Evaluation of a specific immunochemotherapy for the treatment of canine visceral leishmaniasis

The efficacy of specific immunochemotherapy against Leishmania infantum infection in dog was studied. The effects on transmission of the disease, as well as the cellular and humoral immune response were examined. The treated animals showed a significant reduction in the infection rates that were detected in Phlebotomus perniciosus females fed on the dog. The humoral immune response, assayed with an indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT), did not show significant variations under the influence of the therapy. The characterisation of the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) using flow cytometry indicated a significant increase in the proportion of T lymphocytes, especially of CD4/TcR(alpha)(beta)(+) and CD4/CD45RA(+) cells, without showing evidence for modifications in the other leukocyte subsets. Cellular lymphoproliferation studies indicated a lack of a specific response to soluble leishmanial antigen (SLA), but the non-specific lymphoproliferative capacity assayed with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) was maintained.     

Where do we go in protection against pathogens?

A few reflections are made on the future strategies and approaches for combating infectious diseases of livestock, keeping into consideration public concern on food quality and availability. The policy of eradication of pathogens/diseases instead of vaccination has rendered livestock naive to certain pathogens and as a consequence susceptible to epidemic outbreaks, even more so as we have to conclude that outside attack is quite often difficult to control. Therefore, immunoprophylactic measures in livestock remain top priority and will in the future focus more on the induction of mucosal immunity and the activation of innate immunity.     

Taenia solium oncosphere antigens induce immunity in pigs against experimental cysticercosis

Immunity to Taenia solium infection was investigated using an experimental intramuscular oncosphere infection assay (IMOA) model in pigs. Three naturally infected pigs with cysticercosis were treated with oxfendazole (OFZ), a drug demonstrated to kill cysts in porcine muscle. These animals were then challenged with oncospheres but did not develop any cysts while three uninfected pigs that were similarly challenged, did develop intramuscular cysts. In another study, two groups of three pigs each were immunized with crude T. solium oncosphere and metacestode antigens, respectively, and tested with the IMOA. Immunization with crude oncosphere antigens (OAs) induced 100% protection, while metacestode antigens provided only partial protection. Immunoblots showed that pigs with complete immune protection to oncosphere intramuscular challenge had antibodies to two OAs at 31.3 and 22.5 kDa, respectively. Antibody to these two antigens was absent in pigs immunized with metacestodes or in uninfected control pigs. This study demonstrated the presence of two antigens that are unique to the oncosphere. Although, antibody to these two antigens is consistently present in pigs that are protected from an oncosphere intramuscular challenge their role in preventing infection by T. solium larval cysts is still hypothetical.     

Accuracy of serum beta-hydroxybutyrate measurements for the diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis in 116 dogs

The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of serum beta-hydroxybutyrate (beta-OHB) measurements for the diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in dogs. One hundred sixteen diabetic dogs were prospectively enrolled in the study: 18 insulin-treated (IT) diabetic dogs that had a positive urine ketone test and 88 untreated, newly diagnosed diabetic dogs. Venous blood gas tensions and pH, serum glucose and urea nitrogen (SUN), and electrolyte (Na+, Cl-, and K+) and urine acetoacetate (AA) concentrations were measured concurrently with serum beta-OHB concentrations. On the basis of laboratory findings, the patients were assigned to I of 3 groups: diabetic ketoacidosis (n = 43); diabetic ketosis (DK, n = 41); and nonketotic diabetes (NDK, n = 31). Serum beta-OHB concentrations differed significantly (P < .001) among the study groups. Although marked differences in beta-OHB concentrations were found, a considerable overlap exists between the distributions of dogs with DK and those with DKA. The overall accuracy of beta-OHB determination as a diagnostic test for DKA, determined by the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, was 0.92. In the 1.9- to 4.8-mmol/L range, serum beta-OHB determination sensitivity varied from 100 to 35.7%, whereas specificity varied from 39 to 100%. The cutoff value of 3.8 mmol/L showed the best equilibrium between specificity (95%), sensitivity (72%), and likelihood ratio (14.8). We concluded that the quantitative measurement of serum beta-OHB may be a potential tool for diagnosing and monitoring ketosis and ketoacidosis in diabetic dogs.     

Host specificity of abomasal nematodes in free ranging alpine ruminants

Abomasums from 641 alpine wild ruminants representing five different species (Cervus elaphus, Capreolus capreolus, Rupicapra rupicapra, Capra ibex, Ovis musimon) and from 19 domestic sheep (Ovis aries) from alpine areas were examined in order to investigate the host-specificity of abomasal helminths. Nine out of 20 helminth species were found in at least five different host species. A discriminant analysis was able to significantly discriminate the hosts on the basis of their helminth community composition with the exception of O. musimon and O. aries. Based on the correlation between each variable represented by helminth species with the most explanatory discriminant axis, it was possible to classify helminths into specialists and generalists. Specialists are represented by the dominant species in a community of an host species or family while generalists appear in the communities of many different hosts as intermediate species. Due to the pathogenic potential of some of these generalist species (i.e. Haemonchus contortus, Trichostrongylus axei) and their ability to adapt easily to the conditions found in several different hosts, they appear to be the most important from a sanitary point of view.     

Detection of hepatitis E virus shedding in feces of pigs at different stages of production using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.

The aim of this study was to determine at which production stages hepatitis E virus (HEV) is shed by the highest number of pigs and to estimate the relative risk associated with each stage. For this purpose, 146 fecal samples of pigs from 21 farms were studied. In addition, 1 sample from the manure ditch and another sample of drinking water, collected directly from the trough located in the pen, were taken from 16 farms. HEV RNA was detected in fecal samples from 34 pigs (23.29%). The production stages in which most pigs excreted HEV were weaners (41.7%) and pigs in the first month of feeding (60%). The results of the statistical analysis showed that the principal significant risk stage in HEV shedding was the first month of feeding (odds ratio [OR] 19.5, 95% CI 3.59-106.07, P = 0.001) followed by the weaners stage (OR 9.3, 95% CI .78-48.42, P = 0.008). In 8 out of 16 farms tested (50%) HEV RNA was detected in raw manure and in the water trough of only 1. Detection of HEV in manure ditches raises the concern of how to deal with manure of swine origin, because it is used as soil fertilizer.     

Selection for ovulation rate in rabbits

An experiment of selection for ovulation rate was carried out. Animals were derived from a synthetic line first selected 12 generations for litter size, then 10 generations for uterine capacity. Selection was relaxed for 6 generations. Selection was based on the phenotypic value of ovulation rate with a selection pressure on does of 30%. Males were selected from litters of does with the highest ovulation rate. Males were selected within sire families in order to reduce inbreeding. Ovulation rate was measured in the second gestation by a laparoscopy, 12 days after mating. Each generation had about 80 females and 20 males. Results of three generations of selection were analyzed using Bayesian methods. Marginal posterior distributions of all unknowns were estimated by Gibbs sampling. Heritabilities of ovulation rate (OR), number of implanted embryos (IE), litter size (LS), embryo survival (ES), fetal survival (FS), and prenatal survival (PS) were 0.44, 0.32, 0.11, 0.26, 0.35, and 0.14, respectively. Genetic correlation between OR and LS was 0.56, indicating that selection for ovulation rate can augment litter size. Response to selection for OR was 1.80 ova. Correlated responses in IE and LS were 1.44 and 0.49, respectively. Selection for ovulation rate may be an alternative to improve litter size.     

Agreement among surgical pathologists evaluating routine histologic sections of digits amputated from cats and dogs.

Agreement among pathologists interpreting histologic specimens is an area of interest within human pathology, but little work in this area has been reported in the veterinary literature. Agreement among pathologists evaluating routine histologic sections of amputated digits from cats and dogs submitted to multiple diagnostic centers was examined. Histologic sections from surgical specimens were reviewed in a blinded fashion by two pathologists, and a comparison to the original diagnosis, as stated in the diagnostic report, was recorded. A total of 513 cases were reviewed, and complete agreement was reached in 409 (79.7%). Of the 104 instances of disagreement, 77 (74.0%) were considered to be of clinical significance. The diagnosis of keratoacanthoma was disagreed with in 19 of 21 diagnoses (90.4%). No other individual diagnosis was similarly disputed. The overall level of disagreement is large and is similar to that reported in human pathology and suggests that further study of this issue would be useful in veterinary pathology.     

Radiographic features of the limbs of juvenile and subadult loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta)

This study aimed to provide the normal radiographic anatomic appearance of the limbs of the loggerhead sea turtle, Caretta caretta. Dorsopalmar and dorsoplantar radiographs were taken of the forelimbs and hindlimbs of 15 juvenile and 15 subadult loggerhead sea turtles, 17 alive and 13 dead. For comparison, computed tomographic, gross anatomic, osteologic, and histologic studies were performed on the limbs of 5 of the sea turtles. Bones from the distal part of the fore and hind flippers were seen in detail with a mammographic film-screen combination. The pectoral and pelvic girdles, superimposed by the carapace, were better seen on standard radiographs with the use of rare-earth intensifying screens. Mammographic radiographs of the manus of 5 small juvenile turtles showed active growth zones. Visualization of bone contours in the distal part of the limbs was clearer than in mammals owing to the very few superimpositions. The presence of a substantial amount of cartilage in the epiphyses produced better visibility of limb ends. We conclude that use of a mammography film-screen combination is the best way to evaluate the bony and joint structures of the limbs of sea turtles. Radiography provides reliable images for clinical purposes. Considering the low cost and logistics of this technique, it is a practical ancillary test for marine animal rehabilitation centers to use.     

Serologic and molecular characterization of tickborne pathogens in lions (Panthera leo) from the Fasano Safari Park, Italy.

Lions (Panthera leo) are an endangered species threatened by illegal hunting, habitat loss, and infectious diseases. Little is known about the tick-borne pathogens that infect lions and could contribute to population declines. The objective of this study was to characterize Rickettsia spp., Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Coxiella burnetii infections in 10 lions from the Fasano Safari Park in Italy by serology, polymerase chain reaction, and sequence analysis. Although animals did not show clinical signs of tick-borne diseases, evidence of infection with C. burnetii, spotted fever group Rickettsia sp., and A. phagocytophilum were found in 50%, 20%, and 10% of the lions, respectively. One of the lions tested positive for all three pathogens. This study is the first report of molecular evidence of infection with C. burnetii, Rickettsia sp., and A. phagocytophilum in lions and provides evidence that these felids become infected and serve as hosts for tick-transmitted bacteria.