The comparative efficacy of disinfectant wipes on common-use computer keyboards in a veterinary teaching hospital.

The efficacies of 3 disinfectant wipes at reducing bacterial contamination on keyboards in a veterinary teaching hospital were studied. Thirty common-use keyboards were randomized into "dirty" and "clean" halves. Cultures were obtained from the "dirty" halves. The "clean" halves were disinfected with a randomly assigned wipe [peroxygen (AHP)-, alcohol-, quaternary ammonium (QAC)-based] or untreated (NT) and cultured. Colony-forming units (CFU) were enumerated after 48 hours. Mean reduction in CFU was 91.5%, 65.3%, 94.9%, and 78.8% for the AHP, alcohol, QAC, and NT groups, respectively. There was a significant reduction in CFUs between the dirty and clean keyboard halves within each group but no statistically significant differences were noted between groups. The reduction in CFUs in the NT group was attributed to the mechanical action of wiping the keyboard surface for culture. The use of disinfectant wipes reduced CFUs on keyboards and may be a useful component of veterinary infection control programs.

Efficacité comparative de lingettes désinfectantes sur des claviers d'ordinateurs en usage commun dans un hôpital d'enseignement vétérinaire. L'efficacité de trois lingettes désinfectantes à réduire la contamination bactérienne sur des claviers dans un hôpital d'enseignement vétérinaire fut étudiée. Trente claviers en usage commun furent séparés de manière aléatoire en moitié « sale ¼ et « propre ¼. Des cultures furent obtenues de la moitié « sale ¼. La moitié « propre ¼ fut désinfectée avec une lingette assignée de manière aléatoire [à base de peroxygène (AHP), alcool, ou ammonium quaternaire (QAC)] ou non traitée (NT) et échantillonnée pour culture. Le nombre d'unités formatrices de colonies (CFU) fut énuméré après 48 heures. La réduction moyenne de CFU était de 91,5 %, 65,3 %, 94,9 %, et 78,8 % pour les groupes AHP, alcool, QAC, et NT, respectivement. Il y avait une réduction significative dans les CFUs entre les claviers des moitiés sale et propre dans chaque groupe mais aucune différence statistiquement significative ne fut notée entre les groupes. La réduction en CFU dans le groupe NT fut attribuée à l'action mécanique de frottage de la surface des claviers. L'utilisation de lingettes désinfectantes a réduit le nombre d'UFC sur les claviers et pourrait être une composante utile des programmes de surveillance des infections vétérinaires.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

First report of nodular skin lesions caused by Mycobacterium nebraskense in a 9-year-old cat.

CASE SUMMARY: A 9-year-old cat was referred with multiple, raised, ulcerative skin nodules in the region of the neck and dorsal head. Histopathological findings of a biopsied nodule were granulomatous dermatitis and panniculitis without multinucleated giant cells or caseous necrosis. In addition, by Ziehl-Neelsen staining numerous acid-fast intracellular bacilli were observed within the lesions. Mycobacterial culture showed growth of rough scotochromogenic colonies after 3 weeks of incubation. Molecular characterisation of the isolate identified Mycobacterium nebraskense as the cause of the infection. No phenotypic resistance was detected for the antimycobacterial agents tested. The cat was successfully treated with a combination of surgical excision and a 12 week course of antimicrobial therapy, including rifampicin combined with clarithromycin. RELEVANCE AND NOVEL INFORMATION: To our knowledge, this is the first documented case of mycobacterial granulomatous dermatitis and panniculitis due to M nebraskense infection in a cat. The successful surgical and antimycobacterial treatment regimen is described.

Clinical Salmonellosis in a Closed Colony of Blood Donor Cats.

An adult feline blood donor, group-housed in a closed colony with other blood donor cats in a laboratory animal facility, developed anorexia, abdominal pain, an abdominal mass effect, and hemorrhagic diarrhea. Ultimately Salmonella infection was diagnosed. The index cat and 2 additional cats in the closed colony had clinical signs consistent with Salmonella and yielded Salmonella serotype 4,12:i:- in fecal cultures. An extensive search for the source of Salmonella was unrewarding. With the implementation of individual housing and additional barrier precautions, combined with antibiotic treatment of the index case, all the cats survived and subsequently had multiple, negative Salmonella PCR test results. This case report highlights the potential for unlikely infections to occur, even in a closed colony of research animals, as well as the important role of sanitation in the elimination of this enteric pathogen.

Quality of different in-clinic test systems for feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukaemia virus infection.

Many new diagnostic in-house tests for identification of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) infection have been licensed for use in veterinary practice, and the question of the relative merits of these kits has prompted comparative studies. This study was designed to define the strengths and weaknesses of seven FIV and eight FeLV tests that are commercially available. In this study, 536 serum samples from randomly selected cats were tested. Those samples reacting FIV-positive in at least one of the tests were confirmed by Western blot, and those reacting FeLV-positive were confirmed by virus isolation. In addition, a random selection of samples testing negative in all test systems was re-tested by Western blot (100 samples) and by virus isolation (81 samples). Specificity, sensitivity, positive and negative predictive values of each test and the quality of the results were compared.

Use of anti-coronavirus antibody testing of cerebrospinal fluid for diagnosis of feline infectious peritonitis involving the central nervous system in cats.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the use of measuring anti-coronavirus IgG in CSF for the diagnosis of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) involving the CNS in cats. DESIGN: Prospective study. SAMPLE POPULATION: CSF and serum samples from 67 cats. PROCEDURES: CSF and serum samples were allocated into 4 groups: cats with FIP involving the CNS (n = 10), cats with FIP not involving the CNS (13), cats with CNS disorders caused by diseases other than FIP (29), and cats with diseases other than FIP and not involving the CNS (15). Cerebrospinal fluid was evaluated for concentrations of erythrocytes, leukocytes, and total protein. Anti-coronavirus IgG was measured in CSF and serum by indirect immunofluorescence assay. RESULTS: CSF IgG (range of titers, 1:32 to 1:4,096) was detected in 12 cats, including 6 cats with neurologic manifestation of FIP, 4 cats with FIP not involving the CNS, and 2 cats with brain tumors. Cerebrospinal fluid IgG was detected only in cats with correspondingly high serum IgG titers (range, 1:4,096 to 1:16,384) and was positively correlated with serum IgG titers (r = 0.652; P < 0.01), but not with any other CSF parameter. Blood contamination of CSF resulted in < or = 333 erythrocytes/microL in cats with CSF IgG. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The correlation between serum and CSF IgG and the fact that CSF IgG was detected only in strongly seropositive cats suggested that CSF anti-coronavirus IgG was derived from blood. Measurement of anti-coronavirus IgG in CSF was of equivocal clinical use.

Effects of human recombinant alpha-2b interferon and feline recombinant omega interferon on in vitro replication of feline herpesvirus-1.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of recombinant human interferon alpha-2b (rHuIFN-alpha2b) and recombinant feline interferon omega (rFeIFN-omega) on in vitro replication of feline herpesvirus (FHV)-1. SAMPLE POPULATION: Cultures of Crandell-Rees feline kidney (CRFK) cells. PROCEDURES: CRFK cells were treated with rFeIFN-omega or rHuIFN-alpha2b at concentrations ranging from 100 to 500,000 U/mL. Cultures were then inoculated with FHV-1. Constant concentrations of interferon products were maintained throughout the study. Reductions in the number and size of plaques were used as indicators of antiviral activity. Six plaque reduction assays were performed in duplicate. A 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay was used to detect cytotoxic effects of interferon. A 1-way ANOVA and Dunnett test were used to determine significant differences. RESULTS: Treatment with rFeIFN-omega at various concentrations resulted in significant reductions in the number of plaques (100,000 U/mL, 54.7%; and 500,000 U/mL, 59.8%) and in plaque size (100,000 U/mL, 47.5%; 250,000 U/mL, 81.0%; and 500,000 U/mL; 70.5%). Treatment with various concentrations of rHuIFN-alpha2b resulted in a significant reduction in plaque size (100,000 U/mL, 56.0%; 250,000 U/mL, 75.7%; and 500,000 U/mL, 69.0%). None of the tested concentrations of interferon caused significant cellular toxicosis. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: At some of the higher concentrations, the antiviral effect of rFeIFN-omega was greater than the antiviral effect of rHuIFN-alpha2b. Reduction in plaque size appeared to be a good indicator of the antiviral activity of interferon against FHV-1.

Clinical resolution of Brucella canis-induced ocular inflammation in a dog.

A 2-year-old spayed female mixed-breed dog was referred with an 8-month history of recurrent bilateral anterior uveitis and hyphema secondary to infection with Brucella canis. Treatment with doxycycline PO and atropine and prednisone acetate topically prior to referral had failed to resolve the ocular inflammation. Successful control of ocular inflammation was achieved after initiation of treatment with gentamicin SC and ciprofloxacin and doxycycline PO. The finite indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) titer was reduced by half, and results of an agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID) test became negative after rifampin was added to the treatment protocol. Treatment with gentamicin was eventually discontinued because of evidence of renal toxicosis and cutaneous reactions to repeated injections. Thirty-five months after initial examination of the dog, results of the AGID test were still negative, the finite IFA titer was stable, and ocular inflammation had resolved, suggesting that the ocular infection may have been eliminated. To our knowledge, this represents the first report of the successful treatment of ocular inflammation caused by B canis infection in a dog.

Predominant outer membrane antigens of Bartonella henselae.

A hallmark of Bartonella henselae is persistent bacteremia in cats despite the presence of a vigorous host immune response. To understand better the long-term survival of B. henselae in cats, we examined the feline humoral immune response to B. henselae outer membrane (OM) proteins in naturally and experimentally infected cats. Initially, a panel of sera (n = 42) collected throughout North America from naturally infected cats was used to probe B. henselae total membranes to detect commonly recognized antigens. Twelve antigens reacted with sera from at least 85% of cats, and five were recognized by sera from all cats. To localize these antigens further, OMs were purified on discontinuous sucrose density step gradients. Each membrane fraction (OM, hybrid or inner membrane [IM]) contained less than 1% of the total malate dehydrogenase activity (soluble marker), indicating very little contamination by cytoplasmic proteins. FtsI, an integral IM cell division protein, was used to identify the low-density fraction (rho = 1.13 g/cm3) as putative IM (<5% of the total FtsI localized to the high-density fraction) while lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and Pap31, a homolog of the Bartonella quintana heme-binding protein A (HbpA), defined the high-density fraction (rho = 1.20 g/cm3) as putative OM. Additionally, little evidence of cross-contamination between the IM and OM was evident by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. When purified OMs were probed with feline sera, antigenic proteins profiles were very similar to those observed with total membranes, indicating that many, but not all, of the immunoreactive proteins detected in the initial immunoblots were OM components. Interestingly, two-dimensional immunoblots indicated that B. henselae LPS and members of the Hbp family of proteins did not appear to stimulate an humoral response in any infected cats. Seven proteins were recognized by at least 70% of sera tested, but only three were recognized by all sera. Nanospray-tandem mass spectrometry was used to identify OM components, including the immunodominant OM proteins. Recognition of the nonimmunogenic nature of the major OM components, such as LPS, and identification of the predominant immunogens should elucidate the mechanisms by which B. henselae establishes persistent bacteremic infections within cats. Additionally, the common antigens may serve as potential feline vaccine candidates to eliminate the pathogen from its animal reservoir.

Lobar holoprosencephaly in a Miniature Schnauzer with hypodipsic hypernatremia.

A 9-month-old male Miniature Schnauzer was examined because of a lifelong history of behavioral abnormalities, including hypodipsia. Diagnostic evaluation revealed marked hypernatremia and a single forebrain ventricle. The behavioral abnormalities did not resolve with correction of the hypernatremia, and the dog was euthanatized. At necropsy, midline forebrain structures were absent or reduced in size, and normally paired forebrain structures were incompletely separated. Findings were diagnostic for holoprosencephaly, a potentially genetic disorder and the likely cause of the hypodipsia. Similar evaluation of affected Miniature Schnauzer dogs may reveal whether holoprosencephaly routinely underlies the thirst deficiency that may be seen in dogs of this breed.

Immunotherapy for treatment of multicentric cutaneous pythiosis in a dog.

A 4-year-old Labrador Retriever was referred for evaluation of 2 ulcerative nodular cutaneous lesions. One lesion was located on the medial aspect of the right carpus; the other was located on the medial aspect of the left tarsus. The dog had spent its entire life in the southeastern part of the United States and approximately half of its time outdoors with free access to a nearby lake. Histologic examination of full-thickness wedge biopsy specimens from both lesions revealed severe, multifocal, puruloeosinophilic to pyogranulomatous deep dermatitis with intralesional filamentous structures, fibroplasia, and neovascularization. Examination of sections stained with Gomori methenamine silver stain revealed a moderate number of wide, bulbous, irregularly septate, branching hyphae. Results of an immunodiffusion test and an ELISA for anti-Pythium insidiosum antibodies were positive. Amputation was eliminated as a treatment option because lesions involved 2 limbs. Long-term systemic antifungal treatment was also rejected because of the cost, lack of therapeutic effect in many cases, and potential for adverse effects. The dog was treated with 2 doses of an anti-P insidiosum vaccine administered 2 weeks apart. One month later, the lesions were nearly completely healed, and values obtained via the immunodiffusion test and ELISA had decreased. Results of the immunodiffusion test and ELISA were negative 1 year later, and the dog had not had any recurrences.

Fungal rhinitis and sinusitis in three cats.

Localized infection of the nasal or paranasal cavities caused by Aspergillus spp or Penicillium spp was diagnosed in 3 cats. Clinical signs included chronic mucopurulent nasal discharge, epistaxis, and mandibular lymphadenopathy. Rhinoscopic and diagnostic imaging findings were compatible with severe inflammation of the nasal mucosa and destruction of the turbinates. Fungal plaques were observed rhinoscopically in 2 cats, and histologic examination of biopsy specimens revealed fungal colonies with surrounding inflammatory infiltrates in all 3. Results of fungal culture were negative for all 3 cats. Results of serum immunoelectrophoresis for antibodies against Aspergillus spp were positive in 2 cats. Treatment with itraconazole was effective in controlling clinical signs in 1 cat, but hepatotoxicosis developed. A single intranasal infusion of clotrimazole subsequently led to long-term resolution of clinical signs in this cat. Localized aspergillosis-penicilliosis is clinically indistinguishable from other pathologic conditions of the nasal and paranasal cavities in cats and should be considered when examining cats with chronic nasal discharge.

Suspected pseudohypoparathyroidism in a domestic ferret.

A 1.5-year-old ferret examined because of seizures was found to have low serum calcium, high serum phosphorus, and extremely high serum parathyroid hormone concentrations. Common causes of these abnormalities, including nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism, chronic renal secondary hyperparathyroidism, tumor lysis syndrome, and hypomagnesemia, were ruled out, and a tentative diagnosis of pseudohypoparathyroidism was made. Pseudohypoparathyroidism is a hereditary condition in people that, to our knowledge, has not been identified in ferrets previously and is caused by a lack of response to high serum parathyroid hormone concentrations, rather than a deficiency of this hormone. The ferret improved after treatment with dihydrotachysterol (a vitamin D analog) and calcium carbonate. It was still doing well after 3.5 years of continued treatment.

Infection with Basidiobolus ranarum in two dogs.

Basidiobolus ranarum is a saprophytic fungus in the environment that also is a part of the endogenous microflora in the gastrointestinal tract of several vertebrates. These organisms may penetrate skin or muscosa of humans and other animals, causing granulomatous inflammation. Two dogs infected with B. ranarum had prolonged or repeated exposure to water or soil in their environment. One dog had progressive subcutaneous infection of all the limbs, and the other dog had recurrent coughing and dyspnea caused by tracheobronchitis. In both dogs, secondary bacterial infection of the lesions was evident. Treatment of the dog with subcutaneous infection involved cutaneous dressings and sequential use of enrofloxacin and itraconazole; however, this resulted in suspected liver damage without clinical improvement. Subsequent treatment with potassium iodide and a lipid formulation of amphotericin B was also unsuccessful, and the dog was euthanatized. The other dog was treated alternately with enrofloxacin and itraconazole. When the clinical signs and infection returned, combination treatment with both drugs was more effective; however, the dog developed liver damage. Subsequent treatment with enrofloxacin on an intermittent basis controlled the dog's coughing during a 3-year period.

Duodenal obstruction caused by infection with Pythium insidiosum in a 12-week-old puppy.

Pythium insidiosum is an aquatic fungus-like organism that causes a serious chronic granulomatous disease called pythiosis in animals and humans in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. In North America, pythiosis is most often diagnosed in the Gulf Coast states. Early recognition of the disease is crucial to successful treatment, which includes surgical resection of granulomatous lesions and administration of antifungal agents. Despite increasing availability of diagnostic tests, intestinal pythiosis is insidious and is often not detected until lesions are extensive. Intestinal pythiosis was diagnosed in a 12-week-old puppy from South Carolina examined because of vomiting, diarrhea, and anorexia. Pythiosis was not initially suspected because of the young age of the patient and because pythiosis is uncommon in this area.