Detection of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli and Clostridia in the Aetiology of Neonatal Piglet Diarrhoea: Important Factors for Their Prevention.

This study aimed to research the involvement of enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) and C. difficile or C. perfringens type C in the aetiology of neonatal piglet diarrhoea in Greece and to identify preventive factors for them. A total of 78 pooled faecal samples were collected randomly from 234 suckling piglets (1-4 days of age) with diarrhoea from 26 pig farms (3 piglets × 3 litters × 26 farms = 234 piglets = 78 faecal pool samples). The collected samples were initially screened for the presence of E. coli and C. difficile or C. perfringens via cultivation on MacConkey and anaerobic blood agar, respectively. Subsequently, the samples were pooled on ELUTE cards. From samples tested, 69.23% of those in the farms were ETEC F4-positive, 30.77% were ETEC F5-positive, 61.54% ETEC were F6-positive, 42.31% were ETEC F4- and E. coli enterotoxin LT-positive, 19.23% were ETEC F5- and LT-positive, 42.31% were ETEC F6- and LT-positive, while LT was found in 57.69% of those in the farms. C. difficile was involved in many cases and identified as an emerging neonatal diarrhoea etiological agent. Specifically, Toxin A of C. difficile was found in 84.62% and Toxin B in 88.46% of those in the farms. Antibiotic administration to sows in combination with probiotics or acidifiers was revealed to reduce the detection of antigens of ETEC and the enterotoxin LT of E. coli.

Cross-Sectional Survey of Antibiotic Resistance in Extended Spectrum ß-Lactamase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae Isolated from Pigs in Greece.

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of extended-spectrum ß-lactamase-producing (ESBL) bacteria in swine. Thus, 214 fecal samples were collected from suckling and weaned piglets from 34 farms in Greece (out of an overall population of about 14,300 sows). A subset of 78 (36.5%) ESBL producers were identified as E. coli (69/78, 88.5%), K. pneumoniae spp. pneumoniae (3.8%), P. mirabilis (5.1%), E. cloacae complex (1.3%) and S. enterica spp. diarizonae (1.3%). Resistance to at least one class of non-ß-lactam antibiotics was detected in 78 isolates. Among the E. coli strains, resistance was identified with regard to aminoglycosides (n = 31), fluoroquinolones (n = 49), tetracycline (n = 26) and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (n = 46). Of the three K. pneumoniae spp. pneumoniae, two displayed resistances to aminoglycosides and all were resistant to fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. As for the four P. mirabilis isolates, three had a resistant phenotype for aminoglycosides and all were resistant to imipenem, fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. Molecular characterization of the isolates revealed the presence of CTX-M, SHV and TEM genes, as well as of genes conferring resistance to fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides, sulfonamides, trimethoprim, macrolides and colistin. High levels of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) were demonstrated in Greek swine herds posing a concern for the efficacy of treatments at the farm level as well as for public health.

Evaluation of an on-farm method to assess colostrum IgG content in hyperprolific sows.

The colostrum quality (immunoglobulin content) is one of the most challenging aspects for hyperprolific sows in the modern pig industry. The objective of this study was to evaluate relationships among sow body condition scores, litter characteristics, and colostrum IgG content in hyperprolific sows, using a digital Brix refractometer to measure IgG. Samples (5 ml) were collected from two hundred and eighty-seven sows within the first hour postpartum. Sow parameters and back fat thickness at farrowing (BFF) and weaning (BFW) were recorded. The results indicate a positive correlation between parity and IgG, as well as BFF and BFW. A negative correlation was found between the number of weaning piglets and BFW. Moreover, a positive correlation was observed between the number of mummified piglets and colostrum IgG. Finally, lactation duration was positively associated with BFF. In conclusion, the number of mummified piglets is a factor positively associated with colostrum IgG content in hyperprolific sows.

Occurrence and Associated Risk Factors of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus and Porcine Circovirus Type 2 Infections in Greece.

The objective of the present study was to identify factors associated with the probability of being polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positive and the level of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) occurrence in Greek farms. The study included 56 pig farms, with a total population of 22.500 sows, which represent about 40% of the entire capacity of the Greek swine production. A total of 896 blood samples (224 pools*4 samples/pool = 896 samples) from breeding stock, weaners, growers, and finishers were collected from each farm and organized in pools of 4 samples size. Further, data regarding herd health management protocols were collected. The sera were tested for PRRSV and PCV2, using real-time PCR (RT-PCR). The results indicated that both viruses remain a major challenge for the Greek swine industry. Main risk factors involved in the infection process by these viruses were identified. In particular, vaccination programs such as the mass PRRSV vaccination with modified-live virus (MLV) in breeding stock during the last stages of gestation or with killed-virus (KV) during the middle of gestation are more likely to be associated with PRRSV PCR-positivity. Farms with low biosecurity level are associated with higher PRRSV circulation. It has also been revealed that breeding stock is more likely to be associated with PCV2 circulation compared to weaners and growers. In conclusion, our results could be the basis of the development of surveillance protocols for a national monitoring system for PRRSV and PCV2, which could prevent future infection of Greek farms.

Exposure Biomarkers and Histopathological Analysis in Pig Liver After Exposure to Mycotoxins Under Field Conditions: Special Report on Fumonisin B1.

Liver samples from finisher pigs were collected at the slaughterhouses for the analysis of zearalenone (ZEA), alfa-/beta-zearalenone (α-ZE, ß-ZE), zearalanone (ZA), alfa-/beta-ZA (α-ZA, ß-ZA), aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and aflatoxin M1, fumonisin B1 (FB1), ochratoxin A (OTA) and ochratoxin B, deoxynivalenol and deepoxi-deoxynivalenol (DOM-1). For the analysis liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole coupled with mass spectrometry was applied. Liver samples with detected FB1 were further histopathologically evaluated after hematoxylin and eosin staining. Various levels of liver mycotoxins were detected in all farms. Pig livers with 2.91-8.30 µg/kg of FB1 were detected in three farms, estimate of 850-2400 µg/kg of FB1 intake, whereas 0.54 µg/kg of OTA was detected in one farm, estimate of 75 µg/kg of OTA intake. Moreover, pig livers with 0.30 µg/kg of ZEA, 1.87 µg/kg of α-ZE, and 0.63 µg/kg of ß-ZE were detected in one farm, estimate with of 300 µg/kg of ZEA intake. The histopathological analysis revealed that the lesions' grading and necrosis grading were analogously increased when FB1 concentration increased from 2.91 to 4.36-8.30 µg/kg. The severity of megalocytosis was analogously increased with FB1 detection levels and particularly in levels of 4.36-8.3 µg/kg. However, the increased FB1 detection levels did not show analogous behavior with the severity of hepatic cell vacuolization. Results showed that FB1 remained the most critical risk factor in the Greek pig industry, whereas ZEA and AFB1 were also prevalent. The OTA contamination in pig farms raised a high risk for animal and human health.

Histopathological Lesions Accompanied with First-Time Isolation of a PRRSV-2 Strain in Greece.

Genotype 2 strains of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV-2) have been reported sporadically in Europe. Even if, PRRSV-2 reported to be genetically homogenous in Europe due to the introduction of an MLV vaccine strain, independent introductions of PRRSV-2 field strains have been reported. The aim of the present study was to report the complete genome sequence and evaluate the histopathological lesions of a PRRSV-2 strain, isolated for the first time in Greece. During a routine blood sampling in a commercial pig farm, the results revealed positive samples in weaners of 40-60 days for the PRRSV-2, using real-time polymerase chain reaction. The clinical picture was characterized from respiratory symptoms in weaners, as well as coughing and poor performance at finishing stage and less than 3% mortality rate from weaning stage to finishing stage. The use of ORF5 for PRRSV phylogenetic analysis of the isolated PRRSV strain, named "x1544-1 strain", was successfully determined, belonging to the genotype PRRSV-2. Comparison of the obtained sequence revealed nucleotide sequence identity >98% with PRRSV-2 strain VR2332 and other related strains from Denmark and China. The histopathological evaluation revealed diffuse interstitial pneumonia, multifocal interstitial nephritis, while in the lymphoid organs, follicular and paracortical hyperplasia, coexisting with necrosis and depletion of germ cells were detected. The results of current study undersign the importance for veterinary practitioners to have up-to-date access to phylogenetic data linked to phenotypic information to follow-up the control and prevention strategies against PRRSV.

Lumbar artery pseudoaneurysm in a patient with inferior vena cava filter and history of strenuous physical exercise.

Lumbar artery pseudoaneurysms (LAPs) are a rare complication of inferior vena cava (IVC) filters. The few reports in the literature describe treatment of patients presenting with ruptured LAPs. This case report describes the successful management of a symptomatic LAP because of an IVC filter, which initially presented as a retroperitoneal hematoma resulting from lumbar artery laceration by a filter strut. We hypothesize that the strenuous abdominal exercises performed by the patient may have facilitated IVC penetration by the filter, leading to development of a retroperitoneal hematoma and subsequent LAP. This case suggests that patients with IVC filters should avoid strenuous exercise and underscores the importance of timely retrieval of nonpermanent IVC filters.

Alterations of baroreflex sensitivity after carotid endarterectomy according to the preoperative carotid plaque echogenicity.

OBJECTIVE: Baroreflex sensitivity is lower in patients with echogenic carotid plaques compared with patients with echolucent ones. The purpose of our study was to compare the baroreflex function after carotid endarterectomy (CEA) between patients with different plaque echogenicity. METHOD: Spontaneous baroreflex sensitivity (sBRS), heart rate, and systolic and diastolic arterial pressure were calculated in 51 patients with a severe carotid stenosis (70%-99%) 24 hours before CEA, as well as 24 and 48 hours after CEA. Carotid plaque echogenicity was graded from 1 to 4 according to Gray-Weale classification, after duplex examination, and the patients were divided into two groups: the echolucent (grade 1 or 2) and the echogenic (grade 3 or 4). RESULTS: The postoperative mean systolic arterial pressure values in all 51 patients at 24 and 48 hours (143.2 and 135.5 mm Hg, respectively) were found to be significantly increased compared with the preoperative value (132.5 mm Hg; x2=32, P<.001). Mean sBRS value, in all patients, was significantly reduced postoperatively to 2.1 ms mm Hg(-1), from the mean preoperative value, 3.7 ms mm Hg(-1), independently of plaque echogenicity. Twenty patients (39%) were included in the echolucent group and 31 (61%) in the echogenic. The two groups had significant differences in two parameters: the rate of diabetes mellitus and the rate of symptomatic plaques. After adjusting the two groups for these differences, we found that the preoperative difference in sBRS between the two groups (F[1,51]=11, P<.003) was eliminated 24 and 48 hours after CEA (F[1,51]=.007, P<.9 and F[1,51]=.4, P<.5 for 24 and 48 hours, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Before the removal of carotid atheroma, baroreflex sensitivity, which is a well established cardiovascular risk factor, seems to be affected by carotid plaque echogenicity. However, CEA has as a result a similar baroreflex response in all patients, regardless of plaque echogenicity, implying no association of plaque morphology and postoperative baroreflex sensitivity.

Manual high-dose regional intraoperative thrombolysis of lower extremity emboli after open repair of a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm.

We describe a case of high-dose regional intraoperative thrombolysis subsequent to mechanical thrombectomy for the treatment of postoperative distal extremity embolization of the right lower limb owing to open repair of a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm. Mechanical thrombectomy was performed from the popliteal artery but residual embolic occlusion of all three tibial arteries remained. The limb was elevated, exsanguinated, and a blood cuff was placed below the knee and inflated to suprasystolic pressure to isolate the limb from systemic circulation. An 18-gauge infusion catheter was introduced to the exposed dorsalis pedis artery. Subsequently, the exposed great saphenous vein was cannulated and drained. A total of 100 mg of recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator diluted in 500 mL of saline was infused into the anterior tibial artery with a slow hand infusion for 30 minutes. The infusion was continuously collected through the great saphenous cannulation and a closed loop was confirmed by angiogram. The limb was flushed with heparin and saline solution. Infusion catheter was extracted and the great saphenous vein was ligated. Blood cuff was removed, arterial flow was re-established, and a postprocedural arteriogram confirmed successful revascularization. This method may be an alternative to microtibial embolectomy at the foot ankle level after severe lower limb embolization after acute open repair of a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm.

The role of carotid plaque echogenicity in baroreflex sensitivity.

OBJECTIVE: The baroreflex sensitivity is impaired in patients with carotid atherosclerosis. The purpose of our study was to assess the impact of carotid plaque echogenicity on the baroreflex function in patients with significant carotid atherosclerosis, who have not undergone carotid surgery. METHOD: Spontaneous baroreflex sensitivity (sBRS) was estimated in 45 patients with at least a severe carotid stenosis (70%-99%). sBRS calculation was performed noninvasively, with the spontaneous sequence method, based on indirectly estimated central blood pressures from radial recordings. This method failed in three patients due to poor-quality recordings, and eventually 42 patients were evaluated. After carotid duplex examination, carotid plaque echogenicity was graded from 1 to 4 according to Gray-Weale classification and the patients were divided into two groups: the echolucent group (grades 1 and 2) and the echogenic group (grades 3 and 4). RESULTS: Sixteen patients (38%) and 26 patients (62%) were included in the echolucent and echogenic group, respectively. Diabetes mellitus was observed more frequently among echolucent plaques (χ(2) = 8.0; P < .004), while those plaques were also more commonly symptomatic compared with echogenic atheromas (χ(2) = 8.5; P < .003). Systolic arterial pressure, diastolic arterial pressure, and heart rate were similar in the two groups. Nevertheless, the mean value of baroreflex sensitivity was found to be significantly lower in the echogenic group (2.96 ms/mm Hg) compared with the echolucent one (5.0 ms/mm Hg), (F [1, 42] = 10.1; P < .003). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that echogenic plaques are associated with reduced baroreflex function compared with echolucent ones. Further investigation is warranted to define whether such an sBRS impairment could be responsible for cardiovascular morbidity associated with echogenic plaques.

Correlation of calcified carotid plaques detected by panoramic radiograph with risk factors for stroke development.

OBJECTIVES: The aim was to evaluate whether patients with calcifications in the carotid region detectable by panoramic radiograph differ in the prevalence of risk factors for stroke development compared with those without calcifications. STUDY DESIGN: Forty consecutive individuals suffering from proven carotid artery atherosclerotic occlusive disease were submitted to carotid endarterectomy. Seventeen patients were symptomatic at the time of referral, having suffered at least 1 episode of ischemic cerebral event during the preceding 6 months, mainly transient ischemic attacks or amaurosis fugax, and the remaining 23 patients were asymptomatic and the diagnosis was reached during a thorough investigation of coexisting coronary or peripheral vascular disease. Preoperatively, all patients had undergone panoramic radiograph examination, as the presurgical protocol commanded. Based on the panoramic radiograph results, patients in whom calcifications were detected either unilaterally (n = 10) or bilaterally (n = 18) constituted group A (n = 28) and patients in whom no calcifications were detected constituted group B (n = 12) of this study. RESULTS: Univariate analysis among several risk factors for stroke development between the 2 groups of patients disclosed a stastistically significant lower incidence of diabetes mellitus (P = .005) but a higher incidence of symptomatic plaques (P < .030) in the group of patients with detectable calcifications in the panoramic radiograph. CONCLUSION: Patients with calcified carotid plaques detectable by panoramic radiography are more likely to have suffered cerebrovascular events. Therefore, patients with detectable carotid plaque in panoramic radiographs require referral to their physician for further investigation.

Minilaparotomy abdominal aortic aneurysm repair in the era of minimally invasive vascular surgery: preliminary results.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the early post-operative clinical impact of minimal incision aortic surgery (MIAS) for infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair in comparison with the standard open repair. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted. Patients of groups A (19 patients) and B (18 patients) were treated with the MIAS technique and the standard open method, respectively. RESULTS: There were significant differences between the two groups in fluid resuscitation during the operation. Post-operatively, there were significant differences between groups A and B in the time until starting liquid diet (2 +/- 0.74 versus 3.55 +/- 0.85 post-operative days (PD), respectively; P < 0.05), the time until starting the solid diet (3.05 +/- 0.77 versus 5.11 +/- 0.75 PD, respectively; P < 0.05), the time of ambulation (2 +/- 0.74 versus 3.4 +/- 0.98 PD, respectively; P < 0.05) and in the hospital length of stay (4 +/- 0.81 versus 9.7 +/- 2.66 days, respectively; P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The MIAS technique, for repair of infrarenal aortic aneurysms, is a safe and feasible procedure that combines the early advantages of endovascular repair with the long-term advantages of the traditional open repair.

A hybrid approach using a composite endovascular and open graft procedure for a symptomatic common femoral aneurysm extending well above the inguinal ligament.

We report the use of a unique hybrid technique to treat a patient with a painful aneurysm extending both above and below the inguinal ligament. The patient was at high surgical risk, and endovascular treatment was not possible due to the absence of an appropriate vascular access site. Under local anesthesia, this aneurysm was treated using both a stent graft and a traditional Dacron graft for the iliac and femoral portions, respectively. Simultaneously, a popliteal aneurysm was treated endovascularly through a jump graft, which was used to bypass a short occlusion at the origin of the superficial femoral artery. Hybrid techniques can be an alternative approach in high-risk patients where endovascular procedures cannot be applied.

Reliability of panoramic radiograph for carotid atheroma detection: a study in patients who fulfill the criteria for carotid endarterectomy.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the reliability of panoramic radiograph (PR) for carotid artery atheroma detection, by comparing its results with the carotid-vertebral digital subtraction angiography (DSA) findings, as well as with the detected calcium deposition in the carotid plaques, which were surgically resected, using direct radiographs. STUDY DESIGN: Forty consecutive patients suffering from carotid artery atherosclerotic occlusive disease confirmed by preoperative DSA, fulfilling the criteria for carotid endarterectomy, were operated on. Preoperatively, all of the patients had undergone PR, while postoperatively all of the surgically resected carotid plaques were radiographed using radiographic films and submitted to histologic examination. Compared with the DSA and the radiographic film findings, the PR results were classified as: 1) true-positive; 2) true-negative; 3) false-positive; or 4) false-negative. RESULTS: Panoramic radiograph has low sensitivity and specificity compared with the DSA findings and the direct radiographs results. However, a positive predictive value (PPV) of 100% per patient as well as for luminal stenosis >80% was documented. CONCLUSION: Even in the subgroup of patients who fulfill the criteria for carotid endarterectomy, PR has a low sensitivity and specificity; therefore, it cannot be considered to be a useful screening tool for atheroma detection in the general dental population. However, the 100% PPV per patient and for luminal stenosis >80%, indicates that positive calcification PR findings at the C(3)-C(4) region are highly suggestive for carotid artery atherosclerotic occlusive disease. Therefore, especially asymptomatic patients should be referred for further examination.

Primary stenting for aortic lesions: from single stenoses to total aortoiliac occlusions.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of primary stenting in atherosclerotic stenoses and occlusions of the infrarenal aorta. METHODS: Between January 2003 and December 2006, 12 patients (6 men) with a mean age of 66.3 +/- 4.1 years who had infrarenal aortic occlusive disease were treated with primary stenting (aortic stenosis, 8; chronic total aortobiiliac occlusion, 4). Reasons for referral were severe claudication in six patients (50%), ischemic rest pain in four (33.3%), and minor tissue loss in two (16.7%). Three patients (25%) had chronic renal failure and were on dialysis. Follow-up was performed in all 12 patients. RESULTS: Technical success was 91.7% because one patient had a residual stenosis >30% after stent placement and balloon postdilation owing to severe calcification of the aorta. However, clinical and immediate hemodynamic success was achieved in all 12 patients (100%). The preprocedural mean resting ankle-brachial index (ABI) values of 0.56 +/- 0.13 at the right side and 0.59 +/- 0.15 at the left were increased to 0.97 +/- 0.04 and 0.95 +/- 0.06, respectively, after treatment (P < .01). At the end of the mean follow-up of 18.3 months (range, 6-37 months), the primary clinical and hemodynamic patency was 91.7% +/- 7.98%, and the mean resting ABI values were 0.96 +/- 0.04 for the right and 0.92 +/- 0.1 for the left side (P < .01 compared with preinterventional values). None of the patients in the study underwent reintervention. An access-related groin hematoma developed in one patient, but no other major or minor complications occurred. One patient died 8 months after the procedure of chronic renal failure complications. CONCLUSION: Primary stenting is feasible, safe, and effective for the whole spectrum of aortic occlusive disease. Especially for patients with infrarenal aortic stenoses, it is recommended as the first-line treatment and should be considered as a viable alternative to surgery for total aortoiliac occlusions.

Fungal infection of aortoiliac endograft: a case report and review of the literature.

Infection of aortoiliac endografts is, to date, a rare complication of endovascular surgery. Staphylococcus species are the most common responsible pathogens, just as in cases with infected grafts after open aortic surgery. We report a case of a 65-year-old man with a history of diabetes mellitus and bladder cancer who developed stent-graft infection 3 years after endovascular treatment for a 5.6 cm abdominal aortic aneurysm. The diagnosis of endograft infection was established radiologically by computed tomographic scans. After intravenous administration of antibiotics and fluids to improve his clinical condition, the patient underwent surgical excision of the infected prosthesis and a bifurcated rifampicin-impregnated Dacron graft was placed in situ. Cultures from the purulent fluid around the aorta and from the endograft revealed development of Candida albicans. To our knowledge, this is the first case of an infected endograft due to a fungus. The patient died from septic shock 3 days postoperatively in the intensive care unit.

Surgical management of extracranial internal carotid aneurysms by cervical approach.

BACKGROUND: Extracranial internal carotid artery aneurysms (EICAA) are rare vascular problems with a great potential for lethal thromboembolic episodes. METHODS: From 1994 to 2004, nine patients with EICAA, seven men and two women, were surgically treated for 10 aneurysms in our department. Aneurysm led to hemispheric symptoms in six cases (two hemispheric strokes and four hemispheric transient ischaemic attacks). The cause was fibrodysplasia in two cases, atherosclerosis in four cases, trauma in two cases and spontaneous dissection in two cases. All aneurysms were treated surgically by the cervical approach using shunting. Extended cervical approach was necessary in four patients with high-lying aneurysms. Nine aneurysms were totally resected and successful revascularization was carried out. Open aneurysmorrhaphy with vein patch angioplasty was carried out in one case of a saccular aneurysm. RESULTS: There were no perioperative deaths or transient ischaemic attacks or strokes. Four patients developed cranial nerve deficits: one had hoarsness, two had partial facial paralysis (patients with extended cervical approach) and one had tongue deviation. These neurological symptoms were observed in large aneurysms (>4.5 cm) and disappeared within 14 months. No neurological complication was observed in a follow up that ranged from 6 months to 10 years. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical repair of EICAA, especially with total resection and arterial reconstruction, is strongly recommended. Extended cervical approach has many technical difficulties but can allow treatment of high-lying aneurysms.