The status of Mycobacterium bovis infection in UK wild mammals: a review

Bovine tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium bovis is a zoonotic infection with a wide range of mammalian hosts. In parts of the UK M. bovis infection in cattle is a persistent problem. The European badger (Meles meles) is implicated in the transmission of M. bovis to cattle, and is widely believed to constitute the most important reservoir of infection in UK wildlife. However, few studies have been carried out on the status of M. bovis infection in other UK mammals. In this review we present information on the incidence and pathology of M. bovis infection in UK wild mammals from both published and previously unpublished sources. Although the evidence does not support the existence of a significant self-maintaining reservoir of infection in any wild mammal other than the badger, there is a clear lack of sufficient data to rule out the involvement of other species. In the light of this and the dynamic nature of epidemiological patterns, further surveillance for M. bovis infection in UK wild mammals, using modern methods of diagnosis, is essential.     

Structure-function relationships during secondary phloem development in an angiosperm tree,Aesculus hippocastanum: microtubules and cell walls

We studied the dynamics of the cortical microtubule (CMT) cytoskeleton during differentiation of axial secondary phloem elements in taproots and epicotyls of Aesculus hippocastanum L. (horse-chestnut) saplings. Indirect immunofluorescence microscopy of alpha-tubulin and transmission electron microscopy revealed that fusiform cambial cells possessed a reticulum of CMTs in which individual microtubules were randomly arranged. During differentiation of these cambial cell derivatives into secondary phloem cells, the CMTs were rearranged to become helically oriented, regardless of phloem cell type. Although helical CMTs were a persistent feature of all axial elements of the secondary phloem (sieve elements, companion cells, phloem parenchyma, and fiber-sclereids), some modifications of this arrangement occurred as cells differentiated. Thus, at late stages of cell differentiation, sieve elements possessed nearly transverse CMTs, pronounced bundling of CMTs was seen in phloem parenchyma, and the density of CMTs in the helical arrays of fibers increased markedly. Additionally, phloem parenchyma possessed rings of CMTs in association with developing pit areas. Aspects of the development and chemistry of cell walls were also examined during phloem cytodifferentiation.     

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of three formulations of firocoxib in healthy horses

The objectives of this study were to compare the pharmacokinetics and COX selectivity of three commercially available formulations of firocoxib in the horse. Six healthy adult horses were administered a single dose of 57 mg intravenous, oral paste or oral tablet firocoxib in a three‐way, randomized, crossover design. Blood was collected at predetermined times for PGE₂ and TXB₂ concentrations, as well as plasma drug concentrations. Similar to other reports, firocoxib exhibited a long elimination half‐life (31.07 ± 10.64 h), a large volume of distribution (1.81 ± 0.59L/kg), and a slow clearance (42.61 ± 11.28 mL/h/kg). Comparison of the oral formulations revealed a higher C_max, shorter T_max, and greater AUC for the paste compared to the tablet. Bioavailability was 112% and 88% for the paste and tablet, respectively. Maximum inhibition of PGE₂ was 83.76% for the I.V. formulation, 52.95% for the oral paste formulation, and 46.22% for the oral tablet formulation. Pharmacodynamic modeling suggests an IC₅₀ of approximately 27 ng/mL and an IC₈₀ of 108 ng/ mL for COX2 inhibition. Inhibition of TXB₂ production was not detected. This study indicates a lack of bioequivalence between the oral formulations of firocoxib when administered as a single dose to healthy horses.     

Clinical and pathological findings of Babesia infection in dogs

The clinical and pathological findings of Babesia infection in 32 dogs in northern Australia are presented. Eleven different breed types were represented from 6 localities in north Queensland and one locality in northern Western Australia. Twenty three (72%) were males. Babesia-infected dogs were grouped by the degree of haematological disturbance and clinical severity: Acute babesiosis (25/32), all pups with severe haemolytic anaemia; subclinical carriers (5/32) with non-specific malaise, characterised haematologically by a normal erythrogram but marked leucopenia; chronic anaemia, observed in 2 adult dogs. Pups were azotaemic (serum urea greater than 6.6 mmol/l) and had elevated serum bilirubin levels (20.8 to 48.5 mmol/l). Total serum protein was usually within the normal range. Pups that died were also hypoglycaemic and severely hyperkalaemic (K+ greater than 10 mmol/l). Low parasitaemias in routine blood smears complicated diagnosis but smears made from ear or toe capillaries, or after haematocrit concentration, greatly enhanced finding parasitised cells. At necropsy, pallor and jaundice were the most consistent observations. Haemoglobinuric nephrosis, an active reticulo-endothelial system and capillaries packed with large numbers of infected erythrocytes were the main histopathological findings. A combination of imidocarb dipropionate at 5 mg/kg body weight, given intramuscularly, with fluid therapy and blood transfusion was the most successful treatment.