Intradermal and serological testing for mites in healthy beagle dogs     

Koebrich S  Nett-Mettler C  Wilhelm S  Favrot C 《Veterinary dermatology》2012,23(3):192-e39

Background – Intradermal testing (IDT) is widely used in veterinary medicine to select allergens for immunotherapy. The recommended concentration for mites is 250 protein nitrogen units (PNU)/mL. It is not known whether healthy dogs responding to this concentration have asymptomatic sensitization or irritation. Furthermore, interbatch and intersupplier variability of allergens has not been fully addressed. Hypothesis/Objectives – The incidence of positive IDTs in healthy beagles was recorded and the value of combining these results with serology to differentiate between asymptomatic sensitization and irritancy evaluated. Additionally, the interbatch and intersupplier variability of allergens was assessed. Animals – Seventeen healthy laboratory beagles with no history or clinical signs of canine atopic dermatitis were used. Methods – Intradermal tests were performed with four mite allergens from two suppliers (varying batches). An initial IDT at 250 PNU/mL was used to determine whether decreasing or increasing test concentrations were used in the subsequent titration IDTs. Additionally, two IgE ELISA tests from different manufacturers were performed. Results – Seven of 17 dogs showed IDT reactions at 250 PNU/mL. There were highly significant allergen interbatch and significant intersupplier correlations and agreement. The associations between the IDT reactions and the IgE serologies statistically identified two groups of dogs: one with positive serology and IDT reactions at 250 PNU/mL; and another with negative serology and IDT reactions. Conclusions and clinical importance – Our results suggest that dogs that have IDT reactions and positive serology are asymptomatically sensitized, while dogs that react at higher allergen concentrations, but have negative serology, do so as a result of irritant reactions.  相似文献   

Population structure and genetic variability in the Murrah dairy breed of water buffalo in Brazil accessed via pedigree analysis     

Carlos Henrique Mendes Malhado  Ana Claudia Mendes Malhado  Paulo Luiz Souza Carneiro  Alcides Amorim Ramos  Diego Pagung Ambrosini  Akin Pala 《Tropical animal health and production》2012,44(8):1891-1897

The objective of this study was to use pedigree analysis to evaluate the population structure and genetic variability in the Murrah dairy breed of water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) in Brazil. Pedigree analysis was performed on 5,061 animals born between 1972 and 2002. The effective number of founders (fe) was 60, representing 6.32?% of the potential number of founders. The effective number of ancestors (fa) was 36 and the genetic contribution of the 17 most influent ancestors explained 50?% of the genetic variability in the population. The ratio fe/fa (effective number of founders/effective number of ancestors), which expresses the effect of population bottlenecks, was 1.66. Completeness level for the whole pedigree was 76.8, 49.2, 27.7, and 12.8?% for, respectively, the first, second, third, and fourth known parental generations. The average inbreeding values for the whole analyzed pedigree and for inbreed animals were, respectively, 1.28 and 7.64?%. The average relatedness coefficient between individuals of the population was estimated to be 2.05?%??the highest individual coefficient was 10.31?%. The actual inbreeding and average relatedness coefficient are probably higher than estimated due to low levels of pedigree completeness. Moreover, the inbreeding coefficient increased with the addition of each generation to the pedigree, indicating that incomplete pedigrees tend to underestimate the level of inbreeding. Introduction of new sires with the lowest possible average relatedness coefficient and the use of appropriate mating strategies are recommended to keep inbreeding at acceptable levels and increase the genetic variability in this economically important species, which has relatively low numbers compared to other commercial cattle breeds. The inclusion of additional parameters, such as effective number of founders, effective number of ancestors, and fe/fa ratio, provides better resolution as compared to the inclusion of inbreeding coefficient and may help breeders and farmers adopt better precautionary measures against inbreeding depression and other deleterious genetic effects.  相似文献   

Presence and molecular characterisation of Giardia and Cryptosporidium in alpacas (Vicugna pacos) from Peru     

Gómez-Couso H  Ortega-Mora LM  Aguado-Martínez A  Rosadio-Alcántara R  Maturrano-Hernández L  Luna-Espinoza L  Zanabria-Huisa V  Pedraza-Díaz S 《Veterinary parasitology》2012,187(3-4):414-420

The presence of Giardia and Cryptosporidium was investigated in 274 faecal samples of alpacas (Vicugna pacos) from 12 herds from Peru by immunofluorescence microscopy and PCR amplification and sequencing of fragments of the ssu-rRNA and β-giardin genes from Giardia spp., as well as the ssu-rRNA gene from Cryptosporidium spp. A total of 137 samples (50.0%) were positive for Giardia spp., and 12 samples (4.4%) for Cryptosporidium spp. In ten samples (3.6%), co-infection by both pathogens was found. Herd prevalence was found to be 91.7% (11/12 herds) for Giardia and 58.3% (7/12 herds) for Cryptosporidium. Regarding the age of the animals, although Giardia was detected in animals as young as 1 week, the prevalence increased with age, reaching 80% by 8 weeks. Similarly, the highest percentage of Cryptosporidium detection (20%) was also found in the 8 week-old group. By PCR, 92 of the 274 analysed samples were positive for Giardia. Sequencing of the amplicons showed the existence of Giardia duodenalis assemblage A in 67 samples; G. duodenalis assemblage E in 24 samples; and inconsistent results between the two molecular markers used in a further sample. Cryptosporidium was only detected by PCR in 3 of the 274 samples; Cryptosporidium parvum was identified in two samples and Cryptosporidium ubiquitum in one sample. This study is the first performing molecular characterisation of both parasites in Peruvian alpacas, and the first report of C. ubiquitum in this host. The identification of G. duodenalis assemblage A, C. parvum and C. ubiquitum, suggests that zoonotic transmission of these enteropathogens between alpacas and humans is possible.  相似文献   

Molecular characterization of Swiss Ceratopogonidae (Diptera) and evaluation of real-time PCR assays for the identification of Culicoides biting midges     

Wenk CE  Kaufmann C  Schaffner F  Mathis A 《Veterinary parasitology》2012,184(2-4):258-266

Biting midges of the genus Culicoides (Diptera, Ceratopogonidae) are vectors of several viruses of veterinary relevance, and they can cause insect bite hypersensitivity. As the morphological identification of these tiny insects is a difficult task in many cases, alternative approaches are expedient. With the aim to develop real-time PCRs, we determined partial mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene (mt COI) sequences from 380 Culicoides midges representing three regions of Switzerland, namely the Alps, Midland north of the Alps (Atlantic climate), and South of the Alps (Mediterranean climate). The same region was also sequenced from non-biting midges of the genera Atrichopogon, Brachypogon, Dasyhelea, Forcipomyia and Serromyia. A total of 21 Culicoides species were identified by morphology. Sequence variability (haplotypes) was observed in all species. For each of C. grisescens and C. obsoletus, a novel cryptic species was identified. Whereas all individuals of C. grisescens and of the cryptic C. obsoletus species (O2) originated only from Alpine sites, the known C. obsoletus (O1) species was found in all three regions. Further, a sister taxon to C. pulicaris was identified based on the mt COI sequences and named Culicoides sp. Alignments of available mtCOI sequences from Ceratopogonidae (GenBank, this study) were used to design real-time PCR primers and probes to distinguish C. chiopterus, C. deltus, C. dewulfi, C. grisescens (including the cryptic species), C. imicola, C. lupicaris, C. obsoletus O1, C. obsoletus O2, C. pulicaris, C. scoticus and Culicoides sp. Specificities of primers and probes was tested with cloned targets representing 1 to 4 haplotypes of 18 Culicoides spp. and 1 haplotype each from 4 other Ceratopogonidae. No cross-reactivity was observed when plasmid template representing 5 × 10(6) gene copies was tested, but it was evident (Ct values ≤ 30) in few instances when plasmid template representing 5 × 10(9) gene copies was utilized, the latter corresponding to the total gene copy number (as determined in this study) in 20 insects. The sensitivities of two assays (C. imicola, C. grisescens) were tested by spiking single insects into pools of 99 or 999, randomly selected non-target Ceratopogonidae (with approx. 90% Culicoides specimens). In the pools of 100, Ct values were in the range of those obtained with single insects when employing 1% of the isolated DNA, whereas the sensitivity with the pools of 1000 was low, presumably due to the low DNA concentrations obtained with a protocol that seems inadequate for these larger pools. Thus, the assays as described are applicable for the specific identification of biting midges in small pools. Primers and probes of this study were devised to be suitable for multiplexed assays but these evaluations await to be performed.  相似文献   

Lactic acid bacteria isolated from young calves--characterization and potential as probiotics     

Maldonado NC  de Ruiz CS  Otero MC  Sesma F  Nader-Macías ME 《Research in veterinary science》2012,92(2):342-349

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are widely used as probiotics in humans and animals to restore the ecological balance of different mucosa. They help in the physiological functions of newborn calves that are susceptible to a variety of syndromes. The criteria for the selection of strains for the design of probiotic products are not available. Based in the host-specificity of the indigenous microbiota, 96 LAB isolates from faeces and oral cavity of calves were obtained. The surface properties were screened showing a small number of highly hydrophobic or autoagglutinating isolates. Also, a group produced H(2)O(2) and were able to inhibit pathogens, and two strains were bacteriocin-producers. Some grew at very low pH and high bile concentrations. The strains sharing some of the specific properties evaluated were identified genetically, assayed their compatibility and exopolysaccharide production. The results allow going further in the establishment of criteria to select strains to be included in a multi-strain-probiotic-product to be further assayed in animals.  相似文献   

Safety and efficacy of an E2 glycoprotein subunit vaccine produced in mammalian cells to prevent experimental infection with bovine viral diarrhoea virus in cattle     

Pecora A  Aguirreburualde MS  Aguirreburualde A  Leunda MR  Odeon A  Chiavenna S  Bochoeyer D  Spitteler M  Filippi JL  Dus Santos MJ  Levy SM  Wigdorovitz A 《Veterinary research communications》2012,36(3):157-164

Bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) infection caused by bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), a Pestivirus of the Flaviviridae family, is an important cause of morbidity, mortality and economical losses in cattle worldwide. E2 protein is the major glycoprotein of BVDV envelope and the main target for neutralising antibodies (NAbs). Different studies on protection against BVDV infection have focused on E2, supporting its putative use in subunit vaccines. A truncated version of type 1a BVDV E2 (tE2) expressed in mammalian cells was used to formulate an experimental oleous monovalent vaccine. Immunogenicity was studied through immunisation of guinea pigs and followed by trials in cattle. Calves of 8-12?months were vaccinated, twice with a 4?week interval, with either a tE2 subunit vaccine (n?=?8), a whole virus inactivated vaccine (n?=?8) or left untreated as negative control group (n?=?8). Four weeks after the last immunisation the animals were experimentally challenged intranasally with a non-cythopathic BVDV strain. Following challenge, BVDV was isolated from all unvaccinated animals, while 6 out of 8 animals vaccinated with tE2 showed complete virological protection indicating that the tE2 vaccine presented a similar performance to a satisfactory whole virus inactivated vaccine.  相似文献   

Population structure of Mycobacterium bovis isolates from cattle in Mexico     

Gutiérrez Reyes JA  Casanova LG  Torres CR  Gallegos SL  Alarcón GJ  Pezzat MM  Martínez OP  Chávez CE  Suazo FM 《Preventive veterinary medicine》2012,106(1):1-8

The molecular fingerprints of 878 isolates of Mycobacterium bovis collected from cattle between 2009 and 2010 in different regions of Mexico were used in this study. One hundred and ninety-four spoligotypes were observed in total with a high degree of heterogeneity. Sixty-four percent of the isolates grouped into just nine spoligotypes, and 27% fell into only two spoligotypes: SB0673 and SB0669; 149 were orphan spoligotypes. The two predominant spoligotypes were found in almost all states in Mexico, especially in central Mexico, where there is a high concentration of dairy cattle; however, some spoligotypes were closely associated with restricted geographical areas. The hypothetical evolutionary relationship among spoligotypes was estimated using the spoligoforest program in the spolTools webpage. Four trees with connected components and nine unconnected nodes were found. The biggest tree had SB0140 strain as a root, suggesting this as the oldest strain in the tree. However, the relationship of this spoligotype with SB0673 and SB0669 was weak. The discriminatory power of spoligotyping for this M. bovis sample of isolates was 0.94, and the recent transmission index (RTI) 0.83, suggesting a high rate of recent transmission of some strains of M. bovis in the population. This parameter indicates that new measures are required to stop the dissemination of tuberculosis in cattle.  相似文献   

Emerging avian pathogenic Escherichia coli strains belonging to clonal groups O111:H4-D-ST2085 and O111:H4-D-ST117 with high virulence-gene content and zoonotic potential     

Mora A  López C  Herrera A  Viso S  Mamani R  Dhabi G  Alonso MP  Blanco M  Blanco JE  Blanco J 《Veterinary microbiology》2012,156(3-4):347-352

The present study characterizes, for the first time, two emerging avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) clonal groups of serogroup O111: O111:H4-D-ST117 and O111:H4-D-ST2085. The clonal group O111:H4-D-ST117 was already present in APEC strains isolated between 1991 and 2000, and was still present in strains isolated between 2004 and 2009, showing long time evolution according to the virulence-gene differences and macrorestriction profiles. Among ST117 strains, two virulence profiles could be distinguished: papG II-positive tsh-negative strains which satisfied criteria for extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC), and papG II-negative tsh-positive strains without ExPEC status. Interestingly, we have detected a human septicemic O111:H4-D-ST117 ExPEC strain isolated from a hemocultive in 2000 whose macrorestriction profile showed >85% similarity with four APEC strains of the study. The clonal group O111:H4-D-ST2085 was exclusively detected in 17 APEC strains isolated in 2008 and 2009, and showed short time evolution based on its homogeneity since all were nalidixic acid-resistant, all had ExPEC status, and most carried papG II and tsh genes. From the clinical point of view, O111:H4-D-ST2085 seems a successful clonal group that could be the result of the epidemiological evolution of O111:H4-D-ST117. Due to the increasing prevalence of both clonal groups among clinical APEC isolates, their high virulence-gene content, and zoonotic potential, we suggest them as possible candidates for the development of a future vaccine against avian colibacillosis.  相似文献   

Einfluss verschiedener Ausdünnverfahren auf die Source: Sink-Verh?ltnisse und Fruchtqualit?t von Zwetschen     

Claudia Seehuber  L. Damerow  A. Kunz  M. Blanke 《Erwerbs-Obstbau》2012,54(1):1-9

Chemical thinning agents for stone fruits are scarce. Hence, the objective of the present work was to improve fruit quality,viz size in plum, using mechanical and chemical thinning or combinations thereof; untreated, i.e., un-thinned plum trees of the same rows served as control. Plum trees of the medium-sized cv. ‘Ortenauer’ on dwarfing St. Julien GF 655/2 rootstock, with maximum flower intensity in 2009, were grown near Bonn, Germany. Trees were mechanically thinned in April 2009 with the blossom thinner developed by the University of Bonn with 300, 400 or 500?rpm at a tractor speed of 5?km/h. Half of the trees were additionally chemically thinned with both ammonium thiosulphate (ATS) (15?l/ha) at full bloom and an ethylene releasing compound (0.375?l/ha) 35 days after full bloom. The objective of 1/3 flower i.e. fruitlet removal was successfully achieved even with the slowest rotor speed of 300?rpm. The number of fruit per metre fruiting spur was reduced from 46 to 18–27, equivalent to a (source: sink) leaf: fruit ratio of 5:1. Mechanical thinning significantly enlarged fruit mass from 28?g in the un-thinned control to 30–32?g with rotor speeds of 400 or 500?rpm. Additional chemical thinning with ATS and an ethylene-releasing compound resulted in no further increase in fruit mass. Inner fruit quality (sugar) of the plums appeared unaffected by either mechanical or chemical thinning, except for fruit firmness. Plums thinned with an ethylene releasing compound were softer and ripened earlier than respective control fruit, possibly due to the ethylene release. The lesser fruit density per tree after thinning reduced the potential for fungal infections such asMonilia due to faster drying of the fruits after precipitation. Mechanical thinning reduced thinning by manual labour from 31?min. per tree in the un-thinned control to 24?min. by ca 25%, i.e., by 7?min. per tree; this is equivalent to a net financial gain of 400–500?€/ha, after expenditure (120?€/ha; 1.5?h/ha), for thinning. Overall, both efficacy of blossom removal and fruit mass enlargement scored best after mechanical thinning around 400?rpm, indicating that mechanical blossom thinning provides a suitable alternative for chemical and/or manual thinning or can be combined with either of those options. An additional advantage of mechanical blossom thinning is to overcome or avoid alternate/biennial bearing due to its early application at bloom time; a similar effect was observed with the ethylene-releasing compound applied 35 days after full bloom.  相似文献   

Changes in digestive enzyme activities during the early ontogeny of the South American cichlid (Cichlasoma dimerus)     

Toledo-Solís  Francisco Javier  Hilerio-Ruiz  Andrea Guadalupe  Delgadin  Tomás  Sirkin  Daniela Pérez  Di Yorio  María Paula  Vissio  Paula Gabriela  Peña-Marín  Emyr Saul  Martínez-García  Rafael  Maytorena-Verdugo  Claudia Ivette  Álvarez-González  Carlos Alfonso  de Rodrigáñez  Miguel Angel Sáenz 《Fish physiology and biochemistry》2021,47(4):1211-1227

Fish Physiology and Biochemistry - Cichlasoma dimerus is a neotropical cichlid that has been used as a biological model for neuroendocrinology studies. However, its culture is problematic in terms...  相似文献