The detection of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis in bovine faeces by isolation and the comparison of isolation with the examination of stained smears by light microscopy

The detection of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis organisms in bovine faeces by isolation was compared with that by the microscopical examination of Ziehl-Neelsen stained faecal smears for the presence of clumps of acid-fast M. paratuberculosis organisms. Faeces were obtained from cattle naturally or experimentally infected with M. paratuberculosis as well as from uninfected cattle. Microscopical examination was an unreliable method for the detection of M. paratuberculosis organisms, since the organisms were only detected in 99 (=55.9%) of 177 culturally positive faecal samples. 1111 addition, clumps of acid-fast organisms indistinguishable from M. paratuberculosis were also observed iin three of 18 samples from cattle free from Johne's disease and in 18 of 37 culturally negative samples from paratuberculous cattle. When M. paratuberculosis organisms were added to faeces from an uninfected cow, results showed that isolation attempts should be positive when 15 or more M. paratuberculosis organisms per gram of faeces are present.     

Immunological control of hematophagous arthropod vectors: utilization of novel antigens

Immunological control of ixodid ticks requires development of a vaccine that stimulates an effective anti-tick response. However, it is important to avoid induction of intense host skin reactivity to tick feeding. Salivary-gland-derived molecules are introduced into the host during ixodid engorgement; therefore, use of these moieties might not be an optimal immunization strategy. Antigens not normally involved in acquired resistance can be used to induce anti-tick immunity. These "novel" antigens, obtained from tick gut absorptive surface, are not introduced into the host during tick feeding, but are exposed to host-immune effector elements in the blood meal, resulting in ixodid rejection, prevention of ova production and death. Anti-tick immunity is induced with microgram quantities of this ixodid gut antigen preparation. Sera obtained from immunized animals were used to identify antibody-reactive components of the resistance-inducing extract. Tick gut absorptive surface antigen glycoconjugates were identified by lectin blotting, using a series of probes with different carbohydrate specificities. The lectins, peanut and wheat germ agglutinin, and immunized host antibodies bound extract components with similar molecular weights. Solubilization and fractionization of tick gut proteins with the non-ionic detergent Triton X-114 is described.     

Releases in israel ofAphelinus perpallidus,a recently introduced parasite of the pecan blackmargined aphid,Monellia caryella

Six shipments totaling 3452 mummies of the blackmargined aphid,Monellia caryella (Fitch), parasitized withAphelinus perpallidus Gahan, were obtained by air freight during the years 1982-1985 from Texas A&M Research Center, El Paso, Texas. About two-thirds of the mummies did not yield parasites. A colony ofA. perpallidus was established in the laboratory. Under laboratory conditions the percentage of emerged parasites was higher than that in the imported mummies, and the parasite had very limited impact on the aphid population. Field releases of the parasite were made but no establishment ofA. perpallidus was observed through the years.     

Nitrogen metabolism in growing swine receiving a bacterial protein supplement (Alcaligenes eutrophus) instead of soybean meal

In a balance trial with 10 pigs (mean body mass 50 kg) the influence of a bacterial protein supplement (Alcaligenes eutrophus) on N-metabolism was investigated. The bacteria were included into the diet at levels of 7 and 14% at the expense of extracted soyabean meal. Thus bacterial "pure protein" (bacterial non-nucleic acid N X X 6.25) amounted to 30 and 60% of the protein of the ration. Consuming 2 kg of feed dry matter per day the animals of the control group (I) and the experimental groups (II and III) ingested 48 g, 52 g and 55 g of total N respectively. The difference in N-intake is explained by the additional nucleic acid-N, amounting to 19,8% of total bacterial N. Daily weight gain (on average 1054 g) and feed conversion efficiency (feed ingested/weight gain; on average 1,9) were relatively improved at the highest dietary level of bacterial cell mass. Faecal N-excretion was increased significantly, whereas renal N-excretion remained unchanged. Mean apparent N-digestibility was 87,4% showing no significant difference between the experimental groups. N-balance values were noticibly increased following the intake of the bacterial protein supplement. The excretion of urinary urea-N was slightly reduced whereas 4-6 times as much allantoin-N was excreted when bacteria were fed. It is calculated that about 80% of the bacterial purines are renally excreted as allantoin and uric acid.     

Guttural pouch hemorrhage associated with lesions of the maxillary artery in two horses

A two year old Thoroughbred gelding, presented with guttural pouch hemorrhage, had the internal and external carotid arteries ligated. Guttural pouch mycosis was detected on endoscopic examination. After one month of topical antifungal therapy, the horse was returned and euthanized because of recurrent epistaxis. A bacterial infection of the guttural pouch with associated ulceration and hemorrhage from the maxillary artery was found at necropsy.

A two year old grade gelding had ulceration and hemorrhage from the external carotid artery. Utilizing balloon-tipped catheters and arterial ligation, hemestasis was achieved in the internal carotid artery and the external carotid artery and its branches. Mycotic ulceration of the internal carotid artery was detected endoscopically and treated with local antifungal therapy for one month. Thirty-three days postoperatively the horse returned, bleeding from a lesion in the maxillary artery. The rationale for surgical intervention to prevent epistaxis associated with guttural pouch mycosis and possible etiologies for postsurgical epistaxis are discussed.

     

Comparison of an enzyme-linked immunospecific assay (ELISA) with the cold complement fixation test for the serodiagnosis of Brucella ovis infection

An enzyme-linked immunospecific assay (ELISA) for the serodiagnosis of Brucella ovis infection in sheep is described and compared with the cold complement fixation (CF) test. ELISA was performed in microtiter plates, using horse-radish peroxidase conjugated to anti-normal sheep serum globulins, and hydrogen peroxide plus o-phenylenediamine as substrate. A heated, cell-free B. ovis extract was used as antigen in both tests. ELISA was easier to perform, distinguished better between positive and negative sera, and did not need heat-inactivated sera.     

A simple restrainer for sheep for abdominal radiography

The construction of a simple, portable restrainer for holding sheep in either the horizontal or vertical position for abdominal radiography is described. Examples of its use in locating slow-release pellets-and needles are given.