Dog Small Intestine Research Articles

A Case Report of Coenurus Cerebralis in a Goat at Dembecha District of Amhara Region, Ethiopia

The Animal Health Institute received a report of an outbreak from Amhara Regional State, West Gojam zone, Dembecha district, with an unknown etiological agent on caprine death in February 2023. With the objective to conduct investigations and ascertain the reason for the caprine death, a team of experts was deputed to the affected area. Goat exhibiting seizures, lateral recumbency, and appetite loss during a clinical examination, symptoms of a central nervous system disorder including paddling, convulsions, and unconsciousness were noted. Based on clinical sign and presence of definitive hosts at the area the case has been defined for coenurosis cerebralis. For further confirmatory diagnosis postmortem inspection for the brain was undertaken. Cysts were found during necropsy in the left hemisphere’s occipital lobe. The cysts were filled with a clear fluid, and the inner layer of the cysts had several clusters of scolice growing out of it. Larval form of Taenia multiceps, known as Coenurus cerebralis, is found in the small intestines of dogs and other carnivores in the wild. Worldwide, coenurosis is endemic, and it is particularly prevalent in Ethiopia’s highlands, where there are many sheep. Commonly occurs in the life cycle of dogs and small ruminants. The larvae of this parasite are found in the brain and spinal cord of intermediate hosts, while the adult stage of the parasite lives in the small intestine of dogs, foxes, coyotes, and jackals. The intermediate hosts become infected when the dog eats the brain containing the Coenurus cyst, which then develops into Taenia multiceps and begins to pass proglottids containing eggs on pasture. If a person accidentally consumes a parasite egg, they become infected with coenurosis. The primary method of controlling coenurosis is the regular administration of canine anthelmintics and the proper disposal of sheep and goat brain.

A Case Report of Coenurus Cerebralis in a Goat at Dembecha District of Amhara Region, Ethiopia

This outbreak case with an unidentified etiological agent on caprine mortality was reported from Amhara Regional State, West Gojam zone, Dembecha district in February 2023 with the objective of investigating and determining the cause of the caprine death. During a clinical examination, the goat displayed seizures, lateral recumbency, and appetite loss. Additionally, paddling, convulsions, and unconsciousness were observed, which signs of a central nervous system disease. The case for coenurosis cerebralis has been established based on the clinical signs and the presence of certain hosts in the area. The brain was examined postmortem in order to confirm the diagnosis further. Cysts were found during necropsy in the left hemisphere's occipital lobe. The cysts were filled with a clear fluid, and the inner layer of the cysts had several clusters of scolice growing out of it. Larval form of Taenia multiceps, known as Coenurus cerebralis, is found in the small intestines of dogs and other carnivores in the wild. Worldwide, coenurosis is endemic, and it is particularly prevalent in Ethiopia's highlands, where there are many sheep. Commonly occurs in the life cycle of dogs and small ruminants. The larvae of this parasite are found in the brain and spinal cord of intermediate hosts, while the adult stage of the parasite lives in the small intestine of dogs, foxes, coyotes, and jackals. The definitive host becomes infected when it eats the brain or tissue become infected when the dog eats the brain containing the Coenurus cyst, which then develops into Taenia multiceps and begins to pass proglottids containing eggs on pasture. If a person accidentally consumes a parasite egg, they become infected with coenurosis. The primary method of controlling coenurosis is the regular administration of canine anthelmintics and the proper disposal of sheep and goat brain.

Iron Bioaccessibility and Speciation in Microalgae Used as a Dog Nutrition Supplement

Chlorella vulgaris, Arthrospira platensis, Haematoccocus pluvialis, and Phaeodactylum tricornutum are species of interest for commercial purposes due to their valuable nutritional profile. The aim of this study was to investigate the iron content in these four microalgae, with emphasis on their iron bioaccessibility assessed using an in vitro digestion system to simulate the process which takes place in the stomach and small intestine of dogs, followed by iron quantification using atomic absorption spectrometry. Furthermore, the extraction of soluble proteins was carried out and size exclusion chromatography was applied to investigate iron speciation. Significant differences (p < 0.004) in iron content were found between C. vulgaris, which had the highest (1347 ± 93 μg g-1), and H. pluvialis, which had the lowest (216 ± 59 μg g-1) iron content. C. vulgaris, A. platensis, and H. pluvialis showed an iron bioaccessibility of 30, 31, and 30%, respectively, while P. tricornutum showed the lowest bioaccessibility (11%). The four species analysed presented soluble iron mainly bound to proteins with high molecular mass ranging from >75 to 40 kDa. C. vulgaris showed the highest iron content associated with good bioaccessibility; therefore, it could be considered to be an interesting natural source of organic iron in dog nutrition.

Fenofibrate promotes PPAR\u03b1-targeted recovery of the intestinal epithelial barrier at the host-microbe interface in dogs with diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with a dysfunctional intestinal barrier and an increased risk for systemic infection and inflammation in people, though the pathogenic mechanisms leading to this are poorly understood. Using a canine model of DM, we showed that the peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptor-α agonist fenofibrate modulates plasma lipid profiles and markers of intestinal barrier function. A 3-week course of fenofibrate reduced fasting interstitial glucose and inflammatory cytokine IL-8 and TNF-α concentrations, which correlated with reduced triglyceride levels. The lipidomic profile exhibited significantly lower levels of triacylglycerols, phosphatidylethanolamines, diacylglycerols, and ceramides following fenofibrate administration. On histopathological analysis, we observed an aberrant amount of intraepithelial CD3+ T lymphocytes (IEL) in the small intestine of dogs with spontaneous and induced-DM. Fenofibrate reduced IEL density in the duodenum of dogs with DM and enhanced markers of intestinal barrier function in vivo and in vitro. There were minimal changes in the intestinal microbial composition following fenofibrate administration, suggesting that repair of intestinal barriers can be achieved independently of the resident microbiota. Our findings indicate that lipid metabolism is critical to functionality of the intestinal epithelium, which can be rescued by PPARα activation in dogs with DM.

Evaluation of a dual-purpose contrast medium for radiography and ultrasonography of the small intestine in dogs.

To evaluate a contrast medium that could be used for radiographic and ultrasonographic assessment of the small intestine in dogs. 8 healthy adult Beagles. Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC; 0.5% solution) was combined with iohexol (300 mg of iodine/mL) to yield modified contrast medium (MCM). Dogs were orally administered the first of 3 MCMs (10 mL/kg [9.5 mL of CMC/kg plus 0.5 mL of iohexol/kg]). Radiographic and ultrasonographic assessment of the small intestine followed 10 minutes after administration and every 10 minutes thereafter, until MCM was seen within the ascending colon. Minimally, 1 week elapsed between dosing of subsequent MCMs (10 mL/kg [9 mL of CMC/kg plus 1 mL of iohexol/kg and 8.5 mL of CMC/kg plus 1.5 mL of iohexol/kg]) and repeated radiography and ultrasonography. Radiographic contrast enhancement of the small intestine was best with MCM that combined 8.5 mL of CMC/kg and 1.5 mL of iohexol/kg. Mean small intestinal transit time for all MCMs was 86 minutes. All MCMs did not interfere with ultrasonographic assessment of the small intestine and may have improved visualization of the far-field small intestinal walls. An MCM that combined 8.5 mL of 0.5% CMC/kg and 1.5 mL of iohexol/kg could be an alternative to barium or iohexol alone for contrast small intestinal radiography in dogs, especially when abdominal ultrasonography is to follow contrast radiography.

Evaluation of jejunal microvasculature of healthy anesthetized dogs with sidestream dark field video microscopy.

To determine the feasibility of sidestream dark field (SDF) video microscopy for the evaluation of the jejunal microvasculature of healthy dogs. 30 healthy sexually intact female shelter dogs anesthetized for ovariohysterectomy. Preoperative physical and clinicopathologic assessments were performed to confirm health status. Then healthy dogs were anesthetized, and the abdomen was incised at the ventral midline for ovariohysterectomy and jejunal microvasculature evaluation. An SDF video microscope imaged the microvasculature of 2 sites of a portion of the jejunum, and recorded videos were analyzed with software capable of quantitating parameters of microvascular health. Macrovascular parameters (heart rate, respiratory rate, and hemoglobin oxygen saturation) were also recorded during anesthesia. Quantified jejunal microvascular parameters included valid microvascular density (mean ± SD, 251.72 ± 97.10 μm/mm), RBC-filling percentage (66.96 ± 8.00%), RBC column width (7.11 ± 0.72 μm), and perfused boundary region (2.17 ± 0.42 μm). The perfused boundary region and RBC-filling percentage had a significant negative correlation. Strong to weak positive correlations were noted among the perfused boundary regions of small-, medium-, and large-sized microvessels. No significant correlations were identified between microvascular parameters and age, body weight, preoperative clinicopathologic results, or macrovascular parameters. Interrogation of the jejunal microvasculature of healthy dogs with SDF video microscopy was feasible. Results of this study indicated that SDF video microscopy is worth additional investigation, including interrogation of diseased small intestine in dogs.

A multiplex PCR assay for the simultaneous detection of Taenia hydatigena, T. multiceps, T. pisiformis, and Dipylidium caninum infections

BackgroundTaenia hydatigena, T. multiceps, T. pisiformis, and Dipylidium caninum are four common large and medium-sized tapeworms parasitizing the small intestine of dogs and other canids. These parasites cause serious impact on the health and development of livestock. However, there are, so far, no commercially available molecular diagnostic kits capable of simultaneously detecting all four parasites in dogs. The aim of the study was therefore to develop a multiplex PCR assay that will accurately detect all four cestode infections in one reaction.MethodsSpecific primers for a multiplex PCR were designed based on corresponding mitochondrial genome sequences, and its detection limit was assessed by serial dilutions of the genomic DNAs of tapeworms examined. Furthermore, field samples of dog feces were tested using the developed assay.ResultsA multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was developed based on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) that accurately and simultaneously identify four cestode species in one reaction using specific fragment sizes of 592, 385, 283, and 190 bp for T. hydatigena, T. multiceps, T. pisiformis, and D. caninum, respectively. The lowest DNA concentration detected was 1 ng for T. hydatigena, T. multiceps and T. pisiformis, and 0.1 ng for D. caninum in a 25 μl reaction system. This assay offers high potential for the rapid detection of these four tapeworms in host feces simultaneously.ConclusionsThis study provides an efficient tool for the simultaneous detection of T. hydatigena, T. multiceps, T. pisiformis, and D. caninum. The assay will be potentially useful in epidemiological studies, diagnosis, and treatment of these four cestodes infections during prevention and control program.

Re-Evaluation of Asynchronous Asexual Development of Cystoisospora canis in Intestines of Dogs

The coccidian parasite Cystoisospora canis (syn. Isospora canis) can cause clinical disease in dogs. Three generation of schizonts have been reported in the small intestine of dogs before oocysts are excreted 9-11 days post inoculation (PI). Here, we re-evaluated asexual development of C. canis in 2 dogs necropsied 10 days after oral inoculation with 100,000 C. canis oocysts; both dogs had excreted oocysts 9 days PI. Asexual and sexual stages were seen in the lamina propria throughout the small intestine. Merozoites of different sizes were present, often in the same vacuole. They were arranged singly, in pairs, and many within a single parasitophorous vacuole. The maximum number of nuclei within developing merozoites in a group was 8, but it could not be discerned if they were individual nuclei or parts of merozoites. Findings of abundant asexual stages 1 day after dogs had started excreting oocysts indicated continued asexual multiplication beyond the prepatent period. The stages found resemble the 3 generations reported previously. The mode of division of the asexual generations remains unclear. The results of the present study indicate that there are many generations that are difficult to determine because of the multiplication of merozoites in the original host cell without leaving it to enter new host cells. From the literature, it is evident that cat and dog coccidia ( Cystoisospora spp.) divide by more than 1 type of division, including endodyogeny. In the past, the schizont/meront groups containing more than 1 generation have been called "cysts." However, cyst is not an accurate term because it is best used for an orally infective stage of coccidia; monozoic tissue cysts of C. canis can occur in paratenic hosts in extraintestinal organs. We recommend the term "types" as originally proposed for intestinal stages of Toxoplasma gondii and used for the original description of the life cycle of C. suis of swine when describing endogenous stages of the Sarcocystidae. Ultrastructural studies are needed to determine the precise form of multiplication of canine Cystoisospora species.

Preliminary studies on the prevalence and genotyping of Echinococcus granulosus infection in stray dogs in Van Province, Turkey

IntroductionEchinococcus granulosus is a zoonotic helminth of the Taeniidae family living in the small intestines of dogs. The hydatid cyst, which is the larval form of this parasite, is observed in sheep, goat, cattle, and many other organisms including humans. It causes a disease called cystic echinococcosis. Identification of strains of E. granulosus in dogs is critical in parasite control and eradication where possible. This study aims to determine the genotype of E. granulosus eggs and prevalence of this parasite in the faeces of dogs in the Van Province using the copro-PCR method.Material and MethodsThis study was conducted between 2015 and 2016 on the faeces obtained from 100 stray dogs from different parts of the Van Province. The coprological examination was conducted using the formalin-ether concentration method.ResultsTaeniidae eggs were found in 10 (10%) out of 100 faecal samples. E. granulosus was detected in 4 out of 10 of these (40%) infected samples. Sequence analysis of positive amplicons obtained from PCR showed that there were sheep strains (G1).ConclusionDogs in Van area are primarily infected with the livestock genotype of E. granulosus, which is thought to be a potential zoonotic threat to humans.

Assessment of eosinophil peroxidase as a potential diagnostic and prognostic marker in dogs with inflammatory bowel disease

OBJECTIVE To evaluate a method for identifying intact and degranulated eosinophils in the small intestine of dogs with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by use of a monoclonal antibody (mAb) against eosinophil peroxidase (EPX). ANIMALS 11 untreated dogs with IBD, 5 dogs with IBD treated with prednisolone, and 8 control dogs with no clinical evidence of gastrointestinal tract disease and no immunosuppressive treatment. PROCEDURES 4-μm-thick sections of paraffin-embedded tissues from necropsy specimens were immunostained with EPX mAb. Stained intact and degranulated eosinophils in consecutive microscopic fields (400X magnification) of the upper (villus tips) and lower (between the muscularis mucosae and crypts) regions of the lamina propria of the jejunum were manually counted. RESULTS Compared with control and treated IBD dogs, untreated IBD dogs had a significantly higher number of degranulated eosinophils in the lower region of the lamina propria. However, no significant differences were detected in the number of intact eosinophils in this region among groups. In the upper region of the lamina propria, untreated IBD dogs had a significantly higher number of degranulated and intact eosinophils, compared with control and treated IBD dogs. Number of degranulated and intact eosinophils did not differ significantly between control and treated IBD dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Immunohistologic analysis with EPX mAb yielded prominent granule staining that allowed reliable morphological identification of degranulated and intact eosinophils, which may provide a strategy for quantitative and selective evaluation of eosinophils in gastrointestinal biopsy specimens and a potential method to diagnose IBD and evaluate treatment outcome.

Molecular characterization and detection of variants of Taenia multiceps in sheep in Turkey.

Taenia multiceps is a cestode (family Taeniidae) that in its adult stage lives in the small intestine of dogs and other canids. The metacestode, known as Coenurus cerebralis, is usually found in the central nervous system including brain and spinal card in sheep and other ruminants. The presence of cysts typically leads to neurological symptoms that in the majority of cases result in the death of the animal. Coenurosis could cause high losses in sheep farms because the disease commonly affects young animals. A total of 20 C. cerebralis isolates collected from naturally infected sheep in Mardin province of Turkey were characterized through the polymerase chain reaction and sequencing of a fragment of cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) gene. The results showed that the CO1 gene sequences were highly conserved in C. cerebralis isolates. Phylogenetic analysis based on partial CO1 gene sequences revealed that C. cerebralis isolates were composed of three different variants.

Determinación de huevos de Toxocara canis en suelo de tres parques públicos de Duitama (Boyacá)

&lt;p&gt;Toxocara canis es un nemátodo frecuente en el intestino delgado de los perros, que se infestan a través de migración transplacentaria, vía galactógena o por ingestión de huevos embrionados; infecta también a las personas, principalmente a menores de cinco años, produciendo la toxocariasis humana, zoonosis catalogada como desatendida; se adquiere especialmente por ingesta de tierra contaminada y verduras sin adecuado manejo sanitario, y causa enfermedades como el Síndrome de Larva Migrans visceral y cutánea y Toxocariasis ocular. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo determinar, mediante la técnica de Sloss, la presencia de huevos de Toxocara canis en suelos de tres parques públicos de Duitama, y, además, identificar los mecanismos de trasmisión de la Toxocara canis en la población que acude a estos parques. Para ello se colectaron 76 muestras de suelo de 10 cm de largo por 10 cm de ancho y 3 de profundidad, las cuales fueron repartidas en dos estratos y almacenadas en bolsas plásticas herméticas para su posterior estudio en el laboratorio. Los resultados obtenidos indican que los huevos del parásito se encontraron en el 34.7% de las muestras recolectadas, señalando un nivel de riesgo para la población. De acuerdo con las variables pH, humedad y estratos, no se obtuvo asociación entre estas y la identificación del huevo. La presencia de T. canis en los parques indica que la población de la ciudad de Duitama está expuesta al riesgo potencial de adquirir el parásito.&lt;/p&gt;

Surgery of the small intestine in dogs and cats

Part 2: surgical techniques This article, the second on surgery of the small intestine in dogs and cats, will focus on the surgical techniques and closure modalities of the intestinal wound. Small intestine pathological conditions that require surgical intervention include intestinal obstruction and perforation, ischaemia, intussusception and mesenteric volvulus.

Surgery of the small intestine in dogs and cats

Part 1: surgical principles and surgical conditions: Patients with small intestinal abnormalities are at risk for dehydration, acid-base and electrolyte imbalances, and should be stabilised before surgery. During surgery, the bowel should be handled gently using atraumatic instrumentation and suitable suture material.

Establecimiento de una línea celular primaria apartir de huevos con embrión de Toxocara canis

IntroductionToxocara canis is the second most prevalent nemathelminthes in dogs at regional level and among the three most frequent in some countries in the region. Due to the fact that the dog is the contamination source, it becomes a nematode with a high zoonotic potential, so we consider it important to be able to use the cell line of this helminth to study the basic aspects, as well as the development of diagnostic techniques. ObjectiveTo obtain a primary cell line from embryonated eggs of T.canis. MethodsThe parasites were extracted from the small intestines of dogs under one year old. Embryonic cells were obtained by embryogenesis of the eggs secreted by adult worms in four different media; two were rich in nutrients, one was 1% formaldehyde, and the other was distilled water. The cells were obtained by mechanical dissociation of embryonated eggs using 30G needles. ResultsThe estimated time for obtaining the cell line was fifteen days, from which seven were used for egg embryogenesis. The cells responded positively to the cryopreservation methods after two days or even two months, allowing a replication phase with four passes. ConclusionsWe managed to obtain a cell line from T. canis embryonated eggs. This cell line will help the understanding of pathogenic relationships, potential therapeutic targets and for developing diagnostic methods.

First Case of Toxocara Eosinophilic Ascites After Combined Pancreas and Kidney Transplantation

To the Editor: In August 2008, a 47-year-old man who had undergone combined pancreas and kidney transplantation 7 years before presented with massive ascites, deterioration of general health, temperatures up to 37.2°C (= 99°F) and nausea. Laboratory results showed no signs of infection or dysproteinemia nor hepatic or kidney injury. As a potential rejection was excluded by bioposies of the transplanted organs mild eosinophilia was assumed to be due to the patient's immunosuppressive regimen with tacrolimus, sirolimus and mycophenolate mofetil. Abdominal ultrasound revealed only ascites and gastroscopy showed mild gastritis. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan was unremarkable. The hepatic venous pressure gradient measured according to guidelines (1Groszmann R Vorobioff JD Gao H Measurement of portal pressure: When, how, and why to do it..Clin Liver Dis. 2006; 10 (499–451)Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF Scopus (33) Google Scholar) was in the normal range. All screenings for malignancies were negative. In the meanwhile the ascites had required aspiration. The hyper-proteinaemic fluid did not show any signs of infection, but as it contained rare eosinophils, a complete cardiovascular workup was ordered. Echocardiography and cardiac MRI were unremarkable. The ascites continued to resist treatment and required frequent paracentesis. The patient's general health nonetheless remained stable. The same symptoms and nonresponsive ascites had persisted for two months when massive numbers of eosinophilic cells appeared in the fluid and called for careful review by an infectiologist. When it developed that the patient and his dog had spent a two-week summer vacation in Croatia, serology for Toxocara twice produced a positive result. After two five-day cycles of albendazole 400 mg b.i.d., the ascites subsided. The patient is currently in good health with no signs of ascites. The ubiquitous Toxocara spp. (family Ascaridiae) are nematodes. They reside as Toxocaria canis in the small intestine of dogs and other canines and as Toxocaria cati in cats and other felines. A study has shown that 32.2% of dogs and 24.3% of cats in Germany are infected with these intestinal parasites, and 67% of stray dogs carry Toxocara eggs in their fur. The reproduction rate of one worm/d is 200,000 eggs, with 50,000 eggs in 1 g of stool. The eggs contaminate the soil down to 10 cm and remain infectious for 4 years (2Schantz PM Stehr-Green JK Toxocara larva migrans..J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1998; 192: 28-32Google Scholar). Humans are the final hosts for these nematodes. Fecal-oral transmission of Toxocaria eggs initiates the life cycle. Eggs hatch in the small bowel, then the larvae migrate out of the intestine, primarily to the liver, the lungs as visceral larva migrans and to the eye as ocular larva migrans (3Schantz PM Glickman LT Roundworms in dogs and cats: Veterinary and public health considerations..Comp Contin Vet Educ. 1981; 3: 773-784Google Scholar). The literature reports two cases of Toxocara associated eosinophilic ascites (4Chira O Badea R Dumitrascu D et al.Eosinophilic ascites in a patient with toxocara canis infection a case report..Rom J Gastroenterol. 2005; 14: 397-400PubMed Google Scholar) in children (5Cruz AT, Franklin GY, Kaplan SL. Toxocariasis causing eosinophilic ascites. Pediatr Infect Dis J 27: 563–564.Google Scholar) but none in an immunosuppressed patient. A serologic survey of the US population measured Toxocara seroprevalence at 2.8%. Most of these infections were asymptomatic. Immune deficiency need not rule out pet ownership but potential pets should be tested for Toxocara—as pets can be considered an enormous psychological benefit to people with chronic diseases (6Angulo FJ Glaser CA Juranek DD Caring for pets in immunocompromised persons..J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1994; 205: 1711-1718PubMed Google Scholar). The authors of this manuscript have no conflicts of interest to disclose as described by the American Journal of Transplantation.

The 51-Chromium-Labeled Ethylenediamine Tetra-Acetic Acid Intestinal Permeability Blood Test in Healthy Beagle Dogs: A Comparison between Serum and Plasma Levels

A 51-chromium-labeled ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid ((51)Cr-EDTA) permeability blood test was validated as a method to assess damage to the small intestine in dogs. The test was performed by calculating various percentages from sera after an orally ingested dose solution. The aim of the current study was to determine whether the use of serum or plasma had any influence on the results of the test. A test solution with 3.7 megabecquerel (100µCi) of (51)Cr-EDTA was delivered through an orogastric tube to 13 healthy laboratory Beagle dogs. From each dog, 2 concurrent blood samples were withdrawn from cephalic veins using clotting-factor activator tubes for serum and heparinized tubes for plasma. The samples (n = 26) were taken at 3 and 5hr after administration of the test solution. Percentages of the orally ingested dose were then calculated in serum and plasma, and their relationship was assessed using correlation analysis. The mean ± standard deviation percentages in serum and plasma after 3hr were 0.85 ± 0.43% and 0.88 ± 0.49%, respectively, whereas respective percentages in serum and plasma after 5hr were 0.78 ± 0.52% and 0.81 ± 0.51%. The combined correlation coefficient between the percentages from the sera and plasma samples was excellent (R = 0.98). It was concluded that the (51)Cr-EDTA permeability test in blood may be performed using serum or plasma of dogs, and the choice between the 2 samples is one of convenience.

Evaluation of Mucosal P-glycoprotein Expression in the Small Intestine of Dogs with Lymphoplasmacytic Enteritis

Evaluation of Mucosal P-glycoprotein Expression in the Small Intestine of Dogs with Lymphoplasmacytic Enteritis

Preliminary field trial of a vaccine against coenurosis caused by Taenia multiceps

Taenia multiceps is a taeniid cestode that in its adult stage lives in the small intestine of dogs and other canids. In the intermediate hosts, the larval stage of T. multiceps causes coenurosis, a common disease in the CNS of ruminants, which typically leads to the death of the infected animals. Recent research into new methods for control of coenurosis and other taeniid cestode infections such as hydatidosis has identified vaccination as a potentially valuable new tool. In order to test the applicability of vaccination as an approach for control of T. multiceps infection in sheep, a field trial was carried out against natural infection in Sardinian farms (Italy) with recombinant proteins of T. multiceps. The recombinant proteins with Quil A as adjuvant were injected subcutaneously, the first administered to lambs at 10–12 weeks of age and a booster dose given after 2–4 weeks. A total of 632 sheep were selected, belonging to the “replacement quota” of six different farms, of which 424 were used as controls (unvaccinated) and 208 were vaccinated. After a period of more than 40 months from the beginning of the field trial, 33 episodes of cerebral coenurosis occurred in the monitored farms, including 32 cases in control sheep and l case in a vaccinated animal. Statistical analysis revealed a significant reduction in the number of coenurosis cases in the vaccinated animals (χ2=14.08, P<0.001). This is the first successful field test of a practical vaccine against T. multiceps and, considering the high degree of effectiveness achieved, could be a prelude to routine application in field situations of particular risk, such as Sardinia.

Molecular-phylogenetic characterization of microbial communities imbalances in the small intestine of dogs with inflammatory bowel disease

An association between luminal commensal bacteria and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been suggested in humans, but studies investigating the intestinal microbial communities of dogs with IBD have not been published. The aim of this study was to characterize differences of the small intestinal microbial communities between dogs with IBD and healthy control dogs. Duodenal brush cytology samples were endoscopically collected from 10 dogs with IBD and nine healthy control dogs. DNA was extracted and 16S rRNA gene was amplified using universal bacterial primers. Constructed 16S rRNA gene clone libraries were compared between groups. From a total of 1240 selected clones, 156 unique 16S rRNA gene sequences were identified, belonging to six phyla: Firmicutes (53.4%), Proteobacteria (28.4%), Bacteroidetes (7.0%), Spirochaetes (5.2%), Fusobacteria (3.4%), Actinobacteria (1.1%), and Incertae sedis (1.5%). Species richness was significantly lower in the IBD group (P=0.038). Principal component analysis indicated that the small intestinal microbial communities of IBD and control dogs are composed of distinct microbial communities. The most profound difference involved enrichment of the IBD dogs with members of the Enterobacteriaceae family. However, differences involving members of other families, such as Clostridiaceae, Bacteroidetes and Spirochaetes, were also identified. In conclusion, canine IBD is associated with altered duodenal microbial communities compared with healthy controls.