Vasculitis Associated with Parrot Bornavirus 4 Infection in a Rose-Crowned Parakeet (Pyrrhurarhodocephala).

A 3-month-old, female rose-crowned parakeet (Pyrrhura rhodocephala) was found dead after a 24-h course of lethargy and passing blood-tinged faeces. Fine white streaks were seen in the pectoral muscles on necropsy. Microscopic examination revealed typical lesions of avian ganglioneuritis and vascular necrosis in the pectoral muscles, myocardium, kidneys, air sacs, adrenal glands, pancreas and thyroid gland. These lesions were characterized by mural fibrinoid necrosis of small and medium-calibre arteries and arterioles, associated with lymphoplasmacytic inflammation, necrosis, atrophy and fibrosis of the surrounding tissues. Parrot bornavirus (PaBV) nucleoprotein was demonstrated by immunohistochemistry in smooth muscle and endothelial cells of many vessels. An avian bornavirus was isolated from kidney tissue and its identity confirmed as PaBV-4 by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. We postulate that the vascular lesions could have been immune-mediated and that PaBV-4 may have played a role in its pathogenesis.

Intestinal-peritoneal Coelioscopy for the Diagnosis of a Mesothelioma in a Pet Chicken.

An adult female chicken, from a small backyard flock, was presented to the Ontario Veterinary College Avian and Exotics Service for evaluation of dyspnea and recurrent ascites. An antemortem diagnostic evaluation included a coelomocentesis, coelomic ultrasound, and a coelioscopy procedure. A sample of the fluid collected during the coelomocentesis was submitted for analysis and was determined to be a nonspecific modified proteinaceous transudate. The coelomic ultrasound examination identified numerous coalescing fluid-filled and solid nodules throughout the coelom. However, no site of origin of the nodules could be identified. A coelioscopy of the intestinal-peritoneal cavity was performed by a ventral midline approach, and biopsies collected during the procedure were submitted for histologic examination. The pathologic diagnosis of the biopsy samples was a disseminated neoplasia, presumptively coelomic adenocarcinoma. The chicken received palliative treatment which included periodic coelomocentesis, meloxicam, antibiotics, and deslorelin following the diagnosis of a disseminated neoplasia. Three months following initial presentation the patient was euthanatized. A postmortem examination with histopathology confirmed the tissue biopsy results of coelomic neoplasia. Further immunohistochemistry supported mesothelioma as the definitive diagnosis. This case documents the usefulness of intestinal-peritoneal coelioscopy in identifying neoplasia as the cause of ascites in a pet chicken as well as describing the clinical features and progression of a mesothelioma in this species.

A Subset of Equine Gastric Squamous Cell Carcinomas Is Associated With Equus Caballus Papillomavirus-2 Infection.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common neoplasm of the equine stomach. However, the mechanisms underlying malignant transformation are unknown. As Equus caballus papillomavirus-2 (EcPV-2) is a likely cause of some genital SCCs, we hypothesized that EcPV-2 is associated with a subset of equine gastric SCCs. To this aim, we performed polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and in situ hybridization (ISH) for EcPV-2 E6/ E7 oncogenes on 11 gastric SCCs and on gastric samples from 15 control horses with no SCC. PCR for EcPV-2 was positive in 7/11 (64%) gastric SCCs; non-SCC gastric samples were all negative. Intense hybridization signals for EcPV-2 E6/E7 nucleic acid were detected by ISH within tumor cells in 5/11 (45%) gastric SCCs, including distant metastases. No hybridization signals were detected within any of the non-SCC gastric cases. This study provides support for a potential association between EcPV-2 infection and a subset of equine gastric SCC.

URINARY BLADDER TRANSITIONAL CELL CARCINOMA AND CARCINOMATOSIS IN A LINNAEUS'S TWO-TOED SLOTH, CHOLOEPUS DIDACTYLUS.

A 19-yr-old female Linnaeus's two-toed sloth (Choloepus didactylus) with a history of urinary incontinence, ascites, and behavioral changes was euthanized after diagnostic imaging revealed a large bladder mass. On gross necropsy, the sloth had a severely thickened bladder mucosa, partial urinary obstruction, and nonseptic exudate in the peritoneal cavity. Histopathology showed a malignant and highly invasive transitional cell (urothelial) carcinoma with transmural and intra-abdominal invasion and diffuse carcinomatosis. Immunohistochemistry for expression of pancytokeratin (AE1/AE3), cytokeratin 7 (CK7), cytokeratin 20 (CK20), and uroplakin III was performed to confirm the diagnosis of transitional cell carcinoma. Neoplastic cells had a strong cytoplasmic immunoreactivity with the antipancytokeratin antibody clone AE1/AE3, which was consistent with a neoplasm of epithelial origin. Neoplastic cells were negative for expression of CK20. This is the first detailed report describing the antemortem diagnosis of urinary bladder transitional cell carcinoma with carcinomatosis in a two-toed sloth.

Maraba virus-vectored cancer vaccines represent a safe and novel therapeutic option for cats.

Direct killing of malignant cells combined with induction of tumour-specific immune responses makes oncolytic vaccines attractive for cancer therapy. We previously developed a heterologous cancer immunization strategy that utilized a replication-defective adenovirus-vectored primary vaccine encoding a tumour antigen followed by boosting with a replication-competent Maraba virus expressing the same antigen. To assess the safety of oncolytic Maraba virus-based booster vaccines and inform the design of clinical trials, we conducted translational studies in cats, which have immune systems that are similar to people and spontaneously develop cancers of comparable types and etiologies. A dose of Maraba virus up to 2.5 × 1011 pfu per cat was well-tolerated, with adverse effects limited to mild, transient pyrexia, weight loss, neutropenia, lymphopenia and thrombocytopenia. Maraba viral genomes were present in some urine, stool and most plasma samples up to one week post-infection, but no infectious viruses were recovered. Post-mortem analysis showed one heart, one lung and all spleen samples contained Maraba virus genomes. No replication-competent viruses were recovered from any tissues. Post-mortem histopathological analyses revealed hyperplasia of lymphoid tissues, but no abnormal lesions were attributed to vaccination. This study demonstrated that Maraba virus-vectored cancer vaccines were well-tolerated and supports their use in treating cats.

Evaluation of the effect of umbilical hernias on play behaviors in growing pigs.

Umbilical hernias (UH) are common in pigs and are an animal welfare concern. This study used an assessment of play behavior to evaluate the welfare of pigs with UH. Twenty-one grower pigs with UH and 17 without hernias (WUH) were assigned to 16 playing groups (PG) of 2 or 3 pigs (with at least 1 UH pig per PG). The time each animal was engaged in any of the defined playing behaviors for locomotor/social or toy play behaviors was recorded. Mixed Poisson or negative binomial and linear models were used to determine the effect of UH and day of session, accounting for the cluster of pigs within groups, on the frequency of each play behavior, and playing times. Pigs with UH had the same frequency of most play behaviors and playing times as pigs without hernias. There was no indication that the presence of UH-affected play behavior or performance in pigs.

Évaluation de l'effet des hernies ombilicales sur les comportements de jeu chez les porcs en croissance. Les hernies ombilicales (HO) sont communes chez les porcs et elles représentent une préoccupation liée au bien-être animal. Cette étude a utilisé une évaluation du comportement de jeu afin d'évaluer le bien-être des porcs ayant une HO. Vingt-et-un porcs en croissance ayant une HO et 17 sans hernies (SHO) ont été assignés à 16 groupes de jeu (GJ) de 2 ou 3 porcs (avec au moins 1 porc HO par GJ). Le temps consacré par chaque animal pour participer à l'un des comportements de jeu définis pour les comportements de jeu de locomotion/social ou de jouet a été consigné. Des modèles mixtes de Poisson ou binomiaux et linéaires négatifs ont été utilisés pour déterminer l'effet de HO et le jour de la séance, en tenant compte des regroupements de porcs au sein des groupes, de la fréquence de chaque comportement de jeu et des moments de jeu. Les porcs avec une HO avait la même fréquence pour la plupart des comportements de jeu et des moments de jeu que les porcs SHO. Il n'y avait aucune indication que la présence d'une HO affectait le comportement de jeu ou la performance des porcs.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Retro-orbital and disseminated B-cell lymphoma in a yellow-collared macaw (Primolius auricollis).

A yellow-collared macaw was presented with unilateral left exophthalmia. The complete blood cell count and biochemistry revealed a heterophilic leukocytosis and elevation in liver parameters, respectively. A computed tomography scan showed a contrast-enhancing retrobulbar mass and hepatomegaly. Cytology of the liver was consistent with a round cell tumor, most likely lymphoma. The bird died after 2 months of palliative care. Postmortem examination confirmed a retro-orbital and disseminated B-cell lymphoma.

Lymphome B rétro-orbital et disséminé chez un ara à collier jaune(Primolius auricollis). Un ara à collier jaune a été présenté avec de l'exophtalmie unilatérale gauche. La formule sanguine complète et la biochimie ont révélé une leucocytose hétérophile et une élévation des paramètres hépatiques, respectivement. La tomodensitométrie à l'aide d'une injection de milieu de contraste a montré une masse rétrobulbaire et une hépatomégalie. La cytologie du foie était conforme à une tumeur à cellules rondes, le plus probablement un lymphome. L'oiseau est mort après 2 mois de soins palliatifs. L'examen postmortem a confirmé un lymphome B rétro-orbital et disséminé.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Postmortem findings in Ontario racehorses, 2003-2015.

Postmortem lesions and cause of death were evaluated retrospectively for 963 horses examined as part of the Ontario Racing Commission Death Registry over a 13-y period. The Death Registry was established in 2003 to identify factors leading to death or euthanasia of racehorses in this Canadian province. Postmortem examination was carried out on 56% of horses reported to the Death Registry and included Standardbred, Thoroughbred, and American Quarter Horses. Musculoskeletal injury was the most common reason for death associated with racing or training among all racehorses and involved 68% of horses. A history of sudden death during or immediately following exercise was described for 31% of racing- or training-associated deaths, and in 16% of all horses in the study. Sudden death occurred in horses of all breeds, and our report describes lesions associated with sudden death in a series of Standardbreds. The cause of death in these cases was most frequently attributed to cardiopulmonary lesions. The cause of death was undetermined in 20% of sudden death cases, and it is speculated that cardiac arrhythmia may have contributed to these deaths. Injection-associated death was documented in 4% of the study population. Lesions among horses whose death was not associated with exercise were similar to those in other equine populations, and lesions involving the gastrointestinal system were most common. Standardization of pathology reporting of pulmonary and other lesions in racehorse postmortem cases would allow direct comparison of results among racehorse populations.

Uterine angioleiomyoma in an African green monkey (Chlorocebus aethiops sabaeus).

BACKGROUND: A uterine neoplasm was observed, as an incidental finding, during post-mortem examination of a 26-year-old female multiparous African green monkey (Chlorocebus aethiops sabaeus). The intramural, expansile, 2 to 3 cm well-demarcated, dark-red, nodular neoplasm was located on the anterior uterine body (corpus) wall. METHODS: The mass was examined by light microscopy and by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The mass was confirmed as a cavernous uterine angioleiomyoma (syn. vascular leiomyoma) characterized by abundant intratumoural vasculature lined by Factor VIII-positive endothelial cells and surrounded by smooth muscle actin-positive cell proliferations. CONCLUSION: Angioleiomyoma sharing the characteristics of intramural human cavernous uterine angioleiomyoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of uterine tumours in non-human primates.

Persistence of clinical signs associated with rotavirus following an outbreak of porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) on a farrow-to-grow swine operation in southwestern Ontario.

Clinical signs attributed to porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) persisted for several months in a southwestern Ontario farm following an outbreak of PED. Extensive testing revealed rotavirus infection and absence of PED in nursing and nursery pigs, highlighting the importance of repeated diagnostic testing following a disease outbreak.

Persistance des signes cliniques associés au rotavirus après une éclosion de diarrhée épidémique porcine (DEP) dans une exploitation porcine de type naisseur-finisseur dans le sud-ouest de l'Ontario. Les signes cliniques attribués à la diarrhée épidémique porcine (DEP) ont persisté pendant plusieurs mois dans une ferme du sud-ouest de l'Ontario après une éclosion de DEP. De nombreux tests ont révélé l'infection par le rotavirus et l'absence de DEP chez les porcs à l'allaitement et de la pouponnière, ce qui souligne l'importance de tests diagnostiques répétés après l'éclosion d'une maladie.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Characterization of the 5-HT2C receptor agonist lorcaserin on efficacy and safety measures in a rat model of diet-induced obesity.

The 5-HT2C receptor agonist lorcaserin (Belviq®) has been Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved for the treatment of obesity. The present study is a back translational investigation into the effect of 28-day lorcaserin treatment in a diet-induced obesity (DIO) model using male, Sprague-Dawley rats. An assessment of drug effect on efficacy and multiple safety endpoints including cardiac function was undertaken. Lorcaserin (1-2 mg/kg SC b.i.d.) significantly reduced percentage body weight gain compared to vehicle-treated controls (VEH: 10.6 ± 0.4%; LOR 1: 7.6 ± 1.2%; LOR 2: 5.4 ± 0.6%). Measurement of body composition using quantitative magnetic resonance (QMR) imaging indicated this change was due to the selective reduction in body fat mass. Modest effects on food intake were recorded. At the completion of the treatment phase, echocardiography revealed no evidence for valvulopathy, that is, no aortic or mitral valve regurgitation. The pharmacokinetics of the present treatment regimen was determined over a 7-day treatment period; plasma C min and C max were in the range 13-160 ng/mL (1 mg/kg b.i.d.) and 34-264 ng/mL (2 mg/kg b.i.d.) with no evidence for drug accumulation. In sum, these studies show an effect of lorcaserin in the DIO model, that in the context of the primary endpoint measure of % body weight change was similar to that reported clinically (i.e., 3.0-5.2% vs. 3.2%). The present studies highlight the translational value of obesity models such as DIO, and suggest that assuming consideration is paid to nonspecific drug effects such as malaise, the DIO model has reasonable forward translational value to help predict clinical outcomes of a new chemical entity.

Focal thoracolumbar spinal cord lymphosarcoma in a ferret (Mustela putorius furo).

A 6-year-old, castrated male domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo) was euthanized following progressive hind limb paresis and atonia of the bladder of 1-year duration. Neurological evaluation localized the lesion to the thoracolumbar spinal region, and magnetic resonance imaging showed a focal intramedullary spinal cord lesion. Histopathology revealed an extensive, unencapsulated, poorly demarcated mass within the thoracolumbar spinal cord, diagnosed as lymphosarcoma.

Lymphosarcome thoraco-lombaire localisé dans la moelle épinière chez un furet(Mustela putorius furo) . Un furet domestique (Mustela putorius furo) mâle castré âgé de 6 ans a été euthanasié après une parésie progressive des membres postérieurs et une atonie de la vessie d'une durée de 1 an. L'évaluation neurologique a repéré la lésion dans la région de la moelle épinière thoraco-lombaire et une imagerie par résonance magnétique a indiqué une lésion intramédullaire localisée dans la moelle épinière. L'histopathologie a révélé une masse importante, acapsulée et faiblement démarquée dans la moelle épinière thoraco-lombaire qui a été diagnostiquée comme un lymphosarcome.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Detection of Leptospira spp. in wildlife reservoir hosts in Ontario through comparison of immunohistochemical and polymerase chain reaction genotyping methods.

A total of 460 kidney samples from wildlife (beavers, coyotes, deer, foxes, opossums, otters, raccoons, skunks) were obtained from road-kill and hunter/trapper donations in Ontario between January 2010 and November 2012. The objectives of the study were to detect Leptospira spp. by immunohistochemistry and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), to map presence of leptospires in wildlife relative to livestock and human populations, and to characterize positive samples by sequencing and comparison to leptospires known to affect domestic animals and humans. The proportion of samples that tested positive ranged from 0% to 42%, with the highest rates in skunks and raccoons. Leptospira spp. were present in kidneys of wildlife across Ontario, particularly in areas of high human density, and areas in which livestock populations are abundant. The PCR was too weak in most samples to permit genotyping and examination of the relationship between the leptospires found in this study and those affecting domestic animals and humans.

Détection deLeptospiraspp. chez des hôtes du réservoir faunique en Ontario par la comparaison des méthodes de génotypage de réaction immunohistochimique et d'amplification en chaîne par la polymérase. Un total de 460 échantillons de reins provenant de la faune (castors, coyotes, cerfs de Virginie, renards, opossums, loutres, ratons-laveurs, moufettes) ont été obtenus d'animaux tués sur la route et de dons de chasseurs et de trappeurs en Ontario entre janvier 2010 et novembre 2012. Les objectifs de l'étude étaient de détecter Leptospira ssp. par immunohistochimie et amplification en chaîne par la polymérase afin de cartographier la présence des leptospires dans la faune en rapport avec les populations de bétail et d'humains et de caractériser les échantillons positifs par le séquençage et la comparaison avec des leptospires reconnus comme affectant les animaux domestiques et les humains. La proportion des échantillons qui ont montré un résultat positif s'échelonnait de 0 à 42 %, et les taux les plus élevés se retrouvaient chez les moufettes et les ratons-laveurs. Leptospira spp. était présent dans les reins de la faune partout en Ontario, particulièrement dans les régions à forte densité humaine et dans les régions où les populations de bétail sont abondantes. L'amplification en chaîne par la polymérase était trop faible dans la plupart des échantillons pour permettre le génotypage et l'examen de la relation entre les leptospires trouvés dans cette étude et ceux touchant les animaux domestiques et les humains.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Detection of Avian bornavirus in multiple tissues of infected psittacine birds using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.

Avian bornavirus (ABV), the cause of proventricular dilation disease in psittacine birds, has been detected in multiple tissues of infected birds using immunohistochemical staining (IHC) and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In the current study, real-time RT-PCR, using primers targeting the ABV matrix gene, was used to detect ABV in 146 tissues from 7 ABV-infected psittacine birds. Eighty-six percent of the samples tested positive, with crossing point values ranging from 13.82 to 37.82 and a mean of 22.3. These results were compared to the findings of a previous study using gel-based RT-PCR and IHC on the same samples. The agreement between the 2 RT-PCR techniques was 91%; when tests disagreed it was because samples were negative using gel-based RT-PCR but positive on real-time RT-PCR. Agreement with IHC was 77%; 16 out of 74 samples were negative using IHC but positive on real-time RT-PCR. The results suggest that real-time RT-PCR is a more sensitive technique than gel-based RT-PCR and IHC to detect ABV in tissues. The tissues that were ranked most frequently as having a high amount of viral RNA were proventriculus, kidney, colon, cerebrum, and cerebellum. Skeletal muscle, on the other hand, was found to have a consistently low amount of viral RNA.

An investigation of ear necrosis in pigs.

Porcine ear necrosis was investigated in 23 conveniently chosen farms, consisting of 14 case farms and 9 control farms. Biopsies of lesions and oral swabs from pigs on 11 case farms were examined by histology and bacterial culture. All farms were visited for observations and a survey on management, housing, and the presence of other clinical signs or behavioral vices. Histological examination revealed that the lesions began on the surface and progressed to deeper layers, and that vascular damage did not appear to be the initiating cause. Spirochetes were only rarely observed in histological examination and were not cultured from biopsies and oral swabs. Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus hyicus were cultured from 91% and 66% of samples, respectively. Ear biting and a humid environment were associated with ear necrosis. On some farms large numbers of pigs were affected and lesions were sometimes extensive. The condition appears to be an infectious disease beginning on the surface of the skin; contributing environmental and management factors are likely.

Enquête sur la nécrose des oreilles chez les porcs. La nécrose des oreilles porcines a fait l'objet d'une enquête dans un échantillonnage de convenance de 23 fermes, composé de 14 fermes de cas et de 9 fermes témoins. Les biopsies de lésions et des prélèvements oraux faits chez des porcs dans 11 fermes de cas ont été examinés par histologie et culture bactérienne. Toutes les fermes ont été visitées pour recueillir des observations et effectuer un examen de la gestion, du logement et de la présence d'autres signes cliniques ou vices de comportement. L'examen histologique a révélé que les lésions commençaient sur la surface et progressaient vers des couches plus profondes et que les dommages vasculaires ne semblaient pas être la cause initiale. Des spirochètes ont été rarement observés à l'examen histologique et n'ont pas été cultivés dans les biopsies et les prélèvements oraux. Staphylococcus aureus et Staphylococcus hyicus ont été cultivés dans 91 % et 66 % des échantillons, respectivement. Les morsures d'oreilles et un environnement humide étaient associés à la nécrose des oreilles. Dans certaines fermes, un grand nombre de porcs étaient affectés et les lésions étaient parfois importantes. L'affection semble être une maladie infectieuse qui commence à la surface de la peau; des facteurs contributifs liés à l'environnement et à la gestion sont probables.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Lawsonia intracellularis-associated ulcerative and necro-hemorrhagic enteritis in 5 weanling foals.

This report describes 5 cases of fatal Lawsonia intracellularis-associated ulcerative and necro-hemorrhagic enteritis in weanling Thoroughbred and Standardbred foals. The lesions are similar to those of the L. intracellularis-associated ulcerative and necro-hemorrhagic enteritis syndrome in pigs. Two foals had concurrent severe typhlo-colitis as a result of a large burden of encysted cyathostomes. The clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic challenges, and the potential complications encountered during the management of such cases are discussed.

Entérite ulcérative et nécro-hémorragique associée àLawsonia intracellularischez 5 poulains sevrés. Ce rapport décrit 5 cas mortels d'entérite ulcérative et nécro-hémorragique associée à Lawsonia intracellularis chez des poulains Thoroughbred et Standardbred. Les lésions sont semblables à celles du syndrome de l'entérite ulcérative et nécro-hémorragique associée à L. intracellularis chez les porcs. Deux poulains étaient atteints d'une typhlo-colite grave concomitante en raison d'une charge importante de cyathostomes enkystés. Les difficultés cliniques, diagnostiques et thérapeutiques ainsi que les complications potentielles rencontrées durant la gestion de ces cas sont analysées.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

A retrospective study on the etiological diagnoses of diarrhea in neonatal piglets in Ontario, Canada, between 2001 and 2010.

Laboratory surveillance data from the Animal Health Laboratory, University of Guelph, on the etiological diagnoses of neonatal diarrhea in piglets were analyzed to determine the relative importance and trends of different enteric pathogens in Ontario. A total of 237 cases, including live and dead 1- to 7-day-old piglets, were submitted for diagnosis of gastrointestinal illness between 2001 and 2010. The combined frequencies for cases of gastrointestinal illness involving Escherichia coli, Clostridium perfringens type A, rotavirus, and Clostridium difficile, either as single pathogens or a complex of pathogens, accounted for 56% of the total cases. In a total of 33% of cases of gastrointestinal illness, an etiological agent was not identified. The frequency of cases diagnosed with enterotoxigenic E. coli was decreased from 2007. Cases submitted in 2010 were more likely to be diagnosed with C. perfringens type A compared to cases submitted in 2002 to 2007 (P < 0.05). There was a significant trend for cases submitted in the winter to be diagnosed with C. perfringens type A, enterotoxigenic E. coli, rotavirus, and Cystoisospora suis (formerly Isospora suis) (P < 0.05). Enterotoxigenic E. coli was less likely diagnosed if C. difficile, C. perfringens, or rotavirus were detected (P < 0.05). Younger piglets were more likely to be diagnosed with C. perfringens type A (P < 0.05) and C. difficile (P < 0.05) than older piglets. This study shows that E. coli, C. perfringens type A, rotavirus, and C. difficile are enteric pathogens of concern for Ontario swine farrowing operations and further research is required to understand the reasons for the cases that are not diagnosed.

Les données de surveillance provenant du Animal Health Laboratory de l'University of Guelph sur les diagnostics étiologiques des diarrhées néonatales des porcelets ont été analysées afin de déterminer l'importance relative et les tendances des différents agents pathogènes entériques en Ontario. Entre 2001 et 2010, 237 cas de porcelets vivants et morts âgés de 1 à 7 jours ont été soumis pour un diagnostic de maladie gastrointestinale. Les fréquences combinées pour les cas de maladies gastrointestinales impliquant Escherichia coli, Clostridium perfringens type A, rotavirus, et Clostridium difficile, soit comme seul agent pathogène ou un complexe d'agents pathogènes, représentaient 56 % du total des cas. Pour 33 % des cas de maladies gastrointestinales, aucun agent étiologique n'a été identifié. La fréquence des cas avec un diagnostic d'E. coli entérotoxigénique a diminué à compter de 2007. Les cas soumis en 2010 étaient plus susceptibles d'avoir un diagnostic d'infection à C. perfringens type A comparativement aux cas soumis de 2002 à 2007 (P < 0,05). Il y avait une tendance significative pour les cas soumis en hiver d'avoir un diagnostic avec C. perfringens type A, E. coli entérotoxigénique, rotavirus, et Cystoisospora suis (anciennement Isospora suis) (P < 0,05). Les E. coli entérotoxigéniques étaient moins souvent diagnostiquées si C. difficile, C. perfringens, ou du rotavirus étaient détectés (P < 0,05). Les porcelets plus jeunes étaient plus susceptibles d'être diagnostiqués avec du C. perfringens type A (P < 0,05) et C. difficile (P < 0,05) que les porcelets plus vieux. Cette étude démontre que E. coli, C. perfringens type A, rotavirus, et C. difficile sont des agents pathogènes d'intérêt pour les opérations de mise-bas en Ontario et des recherches supplémentaires sont requises pour comprendre les raisons pour lesquelles certains cas ne sont pas diagnostiqués.(Traduit par Docteur Serge Messier).

An investigation into the association between cpb2-encoding Clostridium perfringens type A and diarrhea in neonatal piglets.

To investigate the possible role of cpb2-positive type A Clostridium perfringens in neonatal diarrheal illness in pigs, the jejunum and colon of matched normal and diarrheic piglets from 10 farms with a history of neonatal diarrhea were examined grossly and by histopathology, and tested for C. perfringens, for C. perfringens beta2 (CPB2) toxin, as well as for Clostridium difficile toxins, Salmonella, enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, rotavirus, transmissible gastroenteritis (TGE) virus, and coccidia. Clostridium perfringens isolates were tested using a multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to determine the presence of cpa, consensus and atypical cpb2, and other virulence-associated genes. The numbers of C. perfringens in the intestinal contents were lower in diarrheic piglets (log10 5.4 CFU/g) compared with normal piglets (log10 6.5 CFU/g) (P < 0.05). The consensus cpb2 was present in 93% of isolates in each group, but atypical cpb2 was less common (56% healthy, 32% diarrheic piglets isolates, respectively, P < 0.05). The presence of CPB2 toxin in the intestinal contents of normal and diarrheic piglets did not differ significantly. Clostridium difficile toxins and rotavirus were each detected in 7 of the 21 (33%) diarrheic piglets. Rotavirus, C. difficile toxins, Salmonella, or enterotoxigenic E. coli were concurrently recovered in different combinations in 4 diarrheic piglets. The cause of diarrhea in 8 of the 21 (38%) piglets on 6 farms remained unknown. The etiological diagnosis of diarrhea could not be determined in any of the piglets on 2 of the farms. This study demonstrated that the number of cpb2-positive type A C. perfringens in the intestinal contents was not a useful approach for making a diagnosis of type A C. perfringens enteritis in piglets. Further work is required to confirm whether cpb2-carrying type A C. perfringens have a pathogenic role in enteric infection in neonatal swine.

Dans le but d'étudier le rôle possible de Clostridium perfringens type A possédant le gène cpb2 dans les cas de diarrhée néonatale chez les porcs, le jéjunum et le côlon de porcelets provenant de 10 fermes avec une histoire de diarrhée néonatale et pairés en fonction qu'ils aient ou non de la diarrhée ont été examinés macroscopiquement et en histopathologie, et testés pour C. perfringens, la toxine bêta2 de C. perfringens (CBP2), ainsi que pour les toxines de Clostridium difficile, Salmonella, Escherichia coli entérotoxinogène, rotavirus, le virus de la gastro-entérite transmissible (TGE) et les coccidies. Les isolats de C. perfringens ont été testés par réaction d'amplification en chaîne par la polymérase (PCR) multiplex pour déterminer la présence de cpa, de cpb2 consensus et atypiques, ainsi que d'autres gènes associés à la virulence. Le nombre de C. perfringens dans le contenu intestinal des porcelets diarrhéiques étaient plus faible (log10 5,4 UFC/g) que dans celui des porcelets en santé (log10 6,5 UFC/g) (P < 0,05). Le cpb2 consensus était présente chez 93 % des isolats dans chaque groupe, mais le cpb2 atypique était moins fréquent (56 % des isolats de porcelets en santé, et 32 % des isolats provenant de porcelets diarrhéiques, respectivement, P < 0,05). La présence de la toxine CPB2 dans le contenu intestinal de porcelets avec ou sans diarrhée ne différait pas de manière significative. Les toxines de C. difficile et les rotavirus ont chacun été détectés chez 7 des 21 (33 %) des porcelets diarrhéiques. Des rotavirus, les toxines de C. difficile, Salmonella ou des E. coli enterotoxinogènes ont été retrouvés de manière concomitante en différentes combinaisons chez 4 porcelets diarrhéiques. Chez 8 de 21 (38 %) porcelets provenant de 6 fermes, la cause de la diarrhée est demeurée inconnue. Le diagnostic étiologique de la diarrhée n'a pu être déterminé chez aucun des porcelets de 2 fermes. Cette étude démontre que le nombre d'isolats de C. perfringens de type A positifs pour cpb2 dans le contenu intestinal n'était pas une approche utile pour établir un diagnostic d'entérite à C. perfringens type A chez les porcelets. Des études supplémentaires sont nécessaires pour confirmer si les isolats de C. perfringens de type A porteurs de cpb2 ont un rôle pathogène dans les infections entériques chez les porcelets nouveau-nés.(Traduit par Docteur Serge Messier).

Pathology and diagnosis of avian bornavirus infection in wild Canada geese (Branta canadensis), trumpeter swans (Cygnus buccinator) and mute swans (Cygnus olor) in Canada: a retrospective study.

Nine hundred and fifty-five pathology cases collected in Ontario between 1992 and 2011 from wild free-ranging Canada geese, trumpeter swans and mute swans were retrospectively evaluated for the pathology associated with avian bornavirus (ABV) infection. Cases were selected based on the presence of upper gastrointestinal impaction, central nervous system histopathology or clinical history suggestive of ABV infection. The proportion of birds meeting at least one of these criteria was significantly higher at the Toronto Zoo (30/132) than elsewhere in Ontario (21/823). Central, peripheral and autonomic nervous tissues were examined for the presence of lymphocytes and plasma cells on histopathology. The presence of virus was assessed by immunohistochemistry and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) on frozen brains and on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues. Among selected cases, 86.3% (44/51) were considered positive on histopathology, 56.8% (29/51) were positive by immunohistochemistry, and RT-PCR was positive on 88.2% (15/17) of the frozen brains and 78.4% (40/51) of the formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples. Histopathological lesions included gliosis and lymphoplasmacytic perivascular cuffing in brain (97.7%), spinal cord (50%), peripheral nerves (55.5%) and myenteric ganglia or nerves (62.8%), resembling lesions described in parrots affected with proventricular dilatation disease. Partial amino acid sequences of the nucleocapsid gene from seven geese were 100% identical amongst themselves and 98.1 to 100% identical to the waterfowl sequences recently described in the USA. Although ABV has been identified in apparently healthy geese, our study confirmed that ABV can also be associated with significant disease in wild waterfowl species.