Seasonal reproduction in the mare: possible role of plasma leptin, body weight and immune status

The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the possible role of leptin, body weight and immune status on reproductive activity throughout the transition period from cyclicity to seasonal anestrus, during anestrus and resumption of ovarian activity in Lusitano mares. Mares in good body condition were monthly monitored throughout 2 years (10 mares in each year) for evaluation of their reproductive status by sequential ultrasonography and plasma progesterone determinations. On the second year, all mares were weighed. Progesterone and leptin were assayed by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Parameters of the immune status (phagocytosis and oxidative burst of neutrophils, characterisation of circulating lymphocyte subsets) were also evaluated. Phagocytosis and oxidative burst in blood neutrophils were measured by flow cytometry using commercially available kits. Lymphocyte subsets were assessed by indirect immunofluorescence staining after incubation with monoclonal antibodies specific for CD2, CD19, CD4, CD8 cells markers by flow cytometry. Natural killer cells and B cells were estimated mathematically. No significant difference was found in phagocytosis, oxidative burst and circulating lymphocyte subsets at anestrus and at either phase of the estrous cycle (p>0.05), suggesting that the immune status of the mare was not influenced by the seasonal changes in ovarian activity. This study also suggests that body weight has a direct relationship with plasma leptin levels. Increased concentrations of this hormone in circulation might be associated with the restart or maintenance of ovarian cyclicity in Lusitano mares.     

Interrelationships Among SADIE Indices for Characterizing Spatial Patterns of Organisms

ABSTRACT The SADIE (spatial analysis by distance indices) methodology for data analysis is a useful approach for quantifying the patterns of organisms (in terms of patches and gaps) and testing for randomness of the patterns. We investigated the interrelationship among key SADIE indices: index for distance to regularity for a data set (I(a)), a global measure of aggregation or clustering; the local clustering indices (v(i) and v(j)), scaled distances to regularity for each individual sampling unit; and the averages of v(i) and v(j) across all sampling units, which are additional global measures of aggregation. We demonstrated that v(i) and v(j) are mathematically related to I(a) and showed conditions when I(a) and mean local clustering indices give very similar results. Overall differences in average v(i) and Iv(j) I values, and between I(a) and these averages, decreased with increasing size of the sampling grid in a simulation study. This was because one component of v(i) and v(j) (iY)-a measure of the distance to regularity under randomness for a given location (not a given count)-was found generally to vary little with location, except for locations near corners of the sampling grid. Nevertheless, because distance to regularity for individual observed counts was location-dependent, and this location effect varied with the observed counts value as well, a new-scaled index for each count x location combination may be warranted. The implications of these findings on epidemiological research are discussed.     

Zoonotic aspects of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex (MAC)

Pathogens that are transmitted between the environment, wildlife, livestock and humans represent major challenges for the protection of human and domestic animal health, the economic sustainability of agriculture, and the conservation of wildlife. Among such pathogens, the genus Mycobacterium is well represented by M. bovis, the etiological agent of bovine tuberculosis, M. avium ssp. paratuberculosis (Map) the etiological agent of Johne disease, M. avium ssp. avium (Maa) and in a few common cases by other emergent environmental mycobacteria. Epidemiologic surveys performed in Europe, North America and New Zealand have demonstrated the existence and importance of environmental and wildlife reservoirs of mycobacterial infections that limit the attempts of disease control programmes. The aim of this review is to examine the zoonotic aspects of mycobacteria transmitted from the environment and wildlife. This work is focused on the species of two main groups of mycobacteria classified as important pathogens for humans and animals: first, M. bovis, the causative agent of bovine tuberculosis, which belongs to the M. tuberculosis complex and has a broad host range including wildlife, captive wildlife, domestic livestock, non-human primates and humans; the second group examined, is the M. avium-intracellulare complex (MAC) which includes M. avium ssp. avium causing major health problems in AIDS patients and M. avium ssp. paratuberculosis the etiological agent of Johne disease in cattle and identified in patients with Crohn disease. MAC agents, in addition to a broad host range, are environmental mycobacteria found in numerous biotopes including the soil, water, aerosols, protozoa, deep litter and fresh tropical vegetation. This review examines the possible reservoirs of these pathogens in the environment and in wildlife, their role as sources of infection in humans and animals and their health impact on humans. The possibilities of control and management programmes for these mycobacterial infections are examined with regards to the importance of their natural reservoirs.     

Clinical evaluation of random skin flaps based on the subdermal plexus secured with sutures or sutures and cyanoacrylate adhesive for reconstructive surgery in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of subdermal plexus skin flaps for closing defects after excision of cutaneous and subcutaneous tumors in dogs and to compare outcome of flaps secured with sutures and those secured with butyl-cyanoacrylate and intermittent sutures. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical study. ANIMALS: Fifteen dogs. METHODS: After excision of cutaneous or subcutaneous tumors the skin defect was reconstructed by random flaps based on the subdermal plexus. Flap skin edges were apposed with simple interrupted 4-0 monofilament nylon sutures (group 1; 5 dogs) or nylon sutures alternated with butyl-cyanoacrylate adhesive (group 2; 10 dogs). Flaps were evaluated every 48 hours when bandages were changed, until complete healing. RESULTS: Random flaps based on the subdermal plexus were effectively used to close wound defects; mean flap survival was 89%. Partial flap necrosis occurred in 4 dogs. Wound margins apposed with butyl-cyanoacrylate had thinner and more esthetic scars than sutured margins. CONCLUSION: Random flaps based on the subdermal plexus proved to be versatile for covering limb wounds after excision of cutaneous or subcutaneous tumors. Mean survival rate was comparable to that reported for axial pattern flaps. Butyl-cyanoacrylate adhesive was easy to apply, allowed accurate margin apposition with good cosmetic outcome and reduced sutures needed. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Cyanoacrylate adhesive should be considered in lieu of suture closure to secure random skin flaps based on the subdermal plexus in dogs.     

Therapeutic effects of recombinant feline interferon-omega on feline leukemia virus (FeLV)-infected and FeLV/feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)-coinfected symptomatic cats

The clinical efficacy of a recombinant feline interferon, rFeIFN-omega, was evaluated for the treatment of cats presented with clinical signs associated with feline leukemia virus (FeLV) infection and FeLV/feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) coinfection in the field. In this multicentric, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 81 cats meeting the inclusion criteria were randomly placed into 2 groups and treated subcutaneously with rFelFN-omega (1 million [M]U/kg per day) or placebo once daily for 5 consecutive days in 3 series (day 0, 14, 60). The cats were monitored for up to 1 year for clinical signs and mortality. During the initial 4-month period, interferon (IFN)-treated cats (n = 39) had significantly reduced clinical scores compared with placebo (n = 42), with all cats having received concomitant supportive therapies. Compared with the control, the IFN-treated group showed significantly lower rates of mortality: 39% versus 59% (1.7-fold higher risk of death for controls) at the 9-month time point and 47% versus 59% (1.4-fold higher risk of death for controls) at the 12-month time point. The IFN treatment was associated with minor but consistent improvement in abnormal hematologic parameters (red blood cell count, packed cell volume, and white blood cell count), apparently underlying the positive effects of IFN on clinical parameters. These data demonstrate that rFeIFN-omega initially has statistically significant therapeutic effects on clinical signs and later on survival of cats with clinical signs associated with FeLV infection and FeLV/FIV coinfection.     

Use of the scrotum as a transposition flap for closure of surgical wounds in three dogs

OBJECTIVE: To describe use of the scrotum as a pedicle flap to cover defects created by tumor excision in the perineum or caudal and medial aspect of the thigh. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical study. ANIMALS: Three dogs. METHODS: After tumor excision and prescrotal castration, an incision was made around the base of the scrotum, leaving a pedicle on the side opposite the skin defect. After removal of the tunica dartos and abdominal fascia, the scrotal skin was stretched and shaped to the defect, then sutured in position with a simple interrupted pattern. Bandages that were changed every 48 hours compressed the flaps, and healing was observed until sutures were removed. RESULTS: Two dogs had first intention healing in 15 days, whereas 1 dog developed necrosis of 10% of the flap, and this area healed by second intention. CONCLUSION: In male dogs, the scrotal skin can be used as a pedicle flap for reconstructive surgery of wounds in the perineum and the proximomedial and caudal aspect of the thigh. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The perineal region remains a surgical challenge because of the lack of the available skin for reconstruction of surgical wounds. The scrotal skin should be considered for use as a transposition flap to cover skin defects in this region.     

Genetic and phylogenetic analysis of glycoprotein of rabies virus isolated from several species in Brazil

Genetic and phylogenetic analyses of the region containing the glycoprotein (G) gene, which is related to pathogenicity and antigenicity, and the G-L intergenic region were carried out in 14 Brazilian rabies virus isolates. The isolates were classified as dog-related rabies virus (DRRV) or vampire bat-related rabies virus (VRRV), by nucleoprotein (N) analysis. The nucleotide and amino acid (AA) homologies of the area containing the G protein gene and G-L intergenic region were generally lower than those of the ectodomain. In both regions, nucleotide and deduced AA homologies were lower among VRRVs than among DRRVs. There were AA differences between DRRV and VRRV at 3 antigenic sites and epitopes (IIa, WB+ and III), suggesting that DRRV and VRRV can be distinguished by differences of antigenicity. In a comparison of phylogenetic trees between the ectodomain and the area containing the G protein gene and G-L intergenic region, the branching patterns of the chiropteran and carnivoran rabies virus groups differed, whereas there were clear similarities in patterns within the DRRV and VRRV groups. Additionally, the VRRV isolates were more closely related to chiropteran strains isolated from Latin America than to Brazilian DRRV. These results indicate that Brazilian rabies virus isolates can be classified as DRRV or VRRV by analysis of the G gene and the G-L intergenic region, as well as by N gene analysis.     

Isolation of Babesia divergens from carrier cattle blood using in vitro culture

Babesia divergens, the main causative agent of bovine babesiosis in Western Europe, was isolated from naturally infected cattle. Ninety-six blood samples were examined by means of an in vitro culture technique in sheep erythrocytes: 19 of them were collected from animals in the acute phase of the disease with visible parasitemia on blood smears, while the 77 remaining animals showed no microscopically detectable parasites. B. divergens was cultured from the 19 first blood samples as well as from 31 samples collected from asymptomatic animals. The time period before parasites could be detected in the culture varied in the latter samples from 6 to 20 days. The effects of sampling condition (anticoagulant used) and storage length were tested. A good correlation was obtained between immunofluorescent antibody test and culture, with identical results (positive or negative) for 89.6% of the samples collected from asymptomatic animals. The sensitivity of the in vitro culture method was determined and was about 10 parasites/mL of whole blood from three independent experiments performed with three different isolates, confirming its suitability to detect and culture diverse B. divergens isolates from carrier cattle. The parasites could indeed be isolated 9 months after the acute babesiosis phase in the blood of naturally infected animals. The 50 isolates collected in this study were successfully subcultured, cryopreserved and resuscitated using the same culture medium. The in vitro isolation of B. divergens from asymptomatic carrier cattle was achieved and will allow the analysis of parasite diversity within cattle herds.     

Identification of Salmonella spp. isolates from chicken abattoirs by multiplex-PCR

The present study was carried out to report the occurrence Salmonella spp., Salmonella Enteritidis, and Salmonella Typhimurium in chicken abattoirs. Samples of feces; feathers; scald, evisceration, and chiller water; and rinse water of non-eviscerated, eviscerated, and chilled carcass were collected from six chicken abattoirs. Salmonella isolates were identified by a multiplex-PCR using three sets of primers targeting the invA, pefA, and sefA gene sequences from Salmonella spp., S. Typhimurium and S. Enteritidis, respectively. Salmonella spp. was detected in 10% (29/288) of the samples, whereas serovars Enteritidis and Typhimurium were identified in 62% (7/288), respectively. The results indicate the need to improve hygiene and sanitary standards in poultry slaughter lines, besides the education of food handlers and information to consumers.