[Evolution of bacterial resistance to certain antibacterial agents in horses in a veterinary hospital]

Evolution of bacterial resistance to certain antibacterial agents in horses in a veterinary hospital. A total of 255 antibiograms, conducted according to the Kirby-Bauer method from bacterial isolates collected from horses at the Hôpital Vétérinaire d'Enseignement at the Université de Montréal between 1996 and 1998 were compared with the results obtained about 10 years ago with corresponding bacterial species. A significant increase in the percentage of strains resistant to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SXT), penicilline, tetracycline, and to gentamicin was observed. The percentages of isolates of Actinobacillus spp. and coagulase-positive staphylococci resistant to TMP-SXT increased from 0% to 17% and from 0% to 33%, respectively, (P < 0.05). The percentage of isolates of Actinobacillus spp resistant to penicilline also increased from 33% to 73% (P < 0.05). Regular monitoring of the evolution of bacterial resistance to antibacterial agents is indispensable in a hospital structure. The adoption of "good antibiotherapy practices" is essential to guarantee a decrease in the risks of selection and dissemination of a resistant bacterial strain.

Allofustis seminis gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel Gram-positive, catalase-negative, rod-shaped bacterium from pig semen

An unknown Gram-positive, catalase-negative, facultatively anaerobic, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped bacterium originating from semen of a pig was characterized using phenotypic, molecular chemical and molecular phylogenetic methods. Chemical studies revealed the presence of a directly cross-linked cell wall murein based on L-lysine and a DNA G + C content of 39 mol%. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that the unidentified rod-shaped organism formed a hitherto unknown subline related, albeit loosely, to Alkalibacterium olivapovliticus, Alloiococcus otitis, Dolosigranulum pigrum and related organisms, in the low-G + C-content Gram-positive bacteria. However, sequence divergence values of > 11% from these recognized taxa clearly indicated that the novel bacterium represents a separate genus. Based on phenotypic and phylogenetic considerations, it is proposed that the unknown bacterium from pig semen be classified as a new genus and species, Allofustis seminis gen. nov., sp. nov. The type strain is strain 01-570-1(T) (= CCUG 45438(T) = CIP 107425(T)).

Cilomilast (Ariflo) does not potentiate the cardiovascular effects of inhaled salbutamol

We investigated the safety and potential pharmacodynamic interactions arising from the co-administration of inhaled beta(2)-agonist salbutamol and cilomilast (Ariflo), a new oral phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma. This was a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multiple-dose, three-period crossover study involving non-smoking volunteers between the ages of 18 and 50 years. Volunteers were randomly assigned to receive cilomilast plus nebulised salbutamol, cilomilast plus nebulised placebo or placebo plus nebulised salbutamol. Each volunteer received cilomilast (10 mg twice daily) or placebo for 5 days. On day 5, the morning dose of cilomilast or placebo was followed 1 h later with a single dose of nebulised salbutamol (2.5 mg) or placebo. Primary variables were average change from pre- to 1.5 h post-salbutamol or placebo inhalation in blood pressure, pulse rate, 12-lead ECG and total number of heartbeats measured by 4-h Holter ECG. Thirteen volunteers completed the study. There was no evidence of a clinically important pharmacodynamic interaction between cilomilast and salbutamol in healthy volunteers. Both agents were well tolerated. In conclusion, the pharmacodynamic effects associated with salbutamol inhalation were unaffected by co-administration of cilomilast.

Serotypes of Streptococcus agalactiae cultured from dairy milk samples in Québec

Streptococcus agalactiae remains an important pathogen of dairy herds in Québec, but data about antigenic characteristics of this microorganism are sparse. This study was conducted to determine the variety of S. agalactiae serotypes in dairy herds in Québec. Two hundred and ninety-five isolates cultured from the milk of individual cows from 7 regions of Québec were serotyped. Sixty-two percent of the isolates were untypable. Among the 38% of typeable isolates, serotype III was found most frequently. In conclusion, the heterogeneity found among antigenic determinants of isolates from bovine milk suggests that an immunological method for the detection of S. agalactiae performed directly on bovine milk would not be a practical approach.

Identification of catalase-negative, non-beta-hemolytic, gram-positive cocci isolated from milk samples

This study was undertaken in an effort to improve the identification scheme of catalase-negative, non-beta-hemolytic, gram-positive cocci isolated from milk samples obtained from cows. First, the sensitivity and specificity of the identification procedure currently in use in our laboratory were compared to the results obtained with API 20 STREP strips which were set as the gold standard. Second, a number of other identification tests, which could contribute to increase the sensitivity and specificity of the identification procedure of these microorganisms, were evaluated and selected. The data have shown that there is a necessity to review the identification procedure. Some modifications are suggested to laboratories doing milk sample analyses. A standardized procedure, using the CAMP test, esculin and sodium hippurate hydrolysis, the presence of the enzymes pyrolidonyl arylaminase and leucine aminopeptidase, and acid production from 1% inulin and raffinose broth, would not only improve the results of the identification process of gram-positive cocci isolated from milk samples but also ensure greater uniformity of the epidemiological data.

Nutrition, adequacy of dialysis, and clinical outcome in Indo-Asian and White European patients on peritoneal dialysis

BACKGROUND

There is a high incidence of end-stage renal disease in Asians originating from the Indian subcontinent living in the UK. Research to date has focused on the cause of renal disease in Indo-Asians, and their outcome on peritoneal dialysis (PD) is less well studied.

AIM

To determine whether nutrition, adequacy of dialysis, and outcome of Indo-Asian patients on PD were similar to those of White European patients.

DESIGN

Prospective longitudinal observational study over 2 years.

METHODS

We enrolled 35 Indo-Asians and 35 White Europeans on peritoneal dialysis, closely matched for age, gender, diabetes and duration of renal replacement therapy. At enrolment (>3 months on PD), demographic data was recorded. From enrolment, and at 6-month intervals, dialysis adequacy, nutritional status, hospitalizations, PD infections, and treatment modality changes were recorded.

RESULTS

Dietary protein intake, which was significantly worse in Indo-Asians (particularly vegetarians), declined in all patients over time, along with other measures of nutritional status. Adequacy of dialysis, peritoneal characteristics, and PD infections were similar in Indo-Asian and White patients. Technique failure, and death rate were similar in both groups, but the transplant rate was lower in Indo-Asians.

DISCUSSION

Interventions are needed to improve nutritional status in these patients, particularly the Indo-Asian patients. The long-term impact of worse social deprivation and lower transplant rates in Indo-Asians needs to be investigated further.

Pilot trial of albuterol in spinal muscular atrophy

The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the effect of albuterol in children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Thirteen patients (five with SMA II and eight with SMA III) were given oral albuterol for 6 months. There was a significant increase in myometry, forced vital capacity, and lean body mass between the baseline and the 6-month assessments (p < 0.05). Albuterol may have a beneficial effect in patients with SMA without causing any significant adverse effects. Larger randomized, placebo-controlled trials are needed to confirm this observation.

Bacterial contamination of colostrum fed to newborn calves in Québec dairy herds

A convenience sample of 234 colostral specimens, collected directly from the nursing bottle immediately prior to the first feeding, was studied. Samples originated from 6 farms and were collected over 24 months. Routine bacteriologic techniques were used to quantify the bacterial load of the colostrum, as well as to identify the bacteria. Overall, at least 1 microorganism was cultured from 221 colostral samples (94.4%). By using the upper tolerance level of 100,000 bacteria/mL, 84 samples (35.9%) were considered contaminated. Staphylococcus spp. (57.7%), gram-negative rods (47.9%), coliforms (44.0%), and Streptococcus uberis (20.5%) were among the most frequently isolated bacteria. The relative risk (RR) of contamination with more than 100,000 bacteria/mL was significantly greater in warm months [RR = 2.55, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.63 to 4.02] than in cool months and in colostrum offered to male calves (RR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.09 to 2.20). Bacterial load was also associated with the farm of origin (P < 0.0001). When assessing colostrum management, one should consider bacterial contamination. Multiple factors are likely associated with the degree of contamination, and farm-specific factors may be important. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the impact of bacterial contamination of colostrum on neonatal health.

Infectious agents identified in pigs with multifocal interstitial nephritis at slaughter

One kidney was taken from each of 100 pigs at slaughter; 50 had gross lesions of multifocal interstitial nephritis and 50 had no gross lesions. Forty-nine of the affected kidneys had lesions that were characterised by the presence of either a few randomly distributed or numerous widely disseminated pale foci, 1 to 3 mm in diameter, on the cortical surface (white-dotted kidneys). Microscopically, these focal inflammatory lesions often had a distinct lymphofollicular pattern (follicular nephritis). Lesions of chronic vasculitis were observed in 21 of the affected kidneys. Histologically, the control kidneys had only small and sparse inflammatory foci. Standard bacterial cultures of kidneys of both groups were not significant, and cultures for the isolation of leptospires were all negative. Virological examination of the kidney homogenates by PCR did not reveal any porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus and only a few cases were positive for the porcine circovirus type 1. However, porcine parvovirus (PPV) and porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV-2) were detected in many kidneys of both groups but in a significantly higher proportion of the kidneys with interstitial nephritis. There was a significant association between the lesions and the presence of PPV and PCV-2 with odds ratios of 7.5 (P<0.0001) and 3.4 (P=0.0074), respectively, and the odds ratio increased to 22.7 (P<0.0001) when both viruses were identified in the same kidney. However, a subsample of kidneys taken from both groups were negative by immunohistochemistry for the presence of PPV and PCV-2 antigens.

[A case of zoonosis associated with Streptococcus equi ssp. zooepidemicus]

A sexagenarian couple operating a dairy farm, where there were also many horses, suffered a severe respiratory infection associated with the bacterium Streptococcus equi ssp. zooepidemicus. The investigation revealed that the source of infection was due to contacts with a horse having an infected wound from which we isolated this zoonotic agent.

[Comparison of direct smear observations and bacteriologic culture results carried out on equine tracheal secretions]

The aim of the study was to assess the relation between the direct smear observations and bacteriological results carried out on equine tracheal secretions. A total of 304 cases comprising both the direct smear (Gram stain) and the bacteriological culture, over a period of 8 years, were submitted to this retrospective study. Most of the specimens (78%) were obtained using tracheal washings while the rest (22%) originated from tracheal brushings. A total of 96 specimens (32%) were negative for both direct smear and culture. The positive predictive value of direct smears appeared high (81-96%) while the negative predictive value was lower (48-79%). Sensitivity of direct smear was considered as low and varied from 24 to 46% for tracheal brushings and from 41 to 46% for tracheal washings. Specificity of direct smear was high for both types of specimens. Results of this study indicate that the use of Gram-stained smear examination, carried out on tracheal secretions, is a technique which is specific but not very sensitive for the prediction of bacteriological culture results. Moreover, the use of tracheal washing, more than tracheal brushing, seems to increase the sensitivity of the test.

Prevalence, capsular type and antimicrobial susceptibility of Streptococcus suis isolated from slaughter pigs in Korea

This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence, capsular serotype, and antimicrobial susceptibility of Streptococcus suis isolated from slaughter pigs. Capsular serotype and antimicrobial susceptibility were determined by coagglutination test and agar dilution minimum inhibitory concentration, respectively. Streptococcus suis was isolated from 55 of the 406 palatine tonsillar samples tested (13.8%) and 14 of the 29 sampled herds (48.3%). Of the 55 isolates recovered from slaughter pigs, 26 (47.3%) were untypeable. Of the remaining 29 isolates, capsular serotypes 9 (9 isolates) and 16 (4 isolates) were the most common, followed by capsular serotypes 4 (3 isolates) and 7 (3 isolates). Every capsulated isolate was typeable and no palatine tonsillar sample yielded more than one serotype. Most of isolates were susceptible to low concentrations (MIC90) of amoxicillin (2 microg/mL), ceftiofur (1 microg/mL), and penicillin (1 microg/mL). No correlation was found between antimicrobial susceptibility and capsular serotype.

Salmonella Give infection in 2 dairy herds

Salmonella Give infection was investigated in 2 adjacent dairy herds because of the impact of milk contamination on public health. Once the status of the infection in a herd was established by fecal analyses, consecutive fecal testings, in conjunction with preventive measures, appeared to be consistent and cost-effective tools for the monitoring and control of salmonellosis in dairy herds.

[Comparison of four protocols for preoperative preparation in cattle]

This study was designed to evaluate 4 preoperative skin preparations, that is, more specifically, to compare the efficacy of chlorhexidine gluconate (CG) and povidone-iodine (PI), as well as 2 hair removal techniques (clipper alone or clipper followed by razor) for preoperative skin preparation in cattle. The 4 protocols resulted in a significant decrease in the number of bacterial colony-forming units (cfu). Group 4 (clipping + shaving + CG) had a significantly lower number of preoperative cfu per gel plate compared with groups 1 (clipping + PI) and 3 (clipping + shaving + PI). Skin reaction frequency was significantly higher in groups 3 and 4 (47.8% for both protocols) than in groups 1 and 2 (clipping + PI or CG) (8.7% for both). Wound infection frequency was 4.3% (4/92) and no significant difference was observed between the 4 treatment groups. The 4 protocols tested were equivalent as to efficacy and satisfactorily decreased skin microflora. Clipping alone was shown to be preferable to clipping plus shaving as a method of hair removal in cattle, with fewer skin reactions and no more wound infections.

Rhinocerebral zygomycosis in a sheep

Images

Virulence factors in Escherichia coli isolated from the blood of bacteremic neonatal calves

Twenty-five Escherichia coli isolates from the blood of critically ill bacteremic calves sampled in two separate studies on a calf-rearing farm housing over 15,000 calves, in the San Joaquin Valley, California were studied. Isolates were characterized for O serogroups and for pathotypes as determined by the presence of specific virulence factors including heat-labile enterotoxin (LT), heat-stable enterotoxins a and b (STa, STb), verotoxins 1 and 2 (VT1, VT2), cytotoxic necrotizing factor (CNF), aerobactin, intimin Eae and P, F17 and CS31A fimbrial adhesins, and resistance to bactericidal effects of serum. These isolates constituted a heterogeneous group. However, isolates were mostly aerobactin positive and often resistant to the bactericidal effects of serum. Isolates of pathotypes O78 (n=6), O119:CS31a (n=3), and P positive but O non-typeable (n=3) were associated with a high mortality rate. The remaining isolates belonged to diverse pathotypes, often possessing the adhesins P, F17, CS31A and Eae but belonging to O serogroups other than O78 and O119, and were less frequently associated with mortality. Although no virulence factor common to all isolates was identified, the capacity to use iron by the presence of aerobactin which is important to the capture of iron was a predominant factor. Moreover, certain pathotypes appear to be associated with primary colisepticemia whereas other pathotypes may cause a bacteremia without necessarily leading to septicemia.

Dermatophilus-like infection in beluga whales, Delphinapterus leucas, from the St. Lawrence estuary

Six beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) found dead on the shores of the St. Lawrence estuary had multiple slightly depressed greyish round areas randomly distributed over the whole body. Histologically, the surface of these areas was covered with a thick layer of Dermatophilus-like organisms which invaded the stratum corneum. The underlying stratum spinosum had marked spongiosis and vacuolar degeneration. Minimal neutrophilic infiltration was present within the underlying dermal papillae. To the authors' knowledge, dermatophilosis in cetaceans has not been reported previously.

Effects of a serotonin 5-HT(4) receptor antagonist SB-207266 on gastrointestinal motor and sensory function in humans

BACKGROUND

Serotonin 5-HT(4) receptors are located on enteric cholinergic neurones and may regulate peristalsis. 5-HT(4) receptors on primary afferent neurones have been postulated to modulate visceral sensation. While 5-HT(4) agonists are used as prokinetic agents, the physiological role of 5-HT(4) receptors in the human gut is unknown.

AIMS

Our aim was to characterise the role of 5-HT(4) receptors in regulating gastrointestinal motor and sensory function in healthy subjects under baseline and stimulated conditions with a 5-HT(4) receptor antagonist.

METHODS

Part A compared the effects of placebo to four doses of a 5-HT(4) receptor antagonist (SB-207266) on the cisapride mediated increase in plasma aldosterone (a 5-HT(4) mediated response) and orocaecal transit in 18 subjects. In part B, 52 healthy subjects received placebo, or 0.05, 0.5, or 5 mg of SB-207266 for 10-12 days; gastric, small bowel, and colonic transit were measured by scintigraphy on days 7-9, and fasting and postprandial colonic motor function, compliance, and sensation during distensions were assessed on day 12.

RESULTS

Part A: 0.5, 5, and 20 mg doses of SB-207266 had significant and quantitatively similar effects, antagonising the cisapride mediated increase in plasma aldosterone and acceleration of orocaecal transit. Part B: SB-207266 tended to delay colonic transit (geometric centre of isotope at 24 (p=0.06) and 48 hours (p=0.08)), but did not have dose related effects on transit, fasting or postprandial colonic motor activity, compliance, or sensation.

CONCLUSION

5-HT(4) receptors are involved in the regulation of cisapride stimulated orocaecal transit; SB 207266 tends to modulate colonic transit but not sensory functions or compliance in healthy human subjects.

Epidemiological study of Yersinia enterocolitica in swine herds in Québec

The objectives of this study were the identification of the different contamination sources of Yersinia enterocolitica, as well as the determination of the prevalence and the distribution of the different genotypes in swine herds. The owners of 20 farms, located in the Richelieu-Yamaska region, agreed to participate in the study. Each farm was visited a minimum of 5 times between May and October 1997, and, at each visit, 20 environmental and 10 fecal samples were collected. Yersinia enterocolitica isolates were identified, serotyped, and submitted to a genetic characterization by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. The correlation coefficient (0.61) between prevalence in environment and in feces was significant (P = 0.004). Among the 153 positive samples, 93.5% belonged to serotype 0:3. The comparison of PFGE profiles revealed that all environmental Y. enterocolitica isolates had a profile identical to that of isolates recovered in feces from the corresponding farms. Also, when the genetic profiles of isolates recovered from feces collected at the first visit were compared with the profiles of isolates obtained from the subsequent visits, the same profile was observed on every farm. We concluded that environment does not represent the main source of contamination of swine by Y. enterocolitica and that, in most instances, the same strain persists in a barn from one production lot to another.

Enterococcus hirae enteropathy with ascending cholangitis and pancreatitis in a kitten

A 2-month-old female Persian cat that had been showing episodes of anorexia and diarrhea for the previous 4 weeks was presented in shock and died 2 days later. Numerous Gram-positive cocci were located along the brush border of small intestinal villi, without significant inflammatory infiltration. Similar bacteria were present within hepatic bile ducts and pancreatic ducts and were associated with suppurative inflammation and exfoliation of epithelial cells. Culture of the liver and lung yielded bacteria identified as Enterococcus hirae. Fecal culture from an asymptomatic adult female from the same cattery also yielded large numbers of E. hirae. To our knowledge, this is the first report of E. hirae enteropathy in a cat and the first report of ascending cholangitis and ductal pancreatitis caused by an Enterococcus spp.

Infections of Edwardsiella tarda among Brook Trout in Quebec

Acute bacterial septicemia is commonly diagnosed in brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis of Quebec, Canada. The agents most commonly isolated include Aeromonas salmonicida (furunculosis), Aeromonas hydrophila (motile aeromonad septicemia), and Pseudomonas species. Septicemia in brook trout caused by the gram-negative bacterium Edwardsiella tarda was diagnosed for the first time in the province of Quebec from two different fish farms producing stock for fee fishing establishments. Affected fish displayed nonspecific lesions associated with bacterial septicemia including hemorrhages on the gills and viscera and exophthalmia. Stress-associated immunosuppression due to an increase in summer water temperatures and lack of precipitation were considered as primary causes of these disease outbreaks.

Bacteria and fungi of marine mammals: a review

A list of the different bacterial and fungal agents isolated from marine mammals in different parts of the world is presented. Importance is given to some of the most recently identified bacterial agents, including Actinobacillus delphinicola, A. scotiae, and Brucella spp. A list, in alphabetical order, of bacteria recovered from different tissues or organs from marine mammals is presented for the integumentary, respiratory, digestive, genitourinary, and reticuloendothelial systems. Infectious bacterial agents associated with abscesses and with cases of septicemia are also listed. Information about the different fungal agents recovered from marine mammals is summarized. A section covering some of the zoonotic infectious agents recovered from marine mammals is included.

The safety of intravenous iron dextran (Dexferrum) during hemodialysis in patients with end stage renal disease

The National Kidney Foundation recently published guidelines stating that regular use of intravenous iron therapy will prevent iron deficiency and promote better erythropoiesis than oral iron therapy in patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) who are undergoing hemodialysis. Although intravenous iron dextran has been shown to be clinically effective in maintaining iron stores in such patients, some clinicians are concerned about the incidence of adverse events associated with this mode of iron supplementation. We conducted a retrospective review of adverse events associated with the use of Dexferrum (American Regent Laboratories, Inc., Shirley, NY) in ESRD patients at an outpatient dialysis clinic. During the 6-month study period, only 1 patient out of 62 (1.6%) experienced adverse events (hypotension, chest pain) related to treatment with Dexferrum. No patients developed anaphylactoid reactions.

'To save succeeding generations from the scourge of war': the role of the International Court of Justice

The International Court of Justice is the judicial arm of the United Nations. Its provenance and role in keeping international peace and security is described. Its role in settling disputes between states and giving advice to the UN organs and specialized agencies is illustrated from a series of past cases where it has contributed to the maintenance or restoration of international peace and security. Possible limitations to its contributions, arising from the need for consent to its jurisdiction, and from the process of international law are discussed, and it is concluded that decisions under international law are for realization of values. Finally, its relationship with the UN Security Council is examined.

Development of an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the detection of leptospiral antibodies in dogs

Serology plays an important role in the diagnosis of leptospirosis. Few laboratories have the resources, expertise, or facilities to perform the microscopic agglutination test (MAT). Thus, there is a need for a rapid and simple serological test that could be used in any diagnostic laboratory. In this study, a genus-specific, heat-stable antigenic preparation from Leptospira interrogans serovar pomona was used in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of leptospiral antibodies in dog sera. This antigenic preparation reacted with rabbit antisera against L. interrogans serovars bratislava, autumnalis, icterohaemorrhagiae and pomona and with rabbit antiserum against L. kirschneri serovar grippotyphosa. The ELISA showed a relative specificity of 95.6% with 158 dog sera which were negative at a dilution of 1:100 in the MAT for serovars pomona, bratislava, icterohaemorrhagiae, autumnalis, hardjo, and grippotyphosa. The relative sensitivity of this assay with 21 dog sera that revealed serovars MAT titres of > or =100 to different serovars was 100%. This assay is easily standardized, technically more advantageous than MAT, and uses an antigenic preparation that can be routinely prepared in large amounts. It was concluded that this ELISA is sufficiently sensitive test to be used as an initial screening test for the detection of leptospiral antibodies in canine sera, with subsequent confirmation of positive test results with the MAT.

Characterization of Streptococcus agalactiae isolates of bovine and human origin by randomly amplified polymorphic DNA analysis

Streptococcus agalactiae is considered one of the major causes of bovine intramammary infections. It is also found in the vaginas of women without any apparent clinical symptoms, but reports of neonatal infections, causing significant morbidity, are relatively frequent. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genetic diversity of S. agalactiae strains isolated from bovine milk and from asymptomatic women in Québec, Canada, by randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis. A total of 185 bovine isolates and 38 human isolates were first serotyped for capsular polysaccharide by double diffusion in agarose gel (bovine isolates) and coagglutination (human isolates). Strains were then studied by RAPD using 3 primers, designated OPS11, OPB17, and OPB18, which were selected from 12 primers. Thirty-eight percent of bovine isolates and 82% of human isolates could be serotyped. Prevalent serotypes were type III (28%) for bovine isolates and types V (26%) and III (24%) for human isolates. RAPD results showed that, taken together, all isolates (of bovine and human origin) shared 58% similarity. Ninety-four percent of these isolates were clustered in four groups (I, II, III, and IV) with 70% similarity among them. Three clusters, A (48 isolates), B (14 isolates), and C (32 isolates), with 79 to 80% similarity were identified within group IV, whereas the three other groups did not present any clusters. Despite some clustering of human isolates, relatively high diversity was seen among them. Relatively high heterogeneity was observed with the RAPD profiles, not only for field strains belonging to different serotypes but also for those within a given serotype.

[Control measures for contagious enteric diseases in a veterinary teaching hospital]

Instructions and control measures related to enteric contagious diseases at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (VMTH) of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Montreal are presented. These control measures, which have given satisfactory results within the past decade, are exemplified by a salmonellosis outbreak that occurred in spring 1996 in the large animal clinic of the VMTH. Emphasis was put on the importance of antigenic and/or genetic characterizations of Salmonella isolates, in order to detect an eventual source of contamination, but also to determine the incidence of nosocomial infections among hospitalized animals.

Coexistence of thin membrane and alport nephropathies in families with haematuria

The finding of familial haematuria without a history of deafness or renal impairment is often assumed to indicate a benign prognosis. However, we describe three families in whom Alport and thin basement membrane nephropathy were separately identified within the same pedigree. Our findings illustrate the importance of fully investigating families with haematuria, even if thin basement nephropathy has been diagnosed in one member.

Staphylococcus intermedius cellulitis and toxic shock in a dog

A Labrador retriever was examined for sudden lameness and cellulitis of the right forelimb. Bacterial culture of the dermis yielded a large number of Staphylococcus intermedius. The association of this bacterium with toxic shock is discussed.

Isolation of ornithobacterium rhinotracheale from turkeys in Quebec, Canada

In the spring of 1997, three large white hybrid turkey layer flocks of 52 wk of age experienced a severe respiratory condition. During the outbreak, the turkeys showed respiratory signs, an increased mortality rate, and an important drop in egg production. Macroscopic and histopathologic examinations were carried out on several carcasses, as well as bacteriologic analyses on different tissues. Colonies of Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale (OR) were detected after 24 hr of incubation, and the isolate appeared to be serotype A. The identification of the species was confirmed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of whole-cell proteins. Since 1993, several cases of OR infection have been diagnosed in the United States and more recently in Canada. Monitoring of this emerging infection is recommended.

Three cases of canine leptospirosis in Quebec

Three dogs from different locations with acute renal failure were hospitalized in autumn 1996 and 1997. Leptospira interrogans serovar pomona was detected by the microscopic agglutination test. All dogs recovered after antibiotic treatment. The importance of the development of vaccines adapted to emerging serovars in dogs should be addressed.

Relatedness of Streptococcus suis serotype 2 isolates from different geographic origins as evaluated by molecular fingerprinting and phenotyping

The genetic diversity of 88 Streptococcus suis serotype 2 isolates which were recovered from various countries was examined by randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis with three primers. This bacterial collection included 80 isolates of porcine origin and 8 of human origin. This investigation allowed the identification of 23 RAPD types containing 1 to 30 isolates originating from one to six countries. Common RAPD patterns were found between human and pig isolates. The isolates were also tested for the production of virulent factors such as hemolysin, muramidase-released protein (MRP), and extracellular factor (EF). All isolates exhibiting the virulent phenotype hemolysin+ MRP+ EF+ clearly clustered on the basis of fingerprinting by RAPD analysis. In a similar way, most of isolates with the hemolysin- MRP- EF- phenotype were assigned to one RAPD cluster. Therefore, RAPD clusters are more related to the phenotype defined with hemolysin, MRP, and EF than to the geographic origin of the isolates. These data indicate that RAPD analysis used in conjunction with phenotypic methods provides a reliable method for the assessment of the clonal relationship between S. suis isolates responsible for infections in pigs or humans, especially for those exhibiting the classic "virulent" phenotype hemolysin+ MRP+ EF+.