Haematological changes and anaemia associated with captivity and petroleum exposure in seabirds

Free-ranging marine birds are severely impacted by petroleum released into the environment. Although petroleum can affect many organ systems, oxidative damage to red blood cells (RBC) and development of Heinz body anaemia is the only known mechanism of RBC damage in oil-exposed marine birds. Rhinoceros auklets (Cerrorhinca monocerata) were orally exposed to 0, 2.5 or 10 ml of Prudhoe Bay crude oil/kg body weight for five consecutive days by gavage tube. No statistically significant differences between treatment groups were evident for the following blood parameters: packed cell volume (PCV); haemoglobin concentration (Hb); mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC); reticulocyte percentage: fibrinogen concentration; white blood cell count (WBC); and cell counts of heterophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils. After petroleum exposure, blood samples from auklets did not have any evidence of haemolysis, oxidative RBC damage or Heinz body formation as determined by new methylene blue staining of blood smears. Anaemia developed in both oil-exposed and unexposed auklets within 3 weeks of being captured and placed in captivity. Anaemia persisted throughout the duration of the study (77 days). Statistically significant differences over time were identified for PCV, Hb concentration, MCHC, reticulocyte percentage, fibrinogen concentration and lymphocyte, eosinophil and basophil numbers in auklets, without regard to petroleum exposure status. A mild transient regenerative response was noted after gavaging birds with either petroleum or sterile saline, however, the PCV never returned to levels measured immediately after capture. It is likely that anaemia associated with petroleum exposure in seabirds is multifactorial and may be associated with the sedentary nature of captivity, a variety of captivity associated stressors and possibly, the age of affected birds. Furthermore, neither inflammatory nor acute phase responses were consistent indicators of petroleum ingestion.     

Haematological and blood chemical values from Bothrops ammodytoides (ophidia-crotalidae) in captivity

In order to establish reference haematological and blood chemistry parameters, blood samples were obtained from 50 healthy specimens ofBothrops ammodytoides kept in captivity. The haematological parameters determined were: red blood cell count (RBC); total leucocyte (WBC) and differential leucocyte cell count; thrombocyte count; haematocrit (PCV); haemoglobin concentration; mean corpuscular volume (MCV); mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC). Blood chemistry parameters measured were: total protein; albumin; globulins; glucose; urea; uric acid; triglycerides; cholesterol; calcium; phosphorus; magnesium; sodium; potassium and chloride concentrations and the activities of aspartate amino transferase (AST) and alanine amino transferase (ALT). Compared to the values published for other ophidian species, RBC count, PCV and WBC count inBothrops ammodytoides are lower than in most of the crotalids. Total protein and glucose concentrations are lower, whereas uric acid concentration, AST and ALT levels are higher than the values reported for other species.     

Haematological findings in cats naturally infected with feline immunodeficiency virus

The types and prevalence of haematological abnormalities occurring in FIV infected cats were determined. In addition, the role of FIV infection per se in influencing haematological values was examined by analysing results between infected and non-infected cats which had been allocated to similar clinical disease groups. FIV-positive cats were grouped as asymptomatic carriers (AC), cats with AIDS-related complex (ARC) or AIDS. FIV-negative cats were placed into matched groups using the same criteria and designated as healthy, ARC or AIDS. Healthy FIV-negative cats also formed the reference ranges for peripheral blood and bone marrow. Anaemia was no more frequent in sick (ARC and AIDS) FIV-positive cats than sick (ARC and AIDS) FIV-negative cats. However, it was observed more frequently in FIV-positive cats than FIV-negative cats in the absence of concurrent disease, suggesting a direct effect of FIV infection. Bone marrow was affected by FIV infection; as evidenced by anaemic FIV-positive cats having proportionally less Type I reticulocytes than anaemic FIV-negative cats. In addition, FIV-positive cats demonstrated proportionally fewer mature erythroid cells in their marrow. This implied that FIV may cause a decreased life span or maturation arrest of the erythroid cell line. Lymphopenia and eosinopenia were seen more frequently in AC FIV-positive cats than healthy FIV-negative cats, suggesting the direct involvement of FIV. Thus, although FIV infection affected some haematological findings in AC cats, it appeared that haematological abnormalities in sick FIV-positive cats may be due as much to the disease state as to the virus specifically. Apart from the subjective assessment that bone marrow of FIV-positive cats appeared hypercellular, there were no pathognomonic features for FIV infection.     

Concurrent infections with vector-borne pathogens associated with fatal anaemia in cattle: haematology and blood chemistry

An outbreak of a fatal haemolytic anaemia in a dairy herd of cattle in Switzerland was shown to be associated with infections with five vector-borne pathogens, namely Anaplasma marginale, A. phagocytophilum, Babesia bigemina, a Theileria spp belonging to the buffeli/sergenti/orientalis complex and haemotrophic Mycoplasma spp. The latter three had not been documented before this outbreak in Switzerland. To characterise the haematological and blood chemical changes in these unique cows, packed cell volume was determined in all 286 blood samples, blood smears, and complete haematology were performed from 285 and 173 blood samples, respectively, and biochemical parameters were assayed in 105 serum samples. Regenerative anaemia was the key sign of illness. Red blood cells of anaemic cattle were hypochromic and macrocytic. Anaemic animals had reduced platelet cell counts and increased total white cell counts. In addition, increased serum bilirubin, blood aspartate aminotransferase, gamma glutamyltransferase, glutamic dehydrogenase and blood urea nitrogen and decreased magnesium, calcium and albumin levels were found in anaemic cattle when compared to animals with normal packed cell volume. Most changes could not be attributed to a single infection. A. marginale seemed to be important in causing the outbreak, but co-infections may have aggravated the disease development and clinical signs. Thus, when encountering cattle with haemolytic anaemia, all of the mentioned pathogens should be included as differential diagnosis.     

Haematological reference intervals of the south american rattlesnake ( Crotalus durissus terrificus , Laurenti, 1768) in captivity

Blood samples were taken from 180 healthy specimens of South American rattlesnake (Crotalus durissus terrificus) kept in captivity. The red blood cell count (RBC), haematocrit value, haemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) obtained were within the normal values reported for other Crotalid, Viperid and Elapid species. Total leucocyte (WBC) counts were within the range described in other ophidian species. No significant changes were observed as a function of sex and age. The period of the year (seasonal variation) was the only factor which had a significant influence on the haematological parameters. RBC counts, haematocrit, haemoglobin concentration, MCV, MCH and MCHC were 17–30% higher during winter-time (p<0.01), whereas the WBC and thrombocyte counts were 15–20% higher (p<0.01) during the summer.     

Haematological and clinical chemistry findings associated with sub-acute contamination of drinking water with varied low percentages of used engine oil

This study evaluated the haematology and clinical chemistry profile of rats given drinking water contaminated with varied low percentages of used engine oil (UEO) for a period of 21 days. Fifty female albino rats of 6–7 weeks of age were used for the study. They were divided into five groups (A–E) and given water contaminated with 5%, 1%, 0.1%, 0.01% and 0% vol/vol. of UEO respectively as the only source of drinking water for 21 days. The group E given uncontaminated water (0% contamination) served as the control. The haematological parameters and clinical chemistry profile of the rats was comprehensively evaluated after the 21 days of administration of the group-specific waters. Results showed that contamination of water with up to 5% UEO led to no significant effects (p > 0.05) on all the haematological indices and on the levels of serum alanine amino transferase, aspartate amino transferase, albumin, creatinine and calcium, blood urea nitrogen and fasting blood glucose level, feed consumption and body weight. However, the rat group given water contaminated with 5% UEO had a significantly increased serum alkaline phosphatase (AP) (p < 0.01), total bilirubin (p < 0.05) and cholesterol (p < 0.01), and a significantly decreased serum total protein and globulin (p < 0.01), and water consumption (p < 0.05). The rat group given water contaminated with 1% UEO had a significantly increased serum AP (p < 0.01), total bilirubin (p < 0.05) and cholesterol (p < 0.01), and a significantly decreased water consumption (p < 0.05), while the rat group given water contaminated with 0.1% UEO had a significantly elevated (p < 0.01) serum AP. It was concluded that sub-acute contamination of drinking water of rats with up to 5% UEO led to hepato-biliary disorders and adverse effects on hepatic secretion and excretion, including diminution of serum protein and globulin levels and elevation of serum cholesterol levels, but did not lead to any significant effects on haematology, hepatocellular integrity, kidney/renal function, pancreatic function and body weight.     

Haematological changes and up-regulation of P-selectin expression in circulating platelets of Indian women chronically exposed to emissions from biomass fuels

Blood cell counts and P-selectin expression of the circulating platelets of 37 Indian women that were chronically exposed to smoke from biomass fuel burning during cooking were evaluated. A total of 22 rural women that cook using LPG were simultaneously examined as controls. The biomass fuel users showed a significant reduction (p = < 0.05) in haemoglobin levels and erythrocyte counts and elevation (p = < 0.05) in total leukocytes, neutrophils and platelet counts. P-selectin expressing platelets were 8.6 ± 0.7% in biomass fuel users compared to 1.6 ± 0.2% in the controls. The absolute number of P-selectin expressing platelets was 8.3 times higher in biomass fuel users, and this increase also correlated with the number of years of exposure. The results demonstrated haematological alterations and remarkable activation of platelets in women chronically exposed to emissions from biomass fuel burning.     

Haematological findings in pregnant, postparturient and nursing mares

Venous blood samples were collected from 16 Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse mares during late pregnancy (approximately one month before parturition), approximately 6 h after parturition, one month after parturition and 4 months after parturition when the foals were weaned. There were no significant differences over time for haematocrit, mean cell volume, mean cell haemoglobin concentration, platelet count or mean platelet volume. The icterus index was significantly higher, and the total plasma protein concentration was slightly lower, during late pregnancy than when nursing. Plasma fibrinogen concentration and total leucocyte counts were highest shortly after birth. Results from differential leucocyte counts revealed that the increased total leucocyte count measured shortly after birth was the result of increased numbers of neutrophils. There were no significant differences in absolute lymphocyte, monocyte or basophil counts, but the number of eosinophils was significantly lower shortly after birth. Total serum iron concentration and percentage saturation of transferrin with iron were highest shortly after birth. There was no significant difference in iron binding capacity over time. Serum ferritin and cortisol concentrations were lowest during late pregnancy, but the mean ferritin value was not significantly different from other time periods. The addition of iron and other mineral supplements to the basic concentrate fed at the University of Florida Horse Research Unit did not have a measurable effect on any haematological parameter evaluated in mares.     

Peripartal serum biochemical, haematological and hormonal changes associated with retained placenta in dairy cows

Retained placenta (RP) is one of the most important complications in cattle because it affects milk production and reproductive performance. To determine any changes between healthy cows and cows that retained their afterbirth, serum metabolites, haematological parameters and hormonal concentrations were measured 96–48 h prepartum and 24–48 h postpartum in 15 healthy and 15 RP dairy cows. Serum metabolites were not different between the two groups, pre- and postpartum; only Na was marginally lower in RP cows prepartum and albumin was marginally lower in RP cows postpartum. There were also no differences between the two groups prepartum according to blood parameters. Only fibrinogen was significantly higher in RP cows postpartum. Progesterone and cortisol did not differ significantly between the two groups pre- and postpartum but estrogen concentration was significantly lower in the RP group, pre- and postpartum. Progesterone/estrogen ratio was also significantly higher in the RP group prepartum and postpartum. In conclusion, lower estrogen concentrations and higher progesterone/estrogen ratio seem to be the main hormonal changes in RP cows and one time sampling 4 to 2 days before calving can reveal these changes.     

Haematological changes associated with food‐related oral lesions in brown leghorn hens

After 19 weeks on a mash diet nine of the 10 birds exhibited from two to 19 oral lesions. The majority of these lesions involved the total erosion of the buccal epidermis giving a total area of exposed dermis of 0.6 to 94.5 mm². This was accompanied by a significant reduction in the numbers of heterophils, monocytes and eosinophils. Birds with lesions also had significantly reduced concentrations of haemoglobin and may have been suffering from a mild form of micro‐cytic normochromic anaemia without the complication of an extensive bone marrow involvement. These findings have implications for poultry welfare.     

The rate and cost of hospitalisation in children with sickle cell anaemia and its implications in a developing economy

Background

There is paucity of data on the cost and rate of hospitalization in children with sickle cell anaemia (SCA) in most developing nations.

Objective

To estimate the rate and cost of hospitalization in children with SCA in Nigeria and evaluate the economic burdens on their families.

Methods

The number and duration of hospitalizations; estimated aggregate family''s monthly income, cost of care and percentage of the mean annual income spent on hospitalization for each respondent were obtained using a structured questionnaire.

Results

The mean age of the 73 children was 61.1(44.3) months; M:F was 1:1.6. They had 183 admissions (average of 2.5(1.9) admissions per child per year). The mean family monthly income was $250.37, while the average cost of care per hospitalization per subject was $132.67. The total cost of care during the year was $24,278.37. About one-third of the caregivers spent at least 10% of their estimated annual income as total cost of hospitalization.

Conclusion

The rate and the cost of hospitalization for children with SCA and the percentage of income spent on hospitalization were too high in our environment. Government should strengthen the National Health Insurance Scheme and subsidise the cost of care to these children.     

Haematological Changes During Normal Pregnancy in New Zealand White Rabbits: A Longitudinal Study

The present study was undertaken to investigate changes in haematology parameters over the course of normal pregnancy in New Zealand White rabbits. Blood samples were collected on gestational days (GD) 0, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, and 28. Red blood cell counts and haemoglobin concentrations on GD 20–28 were lower than those of normal non-pregnant rabbits. These values fluctuated slightly between GD 0 and 12 and subsequently decreased to reach a nadir on either GD 24 or 28. Haematocrit value in pregnant rabbits also decreased slightly in the third trimester, but the difference was not statistically noticeable. Mean corpuscular volume in pregnant rabbits increased gradually during the course of gestation and was larger on GD 24 than that in non-pregnant rabbits. There were no differences in mean corpuscular haemoglobin and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration between pregnant and non-pregnant rabbits. Platelet counts on GD 24–28 were lower than that of normal non-pregnant rabbits. These values increased slightly in the first half of gestation and then decreased to reach a nadir on GD 28. Total white blood cell and lymphocyte counts on GD 24 were lower than those of normal non-pregnant rabbits. These values increased maximally by GD 4 and then decreased progressively to a minimum level on GD 24. No significant differences were observed in the numbers of neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, and monocytes between pregnant and non-pregnant rabbits. Neutrophil counts of pregnant rabbits fluctuated minimally between GD 0 and 12 and then decreased to reach a lowest level on GD 24. Eosinophil counts increased to a maximum value on GD 4 and subsequently decreased to reach a nadir on GD 24. Basophil and monocyte counts were not different throughout the course of pregnancy. These data can be used not only as a historical database for the effective evaluation of data from reproductive toxicology studies, but also as a contribution to biological characterization of New Zealand White rabbits.     

Role of ITPA and SLC28A2 genes in the prediction of anaemia associated with protease inhibitor plus ribavirin and peginterferon in hepatitis C treatment

BackgroundAnaemia is a common side-effect of ribavirin (RBV) use that overwhelms management of hepatitis C when protease inhibitors are added.AimTo assess the pharmacogenomic impact of candidate genes SLC28A2, SLC28A3 and ITPA on anaemia in patients receiving triple therapy.MethodsPatients (n = 161) with chronic hepatitis C genotype 1 treated with telaprevir (n = 95) or boceprevir (n = 66) were included. Using RT-PCR we genotyped ITPA (rs1127354, rs7270101) and SLC28A3 (rs56350726, rs10868138) and SLC28A2 (rs11854484). Clinically significant anaemia (CSA) was diagnosed when at least one of the following criteria was observed: (a) haemoglobin <8.5 g/dL during treatment; (b) blood transfusion required; (c) erythropoietin administered.ResultsCSA occurred in 44% (69/157) of patients and was associated with SLC28A2 rs11854484 [CC/CT genotypes: 33% (26/78) vs. TT genotype: 56% (36/64); p = 0.006]. Further, the needed for blood transfusion was related to genotype [CC: 0% (0/18) vs. CT: 13% (8/61) vs. TT: 27% (17/64); p = 0.016]. Similarly, ITPA rs1127354 genotypes [AA/AC: 19% (3/16) vs. CC: 45% (61/135; p = 0.060] were linked to CSA. In multivariate analysis, SLC28A2 rs11854484 TT genotype (OR:2.33;95%CI:1.10–4.95; p = 0.027), female sex (OR:2.54;95% CI:1.13–5.71;p = 0.024) and Hb drop at week 4) OR: 1.36; 95CI%: 1.11–1.67; p = 0.003) were independently associated with CSA. Similarly, ITPA rs1127354 genotypes [AA/AC: 16% (3/19) vs. CC: 63% (85/134); p = 0.0001] and ITPA rs6051702 genotypes [CC/CA: 46% (26/57) vs. CC: 65% (60/93); p = 0.023] were related to Hb drop of >3g/dL at week 4.ConclusionsIn patients receiving first generation protease inhibitors, genotype SLC28A2 rs11854484 predicts CSA, and helps to identify a subgroup of patients with better tolerance of triple therapy.     

The Effectiveness of Sofosbuvir and Daclatasvir in the Treatment of Hepatitis C in Thalassaemia Major Patients and their Effect on Haematological Factors

Context: Patients with thalassaemia are at risk of infections such as hepatitis C virus (HCV) due to their repeated blood transfusions; meanwhile, the treatment of thalassaemia patients who had developed HCV infection is a controversial issue. Aims: Although the effectiveness of direct-acting antivirals on HCV infection has been confirmed, their side-effects as well as effects on haematological factors due to the resultant need for blood transfusion remain to be further understood. Materials and Methods: In this study, 61 patients with major beta thalassaemia and HCV infection, and who had a history of interferon treatment failure were examined. The patients underwent a 24-week treatment with sofosbuvir (SOF) and daclatasvir (DAC). Sustained virological response 12 was used to assess response to treatment. At the end of the study, the need for blood transfusion and serum ferritin was evaluated. Results: About 98.4% of the patients responded to the treatment, and only one patient with genotype 1b did not respond positively. No significant complications necessitating treatment cessation were observed, and all the patients tolerated the treatment well. The level of liver enzymes showed a significant reduction 12 weeks after the treatment. The need for blood transfusions in patients before treatment was averagely 1.595 ± 0.65 bag per month, in which 1.593 ± 0.64 bags were received after treatment (P = 0.9). This regimen did not affect the amount of anaemia in patients and did not differentiate the need for blood transfusions. The rate of haemoglobin before treatment was 9.5 ± 1.42 g/dl, which reached 9.6 ± 1.6 g/dl after treatment (P = 0.54). Ferritin levels decreased significantly (from 1948.08 ± 1539.54 to 1315.73 ± 1207.67 ng/ml) (P = 0.001) in the patients after the treatment. Conclusion: Combination of SOF and DAC is an effective and tolerable treatment regimen without affect on the amount of anaemia in patients and did not differentiate the need for blood transfusions.     

Haematological and acute-phase responses associated with delayed-onset muscle soreness in humans

Delayed-onset muscle soreness following unaccustomed or eccentric exercise is associated with inflammation, tissue necrosis and the release of muscle enzymes (Newham et al. 1983). We have investigated the time course of changes in circulating leucocytes and serum levels of some acute phase reactants, serum creatine kinase activity (CK) and muscle pain after a 40-min bout of bench-stepping exercise in eight healthy untrained subjects. Leg muscle soreness was greatest 2 days after the exercise bout. Peak serum CK values [mean (SD) 540 (502) IU·l^–1] occurred 1–7 days post-exercise. Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) was unchanged from pre-exercise levels [7.8 (3.4) mg·l^–1] immediately post-exercise [7.9 (2.3) mg·l^–1] but rose to a peak of 17.0 (3.9) mg·l^–1 1 day post-exercise, thereafter declining to basal levels. Serum levels of iron and zinc fell below pre-exercise levels for 1–3 days post-exercise. Serum albumin, IgG and IgM fell below pre-exercise levels from 1 day post-exercise, reaching minimal values (about 80% of basal levels) at 7 days post-exercise. The exercise did not appear to significantly affect serum levels of alpha-1-antitrypsin and alpha-1-acid glycoprotein. Two and three days after the exercise bout the circulating numbers of total leucocytes, neutrophils, monocytes and basophils fell 15–20% below pre-exercise levels, whereas lymphocytes, eosinophils and platelets were unchanged. The results indicate that a rapid acute phase inflammatory response is initiated within 1 day of a bout of exercise that induces delayed-onset muscle soreness, and that any later tissue necrosis that may occur is not accompanied by further marked changes in acute-phase reactants such as CRP.     

Haematological and biochemical parameters and the serum concentrations of phosphorus, lead, cadmium and chromium in flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber) and black-headed gull (Larus ridibundus) in Iran

Blood samples of nine flamingos and 12 black-headed gulls from Fars province of Iran were used to determine the haematological and biochemical factors and the concentrations of phosphorus, lead, chromium and cadmium in serum. Haematological parameters in flamingo—packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb) concentration, red blood cell (RBC) number, white blood cell (WBC) count, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), MCH concentration (MCHC), heterophiles, lymphocytes and thrombocytes—were found to be 35.21±1.6 (%), 117.8±59 (g/l), 2.27±0.29 (×10¹²/l), 5.93±1.25 (×10⁹/l), 201.84±86 (fl), 62.54±5.73 (pg), 329±1.6 (g/l), 64.71±4.47 (%), 35.14±2.1 (%) and 76.4±9.2 (10⁹/l), respectively. Haematological parameters in black-headed gull—PCV, Hb, RBC, WBC, MCV, MCH, MCHC, heterophiles, lymphocytes and thrombocytes—were found to be 39±2.52 (%), 123±13.3 (g/l), 2.89±0.45 (×10¹²/l), 2.25±0.42 (×10⁹/l), 184±17.32 (fl), 60.33±6.74 (pg), 327.6±3.8 (g/l), 57.33±12.2 (%), 42.66±4.7 (%) and 61.44±8.25 (10⁹/l), respectively. The results of blood serum biochemistry in flamingo indicated that the concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, total protein, albumin, uric acid, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatine phosphokinase (CPK), phosphorus, cadmium, lead and chromium were 8.45±1.65 (mmol/l), 10.4±0.01 (mmol/l), 55±4.7 (g/l), 17.1±2.7 (g/l), 528.99±172.4 (μmol/l), 70.83±19.77 (IU/l), 4.2±0.2 (IU/l), 19.78±5.38 (IU/l), 197.16±57.45 (IU/l), 2.01±0.4 (mmol/l), 2.55±0.98 (μmol/l), 11.14±3.95 (μmol/l) and 4.08±1.41 (μmol/l), respectively. The results of blood biochemistry in black-headed gull indicated that the serum concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, total protein, albumin, uric acid, AST, ALT, ALP, CPK, phosphorus, cadmium, lead and chromium were 10.78±1.39 (mmol/l), 7.37±0.63 (mmol/l), 51±8.1 (g/l), 18.3±2 (g/l), 707.8±210.55 (μmol/l), 92.66±17.14 (IU/l), 9.21±1.2 (IU/l), 27.73±5.37 (IU/l), 164.33±48.81 (IU/l), 2.09±0.59 (mmol/l), 3.26±1.1 (μmol/l), 10.32±2.49 (μmol/l) and 5.91±1.25 (μmol/l), respectively. The results showed high concentrations of heavy metals in both species, which could be an indication of environmental pollution.     

Pathological changes associated with experimental 900-MHz electromagnetic wave exposure in rats

The aim of this study was to determine a possible relationship between whole-body 900-MHz Global System for Mobile Communication-like electromagnetic field (GSM-EMF) exposure and pathological changes in vital organs of Sprague–Dawley rats. Twenty adult male rats were used in four equal independent groups—control (without EMF) and low-, moderate-, and high-exposure groups—according to the time of exposure to EMF (1, 2, and 4 h). The exposure was performed for 30 consecutive days. Tissue samples of the heart, liver, and left kidney were collected and fixed in 10 % buffered formalin for histopathological examination. Some pathological lesions, especially in the kidney (congestion and inflammation) were seen. Our results demonstrate that the use of GSM-like EMF at these intensities and duration can induce pathological lesions in the heart, liver, or kidney, but these are not EMF specific.     

Long-term haematological changes in cats experimentally infected with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)

Haematological changes of experimental feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection in six inoculated and six control cats were studied over a 98 week period. Acute infection was characterised by moderate to severe leucopenia, neutropenia, and eosinopenia between weeks 5 and 13 post-inoculation (PI). Normal myeloid activity or mild myeloid hyperplasia with a left shift to promyelocytes accompanied neutropenia. Chronic infection was characterised by intermittent neutropenia in three of six cats beginning after week 50 Pl and lymphopenia in two cats starting on week 66 Pl. The severity and duration of neutropenia and lymphopenia varied in individual cats. In contrast to natural FIV infections, anaemia and thrombocytopenia did not develop in either acute or chronic experimental infection. Age-related haematological changes such as increasing packed cell volume and plasma protein concentration as well as decreasing neutrophil and total leucocyte counts were noted as both control and inoculated cats reached maturity. The mechanisms of neutropenia and eosinopenia remain unknown. Viral infection of myeloid cells may be involved in the pathogenesis of cytopenias, and further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms. This study also demonstrated that FIV infection in cats may be a useful model in studying haematological abnormalities associated with other immunodeficiency-causing lentiviruses.