Comparison of serum protein profiles of Borrelia burgdorferi-positive Bernese Mountain Dogs and dogs of other breeds using MALDI-TOF technique

The aim of the study was to compare the serum protein profile of Bernese Mountain Dogs (BMDs) reacting positive for Bb in snap testing with the serum protein profile of dogs of other breeds (healthy and with clinical borreliosis) using the MALDI time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) technique. The observations included five groups of dogs. BMDs reacting positively to Bb in snap serological testing and showing symptoms of borreliosis (group 1), BMDs for which no borreliosis symptoms were determined but with seropositivity for Bb determined with snap serological tests (group 2), clinically healthy BMDs with no antibodies for Bb found in the serum (group 3), five dogs of different breeds, reacting positively in serological testing, in which borreliosis symptoms were observed (group 4), clinically healthy dogs of different breeds with negative reaction in tests towards Bb (group 5). A proteomic analysis demonstrated the presence of five identical protein fractions among all five groups. An additional two protein fractions of approximately 7.630 and 15.260 kDa were found in all the serum samples obtained from the dogs positive for borrelia in a snap test, both in those exhibiting symptoms of borreliosis, and seropositive BMDs not presenting symptoms of the disease. These two additional protein fractions may be used to differentiate between seropositive and seronegative B. burgdorferi dogs and may be considered a seropositivity marker, however, it cannot be used to differentiate between animals with the clinical form of the disease and those that are only seropositive.

Lyme disease in Bernese Mountain Dogs. Is it a real problem?

Borreliosis is the most frequently diagnosed tick-borne disease caused by spirochete bacteria belonging to the genus Borreliae - Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto (s.s.), Borrelia afzelii and Borrelia garinii. Clinical manifestations in dogs include fever, lameness, polyarthritis and glomerulonephritis. Diagnosis is mainly serological and is based on an immunoenzymatic test followed by a Western blot confirmatory test. Early treatment with antibiotics such as doxycycline or amoxicillin, for four weeks, usually reduces the risk of chronic disease. Tick control, including tick repellents, is highly reliable in preventing transmission. Vaccines are available to reduce transmission and the clinical manifestations of infection in dogs. Bernese Mountain Dogs are a breed that often test positive for antibodies against B. burgdorferi without showing any clinical symptoms of the disease. Quantitative determination of the immunoglobulin level for spirochetes has indicated that Bernese Mountain Dogs may have an increased susceptibility to Borrelia spp. infections of a hereditary nature.

Binge-like mephedrone treatment induces memory impairment concomitant with brain kynurenic acid reduction in mice

While mephedrone (4-methylmethcathinone), a synthetic cathinone derivative, is widely abused by adolescents and young adults, the knowledge about its long-term effects on memory processes is limited. Kynurenic acid (KYNA) is a neuroactive metabolite of the kynurenine pathway of tryptophan degradation. KYNA is considered an important endogenous modulator influencing physiological and pathological processes, including learning and memory processes. The aim of this study was to determine whether (A) binge-like mephedrone administration (10.0 and 30.0 mg/kg, intraperitoneally, in 4 doses separated by 2 h) induces memory impairments, assessed 2, 8 and 15 days after mephedrone cessation in the passive avoidance test in mice, and whether (B) KYNA is involved in these memory processes. To clarify the role of KYNA in the mephedrone effects, its level in the murine brain in vivo, and in cortical slices in vitro, as well as the activities of kynurenine aminotransferases (KATs) I and II were assessed. Furthermore, cell line experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of mephedrone on normal human brain cells. Our results showed memory impairments 8 and 15 days after binge-like mephedrone administration. At the same time, reduction in the KYNA level in the murine brain was noted. In vitro studies showed no effect of mephedrone on the production of KYNA in cortical slices or on the activity of the KAT I and II enzymes. Finally, exposure of normal cells to mephedrone in vitro resulted in a modest reduction of cell viability and proliferation.

Babesia gibsoni infection in dogs in Poland

Canine babesiosis is a tickborne, protozoal, haemoparasitic disease. Babesia organisms are frequently classified as either large (B. canis) or small (B. gibsoni). The aim of this study was an attempt to detect B. gibsoni DNA in blood samples taken from dogs suspected of suffering from tick-borne diseases. 216 samples were tested using PCR, of which, in 99 of them B. canisDNA was detected, whereas in 3 of them B. gibsoni was detected. Positive PCR results for B. gibsoni were confirmed using a Qube MDx real-time analyzer. The results indicate that infec-tions with this B. gibsoni should be taken into account and included in the differential diagnosis of vector-borne diseases in dogs in Poland, and that the accurate identification of the species of parasite causing the infection is crucial for developing the correct treatment regimen and prognosis.

The concentration of urea in hemolymph as a marker of health in Lissachatina fulica and Cornu aspersum edible snails - a preliminary study

Edible snails are kept in farms in many countries worldwide. As farm animals, they are an object of interest of veterinary studies and applied biology. There is a large demand for tests which would help identify their health and well-being. The objective of this study was to assess the usefulness of determining the concentration of urea in hemolymph as a marker of health of the Lissachatina fulica and Cornu aspersum edible snails. The observation covered snails from four farms marked from A to D, in which numerous deaths (farm A) and decreased body weight gain (farms B and C) were observed. In experimental farm D we observed a group of snails subjected to stress and a control group maintained in correct conditions. High concentrations of urea were found in the hemolymph of all farm animals from farms A, B and C, as well as in those subjected to food deprivation in farm D (on average from 96 mg/dl in farm D to 320 mg/dl in farm A). On the other hand, in controls from group D, the concentration of the parameter in question was much lower (⟨ 2.0 mg/dl). The results obtained indicate that the urea concentration is a non-specific marker of pathological conditions in snails, and that the continuous monitoring of this parameter makes it possible to demonstrate irregularities in farming and introduce appropriate and early measures to eliminate such disturbances.

In vitro antioxidant and antibabesial activities of the extracts of Achillea millefolium

Despite many phytochemical and pharmacological investigations, to date, there are no reports concerning the antibabesial activity of extracts of A. millefolium against B. canis. This study was aimed at investigating the biological activities of A. millefolium against the Babesia canis parasite and to identify its chemical ingredients. The water (WE), ethanol (EE) and hexane/acetone (H/AE) extracts of plant aerial parts were screened for total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid compound (TFC), DPPH free radical-scavenging activity and its antibabesial activity assay. In this study, imidocarb diproprionate was used as a positive control. The H/AE and EE extracts were analysed using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). In the EE extract, the main compounds were 17.64% methyl octadec-9-ynoate, 16.68% stigmast-5-en-3-ol(3α,24S) and 15.17% hexadecanoic acid. In the H/AE extract, the main compounds were 34.55% 11-decyldocosane, 14.31% N-tetratetracontane, 8.22% β-caryophyllene, and 7.69% N-nonacosane. Extract of EE contained the highest content of phenolics followed by H/AE and WE. The concentration of flavonoids in EE, H/AE and WE extracts showed that TFC was higher in the EE samples followed by H/AE and WE. The antioxidant activities were highest for AA, followed by EE, WE and H/AE. The antibabesial assay showed that the WE, EE and H/AE extracts of A. millefolium were antagonistic to B. canis. At a 2 mg/mL concentration, it showed 58.7% (± 4.7%), 62.3% (± 5.5%) and 49.3% (± 5.1%) inhibitory rate in an antibabesial assay, respectively. Considering these results, the present findings suggest that A. millefolium extracts may be a potential therapeutic agent and that additional studies including in vivo experiments are essential.

Urinary proteome of dogs with kidney injury during babesiosis

Background

Acute kidney injury is the most frequent complication of babesiosis in dogs and may provide a natural model for identifying early and specific markers of kidney injury in this species. There are limited data on urine proteomics in dogs, and none of the effect of babesiosis on the urine proteome. This study aimed to identify urinary proteins of dogs with kidney injury during the natural course of babesiosis caused by Babesia canis, and to compare them with proteins in a control group to reveal any potential biomarkers predicting renal injury before the presence of azotemia.

Urine samples were collected from 10 dogs of various breeds and sex with naturally occurring babesiosis, and 10 healthy dogs. Pooled urine samples from both groups were separated by 2D (two-dimensional) electrophoresis, followed by protein identification using MALDI-TOF (matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight) mass spectrometry.

Results

In total, 176 proteins were identified in the urine samples from healthy dogs, and 403 proteins were identified in the urine samples from dogs with babesiosis. Of the 176 proteins, 146 were assigned exclusively to healthy dogs, and 373 of the 403 proteins were assigned exclusively to dogs with babesiosis; 30 proteins were common for both groups. Characteristic analysis of 373 proteins found in dogs with babesiosis led to the isolation of 8 proteins associated with 10 metabolic pathways involved in immune and inflammatory responses.

Conclusions

It was hypothesized that epithelial-mesenchymal transition might play an important role in the mechanisms underlying pathological changes in renal tissue during babesiosis, as indicated by a causal relationship network built by combining 5 of the 10 selected metabolic pathways, and 4 of the 8 proteins associated with these pathways; this network included cadherins, gonadotropin releasing hormone receptors, inflammatory responses mediated by chemokine and cytokine signalling pathways, integrins, interleukins, and TGF-β (transforming growth factor β) pathways. Those pathways were linked by interleukin-13, bone morphogenetic protein 7, α2(1) collagen, and tyrosine protein kinase Fer, which are potential biomarkers of damage during babesiosis in dogs, that might indicate early renal injury.

Study on establishing normal ranges of chosen biochemical parameters of haemolymph of Cornu aspersum maxima and Cepaea nemoralis gastropods

The aim of the study was to establish normal ranges for chosen biochemical parameters of haemolymph of snails (Gasropoda: Mollusca), in the light of the use of these animals as experi- mental models in various types of studies. The study was conducted on 100 specimens of Cornu aspersum maxima (CAM) and 100 specimens of Cepaea nemoralis (CN). The haemolymph col- lected from the animals was analysed using colorimetry to assay aspartate transaminase (AST) activity, alanine transaminase (ALT) activity, amylase activity and the concentrations of urea and triglycerides. In the further part of the study, the influence of administering doxycycline with feed on the change of AST and ALT activity in snail haemolymph has been studied. The normal values established for CAM are as follow: AST activity: 26-38 u/l, ALT activity: 0-11 u/l, amylase activity 9-16 u/l, concentration of urea: 3-6 mg/dl, concentration of triglycerides: 16-20 mg/dl. For CN, the following data have been obtained: AST activity: 30-80 u/l, ALT activity: 0-15 u/l, amylase activity 12-15 u/l, concentration of urea: 5-8 mg/dl, concentration of triglycerides: 18-24 mg/dl. It has been shown that doxycycline presents a high workload on the hepatopancreas of snails, which is reflected by a statistically significant (p ⟨ 0.05) increase of AST and ALT activity in the haemolymph of the specimens which obtained doxycycline in feed, as compared to the groups with antibiotic-free feed. The haemolymph activity of both studied parameters increased together with study time and tetracycline administration time.

Molecular identification of Babesia spp isolated from Polish cattle with asymptomatic protozoa infections

The aim of the paper was to study the epizootic situation of babesiosis in the cattle population in eastern Poland and possibly to determine what species of protozoa infects Polish cattle. Blood samples for molecular analysis (real time PCR) were collected from 192 dairy cows from various farms located in eastern Poland. The infection was detected in 10.4% of the samples. All animals were infected with Babesia occultans which sequence of the 18S RNA gene fragment showed a 93.1%, homology with the sequence of B. occultans EU 376017. This is the first report about the detection of B. occultans DNA in asymptomatic cattle in eastern Poland.

Cardiac disorders in dogs infected with Babesia canis

The aim of this study was to assess cardiac disorders in dogs infected with B. canis. The study included 50 dogs with babesiosis and 20 healthy control animals. All the animals had haematological tests, ECG, echocardiography and serum troponin I and CK-MB levels checked. The haematology in the group of dogs with babesiosis confirmed thrombocytopaenia in 100% of dogs, decreased haematocrit in 52% and anaemia in 46%. The most common abnormalities in ECG and echocardiography in dogs infected with protozoa included: change in appearance and/or amplitude of the T-wave (34%), increased fractional shortening (24%), an increased sinus rhythm (14%) and heart axis deviation (10%). In 19 of the 50 dogs with babesiosis, the level of serum troponin I was elevated. In 2 dogs that died from babesiosis, the troponin level I was very high. The ECG confirmed sinus tachycardia and interpolated ventricular beat in these animals. In all dogs with babesiosis that were used in the study, the serum CK-MB was high or very high and was within limits of 23.17 U/L - 369.62 U/L. The highest kinase concentration (367.33 U/L and 369.62 U/L) was observed in dogs that died due to the disease. The presented results prove that cardiac changes are common in canine babesiosis, but that most changes are nonspecific and appear to have little clinical significance. Cardiovascular assessment should be based on the assessment of the level of troponin I and CK-MB in the serum of sick animals. High concentrations of these factors might be indicators of poor prognosis.

Occurence of Bordetella bronchiseptica in domestic cats with upper respiratory tract infections

Bordetella bronchiseptica is a widespread Gram-negative pathogen occurring in different mammal species. It is known to play a role in the etiology of infectious atrophic rhinitis of swine, canine kennel cough, respiratory syndromes of cats, rabbits and guinea pigs, and sporadic human cases have also been reported. The aim of this article is to present the occurrence of infections caused by these bacteria in domestic cats with respiratory symptoms, as well as to conduct a molecular analysis of the flaA gene B. bronchiseptica for the purpose of ascertaining whether cats become infected with one or more bacteria strains. B. bronchiseptica was isolated from the respiratory system of 16 out of 35 domestic cats with symptoms of respiratory tract infections. Polymorphism analysis of polymerase chain reaction products of B. bronchiseptica flaA was performed to reveal the possible differences in nucleotide sequences of the flagellin gene. The phylogenetic analysis of nucleotide sequences obtained during PCR indicated that the isolates of bacteria from our own studies are characterised by 100% homology of the analysed fragment of the flaA gene, which suggests maintenance of a single genotype of these microorganisms in the cat population. Moreover, the bacteria revealed full homology with reference strain B. bronchiseptica ATCC 4617, and 99.4% homology with strain B. parapertussis ATCC 15311. This indicates that the PCR optimised for the Bordetella spp. flaA gene, combined with sequencing of amplicons obtained in PCR, is an effective diagnostic method allowing differentiation of Bordetella spp. type microorganisms.

Factors responsible for subclinical mastitis in cows caused by Staphylococcus chromogenes and its susceptibility to antibiotics based on bap, fnbA, eno, mecA, tetK, and ermA genes

The aim of this study was to recognize selected factors of virulence determining the adhesion of Staphylococcus chromogenes to cows' udder tissues in subclinical mastitis and to evaluate the susceptibility of this pathogen to antibiotics. The subjects of the study were 38 isolates of Staph. chromogenes from 335 samples of milk from cows with subclinical coagulase-negative staphylococci mastitis. Somatic cell count ranged between 216,000 and 568,000/mL of milk (average 356,000/mL of milk). We confirmed the ability to produce slime in 24 isolates (63.2%), and the ability to produce protease in 29 isolates (76.3%). In each slime-producing isolate, the bap gene was not found, and the fnbA and eno genes were not detected. In vitro tests showed that ceftiofur had the highest effectiveness against Staph. chromogenes (89.5% of susceptible isolates). Minimum inhibitory concentrations ranged from 0.06 to 2µg/mL for susceptible isolates. The minimum concentrations required to inhibit growth of 90 and 50% of the isolates for ceftiofur were at or below the cutoffs recommended by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (2 and 0.06µg/mL, respectively). A significant percentage of the isolates were susceptible to other β-lactam antibiotics: amoxicillin with clavulanic acid (84.2%) and ampicillin (81.6%). The lowest effectiveness among β-lactams was for penicillin (73.7% of susceptible isolates), and the minimum inhibitory concentration for penicillin ranged from <0.06 to 8µg/mL. None of the examined isolates had the mecA gene, but β-lactamase was detected in 4 isolates (10.5%). Erythromycin and oxytetracycline exhibited the lowest activity against Staph. chromogenes (71.1 and 63.2% of susceptible isolates, respectively). The genes tetK (6 isolates) and ermA (1 isolate) were also detected.

Application of Matrix-assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time-of-flight Mass Spectrometry for Identification of Coagulase-negative Staphylococci Isolated from Milk of Cows with Subclinical Mastitis

The aim of this study was to use matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) for the identification of coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) isolated from the milk of cows with subclinical mastitis. The study material consisted of 33 isolates of CNS, identified by the results of API Staph tests, obtained from the milk of cows with subclinical mastitis. Based on the spectra analyses, MALDI-TOF MS tests of 33 bacterial samples allowed identification of the microorganisms in 27 cases (81.8%). The most frequent cause of subclinical mastitis was found to beStaphylococcussciuri (39%), whileS. vitulinuswas detected in 15% of the milk samples. The results obtained indicate that MALDI-TOF MS can be used for the identification of CNS isolated from bovine mastitis as a method supplementary to biochemical tests.

Identification of new 18S rRNA strains of Babesia canis isolated from dogs with subclinical babesiosis

In this study, we used PCR to detect and characterize B. canis from naturally infected dogs in Poland with subclinical babesiosis by amplifying and sequencing a portion of the 18S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene. Venous blood samples were collected from ten dogs with subclinical babesiosis. A 559-bp fragment of the B. canis 18S rRNA gene was amplified by PCR. Sequencing of the PCR products led to the identification of a new variant of Babesia canis, differing from the previously detected protozoa genotypes (18S rRNA-A and 18S rRNA-B) with nucleotide substitutions in positions 150 and 151 of the tested gene fragment. The results indicate the emergence within the Polish territory of a new, previously unencountered Babesia canis genotype responsible for the development of subclinical babesiosis.

Changes in selected subpopulations of lymphocytes in dogs infected with Babesia canis treated with imidocarb

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to track changes in selected subpopulations of lymphocytes in the blood of dogs infected with Babesia (B.) canis and treated with imidocarb.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study included 16 dogs divided into two groups. The first group (n = 6) consisted of healthy control animals. Dogs of the se- cond group (n = 10) were infected with B. canis and after establishment of the diagnosis each animal received a single dose of imido- carb (5 mg/kg). Flow cytometry was used to enumerate several immune cell phenotypes.

RESULTS

It was concluded that the invasion of B. canis contributes to the decreased percentage of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD21+ lymphocytes in the blood of infected animals. The decreased level of tested subpopulations of lymphocytes in group 2 persisted for the entire 12-day period of the test. After the administration of imidocarb, each tested lymphocyte fraction in the blood of the dogs with babesiosis increased, but did not reach physiological values.

CONCLUSION

The presented results indicate that the resolution of clinical signs associated with babesiosis may be related to the stimulation and intensity of cellular immunity, dependent on the CD4+ T cells profile. After administration of imidocarb, the parasitemia is cleared which allows the recovery of the lymphocyte populations.

A presumptive case of cerebral babesiosis in a dog in Poland caused by a virulent Babesia canis strain

The aim of this paper was to present the first case of cerebral canine babesiosis due to infection by Babesia canis in a dog in Poland. A 5-year-old American Staffordshire Terrier was presented with an unusual clinical manifestation of acute babesiosis that included neurological signs and pancytopenia. Despite treatment the dog died. Diagnosis was based on microscopic examination of Giemsa-stained blood smears (detection of piroplasms in red blood cells) and post mortem examination of the brain by histopathology and PCR method. The amplified segment of the Babesia 18S RNA gene was sequenced. This enabled to determine that the cause of the disease had been the strain 18S RNA-B EU622793. This is one of two B. canis strains found endemically in Poland, which reveals a greater virulence than the strain 18S RNA-A EU622792. The described case indicates that this form of canine babesiosis should be taken into account in differential diagnosis in dogs exhibiting neurological symptoms, especially in the tick activity season.

Analysis of the culture-derived soluble Babesia canis canis antigens derived from the Polish strains of the parasites

OBJECTIVE, MATERIAL AND METHODS: The aim of this study was to analyse the protein fractions of the soluble parasitic antigen (SPA) from in vitro cultures of the native Polish strains of Babesia canis canis and to determine their immunogenicity through Western blotting using the sera of dogs vaccinated with this antigen.

RESULTS

Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed 21 protein fractions with molecular weights from 12 to 205 kDa. The most intense reaction in Western blotting was observed between the serum antibodies of the SPA-vaccinated dogs and the fraction with the molecular weight of 52 kDa.

CONCLUSION

Detailed studies on the composition of SPA of Babesia canis canis and reactivity of its individual protein fractions can be a starting point for the development of subunit vaccines against babesiosis. Using a preparation with only some electrophoretic fractions of SPA in the production of vaccines would allow to avoid putting an unnecessary protein burden in the vaccine which could cause side effects.

Molecular analysis of the nucleoprotein gene of canine distemper virus isolated from clinical cases of the disease in foxes, minks and dogs

In this study, we used RT-PCR to detect and characterize canine distemper virus isolated from 9 naturally infected foxes, 3 minks and 3 dogs in Poland by amplifying and sequencing a portion of the NP gene. A 293-bp fragment of the CDV NP gene was amplified by RT-PCR. Sequencing of the PCR products from the isolates led to the identification of 3 sequence variants. The mostly representative polymorphic variant No. 1 showed high homology with Chinese isolate of CDV with a accession number EF 375619. The sequences of all isolates from this polymorphic variants compared with the sequences of other polymorphic variants obtained in the study and with European and American isolates sequences from GenBank showed the conservative nucleotides changes in positions 57, 132, 143, 159 and 237. These mutations can indicate that in this part of Europe there are new variants of CDV.

The clinical course of babesiosis in 76 dogs infected with protozoan parasites Babesia canis canis

The aim of the study was to trace the clinical course of babesiosis in 76 dogs infected with Babesia canis protozoa and to assess the usefulness of PCR method in the routine diagnosis of the disease. The investigations were conducted in three successive seasons of the biological activity of ticks on dogs displaying possible clinical signs of babesiosis, the latter assigned individual numbers from 001 to 076. All the animals underwent routine clinical examinations and blood was collected for haematological, biochemical, parasitological and molecular tests for babesiosis. The most frequent clinical signs observed in the course of the disease were changes in urine colour and xanthosis or paleness of mucous membranes, whereas in the haematological and biochemical examinations, the most frequent laboratory findings were thrombocytopenia, leucopoenia, anaemia and an increase in levels of urea and bilirubin. In all blood smears stained with the May-Grunwald and Giemsa methods, from the 76 dogs, the presence of Babesia canis protozoa was observed in erythrocytes, and their DNA was detected in 69 blood samples by means of PCR technique. The course of the disease and the results of molecular examinations suggested the haemolytic form of babesiosis. The previous genetic analysis of isolates of Babesia canis canis from the eastern areas of Poland helped to distinguish two specific groups, A and B, within the species (Adaszek and Winiarczyk 2008a). The present study revealed a certain interrelation between the intensification of thrombocytopenia and the fact that protozoa belong to either group A or B. The mean number of thrombocytes in dogs infected with protozoa from group A was 61.11 thousand/mm3, whereas the mean number of thrombocytes in the blood of dogs infected with protozoa from group B was 27.47 thousand/mm3. A strong correlation was also observed between the low level of thrombocytes and the increase in the internal body temperature (p = 0.02), accelerated pulse rate (p = 0.01) and discoloration of urine (p = 0.04). As a result of the treatment of dogs with imidocarb, recovery was observed in 73 out of the 76 dogs brought to the clinic.

Bacterial flora in foals with upper respiratory tract infections in Poland

Bacteria isolated from nasal cavity of 80 foals with upper respiratory tract infection, as well as from 20 healthy foals, were examined. Within the group of sick animals, from 18 (22.5%) bacteria with recognized pathogenicity were isolated. Coagulase-negative staphylococci and Acinetobacter sp. were the dominant species identified (100 and 45%, respectively). No bacteria species with recognized pathogenicity were isolated from the group of healthy animals. Three cases of death within the group of sick foals were investigated. Rhodococcus equi in two cases and Klebsiella pneumoniae pneumoniae together with Escherichia coli were isolated post-mortem from lung abscesses.

A retrospective study of the incidence and prognostic factors of multicentric lymphoma in dogs (1998-2000)

Sixty-three dogs with multicentric lymphoma were evaluated for risk of diseases. The greatest risk of disease concerned rottweilers as compared to other breeds (odds ratio 6.01 to 0.32-2.75, respectively). A group of 43 dogs under chemotherapy was evaluated for defining factors influencing first remission time duration and survival time. The most important factors for results of chemotherapy were response to therapy, stage and sub-stage of disease according the World Health Organization staging system at the time of diagnosis.

Survey of porcine rotavirus G and P genotype in Poland and the United States using RT-PCR

Porcine rotaviruses are a common cause of gastroenteritis. Several serotypes have been detected based on the two surface proteins VP4 (P-types) and VP7 (G-types). However, limited studies have been performed on the relative frequency of rotavirus types in diarrhetic pigs primarily because of the lack of availability of suitable methods. In this study, we describe a reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method for the typing of P and G types of rotavirus. This method allowed to detect G and P types in 96.8 and 87.1% of isolates collected in the United States, respectively and in 54.5 and 38.6% of isolates collected in Poland, respectively. Within the US specimens the G3, G4, G5, G9 and G10 types were detected in combination with P6 and P7 types while among Polish specimens only G3, G4 and G5 types in combination with P6 and P7 types were identified. In both instances the G4 and G5 were the most prevalent types. These studies show that a RT-PCR typing method is suitable for molecular epidemiological studies and that there is more diversity among porcine rotavirus than previously reported.

Prevalence of eae and shiga toxin genes among Escherichia coli strains isolated from healthy calves

Strains of Escherichia coli (n = 390) isolated from 132 healthy, 4-8-week old calves, were tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the eae (intimin) gene and shiga toxin genes (stx1 and stx2). All strains were also analysed for F5, F17 and F41 fimbriae and for the heat-labile (LT) and heat-stable (STI and STII) genetic markers. Overall, the eae gene was detected in 84 (21.5%) of the strains tested. Only 21 (5.4%) isolates were positive for stx1 (18 strains) or stx2 (three strains); nine of the stx1-positive isolates also possessed the eae gene. A high percentage (29.2%) of the isolates tested expressed F17 but no enterotoxin genes were detected. None of the eae- or stx-positive strains belonged to the O157 serogroup.

[Aromatase (P450AROM) mRNA expression in normal, hyperplastic and malignant endometrium and aromatase activity in endometrial cancer tissue culture]

Aromatase (P450AROM) is the enzyme complex with converts testosterone to estradiol and androstendione to estrone. This enzyme was detected in various normal tissues and uterine pathology such as uterine myoma, endometrial cancer and endometriosis. The aim of the study was to estimate expression of P450AROM messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) in normal, hyperplastic and malignant endometrium, and the ability to convert androstenedione to estrone by endometrial cancer tissue. Normal endometrium was obtained from 16 (12 proliferative phase, 4 secretory phase) regularly cycling women after hysterectomy for myomas, hyperplastic endometrium (n = 5) and endometrial cancer (n = 5) from postmenopausal women. The ability to convert androstenedione to estrone was estimated in 16 cases of endometrial cancer in postmenopausal women. P450AROM mRNA was measured by a quantitative assay based on reverse transcribing the mRNA into cDNA with reverse transcriptase (RT) then amplification of the cDNA using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The mean (+/- SEM) expression of aromatase gene in proliferative endometrium was 84.4 +/- 14.0 pg mRNA/microgram DNA and in secretory endometrium 200.3 +/- 87.8 pg mRNA/microgram DNA. The mean (+/- SEM) P450AROM mRNA expression in endometrial hyperplasia was 92.9 +/- 17.8 pg mRNA/microgram DNA, in endometrial cancer was 14.3 +/- 7.7 pg mRNA/microgram DNA. Androstenedione to estrone conversion in endometrial cancer tissue culture was 252.5 +/- 91 fmol/g tissue/h. Our data confirm that human normal, hyperplastic and malignant endometrium do express P450AROM mRNA and that aromatase activity is present in endometrial cancer tissue.

Comparison of polymerase chain reaction and dot hybridization with enzyme-linked immunoassay, virological examination and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis for the detection of porcine rotavirus in faecal specimens

The purpose of this study was the evaluation of RT-PCR (reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction) technique and dot blot hybridization with PCR-generated probe for the detection of group A rotavirus in faecal samples derived from diarrhoeal piglets. They were compared with virological examination (isolation of the virus), polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) and ELISA. The specificity and sensitivity of each assay was assessed against a 'gold standard' which was created on the basis of the virological examination and PAGE results. One hundred and seventeen faecal samples taken from piglets with the signs of diarrhoea were used as research material. cDNA probe labelled with digoxigenin, complementary to the region between 1 and 650 nucleotides of the segment 9 of porcine OSU and Gottfried reference strains was used. The probe detected in the dot blot hybridization 1 ng of dsRNA of the reference porcine strains. Using that test it was shown that 23 positive samples out of 117 samples of diarrhoeic piglets were detected. The RT-PCR technique appeared to be the most specific and sensitive diagnostic method. From 117 amplified faecal samples, the products of RT-PCR reactions were obtained from 24 samples. By means of this method it was possible to find 104 virions per 1 g of sample. Overall comparison of the results showed respective sensitivities and specificities of 100% and 98.9% for RT-PCR, 95.7 and 98.3% for hybridization, 100 and 94.7% for ELISA, 78.3 and 100% for virological examination, 91.3 and 100% for PAGE.

The preparation of specific sorbents with polyclonal antibodies as a ligand for purification of human antithrombin III

Antithrombin III (AT III) is a serine protease inhibitor active against thrombin, factor X and factor VII. Major hematolytic abnormalities such as disseminated intravascular closing, coagulative vein inflammation, embolism in lungs or brain etc. frequently occur when the level of AT III is low. As a drug AT III is separated from blood preparations by bioselective sorption on sorbents containing heparine as a complementary ligand interacting with AT III molecules. The present paper describes the preparation procedures and the properties of sorbents with chemically bonded AT III antigen. The chromatographic ability of the prepared sorbents to separate AT III from human plasma are discussed in relation to the bonding procedure which was used for AT III antigen immobilization.

Evaluation of different methods (ELISA, IF, EM, PAGE) for the diagnosis of rotavirus infection in piglets

The study on the prevalence of rotaviral infections among diarrhoetic piglets in 11 commercial farms in Poland was carried out on 531 faecal samples tested using an ELISA to screen for rotavirus. Of these, 169 were found to contain rotavirus antigen (32% of all cases of diarrhoea tested). Those pig herds managed using the Bisprol system had a lower prevalence of rotavirus in pigs with diarrhoea than those faecal samples obtained from Gi-Gi or Agrokomplex Agard farms. To further establish the presence of rotavirus antigen, 28 of those positive in ELISA samples were taken for isolation of the virus using tissue culture; 18 (64%) isolates were successfully adapted into MA-104 cells and the presence of rotavirus confirmed by immunofluorescence (IF) and electron microscopy (EM). In addition, an analysis of the band patterns visualised on PAGE showed 9 distinct electropherotypes for rotaviral dsRNA among the tested specimens. These findings suggest that rotavirus may represent an important contribution to the incidence of diarrhoea in Polish pig herds. The use of ELISA technology provided an efficient and effective means of evaluating the presence of rotavirus antigen in faecal samples and indicates that this procedure is a very useful tool in epidemiological studies, but that other techniques are required to confirm the presence of virus.

Reverse transcription combined with polymerase chain reaction as a detection method for pestiviral infections

An assay based on reverse transcription coupled with the polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used for the detection of hog cholera virus (HCV) and bovine virus diarrhoea virus (BVDV) in cell culture. In this study, a precipitate of the supernatants derived from cell cultures infected with HCV and BVDV was used in RT reactions, in place of extracted viral RNA. Both RT and PCR were performed using recombinant Thermus thermophilus (rTth) DNA polymerase. The specificity of the RT-PCR products was confirmed by hybridisation with a digoxygenin-labelled DNA probe. The results not only show that the stage of RNA isolation can be bypassed, but also illustrate an easy and efficient means of obtaining templates suitable for identification and characterisation of HCV and BVDV in tissue culture by RT-PCR.