Serosurvey of pandemic H1N1 influenza A virus in dogs in Andalusia (southern Spain)

In April 2009, a new influenza A virus (IAV) subtype (A(H1N1)pdm09) spread worldwide and triggered the first human influenza pandemic of the 21st century. Since then, exposure to the pandemic H1N1 IAV has been confirmed in different animal species. Serological evidence and clinical infection with A(H1N1)pdm09 have been reported in canines, but the information available about the role of dogs in the epidemiology of this IAV subtype is still very limited in Europe. A cross‐sectional study was carried out to determine the seroprevalence of A(H1N1)pdm09 in dogs in southern Spain, a region with endemic seasonal circulation in human. Sera from 750 companion dogs were collected during the period 2013–2016. Antibodies against pandemic H1N1 IAV were analysed using the haemagglutination inhibition test. Positive samples were also tested by single radial haemolysis assay. Seropositivity was only confirmed by both methods in one (0.13%; 95% CI: 0.00–0.38) adult animal sampled in 2013. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of A(H1N1)pdm09 exposure in dogs in Spain. The low seroprevalence obtained indicates a limited exposure history to A(H1N1)pdm09 IAV in dogs in this country and suggests a low risk of transmission of this zoonotic IAV subtype between humans and dogs

Can The Inflammatory Response Be Evaluated Using 18F-FDG Within Zones of Microvascular Obstruction Following Myocardial Infarction?

Inflammation that occurs following acute myocardial infarction plays a pivotal role in healing by facilitating the creation of a supportive scar. (18)F-FDG, which is taken up avidly by macrophages, has been proposed as a marker of cell-based inflammation. However, its reliability as an accurate indicator of inflammation has not been established, particularly in the early post infarction period when regional myocardial perfusion is often severely compromised. METHODS: Nine adult dogs underwent left anterior descending coronary occlusion with or without reperfusion. Animals were imaged between 7 to 21 days post infarction with Positron Emission Tomography/Magnetic Resonance Imaging (PET/MRI) following: a) bolus injection of Gd-DTPA, b) bolus injection of (18)F-FDG, c) bolus injection of 99Tc-DTPA to simulate the distribution of Gd-DTPA (which represents its partition coefficient in well perfused tissue) and d) the injection of (111)Indium-labeled white blood cells 24 hours earlier. Following sacrifice, myocardial tissue concentrations of (18)F, (111)In and 99Tc were determined in a well counter. Linear regression analysis evaluated the relationships between a) the concentrations of (111)In vs (18)F and b) the dependence of the ratio of (111)In/(18)F to the apparent distribution volume of (99m)Tc-DTPA. RESULTS: In seven of the nine animals (111)In increased as (18)F increased with the other two animals showing weak negative slopes. With respect to the dependence of (111)In/(18)F with partition coefficient four animals showed no dependence and four showed a week positive slope with one animal showing a negative slope. Further, in regions of extensive microvascular obstruction, (18)F significantly underestimated the extent of the presence of (111)In. CONCLUSION: In the early post myocardial infarction period, PET (18)F-FDG imaging following a single bolus administration may underestimate the extent and degree of inflammation within regions of microvascular obstruction

An investigation into human pandemic influenza virus (H1N1) 2009 on an Alberta swine farm

On May 2, 2009 the Canadian Food Inspection Agency notified the World Organization for Animal Health that an emerging novel influenza A virus (pandemic H1N1 2009) had been confirmed on a swine farm in Alberta. Over a 4-week period pigs in this farrow-to-finish operation were clinically affected by respiratory disease consistent with an influenza A virus infection and the presence of active viral infection was confirmed in all production areas by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Despite clinical recovery of animals, there was reluctance by purchasers to receive animals from this operation due to concerns about the effect on both domestic and international markets. The owner decided to depopulate the entire herd due to impending welfare issues associated with overcrowding and economic concerns resulting from the inability to market these animals. Carcasses were rendered or composted and did not enter the human food or animal feed chain. The source of virus in this herd was determined to be an infected human. Zoonotic transmission to 2 individuals responding to the outbreak was suspected and recommendations to prevent occupational exposure are discussed