Trends in clinical diagnoses of typhus group rickettsioses among a large U.S. insurance claims database

Typhus group rickettsioses (TGRs) are vector‐borne diseases that include murine typhus (Rickettsia typhi) and epidemic typhus (R. prowazekii). Twentieth‐century public health interventions led to dramatic decreases in incidence; little is known about the contemporary TGR prevalence because neither disease is nationally notifiable. We summarized administrative claims data in a commercially insured population to examine trends in TGR medical encounters. We analysed data from 2003 to 2016 IBM® MarketScan® Commercial Databases to identify persons with inpatient or outpatient visits with an International Classification of Diseases, Ninth or Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification TGR‐specific code. We summarized epidemiologic characteristics associated with incident diagnosis. We identified 1,799 patients diagnosed with a TGR. Patients resided in 46 states, and most were female (n = 1,019/1,799; 56.6%); the median age was 42 years (range: 0–64 years). Epidemic typhus (n = 931/1,799; 51.8%) was the most common TGRs, followed by murine typhus (n = 722/1,799; 40.1%). The majority of TGR patients were diagnosed in an outpatient setting (n = 1,725/1,799; 95.9%); among hospitalized patients, the majority received a murine typhus diagnosis (n = 67/74; 90.5%). TGRs are rarely diagnosed diseases. More patients were diagnosed with epidemic than murine typhus, even though R. prowazekii transmission requires body louse or flying squirrel exposure. Patients from all geographic regions were diagnosed with murine and epidemic typhus, despite historically recognized ranges for these diseases. The epidemiologic misalignment of insurance claims data versus historic TGRs data highlights the challenges of finding appropriate alternative data sources to serve as a proxy when national surveillance data do not exist.     

Surveys of rodent‐borne disease in Thailand with a focus on scrub typhus assessment

The epidemiology of many rodent‐borne diseases in South‐East Asia remains ill‐defined. Scrub typhus and lep‐tospirosis are common and medically significant, while other zoonotic diseases, such as spotted fever group Rickettsiae have been identified, but their overall medical significance is unknown. Rodent surveillance was conducted from June 2002 to July 2004 in 18 provinces from Thailand. Traps were set up for one to three nights. Blood and serum samples and animal tissue samples (liver, spleen, kidney and urinary bladder) were collected. Chiggermites, ticks and fleas were removed from captured rodents. A total of 4536 wild‐caught rodents from 27 species were captured over two years of animal trapping. Rattus rattus was the dominant species, followed by Rattus exulans and Bandicota indica. Almost 43 000 ectoparasites were removed from the captured animals. Approximately 98% of the ectoparasites were chigger‐mites, of which 46% belonged to the genus Leptotrombidium (scrub typhus vector). Other genera included Schoengastia and Blankaartia. Tick and flea specimens together comprised less than 1% of the sample. Among the five species of ticks collected, Haemaphysalis bandicota was the predominant species caught, followed by Ixodes granulatus other Haemaphysalis spp., Rhipicephalus spp. and Dermacentor spp. Only two species of fleas were collected and Xenopsylla cheopis (rat flea) was the predominant species. Using both commercial diagnostic kits and in‐house molecular assays, animal tissue samples were examined and screened for zoonotic diseases. Seven zoonotic diseases were detected: scrub typhus, leptospirosis, murine typhus, tick typhus, bartonella, babesiosis and trypanosomiasis. Most samples were positive for scrub typhus. Other zoonotic diseases still under investigation include borrelosis, ehrlichiosis, the plague, and other rickettsial diseases. Using geographic information systems, global positioning systems and remote sensing technology, epidemiological and environmental data were combined to assess the relative risk in different biotopes within highly endemic areas of scrub typhus in Thailand.     

Louse- and flea-borne rickettsioses: biological and genomic analyses

In contrast to 15 or more validated and/or proposed tick-borne spotted fever group species, only three named medically important rickettsial species are associated with insects. These insect-borne rickettsiae are comprised of two highly pathogenic species, Rickettsia prowazekii (the agent of epidemic typhus) and R. typhi (the agent of murine typhus), as well as R. felis, a species with unconfirmed pathogenicity. Rickettsial association with obligate hematophagous insects such as the human body louse (R. prowazekii transmitted by Pediculus h. humanus) and several flea species (R. typhi and R. felis, as well as R. prowazekii in sylvatic form) provides rickettsiae the potential for further multiplications, longer transmission cycles and rapid spread among susceptible human populations. Both human body lice and fleas are intermittent feeders capable of multiple blood meals per generation, facilitating the efficient transmission of rickettsiae to several disparate hosts within urban/rural ecosystems. While taking into consideration the existing knowledge of rickettsial biology and genomic attributes, we have analyzed and summarized the interacting features that are unique to both the rickettsiae and their vector fleas and lice. Furthermore, factors that underlie rickettsial changing ecology, where native mammalian populations are involved in the maintenance of rickettsial cycle and transmission, are discussed.     

Tenderization potential of Hanwoo beef muscles from carcasses with differed genders and loin intramuscular fat content levels during post mortem ageing

Carcasses from Hanwoo steers (n = 15) and cows (n = 15) were classified into three groups: group 1 (G1), the carcasses had 10% to < 11.5% intramuscular fat (IMF) in loin muscles; group 2 (G2), the carcasses had 13% to < 14.5% IMF in loin muscles; and group 3(G3), the carcasses had 17% to < 18.5% IMF in loin muscles. These were used to evaluate the effects of gender and carcass group on quality traits and Warner–Bratzler shear force (WBSF) of Psoas major (PM), Longissimus thoracis (LT), Longissimus lumborum (LL), Longus colli (LC), Supraspinatus (SS), Latissimus dorsi (LAD), Semimembranosus (SM), Quadriceps femoris (QF), Biceps femoris (BF) and Semitendinosus (ST) muscles. Our results showed that pH values of LT, LL, LC, BF and QF muscles were lower in steers than in cows (P < 0.05). Water holding capacity (WHC) was found higher in LC, SS, LAD and QF muscles of steers (P < 0.05). At day 2 of ageing, gender affected the WBSF values of only PM, LD and QF muscles in G1, and QF muscle in G3; however, with additional ageing, the gender effect was observed for most of the muscles. Most muscles showed ageing responses; however, the rates of ageing response significantly varied depending on gender and carcass groups. The muscles of G1 and G2 had generally higher tenderization potentials than those of G3. Furthermore, most muscles in G3 had generally lower WBSF values than in G1 and G2. These results clearly indicate that ageing has a significant effect on quality and WBSF of beef muscles, and the classification by loin IMF level may be useful for prediction of the tenderness of other muscles.     

Morbidity and mortality associated with a Standardbred yearling sale

In the 2‐week period following a Standardbred yearling sale, 5 horses from the sale died or were subjected to euthanasia. Three were confirmed as equine herpesvirus type 1 myeloencephalopathy (EHM), while EHM was suspected in 2. Clinical abnormalities were reported in 77 of 177 (43.5%) other yearlings during the 14‐day period after the sale; however, no diagnostic testing was performed. Eleven secondary cases of suspected EHM in horses in contact with yearlings purchased at the sale were identified. No cases of EHM were identified associated with the same sale in 2003; however, there was no difference in morbidity with clinical abnormalities reported in 39/96 (41%) horses sold that year (P = 0.70). Yearling sales have an inherent risk of pathogen exposure and illness is common in purchased horses. Disease in these horses could have been associated with a wide range of respiratory pathogens; however, the incidence of confirmed or suspected primary and secondary EHM cases associated with the 2002 yearling sale highlight the potential for significant outbreaks of disease.     

Observation of Public Health Risk Behaviours,Risk Communication and Hand Hygiene at Kansas and Missouri Petting Zoos – 2010–2011

Outbreaks of human illness have been linked to visiting settings with animal contact throughout developed countries. This study details an observational study of hand hygiene tool availability and recommendations; frequency of risky behaviour; and handwashing attempts by visitors in Kansas (9) and Missouri (4), USA, petting zoos. Handwashing signs and hand hygiene stations were available at the exit of animal‐contact areas in 10/13 and 8/13 petting zoos, respectively. Risky behaviours were observed being performed at all petting zoos by at least one visitor. Frequently observed behaviours were as follows: children (10/13 petting zoos) and adults (9/13 petting zoos) touching hands to face within animal‐contact areas; animals licking children’s and adults’ hands (7/13 and 4/13 petting zoos, respectively); and children and adults drinking within animal‐contact areas (5/13 petting zoos each). Of 574 visitors observed for hand hygiene when exiting animal‐contact areas, 37% (n = 214) of individuals attempted some type of hand hygiene, with male adults, female adults and children attempting at similar rates (32%, 40% and 37%, respectively). Visitors were 4.8× more likely to wash their hands when a staff member was present within or at the exit to the animal‐contact area (136/231, 59%) than when no staff member was present (78/343, 23%; P < 0.001, OR = 4.863, 95% CI = 3.380–6.998). Visitors at zoos with a fence as a partial barrier to human–animal contact were 2.3× more likely to wash their hands (188/460, 40.9%) than visitors allowed to enter the animals’ yard for contact (26/114, 22.8%; P < 0.001, OR = 2.339, 95% CI = 1.454–3.763). Inconsistencies existed in tool availability, signage and supervision of animal contact. Risk communication was poor, with few petting zoos outlining risks associated with animal contact, or providing recommendations for precautions to be taken to reduce these risks.     

Dynamic MRI is reliable for evaluation of the lumbosacral spine in healthy dogs

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is commonly used to diagnose degenerative lumbosacral stenosis; however, studies show limited correlation between imaging and clinical signs. The purpose of this prospective observer agreement study was to use dynamic MRI of the lumbosacral (LS) spine of healthy dogs to determine reliable reference ranges. Twenty‐two healthy large breed dogs were prospectively enrolled. MRI of the LS spine was performed in T2‐weighted, T1‐weighted, and T2‐weighted SPACE sequences in neutral, flexed, and extended positions. Four observers performed image analyses. Measurements included LS angle, vertebral canal height and area, and LS foraminal areas. Ordinal categorical assessment of loss of fat signal in the foramina, LS compression, intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration, spondylosis, and IVD protrusion was also performed. The majority of values were significantly larger in flexion versus neutral position, and significantly smaller in extension versus neutral position (P < .05). Subclinical compression and IVD protrusion was noted in a neutral position in 45% and 55% of dogs and in an extended position in 85% and 73% of dogs, respectively. Interobserver agreement was strong (intracluster correlation coefficient [ICC] > .5) except for the L7:LS vertebral canal area ratio (ICC ≤ .03). Intraobserver agreement was high (rho > .5) for all measurements except for the mid‐L6:LS vertebral canal height ratio (rho = .38). There was poor interobserver agreement for loss of fat signal in the foramina and evidence of compression. This study provides the groundwork for future studies using dynamic MRI to evaluate dogs with signs of clinical LS disease.     

Frequency of lymphocytes bearing Fc receptors and surface membrane immunoglobulins in normal, persistent lymphocytotic and leukemia cows.

Fluoresceinated, heat-aggregated bovine immunoglobulins (B-IgG) and human immunoglobulins (H-IgG) were used to detect a receptor for the crystallizable fragment (Fc) of the immunoglobulin molecule on peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) of cattle. The aggregated and B-IgG and H-IgG bound to the bovine PBL, but aggregated H-IgG was found to be more sensitive for the detection of Fc receptors. The specificity of aggregated H-IgG binding to the Fc receptors was established by demonstrating that antigen-antibody complexes inhibited this binding, and unaggregated H-IgG did not bind significantly to PBL. Double-labeling experiments suggested that all Fc+ cells have surface immunoglobulins (SIg), a marker for B lymphocytes. The percentage of Fc+ and SIg+ cells in normal animals was 9.5% (range 4-15%) and 16.2% (range 4.5-30.2%), respectively. Persistent lymphocytotic cows had 2.71 times more Fc+ and 3.85 times more SIg+ lymphocytes than did normal cows. Cows with lymphosarcoma had a lower percentage of Fc+ and SIg+ cells than did cows with persistent lymphocytosis. Cases with thymic lymphosarcoma and those with the skin form of leukemia had normal percentages of Fc+ and SIg+ cells.     

Effects of zeranol-implantation periods on palatability of longissimus steaks from young bulls and steers

Fifty-five fall-born, Simmental-crossbred, male calves were allotted at birth to one of five treatments: bulls castrated at 5 mo and implanted from birth to slaughter (ST); bulls implanted from birth to slaughter (BI-BS); bulls implanted from birth to weaning (BI-BW); bulls implanted from weaning to slaughter (BI-WS) and non-implanted control bulls (CB). Implanted calves received 36 mg of zeranol at approximately 100-d intervals. Calves were fed a high-concentrate diet from 8.1 mo of age to an average slaughter age of 17 mo. Longissimus steaks (LS) were evaluated for palatability traits by both a trained sensory panel (TSP) and a take-home consumer panel (CP). Conclusions from both panels were similar. The TSP found LS from ST to be juicier (P less than .05) than LS from all bull groups, and to be more tender (P less than .05) than LS from BI-BW and BI-WS. The CP found LS from ST to be juicier, more tender and more acceptable (P less than .05) than LS from BI-BW, BI-WS and CB. Steaks from BI-BS were more tender (P less than .05) than LS from BI-WS and CB. Steaks from BI-BS and BI-BW had lower (P less than .05) shear values than LS from CB, but LS from ST had lower (P less than .05) shear values than LS from all bull groups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effects of dietary energy density on plasma glucose and lipid profile,morphological aspects and chemical characteristics of adipose tissue in finishing pigs

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) plays a pivotal role in controlling adipogenesis.We hypothesized that changes in dietary energy density might alter fat deposition in finishing pigs via modulation of the expression of PPAR-γ.To test this hypothesis,thirty female finishing pigs were fed diets containing low (LD),medium (MD) or high (HD) energy density.Blood samples were collected on day 53,and then the pigs were sacrificed to collect samples of the dorsal subcutaneous (ST),abdominal (AT) and mesenteric (MT) adipose tissue.Compared with pigs fed the MD diet,malate dehydrogenase activity was increased in the ST and MT of pigs fed the HD diet,while activity was decreased in the MT of pigs fed the LD diet (P0.05).Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity was increased in all three fat depots of pigs fed the HD diet (P0.05) in comparison with pigs fed the MD diet.Both HD and LD diets increased the size of the adipocytes in the AT and MT (P0.05).Pigs fed the HD diet had a higher cell proliferation index in the ST compared with pigs fed the other two diets (P0.05).Compared with pigs fed the MD diet,a decreased apoptosis index was seen in the ST of pigs fed the HD diet,and in the AT of pigs fed the LD diet,as well as in the MT of both HD and LD fed pigs (P0.05).PPAR-γ positive percentage was elevated in the ST and MT of HD fed pigs compared with pigs fed the MD and LD diets,while it was decreased in the ST of LD compared with MD fed pigs (P0.05).These results suggest that dietary energy density may regulate fat deposition in finishing pigs.It is possible that feeding a high energy diet may induce fat deposition via up-regulation of PPAR-γ expression.     

Biological behaviour of canine mandibular osteosarcoma. A retrospective study of 50 cases (1999–2007)

The purpose of this retrospective study was to describe the biological behaviour of canine mandibular osteosarcoma (OSA) and to examine factors for their impact on metastasis‐free interval (MFI) and survival time (ST). Records from dogs treated with mandibulectomy for OSA (1999–2007) were reviewed. Archived tumour samples were evaluated for mitotic index (MI) and tumour grade. Fifty dogs were included, 21 received chemotherapy. Twenty‐nine dogs (58%) developed metastatic disease. The median MFI was 627 days, and median ST was 525 days. In univariate analysis MI > 40 was prognostic for decreased MFI and ST. Grade also influenced MFI and ST, with 5/21 (24%) dogs with grade II/III tumours metastasis‐free at one year versus 16/22 (72%) dogs with grade I tumours (P = 0.002); and 5/21 (24%) dogs with grade II/III tumours alive versus 17/22 (77%) dogs with grade I tumours (P = 0.001). In multivariate analysis, histological grade and adjuvant chemotherapy were prognostic for MFI and ST.     

Molecular characterization of community‐associated methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus from pet dogs

Community‐associated methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a serious public health concern and in Australia, one that disproportionately affects Aboriginal people. Paralleling MRSA in human medicine, methicillin‐resistant S. pseudintermedius (MRSP) is an increasingly prevalent pathogen in veterinary medicine. We aimed to characterize the carriage of MRSA and MRSP in dogs and cats from predominantly Aboriginal communities in a very remote region of New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Pets (303 dogs and 80 cats) were recruited from six communities in western NSW. Three swabs were collected from each animal (anterior nares, oropharynx and perineum) and from skin lesions or wounds (if present) and cultured on selective media for methicillin‐resistant staphylococci. Human host‐adapted community‐associated MRSA representing four multilocus sequence types (ST1‐IV, ST5‐IV, ST72‐IV, ST93‐IV) were isolated from eight dogs (prevalence 2.6%, 95% confidence interval 1.3%–5.1%). Two ST5‐IV isolates from a single dog were phenotypically trimethoprim‐resistant, harbouring trimethoprim‐resistant gene dfrG within the SCCmec type IVo mobile genetic element. MRSA was not isolated from any cats and MRSP was not isolated from any dogs or cats. This study estimated a high prevalence of human host‐adapted community‐associated MRSA carriage in dogs despite an absence of MRSP. This suggests MRSA carried by dogs in remote NSW originate from human hosts. The cycle of transmission between people, dogs and common environmental sources warrants further investigation. To our knowledge, this is the first report of trimethoprim‐resistant ST5‐IV in eastern Australia and the first report of trimethoprim‐resistant ST5‐IV from a dog.     

Effects of Dietary Energy Density on Plasma Glucose and Lipid Profile, Morphological Aspects and Chemical Characteristics of Adipose Tissue in Finishing Pigs

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) plays a pivotal role in controlling adipogenesis. We hypothesized that changes in dietary energy density might alter fat deposition in finishing pigs via modulation of the expression of PPAR-γ. To test this hypothesis, thirty female finishing pigs were fed diets containing low (LD), medium (MD) or high (HD) energy density. Blood samples were collected on day 53, and then the pigs were sacrificed to collect samples of the dorsal subcutaneous (ST), abdominal (AT) and mesenteric (MT) adipose tissue. Compared with pigs fed the MD diet, malate dehydrogenase activity was increased in the ST and MT of pigs fed the HD diet, while activity was decreased in the MT of pigs fed the LD diet (P < 0.05). Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity was increased in all three fat depots of pigs fed the HD diet (P < 0.05) in comparison with pigs fed the MD diet. Both HD and LD diets increased the size of the adipocytes in the AT and MT (P < 0.05). Pigs fed the HD diet had a higher cell proliferation index in the ST compared with pigs fed the other two diets (P < 0.05). Compared with pigs fed the MD diet, a decreased apoptosis index was seen in the ST of pigs fed the HD diet, and in the AT of pigs fed the LD diet, as well as in the MT of both HD and LD fed pigs (P < 0.05). PPAR-γ positive percentage was elevated in the ST and MT of HD fed pigs compared with pigs fed the MD and LD diets, while it was decreased in the ST of LD compared with MD fed pigs (P < 0.05). These results suggest that dietary energy density may regulate fat deposition in finishing pigs. It is possible that feeding a high energy diet may induce fat deposition via up-regulation of  PPAR-γ expression.     

Clinical and histopathological classification of feline intraocular lymphoma

This retrospective study aimed to describe and classify cats with intraocular lymphoma, determine the proportion of cases with presumed solitary ocular lymphoma (PSOL) compared with ocular manifestations of multicentric disease and assess the clinical outcomes of these patients. One hundred seventy‐two cases identified through biopsy submissions were reviewed histologically; 163 of these cases were subtyped according to the WHO classification system. Cases were categorized as having PSOL or ocular lymphoma with suspected systemic involvement (SSI) based on submission forms and follow‐up data. The majority of cases exhibited concurrent uveitis (75%) and secondary glaucoma (58%). Diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma was the most common subtype (n = 86; 53%), followed by peripheral T‐cell lymphoma (n = 44; 27%). Other subtypes included anaplastic large T‐ (n = 8; 5%) and B‐cell (n = 4; 2.5%) lymphomas, and 15 cases (9%) were negative for all immunohistochemical markers. In sixty‐nine cases (40%), adequate clinical data and sufficient survival data were obtained to distinguish PSOL from SSI. PSOL comprised the majority of cases (64%), while 36% had SSI. When covarying for age at diagnosis, the median survival time was significantly higher (P = 0.003) for cases of PSOL (154 days) versus those with SSI (69 days); hazards ratio of 0.47 for PSOL (95% CI: 0.241‐0.937). The subtype of lymphoma did not affect survival time. Cats with PSOL represent a greater proportion of the disease population, and this subset of cats with intraocular lymphoma has a better clinical outcome.     

Genetic parameters and single versus multi-trait evaluation of udder health traits

Abstract

Genetic parameters were estimated for lactation average somatic cell score (SCS) and clinical mastitis (CM) for the first three lactations of multiparous Finnish Ayrshire cows. A multi-trait linear sire model was used for estimation of covariance components, and the efficiencies of single- versus multi-trait multi-lactation (MT) sire evaluations were compared. Heritability of SCS and CM in the first three lactations ranged from 0.11 to 0.13 and 0.02 to 0.03, respectively. Within lactation, genetic correlations between SCS and CM ranged from 0.68 to 0.72. Within both traits, across-lactation genetic correlations were lowest between 1 and 3, and highest between 2 and 3, with estimates ranging from 0.75 to 0.86 and from 0.81 to 0.98 for CM and SCS, respectively. Residual and phenotypic correlations were low and ranged from 0.09 to 0.13 and from 0.10 to 0.13, respectively. The absolute difference between genetic and residual correlations was from 0.5 to 0.6. Within-lactation genetic correlations between traits that are much less than unity suggest a multi-trait model for genetic evaluation of mastitis resistance. Comparison of model prediction performance between single-trait (ST) and MT models using a data splitting method showed that the MT model was more stable in predicting breeding values in future records of animals. Especially, for young sires and CM, the SD of EBVs from the MT model was 14 to 23% higher than the ST model, indicating more effective use of information in terms of revealing more genetic variation.     

The nutritional effect of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Moringa oleifera</Emphasis> fresh leaves as feed supplement on Rhode Island Red hen egg production and quality

This study aimed to evaluate the potential of Moringa oleifera fresh leaves (MOL) as feed supplement on the performance and egg quality of Rhode Island Red (RIR) hens under the tropical conditions of Yucatan, Mexico. Forty-eight RIR hens were allocated in 12 floor pen replicates each with four birds. Thereafter, the replicates were divided into three groups which were corresponded to ad libitum feed (control), ad libitum feed supplemented with MOL T1 (AL + MOL) and restricted feed amount (20% lower than control) with MOL T2 (RCD + MOL), respectively. T1 (AL + MOL) had higher egg laying rate (71.4% versus 66.6%), higher daily egg mass production (45.4 versus 41.9 g/day), lower feed intake (121.3 versus 127.5 g/day) and better feed conversion ratio (2.8 versus 3.2 g feed:g egg) versus control. T2 / (RCD + MOL) had lower values of body weight, egg laying rate, egg weight and egg mass, and recorded better feed conversion ratio than the control group. The control group recorded a higher percentage of pecked eggs versus T1 and T2 (6.5% versus 1.2% and 2.0 %). Similar intake of MOL (3.1 and 3.4 g DM/day) was recorded in T1 (AL + MOL) and T2 (RCD + MOL). Yolk color was improved significantly in T1 (AL + MOL) than both control and T2 (RCD + MOL), while T2 (RCD + MOL) had eggs with lower yolk and higher albumen percentages than the other two ad libitum groups. The results suggest that MOL could be used successfully as sustainable tropical feed resource for RIR hens.     

Self‐Reported Acute Health Effects and Exposure to Companion Animals

To understand the etiological burden of disease associated with acute health symptoms [e.g. gastrointestinal (GI), respiratory, dermatological], it is important to understand how common exposures influence these symptoms. Exposures to familiar and unfamiliar animals can result in a variety of health symptoms related to infection, irritation and allergy; however, few studies have examined this association in a large‐scale cohort setting. Cross‐sectional data collected from 50 507 participants in the United States enrolled from 2003 to 2009 were used to examine associations between animal contact and acute health symptoms during a 10–12 day period. Fixed‐effects multivariable logistic regression estimated adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confident intervals (CI) for associations between animal exposures and outcomes of GI illness, respiratory illness and skin/eye symptoms. Two‐thirds of the study population (63.2%) reported direct contact with animals, of which 7.7% had contact with at least one unfamiliar animal. Participants exposed to unfamiliar animals had significantly higher odds of self‐reporting all three acute health symptoms, when compared to non‐animal‐exposed participants (GI: AOR = 1.4, CI = 1.2–1.7; respiratory: AOR = 1.5, CI = 1.2–1.8; and skin/eye: AOR = 1.9, CI = 1.6–2.3), as well as when compared to participants who only had contact with familiar animals. Specific contact with dogs, cats or pet birds was also significantly associated with at least one acute health symptom; AORs ranged from 1.1 to 1.5, when compared to participants not exposed to each animal. These results indicate that contact with animals, especially unfamiliar animals, was significantly associated with GI, respiratory and skin/eye symptoms. Such associations could be attributable to zoonotic infections and allergic reactions. Etiological models for acute health symptoms should consider contact with companion animals, particularly exposure to unfamiliar animals. Prevention of pet‐associated zoonotic diseases includes commonsense measures such as hand‐washing, but are often overlooked by pet owners and non‐pet owners alike.     

Sensitivity of different prothrombin time assays to factor VII deficiency in canine plasma

The factor VII sensitivity of prothrombin time (PT) in dogs was tested using five different PT reagents and a commercial PT variant. The five PT reagents were used according to manufacturers' instructions (standard test, PT([ST])) and also using a modified test instruction (modified test, PT([MT])). Plasma samples with defined factor VII levels (10-100%) were prepared by adding increasing quantities of canine factor VII deficient plasma to the pooled plasma of healthy dogs. Statistical comparison based on prothrombin time ratios (PTR = PT sample: PT measured for 100% factor VII activity level) revealed significant differences between different reagents for PT([ST]) and also for PT([MT]). Factor VII activity at which PT was prolonged to the upper limit of the reference values (FVII([X(0.975)])) was 16-39% (PT([ST])) and 23-35% (PT([MT])). Factor VII sensitivity measured by PTR and also by FVII([X(0.975)]) values, was higher in four of five PT reagents using PT([MT]) when compared with PT([ST]). The results of this study indicate the importance of selecting a sensitive reagent and method for PT measurement and for careful interpretation of PT test results using canine plasma.     

Characterizing the Role of Animal Exposures in Cryptosporidiosis and Shiga Toxin‐producing Escherichia coli Infections: South Dakota, 2012

Cryptosporidium spp. and Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli strains (STEC) are important causes of human illness. Incidence rates of these illnesses are high in South Dakota compared to the USA as a whole. Direct animal contact has been identified as a possible route of exposure for these illnesses. Ruminant animals may carry STEC subclinically, while young ruminants are common sources of zoonotic strains of Cryptosporidium. South Dakota patients with either STEC or cryptosporidiosis during 2012 were interviewed regarding seven categories of animal exposure: (i) petting zoo/fair attendance, (ii) animal event/rodeo attendance, (iii) feed/pet store visits, (iv) farm visits, (v) employment or residence at a farm, (vi) residence with pets and (vii) visiting other households with pets. Of the 50 STEC cases, 78.0% reported animal exposure prior to illness onset, with 23.3% having lived or worked on a farm. Farm visitors in particular had high degrees of animal contact and infrequently practiced personal protective measures. Of the 115 cryptosporidiosis cases, 87.8% reported animal exposures, with 45.6% having lived or worked on a farm and 29.0% having visited a farm prior to illness. Cases with farm exposures reported a high degree of direct animal contact and inconsistent use of personal protective measures. Cryptosporidiosis patients were significantly more likely than STEC patients to have lived or worked on a farm prior to their illness and were older on average. Patients with these illnesses had high rates of animal contact prior to illness. Animal contact on farms emerged as an important exposure route. Educational messages about personal protective measures should be directed at these individuals.