Intra-abdominal Research Articles

Intra Abdominal Pathology in Polymyalgia Rheumatica Presenting as Exacerbation of Rheumatic Disease

Purpose: A 73 year old lady with polymyalgia rheumatica presented with a month's history of right hip and thigh pain and stiffness. She had had intermittent diarrhoea with no bleeding or mucus. Examination revealed reduced right hip and knee flexion only. She was apyrexial with elevated white cell count and inflammatory markers. Hip, pelvic xrays, stool culture were normal. Sigmoidoscopy revealed mild proctitis and mild diverticulosis. Ultrasound scan abdomen was also normal. She had been commenced on steroids 3 weeks prior to admission. A diagnosis of polymyalgia exacerbation was made and steroid dose increased. Antibiotics were also commenced. Diarrhoea was not recorded during admission but limb weakness and hip pain deteriorated and inflammatory markers continued to rise, so an MRI spine and pelvis was arranged on day 5. This revealed multiple gluteal abscesses extending around the right femoral head along with a perforated diverticulum and presacral abscess. Despite attempted radiologically guided drainage with a view to hemi-colectomy if required, and escalating antibiotic therapy, she became increasingly septic and died. Case 2: A 69 year old lady with polymyalgia presented with a 3 week history of left thigh pain. She had had left sided abdominal pains for 6 months treated by oral analgesia. Bowels chronically alternated between constipation and diarrhoea with no rectal bleeding. She had loss of appetite and weight over three months. Examination revealed mild weakness of left hip flexion. White cell count and CRP were elevated. A diagnosis of exacerbation of polymyalgia was made and steroid dose increased. She was admitted a week later with severe abdominal pain, tachycardia and pyrexia. Examination revealed generalized peritonitis. After aggressive resuscitation, laparotomy was performed. This revealed faecal peritonitis due to obstructing proximal sigmoid tumour with a perforated descending colon and a large retroperitoneal abscess. She had a prolonged stay in the intensive care unit following Hartmann's procedure, but was later found to have liver metastases. Discussion: These cases highlight how patients with polymyalgia may have perforated intrabdominal disease which mimics their rheumatic pathology. Steroid therapy which is the mainstay of polymyalgia therapy can be detrimental. In the presence of diarrhea/abdominal pain, a high degree of clinical suspicion should be maintained for an alternative gastrointestinal cause.

Dynamics of the avian inflammatory response toSalmonellafollowing administration of the toll-like receptor 5 agonist flagellin

Previous work has shown that flagellin (FGN) is a potent stimulator in vitro of phagocytic cell functions of chickens. The purpose of this study was to define the effects of FGN on the inflammatory response to Salmonella enteritidis (SE) in chickens. Intra-abdominal (IA) FGN administration caused significant increases in peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) compared with SE-injected controls at 4 and 8 h postinjection (P<or=0.05). The heterophil (PMN) was the predominant cell responsible for the increased numbers of leukocytes in the peripheral blood. In the abdominal cavity, leukocyte infiltrates were significantly greater in FGN-injected (8 h) and SE/FGN-injected (4 and 24 h) birds than in the SE-injected control birds. Again, the predominant leukocyte infiltrating the abdominal cavity was the PMN. Bovine serum albumin (BSA)-injected protein control birds showed no increases in PBL or in abdominal cell leukocyte infiltrates over saline-injected controls. In IA challenge studies, FGN reduced SE-associated mortality (26%) compared with mortality of 51% in the SE group (P<or=0.05). BSA-injected/SE-challenged chicks had mortality similar to that of the SE group. The data suggest that FGN is a potent stimulator of a heterophil-mediated innate immune response in vivo, protecting against bacterial infections in chickens.

Different fatty acid composition in central and peripheral adipose tissues of the American mink (Mustela vison)

Fatty acid (FA) composition in the intraabdominal (IAB), subcutaneous (SC) and peripheral adipose tissues of the semiaquatic American mink (Mustela vison) was examined in comparison to the diet by gas-liquid chromatography. There was a clear compositional gradient from the IAB via SC to peripheral adipose tissues and the anatomically different adipose tissues accumulated or metabolized FA selectively. The total lipids of the body appendages had smaller proportions of saturated (SFA) and larger proportions of monounsaturated (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) than the lipids of the trunk adipose tissues. Especially n-3 PUFA were enriched in the periphery. The appendages were also characterized with a high ratio of unsaturated FA to SFA, an increased Delta9-desaturation index and increased mean numbers of double bonds and carbon atoms in a FA molecule. The proportions of SFA and MUFA of the diet resembled the trunk adipose tissues while the dietary percentage of n-3 PUFA surpassed those of the trunk fat depots but was lower than those of the peripheral fats. These data confirm that the FA signatures of mammals reflect not only their dietary history but also metabolic modifications of ingested FA.

Infectious Disease Associations in Advanced Stage, Indolent Lymphoma (Follicular, FL and Non-Follicular, nFL): Developing a Lymphoma Prevention Strategy.

Background: The antigen-drive association of gastric MALT lymphoma with H. pylori is well recognized. Successful antibiotic therapy can result in lymphoma remission, and with it, lymphoma prevention. We have sought to prospectively identify possible associated infections in patients with non-bulky, advanced stage indolent lymphoma as the first step to such a lymphoma treatment/prevention strategy. These patients are often candidates for “watch and wait” and it is during this period that a window of opportunity may exist to identify and treat related infections.Methods: Patients with a new diagnosis of indolent lymphoma (FL and nFL), stages II (intra-abdominal), III and IV fulfilling GELF criteria for observation were eligible. Studies performed: Stool H. pylori, Hepatitis C and Borrelia serologies, Borrelia and Chlamydia fixed tissue PCR, peripheral blood mononuclear cell PCR for Chlamydia, and a hydrogen breath test for small bowel bacterial overgrowth.Results: 55 patients have been enrolled with IRB informed consent: 32 females, 23 males; median age, 54 years (21–77); 30 FL, 25 nFL; stage II (4 pt), III (22), and IV (29). All met GELF criteria for observation. Infections tested include: H. pylori (13 positive: 6 FL, 7 nFL); Hepatitis C (3+; 1 FL, 2 nFL); and small bowel bacterial overgrowth (10+; 4 FL, 6 nFL). Borrelia serologies and tissue PCR were negative in all 13 pts tested. Chlamydia psittaci tissue PCR positive in 1 FL (12 negative). Thus, 20 of 54 (37%) patients have had at least one positive study; and, to date we have observed lymphoma responses after successful antibiotic therapy alone in 6 of 20: H. pylori (1 FL with CRu for 20+ months; 1 nFL with transient near CR); Hepatitis C (1 FL with PR but HCV persistent; 2 nFL (1 CR for 24+ mos; 1 stable, currently on HCV therapy); SBBO (1 FL in PR for 28+ mos). Of interest, the patients with associated infections but without lymphoma response to antibiotics, appear to have required institution of lymphoma treatment sooner than those without initial associated infections (Treatment free survival 48% vs. 87.5%, p=0.08; 33 months median f/u from diagnosis), possibly suggesting a different biology.Conclusion: Infections are common in advanced stage indolent lymphoma (37% in our series). Anecdotal lymphoma responses have been seen and 2 have been durable CRs (10%) ongoing for 20+ mos following infection eradication alone. The identification and treatment of associated infections may be a first step toward developing a lymphoma prevention strategy.

Haemorrhagic complications of pancreaticoduodenectomy

Haemorrhagic complication occurs in 5-16% of patients following pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). We report an analysis of patients with post-PD bleed, to identify predictors of bleed, predictors of survival following bleed and the management of post-PD bleed. Two hundred and eighteen patients with periampullary cancers underwent PD from 1989 to 2002. Forty-four (20.2%) patients had a bleeding complication. Of these, 25 patients had an intra-abdominal (IA) bleed and 21 had gastrointestinal (GI) bleed (two had both IA and GI bleed). Clinical, biochemical and tumour characteristics were analysed to identify factors influencing bleeding complications. The median time to presentation was 4.5 days (0-21 days). Serum bilirubin (P = 0.000, OR: 1.090) and pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) leak (P = 0.009, OR: 3.174) were significant independent factors predicting bleeding complications. Forty-three per cent of patients each had early bleed (<48 h after PD) or delayed bleed (7 days after PD). Comparison of early and late bleeds showed that IA bleed (P = 0.02) presented as early bleeds. Male sex (P = 0.00) longer duration of jaundice (P = 0.02), PJ leak (P = 0.001), HJ leak (P = 0.001), duct to mucosa type of PJ anastomosis (P = 0.03) and IA abscess (P = 0.00) were associated with a significantly higher incidence of late bleeds. Overall mortality after PD was 9.6% with 34% and 3% in bleeders and non-bleeders, respectively. Septicaemia (P = 0.01, OR: 5.49), and acute renal failure (P = 0.01) were associated with increased mortality. Bleeding complications following PD were seen in one-fifth of patients and were associated with high mortality. Serum bilirubin levels and PJ leak were significant factors associated with bleeding complications. Septicaemia and acute renal failure were significant factors associated with mortality in the bleeders.

Infectious disease associations in indolent lymphoma (follicular, FL and non-follicular, nFL): Developing a lymphoma prevention strategy

6701 Background: The antigen-drive association of gastric MALT lymphoma with H. pylori is well recognized. Successful antibiotic therapy can result in lymphoma remission, and with it, lymphoma prevention. We have sought to prospectively identify possible associated infections (candidates for antigen-drive) in patients with non-bulky, advanced stage indolent lymphoma as the first step to such a lymphoma treatment/ prevention strategy. These patients are often given a recommendation of monitoring (“watch and wait”) and it is during this period that a window of opportunity may exist to identify and treat antigen-drive related infections. Methods: Patients with a new diagnosis of indolent lymphoma (FL and nFL), stages II (intra-abdominal), III and IV fulfilling GELF criteria for observation were eligible. Studies performed: Stool H. pylori, Hepatitis C and Borrelia serologies, Borrelia and Chlamydia fixed tissue PCR, peripheral blood mononuclear cell PCR for Chlamydia, and a hydrogen breath test for small bow...

Infectious disease associations in indolent lymphoma (follicular, FL and non-follicular, nFL): Developing a lymphoma prevention strategy

6701 Background: The antigen-drive association of gastric MALT lymphoma with H. pylori is well recognized. Successful antibiotic therapy can result in lymphoma remission, and with it, lymphoma prevention. We have sought to prospectively identify possible associated infections (candidates for antigen-drive) in patients with non-bulky, advanced stage indolent lymphoma as the first step to such a lymphoma treatment/ prevention strategy. These patients are often given a recommendation of monitoring (“watch and wait”) and it is during this period that a window of opportunity may exist to identify and treat antigen-drive related infections. Methods: Patients with a new diagnosis of indolent lymphoma (FL and nFL), stages II (intra-abdominal), III and IV fulfilling GELF criteria for observation were eligible. Studies performed: Stool H. pylori, Hepatitis C and Borrelia serologies, Borrelia and Chlamydia fixed tissue PCR, peripheral blood mononuclear cell PCR for Chlamydia, and a hydrogen breath test for small bowel bacterial overgrowth. Results: To date 13 patients have been enrolled with IRB informed consent: 9 females, 4 males; median age, 51 years (34–70); 7 FL, 6 nFL; stage II (1 pt), III (3), and IV (9). All met GELF criteria for observation. Infections tested thus far include: H. pylori (3 positive, nFL); Hepatitis C (2+; 1FL, 1nFL); and small bowel bacterial overgrowth (3+; 1FL, 2nFL). Borrelia serologies were negative in all 13 pts. PCR for Borrelia and Chlamydia are pending. Thus, 7 of 13 patients have at least one positive study. These infections have been/are being treated and clinical outcomes of lymphoma will be assessed. Conclusions: Infections are common in advanced stage indolent lymphoma (54% to date in our series). The identification of antigen-drive associated infections may be a first step toward developing a lymphoma prevention strategy. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Fertility Potential: A Comparison of Intra-Abdominal and Intracanalicular Testes by Age Groups in Children

We compared a group of intra-abdominal (IA) with intracanalicular (IC) testes of the same age in order to see if there were differences in the fertility potential of the testes in these two locations. We also wished to determine at what age, if any, differences became apparent. Semithin (1 µm thick) sections of 54 IA and 103 IC testes between the ages of 3 months and 5 years were evaluated and the spermatic index (SI) calculated for each. The two groups were compared using mathematical models to describe the relationship between age and SI. Models of both IA and IC testes show a sharp decline in the SI during the first 1.8 years of life and remain near zero thereafter. The models are statistically indistinguishable, suggesting there is no detectable difference in the fertility potential of IA and IC testes up to 5 years. The SI appears to reach a critically low value in both groups between 8 and 9 months of age, suggesting that surgical intervention would be appropriate before this time.

Assessment of abdominal fat development in young adolescents using magnetic resonance imaging.

To determine the patterns of change and the best anthropometric indicators of intra-abdominal fat deposition in young adolescents from ages 11-13 y. Subjects were 25 boys (mean age 13.7 +/- 0.32 y) and 17 girls (mean age of 13.7 +/- 0.23 y) who had taken part in a similar study 2 y earlier at ages 11.5 +/- 0.33 y and 11.5 +/- 0.27 y, respectively. Intra-abdominal (IA) and subcutaneous adipose (SA) tissue areas and IA/SA ratio were determined through four tranverse magnetic resonance imaging scans on two occasions. Differences were investigated using t-tests and ANOVA. Skinfolds, girths and circumferences, body mass index and hydrostatic weighing were also recorded. Pearson correlation coefficients and regression equations were calculated to determine the best anthropometric indicators of intra-abdominal fat deposition. Intra-abdominal fat and subcutaneous fat areas had significantly increased in boys and girls by the second measure. Boys had deposited greater amounts of fat in intra-abdominal depots so that their intra-abdominal/subcutaneous ratio had increased significantly from 0.31 to 0.39. This had reduced in girls from 0.39 to 0.35. However, patterns of change were variable within sexes. Truncal skinfold sites (r = 0.54-0.70) emerged as the best field indicators of intra-abdominal fat deposition. Patterns of intra-abdominal and subcutaneous fat distribution are identifiable in pubescent children using magnetic resonance imaging. An acceptable indication is provided by truncal skinfolds.

Longitudinal assessment of intra-abdominal fat in postmenopausal women.

Longitudinal changes in intra-abdominal (IA) fat and total body fat were assessed in three healthy postmenopausal Caucasian women receiving hormone replacement therapy (HRT) during a seven-year follow-up study. Measurements were made using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, anthropometry, and magnetic resonance images. Changes in intra-abdominal fat were examined in relation to different patterns of weight modification. The weight-stable women had the lowest percent body fat and IA fat at all examinations, with a slight decrease in IA fat at follow-up. The person with a gradual gain in weight of 1.9 kg experienced small increases in body fat and IA fat. The weight-cycling woman had the highest weight, percent body fat, and IA fat area at all examinations. The amounts of IA fat and percent body fat fluctuated with body weight fluctuations. Together with other findings, our results suggest that lean, weight-stable individuals receiving HRT can maintain a low level of IA fat, whereas those experiencing weight gains or regaining lost weight have increases in IA fat.

Effect of levamisole on intestinal anastomoses in transfused guinea pigs.

In this experimental study, the effects of an antihelminthic and immunostimulating agent (levamisole) on anastomosis recovery in transfused and normal guinea pigs were investigated. A total of 56 animals were divided into four groups of 14 each; an additional 10 were employed for blood transfusion (BT). Intestinal anastomoses were performed on all animals; the following postoperative treatments were administered: none (control group); BT; intra-abdominal (IA) levamisole; and BT + levamisole. After recording the mortality of each group, a relaparotomy was performed on one-half of the animals on the 3rd postoperative day and on the remaining half on the 7th postoperative day. Findings of IA sepsis, resistance of the anastomosis, bursting pressure, and hydroxyproline values were evaluated. Statistical comparison of the groups was accomplished by analysis of variance. In the transfused group an increase in sepsis was determined and the bursting pressure was significantly lower than in the control group. IA levamisole application following BT reduced the mortality by diminishing IA sepsis and anastomotic abscess formation and increased anastomotic pressure and recovery (P < 0.01). Histopathologic recovery in levamisole groups was better than in the group that received BT only. Levamisole application without BT resulted in equal mortality and morbidity to that of the control group. We conclude that clinical use of levamisole should be considered only in intestinal anastomoses in which BT is inevitable.

Endosonography guided Celiac Plexus Neurolysis (EUS CPN) in patients with pain due to Intra-Abdominal (IA) malignancy

Endosonography guided Celiac Plexus Neurolysis (EUS CPN) in patients with pain due to Intra-Abdominal (IA) malignancy

Toxicity of the crystalline polypeptides of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis in Japanese quail

The solubilized parasporal crystalline proteins (SPCP) of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis when administered to Japanese quail by intraabdominal (IA) injection were toxic with an LD 50 at 24 hr of 22.8 mg/kg. No deaths were noted by intranasal, subcutaneous, and intravenous administration. SPCP were highly hemolytic against quail red blood cells but this SPCP-induced hemolysis was inhibited by preincubation of SPCP with quail serum. Electrocardiographic analyses of IA-injected quail demonstrated cardiac dysfunction consistent with bradycardia. Hypothermia was also positively correlated with heart rate reduction. SPCP IA injection reduced serum lipid levels and alkaline phosphatase, and increased serum glucose, creatine phosphokinase, and lactate dehydrogenase. Induction of a septic shock-like condition may be the toxic mode of action of IA-injected SPCP in Japanese quail.

The effect of intensive endurance exercise training on body fat distribution in young and older men

Little is known about the effects of exercise interventions on the distribution of central and/or intra-abdominal (IA) fat, and until now there were no studies in the elderly. Therefore, in this study we investigated the effects of an intensive 6-month endurance training program on overall body composition (hydrostatic weighing), fat distribution (body circumferences), and specific fat depots (computed tomography [CT]), in healthy young (n = 13; age, 28.2 ± 2.4 years) and older (n = 15; age, 67.5 ± 5.8 years) men. At baseline, overall body composition was similar in the two groups, except for a 9% smaller fat free mass in the older men ( P < .05). The thigh and arm circumferences were smaller ( P = .001 and P < .05, respectively), while the waist to hip ratio (WHR) was slightly greater in the older men (0.92 ± 0.04 v 0.97 ± 0.04, P < .01). Compared with the relatively small baseline differences in body composition and circumferences, CT showed the older men to have a twofold greater IA fat depot ( P < .001), 48% less thigh subcutaneous (SC) fat ( P < .01), and 21% less thigh muscle mass ( P < .001). Following endurance (jog/bike) training, both the young (+18%, P < .001) and the older men (+22%, P < .001) significantly increased their maximal aerobic power (V̇o 2max). This was associated with small but significant decrements in weight, percent body fat, and fat mass (all P < .001) only in the older men. Similarly, small decrements were noted in the waist ( P < .001) and chest ( P < .01) circumferences, as well as the WHR ( P < .05) in the older men alone. On CT, the older men had greater than 20% decrements in the three central (IA, abdominal SC and chest SC) fat depots (all P < .001), and a 9% increment in thigh muscle mass ( P < .01). The young men demonstrated significant decreases in IA (−17%, P < .05), abdominal SC (−10%, P < .05), and thigh SC (−20%, P < .01) fat depots. Except in the chest SC depot, the absolute change in a depot following endurance traning was related to the initial size of the depot. We conclude that older men, who have a more central distribution of adiposity at baseline, had a preferential loss of fat from the central fat depots. It is possible, therefore, that endurance training will also allow preferential loss of central fat in other populations of subjects at risk for obesity-related metabolic complications and might produce impressive improvement in metabolic abnormalities, despite only a small loss of weight and fat.

Body Fat Distribution in Healthy Young and Older Men

Central and/or intraabdominal (IA) fat is an independent predictor of obesity-related metabolic abnormalities in young and middle-aged subjects. The elderly are "fatter" at any given relative weight and often have similar metabolic abnormalities. In this study we compare body composition, circumferences, and specific fat depots areas in a population of healthy young and older men. Although the two groups were similar in body mass index and percent body fat, their distribution of adiposity was different. The young subjects had 16% and 10% larger thigh (p = .0001) and arm (p less than .01) circumferences respectively, while the ratio of waist-to-hip circumference was greater in the older subjects (0.93 +/- 0.04 vs 0.97 +/- 0.04, p = less than .01). The most striking differences between the groups were noted on computed tomography, with a twofold greater IA fat area (72.6 +/- 38.2 vs 143.6 +/- 56.2 cm2, p less than .0001), and a twofold lesser thigh subcutaneous fat area (156.3 +/- 69.3 vs 82.4 +/- 29.7 cm2, p less than .001) in the older subjects. We conclude there is an age-related central and intraabdominal redistribution of adipose mass, even in healthy older subjects. Since these changes occur in the absence of clinical disease, the associations between metabolic abnormalities and a central and or IA distribution of adiposity in the elderly must be investigated further.

Immunogenicity of a temperature sensitive mutant Mycoplasma gaffisepticum vaccine

The immunogenicity of the ts-11 vaccine strain of Mycoplasma gallisepticum was assessed following eye drop or coarse aerosol administration in chickens of various ages. Protection was evalualted following intra-abdominal (IA) or fine droplet aerosol administration of virulent M. gallisepticum, usually the Ap3AS strain and was measured mainly by the scoring of gross air sac lesions or by egg production. Vaccination of chickens with ts-11 did not elicit a substantial serum antibody response as measured by rapid serum agglutination test, or ELISA. Protection was never demonstrated when no M. gallisepticum serum antibody response was detected in a vaccinated group of chickens. Failure to protect occurred usually, although not invariably, following aerosol administration of the vaccine. Vaccination by eye drop usually, although not invariably provided protection against challenge. In one experiment, chickens vaccinated by eye drop at 8-weeks were as susceptible as non vaccinated controls when challenged by IA inoculation at 13-weeks-of-age. Yet other birds from the same vaccinated group were resistant when challenged in an identical way at 23-weeks. No measurable increase in M. gallisepticum specific serum antibody concentrations occurred in the intervening period. Equally surprising was the response of another group of birds in the same experiment that had been vaccinated with a higher dose of ts-11. An antibody response was detected in this group, but they were susceptible to challenge at 23-weeks. Interestingly, a drop in egg production commenced 4 weeks after challenge, 2 weeks later than that observed in a non vaccinated group challenged at the same time.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Local application of neurotensin to abdominal organs triggers cardiovascular reflexes in guinea pigs: Possible mechanisms

Intraabdominal (IAB) injections or topical application of neurotensin (NT) to the serosal surface of the ileum or stomach evoked dose-dependent increases of blood pressure and of heart rate in anesthetized guinea pigs. These effects were markedly reduced by prior animal treatment with a ganglion blocker, alpha and beta adrenoceptor blockers, as well as by exposure of the abdominal organs to lidocaine, a local anesthetic. The blood pressure and heart rate responses to IAB injections or topical application of NT to the ileum or stomach were both inhibited by animal pretreatment with capsaicin. Cervical vagotomy or atropine pretreatment did not prevent or alter the cardiovascular responses to IAB injections of NT. These results suggest the presence in some organs and/or tissues of the abdominal cavity of sympathetic, capsaicin-sensitive sensory nerve fibers which, upon stimulation by NT, produce reflex increases of blood pressure and of heart rate.

Virulence and transmissibility of Mycoplasma gallisepticum.

The virulence of 4 low passage strains of Mycoplasma gallisepticum obtained from different sources within Australia was studied by experimental infection of chickens. Strain Ap3AS, originally isolated from the air sac of a broiler chicken, produced severe air sac lesions following injection into the abdominal air sacs of 2-week or 3-week-old chickens, and adult hens. Strain 80083 which was isolated from a clinically normal broiler breeder hen was also capable of producing gross air sac lesions following intra-abdominal (IA) injection, although it did so less consistently than strain Ap3AS. Strain 82078 isolated from a layer hen and strain QXO which was isolated from a turkey were also moderately pathogenic in terms of the incidence and severity of lesions elicited following IA injection. Strains Ap3AS and 80083 both caused a substantial loss of egg production over a 5 week period after IA infection of 27-week-old hens. Neither strain Ap3AS nor 80083 caused gross lesions or loss of egg production when administered alone into the upper respiratory tract. However, when inoculated into the conjunctival sac in combination with the Vic S strain of infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) strains Ap3AS and 80083 produced identical clinical signs of conjunctivitis. The mean numbers of M. gallisepticum in tracheal washings were significantly higher 2 weeks after infection in the group receiving strain 80083 in combination with IBV than in the group infected with strain Ap3AS and IBV (p less than 0.01).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Immunogenicity of Mycoplasma gallisepticum

The serological response and protective immunity elicited in the chicken by the pathogenic Ap3AS strain and the moderately pathogenic 80083 strain of Mycoplasma gallisepticum and variants of strain 80083 attenuated by repeated passage in mycoplasma broth were investigated. Strain 80083 elicited a substantial serum antibody response after administration either in drinking water or by conjunctival sac instillation to 7-week-old SPF chickens. No vaccinated chickens developed air sac lesions when challenged by intra-abdominal (IA) injection with the virulent Ap3AS strain. Chickens vaccinated with strain 80083M (50 broth passages) showed only a weak serological response but were substantially protected when challenged 4 weeks after vaccination. Chickens vaccinated with 80083H (100 broth passages) were serologically negative 4 weeks after vaccination and developed severe air sac lesions after challenge. Thirty-seven-week-old hens vaccinated 6 months previously with strain 80083 had high serum antibody levels and were completely protected against IA challenge with the homologous strain. However, 4/6 showed mild air sac lesions when challenged intra-abdominally with strain Ap3AS. Another group showed high M. gallisepticum serum antibody levels 6 months after vaccination with strain Ap3AS but 4/6 and 2/6 showed mild lesions after IA challenge with strains Ap3AS or 80083, respectively. Strains 80083 or 80083M were administered by conjunctival sac instillation to susceptible 11-week-old commercial pullets at the time of fowl pox vaccination. The concurrent use of both vaccines had no apparent adverse effect on the health of the chickens. Similar protection against IA challenge with strain Ap3AS was produced with the M. gallisepticum vaccines whether used alone or in combination with fowl pox.

Clinical Study of Multiple Organ Failure with Special Reference to Intra Abdominal Infection

Clinical Study of Multiple Organ Failure with Special Reference to Intra Abdominal Infection