Antifungal effects of the biological agent Pythium oligandrum observed in vitro.

Objectives Dermatophytosis, commonly known as ringworm, is a superficial fungal skin disease and zoonosis. Pythium oligandrum is a micromycete with mycoparasitic properties that is used in agriculture to control fungal infections on plants. Formulations containing P oligandrum were also developed for the treatment of dermatophytoses, but only a small number of case studies have been published. In order to document the process in simplified conditions in vitro, we investigated the effectiveness of P oligandrum against three pathogenic dermatophytes common in domestic animals. Methods Cultures of the pathogens grown on nutrient media and experimentally infected cat hair were treated with P oligandrum preparations in therapeutic concentration and the changes were documented by microscopic videos and scanning electron microscopy. Results There was strong mycoparasitic activity of P oligandrum against Microsporum canis, Microsporum gypseum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Conclusions and relevance P oligandrum was demonstrated to be effective against three common causes of dermatophytosis in vitro.

Tick-borne encephalitis in dogs: application of "nested real-time RT-PCR" for intravital virus detection.

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) virus is a tick-transmitted virus causing disorders of the nervous system in humans, monkeys, dogs and horses (rarely). At present the detection of TBE infection in dogs is performed by confirmation of seroconversion in paired samples of serum in clinical practice. The intention of the study was the assessment of the possible application of nested real-time RT-PCR for detection of TBE virus in canine blood. The study was carried out in 2011-2012 using samples originating in the Czech Republic, South Moravian region (region with endemic occurrence of TBE). The dogs were randomly selected from the patients visiting the clinic during this time period. Of the total amount of 159 canine blood samples, 20 samples were tested with a PCR-positive result (12.6%). Out of these 20 animals, the neurological clinical symptoms typical of TBE were detected in seven dogs. PCR-positive results were found between March and November. Three dogs were tested with a competitive ELISA-positive result and a "nested real-time RT-PCR"-positive result concurrently. In the group of 159 dogs the value of seroprevalence was found to be 11.3%.

Combined exposure to cyanobacterial biomass, lead and the Newcastle virus enhances avian toxicity.

Under environmental conditions, wild birds can be exposed to multiple stressors including natural toxins, anthropogenic pollutants and infectious agents at the same time. This experimental study was successful in testing the hypothesis that adverse effects of cyanotoxins, heavy metals and a non-pathogenic immunological challenge combine to enhance avian toxicity. Mortality occurred in combined exposures to naturally occurring cyanobacterial biomass and lead shots, lead shots and Newcastle vaccination as well as in single lead shot exposure. Mostly acute effects around day 10 were observed. On day 30 of exposure, there were no differences in the liver accumulation of lead in single and combined exposure groups. Interestingly, liver microcystin levels were elevated in birds co-exposed to cyanobacterial biomass together with lead or lead and the Newcastle virus. Significant differences in body weights between all Pb-exposed and Pb-non-exposed birds were found on days 10 and 20. Single exposure to cyanobacterial biomass resulted in hepatic vacuolar dystrophy, whereas co-exposure with lead led to more severe granular dystrophy. Haematological changes were associated with lead exposure, in particular. Biochemical analysis revealed a decrease in glucose and an increase in lactate dehydrogenase in single and combined cyanobacterial and lead exposures, which also showed a decreased antibody response to vaccination. The combined exposure of experimental birds to sub-lethal doses of individual stressors is ecologically realistic. It brings together new pieces of knowledge on avian health. In light of this study, investigators of wild bird die-offs should be circumspect when evaluating findings of low concentrations of contaminants that would not result in mortality on a separate basis. As such it has implications for wildlife biologists, veterinarians and conservationists of avian biodiversity.