Comparison of Standard Protocols for the Treatment of Canine Leishmaniasis in an Endemic Area with and Without Zinc Oral Supplementation

Successful treatment of canine leishmaniasis (CanL) depends on an effective cellular immune response. Zinc is an essential trace element for the immune system and in dogs with clinical leishmaniasis low serum zinc levels have been reported. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of zinc oral administration during treatment of CanL. Eighteen dogs from an endemic area were enrolled showing clinical signs of leishmaniasis and diagnosed by positive parasitological and serological tests. Dogs were subdivided in three treatment groups: MA, meglumineantimoniate 50 mg/kg SC for 30 days with allopurinol 10 mg/kg PO BID for 7 months; MZ, meglumineantimoniate 50 mg/kg SC BID for 30 days with zinc 2.2 mg/kg/die PO for 12 months; MAZ, same as MA group plus supplemented with zinc 2.2 mg/kg/die PO for 12 months. Each dog was monitored for 12 months using clinical and skin scores and some blood biochemical markers. Dogs in MZ and MAZ group showed a better and earlier improvement of clinical and skin scores in comparison to control dogs (MA group). Among few blood markers studied (hemoglobin, albumin, γ globulins and A/G ratio) dogs in MAZ group did improve and earlier than other groups suggesting that zinc improves the condition where allopurinol is also present. The supplementation of zinc in the treatment protocol for CanL increased the serum zinc concentrations. In addition, preliminary data showed in group MZ and MAZ dogs a faster response to therapy and the elongation of the disease-free interval time

Plant Health and Rhizosphere Microbiome: Effects of the Bionematicide Aphanocladium album in Tomato Plants Infested by Meloidogyne javanica

The artificial introduction in the soil of antagonistic microorganisms can be a successful strategy, alternative to agrochemicals, for the control of the root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) and for preserving plant health. On the other hand, plant roots and the associated rhizosphere constitute a complex system in which the contribution of microbial community is fundamental to plant health and development, since microbes may convert organic and inorganic substances into available plant nutrients. In the present study, the potential nematicidal activity of the biopesticide Aphanocladium album (A. album strain MX-95) against the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne javanica in infected tomato plants was investigated. Specifically, the effect of the A. album treatment on plant fitness was evaluated observing the plant morphological traits and also considering the nematode propagation parameters, the A. album MX-95 vitality and population density. In addition, the treatment effects on the rhizosphere microbiome were analysed by a metabarcoding procedure. Treatments with A. album isolate MX-95 significantly decreased root gall severity index and soil nematode population. The treatment also resulted in increased rhizosphere microbial populations. A. album MX-95 can be favourably considered as a new bionematicide to control M. javanica infestation

Angiostrongilosi canina: monitoraggio clinico e parassitologico in animali asintomatici

Canine angiostrongylosis is a cardiopulmonary disease emerging in Europe which can be fatal if left untreated. The aim of the present study is to report the laboratory and imaging findings of 5 asymptomatic cases of canine angiostrongylosis and to report the results of faecal monitoring by Baermann test during therapy. The occasional detection of L1 in the faeces of dogs referred for routinary visit suggests that faecal samples can reveal asymptomatic subjects allowing to establish an appropriate treatment before the onset of potentially lethal lesions. A highly variable response was registered at fecal monitoring during treatment in the dogs probably associated to the host and/or to the parasite. To monitor the response to treatment serial tests are needed; the limits of Baermann test are known and a single negative result does not mean control of infection confirming the importance to develop new tests to reach diagnosis and improve monitoring after treatment

Clinical study on twelve naturally Angiostrongylus vasorum infected dogs under treatment.

angiostrongylosis is an emerging potentially fatal disease in Europe. Aim of the study- clinical monitoring of twelve naturally Angiostrongylus vasorum naturally infected dogs under treatment. Materials and methods- twelve dogs referred to the Clinical Unit of the Veterinary Faculty of Bari (Italy) were enrolled in the study. Diagnosis was made by means of larval morphological identification on faecal samples analysed by Baermann test and/or direct microscopic observation. A blood sample was collected for haematology, biochemical analysis, serum protein electrophoresis and coagulation profile. Thoracic radiographs and echocardiography was performed. Specific therapy was administered choosing fenbendazole (Panacur Ò, Intervet, Animal Health) and/or Im/Mox (AdvocateÒ spot-on, Bayer) based on the severity of symptoms. The study monitoring was stopped at normalization of clinico-pathological alterations and/or at the end of treatment. During monitoring clinical examination was performed once a week in symptomatic dogs, while laboratory and radiographic controls were performed according to owner availability. Results-the owner complaint was heterogeneous: dyspnea, polypnea and hemoptysis, gradual distension of the abdomen, epistaxis and acute unilateral hyphema, severe coughing. Five cases were presented for routine control visit and one case for ocular specialistic examination. Thoracic auscultation was normal in seven cases, while in the other animals rales, wheezing, muffling of heart sounds and loud bronchovescicular sounds were registered. Thoracic radiographs showed pathological findings in all dogs except for one. Circular areas of radiopacity were observed in four cases. The complete blood count showed anemia from mild to moderate in five cases, leucocytosis in four cases and eosinophilia in six cases. The biochemical examination showed non-specific and non-uniform alterations. Primary hemostasis disorders characterized by thrombocytopenia were detected in three cases, associated or not to alterations of clotting profile. Serum protein electrophoresis showed a variable increase in β globulin fraction in all animals except for two asymptomatic dogs. In general clinical pictures significantly improved in all symptomatic dogs after 1-2 weeks from treatment starting. The reverse to normal of clinico-pathological findings and radiographic abnormalities were variable. Fenbendazole was given in monotherapy in five cases for 21 days. The Im/Mox was administered in monotherapy in five cases and in combination with fenbendazole in two other cases. Conclusions - The reported cases show different clinical presentations associated with the presence of A. vasorum in dogs suggesting that angiostrongylosis should be considered as a possible etiological cause of several clinical conditions. Moreover the occasional detectionof L1 in the feces of five dogs referred for a routine control visit suggest that fecal samples (direct or Baermann test) can reveal asymptomatic subjects (Koch et al., 2009). The detection of L1 in a dog of 12 years reveals the receptivity to infection also in old dogs, although a greater risk of infection is reported in young subjects (Chapman et al., 2004; Barutzki and Schaper, 2009). Thoracic radiographic findings are described in the course of angiostrongylosis with the possibility of abnormalities also in asymptomatic dogs (Boag et al., 2004) as it was in the cases described herein.. The particular aspect of the circular/serpiginous radiopacity described in four cases have not been previously reported; these lesions could be attributed to fistulas created during larval migration from the pulmonary capillaries into the alveoli or to bronchoectasiae. A. vasorum infection can be fatal, thus an early diagnosis and appropriate treatment is auspicable. Although none of clinico-pathological findings are specific, a combination of these findings should increase the index of suspicion also in asymptomatic dogs