Genetic diversity and hematological and biochemical alterations in Alouatta primates naturally infected with hemoplasmas in Brazil

Mycoplasma spp. and Bartonella spp. are Gram-negative bacteria transmitted by arthropod vectors that infect red blood cells of several mammal species. This study investigated the occurrence and genetic diversity of hemoplasmas and Bartonella spp. in 68 howler monkeys kept in captivity in São Paulo, a southeastern state in Brazil. In addition, possible hematological, biochemical and electrophoretic changes of serum proteins associated with the occurrence of hemoplasmas and Bartonella spp. in captive primates were also investigated. The cPCR results showed that all sampled howler monkeys were negative for Bartonella spp. based on the gltA gene. The cPCR results indicated that 18 (26.47%) non-human primates (NHP) were positive for hemoplasmas based on the 16S rRNA gene. Monocyte and lymphocyte counts were higher in hemoplasma-positive howlers (P < 0.05). Platelet counts decreased in nonhuman primates (NHP) positive for hemoplasmas (P < 0.05). The results from the blood serum proteinogram and biochemistry analyses were not significantly different between NHPs positive and negative for hemotrophic mycoplasmas. Phylogenetic analysis using Bayesian Inference (BI) based on the 16S rRNA gene positioned the obtained sequences close to ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma kahanei’. The analysis of sequence diversity of the 16S rRNA gene showed that 5 different genotypes are circulating in NHP in Brazil and in the world; besides, a clear separation between the sequences of hemoplasmas that infect NHP of the Sapajus and Alouatta genus in Brazil was found, probably corresponding to two different species. The pathogenic potential of this hemoplasma species in NHP should be further investigated.     

Seroprevalence of brucellosis and Q fever (Coxiellosis) in cattle herds in Maigana and Birnin Gwari agro-ecological zone of Kaduna State,Nigeria

Tropical Animal Health and Production - A cross sectional study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors of brucellosis and Q fever in cattle in Maigana and Birnin Gwari...     

Seroprevalence of Johne's-disease infection in dairy cattle in California,USA

A total of 1,950 serum samples from dairy cattle in California, USA were tested for the presence of antibodies to Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. The sampled animals came from 65 herds and were sampled to reflect the relative numbers and distribution of dairy herds within three geographic regions in the state. Using the manufacturers suggested cut-off for a positive test, 89 animals (4.6%) were positive. The seroprevalence was 6.9% in the northern region of the state, 3.7% in the central region and 5.2% in the southern region. Using the sensitivity and specificity claimed by the manufacturer of the ELISA kit, the true prevalence in California dairy cattle overall was calculated as 9.4% (99% CI, 7.7%, 11.1%) and the true prevalences for the northern, central and southern regions were 14.1% (99% CI, 9.6%, 18.65%), 7.5% (99% CI, 5.6%, 9.4%), and 10.6% (99% CI, 5.9%, 15.6%), respectively.     

Seroprevalence of bovine leukemia virus in cattle,buffalo, and camel in Egypt

Tropical Animal Health and Production - Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) is the causative agent of enzootic bovine leukosis. It causes significant economic losses associated with losses due to slaughter...     

Seroprevalence of chlamydial infection in cattle in Ireland

Although few studies have investigated the prevalence of chlamydial infections in cattle, reported prevalence rates vary hugely. In order to assess the prevalence of this infection in cattle in Ireland, serum samples (100 herds, 20 samples/herd) collected for statutory screening for brucellosis were examined by soluble chlamydial antigen indirect ELISA. The assay detects antibodies to the two most common Chlamydiaceae spp. affecting cattle, namely Chlamydia abortus and Chlamydia pecorum. A total of 95 samples from 57 herds were seropositive, representing an observed prevalence rate of 4.75%. The parametric bootstrap estimate of the mean disease prevalence in the population was 6.04% (95%, CI 4.70-7.50). The results suggest the prevalence of chlamydial infection is low in cattle in Ireland.     

Seroprevalence of Neospora caninum in dairy cattle in Bahia, Brazil.

Sera collected from 447 dairy cattle on 14 dairy farms were tested for Neospora caninum antibodies by use of an immunofluorescent antibody technique. Positive reactions with titres > or =1:200 were found in 63 (14.09%) of animals. Neospora positive sera were also tested for Toxoplasma gondii antibodies by using a commercial latex agglutination test. Antibodies to T. gondii were detected in 3 (4.76%) of 63 N. caninum positive sera. These results indicate that N. caninum infection is widespread among dairy cattle in Bahia state.     

Seroprevalence of chlamydial infection in dairy cattle in Guangzhou, southern China

Chlamydia spp. are obligate intracellular gram-negative bacteria that cause a wide range of significant diseases in humans and animals worldwide, resulting in significant economic losses. Chlamydial infection in cattle has been reported in many countries including China. However, there has been no survey of chlamydial infection of dairy cattle in Guangzhou, southern China. The objective of the present investigation was to examine the chlamydial seroprevalence in dairy cattle in Guangzhou, subtropical southern China by using an indirect hemagglutination assay (IHA). The overall seroprevalence of chlamydial infection in dairy cattle was 7.25% (29/400). Greater than or equal to eight-yr-old dairy cattle had the highest seroprevalence (10.34%), followed by those that were ≥ 6 years old or < 7 years old dairy cattle (10.20%), although there were no statistically significant differences among different groups (P > 0.05). Dairy cattle with 5 pregnancies had the highest seroprevalence (10.81%). These results indicate that chlamydial infection was present in dairy cattle in Guangzhou, subtropical southern China, and integrated strategies and measures should be executed to control and prevent chlamydial infection and disease outbreak in the study region.     

Clinicopathological, hematological, and biochemical studies in some outbreaks of nephritis in poultry

Hematological, biochemical, histoenzymological, and histopathological changes in serum and tissues were studied in chickens during outbreaks of nephritis. Hematological studies revealed normocytic-normochromic anemia characterized by increased total erythrocyte counts, hemoglobin, packed cell volume, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Albumin-to-globulin ratio and sodium levels in serum, glucose in blood, and alkaline phosphatase and glucose-6-phosphatase in liver and kidneys were decreased. Glutamate pyruvate transaminase, uric acid, non-protein-nitrogen, and potassium levels in serum were increased. No significant change in the calcium, phosphorus, and total protein levels in serum was observed. These changes were directly related to the severity of the nephritis.     

Clinical,hematological, and biochemical findings in puppies with coronavirus and parvovirus enteritis

The clinical and laboratory findings in puppies naturally infected with canine coronavirus (CCoV) and/or canine parvovirus (CPV) were compared with findings in uninfected puppies. Lymphopenia was the only parameter related to CCoV infection that was statistically significant; vomiting, anorexia, lethargy, hemorrhagic fluid diarrhea, leukopenia, lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia, hypoglycemia, and hypoproteinemia were correlated with CPV infection.     

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in domestic sheep and goats in Borno state,Nigeria

Serum samples were collected from 372 sheep and same number of goats from the three geopolitical zones of Borno state, Nigeria. The samples were tested for the presences of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Of these, 6.7% (25/372) and 4.6% (17/372) of sheep and goats, respectively, were found to be seropositive to T. gondii antibodies, both far less than the estimated global average of 31%. Results were statistically analyzed by chi-square (χ²) test. The results showed that age, environmental conditions, and farm location are the main determinants of prevalence of antibodies against T. gondii in the study area. Older animals (>3 years) are significantly more infected than younger animals (between 6 months and 1 year).The prevalence of anti T. gondii antibodies is significantly higher (P < 0.05) in both sheep and goats sampled from the southern zone than the northern zone. Animals from the southern zones are about four times more likely to be exposed to T. gondii infection than those in the northern zone, (sheep; odds ratio (OR) = 4.25, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.177–15.36, P = 0.018), (goats; OR = 4.38, 95% CI = 0.925–20.73, P = 0.04). Farm location in urban area was identified as a risk factor for sheep (OR = 6.06, 95% CI = 2.53–14.54, P = 0.000), and goats (OR = 4.99, 95% CI = 1.59–15.62, P = 0.004). Current data on prevalence of ovine and caprine T. gondii in Borno state are provided by the study as well as identifying the main risk factors associated with T. gondii infection in the area.     

Seroprevalence of coxiellosis in cattle, sheep and people in the east of Turkey

Serum samples collected randomly from 416 cattle in 48 herds, and 411 sheep in 47 flocks, in eight different locations in the east of Turkey between June and December 1998, were examined by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) to determine the prevalence of Q fever. The age, sex, breed, tick control and abortion history of the animals were also recorded. In addition, 102 serum samples were collected from apparently healthy people who were at risk of contracting the disease, such as farmers, veterinarians, abattoir and laboratory workers, and veterinary students. Seropositivity was observed in 5-8 per cent (24/416) of the cattle in 17 (35-4 per cent) of the herds and in 10-5 per cent (43/411) of the sheep in 21 (44-7 per cent) of the flocks. Eight of the 102 people were seropositive, with the highest prevalence (12-0 per cent) in farmers and abattoir workers. All the seropositive farmers had seropositive animals. None of the laboratory workers or veterinary students was seropositive.     

Studies on Trypanosome-resistant cattle. I. The breeding and growth performance of N'Dama,Muturu and Zebu cattle maintained under the same conditions of husbandry

Summary The breeding performance of small herds of N'dama, Muturu and Zebu cattle and the growth of their progeny were compared under similar husbandry conditions in the derived Guinea savannah vegetation zone of northern Nigeria.N'dama and Muturu heifers produced a first calf when less than24 months old and the mean interval between subsequent calves was less than12 months. The mean age at first calving of Zebu heifers was25 months and the calving interval was13 1/4 months. The average birth weight of male N'dama calves was18.1 kg and they maintained average growth rates of0.42 kg/day to weaning at six months and0.27 kg/day from6–18 months on unimproved pastures. The corresponding figures for male Muturu calves were13.7 kg,0.31 kg/day and0.21 kg/day and for Zebu calves were26.5 kg,0.58 kg/day and0.34 kg/day.These results emphasise the need for further work on the nutritional physiology and trypanosome resistance of N'dama and Muturu cattle, so that their value as beef producing animals can be properly assessed in areas where trypanosomiasis is enzootic.

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Estudios en bovinos resistentes a la trypanosomiasis I. La performance reproductiva de ganado N'Dama, Muturu y Cebu y el crecimiento comparados bajo condiciones de crianza similares

Sumario La performance reproductiva de pequeños hatos de ganado N'dama, Muturu y Cebu y el crecimiento de sus crias fueron, comparados bajo condiciones de crianza similares en una zona de vegetación en el norte de Nigeria.Las terneras N'dama y Muturú produjeron su primera cria cuando aun no tenian 20 meses de edad y el intervalo promedio entre subsecuentes pariciones era menos de 12 meses. La edad promedio a la primera parición en las terneras Cebú era de 25 meses y el intervalo entre pariciones fue de 13 1/4 meses. El peso promedio al nacimiento de terneros machos N'dama fue de 18.1 kg. y estos mantuvieron un incremento promedio de cremento de 0.42 kg por dia hasta el destete a los 6 meses, y 0.27 kg. por dia desde 6–18 meses en pastos mejorados. Las figuras correspondientes para los terneros Muturú machos fueron de 13.7 kg, 0.31 kg. por dia y 0.21 kg por dia y para los terneros Cebú, las figuras fueron 26.5 kg. 0.58 kg. por dia y 0.34 kg. dia.Estos resultandos ponen en ènfasis la necesidad de mayor trabajo sobre la fisiología de la nutrición y resistencia a la trypanosomiasis del ganado N'dama y Muturù, de tal manera que sus valores como productores de carne puedan ser propiamente evaluados en áreas en donde la trypanosomiasis es enzoótica.

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Etudes sur le bétail trypano-résistant. I. Reproduction et croissance chez le N'Dama, le muturu et le Zébu, entretenus dans les mêmes conditions d'élevage

Résumé La reproduction chez de petits troupeaux de N'Dama, de Muturu et de Zébu, ainsi que la croissance de leurs produitusont été étudiés comparativement, tous ces animaux étant entretenus dans des conditions semblables dans la zone de savanes guinéennes de la Nigeria du Nord.Les génisses N'Dama et Muturu donnent leur premier veau alors qu'elles n'ont pas encore atteint l'age de 24 mois et l'intervalle moyen entre deux vêlages successifs est inférieur à 12 mois.Chez le Zébu, ces durées ont respectivement été de 25 et 13 mois 1/4.Le poids moyen, à la naissance du veau N'Dama, a été de 18,1 kg alors que son augmentation moyenne journalière a été de 0,42 kg, jusqu'au sixième mois pour passer à 0,27 kg de 6 à 18 mois sur paturage non amélioré.Les données correspondantes pour les veaux males Muturu ont été de 13,7 kg, de 0,31 kg/jour et 0,21 kg/jour et pour les veaux Zébu de 26,5 kg, 0,58 kg/jour et 0,34 kg/jour.Ces résultats montrent la nécessité d'études ultérieures sur la physiologie nutritionnelle et la résistance aux trypanosomes du bétail N'Dama et Muturu de façon à tirer le plus de ressources possibles de leur capacité à fournir de la viande dans les régions où les trypanosomoses sont enzootiques.

     

Prevalence of microfilariae in cattle at slaughter in Zaria, Nigeria

Skin snips and blood taken from 372 randomly selected slaughtered cattle in Zaria, Nigeria were examined for microfilariae. A total of 293 (78.8%) skin snips and 218 (58.6%) blood samples were positive for microfilariae. Two types of microfilariae, identified as Onchocerca armillata, with a percentage prevalence of 64%, and O. gutturosa with a prevalence of 40% were isolated from the skin. The blood microfilariae were identified as those of Setaria labiatopapillosa.     

Clinical,hematological, biochemical and endocrinological aspects of 32 dogs with hypothyroidism

During the years of 1996-2001, hypothyroidism was diagnosed at the clinic for small animal internal medicine, University of Zurich, in 32 dogs. Most of the dogs were large breeds. The most frequent clinical characteristics observed were exercise intolerance, obesity, dermatological, neurological and gastrointestinal signs. Predominant laboratory abnormalities were a low red blood cell count, increased concentration of cholesterol, triglycerides and fructosamin. 29 dogs had a T4 below the reference range (< 1.5 micrograms/dl), one dog had a T4 at the lower limit thereof (1.6 micrograms/dl). One dog had a T4 within the reference range (3.4 micrograms/dl), another had a very high T4 of 206.8 micrograms/dl; the results of the latter 2 dogs were interpreted as incorrectly increased T4 values due to in vitro interference with T4-autoantibodies. Diagnosis was confirmed in all of the dogs based on TSH-stimulation testing. Endogenous TSH (cTSH) measured parallelly, was elevated in only 60% of the dogs. In about 67% of the dogs, hypothyroidism was associated with thyroglobulin-autoantibodies. Canine hypothyroidism is a rather rare endocrine disorder in Switzerland. The TSH-stimulation test remains the gold standard in confirming the disease; a definitive diagnosis can be challenging for practitioners because bovine TSH, used for the TSH-stimulation test is not licensed for use in dogs. Since assessment of cTSH using current assays shows normal values in a high percentage of hypothyroid dogs, the diagnostic value is only limited. In most of the hypothyroid dogs T4 is decreased, with the presence of autoantibodies to T4, it can be normal or increased.     

Seroprevalence of antibodies to Encephalitozoon cuniculi in domestic rabbits in Nigeria

Serum samples from 237 randomized rabbits from the five ecological zones of Nigeria, i.e. Northwest (NW), Northeast (NE), Southeast (SE), Southwest (SW) and Northcentral (NC), were evaluated for the presence of antibodies to Encephalitozoon cuniculi by the indirect immunofluorescent antibodies test. A titre of 10 or more was taken as positive. Thirty-nine (16.5%) of the 237 samples were positive with 11, 10, 8, 6 and 4 seropositive rabbits occurring in the NW, NE, SE, SW and NC zones of Nigeria, respectively. Age, sex, live mass and access to grass as a feed supplement were not statistically (P > 0.05) associated with seropositivity, but cage type (single-versus multi-rabbit type), contact with free-range rats and previous illness were strongly (P < 0.05) associated with it. The practice of selling unscreened and untreated 5 to 10-week-old weaners to prospective buyers as foundation stock, use of multi-rabbit communal cages, occasional release of rabbits in runs and contact with free-range house rats should be discouraged. Regular prophylactic and curative treatments, occasional serological screening to remove carriers, and the practice of a high level of hygiene in rabbit colonies are effective control measures.     

Clinical,haematological and biochemical alterations in heat intolerance (panting) syndrome in Egyptian cattle following natural foot-and-mouth disease (FMD)

Clinical signs of heat intolerance (panting) syndrome were observed in Holstein cows in a private farm in Egypt. There were heat intolerance (fever), panting, profuse salivation, hirsutism, lameness and reduced milk production. Blood and serum samples were collected from ten diseased cows and five apparently healthy cows as control. Serological tests confirmed the presence of non-structural protein of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) infection. There were significant reductions in the total red blood cell count with increased leucocytic and lymphocytic counts in diseased group compared to control. The serum Na, Cl, Ca, Mg, Zn and Fe were significantly reduced but P was increased in diseased animals compared to control. The total protein, albumin, cholesterol and cortisol were significantly reduced but the glucose and malonaldehyde were significantly increased in diseased cows. This was the first report in Egypt to describe the clinical and haemato-biochemical changes in panting syndrome following FMD.     

Seroprevalence of Neospora caninum in beef cattle in northern Alberta

Blood samples were collected from 1806 pregnancy-tested cows from 174 herds at a northern Alberta auction mart in the fall of 1998. One hundred sixty-two (9.0%) of these samples were positive for antibodies to N. caninum. Thirty-five of 260 samples (13.5%) collected from the same region in the 1980s were also serologically positive for N. caninum.