Cytokine inflammatory response in dairy cows with mastitis caused by Streptococcus agalactiae.

Introduction: The aim of the study was evaluation of the concentrations of interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-8, IL-12ß and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in the serum and milk of cows with mastitis caused by Streptococcus agalactiae. Material and Methods: A total of 60 milk samples from diseased cows and 30 milk samples from healthy cows were included in the study. Blood and milk samples were taken from Holstein-Friesian cows from three herds (two in tie-stall and one in a free-stall housing system) in Lublin Province in Poland. The concentrations of cytokines in blood serum and quarter milk samples were determined by ELISA. Results: The levels of IL-1ß, IL-8, IL-12ß and TNF-α were significantly higher in the milk of cows suffering from mastitis caused by S. agalactiae compared to the milk of healthy cows (263.03 vs 55.36 pg/mL, 298.34 vs 131.82 pg/mL, 604.10 vs 139.17 pg/mL and 460.86 vs 78.82 pg/mL, respectively). In the group of sick cows, cytokine levels were significantly higher in milk than in serum (263.03 vs 55.25 pg/mL for IL-1ß, 298.34 vs 164.22 pg/mL for IL-8, 604.10 vs 70.34 pg/mL for IL-12ß and 460.86 vs 104.78 pg/mL for TNF-α). Conclusion: The results confirm the involvement of the entire bovine immune system to protect against the bacteria first locally in the udder. The response of the mammary gland to infection caused by S. agalactiae is rapid and already very strong at the beginning of the infection.

Mixed Infection of Mycobacterium szulgai, M. lentiflavum, and Gram-Negative Bacteria as a Cause of Death in a Brown Caiman Caiman crocodylus: A Case Report.

This paper describes a fatal case of nontuberculosis mycobacteriosis in a four-year-old brown caiman kept in captivity. Although the clinical signs were asymptomatic, severe gross lesions were observed, namely necrotic inflammation of the intestines and granulomatous hepatitis. Microbiological and histopathological examination performed on the tissues collected postmortem revealed a mixed infection of Mycobacterium lentiflavum and Mycobacterium szulgai, secondarily mimicked with Salmonella Coeln, Aeromonas hydrofila, Citrobacter freundii, and Providencia rettgeri. Those microorganisms are not only potentially pathogenic to reptiles, but also have a zoonotic importance for humans. Our findings clearly demonstrate the importance of educating owners and maintaining hygiene rules when handling reptiles.

Biopsy and Tracheobronchial Aspirates as Additional Tools for the Diagnosis of Bovine Tuberculosis in Living European Bison (Bison bonasus).

The diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis (BTB) in living wildlife remains a complex problem, and one of particular importance in endangered species like European bison (Bison bonasus). To identify infection and avoid the unnecessary culling of such valuable individuals, current best practice requires the collection and culture of material from living animals, as mycobacteria isolation remains the gold standard in BTB diagnosis. However, such isolation is challenging due to the need for the immobilization and collection of appropriate clinical material, and because of the sporadic shedding of mycobacteria. In the present study, we evaluated the potential of sampling for the detection of BTB in a group of seven living European bison suspected of being infected with Mycobacterium caprae. The specimens were collected both as swabs from the nasal and pharyngeal cavities, tracheobronchial aspirates (TBA), ultrasound-guided biopsies from lateral retropharyngeal lymph nodes, and post mortem, from mandibular, retropharyngeal and mediastinal lymph nodes. Clinical samples were tested for mycobacterial species via mycobacteriological culture and PCR. M. caprae was isolated from collected material in two out of four living infected individuals (TBA, biopsy) and mycobacterial DNA was detected in three out of four (TBA, pharyngeal swab) bison. This is the first report of isolation of M. caprae in living European bison. Our findings demonstrate the value of diagnostic tests based on both molecular testing and culture in European bison and confirm the respiratory shedding of viable M. caprae in this host species.

Nontuberculous mycobacterial skin disease in cat; diagnosis and treatment - Case report.

INTRODUCTION: Mycobacterial diseases of humans and animals can be caused by mycobacteria other than tuberculosis (MOTT). The transmission of the infection primarily occurs via the respiratory or oral routes, but also via a damaged skin barrier. MOTT have high resistance to external factors; therefore, infected, undiagnosed animals can pose a risk for public health. CASE REPORT: The case study describes mycobacterial skin infection in a domestic cat. The correct diagnosis was reached four months after the appearance of the first clinical signs. Those were purulent, granulomatous lesions and fistulas, which could potentially act as a source of the infection for the owners and the veterinarian who cared for the animal. CONCLUSION: Despite using advanced diagnostic techniques, establishing the final cause of the cat's illness was a lengthy process. The skin lesions could contribute to the transmission of the bacteria in the environment. Non-targeted treatments could also cause antimicrobial resistance.