Detection of ehrlichial infection by PCR in dogs from Yamaguchi and Okinawa Prefectures, Japan

Species-specific nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect the presence of possible canine ehrlichial agents (Ehrlichia canis, E. chaffeensis, E. ewingii, E. equi and E. platys) and monocytic ehrlichial agents found in Japan (E. muris and a recently discovered Ehrlichia species detected from Ixodes ovatus) in blood samples from dogs in Yamaguchi and Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. Partial sequence of E. platys was detected from 1 of 67 dogs (1.5%) tested from Yamaguchi Prefecture and 24 out of 87 (27.6%) in the subtropical Okinawa Prefecture. Dogs in Okinawa and Miyako Islands had a higher positive rate (69.2 and 45.0%, respectively) than Ishigaki Island (11.1%). Another dog in Yamaguchi Prefecture had a positive PCR reaction to the Ehrlichia sp. detected from I. ovatus. No other Ehrlichia were found in these samples.     

Molecular survey of Mycoplasma haemofelis and 'Candidatus mycoplasma haemominutum' infection in cats in Yamaguchi and surrounding areas

A molecular survey of hemoplasma (Mycoplasma haemofelis and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum') in Yamaguchi Prefecture and surrounding areas was performed by using molecular methods. PCR-RFLP with HindIII revealed that 2 cats were infected with M. haemofelis, and 16 with 'C. Mycoplasma haemominutum' among 102 randomly selected cats. Partial 16S rRNA gene sequences of M. haemofelis and 'C. Mycoplasma haemominutum' determined in this study showed percent similarities of 98.3-99.8% and 96.4-100%, respectively, with those from other countries. Hemoplasma infections were more frequently detected in free-roaming cats than inside cats. Also, the status of FeLV infection was another significant risk factor for hemoplasma infection.     

虎血清中犬副流感病毒的抗体流行病学调查研究

为查明犬副流感病毒 (CPIV)对虎的感染情况 ,应用CPIV细胞培养物为血凝抑制 (HI)抗原 ,对上海、桂林、哈尔滨、宜昌、郑州等地区未曾使用过任何含CPIV疫苗免疫的 38只虎的血清进行HI抗体检测。结果表明 ,有 2 5份血清CPIV的HI抗体效价为 1∶4～ 1∶32 ,有 1 3份抗体效价 <1∶2 ,血清中CPIV的HI抗体阳性率达 65 79%。说明上述地区的虎可能存在着CPIV的隐性感染     

Recent epidemiological status of canine viral enteric infections and Giardia infection in Japan.

Epidemiology of canine enteric infections was studied. Rectal swabs collected from 95 dogs presented at animal hospitals during a period from January to June of 2000 were examined for enteric pathogens, including viruses and Giardia lamblia (G. lamblia). Most frequently detected in both diarrheal and normal feces were canine coronavirus (55.4%) and G. lamblia (48.2%). Canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) was specifically associated with diarrheal cases and CPV-2b was the predominant antigenic type. Although canine rotavirus, canine adenovirus, and canine distemper virus were also detected in a small number of diarrheal cases, no evidence for calicivirus infection was obtained.     

黔东南州山羊寄生虫感染情况调查

通过对我州9个县(市)山羊寄生虫感染种类调查,随机剖检不同自然环境饲养的山羊258只,按蠕虫学完全解剖法收集各脏器全部虫体,形态学鉴定,检出虫体68种,其中吸虫30种,绦虫5种,线虫27种,蜘蛛昆虫6种,分别隶属于5纲8目20科29属.为指导山羊寄生虫病防治具有重要意义.     

Seroepidemiological survey of Bordetella bronchiseptica and canine parainfluenza-2 virus in dogs in Sweden

The prevalence of antibodies against Bordetella bronchiseptica and canine parainfluenza-2 virus (CPiV-2) was investigated in a population of 302 pet dogs in Sweden. Sera were analysed for B bronchiseptica-specific immunoglobulin G by means of an ELISA, and for CPiV-2 specific neutralising antibody by means of a haemagglutination inhibition test. B bronchiseptica had a seroprevalence of 22 per cent and CPiV-2 had a seroprevalence of 28 per cent. The two pathogens did not appear to circulate together. The crowding of dogs together was significantly associated with the seroprevalence of CPiV-2, but not with the seroprevalence of B bronchiseptica. The dogs' ages, gender or their Fédération Cynologique Internationale breed group affiliation was not correlated with the seroprevalence of either pathogen.     

Seroepidemiological study of Neospora caninum infection in dogs found in dairy farms and urban areas of Aguascalientes, Mexico

The objective of this study was to describe the seroepidemiology of Neospora caninum infection in dogs in close contact with dairy cattle and dogs from urban areas of Aguascalientes, Mexico, as well as to estimate the possible association between age, gender and size of these groups and seroprevalence. Sera were obtained from samples of 152 dogs in dairy farms and 116 in the urban area, and were subjected to ELISA test. General seroprevalence reached 32%, while the seroprevalence in farm dogs (41%) was significantly higher than in dogs from the urban area (20%) (p<0.05). Regarding age groups, general seroprevalence was greater among dogs between 11 and 15 years of age (67%) remaining equal between males and females (32 and 31%, respectively). Nevertheless, females resident in farms had a higher seroprevalence (42%) than female resident in the urban area. Regarding size, large-sized animals had greater seroprevalence in farms (58%), while in the urban area medium-sized animals were those that had the highest seroprevalence (27%). It was found that dairy farm dogs had a higher risk of infection (OR=2.79; p=0.0004), and that in said group, the age range from <1 to 5 years of age was identified as a risk factor (OR=3.11, p=0.001).     

Survey of tick infestation and tick-borne ehrlichial infection of dogs in Ishigaki Island, Japan.

Twelve (54.5%) of 22 free-roaming dogs in Ishigaki Island had tick infestation identified as Rhipicephalus sanguineus. There were 121 ticks recovered and consisted of 28 females, 58 males, 22 nymphs and 3 larvae. Infection of dogs possibly with canine ehrlichial pathogens was examined by both indirect immunofluorescence assay and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Two dogs of the 13 examined were sero-positive for the human granulocytic ehrlichia agent, and one of two dogs was PCR positive for Ehrlichia platys. This dog had platelet numbers slightly lower than normal value, however, no morulae were found within platelet on peripheral blood smear stained with Giemsa.     

Serosurvey of Ehrlichia canis and Hepatozoon canis infection in dogs in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan

Antibodies to Ehrlichia canis and Hepatozoon canis in dogs at the Animal Hospital in Yamaguchi University were surveyed and potential risk factors for both pathogens were evaluated. Among 430 dogs examined, 20 (4.7%) and 18 (4.2%) dogs showed positive findings for E. canis and H. canis, respectively. Neither, sex nor age was associated with the seropositivity of either pathogen, but the positive rate in dogs kept outside was slightly higher than that in dogs kept inside for both pathogens. A higher seropositive reaction to E. canis and H. canis was observed in dogs that lived in certain cities and towns. Beagles, golden retrievers and pointers had higher seropositivity than other breeds in E. canis, whereas shibas, akitas, beagles, pointers and mongrels had higher positive rates than other breeds in H. canis.     

Molecular survey of Ehrlichia infection in ticks from animals in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan

A total of 82 ticks collected from wild animals and dogs in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan were examined for Ehrlichia infection by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers that amplify DNA of most members of the genus Ehrlichia. A DNA sample from an Ixodes ovatus nymph from a bear in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan, was positive in the screening PCR. Subsequent PCR using two sets of primers yielded a 1431 bp segment of the 16S rRNA gene and the sequence was very similar to those of E. chaffeensis and E. muris, and a strain variant of a recently described Ehrlichia species isolated from I. ovatus in other prefectures of Japan.     

A retrospective study on adverse reactions to canine vaccines in Japan

Adverse reactions to vaccines were examined in 311 canine cases reported to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in Japan during the period of 6 years from April of 1994 to March of 2000, and classified according to their clinical symptoms. There were 27 cases of adverse reactions to rabies virus vaccines. Gastrointestinal symptoms were the most frequently observed (26%), followed by respiratory and/or cardiovascular symptoms (22%) and dermatologic symptoms (11%). There were 284 cases of adverse reactions to non-rabies monovalent vaccines and mixed vaccines. Dermatologic symptoms were the most frequently observed (53%), followed by gastrointestinal symptoms (16%) and respiratory and/or cardiovascular symptoms (14%). Of the total 311 cases, 11 (3.5%) died of adverse reactions to vaccines.     

Incidence of canine glaucoma with goniodysplasia in Japan : a retrospective study

The incidence of primary and secondary glaucoma in dogs was investigated. A total of 1244 dogs received ophthalmologic examinations, including tonometry and gonioscopy. Goniophotographs were taken using a goniolens to evaluate the iridocorneal angle (ICA) as well as pectinate ligament (PL). The anterior width of the ciliary cleft and the total distance from the origin of the PL to the anterior corneal surface were measured from the goniophotographs. Glaucoma was diagnosed based on the cupping of the optic nerve head, clinical signs, ocular changes, and high IOP, and it was synchronized with gonioscopic grades to differentiate between primary and secondary glaucoma. We investigated 1244 dogs of 29 breeds, including the mixed breed; among these, glaucoma was diagnosed in 127 dogs (162 eyes). Of 162 eyes, primary glaucoma was diagnosed in 129 eyes and secondary glaucoma in 33 eyes. Shiba Inu dogs (42 dogs, 33%) showed the highest incidence of glaucoma, followed by Shih-Tzu (21 dogs, 16.5%). Furthermore, all the glaucomatous Shiba Inu dogs had primary glaucoma with abnormal ICA grades and dysplastic PLs. The findings of our study reveal that the Shiba Inu breed in Japan may have a hereditary predisposition to glaucoma.     

Diagnosis of canine viral infections

The diagnosis of canine viral infections frequently requires the correlation of clinical, hematologic, pathologic, and laboratory findings. When laboratory diagnostics are utilized, appropriate specimens must be collected. In addition, correct timing of specimen collection and the proper handling and transport of these specimens are essential. Whenever possible, the practitioner should not rely on any one laboratory procedure for making a diagnosis; rather, a combination of techniques should be used. Submission of tissue for histopathology, virus isolation, and antigen detection techniques (FAT), serum for serologic analysis, and feces whenever enteric infections are investigated will maximize the chances of making a successful diagnosis.     

Seroepidemiological survey on canine leishmaniasis among dogs from an urban area of Brazil

A cross-sectional seroepidemiological survey on canine leishmaniasis among pet dogs was carried out in an urban area in the State of Pernambuco (Brazil) where human cases of visceral leishmaniasis have sporadically been reported. Using an indirect fluorescent antibody test, anti-Leishmania antibodies were detected in 130 out of 322 dogs, confirming previous exposure to Leishmania parasites. The overall seroprevalence found was 40.3% (95% confidence interval: 34.9-45.9). Data analysis revealed that serological positivity was statistically associated with male (chi2=20.60, P-value=0.000) and juvenile dogs (chi2=4.24, P-value=0.039). Furthermore, it was observed that 85.3% of all seropositive dogs showed no clinical signs of leishmaniasis. The results showed a high seroprevalence of anti-Leishmania antibodies among dogs from an urban area of Pernambuco - with a large proportion of asymptomatic seropositive dogs - indicating that the prevalence of Leishmania infection in this area has been underestimated.     

广州周边地区健康猪群猪链球菌携带情况调查

为了解广州周边地区健康猪群猪链球菌(Streptococcus suis,SS)的携带情况,本研究于2014-2015年在广州周边地区共采集488份屠宰猪群扁桃体样品和健康猪群鼻拭子样品,SS分离鉴定发现有165份样品为SS 16S rRNA阳性,共分离到68株SS菌株,对所分离的菌株进行血清型分型和3个常用毒力标记基因mrp,epf,sly的检测分析。结果显示:所采集样品SS的阳性率为33.81%(165/488),其中哺乳仔猪的鼻拭子样品的携带率最高68%(34/50),母猪次之为49.15%(29/59);对分离的68株SS进行血清型定型,定型率为73.52%(50/68),主要分布于16型,2型(1/2型),29型等16个血清型中;毒力基因在本批菌株中分布较少。本研究为监控广州周边地区SS的流行情况提供了试验参考数据。     

甘肃省及其周边地区2007年鸡病流行动态

一鸡病流行动态整体分析 根据甘肃省境内和周边局部地区的调查,通过回答热线电话咨询、深入现场诊断、指导和病料的实验室检验结果统计发病鸡群数为83群,将危害较大的排名前4位的重点鸡病列表如下,见表1。     

Seroepidemiological survey of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis infection in sheep in Japan using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunodiffusion

Sera from 1186 apparently healthy sheep in Hokkaido were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunodiffusion (ID) for the presence of antibodies against Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis. ELISA-positives were 466 (39.3%) while ID-positives were 330 (27.8%). Spread of caseous lymphadenitis in sheep in Hokkaido was thus clarified. Although ID was less sensitive than ELISA in detecting the antibodies against C. pseudotuberculosis it did not give any non-specific reaction. From the results and in view of the simplicity of the test procedure, ID was found to be of practical diagnostic value. Distribution by age group of anti-C. pseudotuberculosis antibodies in 758 sheep in a herd detected by both tests showed that the ratio of positives was low in sheep aged less than 1 year, and the ratio increased significantly in those aged 1 year and continued to increase with age until it reached a plateau at the age of 4-5 years.     

Seroepidemiological survey of sheep flocks from Northern Japan for Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae and Mycoplasma agalactiae

Sheep flocks from Hokkaido, Iwate and Aomori, three northern prefectures of Japan, were screened for antibodies to Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae and Mycoplasma agalactiae by ELISA. Sixty four animals out of 246 (26%) were seropositive to M. ovipneumoniae, with positive results obtained from all three prefectures. None of the sera tested were serologically positive to M. agalactiae.     

Prevalence of honeybee viruses in Apis mellifera in Gifu prefecture of Japan

Viral infection damages honeybee colony health. Viruses can be carried by queen bees and apicultural production materials when imported from foreign countries. We investigated seven honeybee viruses in worker bees (Apis mellifera) from 26 healthy apiaries in Gifu, Japan between 2018 and 2019. Black queen cell virus (BQCV) was detected in 23 (88.5%) of the apiaries, followed by Israeli acute paralysis virus (42.3%), deformed wing virus (DWV) (38.5%), and sacbrood virus (3.8%). In phylogenetic analysis, BQCV and DWV in Gifu were related to those in China and South Korea. Additionally, a high prevalence of BQCV was observed among worker bees in BQCV-positive colonies. Therefore, BQCV horizontal transmission among worker bees may contribute to the high prevalence of BQCV in Gifu.