Infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis: an update

Infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis: a review

The economic impact of infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK) warrants continued investigation of the mechanisms by which Moraxella bovis survives on and colonizes the corneal surface. Virulent strains of M bovis produce hemolysin and exhibit different plasmid profiles than nonvirulent strains. Interactions among host, environment, vector, season, and concurrent infection influence the prevalence of IBK. Mycoplasma sp. or infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus may enhance or hasten the disease process. The manifestations of IBK may range from mild conjunctivitis to severe ulceration, corneal perforation, and blindness. Treatment of IBK is dictated by economic considerations, intended animal use, and feasibility of administration. Antibiotic therapy is aimed at achieving drug concentrations in tears to meet or exceed the minimum inhibitory concentration for prolonged periods. At present, IBK is not a preventable disease. Affected animals must be separated from the herd and vector control vigorously instituted. Carrier animals must be identified and removed from the herd. Vaccination trials have been unsuccessful because of pili antigen cross-reactivity, variable strains, and uncontrolled environmental factors. Recent investigations have determined that M bovis may utilize host iron sources via iron-repressible outer membrane proteins and siderophores for growth. Elucidation of normal defense mechanisms of the bovine eye may lead to new strategies to enhance the immune response against M bovis.

Ocular drug delivery in veterinary medicine

This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the various approaches currently used in the development of ocular drug delivery systems for the treatment of ocular diseases in animals. It is obvious from the literature that most of the products that are currently available are derived from human medicine without consideration given to the differences which exist between the anatomy and physiology of the eye of various animal species which ultimately affect product design and performance. As a result, many of the products for animal use seem in many circumstances inappropriate for animal care. The article deals with some aspects of eye anatomy and physiology of different animals, and then provides an overview of the most commonly encountered pathologies. The paper then discusses the currently available drug products and finally reviews new delivery concepts. Several hundred references are included in the paper and provide access to further information on the subject.

Ocular pharmacology

Application of sound ocular therapeutic principle is more difficult in food animals than most other species. Financial or husbandry constraints limit the practitioner's ability to use the entire range of ocular drugs available or to use them with adequate frequency. These problems may be dealt with by using systemically administered drugs when effective or by employing vehicles or delivery techniques that necessitate minimal dosing frequency. By far the most important medically treatable eye disease encountered in food animal practice is IBK. Effective therapies include systemic administration of long-acting oxytetracycline, subconjunctival administration of a variety of antibiotics, or topical application of benzathine cloxacillin. Infectious conjunctivitis in sheep and goats due to a variety of agents may be treated successfully with tetracycline in most cases. Conjunctivitis and keratitis secondary to IBR virus usually are given supportive therapy only, although specific antiviral drugs have been used in the treatment of herpetic eye disease in other species. Anterior uveitis is best treated by corticosteroid and mydriatic therapy in addition to treatment of the underlying cause, if identified.