Systematic review of the distribution of the major vector-borne parasitic infections in dogs and cats in Europe

On the basis of a systematic review of the literature, this paper provides the first evidence-based maps of the distribution of the major vector-borne parasitic infections of dogs and cats in Europe. From an initial survey of 894 publications, data from 268 were analysed, summarised and collated. Prevalence data were used to calculate the force of infection to provide distribution and incidence maps for canine infections with Leishmania infantum, Dirofilaria immitis, Dirofilaria repens, Babesia canis and Ehrlichia canis. There was little information from some areas but, in spite of its acknowledged incompleteness, the study provides an evidence-based framework upon which to assess the risks of infection, and will provide a basis, by correlation with climatic and vegetation data, to derive more comprehensive risk assessment maps for Europe. To clinicians in both endemic and non-endemic countries, it will be of assistance in decision-making with respect to diagnosis and preventive measures.     

Simultaneous one-tube quantification of host and pathogen DNA with real-time polymerase chain reaction

ABSTRACT Phaeocryptopus gaeumannii is a widespread foliar parasite of Douglas-fir. Although normally innocuous, the fungus also causes the defoliating disease Swiss needle cast in heavily infected needles. The extent of P. gaeumannii colonization in Douglas-fir foliage was estimated with real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using TaqMan chemistry. In order to derive a normalized expression of colonization, both pathogen and host DNA were simultaneously amplified but individually detected by species-specific primers and TaqMan probes labeled with different fluorescent dyes. Detection of host DNA additionally provided an endogenous reference that served as both an internal positive control and adjusted for variation introduced by sample-to-sample differences in DNA extraction and PCR efficiencies. The genes employed for designing the TaqMan probes and primers were beta-tubulin for the pathogen and a LEAFY/FLORICAULA-like gene involved in floral development for the tree host. Both probe/primer sets exhibited high precision and reproducibility over a linear range of 4 orders of magnitude. This eliminated the need to analyze samples in multiple dilutions when comparing lightly with heavily infected needles. Quantification of the fungus within needles was successful as early as 1 month after initial infection. Real-time PCR is the only method currently available to quantify P. gaeumannii colonization early in the first year of the colonization process.     

Uterine leiomyomas in two Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs (Sus scrofa)

Two Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs (Sus scrofa) were euthanatized after they developed abdominal distension. Necropsy of both pigs revealed large myometrial neoplasms and cystic endometrial hyperplasia. Multiple discrete smaller myometrial neoplasms were also observed in one pig; however, distant metastases were not observed in either animal. The tumors were diagnosed as leiomyomas on the basis of histologic examination and immunohistochemistry. This is the first detailed report of uterine leiomyomas in swine, and it is suggested that this diagnosis may become more common as more aging pigs are examined.     

Surface alterations in the bovine pelvic peritoneum following rectal examination of reproductive organs: a scanning electron microscopy study

The aim of the present study was to evaluate possible injury provoked by an intensive reproductive programme based on rectal palpation in the cow. Alterations to the mesothelial surface of the peritoneum and to the oviductal mucosa were explored by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Nine multiparous Friesian cows were selected from each of two commercial dairy herds. Cows in herd 1 were maintained on a weekly reproductive health programme, while those in herd 2 were not subjected to gynaecological exploration. Surface features of the mesothelial cells of the reproductive tract and adjacent ligaments, and the oviductal mucosa were explored by SEM observation of tissue specimens from each animal. Six cows in the intensive reproductive programme showed microscopic alterations of the peritoneal surface. Strands were observed in the oviducts and adjacent ligaments in five of these cows. These strands, composed of filaments covered with mesothelial cells, were probably adhesions. Cells with abundant vacuoles on their surface were detected in the mesothelium corresponding to three animals, two of which also showed microscopic strands. No peritoneal surface alterations were observed in the cows from herd 2. No oviductal mucosal modifications were detected in either group. These findings suggest that intensive reproductive programmes based on rectal palpation may increase the risk of peritoneal surface alterations in the cow, but effects on reproductive physiology are unlikely.     

Intestinal parasites: a study of human appendices

Histological sections of 414 appendices were examined parasitologically. Enterobius vermicularis was found in 8.7%, eggs of Ascaris lumbricoides in 0.5%, trophozites of Dientamoeba fragilis in 4.8%, Endolimax nana in 2.2%, Entamoeba coli in 1% and cysts of Giardia intestinalis in 1.9% of cases. Appendicopathies associated with Enterobius were most frequent in the age group from 6 to 10 years (24.3%) and from 21 to 25 years (12.2%). Patients older than 15 years were practically women only. Dientamoeba was most frequent in the age group from 11 to 15 years (11.3%). In women D. fragilis was three times more frequent than in men. The coincidence of D. fragilis and E. vermicularis infections was 50%. No interactions were seen between the protozoans in the contents of the appendix and its mucous membrane. Statistical evaluation indicates possible etiologic role of E. vermicularis in the occurrence of acute appendicities. D. fragilis appears to be the most common intestinal protozoan parasite in Bohemia.