蒙古马突触融合蛋白17(STX17)基因多态性及在不同毛色皮肤组织中的表达分析

为研究突触融合蛋白17(STX17)基因与蒙古马毛色之间的相关性及其作用机制.本研究利用半巢式PCR技术及实时荧光定量PCR技术对蒙古马STX17基因第6内含子的多态性以及不同毛色蒙古马皮肤组织中STX17基因的相对表达量进行了检测.巢式PCR结果显示:STX17基因在青毛蒙古马第6内含子处存在4.6 kb的重复片段,在其它毛色中不存在该重复片段;荧光定量PCR结果显示:STX17基因在蒙古马青毛皮肤组织中表达量最高,在骝毛皮肤组织中的表达量最低.结果证明蒙古马STX17基因与其青毛表型具有典型的相关性.     

湘西黄牛毛色控制基因MC1R多态性研究

为了将毛色遗传标记作为湘西黄牛杂交组合选择、纯种鉴别、保种选育的科学理论依据,应用PCR-RFLP技术,研究了湘西黄牛黑素皮质素受体1(Melanocortin 1 Receptor,MC1R)基因对其黑毛色和红毛色表型的影响机制.结果表明:湘西黄牛中MC1R基因有三个等位基因 (ED 、E+、e );隐性的e基因在310处缺失一个碱基G 造成移码突变,在468处提前终止翻译,翻译出一个缩短了的失去功能的MC1R蛋白,表现或强或弱的红毛色;E+所对应的是野生型毛色,如黄色、灰色等;湘西黄牛中黄色个体优势等位基因为E,而红色个体优势等位基因为e,e相对E是隐性基因,只有在e等位基因纯合状态下,才表现为红色毛色; E+/e也表现为红色,可能湘西黄牛红色和黄色表型除了有MC1R基因控制外,还有其它基因参与作用.     

MC1R c.310G>‐ and c.871G > A determine the coat color of Kumamoto sub‐breed of Japanese Brown cattle

Coat color is one of the important factors characterizing breeds for domestic animals. Melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) is a representative responsible gene for this phenotype. Two single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in bovine MC1R gene, c.296T > C and c.310G>‐, have been well characterized, but these SNPs are not enough to explain cattle coat color. As far as we know, MC1R genotypes of Kumamoto sub‐breed of Japanese Brown cattle have not been analyzed. In the current study, genotyping for c.296T > C and c.310G>‐ was performed to elucidate the role of MC1R in determining the coat color of this sub‐breed. As a result, most animals were e/e genotype, suggesting the coat color of this sub‐breed is derived from the e allele of MC1R gene. However, we found six animals with E/e genotype, which coat color would be black theoretically. Subsequently, sequence comparison was performed with these animals to identify other polymorphisms affecting coat color, elucidating that these animals possessed the A allele of c.871G > A commonly. c.871G > A was a non‐synonymous mutation in the seventh transmembrane domain, suggesting alteration of the function and/or the structure of MC1R protein. Our data indicated that the A allele of c.871G > A might be a loss‐of‐function mutation.     

猪毛色基因黑色素受体1的基因型分析

为检测黑色素受体1(melanocortin receptor 1,MC1R)基因型在不同毛色猪种中的分布,研究该基因在猪毛色决定中的地位和作用,本试验使用PCR-SSCP和PCR-RFLP方法对军牧1号白猪、杜洛克猪、西藏小型猪和大白猪的MC1R基因型进行了检测。结果显示,长白猪、大白猪存在nt894insCC和G1197A突变;杜洛克猪存在G668C、C1318T和G1554A突变;西藏小型猪存在C1318T和G1554A突变,而在nt894insCC位点则表现出其他基因型。通过对4个猪种的MC1R基因型的检测,为研究MC1R基因对毛色的作用机理奠定了基础。     

牛毛色遗传的研究进展

牛的毛色是最引人注目的品种特征之一,牛的毛色主要通过肉眼来区分.通过了解和掌握牛的毛色及其遗传规律可以作为牛品种的标记特征并且初步判定其品种纯度.     

Cryptosporidium hominis Subtypes and Enterocytozoon bieneusi Genotypes in HIV‐Infected Persons in Ibadan,Nigeria

Cryptosporidium and Enterocytozoon are common opportunistic pathogens in HIV+ patients in developing countries, especially those do not have access to antiretroviral therapy. To determine the distribution of genotypes/subtypes of Cryptosporidium and Enterocytozoon bieneusi, faecal specimens were collected from 132 HIV+ persons attending a tertiary hospital in Ibadan, Nigeria. By polymerase chain reaction, eight and ten patients were identified as positive for Cryptosporidium spp. and E. bieneusi, respectively. Seven of the Cryptosporidium specimens were identified as C. hominis, while the remaining one as the new species C. viatorum recently identified in the United Kingdom. DNA sequencing of the 60‐kDa glycoprotein gene showed that the C. hominis belonged to three common subtype families: Ia (in three patients), Ib (in one patient) and Ie (in one patient). In contrast, DNA sequencing of the E. bieneusi internal transcribed spacer products showed the occurrence of genotypes associated with both humans (Peru 8 in one patient, Nig2 in two patients and a new genotype in one patient) and animals (D in one patient and Type IV in five patients). Low CD4+ cell count was identified as a risk factor for both cryptosporidiosis and microsporidiosis.     

Experimental Transmission of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis Biovar equi in Horses by House Flies

Background

The route of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis infection in horses remains undetermined, but transmission by insects is suspected.

Objectives

To investigate house flies (Musca domestica L.) as vectors of C. pseudotuberculosis transmission in horses.

Animals

Eight healthy, adult ponies.

Methods

Randomized, controlled, blinded prospective study. Ten wounds were created in the pectoral region where cages for flies were attached. Three ponies were directly inoculated with C. pseudotuberculosis. Four ponies were exposed for 24 hours to 20 hours C. pseudotuberculosis‐inoculated flies. One negative control pony was exposed to noninoculated flies. Ponies were examined daily for swelling, heat, pain, and drainage at the inoculation site. Blood was collected weekly for CBC and biochemical analysis, and twice weekly for synergistic hemolysis inhibition titers.

Results

Clinical signs of local infection and positive cultures were observed in 7/7 exposed ponies and were absent in the negative control. In exposed ponies, peak serologic titers (1 : 512 to 1 : 2,048) were obtained between days 17 and 21. Seroconversion was not observed in the negative control. Neutrophil counts were higher in the positive and fly‐exposed groups than in the negative control (P = .002 and P = .005) on day 3 postinoculation. Serum amyloid A concentrations were higher in the positive control than in the negative control and fly‐exposed ponies on days 3 (P < .0001) and 7 (P = .0004 and P = .0001). No differences were detected for other biochemical variables.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

House flies can serve as mechanical vectors of C. pseudotuberculosis and can transmit the bacterium to ponies.     

不同毛色绵羊皮肤组织中MC1R、Agouti及TYR基因差异表达研究

本研究旨在探究特定杂交模式下产生全黑被毛绵羊TYR、MC1R及Agouti基因互作调控毛色的机制。随机选取黑色和白色被毛绵羊各4只,采集皮肤组织,利用qRT-PCR技术测定MC1R、Agouti及TYR基因mRNA在不同毛色绵羊皮肤中的表达量。结果显示:MC1R、Agouti及TYR基因在不同毛色绵羊皮肤中均有表达,其中TYR基因mRNA在黑色绵羊皮肤中的表达量极显著高于白色绵羊皮肤(P<0.01),MC1R基因mRNA在黑色绵羊皮肤中的表达量高于白色绵羊皮肤,但差异不显著,Agouti基因mRNA在黑色绵羊皮肤中的表达量显著低于白色绵羊皮肤(P<0.05)。综上,该杂交模式下产生的黑色绵羊可能是由于Agouti基因表达量低而使α-MSH诱导信号通路处于激活状态,上调了TYR基因表达量,导致真黑素含量上升,出现黑色毛色性状。     

Antimicrobial Susceptibilities of Aerobic Isolates from Respiratory Samples of Young New Zealand Horses

Background

Decreased efficacy of antimicrobials and increased prevalence of multidrug resistance (MDR) is of concern worldwide.

Objectives

To describe and analyze bacterial culture and antimicrobial susceptibilities from respiratory samples submitted from young horses (4 weeks to 3 years old).

Animals

Samples from 289 horses were submitted to a commercial laboratory.

Methods

A retrospective database search of submissions made to a New Zealand veterinary laboratory between April 2004 and July 2014. The results of in vitro susceptibility testing by Kirby‐Bauer disc diffusion were described and tabulated for the major bacterial species isolated. Multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) was used to describe the clustering of MDR isolates and selected demographic variables.

Results

Overall, 774 bacterial isolates were cultured from 237 horses, the majority of these isolates were gram‐positive (67.6%; 95% CI 64.3–70.9%). Streptococcus spp. were the most common genus of bacteria isolated and were 40.1% (95% CI 36.6–43.5%) of the isolates cultured. Susceptibility of Streptococcus spp. to penicillin, gentamicin, and ceftiofur was >85%. Overall, gram‐negative susceptibility to ceftiofur, tetracycline, and TMPS was <75%. MDR was defined as resistance to 3 or more antimicrobials, and was found in 39.2% of horses (93/237; 95% CI 33.0–45.5%).

Conclusions and clinical importance

Culture and susceptibility results have highlighted that MDR is an emerging problem for young horses in New Zealand (NZ), where a bacterial respiratory infection is suspected. This should be considered when prescribing antimicrobials, and emphasizes the need for submission of samples for culture and susceptibility.     

Risk Factors for Coughing in Dogs with Naturally Acquired Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease

Background

Cough often is reported as the primary clinical sign of congestive heart failure (CHF) in dogs with chronic degenerative myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD). Concurrent airway disease and compression of the left mainstem bronchus by a large left atrium also have been proposed as potential causes of coughing in these patients.

Objectives

To investigate the association between the presence of coughing and different potential causes of cough, including CHF, abnormal radiographic airway pattern, and cardiomegaly in dogs affected by naturally acquired MMVD.

Animals

Two hundred six client‐owned dogs.

Methods

Retrospective analysis performed on medical records of dogs affected by MMVD that underwent full cardiac evaluation, including echocardiographic examination and thoracic radiography.

Results

Univariate analyses showed that CHF is not a predictor of coughing (OR = 1.369; 0.723, 2.594), whereas abnormal radiographic airway pattern (OR = 3.650; 2.051, 6.496) and increased left atrial size observed radiographically (OR = 3.637; 1.904, 6.950) or echocardiographically (OR = 2.553; 1.436, 4.539) were significantly associated with coughing in dogs with MMVD. The same risk factors were significant in multivariate analyses.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

This study indicates that CHF is not significantly associated with coughing in dogs with MMVD. Instead, abnormal radiographic airway pattern and left atrial enlargement are associated with coughing in these patients. This important finding should be taken into account when considering diagnosis and clinical management of CHF in these dogs.     

A Cross‐Sectional Study Examining Campylobacter and Other Zoonotic Enteric Pathogens in Dogs that Frequent Dog Parks in Three Cities in South‐Western Ontario and Risk Factors for Shedding of Campylobacter spp.

An estimated 6 million pet dogs live in Canadian households with the potential to transmit zoonotic pathogens to humans. Dogs have been identified as carriers of Salmonella, Giardia and Campylobacter spp., particularly Campylobacter upsaliensis, but little is known about the prevalence and risk factors for these pathogens in pet dogs that visit dog parks. This study examined the prevalence of these organisms in the faeces of dogs visiting dog parks in three cities in south‐western Ontario, as well as risk factors for shedding Campylobacter spp. and C. upsaliensis. From May to August 2009, canine faecal samples were collected at ten dog parks in the cities of Guelph and Kitchener‐Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. Owners were asked to complete a questionnaire related to pet characteristics and management factors including age, diet and activities in which the dog participates. Faecal samples were collected from 251 dogs, and 189 questionnaires were completed. Salmonella, Giardia and Campylobacter spp. were present in 1.2%, 6.4% and 43.0% of faecal samples, respectively. Of the Campylobacter spp. detected, 86.1% were C. upsaliensis, 13% were C. jejuni and 0.9% were C. coli. Statistically significant sparing factors associated with the shedding of Campylobacter spp. included the feeding of a commercial dry diet and the dog's exposure to compost. Age of dog had a quadratic effect, with young dogs and senior dogs having an increased probability of shedding Campylobacter spp. compared with adult dogs. The only statistically significant risk factor for shedding C. upsaliensis was outdoor water access including lakes and ditches, while dogs >1 year old were at a lower risk than young dogs. Understanding the pet‐related risk factors for Campylobacter spp. and C. upsaliensis shedding in dogs may help in the development of awareness and management strategies to potentially reduce the risk of transmitting this pathogen from dogs to humans.