1
|
Cowgill LD, Segev G, Vaden S, Ross S, Dufayet C, Cohn LA, Nabity M, Farace G, Szlosek D, Ouyang Z, Peterson S, Beall M, Yerramilli M, Polzin D. Differentiation of stable kidney function versus progressive dysfunction in dogs. J Vet Intern Med 2023; 37:2241-2250. [PMID: 37861343 PMCID: PMC10658543 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Circulating creatinine and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) are biomarkers of kidney function that have been used variously to define stable vs progressive chronic kidney disease (CKD). Slope monitoring of inverse biomarker values (creatinine-1 or SDMA-1 ) has shown promise, but quantitative criteria to distinguish stable vs progressive CKD using this approach are lacking. OBJECTIVE Assessment of creatinine-1 and SDMA-1 slope cutoffs to distinguish stable vs progressive CKD. ANIMALS One hundred ten clinically healthy university staff-owned dogs and 29 male colony dogs with progressive X-linked hereditary nephropathy (XLHN). METHODS Retrospective analysis combining 2 prospective observational studies, 1 tracking kidney function biomarkers in healthy dogs (HDs) to a maximum of 3 years, and 1 tracking kidney function biomarkers in male colony dogs with progressive XLHN to a maximum of 1 year. The minimum slope of creatinine-1 or SDMA-1 as measured using the IDEXX SDMA test from HD was assigned as the slope cutoff for stable kidney function. RESULTS The stable vs progressive slope cutoff was -0.0119 week × dL/mg for creatinine-1 and -0.0007 week × dL/μg for SDMA-1 . CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE In the studied CKD population, progressive dysfunction can be distinguished from stable kidney function by using the slope of creatinine-1 or SDMA-1 . These criteria may serve to characterize CKD in other cohorts of dogs and to establish guidelines for degrees of progression rate in dogs with naturally occurring CKD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Shelly Vaden
- North Carolina State UniversityRaleighNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Sheri Ross
- University of Prince Edward IslandCharlottetownPrince Edward IslandCanada
| | - Cedric Dufayet
- University of California Veterinary Medical Center‐San DiegoSan DiegoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Leah A. Cohn
- University of Missouri Veterinary Health CenterColumbiaMissouriUSA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Segev G, Vaden S, Ross S, Dufayet C, Cohn LA, Farace G, Szlosek D, Ouyang Z, Peterson S, Beall M, Yerramilli M, Polzin D, Cowgill LD. Urinary cystatin B differentiates progressive versus stable IRIS Stage 1 chronic kidney disease in dogs. J Vet Intern Med 2023; 37:2251-2260. [PMID: 37815022 PMCID: PMC10658556 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early identification of dogs with progressive vs stable chronic kidney disease (CKD) might afford opportunity for interventions that would slow progression. However, currently no surrogate biomarker reliably predicts CKD progression. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES Urinary cystatin B (uCysB), a novel kidney injury biomarker, predicts progressive disease in International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) CKD Stage 1. ANIMALS Seventy-two dogs, including 20 dogs from 4 university centers with IRIS CKD Stage 1, with IDEXX symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) concentration up to 17 μg/dL and no systemic comorbidities, and 52 clinically healthy staff-owned dogs from a fifth university center. METHODS A multicenter prospective longitudinal study was conducted between 2016 and 2021 to assess uCysB concentration in IRIS CKD Stage 1 and control dogs. Dogs were followed to a maximum of 3 years (control) or 25 months (CKD). Stage 1 IRIS CKD was classified as stable or progressive using the slope of 1/SDMA, calculated from 3 timepoints during the initial 90-day period. Dogs with slope above or below -0.0007 week × dL/μg were classified as stable or progressive, respectively. Mixed effects modeling was used to assess the association between uCysB and progression rate. RESULTS Estimates of first visit uCysB results predictive of active ongoing kidney injury based on the mixed effects models were 17 ng/mL for control, 24 ng/mL for stable CKD, and 212 ng/mL for progressive CKD (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Urinary cystatin B differentiated stable vs progressive IRIS CKD Stage 1. Identification of dogs with progressive CKD may provide an opportunity for clinicians to intervene early and slow progression rate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Shelly Vaden
- North Carolina State UniversityRaleighNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Sheri Ross
- University of Prince Edward IslandCharlottetownPrince Edward IslandCanada
| | - Cedric Dufayet
- University of California Veterinary Medical Center‐San DiegoSan DiegoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Leah A. Cohn
- University of Missouri Veterinary Health CenterColumbiaMissouriUSA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Beaudoin AL, Bollig ER, Burgess BA, Cohn LA, Cole SD, Dear JD, Fellman CL, Frey E, Goggs R, Johnston A, Kreuder AJ, KuKanich KS, LeCuyer TE, Menard J, Reagan KL, Sykes JE, Veir JK, Viviano K, Wayne A, Granick JL. Prevalence of antibiotic use for dogs and cats in United States veterinary teaching hospitals, August 2020. J Vet Intern Med 2023; 37:1864-1875. [PMID: 37526594 PMCID: PMC10473043 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Awareness of prescribing practices helps identify opportunities to improve antibiotic use (AU). OBJECTIVES To estimate AU prevalence in dogs and cats in U.S. veterinary teaching hospitals (VTHs) and identify antibiotic drugs commonly prescribed, indications for use, and evidence of bacterial infection. ANIMALS Medical record data were collected from dogs and cats examined at 14 VTHs. METHODS Data were collected from VTH medical records of dogs and cats examined by primary care, urgent care, emergency and critical care, internal medicine, and surgery services on a single day during August 13-September 3, 2020. Data included signalment; clinical service; inpatient or outpatient status; clinical conditions; diagnostic tests; evidence of bacterial infection; intended reason for AU; name and route of antibiotics prescribed. RESULTS Of 883 dogs and cats, 322 (36.5%) were prescribed at least 1 antibiotic. Among 285 antibiotics administered systemically intended for treatment of infection, 10.9% were prescribed without evidence of infection. The most common class of antibiotics presribed for systemic administration was potentiated penicillin for dogs (115/346, 33.3%) and cats (27/80, 33.8%). For dogs and cats, first-generation cephalosporins (93/346, 26.9% and 11/80, 13.8%, respectively) and fluoroquinolones (51/346, 14.7% and 19/80, 23.8%, respectively) was second or third most-prescribed. Common AU indications included skin, respiratory, and urinary conditions, and perioperative use. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Collaborative data collection provides a sustainable methodology to generate national AU prevalence estimates and bring attention to areas requiring additional research and detailed data collection. These efforts can also identify practice improvement opportunities in settings where future veterinarians are trained.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Emma R. Bollig
- Department of Veterinary Clinical SciencesCollege of Veterinary Medicine, University of MinnesotaSaint PaulMinnesotaUSA
| | - Brandy A. Burgess
- Department of Population HealthCollege of Veterinary Medicine, University of GeorgiaAthensGeorgiaUSA
| | - Leah A. Cohn
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and SurgeryCollege of Veterinary Medicine, University of MissouriColumbiaMissouriUSA
| | - Stephen D. Cole
- Department of PathobiologySchool of Veterinary Medicine, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Jonathan D. Dear
- Department of Medicine and EpidemiologySchool of Veterinary Medicine, University of California‐DavisDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Claire L. Fellman
- Department of Clinical SciencesCummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts UniversityGraftonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Erin Frey
- Department of Clinical SciencesCollege of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State UniversityRaleighNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Robert Goggs
- Department of Clinical SciencesCollege of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell UniversityIthacaNew YorkUSA
| | - Andrea Johnston
- Department of Veterinary Clinical SciencesSchool of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State UniversityBaton RougeLouisianaUSA
| | - Amanda J. Kreuder
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive MedicineCollege of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State UniversityAmesIowaUSA
| | - Kate S. KuKanich
- Department of Clinical SciencesCollege of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State UniversityManhattanKansasUSA
| | - Tessa E. LeCuyer
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and PathobiologyVirginia‐Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia TechBlacksburgVirginiaUSA
| | - Julie Menard
- Department of Clinical SciencesCollege of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell UniversityIthacaNew YorkUSA
- Present address:
Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryAlbertaCanada
| | - Krystle L. Reagan
- Department of Medicine and EpidemiologySchool of Veterinary Medicine, University of California‐DavisDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Jane E. Sykes
- Department of Medicine and EpidemiologySchool of Veterinary Medicine, University of California‐DavisDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Julia K. Veir
- Department of Clinical SciencesCollege of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
- Present address:
Antech DiagnosticsFountain ValleyCaliforniaUSA
| | - Katrina Viviano
- Department of Medical SciencesSchool of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin‐MadisonMadisonWisconsinUSA
| | - Annie Wayne
- Department of Clinical SciencesCummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts UniversityGraftonMassachusettsUSA
- Present address:
Ethos Veterinary HealthWoburnMassachusettsUSA
| | - Jennifer L. Granick
- Department of Veterinary Clinical SciencesCollege of Veterinary Medicine, University of MinnesotaSaint PaulMinnesotaUSA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hernandez B, Jaffey JA, Cohn LA, Backus RC, KuKanich K, Hanzlicek AS, Parker VJ, White ME, Ringold R, Westerback E, Freilich L, Bolch C. Evaluation of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, C-reactive protein, and haptoglobin as biomarkers in dogs newly diagnosed with histoplasmosis. J Vet Intern Med 2023; 37:476-483. [PMID: 36748822 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin (OH)D, C-reactive protein (CRP), and haptoglobin are useful biomarkers in various infectious diseases and inflammatory disorders in dogs, but their utility in histoplasmosis is unknown. OBJECTIVE Determine if serum 25(OH)D, CRP, and haptoglobin concentrations are different in dogs with histoplasmosis compared to healthy controls and whether serum globulin, albumin, CRP, or haptoglobin are associated with 25(OH)D concentration. ANIMALS Twenty-two client-owned dogs (histoplasmosis, n = 12; controls, n = 10). METHODS Prospective case-control study. Dogs with histoplasmosis were categorized as pulmonary, disseminated, or gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Serum 25(OH)D was measured using modified high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Serum CRP and haptoglobin were measured with ELISA assays. RESULTS Dogs with histoplasmosis were grouped as disseminated (n = 8) and GI tract (n = 4). No dogs had pulmonary tract involvement alone. Dogs with histoplasmosis (median, interquartile range [IQR]; 11.6 ng/mL, 16.8) had lower serum 25(OH)D concentrations than controls (35.7 ng/mL, 17.6; P < .001). Serum CRP and haptoglobin concentrations were higher in dogs with histoplasmosis (CRP: median, IQR; 63.5 mg/L, 37.1 and haptoglobin: 459.7 mg/dL, 419.6) than controls (CRP: 1.9 mg/L, 2; P < .001 and haptoglobin: 85.5 mg/dL, 106.7; P = .003). Serum 25(OH)D concentration was positively associated with fold change in serum albumin concentration (ρ = 0.77; P < .001), and negatively associated with fold change in serum globulin (ρ = -0.61; P = .003) and CRP concentrations (ρ = -0.56; P = .01). CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Assay of serum 25(OH)D, CRP, and haptoglobin could have clinical value in dogs with histoplasmosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Betsy Hernandez
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Jared A Jaffey
- Department of Specialty Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Midwestern University, Glendale, Arizona, USA
| | - Leah A Cohn
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Robert C Backus
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Kate KuKanich
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
| | - Andrew S Hanzlicek
- MiraVista Diagnostics, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.,Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Valerie J Parker
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Mary E White
- Department of Pathology and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Midwestern University, Glendale, Arizona, USA
| | | | - Emily Westerback
- Department of Specialty Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Midwestern University, Glendale, Arizona, USA
| | - Leah Freilich
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
| | - Charlotte Bolch
- Department of Research and Sponsored Programs, Midwestern University, College of Graduate Studies, Glendale, Arizona, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Jaffey JA, Bullock G, Guo J, Mhlanga-Mutangadura T, O’Brien DP, Coates JR, Morrissey R, Hutchison R, Donnelly KS, Cohn LA, Katz ML, Johnson GS. Novel Homozygous ADAMTS2 Variants and Associated Disease Phenotypes in Dogs with Dermatosparactic Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:2158. [PMID: 36421833 PMCID: PMC9690363 DOI: 10.3390/genes13112158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Tissue fragility, skin hyperextensibility and joint hypermobility are defining characteristics of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS). Human EDS is subclassified into fourteen types including dermatosparactic EDS, characterized by extreme skin fragility and caused by biallelic ADAMTS2 mutations. We report two novel, ADAMTS2 variants in DNA from EDS-affected dogs. Separate whole-genome sequences from a Pit Bull Terrier and an Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog each contained a rare, homozygous variant (11:2280117delC, CanFam3.1), predicted to produce a frameshift in the transcript from the first coding ADAMTS2 exon (c.10delC) and a severely truncated protein product, p.(Pro4ArgfsTer175). The clinical features of these dogs and 4 others with the same homozygous deletion included multifocal wounds, atrophic scars, joint hypermobility, narrowed palpebral fissures, skin hyperextensibility, and joint-associated swellings. Due to severe skin fragility, the owners of all 6 dogs elected euthanasia before the dogs reached 13 weeks of age. Cross sections of collagen fibrils in post-mortem dermal tissues from 2 of these dogs showed hieroglyphic-like figures similar to those from cases of severe dermatosparaxis in other species. The whole-genome sequence from an adult Catahoula Leopard Dog contained a homozygous ADAMTS2 missense mutation, [11:2491238G>A; p.(Arg966His)]. This dog exhibited multifocal wounds, atrophic scars, and joint hypermobility, but has survived for at least 9 years. This report expands the spectrum of clinical features of the canine dermatosparactic subtype of EDS and illustrates the potential utility of subclassifying canine EDS by the identity of gene harboring the causal variant.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jared A. Jaffey
- Department of Specialty Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ 85308, USA
| | - Garrett Bullock
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Juyuan Guo
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Tendai Mhlanga-Mutangadura
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Dennis P. O’Brien
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Joan R. Coates
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | | | - Robert Hutchison
- Animal Clinic Northview, 36400 Center Ridge Rd., North Ridgeville, OH 44039, USA
| | - Kevin S. Donnelly
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Leah A. Cohn
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Martin L. Katz
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Gary S. Johnson
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Beall MJ, Mainville CA, Arguello-Marin A, Clark G, Lemieux C, Saucier J, Thatcher B, Breitschwerdt EB, Cohn LA, Qurollo BA, Chandrashekar R. An Improved Point-of-Care ELISA for the Diagnosis of Anaplasmosis and Ehrlichiosis During the Acute Phase of Tick-Borne Infections in Dogs. Top Companion Anim Med 2022; 51:100735. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tcam.2022.100735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
|
7
|
Cohn LA. Cytauxzoonosis. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2022; 52:1211-1224. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2022.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
|
8
|
Abstract
These guidelines are an update and extension of previous AAHA peer-reviewed canine vaccination guidelines published in 2017. Vaccination is a cornerstone of canine preventive healthcare and one of the most cost-effective ways of maintaining a dog's health, longevity, and quality of life. Canine vaccination also serves a public health function by forming a barrier against several zoonotic diseases affecting dogs and humans. Canine vaccines are broadly categorized as containing core and noncore immunizing antigens, with administration recommendations based on assessment of individual patient risk factors. The guidelines include a comprehensive table listing canine core and noncore vaccines and a recommended vaccination and revaccination schedule for each vaccine. The guidelines explain the relevance of different vaccine formulations, including those containing modified-live virus, inactivated, and recombinant immunizing agents. Factors that potentially affect vaccine efficacy are addressed, including the patient's prevaccination immune status and vaccine duration of immunity. Because animal shelters are one of the most challenging environments for prevention and control of infectious diseases, the guidelines also provide recommendations for vaccination of dogs presented at or housed in animal shelters, including the appropriate response to an infectious disease outbreak in the shelter setting. The guidelines explain how practitioners can interpret a patient's serological status, including maternally derived antibody titers, as indicators of immune status and suitability for vaccination. Other topics covered include factors associated with postvaccination adverse events, vaccine storage and handling to preserve product efficacy, interpreting product labeling to ensure proper vaccine use, and using client education and healthcare team training to raise awareness of the importance of vaccinations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John Ellis
- University of Saskatchewan, Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (J.E.)
| | | | - Chumkee Aziz
- Association of Shelter Veterinarians, Houston, Texas (C.A.)
| | - Catherine M Brown
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts (C.M.B.)
| | - Leah A Cohn
- University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri (L.A.C.)
| | | | - George E Moore
- Purdue University, College of Veterinary Medicine, West Lafayette, Indiana (G.E.M.)
| | - Neha Taneja
- A Paw Partnership, Veterinary Well-being Advocate, Centreville, Virginia (N.T.)
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ziccardi C, Cohn LA, Janacek B, Gross J, Nafe L, Grobman M. Etiology and outcome of extreme neutrophilic leukocytosis: A multi-institutional retrospective study of 269 dogs. J Vet Intern Med 2022; 36:541-548. [PMID: 35043992 PMCID: PMC8965212 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The magnitude of diagnostic abnormalities can influence the perception of clinical outcome. Extreme neutrophilic leukocytosis (ENL) is an uncommon finding caused by markedly increased granulopoiesis. A lack of recent, large‐scale studies limits our understanding of the importance, causation, and prognosis associated with ENL in dogs. Hypothesis/Objectives Describe disease categories (DC) identified in dogs with ENL and identify variables associated with survival. We hypothesized that factors including fever, segmented and band neutrophil counts, and DC would be negatively associated with survival. Animals Two‐hundred sixty‐nine dogs with ENL (segmented neutrophils ≥50 × 103 cells/μL) presented to the veterinary teaching hospitals at Auburn University (n = 164), the University of Missouri (n = 81), and Oklahoma State University (n = 24) between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2019. Methods Retrospective study. Demographic data and outcome variables including temperature, CBC findings, DC, duration of hospitalization (DOH) and outcome were acquired from the medical record. Statistical analyses included chi‐squared and Kruskal‐Wallis tests, and Pearson product moment correlations with a P < .05 significance level. Results Mortality was 41%. Survival differed with DC (P = .002). Mortality was higher (P < .05) in dogs with neoplasia (56.2%) vs immune‐mediated disease (20.5%) or tissue damage/necrosis (19%). Weight (P = .001, r = −0.14) and total neutrophil count (P = .04, r = −0.02) were weakly negatively associated with survival whereas DOH was weakly positively associated with survival (P = .03, r = 0.14). Conclusions and Clinical Importance Mortality in dogs with ENL is high but differed according to DC. Only weak correlations between clinical or clinicopathologic variables and mortality were identified. Extreme neutrophilic leukocytosis should be interpreted in conjunction with the underlying disease process, and not broadly used to predict clinical outcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christianna Ziccardi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Leah A Cohn
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Blakeley Janacek
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Jacklyn Gross
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Laura Nafe
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Megan Grobman
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, Alabama, USA.,Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Yang TS, Reichard MV, Marr HS, Cohn LA, Nafe L, Whitehurst N, Birkenheuer AJ. Direct injection of Amblyomma americanum ticks with Cytauxzoon felis. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2022; 13:101847. [PMID: 34673404 PMCID: PMC10658644 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2021.101847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Cytauxzoon felis is a tick-borne hemoprotozoan parasite that causes life-threatening disease in domestic cats in the United States. Currently, the platforms for C. felis research are limited to natural or experimental infection of domestic cats. This study aims to develop an alternative model by infecting Amblyomma americanum ticks with C. felis via direct injection. Amblyomma americanum adults were injected with C. felis-infected feline erythrocytes through two routes: directly into the digestive tract through the anal pore (IA injection), or percutaneously into the tick hemocoel (IH injection). RNAscope® in situ hybridization (ISH) was used to visualize the parasites within the ticks at different time points after injection. Four months after injection, ticks were divided into 3 infestation groups based on injection methods and inoculum type and fed on 3 naïve cats to assess the ticks' ability to transmit C. felis. Prior to the transmission challenge, selected ticks from each infestation group were tested for C. felis RNA via reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR). In both IA- and IH-injected ticks, ISH signals were observed in ticks up to 3 weeks after injection. The number of hybridization signals notably decreased over time, and no signals were detected by 4 months after injection. Prior to the transmission challenge, 37-57% of the sampled ticks were positive for C. felis RNA via RT-PCR. While the majority of injected ticks successfully attached and fed to repletion on all 3 cats during the transmission challenge, none of the cats became infected with C. felis. These results suggest that injected C. felis remained alive in ticks but was unable to progress to infective sporozoites after injection. It is unclear why this infection technique had been successful for other closely related tick-borne hemoprotozoa and not for C. felis. This outcome may be associated with uncharacterized differences in the C. felis life cycle, the lack of the feeding or molting in our model or absence of gametocytes in the inoculum. Nonetheless, our study demonstrated the potential of using ticks as an alternative model to study C. felis. Future improvement of a tick model for C. felis should consider other tick species for the injection model or utilize infection methods that more closely emulate the natural infection process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tzushan S Yang
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
| | - Mason V Reichard
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Henry S Marr
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
| | - Leah A Cohn
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, MO 65211, USA
| | - Laura Nafe
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA; Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, MO 65211, USA
| | - Nathan Whitehurst
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
| | - Adam J Birkenheuer
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Sleznikow CR, Granick JL, Cohn LA, Nafe LA, Rendahl A, Burton EN. Evaluation of various sample sources for the cytologic diagnosis of Cytauxzoon felis. J Vet Intern Med 2021; 36:126-132. [PMID: 34854132 PMCID: PMC8783339 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cytauxzoon felis is a life‐threatening protozoan disease of cats. Identification of schizont‐laden macrophages is a point‐of‐care diagnostic test for acute cytauxzoonosis. Hypothesis/Objectives The primary objective determined cytologic agreement between sample types to diagnose acute cytauxzoonosis. The secondary objective evaluated novices' ability to identify cytauxzoon organisms in blood films and tissue aspirates. Animals Thirty‐eight cats with suspected acute cytauxzoonosis and 5 controls examined postmortem. Methods Cases were prospectively submitted and collected. Blood film, lymph node, and splenic aspirates were blindly reviewed for sample quality, presence of schizont‐laden macrophages, and agreement between sample types. A subset of cases and controls were evaluated by 12 blinded novice observers to determine sensitivity and specificity for identifying organisms in various sample types. Results Acute cytauxzoonosis diagnosis was made on at least 1 sample type in 28/38 cats. Schizont‐laden macrophages were seen on 33% (10/30) of blood films, 56% (19/34) lymph node aspirates, 77% (26/34) splenic aspirates. Schizont‐laden macrophages were more likely seen on splenic than lymph node aspirates (McNemar's, P = .03) or blood film (McNemar's, P = <.001). Novice observers were more likely to agree with experts when identifying schizont‐laden macrophages in splenic aspirates (sensitivity = 77.1%, specificity = 94.4%) versus lymph node aspirates (sensitivity = 52.8%, specificity = 96.4%) or blood films (sensitivity = 41.7%, specificity = 96.9%). Conclusions and Clinical Importance Schizont‐laden macrophages are most frequently identified in spleen, even by novice observers. If the diagnosis of acute cytauxzoonosis cannot be confirmed via blood film, then splenic, followed by peripheral lymph node aspirates can be considered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Casey R Sleznikow
- University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jennifer L Granick
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
| | - Leah A Cohn
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Laura A Nafe
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Aaron Rendahl
- Department of Biochemical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
| | - Erin N Burton
- Department of Biochemical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Howard J, Reinero CR, Almond G, Vientos-Plotts A, Cohn LA, Grobman M. Bacterial infection in dogs with aspiration pneumonia at 2 tertiary referral practices. J Vet Intern Med 2021; 35:2763-2771. [PMID: 34751462 PMCID: PMC8692172 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In dogs, antimicrobial drugs are widely prescribed for aspiration pneumonia (AP) despite poor documentation of bacterial infection in AP (b‐AP) using bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) analysis. Interpretating discordant cytology and culture results is challenging, contributing to lack of a criterion standard, and highlighting differences between veterinary and human medical criteria for b‐AP. Objectives Determine how many dogs with AP had BALF collection and differences in diagnosis of b‐AP using veterinary vs human medical criteria. Report findings of noninvasive markers (e.g. fever, band neutrophilia, radiographic severity score) in dogs with and without b‐AP. Animals Retrospective cohort study of client‐owned dogs (n = 429) with AP at 2 university veterinary hospitals. Twenty‐four dogs met enrollment criteria. Methods Inclusion criteria were radiographic diagnosis of AP, ≥1 risk factor, CBC findings, and BALF cytology and culture results. Veterinary medical b‐AP criteria were cytology findings compatible with sepsis with or without positive culture, or cytology findings not consistent with sepsis and positive culture (≥1.7 × 103 cfu/mL). Human medical b‐AP criteria required culture with ≥104 cfu/mL or > 7% cells with intracellular bacteria on cytology. Results Only 24/429 dogs met all enrollment criteria; 379/429 dogs lacked BALF collection. Diagnosis of b‐AP differed using veterinary (79%) vs human (29%) medical criteria. Fever, band neutrophils and high radiographic scores were noted in dogs with and without b‐AP. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Lack of routine BALF collection hampers definitive recognition of bacterial infection in AP. Differences in dogs meeting veterinary vs human medical definitions for b‐AP and usefulness of noninvasive markers warrant further study to improve understanding of the role of bacteria in AP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Howard
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary Health Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA.,Department of Clinical Sciences, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Carol R Reinero
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary Health Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Greg Almond
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Aida Vientos-Plotts
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary Health Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Leah A Cohn
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary Health Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Megan Grobman
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Rothacker T, Jaffey JA, Rogers ER, Fales WH, Gibas CFC, Wiederhold NP, Sanders C, Mele J, Fan H, Cohn LA, Royal A. Novel Penicillium species causing disseminated disease in a Labrador Retriever dog. Med Mycol 2021; 58:1053-1063. [PMID: 32242628 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myaa016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
This report describes the phenotypic characteristics of a novel Penicillium species, Penicillium labradorum, isolated from a 3-year-old male, castrated, Labrador retriever with disseminated fungal disease. The dog's presenting clinical signs included lethargy, lymphadenopathy, tachypnea, moderate pitting edema, and nonweight bearing lameness associated with the right hind limb. Fine-needle aspirate biopsies from the sublumbar and prescapular lymph nodes were initially examined. The cytologic findings were consistent with pyogranulomatous inflammation with abundant extracellular and phagocytized fungal fragments and hyphae. Based on the morphology of the organisms and lack of endogenous pigment, hyalohyphomycosis was considered most likely, with Fusarium, Penicillium, and Paecilomyces species being considerations. Fungal isolates were obtained via culture of samples from the lymph nodes, and molecular identification testing originally identified an undescribed Penicillium species belonging to the Penicillium section Exilicaulis. BLAST searches and phylogenetic analyses performed approximately 1 year and 9 months after the isolation date revealed an isolate within the Penicillium parvum clade in the Penicillium section Exilicaulis but phylogenetically distant from the other species in the section, thus representing a new species, Penicillium labradorum. Antifungal susceptibility testing was also performed on the isolate and low minimum inhibitory concentrations were observed with terbinafine, voriconazole, and posaconazole, while in vitro resistance was observed with fluconazole. The dog had been previously treated with fluconazole, itraconazole, amphotericin B lipid complex, voriconazole, and terbinafine. Approximately 587 days after the initial diagnosis, the dog was euthanized due to worsening of clinical signs and concerns for quality of life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Rothacker
- University of Missouri, A345 Clydesdale Hall, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Jared A Jaffey
- Midwestern University, 19555 N 59th Ave, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Erin R Rogers
- University of Missouri, 2308 Houma Blvd 522, Metairie, Louisiana, USA
| | - William H Fales
- (Emeritus), University of Missouri, 2328 Hamilton Drive, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Connie F C Gibas
- Fungus Testing Laboratory & Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Nathan P Wiederhold
- Fungus Testing Laboratory & Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Carmita Sanders
- Fungus Testing Laboratory & Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - James Mele
- Fungus Testing Laboratory & Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Hongxin Fan
- Fungus Testing Laboratory & Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Leah A Cohn
- University of Missouri, A344 Clydesdale Hall, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Angela Royal
- University of Missouri, A344 Clydesdale Hall, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Jaffey JA, Reading NS, Abdulmalik O, Kreisler R, Bullock G, Wiest A, Villani NA, Mhlanga-Mutangadura T, Johnson GS, Cohn LA, Isaza N, Harvey JW, Giger U. Clinical, metabolic, and molecular genetic characterization of hereditary methemoglobinemia caused by cytochrome b 5 reductase deficiency in 30 dogs. Sci Rep 2020; 10:21399. [PMID: 33293645 PMCID: PMC7723051 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-78391-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Genotype–phenotype correlations of humans and dogs with hereditary methemoglobinemia are not yet well characterized. We determined total hemoglobin and methemoglobin (MetHb) concentrations, cytochrome b5 reductase (CYB5R) enzyme activities, genotypes, and clinical signs in 30 dogs with persistent cyanosis without cardiopulmonary disease. Erythrocytic CYB5R enzyme activities were low in all dogs assayed. Owner-reported quality of life ranged from subclinical to occasional exertional syncope. Two previously reported and two novel CYB5R3 missense variants were identified among the methemoglobinemic cohort and were predicted to impair enzyme function. Two variants were recurrent: a homozygous Ile194Leu substitution was found in Pomeranians and other small dogs, and a homozygous Arg219Pro change occurred predominately in pit bull terriers. The other two variants were Thr202Ala and Gly76Ser substitutions in single dogs. Of the two common CYB5R3 genotypes, Arg219Pro was associated with a more severe metabolic phenotype. We conclude that CYB5R3 deficiency is the predominate cause of canine hereditary methemoglobinemia. Although this finding is unlikely to alter the clinical approach to hereditary methemoglobinemia in dogs, it demonstrates the possibility of how genotype–phenotype cohort analysis might facilitate precision medicine in the future in veterinary medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J A Jaffey
- Department of Specialty Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ, USA. .,Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary Health Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.
| | - N S Reading
- Institute for Clinical and Experimental Pathology, ARUP Laboratories, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - O Abdulmalik
- Division of Hematology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - R Kreisler
- Department of Pathology and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ, USA
| | - G Bullock
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - A Wiest
- Section of Medical Genetics (PennGen), School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - N A Villani
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - T Mhlanga-Mutangadura
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - G S Johnson
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - L A Cohn
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary Health Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - N Isaza
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - J W Harvey
- Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - U Giger
- Section of Medical Genetics (PennGen), School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Abstract
Case summary A castrated male domestic shorthair cat from a wooded area in Missouri had recovered from typical severe cytauxzoonosis at 4 years of age, after intensive in-hospital supportive care and administration of atovaquone and azithromycin. At 11 years of age, the same cat again experienced an acute febrile illness compatible with cytauxzoonosis. Intraerythrocytic piroplasms typical of Cytauxzoon felis were identified by cytology. The owners opted for euthanasia but allowed collection of splenic and hepatic tissue for histopathologic examination. Schizont-laden macrophages were identified in both tissue specimens, confirming active cytauxzoonosis at the time of the cat’s death. Relevance and novel information Although cats that have recovered from cytauxzoonosis can harbor red blood cell piroplasms for many years without apparent clinical illness, repeat illness owing to either disease recrudescence or repeat infection has never been documented. In fact, recovered cats have been thought to be resistant to reinfection and subsequent illness. This report describes a cat that had recovered from documented cytauxzoonosis 7 years previously and then developed a subsequent clinical illness typical of cytauxzoonosis, which was accompanied not only by intraerythrocytic piroplasms, but also by schizont-laden tissue macrophages pathognomonic of clinical cytauxzoonosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leah A Cohn
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Dan Shaw
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Catherine Shoemake
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Adam J Birkenheuer
- Vector Borne Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
van Eeden ME, Vientós-Plotts AI, Cohn LA, Reinero CR. Serum allergen-specific IgE reactivity: is there an association with clinical severity and airway eosinophilia in asthmatic cats? J Feline Med Surg 2020; 22:1129-1136. [PMID: 32167403 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x20907178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of serum allergen-specific IgE testing in cats with a clinical diagnosis of asthma and to determine if the number of allergens with positive IgE reactivity and magnitude of positive IgE responses would be associated with the severity of clinical signs or airway eosinophilia. METHODS Medical records from 2008 to 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Inclusion required a diagnosis of feline asthma based on consistent clinicopathologic features and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cytology with >10% eosinophils; additionally, cats needed to have the results of serum allergen-specific IgE tests. RESULTS Eighteen cases satisfied the inclusion criteria. Median age was 5 years and the most common presenting clinical sign was cough (n = 10/18). Most cats lived exclusively indoors (n = 13/18). The median percentage of BAL eosinophils was 47%. Serum allergen-specific IgE testing supported an underlying allergic etiology in 14/18 (78%) cats, with all but one having polysensitization. The severity of clinical signs and magnitude of airway eosinophilia did not correlate with the degree of positive IgE reactivity. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This study identified a strong association between the identification of allergen-specific IgE and cats with asthma, and the majority of these cats were polysensitized. However, larger numbers of allergens with positive IgE reactivity or magnitude of IgE reactivity were not significantly associated with clinical severity or airway eosinophilia. Knowledge of positive allergen-specific IgE results could guide allergen avoidance, regardless of the magnitude of IgE reactivity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megan E van Eeden
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Aida I Vientós-Plotts
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Leah A Cohn
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Carol R Reinero
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine, Columbia, MO, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Abstract
Nasal disease in dogs is common and is often accompanied by chronic nasal discharge with or without other clinical signs. A thorough history and physical examination often guide the most appropriate choice of diagnostic testing to provide the best chance of attaining a diagnosis as to cause, and therefore, the most appropriate treatment. The purpose of this article is to guide the practitioner through a logical approach to the evaluation of dogs that are presented with signs of nasal disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leah A Cohn
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, University of Missouri, 900 East Campus Drive, Columbia, MO 65211, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
McNally JS, Jaffey JA, Kim SE, Alexander MD, Shumway KL, Cohn LA, Parker DL, Day RW. Methemoglobin Modulation as an Intravascular Contrast Agent for Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Proof of Concept. Front Vet Sci 2019; 6:416. [PMID: 32039242 PMCID: PMC6988812 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: The aim of this feasibility study was to investigate methemoglobin modulation in vivo as a potential magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) gadolinium based contrast agent (GBCA) alternative. Recently, gadolinium tissue deposition was identified and safety concerns were raised after adverse effects were discovered in canines and humans. Because of this, alternative contrast agents are warranted. One potential alternative is methemoglobinemia induction, which can create T1-weighted signal in vitro. Canines with hereditary methemoglobinemia represent a unique opportunity to investigate methemoglobin modulation. Our objective was to determine if methemoglobinemia could create high intravascular T1-signal in vivo with reversal using methylene blue. Methods: To accomplish this study, a 1.5-year-old male-castrated mixed breed canine with hereditary methemoglobinemia underwent 3T-MRI/MRA with T1-weighted sequences including 3D-T1-weighted Magnetization Prepared Rapid Acquisition Gradient Echo (MPRAGE) and 3D-Time-Of-Flight (TOF). Images were acquired during baseline methemoglobinemia and rescued using intravenous methylene blue (1 mg/kg). Intravascular T1-signal was compared between baseline methemoglobinemia and post-methylene blue. N = 10 separate T1-signal measurements were acquired for each vascular structure, normalized to muscle. Significance was determined using paired two-tailed t-tests and threshold alpha = 0.05. Fold-change was also calculated using the ratio of T1-signal between methemoglobinemia and post-methylene blue states. Results: At baseline, methemoglobin levels measured 19.5% and decreased to 4.9% after methylene blue. On 3D-T1-weighted MPRAGE, visible signal change was present in internal vertebral venous plexus (IVVP, 1.34 ± 0.09 vs. 0.83 ± 0.05, p < 0.001, 1.62 ± 0.06-fold) and external jugular veins (1.54 ± 0.07 vs. 0.87 ± 0.06, p < 0.001, 1.78 ± 0.10-fold). There was also significant change in ventral spinal arterial signal (1.21 ± 0.11 vs. 0.79 ± 0.07, p < 0.001, 1.54 ± 0.16-fold) but not in carotid arteries (2.12 ± 0.10 vs. 2.16 ± 0.11, p = 0.07, 0.98 ± 0.03-fold). On 3D-TOF, visible signal change was in IVVP (1.64 ± 0.14 vs. 1.09 ± 0.11, p < 0.001, 1.50 ± 0.11-fold) and there was moderate change in external jugular vein signal (1.51 ± 0.13 vs. 1.19 ± 0.08, p < 0.001, 1.27 ± 0.07-fold). There were also small but significant differences in ventral spinal arterial signal (2.00 ± 0.12 vs. 1.78 ± 0.10, p = 0.002, 1.13 ± 0.10-fold) but not carotid arteries (2.03 ± 0.17 vs. 1.99 ± 0.17, p = 0.15, 1.02 ± 0.04-fold). Conclusion: Methemoglobin modulation produces intravascular contrast on T1-weighted MRI in vivo. Additional studies are warranted to optimize methemoglobinemia induction, sequence parameters for maximal tissue contrast, and safety parameters prior to clinical implementation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Scott McNally
- Department of Radiology, Utah Center for Advanced Imaging Research, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Jared A Jaffey
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Midwestern University College of Veterinary Medicine, Glendale, AZ, United States
| | - Seong-Eun Kim
- Department of Radiology, Utah Center for Advanced Imaging Research, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Matthew D Alexander
- Department of Radiology, Utah Center for Advanced Imaging Research, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Kate L Shumway
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Leah A Cohn
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Dennis L Parker
- Department of Radiology, Utah Center for Advanced Imaging Research, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Ronald W Day
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Jaffey JA, Bullock G, Teplin E, Guo J, Villani NA, Mhlanga-Mutangadura T, Schnabel RD, Cohn LA, Johnson GS. A homozygous ADAMTS2 nonsense mutation in a Doberman Pinscher dog with Ehlers Danlos syndrome and extreme skin fragility. Anim Genet 2019; 50:543-545. [PMID: 31294848 PMCID: PMC6771693 DOI: 10.1111/age.12825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
An eight-week old Doberman Pinscher was diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos syndrome based on the dog's hyper-mobile carpal, tarsal and stifle joints and abnormal skin. The skin was loose and hyper-elastic with several wounds and large atrophic scars. The dog was euthanized after a severe degloving injury from minimal trauma. A whole-genome sequence, generated with DNA from the dog's blood, contained a rare, homozygous C-to-T transition at position 2408978 on chromosome 11. This transition is predicted to alter the ADAMTS2 transcript (ADAMTS2:c.769C>T) and encode a nonsense mutation (p.Arg257Ter). Biallelic ADAMTS2 mutations have caused a type of Ehlers Danlos syndrome known as dermatosparaxis in other species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J A Jaffey
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, Midwestern University, Glendale, 85308, AZ, USA
| | - G Bullock
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, 65211, MO, USA
| | - E Teplin
- South Willamette Veterinary Clinic, 55 Emerald Parkway, Creswell, 97426, OR, USA
| | - J Guo
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, 65211, MO, USA
| | - N A Villani
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, 65211, MO, USA
| | - T Mhlanga-Mutangadura
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, 65211, MO, USA
| | - R D Schnabel
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, 65211, MO, USA
| | - L A Cohn
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, 65211, MO, USA
| | - G S Johnson
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, 65211, MO, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Schreeg ME, Marr HS, Tarigo JL, Sherrill MK, Outi HK, Scholl EH, Bird DM, Vigil A, Hung C, Nakajima R, Liang L, Trieu A, Doolan DL, Thomas JE, Levy MG, Reichard MV, Felgner PL, Cohn LA, Birkenheuer AJ. Identification of Cytauxzoon felis antigens via protein microarray and assessment of expression library immunization against cytauxzoonosis. Clin Proteomics 2018; 15:44. [PMID: 30618510 PMCID: PMC6310948 DOI: 10.1186/s12014-018-9218-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cytauxzoonosis is a disease of felids in North America caused by the tick-transmitted apicomplexan parasite Cytauxzoon felis. Cytauxzoonosis is particularly virulent for domestic cats, but no vaccine currently exists. The parasite cannot be cultivated in vitro, presenting a significant limitation for vaccine development. Methods Recent sequencing of the C. felis genome has identified over 4300 putative protein-encoding genes. From this pool we constructed a protein microarray containing 673 putative C. felis proteins. This microarray was probed with sera from C. felis-infected and naïve cats to identify differentially reactive antigens which were incorporated into two expression library vaccines, one polyvalent and one monovalent. We assessed the efficacy of these vaccines to prevent of infection and/or disease in a tick-challenge model. Results Probing of the protein microarray resulted in identification of 30 differentially reactive C. felis antigens that were incorporated into the two expression library vaccines. However, expression library immunization failed to prevent infection or disease in cats challenged with C. felis. Conclusions Protein microarray facilitated high-throughput identification of novel antigens, substantially increasing the pool of characterized C. felis antigens. These antigens should be considered for development of C. felis vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12014-018-9218-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megan E Schreeg
- 1College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Research Building Room 464, 1060 William Moore Drive, Raleigh, NC 27607 USA
| | - Henry S Marr
- 1College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Research Building Room 464, 1060 William Moore Drive, Raleigh, NC 27607 USA
| | - Jaime L Tarigo
- 1College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Research Building Room 464, 1060 William Moore Drive, Raleigh, NC 27607 USA.,2College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, 501 D.W. Brooks Drive, Athens, GA 30602 USA
| | - Meredith K Sherrill
- 3College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, 1600 East Rollins, Columbia, MO 65211 USA
| | - Hilton K Outi
- 3College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, 1600 East Rollins, Columbia, MO 65211 USA
| | - Elizabeth H Scholl
- 4College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, North Carolina State University, 2501 Founders Dr, Raleigh, NC 27607 USA
| | - David M Bird
- 4College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, North Carolina State University, 2501 Founders Dr, Raleigh, NC 27607 USA
| | - Adam Vigil
- 5School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, 1001 Health Sciences Rd, Irvine, CA 92617 USA
| | - Chris Hung
- 5School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, 1001 Health Sciences Rd, Irvine, CA 92617 USA
| | - Rie Nakajima
- 5School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, 1001 Health Sciences Rd, Irvine, CA 92617 USA
| | - Li Liang
- 5School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, 1001 Health Sciences Rd, Irvine, CA 92617 USA
| | - Angela Trieu
- 6QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Rd, Brisbane City, QLD 4006 Australia
| | - Denise L Doolan
- 6QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Rd, Brisbane City, QLD 4006 Australia.,7Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, 1 James Cook Dr, Douglas, QLD 4814 Australia
| | - Jennifer E Thomas
- 8Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, 208 S McFarland St, Stillwater, OK 74078 USA
| | - Michael G Levy
- 1College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Research Building Room 464, 1060 William Moore Drive, Raleigh, NC 27607 USA
| | - Mason V Reichard
- 8Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, 208 S McFarland St, Stillwater, OK 74078 USA
| | - Philip L Felgner
- 5School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, 1001 Health Sciences Rd, Irvine, CA 92617 USA
| | - Leah A Cohn
- 3College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, 1600 East Rollins, Columbia, MO 65211 USA
| | - Adam J Birkenheuer
- 1College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Research Building Room 464, 1060 William Moore Drive, Raleigh, NC 27607 USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Pollard DA, Reichard MV, Cohn LA, James AM, Holman PJ. Genetic variability of cloned Cytauxzoon felis ribosomal RNA ITS1 and ITS2 genomic regions from domestic cats with varied clinical outcomes from five states. Vet Parasitol 2017; 244:136-143. [PMID: 28917305 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2017.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Revised: 06/17/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Cytauxzoon felis is a tick-borne hemoparasite that causes cytauxzoonosis in domestic cats in the United States. Historically, feline cytauxzoonosis was reported to be nearly always fatal. However, increasing evidence of cats surviving acute infection and/or harboring a chronic, subclinical infection has suggested the existence of different C. felis strains that may vary in pathogenicity. In this study, the intraspecific variation of the C. felis first and second ribosomal RNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS1, ITS2) regions was assessed for any clinical outcome or geographic associations. Sequence data were obtained for 122C. felis ITS1 and ITS2 clones from 41 domestic cat blood samples from Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas. Seven previously reported ITS1 region sequences were found, and a previously undescribed 23-bp insert was detected in cloned ITS1 sequences from a domestic cat in Missouri and two cats in Oklahoma. Four previously reported ITS2 region sequences were identified, and a 40-bp insert similar to that previously reported in C. felis of a domestic cat from Arkansas and pumas was detected in 18 cloned C. felis sequences from 12 domestic cats. One clone contained both the 23-bp insert and 40-bp insert within the ITS1 and ITS2 regions, respectively. Combined ITS1 and ITS2 sequence genotypes revealed that C. felis sequences from 27 cats (72/122 clones) corresponded to four previously described genotypes, ITSa, ITSc, ITSd, and ITSn. Five clones with the novel 23-bp insert from three cat isolates represented two new genotypes, ITSaa and ITSbb. Genotypes ITScc, ITSdd, ITSee, ITSff, ITSgg, and ITShh denoted 13 clones that matched prior sequences but had no previously assigned genotype. Genotypes ITSii through ITStt comprised 32 clones that were similar to, but did not exactly match, previously described genotypes. Twenty-five cats had C. felis infections with multiple ITS genotypes. Considerable C. felis genetic diversity was revealed with no significant geographic or clinical outcome associations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dana A Pollard
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4467, USA
| | - Mason V Reichard
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Science, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Leah A Cohn
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Andrea M James
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4467, USA
| | - Patricia J Holman
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4467, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Burton EN, Cohn LA, Reinero CN, Rindt H, Moore SG, Ericsson AC. Characterization of the urinary microbiome in healthy dogs. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0177783. [PMID: 28545071 PMCID: PMC5435306 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0177783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The urinary bladder in healthy dogs has dogmatically been considered free of bacteria. This study used culture independent techniques to characterize the healthy canine urinary microbiota. Urine samples collected by antepubic cystocentesis from dogs without urinary infection were used for DNA extraction. Genital tract and rectal samples were collected simultaneously from the same dogs. The V4 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA bacterial gene was amplified and compared against Greengenes database for OTU assignment and relative abundance for urine, genital, and rectal samples. After excluding 4 dogs with cultivable bacteria, samples from 10 male (M; 1 intact) and 10 female (F) spayed dogs remained. All samples provided adequate genetic material for analysis. Four taxa (Pseudomonas sp., Acinetobacter sp., Sphingobium sp. and Bradyrhizobiaceae) dominated the urinary microbiota in all dogs of both sexes. These taxa were also detected in the genital swabs of both sexes, while the rectal microbiota differed substantially from the other sample sites. Principal component (PC) analysis of PC1 through PC3 showed overlap of urinary and genital microbiota and a clear separation of rectal swabs from the other sample sites along PC1, which explained 44.94% variation. Surprisingly, the urinary microbiota (mean # OTU 92.6 F, 90.2 M) was significantly richer than the genital (67.8 F, 66.6 M) or rectal microbiota (68.3 F, 71.2 M) (p < 0.0001), with no difference between sexes at any sample site. The canine urinary bladder is not a sterile environment and possesses its own unique and diverse microbiota compared to the rectal and genital microbiota. There was no difference between the sexes at any microbiota sample site (urine, genital, and rectal). The predominant bacterial genus for either sex in the urine and genital tracts was Pseudomonas sp.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erin N. Burton
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Leah A. Cohn
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Carol N. Reinero
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Hans Rindt
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Stephen G. Moore
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Aaron C. Ericsson
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
- University of Missouri Metagenomics Center (MUMC), Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Vientós-Plotts AI, Ericsson AC, Rindt H, Grobman ME, Graham A, Bishop K, Cohn LA, Reinero CR. Dynamic changes of the respiratory microbiota and its relationship to fecal and blood microbiota in healthy young cats. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0173818. [PMID: 28278278 PMCID: PMC5344508 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0173818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2016] [Accepted: 02/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Advances in the field of metagenomics using culture-independent methods of microbial identification have allowed characterization of rich and diverse communities of bacteria in the lungs of healthy humans, mice, dogs, sheep and pigs. These data challenge the long held belief that the lungs are sterile and microbial colonization is synonymous with pathology. Studies in humans and animals demonstrate differences in the composition of airway microbiota in health versus disease suggesting respiratory dysbiosis occurs. Using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing of DNA extracted from rectal and oropharyngeal (OP) swabs, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and blood, our objective was to characterize the fecal, OP, blood, and lower airway microbiota over time in healthy cats. This work in healthy cats, a species in which a respiratory microbiota has not yet been characterized, sets the stage for future studies in feline asthma in which cats serve as a comparative and translational model for humans. Fecal, OP and BALF samples were collected from six healthy research cats at day 0, week 2, and week 10; blood was collected at week 10. DNA was extracted, amplified via PCR, and sequenced using the Illumina MiSeq platform. Representative operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were identified and microbial richness and diversity were assessed. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to visualize relatedness of samples and PERMANOVA was used to test for significant differences in microbial community composition. Fecal and OP swabs provided abundant DNA yielding a mean±SEM of 65,653±6,145 and 20,6323±4,360 sequences per sample, respectively while BALF and blood samples had lower coverage (1,489±430 and 269±18 sequences per sample, respectively). Oropharyngeal and fecal swabs were significantly richer than BALF (mean number OTUs 93, 88 and 36, respectively; p < 0.001) with no significant difference (p = 0.180) in richness between time points. PCA revealed site-specific microbial communities in the feces, and upper and lower airways. In comparison, blood had an apparent compositional similarity with BALF with regard to a few dominant taxa, but shared more OTUs with feces. Samples clustered more by time than by individual, with OP swabs having subjectively greater variation than other samples. In summary, healthy cats have a rich and distinct lower airway microbiome with dynamic bacterial populations. The microbiome is likely to be altered by factors such as age, environmental influences, and disease states. Further data are necessary to determine how the distinct feline microbiomes from the upper and lower airways, feces and blood are established and evolve. These data are relevant for comparisons between healthy cats and cats with respiratory disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aida I. Vientós-Plotts
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
- Comparative Internal Medicine Laboratory, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Aaron C. Ericsson
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
- University of Missouri Metagenomics Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
- * E-mail: (ACE); (CRR)
| | - Hansjorg Rindt
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
- Comparative Internal Medicine Laboratory, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Megan E. Grobman
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
- Comparative Internal Medicine Laboratory, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Amber Graham
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Kaitlin Bishop
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Leah A. Cohn
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
- Comparative Internal Medicine Laboratory, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Carol R. Reinero
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
- Comparative Internal Medicine Laboratory, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
- * E-mail: (ACE); (CRR)
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Abstract
A 2-year-old, female spayed, domestic shorthair cat presented to the University of Missouri-Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (UMC-VMTH) with an approximately 11-month history of fluid-draining pockets along her ventral thorax and axillae. The skin in these regions was erythematous, and multiple areas drained a serous to serosanguinous fluid. Fluid-filled, nodules formed along the ventrum, but these nodules disappeared as fluid drained spontaneously. Histologic assessment of skin biopsies revealed areas of vascular proliferation extending along the deep margin of the section and rare instances of invasion into the superficial dermis. These vascular channels were devoid of cells, lined by variably pleomorphic endothelial cells which had a low mitotic index. Based on the mild to moderate pleomorphism, positive staining with prospero-related homeobox gene-1 (PROX-1), and the locally aggressive nature of the tumor, a final diagnosis of lymphangiosarcoma was made.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dorothy E Jackson
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, USA
| | - Linda M Berent
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, USA
| | - Leah A Cohn
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, USA
| | - David A Senter
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, USA
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Schreeg ME, Marr HS, Tarigo JL, Cohn LA, Bird DM, Scholl EH, Levy MG, Wiegmann BM, Birkenheuer AJ. Mitochondrial Genome Sequences and Structures Aid in the Resolution of Piroplasmida phylogeny. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0165702. [PMID: 27832128 PMCID: PMC5104439 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0165702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2016] [Accepted: 10/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The taxonomy of the order Piroplasmida, which includes a number of clinically and economically relevant organisms, is a hotly debated topic amongst parasitologists. Three genera (Babesia, Theileria, and Cytauxzoon) are recognized based on parasite life cycle characteristics, but molecular phylogenetic analyses of 18S sequences have suggested the presence of five or more distinct Piroplasmida lineages. Despite these important advancements, a few studies have been unable to define the taxonomic relationships of some organisms (e.g. C. felis and T. equi) with respect to other Piroplasmida. Additional evidence from mitochondrial genome sequences and synteny should aid in the inference of Piroplasmida phylogeny and resolution of taxonomic uncertainties. In this study, we have amplified, sequenced, and annotated seven previously uncharacterized mitochondrial genomes (Babesia canis, Babesia vogeli, Babesia rossi, Babesia sp. Coco, Babesia conradae, Babesia microti-like sp., and Cytauxzoon felis) and identified additional ribosomal fragments in ten previously characterized mitochondrial genomes. Phylogenetic analysis of concatenated mitochondrial and 18S sequences as well as cox1 amino acid sequence identified five distinct Piroplasmida groups, each of which possesses a unique mitochondrial genome structure. Specifically, our results confirm the existence of four previously identified clades (B. microti group, Babesia sensu stricto, Theileria equi, and a Babesia sensu latu group that includes B. conradae) while supporting the integration of Theileria and Cytauxzoon species into a single fifth taxon. Although known biological characteristics of Piroplasmida corroborate the proposed phylogeny, more investigation into parasite life cycles is warranted to further understand the evolution of the Piroplasmida. Our results provide an evolutionary framework for comparative biology of these important animal and human pathogens and help focus renewed efforts toward understanding the phylogenetic relationships within the group.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megan E. Schreeg
- North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Henry S. Marr
- North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Jaime L. Tarigo
- North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
- University of Georgia, College of Veterinary Medicine, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Leah A. Cohn
- University of Missouri, College of Veterinary Medicine, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - David M. Bird
- North Carolina State University, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth H. Scholl
- North Carolina State University, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Michael G. Levy
- North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Brian M. Wiegmann
- North Carolina State University, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Adam J. Birkenheuer
- North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Schreeg ME, Marr HS, Griffith EH, Tarigo JL, Bird DM, Reichard MV, Cohn LA, Levy MG, Birkenheuer AJ. PCR amplification of a multi-copy mitochondrial gene (cox3) improves detection of Cytauxzoon felis infection as compared to a ribosomal gene (18S). Vet Parasitol 2016; 225:123-30. [PMID: 27369587 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2016.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2016] [Revised: 06/02/2016] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Cytauxzoon felis is a tick-transmitted protozoan parasite that infects felids. Clinical disease caused by acute C. felis infection rapidly progresses in domestic cats, leading to high morbidity and mortality. Accurately diagnosing cytauxzoonosis as soon as possible during acute infection would allow for earlier initiation of antiprotozoal therapy which could lead to higher survival rates. Molecular detection of parasite rRNA genes (18S) by PCR has previously been shown to be a sensitive method of diagnosing C. felis infections. Based on evidence from related apicomplexan species, we hypothesized that C. felis mitochondrial genes would exist at higher copy numbers than 18S and would be a more sensitive diagnostic target. In this study we have designed a PCR assay targeting the C. felis mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase subunit III (cox3). Herein we demonstrate that (1) the cox3 PCR can detect as low as 1 copy of DNA target and can detect C. felis in samples with known mitochondrial sequence heterogeneity, (2) cox3 copy number is increased relative to 18S in blood and tissue samples from acutely infected cats, and (3) the cox3 PCR is more sensitive than 18S PCR for detection of C. felis during early infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megan E Schreeg
- North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, 1060 William Moore Dr., Raleigh, NC 27607, United States
| | - Henry S Marr
- North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, 1060 William Moore Dr., Raleigh, NC 27607, United States
| | - Emily H Griffith
- North Carolina State University, College of Sciences, Campus Box 8201/4216, Broughton Hall, Raleigh, NC 27695, United States
| | - Jaime L Tarigo
- North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, 1060 William Moore Dr., Raleigh, NC 27607, United States
| | - David M Bird
- North Carolina State University, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, 317A Ricks Hall 1, Lampe Dr., Raleigh, NC 27695, United States
| | - Mason V Reichard
- Oklahoma State University, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, 205 McElroy Hall, Stillwater, OK 74078, United States
| | - Leah A Cohn
- University of Missouri, College of Veterinary Medicine, 900 E. Campus Dr., Columbia, MO, 65211, United States
| | - Michael G Levy
- North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, 1060 William Moore Dr., Raleigh, NC 27607, United States
| | - Adam J Birkenheuer
- North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, 1060 William Moore Dr., Raleigh, NC 27607, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Abstract
PRACTICAL RELEVANCE Cytauxzoonosis is a life-threatening hematoprotozoal disease with a rapidly progressive clinical course. Once considered a rare disease only relevant to a small geographic area, it is now recognized in more than about a third of the United States. The geographic range seems likely to increase with expansion of the range of the vector tick. CLINICAL CHALLENGES Both disease diagnosis and treatment offer challenges. The acute illness is often recognized by characteristic parasitic cellular inclusions, but illness may occur before parasites can be identified, and parasitic inclusions may persist long after illness has resolved. Also, while infection was once considered nearly uniformly fatal, subclinical infections are now recognized. Disease prognosis has improved for many cats through implementation of new therapies, but some pathogens are resistant to these therapies and death from disease is still common. Currently, prevention strategies are limited to ectoparasite control. GLOBAL IMPORTANCE Cytauxzoonosis caused by Cytauxzoon felis is limited to the Americas, and is especially problematic in southeastern and south central USA. However, other Cytauxzoon species have been recognized in Europe and Asia. AUDIENCE This review is aimed at veterinary practitioners and focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of cytauxzoonosis. Disease management is of crucial importance in endemic regions. Furthermore, the expanding geographic range of infection, and the possibility of parasite identification in chronically infected cats with a travel history, make understanding cytauxzoonosis relevant in non-endemic regions as well. EVIDENCE BASE The authors draw on evidence from prospective clinical trials, experimental infections, retrospective clinical studies and case reports, as well as their own personal experience with the diagnosis and treatment of cytauxzoonosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Leah A Cohn
- 900 E Campus Drive, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Trzil JE, Masseau I, Webb TL, Chang CH, Dodam JR, Cohn LA, Liu H, Quimby JM, Dow SW, Reinero CR. Long-term evaluation of mesenchymal stem cell therapy in a feline model of chronic allergic asthma. Clin Exp Allergy 2015; 44:1546-57. [PMID: 25220646 DOI: 10.1111/cea.12411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2014] [Revised: 07/16/2014] [Accepted: 08/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) decrease airway eosinophilia, airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), and remodelling in murine models of acutely induced asthma. We hypothesized that MSCs would diminish these hallmark features in a chronic feline asthma model. OBJECTIVE To document effects of allogeneic, adipose-derived MSCs on airway inflammation, AHR, and remodelling over time and investigate mechanisms by which MSCs alter local and systemic immunologic responses in chronic experimental feline allergic asthma. METHODS Cats with chronic, experimentally induced asthma received six intravenous infusions of MSCs (0.36-2.5 × 10E7 MSCs/infusion) or placebo bimonthly at the time of study enrollment. Cats were evaluated at baseline and longitudinally for 1 year. Outcome measures included: bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cytology to assess airway eosinophilia, pulmonary mechanics and clinical scoring to assess AHR, and thoracic computed tomographic (CT) scans to assess structural changes (airway remodelling). CT scans were evaluated using a scoring system for lung attenuation (LA) and bronchial wall thickening (BWT). To assess mechanisms of MSC action, immunologic assays including allergen-specific IgE, cellular IL-10 production, and allergen-specific lymphocyte proliferation were performed. RESULTS There were no differences between treatment groups or over time with respect to airway eosinophilia or AHR. However, significantly lower LA and BWT scores were noted in CT images of MSC-treated animals compared to placebo-treated cats at month 8 of the study (LA P = 0.0311; BWT P = 0.0489). No differences were noted between groups in the immunologic assays. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE When administered after development of chronic allergic feline asthma, MSCs failed to reduce airway inflammation and AHR. However, repeated administration of MSCs at the start of study did reduce computed tomographic measures of airway remodelling by month 8, although the effect was not sustained at month 12. Further study of MSC therapy including repeated MSC administration is warranted to assess impact on remodelling in chronic asthma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J E Trzil
- Comparative Internal Medicine Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA; Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Masseau I, Banuelos A, Dodam J, Cohn LA, Reinero C. COMPARISON OF LUNG ATTENUATION AND HETEROGENEITY BETWEEN CATS WITH EXPERIMENTALLY INDUCED ALLERGIC ASTHMA, NATURALLY OCCURRING ASTHMA AND NORMAL CATS. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 2015; 56:595-601. [PMID: 26095161 DOI: 10.1111/vru.12267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2014] [Accepted: 04/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Airway remodeling is a prominent feature of feline allergic asthma but requires biopsy for characterization. Computed tomography (CT) has appeal as a minimally invasive diagnostic test. The purpose of this prospective case-control study was to compare indices of airway remodeling between cats with experimentally induced, spontaneous asthma and healthy unaffected cats using CT. We hypothesized that experimental and spontaneous feline asthma would have similar CT airway remodeling characteristics and that these would be significantly different in healthy cats. Experimentally induced asthmatic research cats (n = 5), spontaneously asthmatic pet cats (n = 6), and healthy research cats (n = 5) were scanned unrestrained using a 64-detector row CT scanner. Inspiratory breath-hold CT scans were also performed in experimentally induced asthmatic and healthy cats. Mean ± extent variation of lung attenuation for each cat was determined using an airway inspector software program and CT images were scored for lung heterogeneity by a board-certified veterinary radiologist who was unaware of cat group status. Groups were compared using one-way ANOVA (unrestrained scans) and the Student's t-test (anesthetized scans) with significance defined as P < 0.10. Experimentally asthmatic and spontaneously asthmatic cats had significantly (P = 0.028 and P = 0.073, respectively) increased lung attenuation compared to healthy cats. Heterogeneity scores were higher in experimentally induced asthmatic cat than in healthy cats. Objective quantification of lung heterogeneity and lung volume did not differ among the three groups (P = 0.311, P = 0.181, respectively). Findings supported our hypothesis. Inspiratory breath-hold anesthetized CT scans facilitated discrimination between asthmatic and healthy cats in comparison to unrestrained CT scans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Masseau
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, Comparative Internal Medicine Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
| | - Alina Banuelos
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, Comparative Internal Medicine Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
| | - John Dodam
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, Comparative Internal Medicine Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
| | - Leah A Cohn
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, Comparative Internal Medicine Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
| | - Carol Reinero
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, Comparative Internal Medicine Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Conner BJ, Hanel RM, Brooks MB, Cohn LA, Birkenheuer AJ. Coagulation abnormalities in 5 cats with naturally occurring cytauxzoonosis. J Vet Emerg Crit Care (San Antonio) 2015; 25:538-45. [DOI: 10.1111/vec.12326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2013] [Accepted: 04/16/2015] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Bobbi J. Conner
- Departments of Clinical Sciences; North Carolina State University; Raleigh NC
| | - Rita M. Hanel
- Departments of Clinical Sciences; North Carolina State University; Raleigh NC
| | - Marjory B. Brooks
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences; Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine; Ithaca NY
| | - Leah A. Cohn
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery; University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine; Columbia MO
| | - Adam J. Birkenheuer
- Departments of Clinical Sciences; North Carolina State University; Raleigh NC
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Recently, the increased cost and decreased availability of doxycycline has sparked an interest in using minocycline as an alternative. The purpose of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetics of minocycline in domestic cats in order to facilitate dosage decisions. METHODS Purpose-bred, young adult cats were administered a single dose of either intravenous (IV; n = 4; 5 mg/kg) or oral (n = 6; 50 mg/cat) minocycline. Blood was collected from each at intervals up to 24 h afterwards. Minocycline was measured using high performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. A one-compartment pharmacokinetic model was fit to the oral data and a two-compartment model to the IV data via a computer program. Plasma protein binding was measured by fortifying blank plasma from untreated healthy cats with minocycline at two concentrations and applying an ultracentrifugation method. RESULTS Two cats became transiently lethargic and tachypneic during IV drug infusion. One cat vomited 6.0 h after infusion, and two cats vomited either 1.5 h or ~5.0 h after oral drug administration. The mean oral dose administered was 13.9 ± 0.47 mg/kg. Oral bioavailability was approximately 62%. Plasma protein binding was 60% at 5 µg/ml and 46% at 1 μg/ml. After IV administration, elimination half-life (t(½)), apparent volume of distribution at steady-state, and systemic clearance were 6.7 h (coefficient of variation [CV] 14.4%), 1.5 l/kg (CV 34.5%) and 2.9 ml/kg/min (CV 40.8%), respectively. After oral administration the terminal t(½) and peak concentration (Cmax) were 6.3 h (CV 9%) and 4.77 µg/ml (CV 36%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Because most bacteria will have a minimum inhibitory concentration of ⩽0.5 μg/ml, an oral dose of 8.8 mg/kg q24h would be adequate to meet pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic targets after adjusting for protein binding. Although some gastrointestinal upset may occur, one 50 mg capsule orally q24h would provide appropriate dosing for most cats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beth E Tynan
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Mark G Papich
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Marie E Kerl
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Leah A Cohn
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Rizzi TE, Reichard MV, Cohn LA, Birkenheuer AJ, Taylor JD, Meinkoth JH. Prevalence of Cytauxzoon felis infection in healthy cats from enzootic areas in Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:13. [PMID: 25566776 PMCID: PMC4297400 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-014-0618-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2014] [Accepted: 12/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Infection with Cytauxzoon felis in domestic cats can cause fever, lethargy, depression, inappetence, icterus, and often death. With a high mortality rate, cytauxzoonosis was historically considered a fatal disease. Within the last 15 years, cats with or without treatment have been recognized as chronically infected survivors of C. felis infection. Our objective was to determine the prevalence of C. felis in healthy domestic cats from Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Methods Infection with C. felis was determined using DNA extracted from anticoagulated whole blood and PCR amplification using C. felis-specific primers. Chi-square, Fisher’s exact tests, and odds ratios were used to compare proportions of cats infected with C. felis. Results Blood samples were collected from 902 healthy domestic cats between October 2008 and April 2012. DNA from Cytauxzoon felis was detected in 56 of 902 (6.2%; 95% confidence interval, 4.7–7.9) samples. The highest prevalence of C. felis infection (15.5%; 10.3–21.7) was observed in cats from Arkansas, followed by cats from Missouri (12.9%; 6.1–24.0), and cats from Oklahoma (3.4%; 2.2–5.1). Cats sampled in Arkansas and Missouri were 5.1 and 4.2, respectively, times more likely to be chronically infected with C. felis than cats from Oklahoma. Conclusions Infection with C. felis is common in domestic cats through Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. The high prevalence of C. felis reported herein suggests that infected domestic cats are likely reservoirs of infection for naive felines. The high prevalence of C. felis substantiates the importance for the use of approved acaricides on cats to prevent cytauxzoonosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Theresa E Rizzi
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA.
| | - Mason V Reichard
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA.
| | - Leah A Cohn
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.
| | - Adam J Birkenheuer
- College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.
| | - Jared D Taylor
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA.
| | - James H Meinkoth
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Heller MC, Lee-Fowler TM, Liu H, Cohn LA, Reinero CR. Neonatal aerosol exposure to Bermuda grass allergen prevents subsequent induction of experimental allergic feline asthma: evidence for establishing early immunologic tolerance. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2014; 160:20-5. [PMID: 24704287 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2014.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2013] [Revised: 02/27/2014] [Accepted: 03/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Allergic asthma is increasing in industrialized countries, especially in children. Rodent and human studies suggest an opportunity to "prevent" asthma in the perinatal period. The aims of this study were to create a more "natural" model of feline asthma by exposing offspring of asthmatic queens to Bermuda grass allergen (BGA) by inhalation only, and to investigate maternal-fetal-infant interactions in the development of asthma. Kittens from asthmatic queens were divided into four groups: maternal exposure to aerosolized BGA during the third trimester, neonatal exposure to aerosolized BGA in the first three months of life, both maternal and neonatal exposure, or saline control. Kittens failing to achieve an asthmatic phenotype based on bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) analysis by 6 months underwent traditional sensitization: adjuvanted allergen injection, intranasal allergen, and aerosol challenges. BALF was collected at 3, 4 and 6 months, and after sensitization at 8 months, and analyzed for eosinophil counts and BGA-specific IgG and IgA. Intradermal testing (IDT) was performed at 6 and 7 months. At six months none of the kittens had airway eosinophilia, BGA-specific IgG or IgA, and were non-responsive to IDT. After sensitization, kittens receiving neonatal aerosolization failed to develop airway eosinophilia as seen in the controls. Kittens exposed to BGA aerosols, either in-utero or neonatally, continued to lack IDT response. Chronic exposure to BGA aerosols failed to induce asthma in kittens, and instead tolerized the kittens to BGA. This is the first evidence that neonatal intervention could potentially "prevent" allergic asthma in cats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M C Heller
- Comparative Internal Medicine Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.
| | - T M Lee-Fowler
- Auburn University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, AL, United States.
| | - H Liu
- Comparative Internal Medicine Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.
| | - L A Cohn
- Comparative Internal Medicine Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.
| | - C R Reinero
- Comparative Internal Medicine Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Stuckey JA, Pearce JW, Giuliano EA, Cohn LA, Bentley E, Rankin AJ, Gilmour MA, Lim CC, Allbaugh RA, Moore CP, Madsen RW. Long-term outcome of sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2013; 243:1425-31. [DOI: 10.2460/javma.243.10.1426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
35
|
Lewis KM, Cohn LA, Marr HS, Birkenheuer AJ. Failure of efficacy and adverse events associated with dose-intense diminazene diaceturate treatment of chronic Cytauxzoon felis infection in five cats. J Feline Med Surg 2013; 16:157-63. [DOI: 10.1177/1098612x13502974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Cytauxzoon felis is a hemoprotozoan parasite of cats. While many infected cats die of acute illness, some enter a chronic carrier state. To date, no treatment has been documented to clear the chronic carrier state, leaving recovered cats to act as a potential indirect source of infection via a tick vector. Diminazene diaceturate is an anti-protozoal therapy that has been suggested for use in the treatment of acute cytauxzoonosis, but which failed to clear the carrier state at the dose used in acute illness. We hypothesized that a dose-intensified regimen of diminazene could reduce or eliminate parasitemia from five domestic cats naturally infected with C felis. Cats were administered 4 mg/kg of diminazene diaceturate intramuscularly for 5 consecutive days. Clearance of the organism was assessed via semi-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and light microscopy 1, 3, 6 and 10 weeks after starting treatment. Additionally, cats were monitored for adverse drug reactions by daily observation and examination. Complete blood count, biochemical profile and urinalysis were performed at 1, 3 and 10 weeks. Adverse events were common and included profuse salivation and nausea at the time of injection, monoparesis in the injected leg, proteinuria and potential hepatotoxicity. Severity of parasitemia was not reduced. Diminazene diaceturate cannot be recommended for elimination of the carrier state of C felis infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristin M Lewis
- University of Missouri, College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, Columbia, MO, USA
- Current address: South Texas Veterinary Specialists, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Leah A Cohn
- University of Missouri, College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Henry S Marr
- North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Adam J Birkenheuer
- North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Raleigh, NC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Tarigo JL, Scholl EH, Bird DM, Brown CC, Cohn LA, Dean GA, Levy MG, Doolan DL, Trieu A, Nordone SK, Felgner PL, Vigil A, Birkenheuer AJ. A novel candidate vaccine for cytauxzoonosis inferred from comparative apicomplexan genomics. PLoS One 2013; 8:e71233. [PMID: 23977000 PMCID: PMC3748084 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0071233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2013] [Accepted: 06/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytauxzoonosis is an emerging infectious disease of domestic cats (Felis catus) caused by the apicomplexan protozoan parasite Cytauxzoon felis. The growing epidemic, with its high morbidity and mortality points to the need for a protective vaccine against cytauxzoonosis. Unfortunately, the causative agent has yet to be cultured continuously in vitro, rendering traditional vaccine development approaches beyond reach. Here we report the use of comparative genomics to computationally and experimentally interpret the C. felis genome to identify a novel candidate vaccine antigen for cytauxzoonosis. As a starting point we sequenced, assembled, and annotated the C. felis genome and the proteins it encodes. Whole genome alignment revealed considerable conserved synteny with other apicomplexans. In particular, alignments with the bovine parasite Theileria parva revealed that a C. felis gene, cf76, is syntenic to p67 (the leading vaccine candidate for bovine theileriosis), despite a lack of significant sequence similarity. Recombinant subdomains of cf76 were challenged with survivor-cat antiserum and found to be highly seroreactive. Comparison of eleven geographically diverse samples from the south-central and southeastern USA demonstrated 91-100% amino acid sequence identity across cf76, including a high level of conservation in an immunogenic 226 amino acid (24 kDa) carboxyl terminal domain. Using in situ hybridization, transcription of cf76 was documented in the schizogenous stage of parasite replication, the life stage that is believed to be the most important for development of a protective immune response. Collectively, these data point to identification of the first potential vaccine candidate antigen for cytauxzoonosis. Further, our bioinformatic approach emphasizes the use of comparative genomics as an accelerated path to developing vaccines against experimentally intractable pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaime L. Tarigo
- Center for Comparative Medicine and Translational Research, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth H. Scholl
- Bioinformatics Research Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - David McK. Bird
- Center for Comparative Medicine and Translational Research, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
- Bioinformatics Research Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
- * E-mail: (AJB); (DMB)
| | - Corrie C. Brown
- Department of Pathology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Leah A. Cohn
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Gregg A. Dean
- Center for Comparative Medicine and Translational Research, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Michael G. Levy
- Center for Comparative Medicine and Translational Research, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Denise L. Doolan
- Division of Immunology, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Queensland, Australia
| | - Angela Trieu
- Division of Immunology, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Queensland, Australia
| | - Shila K. Nordone
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Philip L. Felgner
- Department of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Adam Vigil
- Department of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Adam J. Birkenheuer
- Center for Comparative Medicine and Translational Research, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Clinical Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
- * E-mail: (AJB); (DMB)
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Chang CH, Dodam JR, Cohn LA, Reinero CR. Comparison of direct and indirect bronchoprovocation testing using ventilator-acquired pulmonary mechanics in healthy cats and cats with experimental allergic asthma. Vet J 2013; 198:444-9. [PMID: 24095606 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2013.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2013] [Revised: 07/15/2013] [Accepted: 08/07/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) is a key feature of asthma and can be measured using bronchoprovocation. Direct (methacholine, MCh) or indirect (adenosine-5-monophosphate, AMP; or mannitol) bronchoprovocants are used in human patients, the latter inducing AHR only with pre-existing airway inflammation. The present study compared the responses to direct (MCh) and indirect (mannitol, AMP) bronchoprovocation in healthy and asthmatic cats (n=6/group). The order of bronchoprovocant was randomized using a published table of random numbers and there was a 1-month washout before crossover to the next treatment. Pulmonary mechanics were measured in anesthetized and mechanically ventilated cats using a critical care ventilator. Saline at baseline and increasing doses of each bronchoprovocant were aerosolized for 30 s, followed by 4 min of data collection between doses. The endpoint for each bronchoprovocant was reached when airway resistance exceeded 200% of baseline values (EC200Raw). There was a significant difference (P<0.001) in the airway response of asthmatic vs. healthy cats over the range of MCh concentrations, despite there being no significant difference in the EC200Raw between the groups. Response to MCh was significantly greater (P<0.05) in asthmatic than in healthy cats at MCh concentrations as low as 0.0625 mg/mL. For AMP, a small subset of asthmatics (n=2/6) responded at low concentrations; four asthmatic cats and all healthy cats failed to respond even to the highest concentrations of AMP. One asthmatic cat but no healthy cats responded to mannitol. In conclusion, MCh discriminated asthmatic from healthy cats but neither AMP nor mannitol was an effective bronchoprovocant in this model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C-H Chang
- Comparative Internal Medicine Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Lewis KM, Cohn LA, Downey ME, Whitney MS, Birkenheuer AJ. Evaluation of Cytauxzoon felis infection status in captive-born wild felids housed in an area endemic for the pathogen. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2013; 241:1088-92. [PMID: 23039987 DOI: 10.2460/javma.241.8.1088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether apparently healthy captive-born wild felids that were not native to North America and were housed in an area endemic for Cytauxzoon felis harbored the pathogen. DESIGN Prospective observational case series. ANIMALS 11 captive-born wild felids that were (1 bobcat [Lynx rufus] and 1 cougar [Puma concolor]) or were not (1 lion [Panthera leo] and 8 tigers [Panthera tigris]) native to North America and 6 domestic cats (5 pets and 1 feral). PROCEDURES Blood was collected, and a PCR assay for C felis was performed. The C felis 18S rRNA gene sequence was characterized in samples that tested positive. Blood smears were evaluated microscopically for intraerythrocytic organisms consistent with C felis. Blood smears from an additional 6 feral domestic cats found dead on the study premises were also evaluated. RESULTS 4 tigers and 6 domestic cats without clinical signs of disease tested positive for C felis infection via PCR assay; intraerythrocytic organisms consistent with C felis were identified in smears from 1 C felis-infected tiger (which also had azotemia) and in smears from 11 of 12 domestic cats. Possible erythrocytic inclusions were identified in 1 tiger that tested negative for C felis. Sequences of C felis 18S rRNA amplicons from all infected tigers shared > 99.8% identity with reported C felis sequences from North American domestic cats and were identical to amplicons from domestic cats on the premises. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Captive tigers without clinical signs of disease tested positive for C felis. The PCR assay for C felis appeared to be more reliable than cytologic detection of piroplasms in tigers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristin M Lewis
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Chang CH, Cohn LA, Declue AE, Liu H, Reinero CR. Oral glucocorticoids diminish the efficacy of allergen-specific immunotherapy in experimental feline asthma. Vet J 2013; 197:268-72. [PMID: 23434218 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2013.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2012] [Revised: 01/10/2013] [Accepted: 01/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Allergen-specific rush immunotherapy (RIT) shows promise in treating asthma; however, pet cats will likely require at least initial concurrent glucocorticoids (GCs) to control serious clinical signs. How the immunosuppressive effects of GCs would impact RIT in cats is unknown. The hypothesis of this study was that oral, but not inhaled GCs will diminish the efficacy of RIT in experimental feline asthma. Cats (n=6/group) were sensitized using Bermuda grass allergen (BGA) and randomized to receive BGA-specific RIT for 9 months with an oral GC (prednisolone 10mg daily), inhaled GC (fluticasone 220 μg twice daily), or placebo administered for the first 6 months. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) percent eosinophils and other immunological assays were performed. Eosinophilic airway inflammation was suppressed in all groups at month 6 of RIT (group mean ± SD, 5 ± 2%, 13 ± 4%, and 7 ± 2% for oral GC, inhaled GC, and placebo, respectively; P=0.291). BALF percent eosinophils significantly increased over time only in oral GC/RIT cats between months 6 and 9 (P=0.031). Placebo/RIT cats had significant decreases over time in BGA-specific serum IgE (P=0.031). Concentration of interleukin (IL)-5 in BALF significantly increased over time in inhaled GC/RIT cats (P=0.031). No significant differences were found between groups at month 6 or over time in each group for BGA-specific lymphocyte blastogenesis, percent blood T regulatory cells, or number of IL-10-producing cells. Given the significant increase of airway eosinophilia over time in RIT cats initially treated with an oral GC, inhaled GCs might be better for dampening eosinophilic inflammation until RIT normalizes the dysregulated immune system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chee-hoon Chang
- Comparative Internal Medicine Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Nafe LA, Guntur VP, Dodam JR, Lee-Fowler TM, Cohn LA, Reinero CR. Nebulized lidocaine blunts airway hyper-responsiveness in experimental feline asthma. J Feline Med Surg 2013; 15:712-6. [PMID: 23392613 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x13476705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Nebulized lidocaine may be a corticosteroid-sparing drug in human asthmatics, reducing airway resistance and peripheral blood eosinophilia. We hypothesized that inhaled lidocaine would be safe in healthy and experimentally asthmatic cats, diminishing airflow limitation and eosinophilic airway inflammation in the latter population. Healthy (n = 5) and experimentally asthmatic (n = 9) research cats were administered 2 weeks of nebulized lidocaine (2 mg/kg q8h) or placebo (saline) followed by a 2-week washout and crossover to the alternate treatment. Cats were anesthetized to measure the response to inhaled methacholine (MCh) after each treatment. Placebo and doubling doses of methacholine (0.0625-32.0000 mg/ml) were delivered and results were expressed as the concentration of MCh increasing baseline airway resistance by 200% (EC200Raw). Bronchoalveolar lavage was performed after each treatment and eosinophil numbers quantified. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) % eosinophils and EC200Raw within groups after each treatment were compared using a paired t-test (P <0.05 significant). No adverse effects were noted. In healthy cats, lidocaine did not significantly alter BALF eosinophilia or the EC200Raw. There was no difference in %BALF eosinophils in asthmatic cats treated with lidocaine (36±10%) or placebo (33 ± 6%). However, lidocaine increased the EC200Raw compared with placebo 10 ± 2 versus 5 ± 1 mg/ml; P = 0.043). Chronic nebulized lidocaine was well-tolerated in all cats, and lidocaine did not induce airway inflammation or airway hyper-responsiveness in healthy cats. Lidocaine decreased airway response to MCh in asthmatic cats without reducing airway eosinophilia, making it unsuitable for monotherapy. However, lidocaine may serve as a novel adjunctive therapy in feline asthmatics with beneficial effects on airflow obstruction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura A Nafe
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Mueller EK, Baum KA, Papeş M, Cohn LA, Cowell AK, Reichard MV. Potential ecological distribution of Cytauxzoon felis in domestic cats in Oklahoma, Missouri, and Arkansas. Vet Parasitol 2012; 192:104-10. [PMID: 23131576 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2012.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2012] [Revised: 09/27/2012] [Accepted: 10/06/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The ecological distribution of Cytauxzoon felis, an often-fatal tick-borne apicomplexan that infects domestic cats, has not been evaluated or identified despite its continued emergence. Infection of C. felis is characterized by lethargy, icterus, fever, anorexia, anemia, and death. The natural vertebrate reservoir of C. felis is the bobcat (Lynx rufus). To determine the possible distribution of C. felis in three states where infection is common (Oklahoma, Missouri, and Arkansas), two separate approaches to ecological niche modeling were implemented. First, a model relating several different climatic layers to geographic locations where cases of C. felis infection were confirmed in domestic cats was developed to predict the possible distribution of the parasite. The second model incorporated occurrences of bobcats with environmental layers and land cover suitable for tick vectors to identify areas of overlap where C. felis transmission was likely. Results of both models indicated a high probability of C. felis from central Oklahoma to south-central Missouri. However, other predicted areas of C. felis occurrence varied between the two modeling approaches. Modeling the vertebrate reservoir and the tick vector predicted a broader possible distribution compared to modeling cases of C. felis infection in domestic cats. Our results suggest that C. felis is likely to extend beyond areas predicted by case modeling due to the presence of both the vector and reservoir.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisha K Mueller
- Department of Zoology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Lee-Fowler TM, Guntur V, Dodam J, Cohn LA, DeClue AE, Reinero CR. The tyrosine kinase inhibitor masitinib blunts airway inflammation and improves associated lung mechanics in a feline model of chronic allergic asthma. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2012; 158:369-74. [PMID: 22487554 DOI: 10.1159/000335122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2011] [Accepted: 10/31/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blockade of tyrosine kinase signaling by masitinib, a c-kit/PDGF receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, can modulate allergic airway inflammation, but effects on lung mechanics have not been well characterized. We hypothesized masitinib would decrease airway eosinophilia and consequently improve pulmonary mechanics in a feline allergic asthma model. METHODS Asthma was induced in 12 cats using Bermuda grass allergen (BGA). Cats received 50 mg/day oral masitinib or placebo. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was analyzed for eosinophils, total protein (TP) and BGA-specific IgE. Ventilator-acquired mechanics after methacholine (MCh) challenge determined MCh concentration needed to increase baseline airway resistance by 200% (EC(200)R(aw)), positive end expiratory occlusion pressure (PEEP) and end inspiratory breath hold pressure (P(plat)). An inverse correlate of respiratory system compliance P(plat)-PEEP was also calculated. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon test, with one-tailed significance set at p < 0.1. RESULTS After 4 weeks, percent eosinophils in BALF was lower in masitinib-treated cats (7 ± 9%) versus controls (30 ± 27%, p = 0.023). BALF TP significantly differed (p = 0.047) between groups, decreasing with masitinib and increasing with placebo. BALF BGA-specific IgE was unaffected by masitinib. Both groups showed an improvement in EC(200)R(aw) (masitinib, p = 0.015; control, p = 0.078) but no significant change in PEEP after 4 weeks. Masitinib-treated cats demonstrated decreased P(plat) (p = 0.033) and P(plat)-PEEP (p = 0.075) at week 4, suggesting an improvement in respiratory compliance. CONCLUSIONS Masitinib reduced BALF eosinophilia and TP, indicating improved airway inflammation and edema, and improved P(plat) and P(plat)-PEEP, suggesting benefit to respiratory compliance influenced by airway inflammation/edema. Masitinib deserves further study in humans with chronic allergic asthma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tekla M Lee-Fowler
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Beall MJ, Alleman AR, Breitschwerdt EB, Cohn LA, Couto CG, Dryden MW, Guptill LC, Iazbik C, Kania SA, Lathan P, Little SE, Roy A, Sayler KA, Stillman BA, Welles EG, Wolfson W, Yabsley MJ. Seroprevalence of Ehrlichia canis, Ehrlichia chaffeensis and Ehrlichia ewingii in dogs in North America. Parasit Vectors 2012; 5:29. [PMID: 22316160 PMCID: PMC3298699 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-5-29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2011] [Accepted: 02/08/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study evaluated the exposure of dogs to three different Ehrlichia spp. in the south and central regions of the United States where vector-borne disease prevalence has been previously difficult to ascertain, particularly beyond the metropolitan areas. METHODS Dog blood samples (n = 8,662) were submitted from 14 veterinary colleges, 6 private veterinary practices and 4 diagnostic laboratories across this region. Samples were tested for E. canis, E. chaffeensis and E. ewingii specific antibodies using peptide microtiter ELISAs. RESULTS Overall, E. canis, E. chaffeensis and E. ewingii seroprevalence was 0.8%, 2.8%, and 5.1%, respectively. The highest E. canis seroprevalence (2.3%) was found in a region encompassing Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas. E. chaffeensis seroreactivity was 6.6% in the central region (Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma) and 4.6% in the southeast region (Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia). Seroreactivity to E. ewingii was also highest in the central region (14.6%) followed by the southeast region (5.9%). The geospatial pattern derived from E. chaffeensis and E. ewingii seropositive samples was similar to previous reports based on E. chaffeensis seroreactivity in white-tailed deer and the distribution of human monocytic ehrlichiosis (HME) cases reported by the CDC. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study provide the first large scale regional documentation of exposure to E. canis, E. chaffeensis and E. ewingii in pet dogs, highlighting regional differences in seroprevalence and providing the basis for heightened awareness of these emerging vector-borne pathogens by veterinarians and public health agencies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - A Rick Alleman
- University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Ed B Breitschwerdt
- North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Leah A Cohn
- University of Missouri, College of Veterinary Medicine, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - C Guillermo Couto
- The Ohio State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Michael W Dryden
- Kansas State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Lynn C Guptill
- Purdue University, College of Veterinary Medicine, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Cristina Iazbik
- The Ohio State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Stephen A Kania
- University of Tennessee, College of Veterinary Medicine, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - Patty Lathan
- Mississippi State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State, MS, USA
| | - Susan E Little
- Oklahoma State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | - Alma Roy
- Louisiana State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Katherine A Sayler
- University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | | | | | - Wendy Wolfson
- Louisiana State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Michael J Yabsley
- University of Georgia, College of Veterinary Medicine, Athens, GA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Kelmer E, Love LC, DeClue AE, Cohn LA, Bruchim Y, Klainbart S, Sura PA, Merbl Y. Successful treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome in 2 dogs. Can Vet J 2012; 53:167-173. [PMID: 22851778 PMCID: PMC3258830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) was diagnosed in 2 dogs with acute dyspnea. Short-term positive pressure ventilation and intense critical and nursing care were provided. Both dogs improved and were discharged. Few reports describe successful recovery from ARDS. Due to advances in positive pressure ventilation and improvement in the supportive care of critically ill veterinary patients, the prognosis for ARDS may improve.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Efrat Kelmer
- Address all correspondence to Dr. Efrat Kelmer; e-mail:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Abstract
Feline respiratory disease complex (FRDC) refers to the characteristic acute presentation of a contagious respiratory or ocular disease caused by one or multiple pathogens. Environmental and host factors impact the transmission, clinical presentation, preventive strategy, and treatment of affected cats. The FRDC is especially problematic in settings where large numbers of cats cohabit, including animal shelters, catteries, and semi-feral colonies. Although elimination of FRDC is an unrealistic goal, improved understanding can lead to strategies to minimize disease impact.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leah A Cohn
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia, 900 East Campus Drive, Columbia, MO 65211, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Chang CH, Lee-Fowler TM, Declue AE, Cohn LA, Robinson KL, Reinero CR. The impact of oral versus inhaled glucocorticoids on allergen specific IgE testing in experimentally asthmatic cats. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2011; 144:437-41. [PMID: 21981996 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2011.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2011] [Revised: 08/12/2011] [Accepted: 09/12/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) are palliative for allergic asthma, but allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT), which relies on identification of allergens, represents a potentially curative treatment. The purpose of this study was to determine if oral or inhaled GCs would interfere with identification of sensitizing allergens. The hypothesis was that oral but not inhaled GCs would interfere with accurate allergen-specific IgE identification determined by skin and serum testing in experimentally asthmatic cats. Asthma was induced in 18 cats using Bermuda grass allergen (BGA). Cats (n=6/group) were randomized to receive oral GCs (10mg prednisolone q 24 h), inhaled GCs (600 μg budesonide q 24 h) or placebo (q 24 h PO) for one month. Intradermal skin testing (IDST) and serum BGA-specific IgE were measured prior to, during and after treatment. A paired t test was used to compare groups pre- and post-treatment (P<0.05 significant). IDST reactivity was eliminated in 4/6, 3/6, and 1/6 cats receiving oral GCs, inhaled GCs, and placebo respectively. Two weeks after stopping treatment, IDST was again positive in all cats. Serum IgE reactivity to BGA was not significantly diminished by any treatment. In conclusion, a two-week withdrawal from GCs is adequate for IDST, but may not be necessary for serum IgE testing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chee-Hoon Chang
- Comparative Internal Medicine Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, 900 East Campus Drive, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
DeClue AE, Martin LG, Behrend EN, Cohn LA, Dismukes DI, Lee HP. Cortisol and aldosterone response to various doses of cosyntropin in healthy cats. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2011; 238:176-82. [DOI: 10.2460/javma.238.2.176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
48
|
Reinero CR, Lee-Fowler TM, Dodam JR, Cohn LA, DeClue AE, Guntur VP. Endotracheal nebulization of N-acetylcysteine increases airway resistance in cats with experimental asthma. J Feline Med Surg 2010; 13:69-73. [PMID: 21145769 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfms.2010.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/21/2010] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a mucolytic and antioxidant, is speculated to cause bronchoconstriction in cats when delivered via aerosol. We hypothesized that in cats with experimental asthma, aerosol delivery of NAC (400mg cumulative dose) via an endotracheal tube would increase airflow limitation as measured by ventilator-acquired mechanics. After endotracheal drug delivery, airway resistance and inspiratory plateau pressure (Pplat) measurements were obtained in six mechanically ventilated asthmatic cats. Results demonstrated significantly increased airway resistance (P=0.0007) compared with aerosolized saline control; Pplats were not significantly different (P=0.059). All cats exhibited at least one adverse effect: excessive airway secretions (n=3), spontaneous cough (n=2), unilateral strabismus (n=1) and post-anesthetic death (n=1). No adverse reactions were noted with saline aerosol; cough was noted in one cat with methacholine challenge. In conclusion, airway resistance and adverse reactions were documented in all cats after NAC aerosol delivery. Further studies must be performed to evaluate if it is an effective mucolytic and/or antioxidant in cats and to determine if bronchodilator pre-treatment will negate NAC-induced bronchoconstriction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carol R Reinero
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, 900 East Campus Drive, Columbia, MO 65211, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine erythrocyte survival time in Greyhounds. ANIMALS 6 Greyhounds used as blood donors and 3 privately owned non-Greyhound dogs. PROCEDURES In vivo biotinylation of erythrocytes was performed by infusion of biotin-N-hydroxysuccinimide into each dog via a jugular vein catheter. Blood samples were collected 12 hours later and then at weekly intervals and were used to determine the percentage of biotin-labeled erythrocytes at each time point. Erythrocytes were washed, incubated with avidin-fluorescein isothiocyanate, and washed again before the percentage of biotinylated erythrocytes was measured by use of flow cytometry. Survival curves for the percentage of biotinylated erythrocytes were generated, and erythrocyte survival time was defined as the x-intercept of a least squares best-fit line for the linear portion of each curve. RESULTS The R2 for survival curves ranged from 0.93 to 0.99 during the first 10 weeks after infusion of erythrocytes. Erythrocyte survival time for the 3 non-Greyhound dogs was 94, 98, and 116 days, respectively, which was consistent with previously reported values. Erythrocyte survival time for the 6 Greyhounds ranged from 83 to 110 days (mean, 93 days; median, 88 days). As determined by use of in vivo biotinylation, erythrocyte survival times in Greyhounds were similar to those determined for non-Greyhound dogs and did not differ significantly from erythrocyte survival times reported previously for non-Greyhound dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Erythrocyte survival time was similar in Greyhounds and non-Greyhound dogs. Greyhounds can be used as erythrocyte donors without concerns about inherently shorter erythrocyte survival time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine L Garon
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Kottler S, Middleton JR, Perry J, Weese JS, Cohn LA. Prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus carriage in three populations. J Vet Intern Med 2010; 24:132-9. [PMID: 20002557 DOI: 10.1111/j.1939-1676.2009.0424.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A higher prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization is reported in healthcare workers compared with nonhealthcare workers. HYPOTHESIS The prevalence of MRSA colonization differed in people and pets in households with healthcare workers as compared with households without healthcare workers. SUBJECTS A person and 1 dog or cat from 586 households defined as either a nonhealthcare (n = 213), veterinary healthcare (n = 211), or human healthcare (n = 162) worker household. METHODS Prospective cross-sectional study. Samples from humans and pets were cultured in vitro. Staphylococcus aureus was identified as methicillin sensitive (MSSA) or MRSA with mecA polymerase chain reaction. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and spa-typing were used to characterize relatedness of S. aureus and MRSA and assign USA types. RESULTS The prevalence of MSSA and MRSA in humans was 21.5% (126/586) and 5.63% (33/586), respectively, and 7.85% (46/586) and 3.41% (20/586), respectively, in pets. There were no differences in prevalences of either MSSA or MRSA between household types. The proportion of MRSA among all S. aureus isolates in humans and pets was 20.8% (33/159) and 30.3% (20/66), respectively. In < 1.0% (4/586) of households, the same strain of MRSA was found in both a person and a pet. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE There were no differences in the prevalences of MSSA or MRSA between healthcare worker and nonhealthcare worker households. Pets and people colonized with S. aureus were as likely to be colonized with MRSA. Colonization of a person and their pet with the same strain of MRSA was rare.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Kottler
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine, Columbia, MO, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|