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Mihaljević Ž, Reil I, Habuš J, Štritof Z, Naletilić Š, Jurkić Krsteska G, Kovač T, Zdelar-Tuk M, Duvnjak S, Špičić S. Mycobacteriosis in a Pet Ferret ( Mustela putorius furo) Caused by Mycobacterium xenopi: A Case Report on Neglected Risk of Zoonotic Transmission. Pathogens 2024; 13:328. [PMID: 38668283 PMCID: PMC11054065 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13040328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Ferrets are highly susceptible to a wide range of mycobacteria, mainly M. bovis, M. avium, and M. triplex. Therefore, ferrets pose a risk of transmission of mycobacteriosis, especially zoonotically relevant tuberculosis. The aim of this study was to describe the findings of M. xenopi mycobacteriosis in a pet ferret and emphasize its zoonotic potential. A pet ferret had a history of weight loss, apathy, hyporexia, and hair loss. Abdominal ultrasound revealed splenomegaly with two solid masses and cystic lesions of the liver. Fine-needle aspiration cytology revealed numerous acid-fast bacilli in epithelioid cells, thus leading to the suspicion of mycobacterial infection. Because of its poor general condition, the ferret was euthanized. Necropsy examination revealed generalized granulomatous lymphadenitis, pneumonia, myocarditis, splenitis, and hepatitis. Histologically, in all organs, there were multifocal to coalescing areas of inflammatory infiltration composed of epithelioid macrophages, a low number of lymphocytes, and plasma cells, without necrosis nor multinucleated giant cells. Ziehl-Neelsen staining detected the presence of numerous (multibacillary) acid-fast bacteria, which were PCR-typed as M. xenopi. This is the first study showing the antimicrobial susceptibility testing of M. xenopi in veterinary medicine, describing the resistance to doxycycline. Overall, our results could facilitate further diagnosis and provide guidelines for the treatment protocols for such infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Željko Mihaljević
- Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska Cesta 143, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (Ž.M.); (M.Z.-T.); (S.D.); (S.Š.)
| | - Irena Reil
- Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska Cesta 143, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (Ž.M.); (M.Z.-T.); (S.D.); (S.Š.)
| | - Josipa Habuš
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Heinzelova 55, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (J.H.); (Z.Š.); (G.J.K.)
| | - Zrinka Štritof
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Heinzelova 55, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (J.H.); (Z.Š.); (G.J.K.)
| | - Šimun Naletilić
- Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska Cesta 143, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (Ž.M.); (M.Z.-T.); (S.D.); (S.Š.)
| | - Gabrijela Jurkić Krsteska
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Heinzelova 55, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (J.H.); (Z.Š.); (G.J.K.)
| | - Tajna Kovač
- Veterinary Clinic Dr. Pezo, Ede Murtica 2, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Maja Zdelar-Tuk
- Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska Cesta 143, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (Ž.M.); (M.Z.-T.); (S.D.); (S.Š.)
| | - Sanja Duvnjak
- Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska Cesta 143, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (Ž.M.); (M.Z.-T.); (S.D.); (S.Š.)
| | - Silvio Špičić
- Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska Cesta 143, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (Ž.M.); (M.Z.-T.); (S.D.); (S.Š.)
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Doden G, Patson C, Duensing K, Fielder S, Ozuna GC, Brandão J. Conjunctivitis associated with Mycobacterium avium in a North American ferret (Mustela putorius furo). J Exot Pet Med 2023. [DOI: 10.1053/j.jepm.2023.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
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Gupta T, Somanna N, Rowe T, LaGatta M, Helms S, Owino SO, Jelesijevic T, Harvey S, Jacobs W, Voss T, Sakamoto K, Day C, Whalen C, Karls R, He B, Tompkins SM, Bakre A, Ross T, Quinn FD. Ferrets as a model for tuberculosis transmission. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:873416. [PMID: 36051240 PMCID: PMC9425069 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.873416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Even with the COVID-19 pandemic, tuberculosis remains a leading cause of human death due to a single infectious agent. Until successfully treated, infected individuals may continue to transmit Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacilli to contacts. As with other respiratory pathogens, such as SARS-CoV-2, modeling the process of person-to-person transmission will inform efforts to develop vaccines and therapies that specifically impede disease transmission. The ferret (Mustela furo), a relatively inexpensive, small animal has been successfully employed to model transmissibility, pathogenicity, and tropism of influenza and other respiratory disease agents. Ferrets can become naturally infected with Mycobacterium bovis and are closely related to badgers, well known in Great Britain and elsewhere as a natural transmission vehicle for bovine tuberculosis. Herein, we report results of a study demonstrating that within 7 weeks of intratracheal infection with a high dose (>5 x 103 CFU) of M. tuberculosis bacilli, ferrets develop clinical signs and pathological features similar to acute disease reported in larger animals, and ferrets infected with very-high doses (>5 x 104 CFU) develop severe signs within two to four weeks, with loss of body weight as high as 30%. Natural transmission of this pathogen was also examined. Acutely-infected ferrets transmitted M. tuberculosis bacilli to co-housed naïve sentinels; most of the sentinels tested positive for M. tuberculosis in nasal washes, while several developed variable disease symptomologies similar to those reported for humans exposed to an active tuberculosis patient in a closed setting. Transmission was more efficient when the transmitting animal had a well-established acute infection. The findings support further assessment of this model system for tuberculosis transmission including the testing of prevention measures and vaccine efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuhina Gupta
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Naveen Somanna
- Molecular Analytics R&D, GlaxoSmithKline Vaccines, Rockville, MD, United States
| | - Thomas Rowe
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
- Influenza Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Monica LaGatta
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Shelly Helms
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Simon Odera Owino
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Tomislav Jelesijevic
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Stephen Harvey
- Animal Resources Program, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Wayne Jacobs
- Animal Resources Program, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Thomas Voss
- Merck Research Laboratories, West Point, PA, United States
| | - Kaori Sakamoto
- Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Cheryl Day
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Christopher Whalen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Russell Karls
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Biao He
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - S. Mark Tompkins
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Abhijeet Bakre
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Ted Ross
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Frederick D. Quinn
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
- *Correspondence: Frederick D. Quinn,
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Lorente-Leal V, Liandris E, Bezos J, Pérez-Sancho M, Romero B, de Juan L. MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry as a Rapid Screening Alternative for Non-tuberculous Mycobacterial Species Identification in the Veterinary Laboratory. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:827702. [PMID: 35155660 PMCID: PMC8831857 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.827702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are difficult to identify by biochemical and genetic methods due to their microbiological properties and complex taxonomy. The development of more efficient and rapid methods for species identification in the veterinary microbiological laboratory is, therefore, of great importance. Although MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry (MS) has become a promising tool for the identification of NTM species in human clinical practise, information regarding its performance on veterinary isolates is scarce. This study assesses the capacity of MALDI-TOF MS to identify NTM isolates (n = 75) obtained from different animal species. MALDI-TOF MS identified 76.0% (n = 57) and 4% (n = 3) of the isolates with high and low confidence, respectively, in agreement with the identification achieved by Sanger sequencing of housekeeping genes (16S rRNA, hsp65, and rpoB). Thirteen isolates (17.3%) were identified by Sanger sequencing to the complex level, indicating that these may belong to uncharacterised species. MALDI-TOF MS approximated low confidence identifications toward closely related mycobacterial groups, such as the M. avium or M. terrae complexes. Two isolates were misidentified due to a high similarity between species or due to the lack of spectra in the database. Our results suggest that MALDI-TOF MS can be used as an effective alternative for rapid screening of mycobacterial isolates in the veterinary laboratory and potentially for the detection of new NTM species. In turn, Sanger sequencing could be implemented as an additional method to improve identifications in species for which MALDI-TOF MS identification is limited or for further characterisation of NTM species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Víctor Lorente-Leal
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Center, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Emmanouil Liandris
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Center, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Bezos
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Center, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Pérez-Sancho
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Center, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Romero
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Center, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- *Correspondence: Beatriz Romero
| | - Lucía de Juan
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Center, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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Lamb SK, Reavill D, Wolking R, Dahlhausen B. Retrospective Review of Mycobacterial Conjunctivitis in Cockatiels ( Nymphicus hollandicus). J Avian Med Surg 2021; 34:250-259. [PMID: 33099978 DOI: 10.1647/1082-6742-34.3.250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The etiologic disease organism responsible for causing mycobacteriosis in avian species is an acid-fast gram-positive bacterium. This bacterium causes granulomatous disease in various internal organs, but in cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) it has been commonly identified within the conjunctival tissues. Twenty-six cases of mycobacterial conjunctivitis in cockatiels were diagnosed through histopathologic assessment of diseased tissue samples, Fite acid-fast staining, and polymerase chain reaction in this retrospective study. Clinicians who saw these cases were contacted, and information was obtained regarding recommended treatment protocols prescribed for the patients, the Mycobacterium species identified, and case outcomes. All patients in this retrospective study had a biopsy performed on the affected conjunctival tissue, and because of the small size of the patients, this excisional biopsy removed the affected tissue in its entirety or significantly debulked the lesion. Of the 26 cases, 10 were lost to follow-up, 4 were euthanatized, 7 died, and 5 were alive at the time this information was submitted for publication.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Drury Reavill
- Zoo/Exotic Pathology Service, Carmichael, CA 95608, USA
| | - Rebecca Wolking
- Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Lab, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Bob Dahlhausen
- Veterinary Molecular Diagnostics, Milford, OH 45150, USA
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Abstract
The review covers select disease conditions most frequently described in aging rodents (rats, mice, hamsters, guinea pigs), rabbits, and ferrets. The conditions are categorized by general organ systems, infectious diseases, and neoplasms. Two data systems, the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital and Comparative Pathology Laboratory at the University of California, Davis and Zoo/Exotic Pathology Service, Citrus Heights, California were used in the determining disease conditions to describe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Drury R Reavill
- ZNLabs Veterinary Diagnostics, 7647 Wachtel Way, Citrus Heights, CA 95610, USA.
| | - Denise M Imai
- Comparative Pathology Laboratory, University of California, 1000 Old Davis Road, Building R1, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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Fico R, Mariacher A, Franco A, Eleni C, Ciarrocca E, Pacciarini ML, Battisti A. Systemic tuberculosis by MYCOBACTERIUM BOVIS in a free-ranging MARSICAN brown bear (URSUS ARCTOS MARSICANUS): a Case report. BMC Vet Res 2019; 15:152. [PMID: 31101105 PMCID: PMC6525449 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-019-1910-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mycobacterium bovis is known to have a wide host range and has been isolated from numerous free-ranging wildlife species, carnivores included. In bears, M. bovis has been previously reported only from a culture of pooled lymph nodes of a black bear (Ursus americanus) in the absence of lesions. The aims of this study were to describe gross and microscopic pathological findings of M. bovis tuberculosis in a deceased Marsican brown bear (Ursus arctos marsicanus). Case presentation In March 2014, an adult female Marsican brown bear was found in the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park (Italy) showing severe non-specific clinical signs. The animal died soon after its discovery and the carcass was submitted to post-mortem examination to identify the cause of death. The bear was diagnosed with a severe Mycobacterium bovis infection, with both pathological and microbiological aspects suggesting ongoing generalization. A presumptive diagnosis of mycobacterial infection was initially made based on gross findings. Histopathology showed the presence of acid-fast bacilli in all sampled tissues along with poorly organized granulomatous lesions. Slow-growing Mycobacterium sp. was isolated from multiple organs (intestine, mesenteric lymph nodes, liver, spleen, lung and kidneys). The PCR and sequencing algorithm identified the Mycobacterium sp. isolate as M. bovis. Spoligotyping demonstrated that the M. bovis isolate belonged to spoligotype SB0120. Conclusions This is the first report of lethal M. bovis tuberculosis infection in a free-ranging brown bear. This pathogen could have serious adverse effects in an endangered relic population such as the Marsican brown bear. Stricter application of health regulations in force, surveillance of M. bovis infections in wild ungulates and carnivore scavengers, along with dismissal of supplementary feeding points intended for cattle or wildlife, are warranted to control the presence of bovine tuberculosis in wild and domestic animals in protected areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Fico
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Regioni Lazio e Toscana, Viale Europa 30, 58100, Grosseto, Italy
| | - Alessia Mariacher
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Regioni Lazio e Toscana, Viale Europa 30, 58100, Grosseto, Italy.
| | - Alessia Franco
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Regioni Lazio e Toscana, Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Eleni
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Regioni Lazio e Toscana, Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178, Rome, Italy
| | - Erika Ciarrocca
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Regioni Lazio e Toscana, Viale Europa 30, 58100, Grosseto, Italy
| | - Maria Lodovica Pacciarini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia-Romagna, National Reference Laboratory for Bovine Tuberculosis, Via A. Bianchi 9, 25124, Brescia, Italy
| | - Antonio Battisti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Regioni Lazio e Toscana, Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178, Rome, Italy
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Abstract
This article provides a brief, clinically relevant review of corneal surface disease in the ferret. A description of the ophthalmic examination of the ferret is provided. Stepwise descriptions of the most common ophthalmic abnormalities are provided, along with common rule-outs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathern E Myrna
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, UGA Veterinary Medical Center, University of Georgia, 2200 College Station Road, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
| | - Nicola Di Girolamo
- Tai Wai Small Animal & Exotic Hospital, 75 Chik Shun Street, Tai Wai, Shatin, Hong Kong
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Lipiec M, Radulski L, Iwaniak W. Case of mycobacteriosis in a pet ferret in Poland. VETERINARY RECORD CASE REPORTS 2018. [DOI: 10.1136/vetreccr-2017-000542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
A seven-year-old dead pet ferret (Mustela putorius furo) was brought to the National Veterinary Research Institute, Department of Microbiology, to have the disease diagnosed and cause of death determined. Significant loss of fur and various numerous skin lesions—such as nodules, bruises and small scabs— were found. A prominent subcutaneous cyst filled with semiliquid mass was observed on the right hindlimb, and the left eyelid was slightly swollen left eyelid with symptoms of conjunctivitis. On the basis of combined findings, the authors concluded that the ferret’s death was caused by a generalized Mycobacterium aviumsubspecies avium infection. Some immunodeficiency resulting from ferret’s age could be a predisposing factor. A feral cat, which was the only animal the ferret had contacted several weeks before the appearance of the first clinical symptoms, was a possible source of infection.
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Kang SM, Kim DH, Lee KY, Park SJ, Yoon HJ, Lee SJ, Im H, Lee BJ. Functional details of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis VapBC26 toxin-antitoxin system based on a structural study: insights into unique binding and antibiotic peptides. Nucleic Acids Res 2017; 45:8564-8580. [PMID: 28575388 PMCID: PMC5737657 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkx489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Accepted: 05/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems are essential for bacterial persistence under stressful conditions. In particular, Mycobacterium tuberculosis express VapBC TA genes that encode the stable VapC toxin and the labile VapB antitoxin. Under normal conditions, these proteins interact to form a non-toxic TA complex, but the toxin is activated by release from the antitoxin in response to unfavorable conditions. Here, we present the crystal structure of the M. tuberculosis VapBC26 complex and show that the VapC26 toxin contains a pilus retraction protein (PilT) N-terminal (PIN) domain that is essential for ribonuclease activity and that, the VapB26 antitoxin folds into a ribbon-helix-helix DNA-binding motif at the N-terminus. The active site of VapC26 is sterically blocked by the flexible C-terminal region of VapB26. The C-terminal region of free VapB26 adopts an unfolded conformation but forms a helix upon binding to VapC26. The results of RNase activity assays show that Mg2+ and Mn2+ are essential for the ribonuclease activity of VapC26. As shown in the nuclear magnetic resonance spectra, several residues of VapB26 participate in the specific binding to the promoter region of the VapBC26 operon. In addition, toxin-mimicking peptides were designed that inhibit TA complex formation and thereby increase toxin activity, providing a novel approach to the development of new antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Min Kang
- The Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 151-742, Republic of Korea
| | - Do-Hee Kim
- The Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 151-742, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki-Young Lee
- The Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 151-742, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Jean Park
- College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, 534-2 Yeonsu-dong, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 406-799, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye-Jin Yoon
- Department of Chemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-742, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Jae Lee
- The Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 151-742, Republic of Korea
| | - Hookang Im
- The Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 151-742, Republic of Korea
| | - Bong-Jin Lee
- The Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 151-742, Republic of Korea
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Abstract
Ferrets have become more popular as household pets and as animal models in biomedical research in the past 2 decades. The average life span of ferrets is about 5-11 years with onset of geriatric diseases between 3-4 years including endocrinopathies, neoplasia, gastrointestinal diseases, cardiomyopathy, splenomegaly, renal diseases, dental diseases, and cataract. Endocrinopathies are the most common noninfectious disease affecting middle-aged and older ferrets. Spontaneous neoplasms affecting the endocrine system of ferrets appear to be increasing in prevalence with a preponderance toward proliferative lesions in the adrenal cortex and pancreatic islet cells. Diet, gonadectomy, and genetics may predispose ferrets to an increased incidence of these endocrinopathies. These functional proliferative lesions cause hypersecretion of hormones that alter the physiology and metabolism of the affected ferrets resulting in a wide range of clinical manifestations. However, there is an apparent dearth of information available in the literature about the causal relationship between aging and neoplasia in ferrets. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the anatomy and physiology of endocrine organs, disease incidence, age at diagnosis, clinical signs, pathology, and molecular markers available for diagnosis of various endocrine disorders in ferrets.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Bakthavatchalu
- Division of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - S Muthupalani
- Division of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - R P Marini
- Division of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - J G Fox
- Division of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
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Suran JN, Latney LV, Wyre NR. Radiographic and ultrasonographic findings of the spleen and abdominal lymph nodes in healthy domestic ferrets. J Small Anim Pract 2017; 58:444-453. [PMID: 28414856 PMCID: PMC7166479 DOI: 10.1111/jsap.12680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2016] [Revised: 02/15/2017] [Accepted: 03/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Objective To describe the radiographic and ultrasonographic characteristics of the spleen and abdominal lymph nodes in clinically healthy ferrets. Materials and Methods Fifty‐five clinically healthy ferrets were prospectively recruited for this cross‐sectional study. Three‐view whole body radiographs and abdominal ultrasonography were performed on awake (23 out of 55) or sedated (32 out of 55) ferrets. On radiographs splenic and abdominal lymph node visibility was assessed. Splenic thickness and echogenicity and lymph node length, thickness, echogenicity, number and presence of cyst‐like changes were recorded. Results The spleen was radiographically detectable in all ferrets. On ultrasound the spleen was hyperechoic to the liver (55 out of 55) and mildly hyperechoic (28 out of 55), isoechoic (15 out of 55) or mildly hypoechoic (12 out of 55) to the renal cortices. Mean splenic thickness was 11.80 ±0.34 mm. Lymph nodes were radiographically discernible in 28 out of 55 ferrets and included caudal mesenteric and sublumbar nodes. An average of 9 ±2 lymph nodes (mean± standard deviation; mode 10) were identified in each ferret using ultrasound. A single large jejunal lymph node was identified in all ferrets and had a mean thickness of 5.28 ± 1.66 mm. For other lymph nodes the mean thickness measurements plus one standard deviation were less than 4.4 mm (95% confidence interval: ≤ 3.72 mm). Clinical Significance The information provided in this study may act as a baseline for evaluation of the spleen and lymph nodes in ferrets.
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Affiliation(s)
- J N Suran
- Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - L V Latney
- Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - N R Wyre
- Zodiac Pet & Exotic Hospital, Tin Hau, Hong Kong
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Doria-Torra G, Vidaña B, Ramis A, Amarilla SP, Martínez J. Coronavirus Infection in Ferrets: Antigen Distribution and Inflammatory Response. Vet Pathol 2016; 53:1180-1186. [PMID: 27106741 DOI: 10.1177/0300985816634809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Multisystemic granulomatous lesions are the most common finding in ferrets infected by ferret systemic coronavirus (FRSCV). To characterize the inflammatory response developed against this virus, lesions from 4 naturally infected ferrets were examined. Lesions were classified into the 4 known types of granulomas (granulomas without necrosis [G], granulomas with necrosis [G-N], granulomas with neutrophils [G-NL], and diffuse granulomatous inflammation [DG]). The cellular composition of the lesions was characterized on the basis of cellular morphology and immunohistochemistry using markers for T and B-lymphocytes, plasma cells, macrophages, and neutrophils. The extent and distribution of viral antigen expression was also assessed. In G lesions, macrophages were mainly located in the center of the granuloma, with a moderate number of T-lymphocytes scattered among the macrophages, plasma cells, and B-lymphocytes. G-N lesions exhibited a necrotic center surrounded by abundant macrophages, some T-lymphocytes, plasma cells, and a few B-lymphocytes. In G-NL lesions, there was a central area dominated by neutrophils with low numbers of macrophages, plasma cells, and lymphocytes. DG presented similar cell proportions, but distributed evenly throughout the lesions. FRSCV was expressed in G, G-NL, G-N, and DG, with decreasing numbers of immunoreactive cells. This study reveals the important role of macrophages in the inflammatory response of ferrets against the virus and the variable proportions of leukocytes among different types of lesions, indicating their variable age. The results also confirm the similarities of the disease in ferrets to feline infectious peritonitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Doria-Torra
- Servei de Diagnòstic de Patologia Veterinària (SDPV), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain Departament de Sanitat i Anatomia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - B Vidaña
- Servei de Diagnòstic de Patologia Veterinària (SDPV), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), UAB-IRTA, Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Ramis
- Servei de Diagnòstic de Patologia Veterinària (SDPV), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain Departament de Sanitat i Anatomia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), UAB-IRTA, Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - S P Amarilla
- Department of Anatomy and Comparative Pathology, Campus Universitario de Rabanales, International Excellence Agrifood Campus, Córdoba, Spain
| | - J Martínez
- Servei de Diagnòstic de Patologia Veterinària (SDPV), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain Departament de Sanitat i Anatomia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), UAB-IRTA, Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
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15
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Nakata M, Miwa Y, Tsuboi M, Uchida K. Mycobacteriosis in a domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo). J Vet Med Sci 2014; 76:705-9. [PMID: 24419874 PMCID: PMC4073339 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.13-0521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
A 4-year-old spayed female ferret presented with a 2-month history of anorexia, vomiting and occasional diarrhea. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed thickening of the gastric wall and enlarged abdominal lymph nodes. Biopsy samples from the thickened gastric wall, enlarged abdominal lymph nodes and liver were taken during an exploratory laparotomy. Based on the histopathological examination, mycobacterium infection was diagnosed. The bacterial species could not be identified by additional diagnostic tests of feces, including fecal smear, culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The ferret was treated with prednisolone and multiple antimicrobials, including rifampicin, azithromycin and enrofloxacin, but did not improve with treatment and died 220 days after the first presentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Nakata
- Miwa Exotic Animal Hospital, 1-25-5 Komagome, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 170-0003, Japan
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16
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Suran JN, Wyre NR. Imaging findings in 14 domestic ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) with lymphoma. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 2013; 54:522-31. [PMID: 23738830 PMCID: PMC7169257 DOI: 10.1111/vru.12068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2012] [Accepted: 04/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Lymphoma is the most common malignant neoplasia in domestic ferrets, Mustela putorius furo. However, imaging findings in ferrets with lymphoma have primarily been described in single case reports. The purpose of this retrospective study was to describe imaging findings in a group of ferrets with confirmed lymphoma. Medical records were searched between 2002 and 2012. A total of 14 ferrets were included. Radiographs (n = 12), ultrasound (n = 14), computed tomography (CT; n = 1), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; n = 1) images were available for review. Median age at the time of diagnosis was 5.2 years (range 3.25–7.6 years). Clinical signs were predominantly nonspecific (8/14). The time between the first imaging study and lymphoma diagnosis was 1 day or less in most ferrets (12). Imaging lesions were predominantly detected in the abdomen, and most frequently included intra‐abdominal lymphadenopathy (12/14), splenomegaly (8/14), and peritoneal effusion (11/14). Lymphadenopathy and mass lesions were typically hypoechoic on ultrasound. Mild peritoneal effusion was the only detected abnormality in two ferrets. Mild pleural effusion was the most common thoracic abnormality (3/12). Expansile lytic lesions were present in the vertebrae of two ferrets with T3‐L3 myelopathy and the femur in a ferret with lameness. Hyperattenuating, enhancing masses with secondary spinal cord compression were associated with vertebral lysis in CT images of one ferret. The MRI study in one ferret with myelopathy was inconclusive. Findings indicated that imaging characteristics of lymphoma in ferrets are similar to those previously reported in dogs, cats, and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jantra Ngosuwan Suran
- Sections of Radiology, Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3900 Delancey Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104
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Abstract
Liver disease in ferrets is often subclinical and underdiagnosed. Clinical pathology and diagnostic imaging are needed to guide clinicians but definite diagnosis is based on histopathologic lesions. Inflammatory digestive conditions can lead to ascending tract infection and hepatobiliary inflammation. Ferrets have a specific sensitivity to hepatic lipidosis. Incidence of hepatic neoplasia is high in ferrets. After a summary of anatomy and physiology of the ferret liver, hepatic diseases known in ferret species are reviewed with their subsequent diagnostic procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minh Huynh
- Exotic Department, Centre Hospitalier Vétérinaire Fregis, Arcueil 94110, France.
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