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Journal of Medical Microbiology Mar 2022The Gram-negative bacterium is the causative agent of pleuropneumonia in pigs, its only known natural host. Typical symptoms of peracute disease include fever, apathy...
The Gram-negative bacterium is the causative agent of pleuropneumonia in pigs, its only known natural host. Typical symptoms of peracute disease include fever, apathy and anorexia, and time from infection to death may only be 6 h. Severe lung lesions result from presence of one or two of the ApxI-III toxins. Control is through good husbandry practice, vaccines and antibiotic use. Culture and presence of the species-specific gene by PCR confirms diagnosis, and identification of serovar, of which 19 are known, informs on appropriate vaccine use and epidemiology.
Topics: Actinobacillus Infections; Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae; Animals; Bacterial Proteins; Bacterial Vaccines; Pleuropneumonia; Swine; Swine Diseases
PubMed: 35262474
DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001483 -
Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery Jun 2020The aim of this study was to evaluate if a combination of discrete clinical characteristics can be used to identify the most likely differential diagnoses in cats with...
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study was to evaluate if a combination of discrete clinical characteristics can be used to identify the most likely differential diagnoses in cats with spinal disease.
METHODS
Two hundred and twenty-one cats referred for further evaluation of spinal disease were included and categorised as follows: non-lymphoid neoplasia (n = 44); intervertebral disc disease (n = 42); fracture/luxation (n = 34); ischaemic myelopathy (n = 22); feline infectious peritonitis virus myelitis (n = 18); lymphoma (n = 16); thoracic vertebral canal stenosis (n = 11); acute non-compressive nucleus pulposus extrusion (n = 11); traumatic spinal cord contusion (n = 8); spinal arachnoid diverticula (n = 7); lumbosacral stenosis (n = 5); and spinal empyema (n = 3). Information retrieved from the medical records included signalment, clinical history and clinical presentation. Univariate analyses of variables (clinical history, breed, age, sex, general physical examination findings, onset, progression, spinal hyperaesthesia, asymmetry, ambulatory status and neuroanatomical location) were performed, and variables were retained in a multivariate logistic regression model if <0.05.
RESULTS
Multivariate logistic regression revealed that intervertebral disc disease most often occurred in middle-aged, purebred cats with a normal general physical examination and an acute onset of painful and progressive clinical signs. Ischaemic myelopathy occurred most often in older cats with a stable or improving, non-painful, lateralising, C6-T2 myelopathy. Spinal fracture/luxation occurred most often in younger cats and resulted most often in a peracute onset, painful, non-ambulatory neurological status. Concurrent systemic abnormalities or abnormal findings detected on general physical examination were significantly associated with feline infectious peritonitis virus myelitis, spinal lymphoma or spinal empyema.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
This study suggests that using easily identifiable characteristics from the history and clinical examination can assist in obtaining a preliminary differential diagnosis when evaluating cats with spinal disease. This information could aid veterinary practitioners in clinical decision-making.
Topics: Animals; Cat Diseases; Cats; Clinical Reasoning; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Male; Retrospective Studies; Spinal Diseases; Spinal Injuries
PubMed: 31251096
DOI: 10.1177/1098612X19858447 -
Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2021A 9-year-old, neutered male, domestic shorthair cat from Arizona, was presented for evaluation of a 7-day history of hind limb paraparesis that progressed to paraplegia....
A 9-year-old, neutered male, domestic shorthair cat from Arizona, was presented for evaluation of a 7-day history of hind limb paraparesis that progressed to paraplegia. There was no history of respiratory abnormalities. Neurologic examination supported localization of a T3-L3 myelopathy. Computed tomography (CT) revealed an expansile widening of the spinal canal dorsal to L4 associated with a strongly contrast-enhancing mass. Moreover, CT series of the thorax revealed a diffuse miliary pulmonary pattern, as well as tracheobronchial, sternal, and cranial mediastinal lymphadenomegaly. Transthoracic lung lobe and sternal lymph node fine needle aspiration revealed pyogranulomatous inflammation with spp. spherules and endospores. A suspected diagnosis of spinal coccidioidomycosis was made; fluconazole (10.9 mg/kg PO q12h) treatment was initiated, and decompressive neurosurgery was performed. The granuloma was removed en bloc and histopathology revealed marked, chronic-active, pyogranulomatous myelitis with intralesional spp. spherules with endosporulation. Serum anti- spp. antibody titer results revealed a negative IgM and a positive IgG (1:4). The cat was treated with fluconazole for 445 days and examined at various time points, with the last examination 2 years after initial presentation. The cat returned to full ambulation with only mild functional deficits of the right hind limb. In conclusion, this report documents the diagnosis, treatment, and long-term follow up of a cat with a compressive spp. spinal cord granuloma. This case highlights the importance of including coccidioidomycosis as a differential diagnosis for cats with peracute hindlimb paraplegia that have lived in or traveled to regions where spp. is endemic, and demonstrates the potential for a good long-term outcome with decompressive neurosurgery and antifungal therapy.
PubMed: 35036415
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.801885 -
Histology and Histopathology Oct 2017Innate immunity is critically important for the outcome of infection in many diseases. It was previously shown that cathelicidin PR-39, an important porcine...
Innate immunity is critically important for the outcome of infection in many diseases. It was previously shown that cathelicidin PR-39, an important porcine multifunctional host defence peptide, is elevated in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and respiratory tract tissue after experimental infection with Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (A.pp.). To date, neutrophil polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) are thought to be the only source of PR-39. The aim of this study was to further characterize PR-39⁺ cells and selected immune cell populations in lung tissue during the peracute (7-10 hours), acute (2 days), reconvalescent (7 days) and chronic (21 days) stages of experimental infection with A.pp. serotype 2. In total, six mock-infected control pigs and 12 infected pigs were examined. Using immunofluorescence double-labeling, antibodies against PR-39 were combined with antibodies against CD3 (T-cells), CD79 (B-cells), Iba1 (activated macrophages), TTF-1 (lung epithelial cells expressing surfactant proteins), macrophage/L1 protein and myeloperoxidase (MPO, cells of the myeloid linage). In the peracute and acute phases of infection, total PR-39⁺ cells and myeloid linage cells increased, whereas CD3⁺ cells and TTF-1⁺ cells decreased. Double labeling revealed that most Macrophage/L1 protein+ cells and to a lesser extent MPO⁺ cells co-expressed PR-39. In addition, few bronchial epithelial cells and type 2 alveolar epithelial cells (both identified with TTF-1) produced PR-39. Occasionally, CD3⁺ T cells expressing PR-39 were seen in infected animals. Taken together, this study identifies cell types, other than PMNs, in lungs of A.pp.-infected pigs that are capable of producing PR-39. In addition, these findings provide further insights into the dynamics of different immune cell populations during A.pp.-infection.
Topics: Actinobacillus Infections; Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae; Animals; Antigens, Bacterial; Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides; CD3 Complex; CD79 Antigens; Cell Lineage; Myeloid Progenitor Cells; Neutrophils; Peroxidase; Sus scrofa; Swine; Swine Diseases; T-Lymphocytes
PubMed: 28093715
DOI: 10.14670/HH-11-869 -
PloS One 2022Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae infection causes significant mortality of endangered New Zealand sea lion pups at Enderby Island, Auckland Islands. Gross necropsy... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae infection causes significant mortality of endangered New Zealand sea lion pups at Enderby Island, Auckland Islands. Gross necropsy and histopathology findings are well reported, but little is known about the clinical course of disease in affected pups. To determine factors feasible as clinical screening tools for hypervirulent K. pneumoniae in live pups, 150 pups over two field seasons (2016-18) were recruited shortly after birth for a prospective cohort study. A randomised controlled clinical treatment trial with the anthelmintic ivermectin was conducted concurrently and risk factor data and biological samples were collected approximately fortnightly. Treatment with ivermectin has been demonstrated to reduce the risk of hypervirulent K. pneumoniae mortality in pups, so effects on clinical parameters between the treated and control cohorts were also investigated. A broader sample of pups were monitored for clinical signs to investigate the course of disease in affected pups. Clinical signs, haematology and oral and rectal swabs to detect gastrointestinal carriage of hypervirulent K. pneumoniae were not useful for detection of disease prior to death. Of those pups that died due to hypervirulent K. pneumoniae, only 26.1% (18/69) had any clinical signs prior, likely a reflection of the peracute course of disease. On comparison of haematological parameters between ivermectin-treated and control pups, significantly lower total plasma protein and higher eosinophil counts were seen in control versus treated pups, however standard length as a surrogate for age was a more important influence on parameters overall than ivermectin treatment. This study also highlighted a cohort of pups with severe clinical signs suggestive of hypervirulent K. pneumoniae infection were lost to follow up at the end of the monitored season, which could be contributing to cryptic juvenile mortality.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Ivermectin; Klebsiella Infections; Klebsiella pneumoniae; New Zealand; Prospective Studies; Sea Lions
PubMed: 35239682
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264582 -
Journal of Wildlife Diseases Jan 2019Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) is a highly contagious calicivirus that causes peracute hemorrhagic fever and frequently kills rabbits before an effective...
Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) is a highly contagious calicivirus that causes peracute hemorrhagic fever and frequently kills rabbits before an effective adaptive immune response can be developed. In Australia and New Zealand, RHDV is employed to manage wild European rabbit ( Oryctolagus cuniculus) populations. Although there is no evidence that RHDV replicates in animals other than lagomorphs, the detection of RHDV-specific antibodies and RHDV RNA in mice and other species has raised concerns about the host specificity of the virus. To investigate the replication potential of RHDV in mice ( Mus musculus), standard laboratory mice and knockout animals that lack a functional interferon type I receptor were challenged with high doses of RHDV. None of the animals developed clinical signs of illness, and temporal quantification of the viral RNA by real-time PCR did not reveal signs of virus amplification. These data suggest that RHDV cannot replicate in mice-not even in animals with a severely compromised innate immune system.
Topics: Animals; Caliciviridae Infections; Hemorrhagic Disease Virus, Rabbit; Host Specificity; Immunocompromised Host; Liver; Mice; Mice, Knockout; RNA, Viral; Receptor, Interferon alpha-beta; Spleen; Viral Load
PubMed: 30161016
DOI: 10.7589/2018-03-067 -
BMC Veterinary Research Jul 2014In this study, four lung lesion scoring methods (Slaughterhouse Pleurisy Evaluation System [SPES], Consolidation Lung Lesion Score [LLS], Image analyses [IA] and Ratio...
BACKGROUND
In this study, four lung lesion scoring methods (Slaughterhouse Pleurisy Evaluation System [SPES], Consolidation Lung Lesion Score [LLS], Image analyses [IA] and Ratio of lung weight/body weight [LW/BW]) were compared for the assessment of the different pathological outcomes derived from an Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (App) experimental infection model. Moreover, pathological data was coupled with clinical (fever, inappetence and clinical score), production (average daily weigh gain [ADWG]) and diagnostic (PCR, ELISA and bacterial isolation) parameters within the four infection outcomes (peracute, acute, subclinically infected and non-infected).
RESULTS
From the 61 inoculated animals, 9 were classified as peracute (presence of severe App-like clinical signs and lesions and sudden death or euthanasia shortly after inoculation), 31 as acutely affected (presence of App-like clinical signs and lesions and survival until the end of the experiment), 12 as subclinically infected (very mild or no clinical signs but App infection confirmed) and 9 as non-infected animals (lack of App-like clinical signs and lack of evidence of App infection). A significant correlation between all lung lesion scoring systems was found with the exception of SPES score versus LW/BW. SPES showed a statistically significant association with all clinical, production and diagnostic (with the exception of PCR detection of App in the tonsil) variables assessed. LLS and IA showed similar statistically significant associations as SPES, with the exception of seroconversion against App at necropsy. In contrast, LW/BW was statistically associated only with App isolation in lungs, presence of App-like lesions and ELISA OD values at necropsy.
CONCLUSIONS
In conclusion, SPES, LLS and IA are economic, fast and easy-to-perform lung scoring methods that, in combination with different clinical and diagnostic parameters, allow the characterization of different outcomes after App infection.
Topics: Abattoirs; Actinobacillus Infections; Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae; Animals; Body Weight; Lung; Male; Organ Size; Pleuropneumonia; Swine
PubMed: 25038822
DOI: 10.1186/1746-6148-10-165 -
Journal of the American Animal Hospital... Jan 2023The use of human serum albumin (HSA) is described in dogs receiving critical care. However, despite the high degree of homology, anaphylactic and delayed...
The use of human serum albumin (HSA) is described in dogs receiving critical care. However, despite the high degree of homology, anaphylactic and delayed hypersensitivity reactions are reported. Delayed type III hypersensitivity reactions can lead to glomerulonephritis and acute kidney injury (AKI). Undiluted 20% HSA was administered to a 4.8 yr old intact male Labrador Retriever with severe hypoalbuminemia, following surgical management of septic peritonitis of gastrointestinal origin. Nineteen days after HSA administration, the dog developed peracute high magnitude renal proteinuria and AKI. Rapid immunosuppression, using a combination of prednisolone and mycophenolate mofetil, resulted in full resolution of AKI, hypoalbuminemia, and proteinuria. Addition of mycophenolate mofetil may have resulted in the first documented case of full renal recovery from hypersensitivity-induced AKI caused by HSA administration.
Topics: Humans; Dogs; Male; Animals; Mycophenolic Acid; Prednisolone; Serum Albumin, Human; Hypoalbuminemia; Dog Diseases; Acute Kidney Injury; Proteinuria; Immunosuppressive Agents
PubMed: 36584313
DOI: 10.5326/JAAHA-MS-7287 -
ESC Heart Failure Aug 2021Myocarditis may lead to malignant arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. As of today, there are no reliable predictors to identify individuals at risk for these... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
AIMS
Myocarditis may lead to malignant arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. As of today, there are no reliable predictors to identify individuals at risk for these catastrophic events. The aim of this study was to evaluate if a wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD) may detect and treat such arrhythmias adequately in the peracute setting of myocarditis.
METHODS AND RESULTS
In this observational, retrospective, single centre study, we reviewed patients presenting to the Charité Hospital from 2009 to 2017, who were provided with a WCD for the diagnosis of myocarditis with reduced ejection fraction (<50%) and/or arrhythmias. Amongst 259 patients receiving a WCD, 59 patients (23%) were diagnosed with myocarditis by histology. The mean age was 46 ± 14 years, and 11 patients were women (19%). The mean WCD wearing time was 86 ± 63 days, and the mean daily use was 20 ± 5 h. During that time, two patients (3%) had episodes of sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT; four total) corresponding to a rate of 28 sustained VT episodes per 100 patient-years. Consequently, one of these patients underwent rhythm stabilization through intravenous amiodarone, while the other patient received an implantable cardioverter defibrillator. Two patients (3.4%) were found to have non-sustained VT.
CONCLUSIONS
Using a WCD after acute myocarditis led to the detection of sustained VT in 2/59 patients (3%). While a WCD may prevent sudden cardiac death after myocarditis, our data suggest that WCD may have impact on clinical management through monitoring and arrhythmia detection.
Topics: Adult; Arrhythmias, Cardiac; Defibrillators, Implantable; Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Myocarditis; Retrospective Studies; Wearable Electronic Devices
PubMed: 33887109
DOI: 10.1002/ehf2.13353 -
Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery Jul 2015Cytauxzoon species are apicomplexan haemoparasites, which may cause severe disease in domestic cats, as well as lions and tigers. For many years, cytauxzoonosis in...
OVERVIEW
Cytauxzoon species are apicomplexan haemoparasites, which may cause severe disease in domestic cats, as well as lions and tigers. For many years, cytauxzoonosis in domestic cats was only reported in North and South America, but in recent years the infection has also been seen in Europe (Spain, France and Italy).
INFECTION
Cytauxzoon felis is the main species; it occurs as numerous different strains or genotypes and is transmitted via ticks. Therefore, the disease shows a seasonal incidence from spring to early autumn and affects primarily cats with outdoor access in areas where tick vectors are prevalent. Domestic cats may experience subclinical infection and may also act as reservoirs.
CLINICAL SIGNS
Cytauxzoonosis caused by C felis in the USA is an acute or peracute severe febrile disease with non-specific signs. Haemolytic anaemia occurs frequently; in some cats neurological signs may occur in late stages. The Cytauxzoon species identified in Europe differ from C felis that causes disease in the USA and are probably less virulent. The majority of infected cats have been healthy; in some cases anaemia was found, but disease as it occurs in the USA has not been reported to date.
DIAGNOSIS
Diagnosis is usually obtained by Cytauxzoon detection in blood smears and/or fine-needle aspirates from the liver, spleen and lymph nodes. PCR assays are able to detect low levels of parasitaemia and may be used for confirmation.
TREATMENT
Currently a combination of the antiprotozoal drugs atovaquone and azithromycin is the treatment of choice. Concurrent supportive and critical care treatment is extremely important to improve the prognosis. Cats that survive the infection may become chronic carriers for life.
PREVENTION
Cats with outdoor access in endemic areas should receive effective tick treatment.
Topics: Animal Welfare; Animals; Animals, Domestic; Antiprotozoal Agents; Cat Diseases; Cats; Disease Reservoirs; Europe; France; Piroplasmida; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Protozoan Infections, Animal; Seasons; Veterinary Medicine
PubMed: 26101317
DOI: 10.1177/1098612X15589878