Observations on the history of non-insect invertebrate pathology from the perspective of a participant

Bacterial and parasitic diseases of selected invertebrates

Invertebrate medicine is a rapidly advancing aspect of veterinary medicine, although frustrating in its lack of answers and its limitations compared with vertebrate medicine. Because invertebrates make up 98% of animal life, it should be impossible to contain information on their known bacterial and parasitic diseases within a single article. When the focus is placed on those species commonly kept and treated by non-marine veterinarians, the amount of information becomes manageable. Many exotic species had their known diseases and treatments start this way and then advanced to a higher level of understanding. This article stands as an introduction to the parasitic and bacterial diseases of these fascinating creatures for the veterinary practitioner.

Tumorigenesis and anti-tumor immune responses in Xenopus

Despite intense study, the role of the immune system in detecting (immunosurveillance), controlling and remodeling (immunoediting) neoplasia remains elusive. We present here a comparative view of the complex interactions between neoplasia and the host immune system. We provide evidence, in the amphibian Xenopus laevis, consistent with an evolutionarily conserved and crucial role of the immune system in controlling neoplasia, which involves a striking variety of anti-tumoral immune effectors including conventional CTLs, classical MHC class Ia unrestricted CTLs (CCU-CTLs) that interact with nonclassical MHC class Ib molecules, CD8 NKT-like cells and NK cells. We also review the tumors found in X. laevis with an emphasis on thymic lymphoid tumors and a rare ovarian dysgerminoma. Finally, we consider the use of X. laevis for in vivo study of tumorigenesis. Given our current knowledge, the experimental systems already established in X. laevis, and the rapid accumulation of genetic resources for the sister species Silurana (Xenopus) tropicalis, it is our conviction that these species provide an ideal alternative to the murine system for studying tumorigenesis and tumor immunity.