Chlamydiales in guinea-pigs and their zoonotic potential

The aim was to detect and characterize chlamydial infections in guinea-pigs (GP) with ocular disease, study their pathogenicity and zoonotic potential and to test for the presence of Acanthamoebae spp. in GP eyes and to investigate whether they could act as vectors for Chlamydia-like organisms. Overall 126 GP, of which 77 were symptomatic, were screened by clinical examination, cytology, gross pathology, histology, immunohistochemistry, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and bacteriology. A new Chlamydiaceae-specific intergenic spacer rRNA gene PCR, designed to amplify this segment linking the 16S and 23S regions, was performed. DNA samples were also received from one owner including samples of his cat and rabbit. Guinea-pigs: 48 of 75 symptomatic, but only 11 of 48 asymptomatic GP were positive by PCR for Chlamydophila caviae guinea-pig inclusion conjunctivitis (GPIC) (P < 0.0001). Eighteen of 75 or 15/48, respectively, were positive for DNA from Chlamydia-like organisms. Acanthamoebae-DNA could be found in two GP, of which one was symptomatic. Owner, cat and rabbit: Samples of all three species were positive by PCR for C. caviae GPIC and the owner's one-day disposable contact lenses showed a positive PCR result for the Chlamydia-like organism Parachlamydia acanthamoebae. No Acanthamoebae-DNA could be detected. This study is the first to describe Chlamydia-like organisms in GP and to detect C. caviae GPIC in human, cat and rabbit. Therefore, C. caviae GPIC could pose a zoonotic potential. We believe that the finding of C. caviae GPIC in species other than GP is probably not unique.     

Preventative vaccination against EHV (equine herpesvirus) abortion

From 1981 until 1987 we investigated the more detailed circumstances regarding a prophylactic vaccination in altogether 37 stud farms with a history of virus abortion. In 23 cases, in which Prevaccinol and/or Resequin were used, it was found that the following of vaccination schedule and necessary immunization programmes respectively, had considerable imperfections. In seven cases prophylactic vaccinations were not carried out or corresponding questionnaires were not answered. The fact that in the present data no case of virus abortion was observed, when the mare was vaccinated according to the instructions within a regular vaccinated population, certainly speaks for the vaccination. Of course the inquiries made have also shown that in practice it is very difficult to meet all the requirements fixed in the instructions for immunization. But with regard to the general problems at control of herpes virus infections and at avoidance of any discrimination of the vaccination, these requirements may not be loosened. Those who are concerned must be aware of the fact that every variation of the vaccination instructions is linked to an increased risk of illness and that vaccination cannot substitute a sound management.     

Propionibacterium acnes Immunotherapy in Chronic Recurrent Canine Pyoderma

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, dogs with chronic recurrent pyoderma were treated with antibiotics plus intravenous injections of either Propionibacterium acnes or placebo. Responses (an increase, decrease, or clearing of lesions) were measured and evaluated statistically. Eighty percent (12 of 15) of the dogs treated with antibiotics and P acnes compared with 38% (five of 13) of the dogs treated with antibiotics and placebo responded with significant improvement or complete remission of lesions at the end of the 12-week treatment schedule (P less than 0.05).     

Einfluß von NPK auf die Biomasseproduktion und Stickstoffbindung der stengelknöllchenbildenden Gründüngungsleguminosen Sesbania rostrata und Aeschynomene afraspera im Naßreisanbau

Influence of NPK on performance of the stem-nodulating legumes Sesbania rostrata and Aeschynomene afraspera in lowland rice The stem-nodulating tropical legumes S. rostrata and A. afraspera are promising green manure species for the low-input rice farming systems of lowland areas. Nutrient imbalances and soils low in available nutrients can considerably affect the use of biofertilizers. Use of mineral N, P, and K fertilizers in the growth of S. rostrata and A. afraspera as biofertilizers for lowland rice in the Philippines was evaluated. Applied P and K both stimulated growth, nodulation, and N₂ fixation. N accumulation in PK fertilized S. rostrata was about 40% higher than in nonfertilized green manure. Mineral N application (urea) depressed nodulation and N₂ fixation (ARA) in roots and resulted in an increased ARA in stem nodules. The legumes produced more N gains in the presence of small amounts of N. Use of S. rostrata and A. afraspera green manure increased in all cases significantly rice grain yield. Thus integration of mineral N, P, and K fertilizers in a green manurebased rice farming system can considerably improve biofertilizer production and increase rice grain yield.     

Inheritance of Bolting in Three Sugar Beet Crosses after Different Periods of Vernalization

The induction of bolting after different periods of vernalization was studied in the parental, F₁, F₂ and backcross generations (F₂× P₁ and F₂× P₂) of three crosses between five sugar beet lines. The parental lines represented different levels of bolting resistance. The populations were evaluated in replicated field or greenhouse trials. Generation mean analysis was used to quantify the genetic effects of bolting. The additive (d) parameter was predominant for those levels of cold treatment that stimulated the bolting to occur. The dominance (h) parameter was also shown to be important in most cases. In one cross, the additive × additive (i) type of epistasis was significant. The chances of detecting genetic effects are increased by exposing the plants to vernalization conditions which maximize the difference between two parental lines of each cross. Hence, it would be sensible to exploit both additive and non-additive genetic effects in any selection programme.     

Prediction of F6 line performance from F3 families in spring oilseed rape. I. Yield and other agronomic traits

Summary The reliability of a selection among crosses based on a cross prediction in early generations was investigated in spring rapeseed. The performance of the parents, the F₂ generation, and random F₃ lines from four crosses were used to predict the probability of finding superior recombinant lines. These predictions were made for two years and compared with the observed performance of F₆ lines in the second of these two years and in an additional year. Predicted and observed performances coincided reasonably for the characters plant height, standability, maturity and an index calculated from seed yield, oil content and protein content. For seed yield and flowering time, the predictions were very unreliable. In conclusion, prediction methods may be useful in rapeseed breeding, if quality traits are of major commercial interest.