Penile inflammation in ganders

Since 1987 penis-inflammation and -prolapse were observed in north-german breeder-geese. Up to 28% of the ganders showed local symptoms. In the females no clinical signs of cloaca-inflammation were seen. The general condition of the birds was good and there was no increased mortality. Egg production and fertility were not influenced. Bacteriological examinations of the altered penis-tissues revealed in different frequency microorganisms belonging to the genera Mycoplasma, Candida, Bacteroides, Clostridium, Streptococcus, Micrococcus, Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium, Escherichia, Proteus and Pseudomonas. Within 70 days only one third of the diseased ganders recovered completely, the others still showed penis-necrosis or -deformation. It is recommended to examine all ganders prior to each sexual season and to eliminate affected birds.     

Seasonal and photoperiodic regulation of secretion of hormones associated with reproduction in Magang goose ganders

This study examined the reproductive endocrine profile under natural and artificial photoperiods in Magang goose ganders. Group 1 ganders (n=8) served as non-treated controls and were exposed to natural photoperiod throughout the experiment from 13th January to 17th December 2004. Group 2 ganders (n=8) were exposed to 18 h long daily photoperiod for 60 days from 13 January till 15 March 2004 and again to 16 h photoperiod for 75 days till 10th October 2004, and the 11h short photoperiod in the remainder periods of the experiment. In control ganders, plasma LH concentrations were high in normal breeding seasons (August-March) and decreased to low levels in non-breeding season from April to July. Testosterone concentrations changed similarly to that of LH throughout the seasons. Seasonal pattern of PRL concentrations was opposite to those of LH and testosterone, with low values in breeding season and high values in non-breeding season. In artificial photoperiod treated ganders, increasing photoperiod increased PRL and decreased LH and testosterone concentrations, while decreasing photoperiod reversed these changes. There were no seasonal or photoperiod caused changes in plasma T3 concentrations in both control ganders and artificial photoperiod treated ganders. These results demonstrated that in Magang goose ganders that long photoperiod stimulates PRL secretion and decreases LH secretion, which terminates reproductive season in spring and early summer, and short photoperiod stimulates LH secretion and inhibits PRL secretion rendering ganders enter into reproductive season.     

光照对马岗鹅季节性繁殖活动和内分泌的调控

研究了光照对马岗鹅季节性繁殖活动和内分泌的调控。在整个试验期（2004.01.13-12.18）对照组接受自然光照,处理组接受人工控制的长短光照处理。在非繁殖期（4-7月份）,对照组公母鹅血浆PRL浓度升高,LH浓度和公鹅睾酮水平降低,鹅换羽;在繁殖期（8-3月份）,公母鹅血浆PRL水平下降,LH浓度和公鹅睾酮水平则上升。在处理组,延长光照均使公母鹅PRL浓度升高,LH浓度和公鹅睾酮水平降低,鹅群进入休产期并换羽;缩短光照则降低PRL水平,促进LH分泌和公鹅睾酮水平上升,鹅群进入繁殖期。整个试验阶段,两组中公鹅甲状腺素T3水平均无明显季节性变化,处理组和对照组母鹅平均产蛋48.8和26.3枚,前者比后者高85.6%。试验结果表明,长光照抑制,短光照促进马岗鹅繁殖活动,光照通过调节PRL和LH的分泌调控马岗鹅繁殖活动的季节性变化。     

The influence of caecectomy on amino acid availability of three feedstuffs for ganders

1. Experiments were conducted to assess the influence of caecectomy on amino acid availability (AAA) of three feedstuffs for goose. 2. Nine caecectomised and 9 intact Yangzhou ganders, 24 weeks old, were used in these experiments. Fish meal, soybean meal and cottonseed meal were used as the sole source of protein. The endogenous amino acid (AA) losses were evaluated by a nitrogen (N)-free diet method. The influence of caecectomy on apparent amino acid availability (AAAA) in fish meal, soybean meal and cottonseed meal was assessed in experiment 1 and true amino acid availability (TAAA) of three protein diets was determined in experiment 2. 3. Results showed that, in the soybean meal and cottonseed meal, the AAAA and TAAA of most AA determined by the intact ganders were higher than in the caecectomised ganders; in the fish meal, the AAAA and TAAA of most AA determined by the intact ganders were lower than in the caecectomised ganders. 4. Results of the present study suggest that the effect of caecectomy on AAA in geese was dependent on the feedstuff assayed, and it was better to use caecectomised poultry for AAA assessment.     

Effects of dietary meals containing different levels of phytoestrogens on reproductive function in Bilgoraj ganders

The aim of this study was to investigate how long-term feeding of ganders with diets containing different levels of phytoestrogens affects the morphometry of testes, plasma steroid levels, sperm parameters and reproductive performance. Male Bilgoraj geese were fed diets containing grass meal (with low phytoestrogen levels) and those containing alfalfa meal and soybean meal (with higher levels of phytoestrogens). Testes were obtained from ganders at the peak of mating and the ongoing laying period as well as at the beginning of photorefractoriness. The morphometric parameters were measured in frozen testicular sections. Blood was collected monthly from December to June, and plasma testosterone, androstenedione and corticosterone concentrations were determined. During the mating season, semen was collected and its quantity and quality were investigated. In the flocks (ganders with geese) reproductive output was noted. Seasonal changes were observed in the morphology of testes and in plasma testosterone, androstenedione and corticosterone concentrations in ganders. The feeding of ganders with dietary meals containing higher levels of phytoestrogens did not affect the plasma steroid contents or the majority of the morphometric parameters of testes, except for the height of the seminiferous epithelium, which was lowered. Moreover, diets with higher levels of phytoestrogens decreased the volume of ejaculates and the percentage of normal spermatozoa. However, these changes were not reflected in the fertilisation rates.     

鹅对11种非常规饲料代谢能和纤维利用率的研究

本研究旨在探索鹅对不同非常规饲料的利用率。试验以30只成年太湖鹅公鹅为研究对象,随机分为5组,每组6个重复,每个重复1只鹅,其中1组为内源排泄物对照组。空腹24h后,每组强饲1种饲料,各组内每只鹅强饲量相同,内源排泄物对照组不强饲。采用平板收粪法收集24h排泄物。2次试验间恢复期12d。测定生产中常见的11种非常规饲料代谢能(ME)和中性洗涤纤维(NDF)、酸性洗涤纤维(ADF)、半纤维素(HC)利用率。结果表明:鹅对啤酒糟、白酒糟、瘪稻、黑麦草粉、稻壳、玉米秸、稻草、麦秸、麦糠、平菇菌糠、花生藤的真代谢能(TME)分别为9.29、8.67、8.97、5.89、3.85、3.10、3.32、3.02、5.29、2.48、3.15M J/kg。用TME法测得的11种非常规饲料的NDF利用率为6.14%~45.01%,ADF利用率为4.52%~32.57%,HC利用率为18.45%~61.59%。TME最佳一元预测方程为TM E=12.205-0.232CF(R2=0.817)。研究结果显示鹅对非常规饲料有较高的利用率,能量利用率和粗纤维(CF)的含量呈极显著的负相关。试验所测ME值可为非常规饲料合理利用,准确计算与调整鹅饲料配方提供参考依据。     

A survey of avian Mycoplasma species for neuraminidase enzymatic activity

Among 23 currently recognized avian Mycoplasma (AM) species only Mycoplasma gallisepticum, Mycoplasma synoviae, Mycoplasma meleagridis and Mycoplasma iowae cause disease and loss of production in chickens and/or turkeys. Because neuraminidases are considered virulence factors in many pathogenic microorganisms the aim of our study was to determine which AM species possess neuraminidase enzymatic activity (NEAC). Small samples of AM cells were assayed for NEAC using the chromogenic substrate 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl-alpha-d-N-acetylneuraminic acid. In the case of positive NEAC reaction the substrate gave the insoluble indigoblue product what enabled simple test and easy estimation of NEAC. M. gallisepticum and M. synoviae which share sequences of the gene encoding neuraminidase (sialidase NanH) exhibited considerable levels of NEAC. However, NEAC levels differed among their strains, as well as among cultures of different strains. Only certain cultures of the type strain of M. meleagridis showed NEAC, whereas among six serovars of M. iowae only serovar I (type strain 695) showed NEAC. Weak NEAC was detectable in M. anseris, M. cloacale and M. pullorum, whereas the type strain of M. corogypsi (BV1) showed strong NEAC. Our study provides novel informations about NEAC in AM species and suggests that higher invasiveness and possibly, the pathological processes might be associated with their NEAC.     

Anatomic location of Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. capri and Mycoplasma agalactiae in naturally infected goat male auricular carriers

This study sought to determine whether male goat auricular carriers of mycoplasmas known to cause contagious agalactia could harbour these microorganisms at anatomical sites other than the ears. A microbiological study was conducted in 6 naturally infected bucks that had been diagnosed as chronic auricular asymptomatic carriers of Mycoplasma (M.) mycoides subsp. capri (Mmc) more than one year previously. To detect mycoplasmas, cultures and PCR were performed on 46 samples taken from each goat from the cardio-respiratory, digestive, nervous, lymph and genitourinary systems and several joints. Of a total of 274 samples analyzed, 28 were positive for mycoplasmas (10.1%): Mmc was detected in 17 (6.1%), Mycoplasma (M.) agalactiae in 12 (4.3%) and both microorganisms were identified in one of the samples. In all 6 goats, mixed infection was observed despite none being auricular carriers of M. agalactiae. Mycoplasma spp. were identified at 15 different sites; the most frequent sites being the joints (31.2%, 5 positive samples), lymph nodes (25%, 4 positive samples) and respiratory tract (25%, 4 positive samples). Positive results were also obtained in three brain tissue (18.7%), two cardiac tissue (12.5%) and one ileum, urethra, testicle and bulbourethral gland (6.25%) samples. The histopathological findings may suggest the presence of mild chronic conditions in some of the organs where the bacteria were found. Our findings reveal for the first time the capacity of Mmc and M. agalactiae to colonize several other organ systems in chronically naturally infected auricular carriers, possibly representing an added risk factor for the spread of these microorganisms. In the case of M. agalactiae, colonization seemed to be independent of the animal's auricular carrier state.     

Demonstration of neuraminidase activity in Mycoplasma neurolyticum and of neuraminidase proteins in three canine Mycoplasma species

Neuraminidases are virulence factors in many pathogenic microorganisms. They are present also in some Mycoplasma species that cause disease in birds, dogs and alligators. Thirty-seven Mycoplasma species have been examined previously for neuraminidase (sialidase) activity, whereas many of the species causing disease in man, ruminants, pigs, rodents and other animals have not. In this study neuraminidase enzymatic activity (NEAC) was examined in 45 previously untested Mycoplasma species, including those causing diseases in man, farm animals and laboratory animals. The only species in which NEAC was found was Mycoplasma neurolyticum, specifically, its type strain (Type A(T)) which is capable of inducing neurologic signs in inoculated young mice and rats. The NEAC of washed cells was relatively weak, but it differed even more than 10-fold among cells of cultures derived from individual colonies of M. neurolyticum. A weak NEAC was also detected in the supernatant of the M. neurolyticum broth culture. Canine Mycoplasma spp. with high sialidase activity reported previously, Mycoplasma canis, Mycoplasma cynos and Mycoplasma molare had 100-fold more NEAC than M. neurolyticum, but apparent differences in NEAC levels existed among strains of M. canis and of M. cynos. Zymograms using neuraminidase-specific chromogenic substrate were used to show proteins having NEAC. In M. canis (a field isolate Larissa and the type strain PG14(T)), M. cynos (isolate 896) and M. molare (type strain H542(T)) proteins with NEAC had molecular masses of ～130kDa, 105kDa and 110kDa, respectively. Identification of these neuraminidases could provide the basis for their molecular characterization.     

鸡败血支原体pMGA多基因家族及其免疫逸机制的研究进展

pMGA多基因家族主要编码一类黏附素／血凝素蛋白，存在于鸡败血支原体的细胞表面，其主要功能是促进支原体黏附到宿主细胞上。近年来的相关研究发现，编码pMGA的基因数量从32－70不等，主要转录水平上通过（GAA）n 基序的数量改变引发pMGA基因的选择性转录，造成pMGA的抗原发生变异，从而干扰宿主正常免疫功能的发挥，使支原体对宿主产生严重的免疫逃逸。其中，（GAA）n基序已被证实在pMGA基因表达调控中起重要作用，这一三联体重复基序数目的多少直接影响到pMGA基因的ON／OFF不，本文通过对鸡败血支原体pMGA多基因家分子生物学研究进展浅要综述，以提出pMGA基因可能的转录调控机制，这对研究鸡败血支原体的分子致病机理及其免疫机制大有裨益。     

Specificity of oligonucleotide probes complementary to evolutionarily variable regions of 16S rRNA from Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae and Mycoplasma hyorhinis.

Mycoplasma is the common name for the smallest free-living microorganisms, the Mollicutes. Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae is of great importance in veterinary medicine, causing enzootic pneumonia in pigs. M hyorhinis can cause polyserositis and may cause pneumonia in piglets. Oligonucleotides complementary to variable regions of 16S rRNA from these mycoplasmas were designed and used as probes for detection and identification of these mycoplasmas. The probe complementary to 16S rRNA of M hyorhinis gave a very weak cross-hybridisation with M hyosynoviae in filter hybridisation experiments, but not with any of the other porcine mycoplasmas tested. Three oligonucleotide probes complementary to M hyopneumoniae 16S rRNA were tested. One of the probes (Mhp6/30) was found to be specific to M hyopneumoniae, but the other two gave cross-hybridisation with M flocculare. Using the Mhp6/30 probe in direct filter hybridisation experiments, it proved possible to detect M hyopneumoniae in lung biopsies from experimentally infected pigs.     

Bacterial and mycoplasma flora of a laboratory colony of the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus).

A survey was carried out to characterise the bacterial and mycoplasma flora of a closed colony of marmosets, Callithrix jacchus. Bordetella bronchiseptica and Staphylococcus aureus were the only potential bacterial pathogens isolated from the colony; Candida albicans was also identified. S aureus and C albicans were the only organisms which were associated with macroscopic lesions or overt disease. Post mortem examination of the animals proved only reliable method of establishing the presence of some bacterial species in the colony, eg, B bronchiseptica and of obtaining a reliable estimate of the incidence of the various organisms within the colony. The marmosets were all infected with ureaplasmas in the upper respiratory tract. Mycoplasma salivarium was isolated from this site in several animals. There was no evidence to indicate that cross-infection had occurred between the animal technicians and the marmosets, except in one possible case of candidiasis.     

DMF effects on frozen gander semen

1. The objective of the present study was to determine if the age of semen donors affects the susceptibility of spermatozoa to freezing and whether DMF (dimethyl formamide) inseminated with freeze-thawed gander semen decreases fertility. 2. Semen was collected 3 times a week by dorsal-abdominal massage from two groups of White Italian ganders: 3 and 2 years-old. Both samples were diluted, mixed with DMF to a final concentration of 6% (v/v), pre-frozen and transferred into LN2. 3. Twice a week, the freeze-thawed semen was used for insemination of two groups of geese at a dose of 4 to 16 million live morphologically normal spermatozoa. One group was inseminated immediately after thawing, the 2nd with semen from which the DMF was removed. 4. Donor age had no effect on the spermatozoa's aptitude for freezing. The differences in quality and quantity of fresh and freeze-thawed semen produced by 3 or 2 year-old ganders were not significant. 5. The presence of DMF in the inseminated freeze-thawed semen did not affect the reproductive efficiency of spermatozoa. The fertility rate obtained with semen inseminated either with or without the cryoprotectant averaged 92.9% and 87.2% respectively. The hatchability of set eggs was 81.1% and 79.9% and, the hatchability of fertile eggs amounted to 87.3% and 89.4%.     

Microbial pathogens from goat mastitis and phage-typing of Staphylococcus aureus isolates

Examination of milk from goats yielded 41 strains from 40 clinically affected halves; 15 were Staphylococcus aureus, 6 Staph. epidermis, 1 Streptococcus agalactiae, 2 Strept. dysgalactiae, 5 Strept. uberis, 2 Corynebacterium pyogenes, 3 Escherichia coli, 3 Pasteurella spp. and 4 Mycoplasma spp. One half had dual infection of Staph. aureus and Strept. dysgalactiae. Twenty two of the 297 milk samples from apparently normal halves also harboured pathogens comprising of 9 Staph. aureus, 1 Strept. agalactiae, 2 E. coli, 2 Pasteurella spp., 2 Candida albicans and 6 Mycoplasma spp. Most of the bacterial isolates were sensitive to many broad spectrum antibiotics. Twenty of the 24 Staph. aureus isolates were phase typable by a set of 23 human Staphylococcal International Phages suggesting the utility of these phages for the typing of goat strains. The isolates were grouped into 15 phage-types, many of which have been reported from human infections in Iraq. This indicates the possibility of association of human strains of Staph. aureus in caprine mastitis. No definite correlation could be noted between antibiogram and phage types of Staph. aureus strains.     

Prevalence of DNA of Mycoplasma haemofelis, 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum,' Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and species of Bartonella, Neorickettsia, and Ehrlichia in cats used as blood donors in the United States

OBJECTIVE: To identify the prevalence of DNA of Mycoplasma haemofelis; 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum'; Anaplasma phagocytophilum; and species of Bartonella, Neorickettsia, and Ehrlichia in blood of cats used as blood donors in the United States. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 146 cats that were active blood donors. PROCEDURES: Environmental history was requested for each blood-donor cat from which a blood sample (mixed with EDTA) was available. Polymerase chain reaction assays capable of amplifying the DNA of the microorganisms of interest following DNA extraction from blood were performed. RESULTS: Overall, DNA of one or more of the infectious agents was detected in blood samples from 16 of 146 (11%) feline blood donors. Twenty-eight laboratory-reared cats housed in a teaching hospital had negative results for DNA of all organisms investigated. The DNA of at least 1 infectious agent was amplified from blood samples collected from 16 of 118 (13.6%) community-source cats; assay results were positive for 'Candidatus M haemominutum,' M haemofelis, or Bartonella henselae alone or in various combinations. Of the community-source cats allowed outdoors (n = 61) or with known flea exposure (44), DNA for a hemoplasma or B henselae was detected in 21.3% and 22.7%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: When community-source cats, cats allowed outdoors, or cats exposed to fleas are to be used as blood donors, they should be regularly assessed for infection with M haemofelis, 'Candidatus M haemominutum,' and Bartonella spp, and flea-control treatment should be regularly provided.     

Preliminary clinical pharmacological investigations of tylosin and tiamulin in chickens

Summary The minimal inhibitory concentrations (M1C) of tiamulin and tylosin for mycoplasma. Gram-positive, and Gram-negative micro-organisms isolated from chickens were determinated by the agar dilution method. Median M1C values for tiamulin against Mycoplasma gallisepticum (0.05 μg/ml) and Mycoplasma synoviae (0.10 μg/ml) were 2 to 4 times lower than the corresponding values for tylosin. Tiamulin was also slightly more effective in vitro in inhibiting Escherichia coli, Pasteurella multocida, and beta-haemolytic streptococci than was tylosin. Groups of chicken were offered tiamulin medicated drinking water at rates of 125 and 250 mg/litre for 48 hours. Average serum tiamulin concentrations were 0.38 and 0.78 μg/ml, respectively. When tylosin tartrate was added to the drinking water at 500 and 700 mg/litre, average serum drug levels were 0.12 and 0.17 μg/ml, respectively. Tiamulin was 45% bound in chicken serum, as against 30% serum protein binding or tylosin. Correlations were made between free (non protein bound) serum drug levels and the MIC values of the two drugs. Such comparisons suggest that when tiamulin is given in the drinking water at rates of 125 to 250 mg/litre, better antimycoplasmal activity is to be expected in vivo than by giving tylosin tartrate in the drinking water at 500 to 700 mg/litre. Based on these data, no clinical efficacy of these dose rates can be expected in flocks infected by gram-negative microorganisms such as E. coli or P. multocida. The tylosin tartrate rate of 500 to 700 mg/litre, may be clinical ineffective the treatment of Staphylococcus aureus infections.     

互助藏羊肺炎病原绵羊肺炎支原体的PCR检测与分析

青海省互助某羊场藏系绵羊发生肺炎疾病,为了快速准确诊断藏羊肺炎发病的致病病原微生物,及时防控和治疗,采集病死绵羊肺样品,利用PCR分子生物学方法进行鉴定与生物信息学分析。经过分子鉴定,此羊场引发肺病的病原是绵羊肺炎支原体(Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae, MO);测序结果显示样品中鉴定的为同一株病原,鉴定的菌株的16S rRNA基因与参考序列EU265779的同源性达到99.86%。同时遗传进化树显示,鉴定的菌株与GenBank中的绵羊肺炎支原体聚成一大支,其关系最近,在进化角度证实此次鉴定的确实为绵羊肺炎支原体。结果表明,此羊场引发肺炎疾病的病原是绵羊肺炎支原体,提示要对羊群进行相关的病原学研究和流行病学调查,为针对性地对细菌性病原进行对症治疗提供参考。     

A Survey of the Conjunctival Flora of Clinically Normal Cats and Cats with Conjunctivitis

Conjunctival swabs obtained from 39 cats with conjunctivitis and from 50 cats with clinically normal conjunctivae were cultured for bacteria, mycoplasmas, viruses and chlamydiae. Non hemolytic streptococci and Staphylococcus epidermidis were isolated from both groups, but B hemolytic streptococci, rhinotracheitis (feline herpes I) virus, Mycoplasma felis and Chlamydia psittaci were recovered only from cases of conjunctivitis. The isolation rate of microorganisms was low; only two of 50 normal and 14 of 39 diseased cats yielded positive cultures.     

Application of a nested polymerase chain reaction assay to detect Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae from nasal swabs.

The porcine respiratory disease complex (PRDC) is an increasingly important cause of decreased swine productivity and is characterized by slow growth, decreased feed efficiency, anorexia, cough, and dyspnea. Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae is among the most prevalent and important infectious agents associated with PRDC. Understanding of mycoplasmal pneumonia has been hindered by inadequate diagnostic methods. Many of the currently available tests are relatively insensitive or nonspecific when used in a diagnostic laboratory setting or are too costly or difficult for routine diagnostic use. Several polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays have been described, but they are not sensitive enough to detect the microorganisms in live pigs, from either nasal or tracheal swabs. A nested PCR using 2 species-specific sets of primers from the 16S ribosomal DNA gave positive results with as little as 80 microorganisms and did not cross-react with other mycoplasma species or with other microorganisms commonly found in the respiratory tract of pigs. This assay was better suited for detection of M. hyopneumoniae from nasal swabs than was conventional PCR. Nasal swab samples were taken at different time periods following experimental challenge of 10 susceptible pigs. Only 2 of the 55 swabs examined gave a positive result with conventional PCR, whereas 30 of the 55 swabs gave a positive result using the nested PCR. Twenty of 40 (50%) nasal swabs from pigs experiencing a respiratory disease outbreak where M. hyopneumoniae had been diagnosed also gave a positive result with the nested PCR. To confirm that the amplified product was specific, 4 nested PCR products were purified, sequences were determined and aligned, and they were confirmed to be from M. hyopneumoniae.     

Isolation of Mycoplasma meleagridis from free-ranging birds of prey in Germany

In this study tracheal swabs and air sac biopsies of 68 raptors of different species that were found injured or debilitated in Germany were investigated for the occurrence of mycoplasmas. Mycoplasma meleagridis, Mycoplasma falconis, Mycoplasma buteonis, Mycoplasma gypis and five mycoplasma isolates not identified so far could be isolated from 32 (47%) birds. Mycoplasma meleagridis could be detected in five birds. These birds did not show clinical signs or histopathological alterations in air sac biopsies related to the infection.