Clinicopathological Changes Research Articles

A Combined Method Based on the FIPV N Monoclonal Antibody Immunofluorescence Assay and RT-nPCR Method for the Rapid Diagnosis of FIP-Suspected Ascites

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), which is caused by feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV), is a fatal and immunologically mediated infectious disease among cats. At present, due to the atypical clinical symptoms and clinicopathological changes, the clinical diagnosis of FIP is still difficult. The gold standard method for the differential diagnosis of FIP is immunohistochemistry (IHC) which is time-consuming and requires specialized personnel and equipment. Therefore, a rapid and accurate clinical diagnostic method for FIPV infection is still urgently needed. In this study, based on the etiological investigation of FIPV in parts of southern China, we attempted to explore a new rapid and highly sensitive method for clinical diagnosis. The results of the etiological investigation showed that the N gene of the FIPV BS8 strain had the highest homology with other strains. Based on this, a specific FIPV BS8 N protein monoclonal antibody was successfully prepared by expression of the recombinant proteins, immunization of mice, fusion and selection of hybridoma cell lines, and screening and purification of monoclonal antibodies. Furthermore, we carried out a time-saving combination method including indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and nested reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-nPCR) to examine FIP-suspected clinical samples. These results were 100% consistent with IHC. The results revealed that the combined method could be a rapid and accurate application in the diagnosis of suspected FIPV infection within 24 hours. In conclusion, the combination of IFA and RT-nPCR was shown to be a fast and reliable method for clinical FIPV diagnosis. This study will provide insight into the exploitation of FIPV N antibodies for the clinical diagnosis of FIP-suspected ascites samples.

Tilapia lake virus (TiLV) causes severe anaemia and systemic disease in tilapia.

Tilapia lake virus disease (TiLVD) is an emerging disease in tilapia that is associated with mass mortality affecting global tilapia aquaculture. In this study, red hybrid tilapias (Oreochromis spp.) were experimentally infected by intracoelomic injection with Tilapia lake virus (TiLV) to gain a better understanding of the clinicopathological changes during infection. Pale bodies and gill were observed in infected fish after 7 days of post-challenge (dpc) associated with severe anaemia. Further haematological analysis in TiLV-infected fish revealed decreased levels of haemoglobin and haematocrit at 3 dpc. Common pathological findings included pale and friable liver, pale intestine with catarrhal content, and dark and shrunken spleen in TiLV-infected fish at 7 dpc and 14 dpc. Histologically, reduced numbers of red blood cells and accumulation of melano-macrophage centre in the spleen were found in infected fish at 3 dpc, and severe lesions were more commonly observed at 7 and 14 dpc. Lymphocyte infiltration, syncytial cell formation and multifocal necrotic hepatitis were the prominent pathological findings in the liver of infected fish. The severity of pathological changes was associated with TiLV-infection with higher viral loads and with the expression pattern of pro-inflammatory cytokines and antiviral genes, including interferon regulatory factor 1 (irf1), interleukin (il-8), radical s-adenosyl methionine domain containing 2 (rsad2) and mx. Our study provides a comprehensive analysis of the haematological profile and pathological changes in tilapia during TiLV infection. Overall, lesions present in various organs, together with alteration of host immune response in TiLV-infected fish, indicate the systemic infection of this virus. The knowledge gained from this study improves our understanding of how TiLV causes pathological and haematological changes in tilapia.

Clinicopathological study on some vaccines in Barki ewes

Vaccines are the most effective method for animal immunization against infectious diseases. This work aimed to study the effect of some vaccines commonly, used in sheep, on some innate immunological and clinicopathological parameters. For this purpose, forty-five Barki ewes were housed at the sustainable development Centre of Matrouh resources farm. They were divided into: Pox group: fifteen ewes were injected with live-attenuated pox vaccine. FMD+RVF group: fifteen ewes were injected separately with two vaccines (polyvalent inactivated foot and mouth disease oil adjuvant vaccine and rift valley inactivated vaccine). Ultrabac group: fifteen ewes were injected with 2.5 ml bacterial toxoid (Ultrabac® 8, Zoetis). Blood samples were collected then immunological and clinicopathological parameters were estimated and statistically analyzed. The three studied groups showed a significant (P˂0.05) increase in the activity of pro-inflammatory cytokines, ceruloplasmin, and oxidative stress, associated with serious clinicopathological changes (anemia, leukocytosis, increased liver and kidney functions, hyperglobulinemia, hypoalbuminemia). These alterations peaked on the 14th day, and subsequently moved towards their baseline values. They were more prominent and sustained in the Ultrabac group (with selective hyperproteinemia) than in the other two groups. The FMD+RVF group displayed a higher degree of cytokines activity, APR, oxidative stress, leukocytosis, and AST values than the Pox group. Conclusion: Sheep vaccination evokes an innate immune response which results in clinicopathological changes. These alterations are more pronounced in bacterial and combined vaccines than viral and single vaccines. The first 14 days after vaccination is a critical period and needs proper management.

Clinico-pathological changes and performance indices in Eimeria tenella-infected broiler chickens following the prophylactic administration of Ganoderma lucidum, Vernonia amygdalina, and Vitellaria paradoxa methanolic extract

This study assessed the clinico-pathological changes and performance indices in Eimeria tenella-infected broiler chickens following the prophylactic administration of methanol extracts of Ganoderma lucidum, Vernonia amygdalina and Vitellaria paradoxa. One hundred one-day-old Abor acre broiler chicks were randomly divided into 10 groups (A1, B1, C1, D1, A2, B2, C2, D2, E, and F) of 10 birds each. From 14-20 days of age (doa), groups A1 and A2 were administered G. lucidum; B1 and B2 V. amygdalina; C1 and C2 V. paradoxa methanol extracts; D1 and D2 Amprolium; while groups E and F were not administered any extract/medication. At 21 doa, groups A2, B2, C2, D2 and E were challenged with 104 E. tenella sporulated oocysts orally. Clinical signs, morbidity and mortality rates, caecal lesion scores and performance indices were determined. Outcomes revealed mild clinical signs in groups A2, B2, and C2, moderate in D2 but severe in E; 100% morbidity and 0.0% mortality in all groups of chickens. Caecal lesions were mild in groups A2, B2, C2 and D. There was non-significantly (P > 0.05) higher weight gain and lower feed conversion ratio in groups A2, B2, C2 and D2 compared to E. The oocyst decrease ratio and anticoccidial index were higher in A2, B2, C2 and D2 than E. The prophylactic administration of G. lucidum, V. amygdalina leaf and V. paradoxa stem bark methanol extracts decreased the clinical signs, caecal lesions, and histopathological changes, and improved performance in the E. tenella-challenged broiler chickens. The identification of the bioactive substances in these extracts responsible for their prophylactic anticoccidial activities and their possible mechanisms is therefore recommended.

Clinicopathological and hematological profile of silver rasbora (Rasbora argyrotaenia) after experimentally infection with Aeromonas hydrophila

Aim: The study aims to analyse clinicopathological changes and hematology profiles for early detection in silver rasbora infected by A. hydrophila. Methods: This study was conducted in Januari-Februari 2022. The treatment used in this study was experimental infection with A. hydrophila intramuscularly in silver rasbora using several concentrations, including 104 (P1), 106 (P2), 108 (P3), 1010 (P4) CFUmL-1, and a negative control (P0) (injected with normal saline) and reared for two days post infection. The research data focused on histopatological alteration in the liver and kidney and the hematological profile of infected fish. The mortality data and histopathology organ were analyzed using one-way ANOVA. Furthermore, if a significant value was detected, further test would be carried out using the Duncan Multiple Range test and Mann-Whitney test, respectively. Other parameters, including hematological profile and clinical signs, were analyzed descriptively. Results: Infected silver rasbora (R. argyrotaenia) showed clinical signs, consisting of behavioural changes, external lesions, a hematological profile, and histopathological changes, in the kidney and liver. An increase in the density of A. hydrophila infected in silver rasbora caused severe changes in the clinicopathological characteristics of liver and kidney cells, consisting of degeneration and necrosis. The result presented significant hematology changes, including an increase in neutrophil and monocyte percentages. In contrast, decreasing total erythrocyte, hemoglobin level, total leucocyte, and lymphocyte percentages were observed. Conclusion: The silver rasbora infected by 1010 CFUmL-1 of A. hydrophila exhibited the lowest survival rate (SR), significant changes in haematology profiles, and severe histological damage.

Autochthonous Babesia canis infections in 49 dogs in Germany.

Vector-borne diseases are of increasing importance in Germany. Since 2015, autochthonous cases have been increasingly documented in Berlin/Brandenburg. Describe autochthonous Babesia canis infection in the Berlin/Brandenburg region. Forty-nine dogs with autochthonous B. canis infection. Evaluation of history, clinical signs, laboratory abnormalities, treatment, and outcome. Dogs were presented between March and August (9) and September and January (40) in the years 2015-2021. Historical and clinical findings were lethargy (100%), pale mucous membranes (63%), fever (50%), and pigmenturia (52%). Common clinicopathological findings were thrombocytopenia (100%), anemia (85%), intravascular hemolysis (52%), pancytopenia (41%), and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS; 37%). Babesia detection was based on blood smear evaluation (n=40) and PCR targeting the 18S rRNA gene of piroplasms (n=49). Sequencing indicated 99.47% to 100% identity to B. canis sequences from GenBank. All dogs were treated with imidocarb (2.4-6.3mg/kg; median, 5mg/kg); 8 dogs received 1, 35 received 2, and 1 dog each received 3, 4, or 5 injections, respectively. Continued PCR-positive results were detected in 7 dogs after the 1st, in 5 after the 2nd, in 2 after the 3rd, and in 1 28 days after the 4th injection. Four dogs were euthanized and 3 dogs died. Autochthonous B. canis infections in Berlin/Brandenburg were associated with severe clinicopathological changes, SIRS, and multiorgan involvement. Testing by PCR during and after treatment is advisable to monitor treatment success. Screening of blood donors in high-risk areas and year-round tick protection is strongly recommended.

Association of Paraoxonase-1 and NT-proBNP with Clinical, Clinico-Pathologic and Echocardiographic Variables in Dogs with Mitral Valve Disease

The objective of the present study was to measure the concentration of Paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) and N-terminal-prohormone-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), in the serum of dogs with degenerative Mitral Valve Disease (MVD), in order to identify their association with the clinical stage and specific clinico-pathologic and echocardiographic findings.Eighty dogs diagnosed with MVD and staged according to the ACVIM (American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine) consensus statement (B1, B2, C and D), based on their clinical, radiographic, and echocardiographic findings, were included in the study. NT-proBNP was measured only in stage B1 and B2 dogs. Clinical stage did not have a significant effect on PON-1 concentrations (p = 0.149), but NT-proBNP levels were lower in B1 dogs (p = 0.001). A significant correlation between PON-1 and total plasma proteins (p = 0.001), albumin (p = 0.003) and white blood cell count (p = 0.041) was detected, whereas there was no significant correlation (p = 0.847) between PON-1 and NT-proBNP concentrations. PON-1 showed a significant but weak negative correlation with normalized left ventricular internal diameter at diastole (LVIDdn) (p = 0.022) and systole (LVIDsn) (p = 0.012), as well as mitral valve E to A wave velocity ratio (MV E/A) (p = 0.015), but not with Left Atrial to Aortic root ratio (LA/Ao) (p = 0.892) or fractional shortening (FS%) (p = 0.944). PON-1 seems to be an insensitive marker of clinical stage and disease severity in MVD, but can be indicative of some clinico-pathological and echocardiographic changes. NT-proBNP changes are independent of oxidative stress.

Diagnostic value of transpulmonary thermodilution measurements for acute respiratory distress syndrome in a pig model of septic shock

BackgroundNo direct approach assessing pulmonary vascular permeability exists in the current therapeutic strategy for patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Transpulmonary thermodilution measures hemodynamic parameters such as pulmonary vascular permeability index and extravascular lung water, enabling clinicians to assess ARDS severity. The aim of this study is to explore a precise transpulmonary thermodilution-based criteria for quantifying the severity of lung injury using a clinically relevant septic-ARDS pig model.MethodsThirteen female pigs (weight: 31 ± 2 kg) were intubated, mechanically ventilated under anesthesia, and either assigned to septic shock-induced ARDS or control group. To confirm the development of ARDS, we performed computed tomography (CT) imaging in randomly selected animals. The pulmonary vascular permeability index, extravascular lung water, and other hemodynamic parameters were consecutively measured during the development of septic lung injury. Lung status was categorized as normal (partial pressure of oxygen/fraction of inspired oxygen ≥ 400), or injured at different degrees: pre-ARDS (300–400), mild-to-moderate ARDS (100–300), or severe ARDS (< 100). We also measured serum inflammatory cytokines and high mobility group box 1 levels during the experiment to explore the relationship of the pulmonary vascular permeability index with these inflammatory markers.ResultsUsing CT image, we verified that animals subjected to ARDS presented an extent of consolidation in bilateral gravitationally dependent gradient that expands over time, with diffuse ground-glass opacification. Further, the post-mortem histopathological analysis for lung tissue identified the key features of diffuse alveolar damage in all animals subjected to ARDS. Both pulmonary vascular permeability index and extravascular lung water increased significantly, according to disease severity. Receiver operating characteristic analysis demonstrated that a cut-off value of 3.9 for the permeability index provided optimal sensitivity and specificity for predicting severe ARDS (area under the curve: 0.99, 95% confidence interval, 0.98–1.00; sensitivity = 100%, and specificity = 92.5%). The pulmonary vascular permeability index was superior in its diagnostic value than extravascular lung water. Furthermore, the pulmonary vascular permeability index was significantly associated with multiple parameters reflecting clinicopathological changes in animals with ARDS.ConclusionThe pulmonary vascular permeability index is an effective indicator to measure septic ARDS severity.

Association of cancer stem cell markers CD44 and CD133 expression with clinicopathological changes in Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and oral submucosal fibrosis (OSMF)

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a major health problem worldwide. Recently, cancer stem cell (CSC) biomarkers were examined due to their impact on tumorigenesis and recurrence. In the present study, we aimed to examine the expression of CSC markers: CD133 and CD44 in tobacco-induced OSCC and oral submucosal fibrosis (OSMF) patients and we simultaneously evaluated their association with clinicopathological changes. A total of 60 cases (OSCC) and 60 controls (OSMF) were enrolled in the study with tobacco-based habits. Tumor appearance grade wise was characterized in OSMF and OSCC groups. Clinicopathological parameters were analyzed in OSCC cases only. The extent of positive staining was scored 0-4. The results indicated that the tobacco intake habits (chewing, smoking or both) have significant effects on OSCC and OSMF changes. In maximum subjects (29) of OSCC cases, tumour appearance was in grade III with no such change in OSMF. IHC results showed 83 % subjects were positive for CD44 and CD133 in OSCC cases, while 72 % were positive for CD44 and 76% for CD133 in the OSMF group. In the OSCC group the significant clinicopathological changes were observed such as tumour size in the range of 3-4 cm, T-3 staging, N-1 node involvement, enhanced metastasis and well differentiated pathological grade. In the OSCC group, high IHC score of 3 and 4 were observed in 81% of CD133 and 80.4% of CD44 positive subjects with tumor size of 3 to 4 cm, 74% of CD133 and 84% of CD44 positive individuals in the N-1 stage, 81.2% of CD133 and 85.7% of CD44 positive subjects at T-3 stage and 80.4% of CD133 and 66.6% of CD44 positive individuals with enhanced metastasis. These results clearly indicated clinicopathological changes in the OSCC group with parallel high expression of CD44 and CD133, these results showed the diagnostic relevance of CSC markers in the OSCC and OSMF subjects.

Clinicopathological Findings in Cats Tested for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV)

Abstract This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the clinicopathological changes in a population of cats tested for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukaemia virus (FeLV), in an Italian Veterinary University Hospital, in the period between January 2002 and May 2016. During the period of 14 years, 1834 cats were tested, and of these 241/1834 (13.1%) were positive for FIV antibodies and 92/1834 (5%) cats were positive for FeLV antigen. These data confirm the presence of a high prevalence of these viruses on Italian territory. To the authors’ knowledge, this study describes findings that have never been evaluated before, such as iron status in retrovirus-infected cats and urinalysis in FeLV-positive cats. In this study, FIV-positive cats were more likely to have higher serum protein concentration and lower albumin-globulin ratio than other groups of cats. Lower urine specific gravity and higher urine protein to creatinine ratio were also detected for FIV-positive cats when compared with negative and healthy cats. FeLV-positive cats were more likely to have cytopenia, decreased haemoglobin, haematocrit and RBC compared with other groups of cats. The data obtained underline the importance of considering retroviral infections in the presence of a broad spectrum of risk factors and laboratory anomalies.

Distinct clinicopathological features of ovarian endometriosis after long-term exposure to mifepristone.

Mifepristone has been used to treat endometriosis, but it can cause a constellation of endometrial alterations. Our study investigated the effects of long-term mifepristone on ovarian endometriosis. We retrospectively analyzed the clinicopathological changes of ovarian endometriosis in 11 Chinese patients after long-term low-dose mifepristone therapy and compared these alterations with those observed in eutopic endometrium and adenomyosis side-by-side. Immunohistochemistry was applied to investigate estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and Ki67 expression in eutopic and ectopic endometrium. Nearly all patients had a pelvic mass and elevated serum CA125 levels. The ovarian lesions were grossly solid, cystic-solid, or cystic. They had a grayish-reddish appearance and a fleshy, honeycomb-like cut surface. The ovarian lesions shared morphological features with the uterine endometrium, and they were characterized by dilated, crowding endometrial glands with non-physiological changes. Immunostaining revealed consistent staining for ER and PR and a low Ki67 index in both eutopic and ectopic endometrium. Our findings suggest that ovarian endometriosis can mimic an endometrioid borderline tumor after long-term mifepristone administration. Careful histological assessment and related clinical information are critical for the correct interpretation of these rare entities.

Hemogram Findings in Cats from an Area Endemic for Leishmania infantum and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus Infections.

Simple SummarySome cats positive for Leishmania infantum (Li) show clinical signs and clinicopathological changes, including hemogram abnormalities. However, co-infections or co-morbidities are often detected in cats with leishmaniosis, and they can have a role in the clinical abnormalities observed. In feline Leishmania infantum infections and in clinical cases of feline leishmaniosis, a significant association with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) has been detected, but the role of this co-infection is controversial. The aims of this study were to retrospectively evaluate hemogram changes in cats from areas endemic for Leishmania infantum and feline immunodeficiency virus infections (Sicily and Calabria regions, Southern Italy) and to analyze the role of both pathogens in the abnormalities detected. A retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out on 496 cats. Hematological changes in cats positive for Leishmania infantum were found, particularly abnormalities compatible with chronic inflammation including moderate anemia, monocytosis, and morphologically activated monocytes. Moreover, some abnormalities, such as thrombocytosis, seem to arise when cats are co-infected with FIV. Feline leishmaniosis should be considered when some hemogram abnormalities compatible with chronic inflammation are detected.In feline Leishmania infantum (Li) infection and in clinical cases of feline leishmaniosis, co-infection with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) has been reported. However, the role of the retroviral co-infection in the impairment of feline clinical health is still controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate hemogram changes in cats from regions endemic for both Li and FIV infection. Four hundred and ninety-six cats tested for Li (EDTA blood polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence antibody test) and for FIV infection (enzyme-linked immune assay) were retrospectively evaluated. Hemogram results including blood smear morphological evaluation were statistically compared considering four infection patterns: Li+FIV+, Li+FIV−, Li−FIV+, and Li−FIV−. Significantly lower values of erythrocytes (Li+FIV−: p = 0.0248; Li−FIV+: p = 0.0392) and hemoglobin (Li+FIV: p = 0.0086; Li−FIV+: p = 0.0249) were found in both infections when compared to Li−FIV− cats, and severity of anemia was more frequently moderate in Li-positive cats (p = 0.0206) and severe in FIV infection (p = 0.024). Li infection was associated with monocytosis (p = 0.0013) and morphologically activated monocytes (p = 0.0209). Moreover, FIV infection was associated with the presence of inflammatory leukogram (p = 0.023), and an association between thrombocytosis and the co-infection was found (p = 0.0347). Li infection in cats induces hematological changes compatible with chronic inflammation, some of which are due to co-infection with FIV.

Clinicopathological Significance, Related Molecular Changes and Tumor Immune Response Analysis of the Abnormal SWI/SNF Complex Subunit PBRM1 in Gastric Adenocarcinoma.

Background: PBRM1 gene abnormalities were recently found to play a role in tumor development and tumor immune activity. This article will explore the clinicopathological and molecular changes and tumor immune activity of the abnormal SWI/SNF complex subunit PBRM1 in gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC) and its significance. Methods: The cBioPortal, LinkedOmics and TISIDB datasets were used to analyze the abnormality of the PBRM1 gene in GAC and its relationship with prognosis, related molecular changes and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). In addition, 198 GAC cases were collected to further study the relationship between the loss/attenuation of PBRM1 expression and clinicopathology, prognosis, microsatellite stability, PD-L1 expression and TIL in GAC. DNA whole-exome sequencing was performed on 7 cases of gastric cancer with loss of PBRM1 expression. Results: The cBioPortal data showed that PBRM1 deletion/mutation accounted for 7.32% of GAC and was significantly associated with several molecular changes, such as molecular subtypes of GAC. The LinkedOmics dataset showed that PBRM1 mutation and its promoter DNA methylation showed lower PBRM1 mRNA expression, and PBRM1 mutation cases showed significantly higher mRNA expression of PD-L1 (CD274). TISIDB data showed that PBRM1 abnormalities were significantly positively associated with multiple TILs. In our group of 198 cases, the loss/attenuation of PBRM1 expression was significantly positively correlated with intra-tumoral tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (iTILs) and deficient MMR and PD-L1 expression. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed that the overall survival of GAC patients with loss/attenuation of PBRM1 expression was significantly better (p = 0.023). iTIL was an independent prognostic factor of GAC. Loss of PBRM1 expression often co-occurs with mutations in other SWI/SNF complex subunit genes, and there are some repetitive KEGG signaling changes. Conclusion: Abnormality of the PBRM1 gene may be related to the occurrence of some GACs and can affect tumor immune activity, thereby affecting clinicopathology and prognosis. It may be a potentially effective predictive marker for immunotherapy and a novel therapeutic approach associated with synthetic lethality.

Fetuin-A expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells and amnion cells of patients with gestational diabetes mellitus.

To elucidate the link between fetuin-A expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and amnion cells (ACs) and clinicopathological changes in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and newborns. This retrospective cohort study included 82 pregnant patients (40 with GDM and 42 controls) between January 2019 and January 2022. The patients underwent a one-hour, 50 gram glucose challenge test (GCT) during the 24-28th weeks of pregnancy. Patients with positive GCTs immediately underwent a 3-hour, 100 gram oral glucose tolerance test. The expression level of fetuin-A in UVECs and ACs was evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and scored based on IHC staining in randomly selected slides. The IHC staining intensity was evaluated by the number of dots, which reflects the expression level of fetuin-A in both HUVECs and ACs. The GDM group displayed significantly higher fetuin-A expression in both HUVECs (p<0.0001) and ACs (p=0.0001) when compared with the control group. Fetuin-A expression in HUVECs was correlated with fetal macrosomia, neonatal hypoglycemia, and placental weight. However, there was no correlation with fetuin-A expression in ACs. There is a correlation between fetal macrosomia, neonatal hypoglycemia, placental weight, and fetuin-A expression of HUVECs in patients with GDM.

A review of gallbladder mucocele – part 1: aetiopathogenesis and diagnosis

Gallbladder mucocele is defined as a build-up of immobile mucus within the gallbladder that can result in extrahepatic biliary obstruction, pressure necrosis of the gallbladder wall and ultimately, rupture. The incidence of this disease has increased steadily in veterinary medicine and now it is one of the most recognised extrahepatic biliary tract problems in the dog. This is not likely to solely be a result of an increased incidence of the disease, but more so the increasingly widespread use of ultrasonography to diagnose it. There are several proposed causes and predisposing factors of gallbladder mucocele, including mechanical or functional obstruction of the cystic duct, idiopathic dyslipidaemias, glucocorticoid excess and cholecystitis. Although clinicopathological changes are often present, they are not specific to the disease and the gold standard diagnostic imaging tool is ultrasonography.

Haematology and pathologic changes associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from barn swallows around poultry houses in broiler chickens

The impact of vermin found in poultry houses has increased in recent times. This study evaluated the occurrence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in free flying barn swallows found in poultry houses in Ibadan and determined its pathogenicity in broilers. Barn swallows (23) were caught using mist nets, their oral and cloacal microbial culture yielded Pseudomonas aeruginosa. One-week-old, thirty-five broilers were divided randomly into infected (n=23) and control (n=12) groups. Each bird in the infected group was inoculated with viable infective dose of 0.5 ml of 8hr broth containing (105) CFU/ml of Pseudomonas aeruginosa via oro-nasal route. The infected group showed dullness, rales and bloody diarrhoea. The pack cell volume was consistently lower in the infected group compared to the control group although not statistically significant post-infection. The platelets count was significantly (P &lt;0.05) higher in the infected group on day 7 pi. Total white blood cell was significantly (P &lt;0.05) higher in the infected group on day 14 pi. There was a significant (P&lt;0.05) increase in heterophil count on days 7 and 35 pi. The mean lymphocyte value of the infected chickens was significantly (P &lt;0.05) lower than the control group only on day 35 pi, while the monocyte count in the infected group was significantly (P&lt;0.05) lower on day 28 pi. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were sensitive to gentamycin and resistant to oxytetracycline except for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Hepatic congestion, splenomegaly and enteritis were observed in the infected chickens. Barn swallows harbour pathogenic bacteria, causing clinico-pathological changes in chickens and may be partly responsible for transmission of pathogenic bacteria within and between poultry houses due to their free-flying habit. Adequate biosecurity measures including screening nets on poultry houses are recommended to prevent access of these free flying birds into poultry pens.

Evaluating the presence of domestic cat hepadnavirus viraemia in cats with biochemical alterations suggestive of liver disease.

The association between domestic cat hepadnavirus (DCH) infection and feline chronic hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma has been suggested. However, studies focused on the association between DCH infection and clinicopathological changes consistent with liver disease in cats are not available. This retrospective investigation included sera obtained from 96 cats that had the serum activity of at least alanine aminotransferase or alkaline phosphatase measured during initial diagnostic work-up. Based on these haematobiochemical results, cats were categorised according to their likelihood of having liver disease (absent, low, intermediate or high). DCH DNA was detected using real-time PCR, nested PCR and sequencing. Overall, potential liver damage was observed in 44 cats, including cats with low (n=14), intermediate (n=10) and high (n=20) likelihood of liver disease. Four cats (4.2%) were DCH-positive, with three positive cats belonging to the liver disease group (two with low and one with intermediate likelihood of liver disease). Although the pathogenic potential of DCH in cats still has to be clarified, these results suggest that DCH testing should not be based only on the presence of biochemical changes potentially consistent with liver disease.

Clinicopathological findings of FeLV- positive cats at a secondary referral center in Florida, USA (2008-2019).

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to describe the seroprevalence, presenting complaint, clinicopathological changes, co-morbidities and outcomes of feline leukemia virus positive cats presented to a specialty referral center in Florida, USA.MethodsIn this retrospective study, medical records of 8050 cats presented to a private referral center from August 2008 to September 2019 were reviewed. Inclusion criteria required was a positive result for feline leukemia virus by point-of-care antigen testing or immunofluorescence assay.ResultsForty-one cases met the inclusion criteria. Of 2002 cats that were tested, 41 cats (2%) met the inclusion criteria. One cat had a negative point of care antigen test result and positive bone marrow IFA result. The mean age at diagnosis was 9 years. The main reasons for presentation were abnormal complete blood cell count results (35%), followed by pleural effusion (18%), and anorexia (15%). The most common laboratory abnormalities included anaemia (71%), of which 74% had a nonregenerative anemia, thrombocytopenia (52%), elevated aspartate aminotransferase (50%), hyperbilirubinemia (35%), and hypokalemia (35%). Seven percent of cats (3/41) were also positive for feline immunodeficiency virus. The most common diagnoses were neoplasia (76%) and bone marrow disorders (12%). Cats with neoplasia were significantly younger. Survival to discharge was 88%.Conclusion and relevanceResults of this study show that feline leukemia virus is uncommon in secondary referral center, even if this represents a population of unhealthy cats. The most common associated diagnosis was neoplasia, which was more likely to be seen in younger cats (< 4 years of age). The mean age of cats positive for feline leukemia virus was also older than previously published data. These findings support the current guidelines which indicate that cats presented with clinical illness should be tested for FeLV at the time of presentation.

Calf Diarrhea Is Associated With a Shift From Obligated to Facultative Anaerobes and Expansion of Lactate-Producing Bacteria.

Diarrhea is the leading cause of morbidity, mortality and antimicrobial drug use in calves during the first month of age. Alteration in the bacterial communities of the gastrointestinal tract occurs during diarrhea. Diarrheic calves often develop anion gap (AG) acidosis associated with increased concentrations of unmeasured anions including D- and L-lactate. However, studies investigating the association between gut microbiota alterations and the development of acid-base disorders in diarrheic calves are lacking. We investigated the fecal bacterial alterations of calves with diarrhea and its association with changes in blood pH, and AG. Blood and fecal samples from healthy and diarrheic veal calves were taken 7 days after arrival to the farm. The fecal microbiota of healthy and diarrheic calves was assessed by sequencing of 16S ribosomal RNA gene amplicons. Blood gas analysis was completed using an i-Stat analyzer. In healthy calves, higher richness, evenness, and diversity were observed compared to diarrheic calves. Phocaeicola, Bacteroides, Prevotella, Faecalibacterium, Butyricicoccus, Ruminococcaceae and Lachnospiraceae were enriched in healthy compared with diarrheic calves. Enterococcus, Ligilactobacillus, Lactobacilus, Gallibacterium Streptococcus, and Escherichia/Shigella were enriched in diarrheic calves. In diarrheic calves, an increased abundance of lactate-producing bacteria including Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, Veillonella, Ligilactobacillus and Olsenella was detected. Diarrheic calves had a lower pH and bicarbonate concentration and a higher AG concentration than healthy calves. Together, these results indicate that calf diarrhea is associated with a shift from obligated to facultative anaerobes and expansion of lactate-producing bacteria which are related to acidemia, low bicarbonate and increase AG. Our results highlight the importance of the gastrointestinal microbiota on the clinicopathological changes observed in diarrheic calves.

Canine hypothyroidism: avoiding over diagnosing the condition

Background: Hypothyroidism is one of the most commonly treated endocrine disorders in dogs; however, the diagnosis of this condition can be challenging, potentially leading to misdiagnosis. The clinical signs of hypothyroidism are vague and non‐specific, as are the routine haematological and biochemical changes. When assessing the thyroid axis, the classical finding of decreased total thyroxine and increased thyroid‐stimulating hormone is highly specific for the diagnosis of hypothyroidism, but has less good sensitivity. Although numerous other tests are available, a basic understanding of thyroid gland physiology and thyroid test methodology is needed to be able to use each test and interpret the results correctly.Aim of the article: This article discusses how to confidently diagnose the condition, explaining how clinicians need to consider the clinical signs, routine clinicopathological changes and thyroid hormone concentrations together, rather than in isolation.