Prevalence of renal lesions in slaughtered cattle in Shiraz, Iran, and detection of Leptospira in them by nested PCR-RFLP

Renal diseases in cattle are frequently not recognized due to the subclinical conditions. Some species of Leptospira are the main cause of infectious agents that damage the kidneys and lead to abortion and economic losses in cattle and are also of major concern in the public health. This study was aimed to assess the prevalence of renal lesions of slaughtered cattle in the Shiraz abattoir and to determine the correlation between rejected kidneys and infection with Leptospira using nested PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) techniques. Out of 1000 inspected animals, 205 (20.5 %) revealed the renal lesions. Chronic nephritis (7.5 %), white-spotted kidney (7.3 %), and petechial hemorrhage (3.5 %) were the most prevalent forms of the lesions. A direct correlation between increasing the age and significant increase in the rate of lesions was also observed (P = 0.03). Using nested PCR-RFLP assay, 40.8 % of the tested kidneys were turned to be infected to the pathogenic species of Leptospira. The risk of infection of the kidneys with white spot to pathogenic species of Leptospira (53.8 %) was more than that of the kidneys with other lesions (25.0 %) (P = 0.014). The odd ratio indicates that the kidneys with white spot lesions are likely to be infected with pathogenic species of Leptospira, five times greater than other lesions. This study showed that renal lesions especially white-spotted kidney, which were considerably associated with Leptospira in slaughtered cattle in Shiraz, were very high. This is important in terms of public health and in particular, increases the risk of transmission of disease to human specially in the high-risk careers including farmers, veterinarians, and abattoir workers.

Suitability and limitations of portion-specific abattoir data as part of an early warning system for emerging diseases of swine in Ontario

BACKGROUND

Abattoir data have the potential to provide information for geospatial disease surveillance applications, but the quality of the data and utility for detecting disease outbreaks is not well understood. The objectives of this study were to 1) identify non-disease factors that may bias these data for disease surveillance and 2) determine if major disease events that took place during the study period would be captured using multi-level modelling and scan statistics. We analyzed data collected at all provincially-inspected abattoirs in Ontario, Canada during 2001-2007. During these years there were outbreaks of porcine circovirus-associated disease (PCVAD), porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) and swine influenza that produced widespread disease within the province. Negative binomial models with random intercepts for abattoir, to account for repeated measurements within abattoirs, were created. The relationships between partial carcass condemnation rates for pneumonia and nephritis with year, season, agricultural region, stock price, and abattoir processing capacity were explored. The utility of the spatial scan statistic for detecting clusters of high partial carcass condemnation rates in space, time, and space-time was investigated.

RESULTS

Non-disease factors that were found to be associated with lung and kidney condemnation rates included abattoir processing capacity, agricultural region and season. Yearly trends in predicted condemnation rates varied by agricultural region, and temporal patterns were different for both types of condemnations. Some clusters of high condemnation rates of kidneys with nephritis in time and space-time preceded the timeframe during which case clusters were detected using traditional laboratory data. Yearly kidney condemnation rates related to nephritis lesions in eastern Ontario were most consistent with the trends that were expected in relation to the documented disease outbreaks. Yearly lung condemnation rates did not correspond with the timeframes during which major respiratory disease outbreaks took place.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that a number of abattoir-related factors require consideration when using abattoir data for quantitative disease surveillance. Data pertaining to lungs condemned for pneumonia did not provide useful information for predicting disease events, while partial carcass condemnations of nephritis were most consistent with expected trends. Techniques that adjust for non-disease factors should be considered when applying cluster detection methods to abattoir data.

Epizootic occurrence of haemorrhagic nephritis enteritis virus infection of geese

Recent outbreaks of haemorrhagic nephritis enteritis in geese flocks of 3 to 10 weeks in age in Hungary were investigated. Mortality varied between 4% and 67%. Affected birds generally died suddenly. Occasional clinical signs included tremors of the head and neck, subcutaneous haemorrhages and excretion of faeces containing partly digested blood. At necropsy the most frequent findings were a turgid wall and reddish mucosa of the intestines and reddish discolouration of the swollen kidneys, but oedema and haemorrhages of the subcutaneous connective tissue, hydropericardium and ascites were also seen. In subacute cases, visceral gout was frequently observed. Histological examination revealed zonal necrosis of the tubular epithelial cells with haemorrhages in the kidney. Other histological findings were serous hepatitis with fatty infiltration, necrotizing haemorrhagic enteritis and haemorrhages in the different organs including the brain. Experimental geese infected parenterally with crude liver and spleen homogenates prepared from diseased birds died after 8 to 20 days without premonitory signs, and had typical gross and histological lesions. Attempts to isolate cytopathic virus on different tissue cultures failed. The presence of polyomavirus was proven by polymerase chain reaction. Five isolates were further investigated by analysing their complete VP1 gene sequence. All tested strains were very closely related to each other on the basis of the nucleotide sequence, and they were identical at the deduced amino acid level.

Characterization and membrane gene-based phylogenetic analysis of avian infectious bronchitis virus Chinese strain HH06

A Chinese isolate of avian infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) designated HH06 was isolated from the kidney tissues of a chicken flock experiencing an outbreak of nephritis. In vivo pathogenicity of the IBV isolate HH06 was determined by inoculating specific pathogen-free (SPF) chickens. The clinical signs and related gross lesions of HH06 infected chickens were similar with those of the field-infected chickens. SPF embryonated eggs were inoculated with virus suspension for serial passage and their genomic RNA was extracted. RT-PCR technique was utilized to amplify the M gene sequence encoding membrane protein of IBV. Recombinant plasmid named T-vector-M was constructed via inserting the M gene into the TA cloning vector, pMD 18-T. The sequenced M gene and its deduced amino acid (aa) sequences were compared with the published sequences of reference strains. The M gene is of 687 bp in length encoding the M protein of 228 amino acids with a predicted molecular weight of 25.4 kDa. The sequences of the M gene and M protein share 83.9-97.9% and 83.6-96.5% homologous identities, respectively, compared with 29 IBV reference strains derived from different regions or countries, which revealed that there are still significant variations between strains. Furthermore, a phylogenetic tree based on these M DNA sequences was generated, and the tree topology suggests that some Chinese IBV strains may have a common ancestor; however, HH06 is a new local IBV isolate that is responsible for the field outbreak of nephritis.

A new pentapeptide compound, PLNPK, ameliorates anti-glomerular basement membrane nephritis in Wistar rats

PLNPK is a pentapeptide compound extracted from pig spleen with a Pro-Leu-Asn-Pro-Lys molecular structure. The spleen is the biggest immune organ in the body, in which there are lots of immunocytes and immune molecules. Our pilot study showed that PLNPK could suppress the transformation and proliferation of T lymphocytes and the production of antibodies in mice. It is widely accepted that most types of glomerulonephritis are immunological diseases caused by the reaction of antigen and antibody. Both humoral immunity and cell-mediated immunity contribute to the progress of these diseases, and suppression of immunoreactions and inflammation is important to ameliorate nephritis. After the immunosuppressive effects of this compound were discovered, this study also examined whether PLNPK had beneficial effects on a rat model of glomerulonephritis. The results suggested PLNPK (200microg/kg/d and 400microg/kg/d) reduced urinary protein excretion, lessened the deposit of autoantibodies along the glomerular basement membrane (GBM), reduced formation of crescent and protein casts, and ameliorated glomerular fibrosis and GBM injury. After treatment with PLNPK (200microg/kg/d and 400microg/kg/d) for 7 days, macrophage infiltration in the glomeruli was markedly reduced. Our results suggest that PLNPK has a beneficial effect on rat anti-GBM nephritis.

Granulomatous nephritis in psittacines associated with parasitism by the trematode Paratanaisia spp

Trematodes belonging to the family Eucotylidae are parasites of the kidney and ureter, and affect several bird species. However, psittacines have not been identified as hosts of these parasites. Three birds, an adult female blue and gold macaw (Ara ararauna), an adult female blue-winged macaw (Propyrrhura maracana) and an adult male white-eared parakeet (Pyrrhura leucotis) were admitted at the Veterinary Hospital of the Fundação Zoo-Botânica de Belo Horizonte, Brazil (FZB/BH). All three birds had severe dehydration and cachexia. The blue and gold macaw presented with dyspnea, apathy, and incoordination. Blood cell counts indicated discrete anemia and leucopenia. Blood biochemistry revealed significant increase in levels of uric acid (61 mg/dl) and blood urea nitrogen (22 mg/dl). The bird died within 24 h after admission. The other two birds were admitted with similar clinical signs, but died prior to a complete clinical examination. At the necropsy, in all the three birds, the kidneys were enlarged with brown-yellowish discoloration and irregular cortical surface. On the cut surface, there was a brown-yellowish material with few visible parasites flowing out of the parenchyma. When fragments of the kidneys were placed in 10% formalin, a large number of trematodes came out of the renal parenchyma. The parasites were identified as Paratanaisia robusta infecting all three birds, and P. bragai infecting the blue-winged macaw and the white-eared parakeet. Histologically, there was an interstitial, multifocal to coalescent, lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate with some epithelioid macrophages, and a few heterophils, characterizing a granulomatous nephritis. Adult worms and eggs were observed within dilated tubules and in the renal pelvis. In the blue and gold macaw, some parasite eggs were located interstitially associated with an intense adjacent granulomatous reaction.

Detection of Borrelia burgdorferi DNA in tissues from dogs with presumptive Lyme borreliosis

OBJECTIVE

To develop a quantitative PCR assay for detection of Borrelia burgdorferi DNA in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues; compare results of this assay with results of immunohistochemical staining of tissues from seropositive dogs; and determine whether B burgdorferi DNA could be detected in renal tissues from dogs with presumptive Lyme nephritis.

DESIGN

Cohort study.

SAMPLE POPULATION

Archived tissue samples from 58 dogs.

PROCEDURES

A quantitative PCR assay was performed on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections from the dogs. Results were compared with results of immunohistochemical staining, B burgdorferi serostatus, clinical signs, and necropsy findings.

RESULTS

38 dogs were classified as having positive or equivocal results for Lyme borreliosis, and 20 were classified as having negative results on the basis of clinical signs, serologic findings, and pathologic abnormalities. Borrelia burgdorferi DNA was amplified from tissue samples from only 4 (7%) dogs, all of which had been classified as having positive or equivocal results for Lyme borreliosis and had signs of presumptive Lyme nephritis. Results of PCR assays of renal tissue were positive for only 1 dog, and there was no agreement between results of immunohistochemical staining (ie, detection of B burgdorferi antigen) and results of the PCR assay (ie, detection of B burgdorferi DNA) for renal tissues.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Results indicated that detection of B burgdorferi DNA in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues is feasible, but that intact B burgdorferi DNA is rarely found in tissues from naturally infected dogs, even tissues from dogs with presumptive Lyme borreliosis. Further, findings support the contention that Lyme nephritis may be a sterile, immune complex disease.

Generation of virus-like particles consisting of the major capsid protein VP1 of goose hemorrhagic polyomavirus and their application in serological tests

Goose hemorrhagic polyomavirus (GHPV) is the causative agent of hemorrhagic nephritis and enteritis of geese (HNEG), a fatal disease of young geese with high mortality rates. GHPV cannot be efficiently propagated in tissue culture. To provide antigens for diagnostic tests and vaccines, its major structural protein VP1 was recombinantly expressed in Sf9 insect cells and in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. As demonstrated by density gradient centrifugation and electron microscopy, GHPV-VP1 expressed in insect cells formed virus-like particles (VLPs) with a diameter of 45 nm indistinguishable from infectious polyomavirus particles. However, efficiency of VLP formation was low as compared to the monkey polyomavirus SV-40-VP1. In yeast cells, GHPV-VP1 alone formed smaller VLPs, 20 nm in diameter. Remarkably, co-expression of GHPV-VP2 resulted in VLPs with a diameter of 45 nm. All three types of GHPV-VLPs were shown to hemagglutinate chicken erythrocytes. ELISA and hemagglutination inhibition tests using the VLPs as antigen detected GHPV-specific antibodies in up to 85.7% of sera derived from flocks with HNEG but in none of the sera of a clinically healthy flock. However, GHPV-specific antibodies were also detected in sera from two other flocks without HNEG indicating a broad distribution of GHPV due to subclinical or unrecognised infections.

KLOSSIELLA EQUI INFECTION IN A HARTMANN'S MOUNTAIN ZEBRA (EQUUS ZEBRA HARTMANNAE)

An 18-mo-old female Hartmann's Mountain zebra (Equus zebra hartmannae) died secondary to a traumatically induced cervical fracture. Microscopic examination of renal tissues revealed occasional coccidian sporocysts and budding sporonts containing sporoblasts encased within a bilaminated cell membrane within the renal tubules, compatible with a morphologic diagnosis of Klossiella equi, a coccidian parasite of renal parenchyma in equids. Repeated urinalyses of several Hartmann's Mountain zebra failed to reveal sporocysts, which are believed to be the infective stage of the parasite. The definitive life cycle of K. equi is unknown, although transmission is presumed to be via oral ingestion of sporocysts that are passed in the urine. Although generally considered an incidental finding, K. equi has been associated with nephrosis and nephritis in immune-compromised equids and should be considered when evaluating renal disease in equids, including zebras.

Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Management of Urinary Tract Infection in Horses

Equine urinary tract infection (UTI) most commonly occurs as a sequela to structural or functional inhibition of normal urine flow. Although it is an infrequent diagnosis in equids, the incidence of UTI in human beings is high and has inspired great investigative effort. The resultant findings with potentially broad application as well as current equine studies are reviewed here. Recent developments in the understanding of host-agent interactions and renal defense mechanisms, emerging antimicrobial resistance, and novel therapeutic alternatives to prophylactic antibiotic use are emphasized.

Effects of allopurinol treatment on the progression of chronic nephritis in Canine leishmaniosis (Leishmania infantum)

Forty dogs with canine leishmaniosis (CL) participated in this study, which was designed to investigate the effect of allopurinol on the progression of the renal lesions associated with this disease. The animals were allocated into 5 groups. Group A dogs (n = 12) had neither proteinuria nor renal insufficiency, group B dogs (n= 10) had asymptomatic proteinuria, and group C dogs (n = 8) were proteinuric and azotemic. Two more groups, CA and CB, comprising 5 dogs each, served as controls for groups A and B, respectively. Group A, B, and C dogs received allopurinol PO (10 mg/kg q12h) for 6 months, whereas group CA and CB dogs were placebo-treated. Serum biochemistry profile, urinalysis, urine protein/creatinine ratio, and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) measurements were carried out at the beginning of the study, the 3rd month, and the 6th month, whereas renal biopsies were carried out only at the beginning and the end of the trial. Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis was the most common cause of chronic renal failure. Mesangioproliferative and tubulointerstitial nephritis were detected even in group A and CA dogs. Allopurinol not only lowered proteinuria in group B dogs but also prevented the deterioration of GFR and improved the tubulointerstitial, but not the glomerular, lesions in both group A and group B dogs. Further, it resolved the azotemia in 5 of the 8 dogs admitted with 2nd stage chronic renal failure (group C). Consequently, treatment with allopurinol is advisable in CL cases with asymptomatic proteinuria or 1st-2nd stage chronic renal failure.

Molecular diagnosis of avian nephritis: preliminary report

Kidney samples from chickens diagnosed with acute nephritis and gout were subjected to histological and electron microscopic examination. The investigations revealed cytoplasmic inclusion bodies in the tubular epithelial cells containing round virions of about 30 nm in diameter. Since avian nephritis virus (ANV) is known as a potential causative agent of the so-called baby chick nephropathy, an RT-PCR assay was developed for the molecular detection of ANV-specific nucleic acid in the specimen. The specificity of the assay was confirmed by direct sequencing of the amplicon obtained in the reaction. The nucleotide sequence of the PCR product showed 92% identity with the reference ANV sequence deposited in the GenBank database. After having been validated on some other suspicious cases of avian nephritis, the PCR method described in this study can be a potential tool for routine diagnostic examination of samples submitted from cases of gout and nephropathy in chickens.

Haemorrhagic nephritis and enteritis of geese: pathomorphological investigations and proposed pathogenesis

Haemorrhagic nephritis and enteritis of geese as a new disease was first described in Hungary in 1969. The authors identified the causative agent of the outbreaks occurring in 1969 as a polyomavirus by PCR in 2001. In order to study the pathogenesis of the virus, one-day-old goslings were infected with tissue homogenate that tested positive for polyomavirus by PCR. Morphological, light and transmission electron microscopic (TEM) examinations have revealed that goose haemorrhagic polyomavirus replicates in the endothelial cells of the blood vessels and capillaries of diseased birds. Infection causes damage and necrosis of the endothelial cells. The virus was not observed in the parenchymal cells. Oedema and haemorrhages found throughout the body may be due to the dysfunction or functional deficiency of endothelial cells damaged by the virus.

Disseminated infection with Balamuthia mandrillaris in a dog

Bilateral chronic granulomatous nephritis and meningoencephalitis were diagnosed on necropsy of a 2-year-old male Great Dane dog. The causative agent was identified as Balamuthia mandrillaris, based on morphologic features, immunohistochemical staining, and deoxyribonucleic acid detection using the polymerase chain reaction with newly designed primer pairs. Trophozoite and cystic forms of the amoeba were evident within the kidneys and brain parenchyma. This is the first report on a B. mandrillaris infection in a dog.

Pathology of spontaneous and experimental infections by Goose haemorrhagic polyomavirus

Haemorrhagic nephritis enteritis of geese (HNEG) is a fatal disease of geese aged from 3 to 12 weeks. The causative virus, Goose haemorrhagic polyomavirus (GHPV), is a member of the Polyomaviridae family We examined goslings either spontaneously or experimentally infected with GHPV. Tissues were sampled for histology, GHPV DNA detection and electron microscopy. Clinical signs and gross lesions observed in experimentally infected goslings were largely consistent with those noticed in field cases. Histological examination showed that, in the acute phase of HNEG, GHPV replicates in almost all the tissues with a particular tropism for endothelial and lymphoid cells. Haemorrhagic foci were widespread in many tissues, including brain. Ultrastructural features were largely consistent with other polyomavirus infections, with accumulation of virions in the nucleus. Non-typical, double-membraned organelles were observed in the cytoplasm. GHPV DNA distribution was widespread in tissues of infected birds, from day 5 post-infection. GHPV therefore induces a systemic disease in its host, leading to severe vascular dysfunction and immunosuppressive B-cell depletion.

Characterization of an avian infectious bronchitis virus isolated in China from chickens with nephritis

One IBV isolate, SC021202, was isolated from the kidneys of the infected young chickens by inoculating embryonated eggs, and its morphology, physiochemical and haemagglutonating properties were detected. Virulence of the isolate SC021202 was determined with specific pathogen‐free (SPF) chicken inoculation. Nucleotide acid sequence of S1 gene of the isolate SC021202 was further sequenced and analysed. The physiochemical and morphological properties of the isolate SC021202 were in accordance to that of typical infectious bronchitis virus (IBV). In a pathogenicity experiment, the clinical signs and related gross lesions resembling those of field outbreak were reproduced and the virus isolate SC021202 was re‐isolated from the kidneys of the infected chicken. Sequence data demonstrated that the full length of the amplified S1 gene of the isolate SC021202 was composed of 1931 nucleotides, coding a polypeptide of 543 amino acid residues. Compared with IBV strains from GenBank, the nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequence of S1 gene of the isolate SC021202 shared 60.0–91.4% and 49.1–88.9% identities, respectively. A nucleotide fragment of ′CTTTTTAATTATACTAACGGA′ was inserted at nucleotide site 208 in the S1 gene of the isolate. These results indicated that IBV isolate SC021202 was a new variant IBV isolate and responsible for field outbreak of nephritis.

[Case report: tenesmus in a cow with a liver abscess and nephritis]

A two-year-old Swiss Braunvieh cow was referred to our clinic because of tenesmus and weight loss. Clinical examination revealed a moderately abnormal general behaviour and condition, thin body condition and a rectal temperature of 40.1 degrees C. Tenesmus was evident, and rumen and intestinal motility were markedly reduced. All tests for a reticular foreign body were positive. On rectal examination, a round, smooth, firm, non-painful mass with a diameter of approximately 15 cm was palpated far cranially on the right side. Abnormal haematological and biochemical findings included marked anaemia, neutrophilic leucocytosis, markedly elevated concentration of fibrinogen and mildly elevated gamma-glutamyl-transferase activity. The clotting time of the glutaraldehyde test was one minute. Ultrasonographic examination revealed abscesses involving the liver and extending caudally into the right flank region. The liver parenchyma had diffuse changes. Because of a grave prognosis, the cow was euthanized. Postmortem findings substantiated ultrasonographic results; there were abscesses, caused by Fasciola hepatica infestation, originating in the liver and extending into the right flank. As well, there was severe, bilateral, multifocal, suppurative nephritis due to thromboembolism. Based on all the findings, a diagnosis of liver abscess caused by fascioliasis and bilateral suppurative nephritis was made.

The genome of goose hemorrhagic polyomavirus, a new member of the proposed subgenus Avipolyomavirus

The full-length genome of goose hemorrhagic polyomavirus (GHPV), the ethiologic agent of hemorrhagic nephritis and enteritis of geese, was cloned and sequenced. Transfection of the circular ds DNA with a size of 5256 bp and an organisation typical of polyomaviruses produced viral progeny in cultured goose cells. According to the splicing sites determined by RT-PCR, five open reading frames (ORFs) were found to encode putative proteins with significant similarities to large T antigen and small t antigen as well as VP1, VP2, and VP3 of other polyomaviruses. An additional ORF located in the 5' region of late mRNA, with a coding capacity for 169 amino acids, shows a low degree of homology to VP4 of avian polyomavirus (APV). The alignment of nucleotide sequences and amino acid sequences revealed a relatively close relationship between GHPV and APV. Therefore, grouping of this new polyomavirus into the proposed subgenus Avipolyomavirus is suggested.

[Detection of goose haemorrhagic polyomavirus (GHPV) in flocks with haemorrhagic nephritis and enteritis of geese in southern Germany]

Two flocks of geese in the South of Germany independently diseased on Haemorrhagic Nephritis and Enteritis of Geese (HNEG) at the age of 4 weeks. The flocks were approximately 300 km apart but had received goslings from the same hatchery. In both flocks the animals died within 12 hours mainly without showing clinical signs. Some of the first cases showed haemorrhagic typhlitis, whereas in later cases visceral gout was the main finding. In all cases, pathohistological examination generally showed necrosis of the tubular epithelium of the kidney. After a course of 5 weeks no new occurrences were seen. Death rates of 43.8% for the first flock and 29.2% for the second flock, respectively, were recorded. In both cases, the diagnosis HNEG was confirmed by the detection of the recently described Goose Haemorrhagic Polyomavirus (GHPV) using polymerase chain reaction.

Effects of a parasite-induced nephritis on osmoregulation in the common carp Cyprinus carpio

Carp Cyprinus carpio infected with the haemoflagellate Trypanoplasma borreli undergo progressive nephritis associated with a destruction of approx. 40% of the nephric tubules. In an attempt to analyse the effect of the nephritis on the osmoregulation of affected carp, the clinical chemical properties of plasma and urine samples were analysed. Parasitised carp excreted greater amounts of electrolytes in their urine than uninfected carp which excreted highly diluted urine with an osmolality of about 10% of plasma osmolality. During the course of the infection, urine osmolality increased up to 26% of plasma osmolality by Day 21 post-infection (p.i.). The plasma:urine ratio of Na+ also increased, while concomitant losses of Mg2+, Ca2+, K+ and inorganic phosphate were less pronounced. Infected carp were able to maintain a normal solute balance in their plasma. Plasma hydration (indicated by decreased protein contents) occurred on Day 21 p.i. Our data indicate that in T. borreli-infected carp, reabsorption processes of the distal renal tubule were disturbed, while secretory and absorption processes in the proximal tubule appeared to be less affected. In addition, infected carp were able to compensate their increased ion losses, probably by (energy-consuming) active absorption processes. The energy budget of infected carp was additionally affected by a substantial direct consumption of plasma glucose by the parasite.

Pathogenicity of Australian strains of avian infectious bronchitis virus

The pathogenicity of 25 strains of infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) isolated in Australia between 1961 and 1994 was compared in white leghorn specific pathogen-free chicks. Twelve strains were nephropathogenic and 10 respiratory, the other three being of mixed pathogenicity. The IBV strains identified as nephropathogenic induced clinical nephritis, gross and histological kidney lesions, and mortality of 5-90%. According to the severity of these features, the nephropathogenic strains could be further subdivided into strains of high, moderate or low pathogenicity. The three strains of mixed pathogenicity induced tracheitis, mild clinical nephritis and kidney lesions but no mortality. The 10 respiratory strains caused histological lesions in the trachea but not in the kidney, and did not induce clinical nephritis or mortality. Of 12 IBV strains isolated between 1961 and 1976, nine were nephropathogenic, inducing mortality of 15-90%. In contrast, of 13 strains isolated between 1981 and 1994, only three were nephropathogenic, inducing mortality of 5-37%, whereas nine were respiratory. Seven of these nine strains, unlike other respiratory strains, failed completely to replicate in the kidney. The results indicated a change in the prevalent IBV strains from highly nephropathogenic (1960s to 1970s) to respiratory (1980s to early 1990s); moreover, the late 1980s saw the emergence of respiratory strains with altered tissue tropism.

A novel polyomavirus (goose hemorrhagic polyomavirus) is the agent of hemorrhagic nephritis enteritis of geese

We have identified the etiological agent of hemorrhagic nephritis enteritis of geese (HNEG), a fatal disease of European geese. HNEG has been recognized in almost all goose breeding areas, with an epizootic pattern, and up to now, the infectious agent has remained unknown. In order to identify the causative agent, infected tissues from HNEG-affected geese were inoculated to 1-day-old goslings, which then developed clinical signs typical of HNEG. Tissue homogenates from these birds were subjected to Freon extraction followed by sucrose density gradient ultracentrifugation. The resulting main band was examined by electron microscopy and consisted of spherical, naked, papovavirus-like particles approximately 45 nm in diameter. The virus was isolated and propagated in goose kidney cell primary culture. Tissue- or culture-purified virus allowed the experimental reproduction of the disease in goslings. Random PCR amplification of viral nucleic acid produced a 1,175-bp fragment which was shown to be associated with field samples collected from geese affected by HNEG on commercial farms in France. Sequence analysis of the PCR product revealed a unique open reading frame, showing 63 to 72% amino acid similarity with the major capsid protein (VP1) of several polyomaviruses. Finally, based on phylogenetic analysis, we conclude that the causative agent of HNEG is closely related to but clearly distinct from other polyomaviruses; we thus have named this newly identified virus Goose hemorrhagic polyomavirus.

A sequential study of experimental infection of pigs with porcine circovirus and porcine parvovirus: immunostaining of cryostat sections and virus isolation

The sequential tissue distribution of virus was investigated using virus isolation and immunofluorescence tests in 1-day-old piglets inoculated with porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) and/or porcine parvovirus (PPV). Enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes were seen in the pig inoculated with PCV2 alone and killed at 26 days post-inoculation (PI). One of the pigs inoculated with PCV2 and PPV and killed at 21 days PI had an enlarged liver. The pig killed at 26 days PI in this group had enlarged liver, kidneys and heart. Histopathological changes were seen in lymphoid tissues of the pigs inoculated with PCV2 alone and killed at 14 and 26 days PI. Similar, but more severe, lesions were observed in the pigs infected with PCV2 and PPV and killed from 10 days PI onwards. Histological lesions of nephritis, pneumonia and hepatitis were also apparent in these animals. Mild nephritis was also seen in the pigs infected with PPV alone and killed at 14 and 26 days PI. Moderate amounts of PPV antigen were detected in tissues from the pigs inoculated with PPV alone and killed at 14 days PI. Low levels of PCV antigen were detected, mainly in lymphoid tissues, in the pigs inoculated with PCV alone and killed at 14 days PI. Low to moderate amounts of PCV antigen were detected in a wider range of tissues in the pig in this group killed at 26 days PI. In the pigs inoculated with both viruses, PPV antigen was detected in tissues of pigs killed from 3 to 26 days PI with maximal amounts detected between 6 and 14 days PI. PCV2 antigen was detected in low to moderate amounts in the tissues of pigs killed at 14 days PI. Large amounts of PCV2 antigen were detected in most of the tissues from pigs in this group killed between 17 and 26 days PI. Virus isolation results for PCV2 generally correlated well with the results for immunofluorescent staining. PPV was isolated from almost all tissues from pigs inoculated with PCV2 and PPV, a much higher incidence of positive tissues than observed for immunofluorescent staining.

Leptospirosis in rehabilitated Pacific harbor seals from California

Renal disease was observed in two rehabilitated Pacific harbor seals (Phoca vitulina richardsii) from a facility in California (USA). The seals had leukocytosis and high serum phosphorus, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine concentrations. A retrospective study of leptospiral antibody serum titers indicated both seals had elevated titers to Leptospira interrogans serovar grippotyphosa. A third seal, which died about the time when the index cases occurred, also had elevated titers to L. interrogans serovar grippotyphosa. Post mortem histopathologic examination of all three seals showed tubular necrosis consistent with interstitial nephritis; spirochetes were seen within the kidney parenchyma of the third seal. Sea lions (Zalophus californianus) or elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris) housed near the harbor seals were possible sources of exposure, but local wildlife also could have been responsible.

Immunohistochemical demonstration of S-phase cells by anti-bromodeoxyuridine monoclonal antibody in cattle tissues

Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU), a non-radioactive thymidine analogue, was administered to 15 cattle at a dosage of 1-10 mg/kg intravenously or intraperitoneally to demonstrate S-phase cells in the tissues. The organs and tissues were fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin or in 70% ethanol, sectioned, denatured with hydrochloric acid, and treated with monoclonal antibody against BrdU. Immunohistochemical methods were used to "visualize" BrdU-labelled nuclei. BrdU-positive cells were satisfactorily demonstrated in both formalin- and ethanol-fixed tissues of animals given doses of 2 mg/kg or over, by either route of administration. Large numbers of BrdU-positive cells indicative of active cell production were found in the basal region of the stratified squamous epithelium, the neck between gastric pits and gastric glands in the abomasum, and the crypts of Lieberkühn of the small and large intestines. Moderate numbers of positive cells were observed amongst inflammatory cells in cases of nephritis and in granulation tissue. Numerous positive cells were detected in leukaemia cells. The study showed that BrdU can be used to measure proliferative S-phase cells in cattle, as in human beings, mice and rats.

Double-labeling immunohistochemical studies on canine senile plaques and cerebral amyloid angiopathy

The relationship of senile plaques to neuronal cells, neurites, glial cells, or capillaries was examined using double labeling-immunostaining methods on the Bouin's solution-fixed serial brain sections from dogs. Compact deposits of beta protein (amyloid plaques) in the cerebral cortex always contained microvessels labeled by anti-collagen type IV antibody and some of them might be formed as the result of fusion of several perivascular beta amyloid deposits. In the periphery of those plaques swollen neurites recognized with anti-neurofilament antibody were sometimes present, but the relation between such plaques and neuronal cells or glial cells were unclear. Diffuse deposition of beta protein (diffuse plaques) was frequently developed beside neuronal cells, while most plaques did not contain glial cells. Some of those plaques were closely contact with microvessels, but some had no relation. Intact or irregularly arranged neurites were present in diffuse plaques. Such irregularity of the neurites were obvious in the plaques in the hippocampus as compared with those in the cerebral cortex. These results indicate the possibility that canine amyloid plaques would be formed as the result of amyloid degeneration of cortical capillaries, and diffuse parenchymal deposition of beta protein would originate from neuronal or neuritic processes.

Rapid identification of Renibacterium salmoninarum using an oligonucleotide probe complementary to 16S rRNA

Bacterial kidney disease in salmonid fish is caused by the slow-growing Gram-positive rod, Renibacterium salmoninarum. The partial sequence of 16S rRNA from R. salmoninarum was determined and compared with published bacterial 16S rRNA sequences. From this sequence information, a 30-bases-long oligonucleotide was designed and used as a specific probe for identification of R. salmoninarum in filter hybridization experiments. Strong specific hybridization signals were observed for all strains of R. salmoninarum tested. Furthermore, no cross-hybridization could be seen against 22 other bacterial species, among them other salmonid fish pathogens. The detection limit for the probe in direct filter hybridization by the dot-blot technique was 2.5 x 10(4) bacteria. It was also possible to detect R. salmoninarum in clinical samples by direct filter hybridization.

Experimental factors affecting mortality following inoculation of chickens with avian nephritis virus (G-4260)

Groups of approximately 20 one-day-old chickens were inoculated with G-4260, the reference strain of avian nephritis virus (ANV), or saline. Based on mortality rates from severe nephritis in comparable experiments, light Sussex chickens generally were more susceptible than Rhode Island red (RIR) chickens. Mortality was greater in those given broiler starter than those given other feeds, and was greater when light Sussex chickens were given broiler starter feed and cold-stressed at 15 +/- 1 C for 2 hr daily during the first week rather than brooded normally. Inoculation with G-4260 either orally or by intraperitoneal injection produced similar results in RIR chickens. Thirty-three inoculated chickens died of severe nephritis between 4 and 12 days postinoculation, and 24 (73%) of them had visceral urate deposits. Inoculated inbred white leghorn Line 15 chickens with maternal antibody to ANV were brooded normally and given broiler feed: they were susceptible to infection as evidenced by subsequent histological lesions in the kidneys and serology, but mortality was not a feature. There were no deaths from nephritis in inoculated non-inbred white leghorn chickens free of maternal antibody to ANV that were given broiler feed and brooded normally. These results have implications in standardizing experimental conditions for the study of mortality induced by G-4260 and similar viruses.

Acupuncture for immune-mediated disorders. Literature review and clinical applications

Acupuncture activates the defense systems. It influences specific and nonspecific cellular and humoral immunities; activates cell proliferation, including blood, reticuloendothelial, and traumatized cells; and activates leucocytosis, microbicidal activity, antibodies, globulin, complement, and interferon. It modulates hypothalamic-pituitary control of the autonomic and neuroendocrine systems, especially microcirculation, response of smooth and striated muscle, and local and general thermoregulation. Immunostimulant points include LI-4, LI-11, ST-36, GB-39, SP-6, GV-14, BL-11, BL-20, BL-23, BL-24, BL-25, BL-26, BL-27, BL-28, and CV-12. Some, such as BL-47, are immunosuppressive. Antifebrile points include GV-14 and ST-36. Reactive reflex SHU points, MU points, and earpoints are useful in organic diseases. In immunomediated diseases, some or all of these points can be used with other points, especially local points and points of the major symptoms or points of the affected body part, area, function, or organ. Applications of acupuncture include treatment of inflammation and trauma; stimulation of tissue healing in burns, ulcers, indolent wounds, ischemia, necrosis, and gangrene; infections; postinfection sequelae; fever; autoimmune disease; allergies; anaphylaxis and shock; and treatment or prevention of side effects from cytotoxic chemotherapy and ionizing radiation. Acupuncture therapy may inhibit neoplastic cells. Examples of acupuncture use in immunomediated conditions in small animals are given.

Survey of Saguinus mortality in a zoo colony

Six years of necropsy records from a zoo colony of four tamarin species (Saguinus oedipus, S. geoffroyi, S. imperator, and S. mystax) were examined. Mean age at death was 4.0 years, average length in the colony at time of death was 3.4 years. Annual mortality rate varied between 9 and 30%. Gross necropsy findings, histopathologic, and bacteriological results indicate primary cause of death as follows: peritonitis (26%), septicemia (14%), nephritis (5%), hepatitis (5%), pneumonia (2%), and others.

Dietary modification reduces splitting of glomerular basement membranes and delays death due to renal failure in canine X-linked hereditary nephritis

Affected male (AM) Samoyed dogs with X-linked hereditary nephritis (HN) demonstrate splitting of all of their glomerular basement membranes (GBM) and rapidly develop renal failure within the first year of life, features reminiscent of those seen in male patients with X-linked HN. In contrast, carrier female (CF) dogs with X-linked HN show only isolated foci of splitting of GBM, and renal failure is never seen at such an early age. In the present study, we assessed whether a diet designed for dogs in renal failure could modify the changes seen in GBM of AM and CF dogs and improve the clinical outcome in the AM dogs. Beginning at 35 days of age, one group of dogs (unaffected, AM, and CF) was fed a regular diet, while a second group was fed a modified diet (i.e., restricted in protein, lipid, calcium, and phosphorus). AM dogs fed the modified diet showed less of a reduction in glomerular filtration rate than AM dogs fed the regular diet, indicative of a delay in the onset and a decrease in the severity of renal damage. Nevertheless, all of the AM dogs eventually died of renal failure regardless of diet. However, the onset and progression of renal failure were delayed and the severity of splitting of GBM was reduced in the AM dogs fed the modified diet; these dogs lived 53% longer than AM dogs fed the regular diet. CF dogs fed the modified diet also showed a reduced severity of splitting of GBM. In addition, when two CF dogs on the modified diet were switched to the regular diet, splitting of their GBM increased, indicating that continual administration of the modified diet was required to maintain the reduced rate of splitting. These studies indicate that dietary modification is beneficial in canine X-linked HN, and suggest that similar benefits (i.e., reduction in severity of splitting of GBM and delay in development of renal failure) might be observed in patients with HN who are treated with an appropriately modified diet.

Statistical evidence for a link between bronchopneumonia and disseminated focal nephritis in pigs

An investigation on the occurrence of different pneumonia types and their possible concurrence with other pluck organ disorders was made on 6,565 pigs presented at slaughter. The frequency of disseminated focal nephritis in a bronchopneumonia group and a non-bronchopneumonia residual group, respectively, was found to differ significantly from the mean frequency of nephritis in all pig plucks examined. The number of lesioned kidneys in each of 28 samples contributing to the bronchopneumonia group and in each of 8 samples contributing to the residual group was regressed group-wise on the number of individual plucks examined in each sample; the correlation coefficient for each of these two groups was calculated. These calculations showed a highly significant link between bronchopneumonia and disseminated focal nephritis. The histopathological and bacteriological examination of some lung and kidney lesions representing the bronchopneumonia group substantiated this finding. It is concluded that the two diseases are connected through dissemination, and that Pasteurella multocida is the organism involved in the majority of cases.

Typing of recent infectious bronchitis virus isolates causing nephritis in chicken

Four isolates of infectious bronchitis viruses (IBV) from chickens with nephritis, were characterized by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction enzyme fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), and were found to be genetically different from the other twelve strains which we previously studied.

[The seasonal appearance of swim bladder inflammation in the course of Sphaerospora renicola infection in carp]

In carp during 1st year the course of dynamics of the 3 known stages of Sphaerospora renicola showed an increase of the kidney infection in winter and spring (with inhibited sporulation). The winter/spring-peak was accompanied by an intensive blood-phase (C-stages). After August of the 1st summer the swimbladder-phase (K-stages) was not observed, although SBI occurred between January and April. Under warm water condition this infection was discharged after September/October, the SBI never occurred after this time. In contrast to the 1st summer, affected kidneys were often found during winter and spring. In the period of the second outbreak of SBI, C-stages often occurred in the capillaries of swimbladder and in the kidney. The declining phases of SBI, observed from August to April, were not connected with the temperature conditions.

Isolation of Mycoplasma bovirhinis from the kidneys of a bull with urinary obstruction and subacute nephritis

A bull with urethral obstruction secondary to urolithiasis died following exploratory laparotomy. Postmortem examination revealed renal, cystic, and urethral calculi. Gross and histologic findings were consistent with acute urethral and bilateral renal obstruction. Bacteriologic culture of renal tissue revealed Mycoplasma bovirhinis.

Naturally occurring erysipelas in rats

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae was isolated from the main limb joints of two Sprague Dawley rats affected by spontaneous lesions of chronic fibrinopurulent polyarthritis, endocarditis and mycocarditis.

[Micronema deletrix as the cause of a granulomatous nephritis in a horse]

Infections with Micronema deletrix are described sporadically in humans and horses. This case report describes the infection with Micronema deletrix in a horse. The animal was sent to the clinic because of recurrent colic. On rectal palpation a mass was detected in the area of the right kidney and the horse was destroyed on its owners request. At slaughter a greatly enlarged right kidney interspersed with numerous white nodules was found. Histological examination revealed a granulomatous nephritis with numerous sections of nematodes. Based on their morphology and size, they were identified as Micronema.

IgM-mesangial nephropathy in callithricids

Spontaneous IgM-mediated mesangioproliferative nephropathy was detected in 91% of tamarins and marmosets over 6 months old. The disease remains silent for long periods but is progressive. It is responsible for, or is at least related to, the cause of death in 20% of animals. Morphological characteristics are those of mesangial hyperplasia accompanied by subacute to chronic interstitial inflammation. The immunopathological demonstration of early accumulation of IgM within the mesangial cells and matrix, followed by interstitial deposition of C3, suggests that the lesion is mediated by immunological mechanisms.

Comparative nephropathogenicity of infectious bronchitis virus in bursectomized and nonbursectomized chickens

A study was conducted to compare the responses of bursectomized (Bx) and nonbursectomized (non-Bx) specific-pathogen-free male chickens to Australian T strain of infectious bronchitis virus. Four chickens from each group were killed at 3, 5, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after conjunctival inoculation of the virus. Clinical signs and gross and microscopic lesions were more severe in Bx than in non-Bx chickens. The non-Bx chickens had linear IgG deposits along the renal tubules. Virus-neutralizing titers were log10 2.74 to 4.33 for non-Bx chickens and less than log10 1.25 for the inoculated Bx and for broth-inoculated Bx and non-Bx chickens (controls). Early in the disease, renal lesions were of the same type in all infected chickens, but were more severe in Bx chickens. Later, nephritis was chronic and active in Bx chickens and was chronic in non-Bx chickens.

Bacillus piliformis infection in an adult dog

Bacillus piliformis infection (Tyzzer's disease) was diagnosed in a 7-year-old spayed dog that had icterus, hepatosplenomegaly, and polyuria. Hematology revealed regenerative anemia, leukocytosis, lymphopenia, and thrombocytopenia. Serum chemical analyses indicated hypocalcemia, high alkaline phosphatase activity, hypoalbuminemia, and hyperglobulinemia. At necropsy, the liver was stippled with gray-white focal lesions. Microscopically, the liver lesions were necrotic and inflammatory. Warthin-Starry-stained sections revealed rod-shaped bacteria in crisscrossing patterns characteristic of B piliformis. This dog was considerably older than dogs previously reported to have Tyzzer's disease and had a concurrent systemic hyphomycosis, suggesting it had been immunocompromised.

Chronic nephritis in a horse

An 11 year old Anglo-Arabian mare was presented with a five month history of gradual weight loss and inappetence. On physical examination the mare was in fair body condition with no localising signs of illness. Persistently elevated blood urea nitrogen and isothenuria indicated the presence of primary renal failure. At necropsy both kidneys were shrunken and contracted. Histopathology revealed lesions consistent with end stage renal disease which were characterised by severe and diffuse interstitial fibrosis.