Clinical and Clinico-Pathological Observations of the Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate in Dogs Affected by Leishmaniosis and Other Inflammatory Diseases.

The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) has been used in canine medicine in several disorders, above all, to evaluate levels of inflammation. This study evaluated the ESR in canine leishmaniosis (CanL) and other inflammatory conditions. Three groups of dogs were examined: CanL affected dogs without clinical signs (INFECTED group, #25) or with clinical signs (SICK group, #43) and dogs affected by acute or acute-on-chronic conditions (OTHER DISEASE group, #65). The ESR was compared with acute phase proteins or reactants either positive or negative (leukogram, fibrinogen, iron, unsaturated iron binding capacity, ferritin, haptoglobin, and albumin) and immunological markers (gamma-globulins, IgG, and IgM). The ESR was higher in the SICK group than in the INFECTED group (median 39 vs. 11 mm/h; p < 0.0001), as well as in the OTHER DISEASE than in the INFECTED groups (median 41 vs. 11 mm/h; p < 0.0001). The ESR appeared outside the reference range for all dogs in the SICK and OTHER DISEASE groups and almost with similar values (mm/h; median 39, 95% CI 31-51 vs. 41, 95% CI 12-87; p > 0.05). The extent of changes in ESR can help to establish the severity of CanL and other inflammatory disorders. As a point-of-care test, the ESR can be used to screen dogs for unhealthy conditions, and its values correlate with the severity of any disease, including CanL.

Cutaneous Pythiosis in 2 Dogs, Italy.

We report cutaneous pythiosis in 2 dogs in Italy that had recurrent exposure to the same freshwater habitat. Phylogenetic analysis placed the isolates within Pythium insidiosum complex cluster IV, corresponding to P. periculosum. In Italy, pythiosis should be considered in differential diagnoses by human and veterinary health professionals.

The knowns and unknowns of the efficacy of neem oil (Azadirachta indica) used as a preventative measure against Leishmania sand fly vectors (Phlebotomus genus).

Since domestic dogs are the main reservoir hosts of Leishmania infantum throughout the world, they are the main focus in terms of controlling zoonotic visceral leishmaniosis. To protect dogs from leishmaniosis, chemical repellents of durable efficacy are available in the form of collars, spot-on and sprays. However, the negative effects of chemical pesticides on the environment are well established as they affect animals and plants. This phenomenon has created the need for safer and more environmentally friendly substitutes. Plant extract-based insecticides and/or repellents have therefore been increasingly used by pet owners and veterinarians. Several botanical products have been tested as insecticides and/or repellents against a variety of bloodsucking arthropods that transmit human diseases. Among the products tested against Leishmania vectors, neem oil containing azadirachtin is the most studied. This study reviews the scientific literature concerning the efficacy of neem oil (azadirachtin-based products) against phlebotomine sand fly bites. A questionnaire was also administered to assess Italian veterinarians' attitudes to the use of neem oil. The survey was anonymous and consisted of three closed-ended questions. According to the data reported in the literature, the efficacy of neem oil in reducing the risk of sand fly bites has been tested against Phlebotomus papatasi, Phlebotomus perniciosus, Phlebotomus argentipes, Phlebotomus orientalis and Phlebotomus bergeroti. The efficacy of the products tested was expressed in percentages, ranging from 74.9% to 100%. The protection time was only available for six out of eight studies, ranging from "only during the first hour" (minimum protection time) to "all night" (expected maximum protection time). As regards the attitude to recommending the use of neem oil, 208 veterinarians participated in the online survey. Of the 126 veterinarians who recommended natural products, 119 (94.44%) reported that they recommended the use of neem oil-based products. Considering the limited data on the duration of protection and the dose of the active ingredient, more studies are required on the efficacy of neem oil-based products in reducing the risk of contracting canine leishmaniosis. These studies should also refer specifically to the concentration of the active ingredient as well as the interval of administration. Until such results are available, the use of azadirachtin-based products as the only topical products for the prevention of leishmaniosis in dogs is not recommended.

Pelodera strongyloides in the critically endangered Apennine brown bear (Ursus arctos marsicanus).

Skin biopsies from 20 Apennine brown bears (Ursus arctos marsicanus), 17 of which displaying skin lesions, were investigated by histopathology. Different degrees of dermatitis characterized by folliculitis and furunculosis accompanied by epidermal hyperplasia and epidermal and follicular hyperkeratosis were detected. In the most severe lesions, the superimposition of traumatic wounds, probably self-induced by scratching, was observed. In 8 out of 17 (47.0%) affected bears, cross- and longitudinally-sectioned nematode larvae were present within the lumen of hair follicles, whose localization and morphological characteristics were consistent with Pelodera strongyloides. P. strongyloides is a free-living saprophytic nematode whose third-stage larvae can invade the skin causing pruritic dermatitis in several mammalian species. This is the first report of Pelodera infection in the brown bear. Although capable of causing primary dermatitis, the finding of Pelodera is not sufficient to conclude that it is the cause of the lesions observed in bears. Nevertheless, the high prevalence of the infection is indicative of a diffuse phenomenon that requires further specific investigations given the interest and conservational relevance of this relict bear population.

Ear tip ulcerative dermatitis treated with oclacitinib in 25 dogs: a retrospective case series.

BACKGROUND: Ear tip ulcerative dermatitis (ETUD) is an uncommon clinical reaction pattern in canine dermatology. The lesions are suggestive of vascular damage which may be caused by inflammatory or noninflammatory diseases, and often are idiopathic. Therapeutic options for ETUD include topical glucocorticoids or tacrolimus, pentoxifylline, vitamin E, doxycycline, tetracycline and niacinamide, sulfonamides, glucocorticoids, ciclosporin and surgical correction. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: The aims of this retrospective case series were to describe the clinical features and report response to treatment with oclacitinib in dogs with idiopathic, chronic ETUD. ANIMALS: Twenty-five privately owned dogs with unilateral or bilateral ETUD. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Cases of ETUD which were poorly responsive to conventional therapy and subsequently treated with oclacitinib, are summarised. All cases were tested for leishmaniosis by serological examination [indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)]. Histopathological examination was performed in two cases. RESULTS: Serological results were negative for leishmaniosis in all dogs. Histopathological changes consistent with proliferative thrombovascular necrosis of the pinnae were documented in two cases. Oclacitinib, used at the standard dose range recommended for the treatment of canine atopic dermatitis, effectively resolved ETUD in 22 of 25 dogs within one to three months. Several of the dogs required prolonged use of twice daily dosing. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Oclacitinib should be included among the therapeutic options for ETUD, once infectious diseases have been ruled out.

Molecular characterization of Prototheca in 11 symptomatic dogs.

Protothecosis is an uncommon disease caused by algae of the genus Prototheca. In dogs, the infection is usually first localized to the colon but has the propensity to later disseminate hematogenously to many other organs, with marked tropism for the eyes and central nervous system. Diagnosis is established by culture and/or evidence of Prototheca organisms in cytologic or histologic preparations. Species characterization, however, requires molecular investigations. Our laboratory set up a real-time PCR targeting portion D1/D2 of the 28S rRNA for identification of Prototheca species from both positive cultures (of rectal swabs and urine) and formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue. Prototheca bovis, P. ciferrii, and P. wickerhamii were characterized in 11 dogs with systemic or cutaneous protothecosis. Prototheca identifications were phylogenetically consistent with the new taxonomy proposed for this genus based on the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. As a pilot study, we screened feces and rectal scrapes from 200 asymptomatic dogs, using 2 cohorts of stray and owned animals, to determine the prevalence of intestinal carriage of Prototheca spp. The Prototheca-negative results from both cohorts of healthy dogs suggest that predisposing factors related to the host probably contribute more to the acquisition of clinical disease than exposure to contaminated environments.

Preventive measures of canine leishmaniosis in Italy: Attitudes of veterinarians based on a questionnaire.

There are several topical ectoparasiticides, drugs, supplements and vaccines that protect dogs against sand fly bites and/or reduce the risk of Leishmania infantum infection. This large variety of products and the absence of comparative studies mean that veterinarians are often faced with uncertainty. The aim of the study was to characterise the attitudes of veterinarians towards leishmaniosis prevention in client-owned dogs in Italy. A web-based questionnaire was prepared with 28 questions covering the working environment of veterinarians, advice given to owners regarding topical ectoparasiticides, advice on systemic prevention, and the use of diagnostic tests on which to base advice for prevention. The questionnaire was emailed to 9,426 veterinarians and answers were collected after 100 days. A total of 542 questionnaires were returned (response percentage 5.8 %): 54.8 % of the veterinarians considered their working area to be endemic, 29.3 % examined dogs from urban areas, and 42.3 % diagnosed ≥10 dogs/year with leishmaniosis. Those veterinarians who diagnosed ≥10 dogs/year with leishmaniosis were more likely to consider their working area to be endemic, whereas those who examined dogs mainly from urban areas were less likely to consider the area to be endemic. Veterinarians who considered the working area to be endemic were more prone to prescribe ectoparasiticides throughout the year, including collars and spot-on products and a combination of the two, vaccine alone or vaccine and domperidone combined, and used qualitative serological Leishmania tests. The attitude of veterinarians did not differ whether dogs were from urban or rural areas. In conclusion, veterinarians who consider their working area to be endemic or who frequently diagnose dogs with leishmaniosis tend to adopt more comprehensive strategies, and their attitudes are not influenced by the origin of the dogs: urban or rural. Overall, in Italy the attitudes of veterinarians in relation to canine leishmaniosis prevention appear to vary considerably.

Comparison of two inoculation methods for Microsporum canis culture using the toothbrush sampling technique.

BACKGROUND: The fungal culture toothbrush method is a common method for obtaining material for fungal cultures to diagnose dermatophytosis. The optimal technique for inoculation onto the agar surface has not been studied. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To compare two inoculation techniques; the first involved pressing the toothbrush onto the plate surface (Procedure A) and the second involved pressing the toothbrush onto the agar, as well as transferring hairs and scales entrapped in the bristles. (Procedure B). The hypothesis was that transferring hairs onto the plate would increase the likelihood of obtaining positive cultures. ANIMALS: Twenty-six cattery-housed cats were sampled using the toothbrush technique. Two toothbrush samples were obtained from each cat. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The two toothbrush samples from each cat were randomized to Procedure A or B, and the investigator was blinded to inoculation technique. Cultures were performed on a medium specific for dermatophytes. The number of positive plates, and the presence and abundance of colonies of dermatophytes and contaminant moulds were compared between the two techniques. RESULTS: Twenty-one cats were culture-positive for Microsporum canis. Procedure A resulted in a significantly higher number (P < 0.01) of positive plates (20 of 21; 95%) compared with Procedure B (seven of 21; 33%). These results were due mainly to higher plate invasion by contaminant moulds, using Procedure B. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Based upon the findings of this study, the optimum inoculation technique is to press toothbrush bristles onto agar plates to maximize growth of M. canis and minimize introduction of contaminant inoculation.

A retrospective histopathological, immunohistochemical and molecular study of the presence of Leishmania spp. in the skin of cats with head and neck ulcerative dermatitis.

BACKGROUND: Head and neck ulcers in cats can arise from allergic and nonallergic disorders, including feline leishmaniosis (FeL). It is important to rule out this aetiological agent in regions that are endemic for canine leishmaniosis, because the drugs used to treat immune-mediated disorders of cats can be contraindicated in the setting of infection. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the skin of cats with ulcerative dermatitis of the head or neck for evidence of Leishmania infection using combined immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). An IHC for tissue histiocytes was also utilized because leishmaniosis may provoke a histiocytic inflammatory response. ANIMALS: Twenty seven cats with head and/or neck ulcers. METHODS: Skin biopsy specimens were examined for the presence of Leishmania spp. by routine histopathological evaluation and IHC using a polyclonal anti-Leishmania antibody, and by quantitative PCR (qPCR). The ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule-1 (IBA-1) antibody was used to immunolocalize histiocytes. Selected history and clinical data were recorded. RESULTS: All specimens showed a superficial mid-perivascular mixed inflammatory infiltrate. The presence of histiocytes was confirmed in 23 of 27 cases with the IBA-1 antibody. Immunohistochemistry and qPCR techniques confirmed the absence of Leishmania in all cases. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Leishmania did not seem to play a role in the pathogenesis of feline ulcerative dermatitis of the head and neck in the subjects studied, despite a lifestyle potentially associated with infection. Histiocytic infiltration of tissue is not a specific marker for Leishmania infection in this population.

A retrospective study comparing histopathological and immunopathological features of nasal planum dermatitis in 20 dogs with discoid lupus erythematosus or leishmaniosis.

BACKGROUND: In areas endemic for leishmaniosis, discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) and canine leishmaniosis (CanL) are the most common differential diagnoses for nasal planum erosive-ulcerative dermatitis in dogs. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVE: To compare histopathological and immunopathological features of canine nasal planum erosive-ulcerative dermatitis with depigmentation due to DLE or CanL. ANIMALS: Nasal planum biopsies from dogs with nasal planum loss of architecture, depigmentation, swelling, erosions or ulcerations due to DLE (n = 14) or CanL (n = 6). METHODS: Sections of paraffin-embedded samples, stained with haematoxylin and eosin were reviewed. Samples were examined using antibodies targeting T cells (CD3), B cells (CD20), macrophages (Mac387) and class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC II). Histopathological and immunophenotypical findings were compared between DLE and CanL cases. RESULTS: Lichenoid and interface dermatitis were observed in both DLE and CanL cases. A nodular-to-diffuse, superficial and/or deep dermatitis with macrophages, lymphocytes and plasma cells was present only in CanL samples. CD20-positive cells predominated over CD3- and Mac387-positive cells in the two conditions. The percentage of dermal Mac387-positive cells was higher in CanL compared to DLE samples and the difference was statistically significant (P = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS/CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: In this study, similar histopathological and immunopathological findings were observed in dogs with nasal planum lesions due to DLE or CanL. Therefore, in areas endemic for leishmaniosis, the presence of the parasite should be investigated in canine nasal planum dermatitis showing clinical and histopathological features suggestive of DLE.

Rifampicin treatment of canine pyoderma due to multidrug-resistant meticillin-resistant staphylococci: a retrospective study of 32 cases.

BACKGROUND: Rifampicin has received increased interest in veterinary dermatology because of its activity against multidrug-resistant meticillin-resistant staphylococci (MRS). There is limited knowledge about the efficacy and safety of rifampicin in dogs. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVE: To provide information on response to treatment and adverse effects in dogs treated with rifampicin for multidrug-resistant MRS pyoderma. ANIMALS: Thirty two dogs treated with rifampicin for rifampicin-susceptible multidrug-resistant MRS pyoderma. METHODS: Retrospective review of medical records, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) serum activity levels and total bilirubin concentrations, obtained before and throughout the treatment, was performed. RESULTS: Oral rifampicin as sole systemic antimicrobial therapy (median dose 5 mg/kg twice daily) was effective in 71.88% of cases. Topical antimicrobials were used in most cases. Median duration of rifampicin treatment was five weeks for superficial pyoderma and four weeks for deep pyoderma. Gastrointestinal signs were reported in 15% of treated dogs. Statistically significant increases of ALT (P = 0.045) and ALP (P = 0.0002) values after 3-4 weeks of treatment was observed. The median increase was equal to 0.3 and ×1.5 the upper limit of the reference ranges for ALT and ALP, respectively. CONCLUSIONS/CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Oral rifampicin combined with topical antimicrobials can be considered an effective therapeutic option for canine superficial and deep pyoderma caused by rifampicin-susceptible multidrug-resistant MRS. Liver enzyme induction might be the most important cause of ALT and ALP increase associated with rifampicin therapy in dogs.

Prognosis and monitoring of leishmaniasis in dogs: a working group report.

This review presents the consensus opinion of the Canine Leishmaniasis Working Group on the prognosis and monitoring of leishmaniasis in dogs. While the prognosis for both exposed and infected dogs is considered to be favourable, this changes if infection progresses to overt disease. For clinically affected animals undergoing treatment, the prognosis is dictated by the severity of the signs (and in particular the severity of renal dysfunction) when therapy is initiated; assessing the degree of proteinuria is useful in this context. Approximately 75% of dogs without evidence of renal involvement live for >4years if adequately treated. Monitoring the response to treatment includes ongoing clinical and clinicopathological assessment, as well as quantifying serological responses and the parasite load in the patient.

Prevalence of Demodex canis-positive healthy dogs at trichoscopic examination.

Demodex canis is thought to be present in small numbers in the skin of most healthy dogs; however, available data on the prevalence of normal dogs harbouring D. canis are scarce. The purpose of this study was to investigate, using microscopic examination of plucked hairs, the prevalence of healthy dogs harbouring D. canis. Seventy-eight clinically healthy dogs with no history of dermatological problems and clinically normal skin and hair coat were included in the study. Five areas (perioral skin 2-3mm from both labial commissures, periungual skin of the third digit of both anterior paws and chin) were examined in each dog. Fifty to sixty hairs were plucked from each skin site and microscopically examined. No D. canis mites were observed and only one adult form of Demodex injai was found in the labial commissure of one dog. Based on these results, the estimated prevalence of healthy dogs harbouring D. canis in clinically normal skin should not exceed the threshold of 5.4%, with 95% confidence level. Considering our and previous findings, we propose that, although small numbers of D. canis might inhabit the skin of normal dogs, the probability of finding these mites in normal dogs is low. Consequently, in most cases, the presence of a D. canis mite in the skin should not be considered as indicative of normality.

Demodex injai infestation and dorsal greasy skin and hair in eight wirehaired fox terrier dogs.

Demodex injai mites were detected on trichoscopic examinations and/or deep skin scrapings in eight wirehaired fox terrier dogs with dorsal greasy skin and hair. Histological examination performed in five dogs revealed marked sebaceous gland hyperplasia with lympho-plasmacytic periadnexal dermatitis in all of them. One mite section was observed in one patient. Seven dogs were parasitologically cured after 2 to 7 months of oral ivermectin treatment. Greasy skin and hair resolved in four dogs, was partially reduced in two dogs and persisted in the remaining dog. Skin biopsies were repeated after parasitological cure in two dogs and revealed the persistence of sebaceous gland hyperplasia with mild lympho-plasmacytic periadnexal dermatitis and no parasites. Based on the findings in this case series, the terrier dog breed might be at increased risk for the development of D. injai mite infestation associated with dorsal greasy skin and hair, and microscopically with sebaceous gland hyperplasia. Persistence of sebaceous gland hyperplasia after parasitological cure in some patients suggested that this histological finding may not always be resulting from Demodex infestation. Moreover, low numbers of adult mites and variable clinical responses to acaricidal therapy suggested a contributory rather than a major role of D. injai in this skin condition. Dermatopathological diagnosis of sebaceous gland hyperplasia, particularly in case of dorsal trunk specimens from terrier dog breeds, warrants the search for D. injai mites on trichoscopic examinations and/or deep skin scrapings.

Malassezia spp. overgrowth in allergic cats.

A series of 18 allergic cats with multifocal Malassezia spp. overgrowth is reported: atopic dermatitis was diagnosed in 16, an adverse food reaction in another and one was euthanized 2 months after diagnosis of Malassezia overgrowth. All the cats were otherwise healthy and those tested (16 out of 18) for feline leukaemia or feline immunodeficiency virus infections were all negative. At dermatological examination, multifocal alopecia, erythema, crusting and greasy adherent brownish scales were variably distributed on all cats. Cytological examination revealed Malassezia spp. overgrowth with/without bacterial infection in facial skin (n = 11), ventral neck (n = 6), abdomen (n = 6), ear canal (n = 4), chin (n = 2), ear pinnae (n = 2), interdigital (n = 1) and claw folds skin (n = 1). Moreover, in two cats Malassezia pachydermatis was isolated in fungal cultures from lesional skin. Azoles therapy alone was prescribed in seven, azoles and antibacterial therapy in eight and azoles with both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory therapy in three of the cats. After 3-4 weeks of treatment, substantial reduction of pruritus and skin lesions was observed in all 11 cats treated with a combined therapy and in five of seven treated solely with azoles. Malassezia spp. overgrowth may represent a secondary cutaneous problem in allergic cats particularly in those presented for dermatological examination displaying greasy adherent brownish scales. The favourable response to treatment with antifungal treatments alone suggests that, as in dogs, Malassezia spp. may be partly responsible for both pruritus and cutaneous lesions in allergic cats.

Assessment of IgE binding to native and hydrolyzed soy protein in serum obtained from dogs with experimentally induced soy protein hypersensitivity.

OBJECTIVE: To assess binding of IgE to native, whole hydrolyzed, and separated hydrolyzed fractions of soy protein in serum obtained from dogs with experimentally induced soy protein hypersensitivity. ANIMALS: 8 naïve Beagles (6 experimentally sensitized to native soy protein and 2 control dogs). PROCEDURES: 6 dogs were sensitized against soy protein by administration of allergens during a 90-day period. After the sensitization protocol was completed, serum concentrations of soy-specific IgE were measured and intradermal skin tests were performed in all 6 dogs to confirm that the dogs were sensitized against soy protein. Serum samples from each sensitized and control dog underwent western blot analysis to assess the molecular mass band pattern of the different allergenic soy fractions and evaluate reactivities to native and hydrolyzed soy protein. RESULTS: In sera from sensitized dogs, a characteristic band pattern with 2 major bands (approx 75 and 50 kd) and 2 minor bands (approx 31 and 20 kd) was detected, whereas only a diffuse band pattern associated with whole hydrolyzed soy protein was detected in the most reactive dog. Reactivity was evident only for the higher molecular mass peptide fraction. In control dogs, no IgE reaction to native or hydrolyzed soy protein was detected. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Data suggest that the binding of soy-specific IgE to the hydrolyzed soy protein used in the study was significantly reduced, compared with binding of soy-specific IgE to the native soy protein, in dogs with experimentally induced soy hypersensitivity.

Immunologic responses against hydrolyzed soy protein in dogs with experimentally induced soy hypersensitivity.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether dogs with experimentally induced type I hypersensitivity against soy protein would respond to soy hydrolysate and develop cutaneous or gastrointestinal tract reactions after intradermal and oral challenge exposure. ANIMALS: 12 naïve Beagle pups (9 sensitized and 3 control dogs). PROCEDURE: 9 dogs were sensitized against soy protein by administration of allergens during a 90-day period. After the sensitization period, serum concentrations of soy-specific IgE were determined and an intradermal test was performed to confirm the dogs were sensitized against soy protein. An intradermal challenge test and an oral challenge test with native and hydrolyzed soy protein were conducted on 6 sensitized and 2 control dogs. RESULTS: High serum concentrations of soy-specific IgE and positive results for the intradermal test were observed for the 9 sensitized dogs after completion of the sesitization process. Sensitized dogs challenge exposed with hydrolyzed soy protein had a reduced inflammatory response after intradermal injection and no clinical response after an oral challenge exposure, compared with responses after intradermal and oral challenge exposure with native soy protein. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Soy-sensitized dogs did not respond to oral administration of hydrolyzed soy protein. Thus, hydrolyzed soy protein may be useful in diets formulated for the management of dogs with adverse reactions to food.

Papular dermatitis due to Leishmania spp. infection in dogs with parasite-specific cellular immune responses.

Papular dermatitis due to Leishmania spp. infection was diagnosed in three boxers and two Rottweilers with Leishmania-specific cellular immunity. Diagnosis was based on histological and immunohistochemical examination of papules in four dogs and on cytological examination in one dog. Serum protein electrophoresis was within reference ranges and low antibody levels to Leishmania infantum were detected. Delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction to leishmanin was evaluated before treatment in three dogs with positive results. After meglumine antimoniate therapy for 3 to 4 weeks and allopurinol treatment for 6 to 10 months, all dogs were clinically normal, had positive DTH reactions to leishmanin and reduced antibody titres. In conclusion, we suggest that this previously unreported cutaneous presentation of canine leishmaniosis appears to be associated with specific immunocompetence and, consequently, with a favourable prognosis.

Characterization of biological activities of feline eosinophil granule proteins.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize eosinophil granule-derived proteins in cats. SAMPLE POPULATION: Eosinophils collected via peritoneal lavage from 2 cats. PROCEDURE: The cats were infested orally with Toxocara canis eggs and subsequently challenge-exposed with T. canis antigen injected IP to induce peritoneal eosinophilia; eosinophils were collected via peritoneal lavage. Eosinophil granule proteins were acid-extracted, separated by gel-filtration chromatography, and examined for their peroxidase, ribonuclease, and bactericidal activities; the N-terminal sequence of some of these proteins was determined and compared with homologue proteins from other species. RESULTS: 3 protein peaks were separated in the chromatogram. The first peak had both peroxidase and bactericidal activities. The second peak had ribonuclease and bactericidal activities, and the N-terminal sequence of the major protein was homologous with that of proteins of the ribonuclease A superfamily, including eosinophil ribonucleases from humans and other animal species. The third protein peak had bactericidal activity, and the N-terminal sequence of the major protein was homologous with that of human and murine major basic proteins. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results indicated that feline eosinophil granules contain major basic protein and eosinophil-associated ribonuclease and the granule proteins have peroxidase, ribonuclease, and bactericidal activities. In cats, characterization of eosinophil granule proteins may be useful in elucidation of the mechanism of tissue damage in eosinophil-associated diseases and development of new treatment options for those diseases. In addition, the identification of conserved structure and function of eosinophil granule proteins in cats is relevant from an evolutionary viewpoint.