Genotypic prevalence of the adhesin involved in diffuse adherence in Escherichia coli isolates in pre-weaned pigs with diarrhoea in Korea

A total of 1002 Escherichia coli strains isolated from pre-weaned pigs with diarrhoea on 1114 swine farms were screened for the presence of the adhesin involved in diffuse adherence (AIDA) gene by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Escherichia coli isolates that carried AIDA genes were also tested by PCR for the detection of five fimbriae (F4, F5, F6, F18 and F41), heat-stable (STa, STb) and heat-labile (LT) enterotoxin, enteroaggregative E. coli heat-stable enterotoxin 1 (EAST1), and Shiga toxin 2 oedema disease (Stx2e) genes. Twenty-three (2.3%) of the 1002 E. coli isolates carried the gene for AIDA. Among 23 isolates shown to carry genes for AIDA, three carried the AIDA gene as the only shown virulence factor. Other isolates carried other virulence factor genes in addition to AIDA. Four isolates carried genes for at least one of the fimbrial adhesins and enterotoxins. Sixteen isolates carried genes for enterotoxins only. The AIDA may represent an additional virulence determinant in pre-weaned pigs with diarrhoea.     

Heat stroke in a great Pyrenees dog

A 2-year-old, male Great Pyrenees presented with a history and clinical signs suggesting heat exhaustion. Treatment with intravenous fluids, antibiotics, and surface cooling was unsuccessful, and euthanasia was elected. Histological evaluation of the dog's tissues revealed lesions consistent with severe hyperthermia and shock.     

Determination of mammalian deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in commercial vegetarian and vegan diets for dogs and cats

The determination of undeclared ingredients in pet food using different analytical methods has been reported in recent years, raising concerns regarding adequate quality control, dietary efficacy and the potential for purposeful adulteration. The objective of this study was to determine the presence or absence of mammalian DNA using multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on diets marketed as vegetarian or vegan for dogs and cats. The diets were tested in duplicate; two samples were purchased approximately 3 to 4 months apart with different lot numbers. Multiplex PCR‐targeted mitochondrial DNA with two species‐specific primers was used to amplify and sequence two sections of the cytochrome b gene for each of the 11 mammalian species. Half of the diets assessed (7/14) were positive for one or more undeclared mammalian DNA source (bovine, porcine, or ovine), and the result was repeatable for one or more species in six diets. While most of the detected DNA was found at both time points, in some cases, the result was positive only at one time point, suggesting the presence may have been due to unintentional cross‐contact with animal‐sourced ingredients. DNA from feline, cervine, canine, caprine, equine, murine (mouse and rat) and leporine was not identified in any samples. However, evidence of mammalian DNA does not confirm adulteration by the manufacturer nor elucidate its clinical significance when consumed by animals that may benefit from a vegetarian or vegan diet.     

In silico prediction of Gallibacterium anatis pan-immunogens

The Gram-negative bacterium Gallibacterium anatis is a major cause of salpingitis and peritonitis in commercial egg-layers, leading to reduced egg production and increased mortality. Unfortunately, widespread multidrug resistance and antigenic diversity makes it difficult to control infections and novel prevention strategies are urgently needed. In this study, a pan-genomic reverse vaccinology (RV) approach was used to identify potential vaccine candidates. Firstly, the genomes of 10 selected Gallibacterium strains were analyzed and proteins selected on the following criteria; predicted surface-exposure or secretion, none or one transmembrane helix (TMH), and presence in six or more of the 10 genomes. In total, 42 proteins were selected. The genes encoding 27 of these proteins were successfully cloned in Escherichia coli and the proteins expressed and purified. To reduce the number of vaccine candidates for in vivo testing, each of the purified recombinant proteins was screened by ELISA for their ability to elicit a significant serological response with serum from chickens that had been infected with G. anatis. Additionally, an in silico prediction of the protective potential was carried out based on a protein property prediction method. Of the 27 proteins, two novel putative immunogens were identified; Gab_1309 and Gab_2312. Moreover, three previously characterized virulence factors; GtxA, FlfA and Gab_2156, were identified. Thus, by combining the pan-genomic RV approach with subsequent in vitro and in silico screening, we have narrowed down the pan-proteome of G. anatis to five vaccine candidates. Importantly, preliminary immunization trials indicated an in vivo protective potential of GtxA-N, FlfA and Gab_1309.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13567-014-0080-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

The pharmacokinetics of intravenous fenoldopam in healthy,awake cats

Fenoldopam is a selective dopamine‐1 receptor agonist that improves diuresis by increasing renal blood flow and perfusion and causing peripheral vasodilation. Fenoldopam has been shown to induce diuresis and be well‐tolerated in healthy cats. It is used clinically in cats with oliguric kidney injury at doses extrapolated from human medicine and canine studies. The pharmacokinetics in healthy beagle dogs has been reported; however, pharmacokinetic data in cats are lacking. The goal of this study was to determine pharmacokinetic data for healthy, awake cats receiving an infusion of fenoldopam. Six healthy, awake, client‐owned cats aged 2–6 years old received a 120‐min constant rate infusion of fenoldopam at 0.8 μg/kg/min followed by a 20‐min washout period. Ascorbate stabilized plasma samples were collected during and after the infusion for the measurement of fenoldopam concentration by HPLC with mass spectrometry detection. This study showed that the geometric mean of the volume of distribution, clearance, and half‐life (198 mL/kg, 46 mL/kg/min, and 3.0 mins) is similar to pharmacokinetic parameters for humans. No adverse events were noted. Fenoldopam at a constant rate infusion of 0.8 μg/kg per min was well tolerated in healthy cats. Based on the results, further evaluation of fenoldopam in cats with kidney disease is recommended.