Trypanosomiasis: An emerging disease in Alpine swift (Tachymarptis melba) nestlings in Switzerland?

Alpine swifts (Tachymarptis melba) are sub-Saharan migratory birds, which, in Switzerland, nest in colonies that have been continuously monitored for over 40 years. In the summer of 2022, despite favourable environmental conditions, an unexpectedly high number of sudden mortalities (30-80%) occurred in 20 to 45-day-old nestlings from several nesting sites, of which 3 were monitored in detail. Nestlings submitted for post-mortem analysis (n = 5) were in good body condition but exhibited extensive subcutaneous haematomas (n = 5), myocardial petechiae (n = 2) and stunted growth of primary feathers (n = 1). In all birds, 4-5 µm large, amastigote-like protozoans were identified in skeletal and cardiac muscle sections. These tissues tested positive in a PCR targeting the 18S-rRNA gene of Trypanosoma spp. Amplified sequences showed 99.63% identity with sequences of Trypanosoma corvi (JN006854 and AY461665) and Trypanosoma sp. (AJ620557, JN006841). 72 blood smears of 45-day-old nestlings from two colonies were assessed, of which 20 contained trypomastigote forms, some with high parasitaemia (highest average of 56.4 in 10 high power fields, 400x magnification). Trypomastigote morphometrics (n = 36; mean total length = 30.0 µm; length of free flagellum = 5.8 µm) were consistent with those of T. bouffardi. These findings suggest that an avian trypanosomiasis causing mass nestling mortality could be an emerging disease in Swiss Alpine swift populations.

Strongyle faecal egg counts in Swiss horses: A retrospective analysis after the introduction of a selective treatment strategy.

The standard parasite management of horses based on regular anthelmintic treatments, now practiced for decades has resulted in a worrying expansion of resistant helminth populations, which may considerably impair control on the farm level. The aim of the present study was to obtain a retrospective (year 2010 - 2016) nationwide analysis of faecal egg count (FEC) data from the Swiss adult horse population, related to horse age and geographic region. Thirteen labs provided a total of 16,387 FEC data of horses aged four to 39 years (average: 13.6 years). The annual number of performed FEC tests increased from 38 to 4,939 within the observation period. Independent of the annual sample size the yearly patterns of the FEC were very similar. Seventy-eight percent (n = 12,840) of the samples were negative and 90 % (n = 14,720) showed a FEC below 200 strongyle eggs per gram (EPG) of faeces. The annual mean strongyle FEC ranged between 60 and 88 EPG with a total mean of 75 EPG. Horses aged 4-7 years showed a significantly (p < 0.00001) higher mean FEC compared with the other age groups, differences were not significant among the older horses. Based on ZIP codes, samples were allocated by 70.0 %, 6.0 % and 0.2 % to the German-, French- and Italian-speaking regions of Switzerland, respectively. With 222 EPG the mean FEC in the French part of Switzerland was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than in the German-speaking region (60 EPG). Eggs of Parascaris spp., anoplocephalids and Strongyloides westeri were found in 0.36 %, 0.32 % and 0.01 % of the samples, respectively. Based on 3,813 questionnaire feedbacks from owners in 2017 covering a total of 12,689 horses, sixty-eight percent (n = 8,476) were dewormed without diagnosis, two percent (n = 240) were not dewormed at all, whereas for 30 % (n = 3,721) the selective anthelmintic treatment (SAT) concept was applied. The SAT implementation rate differed significantly (p < 0.0005) between regions, with 33 %, 20 % and 25 % for the German-, French- and Italian-speaking areas, respectively. The rate of horses spending 16-24 h on pasture per day was significantly higher in the French-speaking region compared to the German-speaking part of Switzerland (p < 0.0001). In addition, pasture hygiene was practiced at a significantly lower rate in the French-speaking part compared to the German- and Italian-speaking regions (both p < 0.0001). Overall, the shift towards the SAT-concept represents a very promising development with respect to mitigating the further spread of anthelmintic resistance.

Biliary Enterocytozoon bieneusi infection in a dog under immunomodulatory therapy.

An 8-year-old female spayed Labrador retriever was presented for the evaluation of severe weight loss 10 weeks after starting an immunomodulatory treatment, including prednisolone and cyclosporine, for meningoencephalitis of unknown origin. Plasma biochemistry analysis showed mild to moderate increases in liver enzyme activities and a moderate decrease in urea concentration. Abdominal ultrasound revealed mild hepatomegaly and a large gall bladder with unremarkable wall and content. Cholecystocentesis was performed and bile was examined both cytologically and by molecular methods, which revealed the presence of Enterocytozoon bieneusi. Treatment was initiated with albendazole but was discontinued due to the development of severe neutropenia. The medical management was subsequently changed to fenbendazole and the dog made a complete recovery. This report describes the first case of clinical manifestation and successful treatment of biliary E. bieneusi infection in a dog.

Respiratory tract outbreak modeling with case definition criteria: A proposal for a standardized clinical approach in nursing homes.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to monitor respiratory tract outbreaks in nursing homes (NH) by applying standardized case definition criteria, pathogen identification and estimated mortality impact. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This longitudinal, observational study described NH outbreaks with temperature (T°), upper respiratory sign, lower respiratory sign (LRS), general status deterioration, general signs, and mortality. Viral examinations allowed for analysis of developing outbreaks based on positive, negative, or no tests (Flu+/Flu-/NT-Flu). RESULTS: Forty-six influenza identification episodes (Flu+, 1067 patients), 14 Flu- (409 patients), and 18 NT-Flu (381 patients) were analyzed. Viral examinations were conducted mainly among residents with T° (84.8% [302/356]). A specific temperature pattern was observed in Flu+ outbreaks: 35.1% of infected residents with T° without LRS, 15.6% in Flu- episodes, and 17.1% vs. 29.1% in LRS without T°. A median temperature (MT) of ≥38.3 °C was observed in Flu+ outbreaks. MT analysis of the 18 NT-Flu episodes identified five outbreaks with high temperatures (MT ≥38.2 °C) and high mortality. Conversely, the 13 NT-Flu outbreaks with lower MT (<38.0 °C) were associated with lower total mortality. Similar clinical pictures led to closely comparable all-cause mortality impacts, particularly in Flu+, Flu-, and NT-Flu with MT of ≥38.2 °C. CONCLUSIONS: Validated sign/symptom monitoring highlighted some specificities of respiratory NH outbreaks and could be a complementary approach, taking into account common and atypical clinical pictures, assessing mortality and initiating virological investigations and infection control measures.

The golden jackal (Canis aureus): A new host for Echinococcus multilocularis and Trichinella britovi in Switzerland.

INTRODUCTION: The golden jackal (Canis aureus) is a wild canid new to Switzerland. It is an officially monitored species and all deceased individuals are submitted for post-mortem examination to collect baseline health data. This includes parasitological examinations, with an emphasis on zoonotic, reportable infections, such as those caused by Trichinella spp. or Echinococcus spp. From 2016 to 2021, five golden jackals originating from four Swiss cantons were submitted for full post-mortem examination. In one case only organ samples were available, and therefore parasitological examination was not possible. Parasite stages recovered during necropsy, as well as by routine coproscopical techniques, were morphologically identified. Taeniid eggs and adult tapeworms were processed for molecular species identification. Additionally, tongue and diaphragm were analysed for Trichinella spp. by the artificial digestion technique followed by multiplex-PCR in positive cases. Of the four jackals investigated for parasites, hookworm eggs were detected in one animal, both adult worms and eggs of Echinococcus multilocularis were present in another case, and one animal was free of parasites. Eggs of E. multilocularis as well as eggs of Toxocara canis and sporocysts of Sarcocystis sp. were detected in the intestinal content, and Trichinella britovi larvae were found in the muscle samples of the last case. The health monitoring programme in place for protected carnivores in Switzerland allowed us to add the golden jackal to the list of hosts for the endemic zoonotic parasites E. multilocularis and T. britovi in this country. Hunters, farmers, and other persons who could come in contact with golden jackals should be aware of the associated health risk and handle faeces and carcasses with caution.

INTRODUCTION: Le chacal doré (Canis aureus) est un canidé sauvage nouvellement présent en Suisse. Il s'agit d'une espèce officiellement surveillée et tous les individus morts sont soumis à un examen post-mortem afin de recueillir des données sanitaires de base. Cela inclut un examen parasitologique mettant l'accent sur les infections zoonotiques à déclaration obligatoire, telles que celles causées par Trichinella spp. ou Echinococcus spp. De 2016 à 2021, cinq chacals dorés originaires de quatre cantons suisses ont été soumis à un examen post-mortem complet. Dans un cas, seuls des échantillons d'organes ont été envoyés, l'examen parasitologique n'a pas été possible pour cet animal. Les stades parasitaires trouvés lors de l'examen pathologique et de la coprologie de routine ont été identifiés morphologiquement. Les espèces de ténias (œufs et stades adultes) ont été déterminées par des techniques de biologie moléculaire. En outre, la recherche de Trichinella spp. a été effectuée sur du tissu musculaire lingual et diaphragmatique par la technique de digestion artificielle suivie d'une PCR multiplex dans les cas positifs. Sur les quatre chacals ayant fait l'objet d'une recherche de parasites, des œufs d'ankylostomes ont été détectés chez un animal, des vers adultes et des œufs d'Echinococcus multilocularis étaient présents chez un autre animal, et aucun parasite n'a été trouvé dans un autre cas. Chez le dernier cas, des œufs d'E. multilocularis ainsi que des œufs de Toxocara canis et des sporocystes de Sarcocystis sp. ont été détectés dans le contenu intestinal, et des larves de Trichinella britovi ont été trouvées dans les échantillons de muscle. Le programme de surveillance sanitaire mis en place pour les carnivores protégés en Suisse a donc permis d'ajouter le chacal doré à la liste des hôtes des parasites zoonotiques endémiques E. multilocularis et T. britovi. Les chasseurs, agriculteurs et autres personnes susceptibles d'entrer en contact avec le chacal doré doivent être conscients du risque sanitaire associé et manipuler les fèces et les carcasses avec précaution.

Causes of mortality and morbidity in free-ranging mustelids in Switzerland: necropsy data from over 50 years of general health surveillance.

BACKGROUND: Although mustelids occur worldwide and include a wide range of species, little is known about the diseases affecting them. Mustelids have regularly been submitted for post mortem investigation in the framework of the program for general wildlife health surveillance in Switzerland, which has been in place for nearly 60 years. We performed a retrospective analysis of the necropsy reports on mustelids submitted to the diagnostic service of the University of Bern. The aims of this study were to present an overview of the causes of mortality and morbidity observed in these carnivores, to assess differences among species, to assess changes in disease detection over the study period, and to describe the pathology of selected diseases. RESULTS: Five hundred and sixty-six reports from 1958 to 2015 were analyzed. Most animals were stone martens (Martes foina, 46%) and badgers (Meles meles, 44%); the remaining species were polecats (Mustela putorius, 4.7%), pine martens (Martes martes, 2%), stoats (Mustela erminea, 1.4%), weasels (Mustela nivalis, 0.8%) and otters (Lutra lutra, 0.3%). Infectious diseases (n = 262) were frequent and were mostly bacterial or viral; non-infectious conditions (n = 169) were less common and were mostly traumatic or due to metabolic disorders. The most frequent diagnoses included distemper (75% were badgers), amyloidosis (96% were martens), bacterial respiratory infections (all mustelids), biting lice (badgers only) and pulmonary and gastro-intestinal helminths (all species). Less frequent diseases included histoplasmosis (badgers only), aspergillosis, toxoplasmosis, hepatozoonosis, and sarcoptic mange. Lesions due to infection with distemper virus were primarily appreciated in the respiratory tract and central nervous system; they presented species-specific characteristics such as necrosis in the ependyma in badgers and absence of syncytia in stone martens. Amyloidosis in martens was multisystemic in most cases and included both AA and AL amyloidosis; the main macroscopic change was severe splenomegaly. CONCLUSION: Infectious diseases were the most frequent causes of morbidity and mortality of mustelids, with marked species-specific differences. Lung and skin were the most commonly affected organs. Contagious diseases such as canine distemper, sarcoptic mange and rabies in mustelids showed a similar temporal pattern as in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), suggesting pathogen spillovers from foxes to mustelids.

Apparent prevalence of and risk factors for infection with Ostertagia ostertagi, Fasciola hepatica and Dictyocaulus viviparus in Swiss dairy herds.

Infections with helminth parasites can negatively affect performance of dairy cows. Knowledge on infection intensity, spatial distributions and risk factors are key to develop targeted treatment strategies. Canada and most EU countries have conducted large investigations, but respective data for Switzerland were missing. We now performed a bulk tank milk serosurvey for Ostertagia ostertagi, Fasciola hepatica, and Dictyocaulus viviparus on a total of 1036 voluntarily participating dairy herds that were sampled at confinement periods, i.e. in winter 2014/15 or 2015/16, respectively. All samples were analyzed with commercial ELISAs for antibodies (AB) against O. ostertagi and F. hepatica, and those of the first sampling period additionally with an in-house ELISA for AB against D. viviparus. Testing for the latter parasite was not done in the second year of the study, as the sampling period might have missed infections due to the short lived nature of specific antibodies. The possible influence of geographic, climatic, and farm management variables on AB levels were assessed for each parasite using scanning cluster and multiple regression analysis. Overall seroprevalence for O. ostertagi was 95.5% (95% C.I.: 94.0-96.6), with a mean optical density ratio (ODR) of 0.83, for F. hepatica 41.3% (95% C.I.: 38.3-44.4), and for D. viviparus 2.9% (95% C.I.: 1.6-4.7). There were no significant differences between the two sampling periods. For all parasites, significant geographic clusters of higher AB levels could be established. Furthermore, AB levels against all three parasites were positively correlated with each other, indicating either cross-reactions or co-infections. For O. ostertagi, herd size and percentage of pasture in the ration were positively correlated with AB levels. For F. hepatica, altitude above sea level (a.s.l.) positively, and milk production per cow and year was negatively correlated with AB levels. This work provides baseline data for further studies performing in-depth risk factor analysis and investigating management as well as targeted treatment options to control the parasites.

Bacterial, fungal, parasitological and pathological analyses of abortions in small ruminants from 2012-2016.

INTRODUCTION: Abortion in small ruminants presents a clinical and economic problem with legal implications regarding animal health and zoonotic risk by some of the abortive pathogens. Several bacteria, fungi and parasites can cause abortion, but cost-orientated routine diagnostics only cover the most relevant epizootic agents. To cover a broad-range of common as well as underdiagnosed abortifacients, we studied 41 ovine and 36 caprine abortions by Stamp's modification of the Ziehl-Neelsen stain, culture for classical and opportunistic abortive agents, real-time PCR for C. burnetii, C. abortus, pathogenic Leptospira spp., Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum. When the dam's serum was available detection of antibodies against B. melitensis, C. burnetii, C. abortus and Leptospira spp. was performed. In 37 cases sufficient placental tissue was available for pathological and histopathological examination. From the 77 cases 11 (14.3%) were positive by staining whereas real-time PCR detected C. burnetii and C. abortus in 49.3% and 32.5% of the cases. Antibodies against C. abortus and Leptospira spp. (33.3 and 26.7%) were detected. In 23.4% a bacterial culturable pathogen was isolated. Fungal abortion was confirmed in 1.3% of cases. A single abortive agent was identified in 44.2% of the cases and in 31.2% multiple possible abortifacients were present. Our study shows that the highest clarification rate can only be achieved by a combination of methods and evidences the role that multi-infections play as cause of abortion.

INTRODUCTION: Les avortements représentent un problème à la fois clinique et économique avec des conséquences en matière d'épizooties et un risque de zoonose pour certains agents. Diverses bactéries, champignons et parasites peuvent causer des avortements mais le diagnostic de routine, orienté sur les coûts, se concentre sur les principaux agents épizootiques. Afin d'avoir une vision large sur les agents d'avortements les plus fréquents et sur ceux qui sont sous-diagnostiqués, nous avons examinés 41 avortements de moutons et 36 de chèvres au moyen d'une coloration de Ziehl-Neelsen modifiée selon Stamp, de cultures ciblant les agents d'avortements classiques et opportunistes, d'une PCR en temps réel ciblant C. burnetii, C. abortus, les leptospires pathogènes, Toxoplasma gondii et Neospora caninum. Lorsque du sérum de la mère était disponible, nous avons procédé à une recherche d'anticorps contre B. melitensis, C. burnetii, C. abortus et Leptospira spp. Dans 37 cas, on disposait d'assez de tissu placentaire pour des examens pathologiques. Sur les 77 cas, 11 (14.3%) étaient positifs à la coloration alors que la PCR en temps réel démontrait la présence de C. burnetii et de C. abortus dans 49.3% respectivement 32.5% des cas. On a trouvé des anticorps contre C. abortus und Leptospira spp. dans 33.3% respectivement 26.7% des cas. Dans 23.4% des cas, on a pu mettre en évidence des pathogènes bactériens cultivables. Un avortement mycotique a été confirmé dans 1.3% des cas. Dans 44.2% des cas, un seul agent abortif était présent et dans 31.2% des cas, on trouvait plusieurs agents potentiels. Notre étude indique que le plus haut taux de diagnostic ne peut être atteint qu'en combinant diverses méthodes et montre le rôle possible de multi infections dans l'origine des avortements.

Dogs as victims of their own worms: Serodiagnosis of canine alveolar echinococcosis.

BACKGROUND: Besides acting as definitive hosts for Echinococcus multilocularis, dogs can become infected by the larval form of this parasite and thereby develop life-threatening alveolar echinococcosis (AE). Although AE is a zoonotic disease, most therapeutic and diagnostic approaches have been developed for human patients. In dogs, AE is typically diagnosed in the advanced stage of the disease when the parasitic mass has already caused abdominal distension. At that stage, complete resection of the parasitic mass is often impossible, leaving a guarded prognosis for the affected dogs. For humans, sensitive and specific diagnostic protocols relying on serology have been validated and are now widely used. In contrast, sensitive and specific laboratory diagnostic tools that would enable early diagnosis of canine AE are still lacking. The aim of the current study was to establish a serological protocol specifically adapted to dogs. METHODS: We tested several native and recombinant antigens (EmVF, Em2, recEm95, recEm18) in in-house ELISA, an in-house Western blot (WB), as well as a commercially available WB developed for serodiagnosing human AE (Anti-Echinococcus EUROLINE-WB®), using a panel of known status dog sera. RESULTS: RecEm95-antigen was revealed to be the most promising antigen for use in ELISA, demonstrating 100% (95% CI: 72-100%) sensitivity and 100% (95% CI: 93-100%) specificity in our study. The in-house WB using EmVF antigen performed as well as the recEm95-ELISA. The commercial WB also correctly identified all infected dogs, coupled with a specificity of 98% (95% CI: 91-100%). CONCLUSION: The recEm95-ELISA alone or in combination with either the in-house WB or the Anti-Echinococcus EUROLINE-WB® (IgG) with a minor modification should be considered as the best current approach for the serological diagnosis of dogs infected with the larval stage of E. multilocularis. However, larger studies with a focus on potentially cross-reacting sera should be undertaken to verify these findings.

Antibody-dependent and antibody-independent uptake of HBsAg across human leucocyte subsets is similar between individuals with chronic hepatitis B virus infection and healthy donors.

Maintaining detectable levels of antibodies to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in serum after HBsAg sero-conversion is the key clinical endpoint indicative of recovery from infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV). As HBV-infected hepatocytes secrete HBsAg subviral particles in vast excess over HBV virions, detectable hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) titres imply complete elimination of HBV virions as well as HBsAg particles. Although intrahepatic phagocytes, for example Kupffer cells, are thought to mediate clearance of HBsAg via antibody (Ab)-dependent and Ab-independent mechanisms, the relative contributions of circulating phagocytic cell types to HBsAg elimination are poorly characterized. Understanding the role of various immune cell subsets in the clearance of HBsAg is important because Ab-dependent or Ab-independent phagocytic HBsAg uptake may modulate presentation of HBsAg-derived epitopes to antigen-specific T cells and hence plays a critical role in adaptive immunity against HBV. This study aims to characterize phagocytic leucocyte subsets capable of internalizing HBsAg immune complexes (HBsAg:IC) or un-complexed HBsAg particles in whole blood directly ex vivo. The data show that uptake of HBsAg:IC occurs most prominently in monocytes, B cells, dendritic cells and in neutrophils. In contrast, B cells, and to a lesser degree also monocytes, seem to be effective phagocytes for un-complexed HBsAg. Importantly, a similar pattern of phagocytic HBsAg uptake was observed in blood from chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients compared to healthy controls, suggesting that phagocytosis-related cellular functions are not altered in the context of CHB.

Clinical presentation, diagnosis, therapy and outcome of alveolar echinococcosis in dogs.

Alveolar echinococcosis (AE), a parasitic disease primarily of the liver caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus multilocularis, is highly endemic in Switzerland. In contrast to well-established management protocols in people, little is known with regard to optimal treatment strategies in dogs. The objective of this study was to describe the clinical signs and diagnostic procedures in dogs with AE and to evaluate outcome following medical treatment alone or surgery and medical treatment. Of 23 putative AE cases between 2004 and 2014, 20 were classified as confirmed (n=18) or probable (n=2) AE, based on abdominal ultrasound, serology, cytology, histology and/or PCR. Most dogs presented with abdominal distension in an advanced stage of disease. Dogs receiving specific treatment (radical or debulking surgery together with medical treatment, or medical treatment alone) survived longer than dogs left untreated, but no difference was found between treatment types. Survival at one year was associated with absence of free abdominal fluid, absence of abdominal distension and treatment of any type. However, dogs treated with debulking surgery all faced relapse. Findings of this study suggest that in AE-affected dogs for which a therapeutic approach is regarded appropriate by owners and veterinarians, radical surgical resection and medical treatment or, if total resection is not possible, medical treatment alone should be considered. However, studies on larger numbers of dogs are necessary before definitive treatment recommendations can be made.

[The satisfied patient in aesthetic dermatology. Consensus work on patient satisfaction in botulinum toxin A treatment]. / Der zufriedene Patient in der ästhetischen Dermatologie. Konsensusarbeit zur Patientenzufriedenheit in der Behandlung mit Botulinumtoxin A.

Patient satisfaction is an important factor for successful therapy. Many consensus reports have been published regarding correct treatment with botulinum toxin A (BTX-A). However, the focus of most of these publications has been on technical aspects and the important topic of patient satisfaction was often only one aspect among others. The Swiss Group of Esthetic Dermatology and Skincare (SGEDS) pursued these questions in a two-day consensus meeting. Patients of aesthetic dermatology are healthy and therefore place higher demands in contrast to ill patients of medical dermatology. This demands a great deal of the physician, the practice staff and the conditions in the practice to accommodate the special requirements of aesthetic clients. Informative consultation and patient education are of major importance; this also holds true for clinical performance and care before, during and after treatment with BTX-A. This publication aims at finding ways to gain greater patient satisfaction in daily practice.

Immunoblotting for the serodiagnosis of alveolar echinococcosis in alive and dead Eurasian beavers (Castor fiber).

A novel species-specific anti-beaver-IgG-alkaline-phosphatase conjugate was synthesized for the development of a new serological test for echinococcosis in beavers. Two different ELISAs conventionally used for human Echinococcus multilocularis serology (Em18-ELISA and Em2-ELISA) yielded diagnostic sensitivities of 0% and 46%, respectively. In contrast, the subsequently developed immunoblotting assay gave an 85% diagnostic sensitivity (11 out of 13 beavers with alveolar echinococcosis were immunoblotting-positive, i.e. showed reactivity with a specific 21 Mr band), and maximal specificity. In conclusion, this immunoblotting assay should be the method of choice for use in serological studies on E. multilocularis in Eurasian beavers, and the test proved suitable to investigate both animals alive and post-mortem.

Tritrichomonas foetus: prevalence study in naturally mating bulls in Switzerland.

Switzerland is officially free from bovine Tritrichomonas foetus. While bulls used for artificial insemination (AI) are routinely examined for this pathogen, bulls engaged in natural mating, as well as aborted fetuses, are only very sporadically investigated, indicating that the disease awareness for bovine tritrichomoniasis is low. Natural mating in cattle is becoming increasingly popular in Switzerland. Accordingly, a re-introduction/re-occurrence of T. foetus in cattle seems possible either via resurgence from a yet unknown bovine reservoir, or via importation of infected cattle. The low disease awareness for bovine tritrichomoniasis might favor an unnoticed re-establishment of T. foetus in the Swiss cattle population. The aim of our study was thus to search for the parasite, and if found, to assess the prevalence of bovine T. foetus in Switzerland. We included (1) bulls over two years of age used in natural mating and sent to slaughter, (2) bulls used for natural service in herds with or without fertility problems and (3) aborted fetuses. Furthermore, the routinely examined bulls used for AI (4) were included in this study. In total, 1362 preputial samples from bulls and 60 abomasal fluid samples of aborted fetuses were analyzed for the presence of T. foetus by both in vitro cultivation and molecular analyses. The parasite could not be detected in any of the samples, indicating that the maximal prevalence possibly missed was about 0.3% (95% confidence). Interestingly, in preputial samples of three bulls of category 1, apathogenic Tetratrichomonas sp. was identified, documenting a proof-of-principle for the methodology used in this study.

[Helminth control in the adult horse: the need for a re-orientation]. / Helminthenmanagement beim adulten Pferd: Notwendigkeit einer Neuorientierung.

The epidemiological situation of strongyle infections in adult horses in Switzerland is characterized by a strong dominance of small strongyles (Cyathostominae) and an overall low level of egg shedding in the faeces. The prevailing attitude towards anthelmintic therapy considers neither husbandry conditions nor pasture hygiene measures. Instead, calendar-based routine medication, comprising usually 3 to 4 annual treatments, is the typical strategy. Such an approach, however, often results in an excessive administration of anthelmintics. With respect to the continuous spread of drug resistant cyathostomins a change of strategy seems inevitable. A consensus has been agreed on between equine parasitologists and clinicians of the Vetsuisse Faculty in Zurich and Berne to focus on the concept of a selective control approach, based on individual faecal egg counts as the central element. It is now recommended that clinically healthy horses (> 4 y) are treated only when their strongyle egg count is equal to or higher than 200 eggs per gram of faeces. A regular analysis of the strongyle population based on larval cultures, the control of drug efficacy, and quarantine measures for incoming horses are mandatory components of the concept. Recent experiences in several pilot farms have indicated that only 4 % of the McMaster analyses resulted in a deworming treatment. For horses that did not receive any nematicidal anthelmintic during the current season, a "safety" treatment is recommended at the end of the grazing period.

En Suisse, la situation épidémiologique des infestations des chevaux adultes par les strongylidés est caractérisée par une nette dominance des petits strongles (Cyathostominae) et par un faible niveau d'excrétion des œufs de parasites dans les selles. Cars les conditions de détention des chevaux et les mesures relatives à l'hygiène des pâtures ne sont que rarement prises en compte dans la planification des mesures de contrôle des parasitoses, il en résulte un schéma de traitement de routine basé sur 3 à 4 traitements par année, ce qui représente un usage d'anthelminthiques souvent supérieur à la nécessité. Vu le développement continu de populations de cyatostomes résistants aux anthelminthiques, un changement de stratégie dans le contrôle des helminthes est nécessaire. Le contrôle sélectif propagé par les parasitologues et les cliniciens des deux sites de la faculté Vetsuisse propose de seulement traiter les chevaux sains adultes (> de 4 ans) si l'excrétion des œufs de strongles dépasse 200 œufs par gramme de selles. Une différentiation régulière des populations de strongles, le contrôle de l'efficacité des anthelminthiques et des mesures de quarantaines chez les nouveaux venus sont des composants indispensables de ce concept. Les expériences faites jusqu'à présent avec cette stratégie dans plusieurs exploitations-pilotes montrent que seulement 4 % des analyses coprologiques sont suivies par une application d'anthelminthiques. Pour les chevaux qui n'ont pas été vermifugés pendant toute la saison, un traitement de sécurité à la fin de la saison de pâturage est recommandé.

Follow-up of 100 dogs with acute diarrhoea in a primary care practice.

This study aimed to examine the aetiology of acute diarrhoea and the relapse rate in 100 client-owned dogs presented to a first-opinion clinic. History, physical examination, faecal testing and owner questionnaire data were collected at initial presentation (T0) and at either the time of relapse or at a recheck performed within 3 months. All dogs received treatment according to their clinical signs. Of 96 dogs that completed the study, 37 (38.5%) relapsed during the study period, 21 (21.9%) relapsed within 3 months, and 16 others (16.6%) at 3 months to 1 year after initial examination. Dogs that had undergone a change in housing location within 1 month prior to presentation and dogs <1 year old were significantly more likely to have positive parasitological analyses (P=0.02 and P=0.001, respectively). Pica was a risk factor for relapse (P=0.0002).

Chronic bovine besnoitiosis: intra-organ parasite distribution, parasite loads and parasite-associated lesions in subclinical cases.

Bovine besnoitiosis caused by Besnoitia besnoiti is a chronic and debilitating disease. The most characteristic clinical signs of chronic besnoitiosis are visible tissue cysts in the scleral conjunctiva and the vagina, thickened skin and a generally poor body condition. However, many seropositive animals remain subclinically infected, and the role that these animals may play in spreading the disease is not known. The aim of the present study was to assess the intra-organ parasite distribution, the parasite load and the parasite-associated lesions in seropositive but subclinically infected animals. These animals were seropositive at the time of several consecutive samplings, had visible tissue cysts in the past and, at time of slaughter, had detectable specific anti-Besnoitia spp. antibody levels, but they did not show evident clinical signs at culling. Thus, histopathological, immunohistochemical and molecular analyses of several samples from the respiratory tract, reproductive tract, other internal organs and skin from six cows were performed. The tissue cysts were located primarily in the upper respiratory tract, i.e., in the rhinarium and larynx/pharynx (four cows), followed by the distal genital tract (vulva/vagina) and the skin of the neck (three and two cows, respectively, out of the four cows with cysts in the respiratory tract). We were unable to detect any parasites in the two remaining cows. Cysts were associated with a significant non-purulent inflammatory infiltrate consisting predominantly of T lymphocytes and activated monocytes/macrophages in two cows. The parasite burden, estimated by quantitative real-time PCR, was very low. It is noteworthy that the only animal that showed a recent increase in the antibody titre had the highest parasite burden and the most conspicuous inflammatory reaction against the cysts. In conclusion, although these cows no longer displayed any visible signs of besnoitiosis, they remained infected. Therefore, cows without visible signs of disease may still be able to transmit the parasite.

Adaptive gene expression changes on the healthy side of parkinsonian rats.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is an asymmetric neurodegenerative disorder, and secondary adaptive mechanisms of the less-affected side could potentially compensate for parkinsonian symptoms. Here, we analyzed gene expression changes on the healthy side of a unilateral PD rat model and correlated these changes with locomotor velocity, which is known to be decreased in PD. Four weeks after a unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine lesion, the spontaneous locomotor velocity of rats was recorded just prior to brain extraction. We then analyzed the gene expression levels of markers of the direct (dynorphin and D1-class dopamine receptors) and indirect (enkephalin and D2-class dopamine receptors) pathways in the contralateral healthy striatum by in situ hybridization histochemistry. In addition, we analyzed the expression of several striatal and cortical glutamatergic markers, as well as nigral tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and nigral dopamine transporter (DAT). We found a significant positive correlation between the mRNA expression levels of contralateral D1-class dopamine receptors and the mean locomotor velocity, at 4 weeks after surgery in parkinsonian rats but not in controls. Moreover, we observed a significant increase in the level of dynorphin mRNA in the lateral part of the contralateral striatum of parkinsonian rats compared to the controls. In contrast, no contralateral changes were observed in the striatal indirect pathway. We also did not find any significant contralateral modifications of TH, DAT or glutamatergic markers in PD animals, indicating that changes in direct pathway genes are not due to nigrostriatal dopaminergic or corticostriatal glutamatergic innervation. In conclusion, our results suggest a role of the healthy striatal direct pathway in counteracting dopaminergic denervation effects on motor symptoms.

An inter-laboratory comparative study of serological tools employed in the diagnosis of Besnoitia besnoiti infection in bovines.

Bovine besnoitiosis is considered an emerging chronic and debilitating disease in Europe. Many infections remain subclinical, and the only sign of disease is the presence of parasitic cysts in the sclera and conjunctiva. Serological tests are useful for detecting asymptomatic cattle/sub-clinical infections for control purposes, as there are no effective drugs or vaccines. For this purpose, diagnostic tools need to be further standardized. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the serological tests available in Europe in a multi-centred study. A coded panel of 241 well-characterized sera from infected and non-infected bovines was provided by all participants (SALUVET-Madrid, FLI-Wusterhausen, ENV-Toulouse, IPB-Berne). The tests evaluated were as follows: an in-house ELISA, three commercial ELISAs (INGEZIM BES 12.BES.K1 INGENASA, PrioCHECK Besnoitia Ab V2.0, ID Screen Besnoitia indirect IDVET), two IFATs and seven Western blot tests (tachyzoite and bradyzoite extracts under reducing and non-reducing conditions). Two different definitions of a gold standard were used: (i) the result of the majority of tests ('Majority of tests') and (ii) the majority of test results plus pre-test information based on clinical signs ('Majority of tests plus pre-test info'). Relative to the gold standard 'Majority of tests', almost 100% sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) were obtained with SALUVET-Madrid and FLI-Wusterhausen tachyzoite- and bradyzoite-based Western blot tests under non-reducing conditions. On the ELISAs, PrioCHECK Besnoitia Ab V2.0 showed 100% Se and 98.8% Sp, whereas ID Screen Besnoitia indirect IDVET showed 97.2% Se and 100% Sp. The in-house ELISA and INGEZIM BES 12.BES.K1 INGENASA showed 97.3% and 97.2% Se; and 94.6% and 93.0% Sp, respectively. IFAT FLI-Wusterhausen performed better than IFAT SALUVET-Madrid, with 100% Se and 95.4% Sp. Relative to the gold standard 'Majority of test plus pre-test info', Sp significantly decreased; this result was expected because of the existence of seronegative animals with clinical signs. All ELISAs performed very well and could be used in epidemiological studies; however, Western blot tests performed better and could be employed as a posteriori tests for control purposes in the case of uncertain results from valuable samples.