A Health Status Update of Myocastor coypus in Northern Italy

Myocastor coypus is a pest animal present in Africa, Europe, North America and Asia that causes agricultural and ecological damages. Moreover, it has to be considered as a potential risk for public health. Forty-four coypus from the "Parco Naturale La Mandria" (Piedmont region, Northwest Italy) have been analysed. A complete necropsy and a whole histological evaluation of the liver, kidney and lung have been carried out on all the animals. Moreover, the positivity to Hepatitis E Virus (HEV), Encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV), Francisella spp., Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum have been investigated. None of the animal were positive for HEV, EMCV, Francisella spp. or Neospora caninum. Two animals tested positive for Toxoplasma gondii. A high presence of histological lesions has been identified in different organs, suggesting that lesions could be induced by different pathogens. As previously reported, coypu can act as a host for several pathogens, including important agents for human and animal health, and surveillance is necessary to fully understand the biological role and the importance of coypu as a disease reservoir in our country.

First Report of Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza Subtype H9N2 in African Houbara Bustards (Chlamydotis undulata undulata) and Gamebirds in Morocco: Clinico-Pathological Findings, Molecular Characterization, and Associated Coinfections

We report in this paper the first detection of low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) subtype H9N2 in houbara bustards and in gamebirds in Morocco. Starting in 2019, an increase in mortality rates related to respiratory distress was recorded in these species. Necropsy of the specimens revealed fibrinous sinusitis and tracheitis with intra-bronchial fibrin casts, which are consistent with H9N2 infection in chickens; therefore, implication of the virus in these outbreaks was strongly suspected. Consequently, between January 2020 and June 2023, birds with respiratory signs were necropsied for pathological lesions, tissue samples were examined by histopathology, and samples of trachea, lungs, and cecal tonsils were analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR for the detection of H9N2 virus. In addition, the sequencing of isolates was performed and lastly differential diagnosis with other respiratory pathogens was carried out. During the study period, 93 samples were collected from suspected H9N2 outbreaks, of which 30 tested positive for H9N2 virus: 23 Houbara bustards, 4 partridges, 2 quails, and 1 pheasant. Moreover, sequencing of the HA gene of the virus showed 97.33% nucleotide identity with strains reported previously in broilers in Morocco in 2017 and in 2022. Phylogenetic analysis grouped the Moroccan partridge isolates in the same cluster as viruses isolated in Morocco between 2016 and 2022, Algeria (2017), Burkina Faso (2017), Nigeria (2019), and Togo (2020). Additionally, 10 house sparrows from the premises of these birds were examined for the presence of H9N2 virus, revealing a 30% positivity rate. In conclusion, LPAIV H9N2 is circulating in houbara bustards and gamebirds in Morocco, and house sparrows might be a possible source of the infection. To our knowledge, this is the first report of LPAI H9N2 in the African species of houbara bustards worldwide and in gamebirds in Morocco.

Biomolecular Investigation of Bartonella spp. in Wild Rodents of Two Swiss Regions

Rodents represent a natural reservoir of several Bartonella species, including zoonotic ones. In this study, small wild rodents, collected from two sites in rural areas of Switzerland, were screened for Bartonella spp. using molecular detection methods. In brief, 346 rodents were trapped in two rural sites in the Gantrisch Nature Park of Switzerland (Plasselb, canton of Fribourg, and Riggisberg, canton of Bern). Pools of DNA originating from three animals were tested through a qPCR screening and an end-point PCR, amplifying the 16S-23S rRNA gene intergenic transcribed spacer region and citrate synthase (gltA) loci, respectively. Subsequently, DNA was extracted from spleen samples belonging to single animals of gltA positive pools, and gltA and RNA polymerase subunit beta (rpoB) were detected by end-point PCR. Based on PCR results and sequencing, the prevalence of infection with Bartonella spp. in captured rodents, was 21.10% (73/346): 31.78% in Apodemus sp. (41/129), 10.47% in Arvicola scherman (9/86), 17.05% in Myodes glareolus (22/129), and 50% in Microtus agrestis (1/2). A significant association was observed between Bartonella spp. infection and rodent species (p < 0.01) and between trapping regions and positivity to Bartonella spp. infection (p < 0.001). Similarly, prevalence of Bartonella DNA was higher (p < 0.001) in rodents trapped in woodland areas (66/257, 25.68%) compared to those captured in open fields (9/89, 10.11%). Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the extracted Bartonella DNA belonged mainly to B. taylorii and also to Candidatus “Bartonella rudakovii”, B. grahamii, B. doshiae, and B. birtlesii. In conclusion, the present study could rise public health issues regarding Bartonella infection in rodents in Switzerland.

Radiofrequency Thermoablation On Ex Vivo Animal Tissues: Changes on Isolated Swine Thyroids

The use of Radiofrequency thermoablation (RFA) for treating large thyroid nodules is limited by the modest efficiency of the available systems in terms of volume of the ablation zones (AZs). This increases the risk of incomplete ablation of the nodule. Systems employing perfused electrodes have been developed to increase the volume of the AZ. Aim of this study is to compare the size of the AZ induced by RFA systems using internally cooled perfused vs. non-perfused electrodes in swine thyroids. RFAs were performed on 40 freshly isolated swine thyroids using both systems. The perfused system was tested using 0.9% saline, 7% and 18% hypertonic saline solutions. Energy delivery to the tissue was stopped when tissue conductivity dropped (real life simulations) and after an established time of 20 seconds (controlled duration). Following RFA, thyroids were transversally and longitudinally cut. Photographs were taken for macroscopic morphometry of the ablated zones before and after formalin fixation, to evaluate tissue shrinkage. Microscopic morphometry was performed on PAS stained sections. In real life simulation experiments, gross morphometry revealed that AZs produced with electrodes perfused using 7.0% saline are larger compared to isotonic saline. Microscopically, all the conditions tested using the perfused system produced larger AZs compared to non-perfused system after 20 seconds of RFA. In conclusion, the perfusion with 7.0% NaCl solution increased the electrical conductivity of the tissue in real life simulations, resulting in larger ablated areas compared to the use of isotonic saline.

Molecular Evidence of Bartonella spp. in Rodents: A Study in Pianosa Island, Italy

Wild rodents are reservoirs of several Bartonella species that cause human bartonellosis. The aim of this study was to assess the presence of Bartonella spp. DNA in wild rodents in Pianosa island, Italy. Rats (Rattus spp.; n = 15) and field mice (Apodemus spp.; n = 16) were captured and spleen DNA tested for the presence of Bartonella spp. by means of an initial screening using a qPCR amplifying a short segment of the 16S-23S rRNA gene intergenic transcribed spacer region (ITS, ~200 bp) followed by conventional PCR amplification of a longer ITS fragment (~600 bp) and of a citrate synthase (gltA, ~340 bp) gene segment. A total of 25 spleen DNA samples obtained from 31 rodent carcasses (81%) yielded positive qPCR results. Bartonella genus was confirmed by amplicon sequencing. By conventional PCR, eight out of 25 samples (32%) yielded bands on gels consistent with ITS segment, and 6/25 (24%) yielded bands consistent with the gltA locus. Amplicon sequencing identified B. henselae and B. coopersplainsensis in 1/25 (4%), and 4/25 (16%) samples, respectively. Moreover, 5/25 (20%) of Bartonella spp. positive samples showed gltA sequences with about 97% identity to B. grahamii. These results provide support to recently published observations suggesting that B. henselae circulates in wild rodent populations.

Characterization of the ablation zones produced by three commercially available systems from a single vendor for radiofrequency thermoablation in an ex vivo swine liver model

Background

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is rarely performed in veterinary medicine. A rationale exists for its use in selected cases of canine liver tumours. RFA induces ablation zones of variable size and geometry depending on the technique used and on the impedance of the targeted organ.

Objectives

(a) to describe the geometry and reproducibility of the ablation zones produced by three commercially available systems from a single company, using isolated swine liver parenchyma as a model for future veterinary applications in vivo; (b) to study the effects of local saline perfusion into the ablated parenchyma through the electrode tip and of single versus double passage of the electrode on size, geometry and reproducibility of the ablation zones produced.

Methods

Size, and geometry of ablation zones reproduced in six livers with one cooled and perfused (saline) and two cooled and non‐perfused systems, after single or double passage (n = 6/condition), were assessed macroscopically on digitalized images by a blinded operator. Longitudinal and transverse diameters, equivalent diameter, estimated volume and roundness index were measured. Reproducibility was assessed as coefficient of variation.

Results and Conclusions

Ablation zone reproducibility was higher when expressed in terms of ablation zone diameters than estimated volume. Local saline perfusion of the parenchyma through the electrode tip during RFA increased the ablation zone longitudinal diameter. Ablation zone estimated volume increased with saline perfusion only when double passage was performed. These data may provide useful information for those clinicians who intend to include RFA as an additive tool in veterinary interventional radiology.

A survey on zoo mortality over a 12-year period in Italy

Background

The zoo is a unique environment in which to study animals. Zoos have a long history of research into aspects of animal biology, even if this was not the primary purpose for which they were established. The data collected from zoo animals can have a great biological relevance and it can tell us more about what these animals are like outside the captive environment. In order to ensure the health of all captive animals, it is important to perform a post-mortem examination on all the animals that die in captivity.

Methods

The causes of mortality of two hundred and eighty two mammals which died between 2004 and 2015 in three different Italian zoos (a Biopark, a Safari Park and a private conservation center) have been investigated.

Results

Post mortem findings have been evaluated reporting the cause of death, zoo type, year and animal category. The animals frequently died from infectious diseases, in particular the causes of death in ruminants were mostly related to gastro-intestinal pathologies. pulmonary diseases were also very common in each of the zoos in the study. Moreover, death was sometimes attributable to traumas, as a result of fighting between conspecifics or during mating. Cases of genetic diseases and malformations have also been registered.

Discussion

This research was a confirmation of how conservation, histology and pathology are all connected through individual animals. These areas of expertise are extremely important to ensure the survival of rare and endangered species and to learn more about their morphological and physiological conditions. They are also useful to control pathologies, parasites and illnesses that can have a great impact on the species in captivity. Finally, this study underlines the importance of a close collaboration between veterinarians, zoo biologists and pathologists. Necropsy findings can help conservationists to determine how to support wild animal populations.

Osteochondroma of the First Phalanx in Tbourida Horses

This study aimed at describing anatomo-histopathological and imaging features, using computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging on six ex vivo forelimbs of Tbourida horses, that presented a particular bone exostosis on the dorsal and proximal part of the first phalanx, diagnosed by X-ray. Gross anatomy of the bone exostosis revealed an irregular surface with poly-lobulated tissue masses showing a cauliflower shape. The diameter/depth varied from 0.5 to 5.1 cm with a mean of 3.9 ± 0.9 cm. The capsule of the metacarpophalangeal joint was hypertrophic and showed many invaginations in the inner part, in contact with the bone exostosis. Computed tomography revealed cortical and medullary continuity of the bone exostosis, with the underlying bone, and remodeling of the cortical surface of the dorsal and proximal part of the first phalanx. Magnetic resonance imaging showed an increased signal intensity of the bone exostosis on the T1- and T2^*-weighted gradient fast echo. Histological examination of the bone exostosis revealed a cap of hyaline cartilage, including large foci of endochondral ossification with a base of cancellous bone surrounding marrow spaces, which confirmed the diagnosis of osteochondroma. The capsule of the metacarpophalangeal joint showed a large amount of recently formed connective tissue fibers in its inner part, interspersed with mature connective tissue. The hyperextension of the metacarpophalangeal joint during a Tbourida show, which occurs on a hard ground surface, and the use of hobbles in horse stabling are most likely responsible for the outgrowth of an osteochondroma of different shapes and sizes, and fracture complications in some cases.

Blood parasites in hooded crows (Corvus corone cornix) in Northwest Italy

Haemoparasites and their effects on hooded crows (Corvus corone cornix) are poorly studied. The aims are to evaluate the prevalence of Haemoproteus spp./Plasmodium spp. or Leucocytozoon spp., to correlate this with gross and histopathological findings, and to investigate the association among infection and geographical origin, age, gender, parasite distribution and prevalence among organs. Hooded crows (n = 47) were collected within a regional culling programme from 3 districts in the province of Turin (Italy) and subjected to necropsy. Histological and molecular analyses were carried out on some tissues. Leucocytozoon spp. was detected in 46 crows (97.9%) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), whereas 28 birds (59.6%) were found to be positive for Haemoproteus spp./Plasmodium spp. The distribution of parasites in several organs varied significantly, showing that Leucocytozoon spp. is ubiquitous in organs in contrast with Haemoproteus spp./Plasmodium spp., which have a specific predilection for spleen and lungs. The prevalence of Haemoproteus spp./Plasmodium spp. also differed significantly among the crows captured in the areas of the study. The high prevalence of haemoparasites emphasizes the success of ornithophilic vectors and the susceptibility of this species to infection. Differences in prevalence among the sites are probably due to orographic features of the areas, variations in vector species and density, or to crow population size or structure. In spite of the high infection rate, no gross and histological lesions were found. This finding further suggests an evolutionary adaptation between crows and avian blood parasites.

Scrotal granulomatous aspergillosis in a dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius)

BACKGROUND

This report describes a case of primary subcutaneous aspergillosis in a 7-year-old neutered male dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius).

CASE PRESENTATION

The animal developed a large nodular lesion in the right scrotum two years after surgical intervention for neutering. The mass had a firm consistency and was painful at palpation. Histopathology revealed dermal granulomatous inflammation with a necrotic centre, surrounded by plasma cells, macrophages, neutrophils, and sparse fungal hyphae characterised by parallel cell walls, distinct septa, and dichotomous branching. Fungal culture was not performed, but a panel of mono- and polyclonal antibodies specific for different fungal genera identified the hyphae as Aspergillus sp.

CONCLUSIONS

The occurrence of subcutaneous lesions is a rare manifestation of aspergillosis in animals, and this appears to be the first case reported in the dromedary camel.

Morphological Examination and Transcriptomic Profiling To Identify Prednisolone Treatment in Beef Cattle

In livestock production corticosteroids are licensed only for therapy; nevertheless, they are often illegally used as growth promoters. The aim of this study was to identify morphological or biomolecular alterations induced by prednisolone (PDN) in experimentally treated beef cattle, because PDN and its metabolites are no longer detectable by LC-MS/MS methods in biological fluids. Moreover, PDN does not induce any histological alterations in the thymus, different from dexamethasone treatments. Therefore, a marker of illicit treatment for this growth promoter could be useful. Eight male Italian Friesian beef cattle were administered prednisolone acetate 30 mg day^-1 per os for 35 days, and seven beef cattle represented the control group. Six days after drug withdrawal, the animals were slaughtered. Morphological and morphometric modifications were evaluated in the epididymis and testis, whereas transcriptomic changes induced by PDN administration were investigated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) at different sampling times and in skeletal muscle and testis sampled at slaughtering. In the epididymis, spermatozoa number decreased in PDN-treated animals, and in some cases they were totally absent. Correspondingly, in the testis of treated animals, down-regulation for serine/threonine kinase 11 (STK11) gene expression was detected (p < 0.01). DNA microarray analysis revealed a total of 133 differentially expressed genes in skeletal muscle and testis, and 907 and 1416 in PBMCs after 33 days of treatment and at slaughtering, respectively. Histological investigations on epididymal content could represent a promising marker for PDN treatment in beef cattle and could be used as a screening method to identify animals worthy of further investigation with official methods. Moreover, the clear transcriptomic signature of PDN treatment evidenced in PBMCs supported the possibility of using this matrix to monitor the illicit treatment in vivo during ranching.

Comparative clinico-pathological observations in young Zebu (Bos indicus) cattle experimentally infected with Trypanosoma vivax isolates from tsetse infested and non-tsetse areas of Northwest Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

The Northwest region of Ethiopia is affected by both tsetse and non-tsetse transmitted trypanosomosis with a huge impact on livestock productivity. The objective of this experimental study was to determine clinical and pathological findings in young Zebu cattle experimentally infected with Trypanosoma vivax isolates from tsetse infested and non-tsetse infested areas of Northwest Ethiopia. A total of 18 cattle (Bos indicus) aged between 6 and 12 months, purchased from a trypanosome-free and confirmed to be trypanosome negative divided into three groups of six animals were used. Animals in the first two groups (Group TT: tsetse infested isolate infected and Group NT: non-tsetse infested isolate infected) received 2 mL of infected blood from donor animals at 10(6) trypanosomes/mL, and the remaining group was non-infected control (NIC). Each group was observed for a period of eight consecutive weeks, daily for clinical signs and once per week for parasitaemia. Postmortem examinations were done on euthanized animals, and tissue samples were taken for histopathological analysis.

RESULTS

The prepatent period of the disease was earlier in the NT group 6 days post infection (dpi) than TT group 12 dpi. The infection was characterized by reduced feed intake, intermittent pyrexia and parasitaemia, enlarged lymph nodes, lacrimation, reduced feed intake and emaciation. Less frequently diarrhea, oedema and nervous signs were observed in both groups of infected animals. At necropsy, infected animals showed enlarged spleen, enlarged lymph nodes, pneumonic and emphysematous lung, enlarged liver, and haemorrhages on the brain and intestine. Histopathological analysis revealed lymphoid hyperplasia of the spleen, necrosis of the liver, encephalitis and hyperplasia of lymph nodes.

CONCLUSION

Trpanosoma vivax isolates from both tsetse infested and non-tsetse areas showed a variety of virulence factors leading to the development of acute clinical signs, gross and histopathological lesions. However, the parasitaemia and clinical signs appeared earlier in the NT compared to TT infected groups.

Hepatitis E Virus: First Description in a Pet House Rabbit. A New Transmission Route for Human?

In this work, we identified for the first time hepatitis E virus (HEV) in a pet house rabbit, an adult 7 years old female of domestic rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Importantly, the resulting phylogenetic tree showed that the HEV strain identified in the pet house rabbit was closely related to a human HEV sequence; this finding reawakens concerns regarding the zoonotic risk represented by HEV in animals and expands to house rabbit the spectrum of potential source of infection for humans. Potential for domestic transmission of HEV to humans should be taken into account.

Prevalence of new and known species of haemoparasites in feral pigeons in northwest Italy

BACKGROUND

Haemoparasites in feral pigeons have been studied in several countries but no data are available from Italy. The aim of this work was to evaluate the prevalence and diversity of Haemoproteus spp./Plasmodium spp. and Leucocytozoon spp. in feral pigeons from northwest Italy, as well as the association between infection and host age or sex.

METHODS

Feral pigeons were collected during a regional culling programme from the Piedmont region (northwest Italy) and subjected to necropsy. Infections were detected from DNA extracted from the spleen following a nested PCR protocol. The association between sex or age and infection status was evaluated using the chi-squared test for independence or Fisher's exact test.

RESULTS

Out of 51 animals, 15 were positive for Haemoproteus/Plasmodium spp. and eight for Leucocytozoon spp., with a significant difference between haemoparasites prevalence. There was no significant association between age or sex and infection status. The coinfection with different haemoparasites was very significant (p < 0.01), showing a greater relative risk to be infected by a second haemoparasite in birds already infected, in particular in male and in adult pigeons. DNA sequencing of Leucocytozoon spp. showed six different lineages in pigeons, and one of Haemoproteus and Plasmodium, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Blood parasites are continuously circulating around the world, and the results presented in the paper suggest that cross infection of feral pigeons with haemoparasites typical of other migratory or nonmigratory bird species is possible. Moreover, the geographical location of Italy along the main migratory routes is a crucial factor to be considered for migratory birds, because they can be affected by blood parasites detected in feral pigeons, and vice versa.

Parenteral administration of attenuated Salmonella Typhimurium ΔznuABC is protective against salmonellosis in piglets

A major cause of salmonellosis in humans is the contamination of pork products. Infection in pigs can be controlled using bio-security programs, but they are not sufficient in countries where a high level of infection is recorded. In this context, the use of vaccines can represent a valid supplementary method of control. Recently, we have demonstrated that an attenuated strain of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (Salmonella Typhimurium ΔznuABC) is protective against systemic and enteric salmonellosis in mouse and pig infection models, candidating this strain as an oral attenuated vaccine. In this study, we compared the efficacy of this attenuated Salmonella Typhimurium strain when administered orally or parenterally. Furthermore, in order to reproduce a pseudo-natural infection model, vaccinated pigs were allocated in the same pen with animals shedding virulent Salmonella Typhimurium. Animals were monitored weekly after vaccination and contact with infected piglets. Diarrhea and ataxia were recorded and Salmonella shedding was tested individually through bacterial culture. After four weeks of cohousing, piglets were euthanized, after which lymph nodes reactivity and gross lesions of the gut sections were scored at necropsy. Organs were submitted to microbiological and histological analyses. The data reported herein show that parenterally vaccinated animals do not shed the attenuated strain, and at the same time the absence of symptoms and decrease in virulent strain shedding in feces from day 6 after challenge demonstrated protection against infection induced by virulent Salmonella Typhimurium. In conclusion, our findings suggest that this is an alternative route of Salmonella Typhimurium ΔznuABC administration, without ignoring the advantages associated with oral vaccination.

Heart pathologies in dolphins stranded along the northwestern Italian coast

Nine striped dolphins Stenella coeruleoalba and 1 bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus stranded along the Ligurian Sea coast of Italy were necropsied between February 2011 and April 2012. Macroscopic and histological findings were observed in the hearts of all animals and included saccular aneurysms of the pulmonary trunk (n = 3), cirsoid aneurysms (n = 1), right ventricular dilation (n = 1) associated with hypoplasia of the tricuspid chordae (n = 1), valvular fibrosis (n = 3), mitral leaflet thickening (n = 1), left ventricular hypertrophy (n = 1), lymphocytic myocarditis (n =1), and Lambl's excrescences (n = 4). To our best knowledge Lambl's excrescences, aneurysm of the pulmonary trunk, and cirsoid aneurysms have not previously been described in marine mammals, and some of these findings should be taken into account as possible causes of dolphin morbidity, mortality, and stranding.

Endogenous lipid (cholesterol) pneumonia in three captive Siberian tigers (Panthera tigris altaica)

During the years 2009–2011, 7 Siberian tigers ( Panthera tigris altaica), aged between 2 and 14 years, from the Safaripark of Pombia were referred for necropsy to the Department of Animal Pathology of the University of Turin (Italy). Three tigers, aged 10 (2 animals) and 14 years, had multifocal, irregularly distributed, white, soft, subpleural, 3-mm nodules scattered throughout the lungs. Histologically, there was a marked infiltration of macrophages, with foamy cytoplasm, and multinucleate giant cells interspersed with numerous clusters of cholesterol clefts. A mild lymphocytic infiltration was localized around the lesion. The findings were consistent with endogenous lipid pneumonia, which was considered an incidental finding of no clinical significance.

Malignant pleural mesothelioma in a female lion (Panthera leo)

An 18-year-old female lion (Panthera leo) was referred to the Department of Animal Pathology of the University of Turin (Italy). At necropsy, multiple nodular, 4-20-mm, confluent white firm nodules were scattered throughout the pleural surfaces of the thoracic wall and of the lungs. Histological lesions were represented by proliferations of papillary structures lined by cuboidal basophilic mesothelial cells with large, oval nuclei and abundant granular eosinophilic cytoplasm. Immunohistochemistry revealed immunoreactivity for pancytokeratin and vimentin. None of the cells expressed calretinin antigen. Asbestos fibers and asbestos bodies were not detected respectively by light microscopy and by Scanning Electron Microscope-Energy Dispersive Spectrometer investigations. On the contrary, chrysotile asbestos were identified in samples from shelter material. Histological and immunohistochemical findings were consistent with the diagnosis of an epithelial malignant mesothelioma. To our best knowledge, this is the first report of a pleural mesothelioma in a lion.

Cranial malformations in related white lions (Panthera leo krugeri)

White lions (Panthera leo krugeri) have never been common in the wild, and at present, the greatest population is kept in zoos where they are bred for biological and biodiversity conservation. During the years 2003 to 2008 in a zoological garden in northern Italy, 19 white lions were born to the same parents, who were in turn paternally consanguineous. Out of the 19 lions, 4 (21%) were stillborn, 13 (69%) died within 1 month, and 1 (5%) was euthanatized after 6 months because of difficulty with prehension of food. Six lions (32%) showed malformations involving the head (jaw, tongue, throat, teeth, and cranial bones). One lion (5%) still alive at 30 months revealed an Arnold-Chiari malformation upon submission for neurological evaluation of postural and gait abnormalities. Paternal consanguinity of the parents, along with inbreeding among white lions in general, could account for the high incidence of congenital malformations of the head in this pride of white lions.

Immunofluorescence staining for the detection of immunoglobulins and complement (C3) in dogs with renal disease

Renal cortical biopsies from 74 dogs with different degrees of renal failure were studied by immunofluorescence to assess the frequency and extent of the deposition of immunoglobulins G, M and A (IgG, IgM, IgA) and complement C3. The dogs were divided into two groups on the basis of their clinical signs, and standard histological and electron microscopical examinations, according to whether their disease was an immune-mediated nephropathy (IMN) or a non-immune-mediated nephropathy (NIMN). In the dogs with an imn there was strong immunofluorescence due to IgG in the mesangium and the glomerular basement membrane and to IgM in the mesangium. The mechanism of immune complex trapping in the glomerulus also resulted in positive reactions to IgM in the dogs with an NIMN.

Application of a recombinant protein for the serological diagnosis of canine leishmaniasis

This work reports the results obtained by a new enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test developed for the serological diagnosis of canine leishmaniasis. The new ELISA is based on a recombinant protein obtained by joining different antigens of Leishmania infantum. Test performances have been evaluated through the screening 227 sera of dogs, infected and uninfected by L. infantum. The new ELISA test has been compared to the indirect immunofluorescent-antibody test (IFAT) as a reference assay of canine leishmaniasis, and to a commercial ELISA. Excluding from the total number of IFAT positive sera the 27 sera with IFAT titre 1:40 (considered doubtful), the recombinant ELISA showed 97.0% specificity, 93.9% sensitivity and 95.5% agreement with IFAT. The commercial ELISA showed 78.2% specificity, 94.9% sensitivity and 86.5% agreement with IFAT. The results demonstrate a higher performance of the new recombinant ELISA test for the detection of negative samples, with a greater agreement with the reference test (IFAT).

First report of oral colonization by Debaryomyces nepalensis in a dog

A stray, young male, wire-haired pointing griffon dog, found in a street of Perugia (Italy), was examined in order to check his health status. Two oropharyngeal swabs were collected in 24 h and streaked onto Sabouraud agar and after 6 days the yeasts colonies were transferred onto Malt agar. Ascospores were observed on Potato Dextrose Agar medium. The major ubiquinone of an isolated yeast was identified as ubiquinone-9 (Q-9), and genetical analyses were performed together with the type strains of Debaryomyces hansenii (var. hansenii and var. fabry), C. psychrophila and D. nepalensis type strain. The base sequences of ITS1 and ITS2, and D1/D2 domains of LSU rDNA completely coincided with those of D. nepalensis. From these results, the isolated yeast was identified as D. nepalensis. RAPD patterns between the two strains were found to be identical. The results indicate the first colonization of D. nepalensis in a dog.

Nanotechnologies Applied to Veterinary Diagnostics

Improved, quality assured diagnostics are important for disease control in animals; they provide a basis for appropriate treatments of animal patients, for monitoring diseases and for the enhancement of disease-surveillance capacity. The past decade has brought about impressive advances in surface and materials science and engineering, as well as in the development of new microelectronic components. These tools hold the promise of miniaturizing diagnostic devices, which could dramatically reduce costs and increase throughput and sensitivity of a wide range of diagnostic tests for veterinary applications. Recent biotechnological developments, including micro- and nanotechnologies, have led to the proliferation of new, rapid diagnostic tests, based on microfluidic, microarray, electronic and photo-electronic, integrated on-chip and nanotechnology together with analytical systems, which enable the development of point-of-care analysers.

Infection of bovine oviduct cell cultures with Chlamydophila abortus

Bovine infertility is a major cause of loss in the livestock industry. In the present study bovine oviduct cell cultures were infected with a Chlamydophila abortus strain. A direct evaluation of infection was performed by means of May Grünwald-Giemsa and immunocytochemistry for chlamydial LPS, which revealed inclusion bodies and vacuolisation. SEM and TEM analysis of infected cells showed various degrees of cell damage and conglutination of microvilli. This finding suggests that cattle infertility may result from an alteration of oviduct environment caused by multiplication of C. abortus. This microorganism, among other infectious agents, could be considered a potential causative agent of bovine infertility.

Serum antioxidant enzyme activities and oxidative stress parameters as possible biomarkers of exposure in veal calves illegally treated with dexamethasone

Low doses of the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone (DEX) are often illegally used, alone or in association with steroids and beta-agonists, to improve meat performances in cattle. As it is known that oestrogens and beta-agonists may generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) and induce oxidative stress, the effects of illicit DEX protocols on the antioxidant status and oxidative stress parameters were measured in veal calves. Ten cross-bred male veal calves were given DEX (0.4mg/day administered per os, for 23days or 2mg pro capite, injected intramuscularly on days 14 and 21 after the beginning of the oral DEX administration). Five further animals were used as controls. Blood samples were withdrawn before (T(0)), and 4 (T(1)), 10 (T(2)), 14 (T(3)), 21 (T(4)) and 28 (T(5)) days. Antioxidant enzyme activities (AOEs), the serum antioxidant capacity (SAC) and ROS were measured in sera. Calves orally treated showed a significant increase of both glutathione peroxidase isoforms (P<0.05) and SAC (P<0.05), too. Antioxidant enzymes have already been used as biomarkers (BMs) of response, measured in target or in surrogate tissues. Our results suggest glutathione peroxidase and SAC as possible BMs of illicit oral low-dose administration of DEX in cattle.

Biofilm development by clinical isolates ofMalassezia pachydermatis

Malassezia pachydermatis fungemia has been reported in patients receiving parenteral nutrition. Biofilm formation on catheters may be related to the pathogenesis of this mycosis. We investigated the biofilm-forming ability of 12 M. pachydermatis strains using a metabolic activity plate-based model and electronic microscopic evaluation of catheter surfaces. All M. pachydermatis strains developed biofilms but biofilm formation showed variability among the different strains unrelated to their clinical origin. This study demonstrates the ability of M. pachydermatis to adhere to and form biofilms on the surfaces of different materials, such as polystyrene and polyurethane.

Effect of anabolics on bovine granulosa-luteal cell primary cultures

Granulosa cell tumours are observed with increased frequency among calves slaughtered in Northern Italy. The use of illegal anabolics in breeding was taken into account as a cause of this pathology. An in vitro approach was used to detect the possible alterations of cell proliferation induced by anabolics on primary cultures of bovine granulosa-luteal cells. Cultures were treated with different concentrations of substances illegally used in cattle (17beta-estradiol, clenbuterol and boldione). Cytotoxicity was determined by means of MTT test, to exclude toxic effects induced by anabolics and to determine the highest concentration to be tested. Morphological changes were evaluated by means of routine cytology, while PCNA expression was quantified in order to estimate cell proliferation. Cytotoxic effects were revealed at the highest concentrations. The only stimulating effect on cell proliferation was detected in boldione treated cultures: after 48 h treated cells, compared to controls, showed a doubled expression of PCNA. In clenbuterol and 17beta-estradiol treated cells PCNA expression was similar to controls or even decreased. As the data suggest an alteration in cell proliferation, boldione could have a role in the early stage of pathogenesis of granulosa cell tumour in cattle.

Actividad enzimática extracelular en Cryptococcus neoformans en diferentes países

Three hundred and ten Cryptococcus neoformans strains isolated from AIDS patients in five different countries (151 from Brazil, 23 from Italy, 28 from Spain, 104 from Thailand and four from Turkey) were tested by the API-ZYM kit to detect their extracellular enzymatic activity. The enzymes esterase (C4) (no 3), esterase lipase (C8) (no 4), leucine arylamidase (no 6) and acid phosphatase (no 11) were commonly positive in most of the strains (more than 95%). These enzymes could be considered a useful tool not only for C. neoformans identification, but in particular for their possible relationship to new C. neoformans virulence factors and also for epidemiological research. Interestingly, it is also the high positive percentage of alpha-glucosidase and beta-glucosidase detected in all isolates. The serotype A was the most predominant serotype in all countries, except for Italy where the serotype D was predominant. Further studies are needed to draw a clear correlation between the API-ZYM profile and serotype.

Biochemical, ultrastructural and molecular characterization of the triphenyltin acetate (TPTA)-induced apoptosis in primary cultures of mouse thymocytes

Triphenyltin acetate (TPTA), a triorganotin compound used in agriculture as a biocide, is immunotoxic in vivo and in vitro. The present study was undertaken to ascertain whether apoptosis might play a role in the TPTA toxicity in vitro. Mouse thymocyte primary cultures were exposed to 0, 4 and 8 micromol/L TPTA; methyl prednisolone (1 micromol/L) was used as a positive control. Cell aliquots were harvested after 0, 1, 2, 4, and 8 h and the presence of early or late apoptotic phenomena was checked by (a) morphological investigations; (b) spectrophotometric quantification of fragmented DNA and agarose gel electrophoresis; (c) cell flow cytofluorometry, using an annexin V-FITC kit; and (d) detection of in situ apoptosis by a colorimetric detection kit (Titer-Tacs). TPTA cytotoxicity was also evaluated using the trypan blue dye exclusion test. Morphological investigation indicated apoptosis and/or necrosis. After 8 h of incubation, cells exposed to 4 micromol/L TPTA showed an increase in DNA fragmentation (on electrophoresis), which was confirmed by spectrophotometry (p < 0.05). Flow cytofluorometry pointed out an early (p < 0.05) increase of annexin V-positive (apoptotic) cells in TPTA-exposed flasks, whereas at least partly contradictory, results were obtained with the Titer-Tacs kit. Overall, these results provide evidence that TPTA, at low concentrations (4 micromol/L) induces early and late apoptotic phenomena, whereas cells exposed to the highest concentrations (8 micromol/L) are likely to undergo necrosis rather than apoptosis.

Equine Culicoides hypersensitivity: evaluation of a skin test and of humoral response

Intradermal tests were carried out on 18 horses with clinical signs of Culicoides hypersensitivity (CHS) and 23 horses without clinical signs of CHS, and sera from these horses were analysed by SDS-PAGE and Western blotting (W-B). Intradermal injections of 0.1 ml of 25 microg/microl sterile Culicoides extract, 0.1 ml of 1:10,000 histamine (positive control) and 0.1 ml of physiological saline (negative control) were made in the dermis of the middle region of the neck. Analysis of reactions indicated that a 1 cm wheal and a skinfold thickness >10% at 24 h represented a valid cut-off between horses with and without CHS. In these conditions the test, even in winter when clinical signs were absent, had 100% sensitivity and specificity. The W-B was performed after running Culicoides extract on a 12% polyacrylamide gel. The test revealed the presence of several bands with molecular weight ranging from 6 to 200 kDa. In particular, a band of 65 kDa was predominantly found in hypersensitive horses by using an anti-IgE antibody while in normal horses the same band was mainly detected by using an anti-IgG antibody. Our results demonstrated that the skin test is a valid diagnostic test, with high sensitivity and specificity and that the band of about 65 kDa probably corresponds to the allergen involved in the pathogenesis of CHS.

Effects of Low-dose Dexamethasone on Thymus Morphology and Immunological Parameters in Veal Calves

Glucocorticoids are often illegally used in association with anabolic steroids as growth promoters in veal calves and beef production. An experimental administration of dexamethasone was carried out in veal calves in order to assess the role of low doses of exogenous glucocorticoids on induction of thymus atrophy and on the immune response. Three groups of five veal calves each were included in this study: group D was administered 0.4 mg/day of dexamethasone-21-phosphate per os for 25 days; group V was administered 2 mg of dexamethasone-21-isonicotinate i.m. at days 14 and 21, and group K served as control. At slaughter, the weight of the thymus was severely reduced in group D and in group V, compared with control animals. Lesions included severe lymphoid depletion and hyperplasia of adipose tissue. In situ evaluation of apoptosis in thymus, showed a reduction of the percentage of positive nuclear areas of animals belonging to group V in comparison with control animals. An overall decrease of lymphocyte proliferative response was detected after treatment with short acting dexamethasone, while antibody response was not affected by treatments.

Prokaryotic expression and antigenic characterization of three recombinant Leishmania antigens for serological diagnosis of canine leishmaniasis

Three recombinant antigens of Leishmania chagasi (= L. infantum) were expressed in prokaryotic systems and evaluated (using a panel of dog sera characterized by parasitological and serological immunofluorescent antibody test [IFAT] techniques) as diagnostic markers of infection. The whole open reading frame encoding K9, the gene fragment encoding the repetitive sequence of K26, and the 3'-terminal gene fragment encoding a single 39-amino-acid subunit of the kinesin-related protein K39 (K39sub) were amplified from L. infantum DNA and cloned into a pGEX-2T expression vector in frame with glutathione S-transferase (GST). The sensitivity and specificity of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) using K26 as an antigen (evaluated with sera from 20 parasitologically positive and 20 parasitologically negative dogs) were both 100% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 83.2 to 100). When K9 and K39sub were used, sensitivity was 95% (95% CI = 75.1 to 99.9) and specificity was 100% (95% CI = 83.2 to 100). Using 182 field sera, a good agreement was found between the recombinant K26 ELISA and IFAT (K = 0.92; 95% CI = 0.86 to 0.98) results and between the K9 and K39sub ELISA (used in parallel) and IFAT (K = 0.87; 95% CI = 0.80 to 0.95) results. The results demonstrate that each antigen carries immunodominant epitopes and that their combination may further increase the sensitivity of currently available serological tests.