serological and virological techniques. The cause of abortion was identified in 98 (37%) cases. Of these diagnosed abortions 27 (28%) were due to infection with fungi, 17 (17%) to Salmonella spp, 11 (11%) to Campylobacter fetus and 10 (10%) to Corynebacterium pyogenes infection. Of the remaining 33 (34%) diagnosed abortions 8 were due to Leptospira sp, 5 due to protozoan (probably Sarcocystis) encephalitis and 20 due to miscellaneous bacterial infections (including Brucella abortus) and fetal deformities. Bovine virus diarrhoea virus was isolated in 5 (2%) abortions, however the significance of the isolations was not known. Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus and chlamydia were not identified as causal agents in any abortion. In 18 (7%) abortions no definite etiologic agent was identified despite pathological findings suggestive of infection. Fetal heart blood serology and immunoglobulin values were not reliable indicators of infectious abortion. Of the remaining 149 (56%) abortions, 17% had high maternal serum cortisol levels and twin fetuses occurred in 9%.     

Efficacy of two antibiotic treatments in curing clinical and subclinical mastitis in lactating dairy cows

Aim. To compare the bacteriological and clinical cure rates for clinical and subclinical mastitis in New Zealand dairy cows following treatment with either an intramammary penicillin-dihydrosptreptomycin preparation or a subcutaneous injection of penethamate hydriodide.

Methods. Milk samples were collected from clinical and subclinical cases of mastitis before and 14 and 21 days after initiation of treatment for bacteriological culture, somatic cell count determination and conductivity testing.

Results. No significant differences in the bacteriological cure rate of major Gram-positive pathogens, clinical cure rate, somatic cell count or conductivity were found between treatments. However, the bacteriological cure ralte of coagulase-negative staphylococcus infections and the overall bacteriological cure rate was lower for quarters treated with penethamate than with penicillin-dihydrosptreptomycin.

Conclusions. The bacteriological cure rate of mastitis caused by major Gram-positive pathogens, the clinical cure rate, somatic cell count and conductivity did not differ between the two antibiotic treatments.