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Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine :... Jun 2007Intraerythrocytic piroplasms, morphologically indistinguishable from Cytauxzoon felis, were identified in stained blood films from more than one third of free-ranging...
Intraerythrocytic piroplasms, morphologically indistinguishable from Cytauxzoon felis, were identified in stained blood films from more than one third of free-ranging cougars (Puma concolor couguar) in southern Florida in a study that failed to demonstrate negative effects of piroplasm infection on measured hematologic parameters. However, a recent study with a nested 18s rRNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay identified only 9% of the free-ranging cougars in southern Florida as infected with C. felis but found 83% of these animals were infected with an unnamed small Babesia sp. In this study, hematology and clinical chemistry parameters were determined during the initial appearance of piroplasms in stained blood films of three western cougars housed in northern Florida. One animal became ill, but the remaining two animals did not exhibit clinical signs of disease. The hematocrit decreased in all three cougars concomitant with the first recognized parasitemia. A regenerative response to anemia (increased polychromasia, increased mean cell volume, and increased red cell distribution width) was recognized in two cougars that were examined twice during the following 2 weeks. Thrombocytopenia and probable leukopenia occurred in one animal. The most consistent clinical chemistry findings were increased serum bilirubin concentrations and increased alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities at the time of initial recognition of parasitemia. Serum protein findings were not consistent in these cougars. The use of PCR and determination of 18S rRNA gene sequences in the blood from these three animals revealed infection with C. felis, but not with the Babesia sp. In this report, we demonstrate that mild hemolytic anemia, and probably liver injury, occurs concomitant with the initial discovery of C. felis piroplasms in stained blood films.
Topics: Anemia, Hemolytic; Animals; Animals, Wild; Babesia; Babesiosis; DNA, Protozoan; Erythrocytes; Florida; Male; Piroplasmida; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Protozoan Infections, Animal; Puma; RNA, Ribosomal, 18S
PubMed: 17679513
DOI: 10.1638/1042-7260(2007)038[0285:LFIACF]2.0.CO;2 -
The American Journal of Tropical... Apr 2007We report the first case of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) complicated by peripheral gangrene induced by Plasmodium coatneyi in rhesus monkeys. Ten days...
We report the first case of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) complicated by peripheral gangrene induced by Plasmodium coatneyi in rhesus monkeys. Ten days after experimental challenge, numerous petechiae were noted over the trunk and extremities, with polychromasia, severe anemia, thrombocytopenia, and moderate parasitemia. These changes were accompanied by elevated serum activity of blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, transaminases, and creatinine phosphokinase. The animal received intravenous fluid support, artemether, and blood transfusion. Three days after treatment, the platelet counts returned to normal, and parasitemia was abated. However, several areas of skin discoloration with gangrenous tissue in the hands and the tail were observed. Coagulation profile showed elevated D-dimers and elevated levels of fibrinogen/fibrin degradation products with low levels of protein S functional activity. DIC with peripheral gangrene is very rare in Plasmodium-infected individuals. Our results indicate that the experimental model of P. coatneyi infection of rhesus monkeys is important for studies of malarial anemia and coagulopathy.
Topics: Animals; Disease Models, Animal; Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation; Gangrene; Macaca mulatta; Malaria; Male; Plasmodium
PubMed: 17426164
DOI: No ID Found -
Veterinary Parasitology Apr 2007In the presented study we evaluated the hematological changes in samples of blood obtained from 248 dogs naturally infected with large Babesia. The evaluation included...
In the presented study we evaluated the hematological changes in samples of blood obtained from 248 dogs naturally infected with large Babesia. The evaluation included red blood cell count, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), leucocyte counts, thrombocyte counts, mean platelet volume (MPV), morphology of erythrocytes and leucogram. The most common disorders in affected dogs were thrombocytopenia and anisocytosis. The count of erythrocytes below reference values was detected in 26.2% of dogs and 31.4% of affected animals presented hematocrit below the reference values. Hemoglobin concentration below the reference values was noted in 29% of dogs, an increase of MCHC above normal values was detected in 21% of examinated dogs and MCV below normal values was recognized in 2% of dogs. 60.5% of dogs presented anisocytosis, 25% poikilocytosis, 23.8% polychromasia, 19.7% hypochromia and 4.4% erythroblastosis. Thrombocytopenia was detected in 99.5% of dogs, but only 15.3% of examined animals showed increase of MPV, which suggests a response of the bone marrow. 36.3% of dogs had neutropenia, and 21.8% presented a left shift, 14.9% had the lymphocytosis and 7.2% lymphopenia.
Topics: Animals; Babesia; Babesiosis; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Erythrocyte Count; Hematocrit; Hemoglobins; Leukocyte Count; Platelet Count; Poland
PubMed: 17157987
DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2006.11.008 -
Journal of the American Association For... Nov 2006A group of 12 domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica) was treated for capillariasis by use of fenbendazole at 30 mg/kg orally once daily for 5 d. After treatment, 8...
A group of 12 domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica) was treated for capillariasis by use of fenbendazole at 30 mg/kg orally once daily for 5 d. After treatment, 8 of the 12 pigeons exhibited signs of anorexia, lethargy, and dehydration; these birds died within 2 d after the onset of clinical signs. A total of 6 birds were necropsied, and all had unremarkable gross findings. Microscopic examination of tissues revealed acute hemorrhagic enteritis, diffuse lymphoplasmacytic enteritis, small intestinal crypt necrosis, periportal lymphoplasmacytic hepatitis, bile duct hyperplasia, and renal tubular necrosis. Erythrocytes in blood samples collected from surviving birds demonstrated polychromasia compatible with a regenerative anemia. The clinical and histopathologic findings in these pigeons were consistent with recent reports of fenbendazole toxicity in domestic pigeons and other columbiform birds.
Topics: Animals; Antinematodal Agents; Capillaria; Columbidae; Fenbendazole; Intestine, Small; Kidney; Liver; Mortality
PubMed: 17089995
DOI: No ID Found -
Transactions of the American... 2005To describe the familial occurrence of a peripheral ring of anterior lens capsule discoloration and iridescence in three families.
PURPOSE
To describe the familial occurrence of a peripheral ring of anterior lens capsule discoloration and iridescence in three families.
METHODS
Clinical ophthalmologic examination with visual acuity, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, and dilated ophthalmoscopy. Pedigree construction and evaluation for possible mode(s) of inheritance.
RESULTS
In family 1, 25 members from four generations were available for examination. Twelve had identical findings consisting of a peripheral circumferential polychromatic band of anterior lens capsule. The band was predominantly iridescent green but exhibited a rainbow of colors on direct illumination with the slit-lamp beam. There were affected individuals in all four generations. The proband, one of her sons, and her granddaughter had no clinical, serologic, or other laboratory evidence of Wilson's disease, hypercupremia, or myotonic dystrophy. In family 2, three individuals in three generations were similarly affected. In family 3, a man and his son and daughter had identical peripheral lens capsule discoloration.
CONCLUSIONS
Polychromasia capsulare is a rare benign autosomal dominant ocular trait that does not appear to be associated with ophthalmologic or systemic disease. The occurrence in consecutive generations and the presence of male-to-male transmission are consistent with autosomal dominant inheritance.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Child; Child, Preschool; Color; Female; Genes, Dominant; Humans; Lens Capsule, Crystalline; Lens Diseases; Male; Middle Aged; Ophthalmoscopy; Pedigree
PubMed: 17057792
DOI: No ID Found -
Proceedings of the Western Pharmacology... 2005Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare and often fatal disorder characterized by thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, mental status changes,...
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare and often fatal disorder characterized by thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, mental status changes, and renal dysfunction. Central diabetes insipidus (CDI) is a rare disease due to anatomic lesions of the hypothalamicpituitary system associated with various underlying diseases, or trauma. We present an unusual case of TTP and CDI in a 47 year-old African American female who was admitted to our hospital with crampy abdominal pain and nausea. The patient had tachycardia, fever and hypotension. The patient subsequently became confused, developed seizures, and her renal function deteriorated. Bone marrow analysis showed adequate megakaryocytes while a peripheral smear revealed severe thrombocytopenia, polychromasia and schistocytes. The diagnosis of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) was made and plasmapharesis initiated. Over the next few days, the patient developed severe polyuria with a rise in serum sodium. Central diabetes insipidus was diagnosed and DDAVP (desmopressin acetate, 1-deamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin) was given. However, DDAVP was stopped several times due to worsening thrombocytopenia. Renal function worsened and the patient expired. A review of the literature revealed only one case of report of TTP and central diabetes insipidus. Our case was the only one reporting the use of DDAVP in such a setting.
Topics: Deamino Arginine Vasopressin; Diabetes Insipidus; Fatal Outcome; Female; Humans; Hypoglycemic Agents; Middle Aged; Plasmapheresis; Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic; Respiration, Artificial
PubMed: 16416683
DOI: No ID Found -
Deutsche Medizinische Wochenschrift... Oct 2005A 58-year-old woman with type 1 diabetes and coronary artery disease was admitted to hospital because of diminished appetite, weight loss, abdominal pain and anemia....
HISTORY AND ADMISSION FINDINGS
A 58-year-old woman with type 1 diabetes and coronary artery disease was admitted to hospital because of diminished appetite, weight loss, abdominal pain and anemia. Earlier treatment of duodenal ulcer and cholecystectomy had not achieved sustained relief. On physical examination paleness and general weakness was noted.
INVESTIGATIONS
Laboratory tests showed a normocytic, normochromic anemia, anisocytosis, polychromasia and basophilic stippling of erythrocytes. Bone marrow examination revealed a hyperreactive erythropoesis with basophilic stippling of erythrocytes and incomplete differentiation of erythroid progenitor cells. Inherited or acquired enzymopathies of erythrocytes were ruled out. Urinary collection showed remarkable elevation of porphyrin concentration.
DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT AND COURSE
Suspected poisoning was confirmed by elevated lead concentrations in whole-blood (85.8 microg/dl) and urine (106.3 microg/l). A souvenir of Rhodes, a ceramic mug with lead-containing glaze, was identified as the source of the lead poisoning, the lead dissolving into hot tea put in the mug. Treatment with D-penicillamine was begun, and within five weeks anemia disappeared and the patient achieved complete resolution of symptoms.
CONCLUSION
Recognition of the cause of lead poisoning is of critical importance. This case report demonstrates difficulties in diagnosing and identifying the source of poisoning.
Topics: Abdominal Pain; Anemia; Bone Marrow; Ceramics; Chelating Agents; Coronary Artery Disease; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Greece; Humans; Lead; Lead Poisoning; Middle Aged; Penicillamine; Porphyrins; Travel; Weight Loss
PubMed: 16208598
DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-918557 -
Acta Veterinaria Hungarica 2005The morphology of canine platelets (changes in size, shape, staining characteristics, degree of activation and clump formation, distribution of granules, appearance of...
The morphology of canine platelets (changes in size, shape, staining characteristics, degree of activation and clump formation, distribution of granules, appearance of vacuoles on Giemsa-stained smears) was investigated in 20 healthy control and 181 diseased dogs. In the group of the sick dogs 84 animals suffered from disorders affecting directly the haematological parameters or the haematopoietic organs such as bleeding, thymic haemorrhage, haemolytic disorders, lymphoma, immune-mediated thrombocytopenia, and other 97 dogs were affected by other diseases (hepatopathy, nephropathy, hepatic, splenic or intestinal neoplasm, skin diseases, diabetes mellitus, Cushing's syndrome, sepsis). The alterations found in platelet morphology were not specific for any disorder. The most common platelet abnormalities were polychromasia and the presence of giant platelets. These changes occurred in a high number in disorders accompanied by bleeding or haemolysis. Anisocytosis was the most frequent finding in hepatic, splenic or intestinal neoplasms and in certain endocrinopathies. Microcytosis was observed in immune-mediated thrombocytopenia, hepatic neoplasms and endocrine disorders. Extreme platelet activation was common in haemolysis, hepatopathies, neoplastic diseases and sepsis. Vacuolisation was present in thymic haemorrhage, pancreatitis, diabetes mellitus and Cushing's syndrome. A new morphologic phenomenon, i.e. a ring-like formation of granules, was described in the cytoplasm of the platelets both in healthy and diseased animals. In addition, two forms of pathologic granulation were also described for the first time in Giemsa-stained blood smears: the pseudonuclear and the spot-like formation of granules, which were observed especially in disorders affecting the blood cells. The granulation and morphological characteristics of platelets on smears stained by periodic acid-Schiff reaction (PAS) were also studied. Three localisations of granulation were observed, such as peripheral, eccentric and diffuse. The ratio of PAS-positive and -negative platelets was evaluated in several diseases. Our findings support the diagnostic value of platelet evaluation by light microscopy and help clinicians/clinical pathologists to understand why morphologic changes of thrombocytes might be expected in several diseases.
Topics: Animals; Azure Stains; Blood Platelets; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Periodic Acid-Schiff Reaction; Platelet Activation
PubMed: 16156129
DOI: 10.1556/AVet.53.2005.3.7 -
Medizinische Klinik (Munich, Germany :... Aug 2004A 60-year-old woman suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and taking methotrexate was admitted with recurrent episodes of nausea, vomiting, constipation, loss of appetite,...
HISTORY AND CLINICAL FINDINGS
A 60-year-old woman suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and taking methotrexate was admitted with recurrent episodes of nausea, vomiting, constipation, loss of appetite, myalgia and backache, sternal chest pain, costal and jaw pain. On examination the epigastrium was tender to palpation and nonrigid.
INVESTIGATIONS
Laboratory tests showed normocytic anemia (with a hemoglobin concentration of 8.6 g/dl), elevated blood urea and creatinine levels, hyponatremia, hypochloremia, hemolysis and polychromasia, anisocytosis, poikilocytosis and basophilic stippling of several red cells. On gastroscopy an ulcer was excluded, ultrasound scan of abdomen, X-ray of chest and pelvis showed no abnormalities. The electrocardiogram showed a right bundle branch block and left anterior hemiblock.
DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT, AND COURSE
In the differential diagnosis of anemia with basophilic stippling and abdominal discomfort, lead poisoning was found. Whole-blood lead concentration was markedly raised to 852 micro g/l (normal < 100 micro g/l). Lead poisoning was the result of the use of ayurvedic drugs during a period of 7.5 months prior to admission to the authors' hospital.
CONCLUSION
Heavy metal poisoning, especially lead poisoning, should be considered in the differential diagnosis in patients with unspecific clinical symptoms taking traditional Indian remedies.
Topics: Anemia; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Humans; Lead Poisoning; Medicine, Ayurvedic; Middle Aged; Time Factors
PubMed: 15309279
DOI: 10.1007/s00063-004-1072-2 -
Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic... Jul 2004Sudden increase in mortality was observed in 2 different flocks of mature breeder geese fed green onions. At necropsy, birds had pale epicardium with random...
Sudden increase in mortality was observed in 2 different flocks of mature breeder geese fed green onions. At necropsy, birds had pale epicardium with random petechiation, sanguinous fluid accumulation in the pericardial sac, and mild swelling of the liver and spleen. Histologically, there was accumulation of hemosiderin in hepatocytes, Kupffer cells of the liver, macrophages, and renal tubules. There was also moderate to severe hepatic necrosis, vacuolation of hepatocytes, splenitis, and renal tubular nephrosis. To assess the effects of green onion ingestion, 2 feeding trials were carried out in 3 mature White Chinese geese. In the first trial, onions were thoroughly mixed with pellet maintenance ration. In the second trial, onions were offered in a separate trough from the pelleted diet. During the 21 days of experiments, the red blood cell count and hematocrit decreased, whereas the polychromasia and reticulocyte estimate increased. The blood changes were more marked in birds from the second feeding trial. Gross and histologic changes were similar in both trials. Mild swelling and severe darkening of the liver were the only significant findings at necropsy. Histologically, the liver looked similar to that seen from the field outbreak. The liver contained moderate amounts of hemosiderin in the hepatocytes and Kupffer cells, and had centrolobular necrosis and vacuolation of hepatocytes. This experimental study demonstrated that anemia and liver pathology could be caused by ingestion of onions. Furthermore, Heinz bodies are not a consistent finding in the blood of geese fed onions.
Topics: Anemia; Animal Feed; Animals; Geese; Liver; Liver Diseases; Plants, Edible; Poisoning; Poultry Diseases; Shallots
PubMed: 15305744
DOI: 10.1177/104063870401600411