Evaluation of transformation growth factor beta1, interleukin-10, and interferon-gamma in male symptomatic and asymptomatic dogs naturally infected by Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi

The aims of this study were to evaluate the immunomodulatory role of TGF-β₁, IL-10, and INF-γ in spleen and liver extracts and supernatant cultures of white spleen cells from male symptomatic and asymptomatic dogs, naturally infected by Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi. Thirty dogs from Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil, an endemic leishmaniosis area, were selected by positive ELISA serological reaction for Leishmania sp. and divided into two groups: asymptomatic (n = 15) and symptomatic (n = 15) consisting of animals with at least three characteristic signs (fever, dermatitis, lymphoadenopathy, onychogryphosis, weight loss, cachexia, locomotion problems, conjunctivitis, epistaxis, hepatosplenomegaly, edema, and apathy). After euthanasia, spleen and liver fragments were collected for ex vivo quantification of TGF-β₁, IL-10, and INF-γ. Naturally active in vitro produced TGF-β₁ was also evaluated in spleen cell culture supernatant. Spleen and liver extract of asymptomatic dogs had higher mean TGF-β₁ levels than symptomatic dogs. High concentrations of IL-10 were found in spleen, and mainly in liver extract of both groups. Higher INF-γ concentrations were found in spleen extracts of symptomatic dogs, and in liver extracts of asymptomatic dogs. Extract of this cytokine was lower in spleen extract. Although INF-γ is being produced in canine infection, mean levels of TGF-β₁ and IL-10 from spleen and liver extracts were quantitatively much higher; suggesting that immune response in both asymptomatic and symptomatic dogs was predominantly type Th2.     

Risk factors for umbilical hernia in Holstein heifers during the first two months after birth

OBJECTIVE: To determine risk factors associated with identification of an umbilical hernia during the first 2 months after birth in Holstein heifers. DESIGN: Case-control study. ANIMALS: 322 Holstein heifers born in a single herd (45 with an umbilical hernia and 277 without). PROCEDURE: Risk factors that were examined included sire, whether the dam had a history of umbilical hernia, milk yield, duration of gestation, whether the dam had a history of dystocia, whether the heifer had a twin, birth weight, total serum protein concentration, and whether the heifer had an umbilical infection. Logistic regression was used to analyze risk factors. RESULTS: Heifers born to sires with > or = 3 progeny with an umbilical hernia were 2.31 times as likely to develop an umbilical hernia as were heifers born to sires with < or = 2 progeny with an umbilical hernia. Heifers with umbilical infection were 5.65 times as likely to develop an umbilical hernia as were heifers without umbilical infection. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Sire and umbilical infection were associated with risk of an umbilical hernia during the first 2 months of life in Holstein heifers. Attributable proportion analysis indicated that the frequency of umbilical hernias in Holstein heifers with umbilical infection would have been reduced by 82% if umbilical infection had been prevented.     

Avascular necrosis of the femoral heads in a red panda (Ailurus fulgens fulgens): possible Legg-Calve-Perthes disease.

A 17-mo-old captive-born female red panda (Ailurus fulgens fulgens) presented with a sudden onset of lameness in its left hind leg was diagnosed radiographically as having possible severe, bilateral Legg-Calve-Perthes disease with fracture of the great trochanter of the left femur. Surgical repair of the fracture was performed using pins and a tension band wire through a lateral approach to the hip. This is the first case reported at Madrid Zoo-Aquarium, where 63 individuals have been bred over 15 yr.     

Enhancement of the interferon gamma assay to detect paratuberculosis using interleukin-7 and interleukin-12 potentiation

A limitation to the widespread application of interferon gamma (IFN-γ) response assays has been logistical difficulties, as they must be performed within hours of blood collection. Detection of specific IFN-γ responses to Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) as part of the cell-mediated immune response of ruminants with Johne's disease could aid in diagnosis and control programs. In this study, a modified protocol was developed in which cultures were supplemented with interleukin (IL)-7, a survival factor required to maintain resting T cells, alone or in combination with IL-12 to potentiate IFN-γ responses and extend blood storage time. The combination of IL-7 and IL-12 was synergistic, giving IFN-γ responses greater than with IL-12 alone, for sheep blood stored up to 2 days. In a cohort of naturally infected sheep, the same number of animals was identified as test positive using the modified assay (performed after 2 days with IL-7/IL-12 supplementation) as the standard IFN-γ assay performed on the day of blood collection. The modified assay offered greatest advantage in the detection of early stages of paratuberculosis infection, for sheep with low grade and paucibacillary lesions, and at early time points post-infection. The potentiation protocol allowed for practical shipment of blood samples from farm to laboratory, extending permissible transit times and applicability of IFN-γ testing to detect Johne's disease.     

Seroprevalence of Antibodies to Chlamydophila psittaci in Zoo Workers in Brazil

To evaluate the prevalence of antibodies to Chlamydophila psittaci 364 serum samples were collected from veterinarians, biologists, animal scientists, veterinary students, animal keepers and others employees in 20 zoos, and from veterinary practitioners in 10 Brazilian states. Subjects ranged from 15 to 64 years of age, with 268 (74%) males and 96 (26%) females. Chlamydial antibodies were determined by the complement fixation test (CFT) and specific anti‐C. psittaci IgG antibodies were determined by the microimmunoflurescence (MIF) test. Complement fixation test showed 23.9% (87/364) and MIF test showed 4.7% (17/364) positive serum samples. Titres ranged from 16 to 256 in both assays, demonstrating evidence of recent or current infection. Although chlamydial antibodies were detected in workers of seventeen zoos, MIF test only detected specific C. psittaci antibodies in seven of them. Previous psittacosis infection was suspected in eight workers of two zoos, five of whom reported having pneumonia, while employed at the zoos. However, diagnosis was not established in any of these cases in the past. Results indicated the occurrence of infection and previous contact of Brazilian zoo workers with C. psittaci, as well as the zoonotic potential of psittacosis in this risk population. Other studies are necessary to evaluate the risk factors of infection in this population. This seroepidemiological survey confirmed the need to adopt preventive measures to control avian chlamydiosis and protect the health of zoo workers in the country.     

Progesterone production in mares and echographic evaluation of the corpora lutea formed after follicular aspiration

Ultrasound‐guided follicular aspiration was performed in 26 Criollo crossbred mares, followed by the evaluation of ultrasonographic images of the Corpus luteum (CL) that was formed after puncture of follicles of different diameters (Group 25–29 mm; Group 30–35 mm and Group >35 mm). Serum progesterone (P₄) concentrations were measured to determine CL function. The size of the CL was measured and the CL was classified based on the following echoscore: 1– anechoic tissue; 2– poorly defined luteal structure with low echogenicity; 3– echogenicity analogous to a luteal structure. The proportion of aspirated follicles that formed a functional CL (based on P₄ concentration) 8 days after aspiration was 57.1% (4/7; CL size 25–29 mm), 75.0% (6/8; CL size 30–35 mm) and 72.7% (8/11; CL size >35 mm), respectively (p > 0.05). The echographic scores of aspirated follicles (indicating the presence or absence of a CL) were consistent with serum P₄ concentrations (p < 0.0001). Of 26 aspirations, 18 resulted in luteal function confirmed by increased progesterone concentrations ([P₄] > 1.0 ng/ml); 17 of these mares (94.4%) had an echoscore (2–3) compatible with luteinization (p = 0.0372). Eight days after aspiration, serum [P₄] > 2.0 ng/ml was associated with high (p = 0.0056) CL echoscore (3) in 15 of 17 mares (88.2%). The echoscore used in this study was valuable as a screening test to detect the presence of a functional CL after aspiration. An echoscore of 3 served as a practical and efficient method to confirm luteinization.     

Sheep fed with banana leaf hay reduce ruminal protozoa population

A ciliate protozoa suppression can reduce methane production increasing the energy efficiency utilization by ruminants. The physicochemical characteristics of rumen fluid and the profile of the rumen protozoa populations were evaluated for sheep fed banana leaf hay in replacement of the Cynodon dactylon cv. vaqueiro hay. A total of 30 male sheep were raised in intensive system during 15 days of adaptation and 63 days of experimental period. The animals were distributed in a completely randomized design that included six replicates of five treatments with replacement levels (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100%) of the grass vaquero for the banana leaf hay. Samples of fluid were collected directly from the rumen with sterile catheters. Color, odor, viscosity, and the methylene blue reduction potential (MBRP) were evaluated and pH estimated using a digital potentiometer. After decimal dilutions, counts of genus protozoa were performed in Sedgewick Rafter chambers. The averages of pH, MBRP, color, odor, and viscosity were not influenced by the inclusion of the banana leaf hay. However, the total number of protozoa and Entodinium spp. population significantly decreased at 75 and 100% inclusions of banana leaf hay as roughage.