Antigenic characterization of canine parvovirus strains isolated in Italy.

28 isolates of canine parvovirus type-2 (CPV-2) were obtained from dogs with hemorrhagic gastroenteritis in Italy. The antigenic structure of CPV-2 isolates was characterized, using four discriminating monoclonal antibodies. In addition, four vaccinal strains were examined. Similar to reports from Australia and the United Kingdom, a much higher prevalence of CPV-2a (25/28 isolates) was observed than the other variant type, CPV-2b (3/28 isolates). DNA fragments (2.2 kbp) of representative strains of CPV-2, CPV-2a and CPV-2b were amplified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the products were digested by the restriction enzymes (RE) RsaI, HpaII, HindIII and PvuII. The RvaI enzyme allows the differentiation of CPV-2 from CPV-2a and CPV-2b.

Persistence of antibodies to Mycoplasma agalactiae in vaccinated sheep.

We report the results of a study on the persistence of antibodies to Mycoplasma agalactiae in two groups of sheep inoculated with inactivated vaccines: a vaccine in aluminium hydroxide adjuvant and a vaccine in mineral oil adjuvant. Antibody titers were evaluated monthly for a period of 11 months, using an ELISA test prepared with Mycoplasma agalactiae membrane antigen. The antibody titers of the group inoculated with the mineral oil vaccine were significantly higher than those of the group inoculated with the aluminium vaccine and they remained at high levels for up to 11 months. The antibody titers of the group inoculated with the aluminium vaccine 3 months after the vaccination decreased to the values observed before the vaccine inoculation.

Preliminary report of infection in dogs related to Ehrlichia equi: description of three cases.

The clinical course of naturally infected dogs with E. equi are described. Fever (up to 41 degrees C), depression, dysorexia and ascites were observed. Laboratory findings revealed mild anemia, inclusion bodies within neutrophils in one dog, thrombocytopenia, hypoproteinemia, hypoalbuminemia and in two dogs hyperglobulinemia. In acute and convalescent dogs sera antibody titers from 1:60 to 1:480 to E. equi using IFA test were detected. Clinical resolution was obtained with long-term doxycycline monohydrate therapy.

Intranasal vaccination of pups in the presence of maternally derived antibodies to canine parvovirus (CPV). Evaluation of minimal immunizing dose.

The results of the intranasal vaccination of pups in the presence of maternally derived antibodies (MDA) to canine parvovirus (CPV) are reported. The minimal immunising dose of the modified live virus vaccine was evaluated in eighteen pups from three litters. Eight pups were vaccinated intranasally with 10(5.50) TCID50/ml of CPV vaccine. Another 8 pups were vaccinated with 10(4.50) TCID50/ml of CPV vaccine and the other 2 pups were vaccinated with 10(3.50) TCID50/ml of CPV vaccine. The vaccine intranasally administered was able to induce a good antibody response in pups with MDA even when the infectious titer per dose was lower than the one contained in parenterally administered vaccines.

Serological evidence of Ehrlichia canis in dogs in southern Italy.

A serological survey of antibodies to Ehrlichia canis was performed on 423 dogs. The indirect fluorescence antibody test was employed. For this purpose mouse-dog hybridoma cells infected with Ehrlichia canis were used. Eighty-five dogs were found positive. The study tested 25 dogs with clinical signs suggestive of a rickettsial infection. Twenty-three of them had antibodies to E. canis.