Abstract
Viral enteric pathogens continuously burden intensive pig farming, causing gastrointestinal diseases of epidemic and endemic nature. The present study investigated two diarrhoea outbreaks on ...a large farrow-to-finish holding and subsequent circulation of outbreak-related enteric viruses. These viruses were characterised by whole genome sequencing, and statistical evaluation of the impact on specific production metrics was performed. The results provided evidence that the
Porcine epidemic diarrhoea virus
–swine enteric coronavirus (PEDV–SeCoV) S gene recombinant strain was responsible for the first outbreak, whilst
Rotavirus A
(RVA) in a mixed infection with
Rotavirus B
(RVB) and porcine kobuvirus (PKV) probably caused the second diarrhoea outbreak. Whole genome characterisation revealed a porcine origin of all viruses involved and significant heterogeneity of RVB strain, proposing four novel genotypes and changes in RVB VP1 genotype classification. The statistical evaluation confirmed only a minor disturbance in the number of weaned pigs per sow, with statistical forecasting showing positive trends. A follow-up study corroborated the endemicity of RVA and PKV, in contrast to PEDV–SeCoV. Punctual, comprehensive and timely investigation of diarrhoea outbreaks is a prerequisite for applying adequate pig health and biosecurity management. Calculating such outbreaks' impact on production metrics can potentially shape future decisions on management improvements.
Ganglioneuromatosis is a rare disorder characterized by hyperplasia of intestinal ganglia including myenteric plexus and enteric nerve fibers. This disorder is generally described in children, but ...sporadic cases have also been described in adults. Most human cases arise in the colon and rectum. The disorder has also been described in dogs, mostly juveniles, but rarely in mature dogs with the oldest dog reported with this change being 9 years old.
We report the first case in an older dog from Croatia. A 13-year old female, mixed-breed dog had a history of diarrhea and weight loss. Ultrasound revealed focally-extensive markedly thickened small intestine. The changed part of the intestine, measuring 7 mm x 20 mm, was removed on laparotomy and delivered for histopathologic examination. Grossly, the intestine showed circumferential expansion of the intestinal wall, which was whitish in color. Microscopic findings included diffuse hyperplasia of the myenteric and submucous plexus. Focally in the affected tissue a subacute ulcer was evident, which was probably not the cause of intestinal signs, as it presented a localized lesion, while ganglioneuromatosis was a diffuse change in the affected tissue.
So far, ganglioneuromatosis was reported in young dogs, rarely in adult dogs. Our report shows that ganglioneuromatosis can also be encountered in older dogs. Although the lesion presents a rare finding, it should be listed as a differential diagnosis in dogs where infectious and neoplastic etiology has been ruled out as cause of diarrhea.
Mycobacterium avium subsp. avium is pathogenic mainly to birds, although cases of mycobacteriosis caused by these bacteria have also been reported in other animals and humans. Not much is known about ...the effects of this pathogen on otters. The aim of this study was to report for the first time the isolation of M. avium subsp. avium in wild otter and to describe its multidrug resistance profile. A female otter injured in a car accident was found dead and subjected to postmortem examination. Apart from the trauma changes, no other macroscopic pathological changes were detected. Bacteriologic examination revealed the presence of acid-fast bacilli in the lymph nodes, which were confirmed by molecular methods as M. avium subsp. avium. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed susceptibility to clarithromycin and amikacin, but resistance to linezolid, moxifloxacin, streptomycin, isoniazid, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, and ethionamide. This is unusual for wild species, which generally should not come into contact with antimicrobials, and may suggest that multidrug-resistant MAC strains are circulating between wild and domestic animals. These results emphasise the need for additional epidemiological studies on non-tuberculous mycobacteria in wildlife and their implications for one health.
Stranded cetaceans are often found with gastric lesions associated with the presence of parasites; most frequently, nematodes of the genus Anisakis and the heterophyd digenean trematode Pholeter ...gastrophilus. In this study, we present histopathology mainly (but not exclusively) related to these 2 parasite species. Macroscopically, lesions associated with the presence of Anisakis spp. were characterised by the presence of ulcers within the gastric mucosa, while the digenean P. gastrophilus was found within large submucosal fibrotic nodules in the gastric wall. Anisakis-induced alterations included severe ulcerative gastritis with mixed inflammatory infiltrate often associated with colonies of bacteria, and mild to moderate granulomatous gastritis with eosinophilic infiltrate. P. gastrophilus-associated lesions were characterised by fibrogranulomatous gastritis with mixed inflammatory infiltrate. Additionally, immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis of P. gastrophilus lesions was consistent with the histopathologic findings, revealing inflammation-mediated stimulation. IHC-positive localisation of CD3+, iNOS+ and caspase-3+ cells suggests intensive accumulation of cytotoxic T-cells, proinflammatory cytokines and execution-phase of cell apoptosis at the parasitized area. In contrast, mechanical damage, rather than visible inflammatory response could be observed at the site of attachment of Braunina cordiformis recorded in 4 animals. Lesions not associated with the presence of parasites were mostly characterised by focal loss of superficial epithelial cells and accumulation of brown hemosiderin-like pigment or fibrous gastritis with lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate. In light of these results, we argue that observed 'tolerant' host-parasite interactions that led toward gastric lesions do not represent the cause of death and stranding of cetaceans included in this study.
A Case of Leporine Dysautonomia from Croatia Huber, Doroteja; Kurilj, Andrea Gudan; Šoštarić-Zuckermann, Ivan-Conrado
Acta veterinaria,
03/2022, Volume:
72, Issue:
1
Journal Article
Peer reviewed
Open access
Leporine dysautonomia (or dysautonomia of hares) is an idiopathic disorder associated with degeneration of neurons of the peripheral nervous system with loss of sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve ...function. The disease has so far been described in rabbits and hares from Great Britain, and a similar disorder has also been described in horses (grass sickness), dogs and cats (Key-Gaskell syndrome) throughout the world.
We describe a case of leporine dysautonomia in a rabbit from Croatia, characterized by gross findings of cachexia, dehydration, dilated intestines and urinary bladder. Histologic findings included severe vacuolation of neurons of the submucous and myenteric plexus in the intestinal tract.
This disease presents a rare disorder of rabbits, and based on current report, it should be considered as a possible differential diagnosis is rabbits with neurologic clinical signs and mild gross findings including cachexia and distension of intestine and urinary bladder.
Babesia spp. and Theileria spp. are important emerging causes of disease in dogs. Alongside these domesticated hosts, there is increasing recognition that these piroplasms can also be found in a ...range of wild animals with isolated reports describing the presence of these pathogen in foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and captive grey wolves (Canis lupus). The prevalence and impact of these infections in free-ranging populations of canids are unknown. To gain a better insight into the epidemiology and pathogenesis of piroplasm infections in free-ranging grey wolves, pathological and molecular investigations into captive and free-ranging grey wolves in Croatia were performed.
The carcasses of 107 free-ranging wolves and one captive wolf were the subjects of post-mortem investigations and sampling for molecular studies. A blood sample from one live captured wolf for telemetric tracking was also used for molecular analysis. PCR amplification targeting the 18S RNA gene revealed that 21 of 108 free-ranging wolves and one captive animal were positive for Theileria/Babesia DNA. Subsequent sequencing of a fragment of the 18S RNA gene revealed that 7/22 animals were positive for Babesia canis while the other amplified sequence were found to be identical with corresponding 18S rDNA sequences of Theileria capreoli isolated from wild deer (15/22). Haematological and cytological analysis revealed the presence of signet-ring shaped or pear-shaped piroplasms in several animals with the overall parasite burden in all positive animals assessed to be very low. Pathological investigation of the captive animal revealed fatal septicemia as a likely outcome of hemolytic anaemia. There was little or no evidence of hemolytic disease consistent with babesiosis in other animals.
Importantly, the presence of B. canis in free-ranging grey wolves has not been described before but has been reported in a single fox and domestic dogs only. That B. canis infections cause disease in dogs but have little impact on wolf health possibly suggests that the wolf is the natural and the domestic dog is a secondary host. Surprisingly, the frequent finding of Theileria capreoli in wolves suggests that this Theileria species is not restricted to ungulates (cervids) but commonly infects also this carnivore species. Nevertheless, the potential role that these asymptomatically infected animals may play in the dispersal of these pathogens to susceptible sympatric species such as domesticated dogs requires further investigation.
Mumps is a highly contagious viral disease that can be prevented by vaccination. In the last decade, we have encountered repeated outbreaks of mumps in highly vaccinated populations, which call into ...question the effectiveness of available vaccines. Animal models are crucial for understanding virus-host interactions, and viruses such as mumps virus (MuV), whose only natural host is the human, pose a particular challenge. In our study, we examined the interaction between MuV and the guinea pig. Our results present the first evidence that guinea pigs of the Hartley strain can be infected
after intranasal and intratesticular inoculation. We observed a significant viral replication in infected tissues up to 5 days following infection and induction of cellular and humoral immune responses as well as histopathological changes in infected lungs and testicles, without clinical signs of disease. Transmission of the infection through direct contact between animals was not possible. Our results demonstrate that guinea pigs and guinea pig primary cell cultures represent a promising model for immunological and pathogenetic studies of the complex MuV infection.
Understanding of mumps virus (MuV) pathogenesis and the immune responses against MuV infection is limited. One of the reasons is the lack of relevant animal models. This study explores the interaction between MuV and the guinea pig. We demonstrated that all tested guinea pig tissue homogenates and primary cell cultures are highly susceptible to MuV infection and that α2,3-sialylated glycans (MuV cellular receptors) are being abundantly expressed at their surface. The virus remains in the guinea pig lungs and trachea for up to 4 days following intranasal infection. Although asymptomatic, MuV infection strongly activates both humoral and cellular immune response in infected animals and provides protection against virus challenge. Infection of the lungs and testicles after intranasal and intratesticular inoculation, respectively, is also supported by histopathological changes in these organs. Our findings give perspective for application of guinea pigs in research on MuV pathogenesis, antiviral response, and vaccine development and testing.
Scope
We investigated the interaction between streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetes and dietary n6/n3 ratio, and its influence on lipogenesis.
Methods and results
The animals were treated with STZ ...and fed with different dietary n6/n3 ratios: 1, 7, and 60, or supplemented with DHA/EPA. Gene expression was assessed by RT‐PCR and protein expression by western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Fatty acid profile was determined by GC‐MS. Pancreas and liver histology were assessed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. STZ‐induced characteristic changes in all STZ treated groups, including: increased blood glucose, decreased body mass, increased lipid peroxidation and CD36 expression, decreased 16:1n7 and 18:1n7, increases in 20:3n6, decreases in phospholipid (PL) content of 20:4n6, as well as decreases in the expression of SREBP1c, Δ‐9‐desaturase (Δ9D), and Δ‐5‐desaturase (Δ5D). Additionally, other changes occurred that were dependent on the n6/n3 ratio. Among the diabetic groups, the lower n6/n3 ratio caused higher lipid peroxidation and CD36 expression, a greater decrease in 20:4n6 and decreased Δ6‐desaturase (Δ6D) expression, while the higher n6/n3 ratio caused increased partitioning of 20:4n6 into hepatic neutral lipids (NL), a decrease in 20:5n3 content, and increased β‐oxidation.
Conclusion
Presented data suggest that the n6/n3 ratio could significantly influence lipogenesis, lipid peroxidation, and β‐oxidation in STZ‐induced diabetes, which could have clinical significance.
In streptozocin‐treated rats, the higher n6/n3 ratio causes increased partitioning of 20:4n6 into hepatic neutral lipids (NL), a decrease in 20:5n3 content, and increased β‐oxidation, while the lower n6/n3 ratio caused higher lipid peroxidation and CD36 expression, a greater decrease in 20:4n6, and decreased Δ6‐desaturase (Δ6D)expression.
Background
Cutaneous bullous mastocytosis (CBM) is a rare disease characterised by erythroderma, bullae formation on trunk, scalp and extremities which evolve to erosions.
Objective
To describe a ...rare variant of cutaneous mastocytosis and treatment options.
Animal
A 7‐month‐old Yorkshire terrier puppy with erythroderma and bullae formation.
Methods
Clinical examination (including haematological, biochemical and radiographic), skin biopsy, histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluation.
Conclusion and clinical relevance
The case fulfills the criteria of CBM, representing a rare entity that is reported to be associated with spontaneous regression. However, in severe cases treatment with systemic corticosteroids, H1 and H2 antihistamines, and masitinib can be performed.
Résumé
Contexte – La mastocytose cutanée bulleuse (CBM) est une maladie rare caractérisée par une érythrodermie, la formation de bulles sur le tronc, le cuir chevelu et les extrémités qui évoluent vers des érosions.
Objectif – Décrire une variante rare de la mastocytose cutanée et les options de traitement.
Animal ‐ Un chiot Yorkshire terrier de 7 mois avec formation d'érythrodermie et de bulles.
Méthodes – Examen clinique (y compris hématologique, biochimique et radiographique), biopsie cutanée, évaluation histopathologique et immunohistochimique.
Conclusion et pertinence clinique – Le cas remplit les critères de CBM, représentant une entité rare rapportée comme étant associée à une régression spontanée. Cependant, dans les cas graves, un traitement avec des corticostéroïdes systémiques, des antihistaminiques H1 et H2 et du masitinib peut être effectué.
Resumen
Introducción – la mastocitosis bullosa cutánea (CBM) es una enfermedad rara caracterizada por eritroderma, formación de bullas en el tronco, cabeza y extremidades que evolucionan a erosiones.
Objetivo – describir una variante rara de mastocitosis cutánea y opciones de tratamiento.
Animal‐ un cachorro Yorkshire terrier de 7 meses con eritroderma y formación de bullas.
Métodos – examen clínico (incluyendo hematológico, bioquímico y radiográfico), biopsia de piel, evaluación histopatológica e inmunohistoquímica.
Conclusión y relevancia clínica‐ el caso descrito cumple con los criterios de CBM, lo que representa una entidad rara que se describe como asociada con regresión espontánea. Sin embargo, en casos graves se puede realizar tratamiento con corticoides sistémicos, antihistamínicos H1 y H2 y masitinib.
Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund – Die kutane bullöse Mastozytose (CBM) ist eine seltene Erkrankung, die durch Erythrodermie, Blasenbildung am Rumpf, auf der Kopfhaut und den Extremitäten, welche sich zu Erosionen entwickeln, charakterisiert wird.
Ziel – Die Beschreibung einer seltenen Variante einer kutanen Mastozytose und ihrer Behandlungsoptionen.
Tier – Ein 7 Monate alter Yorkshire Terrier mit Erythrodermie und Blasenbildung.
Methoden – Klinische Untersuchung (inklusive Hämatologie, Biochemie und Röntgenuntersuchung), Hautbiopsie, histopathologische und immunhistochemische Evaluierung.
Schlussfolgerung und klinische Bedeutung – Dieser Fall erfüllt die Kriterien einer CBM, wodurch er eine seltene Einheit repräsentiert, welche im Zusammenhang mit einer spontanen Regression beschrieben wird. In schwerwiegenden Fällen kann jedoch eine Behandlung mit systemischen Glukokortikoiden, H1 und H2 Antihistaminen, und mit Masitinib erfolgen.
要約
背景 ‐ 皮膚水疱性肥満細胞症 (CBM) は、紅皮症、体幹・頭皮・四肢の水疱形成、びらんへと進展することを特徴とする希少疾患である。
目的 – 本研究の目的は、皮膚肥満細胞症のまれな変異型と治療法について説明することであった。
供試動物 ‐ 紅皮症および水疱形成を呈した7ヶ月齢のヨークシャーテリア子犬。
方法 ‐ 臨床検査 (血液学的、生化学的、X線検査を含む) 、皮膚生検、病理組織学的、免疫組織化学的評価。
結論および臨床的意義 ‐ 本症例は、自然退縮を伴うと報告されている稀な疾患であるCBM の基準を満たしている。しかし、重症例では、全身性コルチコステロイド、H1およびH2抗ヒスタミン薬、マシチニブによる治療が行われることがある。
摘要
背景‐皮肤大疱性肥大细胞增多症(CBM)是一种罕见疾病, 其特征为皮肤发红,躯干、头皮和四肢大疱形成, 并进展为糜烂。
目的‐描述一种罕见的皮肤肥大细胞增多症变体和治疗方案。
动物‐7月龄约克夏幼犬, 有皮肤发红和大疱形成。
方法‐临床检查 (包括血液学、生化和影像学) 、皮肤活检、组织病理学和免疫组织化学评价。
结论和临床相关性‐该病例符合CBM标准, 代表了报告与自发消退相关的罕见疾病。然而, 在重度病例中, 可进行全身皮质类固醇、H1和H2抗组胺药和马赛替尼治疗。
Resumo
Contexto – A mastocitose cutânea bolhosa (MCB) é uma doença rara caracterizada por eritrodermia, formações bolhosas no tronco, cabeça e extremidades que evoluem para erosões.
Objetivo – Descrever uma variante rara de mastocitose cutânea e as opções de tratamento.
Animal – Um filhote de Yorkshire terrier de sete meses de idade com eritrodermia e formações bolhosas.
Métodos – Exame clínico (incluindo avaliação hematológica, bioquímica e radiográfica), biópsia de pele, histopatologia e avaliação imunohistoquímica.
Conclusão e relevância clínica – Esse caso preenche os critérios de MCB, representando uma entidade rara em que a regressão espontânea é relatada. Entretanto, em casos graves, tratamento com corticosteroides, anti‐histamínicos H1 e H2 e masitinib podem ser realizados.
Background – Cutaneous bullous mastocytosis (CBM) is a rare disease characterised by erythroderma, bullae formation on trunk, scalp and extremities which evolve to erosions. Objective – To describe a rare variant of cutaneous mastocytosis and treatment options. Conclusion and clinical relevance – The case fulfills the criteria of CBM, representing a rare entity that is reported to be associated with spontaneous regression. However, in severe cases treatment with systemic corticosteroids, H1 and H2 antihistamines, and masitinib can be performed.