bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association Analysis between Bilateral Convergent Strabismus with Exophthalmus and Milk Production Traits in Dairy Cattle
Authors: Distl O. , Gerst M.
Published: March 2003

Bilateral convergent strabismus with exophthalmus (BCSE) is characterized in cattle by a symmetrical antero‐medial rotation and protrusion of the eyeballs. This eye defect is caused by an inherited, centrally insufficient function of the eye muscles recti laterales and retractores. In German Brown cattle a monogenic, autosomal dominant inheritance proved to be most probable in complex segregation analysis. In our study running between October 1993 and May 1995 a total of 200 affected German Brown cows was studied. The investigation of the association between milk production traits and BCSE was based on 10 960 German Brown cows. The analysis revealed no significant differences between affected and non‐affected cows, nor between cow families with and without affected members. There was no indication of an association between milk production traits and occurrence of BCSE within cow families. Linkage or pleiotropy of the BCSE locus with quantitative trait loci for milk production traits may be rather unlikely.
Twenty‐Four‐Hour Patterns of Hormones and Metabolites in Week 9 and 19 of Lactation in High‐Yielding Dairy Cows fed Triglycerides and Free Fatty Acids
Authors: Blum J. W. , Bruckmaier R. M. , Vacher P. ‐Y. , ünger A. M. , Jans F.
Published: March 2003

Effects of feeding crystalline triglycerides (TGA), free fatty acids (FFA), and a starch‐rich ration (STA) on metabolite and hormone concentrations in blood plasma were studied in high‐yielding dairy cows over a 24‐h period in week 9 and 19 of lactating. Energy‐corrected milk production in the three groups was similar, but was lower in week 19 than in week 9. Energy and protein intakes were greater in week 9 than in week 19, but energy and protein balances in the three groups and in weeks 9 and 19 were similar. Plasma glucose and triglyceride concentrations were lower in week 9 than in week 19. In cows fed FFA, glucose concentrations were highest in week 9. Plasma triglyceride, phospholipid and cholesterol concentrations were highest, whereas β‐hydroxybutyrate concentrations were lowest in FFA‐fed cows in weeks 9 and 19. Concentrations of insulin‐like growth factor‐I in week 19 were lower in cows fed TGA and FFA than in those fed the starch‐rich ration. Post‐prandial responses were usually greater following morning than afternoon meals. Fructosamine, albumin, urea, growth hormone, thyroxine, and 3,5,3′‐triiodothyronine concentrations were similar in weeks 9 and 19 and were not influenced by dietary treatment or feeding times. In conclusion, there were distinct metabolic and endocrine effects of feeding TGA and FFA compared with STA and the concentrations as well as the 24‐h changes of various metabolic and endocrine traits in weeks 9 and 19 of lactation were also different.
Effect of Teat Dipping with a Germicide Barrier Teat Dip in Late Gestation on Intramammary Infection and Clinical Mastitis during the First 5 Days Post‐partum in Primiparous Cows
Authors: Edinger D. , Tenhagen B.‐A. , Kalbe P. , Klünder G. , Baumgärtner B. , Heuwieser W.
Published: March 2003

The effect of teat dipping with a barrier teat dip prior to parturition on intramammary infection (IMI) and clinical mastitis during the first 5 days post‐partum was investigated in a split udder trial in 149 Holstein‐Frisian heifers. Their left front and right hind quarters were dipped three times weekly (i.e. Monday, Wednesday and Friday) with a barrier teat dip containing 0.1 % polyvidon iodine from day 260 of gestation until parturition. The opposite quarters (right front and left hind quarter) served as untreated control. Bacteria were isolated from 52.2 % of quarter milk samples collected immediately after parturition prior to first machine milking. Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase‐negative staphylococci (CNS) were predominantly found in the samples (29.2 and 35.6 % of the positive samples, respectively). At parturition 6.7 % of the heifers showed signs of clinical mastitis and another 27.5 % developed signs of clinical mastitis during the first five days of lactation. No significant differences were found between treated and control quarters regarding IMI and incidence of clinical mastitis. Teat dipping prior to parturition in primigravid dairy heifers did not improve udder health in this trial.
Spontaneous Contractions of Intestinal Smooth Muscle Re‐aggregates from the New‐born Rat Triggered by Thromboxane A2
Authors: Frings M. , Haschkie G. , Heinke B. , Schäfer K.H. , Diener M.
Published: March 2003

Isolated smooth muscle cells from the small intestine of new‐born rats were prepared by enzymatic digestion. These cells re‐aggregate after 1 day in culture to clusters. The re‐aggregates show spontaneous rhythmical contractions at 37°C with a frequency (13.1 ± 0.8 min−1, n = 49), which is similar to that of the intact smooth muscle layer. The cholinergic agonist carbachol (5 × 10−5 mol l−1) caused an increase in the frequency of the spontaneous contractions often ending in a permanent contraction. A similar effect was achieved with the thromboxane A2 (TXA2) agonist, U‐46619 (10−5 mol l−1). In contrast, both the TXA2 receptor blocker, Bay u3405 (5 × 10−4 mol l−1), as well as the Ca2+ channel blocker, verapamil (5 × 10−5 mol l−1), suppressed the spontaneous contractions. The observed contractility was insensitive against the neuronal blocker tetrodotoxin (10−6 mol l−1). These analyses of video images were supported by the measurement of relative changes in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration with the Ca2+‐sensitive dye, fura‐2. Spontaneous contractions were paralleled by spikes in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration, which were abolished by Bay u3405, but stimulated by U‐46619 or carbachol. In summary, these results obtained at re‐aggregates of intestinal smooth muscle cells support the hypothesis of a role of TXA2 in the generation of spontaneous intestinal smooth muscle contractions in vitro.
Outbreak of Osteodystrophia Fibrosa in Young Goats
Authors: Aslani M. R. , Movassaghi A. R. , Mohri M. , Seifi H. A.
Published: March 2003

Osteodystrophia fibrosa was diagnosed in young goats which received a diet of 60% wheat straw and 40% barley for 8 months. The ratio of calcium:phosphorus in the diet was 1:1.8. The clinical signs were bilateral and symmetrical enlargement of the face, swelling of the joints, and limb deformities. The laboratory findings showed a low level of serum calcium in all affected goats. Histopathological examination revealed marked fibrous deposition and osteoclasia in bones of the maxilla and mandible.
Effect of Vitamin E on Ruminal FermentationIn Vitro
Authors: NAZIROĞLU M. , GÜLER T. , YÜCE A.
Published: March 2003

The effects of vitamin E on pH value, total protozoa counts, volatile fatty acid (VFA), ammonia nitrogen and lactate levels were examined using anin vitroruminal incubation system. The ruminal fluid (100 ml) of the first and second group was supplemented with 0.4 mg or 0.8 mg of vitamin E, respectively. Samples were taken immediately before and following 3, 6, 12 and 24 h of incubation at 39°C and analysed for the total protozoa counts, the pH and the levels of ammonia nitrogen, lactate and VFA. Levels of propionate at 24 h and ammonia nitrogen at 12 and 24 h were significantly higher in the second group than in the control. In contrast, the levels of butyrate at 6, 12 and 24 h and lactate at 6, 12 and 24 h were lower in the second group than in the control. Propionate at 24 h, acetate levels at 6, 12 and 24 h and ammonia nitrogen levels at 6, 12 and 24 h and total rumen protozoa counts at 6, 12 and 24 h were significantly higher in the second group as compared with control. In contrary, butyrate levels at 6, 12 and 24 h, lactate levels at 6, 12 and 24 h were lower in second group than in control. There was no statistically significant difference among the groups in the pH values. In conclusion, the addition of vitamin E toin vitroruminal fluid was found to increase the concentrations of acetate and propionate, total counts of protozoa, levels of ammonia nitrogen, but to decrease the butyrate and lactate levels of the ruminal aliquots inin vitroruminal fermentation.
Primary Evaluation of Methenamine as a NPN Compound with Probable Effects on Increasing Ruminal Escaped Protein
Authors: Mohebbi‐Fani M . , Shekarforoosh S . , Maleki M . , Vahedi N .
Published: March 2003

The effects of methenamine as a non‐protein nitrogenous compound on protein and health status of feedlot lambs were studied in three groups of lambs receiving 5, 10, or 15 g of the substance daily in their feed for 100 days. The results were compared with data obtained from a control group receiving a diet low in crude protein without methenamine. Serum total protein, serum urea nitrogen and serum creatinine were measured every 10 days as indicators of protein metabolism and kidney function. Urine samples were also examined on the same days for possible side‐effects of methenamine on the urinary tract. Following slaughter, various internal organs, including the brain and various parts of the gastrointestinal and urinary tracts, were examined both grossly and microscopically to detect any lesions. All groups receiving methenamine had serum total protein and serum urea nitrogen levels higher than those in the control group. The serum creatinine level was normal in all the groups throughout the experiment. No gross or microscopic lesion attributed to the toxic effects of methenamine was detected in any of the internal organs. Therefore, it is concluded that methenamine can be used as a non‐protein nitrogenous compound without serious side‐effects.
A Generalized Staphylococcal Scalded Skin‐Like Disease in Lambs
Authors: Yeruham I. , Perl S. , Elad D. , Avidar Y.
Published: March 2003

An idiopathic disease involving skin and kidneys was seen in two Merino lambs from the same herd. A generalized skin exfoliation in association with acute renal failure were the most prominent clinical features. The condition resembled staphylococcal scalded‐skin syndrome of man, and pure cultures of Staphylococcus aureus were isolated from the lesion. Acute renal failure was diagnosed by clinical, biochemical and histological criteria, and necropsy.
Carcass Quality in Certified Organic Production Compared with Conventional Livestock Production
Authors: Hansson I. , Hamilton C. , Ekman T. , Forslund K.
Published: March 2003

By studying carcass quality, expressed as affection, pathological findings, slaughter‐weight and evaluation, a picture of an animal's health and potential as high quality food is achieved. This study compares the carcass quality in Swedish certified organic meat production with that of conventional meat production slaughtered during 1997. The study involves 3.9 million pigs, about 570 000 cattle and 190 000 sheep, all reared conventionally and 3483 pigs 4949 cattle and 4997 sheep reared according to organic standards. Pathological and additional findings are registered by meat inspectors from the Swedish National Food Administration at the post‐mortem inspection. There was a significant difference at the post‐mortem inspection of growing‐fattening pigs; 28 % of conventionally and 17 % of the organically reared pigs had one or more registered lesion. The carcass evaluation of swine shows a higher meat percentage in conventional swine production. The total rate of registered abnormalities in cattle was systems around 28 % from organic and 27 % from conventionally reared herds. Carcass evaluation of cattle from organic herds gave higher classification in the EUROP system, whereas the fat content was lower than that of conventionally reared cattle. Sheep, reared both organically and conventionally, showed a lower rate of registered abnormalities than swine and cattle.
Canine Distemper Virus Causes Apoptosis of Vero Cells
Authors: Guo Aizhen , Lu Chengping
Published: March 2003

Apoptosis of Vero cells infected with two canine distemper virus (CDV) vaccine strains was detected using TdT (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase)‐mediated dUTP nick end‐labelling (TUNEL), flow cytometric analysis, agarose gel electrophoresis and electron microscopy (EM). By TUNEL, apoptotic cells were found in CDV‐Onderstepoort (CDV‐Ond)‐infected cells. DNA fragments isolated from infected cells were separated by agarose gel electrophoresis and a ‘ladder’ pattern appeared. EM observations demonstrated that the cells undergoing cytopathic effect (CPE) possessed morphological characteristics of apoptotic cells. Flow cytometric analysis indicated that CDV could induce apoptosis of Vero cells, but the percentages of the apoptotic cells were correlated with the CPE types. The strain showing the cell‐rounding type of CPE produced a much higher percentage of apoptotic cells than CDV‐Ond with the syncytium type of CPE (P < 0.01). It was concluded that CDV vaccine strains could induce apoptosis of Vero cells and the apoptosis was virus strain‐dependent and cell‐dependent. The mechanism remains to be studied.
The Modification of Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization (FAVN) Test for the Detection of Antibodies to Rabies Virus
Authors: Hostnik P.
Published: March 2003

The fluorescent antibody virus neutralization test (FAVN) for the detection of antibodies against rabies virus was modified by using a monoclonal anti‐rabies antibodies and peroxidase anti‐mouse conjugate instead of a fluorescent anti‐rabies conjugate. The results were read on an automatic multi‐channel spectrophotometer. A total of 182 serum samples from dogs were tested by both the original and modified FAVN methods and the results were compared. Good correlation was found between the two tests. Practically, the modified FAVN test was quicker and could be used for a larger number of samples.
Weaning of Piglets. Effects of an Exposure to a Pathogenic Strain of Escherichia coli
Authors: Melin L. , Katouli M. , Lindberg Å. , Fossum C. , Wallgren P.
Published: March 2003

The influence of weaning on day 32 and a simultaneous challenge with a pathogenic strain of Escherichia coli was studied in eight piglets. Another nine weaned but non‐infected piglets were used as controls. The distribution of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) into subpopulations, as well as their response when stimulated in vitro by pokeweed mitogen, changed in a similar manner during post‐weaning in both groups. In contrast, superior responses were recorded for PBMC collected from the challenged pigs when stimulated in vitro with concanavalin A and with a heat‐inactivated extract of the E. coli strain used for infection, respectively. Despite a successful colonization of the challenge strain, no clinical signs of disease were recorded. Nor did the daily weight gain or the number of E. coli, enterococci, or Clostridium perfringens excreted per gram of faeces differ between the groups. However, the weaning induced a marked decrease in the diversity of coliforms in individual piglets, which announced a reduced colonization resistance of that flora. Also, a decreased homogeneity between coliform floras of different piglets was observed following weaning. The decreased homogeneity indicated that different strains of E. coli were predominant in different animals, which may in turn facilitate the spread of pathogenic strains. The enteric changes were more pronounced and lasted longer in infected animals. Still, the influence of a sole pathogenic strain of E. coli was not enough to induce post‐weaning diarrhoea.
Evaluation of Two Commercial Systems and a New Identification Scheme Based on Solid Substrates for Identifying Coagulase‐Negative Staphylococci from Bovine Mastitis
Authors: Thorberg B.‐M. , Brändström B.
Published: March 2003

Coagulase‐negative staphylococci (CNS), mainly isolated from bovine mastitis (n = 89, representing 11 different species), were used to evaluate two commercial identification systems: ID 32 Staph and Staph‐Zym. The level of agreement between the ID 32 Staph and Staph‐Zym systems and conventional methods was 77 and 94 %, respectively. An alternative method, based on solid biochemical substrates, is also presented. This can be used for identifying novobiocin‐sensitive CNS strains from bovine mastitis.
The Use of Ag85 Complex as Antigen in ELISA for the Diagnosis of Bovine Tuberculosis in Dairy Cows in Brazil
Authors: Lilenbaum W. , Pessolani M. C. V. , Fonseca L. S.
Published: March 2003

Several enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods have been investigated to evaluate their performance in the diagnosis of tuberculosis in cattle. Increased production of antibodies to the proteins of antigen 85 complex (Ag85) after experimental and natural infection in cattle shows that they are strongly immunogenic in vivo. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of Ag85 as an antigen in ELISA for the diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis in dairy cows in Brazil. The test groups consisted of 46 serum samples from intradermal tuberculin test (ITT)‐positive animals (Group A) and 46 samples from ITT‐negative animals (Group B). Group C comprised 12 samples from a tuberculosis‐free herd and was the control group of the study. Samples were tested in an ELISA using Ag85 as antigen. Differences between the mean ODs of groups A and B and A and C were significant (P < 0.01), but no significant difference (P > 0.05) was observed between groups B and C. The sensitivity of the ELISA using Ag85 was 91.3 % (42/46) and its specificity was 94.8 % (55/58). These results were not significantly different (P > 0.05) from those observed in a previous study of an ELISA using purified protein derivative (PPD). We concluded that, although Ag85 can be used as antigen for ELISA tests in the diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis with good sensitivity and specificity rates, no significant advantages were observed in relation to the ELISA using PPD that could justify the purification and utilization of Ag85 as a single antigen in routine methods of diagnosis.
Molecular and Antigenic Characterization of Bangladeshi Isolates of Infectious Bursal Disease Virus Demonstrate their Similarities with Recent European, Asian and African Very Virulent Strains
Authors: Islam M. R. , Zierenberg K. , Eterradossi N. , Toquin D. , Rivallan G. , Müller H.
Published: March 2003

Three isolates of infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV), obtained from chickens in Bangladesh in 1999 and designated as BD 1/99, BD 2/99 and BD 3/99, were characterized. In an antigen capture–enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay using a panel of VP2‐specific neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (mAb), all three isolates showed a mAb‐binding profile similar to that of very virulent IBDV (vvIBDV) strains. In contrast to the classical virulent strains, they did not react with mAb 3 and mAb 4. Molecular characterization was performed by direct sequencing of a 677‐base pair cDNA corresponding to the VP2 variable domain of the polyprotein gene, synthesized by a reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. In comparison to the classical virulent strains, the Bangladeshi isolates were found to have five amino acid substitutions in this region. Four of these changes, Pro222Ala, Val256Ile, Leu294Ile and Asn299Ser, were also observed in other vvIBDV strains. The fifth substitution, Glu300Ala, was similar to that in some African strains of IBDV. The results support the observation that antigenically and genetically similar vvIBDV strains, first observed in Europe in the late 1980s, have spread to most parts of the world in a short period of time.
Oedematous Skin Disease of Buffalo in Egypt
Authors: Selim S. A.
Published: March 2003

This review covers a historical view and etiology of oedematous skin disease which affects buffalo in Egypt, the microbiology of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis causing the disease: its virulence; clinical signs; mechanism of pathogenesis; histopathology; mode of transmission; immunological aspects; treatment and control. It is concluded that C. pseudotuberculosis serotype II is the main cause of OSD and exotoxin phospholipase D and its lipid contents of the cell wall are the major causes of pathogenesis. After declaring the role of Hippobosca equina in transmission of the causative agent among buffaloes, control of OSD is now available.
Serological Status for Chlamydophila psittaci, Newcastle Disease Virus, Avian Polyoma Virus, and Pacheco Disease Virus in Scarlet Macaws (Ara macao) Kept in Captivity in Costa Rica
Authors: Herrera I. , Khan MD. S. R. , Kaleta E. F. , Müller H. , Dolz G. , Neumann U.
Published: March 2003

From 1998 to 1999, a total of 128 blood samples were collected from scarlet macaws (Ara macao), kept in captivity in 11 different aviaries located in six provinces of Costa Rica. The sera were examined for antibodies directed against Chlamydophila psittaci, Newcastle disease virus (NDV), avian polyoma virus (APV), and Pacheco disease virus (PDV). Testing by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), showed 16 (12.39%) of the samples (n=129) exhibited antibodies directed against C. psittaci. Employing haemagglutination inhibition tests for NDV antibodies, all of the samples were found to be negative. The prevalence of antibodies specific for APV was tested with a blocking ELISA and serum neutralization tests (SNT) and 12 of 128 samples (9.37%) were found to be positive with both tests. In SNT, two out of 128 samples (1.56%) were positive for PDV. This is the first description of the serological status in scarlet macaws in captivity in Costa Rica. The study demonstrates the absence of NDV antibodies in the birds investigated on one hand, but also indicates a health hazard for numerous avian species due to the risk of infections with C. psittaci, APV or PDV.
The Value of the Determination of Anti‐AspergillusIgG in the Serodiagnosis of Canine Aspergillosis: Comparison with Galactomannan Detection
Authors: Garcia M. E. , Caballero J. , Cruzado M. , Andrino M. , Gonzalez‐Cabo J. F. , Blanco J. L.
Published: March 2003

Diagnosis of canine aspergillosis is difficult using currently available methods. It often passes unnoticed or is diagnosed in the later phases of the disease. We developed an ELISA technique to detect anti‐Aspergillusantibodies in canine serum using anAspergillusantigenic mycelial extract, which could then be used for the diagnosis of canine aspergillosis. We used a cut‐off of X + 3SD obtained from 20 control sera. The test was performed on 46 dogs with lesions indicating possible aspergillosis and gave nine positive results: one systemic mycosis, two discospondylitis, one uveitis, two bronchopulmonary processes and three rhinitis. We compared this methodology with the PLATELIA technique in the follow‐up of the affected dogs, obtaining the same limitations as in the diagnosis of human aspergillosis. We consider our ELISA technique using sera samples a speedy, safe and reliable method which enables us to follow up the evolution of the disease and the efficacy of the therapy chosen. A definitive diagnosis must still take into account the results of other tests such as clinical examination, radiographic studies, endoscopy and biopsy.
Effects of Prolonged Exposure to Low‐Dose Fumonisin B1 in Pigs
Authors: ZOMBORSZKY‐KOVÁCS M. , VETÉSI F. , HORN P. , REPA I. , KOVÁCS F.
Published: March 2003

From the point of view of human exposure, fumonisins (FB1, FB2, FB3, FB4), a relatively recently (1988) discovered and identified group of mycotoxins, represent one of the five most important mycotoxin groups causing human disease. In an earlier experiment studying the effects of relatively low doses (10, 20 and 40 p.p.m.) of FB1 in weaned piglets, it was established that the 4‐week feeding of 10 p.p.m. (mg/kg feed) FB1 produced mild pulmonary oedema. This suggested the importance of studies with even lower doses of the toxin to determine the tolerable limits. The objective of this experiment was therefore to study the effects of prolonged (8‐week) exposure to still lower concentrations (0, 1, 5 and 10 mg/kg feed) of FB1. The 8‐week feeding of FB1 in low concentrations (1–10 p.p.m.) did not cause clinical signs and significant performance impairment in pigs, but rendered irreversible the chronic changes that had already developed in the animals in a dose‐dependent manner. Dissection revealed pathological alterations of the lungs in one of the animals given 1 p.p.m. (n=4), in two animals exposed to 5 p.p.m. (n=5), and in three animals given 10 p.p.m. (n=4). In all three treatment groups, proliferation of the connective tissue fibres, primarily of those around the lymphatic vessels, in the subpleural and interlobular connective tissue of the lungs, extending to the peribronchial and peribronchiolar areas, was seen. The results of this experiment call attention to the risk of prolonged low‐dose toxin exposure, which has very important public health implications.
Cloning of the Genomes of Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 (EHV‐1) Strains KyA and RacL11 as Bacterial Artificial Chromosomes (BAC)
Authors: RUDOLPH J. , O'CALLAGHAN D. J. , OSTERRIEDER N.
Published: March 2003

The genome of equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV‐1) strain RacL11, a highly virulent isolate obtained from an aborted foal, and that of the modified live vaccine strain KyA, were cloned as bacterial artificial chromosomes (BAC) in Escherichia coli. Mini F plasmid sequences were inserted into the viral genomes by homologous recombination instead of the gene 71 (EUS4) open reading frame after co‐transfection of viral DNA and recombinant plasmid pΔ71‐pHA2 into RK13 cells. After isolation of recombinant viruses by three rounds of plaque purification, viral DNA was isolated from RK13 cells infected with RacL11 or KyA virus mutants expressing the green fluorescent protein (GFP), and electroporated into Escherichia coli DH10B cells. Several bacterial colonies were shown to contain high‐molecular weight BAC DNA with a restriction enzyme fragment pattern indicative of the presence of full‐length RacL11 or KyA genomes. Two selected BAC clones were analysed by restriction enzyme analysis and Southern blotting, and were eventually termed pRacL11 and pKyA, respectively. Upon transfection of pRacL11 or pKyA DNA into RK13 cells, GFP‐expressing fluorescing virus plaques could be identified from day 1 after transfection. Infectivity after transfection of pRacL11 or pKyA could be readily propagated on RK13 or equine cells, indicating that infectious full‐length DNA clones of strains RacL11 and KyA were successfully cloned in Escherichia coli as BACs. The glycoprotein 2‐negative progeny reconstituted from pRacL11 and pKyA (L11Δgp2 and KyAΔgp2) exhibited different growth properties. Whereas both L11Δgp2 and KyAΔgp2 extracellular titres were reduced by 15‐ to 32‐fold, plaque diameters were only markedly (50%) reduced in the case of KyAΔgp2.
In VitroAntimicrobial Susceptibility of 183Pseudomonas aeruginosaStrains Isolated from Dogs to Selected Antipseudomonal Agents
Authors: ŠEOL B. , NAGLIĆ T. , MADIĆ J. , BEDEKOVIĆ M.
Published: March 2003

During the years from 1993 to 2000, 183 strains ofPseudomonas aeruginosawere isolated from different pathological specimens originating from dogs. Antimicrobial susceptibility patterns against 10 antipseudomonal agents were obtained on 183P. aeruginosastrains.In vitroantimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the disk diffusion method (Kirby–Bauer). Antimicrobial susceptibility profiles showed that among β‐lactam antibiotics, imipenem was the most active compound. Out of the 183 strains tested, 96.7% were sensitive to imipenem. Cefoperazone showed goodin vitroactivity against 86.9% of the tested strains. Against ceftazidime, 77.0% of strains showed sensitivity. An old penicillin, carbenicillin, gave only 71.6% sensitive strains. Sensitivity to amikacin was 87.4% and it was 83.1% to gentamicin. Pipimedic acid, a first‐generation quinolone, was the least active compound of all those tested, 47.0% were resistant. Thein vitrosensitivity against enrofloxacin showed that 71.0% strains were sensitive and 26.2% showed resistance. Almost all strains tested, 93.4%, were susceptible to ciprofloxacin and marbofloxacin. Besides imipenem, the quinolone antibiotics, marbofloxacin and ciprofloxacin were the most effective againstP. aeruginosastrains isolated from dogs.
Molecular Characterization of Phenotypically CAMP‐Negative Streptococcus agalactiae Isolated from Bovine Mastitis
Authors: HASSAN A. A. , AKINEDEN Ö. , LÄMMLER C. , HUBER‐SCHLENSTEDT R.
Published: March 2003

In the present study three phenotypically CAMP‐negative Streptococcus agalactiae, isolated from three cows with mastitis, were characterized by molecular analysis. An identification of the S. agalactiae was performed by conventional methods and by PCR amplification of species specific parts of the 16S rRNA gene and the 16S‐23S rDNA intergenic spacer region. In addition all three phenotypically CAMP‐negative isolates harboured a normal sized CAMP‐factor encoding cfb gene indicating a reduced expression of CAMP‐factor or a gene defect elsewhere along the pathway of expression. The clonal identity of the three isolates could be demonstrated by macrorestriction analysis of their chromosomal DNA.
Abattoir Condemnation due to Parasitic Infections and its Economic Implications in the Region of Trikala, Greece
Authors: Theodoropoulos G. , Theodoropoulou E. , Petrakos G. , Kantzoura V. , Kostopoulos J.
Published: March 2003

The prevalence of parasitic infections responsible for the condemnation of carcasses and viscera during meat inspection, and their economic implication, was estimated in a year long abattoir survey of 10 277 slaughtered farm animals in the region of Trikala, Greece. The organs examined for the presence of parasitic lesions during meat inspection were: liver and lungs of all animals, rumen of cattle, small intestine of lambs and kids, and muscles of cattle and swine. The parasitic lesions observed in the lungs of cattle, sheep and goats were caused only by hydatid cysts. No hydatid cysts were observed in the lungs of swine. The parasitic lesions observed in the liver of cattle, sheep and goats were as a result of hydatid cysts and flukes of Fasciola hepatica and Dicrocoelium dendriticum, while those of swine were due to milk spots only. Moniezia sp. proglottids were found in the small intestine of lambs only. The prevalence of parasites responsible for the condemnation of marketable organs was low (0.26%). Parasites were responsible for 22% of the total of condemned organs, and their annual cost was 99 500 GDR (∼€292). The parasites most contributing to marketable organ condemnation were hydatid cysts (26%) and D. dendriticum flukes (26%).
Amoeba‐like Infections in Cultured Marine Fishes: Systemic Infection in Pompano Trachinotus falcatus L. from Singapore and Gill Disease Associated with Paramoeba sp. in Sea Bream Sparus aurata L. from Greece
Authors: Athanassopoulou F. , Cawthorn R. , Lytra K.
Published: March 2003

Two cases of Amoeba‐like infections in cultured warmwater marine fish are described, an unusual systemic infection in pompano Trachinotus falcatus L. from Singapore and a gill infection in Mediterranean sea bream Sparus aurata L. All pompano showed marked systemic infection of Amoeba‐like parasites in gills, kidney, intestine, pancreas and spleen. The most severe lesions were in the gills and renal tissue with minimal tissue reaction in other organs.
Immune Cell Differentiation in Mammary Gland Tissues and Milk of Cows Chronically Infected with Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Leitner G. , Eligulashvily R. , Krifucks O. , Perl S. , Saran A.
Published: March 2003

This study identifies and compares the distribution of mononuclear cells in the mammary gland tissues and milk of healthy and chronically infected with Staphylococcus aureus cows. Somatic cell counts (SCCs) during the 3 months before the study were >1 × 106 cell/ml in the infected quarters and <1 × 105 cell/ml in the infection‐free quarters. Immediately after slaughter, samples from the tissues above the gland cistern and supra‐mammary lymph node were collected. No histological differences were found between the supra‐mammary lymph nodes of the healthy and infected udders, and both appeared normal. In the milk of the healthy infection‐free mammary glands, SCC was <50 000 cells/ml) while epithelial cells were the predominant type. The percentage of CD18+ was low than 45%, of which over three‐quarters were polymorphonuclear (PMN), and less than one‐ quarter were mononuclear cells. The later comprised CD4+ or CD8+ T‐lymphocytes, macrophages (Mo) but not B‐cells. In the tissues, there were few CD18+ leukocytes, and most of the cells were T‐lymphocytes. The number of B‐lymphocytes bearing CD21+ was similar to that of CD8+ and were localized in the connective tissue as clusters of 2–5 cells, mainly in areas with no alveoli, or as single cell having a dendritic like form. The number of Mos was negligible. In the milk of the infected glands, SCC exceeded 700 000 cells/ml, of which >95% were CD18+ positive. The distribution of the leukocytes had two patterns: one presented (>80%) of PMN cells and a small number of mononuclear cells; the second had less than 50% PMN and many mononuclear cells. The CD8+ cells in these infected sections were observed throughout the mammary epithelial cells (MEc) around the alveoli and in the alveolar lumen (AL). The numbers and the location of CD21+ B‐lymphocytes were similar to those in the infection‐free mammary glands. The number of CD5+ positive cells was lower than T and B‐ cells combined and were located throughout the mammary epithelial cells, around the alveoli and within the connective tissue. Mo numbers were high in most of those infected quarters, and were localized around the connective tissue and within the AL.
Effect of Two Commercial Vaccines to Campylobacter fetus subspecies on Heifers Naturally Challenged
Authors: Cobo E. R. , Cipolla A. , Morsella C. , Cano D. , Campero C.
Published: March 2003

Efficacy of two commercial vaccines containing Campylobacter fetus subspecies on heifers naturally challenged by service with an infected bull was tested. Sixteen heifers were vaccinated parentally two times with 3 weeks as interval, eight with commercial vaccine A and the other eight with commercial vaccine B. Eight other heifers were used as unvaccinated controls. Forty days after the first vaccine dose, the heifers were served by an infected bull during 60 days. Measure of systemic immune response and identification of the microorganism from genital secretions by culture and immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT) were done. Vaccinated and control heifers had a poor reproductive performance (pregnancy rates were 2/8, 3/8 and 0/8 in groups A, B and C, respectively) and were infected by both methods during breeding time and after it. Moreover, one heifer in the groups B and C remained infected until 300 days post‐breeding time. Neither vaccinated nor control heifers had an important increment of systemic antibody level. Only, they had a slight increment of antibody level after the breeding period and it may be because of natural stimulus by the infected bull during the copula. Culture and IFAT yielded high correlation on identification of C. fetus subspecies.
Immune Response to Japanese Rabies Vaccine in Domestic Dogs
Authors: Shimazaki Y. , Inoue S. , Takahashi C. , Gamoh K. , Etoh M. , Kamiyama T. , Makie H.
Published: March 2003

To evaluate the immune response induced by Japanese rabies vaccine for veterinary use as international units (IU), we measured levels of rabies antibody in serum samples from dogs by the rapid fluorescent focus inhibition test (RFFIT). In dogs immunized with a reference vaccine (potency level of 3.1 IU/ml), prepared by the same method as that used to produce commercial vaccine, and its dilutions (1 : 2 or 1 : 4), neutralizing‐antibody levels increased to 1.0–2.0 IU/ml over a period of 1 month and then decreased to 0.2–1.5 IU/ml over a period of 1 year after the first vaccination and showed a remarkable increase to 12–47 IU/ml after the second vaccination. Sixty‐five (74.7%) of the 87 serum samples from domestic dogs that were tested were seropositive (≥0.1 IU/ml). However, the seropositive rate in dogs less than 1‐year old at the time of vaccination was low (57.1%), and the antibody levels in these dogs were not sufficiently high for the rabies antibody titre in serum to be maintained for 1‐year. Levels of rabies antibody in all serum samples were also measured by the virus neutralizing test (VNT), and a strong correlation (r > 0.95) was found between the results of the RFFIT and those of the VNT.
Dispersion Statistics and Sample Size Estimates for Three Fish Species (Symphodus ocellatus, Serranus scriba and Diplodus annularis) in the Lavezzi Islands Marine Reserve (South Corsica, Mediterranean Sea)
Authors: Mouillot David , Culioli Jean‐Michel , Lepretre Alain , Tomasini Jean‐Antoine
Published: March 2003

For the correct management of the future International Marine Park of Bonifacio, a sampling strategy must be adopted to follow the population fluctuations of certain species of fish. This sampling will be carried out by SCUBA visual census using the fixed point method. The information to be gleaned using this method will include estimates of biomass. These data will subsequently be used to perform both spatial comparisons between sites and temporal comparisons over periods of several years. In order to reveal the existence of statistically significant differences, the sampling strategy adopted must allow accurate means to be obtained which possess relatively low coefficients of variability. The calculation of this optimum sampling depends on the spatial distribution of the species examined. The Taylor law (s2 = a ×xb), which represents a much utilized mean‐variance relationship, will be used to compare the aggregation of three species of fish (Symphodus ocellatus,Serranus scriba and Diplodus annularis) on two different substrate types (Posidonia oceanica meadows and rocks) and for four sites in the Lavezzi Islands. The goodness of fit of this law to the biomass data will allow an optimum sampling strategy to be determined for each species with coefficients of variability of 10 and 25%.
Temporal Variations of Nutrients, ­Chlorophyll a and Particulate Matter in Three Coastal Lagoons of Amvrakikos Gulf (Ionian Sea, Greece)
Authors: Kormas Konstantinos A. , Nicolaidou Artemis , Reizopoulou Sofia
Published: March 2003

Abstract. The temporal variations of nutrients, chlorophyll a (chl a), suspended particulate matter (SPM) and particulate organic carbon (POC) were measured over 12 months in three shallow coastal brackish water lagoons of the Amvrakikos Gulf, Ionian Sea. Two of the lagoons, Tsoukalio and Rodia, are interconnected but separated from Logarou by a narrow strip of land. Logarou has a better water exchange with the sea as indicated by the higher salinity and dissolved oxygen concentrations and the smaller variation of the above‐mentioned parameters. Nitrate concentrations were largely the same in the three lagoons and higher than in the Amvrakikos Gulf. Phosphate concentrations in Logarou exceeded by far those of Tsoukalio/Rodia; the increased phosphate levels recorded in January caused an extended phytoplankton bloom with chl a concentrations higher than in the other two lagoons. Chl a in Tsoukalio was positively correlated with nitrate whereas in the most shallow lagoon, Logarou, it showed a positive correlation with light winds (force 4 and lower), probably caused by resuspension from the sediment. Increased phytoplankton biomass in Logarou coupled with the better water exchange may be related to the higher fish production in this lagoon.
Case Report. A disseminated infection due to Chrysosporium queenslandicum in a garter snake (Thamnophis)
Authors: Vissiennon Th. , Schüppel K.‐F. , Ullrich Evelin , Kuijpers Angelina F. A.
Published: March 2003

A male garter snake (Thamnophis) from a private terrarium was spontaneously and simultaneously infected with Chrysosporium queenslandicum and Geotrichum candidum. The autopsy revealed disseminated mycotic alterations in skin, lungs and liver. Chrysosporium queenslandicum grew well at 28 °C, the optimal temperature of the animal. This is the first description of a Chrysosporium queenslandicum infection in a garter snake.
Detection of sugars and aminoacids in antigens of Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. erinacei
Authors: Aubaid  , Risan  , Naem
Published: March 2003

Crude antigen extracted from mycelium of Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. erinacei by means of phenol and ethylene glycol was studied for sugar and amino acid constituents using DEAE‐Sephadex A‐50 column chromatography for fractionation. The results revealed that the crude antigen contains 13 sugars and 15 amino acids. It is presumed that the antigenicity is based on glycopeptide fractions.
Molecular epidemiology of Candida albicans isolates from AIDS and cancer patients using a novel standardized CARE‐2 DNA fingerprinting technique
Authors: Lischewski A. , Harmsen D. , Wilms K. , Baier G. , Gunzer U. , Klinker H. , Wilhelm M. , Schwinn A. , Hacker J.
Published: March 2003

A total of 277 Candida isolates from various body sites of 149 AIDS and cancer patients treated in four different university clinics in Würzburg, Germany were collected over a period of 27 months and phenotypically and genotypically characterized. The fingerprinting patterns of 194 Candida albicans isolates obtained with the moderately repetitive, C. albicans‐specific DNA fragment CARE‐2 were digitized and retrospectively compared with a highly accurate computer‐assisted standardization method. A total of 168 different genotypic patterns (<100% identity) could be differentiated using this technique. Although comparative analysis of C. albicans subsets revealed a pronounced tendency of C. albicans isolates from HIV patients to form clusters, the mean genetic variability in HIV and cancer patient isolates was virtually identical. Patients with a specific disease condition or in a certain age group were not found to harbour C. albicans isolates displaying a characteristic ‘‘signature genotype’’. Micro‐evolutionary changes were detected by CARE‐2 fingerprinting in temporal successive isolates of one patient, but nosocomial transmission of identical isolates between unrelated patients was never seen. Genotyping showed that patient isolates can replace one another; occasionally also species switches were observed. Secreted aspartic protease (SAP) production was not correlated with a specific C. albicans banding pattern; isolates obtained from HIV patients and from an internal control group secreted comparable amounts of SAP. Candida dubliniensis isolates in this study showed an elevated level of SAP production. When used under standardized conditions, CARE‐2 fingerprinting is an efficient, reproducible and sensitive technique to characterize C. albicans isolates.
Characterization of Malassezia species by means of phenotypic characteristics and detection of electrophoretic karyotypes by pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE)
Authors: Senczek D. , Siesenop U. , Böhm K. H.
Published: March 2003

A total of 220 isolates of the genus Malassezia obtained from affected skin of animals and humans were included in this study. The isolates were examined for their belonging to the known species Malassezia pachydermatis, Malassezia sympodialis, Malassezia furfur, Malassezia obtusa, Malassezia restricta, Malassezia globosa and Malassezia slooffiae by means of phenotypic and biochemical characteristics as well as their ability to assimilate polyethylen(20)‐sorbitan‐esters (Tween 20, 40, 60, 80). The electrophoretic karyotypes of all isolates were studied by pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis. Of the 220 Malassezia isolates examined, 217 were identified as M. pachydermatis and three were classified as M. sympodialis. Moreover, the proof of limited lipid‐dependence of M. pachydermatis indicated that the commonly used criterion ‘lipid‐independence’ is not sufficient to differentiate this species from the other known Malassezia species.
Case Report. Sporotrichosis successfully treated with itraconazole in Japan
Authors: Noguchi H. , Hiruma M. , Kawada A.
Published: March 2003

A case of lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis that had developed from the dorsum nasi to the left buccal region of a 65‐year‐old woman was treated with itraconazole 100 mg day−1. The lesion healed in 10 weeks after starting treatment leaving crusts, mild erythema and pigmentation, and the treatment was completed 16 weeks after the start of treatment. Neither adverse reactions nor abnormal clinical laboratory values were noted. Until the present time, 1 year and 2 months after the completion of treatment, no recurrence has been observed. In Japan, 43 cases of sporotrichosis have been treated with itraconazole, and 38 cases (88%) have been assessed as effective or better. The mean dose of itraconazole and the mean duration of administration are 100 mg day−1 and 11 weeks, respectively, in these reported Japanese cases. The use of itraconazole is expected to be one of the effective therapies for sporotrichosis.
Effectiveness of treatment of severe tinea pedis with 1% terbinafine cream in members of the Japanese Self‐Defense Forces
Authors: Noguchi H. , Hiruma M. , Kawada A.
Published: March 2003

A clinical study was conducted to determine the efficacy of terbinafine cream in severe cases of tinea pedis. The subjects were 21 men, members of the Japanese Self‐Defense Forces who were judged to have severe symptoms of tinea pedis. The description ‘severe’ was defined as ‘considered to require the concurrent internal administration of antifungals for complete cure’, or as meeting criterion 5 or 6 for the severity of tinea pedis. A simple surface application of terbinafine cream was given once daily, the subjects’ clinical manifestations, mycological cure rates and safety‐related changes were observed, and a final assessment was made in the 12th week. In the final assessment, the improvement rate of the cutaneous symptoms was 95.2%, and the fungal eradication and efficacy rates were 81.0%. As for side‐effects, one patient complained of local irritation. These results suggested that terbinafine cream is a beneficial topical antifungal cream for severe tinea pedis.
Five‐year‐survey of invasive aspergillosis in a paediatric cancer centre. Epidemiology, management and long‐term survival
Authors: Groll A. H. , Kurz Marianne , Schneider W. , Witt V. , Schmidt Helga , Schneider M. , Schwabe D.
Published: March 2003

The epidemiology, management, and long‐term survival of invasive aspergillosis was assessed in a prospective, 5‐year observational study in 346 unselected paediatric cancer patients receiving dose‐intensive chemotherapy for newly diagnosed or recurrent malignancies. Invasive aspergillosis occurred exclusively in the context of haematological malignancies, where it accounted for an incidence of 6.8% (n=13 of 189). The lung was the primary site in 12 cases, and dissemination was present in three of those. Prior to diagnosis, the overwhelming majority of patients had been profoundly neutropenic for at least 14 days (n=11 of 13) and were receiving systemic antifungal agents (n=10 of 13). Clinical signs and symptoms were nonspecific but always included fever. All 11 patients who were diagnosed and treated during lifetime for a minimum of 10 days responded to either medical or combined medical and surgical treatment, and seven were cured (64%). Nevertheless, the overall long‐term survival was merely 31% after a median follow‐up of 5.68 years after diagnosis. Apart from refractory or recurrent cancer, the main obstacles to successful outcome were failure to diagnose IA during lifetime and bleeding complications in patients with established diagnosis. The frequency of invasive aspergillosis of greater than 15% in paediatric patients with acute myeloblastic leukaemia and recurrent leukaemias warrants the systematic investigation of preventive strategies in these highly vulnerable subgroups.
Case Report. Rhodotorula rubra fungaemia due to use of indwelling venous catheters
Authors: Kiraz  , Gülbas  , Akgün
Published: March 2003

Rhodotorula has been an infrequent cause of infection in humans but there have been some case reports about this systemic yeast infection. In this article, a Rhodotorula rubra fungaemia due to an indwelling catheter in a 23‐year‐old woman who had been diagnosed with non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma grade IV B is described.