Dictyocaulus viviparus bulk tank milk seropositivity is correlated with meteorological variables.

Control of infections with Dictyocaulus viviparus is difficult due to its volatile epidemiology. In the absence of predictive models, 'vigilance and treatment' is today's mainstay for control. In order to evaluate the potential of predictive model development to support a more preventative approach, this longitudinal study aimed at understanding the influence of weather factors on D. viviparus bulk tank milk antibody ELISA results. Bulk tank milk samples were analysed with a Major Sperm Protein-based ELISA (expressed as an optical density ratio) twice monthly on 717 Flemish dairy farms during the grazing season (April-October) in 2018. Meteorological data of the sampled farms were obtained at 1 km spatial scale using the ALARO-SURFEX climate model. A mixed effects model showed that the bulk tank milk optical density ratio was significantly associated with the month of sampling, evapotranspiration, temperature and its quadratic term, the number of hot days and the number of rainy days in the 7-8 weeks prior to sampling. There were significant farm effects involved. The model's accuracy to predict bulk tank milk optical density ratio infection status was 80%, while optical density ratios were generally overestimated by 38%. Inclusion of the previous (2-week-old) optical density ratio values increased accuracy to 86% and reduced the mean square error. We conclude that meteorological parameters have a predictive value for bulk tank milk optical density ratio results, while further research should evaluate model improvements through the addition of herd management factors as well as confirm the predictive power through external validation in additional farms and years.

Gastrointestinal nematode and lungworm infections in organic dairy calves reared with nurse cows during their first grazing season in western France.

The rearing system of dairy calves with nurse cows has been developing since 2010 in organic farms in western France. This system allows cow-calf contact until a weaning age close to the natural weaning for cattle and is characterized by an early turnout for calves at around one month of age with their nurse cows and a first grazing season with mixed grazing of calves and adults at a ratio of 2-4 calves per nurse cow. The objectives of this study were to assess the gastrointestinal (GIN) and lungworm infections in such reared calves and their variability during the first grazing season. Faecal egg count (FEC), pepsinogen (PEP) concentration and Ostertagia ELISA optical density ratio (ODR) were determined in calves (n = 497) at housing in 33 groups from 24 farms in 2018, and in calves (n = 405) and nurse cows (n = 199) throughout the 2019 grazing season in 41 groups from 20 farms. For lungworm infection, information was obtained during 2019 through the recording of coughing episodes along the grazing season and the Dictyocaulus ELISA ODR determination at housing both in calves and nurses. Results indicated that the level of GIN infection was overall low for calves during the first grazing season with PEP and Ostertagia ODR group-average values ranging from 0.97 to 1.6 U Tyr and 0.23 to 0.71 ODR respectively. No anthelmintic treatment being given in any group of calves. Ostertagia ODR values increased with the duration of the grazing season (>240 d) and with the ratio calves/nurse (>2). GIN parameters for nurses remained fairly stable during the grazing season with mean FEC, PEP and Ostertagia ODR group-average values of 13 epg, 2.28 U Tyr and 0.81 ODR, respectively. Antibodies against lungworms were detected in 3-62 % of calves depending on the duration of grazing, but only 6% of calves showed a coughing episode. The dilution effect due to the mixed grazing of resistant (nurse cows) and susceptible (calves) animals associated with predominant milk diet of calves during the first months of grazing in combination with protective grazing management allow calves to be turned out at an early age without using anthelmintic treatments. Further studies are needed to assess the GIN infection dynamics during the second grazing season in weaned heifers.

Benzimidazole resistant Haemonchus contortus in a wildlife park.

INTRODUCTION: Anthelmintic resistance (AR) of ruminant gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) constitutes a major problem worldwide. Among GINs, the abomasal blood-feeding parasite Haemonchus contortus is particularly pathogenic and may show resistance against all major anthelmintic substance classes. In the present study, the death of a 1,5 year-old European bison (Bison bonasus) from a German wildlife park due to haemonchosis despite frequent anthelmintic treatment of the herd with fenbendazole as well as doramectin prompted an investigation regarding AR. Pooled faecal samples were collected from four different bison groups as well as from mouflons (Ovis orientalis), elk (Alces alces), reindeer (Rangifer tarandus), sika deer (Cervus nippon), Persian fallow deer (Dama mesopotamica) and red deer (Cervus elaphus) housed by the wildlife park. After coproscopical examination, faecal larval cultures were established. Haemonchus contortus-positive larval cultures were further examined for genetic polymorphisms associated with benzimidazole resistance at codons 167 and 200 of the ß-tubulin isotype 1 gene by real-time pyrosequencing. Infections with H. contortus were detected in all four bison groups, as well as in mouflons. In five samples, representing two bison groups and the mouflons, the frequency of the resistance-associated single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) at codon 200 was 100%. In contrast, resistance-associated SNPs were not detected at codon 167. In addition, faecal egg counts from two bison before and 14 days after parenteral doramectin treatment indicated possible macrocyclic lactone resistance. Detection of anthelmintic resistant nematodes in these animals was especially concerning in the light of planned reintroduction into the wild. As helminth control in zoological gardens and wildlife parks relies mostly on anthelmintic treatment due to restricted possibilities regarding management practices such as rotational grazing, care should be taken to avoid underdosing or unnecessary frequent treatments facilitating the development of AR.

INTRODUCTION: La résistance aux anthelminthiques (RA) des nématodes gastro-intestinaux (NGI) des ruminants constitue un problème majeur dans le monde. Parmi les NGI, le parasite hématophage de la caillette Haemonchus contortus est particulièrement pathogène et peut montrer une résistance contre toutes les principales classes de substances anthelminthiques. Dans la présente étude, la mort d'un bison d'Europe de 1,5 ans (Bison bonasus) d'un parc animalier allemand en raison d'une hémonchose malgré un traitement anthelminthique fréquent du troupeau avec du fenbendazole ainsi que de la doramectine a incité une enquête sur la RA. Des échantillons de matières fécales regroupés ont été collectés auprès de quatre groupes de bisons différents ainsi que de mouflons (Ovis orientalis), de wapitis (Alces alces), de rennes (Rangifer tarandus), de cerfs sika (Cervus nippon), de daims de Perse (Dama mesopotamica) et de cerfs élaphes (Cervus elaphus) hébergés par le parc animalier. Après examen coproscopique, des cultures larvaires fécales ont été réalisées. Des cultures larvaires positives pour Haemonchus contortus ont été examinées plus avant pour les polymorphismes génétiques associés à la résistance au benzimidazole aux codons 167 et 200 du gène de l'isotype 1 de la ß-tubuline par pyroséquençage en temps réel. Des infections à H. contortus ont été détectées dans les quatre groupes de bisons, ainsi que chez les mouflons. Dans cinq échantillons, représentant deux groupes de bisons et les mouflons, la fréquence du polymorphisme mononucléotidique (SNP) associé à la résistance au codon 200 était de 100 %. En revanche, les SNP associés à la résistance n'ont pas été détectés au codon 167. De plus, le nombre d'œufs par gramme de fèces de deux bisons avant et 14 jours après le traitement parentéral à la doramectine a indiqué une possible résistance aux lactones macrocycliques. La détection de nématodes résistants aux anthelminthiques chez ces animaux était particulièrement préoccupante à la lumière de la réintroduction prévue dans la nature. Étant donné que le contrôle des helminthes dans les jardins zoologiques et les parcs animaliers repose principalement sur un traitement anthelminthique en raison des possibilités limitées concernant les pratiques de gestion telles que le pâturage en rotation, des précautions doivent être prises pour éviter un sous-dosage ou des traitements fréquents inutiles facilitant le développement de la RA.

Distribution of Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. and Borrelia miyamotoi in Ixodes tick populations in Northern Germany, co-infections with Rickettsiales and assessment of potential influencing factors.

To determine Borrelia spp. (Spirochaetales: Spirochaetaceae) prevalence and species distribution in Northern Germany, Ixodes ticks were sampled from April to October in 2018 and 2019 by the flagging method at three locations each in five regions. Analysis by quantitative real-time PCR of 3150 individual ticks revealed an overall prevalence of 30.6%, without significant differences between tick stages (31.7% positive adults, 28.6% positive nymphs). Significant differences were observed in seasonal infection rates, but not between regions, landscape types or sampling years. Analysis of co-infections with Rickettsiales indicated a negative association between Borrelia and Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection. The most frequent Borrelia species differentiated by Reverse Line Blot were B. afzelii and B. garinii/B. bavariensis, followed by B. valaisiana, B. burgdorferi sensu stricto, B. spielmanii and B. lusitaniae. Furthermore, B. miyamotoi was identified in 12.9% of differentiable samples. No effect of region nor landscape type on species composition was found, but significant variations in the distribution at the different sampling sites within a region were observed. The detected monthly fluctuations in prevalence and the differences in intra-regional Borrelia species distribution underline the importance of long-term and multi-location monitoring of Borrelia spp. in ticks as an essential part of public health assessment.

Risk factors for lungworm-associated milk yield losses in grazing dairy cattle.

Dictyocaulus viviparus, the causative agent of bovine parasitic bronchitis, is an important parasite of dairy cattle. Infections can lead to substantial economic losses, due to mortality, reduced weight gain and milk production and treatment costs. There have been relatively few studies investigating herd management risk factors for infections with D. viviparus and lungworm-associated production losses. The aims of this study were (1) to assess the impact of (sub)clinical lungworm infections on productivity in dairy cows and, (2) to identify or confirm risk factors, related to herd management, for infections in grazing dairy cattle. Using a recombinant Major Sperm Protein (MSP)-based ELISA, the presence of D. viviparus antibodies in bulk tank milk (BTM) samples was evaluated on 717 and 634 farms at two-week intervals during two grazing seasons (2018 and 2019). Associations between milk antibody levels and production data (mean milk yield in kg/cow/day, percentage of fat and protein) were assessed, as well as associations with putative risk factors in the herd management, gathered through a questionnaire survey. In both years, there was a substantial, but non-significant, difference in the annual mean milk yield on farms with at least one BTM sample above the cut-off of 0.41 ODR, compared with the mean milk yield on farms that stayed under this threshold on each sampling day (-0.17 and -0.70 kg milk/cow/day in 2018 and 2019, respectively). In 2019, this association was stronger, and significant, when the cut-off was exceeded in at least two consecutive BTM samples (-1.74 kg milk/cow/day). BTM results were also significantly negatively associated with the closest milk production data during the two-weekly BTM sampling intervals in 2019. A single or two consecutive positive tests were used in the risk factor analysis as a proxy for lungworm-associated milk yield losses. Purchase of new animals (Odds Ratio (OR) = 2.68) and the proportion of the first grazing season covered by preventive anthelmintic treatment (OR up to 3.88, depending on proportion) were positively associated with lungworm-associated milk yield losses, while mowing at least 50 % of the pastures (OR = 0.57) was negatively associated with lungworm-associated milk yield losses. Our results suggest that the ELISA holds promise to identify herds with significant production losses due to lungworm infections, under the condition that BTM sampling is done repeatedly during the grazing season. Based on the confirmed risk factors, adjustments of the farm management could perhaps mitigate these losses.

Association between Dictyocaulus viviparus bulk tank milk antibody levels and farmer-reported lungworm outbreaks.

The lungworm Dictyocaulus viviparus can have a major impact on bovine health and productivity. Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISA), based on a recombinant Major Sperm Protein (MSP), have been developed to detect D. viviparus-specific antibodies in bulk tank milk (BTM). The objectives of this study are to assess the association between BTM optical density ratio's (ODR) and farmer-reported lungworm outbreaks based on the clinical sign "coughing" throughout the grazing season and to compare the sensitivity and specificity of two ELISAs under field conditions. The Hannover MSP-ELISA and the prototype Svanova MSP-ELISA were used for the detection of D. viviparus antibodies in BTM samples on 717 dairy farms during the 2018 grazing season. Assuming all herds to be truly lungworm infected, the results show that the Svanova ELISA had a lower sensitivity (40-65%) and specificity (75-90%) for the detection of D. viviparus infections in BTM compared to the Hannover ELISA, which had a sensitivity of 42% and 74% and specificity of 100% and 98% at a cut-off of 0.41 ODR and 0.25 ODR, respectively. Therefore, analyses of the associations between milk antibody levels and farmer-reported outbreaks during the 2018 and 2019 grazing season were assessed using the Hannover ELISA, on 717 and 634 farms, respectively. A positive association was found between a farmer-reported outbreak and having at least two consecutive positive BTM ODR's at a cut-off of 0.41 in 2018 (Odds Ratio (OR) = 5.5) and 2019 (OR = 2.8). Furthermore, there was a significant association between a farmer-reported outbreak and having a positive BTM ODR in August (OR 2018 = 4.4; OR 2019 = 2.8) and October (OR 2018 = 3.7; OR 2019 = 1.8). On the farms with a farmer-reported outbreak and positive BTM samples, over half (2018 = 77%; 2019 = 57%) of the positive ODR's were situated before the outbreak and 47% (2018) and 42% (2019) within 12 weeks before the outbreak. In conclusion, there is a positive association between farmer-reported outbreaks and the occurrence of a positive BTM sample at the cut-off of 0.41 ODR using the Hannover ELISA.

Health status of free-ranging ring-necked pheasant chicks (Phasianus colchicus) in North-Western Germany.

Being a typical ground-breeding bird of the agricultural landscape in Germany, the pheasant has experienced a strong and persistent population decline with a hitherto unexplained cause. Contributing factors to the ongoing negative trend, such as the effects of pesticides, diseases, predation, increase in traffic and reduced fallow periods, are currently being controversially discussed. In the present study, 62 free-ranging pheasant chicks were caught within a two-year period in three federal states of Germany; Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia and Schleswig-Holstein. The pheasant chicks were divided into three age groups to detect differences in their development and physical constitution. In addition, pathomorphological, parasitological, virological, bacteriological and toxicological investigations were performed. The younger chicks were emaciated, while the older chicks were of moderate to good nutritional status. However, the latter age group was limited to a maximum of three chicks per hen, while the youngest age class comprised up to ten chicks. The majority of chicks suffered from dermatitis of the periocular and caudal region of the head (57-94%) of unknown origin. In addition, intestinal enteritis (100%), pneumonia (26%), hepatitis (24%), perineuritis (6%), tracheitis (24%), muscle degeneration (1%) and myositis (1%) were found. In 78% of the cases, various Mycoplasma spp. were isolated. Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) was not detected using an MG-specific PCR. Parasitic infections included Philopteridae (55%), Coccidia (48%), Heterakis/Ascaridia spp. (8%) and Syngamus trachea (13%). A total of 8% of the chicks were Avian metapneumovirus (AMPV) positive using RT-PCR, 16% positive for infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) using RT-PCR, and 2% positive for haemorrhagic enteritis virus (HEV) using PCR. All samples tested for avian encephalomyelitis virus (AEV), infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) or infectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILTV) were negative. The pool samples of the ten chicks were negative for all acid, alkaline-free and derivative substances, while two out of three samples tested were positive for the herbicide glyphosate. Pheasant chick deaths may often have been triggered by poor nutritional status, probably in association with inflammatory changes in various tissues and organs as well as bacterial and parasitic pathogens. Theses impacts may have played a major role in the decline in pheasant populations.

Apparent prevalence of and risk factors for infection with Ostertagia ostertagi, Fasciola hepatica and Dictyocaulus viviparus in Swiss dairy herds.

Infections with helminth parasites can negatively affect performance of dairy cows. Knowledge on infection intensity, spatial distributions and risk factors are key to develop targeted treatment strategies. Canada and most EU countries have conducted large investigations, but respective data for Switzerland were missing. We now performed a bulk tank milk serosurvey for Ostertagia ostertagi, Fasciola hepatica, and Dictyocaulus viviparus on a total of 1036 voluntarily participating dairy herds that were sampled at confinement periods, i.e. in winter 2014/15 or 2015/16, respectively. All samples were analyzed with commercial ELISAs for antibodies (AB) against O. ostertagi and F. hepatica, and those of the first sampling period additionally with an in-house ELISA for AB against D. viviparus. Testing for the latter parasite was not done in the second year of the study, as the sampling period might have missed infections due to the short lived nature of specific antibodies. The possible influence of geographic, climatic, and farm management variables on AB levels were assessed for each parasite using scanning cluster and multiple regression analysis. Overall seroprevalence for O. ostertagi was 95.5% (95% C.I.: 94.0-96.6), with a mean optical density ratio (ODR) of 0.83, for F. hepatica 41.3% (95% C.I.: 38.3-44.4), and for D. viviparus 2.9% (95% C.I.: 1.6-4.7). There were no significant differences between the two sampling periods. For all parasites, significant geographic clusters of higher AB levels could be established. Furthermore, AB levels against all three parasites were positively correlated with each other, indicating either cross-reactions or co-infections. For O. ostertagi, herd size and percentage of pasture in the ration were positively correlated with AB levels. For F. hepatica, altitude above sea level (a.s.l.) positively, and milk production per cow and year was negatively correlated with AB levels. This work provides baseline data for further studies performing in-depth risk factor analysis and investigating management as well as targeted treatment options to control the parasites.

Investigation into diseases in free-ranging ring-necked pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) in northwestern Germany during population decline with special reference to infectious pathogens.

The population of ring-necked pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) is decreasing all over Germany since the years 2008/2009. Besides impacts of habitat changes caused by current rates of land conversion, climatic influences or predators, a contribution of infectious pathogens needs also to be considered. Infectious and non-infectious diseases in free-living populations of ring-necked pheasants have been scarcely investigated so far. In the present study, carcasses of 258 deceased free-ranging pheasants of different age groups, predominantly adult pheasants, collected over a period of 4 years in the states of Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia and Schleswig-Holstein, were examined pathomorphologically, parasitologically, virologically and bacteriologically, with a focus set on infectious pathogens. A periocular and perinasal dermatitis of unknown origin was present in 62.3% of the pheasants. Additional alterations included protozoal cysts in the skeletal musculature (19.0%), hepatitis (21.7%), enteritis (18.7%), gastritis (12.6%), and pneumonia (11.7%). In single cases, neoplasms (2.6%) and mycobacteriosis (1.7%) occurred. Further findings included identification of coronaviral DNA from trachea or caecal tonsils (16.8%), siadenoviral DNA (7.6%), avian metapneumoviral RNA (6.6%), and infectious bursal disease viral RNA (3.7%). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on herpesvirus, avian influenza virus (AIV), paramyxovirus type 1 (PMV-1), avian encephalomyelitis virus (AEV), and chlamydia were negative. Based on the present results, there is no indication of a specific pathogen as a sole cause for population decline in adult pheasants. However, an infectious disease can still not be completely excluded as it may only affect reproduction effectivity or a certain age group of pheasants (e.g., chicks) which were not presented in the study.

[Subcutaneous Taenia crassiceps-cysticercosis in a dog with Cushing's syndrome]. / Subkutane Taenia-crassiceps-Zystizerkose bei einem Hund mit Cushing-Syndrom.

A male, 12-year-old Cairn terrier suffering from Cushing's syndrome with two therapy-resistant inflammatory subcutaneous lesions was examined pathomorphologically and parasitologically. Within the subcutaneous tissue, there was a suppurative to necrotizing and histiocytic inflammation present with the formation of caverns. Intralesional whitish-grey cysts with a diameter of 1-4 mm were detected. Molecular investigations of the cysts confirmed the preliminary morphological identification as Cysticercus longicollis. The adenohypophysis showed an infiltrative growing carcinoma. Cysticercus longicollis is the metacestode of Taenia (T.) crassiceps, a tapeworm of foxes and coyotes. Small rodents are typical intermediate hosts, in which the metacestode develops within the body cavities as well as in the subcutis. Subcutaneous cysticercosis after infection with eggs of T. crassiceps is also described in different domestic animal species and in humans, who represent aberrant intermediate hosts. Immunosuppression due to Cushing's syndrome, probably caused by the tumor of the adenohypophysis, may have played a role in the pathogenesis of the present case.

Vaccination of calves with yeast- and bacterial-expressed paramyosin from the bovine lungworm Dictyocaulus viviparus.

Previously, vaccination of cattle with Escherichia coli-expressed bovine lungworm paramyosin (EcPMY) adjuvanted with Quil A resulted in considerable reduction in worm burden and larvae shedding (Strube et al., 2015). To further evaluate the protective potential of PMY, cattle vaccination trials were performed using either E. coli- (EcPMY) or Pichia pastoris-expressed PMY (PpPMY) with different adjuvants (Matrix-Q(™) or Quil A). Combinations EcPMY+Matrix-Q(™) (trial 1), PpPMY+Matrix-Q(™) (trial 2) and PpPMY+Quil A (trial 3) were tested against challenge infections with 2000 Dictyocaulus viviparus larvae. Even though GM worm burden and larvae shedding was lower in almost all vaccinated groups, there were high variations between individuals hampering significant differences. However, in all vaccinated groups, lungworms were significantly shorter compared with those in controls. In vitro stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) with recombinant (r)PMY revealed no significant proliferation following vaccinations or challenge infection. All vaccinated cattle showed a significant rise in specific antibodies, particularly IgG and its subclass IgG1, and detected the native lungworm PMY in immunoblots starting 2 weeks after the first vaccination. The use of a different rPMY-adjuvant combination or combined vaccination with additional recombinant antigens might be a promising future approach towards a new vaccine against lungworms in cattle.

Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and co-infections with Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Rickettsia spp. in Ixodes ricinus in Hamburg, Germany.

To obtain initial data on Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (Spirochaetales: Spirochaetaceae) in Ixodes ricinus (Ixodida: Ixodidae) ticks in Hamburg, Germany, 1400 questing ticks were collected by flagging at 10 different public recreation areas in 2011 and analysed using probe-based quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The overall rate of infection with B. burgdorferi s.l. was 34.1%; 30.0% of adults were infected (36.7% of females and 26.0% of males), as were 34.5% of nymphs. Significant differences in tick infection rates were observed between the spring and summer/autumn months, as well as among sampling locations. Borrelia genospecies identification by reverse line blotting was successful in 43.6% of positive tick samples. The most frequent genospecies was Borrelia garinii/Borrelia bavariensis, followed by Borrelia afzelii, Borrelia valaisiana, B. burgdorferi sensu stricto, Borrelia spielmanii, Borrelia bissettii and Borrelia lusitaniae. Based on previously published data, co-infection of Borrelia and Rickettsiales spp. was determined in 25.8% of ticks. Overall, 22.9% of ticks were co-infected with Rickettsia spp. (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae), 1.7% with Anaplasma phagocytophilum (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae), and 1.2% with both pathogens. Study results show a high prevalence of Borrelia-positive ticks in recreation areas in the northern German city of Hamburg and the potential health risk to humans in these areas should not be underestimated.

Variations in the excretion patterns of helminth eggs in two sympatric mouse lemur species (Microcebus murinus and M. ravelobensis) in northwestern Madagascar.

Many factors can influence the parasite load of animal hosts, but integrative studies that simultaneously investigate several factors are still rare in many taxonomic groups. This study investigates the influence of host species, host population density, parasite transmission mode, sex, and two temporal (month, year) factors on gastrointestinal parasite prevalence and fecal egg counts of two endemic primate species from Madagascar, Microcebus ravelobensis and Microcebus murinus. A total of 646 fecal samples were available and analyzed from three dry seasons. Six different helminth egg morphotypes were found, and these were Subulura sp. (14.51 % prevalence), strongyle eggs (12.95 %), Ascaris sp. (7.94 %), Lemuricola sp. (0.17 %), and two forms of tapeworms (Hymenolepis spp.) (1.73 and 0.69 %). Coinfection with more than one egg type was observed in 21.22 % of the samples containing eggs. Multivariate analyses revealed that host species and sex did neither explain significant variation in the prevalence and fecal egg counts of parasites with direct life cycles (Ascaris sp., strongyle egg type, Lemuricola sp.) nor of arthropod-transmitted parasites (Subulura sp.). However, fecal egg counts of Subulura sp. differed significantly between study sites, and the prevalence of Subulura sp. and of parasites with direct life cycles was influenced by temporal parameters, mainly by differences between study years and partly between months. When comparing the findings with the yearly and seasonal rainfall patterns in the area, most results are in accordance with the hypothesis of an increased vulnerability of the host toward infection under some sort of environmental challenge.

[Reccurent reflux   and other problems following fundoplication: indication for re-operation]. / Reflux-Rezidiv   und andere Probleme nach Fundoplikatio: Indikation zur Re-Operation.

BACKGROUND: Early function diagnostics and problem-oriented management are basic requirements in cases of functional problems and complications following antireflux surgery for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). HISTORY, DIAGNOSTICS, AND THERAPEUTIC MANAGEMENT: A detailed history with a focus on the development of symptoms before and after the initial antireflux operation are fundamental prerequisites for a good diagnostic work-up. The data of preoperative function tests should always be reconsidered when re-evaluating a patient and be compared to the current findings. Thus, an analysis of the indications of any previous antireflux operation and an analysis of potential new or aggravated functional defects are essential. The general criteria indicating an operative procedure in gastroesophageal reflux disease do not change following such operation. Beyond these, symptomatic functional disorders caused by an antireflux operation may represent a new indication for an operative revision. INDICATION FOR RE-OPERATION: In the case of a symptomatic reflux recurrence, three essential criteria indicate an operative procedure: (i) a progressive type of GERD (proven functional defects, hiatal hernia, presence of typical reflux symptoms, necessity of increasing PPI dosage), (ii) non acid-dependent symptoms in spite of adequate medication (aspiration, volume reflux, pulmonary symptoms) and (iii) an alternative to medical therapy (preference, dependence, side effects, quality of life). In addition to these, symptomatic mechanical problems are important additional criteria for a redo procedure: the dissolution of the fundoplication wrap, the telescope-like slippage of the fundoplication around the proximal stomach ("slipped Nissen"), a paraesophageal herniation, and the transhiatal migration of an intact fundoplication. Finally, the rather seldom occurring wrong construction of the fundoplication and a not detected primary motility disorder (e. g., achalasia) are indications for redo surgery in most cases. CONCLUSION: The decision for any redo surgery following antireflux operations should always be based on a sound balance between symptomatic impairment and objective findings in functional disorders. This analysis allows for a responsible decision process since any redo surgery holds the risk of a lower success rate than the initial operation.

[Toxocarosis in dogs - important aspects for the veterinary practice]. / Die Toxokarose des Hundes - wichtige Aspekte für die tierärztliche Praxis.

The zoonotic roundworm Toxocara canis is considered one of the most common gastrointestinal helminths in dogs in Europe. Infection occurs via embryonated eggs from the environment or the ingestion of paratenic hosts. Pups become infected via intrauterine or lactogenic transmission of larvae from the bitch. Prenatal infection results in major consequences because the infected neonates shed large amounts of T. canis eggs into the environment due to a lack of immunocompetence and the resulting inability to fight the infection. After oral ingestion of the eggs, larvae hatch in the small intestine and penetrate the mucosal intestinal wall. Depending on the immune status and the route of infection, either tracheal or somatic migration occurs. Clinical symptoms of Toxocara infections in pups include gastrointestinal symptoms like the typical pot belly or rachitic symptoms. High worm loads might even result in ruptures of the intestine with the consequence of lethal peritonitis. The infection in humans as paratenic host may lead to the clinical pattern of larva migrans visceralis, larva migrans ocularis, neurotoxocarosis or the so called "covert" toxocarosis. Based on the zoonotic potential, information concerning the biology of the parasite and the necessity of anthelmintic treatment to effectively control T. canis in dogs should be provided for the pet owner. This may lead to better parasite control and decreased environmental contamination.

[Formation of centers in general and abdominal surgery -- necessity or trend?]. / Zentrenbildung in der Allgemein- und Viszeralchirurgie - Notwendigkeit oder Trend?

The introduction of the DRG (diagnosis-related groups) system as basis for reimbursement in the German health-care system has led to a mentality of quality orientation and verification of therapeutic results. An immediate result was the formation of medical "centres" on rather different levels and consequently the inauguration of institutions, authorities, and organisations to review these centres. Finally, a range of certifications was installed in order to stratify the rather diverse aims of different centres. This review critically evaluates the current situation in the field of general and abdominal surgery in Germany.

Genes of the bovine lungworm Dictyocaulus viviparus associated with transition from pasture to parasitism.

Genes necessary to enable nematode parasitic life after free-living larval life are of substantial interest to understand parasitism. We investigated transcriptional changes during transition to parasitism in the bovine lungworm Dictyocaulus viviparus, one of the most important parasites in cattle farming due to substantial economic losses. Upregulated transcripts in either free-living, developmentally arrested L3 or parasitic immature L5 were identified by suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) followed by differential screening and subsequent virtual Northern blot verification. From 400 sequenced clones of parasitic L5, 372 (93.0%) upregulated high quality ESTs were obtained clustering into 30 contigs and 38 singletons. Most conceptual translated peptides were SCP/TAPS "family" members also known as pathogenesis-related protein (PRP) superfamily (28.5% of total ESTs), cysteine proteases (24.5%), and H-gal-GP orthologues (9.9%). These proteins are predicted to play key roles in fundamental biological processes such as nutrition and development but also parasite-host interactions and immune defense mechanisms. Increased energy requirement of the rapidly developing L5 lungworm stage was obvious in a proportion of 12.2% upregulated ESTs being components of the respiratory chain. From the developmentally arrested L3 stage sequencing of 200 clones resulted in 195 high quality ESTs (97.0%) clustering into 7 contigs and 3 singletons only. Besides a hypothetical protein (70.1% of total ESTs) most transcripts encoded the cleavage stimulation factor subunit 2 (17.5%), which is a component of the poly(A(+)) machinery and found to be involved in gene silencing. Obtained data provide the basis for future fundamental research into genes associated with parasitic lifestyle but also applied research like vaccine and/or drug development.

The value of a bulk-tank milk ELISA and individual serological and faecal examination for diagnosing (sub)clinical Dictyocaulus viviparus infection in dairy cows.

To test the value of a recently developed bulk-tank milk (BTM) ELISA for diagnosing (sub)clinical Dictyocaulus viviparus infection in lactating dairy herds under field conditions, bulk milk samples were collected from farms with or without clinical symptoms suspected to be caused by lungworm infection. Results of the BTM ELISA were compared against individual examinations for lungworm larvae in faeces and lungworm antibodies in serum from up to 20 heifers (parity 1) and up to 20 cows (parity ≥ 2) on the same farms. This also allowed, for the first time, to examine the value of individual faecal and serological examinations in the diagnosis of (sub)clinical lungworm infections. In total, 33 farms participated. Of these, 16 reported clinical symptoms possibly related to lungworm infection (defined as a suspected positive clinical status or CS(+)) and 17 reported having no such symptoms (CS(-)). In total, 503 heifers and 649 cows were sampled. Of all faeces samples positive for lungworm larvae, 94 were from heifers (18.9% of all heifers) and 75 from cows (11.7% of all cows) (P<0.001). Of all sera positive for lungworm antibodies, 130 were from heifers (26.1% of all heifers) and 113 from cows (17.5% of all cows) (P<0.001). Of the CS(-) farms 41% had at least one heifer or cow shedding larvae and 71% had at least one seropositive heifer or cow. Of the CS(+) farms this was 81% and 94%, respectively. There were only 4 farms, all CS(-), where none of the animals were found shedding larvae and all animals tested seronegative. This implies that on 76% of the CS(-) farms lungworm infection circulated unnoticed. On all CS(+) farms the suspicion that lungworm caused the respiratory symptoms was confirmed by the individual faecal and serological examinations, whereas the BTM ELISA confirmed presence of lungworm on half of the CS(+) farms. The latter in particular occurred on farms with the more severe outbreaks. Overall, of 32 available BTM samples 10 tested positive (8 of 15 CS(+) and 2 of 17 CS(-) farms). For diagnosing suspected lungworm disease it was concluded that testing a BTM sample might suffice in case of moderate to severe outbreaks. However, in case of a mild outbreak with just a few animals coughing, examining individual animals has to be preferred over testing a BTM sample. The likelihood to detect lungworm infection is higher if heifers are sampled compared to cows. Sensitivity of the BTM ELISA was 35.7% if the presence of at least one seropositive and/or one larvae shedding animal in the herd was used to define lungworm positive farms. On average, at least 30% of the herd had to be seropositive before the BTM ELISA was found positive for lungworm antibodies. Results indicate that the BTM ELISA in its current form does not appear to be suitable for surveys on the prevalence of lungworm presence on farms. However, this BTM ELISA might be used in large-scale surveys to detect, for instance, annual changes in percentage positive farms, as long as it is recognized that positivity is more closely related to incidence of lungworm disease than to prevalence of lungworm infection.

Occurrence of Bartonella henselae and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato co-infections in ticks collected from humans in Germany.

Bartonella (B.) henselae is the zoonotic agent of cat scratch disease. B. henselae has been associated with therapy-resistant Lyme disease in humans suggesting that B. henselae and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato might be transmitted concurrently by ticks. In the present study we found that 16 (6.9%) of 230 Ixodes ricinus collected from humans harboured DNA of Bartonella spp. Fifteen positive ticks were infected with B. henselae and one tick with B. clarridgeiae. Twenty-five percent of the 16 Bartonella positive ticks were co-infected with Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato. Our data show that B. henselae is present in Ixodes ricinus and that ticks may serve as source of infection for humans.

The use of bulk-tank milk ELISAs to assess the spatial distribution of Fasciola hepatica, Ostertagia ostertagi and Dictyocaulus viviparus in dairy cattle in Flanders (Belgium).

Fasciola hepatica, Ostertagia ostertagi and Dictyocaulus viviparus are helminth parasites with a wide distribution and an important economic impact in cattle in temperate climates. This paper describes the spatial distribution of F. hepatica, O. ostertagi and D. viviparus in dairy herds in Flanders (Belgium). One thousand eight hundred herds were selected at random from the Flemish dairy population (n=7002), stratified on community level to obtain a sample representative for the entire study area. From each herd, a bulk milk sample collected in autumn 2006 was analysed with previously described antibody-ELISAs in order to identify herds where the parasite infection level is likely to cause production loss (F. hepatica and O. ostertagi) (defined as economic infections) or where patent infections have been present over the past grazing season (D. viviparus). The herd prevalence of economic infections with F. hepatica and O. ostertagi was 37.3% (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 35.1-39.7) and 59.1% (95%CI: 56.8-61.4), respectively. The herd prevalence of D. viviparus was 19.6% (95%CI: 17.7-21.6). On 28.9% (CI 26.8-31.3) of the herds, low levels of infection were observed for all three of the helminths. The presence of clustering of (economic) infections was studied using Moran's I, whereas the location and size of the clusters were studied using the spatial scan statistic, the Local Indicator of Spatial Association and Kernel density plotting. A marked clustering in the spatial distribution of F. hepatica and a mild clustering in the spatial distribution of O. ostertagi were observed. D. viviparus infections were spread evenly over Flanders. Knowledge of locations of high risk areas can lead to increased awareness and may be the start of the development of regionally adapted control measures.