Haematological and biochemical abnormalities in hunting dogs infected with Acanthocheilonema reconditum, associated risk factors, and a European overview

Acanthocheilonema reconditum is a filarial parasite transmitted by arthropods (fleas, lice, and ticks) that infect dogs. There is minimal published data available to date on potential haematological and biochemical changes associated with this parasitic infection. Study aims were (i) provide an overview of A. reconditum in Europe, (ii) define A. reconditum prevalence and risk factors in a specific dog population (hunting) from southern Italy, and (iii) assess the frequency of haemato-biochemical abnormalities associated with infection. Blood samples collected from 3020 dogs were tested by a modified Knott’s technique to count and identify microfilariae. Eighty-four dogs were infected by A. reconditum (2.78%; 95% CI 2.19–3.37%). Microfilariae ranged from 1 to 212/ml. Based on clinical examination, all but six dogs with non-specific symptoms were healthy. Haematological abnormalities included leucocytosis (n = 15), with eosinophilia (n = 14) and monocytosis (n = 13). Serum biochemical abnormalities included increased total serum proteins (n = 19), albumins (n = 7), total globulins (n = 14), ALT (n = 1), and ALP (n = 1); one dog was hypoalbuminemic, and BUN was mildly increased in 2 dogs. Risk factors included the province origin (Napoli, OR=5.4, 95%CI: 2.1–14.0; Caserta, OR=5.1, 95%CI: 2.5–10.6), hunting wild mammals (OR=2.8, 95% 95%CI: 1.6–4.8), and ectoparasite infestation (OR=1.9, 95%CI: 1.1–3.1). There was a negative correlation between microfilaraemic load and decreased albumin level (−0.37; p=0.021). Our results showed that A. reconditum circulates within the hunting dog population of southern Italy, with seemingly low pathogenic potential

Distribution and risk factors of canine haemotropic mycoplasmas in hunting dogs from southern Italy

Mycoplasma haemocanis (Mhc) and “Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum” (CMhp) are the main haemoplasma species known to infect dogs. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of haemoplasma species infections in hunting dogs from southern Italy and assess related risk factors. 1,433 hunting dogs living in Campania region were tested by qPCR assay. The prevalence was 19.9 %; 13.1 % for Mhc and 11.4 % for CMhp; 4.6 % showed a coinfection with both haemoplasma species. Statistical analysis revealed living in Salerno province (Mhc: OR 3.72; CMhp: OR 2.74), hound (Mhc: OR 5.26; CMhp: OR 8.46) and mixed breed (Mhc: OR 3.38; CMhp: OR 2.80), rural environment (Mhc: OR 12.58; CMhp: OR 10.38), wild mammal hunting (Mhc: OR 8.73; CMhp: OR 8.32), cohabitation with other animals (Mhc: OR 2.82; CMhp: OR 2.78) and large pack size (Mhc: OR 2.96; CMhp: OR 1.61) as risk factors for haemoplasmas. Male gender (OR 1.44) and tick infestation history (OR 1.40) represented risk factors only for Mhc, while adult age (2 7 years - OR 2.01; > 7 years - OR 1.84) and large body size (OR 1.48) were associated only to CMhp. Mhc infection was significantly associated to Babesia vogeli (p < 0.05) and Hepatozoon canis (p < 0.001), while CMhp with H. canis (p < 0.001). This study adds information on haemoplasma species distribution in hunting dogs in southern Italy. Outdoor lifestyle and contact with wild fauna, through greater exposure to tick infestation, or possibly wounds acquired during hunting or fighting, could be factors contributing to haemoplasma infections

Hepatozoon canis in hunting dogs from Southern Italy: distribution and risk factors

Hepatozoon canis is a hemoprotozoan organism that infects domestic and wild carnivores throughout much of Europe. The parasite is mainly transmitted through the ingestion of infected ticks containing mature oocysts. The aims of the present survey were to determine the prevalence of H. canis in hunting dogs living in Southern Italy and to assess potential infection risk factors. DNA extracted from whole blood samples, collected from 1433 apparently healthy dogs living in the Napoli, Avellino, and Salerno provinces of Campania region (Southern Italy), was tested by a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay to amplify H. canis. Furthermore, the investigated dog population was also screened by qPCR for the presence of Ehrlichia canis, a major tick-borne pathogen in Southern Italy, in order to assess possible co-infections. Two hundred dogs were H. canis PCR-positive, resulting in an overall prevalence of 14.0% (CI 12.2–15.9). Breed category (P &lt; 0.0001), hair coat length (P = 0.015), and province of residence (P &lt; 0.0001) represented significant risk factors for H. canis infection. The presence ofH. canis DNA was also significantly associated with E. canis PCR positivity (P &lt; 0.0001). Hunting dogs in Campania region (Southern Italy) are frequently exposed to H. canis, and the infection is potentially associated with close contact with wildlife. Further studies are needed to assess the pathogenic potential of H. canis, as well as the epidemiological relationships between hunting dogs and wild animal populations sharing the same habitats in Southern Italy

Distribution and risk factors associated with Babesia spp. infection in hunting dogs from Southern Italy

Canine babesiosis is caused by haemoprotozoan organisms of the genus Babesia which are transmitted by the bite of a hard tick. The aim of this survey was to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with Babesia species infections in hunting dogs from Southern Italy. Blood samples were collected from 1311 healthy dogs in the Napoli, Avellino and Salerno provinces of the Campania region of Southern Italy. Serological testing was performed using two enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), with one designed to detect B. canis and B. vogeli antibodies, and the other designed to detect B. gibsoni antibodies. Blood samples were also tested by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays for amplification of B. canis, B. vogeli and B. gibsoni DNA. The overall seroprevalence for B. canis/B. vogeli was 14.0%, compared to 0.2% for B. gibsoni. B. canis and B. vogeli PCR positive rates were 0.15% and 1.1%, respectively. B. gibsoni DNA was not amplified by qPCR. Male gender (OR 1.85), increased age (OR 1.01), long hair coat (OR 1.61) and living in Salerno province (OR 1.71) represented risk factors for B. canis/B. vogeli seroreactivity. Hunting dogs in Southern Italy are often exposed to B. canis/B. vogeli, however Babesia spp. infection was infrequently detected using qPCR. Further studies are needed to determine the extent to which Babesia spp. cause clinical disease in hunting dogs, and to evaluate the potential epidemiological relationships between hunting dogs and wild animal populations sharing the same area

Sonographic Cortical Development and Anomalies in the Fetus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The aim of this systematic review is to report the normal cortical development of different fetal cerebral fissures on ultrasound, describe associated anomalies in fetuses with cortical malformations, and evaluate the quality of published charts of cortical fissures. The inclusion criteria were studies reporting development, anomalies, and reference charts of fetal cortical structures on ultrasound. The outcomes observed were the timing of the appearance of different cortical fissures according to different gestational age windows, associated central nervous system (CNS) and extra-CNS anomalies detected at ultrasound in fetuses with cortical malformation, and rate of fetuses with isolated anomaly. Furthermore, we performed a critical evaluation of the published reference charts for cortical development on ultrasound. Random-effect meta-analyses of proportions were used to combine the data. Twenty-seven studies (6875 fetuses) were included. Sylvian fissure was visualized on ultrasound in 97.69% (95% CI 92.0-100) of cases at 18-19, 98.17% (95% CI 94.8-99.8) at 20-21, 98.94% (95% CI 97.0-99.9) at 22-23, and in all cases from 24 weeks of gestation. Parieto-occipital fissure was visualized in 81.56% (95% CI 48.4-99.3) of cases at 18-19, 96.59% (95% CI 83.2-99.8) at 20-21, 96.85% (95% CI 88.8-100) at 22-23, and in all cases from 24 weeks of gestation, while the corresponding figures for calcarine fissure were 37.27% (95% CI 0.5-89.6), 80.42% (95% CI 50.2-98.2), 89.18% (95% CI 74.0-98.2), and 96.02% (95% CI 96.9-100). Malformations of cortical development were diagnosed as an isolated finding at ultrasound in 6.21% (95% CI 2.9-10.9) of cases, while they were associated with additional CNS anomalies in 93.79% (95% CI 89.1-97.2) of cases. These findings highlight the need for large studies specifically looking at the timing of the appearance of the different brain sulci. Standardized algorithms for prenatal assessment of fetuses at high risk of malformations of cortical development are also warranted

Scarless outpatient ablation of pilonidal sinus: a pilot study of a new minimally invasive treatment.

Pain and secretion of purulent materials are symptoms that are often associated with the pilonidal sinus. Generally, these symptoms are neglected by patients for a long time. Patients seek medical attention too late, fearing a prolonged period of pain and inability after surgery. The optimal therapy for pilonidal sinus should have the following characteristics: high healing rate, low recurrence rate, minimal postoperative pain and low cost. The aim of this study is to explore the effectiveness and safety of a new minimally invasive treatment: the scarless outpatient ablation of pilonidal sinus (SOAP). A total of 31 consecutive patients were enrolled; 27 of 31 patients were declared healed after the surgery (87·09%). After 1 year, only 4 of 27 patients (14·81%) reported symptoms related to recurrence of the disease. The average duration of the operation was 7·47 minutes. Patients reported the disappearance of painful symptoms after approximately 2·62 days and had been away from work for 0·53 days. No complications were recorded during the period of study. The advantages of the procedure examined in this study are its simplicity and rapidity of execution, its outpatient setting, its low cost and lack of complications. In our opinion, a randomised controlled trial should be conducted to validate the results related to this technique

Laparoscopic drainage of a recurrent psoas abscess.

BACKGROUND: Many Authors suggest that psoas abscess should initially undergo an antibiotic therapy, with or without percutaneous drainage. In their opinion, surgical drainage should be done in case of failure or complicated recurrences. Herein we report a laparoscopic drainage of a recurrent and multilocular psoas abscess. METHODS: A 43-year-old woman presented to our department with a 4-week history of fever, anorexia, difficulty in walking, and pain in her right flank, lower back and hip. She had a 20-year history of recurrent lower back pain and fever treated with cyclic antibiotic therapy. Abdominal CT scan showed a complex multilocular right psoas abscess and a 17 mm hypodense area in the sixth liver segment. A drainage of the abscess through a laparoscopic access with intraoperative laparoscopic ultrasound of the liver was decided. RESULTS: The patient was discharged on the 3 th postoperative day. Her white blood cell count was normal and she was symptom free. At 1-, 6-, 12- and 24-months-follow-up, neither fever nor lower back pain were reported. CONCLUSIONS: According to our experience, laparoscopic drainage of iliopsoas abscess is safe and effective. However, further studies comparing laparoscopic drainage with open drainage and percutaneous drainage are required in order to define the specific indications of laparoscopic drainage

A field study on the efficacy of moxidectin and its egg reappearance period in donkeys naturally infected by Cyathostominae in Italy

Moxidectin (MOX) has a wide range of ecto-endoparasitic activity in many species including horses. There is a paucity of data on the efficacy of anthelmintics used in donkeys. The aims of the present study were to evaluate the field efficacy and Egg Reappearance Period (ERP) of MOX up to 84 days at horse dose against natural infection of Cyathostominae in donkeys. The trial was conducted in northern Italy, twenty-nine donkeys, were selected on the basis of faecal egg counts (FEC) > 300 EPG. Animals were treated on Day 0 with an oral gel containing MOX, at the manufacturer’s recommended horse dose (0.4mg/kg BW). FECs were performed on each donkey at least every fortnight during 84 days after treatment using a modified McMaster technique with a sensitivity 10 EPG. The efficacy and ERP values were determined following the AAEP Parasite Control Guidelines. The percentage reductions in FEC were 99.7% at the day 14, 99.5% at the day 28, 97.7% at the day 56 and 73.3% on day 84 post treatment. This trial demonstrates that MOX at horse dose was effective and safe for the treatment of Cyathostominae in donkeys, however with a shortened ERP this could be the first indication of developing anthelmintic resistance. Considering that the donkeys have a greater capacity to metabolize certain drugs compared with horses, a higher dosage or shorter intervals could be required for maintaining effective drug concentrations. The shorter ERP observed in the studied donkeys could be associated with a sub-therapeutic level of MOX

Efficacy of major anthelmintics against cyathostominae in donkeys

INTRODUCTION. In Italy, Cyathostominae (small strongyles), are the most common parasites in donkey farms with prevalence rate of 100% (Buono, 2018, PhD Thesis). Although in donkey massive parasitic infections are often subclinical, the impact on their health is unclear and anthelmintic treatments are the main strategy to control these internal parasites (Matthews and Burden, 2013, Equine Vet. Educ, 25(9):461-67). The aims of the present study were to evaluate the efficacy of the main broad-spectrum horse anthelmintic drugs using Faecal Egg Count Reduction Test (FECRT), and to investigate a possible development of drug resistance, determining the Egg Reappearance Period (ERP), in donkeys naturally infected by Cyathostominae. MATERIALS AND METHODS. The trials were conducted in 2 donkey farms (A and B) located in Campania (Southern Italy) and Lazio region (Central Italy) respectively. Twenty-four animals for each farm were selected based on donkey selective therapy cut-off (FEC>300 egg per gram - EPG) and allocated to 4 treatment groups of 6 animals: Pyrantel (PYR), Fenbendazole (FBZ), Ivermectin (IVM) and Moxidectin (MOX). Donkeys were treated at horse dose rate for each tested drug. Faecal Egg Counts were performed at days -2, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49, 56, 63, 70, 77 and 84 post-treatment using the McMaster technique (detection limit of 10 EPG). At day 14, the mean efficacy of the different drugs was calculated, as Faecal Egg Count Reduction according to the formula: =[(−)/]100 (Nielsen et al., 2013, www.aaep.org). On each sampling day, group pooled faecal samples were incubated at 27°C for 7-10 days and third stage larvae (L3) were identified using the keys proposed by the Atlas of Diagnosis of Equine Strongylidosis (Cernea et al., 2008, Editura Academic Pres). RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS. At 14 days post-treatment, in farm A FECRT was 100% for IVM and MOX, 99.8% for FBZ and 99.3% for PYR, suggesting that all investigated drugs were effective against Cyathostominae. For all tested drugs the ERPs were in accordance with those reported by the AAEP Guidelines. At 14 days, in farm B FECRT showed high efficacy for IVM and MOX (100%), a suspected resistance for PYR (86.3%) and resistance for FBZ (83.9%). ERPs were 8 weeks for IVM and 9 weeks for MOX, suggesting a shortened ERP rate for MOX. In all donkeys of both farms, coprocultures revealed the presence of Cyathostominae larvae. Based on our results the macrocyclic lactones were totally effective against small strongyles in donkeys, but to evaluate the anthelmintic resistance, it is crucial to associate the FECRT with the ERP value, because a shorter ERP is a precursor to the development of resistance