Genetic Variation of the Equine Serum Protease Inhibitor System Pi (Pr) Characterized By an Enzyme Binding Staining Technique After Starch Gel Electrophoresis

A modification of Uriel & Berges (1968) staining technique has been developed for starch gels. This method, which makes use of the Pi proteins ability to bind trypsin and chymotrypsin, allows for the recognition of the Pi zones which migrate into slower positions than originally described by Braend (1970). The Pi zones appear as white bands against a lilac background. Serum samples from 18 sire families selected according to the Pi type of the sires have been studied. Ten families were Norwegian Trotter, 8 were Warm-blood Trotter (Standardbred). In each family 12 dam-offspring pairs were examined. In trypsin-treated gels the white zones usually correspond to those previously recognized by protein-staining. In addition, the products of the Pi^G, Pi¹, Pi^L and Pi^W alleles each had 1 distinct slow band, but in different positions. The products of the Pi^N and Pi_U alleles lacked slow zones. The Pi^s and Pi^T alleles differed with respect to the positions of their slow bands. A new allele Pi^T1 was identified. This has a slow band in a different position from that of the Pi^L allele. An allele indistinguishable from Pi^Z was recognized in Norwegian Trotter in which also a new alle Je temporarily called Pi^Y could be demonstrated. In chymotrypsin-treated gels the zone patterns of some of the allele products differed from those seen after trypsin-treatment.     

The effects of eggshell calcium (Biomin H®) and its combinations with alfacalcidol (1α-hydroxyvitamin D3) and menaquinone-7 (vitamin K2) on ovariectomy-induced bone loss in a rat model of osteoporosis

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of eggshell calcium (Biomin H^® dietary supplement) and its combinations with alfacalcidol (1α-hydroxyvitamin D₃) and menaquinone-7 (vitamin K₂) on ovariectomy-induced bone loss in rats. Adult female rats (n = 48) were divided into 6 groups of 8 individuals each: sham-operated rats (SHAM); ovariectomized (OVX) rats untreated; OVX rats treated with Biomin H^® (BIO); OVX rats simultaneously receiving Biomin H^®, vitamin D₃ (BIO + D₃); OVX rats simultaneously treated with Biomin H^®, vitamin K₂ (BIO + K₂) and OVX rats treated with Biomin H^®, vitamin D₃, vitamin K₂ (BIO + D₃ + K₂) during 8 weeks. Biochemical parameters, bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC) and femoral bone microstructure were determined. Plasma calcium and phosphate were increased in BIO + D₃ and BIO + D₃ + K₂ groups as compared to OVX. Alkaline phosphatase was elevated in OVX, BIO versus SHAM, BIO + D₃ + K2 groups. When compared to OVX group, decreased urine deoxypyridinoline was observed in all treated groups and femoral BMD, BMC were higher in BIO, BIO + D₃, BIO + D₃ + K₂ groups. The BIO + K₂ rats had similar densitometrical values than OVX individuals. Microcomputed tomography revealed increased trabecular relative bone volume (due to an increase in trabecular number) in BIO + D₃, BIO + D₃ + K₂ as compared to OVX. The higher relative bone volume in BIO + D₃, BIO + D₃ + K₂ groups was also accompanied by an increase in bone surface. In the cortical bone, an enhanced periosteal bone apposition was identified in BIO, BIO + D₃, BIO + K₂, BIO + D₃ + K₂ groups. The rats from BIO + D₃ + K₂ group had a higher area of primary osteon's vascular canals. In BIO + D₃, BIO + K₂, BIO + D₃ + K₂ groups, an increased area of secondary osteons was determined in comparison with OVX. Our results indicate the beneficial effect of triple application of Biomin H^®, vitamin D₃, vitamin K₂, as well as simultaneous administration of Biomin H^®, vitamin D₃ on the inhibition of ovariectomy-induced bone loss in a rat model of osteoporosis.     

Studies of Transferrin Polymorphism in Swedish Cattle Using Agarose Gel Electrophoresis

The polymorphic transferrin picture in the sera from 894 Swedish cattle was investigated with an agarose gel electrophoresis technique. The serum transferrin bands in the electrophoresis pattern were first identified by labelling with ⁵⁹Fe. Six existing phenotypes based on the alleles Tf^A, Tf^D and Tf^E could be detected. The frequencies of transferrin types and transferrin alleles are presented, and it is concluded that there are great differences in the frequencies between the Swedish Red and White and the Swedish Friesian.     

Novel polymorphism of the canine dopamine receptor D4 gene intron II region

Various dog breeds are remarkably different from each other not only in their sizes and shapes but also in behavioral traits, suggesting that some of these characteristics are under genetic control. However, little is known about genes related to behavioral traits in canine species. In humans, it has been reported that the dopamine receptor D4 gene (DRD4) includes polymorphism at several regions that relate to personality or psychiatric disorders. In an earlier study by the authors of the present study, the polymorphisms in canine DRD4 exon III and exon I regions were reported. In the present study, a novel polymorphism in canine DRD4 intron II was found based on a 17 base pair insertion/deletion, and the two alleles detected were named P (shorter allele) and Q (longer allele). The allelic distribution in 28 breeds of dog, including a total of 1114 unrelated individuals, were then investigated. Both P and Q alleles were detected in most of the breeds investigated; however, the frequencies of P and Q differed greatly between breeds. With respect to classification based on breed origin, P and Q alleles were frequent in Occidental and Oriental breeds, respectively. Furthermore, two subspecies of wolves, the ancestors of dogs, were analyzed for the comparison of allele frequencies with dogs, and the P allele was predominant in both European and Chinese wolves.     

Haemoglobin and Albumin Polymorphisms in Indian Water Buffaloes

A total of 507 samples from the Murrah breed of Indian water buffalo were examined for haemoglobin and albumin polymorphism using starch gel electrophoresis. The majority of samples showed the same two band haemoglobin phenotype, A₁A₂, where the fastest band A₁ was about 67 % of total haemoglobin. Two rare phenotypic haemoglobin variants were observed. The one, found in four animals, had three bands and is explained by mutation in the β chain. The other, found in two animals, showed another relationship between the A₁ and A₂ bands than the common type and is assumed to be caused through heterozygosity at a modulating locus. Three albumin phenotypes were observed. Family data were in agreement with these being controlled by two codominant alleles, called Al^F and Al^s. Frequency of Al^F was 0.09 and 0.29 in two different populations. Age and sex did not have any effect on distribution of albumin phenotypes.     

Allele frequencies of TYR and MC1R in Chinese native cattle

In order to estimate the influence of TYR and MC1R on the color of the cattle hide, the MC1R and TYR in Luxi Yellow, Bohai Black, China Holstein black‐white and China Holstein red‐white cattle (20 animals of each of the four breeds) were sequenced. The comparison of TYR among the four hide color phenotypes revealed no sequence difference. The sequences of the MC1R coding region revealed three alleles (E^D, E⁺ and e), which were previously reported. Furthermore, we found an important single nucleotide polymorphism at 725 position of the MC1R coding region, which may help in cattle breed identification. A polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism was performed to investigate the gene frequencies of the four breeds. Most China Holstein black‐white cattle had E^D and E⁺ alleles (E^D = 0.12, E⁺ = 0.80) and no homozygous e/e and most Bohai Black cattle had E^D and E⁺ alleles (E^D = 0.52, E⁺ = 0.47). Therefore it is consistent with the hypothesis that E^D and E⁺ induce black pigment synthesis. On the other hand, most of the China Holstein red‐white cattle and Luxi Yellow cattle had the e allele (e/e = 0.95). Unexpectedly, the E⁺/e genotype was present in China Holstein red‐white cattle and Luxi Yellow cattle.     

Urinary corticoid to creatinine ratios using IMMULITE 2000 XPi for diagnosis of canine hypercortisolism

The urinary corticoid to creatinine ratio (UCCR) is one of the most commonly used screening tests for canine hypercortisolism (HC). In this study, a reference interval was established for UCCR using IMMULITE 2000 XPi, the latest chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassay. The diagnostic performance of this method for UCCR in canine HC was also evaluated. The median UCCR was 1.06 × 10⁻⁵ (range: 0.28–2.49) for 58 healthy dogs, and an upper reference limit of 1.98 × 10⁻⁵ (90% confidence interval: 1.76–2.15) was determined. The median UCCR in the 12 dogs with HC (7.38 × 10⁻⁵, range 1.86–29.98) was significantly higher than that in the 16 dogs with mimic-HC (1.59 × 10⁻⁵, range 0.47–3.42, P<0.001). The area under the curve for UCCR to differentiate HC dogs from mimic-HC dogs was 0.971, with a sensitivity of 91.7% and specificity of 100% when the cut-off value was set at 3.77 × 10⁻⁵. The UCCR of 16 paired urine samples collected at home and in hospital showed that the UCCR of samples collected in the hospital was significantly higher than that of samples collected at home (mean difference 3.30 × 10⁻⁵, 95% confidence interval: 0.70–5.90, P=0.001). In summary, we established the upper reference limit for UCCR using IMMULITE 2000 XPi in dogs and confirmed that UCCR is a useful diagnostic test for HC in dogs if urine samples are collected at home.     

Studies on Blood and Serum Types of the Icelandic Horses

By means of isoimmunizations and heteroimmunizations 10 equine blood typing reagents were isolated. The specific antibodies were complete agglutinins, which were used in the direct agglutination test in saline medium. The reagents were designated A₂, C, D, E, G, H, I, K, Da₁, and Da₂ reagent. Da₁ and Da₂ are preliminary designations.The data obtained from blood typing of a family material and a population material of Icelandic horses showed that the occurrence of each blood type factor is controlled by a single, dominant gene. The family data tended to show that the blood factors under investigation belonged to 8 blood type systems. The A system contained the antigens A₂ and Da₂. These antigens are related to each other through a linear subgroup relationship. The D system had the factors D and J. The G, E, G, I, K, and Da₁ systems are one-factor, two-allele blood type systems. The H factor was not observed in Icelandic horses. In connection with the establishment of the 8 blood type systems it must be emphasized that the problem of allelism or nonallelism of 2 genes can only be solved by means of relevant family data. Because of the rare occurrence of some of the blood factors in the Icelandic horse such data were in some cases not available. Thus some conclusions were based on results from two-by-two contingency tables with the use of population data. This was used particularly for the D and G systems, and additional family data are necessary for a definite establishment of these systems.Exceptions to the genetic theory, apparently caused by erroneous registration, were presented.Finally, estimates were given of gene frequencies of the causative genes among Icelandic horses.Starch gel electrophoresis of sera from Icelandic horses revealed the existence of 21 transferrin phenotypes. The data obtained supported the theory advanced, that transferrin polymorphism in horses is controlled by 6 autosomal codominant alleles: Tf^D, Tf^F, Tf^H, Tf^M, Tf^O, and Tf^H.925 randomly selected Icelandic horses were typed for serum transferrin and the gene frequencies were estimated.Starch gel electrophoresis of about 100 horse serum samples did hot reveal individual variation of the equine haptoglobin and ceruloplasmin. Studies on approximately 300 sera showed an identical serum amylase pattern.     

Coat colour genes in diversity studies

In this paper we describe the use of polymorphic genes affecting coat colour as a tool in diversity studies of domestic animals. Although phenotypic data has been the main criteria for establishing different breeds, calculation of genetic distances between breeds is normally performed using noncoding microsatellite markers. As anticipated, MC1‐R (melanocyte stimulating hormone receptor) allele frequencies vary greatly between cattle breeds expressing different coat colours. In multicoloured breeds, like Icelandic cattle, a high frequency of the E⁺ allele appears to be essential for colour variation. Whereas black breeds have a high frequency of the dominant acting allele E^D, entirely red breeds have no E^D. Animals being homozygous for the defective allele e occurred frequently in some cattle breeds, indicating that the MC1‐R does not have crucial impact on animal physiology other than coat colour. The E⁺ and e alleles were observed in the closely related river buffalo as well. None of the breeds included in this study express the roan phenotype. Consequently, they were monomorphic at the MGF locus. As for the MC1‐R locus, a correlation to colour pattern was observed for two c‐kit alleles as well, confirming that selection of specific phenotypes strongly affect the allelic variation of underlying loci. Information on genes affecting the phenotype is therefore well suited for describing different breeds of livestock and, consequently, a practical tool in breed conservation.     

RESEARCH PAPER: Comparison of two different methods for physiologic dead space measurements in ventilated dogs in a clinical setting

ObjectiveTo compare physiologic dead space (V_D) and physiologic dead space to tidal volume (V_T) ratio (V_D/V_T) obtained by an automated single breath test for carbon dioxide (CO₂) (method SBT) and a manual calculation (method MC) in ventilated healthy dogs.Study designProspective clinical study.AnimalsTwenty client‐owned dogs, ASA I and II undergoing anaesthesia for clinical purposes.MethodsFollowing pre‐medication, induction of anaesthesia, and intubation of the trachea, intermittent positive pressure ventilation was commenced. Mixed expired CO₂ partial pressure (PēCO₂) was measured by two methods: method MC by analysis, using an infrared capnograph, of the expired gas collected in a mixing box and method SBT which calculated it automatically by a device consisting of a mainstream capnograph and a pneumotachograph. At four time points arterial partial pressure of CO₂ (PaCO₂) was measured. Physiologic dead space variables (V_D and V_D/V_T) were calculated manually (method MC) or automatically (method SBT) using the Bohr–Enghoff equation.Method MC and SBT were compared using Bland–Altman plots and linear regression. Intra‐class correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to measure consistency of each method.ResultsFour measurement pairs were obtained in all 20 dogs for method SBT and MC. The bias was ?1.15 mmHg, 7.97 mL and 0.02 for PēCO₂, V_D and V_D/V_T, respectively. Linear regression analysis revealed a correlation coefficient (r²) of 0.79, 0.94, and 0.83 for PēCO₂, V_D and V_D/V_T, respectively. The ICC revealed an excellent consistency for both methods.ConclusionsThe single breath test (SBT) can be used for clinical evaluation of V_D and V_D/V_T in anaesthetized ventilated dogs.Clinical relevanceThrough measuring V_D and V_D/V_T important information about lung ventilation can be obtained and the SBT is an easy method to use for this purpose.     

Inheritance of K88-mediated adhesion of Escherichia coli to jejunal brush borders in pigs: A genetic analysis

The transmission and genetic organization of the adhesion of the serological variants of the K88 adhesin in the jejunum of the pig were investigated. The results of 28 matings of 5 boars with 15 sows are presented. On the basis of previous studies it has been accepted that the presence of specific receptor sites for K88ab and K88ac depends on a gene locus with 2 alleles S and s. The presence of additional receptor sites for K88ad is now presumed to depend on a separate locus with the alleles D and d. The expression of the alleles of the S and D loci is not always complete and is likely to be influenced by epistatic genes. Inhibition or modification of the expression of the receptor sites for K88 can result in intermediate phenotypes.     

Toxicity of halogenated oxyquinolines in dogs. A clinical study. IV. Tissue distribution and elimination in urine

LANNEK, BIRGITTA and PAUL LINDBERG: Toxicity of halogenated oxyquinolines in dogs. A clinical study. IV. Tissue distribution and elimination in urine. Acta vet. scand. 1974, 15, 419–435. — Distribution studies using ¹²⁵I-labelled vioform given orally showed higher blood activity when fat was ingested. It is assumed that this is due to increased absorption from the gastrointestinal tract. Total activity eliminated in urine during 12 hrs. was well correlated with blood activity.Distribution of activity in blood and tissues in dogs which were intoxicated and died did not show any significant traits as compared to dogs which remained healthy. The mortality was highest in dogs which were fed with fouled herring before the administration of fat and vioform.vioform toxicity; halogenated oxyquinolines.     

Oxidative burst and phagocytic activity of phagocytes in canine parvoviral enteritis

Canine parvoviral enteritis (CPE) is a severe disease characterized by systemic inflammation and immunosuppression. The function of circulating phagocytes (neutrophils and monocytes) in affected dogs has not been fully investigated. We characterized the functional capacity of canine phagocytes in CPE by determining their oxidative burst and phagocytic activities using flow cytometry. Blood was collected from 28 dogs with CPE and 11 healthy, age-matched, control dogs. Oxidative burst activity was assessed by stimulating phagocytes with opsonized Escherichia coli or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and measuring the percentage of phagocytes producing reactive oxygen species and the magnitude of this production. Phagocytosis was measured by incubating phagocytes with opsonized E. coli and measuring the percentage of phagocytes containing E. coli and the number of bacteria per cell. Complete blood counts and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations were also determined. Serum CRP concentration was negatively and positively correlated with segmented and band neutrophil concentrations, respectively. Overall, no differences in phagocyte function were found between dogs with CPE and healthy control dogs. However, infected dogs with neutropenia or circulating band neutrophils had decreased PMA-stimulated oxidative burst activity compared to healthy controls. Additionally, CPE dogs with neutropenia or circulating band neutrophils had decreased PMA- and E. coli–stimulated oxidative burst activity and decreased phagocytosis of E. coli compared to CPE dogs without neutropenia or band neutrophils. We conclude that phagocytes have decreased oxidative burst and phagocytic activity in neutropenic CPE dogs and in CPE dogs with circulating band neutrophils.     

Genetic polymorphism at CSN1S2 locus in two endangered sicilian goat breeds

In this study we surveyed two endangered Sicilian goat breeds (Girgentana and Argentata dell'Etna) for genetic polymorphism at the CSN1S2 locus. In a total of 537 goats, we detected CSN1S2^A, CSN1S2^B, CSN1S2^C° (CSN1S2^C + CSN1S2^E), CSN1S2^D, CSN1S2^F and CSN1S2^O alleles by means of various polymerase chain reaction (PCR), allele specific‐PCR (AS–PCR) and PCR‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) reactions with the aim of improving the knowledge of the genetic resource of these two breeds. Three and five alleles, with six and twelve genotypes, were identified at CSN1S2 locus, in Girgentana and Argentata, respectively. Argentata dell'Etna showed a higher degree of genetic variation. The allelic and genotypic distribution seems to be significantly different (p < 0.001) in the two breeds. In Argentata the rare null allele (CSN1S2^O) was found at low frequency (0.033); this genetic peculiarity makes its preservation worthwhile.     

Plasma and Urine Neutrophil Gelatinase–Associated Lipocalin (NGAL) in Dogs with Acute Kidney Injury or Chronic Kidney Disease

Background

Neutrophil gelatinase–associated lipocalin (NGAL) is a protein that is used in human medicine as a real‐time indicator of acute kidney injury (AKI).

Hypothesis

Dogs with AKI have significantly higher plasma NGAL concentration and urine NGAL‐to‐creatinine ratio (UNCR) compared with healthy dogs and dogs with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Animals

18 healthy control dogs, 17 dogs with CKD, and 48 dogs with AKI.

Methods

Over a period of 1 year, all dogs with renal azotemia were prospectively included. Urine and plasma samples were collected during the first 24 hours after presentation or after development of renal azotemia. Plasma and urine NGAL concentrations were measured with a commercially available canine NGAL Elisa Kit (Bioporto® Diagnostic) and UNCR was calculated. A single‐injection plasma inulin clearance was performed in the healthy dogs.

Results

Median (range) NGAL plasma concentration in healthy dogs, dogs with CKD, and AKI were 10.7 ng/mL (2.5–21.2), 22.0 ng/mL (7.7–62.3), and 48.3 ng/mL (5.7–469.0), respectively. UNCR was 2 × 10⁻⁸ (0–46), 1,424 × 10⁻⁸ (385–18,347), and 2,366 × 10⁻⁸ (36–994,669), respectively. Dogs with renal azotemia had significantly higher NGAL concentrations and UNCR than did healthy dogs (P < .0001 for both). Plasma NGAL concentration was significantly higher in dogs with AKI compared with dogs with CKD (P = .027).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Plasma NGAL could be helpful to differentiate AKI from CKD in dogs with renal azotemia.     

Allele frequencies of the extension locus encoding the melanocortin-1 receptor in Japanese and Korean cattle

In order to estimate the influence of the Extension (E) locus in cattle coat color, the melanocortin‐1 receptor (MC1R) gene in Japanese Black, Japanese Brown and Korean (Hanwoo) cattle were sequenced. The sequences of the coding region revealed three alleles (E^D, E⁺ and e), which were previously reported. Polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism was performed to investigate the gene frequencies of the three breeds. Japanese Black was almost composed of E^D and E⁺ individuals, E^D = 0.481 and E⁺ = 0.514, and no homozygous e/e, therefore that is consistent with the hypothesis that E^D and E⁺ induce black pigment synthesis. Allele frequencies between Japanese Brown and Hanwoo were obviously different; however, recessive red e allele frequency was 0.038 for Japanese Brown and 0.948 for Hanwoo, even though both breeds have quite similar coat colors (ranging from yellowish brown to dark brown including a red coat color). This result suggested that other genes are also associated with a coat color of red and brown in cattle.     

Displaying epitope B and epitope 7 of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus on virus like particles of porcine circovirus type 2 provides partial protection to pigs

The Cap of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) can be assembled into virus like particles (VLPs) in vitro that have multiple loops located on the particle surface. This would make it a good vehicle for displaying exogenous proteins or epitopes. We derived two epitopes, epitope B (EpB, S³⁷HIQLIYNL⁴⁵) and epitope 7 (Ep7, Q¹⁹⁶WGRL²⁰⁰) from Gp5 of the highly pathogenic porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (HP-PRRSV). We replaced the core region of Loop CD (L⁷⁵PPGGGSN⁸²) and the carboxyl terminus (K²²²DPPL²²⁶) of PCV2 Cap, respectively, to construct a bi-epitope chimeric PCV2 Cap. Its immunogenicity and protective effects were evaluated as one PRRSV subunit vaccine. The chimeric PCV2 Cap was soluble, efficiently expressed in an Escherichia coli expression system, and could be self-assembled into chimeric virus like particles (cVLPs) with a diameter of 12–15 nm. Western blotting confirmed that the cVLPs could be specifically recognized by anti-PCV2, anti-EpB and anti-Ep7 antibodies. The cVLPs vaccine could alleviate the clinical symptoms and reduce the viral loads after HP-PRRSV challenge in 100–120 days old pigs. These data suggest that the cVLPs vaccine could provide pigs with partial protection against homologous PRRSV strains, and it provides a new design for additional PRRSV subunit vaccines.     

Preliminary Studies on the Concentration of Na+,K+-ATPase in Skeletal Muscle of Draught Cattle in Mozambique: Effect of Sex,Age and Training

The effect of training on the potential for work in draught cattle was assessed by measuring the Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase in the muscle cell membrane and the elevation in the concentration of K⁺ in plasma during exercise. Biopsies of the semitendinosus muscle and venous blood samples were taken from the cattle used for draught work in Mozambique. No differences were found in the plasma ion or Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase concentrations in samples taken from Nguni, Africander and Angoni breeds. There were no significant differences in plasma ions (Na⁺, K⁺ and Cl^–) or muscle Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase concentrations between the Angoni males and females, although the males showed an increase in Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase with age, while the females showed a decrease. The increase in males might be attributed to their higher level of activity in the herds than that of females. After a training period of 15 days, a significant increase in Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase concentration in semitendinosus muscle was found in Angoni cattle. In females, this was significant after 8 days of training (about 30%); in males after 15 days of training (about 16%). On day 15, there was a reduction in the elevation of plasma K⁺ during the 2 h of draught work, indicating an increased capacity of the Na⁺,K⁺ pumps to maintain the extracellular K⁺ concentration in working muscles and a possible delay in the moment of fatigue.     

Dogs are more permissive than cats or guinea pigs to experimental infection with a human isolate of Bartonella rochalimae

Bartonella rochalimae was first isolated from the blood of a human who traveled to Peru and was exposed to multiple insect bites. Foxes and dogs are likely natural reservoirs for this bacterium. We report the results of experimental inoculation of two dogs, five cats and six guinea pigs with the only human isolate of this new Bartonella species. Both dogs became bacteremic for 5–7 weeks, with a peak of 10³–10⁴ colony forming units (CFU)/mL blood. Three cats had low bacteremia levels (< 200 CFU/mL) of 6–8 weeks’ duration. One cat that remained seronegative had two bacterial colonies isolated at a single culture time point. A fifth cat never became bacteremic, but seroconverted. None of the guinea pigs became bacteremic, but five seroconverted. These results suggest that dogs could be a reservoir of this strain of B. rochalimae, in contrast to cats and guinea pigs.