Conjunctival aerobic bacterial flora in healthy Silesian foals and adult horses in Poland.

BACKGROUND: Commensal bacterial and fungal flora of the conjunctival sac has been described in horses and other animals. The identification of commensal flora of the conjunctival sac may aid in the diagnosis of ocular inflammatory diseases, such as conjunctivitis or more severe ulcerative keratitis, common in horses. Moreover, damage of ocular protective barriers may lead to an opportunistic infection. The study was carried out in Silesian horses kept at a single breeding center in South-western Poland, in order to limit any breed-dependant and climate-dependant variables affecting the results. Following an ophthalmic examination that revealed no abnormalities, sterile swabs were collected from conjunctival sac in 26 adult horses and 11 foals. The obtained swabs were subjected to bacterial culture testing. In case of Staphylococcus spp. isolation, susceptibility to methicillin was evaluated. RESULTS: Forty- three bacterial isolates, representing eleven genera of bacteria were cultured from 30 (81%) horses. Gram-positive bacteria were the dominant isolates (72%) (p < 0.001). The most commonly isolated Gram-positive bacteria were Staphylococcus spp., while Moraxella spp. were the most frequently isolated Gram-negative bacteria. There was no significant influence of sex and age on the frequency and type of microbial isolates. CONCLUSIONS: Commensal flora is present in the conjunctival sac of healthy horses in Poland. Age does not affect the abundance and type of microbial isolates.

Molecular analysis of Trichomonas gallinae in racing pigeons from Upper Silesia, Poland.

The aim of the study was the molecular analysis of ITS1/5.8S rRNA/ITS2 region of Trichomonas gallinae isolates from racing pigeon lofts in Upper Silesia, Poland. The analysed region is very useful for the taxonomy of the Trichomonadidae family and indicates the possible existence of different genotypes or species within the T. gallinae. A comparison of the complete ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region of obtained sequences revealed two different sequences. Twenty-three of the isolates (62%) showed the first sequence (KU954106) while fourteen isolates (38%) showed the second sequence type (KU954107), which were homologous with sequences from Genbank. The phylogenetic analysis showed that the two T. gallinae genotypes which occurred in the pigeons from Upper Silesia are widespread among European countries.

Chlamydia prevalence in Polish pig herds.

Chlamydiae are frequently encountered intracellular Gram-negative bacteria. In pigs, these bacteria in combination with other pathogens contribute to the induction of a multi-aetiological syndrome. One of the major characteristics of Chlamydia spp. is their ability to cause prolonged, often subclinical infections. While the economic consequences of Chlamydia spp. infections in pig farms are not fully established, we know that reproductive disorders and other syndromes correlated with Chlamydia infection can lead to financial loss as a result of a reduction in pork production. Additionally, Chlamydia spp. presents a potential zoonotic hazard, therefore determining the prevalence of Chlamydia in pig populations is critical. In the present study 97 pig herds from Poland were involved. To determine the prevalence of Chlamydia PCR and CFT tests were used. In total 797 vaginal samples, 797 conjunctival samples, and 235 serum samples were collected and tested. The study took place from 2011 to 2014. We found Chlamydia spp. present in 71·2% of all tested farms. The percentage of animals testing positive on any given farm varied from 20% to 100%.

The Canine Parvovirus wild-type strains infections in dogs--epidemiological and diagnostic aspects.

Biological material was taken from dogs with diarrhea. Faecal samples were taken from live animals white intestinal tract fragments (i.e. small intestine, and stomach) were taken from dead animals. In total, 18 specimens were investigated from dogs housed alone or in large groups. The samples were examined for presence of viral infections and concurrent bacterial and parasitic infestations. To test for the presence of the viral infection, latex (On Site Biotech, Sweden) and direct immunofluorescence tests were performed. At the same time to the presence of CPV infection, was conducted by the PCR method with primers complementary to a conservative region of VP1/VP2. In order to identify the bacterial strain, the material was inoculated onto appropriate media and identified with API tests, whilst parasitological examinations were performed with Fulleborn's method. CPV infection was accompanied by CCV and CAV infections, as well as bacterial ones, caused mostly by Escherichia coli.

[Localization and activity of some hydrolases in larvae of tapeworms Neogryporhynchus cheilancristrotus and Triaenophorus nodulosus parasitizing fish]. / Lokalizacja i aktywnosc niektórych hydrolaz w postaciach larwalnych tasiemców Neogryporhynchus cheilancristrotus oraz Triaenophorus nodulosus pasozytujacych u ryb.

In the study, an attempt was undertaken to compare the most common species of tapeworms' larvae in fish: N. cheilancristrotus and T. nodulosus on the basis of histoenzymatic examination of 3 enzymes: alkaline phosphatase (AP), acid phosphatase (APh) and nonspecific esterase (EN-alpha). The high activity of AP and APh in the cuticle and subcuticular cells, and the lack of EN-alpha activity in these structures was stated. Besides, an intensive AP and EN-alpha activity took place in the N. cheilancristrotus scolex, compared to the appropriate T. nodulosus segment in which the reaction was slight.