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Bernard M, Donnelly CG, Miller A, Diel de Amorim M. Diagnosis and management of placentitis with severe funisitis in a multiparous Warmblood mare. J Equine Vet Sci 2024; 137:105075. [PMID: 38697371 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2024.105075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2024] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Placentitis is an important cause of reproductive losses in the equine industry. Many cases of clinical placentitis are not diagnosed until late in the course of the disease, and for this reason there is variability in the timing of intervention, diagnostic measurements, and treatment protocols. An 8-year-old multiparous Dutch Warmblood mare that was recently exposed to EHV-1 in the herd of origin presented for routine foaling management. Placentitis was diagnosed upon intake, and medical treatment was initiated. The mare delivered a term foal, and diagnostics for infectious etiology were unrewarding. While there were obvious clinical signs supporting a diagnosis of placentitis, histopathologic examination did not reveal active inflammatory lesions in the chorioallantois; however, severe funisitis was present. This report reviews early diagnosis and management of placentitis, demonstrates an array of classic and subtle pathologic lesions seen on microscopic examination, and discusses pathophysiology of placentitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Bernard
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - C G Donnelly
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - A Miller
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - M Diel de Amorim
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA.
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2
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Giannitti F, Machado M, Silva Silveira CD, Cibils-Stewart X, Baráibar N, Queiroz-Machado CRR, Poppenga RH, Menchaca A, Uzal FA, García JA, Matto C, Dutra F, Ruprechter G, Caffarena D, Saravia A. Experimental oral administration of pollen beetle ( Astylus atromaculatus) to cattle results in an acute lethal gastrointestinal disease. Vet Pathol 2024:3009858241231557. [PMID: 38433602 DOI: 10.1177/03009858241231557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
In the summer of 2023, ingestion of Astylus atromaculatus (pollen beetle) was linked to spontaneous fatal disease in grazing cattle and sheep in Argentina and Uruguay. While the disease was experimentally reproduced in sheep and guinea pigs in the 1970's, no experimental reproductions have been attempted in cattle, and controversy exists as to whether this insect is indeed noxious to cattle and at which dose. Here, we demonstrate that A. atromaculatus causes acute fatal disease in Hereford calves at single oral dosages of 2.5, 4.5, 10.0, and 15.0 g of insect/kg body weight. Death or severe disease necessitating euthanasia occurred at 38 to 48 hours postinoculation regardless of the dose, suggesting that the single fatal dosage is likely <2.5 g/kg body weight (this dose representing approximately 850 mL of intact beetles in a 100 kg calf). Clinically, the disease was characterized by acute anorexia, prolonged recumbency, reluctance to move, listlessness/apathy, depression, ruminal hypomotility and tympany, hypothermia, bruxism with frothing at the mouth, and mucoid diarrhea progressing to death. Hematologic and biochemical alterations included hemoconcentration, stress/acute inflammatory leukogram, negative energy balance, and ketosis. The pathological hallmark of this experimental disease is acute necrotizing omaso-reticulo-rumenitis, fibrinohemorrhagic enteritis, and exfoliative colitis with intralesional chitinous insect fragments. While A. atromaculatus might contain a gastrointestinal toxin or pathogen, extensive toxicological testing failed to identify a causative toxin. Other pathomechanisms such as direct physical damage caused by insect fragments on the alimentary tract seem plausible, although further studies are needed to elucidate the pathogenesis of A. atromaculatus-associated disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mizael Machado
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria, Estación Experimental Tacuarembó, Uruguay
| | | | - Ximena Cibils-Stewart
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria, Estación Experimental La Estanzuela, Uruguay
| | - Nicolás Baráibar
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria, Estación Experimental La Estanzuela, Uruguay
| | | | - Robert H Poppenga
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Alejo Menchaca
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria, Estación Experimental La Estanzuela, Uruguay
| | - Francisco A Uzal
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, San Bernardino, CA, USA
| | - Juan A García
- Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible, Balcarce, Argentina
| | - Carolina Matto
- División Laboratorios Veterinarios, Ministerio de Ganadería, Agricultura y Pesca, Paysandú, Uruguay
| | - Fernando Dutra
- División Laboratorios Veterinarios, Ministerio de Ganadería, Agricultura y Pesca, Treinta y Tres, Uruguay
| | - Gretel Ruprechter
- Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Darío Caffarena
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria, Estación Experimental La Estanzuela, Uruguay
- Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Anderson Saravia
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria, Estación Experimental La Estanzuela, Uruguay
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Walker AA, Perkins LE, Battisti A, Zalucki MP, King GF. Proteome of urticating setae of Ochrogaster lunifer, a processionary caterpillar of medical and veterinary importance, including primary structures of putative toxins. Proteomics 2023; 23:e2300204. [PMID: 37528493 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.202300204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Ochrogaster lunifer (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae) is an Australian processionary caterpillar with detachable urticating setae that have a defensive function. These true setae induce inflammation when they contact human skin, and equine foetal loss syndrome if they are accidentally ingested by gravid horses. We used transcriptomics and proteomics to identify proteins and peptides present in and on urticating setae, which may include toxins that contribute to inflammation and/or foetal loss syndromes. This process identified 37 putative toxins, including multiple homologues of the honeybee venom peptide secapin, and proteins with similarity to odorant binding proteins, arylphorins, and the insect immune modulator Diedel. This work identifies candidate molecules that may contribute to the adverse effects of processionary caterpillar setae on human and animal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew A Walker
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
- Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Lynda E Perkins
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Andrea Battisti
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and the Environment, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Myron P Zalucki
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Glenn F King
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
- Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
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Stone K, Sullivan L, Korman R. Suspect severe gastroenteritis associated with ingestion of caterpillar setae fragments in a cat. Aust Vet J 2023. [PMID: 37082941 DOI: 10.1111/avj.13247] [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: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
A 6-month-old male neutered Domestic Shorthair cat was assessed for a 24-h history of anorexia, lethargy, depressed mentation, mild abdominal pain and persistent bradycardia. Abdominal ultrasound revealed marked thickening of the gastric wall, gastric distension, free abdominal fluid, distension and corrugation of the small intestine. Full-thickness histopathological biopsy of the gastric wall demonstrated intralesional chitinous structures whose morphology (size and presence of obvious barbs) supports these structures being urticating hairs (setae). A processionary caterpillar is considered most likely as these are the most common urticating caterpillars in Australia. This is the first case of suspected severe gastroenteritis associated with the ingestion of caterpillar setae fragments in a cat.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Stone
- Veterinary Specialist Services, The Centre @ Springwood, Underwood, Queensland, 4119, Australia
| | - L Sullivan
- QML Vetnostics, Murarrie, Queensland, 4172, Australia
| | - R Korman
- Veterinary Specialist Services, The Centre @ Springwood, Underwood, Queensland, 4119, Australia
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5
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Chen W, Gong T, Elston D, Ji C. Foreign body granulomas caused by caterpillar setae. BMJ Case Rep 2022; 15:e248653. [PMID: 35641088 PMCID: PMC9157333 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2021-248653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Wen Chen
- Dermatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Ting Gong
- Dermatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Dirk Elston
- Department of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Chao Ji
- Dermatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
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Agerholm JS, Klas EM, Damborg P, Borel N, Pedersen HG, Christoffersen M. A Diagnostic Survey of Aborted Equine Fetuses and Stillborn Premature Foals in Denmark. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:740621. [PMID: 34859085 PMCID: PMC8631530 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.740621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Loss of pregnancy in mares can have many different causes, including both infectious and non-infectious conditions. Extrapolation of findings from other studies is often uncertain as the significance of each cause varies across regions. Causes of pregnancy loss in mares have never been thoroughly studied in Denmark, so a prospective cross-sectional cohort study targeting the entire Danish population of pregnant mares was performed over a period of 13 months to obtain knowledge of the significance of individual causes. Fifty aborted or prematurely delivered stillborn fetuses were submitted for necropsy and examined by a panel of diagnostic laboratory methods. Results: Overall, a cause of fetal loss was established for 72% of the examined cases. Most cases (62%) were lost due to a non-infectious cause, of which obstruction of the feto-placental blood circulation due to severe torsion of the umbilical cord was most prevalent. Pregnancy loss due to a variety of opportunistic bacteria, including bacteria not previously associated with abortion in mares, accounted for 12%, while equid alphaherpesvirus (EHV) type 1 was the cause of pregnancy loss in 8% of the cases. EHV type 4 and Chlamydiaceae species were identified in some cases, but not regarded as the cause of fetal loss. Conclusion: Umbilical cord torsion was found to be the most prevalent cause of fetal loss in Danish mares, while infectious causes such as EHV type 1 and streptococci only accounted for a minor proportion of the losses. The study highlights the need for defined criteria for establishing an abortion diagnosis in mares, particularly in relation to EHV types 1 and 4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jørgen Steen Agerholm
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Høje Taastrup, Denmark
| | - Eva-Maria Klas
- Department of Molecular Biology, LABOKLIN GmbH & Co. KG, Bad Kissingen, Germany
| | - Peter Damborg
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Nicole Borel
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty University Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Hanne Gervi Pedersen
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Høje Taastrup, Denmark
| | - Mette Christoffersen
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Høje Taastrup, Denmark
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7
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Perkins LE, Cribb BW, Pagendam DE, Zalucki MP. Variation in Morphology and Airborne Dispersal of the Urticating Apparatus of Ochrogaster lunifer (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae), an Australian Processionary Caterpillar, and Implications for Livestock and Humans. JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2019; 19:5634379. [PMID: 31782508 PMCID: PMC6883397 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/iez112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
True setae borne on the abdominal tergites of Ochrogaster lunifer Herrich-Schӓffer caterpillars are the agents of an irritating contact dermatitis, osteomyelitis, ophthalmia, and severe allergic reactions in humans, and are the cause of Equine Amnionitis and Fetal Loss in Australia. The setae are detached and readily dislodge from the integument whereby they disperse throughout the environment. To better understand the true setae of O. lunifer as agents of medical and veterinary concern, we studied their characteristics and distance dispersed. Whereas members of the European Thaumetopoeinae have been widely studied, their southern-hemisphere counterparts such as O. lunifer are not well known despite their harmfulness and known medical and veterinary importance. The caterpillar's investment in true setae increased with age and size, and two distinct size classes co-occurred in setae fields. A previously undescribed morphological type of true seta was found on the first abdominal segment. All true setae were calculated to travel long distances in the air even under light breeze conditions. Our results show there is a high risk of exposure to airborne urticating setae within 100 m of elevated caterpillar activity, and a likely risk of exposure for some kilometers in the direction of the prevailing breeze. This information should be used to inform management strategies in areas where urticating processionary caterpillars are active, and especially during periods of an outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynda E Perkins
- School of Biological Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Bronwen W Cribb
- School of Biological Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Myron P Zalucki
- School of Biological Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Corresponding author, e-mail:
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8
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González-Martín-Moro J, Contreras-Martín I, Castro-Rebollo M, Fuentes-Vega I, Zarallo-Gallardo J. Focal cortical cataract due to caterpillar hair migration. Clin Exp Optom 2018; 102:89-90. [PMID: 29961989 DOI: 10.1111/cxo.12809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Revised: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Julio González-Martín-Moro
- Ophthalmology Department, University Hospital of Henares, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Medicine, University Francisco de Vitoria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Inés Contreras-Martín
- Ophthalmology Department, University Hospital Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain.,Retina Department, Clínica Rementería, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Jesús Zarallo-Gallardo
- Ophthalmology Department, University Hospital of Henares, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Medicine, University Francisco de Vitoria, Madrid, Spain
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9
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Battisti A, Larsson S, Roques A. Processionary Moths and Associated Urtication Risk: Global Change-Driven Effects. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENTOMOLOGY 2017; 62:323-342. [PMID: 27860523 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-ento-031616-034918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Processionary moths carry urticating setae, which cause health problems in humans and other warm-blooded animals. The pine processionary moth Thaumetopoea pityocampa has responded to global change (climate warming and increased global trade) by extending its distribution range. The subfamily Thaumetopoeinae consists of approximately 100 species. An important question is whether other processionary moth species will similarly respond to these specific dimensions of global change and thus introduce health hazards into new areas. We describe, for the first time, how setae are distributed on different life stages (adult, larva) of major groups within the subfamily. Using the available data, we conclude that there is little evidence that processionary moths as a group will behave like T. pityocampa and expand their distributional range. The health problems caused by setae strongly relate to population density, which may, or may not, be connected to global change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Battisti
- Department DAFNAE, University of Padova, Legnaro I-35020, Italy;
| | - Stig Larsson
- Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala S-75007, Sweden;
| | - Alain Roques
- Forest Zoology, UR INRA 0633, Orléans F-45075, France;
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10
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Perkins LE, Zalucki MP, Perkins NR, Cawdell-Smith AJ, Todhunter KH, Bryden WL, Cribb BW. The urticating setae of Ochrogaster lunifer, an Australian processionary caterpillar of veterinary importance. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2016; 30:241-5. [PMID: 26669823 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2015] [Revised: 08/28/2015] [Accepted: 09/01/2015] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The bag-shelter moth, Ochrogaster lunifer Herrich-Schaffer (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae), is associated with a condition called equine amnionitis and fetal loss (EAFL) on horse farms in Australia. Setal fragments from O. lunifer larvae have been identified in the placentas of experimentally aborted fetuses and their dams, and in clinical abortions. The gregarious larvae build silken nests in which large numbers cohabit over spring, summer and autumn. The final instars disperse to pupation sites in the ground where they overwinter. Field-collected O. lunifer larvae, their nests and nearby soil were examined using light and electron microscopy to identify setae likely to cause EAFL and to determine where and how many were present. Microtrichia, barbed hairs and true setae were found on the exoskeletons of the larvae. True setae matching the majority of setal fragments described from equine tissue were found on third to eighth instar larvae or exuviae. The number of true setae increased with the age of the larva; eighth instars carried around 2.0-2.5 million true setae. The exuvia of the pre-pupal instar was incorporated into the pupal chamber. The major sources of setae are likely to be nests, dispersing pre-pupal larvae and their exuviae, and pupal chambers.
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Affiliation(s)
- L E Perkins
- School of Biological Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - M P Zalucki
- School of Biological Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - N R Perkins
- AusVet Animal Health Services, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia
- Equine Research Unit, School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia
| | - A J Cawdell-Smith
- Equine Research Unit, School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia
| | | | - W L Bryden
- Equine Research Unit, School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia
| | - B W Cribb
- School of Biological Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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11
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Pozor
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences; University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine; Gainesville USA
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12
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Severe amoebic placentitis in a horse caused by an Acanthamoeba hatchetti isolate identified using next-generation sequencing. J Clin Microbiol 2014; 52:3101-4. [PMID: 24829227 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01071-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A case of amoebic placentitis in a mare from eastern Australia was diagnosed postpartum by histopathological examination of the placenta. The identity of the etiological agent was confirmed as Acanthamoeba hatchetti by use of diversity profiling based on a next-generation sequencing approach.
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13
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Cawdell-Smith AJ, Todhunter KH, Perkins NR, Bryden WL. Exposure of mares to processionary caterpillars (Ochrogaster lunifer) in early pregnancy: An additional dimension to equine amnionitis and fetal loss. Equine Vet J 2013; 45:755-60. [DOI: 10.1111/evj.12044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2012] [Accepted: 12/28/2012] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. J. Cawdell-Smith
- Equine Research Unit; School of Agriculture and Food Sciences; The University of Queensland; Australia
| | - K. H. Todhunter
- Equine Research Unit; School of Agriculture and Food Sciences; The University of Queensland; Australia
| | | | - W. L. Bryden
- Equine Research Unit; School of Agriculture and Food Sciences; The University of Queensland; Australia
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