Diseases Of Upper Respiratory Tract Research Articles

Tężnie w Polsce. Geneza, stan i przyszłość zjawiska

Graduation towers in Poland. Genesis, current state and future of the phenomenon Salt is one of the materials with many uses. For centuries, its therapeutic values have been emphasized. Former salt mining centres, in which graduation towers were used to concentrate brine, played a special role. Along with changes in the technology of obtaining salt, these devices were gradually withdrawn from the use. Some of them began to perform a spa function, which resulted from the impact of the specific microclimate around them on treatment options, including upper respiratory tract diseases. At the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries, a great interest in the graduation towers was noted, due to which new facilities began to be built, and adapted to perform the therapeutic function. The literature on the subject is basically limited to analyses of the individual historical objects in terms of history and technology as well as popular-scientific guidebooks and informational studies. The purpose of this study is to give an idea of the genesis and current state of the construction of external graduation towers in Poland (89 facilities have been inventoried), taking into account the dynamics of this state, and the diversity of graduation towers due to its form, size and method of funding. Particular attention was paid to the spatial diversity of this phenomenon.

The incidence of non-tumour diseases of the respiratory organs of offspring of the first generation of residents of radiation-contaminated territories of Ukraine under the age of 18 years

There was conducted an epidemiological study of the morbidity of non-tumour diseases of the respiratory organs of the first-generation offspring born by residents of radioactively contaminated territories, until they reached 18 years. The observation period from 1987 to 2016. The total cohort was 35893 individuals, among whom male offspring constituted 18138 individuals, while female offspring constituted 17755 individuals. There were created 4 groups to study offspring up to 3 years old, depending on the time of birth of offspring after an accident – years of birth:(first – 01.03.1987– 28.02.1990, second – 01.03.1990– 28.02.1993, third – 01.03.1993– 28.02.1996, fourth – 01.03.1996– 28.02.1999), with a three-year observation period.During the observation period, there were detected 7845 cases of non-tumour respiratory diseases, which is 36.6% of the total pathology and 59,59±0,65 cases by 103 man-years observations. Of whom male offspring 4146 cases (С –38,8%, ID–62,42±0,94 by 103 man-years), and female offspring – 3699 (С –34,6%, ID– 56,72±0,91).The formation of non-tumour respiratory diseases occurred mainly due to the groups of diseases: "acute respiratory infections of the upper respiratory tract" (J00-J06.9) and "influenza and pneumonia" (J10-J18.9), "other upper respiratory tract diseases (J30.0-J39.9)" and "other acute respiratory infections of the lower respiratory tract (J20- J22), which amounted to 98.84%.For all the years of observation among the studied groups, the highest rates of respiratory disease in each period on the first or second, and the lowest - on the fourth.An analysis of the incidence showed that up to 6 years, offspring were mainly affected by acute respiratory infections of the upper respiratory tract and chronic tonsillitis and adenoids, and in the younger school-age, the incidence increased due to acute upper and lower respiratory tract diseases. In adolescence, the morbidity of the respiratory system is complicated by more severe nosological forms: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma.

Основні фактори ризику технологічного процесу та захворювання верхніх дихальних шляхів у працівників на виробництві азотовмісних сполук

Основні фактори ризику технологічного процесу та захворювання верхніх дихальних шляхів у працівників на виробництві азотовмісних сполук

Multiple Correspondence Analysis on Amino Acid Properties within the Variable Region of the Capsid Protein Shows Differences between Classical and Virulent Systemic Feline Calicivirus Strains.

Feline calicivirus (FCV) is a widespread and highly prevalent pathogen of domestic cats, responsible for mild upper respiratory tract disease. Outbreaks of severe virulent systemic disease (VSD) associated with FCV infection have been reported worldwide. VSD FCV strains have a broader tropism and cause a systemic vascular compromise. Despite clear differences in the pathogenesis of VSD and oral respiratory infections, attempts to identify specific molecular markers of VSD strains on the major capsid protein VP1 have failed. Region E of VP1 is responsible for the interaction with the cell receptor Junctional Adhesion Molecule JAM-1 (FeJAM-1) and with VP2 minor capsid protein during the entry of the virus. We carried out an original analysis on the sequences from region E of VSD and classical strains. A Multiple Correspondence Analysis was performed on a Boolean matrix built by coding sequences on the basis of their amino acid properties. For the first time, this approach was able to differentiate VSD and classical FCV. Seven remarkable residue positions were shown to be statistically significant for pathotype differentiation, mainly located in the N-terminal hypervariable part of region E. As structural analysis suggested an interaction of these residues with FeJAM-1 or VP2, post-binding events, and specific conformational changes may explain the difference of pathogenesis between pathotypes.

Validation of specific quantitative real-time RT-PCR assay panel for Infectious Bronchitis using synthetic DNA standards and clinical specimens

Infectious bronchitis (IB) is a highly contagious upper respiratory tract disease of chickens caused by infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), which has various serotypes that do not cross-protect. Vaccine control strategies for this virus are only effective when designed around the currently circulating serotypes. It is essential to not only rapidly detect IBV but also to identify the type of virus causing disease. Six TaqMan™-based quantitative real-time RT-PCR assays (Universal, Ark, Mass, DE/GA98, GA07, GA08) were developed and examined the sensitivity and specificity for each assay. Assays were developed targeting the hypervariable region in the S1 gene subunit. The analytical sensitivity of TaqMan™-based quantitative real-time RT-PCR assays (qRT-PCR) assays was evaluated using synthetic DNA standards that were identical with the target sequence and specificity was further validated using clinical and biological specimens. All developed assays performed equivalently when using synthetic DNA templates as standard material, as it achieved linearity over a 5 log10 dynamic range with a reproducible limit of detection of ≤10 target copies per reaction, with high calculated amplification efficiencies ranging between 90%–115%. Further validation of specificity using clinical and biological specimens was also successful.

Could low atmospheric pressure stunning (LAPS) be suitable for pig slaughter? A review of available information

AbstractLow atmospheric pressure stunning (LAPS) is a slaughter technique which may be less stressful for pigs (Sus scrofa domestica) than current commercial stunning and slaughter methods. The main methods used currently for slaughtering pigs are electric and carbon dioxide stunning, both of which are widely recognised as stressful for pigs. There is currently no published research on the use of LAPS for stunning adult pigs, however there is a significant body of relevant experience from investigations into the effects of low pressure and hypoxia on humans, hypoxia for killing pigs and the use of LAPS for killing poultry, rats and piglets. In this paper, the basic physics and biology of LAPS is briefly reviewed and relevant experience from research with humans, poultry, rats and piglets is presented. On the basis of this information, some initial parameters for LAPS trials with pigs are proposed, potential welfare issues identified and an approach to achieving LAPS at a commercially viable speed is outlined. While the effects of LAPS on pigs is, at present, uncertain, the evidence from research with humans and other animals suggests that healthy, fasted pigs undergoing LAPS are unlikely to suffer from air hunger or from pain. Any pigs suffering from upper respiratory tract disease, tooth decay or excess gas in the alimentary canal may, however, experience pain. A total killing cycle is likely to require 9 to 14 min. To implement LAPS in a commercial, high throughput processing plant will require the use of multiple decompression cylinders. The evidence available suggests that LAPS could be commercially viable for pig slaughter and that for most pigs it will be less stressful than current commercial slaughter methods.

Cold Weather Viruses.

1. Asif Noor, MD* 2. Theresa Fiorito, MD* 3. Leonard R. Krilov, MD*,† 1. *Department of Pediatrics, Children's Medical Center, NYU Winthrop Hospital, Mineola, NY 2. †Department of Pediatrics, State University of New York, Stony Brook School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY * Abbreviations: AAP: : American Academy of Pediatrics Adv: : adenovirus CDC: : Centers for Disease Control and Prevention FDA: : Food and Drug Administration hMPV: : human metapneumovirus PCR: : polymerase chain reaction PIV: : parainfluenza virus RSV: : respiratory syncytial virus RV: : rhinovirus Clinicians must learn to identify viral infections in children during the winter months and must practice caution with the use of unnecessary medications in such cases. Recognition of the clinical pattern of viral infection (eg, bronchiolitis) in conjunction with judicious use of viral tests (either office-based immunoassays or newer molecular tests) may assist in epidemiological monitoring, cohorting patients in the hospital, withholding unnecessary therapies, and providing a definitive diagnosis. After completing this article, readers should be able to: 1. Review the epidemiological aspects and clinical signs and symptoms of common cold weather viruses. 2. Recognize situations in which viral testing is indicated. 3. Recognize situations in which treatment is indicated. In early November you are evaluating a 9-month-old boy born at 33 weeks of gestation. The infant presents with 2 days of fevers (101°F–102°F [38.3°C–38.8°C]), copious rhinorrhea, and 1 day of coughing with difficulty breathing. He is otherwise feeding well and has had adequate urination. His 4-year-older sister has an upper respiratory tract infection. On physical examination, the infant has a respiratory rate of 45 breaths/min without chest wall retractions. On auscultation there is good air entry with scattered rhonchi bilaterally. What is the most appropriate next step in management? 1. Obtain respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza antigen testing. 2. Obtain a chest radiograph to look for focal infiltrate. 3. Provide supportive care with nasal …

Detection of multidrug resistance and extended-spectrum/plasmid-mediated AmpC beta-lactamase genes in Enterobacteriaceae isolates from diseased cats in Italy.

The aim of this study was to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility of Enterobacteriaceae isolated from cats affected by diseases commonly encountered in practice, and to characterise the third-generation cephalosporin (3GC)-resistance molecular mechanisms involved. Clinical samples (n = 100) included 58 rectal swabs from cats with diarrhoea, 31 nasal swabs from cats with clinical signs of upper respiratory tract disease, four ear swabs from cats with otitis, three conjunctival swabs from cats with conjunctivitis, two oral swabs from cats with stomatitis, one swab from a skin abscess and one urine sample from a cat with cystitis. A total of 125 Enterobacteriaceae were isolated from 90 cats. Escherichia coli was the most frequently isolated species (n = 65), followed by Enterobacter species (n = 20), Proteus species (n = 13), Citrobacter species (n = 12) and others (n = 15). Bacterial susceptibility testing was performed with respect to eight antimicrobial classes. Beta (β)-lactamase genes were identified by PCR and nucleotide sequencing. Overall, the higher frequency of resistance was to amoxicillin-clavulanate (61.3%), trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (33.6%) and cefotaxime (32.8%). Thirty-six percent of the isolates (n = 45) were resistant to 3GCs. Of these isolates, 34 were tested by PCR and nucleotide sequencing and 23 were confirmed as encoding β-lactamase genes. Fourteen 3GC-resistant isolates harboured extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) belonging to groups CTX-M-1 (n = 12, two of which were CTX-M-79), CTX-M-2 (n = 1) and CTX-M-9 (n = 1), as well as SHV-12 (n = 1) and TEM-92 (n = 1). Nine isolates had CMY-2 plasmid-mediated AmpC β-lactamases (pAmpC). Thirty-one percent (n = 39) of the isolates were multidrug resistant (MDR) and were isolated from 34% (n = 31/90) of the cats. A high frequency of MDR and ESBL/pAmpC β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae were detected among bacteria isolated from a feline population in southern Italy with a variety of common clinical conditions, which poses limitations on therapeutic options for companion animals. We describe the first detection of CTX-M-79 and TEM-92 ESBL genes in isolates from cats.

Chronic proliferative rhinitis in sheep: An update

Chronic proliferative rhinitis (CPR) is a slow and progressive upper respiratory tract disease of sheep with a poor prognosis for affected animals. It causes a proliferative inflammation of the ventral nasal turbinates with uni or bilateral affection that may totally obstruct the nasal cavity. Salmonella enterica subspecies diarizonae serovar 61:k:1,5,(7) has been associated with the disease. This microorganism, host-adapted of tonsils and nasal cavity of sheep, has been isolated in pure culture from the nasal cavity in all reported cases of CPR. However, its etiopathogenesis, mechanism of transmission and its involvement with the disease are still unknown. The present article focuses on describing the current knowledge about this disease gathering the published information and offering some new data on the latest research carried out on chronic proliferative rhinitis in sheep.

Serum Immunoglobulins (IgG and IgA) Level in Chronic Sinusitis and Otitis Media Patients

Sinusitis and otitis media are two of the most common indications for antimicrobial agents of upper respiratory tract infection. This study was aimed to determine the effect two chronic upper respiratory tract diseases (sinusitis and otitis media) on immunoglobulins levels via assessment the level of serum IgG and IgA in sinusitis and otitis media patients using single radial immune diffusion technique. A total of 100 sera samples were included in this study, all of them were adults, 40 samples collected from each of sinusitis and otitis media patients. Control group was included 20 samples from healthy donors. The mean of IgG concentrations in sinusitis patients (1078.6mg/dl) revealed significant decreasing comparing with control group (1249.82mg/dl), whereas IgG level in otitis media patients (1338.77mg/dl) recorded non significant alteration. IgA mean of otitis media (388.26 mg/dl) significantly decreased compared to control group (235.3 mg/dl) while IgA mean of sinusitis samples (244.4 mg/dl) did not record any alteration. This study concluded that chronic sinusitis cause decreased of IgG while chronic otitis media cause increased IgA level. In general the immunoglobulins concentrations were mild moderate.

Cat flu: Broad spectrum polymeric antivirals

Feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1) and feline calicivirus (FCV) are considered as main causes of feline upper respiratory tract disease and the most common clinical manifestations include rhinotracheitis, conjunctivitis, and nasal/facial ulcerations. While the primary infection is relatively mild, secondary infections pose a threat to young or immunocompromised cats and may result in a fatal outcome. In this study, we made an effort to evaluate antiviral potency of poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonates) (PSSNa) as potent FHV-1 and FCV inhibitors for topical use. Mechanistic studies showed that PSSNa exhibits a different mechanism of action depending on target species. While PSSNa acts directly on FHV-1 particles blocking their interaction with the host's cell and preventing the infection, the antiviral potency against FCV is based on inhibition at late stages of the viral replication cycle. Altogether, PSSNa polymers are promising drug candidates to be used in the treatment and prevention of the viral upper respiratory tract disease (URTD), regardless of the cause.

Translating Recent Microbiome Insights in Otitis Media into Probiotic Strategies.

The microbiota of the upper respiratory tract (URT) protects the host from bacterial pathogenic colonization by competing for adherence to epithelial cells and by immune response regulation that includes the activation of antimicrobial and (anti-)inflammatory components. However, environmental or host factors can modify the microbiota to an unstable community that predisposes the host to infection or inflammation. One of the URT diseases most often encountered in children is otitis media (OM). The role of pathogenic bacteria like Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis in the pathogenesis of OM is well documented. Results from next-generation-sequencing (NGS) studies reveal other bacterial taxa involved in OM, such as Turicella and Alloiococcus Such studies can also identify bacterial taxa that are potentially protective against URT infections, whose beneficial action needs to be substantiated in relevant experimental models and clinical trials. Of note, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are members of the URT microbiota and associated with a URT ecosystem that is deemed healthy, based on NGS and some experimental and clinical studies. These observations have formed the basis of this review, in which we describe the current knowledge of the molecular and clinical potential of LAB in the URT, which is currently underexplored in microbiome and probiotic research.

Effects of famciclovir in cats with spontaneous acute upper respiratory tract disease.

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of famciclovir administration in cats with spontaneously acquired acute upper respiratory tract disease. Twenty-four kittens with clinical signs of acute upper respiratory tract disease were randomly allocated to receive doxycycline (5 mg/kg PO q12h) alone (group D; n = 12) or with famciclovir (90 mg/kg PO q12h; group DF; n = 12) for up to 3 weeks. Clinical disease severity was scored at study entry and daily thereafter. Oculo-oropharyngeal swabs collected at study entry and exit were assessed using quantitative PCR for nucleic acids of feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1), feline calicivirus (FCV), Chlamydia felis, Bordetella bronchiseptica and Mycoplasma felis. The median (range) age of cats was 1.5 (1-6) months in group D vs 1.6 (1-5) months in group DF (P = 0.54). Pathogens detected in oculo-oropharyngeal swabs at study entry included FCV (n = 13/24; 54%), M felis (n = 8/24; 33%), FHV-1 (n = 7/24; 29%), C felis (n = 7/24; 29%) and B bronchiseptica (n = 3/24; 12%). Median (range) duration of clinical signs was 11.5 (3-21) days in group DF and 11 (3-21) days in group D (P = 0.75). Median (range) total disease score at the end of the study did not differ between groups (group D 1 [1-1] vs group DF 1 [1-3]; P = 0.08). This study revealed no significant difference in response to therapy between cats treated with doxycycline alone or with famciclovir; cats improved rapidly in both groups. However, identification of FHV-1 DNA was relatively uncommon in this study and clinical trials focused on FHV-1-infected cats are warranted to better evaluate famciclovir efficacy.

Application of UHPLC/ESI-Q-TOF-MS/MS to Identify Constituents of Erding Granule and Anti-hyperuricemia Effect

Background: Erding granule (EDG) widely used as an agent with the effect of heat-clearing, detoxifying, eliminating dampness, relieving jaundice and upper respiratory tract disease in clinical application, but the systematic chemical information and anti-hyperuricemia effect of EDG was still unclear. Methods: An ultra-high performance liquid chromatography combined with electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC/ESI-Q-TOF-MS/MS) method was utilized to rapidly identify the chemical constituents of EDG. The anti-hyperuricemia effect of EDG was evaluated based on the effect on xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity (in vitro) and lowering uric acid (in vivo). Results: 198 compounds were tentatively separated and identified or characterized within 30 min by UHPLC/ESI-Q-TOF MS/MS. These compounds were categorized as 22 coumarins, 38 flavones, 67 alkaloids, 36 organic acids, 16 sesquiterpenes, 14 lignans and 5 the others constituents. Meanwhile, EDG significantly decreases the serum urate level of hyperuricemic mice induced by potassium oxonate, while EDG did not significantly decrease the serum urate level of hyperuricemic mice induced by hypoxanthine and activity of xanthine oxidase in vitro. Conclusion: The method developed was rapid and sensitive to characterize the chemical constituents of EDG, and provide a systematic view of chemical information for EDG. Furthermore, we first discovered the anti-hyperuricemia effect of EDG and it would further provide the reference for clarifying the mechanism of EDG on lowering uric acid.

Concentration and reduction of antibiotic residues in selected wastewater treatment plants and receiving waterbodies in Durban, South Africa

In the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa the incidence of resistant tuberculosis, upper respiratory tract diseases as well as diarrhoeal and parasitic infections is high. Treatment of these diseases with antibiotics is partly reflected by the excretion of the respective antibiotics and their subsequent occurrence in wastewater. Their quantitative reduction in wastewater treatment reflects their potential environmental as well as human impact, the latter due to the use of the recipient water for domestic purposes and for irrigation. Information of the occurrence and reduction of different classes of antibiotics in wastewater treatment is sparse, especially the particle bound fraction of these. Due to this, analyses of aqueous and particle bound antibiotics in untreated wastewater of four selected wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and their receiving water bodies was carried out in Durban, South Africa. The treatment step especially considered was the biological one, represented by activated sludge and trickling filters. The treatment further included secondary clarifiers and final chlorine disinfection. Composite samples were collected during the period February 2017 to May 2017 and analysed with online solid phase extraction – high performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (SPE-HPLC-MS). For the 13 assessed antibiotics, the limit of detection (LOD) and the limit of quantification (LOQ) ranged from 0.07 to 0.33 ng L−1 and 0.23 to 1.09 ng L−1 respectively, while the total percentage recovery was in the range of 51 to 111%. The percentage of individual antibiotics bound to the particulate fraction normally lost by sample (influent) filtration, if not analysed in parallel, was in the range of 2.6%–97.3% (n = 32). In this fraction (sludge from centrifuge sample), the concentration of bound antibiotics of all the target antibiotics were detected in the influent of all WWTP in concentration ranges between 1.3 ng L−1 (Azithromycin; AZI) to 81,748 ng L−1 (Ciprofloxacin; CIP). The antibiotics with the highest median concentrations in receiving water bodies of the respective WWTP were; Sulfamethoxazole; SUL (239 ng L−1) WWTP “K”, Ciprofloxacin; CIP (708 ng L−1) WWTP “S” and Albendazole; ALB (325 ng L−1 and 683 ng L−1) WWTP “P” and “I” respectively.The overall percentage removal efficiency for the four WWTPs ranged from 21% to 100%. The biological treatment steps, activated sludge and trickling filters, were effective in removing antibiotics especially with the trickling filter and the impact of the sedimentation stage after activated sludge treatment.

Upper respiratory tract disease and associated diagnostic tests of mycoplasmosis in Alabama populations of Gopher tortoises, Gopherus polyphemus.

Upper respiratory tract disease (URTD) in North American tortoises (Gopherus) has been the focus of numerous laboratory and field investigations, yet the prevalence and importance of this disease remains unclear across many tortoise populations. Furthermore, much research has been focused on understanding diagnostic biomarkers of two known agents of URTD, Mycoplasma agassizii and Mycoplasma testudineum, yet the reliability and importance of these diagnostic biomarkers across populations is unclear. Gopher Tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus) have experienced significant declines and are currently protected range wide. Geographically, Alabama represents an important connection for Gopher Tortoise populations between the core and periphery of this species’ distribution. Herein, we systematically sampled 197 Gopher Tortoises for URTD across seven sites in south-central and south-eastern Alabama. Plasma samples were assayed for antibodies to M. agassizii and M. testudineum; nasal lavage samples were assayed for the presence of viable pathogens as well as pathogen DNA. Lastly, animals were scored for the presence of external symptoms and nasal scarring consistent with URTD. External symptoms of URTD were present in G. polyphemus in all sites sampled in Alabama. There was no relationship between active symptoms of URTD and Mycoplasma antibodies, however the presence of URTD nasal scarring was positively related to M. agassizii antibodies (P = 0.032). For a single site that was sampled in three sequential years, seroprevalence to M. agassizii significantly varied among years (P < 0.0001). Mycoplasma agassizii DNA was isolated from four of the seven sites using quantitative PCR, yet none of the samples were culture positive for either of the pathogens. An analysis of disease status and condition indicated that there was a significant, positive relationship between the severity of URTD symptoms and relative body mass (P < 0.05). This study highlights the need for continued monitoring of disease in wild populations. Specifically, focus must be placed on identifying other likely pathogens and relevant biomarkers that may be important drivers of URTD in North American tortoises. Special consideration should be given to environmental contexts that may render wild populations more susceptible to disease.

Treatment of acute viral feline upper respiratory tract infections

The main causative agents of feline upper respiratory tract disease (FURTD) are feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1) and feline calicivirus (FCV). These viral infections are common, especially in multiple cat households. Severely affected cats often need to be hospitalized. Intensive symptomatic therapy is important in the management of cats with FURTD. The use of antiviral drugs is limited in cats, as they are often ineffective or toxic when given systemically. Antiviral drugs are, therefore, mainly used locally for the treatment of FHV-1-associated eye changes. Famciclovir, however, is an effective drug for systemic therapy in cats with FHV-1-related clinical signs. For FCV, only few antiviral drugs are available. In a controlled study, the use of immunoglobulins in cats with FHV-1 and/or FCV infection reduced clinical signs of FURTD significantly faster.

Risk factors for development of community-acquired pneumonia in workers of main occupations in production of chrysotile asbestos

Inpatient examination covered 46 workers of main occupations in chrysotile asbestos production, with diagnosed occupational disease “asbestosis”, and reference group comprising 20 healthy workers of the same enterprise. Th e results present comparative analysis of clinical and anamnesis data in dependence on the past pneumonia, studies of immune state in the asbestosis patients and the healthy workers, data on high occurrence of pneumonia in the workers, comparative analysis of respiratory infections occurrence and concomitant diseases according to the outpatients records and medical examinations. Findings are reliable diff erences and earlier respiratory manifestations in the past-pneumonia workers exposed to chrysotile asbestos, higher occurrence (1.3-fold) of chronic bronchitis and severe disorders of bronchial patency. Immune response factors were characterized as pathogenetic links of pneumococcus infectious invasion. Additional risk factors of pneumonia appeared to be frequent respiratory infections, chronic diseases of upper respiratory tract and middle ear, lower functional state of neutrophils, increased auto-reactivity. To evaluate signifi cance of risk factors infl uence, the authors used fi tt ing criterion X2 (chi-square). Intensity of relationships between the risk factor and outcome was evaluated by contingency coeffi cient of Pearson. Signifi cance level (p) for all the calculation was accepted less than 0.05.

Antimicrobial use for selected diseases in cats in Switzerland

BackgroundAntibiotic use in human and veterinary medicine is considered a main driver of antimicrobial resistance. Although guidelines to promote appropriate use of antimicrobials in veterinary patients have been developed, antibiotic overprescription is assumed to be a common problem. The goal of this study was to investigate antimicrobial use in cats in Switzerland with acute upper respiratory tract disease (aURTD), feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) and abscesses, and to assess compliance of prescription with consensus guidelines. A total of 776 cases (aURTD, n = 227; FLUTD, n = 333; abscesses, n = 216) presented to two university hospitals and 14 private veterinary practices in Switzerland during 2016 were retrospectively evaluated. Clinical history, diagnostic work-up and antimicrobial prescription (class, dosage, duration) were assessed.ResultsA total of 77% (aURTD), 60% (FLUTD) and 96% (abscesses) of the cases received antibiotic therapy; 13–24% received combination or serial therapy. The cats were treated for a median of 7 (abscesses) and 10 days (aURTD, FLUTD). Treatments with potentiated aminopenicillins (40–64%), third generation cephalosporins (25–28%), aminopenicillins (12–24%) and fluoroquinolones (3–13%) were most common. Prescriptions were judged in complete accordance with consensus guidelines in 22% (aURTD), 24% (FLUTD) and 17% (abscesses) of the cases. Antibiotics were prescribed although not indicated in 34% (aURTD), 14% (FLUTD) and 29% (abscesses) of the cases. The presence of lethargy, anorexia or fever in cats with aURTD, and the detection of bacteriuria in cats with FLUTD were significantly associated with antibiotic therapy. Although diagnostic work-up was significantly more common (aURTD: university hospitals, 58%; private practices, 1%; FLUTD: university hospitals, 92%; private practices, 27%) and the use of critically important antibiotics significantly less common at the university hospitals (aURTD, 10%; FLUTD, 14%) compared to private practices (aURTD, 38%; FLUTD, 54%), the frequency of antibiotic treatment was not different between the university hospitals and private practices.ConclusionsOur results indicate that overprescription of antibiotics in cats in Switzerland is common and accordance with guidelines is poor. The study highlights the need to promote antimicrobial stewardship in small animal medicine.

Some Studies on Swollen Head Syndrome in Broiler Chickens in Egypt

Swollen Head Syndrome (SHS) is a disease of upper respiratory tract affecting broilers and broiler breeders which resulted in inflammatory exudates beneath the skin. SHS has been described as a multi-factorial disease where the initial lesion mainly caused by avian Metapneumo virus (aMPV), while the clinical signs are a consequence of bacterial complications and the severity of the disease depends on environmental factors. This study was planned to detect and try to isolate the etiological agents of SHS from 40 broiler flocks in 3 Egyptian Governorates (Sharkia, Dakahlia and Damietta). The chickens incorporated swollen heads and respiratory manifestations as nasal discharges, coughing, tracheal rales and frothy conjunctivitis from different localities. Samples included trachea and lung tissues, choanal cleft swabs and scraps from sinuses and turbinates. The AMPV subtype B was detected in 5 flocks by Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RRT-PCR) -using 2 specific probes for differentiation of subtypes A and B. the AMPV-subtype B was detected with the percentage of 12.5%. Bacterial examination of collected samples revealed presence of mixed infection in some of examined flocks with isolation of E. coli in a percentage of 70%; Proteus mirabilis 40% and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (25%). In conclusion, to our knowledge, this is the first detection of aMPV among broiler chickens suffering from SHS in Egypt, using RRT-PCR in concurrent bacterial infections with E. coli, P. mirabilis and P. aeruginosa.