In vitro activity of danofloxacin, tylosin and oxytetracycline against mycoplasmas of veterinary importance

The activities of danofloxacin, a novel fluoroquinolone, and two other antimicrobials were determined in vitro against field isolates of seven Mycoplasma species of veterinary importance isolated from cattle, swine and poultry in five European countries. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of danofloxacin, tylosin and oxytetracycline were determined against a total of 68 isolates. Danofloxacin showed excellent activity against isolates of all Mycoplasma species (range 0·008 to 0·5 μg ml⁻¹), but in some isolates there was evidence of reduced sensitivity to tylosin (range 0·008 to 2·0 μg ml⁻¹) and oxytetracycline (range 0·008 to over 16·0 μg ml⁻¹). Danofloxacin was more active than other antimicrobials against, M hyopneumoniae, M dispar and M bovigenitalium, and showed activity similar to that of tylosin against M bovis and M gallisepticum. Tylosin was the most active against M synoviae and M hyosynoviae. Generally, oxytetracycline showed the poorest activity, but was superior to tylosin against M bovigenitalium. A second (final) MIC reading was taken for all isolates 14 or 21 days after the initial reading, and MIC values rose during that time. However, the increase seen in danofloxacin values (typically one to two dilutions) was less than that seen for tylosin and oxytetracycline. It is concluded that danofloxacin is highly active in vitro against all of the Mycoplasma species tested, and thus shows great potential for the treatment of respiratory and other infections caused by Mycoplasma species in cattle, pigs and poultry.     

Papillomavirus-associated basosquamous carcinoma in an Egyptian fruit bat (Rousettus aegyptiacus).

A 5-yr-old female Egyptian fruit bat (Rousettus aegyptiacus) had a small raised pigmented mass removed from the lateral canthus of the left eye. Six additional variably sized, raised, smooth to cauliflower-like skin masses were observed randomly distributed throughout the left wing membranes. Four masses were removed and diagnosed microscopically as basosquamous carcinomas and papillomas. Additional masses, removed 6 mo and 1 yr later, showed bony invasion and squamous differentiation. Immunohistochemistry detected positive intranuclear staining for bovine papillomavirus antibody in all samples. Polymerase chain reaction done on DNA extracts from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor tissue amplified a 450 base-pair segment analogous to the L1 region of human papillomavirus types 96 and 5. Basic Local Alignment Search Tool analysis of sequenced amplicons suggests a novel chiropteran papillomavirus. To our knowledge, this is the first report of papillomavirus-associated carcinoma in a chiropteran species.     

A real-time polymerase chain reaction assay for the detection of the myxozoan parasite Henneguya ictaluri in channel catfish

Proliferative gill disease (PGD), caused by the myxozoan parasite Henneguya ictaluri, is the most prevalent parasitic infection affecting commercial channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) aquaculture. There are currently no effective chemotherapeutic or biological control measures for PGD, which often peaks during the spring and fall when water temperatures are between 16-25 degrees C. The current diagnostic techniques of gross examination of gill clip wet mounts and histopathology are subject to false-negatives during the early stages of infection, and the quantifiable nature of end-point polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is subjective. Consequently, a rapid and more sensitive quantitative real-time PCR assay was developed for the detection of H. ictaluri during the early stages of infection in channel catfish. A 23 base-pair TaqMan probe was designed based on previously published H. ictaluri PCR protocols. The sensitivity of the assay was the equivalent of a single H. ictaluri actinospore, and in a pond challenge study, quantitative real-time PCR proved to be more sensitive than gross examination, microscopic examination of gill clip wet mounts, and histopathologic examination of gill tissue sections. Future applications of this assay will focus on developing methodologies to be used in conjunction with current pond-monitoring protocols to evaluate potential treatments and better manage this significant seasonal disease.     

Relationships of testicular iron and ferritin concentrations with testicular weight and sperm production in boars

The inverse relationship of testicular size and circulating follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) concentrations has been documented, and accompanying this relationship is the change in color of the parenchymal tissue of the testes. Large testes (300 to 400 g) are pink to light red and small testes (100 g) are dark maroon with color gradations for weights in between. It was hypothesized that this color most likely represented an iron protein. Chromatographic analysis of testicular tissue indicated that the Fe was associated primarily with ferritin, and immunohistochemistry showed that Leydig cells were the primary location of ferritin storage within the testes. Concentrations of Fe and ferritin were higher in small testes and decreased as testes weight increased (P < 0.05). As testicular Fe concentrations increased, daily sperm production (DSP) and total DSP declined (P < 0.05). Genotyping six generations of Meishan x White composite boars (n = 288) for a quantitative trait locus that is indicative of elevated FSH and small testes in boars indicated that the Meishan genotype had elevated testicular iron concentrations and darker color in conjunction with reduced total DSP (P < 0.01). It is not thought the elevated iron concentrations affect testicular weights but are probably a result of elevated FSH and FSH inducement of Fe transport. The storage of Fe in Leydig cells may provide a reservoir of Fe for easy access by Sertoli and germ cells, but still provide a degree of protection to germ cells from ionic iron.     

Comparison of foliar and soil formulations of neonicotinoid insecticides for control of potato leafhopper, Empoasca fabae (Homoptera: Cicadellidae), in wine grapes

BACKGROUND: The potential of systemic neonicotinoid insecticides to control potato leafhopper, Empoasca fabae (Harris), a damaging pest of wine grapes in the eastern United States, was investigated. Soil or foliar applications were made to potted or field‐grown vines, and the response of leafhoppers was determined in clip cages over the following month on young or mature leaves. RESULTS: Foliar application of imidacloprid caused immediate and long‐lasting reductions in E. fabae survival on both leaf ages, whereas the activity of soil‐applied imidacloprid was delayed. Clothianidin, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam all provided long‐lasting reduction in leafhopper survival on young and mature foliage when applied through either delivery route. However, the percentage of moribund nymphs was significantly greater on foliar‐treated vines and increased over time in mature and immature leaves compared with soil‐treated vines. Residue analysis of foliar‐applied imidacloprid showed an 89% decline in mature leaves from day 1 to day 27, and a 98% decline in immature leaves over the same time period. Comparison of soil‐applied clothianidin, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam in field‐grown vines showed significant reduction in E. fabae only on mature leaves of vines treated with thiamethoxam. CONCLUSIONS: Neonicotinoids can control E. fabae in small vines, even in rapidly expanding foliage where this pest causes greatest injury. Soil application provides superior long‐term vine protection because declining residues on foliar‐treated vines lead to suboptimal activity within 2–3 weeks. Vineyard managers of susceptible cultivars may take advantage of this approach to E. fabae management by using foliar applications of the three neonicotinoids tested here, or by using soil‐applied thiamethoxam. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Emergence of Edwardsiella piscicida in Farmed Channel ♀, Ictalurus punctatus × Blue ♂, Ictalurus furcatus,Hybrid Catfish Cultured in Mississippi

There is a trend toward the increased incidence and prevalence of Edwardsiella piscicida septicemia in US catfish aquaculture, particularly in channel ♀, Ictalurus punctatus, × blue ♂, I. furcatus, hybrid catfish. From 2013 to 2017, a total of 3242 disease case submissions were made to the Aquatic Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (ARDL) at the Thad Cochran National Warmwater Aquaculture Center in Stoneville, MS. Of these, 1400 (43.2%) were hybrids. E. piscicida was suspected in 138 (4.3%) of cases, the majority of which (89.1%) were from hybrid catfish. A molecular survey of these isolates confirmed the majority (92.0%) to be E. piscicida. Furthermore, cases of E. piscicida from hybrids submitted to the ARDL and the Aquatic Diagnostic Laboratory of the Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine in Starkville, MS, were documented for gross lesions and histological analysis. Grossly, E. piscicida presents with small dermal ulcerations, a raised fluid‐filled cranial midline lesion that is frequently ulcerated, hemorrhage in the gills, exophthalmia, and abdominal distension. Internally, lesions include splenomegaly, straw‐colored ascites, renomegaly, and occasionally hemorrhagic intestines. Histopathological examination is in agreement with gross observations, and infected fish repeatedly demonstrate a mononuclear meningoencephalitis, hemorrhagic branchitis, splenitis, ulcerative dermatitis, granulomatous interstitial nephritis, and hepatitis coupled with a hemorrhagic enteritis.     

Association of TALS developmental disorder with defect in minor splicing component U4atac snRNA

The spliceosome, a ribonucleoprotein complex that includes proteins and small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs), catalyzes RNA splicing through intron excision and exon ligation to produce mature messenger RNAs, which, in turn serve as templates for protein translation. We identified four point mutations in the U4atac snRNA component of the minor spliceosome in patients with brain and bone malformations and unexplained postnatal death [microcephalic osteodysplastic primordial dwarfism type 1 (MOPD 1) or Taybi-Linder syndrome (TALS); Mendelian Inheritance in Man ID no. 210710]. Expression of a subgroup of genes, possibly linked to the disease phenotype, and minor intron splicing were affected in cell lines derived from TALS patients. Our findings demonstrate a crucial role of the minor spliceosome component U4atac snRNA in early human development and postnatal survival.     

Effects of Co‐stocking Smallmouth Buffalo,Ictiobus bubalus,with Channel Catfish,Ictalurus punctatus

Proliferative gill disease (PGD) in catfish is caused by the myxozoan Henneguya ictaluri. The complex life cycle requires Dero digitata as the oligochaete host. Efforts to control PGD by eradicating D. digitata have been unsuccessful. Smallmouth buffalo, Ictiobus bubalus, (SMB) are opportunistic bottom feeders and a putative option for controlling D. digitata. In 2011, 15 ponds (0.4 ha) were stocked with 5000 channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus; 7 of these 15 ponds were also stocked with 300 SMB fingerlings. There were no differences in benthic invertebrate numbers or water quality variables between ponds with or without SMB. At harvest, there were no differences in percent survival, total weight, or catfish feed conversion ratio. In the second year, 18 ponds (0.4 ha) were stocked with 6000 channel catfish. Half the ponds were also stocked with 300 SMB. Sentinel fish were used to estimate disease severity, and pond water was collected for molecular estimation of H. ictaluri actinospore concentrations. Similar to the first year, there were no differences between treatments in any variable tested, including PGD severity in sentinel fish and parasite concentrations in pond water. Under these study conditions, presence of SMB did not have a measureable effect on PGD incidence, parasite density, or overall catfish production.