Angiostrongylus vasorum in foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and wolves (Canis lupus italicus) from Abruzzo region, Italy.

In Europe wildlife animals such as the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) are considered the main reservoir for Angiostrongylus vasorum as well as a potential threat for domestic dog infection. Though this parasite is endemic in fox populations, data on A. vasorum infection in wolves (Canis lupus italicus) are still scant, having only recently been described in Northwestern Spain, in Italy, in Croatia and in Slovakia. Based on the rising number of cases of canine lungworm infection in Central Italy (Abruzzo region), the aim of the present study was to investigate the infection by A. vasorum in fox and wolf populations sharing the same geographical area of dogs. From October 2008 to November 2019, A. vasorum specimens were collected, through routine post-mortem examination, from 56 carcasses (44 foxes and 12 wolves). Adult parasites were searched for in the right side of the heart and in pulmonary artery of all carcasses. First stage of larvae (L1) was searched in faeces using the Baermann technique and in lungs by tissue impressions. Overall, 230 adult specimens were collected and identified on a morphological basis. To confirm the morphological identification, 4 adult specimens (n = 3 from fox, n = 1 from wolf) were molecularly identified as A. vasorum by amplification of partial fragment of nuclear 18S rRNA (~1700 bp) genes. The anatomo-pathological and parasitological examinations indicated the presence of A. vasorum in 33 foxes (75%) and in 8 wolves (66.7%). The level of prevalence of infested wolves was higher than the previous one reported in other European countries. Interestingly, the prevalence of infection in foxes herein recorded was higher than that described in dogs (8.9%) living in the same geographical area. This result may confirm the hypothesis that the spread of canine angiostrongylosis is linked to fox populations infection.

Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia: A Comprehensive Overview.

Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) is a respiratory disease of cattle that is listed as notifiable by the World Organization for Animal Health. It is endemic in sub-Saharan Africa and causes important productivity losses due to the high mortality and morbidity rates. CBPP is caused by Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides (Mmm) and is characterized by severe fibrinous bronchopneumonia and pleural effusion during the acute to subacute stages and by pulmonary sequestra in chronic cases. Additional lesions can be detected in the kidneys and in the carpal and tarsal joints of calves. Mmm infection occurs through the inhalation of infected aerosol droplets. After the colonization of bronchioles and alveoli, Mmm invades blood and lymphatic vessels and causes vasculitis. Moreover, Mmm can be occasionally demonstrated in blood and in a variety of other tissues. In the lung, Mmm antigen is commonly detected on bronchiolar and alveolar epithelial cells, in lung phagocytic cells, within the wall of blood and lymphatic vessels, inside necrotic areas, and within tertiary lymphoid follicles. Mmm antigen can also be present in the cytoplasm of macrophages within lymph node sinuses, in the germinal center of lymphoid follicles, in glomerular endothelial cells, and in renal tubules. A complete pathological examination is of great value for a rapid presumptive diagnosis, but laboratory investigations are mandatory for definitive diagnosis. The purpose of this review is to describe the main features of CBPP including the causative agent, history, geographic distribution, epidemiology, clinical course, diagnosis, and control. A special focus is placed on gross and microscopic lesions in order to familiarize veterinarians with the pathology and pathogenesis of CBPP.

Immunohistochemical investigations on Brucella ceti-infected, neurobrucellosis-affected striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba).

Bacteria of the genus Brucella cause brucellosis, an infectious disease common to humans as well as to terrestrial and aquatic mammals. Since 1994 several cases of Brucella spp. infection have been reported in marine mammals worldwide. While sero-epidemiological data suggest that Brucella spp. infection is widespread globally, detecting Brucella spp.-associated antigens by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in tissues from infected animals is often troublesome. The present study was aimed at investigating, by means of IHC based upon the utilization of an anti-Brucella LPS monoclonal antibody (MAb), the central nervous system (CNS) immunoreactivity shown by B. ceti-infected, neurobrucellosis-affected striped dolphins. The aforementioned MAb, previously characterized by means of ELISA and Western Blotting techniques, was able to immunohistochemically detect smooth brucellae both within the CNS from B. ceti-infected striped dolphins and within a range of tissues from Brucella spp.-infected domestic ruminants. In conclusion, the results of the present study are of relevance both from the B. ceti infection's diagnostic and pathogenetic standpoints.

Seroprevalence of sapovirus in dogs using baculovirus-expressed virus-like particles.

Caliciviruses of the Sapovirus genus have been recently detected in dogs. Canine sapoviruses (SaVs) have been identified in the stools of young or juvenile animals with gastro-enteric disease at low prevalence (2.0-2.2%), but whether they may have a role as enteric pathogens and to which extent dogs are exposed to SaVs remains unclear. Here, we report the expression in a baculovirus system of virus like-particles (VLPs) of a canine SaV strain, the prototype virus Bari/4076/2007/ITA. The recombinant antigen was used to develop an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). By screening an age-stratified collection of serum samples from 516 dogs in Italy, IgG antibodies specific for the canine SaV VLPs were detected in 40.3% (208/516) of the sera. Also, as observed for SaV infection in humans, we observed a positive association between seropositivity and age, with the highest prevalence rates in dogs older than 4 years of age.

Respiratory explants as a model to investigate early events of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia infection.

Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) is a severe disease caused by Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides (Mmm). Knowledge on CBPP pathogenesis is fragmented and hampered by the limited availability of laboratory animal and in vitro models of investigation. The purpose of the present study is to assess respiratory explants as useful tools to study the early stages of CBPP. Explants were obtained from trachea, bronchi and lungs of slaughtered cattle, tested negative for Mycoplasma spp. and for the major bacterial and viral respiratory pathogens. The interaction of Mmm with explant cells was studied by immunohistochemistry (IHC), double-labelling indirect immunofluorescence (DLIIF) and laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM). Mmm capability to survive and proliferate within the explants was evaluated by standard microbiological procedures. Finally, the putative cellular internalization of Mmm was further investigated by the gentamicin invasion assay. IHC and DLIIF indicated that Mmm can colonize explants, showing a marked tropism for lower airways. Specifically, Mmm was detected on/inside the bronchiolar and alveolar epithelial cells, the alveolar macrophages and the endothelial cells. The interaction between Mmm and explant cells was abolished by the pre-incubation of the pathogen with bovine anti-Mmm immune sera. Mmm was able to survive and proliferate in all tracheal, bronchial and lung explants, during the entire time course of the experiments. LSCM and gentamicin invasion assay both confirmed that Mmm can enter non-phagocytic host cells. Taken together, our data supports bovine respiratory explants as a promising tool to investigate CBPP, alternative to cattle experimental infection.

Corrigendum: Effect of Underlying Renal Disease on Nutritional and Metabolic Profile of Older Adults with Reduced Renal Function.

[This corrects the article on p. 4 in vol. 4, PMID: 28367435.].

Effect of Underlying Renal Disease on Nutritional and Metabolic Profile of Older Adults with Reduced Renal Function.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease is a common condition in the general population, particularly among older adults. Renal impairment is in turn associated with metabolic and nutritional derangements and with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. AIM: To compare the metabolic, nutritional, and cardiovascular impact of reduced kidney function between patients with and without known renal disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We enrolled consecutive outpatients (age ≥65 years) with reduced renal function who were divided into two groups: Group A with history of renal disease and Group B with unknown renal disease. Metabolic and nutritional parameters, including involuntary body weight loss (BWL) in the previous 6 months, mineral metabolism, inflammatory indices, and left ventricular mass index (LVMI), were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 76 patients were enrolled. Group A (n = 39, M: 24, F: 15) showed greater BWL with a significant reduction of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, transferrin, cholinesterase, albumin, and greater [corrected] LVMI with respect to Group B (n = 37, M: 23, F: 14) (p < 0.01). In addition, Group A [corrected] showed significantly increased intact parathyroid hormone, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, and C-reactive protein when compared to Group B [corrected] (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The positive history of renal disease may negatively impact on several metabolic and nutritional parameters related to increased cardiovascular risk among older adults.

Selection of a monoclonal antibody by ELISA, immunoblotting and Quartz Crystal Microbalance technology for immunohistochemical detection of Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides.

An immunohistochemical (IHC) technique was optimised using a monoclonal antibody (MAb) to detect Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides (Mmm), the agent of Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP), in sections of lung tissue. A panel of MAbs was produced and screened for Mmm speci city and for cross-reactivity against other mycoplasmas belonging and not belonging to the Mycoplasma mycoides cluster, using in parallel indirect ELISA (i-ELISA) and Immunoblotting (IB). Based on i-ELISA and IB characterization data, 1 MAb (clone 3G10E7) was selected and its highest a nity vs Mmm was con rmed by the Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) technology. Afterwards, IHC analyses were conducted to compare MAb 3G10E7 vs rabbit Mmm speci c hyperimmune serum using lung tissue sections of CBPP infected and CBPP negative animals. Results suggest that screening of MAbs using in parallel ELISA, IB, and QCM technology enables to select high a nity target speci c MAbs. Immunohistochemical results demonstrated that MAb 3G10E7 improved IHC performances, showing reduced background staining and no cross-reactivity against Mycoplasma bovis, which is responsible of pneumonia in cattle.

Hyperaldosteronism and cardiovascular risk in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.

Hypertension is commonly associated with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), often discovered before the onset of renal failure, albeit the pathogenetic mechanisms are not well elucidated. Hyperaldosteronism in ADPKD may contribute to the development of insulin resistance and endothelial dysfunction, and progression of cardiorenal disease. The aim of study was to evaluate the prevalence of primary aldosteronism (PA) in ADPKD patients and identify some surrogate biomarkers of cardiovascular risk.We have enrolled 27 hypertensive ADPKD patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥ 60 mL/min, evaluating the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), inflammatory indexes, nutritional status, homocysteine (Hcy), homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), mineral metabolism, microalbuminuria, and surrogate markers of atherosclerosis [carotid intima media thickness (cIMT), ankle/brachial index (ABI), flow mediated dilation (FMD), renal resistive index (RRI) and left ventricular mass index (LVMI)]. Furthermore, we have carried out the morpho-functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with high-field 3 T Magnetom Avanto.We have divided patients into group A, with normal plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) and group B with PA, present in 9 (33%) of overall ADPKD patients. Respect to group A, group B showed a significant higher mean value of LVMI, HOMA-IR and Hcy (P = 0.001, P = 0.004, P = 0.018; respectively), and a lower value of FMD and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH-VitD) (P = 0.037, P = 0.019; respectively) with a higher prevalence of non-dipper pattern at Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) (65% vs 40%, P < 0.05) at an early stage of the disease.In this study, we showed a high prevalence of PA in ADPKD patients, associated to higher LVMI, HOMA-IR, Hcy, lower FMD, and 25-OH-VitD, considered as surrogate markers of atherosclerosis, compared to ADPKD patients with normal PAC values. Our results indicate a higher overall cardiovascular risk in ADPKD patients with inappropriate aldosterone secretion, and a screening for PA in all patients with ADPKD is recommended.

[Geriatric nephrology: an overview]. / Nefrologia geriatrica: an overview.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a highly prevalent condition and its prevalence is increasing worldwide, particularly in adults aged 70 years. Epidemiological studies showed that as many as 2054% of the older adults suffer from CKD in stages 3-5. Nevertheless the question whether this lower eGFR is a consequence of kidney disease or if it is the result of a physiological aging is still debated, even if it implies a reduced renal reserve and vulnerability to drugs overdose with increased risk of acute kidney injury (AKI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: PubMed search was conducted for available English literature, describing the actual knowledge about specific and frequent issues reported in the acute and chronic kidney disease in older adults. Prospective and retrospective studies, as well as meta-analyses and latest systematic reviews were included. RESULTS: Most of the studies examined and reviewed were discarded for wrong population or intervention or deemed unfit. Only 103 met the inclusion criteria for the review. The studies included in the review were grouped into two areas: chronic and acute kidney disease in older adults and we have analysed the peculiar and frequently found issues in this population. CONCLUSIONS: The geriatric population is increasing worldwide. We should consider peculiar aspects of this population, such as sarcopenia, malnutrition, psychological and cognitive deficits and increased risk of AKI, in order to reach a good quality of life, with improved doctor / patient relationship, a greater adherence to therapy, a reduction in health care costs, and if possible, adequate "end of life", as far as it is approved by the patient and his family. The achievement of these objectives requires an organized work in multidisciplinary teams that evaluate overall the geriatric patient.

Invasive pleural malignant mesothelioma with rib destruction and concurrent osteosarcoma in a dog.

A 7-year-old Dachshund was clinically examined because of a 10-day history of lameness in the left hind limb. On the basis of radiological and cytological findings, an osteosarcoma of the left acetabular region was suspected. The dog underwent a hemipelvectomy and osteosarcoma was diagnosed by subsequent histopathological examination. An immovable subcutaneous mass was noted on the left chest wall during the physical examination and non-septic neutrophilic inflammation was diagnosed by cytology. Forty days later, the dog showed signs of respiratory distress with an in-diameter increase of the subcutaneous mass up to 4 cm. Thoracic radiography and ultrasonography revealed pleural effusion and a lytic process in the fourth left rib. Furthermore, ultrasound examination revealed a mixed echogenic mobile structure with a diameter of around 2 cm floating within the pleural fluid of the left hemithorax close to the pericardium. The dog underwent surgery for an en bloc resection of the subcutaneous mass together with the fourth rib and the parietal pleura. Moreover, the left altered lung lobe, corresponding to the mobile structure detected by ultrasound, was removed. Based on cytological, histopathological, and immunohistochemical examinations, an invasive epithelioid pleural malignant mesothelioma was diagnosed.

Sclerosing peritoneal mesothelioma in a dog: histopathological, histochemical and immunohistochemical investigations.

Mesotheliomas are rare neoplasm affecting on rare occasions both animals and humans and which arise from the mesothelial cells lining the coelomic cavities. We report herein the histopathological, histochemical and immunohistochemical findings in a dog affected by sclerosing peritoneal mesothelioma, a rare variant of canine mesothelioma, and submitted to laparotomy in December 2012 (Teramo, Italy). Our data confirm that mesothelioma still represents a diagnostic challenge and that immunohistochemistry can be extremely useful as supportive diagnostic technique.

Canine testicular tumours: a retrospective investigation in Abruzzo and Molise, Italy.

Canine testicular tumours frequently occur and share relevant features with their human counterparts, thus being a putative model in comparative oncology. The authors present data on canine testicular tumours submitted to the Istituto G. Caporale over the last 12 years. In total, 183 testicular neoplasms were diagnosed: 108 seminomas, 37 Sertoli cell tumours, 18 interstitial Leydig cell tumours, 10 mixed tumours, 9 other primary tumours and one metastatic neoplasm. A systematic and more detailed collection of data (signalling, history, clinical signs and follow-up) enables a better evaluation of clinical and biological features of animal tumours, as well as a clear assessment of the real impact, if any, of specific intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors.

[New therapeutic prospects for renal transplant: extracorporeal photochemotherapy]. / Nuove prospettive terapeutiche per il trapianto di rene: la fotochemioterapia extracorporea.

Since 1960, different classes of immunosuppressive drugs have been used in the post-transplant follow-up. Each is assessed for its effectiveness in preventing rejection but also on the basis of the many side effects induced by prolonged treatment. To reduce these side effects, continuous development of knowledge and medical technology to create cutting-edge therapies in the field is necessary. One of these is extracorporeal photochemotherapy (ECP), an immunomodulatory therapy approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration in 1988 for the treatment of advanced forms of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. EC P is a useful therapeutic tool for the development of immunomodulation supported by CD8+ clone-specific cytotoxic lymphocytes. The T cells targeted by EC P are modified by photoactivation and seem to develop marked immunogenicity with no suppression of the immune response. Recent studies suggest the possible utility of EC P in the treatment of glomerulonephritis and in countering rejection after transplantation of organs including the kidney.

Equine meningo-encephalitis caused by Halicephalobus gingivalis: a case report observed during West Nile disease surveillance activities.

A seven-year-old horse was euthanised after exhibiting a severe and rapidly progressive neurological disorder. Tissue samples were despatched to the Italian Reference Centre for Animal Foreign Diseases (Istituto 'G. Caporale' in Teramo) for diagnosis. All laboratory tests for equine neurotropic viruses gave negative results. Scattered perivascular inflammatory infiltrates and several parasites that were morphologically classified as Halicephalobus gingivalis, were seen within the brain upon microscopic examination. Pathological findings led to the diagnosis of parasitic meningo-encephalitis caused by H. gingivalis. This case report confirms that halicephalobosis should be taken into account in the differential diagnosis of equine encephalopathy and it also highlights the value of a multidisciplinary approach to problem solving in veterinary medicine.

Effects of immune serum on macrophage cell cultures infected with Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides small colony: morphological analysis by scanning electron microscopy.

Macrophages are pivotal cells of the immune system and play a key role in the host defence mechanism against pathogens. To date, the importance of macrophages and the role of humoral response in eliciting macrophage activity against Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides small colony (Mmm-SC), the causative agent of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP), have only been marginally elucidated or are almost unknown. The present study was undertaken to investigate the changes in surface morphology of macrophages after in vitro infection with Mmm-SC in the presence of bovine immune serum. Morphological analysis was performed on macrophage cultures at 6 h post infection using the three-dimensional vision of scanning electron microscopy. Non-infected macrophages in the presence of negative or immune serum and macro phages infected with Mmm-SC in the absence of serum showed only minor cell surface changes. In contrast, clear surface modifications, broad veils, fine philopodia highlighting cell activation and small aggregates of mycoplasma closely attached to the macrophage membrane, were observed in infected macrophage cultures in the presence of immune serum. Our results suggest that specific humoral response to Mmm-SC may contribute and support phagocytic activity of macrophages.

[Diagnostic and therapeutic approach in patients with urinary calculi]. / Percorso diagnostico-terapeutico per il paziente con calcolosi urinaria.

The natural history of urolithiasis includes the risk of recurrence and of the development of chronic kidney and/or bone disease, which is why a thorough clinical and metabolic evaluation of these patients is of the utmost importance at disease onset. This paper is aimed at identifying the type of urolithiasis, the related risk factors, and the corresponding treatment options. The diagnostic and therapeutic approach described here includes 1) accurate history taking to detect secondary nephrolithiasis and screen for the main risk factors for kidney and bone disease; 2) metabolic evaluation graded according to different complexity levels based on the severity of the disease and the presence of risk factors; 3) carrying out appropriate imaging procedures. The resulting information allows to plan treatment based either on general rules of lifestyle and diet, or on selected medical intervention, if necessary. This report, which is based on current guidelines, was produced by the Gruppo Italiano di Studio Multidisciplinare per la Calcolosi Renale. It is addressed to all professionals involved in the management of patients suffering from nephrolithiasis, first of all general practitioners, who often become involved immediately at the onset of the disease.

Experimental infection of goats with an unusual strain of Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. capri isolated in Jordan: comparison of different diagnostic methods.

Ten goats were experimentally infected with a Mycoplasma identified by biomolecular methods as Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. capri, strain Irbid which was isolated from goats in an outbreak of contagious agalactia in north Jordan and defined as 'unusual', due to its serological characteristics. Two groups of goats infected by the endotracheal route and by aerosol, respectively, were placed in contact with a third group of naive animals. Six weeks after infection, some animals from both the infected and contact groups presented fever and nasal discharge, followed by severe respiratory signs and polyarthritis. Organs were taken from animals that died during the trial or those that were sacrificed at the end of the trial. The results of microbiological isolation and immunohistochemical tests conducted on the organs were compared after a description of the clinical picture and anatomopathological and histopathological signs.