Phenotypes Including Immunocompetence in Scavenging Local Chicken Ecotypes in Tanzania

A study was conducted to determine the variations in physical characters and immunocompetence among scavenging local chicken ecotypes in Tanzania. Eighty-four adult scavenging local chickens from four eco-climatic regions of Tanzania were studied. Measurements of adult body weight, body length, shank length and egg weight and observations of plumage colour and pattern, earlobe colour, skin colour and the shape of the comb were conducted. The antibody response to sheep red blood cells, serum haemolytic complement and the cutaneous response to phytohaemagglutinin-P were assessed. Five ecotypes were identified and named Mbeya, Morogoro-medium, Ching'wekwe, Kuchi and Singamagazi. Singamagazi and Kuchi were significantly heavier, with longer shanks and heavier eggs than the other ecotypes. The average adult body weight for males ranged from 1621 g (Mbeya) to 2915 g (Singamagazi). Average female weights ranged from 1108 g (Morogoro-medium) to 2020 g (Singamagazi). Mean egg weights ranged from 37.65 g (Ching'wekwe) to 45.61 (Singamagazi). The Kuchi had mostly rose and walnut combs, while the other ecotypes were mostly single combed. In each ecotype there were chickens with a high or low antibody response to red blood cells, but there was a significant difference between the ecotypes.     

Distribution and properties of geographically distinct isolates of sugar beet yellowing viruses

From a total of 261 yellow sugarbeet leaves collected from 10 countries representing three continents, the incidence and distribution of strains of Beet mild yellowing virus (BMYV), Beet chlorosis virus (BChV) and Beet yellows virus (BYV) were analysed using serological and molecular methods. BMYV was found in all countries except Greece, and more frequently in the northern and western areas of Europe, whereas BYV predominated in Turkey, Spain, Greece, the USA and Chile. BChV, originally found in the USA and the UK in 1989, was identified in France, Spain, the Netherlands and Chile. Nine sugar beet poleroviruses, plus a reference isolate of Turnip yellows virus (TuYV, syn. Beet western yellows virus ), were further characterized and compared. Isolates obtained from sugar beet infected this species, but not oilseed rape or lettuce; all isolates except one infected Capsella bursa-pastoris . The coat-protein sequences of these isolates were highly similar, with the consensus sequence representing 89% of nucleotide residues. Within the coat-protein gene, two regions were identified that could represent specific epitopes to which monoclonal antibody BYDV-PAV-IL-1 could bind; this antibody is used to distinguish beet poleroviruses in ELISA. Comparison of the sequences at the 5' end showed that sequence homology existed only between isolates with the same host range. The first sequence data of polerovirus isolates from Chile are presented, showing that the coat protein and the 5' end of their genomes are highly similar to those of BMYV isolates found in Europe. Chilean polerovirus isolates may have been imported from the northern hemisphere in sugar beet breeding material.     

华东地区部分猪源大肠杆菌K88黏附素的生物学特性

近年来，从华东地区患腹泻仔猪中分离到一些表达K88菌毛的大肠杆菌，这些菌株只与K88a因子单抗反应，而不与b、c、d因子单抗反应。通过K88常规血清交叉吸收试验、SDS-PAGE、Western印迹，表明这些菌株不仅与K88ac参考菌株C83907制备的c因子血清反应，而且与以分离株SEC586制备且经K88ab、K88ac、K88ad参考菌株吸收后的血清也反应。对分离株SEC586、SEC464的K88主要亚单位结构基因faeG的克隆、测序，发现该基因由846对核苷酸组成，编码菌毛主要亚单位的262个氨基酸及21个氨基酸的信号肽，比国外报道的K88ac FaeG亚单位（263个氨基酸）少了1个氨基酸，比K88ab、K88ad（265个氨基酸）少了3个氨基酸。SEC586、SEC464菌株的FaeG亚单位氨基酸序列的同源性为97．7％，它们与K88ac的同源性为94．7％和96．2％；与K88ab的同源性为90．1％和91．2％；与K88ad的同源性为87．0％和88，6％。结果表明，新分离的K88ac大肠杆菌黏附素主要亚单位已发生了部分变异。     

Molecular characterization and in planta detection of Fusarium moniliforme endopolygalacturonase isoforms

The activation of Fusarium moniliforme endopolygalacturonase (endoPG) was studied during infection of maize plants. EndoPG is a plant cell wall degrading enzyme that cleaves the pectin component causing cell death. The authors generated several hybridoma cell lines producing endoPG specific monoclonal antibodies. One monoclonal antibody was selected and successfully used in Western blotting analysis to detect F. moniliforme endoPG secretion in vitro and in planta. Two F. moniliforme strains (FC-l0 and 62264) were used for the studies. Both strains revealed the expression of a single endoPG in vitro as in planta. EndoPG from strain FC-10 presented four isoforms whereas only two isoforms were revealed in the endoPG from strain 62264. Differences were also found in the sequences of the two endoPG genes indicating the presence of endoPG variability among F. moniliforme strains.     

Seroprevalence of Neospora caninum infection following an abortion outbreak in a dairy cattle herd

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the seroprevalence of Neospora caninum infection in a commercial dairy cattle herd, 15 months after detection of an abortion outbreak. PROCEDURE: Sera from the whole herd (n = 266) were examined for N caninum antibodies by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and immunoblot analysis. Herd records were reviewed to collate serological results with abortion history, proximity to calving, and pedigree data. RESULTS: The seroprevalence of N caninum infection was 24% (63/266) for IFAT titre > or = 160, 29% (78/266) for immunoblot positive (+ve), and 31% (82/266) for IFAT > or = 160 and/or immunoblot +ve; 94% (59/63) of animals with IFAT > or = 160 were immunoblot +ve. The association between seropositivity (IFAT > or = 160 and/or immunoblot +ve) and history of abortion was highly significant (P < 0.001); the seroprevalence was 86% (18/21) in aborting cows, compared with 30% (50/164) in non-aborting animals. The abortion rate for seropositive cows was 26% (18/68) compared with 3% (3/117) for seronegative animals. IFAT titres of infected cows were higher within 2 months of calving than at other times (P < 0.001). The association between seropositivity in dams and daughters was highly significant (P = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: The abortions were associated with N caninum infection and there was evidence of reactivation of latent infection close to calving and congenital transmission of infection. Immunodominant antigens identified by immunoblots may prove useful for improved diagnostic tests.     

Immune Responses to Intermediate Strain IBD Vaccine at Different Levels of Maternal Antibody in Broiler Chickens

Tropical Animal Health and Production -     

Prevalence of bovine herpesvirus-4 infection in cats in Central Michigan

The gammaherpesvirus bovine herpesvirus-4 (BHV-4) has been isolated from a wide variety of animals, including lions and domestic cats. Although BHV-4 antibodies have been detected in normal cats and cats with urinary disorders, the epidemiology and pathogenic role of BHV-4 in cats is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of BHV-4 antibodies and viral nucleic acid in a population of free-roaming cats. Plasma and peripheral blood leukocyte samples were collected from 52 male and 52 female free-roaming cats impounded at a regional animal control facility in Central Michigan. Plasma concentrations of BHV-4 antibodies were measured with an indirect fluorescent antibody test. Peripheral blood leukocyte DNA was isolated, and a 2-stage polymerase chain reaction with heminested primers delineating a conserved portion of the BHV-4 glycoprotein B gene homologue was used to amplify BHV-4-specific DNA sequences. BHV-4 antibodies were detected in 38 (73%) male and 23 (44%) female cats. Seropositive cats were significantly more likely to be male than female (odds ratio = 3.22; P = .007). Cell-associated viremia was detected in 17 (33%) male and 11 (21%) female cats. Of the 61 seropositive cats, 23 (38%) had a detectable viremia; only 5 (12%) seronegative cats had detectable viremia. Seropositive cats were significantly more likely to be viremic than seronegative cats (OR = 4.30: P = .009). Our results suggest that BHV-4 infection may be more widespread in certain cat populations than previously reported. Furthermore, many cats seropositive for BHV-4 antibodies have a concurrent cell-associated viremia.     

Isotype-specific antibodies in horses and dogs with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia

Classes of antibody bound to erythrocytes were determined using direct immunofluorescence (DIF) flow cytometry in 3 horses and 12 dogs with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA). Background levels of antibody binding were determined in samples from 12 horses and 12 dogs that were free of clinical disease. The range of nonspecific binding of a fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-conjugated goat anti-equine immunoglobulin G (IgG) was 19.9–36.7%, but was eliminated by the use of the F(ab)₂ fragment of FITC-conjugated goat anti-equine IgG. Background binding by other class-specific antibodies to equine and canine erythrocytes was negligible. The DIF results were compared to the direct antiglobulin (Coombs) test in 5 horses and 20 dogs with anemia. The former assay was more sensitive in dogs with IMHA than was the Coombs' test (100% versus 58%). In contrast, the Coombs' test had better specificity than the DIF assay (100% versus 87.5%, respectively). Using clinical parameters or response to therapy as the comparison, the positive and negative predictive values for the DIF test were 92% and 100% compared to the values of the Coombs' test of 100% and 62%. The DIF assay detected low levels of cells bound with antibody (<30%) in 5 dogs that were Coombs' test-negative. For both species, performance of the DIF test was independent of the prozone effect. Five dogs with IMHA had IgG and IgM on erythrocytes, 5 had IgG, and 2 had IgM. Three horses had surface-bound IgG, including a horse with suspected penicillin-induced IMHA, a foal with neonatal isoerythrolysis, and a foal with clostridial septicemia. The DIF method was valuable in monitoring the response to therapy in the foal with neonatal isoerythrolysis.     

Seroprevalence of Ehrlichia canis, Ehrlichia equi, and Ehrlichia risticii in sick dogs from North Carolina and Virginia

Ehrlichia canis, E. equi, and E. risticii seroprevalence was determined by microimmunofluorescent antibody testing (IFA) in a sequential population of 1,845 sick dogs admitted during a 1-year period to the North Carolina State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital. A seroreactor was defined by a reciprocal IFA titer of > or =80 to E. canis, E. equi, or E. risticii antigens. Of the 48 IFA seroreactors, 44 dogs were seroreactive to E. canis, 21 to E. equi, and 0 to E. risticii. Seventeen dogs reacted to both E. canis and E. equi antigens. There was concordance of E. canis IFA and western immunoblot (WI) test results for 36/44 dogs. Because of cross-reactivity of E. canis sera with E. equi antigens, WI was of less utility to confirm E. equi exposure. After elimination of E. canis seroreactors, there was concordance of 2/4 E. equi IFA and WI test results. Based upon a retrospective review of medical records, ehrlichiosis was diagnosed in 10/48 (21%) IFA seroreactive dogs, 9 of which were confirmed positive by WI. Of the remaining 38 IFA seroreactors, 29 also were confirmed by E. canis or E. equi WI. These results indicate that (1) ehrlichiosis was not diagnosed in the majority of serologically confirmed cases, (2) based upon E. canis and E. equi WI analysis, IFA testing was not specific (21% false positive), (3) E. canis sera cross-react with E. equi antigens, and (4) serologic evidence of E. risticii infection was lacking in the dog population studied.     

被毛突变小鼠解剖及繁殖学特性观察

对一种新的具有个毛、无毛、稀毛３种表型的被毛突变小鼠的大体解剖学特性研究结果表明,其心肝、脾、肺、肾、肾上腺等脏器的位置、形态及组织学结构无表型间差异,但无毛小鼠被毛和皮肤结构异常,大多数脏器的重量和脏器系数表现出表型差异和性别差异（Ｐ〈０．０５或Ｐ〈０．０１）。繁殖学特性研究结果表明,虽然无毛小鼠雌雄生殖系统的器官组成、发情周期与其他２种表型之间无明显差异,但其雄性的初情期明显滞后（约２周左右）