RNA干扰abcg-5基因对犬弓首蛔虫感染性的影响

为研究犬弓首蛔虫(Toxocara canis,T.canis)腺苷三磷酸结合盒G5基因(ATP-binding cassette G5,ab-cg-5)的功能,通过体外合成Tc-abcg-5基因的特异性siRNA,利用RNAi技术对T.canis的成虫和虫卵进行干扰。结果显示,干扰24、48h后siRNA-744组Tc-abcg-5的相对表达量比siRNA-1020组和siRNA-432组显著性降低,表明siRNA-744有较高的沉默效率。采用电穿孔法和浸泡法对siRNA-744的递送效率进行比较,结果显示浸泡法更有利于将siRNA-744导入到T.canis虫卵内。用siRNA-744经浸泡法干扰T.canis感染性虫卵,经口灌服小鼠,感染后第7天对小鼠的脑、肝和肺组织进行病理学研究,结果显示RNA干扰使T.canis感染性虫卵的感染力下降,从而降低了肺、肝的病变程度。研究表明Tc-abcg-5基因可能通过影响虫卵的发育从而参与T.canis的生长、发育过程。     

犬弓首蛔虫TcCPG1的表达及其与几丁质的结合特性

为探讨犬弓首蛔虫（Toxocara canis,T.canis）软骨素蛋白多糖TcCPG1的表达特征及其与几丁质的结合方式,为犬弓首蛔虫软骨素蛋白多糖的功能研究提供依据,笔者克隆T.canis软骨素蛋白多糖1基因（Tc-cpg-1）并原核表达重组蛋白TcCPG1,采用镍柱亲和层析技术对重组蛋白进行纯化,并与几丁质进行结合试验;采用实时荧光定量PCR（quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction,qRT-PCR）进行Tc-cpg-1基因的转录水平的性别和组织差异表达分析。结果显示：Tc-cpg-1基因编码区（coding sequence,CDS）的长度为1 251 bp,共编码417个氨基酸;SDS-PAGE电泳结果显示重组蛋白TcCPG1以包涵体形式存在,相对分子质量大小约为70 ku;对表达条件进行优化后,以0.8 mmol·L^-1 IPTG于16℃诱导14 h时可获得大量目的蛋白;利用镍柱亲和层析纯化可以获得具有较高纯度的目的蛋白,与几丁质进行结合试验,验证了重组蛋白TcCPG1能够与几丁质结合;通过qRT-PCR对Tc-cpg-1基因转录水平的组织差异性进行分析,发现Tc-cpg-1在雌虫中高量表达,尤其在雌虫的生殖组织中表达量最高,表明Tc-cpg-1可能参与了T.canis雌虫的生殖过程,推测TcCPG1可能通过与卵壳中几丁质的相互作用从而影响T.canis的胚胎和生殖发育过程。     

Orbital cellulitis and intraocular abscess caused by migrating grass in a cat

We report an unusual case of orbital cellulitis in a cat. Drainage via the pterygopalatine fossa and medical treatment were performed. Failure of resolution and loss of ocular structure and visual function with a poor prognosis led to enucleation. During surgery, plant material and purulent exudate were present in the orbit. Histopathology showed an intraocular foreign body of grass that had migrated through the sclera causing a suprachoroidal abscess with choroidal and retinal detachment.     

犬弓首蛔虫感染比格犬不同阶段肝circRNAs表达模式的分析

旨在探究终末宿主肝环状RNA （circRNAs）在犬弓首蛔虫诱导致病过程中的潜在调控作用。18只6~7周龄的比格犬被平均分为3组（感染后0.5 d组、感染后1 d组和感染后36 d组）,每组包括感染和对照各3只,分别于感染后对应的时间点收集肝样品。提取感染和对照组肝的总RNA,利用高通量RNA测序,构建circRNA文库,对差异表达的circRNAs进行分析,并对差异表达circRNAs的亲本基因进行GO注释和KEGG富集分析。随机选取9个差异表达circRNAs进行实时荧光定量PCR验证。结果显示,与对照组相比,在感染后0.5、1和36 d分别有94、103和84个犬肝的差异表达circRNAs。Venn图显示,3个感染阶段没有共同表达的差异circRNAs;GO和KEGG分析显示,差异表达的circRNAs参与了宿主肝免疫与炎症的相关通路,其中差异表达的circRNA novel_circ_0016108、novel_circ_0016184和novel_circ_0027468与犬弓首蛔虫引起的天然免疫相关;novel_circ_0002212参与了犬弓首蛔虫引起的肝炎症反应;novel_circ_0002212和novel_circ_0019907在宿主肝抵抗犬弓首蛔虫侵袭的过程中发挥作用。RT-qPCR验证结果显示大多数差异表达的circRNAs与高通量测序结果一致。结果表明,肝circRNAs在犬弓首蛔虫感染终末宿主的过程中发挥着重要作用,这为进一步探究犬弓首蛔虫与宿主之间的相互作用提供了新的信息,并且也为促进疾病干预措施的制定提供参考。     

犬弓首蛔虫雄虫cDNA文库构建及EST分析

为构建T.canis雄虫cDNA文库,采用Trizol法提取T.canis雄虫的总RNA,合成cDNA,连接到λTripEx2载体上,通过包装蛋白对连接产物的包装,接种到大肠杆菌XL-1-Blue中进行原始文库和扩增文库的滴度测定.经质量鉴定表明:初始文库的滴度为5.25×106 pfu·mL-1,扩增后文库的滴度为6.90×109 pfu ·mL-1.文库的插入片段大小在500～2 000 bp,平均片段大小为1 000 bp,重组率为99.47％.所有指标均显示已成功构建了T.canis雄虫的cDNA文库.利用该文库获得了189条5'有效表达序列标签(EST).对ESTs拼接后代表了101个Unigenes,含有27个Contigs和74个Singletons.其Unigenes在GenBank中的序列号为HO348195～HO348295.同源性分析检索到有56个Unigenes与已知基因同源,其中具有已知或推测功能的基因有40个,未知功能基因有16个,未比对上的基因45个.未比对上的基因与NR数据库中的蛋白序列没有任何意义的匹配,为研究中发现的新基因.这些结果为进一步开展犬弓首蛔虫功能基因及分子机制研究奠定了基础.     

Orbital abscess bacterial isolates and in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility patterns in dogs and cats

Objective To determine bacterial populations, in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, and sources of microorganisms for dogs and cats with orbital abscess. Animals studied In total, 34 dogs and 7 cats with orbital abscess participated in the study. Procedure Medical records of dogs and cats with a clinical diagnosis of orbital abscess, confirmed by cytologic or histopathologic evaluation of orbital specimens, were reviewed from the years 1990 to 2007. Animal signalment, presumptive source of microorganisms and mechanism of orbital introduction, bacterial isolates, and aerobic bacterial in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility test results were recorded. Percentages of susceptible aerobic bacterial isolates were compared among antimicrobials. Results Twenty dogs and five cats had positive culture results. The most frequent bacterial genera isolated from dogs were Staphylococcus, Escherichia, Bacteroides, Clostridium and Pasteurella. The most frequent bacterial genera isolated from cats were Pasteurella and Bacteroides. Aerobic bacterial isolates from dogs had the highest percentage of susceptibility to amikacin, ceftiofur, gentamicin, imipenem, ticarcillin and trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole. Aerobic bacterial isolates from dogs had the lowest percentage of susceptibility to ampicillin, clindamycin, erythromycin and penicillin. Antimicrobial resistance was uncommon among feline aerobic bacterial isolates. The most commonly identified routes of orbital bacteria introduction were extension from adjacent anatomical structures, penetrating exogenous trauma, and foreign bodies. Conclusions Mixed aerobic and anaerobic bacterial infections of the orbit occur commonly in dogs and cats. On the basis of aerobic and anaerobic bacterial isolates and in vitro susceptibility testing of aerobic bacterial isolates, cephalosporins, extended‐spectrum penicillins, potentiated‐penicillins and carbapenems are recommended for initial antimicrobial therapy of orbital abscess in dogs and cats.     

Ocular manifestations of natural canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (Ehrlichia canis): a retrospective study of 90 cases

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the spectrum, prevalence and treatment response rate of ocular manifestations associated with natural canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME) due to Ehrlichia canis. METHODS: The medical records of 90 dogs that were admitted for primary ocular problems and reacted positive for E. canis serum antibodies were reviewed. All the dogs were treated with oral doxycycline. In 79 dogs, a combination of systemic corticosteroids and/or topical anti-inflammatory, mydriatics/cycloplegics and antibacterial agents were applied. RESULTS: The dogs ranged from 0.5 to 15 years in age; 55 were male and 35 female. A total of 19 breeds were represented. In the majority of dogs, ocular abnormalities were noticed in conjunction with other CME-induced clinical signs. In 30/90 dogs, ophthalmic signs were the sole presenting complaint. Unilateral (22/90, 24.5%) and bilateral (68/90, 75.5%) uveitis was the most common ophthalmic diagnosis and was classified as anterior, posterior or panuveitis in 58 (64.5%), 8 (8.9%) and 24 (26.6%) of the dogs, respectively. Bilateral uveitis was significantly more common than unilateral uveitis (P < 0.0001), and anterior significantly more common than posterior uveitis (P < 0.0001) or panuveitis (P < 0.0001). In addition, corneal ulceration (12/90, 13.3%), necrotic scleritis (10/90, 11.1%), low tear production (8/90, 8.9%) and orbital cellulitis (3/90, 3.3%) were seen. Of the 45 (50%) dogs with a satisfactory follow-up, 25 (55.5%), 11 (24.5%), and 9 (20%) showed complete, partial and poor response to treatment, respectively. The number of dogs exhibiting complete resolution of the ocular manifestations was significantly higher than those with partial (P < 0.0001) or poor (P < 0.0001) response. CONCLUSIONS: CME should be considered a major differential for a wide range of ocular manifestations exhibited by dogs residing in the endemic areas of the disease. Anterior bilateral uveitis appears to be the most prevalent ocular lesion and a favorable outcome to systemic and topical treatment may be expected in the majority of the affected dogs.     

Orbital neurofibrosarcoma in a dog

A young dog was presented with rapidly progressive, unilateral, exophthalmos. Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration of the retrobulbar mass resulted in a diagnosis of fibrosarcoma. Magnetic resonance imagery revealed tumor invasion into the brain, and palliative therapy was elected. The dog was euthanized 4 weeks following diagnosis due to progressive neurological signs. The final diagnosis was neurofibrosarcoma involving the pons, brainstem, left orbit and left trigeminal nerve.     

Bone marrow mastocytosis in dogs with myelosuppressive monocytic ehrlichiosis (Ehrlichia canis): a retrospective study

BACKGROUND: Bone marrow mastocytosis has been reported rarely in naturally occurring canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME). OBJECTIVES: The aims of the present study were to estimate the prevalence and magnitude of bone marrow mastocytosis in a case series of dogs with natural CME and to assess the association, if any, between mastocytosis and the clinical severity of the disease. METHODS: Seventy-six dogs with confirmed CME (Ehrlichia canis) were included in the study. Affected dogs were allocated into group A (n = 51) without bone marrow hypoplasia and group B (n = 25) with bone marrow hypoplasia. Twenty clinically healthy Beagles not previously exposed to E canis served as controls (group C). The main inclusion criteria for group A were documentation of normocellular to hypercellular bone marrow and complete clinical cure following a 4-week treatment with doxycycline, while those for group B were bone marrow hypoplasia and lack of response to doxycycline. Bone marrow aspirate smears from all 96 dogs were Giemsa-stained and examined for the presence of mast cells, which were calculated as a percentage of 1,000 nucleated cells (NCs). The prevalence of mastocytosis was compared among the 3 groups by the Pearson's chi-square test. RESULTS: Bone marrow mastocytosis (>0.1% of NCs) was found in 5 (20%) dogs in group B (range, 0.5-2.5% of NCs; median, 1% of NCs). One dog in each of groups A and C had 0.1% mast cells in the marrow. The prevalence of bone marrow mastocytosis in dogs in group B was significantly higher (P = .004) than in groups A and C. CONCLUSION: Bone marrow mastocytosis can be seen in a substantial number of dogs with E canis-induced myelosuppression.     

Generalized Microsporum canis dermatophytosis in six Yorkshire terrier dogs

Six Yorkshire terrier dogs with generalized, chronic dermatophytosis caused by Microsporum canis were seen over a 3-year period. Specific tests showed that they also had concurrent leishmaniosis (four cases), leishmaniosis and ehrlichiosis (one case) or diabetes mellitus (one case). Although specific therapy for these infectious diseases was instituted and the dogs were treated systemically and topically with appropriate antifungal drugs, only partial clinical resolution of the dermatophytosis was achieved. M. canis infection resolved in the dog with diabetes mellitus after stabilizing the diabetes mellitus. Although immunological studies were not performed in these cases, it is theorized that the immune disregulation caused by leishmaniosis, ehrlichiosis or diabetes mellitus may have favoured generalization of the infection and prevented favourable responses to appropriate treatment of the M. canis infection.     

Toxocara spp. infections in paratenic hosts

The zoonotic roundworms Toxocara canis and T. cati are not only present worldwide in their definitive hosts; they also frequently occur in other animal species, including humans. In those so-called paratenic hosts, the larvae do not develop into the adult stage, but rather migrate throughout the somatic tissue and persist as infectious L3 stage for extensive periods. Those arrested larvae may lead to severe inflammatory reactions and consequently to a wide range of pathological and clinical manifestations. However, the infected paratenic hosts also constitute a potential source of infection for the definitive hosts or humans who may also function as paratenic hosts. In the present review, current knowledge of larval migration in a variety of possible paratenic hosts is summarized including variations of migration routes and susceptibilities. Furthermore, information about the clinical and pathological changes for the presented species and possible consequences of the somatic migration of larvae, i.e. the resulting tissue damage as well as adverse host reactions to arrested larvae are reviewed. There are still many questions unanswered regarding larval behaviour in hosts other than their definitive host. Therefore, it is of great importance to continue further elaboration on the biology of Toxocara spp. to prevent further spreading of larvae in both the paratenic and the definitive host.     

"Carry-on" dermal baggage: a nodule from a dog. Pyogranulomatous inflammation with intralesional fungal agents

A 2-year-old intact female Australian Cattle Dog presented with a 1-cm diameter nonexudative dermal nodule on the medial aspect of the right thigh. Fine-needle aspiration revealed pyogranulomatous inflammation and many ovoid, 2-4 microm diameter, thin-capsulated, basophilic bodies that appeared to be fungal spores or yeast. Results of CBC, serum chemistry panel, lymph node palpation, and radiographs were unremarkable. Excisional biopsy and histopathology revealed pyogranulomatous folliculitis, furunculosis, and perifolliculitis. Rare fungal hyphae and spore forms were intimately associated with, and occasionally within, hair shafts. A morphologic diagnosis of dermatophytosis was made and Microsporum canis infection was confirmed by fungal culture. M canis is a common infectious agent found within the follicles and superficial keratin layers of canine skin. The kerion-type clinical presentation observed in the dog of this case is uncommonly observed with M canis. Additionally, the cytologic finding of multiple arthroconidia without hyphae is unusual. In the absence of hyphae, M canis arthroconidia may be confused with other fungal yeast bodies; therefore close scrutiny of a cytologic sample for arthroconidia associated with keratin, hair fragments, or hyphal structures is recommended.     

Treatment and ophthalmic sequelae in a horse with facial cellulitis and orbital abscess

A 22‐year‐old Quarter Horse gelding with a history of dental (107) extraction 2 weeks previously was presented with facial cellulitis and an orbital abscess. The abscess was drained surgically dorsally and ventrally to the zygomatic arch and the horse was treated with parenteral antimicrobial and anti‐inflammatory drugs. The affected eye was protected with a temporary tarsorrhaphy and treated via a subpalpebral catheter. Six months after presentation, the horse was in excellent general condition and returned to previous level of exercise but showed blindness on the affected side. Pallor of the optic disc and severe attenuation of the retinal vessels, suggestive of optic disc atrophy, were present.     

Brucella canis endophthalmitis in 3 dogs: clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment

Objective  To describe historical, clinical and diagnostic features of dogs with Brucella canis endophthalmitis and the response to medical therapy.
Animals studied  Three dogs with naturally acquired B. canis endophthalmitis.
Procedure  Dogs were treated symptomatically with topical ophthalmic anti-inflammatories and a novel antimicrobial protocol that included doxycycline, enrofloxacin, rifampin and streptomycin.
Results  All dogs presented with chronic or recurrent uveitis in the absence of overt systemic disease. Clinical ophthalmologic abnormalities were unilateral in each dog and included mild-to-moderate anterior uveitis, iris hyperpigmentation, marked vitreal infiltrates, and multifocal chorioretinitis. Dogs were diagnosed with canine brucellosis serologically and by blood culture ( n  = 2 dogs) or polymerase chain reaction of aqueous humor and blood ( n  = 1 dog). Active ocular inflammation resolved in all dogs during treatment, with preservation of vision in 2 dogs. Following treatment, B. canis could not be cultured from blood samples and serological values declined with seronegativity achieved in all dogs after a median of 96 weeks (range: 36–112 weeks) of therapy.
Conclusions  Brucella canis infection should be included in the differential diagnosis for dogs with intraocular inflammation, regardless of previous history or neuter status. This is the first report of apparently successful medical therapy of canine brucellosis with ocular involvement.     

Hyperalbuminemia associated with hepatocellular carcinoma in a dog

Abstract: A 12‐year‐old, neutered male, mixed‐breed dog was presented to The Ohio State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital with a history of weight loss and weakness. Laboratory abnormalities reported by the referring veterinarian during the past year included increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, hyperalbuminemia, and nonregenerative anemia. On referral, the dog appeared hydrated and had moderate muscle wasting and hepatomegaly. A large lobular hepatic mass was observed ultrasonographically. Laboratory results included mild to moderate nonregenerative anemia, urine‐specific gravity of 1.035, 3+ proteinuria, increased serum activities of alanine aminotransferase (229 U/L, reference interval 10–55 U/L), ALP (813 U/L, reference interval 15–120 U/L), and the steroid‐induced isoform of ALP (676 U/L, reference interval 0–6 U/L), marked hyperalbuminemia (5.3 g/dL, reference interval 2.9–4.2 g/dL), and an increased A/G ratio (1.7). Hyperalbuminemia was confirmed by reanalysis on 2 different analyzers and by agarose gel electrophoresis, and colloid osmotic pressure (COP) was markedly increased (42.5 mmHg, reference interval 20–25 mmHg). Cytologic examination of a fine‐needle aspirate of the hepatic mass indicated hepatocellular proliferation; histologic examination of an excisional biopsy confirmed hepatocellular carcinoma. Three weeks after surgery, the albumin concentration, A/G ratio, COP, and ALT activity had normalized, but ALP activities remained high. We hypothesized that hyperalbuminemia developed secondary to hepatocellular carcinoma due to increased synthesis of albumin by malignant hepatocytes or due to decreased negative feedback from impaired hepatocellular osmoreceptivity. Hepatocellular carcinoma has been associated with paraneoplastic secretion of other proteins, but hyperalbuminemia has been reported only once in a human patient and has not previously in dogs.