Preliminary evidence of the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with Chlamydia abortus infection in goats on the Canary Islands, Spain.

The aims of this cross-sectional study were to estimate the prevalence of IgG antibodies against Chlamydia abortus, the cause of enzootic abortion, in goats and to determine its associated risk factors on the Canary Islands. A total of 325 goats from 11 non-vaccinated herds were sampled and assessed using a commercial ELISA kit. Related data were also obtained for further statistical analysis and associated risk factors to seropositive flocks. For comparison, abortion rates between the vaccinated and non-vaccinated herds were compared. The overall seroprevalence of the unvaccinated herds was 33%, which can be considered as high when compared to other European regions. Associated risk factors such as herd size, management system, diet, and manure removal frequency were found statistically significant. However, no significant differences were found in the abortion rates between vaccinated and non-vaccinated flocks, indicating that other microorganisms could also cause abortions in goats on the region. Despite this, the seroprevalence of C. abortus is relatively high in this limited survey of goat herds and may pose a threat to both human and animals on the Canary Islands.

A Case of Congenital Supernumerary Teeth in an Ovine Dental Pad.

A rare case of congenital supernumerary teeth, also known as hyperdontia, observed in a healthy 8-month-old female ewe is presented. The congenital defect consisted of the presence of 2 incisor teeth embedded in the lateral areas of the dental pad. The anomaly was found during a routine physical examination and no other congenital abnormalities were found in the patient. No prior congenital abnormalities had been seen in the herd and the study of possible associated teratogenic factors was inconclusive. To the authors' knowledge, this ovine odontogenic abnormality has not been described in the literature and appears to be an extraordinarily rare condition.

Ocular Surface Characteristics in Pugs with Pigmentary Keratitis in the Canary Islands, Spain.

This study investigated the prevalence of pigmentary keratitis (PK) in Pug-breed dogs and described the ocular surface characteristics associated with this disease. A total of 219 eyes from 110 dogs were examined, with 94.5% of them affected by PK. Age, previous ocular diseases, corneal vascularization, and corneal sensitivity were significantly associated with the presence of PF and the severity of corneal pigmentation. The study also found that low tear production and blinks incomplete with tear signs, as well as reduced corneal sensitivity, were linked to more severe forms of corneal pigmentation. The Tear Ferning Test (TFT) was identified as a valuable tool for evaluating tear quality in dogs, with worse test results indicating a higher risk of severe PK. A lower mean Tear Break-Up Time (TBUT) test was observed in dogs with PK. Additionally, the study observed a statistically significant difference in corneal thickness between the nasal and temporal zones, with the nasal zone being thicker. It was also suggested that sex and fertility status may influence the incidence of PK and the severity of corneal pigmentation. Overall, these findings provide insight into the underlying causes of PK in Pugs and can inform future treatment strategies for this breed.

Correlation between Cross-Sectional Anatomy and Computed Tomography of the Normal Six-Banded Armadillo (Euphractus sexcintus) Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinuses.

This research aimed to study the rostral part of the head of the six-banded armadillo, applying advanced imaging techniques such as CT. Furthermore, by combining the images obtained through this technique with anatomical cross-sections, an adequate description of the structures that constitute the rostral part of the head of this species is presented. This anatomical information could provide a valuable diagnostic tool for the clinical evaluation of different disorders in the six-banded armadillo's nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses.

An Atlas of Surra in Spain: A Tool to Support Epidemiological Investigations and Disease Control.

Trypanosomosis is a global animal issue, causing significant economic losses, particularly in Africa. In Spain, only one pathogenic species, Trypanosoma evansi, has been identified so far. It was first detected in a dromedary camel in the Canary Islands in 1997. Since then, numerous cases of the disease, known as Surra, have been diagnosed, prompting various studies and efforts in control and surveillance. Given the lack of a comprehensive database that consolidates the most relevant data in this area, the development of a national atlas, with a focus on the Canary Islands, to incorporate all available information on T. evansi in Spain became a necessity. For the development of the atlas, a repository was constructed, encompassing a range of datasets and documents spanning from 1997 to 2022. Information from each source, and in particular georeferenced locations and results of blood tests on animals, were extracted and integrated into a comprehensive database. A total of 31 sources were analysed, providing a total of 99 georeferenced locations and 12,433 animal samples. Out of these samples, 601 (mostly from dromedaries) were found to be positive for T. evansi. The Card Agglutination Test for T. evansi (CATT/T. evansi), a serological test, was the most commonly used diagnostic method, and it showed a higher prevalence for all tested animal species. Positive cases were mainly concentrated in the Canary Islands, specifically in the eastern islands, with isolated cases found in the province of Alicante (Iberian Peninsula). This atlas provides an overview of the history and occurrence of Surra in Spain, and it represents a valuable tool for future control initiatives and for research. Still, the need for more studies remains, especially for further testing of potential hosts other than camelids and for the examination of their potential transmission vectors.

Targeting plasmid-encoded proteins that contain immunoglobulin-like domains to combat antimicrobial resistance.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant threat to human health. Although vaccines have been developed to combat AMR, it has proven challenging to associate specific vaccine antigens with AMR. Bacterial plasmids play a crucial role in the transmission of AMR. Our recent research has identified a group of bacterial plasmids (specifically, IncHI plasmids) that encode large molecular mass proteins containing bacterial immunoglobulin-like domains. These proteins are found on the external surface of the bacterial cells, such as in the flagella or conjugative pili. In this study, we show that these proteins are antigenic and can protect mice from infection caused by an AMR Salmonella strain harboring one of these plasmids. Furthermore, we successfully generated nanobodies targeting these proteins, that were shown to interfere with the conjugative transfer of IncHI plasmids. Considering that these proteins are also encoded in other groups of plasmids, such as IncA/C and IncP2, targeting them could be a valuable strategy in combating AMR infections caused by bacteria harboring different groups of AMR plasmids. Since the selected antigens are directly linked to AMR itself, the protective effect extends beyond specific microorganisms to include all those carrying the corresponding resistance plasmids.

Antimicrobial resistance patterns of bacteria isolated from chicks of Canarian Egyptian vultures (Neophron percnopterus majorensis): A "one health" problem?

Antimicrobial resistance in Gram-negative bacteria isolated from cloacal samples of chicks of Canarian Egyptian vultures was investigated. Prevalence of Salmonella was also studied. Forty-seven isolates, obtained from 23 animals, were analysed. Escherichia coli (n = 29), Proteus mirabilis (n = 17) and Salmonella spp. (n = 1) were identified using API 20E system. Antimicrobial susceptibility to 13 antibiotics included in nine different categories was determined using disk-diffusion technique. The higher percentages of susceptible E. coli isolates were found for aminoglycosides and cefoxitin, and the lower ones were found for ampicillin, enrofloxacin and tetracycline. Proteus mirabilis isolates were susceptible to most of antimicrobials tested. Multidrug resistance patterns were found in 13 E. coli and four Proteus mirabilis. Salmonella spp. was detected in one chick (4.37%), and the isolate was also resistant to ampicillin and tetracycline. Thirteen E. coli isolates and four Proteus isolates showed a multidrug-resistance pattern, being resistant at least to one antibiotic in three or more different antimicrobial categories. This high level of antibiotic resistance in chickens of an endangered bird may be a limitation for possible treatments of infections in this species, as well as representing a source of resistant bacteria for animal care staff and for other animals in wildlife recovery centres. A "One Health" approach to this problem is necessary to reduce the levels of antimicrobial resistance in wild birds.

Cross-Sectional Anatomy and Computed Tomography of the Coelomic Cavity in Juvenile Atlantic Puffins (Aves, Alcidae, Fratercula arctica).

In birds, unlike mammals, there is no complete separation between the thoracic and abdominal cavities. Instead, they have the coelomic cavity where most main organs are found. Therefore, an adequate knowledge of the anatomy of the coelomic cavity is of great importance for veterinarians, biologists and the scientific community. This study aimed to evaluate the coelomic cavity anatomy in the Atlantic puffin (Fratercula arctica) using anatomical sections and computed tomography images.

Nurturing a Respectful Connection: Exploring the Relationship between University Educators and Students in a Spanish Veterinary Faculty.

The respect of the teacher for the student is essential for effective teaching from the perspective of the students, even in comparison to the knowledge and communication capacity of the teacher. Consequently, the optimal development of this characteristic fosters a more effective and efficient student-teacher relationship. We initiated this research following a conversation with a group of university students, who expressed their discontent regarding the lack of respect shown towards them by some teachers. Therefore, we conducted a descriptive study using online surveys, focusing on the central axis in the teacher-student relationship. The results highlighted the need for faculty members to analyze and question their attitudes towards their students. This paper presents initial results of the data collected at the Veterinary Faculty of the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

Haematological and biochemical blood reference values for Canary Island camels (Camelus dromedarius), an endangered dromedary species.

The purpose of this research was to develop reference values for haematological and biochemical variables in the Canary camel breed (Camelus dromedarius). 114 clinically healthy dromedary camels were assessed. Age, sex, and pregnancy status was also recorded. The reference range for red blood cells (RBCs) was 8.45 - 13.65 X106/µL, haemoglobin (HGB) was 10.61 - 15.29 g/dL, packed cell volume (PCV) was 19.93 - 32.51 %, and white blood cells (WBCs) 7.35 - 18.36 X103/µL. A correlation was established between the haemoglobin concentration (HGB) (g/dl) and packed cell volume (PCV) obtaining a linear regression (HGB = 0.31 PCV + 4.67). Young animals had higher RBC and WBC values than adult animals. Additionally, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), phosphorus, calcium, albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio, alkaline phosphatase, cholesterol, and lipase were higher in young animals compared with adults. Female dromedary camels showed higher values for the three main variables: RBC, HGB and PCV, but no differences between sexes were detected in the biochemical variables results. The WBC count was higher in non-pregnant females than in pregnant animals. These results provide references values for the Canary camel breed and may contribute to the understanding of differences in 18 haematological and biochemical parameters in dromedary camels with a potential impact in health and welfare for this species.

Premedication with acetazolamide: Is its use for postoperative pain and stress control after laparoscopic ovariectomy in dogs ruled out?

BACKGROUND: Studies in human medicine have concluded that acetazolamide reduces pain associated with carbon dioxide insufflation during laparoscopic surgery. However, there are no published reports regarding the use of acetazolamide for this purpose in companion animals, despite the increasing popularity of laparoscopic techniques in veterinary medicine due to their advantages over open surgeries. OBJECTIVES: Thirty mixed-breed female dogs were included in the study and randomly assigned to one of three groups: OVE (median celiotomy ovariectomy; n = 10), OVEL (laparoscopic ovariectomy, n = 10) and OVELA (laparoscopic ovariectomy with acetazolamide preoperative administration; n = 10). Experienced surgeons performed all procedures, and the anaesthetic and analgesic protocols were identical for all animals. Acetazolamide was administered orally (at a dose of 25 mg/kg) 2 h prior to induction in the OVELA group. Postoperative pain was evaluated using serum cortisol, salivary cortisol, and the University of Melbourne Pain Scale (UMPS) Score. RESULTS: Any statistical differences were observed in the UMPS scores when the OVELA group was compared to the OVEL group at 1 h after surgery (p = 0.515), 12 h (p = 0.375) and 24 h (p = 0.242). Animals undergoing open surgery (OVE group) had significantly higher pain scores at all times after surgery when compared with OVEL and OVELA groups. A high positive correlation (r = 0.792; p = 0.01) was found between serum and saliva cortisol concentrations. Mean saliva cortisol concentration was not significantly lower for the OVELA group compared to the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study found evidence that preoperative administration of acetazolamide may be beneficial in managing postoperative pain in dogs after laparoscopic surgeries. However, further research with a larger sample size is needed to confirm this and to determine if acetazolamide should be included in a multimodal postoperative analgesia protocol for laparoscopic ovariectomy in dogs.

Surveillance and control of Trypanosoma evansi in the canary Islands: A descriptive analysis.

This study examines the occurrence of Surra, a disease caused by Trypanosoma evansi, in camels in the Canary Islands. The 1997 detection of T. evansi in camels in the Canary Islands led to the implementation of an initial control program, resulting in a decrease in prevalence. Following an outbreak in 2014, and due to the impossibility of eradicating it using the conventional measures, a lazaret was set up to separate positive and suspicious animals, in addition to the control measures previously implemented. Stomoxys calcitrans was the only vector captured, and no other animals tested were found to be positive for T. evansi. In November 2019, the last camels that tested serologically positive were detected; however, since February 2018, no camels that tested positive for PCR have been found in the farms were the outbreak was detected, suggesting that the sanitary measures implemented are adequate. The duration of the outbreak control and potential eradication for the disease has yet to be established. This study provides evidence to facilitate the control of African Animal Trypanosomosis in endemic areas of the world, which may contribute to revise the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) protocol to implement recommendations of surveillance and control strategies for animal Trypanosomosis in camels.

Is Dog Owner Obesity a Risk Factor for Canine Obesity? A "One-Health" Study on Human-Animal Interaction in a Region with a High Prevalence of Obesity.

Obesity in humans is a growing global problem and is one of the greatest public health challenges we face today. Most researchers agree that, as in humans, the incidence in the companion animal population is also increasing. The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk factors contributing to canine obesity in a region with a high rate of human obesity (Canary Islands, Spain), co-occurrence of obesogenic risk factors, and a canine population with a high percentage of unneutered dogs. We have focused on owner risk factors that promote obesity in humans, such as weight, lifestyle, nutritional habits, and low physical activity, among others. Thus, the human-animal interaction relationship that contributes to human obesity and influences canine obesity has been studied. A multicentre cross-sectional analytical study of 198 pairs of dogs from urban households and their owners was used. A multivariable logistic regression study was completed to analyse owner characteristics variables associated with canine obesity. This transdisciplinary study was conducted with physicians and veterinarians using a "One Health" approach. Our results suggest that, in a region of high obesogenic risk, obese/overweight dogs are primarily female, older than 6 years, and neutered. Being an overweight dog owner was found to be the most important factor in the occurrence of obesity in dogs. Owners of overweight dogs were mainly females, older than 40 years, who did not engage in any physical activity. A strong correlation has been found between dog owners with low levels of education and obesity in their dogs. We suggest that veterinarians should develop and design strategies to encourage pet owners to engage in physical activity with their dogs for the benefit of both.

Microbiological aspects of osteomyelitis in veterinary medicine: drawing parallels to the infection in human medicine.

Osteomyelitis is a challenging infectious disease affecting humans and animals. It is difficult to diagnose because, in many cases, symptoms are non-specific and, for example in implant-related cases, can appear long time after surgery. In addition to this, it is also difficult to treat due to the need to find the appropriate antibiotic regime and delivery system to reach the site of infection and to avoid development of bacterial resistance. The central purpose of this review is to compare the microbiological aspects of osteomyelitis in human and veterinary medicine, with the aim of improving the microbiological diagnosis and treatment of this infection in animals. Furthermore, the study of osteomyelitis in animals may help to improve the development of animal models for testing new treatments in humans. Host factors and underlying conditions have been studied mainly in humans, although aspects as immunodeficiency have been described in some veterinary cases. Even when Staphylococcus aureus is still considered the most prevalent causing microorganism, this prevalence should be reviewed using molecular diagnostic techniques, and this could affect treatment options. New approaches to treatment include local delivery of antibiotics using different biomaterials, antimicrobial photodynamic therapy, and new antimicrobial compounds. We would like to remark the need of large, high-quality clinical trials and of the development of guides for the diagnosis and treatment of osteomyelitis in different animal species.

Staphylococcus aureus and Methicillin-Resistant Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci in Nostrils and Buccal Mucosa of Healthy Camels Used for Recreational Purposes.

Several different species of animals host staphylococci as normal microbiota. These animals can be a source of staphylococci zoonotic infections. People with routine or occupational exposure to infected/colonized animals are at risk of a potential transmission. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the presence of S. aureus and other staphylococci in camels used for recreational purposes as well as their antimicrobial resistance, virulence factors and genetic lineages. A total of 172 samples were collected from 86 healthy camels (nose and mouth) from different farms located in the Canary Islands, Spain. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed against 14 antimicrobial agents. The presence of virulence genes was studied by PCR. Multilocus sequence typing, spa typing and agr typing were performed in all S. aureus isolates. From the 86 camels tested, 42 staphylococci were isolated, of which there were 11 S. aureus, 13 S. lentus, 12 S. sciuri, 3 S. xylosus, S. epidermidis, S. hominis and S. chromogenes. Staphylococci isolates were resistant to penicillin, ciprofloxacin, clindamycin and fusidic acid. All S. aureus isolates harbored the hla, hlb and hld virulence genes. S. aureus isolates were ascribed to three sequence types (STs) and three spa types. All S. aureus isolates belonged to agr type III. Camels from Gran Canaria used in recreational purposes have a moderate prevalence of S. aureus and other coagulase-negative staphylococci. Nevertheless, S. aureus isolates are susceptible to almost all antibiotics tested.

Nanobodies Protecting From Lethal SARS-CoV-2 Infection Target Receptor Binding Epitopes Preserved in Virus Variants Other Than Omicron.

The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants that escape from immune neutralization are challenging vaccines and antibodies developed to stop the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, it is important to establish therapeutics directed toward multiple or specific SARS-CoV-2 variants. The envelope spike (S) glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2 is the key target of neutralizing antibodies (Abs). We selected a panel of nine nanobodies (Nbs) from dromedary camels immunized with the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the S, and engineered Nb fusions as humanized heavy chain Abs (hcAbs). Nbs and derived hcAbs bound with subnanomolar or picomolar affinities to the S and its RBD, and S-binding cross-competition clustered them in two different groups. Most of the hcAbs hindered RBD binding to its human ACE2 (hACE2) receptor, blocked cell entry of viruses pseudotyped with the S protein and neutralized SARS-CoV-2 infection in cell cultures. Four potent neutralizing hcAbs prevented the progression to lethal SARS-CoV-2 infection in hACE2-transgenic mice, demonstrating their therapeutic potential. Cryo-electron microscopy identified Nb binding epitopes in and out the receptor binding motif (RBM), and showed different ways to prevent virus binding to its cell entry receptor. The Nb binding modes were consistent with its recognition of SARS-CoV-2 RBD variants; mono and bispecific hcAbs efficiently bound all variants of concern except omicron, which emphasized the immune escape capacity of this latest variant.

Multidrug-Resistant Phenotypes of Escherichia coli Isolates in Wild Canarian Egyptian Vultures (Neophron percnopterus majorensis).

The presence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli in cloacal samples from Canarian Egyptian vultures was investigated. Samples were obtained from chicks (n = 65) and from adults and immature birds (n = 38). Antimicrobial susceptibility to 16 antibiotics included in 12 different categories was determined for 103 E. coli isolates. MDR was defined as acquired non-susceptibility to at least one agent in three or more antimicrobial categories. Forty-seven different resistance phenotypes were detected: 31 MDR (41 isolates) and 16 non-MDR (62 isolates). One isolate was resistant to all 12 antimicrobial categories and 2 phenotypes included resistance to 9 antimicrobial categories. Imipenem resistance was included in five MDR phenotypes, corresponding to five different isolates. Statistically significant differences in prevalence of MDR-phenotypes were found between chicks in nests and the rest of the animals, probably due to the shorter exposure time of chicks to antimicrobials. The main risk derived from MDR bacteria in scavengers is that it threatens the treatment of wild animals in rescue centres and could be transferred to other animals in the facilities. In addition to this, it could pose a health risk to veterinarians or other staff involved in wildlife protection programmes.

Cranial Structure of Varanus komodoensis as Revealed by Computed-Tomographic Imaging.

This study aimed to describe the anatomic features of the normal head of the Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) identified by computed tomography. CT images were obtained in two dragons using a helical CT scanner. All sections were displayed with a bone and soft tissue windows setting. Head reconstructed, and maximum intensity projection images were obtained to enhance bony structures. After CT imaging, the images were compared with other studies and reptile anatomy textbooks to facilitate the interpretation of the CT images. Anatomic details of the head of the Komodo dragon were identified according to the CT density characteristics of the different organic tissues. This information is intended to be a useful initial anatomic reference in interpreting clinical CT imaging studies of the head and associated structures in live Komodo dragons.

Virulence factors in coagulase-positive staphylococci of veterinary interest other than Staphylococcus aureus.

Coagulase-positive Staphylococci (CoPS) can exist as commensals in humans, companion and food-producing animals, but can cause severe or even lethal diseases. Exchange of these bacteria between humans and animals has been described. Special attention has been focused on Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus, but other CoPS can also represent an important threat. In addition to significant antimicrobial resistance, these bacteria may carry a plethora of virulence factors - molecules that allow bacteria to establish on or within a host and increase their ability to cause disease. These virulence factors have been widely described in S. aureus but information about other species of CoPS is scarce. The aim of this paper is to review the recent literature about the virulence factors of non-aureus CoPS of animal origin. Their possible effects on human health are also described. The role and prevalence of different virulence factors including leukocidins, hemolysins, adhesins, enterotoxins, exfoliative and toxic shock syndrome toxins as well as superantigen-like proteins are addressed. The effect of these virulence factors on human health is also described. The possibility of misdiagnosis of species of CoPS has been demonstrated in human clinical samples. Prevalence of zoonotic infections could be higher than thought and medical laboratories should be aware of these other staphylococcal species. In keeping with the 'One Health' approach to animal and human disease, medical professionals, veterinarians and health workers should be aware of the risks derived from exposure to these bacteria in people in close contact with animals, including pet owners, farmers and veterinarians themselves.

Microorganisms Resistant to Antimicrobials in Wild Canarian Egyptian Vultures (Neophron percnopterus majorensis).

Due to their predatory habits, raptors may serve as indicators of the presence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in the environment, but they also represent a public health risk for livestock and humans because they can act as reservoirs, sources and spreaders of these bacteria. Our objective was to determine the presence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in cloacal samples of Canarian Egyptian vultures (Neophron percnopterus majorensis), an endemic bird of prey. One hundred and forty-two cloacal swabs were obtained; Escherichia coli was isolated from 80.28% and Salmonella from 6.3% of these samples. Low levels of susceptibility to ampicillin, tetracycline and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole were found. About 20% of the isolates were resistant or presented intermediate susceptibility to fluoroquinolones. Surprisingly, we found isolates resistant to imipenem (6.96%). Isolates from chicks were more susceptible to antimicrobial drugs than adult and immature birds. About 50% of E. coli isolates were resistant to ampicillin, tetracycline and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, and about 20% to piperacillin, enrofloxacin and marbofloxacin. High percentages of isolates of Salmonella were found to be resistant to cephalexin (88%) and aminoglycosides (greater than 77%). Our results support the idea that raptors could act as reservoirs of Salmonella and antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, posing a risk not only to wildlife but also to livestock and the human population, thus reinforcing the need to minimize the exposure of wildlife to antimicrobial agent through human and livestock waste.