Evaluation of surface antigen TF1.17 in feline Tritrichomonas foetus isolates

Tritrichomonas foetus (T. foetus) is a flagellated protozoa that infects the distal ileum and proximal colon of domestic cats, as well as the urogenital tract of cattle. Feline trichomonosis is recognized as a prevalent cause of chronic diarrhea in cats worldwide. The suspected route of transmission is fecal-oral, with cats in densely crowded environments at highest risk for infection. Thus, the recommended strategy for minimizing spread of infection is to identify and isolate T. foetus-positive cats from the general population. Rapid identification of infected cats can be challenging due to the inability to accurately and quickly detect the organism in samples at point of care facilities. Thus, identification of targets for use in development of a novel diagnostic test, as well as a vaccine or therapy for T. foetus infection is a significant area of research. Despite a difference in organ tropism between T. foetus genotypes, evidence exists for conserved virulence factors between feline and bovine T. foetus. The bovine T. foetus surface antigen, TF1.17, is an adhesin that is conserved across isolates. Vaccination with the purified antigen results in amelioration of cytopathogenicity and more rapid clearance of infection in cattle. We previously showed that three feline isolates of T. foetus were positive for TF1.17 antigen so we further hypothesized that TF1.17 is conserved across feline T. foetus isolates and that this antigen would represent an attractive target for development of a novel diagnostic test or therapy for feline trichomonosis. In these studies, we used monoclonal antibodies previously generated against 1.15 and 1.17 epitopes of the bovine T. foetus TF1.17 antigen, to evaluate for the presence and role of TF1.17 in the cytopathogenicity of feline T. foetus. A previously validated in vitro co-culture approach was used to model feline T. foetus infection. Immunoblotting, immunofluorescence assays, and flow cytometric analysis confirmed the presence and surface localization of antigen TF1.17 across all feline T. foetus isolates tested. Antigen TF1.17 was notably absent in the presumably nonpathogenic intestinal trichomonad, Pentatrichomonas hominis, a parasite that can be confused microscopically with T. foetus. Similar to bovine trichomoniasis, TF1.17 was found to promote T. foetus adhesion to the intestinal epithelium. These results support further characterization and development of the TF1.17 antigen as a possible target for the diagnosis and prevention of feline T. foetus infection.

Clonal Complexes and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profiles of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius Isolates from Dogs in the United States

Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is the primary cause of canine pyoderma and has been associated with diseases in other animals, including human beings. A high prevalence of methicillin and multidrug resistance has been reported in this bacterium in some geographic regions of the United States. Multilocus sequence type (MLST) 68 was implicated, initially, as the major clonal genotype based on a limited number of samples. The objectives of this study were to determine the population genetics of S. pseudintermedius isolated from a cross-section of the United States using a seven-locus multilocus sequence typing method, to identify clonal complexes (CCs), and to correlate sequence types with antimicrobial susceptibility profiles. A total of 190 S. pseudintermedius with 86 different MLSTs were detected and the constituents of three major CCs of methicillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius (MRSP), CC68, CC71, and CC84, were identified. Different patterns of resistance were associated with each CC. CC71 from the United States had notable differences with CC71 studied on other continents with chloramphenicol, tetracycline, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole resistance. Some isolates with resistance to the broadest range of drugs tested, including that to chloramphenicol, had STs unrelated to the major CCs, suggesting the potential for the emergence of new clonal populations of MRSP that are resistant to most therapeutically useful antimicrobials.

Identification of canine papillomavirus by PCR in Greyhound dogs

Background

Corns are hard protuberances that occur on the digital footpads of Greyhound dogs. The cause of these lesions is unknown and there is little information about them in the veterinary literature. We received anecdotal examples of dog to dog spread of corns suggesting an infectious cause. The aim of this study was to determine if papillomavirus (PV) is associated with Greyhound corns.

Methods

We examined four corns from two unrelated adult Greyhound dogs that resided in Florida and Washington, respectively, for PV by PCR. The samples were obtained by owner coring of two lesions from one dog and laser removal of two lesions from the other dog. Total nucleic acid was extracted and DNA was amplified using two PCR primer sets that have been shown to amplify a broad range of PVs from humans and animals: FAP59/ FAP64 and MY11/ MY09. The DNA sequences were compared with all sequences in GenBank. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue from the footpads of four dogs with other inflammatory dermatoses were also examined.

Results

PV DNA was amplified from all four corn lesions, while no PV DNA was amplified from other tissues. Comparison of the 444-bp sequences amplified by the MY11/ MY09 primers identified two different PVs. One showed 96% nucleotide sequence similarity with the L1 gene of canine PV type 12. The other showed 78% similarity to canine PV type 16 and, therefore, represents a novel PV. In one of the corns, infection by two of the identified PVs was found.

Discussion

These results suggest PV infection could be involved in the pathogenesis of corns in Greyhound dogs.

Isolation and identification of Caviibacter abscessus from cervical abscesses in a series of pet guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus)

An organism reported in the early literature to be a rare cause of cervical lymphadenitis in guinea pigs, Streptobacillus moniliformis, has been reclassified as Caviibacter abscessus. We describe a series of sequential cases of abscesses in guinea pigs that were presented to our clinic from which the only agent isolated was a unique, serum-requiring bacterium. Discrete colonies were not detected in 6.5% CO2 or anaerobically on routine primary isolation media containing up to 5% whole sheep blood, with and without cysteine, vitamin K, and hemin supplementation after 7 days of incubation at 37°C. Based on subsequently determined growth requirements, the organisms were best described as serum-requiring, aerotolerant anaerobes. Colonies were detectable within 24 h at 37°C in an anaerobic atmosphere on a mycoplasma agar–based medium containing 10% pig serum and reached 3 mm in diameter within 3–5 days. Microscopic appearance consisted of small gram-negative rods and coccobacilli with occasional filaments. However, in direct smears from clinical specimens and from weak or dysgonic growth on plates incubated under suboptimal growth conditions (e.g., in 6.5% CO2), irregular rods with occasional small bulbous forms or numerous long wavy filaments were observed. All of the isolates generated unique spectral profiles similar to that of C. abscessus when examined by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Phylogenetic analysis of partial 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the isolates were identical to each other and shared 99.9% sequence identity with C. abscessus.

RT-qPCR for the diagnosis of dermatophilosis in horses

BACKGROUND

Dermatophilus congolensis causes a crusting dermatitis that affects horses. Diagnosis requires the identification of the organism with cytological evaluation of crust samples. This method can lack sensitivity in chronic cases.

HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES

To develop a probe-based real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) test to assist with the diagnosis of dermatophilosis in horses.

ANIMALS

Twenty six privately owned horses and seven horses from a research colony were used.

METHODS

Crust samples, collected from 14 horses with suspected dermatophilosis and 12 horses with crusting skin disease not characteristic of dermatophilosis, were evaluated by cytological evaluation and RT-qPCR; the latter was also performed on hair samples collected from seven healthy horses.

RESULTS

Cytological evaluation revealed organisms consistent with Dermatophilus congolensis from nine horses with suspected dermatophilosis, with only a few organisms seen from five samples. Cytological evaluation of all other crusts was negative for Dermatophilus. Other bacterial organisms were detected on cytological evaluation from 15 samples. RT-qPCR for Dermatophilus was positive from 11 crusts, whereas all other samples were negative. Two samples were cytologically negative but RT-qPCR positive for Dermatophilus. No samples were cytologically positive but RT-qPCR negative for Dermatophilus.

CONCLUSION

Results of this study show that RT-qPCR may be a more sensitive and easier method than cytological evaluation for the diagnosis of dermatophilosis in horses.

Relationship of adiponectin and its multimers to metabolic indices in cats during weight change

Adiponectin is an important anti-inflammatory hormone secreted from adipose tissue. The high-molecular-weight form of adiponectin (HMW) closely correlates with insulin sensitivity in human beings. This study uses a novel method of size-exclusion gel chromatography combined with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to measure HMW feline adiponectin and determine its relationship to leptin, cholesterol, and insulin sensitivity as cats gain and lose weight. In addition, total adiponectin and its messenger RNA expression in subcutaneous adipose tissue were measured. No correlations were found between total serum adiponectin and subcutaneous adipose messenger RNA expression, fat mass, or measures of insulin sensitivity. This study demonstrates that cats have high percentages of HMW adiponectin. Although weak correlations between HMW adiponectin and fat mass were detected, additional cats are needed to determine if the correlations are significant.

Rapid and sensitive detection of Feline immunodeficiency virus using an insulated isothermal PCR-based assay with a point-of-need PCR detection platform

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is an important infectious agent of cats. Clinical syndromes resulting from FIV infection include immunodeficiency, opportunistic infections, and neoplasia. In our study, a 5' long terminal repeat/gag region-based reverse transcription insulated isothermal polymerase chain reaction (RT-iiPCR) was developed to amplify all known FIV strains to facilitate point-of-need FIV diagnosis. The RT-iiPCR method was applied in a point-of-need PCR detection platform--a field-deployable device capable of generating automatically interpreted RT-iiPCR results from nucleic acids within 1 hr. Limit of detection 95% of FIV RT-iiPCR was calculated to be 95 copies standard in vitro transcription RNA per reaction. Endpoint dilution studies with serial dilutions of an ATCC FIV type strain showed that the sensitivity of lyophilized FIV RT-iiPCR reagent was comparable to that of a reference nested PCR. The established reaction did not amplify any nontargeted feline pathogens, including Felid herpesvirus 1, feline coronavirus, Feline calicivirus, Feline leukemia virus, Mycoplasma haemofelis, and Chlamydophila felis. Based on analysis of 76 clinical samples (including blood and bone marrow) with the FIV RT-iiPCR, test sensitivity was 97.78% (44/45), specificity was 100.00% (31/31), and agreement was 98.65% (75/76), determined against a reference nested-PCR assay. A kappa value of 0.97 indicated excellent correlation between these 2 methods. The lyophilized FIV RT-iiPCR reagent, deployed on a user-friendly portable device, has potential utility for rapid and easy point-of-need detection of FIV in cats.

PCR amplification and DNA sequence identification of an unusual morphological form of Demodex cati in a cat

BACKGROUND

Molecular characterization of Demodex mites is being used to identify mite species in dogs. This technique is now being applied to cat Demodex species, allowing for better characterization of the mites.

HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES

Molecular diagnostics will clarify the existence of diverse Demodex mites identified morphologically.

ANIMALS

A cat with generalized demodicosis secondary to chronic steroid treatment for erythroid dysplasia.

METHODS

Skin scrapings demonstrated large numbers of follicular mites consistent with Demodex cati as well as a morphologically different Demodex mite with a blunted abdomen. The 16S rRNA DNA was amplified by PCR, sequenced and compared with available Demodex sequences, including Demodex cati, Demodex gatoi and an unnamed Demodex sp.

RESULTS

A single PCR product was obtained, the DNA sequence of which was an exact match with D. cati.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

The shorter unnamed mite was not a different species in this case, but a different morphological form of D. cati. This report demonstrates the utility of molecular diagnostics to clarify the identity of mites that differ morphologically.

Synergistic hemolysis between β-lysin–producing Staphylococcus species and Rothia nasimurium in primary cultures of clinical specimens obtained from dogs

Nonhemolytic isolates of catalase-positive, Gram-positive cocci were observed that produced strong synergistic hemolysis with colonies of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and Staphylococcus schleiferi subsp. coagulans in primary cultures of clinical specimens from dogs. The isolates appeared similar to nonhemolytic staphylococci but were not identified with conventional biochemical tests or commercial biochemical test kits. Partial 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequences from each of 9 tested isolates were nearly identical to that of Rothia nasimurium. The isolates produced positive Christie–Atkins–Munch–Peterson test reactions with Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC strain 25923) and Staphylococcus intermedius Hajek (ATCC strain 49052). The latter was identified in the current study as S. pseudintermedius. Rothia nasimurium appears to be a previously unreported commensal organism in dogs. Its potential significance as an opportunistic contributor to polymicrobial infections in dogs is not known.

Detection of papillomavirus in equine periocular and penile squamous cell carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common tumor arising in the periocular and penile areas of horses. Both ultraviolet radiation and papillomaviruses have been implicated in the pathogenesis of SCC in various species, including the horse. This retrospective study used polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect papillomavirus DNA in archival biopsy samples from equine periocular and penile SCC from 3 different geographic areas (northeast, southeast, and central United States). Forty-two periocular SCCs were tested; none contained papillomavirus DNA. Twenty-two penile SCCs were tested, and papillomavirus DNA was identified in 10 (43%) cases. Sequencing of the PCR products revealed homology with Equus caballus papillomavirus 2 (EcPV-2). No geographic distribution in the detection of papillomavirus was identified. Penile SCCs were significantly more likely to be papillomavirus positive than the periocular SCCs ( P < 0.001). The role of papillomavirus in the development of penile SCC requires further investigation. The differing pathogeneses of periocular and penile SCC suggest that the tumors may respond differently to treatment.

A molecular technique for the detection and differentiation of Demodex mites on cats

BACKGROUND

Demodex gatoi causes a pruritic dermatitis in cats. Diagnosis requires the demonstration of mites using superficial skin scrapings or faecal flotation, which can be insensitive.

HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES

The goal of this study was to develop a molecular method to diagnose D. gatoi infection in cats and distinguish these mites from Demodex cati.

ANIMALS

Fifty-three shelter cats, 11 cats from a closed research colony and 12 privately owned cats were used.

METHODS

Demodex gatoi and D. cati were obtained from scrapings of cat skin. The 16S rRNA DNA was amplified by PCR, sequenced and compared with available Demodex sequences. Hair and skin samples were also collected for microscopic examination and DNA isolation.

RESULTS

DNA sequences were obtained from D. gatoi and D. cati. qPCR with D. gatoi specific primers and probe amplified DNA isolated from D. gatoi and not D. cati. Conversely, D. cati qPCR primers and probe amplified D. cati DNA and not D. gatoi. Five of the shelter cats were positive for D. gatoi. Two of these cats were pruritic, and the other three were in contact with these cats. Only one cat was positive for D. gatoi on skin scraping but was negative for D. gatoi or D. cati DNA.

CONCLUSION

Results from this study show D. gatoi and D. cati to be distinct species. A novel qPCR test for the identification and differentiation of D. gatoi and D. cati was developed. Once optimized, this test could provide a valuable technique for the diagnosis of D. gatoi infection.

PCR amplification and DNA sequencing of Demodex injai from otic secretions of a dog

BACKGROUND

The identification of Demodex mites from dogs is usually based on morphology and location. Mites with uncharacteristic features or from unusual locations, hosts or disease manifestations could represent new species not previously described; however, this is difficult to determine based on morphology alone.

HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES

The goal of this study was to identify and confirm Demodex injai in association with otitis externa in a dog using PCR amplification and DNA sequencing.

METHODS

Otic samples were obtained from a beagle in which a long-bodied Demodex mite was identified. For comparison, Demodex mite samples were collected from a swab and scraping of the dorsal skin of a wire-haired fox terrier and an otic sample from a dog with generalized and otic demodicosis. To identify the Demodex mite, DNA was extracted, and 16S rRNA was amplified by PCR, sequenced and compared with Demodex sequences available in public databases and from separate samples morphologically diagnosed as D. injai and Demodex canis.

RESULTS

PCR amplification of the long-bodied mite rRNA DNA obtained from otic samples was approximately 330 bp and was identical to that from the mite morphologically identified as D. injai obtained from the dorsal skin of a dog. Furthermore, the examined mite did not have any significant homology to any of the reported genes from Demodex spp.

CONCLUSIONS

These results confirmed that the demodex mites in this case were D. injai.

Serial evaluation of neutrophil function in tumour-bearing dogs undergoing chemotherapy

We hypothesized that neutrophil function in tumour-bearing dogs is negatively impacted by chemotherapy. Flow cytometric techniques were used to assess neutrophil oxidative burst and phagocytic activities at baseline, 7 and 21 days after induction chemotherapy in 20 dogs with lymphoma. Dogs had a lower percentage of neutrophils exhibiting oxidative burst activity after stimulation with Escherichia coli (day 7; P = 0.009) and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) (days 7 and 21; P = 0.0003 and P = 0.01, respectively), compared with healthy controls. From day 0 to 7, the percentage of neutrophils exhibiting oxidative burst activity decreased after stimulation with E. coli (P = 0.016) and PMA (P = 0.0006). Induction chemotherapy suppresses the percentage of neutrophils capable of oxidative burst in dogs with lymphoma, with improvement in phagocytic activity over time (P = 0.03). The impact of neutrophil dysfunction on incidence and severity of sepsis in dogs receiving chemotherapy should be investigated.

Evaluation of cefoxitin disk diffusion breakpoint for detection of methicillin resistance in Staphylococcus pseudintermedius isolates from dogs

Cefoxitin disk diffusion susceptibility testing is a recommended screening method for the detection of methicillin resistance in human isolates of Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci. A retrospective analysis of 1,146 clinical isolates of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius from dogs was conducted to determine if screening by the cefoxitin disk method can be similarly useful with S. pseudintermedius. The distribution of cefoxitin growth inhibition zone diameters within this collection was bimodal and correlated well with the results of methicillin resistance gene (mecA) detection by polymerase chain reaction. Of the isolates, 5% had discordant results and, when retested, 84% of these were in agreement. While a greater diversity of isolates and interlaboratory comparisons must be tested, the current study suggests that an epidemiological breakpoint (of approximately ≤ 30 mm = resistant; ≥ 31 = susceptible) can be established to predict methicillin resistance in S. pseudintermedius.

Isolation and sequence-based identification of Oxyporus corticola from a dog with generalized lymphadenopathy

The present case report describes isolation of the fungus Oxyporus corticola from multiple lymphocutaneous tissues of a Beagle dog. Until recently, this fungus had not been reported in the human or veterinary medical literature as a cause of animal disease. A single previous report also involved infection in a German Shepherd Dog, a breed with reported increased susceptibility to disseminated fungal infection and dysfunctional immune response. Isolates were non-sporulating and required molecular identification methods for prompt differentiation from other fungal pathogens. Risk factors for infection with O. corticola are unknown.

Seroprevalence of Ehrlichia canis, Ehrlichia chaffeensis and Ehrlichia ewingii in dogs in North America

BACKGROUND

This study evaluated the exposure of dogs to three different Ehrlichia spp. in the south and central regions of the United States where vector-borne disease prevalence has been previously difficult to ascertain, particularly beyond the metropolitan areas.

METHODS

Dog blood samples (n = 8,662) were submitted from 14 veterinary colleges, 6 private veterinary practices and 4 diagnostic laboratories across this region. Samples were tested for E. canis, E. chaffeensis and E. ewingii specific antibodies using peptide microtiter ELISAs.

RESULTS

Overall, E. canis, E. chaffeensis and E. ewingii seroprevalence was 0.8%, 2.8%, and 5.1%, respectively. The highest E. canis seroprevalence (2.3%) was found in a region encompassing Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas. E. chaffeensis seroreactivity was 6.6% in the central region (Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma) and 4.6% in the southeast region (Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia). Seroreactivity to E. ewingii was also highest in the central region (14.6%) followed by the southeast region (5.9%). The geospatial pattern derived from E. chaffeensis and E. ewingii seropositive samples was similar to previous reports based on E. chaffeensis seroreactivity in white-tailed deer and the distribution of human monocytic ehrlichiosis (HME) cases reported by the CDC.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study provide the first large scale regional documentation of exposure to E. canis, E. chaffeensis and E. ewingii in pet dogs, highlighting regional differences in seroprevalence and providing the basis for heightened awareness of these emerging vector-borne pathogens by veterinarians and public health agencies.

Detection of human papillomavirus DNA in feline premalignant and invasive squamous cell carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common malignant cutaneous and oral neoplasm of cats. Papillomavirus (PV) DNA has been identified in a proportion of feline Bowenoid in situ carcinomas (BISCs), cutaneous SCCs and a single oral SCC, but its exact role in the pathogenesis remains unknown. In humans, it has been suggested that ultraviolet (UV) light and human PV (HPV) may act as cofactors in cutaneous SCC carcinogenesis. Little is known about the influence of UV light on PV prevalence in feline cutaneous lesions, including actinic keratosis (AK). Additionally, PV prevalence in noncutaneous feline lesions, including oral SCC, is largely not known. This study aimed to determine the presence of PV in 84 cats with premalignant and invasive SCC from cutaneous and noncutaneous sites using polymerase chain reaction and to investigate an association with UV light. Papillomaviral DNA was amplified from two of 12 cases of AK, seven of 22 BISCs, nine of 39 cutaneous SCCs and two of 35 non-cutaneous SCCs. Of the PV DNA sequenced, 50% was most similar to HPV of the genus Betapapillomavirus, while the other 50% was most similar to Felis domesticus PV type 2. Exposure to UV was not associated with an increase in PV for cutaneous SCC. The results of this study suggest that in the cat, HPV DNA may be detectible within a higher percentage of squamous lesions than previously demonstrated, UV exposure may not be a confounder for PV presence, and noncutaneous lesions may have a low prevalence of PV.

The role of mecA and blaZ regulatory elements in mecA expression by regional clones of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius

Two major regional clones of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) have been identified in Europe and North America. They are designated multilocus sequence types (ST) 71 and 68 and contain staphylococcal chromosome cassette (SCCmec) types II-III and V(T), respectively. One notable difference between the two clones is a deletion in the mecI/mecR1 regulatory apparatus of ST 68 SCCmec V(T). This deletion in analogous methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) results in more responsive and greater expression of the mecA encoded penicillin-binding protein 2a, and is associated with SCCmec types occurring in community-acquired MRSA lineages. The aim of this study was to characterize mec and bla regulatory apparatuses in MRSP and determine their effects on expression of mecA. Seventeen S. pseudintermedius isolates representing nine methicillin-resistant ST lineages were screened for the presence of the repressors blaI and mecI and sensors blaR1 and mecR1. The bla and mec operons for each isolate were sequenced and compared for homology between the repressor open-reading frames (ORF), sensor ORFs, and mecA promoter regions. A real-time reverse transcriptase PCR expression assay was developed, validated and applied to nine isolates determining the effect of oxacillin induction on mecA transcription. Significant differences were found in mecA expression between isolates with a full regulatory complement (mecI/mecR1 and blaI/blaR1) and those with truncated and/or absent regulatory elements. Isolates representative of European and North American MRSP ST regional clones have dissimilar mecA responses to oxacillin.

Molecular characterization of the L1 gene of papillomaviruses in epithelial lesions of cats and comparative analysis with corresponding gene sequences of human and feline papillomaviruses

OBJECTIVE

To characterize the L1 gene of papillomaviruses detected in epithelial lesions of cats and to determine the relationship between those L1 gene nucleotide sequences and known L1 gene sequences of human and feline papillomaviruses.

SAMPLE POPULATION

10 tissue samples of epithelial lesions from 8 cats.

PROCEDURES

DNA was extracted from tissue samples. Primers were designed to amplify the L1 gene of papillomaviruses. Amplicons of DNA were sequenced; nucleotide sequences were compared with known L1 gene nucleotide sequences of papillomaviruses and used for phylogenetic analysis.

RESULTS

Tissue samples were obtained from lesions (diagnosed as dysplasia [n=1], squamous cell carcinoma in situ [3], or squamous cell carcinoma [6]) of the skin (9) and oral mucosa [1]. Two amplicons had 99% homology with the L1 gene nucleotide sequence of human papillomavirus type 38b subtype FA125. Another amplicon had 84% homology with the L1 gene nucleotide sequence of human papillomavirus type 80 and was considered to be a new type of papillomavirus. Phylogenetic tree analysis revealed that these 3 papillomaviruses were grouped into 2 clades that were not similar to the clades of Felis domesticus papillomavirus type 1 or F domesticus papillomavirus type 2 (FdPV2). The remaining 7 amplicons had 98% to 100% homology with the L1 gene nucleotide sequence of FdPV2. Phylogenetic tree analysis revealed that those 7 papillomaviruses were grouped nto a single clade with FdPV2.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Results support the likelihood of transmission of papillomaviruses between humans and cats.

Isolation of a Variant Porphyromonas Sp. from Polymicrobial Infections in Central Bearded Dragons (Pogona Vitticeps)

Isolates of Gram-negative anaerobic bacteria from reptiles have only occasionally been identified to the genus and species level in the veterinary medical literature. In particular, reports identifying Porphyromonas spp. from infections in reptiles are scarce. The present report describes unique Porphyromonas isolates obtained from necrosuppurative infections in central bearded dragons ( Pogona vitticeps). The isolates grew in the presence of oxygen, were strongly hemolytic, and did not produce detectable black, iron porphyrin pigment. Biochemical identification kit numeric biocodes gave high but unreliable probabilities (>99.9%) for identification as Porphyromonas gingivalis. Partial 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequences of the isolates were identical to each other and shared 91% identity with those of Porphyromonas gulae. The isolates may represent a new reptile-associated Porphyromonas species.

Lycoperdonosis in Two Dogs

Lycoperdonosis is a rare respiratory disease that results from the inhalation of spores released from the Lycoperdon (puffball) mushroom. In the present study, 2 cases of confirmed canine lycoperdonosis are described. The first case presented to the Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, and the second case was submitted for postmortem examination to the University of Tennessee Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Both dogs presented in respiratory distress, and owners reported that the dogs had been playing or digging in areas with puffball mushrooms prior to the onset of clinical signs. In the initial case, thoracic radiographs revealed a diffuse interstitial and multifocal alveolar pulmonary pattern. Despite aggressive medical treatment and mechanical ventilation, the dog continued to worsen and was euthanized. Postmortem examination revealed firm lung lobes and enlarged tracheobronchial lymph nodes. Histologically, there was a severe diffuse histiocytic and pyogranulomatous bronchointerstitial pneumonia. Throughout the lung and lymph nodes, most commonly within macrophages, were round, 3–5μm in diameter, Gomori methenamine silver—positive structures, consistent with Lycoperdon spores. An approximately 750–base pair DNA fragment was amplified from lung of both cases by polymerase chain reaction using primers specific to yeast ribosomal DNA, and the sequence of the fragment was determined to be most closely related to Lycoperdon pyriforme. Importantly, reexamination of an endotracheal wash from the initial case revealed intrahistiocytic spores, suggesti