A neoplasm of globule leukocytes in a cat

A neoplasm involving the ileo-cecal-colic junction, thymus, and tracheobronchial lymph nodes of a 7-year-old domestic cat was composed of dense sheets of round to oval mononuclear cells with oval to indented nuclei, moderate amounts of cytoplasm, and variable numbers of round eosinophilic granules. These granules are brown to black in phosphotungstic acid hematoxylin-stained sections and stain variably with the periodic acid-Schiff stain. They are 0.8 to 1.5 micron in diameter, limited by a single unit membrane, and have variable electron density. Light microscopic cellular morphology and staining characteristics as well as ultrastructural features of these cells are consistent with feline globule leukocytes. Morphologic features of the neoplastic cells in the present case are similar to those of the only other reported neoplasm of globule leukocytes which also involved the intestine of a cat.     

Non-exfoliative canine cytology: the value of fine needle aspiration and scraping cytology

The results of the cytological and histological examination of 348 canine lesions, localised in various organs, were compared with respect to the tumourous or non-tumour nature of the lesions and the malignancy or benignancy of tumours. The retrieval rate was 92.5%. Regarding the distinction between tumourous and non-tumourous lesions, the cytological examination showed a diagnostic accuracy of 83.9%, a sensitivity of 95.6%, a specificity of 65.4% and a predictive value for the presence of tumour of 93.5%. The diagnostic accuracy of cytology concerning the differentiation in malignancy and benignancy of the neoplasms was 83.7%, with a sensitivity of 86.8%, a specificity of 79.4% and a predictive value for the presence of malignant tumour of 85.6%. These results confirm the value of non-exfoliative cytology as a diagnostic method, providing rapid and valuable information with regard to diagnosis and prognosis and, consequently, for therapeutic handling. An eventual histological diagnosis remains indicated, especially in case of soft-tissue and mammary lesions.     

Bronchopulmonary lavage cytology in the dog: normal findings

Fiberoptic bronchoscopy was used to obtain cytologic specimens from all lung lobes of 9 normal Beagle dogs. Three specimen collection techniques (bronchial lavage, bronchial brushing and bronchial pinch biopsy imprints) and two staining procedures (Wright-Giemsa and Papanicolaou) were used and evaluated. Bronchial lavage was the most satisfactory technique for collection of samples from the deep lung and bronchial brushings were preferred for potential bronchial tree mural lesions. Wright-Giemsa was the stain of choice because mast cells could not be identified and eosinophilic leukocytes could be identified only with difficulty in Papanicolaou stained specimens. Total and differential cell counts were determined on all bronchial lavages from all lung lobes in order to establish baseline reference values. Total nucleated cell counts ranged from 260-120/microliters. There were no significant differences among mean total nucleated cell counts for the different lung lobes. Mean total nucleated cell counts were between 420 and 630 cells/microliters. Approximately 95% of all nucleated cells in normal lavages were undifferentiated alveolar macrophages. Most of the other cells seen were neutrophils, eosinophils, possible globule leukocytes and mast cells. Ciliated and nonciliated epithelial cells comprised less than 1% of the total nucleated cell population.     

Squash-preparation cytology from nasopharyngeal masses in the cat: cytological results and histological correlations in 30 cases

Upper airway obstruction in cats can be a life-threatening condition. Early recognition of clinical signs and an appropriate diagnostic approach increases the possibility of appropriate therapeutic choices. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy and diagnostic value of squash-preparation cytology in providing an accurate diagnosis of masses growing in the nasopharynx of cats. Cytological specimens prepared by a squash technique from nasopharyngeal masses in 30 cats were collected under direct endoscopic guidance and classified into four groups: benign inflammatory/hyperplastic mass, lymphoma, carcinoma and sarcoma. The cytopathological diagnosis was compared with the final histopathological diagnosis and indices of diagnostic test accuracy were calculated. The results showed good agreement between the cytological and histological diagnosis with a sensitivity of 0.94, a specificity of 0.81, a positive likelihood ratio of 0.9, a negative likelihood ratio of 0.9 and an overall accuracy of 0.9. Squash-preparation cytology is considered an accurate diagnostic tool for distinguishing benign from malignant nasopharyngeal masses in cats. For differentiation of lymphoma and lymphoid reactions histopathological confirmation is recommended.     

Conjunctival swab cytology from a guinea pig: it's elementary!

Three 3-month-old guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) were evaluated for purulent ocular discharge. Conjunctival swabs were obtained for cytologic evaluation of Wright's-Giemsa-stained preparations. The specimen from the most severely affected guinea pig consisted primarily of karyolytic neutrophils and small lymphocytes. Epithelial cells occasionally were observed that contained intracytoplasmic coccoid basophilic organisms, 0.5-1.5 microm in diameter. The intraepithelial inclusions were most consistent with Chlamydia sp elementary and reticulate bodies. Specimens from the other 2 guinea pigs had a similar inflammatory response, but organisms were not observed. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of a conjunctival swab from the most severely affected guinea pig was positive for C psittaci, which also is referred to as Chlamydophila caviae, immunotype 8, formerly known as the guinea pig inclusion conjunctivitis strain of C psittaci. Chlamydial conjunctivitis is a common problem in guinea pig populations, with C caviae being specific for this species. Cytologic identification of elementary or reticulate bodies within epithelial cells is diagnostic for the organism in Giemsa-stained preparations. However, PCR is an important complementary tool when organisms are not observed and for accurate classification of the Chlamydia species.     

Algal biotoxins of marine origin: new indications from the European Union

Marine biotoxins, more or less complex molecules with various origins that can accumulate in the tissues of fish products through the food chain, are reviewed. The EU, aware of the danger incurred in eating certain fish products, has issued a set of hygiene and health directives for the purpose of preventing disease and safeguarding consumer health. In particular, directive 91/492/EEC, of 15 July 1991, lays down the sanitary norms applicable to the production and commercialization of live bivalve molluscs, echinoderms, tunicates and marine gastropods and regulates the whole system involving these products from their origin to consumption. More recently, through Commission Decision dated 15 March 2002 (EC OJ 175/62 of 16.3.2002) the EU has set new standards for the implementation of directive 91/492/EEC with respect to the maximum levels and analysis methods for some marine biotoxins.     

A framework for understanding the potential for emerging diseases in aquaculture

Numerous diseases have emerged as serious economic or ecological problems in aquaculture species. The combination of factors behind the emergence of each disease is unique, but various common factors are apparent. We combine risk-analysis methods and virulence theory with historical examples (mainly from salmonid production) to identify key disease-emergence risk factors. Diseases have emerged through pathogen exchange with wild populations, evolution from non-pathogenic micro-organisms and anthropogenic transfer of stocks. Aquacultural practices frequently result in high population densities and other stresses (such as intercurrent disease) which increase the risk of infection establishment and spread. As aquaculture expands and new species are farmed, diseases will continue to emerge and affect both wild and farmed fish adversely. The rate and extent of emergence can be reduced by the application of biosecurity programmes designed to mitigate the risk factors for disease emergence.     

Echinococcosis in sub-Saharan Africa: emerging complexity

Cystic echinococcosis occurs in most regions of sub-Saharan Africa, but the frequency of this zoonosis differs considerably among and within countries. Especially human cases seem to be focally distributed. A number of environmental and behavioural factors partially explain this pattern, i.e. density of livestock, presence of dogs, uncontrolled slaughter, and hygiene. In addition, the various taxa of Echinococcus spp. are known to differ considerably in infectivity to different host species including humans. Genetic characterizations of isolates, which are necessary to evaluate the impact of this factor - so far done in only a few countries - indicate that the diversity of Echinococcus spp. in Sub-Saharan Africa is greater than on any other continent. The very incomplete data which are available show that sympatrical taxa may infect different hosts, others may be geographically restricted, some life cycles involve livestock, others wild animals. Possible implications of this complexity for public health, livestock economy and conservation are briefly discussed.