Bovine piroplasms in Minorca (Balearic Islands, Spain): a comparison of PCR-based and light microscopy detection

The present study provides the first epidemiological data regarding infection by Theileria and Babesia piroplasms in cattle in Minorca. More than 94% of the studied animals were positive for the presence of Theileria sp., and of those, 41.3% were positive for the presence of Theileria annulata. These results indicate that the prevalence of Mediterranean theileriosis caused by T. annulata is very high in Minorcan dairy farms and that other Theileria sp. are also present in the area. The prevalence of infection was similar throughout the study indicating an endemic situation in this island. The use of PCR resulted in significantly higher efficacy of detection of Theileria sp. compared to microscopical observation (MO) of blood smears and allowed the specific discrimination between pathogenic and non-pathogenic theilerias which cannot be accomplished by traditional diagnosis by MO. Babesia infection in the area was mainly due to Babesia bigemina (6.0% of the studied animals were infected), while one animal (0.75%) was found to be infected by Babesia bovis. It was observed that 31% of animals infected with B. bigemina had a concurrent infection of T. annulata. PCR also resulted in a significantly higher efficacy of detection of Babesia sp. compared to MO when infection levels were higher, towards the end of the study period. The results clearly demonstrate that parasitic infection by piroplasms, especially Theileria sp. is common and endemic in the island of Minorca and that PCR is the optimal approach for the detection and discrimination of these important parasites.

Energy intake of rats fed a cafeteria diet

The proportion of lipid, carbohydrate and protein energy self-selected by male and female rats from a cafeteria diet has been studied for a 48-day period (36-day in female rats). The diet consisted in 12 different items and was offered daily, in excess and under otherwise standard conditions, to rats--caged in groups of three--from weaning to adulthood. Groups of control animals were studied in parallel and compared with the cafeteria groups. Cafeteria diet fed groups of rats ingested more energy and lowered their metabolic efficiency with age. Male rats ate more than females and increased their body weight even after female practically stopped growing. There was a wide variation in the aliments consumed each day by the cafeteria-fed rats. However, the proportion of lipid, protein and carbohydrate the rats ate remained constant. Male rats ingested more lipid than females. Carbohydrate consumption was constant in control and cafeteria fed groups of rats independently of sex. Protein consumption was higher in cafeteria rats than in controls, but the differences were not so important as with liquid. Fiber content of the cafeteria diet was lower than that of the control diet. The cafeteria diet selected by the rats was, thus, hypercaloric and hyperlipidic, with practically the same amount of carbohydrate than the control diet, slightly hyperproteic and, nevertheless, remarkably constant in its composition with respect to time. Cafeteria rats had a higher water intake than controls. All these trends were maintained despite the observed changes in the animals' tastes and their differential consumption of the ailments of the diet.

Red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) are a natural intermediate host of Neospora caninum

The present study was undertaken to determine if red foxes are natural intermediate and/or definitive host for Neospora caninum and to study the importance of infection of N. caninum in this species in North-eastern Spain. Faecal samples and brain tissues were obtained from 122 foxes from 21 rural areas of Catalonia. Faeces collected were examined for parasite eggs and coccidian oocysts using sucrose flotation. For PCR-based diagnosis of N. caninum in brain tissues, the specific genomic Nc5 region was selected as the target sequence for DNA amplification. To control for PCR failure and facilitate identification of truly negative samples, the competitor pNc5C molecule was added to all negative samples in a second round of PCR reactions. Of the 122 foxes analysed, 13 (10.7%) were positive by PCR for N. caninum. Signal intensities of all positive samples were relatively weak with the exception of one sample from a 3-month male animal, that also showed the highest repeatability. No differences were observed by sex, age or area of sampling analysis. Detection of stages of N. caninum in brain from naturally infected red foxes demonstrated that red foxes are a natural intermediate host for N. caninum. Faecal samples were analysed for the presence of N. caninum oocysts, however, no oocysts compatible with N. caninum were found. A widespread latent infection of red foxes in North-eastern Spain found in the present study indicates that red foxes could have a very important role in the epidemiology of neosporosis in our area.

Natural and Undetermined Sudden Death: Value of Post-Mortem Genetic Investigation

Background

Sudden unexplained death may be the first manifestation of an unknown inherited cardiac disease. Current genetic technologies may enable the unraveling of an etiology and the identification of relatives at risk. The aim of our study was to define the etiology of natural deaths, younger than 50 years of age, and to investigate whether genetic defects associated with cardiac diseases could provide a potential etiology for the unexplained cases.

Methods and Findings

Our cohort included a total of 789 consecutive cases (77.19% males) <50 years old (average 38.6±12.2 years old) who died suddenly from non-violent causes. A comprehensive autopsy was performed according to current forensic guidelines. During autopsy a cause of death was identified in most cases (81.1%), mainly due to cardiac alterations (56.87%). In unexplained cases, genetic analysis of the main genes associated with sudden cardiac death was performed using Next Generation Sequencing technology. Genetic analysis was performed in suspected inherited diseases (cardiomyopathy) and in unexplained death, with identification of potentially pathogenic variants in nearly 50% and 40% of samples, respectively.

Conclusions

Cardiac disease is the most important cause of sudden death, especially after the age of 40. Close to 10% of cases may remain unexplained after a complete autopsy investigation. Molecular autopsy may provide an explanation for a significant part of these unexplained cases. Identification of genetic variations enables genetic counseling and undertaking of preventive measures in relatives at risk.

The role of wild boar (Sus scrofa) in the eco-epidemiology of R. slovaca in Northeastern Spain

Rickettsia slovaca is considered the etiological agent of tick-borne lymphadenopathy (TIBOLA), an emerging disease transmitted by tick bites. Dermacentor marginatus constitutes the most important vector and wild boar (Sus scrofa) is the main wild host in our area. The epidemiology of this tick-borne rickettsioses has not been completely clarified. During hunting season 2004, wild boar sera sample were collected from northeastern Spain. Ticks were collected both from wild boar and from flagging vegetation in the same areas where wild boar were hunted. Serologic study was carried out using the immunofluorescent antibody (IFA) technique. Ticks were identified as D. marginatus and Rhipicephalus uranicus. Based on sequence analysis on ompA gene, R. slovaca was identified in 30.5% D. marginatus ticks removed from wild boar and in 33.3% D. marginatus collected from flagging vegetation. Rickettsia sp. RpA4 was identified in 4 specimens of D. marginatus removed from wild boar. Twelve of 23 wild boar were seropositive to R. slovaca. Results suggested wild boar are exposed to R. slovaca infection and this pathogen is well established in the wild cycle of D. marginatus in our area.

Molecular detection of a Hepatozoon species in stray cats from a feline colony in North-eastern Spain

Within the framework of a local animal health programme, the presence of ectoparasites and haemoparasites was investigated in a colony of 25 cats in Barcelona. Diagnosis was performed both by standard parasitological procedures and molecular techniques. All cats were negative to haematozoan infection by microscopic examination of blood smears. However, Hepatozoon spp. was found in four cats as shown by amplification and sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene. Cat isolates were 100% identical to the isolate Hepatozoon spp. (Spain 2) from Southern Spain. This is the first time that Hepatozoon spp. has been identified in cats from Northern Spain.

Canine filariasis. Importance and transmission in the Baix Llobregat area, Barcelona (Spain)

Field and laboratory studies were performed in order to assess the degree of canine dirofilariasis caused by Dirofilaria immitis (Leidy) in the Baix Llobregat region, a fluvial area near Barcelona, Spain. A total of 188 dogs were sampled between May and August of 1994. Three main areas were chosen: the Western Delta, the Eastern Delta and the Northern zone. Simultaneously, a mosquito sampling programme was carried out with CO2 light traps, to search for infective larvae (L3) of D. immitis. Of the 188 dogs sampled, 38 were positive for at least one of the three filaria found: D. immitis 12.8%, Dipetalonema reconditum (Grassi) 3.7% and Dipetalonema dracunculoides (Cobbold) 2.7%. Only 1.1% showed a mixed infection of both D. immitis and D. dracunculoides. Although Dirofilaria repens Raillet et Henry has been found in Spain, it was not found in this study. Comparing the three zones of the Baix Llobregat, the Eastern Delta showed the highest level of D. immitis (35.3%), probably due to the presence of Aedes caspius (Pallas). Despite the effort in sampling the mosquito population, D. immitis was not found in any of the 2001 females dissected, belonging to 5 species.

A survey of ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) on dairy cattle on the island of Menorca in Spain

A survey of ticks affecting dairy cattle under extensive management on Menorca island (off the Spanish Mediterranean coast) was performed through 1999-2000 on seven farms. The species collected were Rhipicephalus bursa, R. turanicus, Hyalomma m. marginatum, H. lusitanicum and Boophilus annulatus. The most abundant species were R. bursa and H. m. marginatum, with peaks of 10.7 (in summer) and 7.5 (in spring) ticks/cow, respectively. R. turanicus was scarcely encountered, while B. annulatus and H. lusitanicum were abundant only in a few localities. The mild climate and adequate vegetation on the island provide satisfactory habitat for extended periods of tick activity, as compared with other regions where these ticks have been collected. The competence of the ticks as vectors for pathogens and the difficulty of using acaricide treatments in the region are discussed.

Prevalence of Rickettsia slovaca in Dermacentor marginatus ticks removed from wild boar (Sus scrofa) in northeastern Spain

Rickettsia slovaca, the causative agent of TIBOLA, is transmitted by Dermacentor ticks. Dermacentor marginatus is the most widely species distributed in northeastern Spain, and the wild boar constitutes the main host. D. marginatus ticks were collected from hunter-killed wild boar and were tested by PCR/RFLP. Rickettsial DNA-positive ticks were sequenced using the ompA PCR primers. The prevalence of R. slovaca in D. marginatus ticks was 17.7%. Other spotted fever group rickettsiae were detected in ticks, but these were not definitely identified.

Seroprevalence of Babesia ovis in sheep in Catalonia, northeastern Spain

An indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) was developed in order to detect antibodies against Babesia ovis in different sheep flocks from Catalonia, northeastern Spain. Of the total 2174 sera included in the study, 133 (6.1%) were positive. Considerable differences in seroprevalence were detected depending on the geographical areas from which the animals originated. This must have been a consequence of the presence or absence of the vector tick, Rhipicephalus bursa, the distribution of which depends upon the bioclimate and vegetation present in the different areas studied. Even within those areas which afford suitable conditions for the presence of Rh. bursa ticks, and therefore in which positive titres were found, great differences in seroprevalence were detected among different flocks.

Six-Year Follow-up of Slaughterhouse Surveillance (2008-2013): The Catalan Slaughterhouse Support Network (SESC)

Meat inspection has the ultimate objective of declaring the meat and offal obtained from carcasses of slaughtered animals fit or unfit for human consumption. This safeguards the health of consumers by ensuring that the food coming from these establishments poses no risk to public health. Concomitantly, it contributes to animal disease surveillance. The Catalan Public Health Protection Agency (Generalitat de Catalunya) identified the need to provide its meat inspectors with a support structure to improve diagnostic capacity: the Slaughterhouse Support Network (SESC). The main goal of the SESC was to offer continuing education to meat inspectors to improve the diagnostic capacity for lesions observed in slaughterhouses. With this aim, a web-based application was designed that allowed meat inspectors to submit their inquiries, images of the lesions, and samples for laboratory analysis. This commentary reviews the cases from the first 6 years of SESC operation (2008-2013). The program not only provides continuing education to inspectors but also contributes to the collection of useful information on animal health and welfare. Therefore, SESC complements animal disease surveillance programs, such as those for tuberculosis, bovine cysticercosis, and porcine trichinellosis, and is a powerful tool for early detection of emerging animal diseases and zoonoses.

Seroprevalence of Babesia ovis in Spanish ibex (Capra pyrenaica) in Catalonia, northeastern Spain

A serologic survey was carried out in order to detect antibodies against Babesia ovis in a large population of Spanish ibex (Capra pyrenaica) from a hunting reserve in Catalonia, northeastern Spain. For this purpose, an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) was developed using a B. ovis isolate of ovine origin as antigen. Of the total 475 sera tested, 155 (32.6%) showed titres between 1:160 and 1:1280 and were considered positive. These results reveal that exposure of Spanish ibex to B. ovis is common in the studied area. No significant differences could be detected when comparing season or year of capture and age or sex of the animals in positive and negative samples. A high proportion of low titres was found in comparison to those reported by other researchers in sheep in Spain; this could be a consequence of the existence of some minor antigenic differences between B. ovis of domestic sheep and that found in Spanish ibex.

Sensitivity to punishment and sensitivity to reward and traffic violations

The aim of our study consists of contributing information on the relationship between the personality variables derived from Gray's model and the conduct that accompanies the infringement of the road traffic rules. Seven hundred and ninety-two adults of both sexes took part in the study (389 men and 403 women), all of whom had driving licences and drove frequently. The subjects answered "The Sensitivity to Punishment and Sensitivity to Reward Questionnaire", a scale of monotony avoidance, and two Likert scales of attitude and behaviour in connection with traffic violations. We found a high positive relationship between attitude and behaviour, with the men infringing the rules more than the women. Hypotheses regarding a relationship between traffic offences and sensibility to reward and monotony avoidance were confirmed. Those people with high scores in sensitivity to punishment and low ones in sensitivity to reward were those who drove within the law, while those with low sensitivity to punishment and high sensitivity to reward were those who broke it more. Sensitivity to reward was a stronger determinant in encouraging infringement of the rules than was sensitivity to punishment in discouraging the subjects to do so.

Seroprevalence of Babesia ovis in mouflon sheep in Spain

A serological survey detected antibodies against Babesia ovis in mouflon sheep (Ovis musimon) from two different reserves located in Catalonia in northeastern Spain. An indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) was developed using a B. ovis isolate of ovine origin as the antigen. Of 50 sera tested, six (12%) showed titres between 1:160 and 1:640 and were considered positive. These results indicate that exposure of mouflon to Babesia ovis is common in this region.

Injury profiles of road traffic deaths

The objective is to describe injuries of road traffic deaths in Barcelona and identify injury profiles by road user type, through a cross-sectional study including road traffic deaths for the period 1997-2004. The data source was the Institut de Medicina Legal de Catalunya. Diagnoses were coded using the International Classification of Diseases, 9th revision, Clinical Modification, and classified using the Barell Matrix. Of the 719 deaths studied, 45% were pedestrians, 32% two wheel motor vehicle users, and 23% car occupants. The injury profile of the road traffic deaths in Barcelona is internal injuries and fractures to the torso and to the head/neck. This profile is repeated in all the road user groups, although pedestrians present higher frequencies of fractures and contusions to extremities and contusions to the head/neck, and fewer internal torso injuries than car occupants or two wheel motor vehicle users.

Isolation and sequencing of a cDNA encoding the B isozyme of rat phosphoglycerate mutase

Phosphoglycerate mutase consists of two kinds of different subunits, M and B. We previously sequenced a rat cDNA encoding the type-M subunit. Here, we report the sequence of the type-B subunit-encoding cDNA. This cDNA has 1754 bp and contains a long 3'-untranslated region of 897 bp.

Presumptive Babesia ovis infection in a spanish ibex (Capra pyrenaica)

On December 29 1995, a 13-year old, male Spanish ibex was easily captured by hand, with depression, weakness and severe tick infestation, mainly in the periocular and auricular regions. Blood and serum samples were collected and haematological analysis and serum iron levels were determined. Red blood cell count, haematocrit, haemoglobin concentration and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were decreased and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) increased (macrocytic-hypochromic anemia). Serum iron and transferrin saturation were decreased and total and unbound iron-binding capacity were increased. Piroplasms were observed within parasitized erythrocytes and presumptively identified as Babesia spp. Ticks were identified exclusively as Ripicephalus bursa. The animal was treated with imidocarb but died after 15 days of capture. Histopathological examination revealed congestion of pulmonary capillaries and spleen, glomerulonephritis, hemoglobinuric nephrosis and generalized hemosiderosis. An indirect fluorescent antibody test was performed using a Babesia ovis isolate of ovine origin as antigen and the animal was positive with a titre of 1:640.

Sudden Arrhythmic Death During Exercise: A Post-Mortem Genetic Analysis

BACKGROUND

Sudden cardiac death is a natural and unexpected death that occurs within 1 h of the first symptom. Most sudden cardiac deaths occur during exercise, mostly as a result of myocardial infarction. After autopsy, some cases, especially in the young, are diagnosed as cardiomyopathies or remain without a conclusive cause of death. In both situations, genetic alterations may explain the arrhythmia.

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to identify a genetic predisposition to sudden cardiac death in a cohort of post-mortem cases of individuals who died during exercise, with a structurally normal heart, and were classified as arrhythmogenic death.

METHODS

We analyzed a cohort of 52 post-mortem samples from individuals <50 years old who had a negative autopsy. Next-generation sequencing technology was used to screen genes associated with sudden cardiac death.

RESULTS

Our cohort showed a male prevalence (12:1). Half of the deaths occurred in individuals 41-50 years of age. Running was the most common exercise activity during the fatal event, accounting for 46.15% of cases. Genetic analysis identified 83 rare variants in 37 samples (71.15% of all samples). Of all rare variants, 36.14% were classified as deleterious, being present in 53.84% of all cases.

CONCLUSIONS

A comprehensive analysis of sudden cardiac death-related genes in individuals who died suddenly while exercising enabled the identification of potentially causative variants. However, many genetic variants remain of indeterminate significance, thus further work is needed before clinical translation. Nonetheless, comprehensive genetic analysis of individuals who died during exercise enables the detection of potentially causative variants and helps to identify at-risk relatives.

A proposed dissection procedure for vertebral arteries in forensic pathology

Vertebral artery removing constitutes a significant forensic pathology challenge. Dissection techniques during head-neck autopsy are based on anterior approach, a difficult method, which is unable to assess the transverse part of the artery. This work presents an original and simple method for dissecting vertebral arteries by a posterior approach, opening the vertebroarterial canal through the spinal canal without any special equipment. Once the spinal cord is removed, the transversarium foramens are opened by an internal cut at the pedicle and an external cut at the transverse process. This enables us to visualize vertebral arteries in its entirety. The method improves both the examination of the upper extracranial segment of the vertebral artery and the neuropathological study when arterial injury is suspected. Applying this method routinely is both feasible and useful in suspected cases of vertebral artery trauma and could contribute to assess more precisely the actual incidence of this injury.