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This case report describes an outbreak and novel findings associated with a beta coronavirus (BCoV) infection that occurred on an American Miniature Horse (AMH) breeding farm in upstate New York, in January and February of 2013. Twenty-nine AMH and one donkey were present on the farm when the outbreak occurred. One 10-year-old Quarter Horse mare, stabled at a separate location and owned by an employee of the farm, also tested positive. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for the detection of BCoV was performed at the Animal Health Diagnostic Center (AHDC) at Cornell on all faecal samples. The PCR assay used detects multiple beta coronaviruses, including, but not limited to, equine enteric coronavirus (ECoV). Novel findings regarding this BCoV infection in horses were recognised in this outbreak study. To the authors' knowledge, this is the largest outbreak of BCoV described thus far in a closed herd on a single premise. The case fatality rate was 0% unlike that described in a previous outbreak of ECoV involving miniature horses and a miniature donkey (Fielding et al. 2015). The morbidity rate was lower in this outbreak than in previously described studies (Oue et al. 2013; Pusterla et al. 2013). This outbreak also demonstrated the potential for BCoV transmission via farm personnel. The duration of shedding of virus in the faeces among some asymptomatic horses in this outbreak was longer than previously described clinical cases of ECoV (Pusterla et al. 2013; Nemoto et al. 2014). This study suggests that asymptomatic animals may play a role in the maintenance of BCoV during an outbreak; therefore, the need for diagnostic testing of both clinically affected and apparently clinically normal horses on a premises followed by appropriate biosecurity and control measures.
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BACKGROUND: Current serological tests cannot discriminate between bactericidal Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies from others that are merely a response to Borrelia antigenic stimulation. OBJECTIVE: To develop a sensitive and convenient luminescence-based serum bactericidal assay (L-SBA) to identify serum borreliacidal activity. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective validation study and method comparison. METHODS: Serum samples were obtained either from archives of the Animal Health Diagnostic Center at Cornell University (N = 7) or from a vaccination trial (N = 238). Endogenous complement-inactivated serum sample was incubated with exogenic complement and B. burgdorferi ML23 pBBE22luc, which is able to process luciferin with luciferase and produce luminescence in viable Borrelia. After incubation, a light signal can be detected by using a luminometer to calculate the borreliacidal antibody titre. RESULTS: Components of the reaction mixture including spirochetes and complement from various sources and concentrations were tested to identify a reliable recipe for our complement-mediated L-SBA. We also applied this L-SBA on measuring bactericidal antibody activities and calculated the half inhibitory concentration (IC50 ) of serum samples from clinical collections. Furthermore, we analysed the L-SBA titres and anti-outer surface protein A (OspA) antibody levels from vaccinated horses using the multiplex assays and found that there is a relationship between results generated using these two different assays. The increases of L-SBA titres correlated with increases of anti-OspA antibody titre in sera (r = 0.423). MAIN LIMITATIONS: Immunoreactivity of commercial complement may differ from different batches. Clinical protection of borreliacidal antibody levels has not been determined. CONCLUSIONS: The L-SBA provided a sensitive and easy-operating platform for the evaluation of bactericidal antibody to B. burgdorferi, and we anticipated L-SBA would function well as an evaluation tool of vaccine efficiency in the future.
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Anticorpos Antibacterianos/sangue , Borrelia burgdorferi/imunologia , Doenças dos Cavalos/prevenção & controle , Medições Luminescentes/veterinária , Vacinas contra Doença de Lyme/imunologia , Ensaios de Anticorpos Bactericidas Séricos/veterinária , Animais , Doenças dos Cavalos/sangue , Cavalos , Medições Luminescentes/métodos , Ensaios de Anticorpos Bactericidas Séricos/métodosRESUMO
North American horses are commonly exposed to Leptospira organisms. Leptospira Bratislava is the most common infecting serovar but this serovar has not been confirmed to cause clinical disease in North American horses. Leptospira Pomona type kennewicki is responsible for most of the clinical diseases (leptospirosis) in North American horses. Leptospirosis is most commonly associated with diseases of the placenta and fetus, the kidneys and the eyes in horses. In-utero infections in pregnant mares may result in abortion, neonatal illness or birth of an antibody positive healthy foal. Acute renal failure in younger horses and recurrent uveitis in adult horses are other well documented clinical syndromes of leptospirosis. Abortions, neonatal disease and acute renal failure are caused by a subacute infection, while horses with Leptospira associated recurrent uveitis develop ocular disease months or years after the initial Leptospira infection. Diagnosis of Leptospirosis is made by a combination of antigen or antibody testing methods. Mares that abort following Leptospira infection have no additional clinical signs at the time of abortion but may shed the offending Leptospira spp. in the urine for several weeks. Antibiotic treatments are sometimes used in hopes of decreasing Leptospira shedding in infected horses or prophylactically in exposed pregnant mares but documentation of efficacy is lacking. Horses with Leptospira - associated acute renal failure can be successfully treated with antibiotics and supportive care. Recurrent uveitis is commonly associated with leptospirosis in North American horses and although horses may have chronic intraocular infection triggering an immune disease, systemic antimicrobial therapy has not been effective in eliminating the organism from the eye. An equine approved Leptospira Pomona type kennewicki vaccine is now available in North America.
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Doenças dos Cavalos/microbiologia , Leptospirose/veterinária , Animais , Doenças dos Cavalos/epidemiologia , Cavalos , Leptospirose/epidemiologia , Leptospirose/microbiologia , América do Norte/epidemiologiaRESUMO
The diagnosis of sepsis in calves is challenging. Blood culture and clinical signs combined with a complete blood count have been used for the diagnosis of sepsis. Recent literature in humans and animal species has been focused on sepsis-specific biomarkers, such as procalcitonin (PCT), that may more accurately and efficiently diagnose sepsis. The aim of this study was to evaluate plasma PCT concentrations in healthy and septic calves. Twenty healthy control calves and 58 sick calves with septic systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) based on SIRS score and clinical findings were included. Calves with septic SIRS were further divided in septic SIRS survivors (SSS) and non-survivors (SSNS). Plasma PCT concentrations were measured with a commercial ELISA assay for cattle. A receiver operating characteristic curve was used to determine cut-off values and corresponding sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of sepsis. Differences in plasma PCT concentration between groups (control vs. SSS vs. SSNS) were evaluated. Plasma PCT concentrations in healthy calves and those with septic SIRS were 33.3pg/mL (0-44.3pg/mL) and 166.5pg/mL (85.9-233.0pg/mL), respectively (P<0.001). The optimal cut-off value to predict septic SIRS was 67.39pg/mL (81.0% sensitivity, 95.0% specificity). Plasma PCT concentrations were 127.4pg/mL (72.2-216.0pg/mL) and 234.3pg/mL (204.5-309.4pg/mL) in the SSS and SSNS subgroups, respectively. Statistically significant differences were found among groups (control vs. SSS and SSNS, P<0.0001; SSS vs. SSNS, P>0.05). These results confirmed an increase in plasma PCT concentrations in calves with septic SIRS, as previously reported in humans and other species.
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Calcitonina/sangue , Doenças dos Bovinos/sangue , Síndrome de Resposta Inflamatória Sistêmica/veterinária , Animais , Animais Recém-Nascidos , Biomarcadores/sangue , Proteína C-Reativa , Peptídeo Relacionado com Gene de Calcitonina , Bovinos , Doenças dos Bovinos/diagnóstico , Precursores de Proteínas , Sepse/sangue , Sepse/diagnóstico , Sepse/veterinária , Síndrome de Resposta Inflamatória Sistêmica/sangueRESUMO
Borrelia burgdorferi infection is common in horses living in Lyme endemic areas and the geographic range for exposure is increasing. Morbidity after B. burgdorferi infection in horses is unknown. Documented, naturally occurring syndromes attributed to B. burgdorferi infection in horses include neuroborreliosis, uveitis, and cutaneous pseudolymphoma. Although other clinical signs such as lameness and stiffness are reported in horses, these are often not well documented. Diagnosis of Lyme disease is based on exposure to B. burgdorferi, cytology or histopathology of infected fluid or tissue and antigen detection. Treatment of Lyme disease in horses is similar to treatment of humans or small animals but treatment success might not be the same because of species differences in antimicrobial bioavailability and duration of infection before initiation of treatment. There are no approved equine label Lyme vaccines but there is strong evidence that proper vaccination could prevent infection in horses.
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Borrelia burgdorferi , Doenças dos Cavalos/epidemiologia , Doença de Lyme/veterinária , Animais , Antibacterianos/uso terapêutico , Consenso , Doenças dos Cavalos/diagnóstico , Doenças dos Cavalos/tratamento farmacológico , Cavalos , Doença de Lyme/diagnóstico , Doença de Lyme/tratamento farmacológico , Doença de Lyme/epidemiologia , América do Norte/epidemiologia , Estudos SoroepidemiológicosRESUMO
A new enteric virus of adult horses, equine coronavirus (ECoV), has recently been recognized. It is associated with fever, lethargy, anorexia, and less frequently, colic and diarrhea. This enteric virus is transmitted via the feco-oral route and horses become infected by ingesting fecally contaminated feed and water. Various outbreaks have been reported since 2010 from Japan, Europe and the USA. While the clinical signs are fairly non-specific, lymphopenia and neutropenia are often seen. Specific diagnosis is made by the detection of ECoV in feces by either quantitative real-time PCR, electron microscopy or antigen-capture ELISA. Supportive treatment is usually required, as most infections are self-limiting. However, rare complications, such as endotoxemia, septicemia and hyperammonemia-associated encephalopathy, have been reported, and have been related to the loss of barrier function at the intestinal mucosa. This review article will focus on the latest information pertaining to the virus, epidemiology, clinical signs, diagnosis, pathology, treatment and prevention of ECoV infection in adult horses.
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Betacoronavirus 1/fisiologia , Infecções por Coronavirus/veterinária , Doenças dos Cavalos , Animais , Infecções por Coronavirus/diagnóstico , Infecções por Coronavirus/epidemiologia , Infecções por Coronavirus/prevenção & controle , Doenças dos Cavalos/diagnóstico , Doenças dos Cavalos/epidemiologia , Doenças dos Cavalos/patologia , Doenças dos Cavalos/prevenção & controle , CavalosRESUMO
While certainly not a novel concept, faecal microbiota transplant (FMT) has recently garnered renewed interest in veterinary medicine due to its remarkable success in treating recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in man. There is a dearth of information on indications and efficacy of FMT for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders in the horse; however, based on evidence in man and other veterinary species, and anecdotal reports in horses, FMT may be a useful treatment for selected cases of acute and chronic diarrhoea and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in the horse. In the absence of evidence, expert opinion is offered on case selection and FMT procedure. More research is needed to explore the efficacy, indications and optimal preparation, storage and delivery of FMT to horses.
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There are reports of horses with acute onset acquired cervical scoliosis and cutaneous analgesia. The underlying dorsal gray column myelitis that produces these neurologic signs has been only presumptively attributed to migration of Parelaphostrongylus tenuis within the spinal cord. Despite previous confirmation brain by polymerase chain reaction testing, of P. tenuis within the brain of horses by polymerase chain reaction testing, genetic testing has failed to definitively identify the presence of this parasite in cases of equine myelitis. This case report provides molecular confirmation via polymerase chain reaction of P. tenuis within the cervical spinal cord of a horse with scoliosis and cutaneous analgesia.
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Infecções do Sistema Nervoso Central/veterinária , Doenças dos Cavalos/parasitologia , Meningite/veterinária , Metastrongyloidea , Mielite/veterinária , Escoliose/veterinária , Infecções por Strongylida/veterinária , Animais , Infecções do Sistema Nervoso Central/complicações , Infecções do Sistema Nervoso Central/diagnóstico , Infecções do Sistema Nervoso Central/parasitologia , Feminino , Doenças dos Cavalos/diagnóstico , Cavalos , Meningite/diagnóstico , Meningite/parasitologia , Mielite/diagnóstico , Mielite/parasitologia , Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase/veterinária , Escoliose/etiologia , Escoliose/parasitologia , Infecções por Strongylida/complicações , Infecções por Strongylida/parasitologiaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Equine neuroborreliosis (NB), Lyme disease, is difficult to diagnose and has limited description in the literature. OBJECTIVE: Provide a detailed description of clinical signs, diagnostic, and pathologic findings of horses with NB. ANIMALS: Sixteen horses with histologically confirmed NB. METHODS: Retrospective review of medical records at the University of Pennsylvania and via an ACVIM listserv query with inclusion criteria requiring possible exposure to Borrelia burgdorferi and histologic findings consistent with previous reports of NB without evidence of other disease. RESULTS: Sixteen horses were identified, 12 of which had additional evidence of NB. Clinical signs were variable including muscle atrophy or weight loss (12), cranial nerve deficits (11), ataxia (10), changes in behavior (9), dysphagia (7), fasciculations (6), neck stiffness (6), episodic respiratory distress (5), uveitis (5), fever (2), joint effusion (2), and cardiac arrhythmias (1). Serologic analysis was positive for B. burgdorferi infection in 6/13 cases tested. CSF abnormalities were present in 8/13 cases tested, including xanthochromia (4/13), increased total protein (5/13; median: 91 mg/dL, range: 25-219 mg/dL), and a neutrophilic (6/13) or lymphocytic (2/13) pleocytosis (median: 25 nucleated cells/µL, range: 0-922 nucleated cells/µL). PCR on CSF for B. burgdorferi was negative in the 7 cases that were tested. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Diagnosis of equine NB is challenging due to variable clinical presentation and lack of sensitive and specific diagnostic tests. Negative serology and normal CSF analysis do not exclude the diagnosis of NB.
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Doenças dos Cavalos/microbiologia , Neuroborreliose de Lyme/veterinária , Animais , Feminino , Doenças dos Cavalos/patologia , Cavalos , Neuroborreliose de Lyme/patologia , Masculino , Estudos RetrospectivosRESUMO
REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: A recent survey of European Colleges (European College of Equine Internal Medicine [ECEIM] and European College of Veterinary Surgeons [ECVS]) revealed the different strategies implemented by, and some of the challenges facing, European clinicians presented with cases of post operative ileus (POI). It was concluded that further comparative analysis of opinions, canvassed from additional colleges of equine veterinary specialism worldwide, would provide valuable additional insight into current POI knowledge on a more global scale. OBJECTIVES: To report and compare the current strategies favoured by American veterinary specialists when managing POI in horses that underwent emergency colic surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. METHODS: Electronic invitations were sent to 814 Large Animal specialists, including 3 colleges: the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM), American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) and the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care (ACVECC). RESULTS: The response rate was 14% (115/814). The majority of respondents (68%) reported an estimated prevalence range of POI of 0-20%. The presence of reflux on nasogastric intubation was the main criterion used to define POI. A lesion involving the small intestine was considered the main risk factor for POI. Anti-inflammatory drugs, intravenous (i.v.) fluids and antimicrobial drugs were the primary strategies used when managing POI. Flunixin meglumine and i.v. lidocaine were the drugs most commonly used in the treatment of horses with POI. Supplementary management strategies targeted mainly the prevention of post operative adhesions, infection and inflammation. CONCLUSIONS: There is a lack of consensus on the clinical definition of POI. Prospective and objective clinical assessment of the effectiveness of the different strategies contained within this and the European survey is necessary in order to identify a standardised approach to the management of equine POI.
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Doenças dos Cavalos/diagnóstico , Pseudo-Obstrução Intestinal/veterinária , Complicações Pós-Operatórias/veterinária , Médicos Veterinários , Animais , Cólica/cirurgia , Cólica/veterinária , Estudos Transversais , Coleta de Dados , Doenças dos Cavalos/etiologia , Cavalos , Pseudo-Obstrução Intestinal/etiologia , Pseudo-Obstrução Intestinal/terapia , Intestino Delgado/patologia , Complicações Pós-Operatórias/diagnóstico , Complicações Pós-Operatórias/terapia , Inquéritos e Questionários , Estados UnidosRESUMO
Equine coronavirus (ECoV) is an emerging virus associated clinically and epidemiologically with fever, depression, anorexia and less frequently colic and diarrhoea in adult horses. Sporadic cases and outbreaks have been reported with increased frequency since 2010 from Japan, the USA and more recently from Europe. A faeco-oral transmission route is suspected and clinical or asymptomatic infected horses appear to be responsible for direct and indirect transmission of ECoV. A presumptive clinical diagnosis of ECoV infection may be suggested by clinical presentation, haematological abnormalities such as leucopenia due to lymphopenia and/or neutropenia. Confirmation of ECoV infection is provided by specific ECoV nucleic acid detection in faeces by quantitative PCR (qPCR) or demonstration of coronavirus antigen by immunohistochemistry or electron microscopy in intestinal biopsy material obtained ante or post mortem. The disease is generally self-limiting and horses typically recover with symptomatic supportive care. Complications associated with disruption of the gastrointestinal barrier have been reported in some infected horses and include endotoxaemia, septicaemia and hyperammonaemia-associated encephalopathy. Although specific immunoprophylactic measures have been shown to be effective in disease prevention for closely-related coronaviruses such as bovine coronavirus (BCoV), such strategies have yet not been investigated for horses and disease prevention is limited to basic biosecurity protocols. This article reviews current knowledge concerning the aetiology, epidemiology, clinical signs, diagnosis, pathology, treatment and prevention of ECoV infection in adult horses.
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BACKGROUND: The diseases most frequent associated with SIRS in adult horses are those involving the gastrointestinal tract. An early diagnosis should be the goal in the management of horses with SIRS. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the plasma procalcitonin (PCT) concentration in healthy and SIRS horses to assess differences between the two groups. ANIMALS: Seventy-eight horses (30 healthy and 48 SIRS). METHODS: Prospective in vivo multicentric study. Horses were classified as SIRS if at least 2 of the following criteria were met: abnormal leukocyte count or distribution, hyperthermia or hypothermia, tachycardia, tachypnea. Healthy horses showed no clinical or laboratory signs of SIRS. Plasma PCT concentrations were measured with a commercial ELISA assay for equine species. Results were expressed as mean±standard deviation. T-test for unpaired data was performed between healthy and SIRS group. SIRS group was divided in 4 subgroups and t-test was performed between healthy versus each subgroup. RESULTS: PCT concentrations in healthy and SIRS horses were 18.28 ± 20.32 and 197.0 ± 117.0 pg/mL, respectively. T-test showed statistical differences between healthy versus SIRS group and between healthy versus all subgroups. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Results showed an increase in PCT concentration in SIRS horses as previously reported in humans and dogs. PCT could be used as a single assay in equine practice for detection of SIRS.
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Calcitonina/sangue , Doenças dos Cavalos/sangue , Precursores de Proteínas/sangue , Síndrome de Resposta Inflamatória Sistêmica/sangue , Animais , Peptídeo Relacionado com Gene de Calcitonina , Feminino , Cavalos , MasculinoRESUMO
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a standardized botanical extract of Croton lechleri, named crofelemer extract, on fecal dry matter and fecal scores on diarrheic newborn Holstein bull calves induced by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli. A double-blinded randomized clinical trial was performed in which 60 newborn Holstein bull calves were clean caught and transported to an isolation facility where calves were individually housed and randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups: placebo (control), enteric-coated formulation of crofelemer extract (ECROF), and nonenteric-coated formulation of crofelemer extract (CROF). Diarrhea was induced at first feeding with an inoculum of the enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ATCC 31616) administered with a third of the recommended dose of a colostrum replacer. All calves enrolled in this study received treatments starting on the second feeding (diarrhea onset) and treatments were administered before feeding time (0600 and 1600h) for 6 feedings consecutively. All calves in this study had failure of passive transfer. The only cause of death in this study was due to septicemia, accounting for 1 death out of each treatment group. All the calves were examined twice daily, within 2h after feeding, from d 1 (prechallenge) until 10, on d 15, and a last examination on d 25 of life. Five parameters were evaluated during each examination; rectal temperature, clinical assessment of dehydration status, fecal scores, attitude, and appetite. No differences were observed between treatment groups for rectal temperature, attitude, and appetite. Fecal dry matter was analyzed as prechallenge fecal dry matter, dry matter during treatment, and fecal dry matter after treatment cessation. No difference in prechallenge fecal dry matter was observed and prechallenge fecal dry matter was used as a covariate in the models. Fecal dry matter during treatment was significantly higher for ECROF calves when compared with control calves and CROF calves. Additionally, ECROF fecal dry matter after treatment cessation had a statistical tendency to be higher when compared with control calves. Together, these results suggest that enteric-coated formulation of the standardized crofelemer extract, a natural-product with antisecretory properties, can significantly increase fecal dry matter of neonatal calves with experimentally induced enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli diarrhea. More research is needed to test the efficacy of enteric-coated crofelemer on incidence and severity of secretory diarrhea on calves under natural challenge conditions.
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Doenças dos Bovinos/tratamento farmacológico , Diarreia/veterinária , Escherichia coli Enterotoxigênica/fisiologia , Infecções por Escherichia coli/veterinária , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Proantocianidinas/química , Animais , Animais Recém-Nascidos , Bovinos , Doenças dos Bovinos/induzido quimicamente , Colostro/metabolismo , Indústria de Laticínios , Desidratação/veterinária , Diarreia/tratamento farmacológico , Diarreia/microbiologia , Método Duplo-Cego , Infecções por Escherichia coli/induzido quimicamente , Infecções por Escherichia coli/tratamento farmacológico , Fezes/microbiologia , Feminino , Masculino , GravidezRESUMO
REASONS FOR STUDY: To determine whether low-dose, low-frequency doxycycline administration is capable of achieving chondroprotective concentrations within synovial fluid (SF) while remaining below minimum inhibitory concentration 90 (MIC90 ) of most equine pathogens and would be an option in the management of osteoarthritis. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether low-dose, low-frequency oral administration of doxycycline can attain in vivoâ SF concentrations capable of chondroprotective effects through reduction of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-13 activity, while remaining below MIC90 of most equine pathogens. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive pharmacokinetic study with crossover design. METHODS: Two groups of 6 horses received oral doxycycline. Plasma and SF doxycycline concentrations were measured using high performance liquid chromatography. Group 1 received 5 mg/kg bwt q. 24 h with 21 blood and 8 SF samples collected over 120 h; Group 2 received 5 mg/kg bwt q. 48 h with 27 blood and 11 SF samples collected over 192 h. Cultured synoviocytes were treated with interleukin-1α (1 ng/ml) for 24 h to stimulate MMP synthesis, and then SF was added to the culture medium for 96 h. MMP-13 protein and mRNA were measured in synoviocyte culture medium and synoviocytes, respectively. RESULTS: Mean doxycycline concentration ≥0.043 µg/ml (previously demonstrated to inhibit MMP-13) was achieved in plasma by t = 0.25 h and SF by t = 48 h in Group 1, and in plasma by t = 0.17 h and SF by t = 1 h in Group 2. Synoviocyte culture medium containing doxycycline from Groups 1 and 2 had significantly decreased active MMP-13 protein concentration, and synoviocytes cultured in this medium had significantly decreased MMP-13 gene expression compared to controls. Plasma doxycycline concentration in both groups and SF doxycycline concentration in Group 2 demonstrated a cumulative effect. CONCLUSIONS: Low-dose orally administered doxycycline achieves SF concentrations in vivo capable of diminishing MMP-13 expression. This study supports the use of doxycycline as a disease modifying osteoarthritic drug.
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Doxiciclina/farmacocinética , Cavalos , Metaloproteinase 13 da Matriz/metabolismo , Líquido Sinovial/química , Membrana Sinovial/citologia , Animais , Antibacterianos/administração & dosagem , Antibacterianos/química , Antibacterianos/metabolismo , Antibacterianos/farmacocinética , Células Cultivadas , Estudos Cross-Over , Relação Dose-Resposta a Droga , Doxiciclina/administração & dosagem , Doxiciclina/sangue , Doxiciclina/química , Esquema de Medicação , Regulação Enzimológica da Expressão Gênica/efeitos dos fármacos , Metaloproteinase 13 da Matriz/genética , Inibidores de Metaloproteinases de Matriz/administração & dosagem , Inibidores de Metaloproteinases de Matriz/sangue , Inibidores de Metaloproteinases de Matriz/química , Inibidores de Metaloproteinases de Matriz/farmacocinética , RNA Mensageiro/genética , RNA Mensageiro/metabolismoRESUMO
Donkeys (Equus asinus) are used as both companion and working animals throughout the world and in some countries, their meat and milk are used for human consumption. Here we report the first serological survey of Toxoplasma gondii in donkeys in the United States. Serum samples from 373 donkeys from eight farms in five states were tested for T. gondii antibodies by the modified agglutination test (MAT). Twenty-four of 373 (6.4%) of donkeys were seropositive, with MAT titers ranging from 25 to ≥ 200. All seropositive donkeys were Miniature breed. Seropositivity prevalence was 7.0% in female donkeys (20/282) and 4.1% in male donkeys (4/91). No donkeys less than 24 months of age (129) were seropositive, suggesting postnatal transmission of infection. Domestic cats were present on six of the eight farms. Three cats from one farm had MAT titers of 200. Viable T. gondii was isolated from the hearts of two cats, but not from brain tissues. Genotyping of isolate DNA extracted from culture-derived tachyzoites using 10 PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) markers (SAG1, SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, PK1, L358 and Apico loci) revealed that both isolates were clonal Type II (ToxoDB PCR-RFLP genotype #1). This is the first serological survey for T. gondii in donkeys in the United States, and suggests that donkey milk and meat should be considered as a potential source for human infection. The role of barn cats in the transmission of T. gondii to donkeys on farms warrents further investigation.
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Animais Domésticos/parasitologia , Anticorpos Antiprotozoários/sangue , Toxoplasma/fisiologia , Toxoplasmose Animal/epidemiologia , Testes de Aglutinação/veterinária , Animais , Doenças do Gato/parasitologia , Gatos , Equidae , Feminino , Genes de Protozoários/genética , Genótipo , Coração/parasitologia , Masculino , Camundongos , Polimorfismo de Fragmento de Restrição , Estudos Soroepidemiológicos , Toxoplasma/genética , Toxoplasma/isolamento & purificação , Toxoplasmose Animal/transmissão , Estados Unidos/epidemiologiaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Antifibrinolytic drugs such as epsilon aminocaproic acid (EACA) and tranexamic acid (TEA) are used to treat various bleeding disorders in horses. Although horses are hypofibrinolytic compared to humans, dosing schemes have been derived from pharmacokinetic studies targeting plasma concentrations in humans. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: We hypothesized therapeutic plasma concentrations of antifibrinolytic drugs in horses would be significantly lower than in humans. Our objective was to use thromboleastography (TEG) and an in vitro model of hyperfibrinolysis to predict therapeutic concentrations of EACA and TEA in horses and humans. ANIMALS: Citrated plasma collected from 24 random source clinically healthy research horses. Commercial pooled human citrated plasma with normal coagulation parameters was purchased. METHODS: Minimum tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) concentration to induce complete fibrinolysis within 10 minutes was determined using serial dilutions of tPA in equine plasma. Results used to create an in vitro hyperfibrinolysis model with equine and human citrated plasma, and the minimum concentrations of EACA and TEA required to completely inhibit fibrinolysis for 30 minutes (estimated therapeutic concentrations) determined using serial dilutions of the drugs. RESULTS: Estimated therapeutic concentrations of EACA and TEA were significantly lower in horses (5.82; 95% CI 3.77-7.86 µg/mL and 0.512; 95% CI 0.277-0.748 µg/mL) than in humans (113.2; 95% CI 95.8-130.6 µg/mL and 11.4; 95% CI 8.62-14.1 µg/mL). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Current dosing schemes for EACA and TEA in horses may be as much as 20× higher than necessary, potentially increasing cost of treatment and risk of adverse effects.
Assuntos
Ácido Aminocaproico/farmacocinética , Antifibrinolíticos/farmacocinética , Fibrinólise/fisiologia , Doenças dos Cavalos/fisiopatologia , Ácido Tranexâmico/farmacocinética , Ácido Aminocaproico/administração & dosagem , Ácido Aminocaproico/uso terapêutico , Animais , Antifibrinolíticos/administração & dosagem , Antifibrinolíticos/uso terapêutico , Fibrinólise/efeitos dos fármacos , Doenças dos Cavalos/tratamento farmacológico , Cavalos , Técnicas In Vitro , Modelos Lineares , Tromboelastografia/métodos , Tromboelastografia/veterinária , Ácido Tranexâmico/administração & dosagem , Ácido Tranexâmico/uso terapêuticoRESUMO
REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Placentitis is a prevalent cause of abortion, premature delivery and neonatal death in mares. Early diagnosis is paramount for the survival of the fetus and delivery of a live foal. OBJECTIVES: To determine: 1) Serum amyloid A (SAA) profile in healthy mares during late gestation; 2) if placentitis affects SAA concentrations and 3) the effects of therapy on SAA concentrations and pregnancy outcome in mares with placentitis. METHODS: In Experiment I, 15 healthy pregnant mares were evaluated from 280 days of gestation to 60 h post partum. In Experiment II, pregnant mares were inoculated intra-cervically with Streptococcus zooepidemicus (Day 280-295) and assigned to control (n = 5) and treatment (n = 9) groups. Treatment was initiated at the onset of clinical signs. Serum amyloid A concentrations were determined prior to inoculation and then weekly until abortion or delivery. RESULTS: Serum amyloid A remained at low concentrations (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.2-8.1 mg/l) during late gestation followed by a significant increase within 36 h post partum; SAA returned to basal concentrations by 60 h post partum. In Experiment II, SAA significantly increased within 96 ± 56 h of inoculation in control mares followed by abortion. Therapy was effective (P<0.05) in preventing the rise in SAA in 66% (6/9) of mares and only one out of 3 mares with increased SAA aborted. Overall, the incidence of abortion was higher in mares with increased SAA concentrations (75%; 6/8) compared with mares in which SAA remained at baseline concentrations (0/6). CONCLUSIONS: Mares with placentitis had significant increased SAA within 96 h post inoculation and concentrations remained increased until abortion in untreated mares. Successful treatment either prevented the rise of SAA concentration or decreased its concentration to baseline concentrations, followed by delivery of a live foal. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: Serum amyloid A may be used as a prognostic indicator in cases of ascending placentitis in the mare.
Assuntos
Doenças dos Cavalos/metabolismo , Período Periparto , Doenças Placentárias/veterinária , Complicações Infecciosas na Gravidez/veterinária , Proteína Amiloide A Sérica/metabolismo , Infecções Estreptocócicas/veterinária , Aborto Animal/sangue , Aborto Animal/etiologia , Animais , Biomarcadores/sangue , Feminino , Doenças dos Cavalos/patologia , Cavalos , Doenças Placentárias/sangue , Doenças Placentárias/microbiologia , Gravidez , Complicações Infecciosas na Gravidez/patologia , Infecções Estreptocócicas/patologia , Streptococcus equiRESUMO
REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: To date, no information is available on the true biological elimination half-life (T(1/2) ) of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) in the equine species. Such data are required to better evaluate the optimal time to acquire the cTnI sample following acute myocardial injury. OBJECTIVE: To determine the T(1/2) of equine cTnI. METHODS: Four healthy ponies received i.v. injections of recombinant equine cTnI. Plasma cTnI concentrations were measured with a point-of-care cTnI analyser at multiple time points after injection. Standard pharmacokinetic analysis was performed to establish the T(1/2) of cTnI. RESULTS: The average T(1/2) of cTnI was determined to be 0.47 h using a single rate elimination model. CONCLUSION: The elimination of recombinant equine cTnI following i.v. administration is very rapid. Establishing the T(1/2 ) of troponin provides critical information in understanding the clinical application of this cardiac biomarker in equine practice.
Assuntos
Cavalos/sangue , Cavalos/metabolismo , Troponina I/administração & dosagem , Troponina I/farmacocinética , Animais , Clonagem Molecular , Feminino , Meia-Vida , Masculino , Proteínas Recombinantes , Troponina I/sangueRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Research in humans has demonstrated that high serum iron (sFe) concentration can predispose to infection, and many infections subsequently result in alterations of host sFe. A decrease in sFe concentration is an early and sensitive indicator of systemic inflammation caused by tissue necrosis, bacterial infections, or endotoxemia in horses. Serum iron parameters in acute equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) infection have not been evaluated previously. OBJECTIVES: To document the sFe response to EHV-1 infection and to determine whether or not significant differences in sFe concentration exist between EHV-1 infected horses that develop neurologic disease and those that do not. ANIMALS: A total of 14 horses experimentally infected with EHV-1. METHODS: Data were collected as an ancillary data set during a blinded experimental EHV-1 infection. Horses were infected with the rAb4 strain of EHV-1. Temperature, neurologic score, packed cell volume (PCV), and sFe parameters (sFe concentration, % saturation, and total iron-binding capacity) were recorded daily for 2 weeks. Data were evaluated using Wilcoxon signed rank tests and Wilcoxon rank sum tests with Bonferroni corrections. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Serum iron concentration decreases significantly in a biphasic pattern after EHV-1 infection. There was no significant difference in sFe concentration in horses that developed neurologic disease and those that did not in these experimentally infected animals. Serum iron parameters may be useful in monitoring the clinical course of viral infections such as EHV-1.