Cinética del lactato para el pronóstico en el shock cardiogénico asistido con oxigenador extracorpóreo de membrana venoarterial / Lactate levels as a prognostic predict in cardiogenic shock under venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support

Introducción y objetivos: El lactato y su evolución se asocian con el pronóstico de los pacientes en shock, si bien es escasa la evidencia en aquellos asistidos con oxigenador extracorpóreo de membrana venoarterial (ECMO-VA). Nuestro objetivo es evaluar su valor pronóstico en shock cardiogénico asistido con ECMO-VA. Métodos: Estudio de pacientes tratados con ECMO-VA por shock cardiogénico de indicación médica entre julio de 2013 y abril de 2021. Se calculó el aclaramiento de lactato: (lactato inicial − lactato 6 h) / lactato inicial × tiempo exacto entre ambas determinaciones. Resultados: De 121 pacientes, 44 (36,4%) tenían infarto agudo de miocardio; 42 (34,7%), implante intraparada; 14 (11,6%), tromboembolia pulmonar, 14 (11,6%), tormenta arrítmica y 6 (5,0%), miocarditis fulminante. A los 30 días habían fallecido 60 pacientes (49,6%); la mortalidad fue mayor con el implante intraparada que con el implante en circulación espontánea (30 [71,4%] de 42 frente a 30 [38,0%] de 79; p=0,030). Se asociaron de manera independiente con la mortalidad a 30 días la alanina aminotransferasa (ALT) antes del implante y el lactato (tanto basal como a las 6 h y el aclaramiento). Los modelos de regresión que incluían el lactato presentaron mejor capacidad predictiva de la supervivencia que las puntuaciones ENCOURAGE y ECMO-ACCEPTS, con mayor área bajo la curva ROC en el modelo con lactato a las 6 h.Conclusiones: El lactato (basal y a las 6 h y el aclaramiento) es un predictor independiente para el pronóstico de los pacientes en shock cardiogénico asistidos con ECMO-VA que facilita una mejor estratificación del riesgo y tiene una capacidad predictiva superior (AU)

Introduction and objectives: Lactate and its evolution are associated with the prognosis of patients in shock, although there is little evidence in those assisted with an extracorporeal venoarterial oxygenation membrane (VA-ECMO). Our objective was to evaluate its prognostic value in cardiogenic shock assisted with VA-ECMO. Methods: Study of patients with cardiogenic shock treated with VA-ECMO for medical indication between July 2013 and April 2021. Lactate clearance was calculated: [(initial lactate − 6 h lactate) / initial lactate × exact time between both determinations]. Results: From 121 patients, 44 had acute myocardial infarction (36.4%), 42 implant during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (34.7%), 14 pulmonary embolism (11.6%), 14 arrhythmic storm (11.6%), and 6 fulminant myocarditis (5.0%). After 30 days, 60 patients (49.6%) died, mortality was higher for implant during cardiopulmonary resuscitation than for implant in spontaneous circulation (30 of 42 [71.4%] vs 30 of 79 [38.0%], P=.030). Preimplantation GPT and lactate (both baseline, at 6hours, and clearance) were independently associated with 30-day mortality. The regression models that included lactate clearance had a better predictive capacity for survival than the ENCOURAGE and ECMO-ACCEPTS scores, with the area under the ROC curve being greater in the model with lactate at 6 h. Conclusions: Lactate (at baseline, 6h, and clearance) is an independent predictor of prognosis in patients in cardiogenic shock supported by VA-ECMO, allowing better risk stratification and predictive capacity (AU)

Eficacia de una estrategia para mejorar los indicadores de calidad del Proceso Asistencial Integrado Diabetes Mellitus 2 en el Centro Avanzado de Diabetes Macarena / Efficacy of the strategy to improve the quality indicators of Diabetes Mellitus 2 Care Process in Advanced Diabetes Centre Macarena

Introducción: La evaluación del Proceso Asistencial Integrado de Diabetes Mellitus 2 (PAI-DM2) mediante el instrumento para la evaluación de modelos de atención ante la cronicidad (IEMAC-Diabetes) permite el diseño de intervenciones para la mejora de la atención. Objetivo: Analizar la calidad de la atención sanitaria prestada a los pacientes con DM2. Diseño: Estudio cuasiexperimental de tipo antes-después con grupo control no aleatorizado. Emplazamiento: Distritos sanitarios de atención primaria de Sevilla. Participantes: Un total de 12 cupos médicos, 5 centros de atención primaria, seleccionados de manera discrecional. Intervención: Los profesionales de medicina y enfermería de los 12 cupos experimentales participaron en un programa formativo, incluida una estancia externa en el Hospital de Día de Diabetes. Mediciones principales: Número de pacientes incluidos, hemoglobina glucosilada (HbA1c), exploración de pies (EP) y fondo de ojo (FO). Resultados: Se analizaron 1.475 pacientes con DM2. La proporción de pacientes incluidos por cupo fue del 8,3%, siendo mujeres el 45,4%. Al inicio del estudio, la proporción de pacientes con HbA1c < 7% fue del 38,9% en 2013 frente al 47,7% en 2014, disminuyendo al 40,2% en 2016. El 33,3% de los pacientes tenía en 2013 realizado un FO frente al 41,77% en 2014. El 51,6% en 2013 tenía una EP frente al 54,7% en el 2014. Tras la intervención se alcanzaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en el número de HbA1c (p = 0,01) y de retinografías (p = 0,01) solicitadas. Conclusiones: La herramienta IEMAC-Diabetes permite detectar áreas de mejora en el PAI-DM2. La ausencia de diferencias significativas puede deberse a un fenómeno de contaminación y/o al efecto Hawthorne

Introduction: The assessment of the Diabetes Mellitus 2 Care Process (PAI-DM2) through the assessment tool for the chronic illness’ care models (IEMAC-Diabetes) allows the design of health interventions for the improvement of medical care. Objective: Analysing the quality of healthcare provided to DM2 patients. Design: Quasiexperimental study before and after intervention with a not randomised control group. Location: Health care district of primary care Sevilla. Participants: 12 groups of ascribed patients, 5 Primary Care Healthcenter, chosen in a discretionary way. Intervention: Physicians and nurses from the 12 intervention groups took part in a training program, including an external rotation in the Diabetes Daycare Hospital. Main measurements: Number of included patients, glycated hemoglobin, feet exploration (FE), and ocular fundus (OF). Results: 1,475 DM-2 patients were analysed. The proportion of included patients per group was 8.5%, 45.5% were women. At the beginning of the study, the rate of patients with HbA1c < 7% were 38.9% in 2013 against 47.7% in 2014 and 40.2% in 2016; 33% of the patients had an OF in 2013 against 41.77% in 2014; 51.6% of patients had an EF against 54.7% in 2014. After the intervention, statistically significant differences were reached in HbA1c (p = 0.01) and retinography requested (p = 0.01). Conclusions: IEMAC-Diabetes allows spotting improvement areas in the PAI-DM2. The absence of statistically significant differences may be the result of contamination in the sample and/or Hawthorne effect

[Efficacy of the strategy to improve the quality indicators of Diabetes Mellitus 2 Care Process in Advanced Diabetes Centre Macarena]. / Eficacia de una estrategia para mejorar los indicadores de calidad del Proceso Asistencial Integrado Diabetes Mellitus 2 en el Centro Avanzado de Diabetes Macarena.

INTRODUCTION: The assessment of the Diabetes Mellitus 2 Care Process (PAI-DM2) through the assessment tool for the chronic illness' care models (IEMAC-Diabetes) allows the design of health interventions for the improvement of medical care. OBJECTIVE: Analysing the quality of healthcare provided to DM2 patients. DESIGN: Quasiexperimental study before and after intervention with a not randomised control group. LOCATION: Health care district of primary care Sevilla. PARTICIPANTS: 12 groups of ascribed patients, 5 Primary Care Healthcenter, chosen in a discretionary way. INTERVENTION: Physicians and nurses from the 12 intervention groups took part in a training program, including an external rotation in the Diabetes Daycare Hospital. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Number of included patients, glycated hemoglobin, feet exploration (FE), and ocular fundus (OF). RESULTS: 1,475 DM-2 patients were analysed. The proportion of included patients per group was 8.5%, 45.5% were women. At the beginning of the study, the rate of patients with HbA1c<7% were 38.9% in 2013 against 47.7% in 2014 and 40.2% in 2016; 33% of the patients had an OF in 2013 against 41.77% in 2014; 51.6% of patients had an EF against 54.7% in 2014. After the intervention, statistically significant differences were reached in HbA1c (p=0.01) and retinography requested (p=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: IEMAC-Diabetes allows spotting improvement areas in the PAI-DM2. The absence of statistically significant differences may be the result of contamination in the sample and/or Hawthorne effect.

Clinical and biochemical correlates of male hypogonadism in type 2 diabetes.

The origin of hypogonadism, a condition including both symptoms and biochemical criteria of androgen deficiency, in type 2 diabetes is poorly known. In a cross-sectional study of 267 unselected patients, we analyzed the potential correlation of several clinical and biochemical variables as well as chronic micro- and macrovascular diabetic complications with hypogonadism. Hypogonadism was present in 46 patients (17.2%) using a cutoff of total testosterone 10.4 nmol/L and in 31 (11.6%) with a cutoff of 8 nmol/L. Among these patients, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism was the most prevalent form (82.6%). Compared to eugonadal subjects, hypogonadal men had significantly lower glomerular filtration rate (67.1 ± 23.4 vs. 78.4 ± 24.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 , p = 0.005) and higher prevalence of chronic kidney disease (43.5% vs. 20.4%, p = 0.002), abnormal liver function tests (26.7% vs. 12%, p = 0.019), and psychiatric treatment (23.9% vs. 10.4%, p = 0.025). Total testosterone levels correlated inversely with age (R = -0.164, p = 0.007), fasting blood glucose (R = -0.127, p = 0.037), and triglycerides (R = -0.134, p = 0.029) and directly with glomerular filtration rate (R = 0.148, p = 0.015). Calculated free testosterone and bioavailable testosterone correlated directly with hemoglobin (R = 0.171, p = 0.015 and R = 0.234, p = 0.001, respectively). Multivariate logistic regression analysis, after adjusting for relevant confounding variables, showed that age >60 years (OR = 3.58, CI 95% = 1.48-8.69, p = 0.005), body mass index >27 kg/m2 (OR = 2.85, CI 95% = 1.14-7.11, p = 0.025), hypertriglyceridemia (OR = 2.16, CI 95% = 1.05-4.41, p = 0.035), glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (OR = 2.51, CI 95% = 1.19-5.29, p = 0.015), and abnormal liver function tests (OR = 3.57, CI 95% = 1.48-8.60, p = 0.005) were independently associated with male hypogonadism. Although older age, body mass index, and hypertriglyceridemia have been previously related to hypogonadism, our results describe that chronic kidney disease and abnormal liver function tests are independently correlated with hypogonadism in type 2 diabetic men.

Genetic and Biological Characterization of Four Nucleopolyhedrovirus Isolates Collected in Mexico for the Control of Spodoptera exigua (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

This study describes four multiple nucleocapsid nucleopolyhedrovirus isolates recovered from infected larvae of beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), on crops in two different geographical regions of Mexico. Molecular and biological characterization was compared with characterized S. exigua multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (SeMNPV) isolates from the United States (SeUS1 and SeUS2) and Spain (SeSP2). Restriction endonuclease analysis of viral DNA confirmed that all Mexican isolates were SeMNPV isolates, but molecular differences between the Mexican and the reference isolates were detected using PCR combined with restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). Amplification of the variable region V01 combined with RFLP distinguished the two Mexican isolates, SeSLP6 and SeSIN6. BglII digestions showed that the majority of the isolates contained submolar bands, indicating the presence of genetic heterogeneity. Amplification of the variable regions V04 and V05 distinguished between American and the Spanish isolates. Biological characterization was performed against two laboratory colonies of S. exigua, one from Mexico, and another from Switzerland. Insects from the Mexican colony were less susceptible to infection than insects from Se-Swiss colony. In the Se-Mex colony, SeSP2 was the most pathogenic isolate followed by SeSIN6, although their virulence was similar to most of the isolates tested. In Se-Swiss colony, similar LD50 values were observed for the five isolates, although the virulence was higher for the SeSLP6 isolate, which also had the highest OB (occlusion body) yield. We conclude that the Mexican isolates SeSIN6 and SeSLP6 possess insecticidal traits of value for the development of biopesticides for the control of populations of S. exigua.

Plurihormonal Cosecretion by a Case of Adrenocortical Oncocytic Neoplasm.

Adrenocortical oncocytic neoplasms (oncocytomas) are extremely rare; only approximately 159 cases have been described so far. The majority are nonfunctional and benign. We describe an unusual case of a functional oncocytoma secreting an excess of glucocorticoids (cortisol) and androgens (androstenedione and DHEAS), a pattern of plurihormonal cosecretion previously not reported in men, presenting with endocrine manifestations of Cushing's syndrome. The neoplasm was considered to be of uncertain malignant potential (borderline) according to the Lin-Weiss-Bisceglia criteria.

In vitro assessment of the antimicrobial susceptibility of caprine isolates of Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. capri.

The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum mycoplasmacidal concentration (MMC) of 17 antimicrobials against 41 Spanish caprine isolates of Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. capri (Mmc) obtained from different specimens (milk, external auricular canal and semen) were determined using a liquid microdilution method. For half of the isolates, the MIC was also estimated for seven of the antimicrobials using an epsilometric test (ET), in order to compare both methods and assess the validity of ET. Mutations in genes gyrA, gyrB, parC and parE conferring fluoroquinolone resistance, which have been recently described in Mmc, were investigated using PCR. The anatomical origin of the isolate had no effect on its antimicrobial susceptibility. Moxifloxacin and doxycycline had the lowest MIC values. The rest of the fluoroquinolones studied (except norfloxacin), together with tylosin and clindamycin, also had low MIC values, although the MMC obtained for clindamycin was higher than for the other antimicrobials. For all the aminoglycosides, spiramycin and erythromycin, a notable level of resistance was observed. The ET was in close agreement with broth microdilution at low MICs, but not at intermediate or high MICs. The analysis of the genomic sequences revealed the presence of an amino acid substitution in codon 83 of the gene gyrA, which has not been described previously in Mmc.

Epidemiological role of birds in the transmission and maintenance of zoonoses. / Papel epidemiológico de las aves en la transmisión y mantenimiento de zoonosis.

The risk of zoonoses spreading from birds to humans is lower, quantitatively speaking, than the risk of transmission between other host groups, because the two taxonomic groups share fewer pathogens. Nevertheless, birds have a number of epidemiological characteristics that make them extremely important hosts in the transmission and maintenance of zoonoses, including their susceptibility to pathogens that are extremely hazardous to humans (such as highly pathogenic avian influenza virus, West Nile virus and Chlamydia psittaci) and their ability to travel long distances, especially in the case of migratory birds. The fact that the human diet includes poultry products (meat, eggs and their by-products) also means that most human cases of foodborne zoonoses are infections of avian origin. Lastly, close contact between humans and pet birds or urban birds leads to interactions of public health concern. This article sets out to describe the main factors that determine the role of birds in the epidemiology of zoonotic infections.

Le risque que les oiseaux transmettent des zoonoses à l'homme est moins élevé, au plan quantitatif, qu'entre hôtes d'autres catégories, car le nombre d'agents pathogènes affectant à la fois ces deux groupes taxonomiques est moindre. Cependant, certaines particularités épidémiologiques des oiseaux leur font jouer un rôle d'hôtes importants dans la persistance et la transmission de zoonoses : d'une part, leur sensibilité à des agents pathogènes dangereux pour l'homme (par exemple, le virus de l'influenza aviaire hautement pathogène, le virus de West Nile, Chlamydia psittaci) et, d'autre part, leur capacité à se déplacer sur de longues distances, notamment dans le cas des oiseaux migrateurs. En outre, les produits avicoles faisant partie des denrées alimentaires consommées par l'homme (viande de volaille, oeufs et produits dérivés), la majorité des cas de zoonoses d'origine alimentaire diagnostiqués chez l'homme sont d'origine aviaire. Enfin, les contacts étroits entre les humains et leurs oiseaux de compagnie ou avec des oiseaux des villes entraînent des interactions qui sont à prendre en compte en santé publique. Les auteurs décrivent les principales caractéristiques épidémiologiques des oiseaux jugées déterminantes par rapport aux infections zoonotiques.

El riesgo de transmisión de zoonosis de aves a humanos es menor, cuantitativamente hablando, que el que tiene lugar entre otros grupos de hospedadores, debido a que estos dos grupos taxonómicos comparten un menor número de agentes patógenos. No obstante, algunas particularidades epidemiológicas de las aves las convierten en hospedadores de gran importancia en el mantenimiento y la transmisión de zoonosis, como su capacidad de contraer infecciones por agentes patógenos peligrosos para los humanos (como el virus de la influenza aviar altamente patógena, el virus del Nilo Occidental o Chlamydia psittaci, entre otros) así como su gran capacidad de desplazamiento, especialmente en el caso de las aves migratorias. Además, el hecho de que la alimentación humana incluya productos avícolas (carne y huevos y productos derivados) hace que la mayoría de casos de zoonosis de origen alimentario diagnosticados en humanos sean infecciones de origen aviar. Por último, el estrecho contacto entre humanos y mascotas aviares o aves urbanas conlleva interacciones de interés para la salud pública. Este trabajo pretende describir los principales determinantes epidemiológicos de las aves en relación con las infecciones zoonósicas.

Sensitivity of two methods to detect Mycoplasma agalactiae in goat milk.

BACKGROUND: Laboratory diagnostic techniques able to detect Mycoplasma agalactiae are essential in contagious agalactia in dairy goats. This study was designed: 1) to determine the detection limits of PCR and culture in goat milk samples, 2) to examine the effects of experimental conditions including the DNA extraction method, PCR technique and storage conditions (fresh versus frozen stored milk samples) on these methods and 3), to establish agreement between PCR and culture techniques using milk samples from goats with mastitis in commercial dairy herds. The study was conducted both on artificially inoculated and field samples. RESULTS: Our findings indicate that culture is able to detect M. agalactiae in goat milk at lower concentrations than PCR. Qualitative detection of M.agalactiae by culture and PCR was not affected by sample freezing, though the DNA extraction method used significantly affected the results of the different PCR protocols. When clinical samples were used, both techniques showed good agreement. CONCLUSIONS: The results from this study indicate that both culture and PCR are able to detect M. agalactiae in clinical goat mastitis samples. However, in bulk tank milk samples with presumably lower M. agalactiae concentrations, culture is recommended within the first 24 h of sample collection due to its lower limit of detection. To improve the diagnostic sensitivity of PCR in milk samples, there is a need to increase the efficiency of extracting DNA from milk samples using protocols including a previous step of enzymatic digestion.

Long-term safety, efficacy, and quality of life in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis treated with intravenous abatacept for up to seven years.

OBJECTIVE: The efficacy and safety of abatacept in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) who experienced an inadequate response to disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs were previously established in a phase III study that included a 4-month open-label lead-in period, a 6-month double-blind withdrawal period, and a long-term extension (LTE) phase. The aim of this study was to present the safety, efficacy, and patient-reported outcomes of abatacept treatment (10 mg/kg every 4 weeks) during the LTE phase, for up to 7 years of followup. METHODS: Patients enrolled in the phase III trial could enter the open-label LTE phase if they had not achieved a response to treatment at month 4 or if they had received abatacept or placebo during the double-blind period. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-three (80.5%) of 190 patients entered the LTE phase, and 69 patients (36.3%) completed it. The overall incidence rate (events per 100 patient-years) of adverse events decreased during the LTE phase (433.61 events during the short-term phase [combined lead-in and double-blind periods] versus 132.39 events during the LTE phase). Similar results were observed for serious adverse events (6.82 versus 5.60), serious infections (1.13 versus 1.72), malignancies (1.12 versus 0), and autoimmune events (2.26 versus 1.18). American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Pediatric 30 (Pedi 30) responses, Pedi 70 responses, and clinically inactive disease status were maintained throughout the LTE phase in patients who continued to receive therapy. Improvements in the Child Health Questionnaire physical and psychosocial summary scores were maintained over time. CONCLUSION: Long-term abatacept treatment for up to 7 years was associated with consistent safety, sustained efficacy, and quality-of-life benefits in patients with JIA.

Polynomial order selection in random regression models via penalizing adaptively the likelihood.

Orthogonal Legendre polynomials (LP) are used to model the shape of additive genetic and permanent environmental effects in random regression models (RRM). Frequently, the Akaike (AIC) and the Bayesian (BIC) information criteria are employed to select LP order. However, it has been theoretically shown that neither AIC nor BIC is simultaneously optimal in terms of consistency and efficiency. Thus, the goal was to introduce a method, 'penalizing adaptively the likelihood' (PAL), as a criterion to select LP order in RRM. Four simulated data sets and real data (60,513 records, 6675 Colombian Holstein cows) were employed. Nested models were fitted to the data, and AIC, BIC and PAL were calculated for all of them. Results showed that PAL and BIC identified with probability of one the true LP order for the additive genetic and permanent environmental effects, but AIC tended to favour over parameterized models. Conversely, when the true model was unknown, PAL selected the best model with higher probability than AIC. In the latter case, BIC never favoured the best model. To summarize, PAL selected a correct model order regardless of whether the 'true' model was within the set of candidates.

Effects on specific promoter DNA methylation in zebrafish embryos and larvae following benzo[a]pyrene exposure.

Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) is an established carcinogen and reproductive and developmental toxicant. BaP exposure in humans and animals has been linked to infertility and multigenerational health consequences. DNA methylation is the most studied epigenetic mechanism that regulates gene expression, and mapping of methylation patterns has become an important tool for understanding pathologic gene expression events. The goal of this study was to investigate aberrant changes in promoter DNA methylation in zebrafish embryos and larvae following a parental and continued embryonic waterborne BaP exposure. A total of 21 genes known for their role in human diseases were selected to measure percent methylation by multiplex deep sequencing. At 96hpf (hours post fertilization) compared to 3.3hpf, dazl, nqo1, sox3, cyp1b1, and gstp1 had higher methylation percentages while c-fos and cdkn1a had decreased CG methylation. BaP exposure significantly reduced egg production and offspring survival. Moreover, BaP decreased global methylation and altered CG, CHH, and CHG methylation both at 3.3 and 96hpf. CG methylation changed by 10% or more due to BaP in six genes (c-fos, cdkn1a, dazl, nqo1, nrf2, and sox3) at 3.3hpf and in ten genes (c-fos, cyp1b1, dazl, gstp1, mlh1, nqo1, pten, p53, sox2, and sox3) at 96hpf. BaP also induced gene expression of cyp1b1 and gstp1 at 96hpf which were found to be hypermethylated. Further studies are needed to link aberrant CG, CHH, and CHG methylation to heritable epigenetic consequences associated with disease in later life.

Testosterone replacement therapy in hypogonadal men is associated with increased expression of LAMP-2 (CD107b) by circulating monocytes and dendritic cells.

BACKGROUND: Accumulated experimental data indicates that androgen therapy has effects on inflammation and protects from autoimmune disorders. Despite this, the in vivo effects of testosterone replacement therapy on human antigen-presenting cells-for example, monocytes and dendritic cells- remain unknown. OBJECTIVE, DESIGN AND PATIENTS: We monitored the effects of testosterone replacement therapy on the number and the functionality -as assessed by the expression of CD107b (lysosome-associated membrane protein 2, LAMP-2)- of resting and in vitro-stimulated peripheral blood (classical and nonclassical) monocytes and dendritic cells (myeloid and plasmacytoid) from hypogonadal men. RESULTS: Our results show that testosterone replacement therapy induces overexpression of CD107b by circulating monocytes and dendritic cells from hypogonadal men, both under resting (i.e. nonstimulated) conditions and after in vitro stimulation. CD107b overexpression mostly involved monocytes and in vitro stimulation with CpG oligodeoxynucleotides. Of note, a strong correlation was found between CD107b expression on monocytes and serum gonadotrophins levels. CONCLUSION: These results support the existence of an effect of testosterone therapy, and potentially also of gonadotrophins, on circulating antigen-presenting cells.

Implicaciones sanitarias del manejo del calostro en el ganado caprino / Sanitary involvements of management of colostrum in caprine herds

El calostro supone la primera fuente de inmunidad para los rumiantes y por tanto determina su resistencia a enfermedades durante las primeras horas de vida. No obstante, la ingesta de calostro puede suponer en sí misma una vía de transmisión de diversas enfermedades, como la paratuberculosis, la artritis-encefalitis caprina o la agalaxia contagiosa. Este riesgo puede evitarse siguiendo un régimen de lactancia artificial con unas adecuadas pautas de manejo del calostro. Entre dichas pautas, el tratamiento del calostro supone un punto crítico. En este sentido, se han empleado los tratamientos térmicos para higienizar el calostro, observándose resultados diversos en la viabilidad de distintos microorganismos. Al mismo tiempo, se debe considerar el efecto negativo del calor sobre la composición nutricional del calostro, principalmente la pérdida de inmunoglobulinas. Como alternativa a los tratamientos térmicos, a nivel experimental, se han empleado métodos como la adición de dodecil sulfato de sodio, capaz de inactivar el virus del síndrome de inmunodeficiencia humana en leche, y otros procesos como la liofilización o el uso de altas presiones. Previamente a la aplicación práctica de las diferentes opciones de tratamiento del calostro se deberá considerar su viabilidad económica y su factibilidad en la explotación (AU)

Colostrum represents the first source of immunity for the ruminants, and thus determines its resistance to disease during the first hours of life. However, colostrum intake could be itself the way of transmition of several diseases, as paratuberculosis, caprine arthritis-encephalytis, or micoplasmosis like contagious agalactia. This risk could be avoided by means of an artificial rearing program which should include correct management practices for colostrum. Between them, the treatment of colostrum represents a critical point. In this sense, thermic treatments have been used to higienitize colostrum, showing different results about microorganism viability. Nevertheless, it should be considered the negative effect of these treatments over nutritional components of colostrum, particularly the loss of immunoglobulines. As an alternative to thermic treatments, there have been experimentally assayed other methods as the addition of sodium dodecyl sulphate, which inactivates AIDS virus in breast milk, and others as liophilization or high pression methods. In this works, apart from the effect of the treatment should be also taken into account its economical viability and on-farm feasibility (AU)

Particularidades etiológicas y epimediológicas de la agalaxia contagiosa ovina: similitudes y diferencias con el caprino / Etiological and epidemiological particularities of ovine contagious agalactia: similarities and differences with goats

Este trabajo describe las diferencias existentes en la presentación de la agalaxia contagiosa, síndrome infectocontagioso causado por varias especies del genero Mycoplasma spp., en el ganado ovino y caprino. Las particularidades etiológicas y epidemiológicas de la infección crónica en la cabra, y la ausencia de datos similares en el ovino, evidencian la necesidad de realizar nuevos trabajos que determinen si las diferencias observadas en referencia a la presencia de portadores auriculares en los rebaños o la participación de los sementales en la difusión de la enfermedad son fruto de la escasez de trabajos científicos o por el contrario, establecen verdaderas diferencias sobre las que desarrollar estrategias dirigidas de control en función de la especie de rumiante afectada (AU)

Contagious agalactia (CA) is an infectious syndrome caused by several species of Mycoplasma spp. which affects small ruminants. The aim of this review is to describe the main differences noted between the disease in sheep and goats, especially with regard to its etiologic and epidemiological peculiarities. Thus, the presence of asymptomatic auricular carriers of CA-causing mycoplasmas and the stud’s role in the transmission of the disease are well known in goats, but scarcely evaluated in sheep. Further studies are needed to determine if these differences are real or if they are due to the shortage of scientific work in this matter (AU)

Short communication: In vitro antimicrobial susceptibility of Mycoplasma agalactiae strains isolated from dairy goats.

This study examined the susceptibility to several antimicrobials of 28 isolates of Mycoplasma agalactiae obtained from goats in a region (southeastern Spain) where contagious agalactia is endemic. For each isolate, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against 12 antimicrobials of the quinolone, macrolide, aminoglycoside, and tetracycline families was determined. The antimicrobials with the lowest MIC were enrofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, tylosin, and doxycycline, all with MIC90 (concentration at which growth of 90% of the isolates is inhibited) <1 µg/mL. Norfloxacin (a quinolone) showed a wide MIC range (0.1-12.8 µg/mL), suggesting a resistance mechanism toward this antimicrobial that was not elicited by enrofloxacin or ciprofloxacin (the other quinolones tested). Erythromycin showed the highest MIC90 such that its use against Mycoplasma agalactiae is not recommended. Finally, Mycoplasma agalactiae isolates obtained from goat herds with clinical symptoms of contagious agalactia featured higher MIC90 and MIC50 (concentration at which growth of 50% of the isolates is inhibited) values for many of the antimicrobials compared with isolates from asymptomatic animals. The relationship between the extensive use of antimicrobials in herds with clinical contagious agalactia and variations in MIC requires further study.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in chickens in Durango State, Mexico.

Little is known concerning the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in chickens (Gallus domesticus) in Mexico. Antibodies to T. gondii were determined in 519 chickens in Durango, Mexico using the modified agglutination test (MAT). Two groups (A, B) of chickens were sampled. Group A chickens (n  =  51) were raised in backyards in 7 municipalities in 3 geographical regions in Durango State. Group B chickens were raised in farms in the Mexican States of Sinaloa (n  =  289) and Nayarit (n  =  179) but slaughtered in 2 abattoirs in Durango City. Overall, antibodies to T. gondii were found in 36 (6.9%) of 519 chickens, with MAT titers of 1∶25 in 22, 1∶50 in 8, 1∶100 in 2, 1∶200 in 3, and 1∶400 in 1. Seroprevalence of T. gondii increased significantly with age and was significantly higher in Group A chickens than in Group B chickens. In Group A chickens, a 25.5% seroprevalence of T. gondii infection was found. Seropositive chickens were found in all 7 municipalities sampled. In Group B chickens, the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection was 4.9%. This is the first report of T. gondii infection in chickens in Durango State, Mexico.

Controlling contagious agalactia in artificial insemination centers for goats and detection of Mycoplasma mycoides subspecies capri in semen.

Many goat artificial insemination (AI) centers in Spain have adopted new measures to control contagious agalactia (CA). To avoid the introduction of male goats carrying mycoplasma organisms subclinically in their external ear canal (auricular carriers) in these centers, two ear swabs and a blood sample are obtained from all candidate animals for polymerase chain reaction (PCR), culture (swabs) and serologic tests to detect the presence of mycoplasmas. In addition, the semen produced at these centers is routinely cultured and PCR tested also to detect the presence of mycoplasmas. One y after the introduction of this program, we tested 48 ear swabs and 24 blood samples from 24 candidates for admission to these AI Centers. Three of these ear swab samples (3/48, 6.25%) scored positive for the presence of mycoplasmas; Mycoplasma agalactiae (Ma) was detected in two samples and Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. capri (Mmc) in one. All animals were serologically negative for Ma. Also, out of 173 semen samples obtained from 137 admitted animals (2 and 3 samples were obtained in 16 and 10 bucks, respectively), one (1/173, 0.56%) was positive for Mmc. Our findings suggest that ear swab and semen samples are useful tools to control CA at AI Centers. The introduction of this program has also resulted in the first detection of Mmc in semen from a naturally infected goat, confirming the ability of this mycoplasma to colonize the reproductive tract of male goats. These results highlight the need to improve control measures in semen producing centers to minimize the risk of CA transmission.