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Gillespie A, Vanhoudt A, Benedictus L, McAloon CG, Logan F, Spaninks M, Viora L. A survey of foot disinfection practices for control of bovine digital dermatitis; evaluating solution depth, footbath hygiene, and the potential of footbaths as infection reservoirs for Treponema species. J Dairy Sci 2024:S0022-0302(24)00828-2. [PMID: 38825105 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-24108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Bovine digital dermatitis remains a widespread endemic disease of dairy cattle worldwide. Footbathing is commonly used as a control measure and has significant economic and environmental impact. There are few studies documenting footbathing practices on dairy farms, or evaluating their suitability for achieving foot disinfection. This study describes footbathing practices on 32 farms observed in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the Netherlands. We measured solution depth throughout footbathing and observed levels below 7cm on 9/32 farms, which leads to inadequate foot coverage. Solution depth was associated with the number of cow passages, decreasing by 1.2cm for every 100 cow passages. We also describe levels of organic matter content (g/L) throughout footbathing as a proxy for footbath hygiene. Our data indicates that almost half of footbaths (15/32) became contaminated above the 20g/L threshold to which veterinary biocides are tested for efficacy, and that organic matter content is associated with the number of cow passages per liter of footbathing solution provided. A multivariable mixed model predicted that one liter of footbathing solution per cow should be sufficient to prevent excess contamination. As a further measure of hygiene, we tested a subset of footbath samples to quantify the amount of DNA present from the Treponema species which are considered instrumental in the etiology of digital dermatitis. We did not detect Treponema DNA in footbath samples, suggesting they are unlikely to act as infection reservoirs for this disease. Multivariable mixed models including farm identity as a random effect demonstrated that for both change in solution depth and organic matter content the effect of farm-level factors was large. Because of the magnitude of this farm effect, applying model predictions will not translate to adequate solution depth and hygiene on all farms. Our data highlights the importance of footbath auditing on individual farms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Gillespie
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
| | - Arne Vanhoudt
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; *Current affiliation Royal GD, Deventer, the Netherlands
| | - Lindert Benedictus
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; *Current affiliation Royal GD, Deventer, the Netherlands
| | - Conor G McAloon
- School of Veterinary medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Ireland
| | - Finnian Logan
- School of Veterinary medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Ireland
| | - Mirlin Spaninks
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; *Current affiliation Royal GD, Deventer, the Netherlands
| | - Lorenzo Viora
- School of Biodiversity, One health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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Capion N, Larsson EK, Nielsen OL. A clinical and histopathological comparison of the effectiveness of salicylic acid to a compound of inorganic acids for the treatment of digital dermatitis in cattle. J Dairy Sci 2017; 101:1325-1333. [PMID: 29224873 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2017-13622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Bovine digital dermatitis (DD) is a painful infectious disease, causing lameness, reduced animal welfare, and production losses in dairy herds. The main factors contributing to DD are an infection with Treponema spp. and poor hygiene. Topical treatment has primarily consisted of antibiotics; however, the demand for effective nonantibiotic alternatives is increasing. The objective was to evaluate the performance of 3 nonantibiotic topical treatments (salicylic acid and a compound of inorganic acids in a 20% solution and in a dry form) on DD in a commercial dairy herd. Within the 30-d test period, 42 DD lesions on 33 Holstein cows were assigned to receive 1 of the 3 treatments. Lesions were biopsied before and after treatment and were clinically evaluated 5 times. Improved lesions were clinically defined as either healed (regeneration of the skin) or healing (dry lesions covered by a scab). Unhealed lesions were defined as either active [with a raw, moist, strawberry-like (granulating) surface] or mature (with a raised papillomatous appearance). The effectiveness of treatment was evaluated histopathologically using the following scores: 0 (no spirochetes present), 1 (small number of spirochetes present in the epidermis), 2 (moderate number of spirochetes present and reaching an intermediary level in the epidermis), and 3 (large number of spirochetes present and reaching the deepest part of the epidermis or the superficial dermis). The improvement rate was 10/14 (71%) for salicylic acid, 11/15 (73%) for the inorganic acid solution, and 8/13 (62%) for the inorganic acid powder. The analysis showed no difference among treatments. The association between clinical score and histopathological score was determined by an odds ratio. The odds ratio of a healed lesion having spirochetes in the epidermis was 0.58 and that of an active DD lesion having spirochetes in the epidermis was 26.5.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Capion
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Højbakkegaard Alle 5, DK-2630 Taastrup, Denmark.
| | | | - O L Nielsen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Ridebanevej 3, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
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El-Shafaey ES, Ateya A, Ramadan H, Saleh R, Elseady Y, Abo El Fadl E, El-Khodery S. Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in IL8 and TLR4 Genes as Candidates for Digital Dermatitis Resistance/Susceptibility in Holstein Cattle. Anim Biotechnol 2016; 28:131-137. [PMID: 27813832 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2016.1242489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Relatedness between single nucleotide polymorphisms in IL8 and TLR4 genes and digital dermatitis resistance/susceptibility was investigated in seventy Holstein dairy cows. Animals were assigned into two groups, affected group (n = 35) and resistant group (n = 35) based on clinical signs and previous history of farm clinical records. Blood samples were collected for DNA extraction to ampliy fragments of 267-bp and 382-bp for IL8 and TLR4 genes, respectively. PCR-DNA sequencing revealed three SNPs in each of IL8 and TLR4 genes. The identified SNPs associated with digital dermatitis resistance were C94T, A220G, and T262A for IL8 and C118T for TLR4. However, the G349C and C355A SNPs in TLR4 gene were associated with digital dermatitis susceptibility. Chi-square analysis for comparison the distribution of all identified SNPs in both IL8 and TLR4 genes between resistant and affected animals showed no significant variation among the identified SNPs in IL8 gene. Meanwhile, there was a significant variation in case of TLR4 gene. As a pilot study, the present results revealed that identified SNPs in IL8 and TLR4 genes can be used as a genetic marker and predisposing factor for resistance/susceptibility to digital dermatitis in dairy cows. However, TLR4 gene may be a potential candidate for such disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- El-Sayed El-Shafaey
- a Department of Surgery, Anesthesiology and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine , Mansoura University , Mansoura , Egypt
| | - Ahmed Ateya
- b Department of Animal Husbandry and Animal Wealth Development, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine , Mansoura University , Mansoura , Egypt
| | - Hazem Ramadan
- c Department of Hygiene and Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine , Mansoura University , Mansoura , Egypt
| | - Rasha Saleh
- d Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine , Mansoura University , Mansoura , Egypt
| | - Yousef Elseady
- d Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine , Mansoura University , Mansoura , Egypt
| | - Eman Abo El Fadl
- b Department of Animal Husbandry and Animal Wealth Development, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine , Mansoura University , Mansoura , Egypt
| | - Sabry El-Khodery
- e Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine , Mansoura University , Mansoura , Egypt
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Krull AC, Cooper VL, Coatney JW, Shearer JK, Gorden PJ, Plummer PJ. A Highly Effective Protocol for the Rapid and Consistent Induction of Digital Dermatitis in Holstein Calves. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0154481. [PMID: 27119564 PMCID: PMC4847800 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0154481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2015] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Bovine Digital Dermatitis (DD) is a leading cause of lameness in dairy cattle. DD is reportedly increasing in prevalence in beef cattle feedlots of the US. The exact etiologic agent(s) responsible for the disease have yet to be determined. Multiple studies have demonstrated the presence of a variety of Treponema spp. within lesions. Attempts to reproduce clinically relevant disease using pure cultures of these organisms has failed to result in lesions that mirror the morphology and severity of naturally occurring lesions. This manuscript details the systematic development of an experimental protocol that reliably induces digital dermatitis lesions on a large enough scale to allow experimental evaluation of treatment and prevention measures. In total, 21 protocols from five experiments were evaluated on their effectiveness in inducing DD lesions in 126 Holstein calves (504 feet). The protocols varied in the type and concentration of inoculum, frequency of inoculation, duration the feet were wrapped, and type of experimental controls need to validate a successful induction. Knowledge gained in the first four experiments resulted in a final protocol capable of inducing DD lesions in 42 of 44 (95%) feet over a 28 day period. All induced lesions were macroscopically and microscopically identified as clinical DD lesions by individuals blinded to protocols. Lesions were also located at the site of inoculation in the palmer aspect of the interdigital space, and induced clinically measurable lameness in a significant portion of the calves. Collectively these results validate the model and provide a rapid and reliable means of inducing DD in large groups of calves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam C. Krull
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Vickie L. Cooper
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - John W. Coatney
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Jan K. Shearer
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Patrick J. Gorden
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Paul J. Plummer
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Evans NJ, Murray RD, Carter SD. Bovine digital dermatitis: Current concepts from laboratory to farm. Vet J 2015; 211:3-13. [PMID: 27061657 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2015.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2014] [Revised: 02/27/2015] [Accepted: 10/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Bovine digital dermatitis (DD) is a severe infectious disease causing lameness in dairy cattle worldwide and is an important ruminant welfare problem that has considerable economic issues. Bovine DD is endemic in many regions worldwide and it is important to understand this major disease so that effective control strategies can be identified. There is substantial evidence that specific treponeme phylotypes play an important causative role in bovine DD. This review considers current research, including DD Treponema spp. investigations, associated DD pathobiology, and current and potential treatment and control options. Epidemiological data, alongside new microbiological data, help delineate important transmission routes and reservoirs of infection that allow effective interventions to be identified. Better on-farm housing hygiene, pasture access, routine footbathing and claw trimming with disinfected equipment need to be implemented to significantly reduce the incidence of DD. There is a paucity of peer reviewed research into both commonly used and novel treatments. In vitro antimicrobial susceptibility studies of DD treponemes and effective treatment of human treponematoses clearly indicate that antibiotics frequently selected for DD treatments are not the most efficacious. Whilst there are understandable concerns over milk withdrawal times in dairy cattle, more needs to be done to identify, license and implement more appropriate antibiotic treatments, since continued overuse of less efficacious antibiotics, applied incorrectly, will lead to increased disease recurrence and transmission. More research is needed into methods of preventing DD that circumvent the use of antibiotics, including vaccination and transmission blocking studies, to reduce or hopefully eradicate DD in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- N J Evans
- Department of Infection Biology, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZJ UK; School of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZJ, UK.
| | - R D Murray
- School of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZJ, UK; Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZJ, UK
| | - S D Carter
- Department of Infection Biology, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZJ UK; School of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZJ, UK
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Treponemes detected in digital dermatitis lesions in Brazilian dairy cattle and possible host reservoirs of infection. J Clin Microbiol 2015; 53:1935-7. [PMID: 25788552 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.03586-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2014] [Accepted: 03/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The main pathogenic treponemes causing bovine digital dermatitis were identified from 17 infected herds in southern Brazil for the first time in this study using PCR. We did not find a relationship between treponeme phylogroup composition and clinical classification. Treponema phagedenis was present in all lesions. Rumen fluid was implicated as a reservoir location for these pathogens.
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Middelveen MJ, Bandoski C, Burke J, Sapi E, Filush KR, Wang Y, Franco A, Mayne PJ, Stricker RB. Exploring the association between Morgellons disease and Lyme disease: identification of Borrelia burgdorferi in Morgellons disease patients. BMC DERMATOLOGY 2015; 15:1. [PMID: 25879673 PMCID: PMC4328066 DOI: 10.1186/s12895-015-0023-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2014] [Accepted: 01/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Background Morgellons disease (MD) is a complex skin disorder characterized by ulcerating lesions that have protruding or embedded filaments. Many clinicians refer to this condition as delusional parasitosis or delusional infestation and consider the filaments to be introduced textile fibers. In contrast, recent studies indicate that MD is a true somatic illness associated with tickborne infection, that the filaments are keratin and collagen in composition and that they result from proliferation and activation of keratinocytes and fibroblasts in the skin. Previously, spirochetes have been detected in the dermatological specimens from four MD patients, thus providing evidence of an infectious process. Methods & Results Based on culture, histology, immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy and molecular testing, we present corroborating evidence of spirochetal infection in a larger group of 25 MD patients. Irrespective of Lyme serological reactivity, all patients in our study group demonstrated histological evidence of epithelial spirochetal infection. Strength of evidence based on other testing varied among patients. Spirochetes identified as Borrelia strains by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and/or in-situ DNA hybridization were detected in 24/25 of our study patients. Skin cultures containing Borrelia spirochetes were obtained from four patients, thus demonstrating that the organisms present in dermatological specimens were viable. Spirochetes identified by PCR as Borrelia burgdorferi were cultured from blood in seven patients and from vaginal secretions in three patients, demonstrating systemic infection. Based on these observations, a clinical classification system for MD is proposed. Conclusions Our study using multiple detection methods confirms that MD is a true somatic illness associated with Borrelia spirochetes that cause Lyme disease. Further studies are needed to determine the optimal treatment for this spirochete-associated dermopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cheryl Bandoski
- Department of Biology and Environmental Science, University of New Haven, West Haven, CT, USA.
| | | | - Eva Sapi
- Department of Biology and Environmental Science, University of New Haven, West Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Katherine R Filush
- Department of Biology and Environmental Science, University of New Haven, West Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Yean Wang
- Australian Biologics, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | | | - Peter J Mayne
- International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Raphael B Stricker
- International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society, Bethesda, MD, USA. .,, 450 Sutter Street, Suite 1504, San Francisco, CA, 94108, USA.
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8
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Isolation of digital dermatitis treponemes from hoof lesions in Wild North American Elk (Cervus elaphus) in Washington State, USA. J Clin Microbiol 2014; 53:88-94. [PMID: 25355757 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.02276-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Since 2008, a large increase in the numbers of cases of lameness have been seen in wild North American elk (Cervus elaphus) from Washington State, USA. The most recent cases manifested as foot lesions similar both clinically and pathologically to those seen in digital dermatitis (DD) in cattle and sheep, a disease with a bacterial etiopathogenesis. To determine whether the same bacteria considered responsible for DD are associated with elk lameness, lesion samples were subjected to bacterial isolation studies and PCR assays for three phylogroups of relevant DD treponemes. The DD treponemes were isolated from lesional tissues but not from control feet or other areas of the diseased foot (including the coronary band or interdigital space), suggesting that the bacteria are strongly associated with DD lesions and may therefore be causal. In addition, PCR analysis revealed that all three unique DD treponeme phylotypes were found in elk hoof disease, and in 23% of samples, all 3 DD-associated treponemes were present in lesions. Sequence analysis of the 16S rRNA gene showed that the elk lesion treponemes were phylogenetically almost identical to those isolated from cattle and sheep DD lesions. The isolates were particularly similar to two of the three culturable DD treponeme phylotypes: specifically, the Treponema medium/Treponema vincentii-like and Treponema phagedenis-like DD spirochetes. The third treponeme culturable phylogroup (Treponema pedis), although detected by PCR, was not isolated. This is the first report describing isolation of DD treponemes from a wildlife host, suggesting that the disease may be evolving to include a wider spectrum of cloven-hoofed animals.
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9
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Deep sequencing analysis reveals temporal microbiota changes associated with development of bovine digital dermatitis. Infect Immun 2014; 82:3359-73. [PMID: 24866801 DOI: 10.1128/iai.02077-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Bovine digital dermatitis (DD) is a leading cause of lameness in dairy cattle throughout the world. Despite 35 years of research, the definitive etiologic agent associated with the disease process is still unknown. Previous studies have demonstrated that multiple bacterial species are associated with lesions, with spirochetes being the most reliably identified organism. This study details the deep sequencing-based metagenomic evaluation of 48 staged DD biopsy specimens collected during a 3-year longitudinal study of disease progression. Over 175 million sequences were evaluated by utilizing both shotgun and 16S metagenomic techniques. Based on the shotgun sequencing results, there was no evidence of a fungal or DNA viral etiology. The bacterial microbiota of biopsy specimens progresses through a systematic series of changes that correlate with the novel morphological lesion scoring system developed as part of this project. This scoring system was validated, as the microbiota of each stage was statistically significantly different from those of other stages (P < 0.001). The microbiota of control biopsy specimens were the most diverse and became less diverse as lesions developed. Although Treponema spp. predominated in the advanced lesions, they were in relatively low abundance in the newly described early lesions that are associated with the initiation of the disease process. The consortium of Treponema spp. identified at the onset of disease changes considerably as the lesions progress through the morphological stages identified. The results of this study support the hypothesis that DD is a polybacterial disease process and provide unique insights into the temporal changes in bacterial populations throughout lesion development.
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10
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The effect of slurry on skin permeability to methylene blue dye in dairy cows with and without a history of digital dermatitis. Animal 2013; 7:1731-7. [PMID: 23822976 DOI: 10.1017/s1751731113001274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to determine whether there was a difference in skin permeability to methylene blue dye or skin morphology between dairy cows that differed in their susceptibility to digital dermatitis (DD) and to assess the effect of contact with slurry on skin permeability. Twenty nine dairy cows were monitored for DD during the winter housing period and classed as DD+ (previous DD infection, n = 17), or DD- (no recorded infection, n = 12). The animals were culled and a skin sample was taken from above the heel of each hind foot and frozen. Samples were later defrosted and one sample from each cow was tested for permeability, whereas the other was treated with slurry for 24 h before permeability testing. To test permeability, methylene blue dye was applied to the skin surface in a Franz diffusion cell. After 48 h, the amount of dye that had passed through the skin was estimated. The stratum corneum thickness and the density of hair follicles were determined from additional heel skin samples. Skin permeability to methylene blue dye was significantly greater for samples that had been treated with slurry but did not differ between DD+ and DD- animals. No difference was found in the stratum corneum thickness or density of hair follicles between DD+ and DD- animals. These findings imply that individual differences in general skin permeability are not a major factor in determining DD susceptibility and suggest that contact with slurry could contribute to DD infection by increasing the permeability of the skin, which may facilitate pathogen entry. Further work is required to clarify the role played by slurry in the pathogenesis of DD.
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11
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Middelveen MJ, Burugu D, Poruri A, Burke J, Mayne PJ, Sapi E, Kahn DG, Stricker RB. Association of spirochetal infection with Morgellons disease. F1000Res 2013; 2:25. [PMID: 24715950 PMCID: PMC3954163 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.2-25.v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Morgellons disease (MD) is an emerging multisystem illness characterized by skin lesions with unusual filaments embedded in or projecting from epithelial tissue. Filament formation results from abnormal keratin and collagen expression by epithelial-based keratinocytes and fibroblasts. Recent research comparing MD to bovine digital dermatitis, an animal infectious disease with similar skin features, provided clues that spirochetal infection could play an important role in the human disease as it does in the animal illness. Based on histological staining, immunofluorescent staining, electron microscopic imaging and polymerase chain reaction, we report the detection of
Borrelia spirochetes in dermatological tissue of four randomly-selected MD patients. The association of MD with spirochetal infection provides evidence that this infection may be a significant factor in the illness and refutes claims that MD lesions are self-inflicted and that people suffering from this disorder are delusional. Molecular characterization of the
Borrelia spirochetes found in MD patients is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Divya Burugu
- Department of Biology and Environmental Science, University of New Haven, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA
| | - Akhila Poruri
- Department of Biology and Environmental Science, University of New Haven, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA
| | | | - Peter J Mayne
- International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society, Bethesda, MD, 20827, USA
| | - Eva Sapi
- Department of Biology and Environmental Science, University of New Haven, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA
| | - Douglas G Kahn
- Department of Pathology, Olive View-UCLA Medical Center, Sylmar, CA, 91342, USA
| | - Raphael B Stricker
- International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society, Bethesda, MD, 20827, USA
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12
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Döpfer D, Anklam K, Mikheil D, Ladell P. Growth curves and morphology of three Treponema subtypes isolated from digital dermatitis in cattle. Vet J 2012; 193:685-93. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2012.06.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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13
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Rasmussen M, Capion N, Klitgaard K, Rogdo T, Fjeldaas T, Boye M, Jensen TK. Bovine digital dermatitis: possible pathogenic consortium consisting of Dichelobacter nodosus and multiple Treponema species. Vet Microbiol 2012; 160:151-61. [PMID: 22698300 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2012.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2011] [Revised: 05/10/2012] [Accepted: 05/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Bovine digital dermatitis (DD) is a multifactorial disease involving at least one or more treponemal species. Virulent phylotypes of Treponema and other infectious agents contributing to disease etiology still remain to be identified. This study addressed these questions by analyzing the prevalence and distribution of seventeen phylotypes of Treponema in DD lesions by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) applying species/phylotype-specific oligonucleotide probes. In situ hybridization for Dichelobacter nodosus, the cause of ovine footrot, was additionally performed. We sampled 90 biopsies of DD lesions originating from one Norwegian and six Danish dairy herds, and 24 tissue samples of healthy skin. All lesions revealed intermingled infections with multiple Treponema phylotypes (mean>7). In six herds, the mean number of phylotypes identified varied between 12 and 15. D. nodosus was present in forty-nine (51%) of the lesions and in three of the apparently healthy skin samples. Two "healthy" samples also contained Treponema spp. and D. nodosus, and were histopathologically categorized as subclinical DD. Another eighteen of the "healthy" skin samples showed serious epidermal hyperplasia but were not colonized by bacteria while only four samples were found normal. We hypothesise that external noxious stimuli allow D. nodosus to break down the epidermal barrier creating a suitable environment for the secondary invaders, Treponema species, which gradually take over the infection site. The variety and different distribution of treponemes in the DD lesions observed in this study, suggests that most of the Treponema phylotypes have the potential to be pathogenic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Rasmussen
- Technical University of Denmark, National Veterinary Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark
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14
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Nielsen B, Thomsen P, Green L, Kaler J. A study of the dynamics of digital dermatitis in 742 lactating dairy cows. Prev Vet Med 2012; 104:44-52. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2011.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2010] [Revised: 09/28/2011] [Accepted: 10/01/2011] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
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15
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Vink WD, Jones G, Johnson WO, Brown J, Demirkan I, Carter SD, French NP. Diagnostic assessment without cut-offs: application of serology for the modelling of bovine digital dermatitis infection. Prev Vet Med 2009; 92:235-48. [PMID: 19781800 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2009.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Bovine digital dermatitis (BDD) is an epidermitis which is a leading cause of infectious lameness. The only recognized diagnostic test is foot inspection, which is a labour-intensive procedure. There is no universally recognized, standardized lesion scoring system. As small lesions are easily missed, foot inspection has limited diagnostic sensitivity. Furthermore, interpretation is subjective, and prone to observer bias. Serology is more convenient to carry out and is potentially a more sensitive indicator of infection. By carrying out 20 serological assays using lesion-associated Treponema spp. isolates, three serogroups were identified. The reliability of the tests was established by assessing the level of agreement and the concordance correlation coefficient. Subsequently, an ELISA suitable for routine use was developed. The benchmark of diagnostic test validation is conventionally the determination of the key test parameters, sensitivity and specificity. This requires the imposition of a cut-off point. For serological assays with outcomes on a continuous scale, the degree by which the test result differs from this cut-off is disregarded. Bayesian statistical methodology has been developed which enables the assay result also to be interpreted on a continuous scale, thereby optimizing the information inherent in the test. Using a cross-sectional study dataset carried out on 8 representative dairy farms in the UK, the probability of infection, P(I), of each individual animal was estimated in the absence of a 'Gold Standard' by modelling I as a latent variable which was determined by lesion status, L as well as serology, S. Covariate data (foot hygiene score and age) were utilized to estimate P(L) when no lesion inspection was performed. Informative prior distributions were elicited where possible. The model was utilized for predictive inference, by computing estimates of P(I) and P(L) independently of the data. A more detailed and informative analysis of the farm-level distribution of infection could thus be performed. Also, biases associated with the subjective interpretation of lesion status were minimized. Model outputs showed that young stock were unlikely to be infected, whereas cows tended to have high or low probabilities of being infected. Estimates of probability of infection were considerably higher for animals with lesions than for those without. Associations were identified between both covariates and probability of infection in cows, but not in the young stock. Under the condition that the model assumptions are valid for the larger population, the results of this work can be generalized by predictive inference.
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Affiliation(s)
- W D Vink
- EpiCentre, Institute of Veterinary, Animal & Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, New Zealand.
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16
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Yano T, Yamagami R, Misumi K, Kubota C, Moe KK, Hayashi T, Yoshitani K, Ohtake O, Misawa N. Genetic heterogeneity among strains of Treponema phagedenis-like spirochetes isolated from dairy cattle with papillomatous digital dermatitis in Japan. J Clin Microbiol 2009; 47:727-33. [PMID: 19144810 PMCID: PMC2650925 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01574-08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2008] [Revised: 12/11/2008] [Accepted: 01/03/2009] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Papillomatous digital dermatitis (PDD) is an infectious foot disease of cattle that is prevalent throughout the world. Although it has been prevalent in Japan since the first case was reported in 1992, full epidemiological and bacteriological examinations have not been conducted. We collected 91 lesions of PDD from 80 dairy cattle on 12 farms in eight regions of Japan to isolate the spirochetes that are frequently detected in lesions. We isolated 40 strains of spirochetes from 24 cattle (30.0%) by a simple two-step culture technique, in which the biopsy samples were incubated at 4 degrees C for 48 to 72 h in an enrichment broth supplemented with antibiotics, which improved the rate of isolation, and then inoculated on selective agar plates. All spirochetes examined were catalase positive and oxidase negative and showed weak beta-hemolytic activity. Enzyme activities were identical to those of Treponema phagedenis ATCC 27087. Sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene showed that all strains isolated had >99% identity to those of the T. phagedenis type strain and of T. phagedenis-like strains isolated from PDD lesions in the United States and Europe. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and PCR-based random amplified polymorphism DNA methods revealed considerable diversity among strains isolated not only from different cattle but also from the same individuals. These findings may provide further evidence for the role of these treponemes in the pathogenesis of persistent PDD.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Bacterial Typing Techniques
- Catalase/metabolism
- Cattle
- Cattle Diseases/microbiology
- Cluster Analysis
- DNA Fingerprinting
- DNA, Bacterial/chemistry
- DNA, Bacterial/genetics
- DNA, Ribosomal/chemistry
- DNA, Ribosomal/genetics
- Dermatitis/microbiology
- Dermatitis/veterinary
- Electrophoresis, Gel, Pulsed-Field
- Genetic Heterogeneity
- Genotype
- Hemolysis
- Japan
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Oxidoreductases/metabolism
- Phylogeny
- RNA, Bacterial/genetics
- RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
- Sequence Analysis, DNA
- Sequence Homology, Nucleic Acid
- Skin Diseases, Bacterial/microbiology
- Skin Diseases, Bacterial/veterinary
- Treponema/classification
- Treponema/genetics
- Treponema/isolation & purification
- Treponemal Infections/microbiology
- Treponemal Infections/veterinary
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahisa Yano
- Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health, Department of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, 1-1 Gakuenkibanadainishi, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan
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17
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Association of unique, isolated treponemes with bovine digital dermatitis lesions. J Clin Microbiol 2009; 47:689-96. [PMID: 19144804 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01914-08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This study used a PCR-based approach targeting 16S rRNA gene fragments to determine the occurrence and association of the three bovine digital dermatitis (BDD) treponeme phylogroups within lesions found in cattle from the United Kingdom. Examination of 51 BDD lesions collected from infected cattle across the United Kingdom revealed that BDD treponeme group 1 (Treponema medium/Treponema vincentii-like), group 2 (Treponema phagedenis-like), and group 3 (Treponema putidum/Treponema denticola-like) were present in 96.1%, 98%, and 76.5% of BDD lesions, respectively. The three phylogroups were present together in 74.5% of lesions. The PCR assays enabled the isolation of further treponeme strains from previously mixed primary BDD lesion cultures. Here a representative from each of the three distinct treponeme phylogroups was isolated from a single BDD lesion for the first time. These data highlight the extent to which this disease is polytreponemal. Immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy were used to investigate lesional hoof tissues, resulting in treponemes being identified copiously in hair follicles and sebaceous glands, suggesting a potential route of exit and/or entry for these pathogens. This study gives further evidence for the importance of the three treponeme groups in BDD pathogenesis and reiterates the value of molecular genetic approaches for isolating and identifying fastidious anaerobes.
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18
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Evans NJ, Brown JM, Demirkan I, Birtles R, Hart CA, Carter SD. In vitro susceptibility of bovine digital dermatitis associated spirochaetes to antimicrobial agents. Vet Microbiol 2008; 136:115-20. [PMID: 19081208 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2008.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2008] [Revised: 10/13/2008] [Accepted: 10/20/2008] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Bovine digital dermatitis (BDD) is an infectious lameness in cattle, which has a large global impact in terms of animal welfare and cost. The majority of evidence suggests that spirochaetes are the aetiological agent of this disease. The aim of this study was to identify the susceptibility of BDD associated spirochaetes to a range of antimicrobial agents with a view to potential usage in vivo to treat this widespread cattle disease. A microdilution method was adapted to determine the in vitro susceptibilities of 19 UK digital dermatitis spirochaetes (6 Treponema medium/Treponema vincentii-like, 8 Treponema phagedenis-like and 5 Treponema denticola/Treponema putidum-like) to eight relevant antimicrobials. The BDD spirochaetes exhibited the highest susceptibility to penicillin and erythromycin and this information may now be used to aid development of efficacious treatments. This study has also identified that BDD spirochaete T167 is spectinomycin resistant and that the likely biological basis is a point mutation in the 16S rRNA gene. Interestingly, nearly all Brachyspira isolate 16S rRNA gene sequences in Genbank have this substitution, suggesting it may be responsible for the characteristic spectinomycin resistance reported for the Brachyspira genus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J Evans
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 CBX, UK.
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19
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Evidence of multiple Treponema phylotypes involved in bovine digital dermatitis as shown by 16S rRNA gene analysis and fluorescence in situ hybridization. J Clin Microbiol 2008; 46:3012-20. [PMID: 18562583 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00670-08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The etiopathogenesis of the skin disease digital dermatitis (DD), an important cause of lameness in cattle, remains uncertain. Microscopically, the disease appears to be polymicrobial, with spirochetes as the predominant bacteria. The objective of this study was to identify the main part of the bacteria involved in DD lesions of cattle by using culture-independent molecular methods. Ten different phylotypes of Treponema were identified either by 16S rRNA gene sequencing of bacteria from DD lesions or by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis using phylotype-specific 16S rRNA-directed oligonucleotide probes. Two phylotypes, phylotype 1 (PT1) and PT2, were not closely related to any characterized treponemal species. PT7 was 99.3% identical to Treponema denticola, while PT9 resembled T. vincentii by 96%. The remaining phylotypes, PT3, PT4, PT5, PT6, and PT8, and Treponema brennaborense had previously been isolated from DD lesions. Forty DD biopsy specimens were examined for Treponema by FISH. With one exception, all of the biopsy specimens revealed epidermotropic, intermingled infection with three or more different phylotypes (mean, 4.7). The most prevalent species were PT1 (95%), PT6 (93%), and PT3 (85%). While colonization by PT3 was confined to the surface of the epidermis, both PT1 and PT6 invaded deep into the stratum spinosum and were seen in ulcerated dermal papillae. In two cases, all 10 phylotypes were demonstrated. Furthermore, FISH with a Treponema group-specific probe showed that Treponema accounted for more than 90% of the total bacterial population in the biopsy specimens. These data strongly suggest that a group of apparently symbiotic Treponema species are involved as primary bacterial pathogens in DD.
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20
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Evans NJ, Brown JM, Demirkan I, Murray RD, Vink WD, Blowey RW, Hart CA, Carter SD. Three unique groups of spirochetes isolated from digital dermatitis lesions in UK cattle. Vet Microbiol 2008; 130:141-50. [PMID: 18243592 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2007.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2007] [Revised: 12/20/2007] [Accepted: 12/28/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Bovine digital dermatitis (BDD) is a severe infectious cause of lameness which has spread through dairy cattle populations worldwide, causing serious welfare and agricultural problems. Spirochetes are the main organisms implicated and have previously proven difficult to isolate. This study aimed to isolate and characterise the range of spirochetes associated with BDD in the UK. Twenty-three spirochete isolates were obtained from 30 BDD lesions, which by 16S rRNA gene and flaB2 gene analysis clustered within the genus Treponema as three phylogroups; groups 1 (Treponema medium/Treponema vincentii-like), 2 (Treponema phagedenis-like) and 3 (Treponema denticola/Treponema putidum-like). The treponemes displayed large genotypic and phenotypic diversity between phylogroups and differed from named treponeme species. A previously isolated contagious ovine digital dermatitis spirochete was located within one of the three phylogroups, group 3, and could also be identified within this group on the basis of phenotype testing, suggesting BDD and contagious ovine digital dermatitis may share the same aetiological agent. A strain isolated from a bovine interdigital dermatitis lesion, could be identified as part of BDD isolate group 2, suggesting bovine interdigital dermatitis and BDD may have the same causative agent. Two common enzyme activities, C4 esterase and C8 esterase lipase, were identified in all BDD associated treponemes suggesting common metabolic pathways for sharing this novel niche or even common virulence traits. Further studies are required to determine whether the three groups of novel treponemes are representative of new treponeme taxa and to delineate how they interact with bovine tissues to cause disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J Evans
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK.
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21
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Involvement of Guggenheimella bovis in digital dermatitis lesions of dairy cows. Vet Microbiol 2007; 128:118-25. [PMID: 18024006 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2007.09.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2007] [Revised: 09/19/2007] [Accepted: 09/26/2007] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Digital dermatitis (DD) of cattle leads to lameness and a decrease of milk production and is responsible for major economic losses worldwide. Although a bacterial aetiology is generally accepted, it still is unclear which microorganisms cause and/or maintain the disease. Recently, a previously undiscovered bacterial species, Guggenheimella bovis, has been isolated from the front of two DD lesions in Swiss cattle and suggested as a potential pathogen. The aims of the present study were to determine the prevalence of G. bovis in 58 German cows suffering from DD via dot blot hybridization, and to analyse the spatial distribution of G. bovis within the affected tissue by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). A species-specific probe, GUBO1, was designed and evaluated. In none of the 58 samples Guggenheimella could be detected, while cultured G. bovis was reliably identified by GUBO1. Further FISH experiments were carried out on two additional biopsies of Swiss cattle tested positive for G. bovis by quantitative PCR and permitted visualization of the newly discovered bacteria in situ. In these biopsies G. bovis proved to be tissue invasive forming characteristic spherical microcolonies not only within the bacterial biofilm but also in seemingly unaffected parts of the tissue not yet reached by the advancing bacterial front. Although the presence of G. bovis does not constitute an essential premise for DD, it seems likely that the bacterial species involved in DD vary, and that in some cases G. bovis is crucial for the development of DD lesions.
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22
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Wyss C, Dewhirst FE, Paster BJ, Thurnheer T, Luginbühl A. Guggenheimella bovis gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from lesions of bovine dermatitis digitalis. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2005; 55:667-671. [PMID: 15774641 DOI: 10.1099/ijs.0.63116-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Dermatitis digitalis is an economically important ulcerative disease of undetermined aetiology affecting the hooves of cattle. Material was examined from two independent cases of this disease in Switzerland. Cultures from the advancing front of both lesions yielded large numbers of closely related short, mesophilic, non-motile, non-spore-forming, anaerobic, proteolytic, Gram-positive rods. The 16S rRNA gene sequences of strains OMZ 913(T) and OMZ 915 were identical and indicate Tindallia magadiensis and Eubacterium saphenum as their closest relatives. Phenotypically, the novel isolates are clearly distinguished from related bacteria by protein and antigen patterns, by cellular fatty acids and by API ZYM activities. The diamino acid of the Gram-positive cell wall is ornithine and the G+C content of OMZ 913(T) DNA is 44.4 mol%. The phylogenetic distance from recognized taxa in the phylum Firmicutes is sufficient to place these bovine isolates into a novel genus and species, for which the name Guggenheimella bovis gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed, with OMZ 913(T) (=CIP 108087(T)=DSM 15657(T)) as the type strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Wyss
- Institut für Orale Biologie, Zentrum für Zahn-, Mund- und Kieferheilkunde der Universität Zürich, Plattenstrasse 11, CH-8028 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - F E Dewhirst
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The Forsyth Institute, 140 Fenway, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - B J Paster
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The Forsyth Institute, 140 Fenway, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - T Thurnheer
- Institut für Orale Biologie, Zentrum für Zahn-, Mund- und Kieferheilkunde der Universität Zürich, Plattenstrasse 11, CH-8028 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - A Luginbühl
- Tierarztpraxis, CH-3186 Düdingen, Switzerland
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23
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Leach KA, Offer JE, Svoboda I, Logue DN. Effects of type of forage fed to dairy heifers: Associations between claw characteristics, clinical lameness, environment and behaviour. Vet J 2005; 169:427-36. [PMID: 15848785 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2004.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/30/2004] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Heifers were reared separately on wet fermented (WF) (grass silage based) or dry unfermented (DU) (straw based) diets. Clinical lameness was recorded and physical claw attributes were measured regularly, up to six months after calving at approximately two years of age. Two months before calving, some aspects of animal behaviour and the properties of slurry were studied. The incidence of lameness due to claw horn lesions was significantly higher (P < 0.01) in WF than in DU. WF suffered more serious heel erosion prior to calving (P < 0.05) and had softer claw horn at two (heel and axial sole) out of five sites throughout (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05). The slurry produced by WF had lower total solids content (P < 0.05) and viscosity (P < 0.001). WF spent longer standing and feeding (P < 0.001). It is proposed that standing for longer in less viscous slurry contributed to softer claw horn and more severe heel erosion, predisposing WF to claw horn lesions causing lameness. Reducing contact with low dry matter slurry is recommended for improving claw health.
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Affiliation(s)
- K A Leach
- Animal Biology Division, SAC, SAC Crichton Royal Farm, Dumfries DG1 4SZ, UK
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24
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Dhawi A, Hart CA, Demirkan I, Davies IH, Carter SD. Bovine digital dermatitis and severe virulent ovine foot rot: a common spirochaetal pathogenesis. Vet J 2005; 169:232-41. [PMID: 15727915 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2004.01.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/12/2004] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
A potential pathological role for spirochaetes in bovine digital dermatitis (bovine DD) and severe virulent ovine foot rot (SVOFR) has been considered and a treponeme isolate obtained from each disease in the UK. In this work, we have investigated the hypothesis that the two diseases may have a shared (common) spirochaetal aetiology. Experiments were designed to identify serological similarities and differences between the two spirochaetes; an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed to detect anti-treponeme antibodies in the sera of cows and sheep against the two-treponeme isolates. Sera were further tested for antigen reactivity by Western blotting. Cattle and sheep with bovine DD and SVOFR, respectively, had increased seropositivity rates to both treponeme isolates, with different patterns of reactivity between farms. In some cattle herds, significant correlations were shown between antibodies to bovine DD treponemes and SVOFR treponemes (P<0.001). In other herds, there was no apparent cross reaction, suggesting the presence of more than one treponeme in bovine DD on some farms. There was no significant correlation between the two treponeme isolates when ELISA-tested against 58 sheep sera from SVOFR cases (P>0.05); sheep showed strong evidence of reactivity to one or the other treponeme antigens, but never to both. Western blotting against both treponeme antigens showed that they frequently displayed different antigen epitopes, although some minor bands were common to both organisms. The data suggest that there are a number of spirochaetes in UK farms, which could be involved in the pathogenesis of either bovine DD or SVOFR.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Dhawi
- Connective Tissue Research Group, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Liverpool University, Veterinary Science Building, Crown Street, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK
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25
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Stamm LV, Bergen HL, Walker RL. Molecular typing of papillomatous digital dermatitis-associated Treponema isolates based on analysis of 16S-23S ribosomal DNA intergenic spacer regions. J Clin Microbiol 2002; 40:3463-9. [PMID: 12202594 PMCID: PMC130723 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.40.9.3463-3469.2002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Papillomatous digital dermatitis (PDD), an emerging infectious disease of cattle, is characterized by painful, ulcerative foot lesions. The detection of high numbers of invasive spirochetes in PDD lesions suggests an important role for these organisms in the pathogenesis of PDD. PDD-associated spirochetes have phenotypic characteristics consistent with members of the genus TREPONEMA: Partial 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequence analysis of clonal isolates from California cattle showed that they comprise three phylotypes which cluster closely with human-associated Treponema spp. of the oral cavity (T. denticola and T. medium/T. vincentii) or genital area (T. phagedenis). The goal of our study was to apply 16S-23S rDNA intergenic spacer region (ISR) sequence analysis to the molecular typing of U.S. PDD-associated Treponema isolates. This methodology has potentially greater discriminatory power for differentiation of closely related bacteria than 16S rDNA analysis. We PCR amplified, cloned, and sequenced the ISRs from six California PDD-associated Treponema isolates and, for comparative purposes, one strain each of T. denticola, T. medium, T. vincentii, and T. phagedenis. Two ISRs that varied in length and composition were present in all the PDD-associated Treponema isolates and in T. denticola, T. medium, and T. phagedenis. ISR1 contained a tRNA(Ala) gene, while ISR2 contained a tRNA(Ile) gene. Only a single ISR (ISR1) was identified in T. vincentii. Comparative analyses of the ISR1 and ISR2 sequences indicated that the California PDD-associated Treponema isolates comprised three phylotypes, in agreement with the results of 16S rDNA analysis. PCR amplification of the 16S-tRNA(Ile) region of ISR2 permitted rapid phylotyping of California and Iowa PDD-associated Treponema isolates based on product length polymorphisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- L V Stamm
- Program in Infectious Diseases, Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7435, USA.
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26
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Landmann JK, Jillella D, O'Donoghue PJ, McGowan MR. Confirmation of the prevention of vertical transmission of Neospora caninum in cattle by the use of embryo transfer. Aust Vet J 2002; 80:502-3. [PMID: 12224621 DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-0813.2002.tb12475.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J K Landmann
- School of Animal Health and Production, The University of Queensland.
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27
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Shibahara T, Ohya T, Ishii R, Ogihara Y, Maeda T, Ishikawa Y, Kadota K. Concurrent spirochaetal infections of the feet and colon of cattle in Japan. Aust Vet J 2002; 80:497-502. [PMID: 12224620 DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-0813.2002.tb12474.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe spirochaetal infections in the feet and colon of cattle affected with papillomatous digital dermatitis (PDD) and colitis respectively. PROCEDURE Eighty-two slaughtered animals were macroscopically examined for the presence of PDD. Tissues of two cattle affected with PDD were examined by histology, immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy and bacteriology for spirochaetal infection. RESULTS Two adult cattle (a 2-year-old beef bullock and 7-year-old Holstein dairy cow) were affected with PDD. Histologically, numerous argyrophilic and gram-negative filamentous or spiral spirochaetes were found deep in the PDD lesions. Epithelial and goblet cell hyperplasia and oedema of the lamina propria mucosa with macrophage and lymphocyte infiltration were observed in the caecum and colon in the cattle. Numerous spirochaetes were present in the crypts and some had invaded epithelial and goblet cells, and caused their degeneration. Immunohistochemically the organisms stained positively with polyclonal antisera against Treponema pallidum and Brachyspira (Serpulina) hyodysenteriae. Ultrastructurally, the intestinal spirochaetes were similar to the spirochaetes in PDD. They were 6 to 14 pm long, 0.2 to 0.3 pm wide and had 4 to 6 coils and 9 axial filaments per cell. Campylobacter species were isolated from the PDD and intestinal lesions, but spirochaetes were not. CONCLUSION Concurrent infections with morphologically similar spirochaetal organisms may occur in the feet and colon of cattle in Japan.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Shibahara
- Hokkaido Research Station, National Institute of Animal Health, Toyohira, Sapporo, Japan
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28
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Abstract
This article reviews diseases of the digital soft tissues, including digital dermatitis, interdigital dermatitis, interdigital phlegmon, and interdigital hyperplasia. The clinical signs and diagnosis, epidemiology and pathogenesis, etiology, and treatment and prevention of each disease are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- S L Berry
- Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, California, USA.
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29
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Brown CC, Kilgo PD, Jacobsen KL. Prevalence of papillomatous digital dermatitis among culled adult cattle in the southeastern United States. Am J Vet Res 2000; 61:928-30. [PMID: 10951985 DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.2000.61.928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine prevalence of papillomatous digital dermatitis (PDD) among culled adult dairy and beef cattle in the southeastern United States. ANIMALS 815 cattle examined during 4 visits to a slaughterhouse. PROCEDURE The left hind foot of each animal was examined for gross lesions of PDD. Breed and sex of the animals were recorded. Lesions were examined histologically for pathologic changes and bacteria, especially spirochetes. RESULTS 22 of 76 (29%) dairy cattle and 29 of 739 (4%) beef cattle had gross lesions of PDD. Detection of lesions was not associated with sex of dairy cattle, but male beef cattle were more likely to have lesions of PDD than were female beef cattle. Histologically, acute and chronic lesions were seen; the most severe changes were localized to the stratum corneum. Spirochetes were seen in lesions from 31 of 51 (61%) cattle. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggest that PDD is common among culled adult cattle. Prevalence was higher in culled adult dairy cattle than in culled adult beef cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- C C Brown
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Georgia, Athens 30602, USA
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Rashmir-Raven AM, Black SS, Rickard LG, Akin M. Papillomatous pastern dermatitis with spirochetes and Pelodera strongyloides in a Tennessee Walking Horse. J Vet Diagn Invest 2000; 12:287-91. [PMID: 10826850 DOI: 10.1177/104063870001200320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Papillomatous digital dermatitis is a common disease in cattle. The pastern dermatitis observed in a horse shared many of the gross characteristics of papillomatous digital dermatitis in cattle. Lesions included a mixture of proliferative and erosive changes, with a verrucose appearance in some areas. Microscopic similarities included pseudoepitheliomatous and papillomatous epidermal hyperplasia with hyperkeratosis, spongiosis of the epidermis, and intraepidermal spirochetes. The horse was also concurrently infected with Pelodera strongyloides. Papillomatous digital dermatitis in cattle is associated with poor husbandry practices. The environment of the affected horse was heavily contaminated with urine, manure, and other organic debris. Verrucous pododermatitis of horses may be the same as or similar to bovine papillomatous digital dermatitis, and these conditions have similar etiologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Rashmir-Raven
- Animal Health Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississipi State University, MS 39762-9825, USA
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Yeruham I, Friedman S, Elad D, Perl S. Association between milk production, somatic cell count and bacterial dermatoses in three dairy cattle herds. Aust Vet J 2000; 78:250-3. [PMID: 10840570 DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-0813.2000.tb11746.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the correlations between three bacterial dermatoses in cattle, milk production and bulk-milk somatic cell count (BMSCC). DESIGN Field observations in three dairy cattle herds. METHODS Milk production, BMSCC, fertility and all herd diseases were recorded by computerised dairy management systems. Each herd was visited twice weekly and the clinical signs, course of diseases and morbidity and culling rates were noted. Bulk-tank milk was sampled twice monthly and analysed for somatic cell count. Bacteriological and histological examinations were carried out from samples collected from affected animals in the respective herds. RESULTS The acute exudative form of dermatophilosis was diagnosed only in first-calving cows. The morbidity rate was 53% and the culling rate was 16% of the affected animals. The BMSCC increased by a factor of 2.4 times, and there was an average loss of milk production of 30%/cow/day in affected animals. Ulcerative lymphangitis was diagnosed in first-calving cows (22%) and older cows (15%). The culling rate was 28%. The BMSCC increased by a factor of 17.3 times, and the average loss of milk production was 5.5%/affected animal/day. Papillomatous digital dermatitis (PDD) was diagnosed in first-calving cows (25%) and in older cows (18%). The culling rate was 8%. The BMSCC increased by a factor of two times, and the average loss of milk production was 1.7%/affected animal/day. CONCLUSIONS The correlations between three skin diseases (ulcerative lymphangitis, dermatophilosis, papillomatous digital dermatitis), milk production and BMSCC have been found to be unfavourable.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Yeruham
- Hachaklait Gedera and Tel-Yosef, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
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Shearer JK, Hernandez J. Efficacy of two modified nonantibiotic formulations (Victory) for treatment of papillomatous digital dermatitis in dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2000; 83:741-5. [PMID: 10791790 DOI: 10.3168/jds.s0022-0302(00)74936-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
A field trial was conducted to compare the efficacy of the original and two modified formulations of Victory and oxytetracycline among dairy cows affected with papillomatous digital dermatitis. Seventy-eight cows with papillomatous digital dermatitis lesions were randomly allocated to one of four treatment groups (A, B, C, D). Cows in group A (n = 19) were treated with an oxytetracycline solution; cows in group B (n = 22) were treated with the original formulation of Victory containing soluble copper, peroxide compound, and a cationic agent; cows in group C (n = 17) were treated with a modified formulation of Victory containing reduced soluble copper and peroxide compound but increased levels of cationic agent; and cows in group D (n = 20) were treated with a modified formulation of Victory containing levels of soluble copper and cationic agent equivalent to the original formulation but with reduced concentrations of peroxide compound. Cows were examined 7, 14 and 28 d after initial treatment; during each examination, pain and lesion scores were recorded. The modified nonantibiotic formulation used in cows in group C appeared to be the most effective for treatment of papillomatous digital dermatitis. Proportions of cows with signs of pain were significantly lower among cows in group C, compared with cows in group A. Similarly, pain scores were significantly lower among cows in treatment group C, compared to cows in group A. The 2 low efficacy of oxytetracycline was an unexpected result b and may have clinical implications associated with possible antibiotic resistance in dairy cows affected with papillomatous digital dermatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- J K Shearer
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville 32610-0136, USA.
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Demirkan I, Carter SD, Hart CA, Woodward MJ. Isolation and cultivation of a spirochaete from bovine digital dermatitis. Vet Rec 1999; 145:497-8. [PMID: 10596873 DOI: 10.1136/vr.145.17.497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- I Demirkan
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool
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