Bacteraemia in man and animals: An overview

Bacteraemia signifies invasion of the bloodstream by bacteria. In most systemic infections in man and animals, bacteria enter the blood at some stage during the infection and are rapidly distributed throughout the body. A wide variety of organisms have been associated with bacteraemia. Prompt detection of the aetiological agents of bacteraemia is of prime importance in clinical microbiology. There are no defined recommendations for blood cultures in animals but both conventional and improved methods are available for detection of bacteraemia in man. The consequences of bacteraemia are as diverse as the potential aetiological agents. Monoclonal antibodies to the core glycolipid (lipid A) seems very promising for the treatment of bacteraemia and septic shock caused by Gram-negative bacteria in man and animals.     

Different capabilities in utilizing dietary carbohydrate by fingerling and subadult giant gouramy Osphronemus gouramy

ABSTRACT:   Two experiments were conducted to determine the capability of the giant gouramy Osphronemus gouramy to assimilate dietary carbohydrate. In experiment 1, fingerlings with an initial body weight of 29–32 g were fed diets containing 20.8, 35.6, 49.8 and 57.0% carbohydrate three times daily, to satiation, for 40 days. In experiment 2, subadults with an initial body weight of 78.7–79.5 g were fed diets containing 21.2, 30.1, 38.6 and 47.5% carbohydrate three times daily, to satiation, for 60 days. The diets had the same amount of protein and the same energy content. The results of experiment 1 showed that the blood glucose levels of fish fed high carbohydrate diets (49.8 and 57.0%) in the 18 h postprandial were lower than those of fish fed low carbohydrate diets (20.8 and 35.6%). The peak of the blood glucose levels in all treatments was found 5 h postprandial. Experiment 2 showed that the blood glucose level of fish was the same among treatments; and the peak of the blood glucose levels was found 9 h postprandially. It was also found that the protein retention, daily growth rate and feed efficiency of the dietary 20.8% carbohydrate levels in experiment 1 were all significantly higher than in other treatments; whereas those in experiment 2 showed no significant difference among the treatments ( P  > 0.05). In both experiments 1 and 2, lipid retention increased significantly as the dietary carbohydrate level was elevated ( P  < 0.05). It was concluded that fingerlings of giant gouramy have a lower capability for utilizing dietary carbohydrate, and of the treatments, the 20.8% diet was optimal, whereas subadults could utilize diets with higher carbohydrate levels, as high as 47.5%.     

DNases in milk and blood sera from different species.

DNases were demonstrated in samples of colostrum and blood serum from man and various domestic animals. The measurable DNase activity recorded was highest in samples from cat and dog and lowest in samples from goat, horse, pig and sheep. In contrast to DNases produced by certain bacteria, these enzymes were thermo-labile and the activity was maximal in the area pH 5.0–5.5.A modification of an agar medium originally described for the demonstration of bacterial DNases was found to be suitable for assays of DNases from colostrum, milk and serum.     

Plasma and blood volume in the calf from birth till 90 days of age.

Determinations of plasma volume were made of 9 clinically healthy Swedish Red and White calves from birth to 90 days of age by means of the isotop dilution technique. Commercially available ¹³¹I labelled human serum albumin was used. Calculation of the total blood volume was based on the plasma volume and packed cell volume.The plasma and blood volumes increased per kg body weight in average 17 and 14% respectively from directly after birth to 24 hrs. old. From 1 to 90 days of age the plasma and blood volume fell steadily per kg body weight. Plasma volume expressed as a percentage of body weight was 5.3% at birth, 6.5% at 1 day old, and 4.9% at 90 days old. Corresponding values for blood volume were 8.4, 9.3 and 7.0%.     

Effects of Low Levels Zinc Polyaspartic Acid on Growth Performance,Blood Parameters,Tissue and Organ Zinc Accumulations and Zinc Emission of Growing Pigs

This experiment was conducted to study the effects of zinc polyaspartic acid (PASP) monohydrate on growth performance,nutrient apparent digestibility, serum indexes, tissue and organ zinc accumulations and zinc emission of growing pigs, and to determine the substitution effect of zinc polyaspartic acid for zinc sulfate. Ninety Duroc×Landrace×Large White growing pigs with the body weight of (31.73±3.50) kg were randomly assigned into 3 groups with 6 replicates per group and 5 pigs per replicate. The zinc level and source of the control group was 80 mg·kg^-1 zinc sulfate, while group Ⅰ and group Ⅱ were 60 and 40 mg·kg^-1 zinc polyaspartic acid monohydrate, respectively. Pre-trial period was 7 days, and formal experiment period was 30 days. The results showed as follows: 1) There was no significant difference in average daily gain, feed to weight ratio and diarrhea rate among control group and test groups (P>0.05). 2) The calcium (Ca) apparent digestibilities of test group I and test group Ⅱ were significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.05); There was no significant difference among groups in apparent digestibility of crude protein (CP), crude fat (EE), crude fiber (CF), crude ash (Ash) and phosphorus (P) (P>0.05). The apparent digestibility of zinc in the test group Ⅰ was significantly higher than those of the control group and the test group Ⅱ (P<0.05). 3) Compared with the control group, the fecal zinc content in the test group Ⅰ and Ⅱ were decreased by 21.65% and 30.87%, respectively, and the difference was significant (P<0.01). 4)The glutamate transaminase (ALT) activity of control group was significantly higher than those of test group Ⅰ and Ⅱ(P<0.05), the globulin(GLB) level of test group Ⅰ was significantly higher than those of control group and test groupⅡ(P<0.05), the indexes of blood glucose (GLU), total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), total cholesterol (TC) and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) were not significantly different among groups (P>0.05). 5)There were no significant difference of the zinc accumulations in liver, kidney, spleen, pancreas, bone, hair, longgissimus dorsi among groups (P>0.05), the serum zinc concentrations of test group Ⅰ and Ⅱ were significantly higher than that of control group (P<0.05). In summary, under this experimental condition, 40 mg·kg^-1zinc polyaspartic acid monohydrate could satisfy the needs of growing pigs at this stage, the fecal zinc content was significantly reduced, thus proving the feasibility of adding polyaspartic zinc instead of high dose zinc sulfate in growing pigs’ feed, and the emission reduction of zinc.     

Optic nerve head neuroretinal rim blood flow differences in monkeys with laser-induced glaucoma

INTRODUCTION: The blood flow of the neuroretinal rim (NRR) of the optic nerve head (ONH) of the rhesus monkey with laser-induced glaucoma was examined. METHODS: Argon laser photocoagulation of the trabecular meshwork to induce elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) was performed in one eye of nine normal male rhesus monkeys. The nasal and temporal NRR of the monkey ONH were examined by the Heidelberg retina tomograph/flowmeter (HRT/HRF) under neuromuscular blockade. A mixed effect analysis of variance was used to determine significant differences between eyes and between locations in the eyes. RESULTS: The average IOP in the hypertensive glaucoma and normal eyes was 34.8 +/- 7.2 and 16.0 +/- 1.9 mmHg, respectively. The HRT determined average overall cup to disc (C/D) area ratio in the glaucoma and normal eyes, which was 0.49 +/- 0.28 and 0.22 +/- 0.16, respectively. The mean temporal NRR HRF flow in the hypertensive eyes was significantly greater than in the normotensive eyes (P < 0.0001), than in the nasal NRR of the hypertensive eyes (P < 0.0001) and than in the nasal NRR of the normotensive eyes (P < 0.01). The mean nasal NRR HRF flow in the hypertensive eyes was significantly less than in the nasal NRR of the normotensive eyes (P < 0.01). There was no statistical difference between the mean HRF flow of the temporal and nasal NRR of the normotensive eyes. The elevated IOP positively influenced the flow values in the hypertensive eye (r = 0.724). CONCLUSIONS: The capillary microcirculation of the temporal NRR of the rhesus monkey ONH with laser-induced glaucoma has significantly increased blood flow, and the nasal NRR significantly reduced blood flow compared to blood flow in the NRR of normal normotensive monkey eyes.     

Blood gas and acid-base status during tiletamine/zolazepam anaesthesia in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of the tiletamine/zolazepam (TZ) combination (Zoletil 100; Virbac, Carros, France) with and without atropine on blood gas values and acid-base status in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized cross-over experimental study. ANIMALS: Six healthy adult cross-bred dogs, weighing 11.0-18.5 kg. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Each dog received four different drug treatments at intervals of at least 15 days: (i) 5 mg kg(-1) intravenous (IV) TZ (TZ.IV); (ii) 10 mg kg(-1) intramuscular (IM) TZ (TZ.IM); (iii) atropine, 20 microg kg(-1) IV, followed 5 minutes later by 5 mg kg(-1) TZ IV (A.TZ.IV); and (IV) atropine (same dose) given 5 minutes before 10 mg kg(-1) TZ IM (A.TZ.IM). Arterial blood samples were collected from each dog before drug administration (baseline) at induction of anaesthesia (time 0) and 2, 5, 10 and 30 minutes thereafter. RESULTS: Transient hypoxaemia and respiratory acidosis were observed just after induction. PaO(2) and SaO(2) dropped, while H(+) concentration and PaCO(2) rose significantly above baseline values. In groups TZ.IV and A.TZ.IV, PaO(2) values as low as 6.0-6.4 kPa (45-48 mm Hg) were recorded. However, there was no significant difference in blood gas variables among the groups encountered during the evaluation period. The overall change in [HCO(3) (-)] and base excess (BE) was not significant among groups. Atropine did not affect the above variables. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Tiletamine/zolazepam injection may induce transient hypoxaemia and respiratory acidosis, but acid-base status changes are clinically unimportant. Particularly, close observation of dogs is recommended during the first 5-10 minutes after induction with TZ, especially in animals with cardiopulmonary disease. TZ should perhaps not be used in animals intolerant of tachycardia.     

鸡贫血病—法氏囊病疫苗免疫母鸡后子代雏鸡的免疫学变化

本项目应用现代免疫学新技术对鸡传染性贫血病（CIA）-传染性法氏囊病（IBD）疫苗联合免疫母鸡后,其子代雏鸡外周血液T、B细胞数量和IgG、IgM、IgA含量法及法氏囊、胸腺、脾脏、盲肠扁桃体、哈德尔腺的T细胞和IgG、IgM、IgA抗体生成细胞数量以及泪液、气管液、胆汁、肠液的IgA、IgM、IgG含量的变化进行了动态研究。结果发现,CIA-IBD疫苗联合免疫母鸡后,其子代雏鸡外周血液、免疫器官组织和局部体液的上述各项指标均不同程度地高于未免疫的相应对照雏鸡。表明CIA-IBD疫苗免疫母鸡后,其子代雏鸡的体液免疫和细胞免疫功能明显增强,而CIAV-IBDV强毒攻击后,未免疫的子代雏鸡,其外周血液,免疫器官组织和局部体液的各项免疫学指标均明显低于疫苗免疫攻毒的子代雏鸡,这与未免疫雏鸡缺乏特异性抗体,强毒攻击后,雏鸡免疫器官组织广泛损害,淋巴细胞变性坏死等有关。     

Stomatocytosis in 7 related Standard Schnauzers

BACKGROUND: Hereditary canine stomatocytosis has been described in purebred Alaskan Malamutes, Drentse Patrijshonds, and Miniature Schnauzers. In humans, hereditary stomatocytosis is a heterogeneous group of congenital disorders characterized by the presence of stomatocytes in blood, increased osmotic fragility, and frequently, hemolytic anemia. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to describe hematologic findings and RBC characteristics in 7 closely related Standard Schnauzers with stomatocytosis. METHODS: The following parameters were measured using an automated analyzer: HCT, RBC, hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, MCV, MCH, MCHC, red cell distribution width (RDW), WBC, platelet count, mean platelet volume (MPV), thrombocrit (PCT), and platelet distribution width (PDW). Differential leukocyte count, platelet estimate, reticulocyte count, and the percentage of stomatocytes in blood films were microscopically evaluated. An osmotic fragility test of RBCs and measurement of intracellular Na+, K+, and 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG) concentrations were also performed. RESULTS: The affected dogs had macrocytosis (80.0 +/- 4.2 fL, reference interval 60-76 fL), decreased MCHC (29.3 +/- 0.8 g/dL, reference interval 32-39 g/dL), slightly increased RDW (17.3 +/- 0.4%, reference interval 12-16%), and an increased reticulocyte count (1.55 +/- 0.77%, reference interval <1%). The percentage of stomatocytes in blood films varied from 0.6 to 18.9% of all RBCs. Erythrocyte osmotic fragility and intracellular Na+ (138.1 +/- 3.2 mmol/L; controls 99 +/- 6.1 mmol/L), K+ (8.1 +/- 0.8 mmol/L; controls 6.1 +/- 0.5 mmol/L), and 2,3-DPG (21.9 +/- 2.0 micromol/g Hb; controls: 14.6 +/- 3.3 micromol/g Hb) concentrations were increased in dogs with stomatocytosis. CONCLUSIONS: Hematologic findings and the metabolic defects in RBCs in these Standard Schnauzers were consistent with a diagnosis of stomatocytosis. Parentage analysis suggests that stomatocytosis in Standard Schnauzers may have a hereditary component.     

Hemotrophic mycoplasmas (hemoplasmas): a review and new insights into pathogenic potential

Abstract: The red cell parasites formerly known as Haemobartomlla and Eperythrozoon spp have been reclassified as hemotrophic mycoplasmas (hemoplasmas) based on strong phylogenetic evidence and 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequences. The latter form the basis for polymerase chain reaction assays used to detect infection. Candidatus designation was given to incompletely characterized species. Like other mycoplasmas, hemoplasmas are small epicellular parasites that lack a cell wall and are susceptible to tetracyclines; their circular, double-stranded DNA encodes only those gene products essential for life. Diseases caused by infection with hemoplasmas range from overt life-threatening hemolytic anemia to subtle chronic anemia, ill-thrift, and infertility. In addition, the organisms may act as cofactors in the progression of retroviral, neoplastic, and immune-mediated diseases. Intimate contact of hemoplasma organisms with RBCs leads to cell injury through immune-mediated and other mechanisms that have not yet been defined. Despite an intense immune response and even with antibiotic treatment, infected animals probably remain chronic carriers after clinical signs have resolved.