Serological detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum,Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and Ehrlichia canis antibodies and Dirofilaria immitis antigen in a countrywide survey in dogs in Poland

Canine vector-borne diseases (CVBDs) have increasingly become a focus of attention in the past few years. Nevertheless, in many parts of Europe information on their occurrence is still scarce. In a large study in Poland 3,094 serum samples taken from dogs throughout all 16 Polish provinces were tested using a commercial kit for the detection of circulating antibodies against Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and Ehrlichia canis and of Dirofilaria immitis antigen. A total of 12.31 % (381/3,094; 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 11.18–13.52 %) and 3.75 % (116/3,094; 95 % CI: 3.11–4.48 %) of the dogs were positive for A. phagocytophilum and B. burgdorferi s.l. antibodies, respectively. Furthermore, 0.26 % (8/3,094; 95 % CI: 0.11–0.51 %) were positive for E. canis antibodies and 0.16 % (5/3,094; 95 % CI: 0.05–0.38 %) for D. immitis antigen. The highest percentages of A. phagocytophilum-positive dogs were noted in Lesser Poland, Silesia and ?ód? Provinces. For B. burgdorferi s.l., the highest prevalence was recorded in ?ód? Province. Co-infections with A. phagocytophilum and B. burgdorferi s.l. were recorded in 1.71 % of all examined dogs (53/3,094; 95 % CI: 1.29–2.23 %). One dog even had a triple infection, testing positive for E. canis too. Both A. phagocytophilum and B. burgdorferi s.l. have previously been reported in Poland and were confirmed in the present study by positive samples from all 16 provinces. Concerning E. canis and D. immitis travel history or importation cannot be excluded as factors which may have determined the occurrence of these pathogens in the relevant animals. Practitioners in Poland should be aware of the above mentioned CVBDs and of prophylactic measures to protect dogs and their owners.     

Prevalence and diversity of Hepatozoon canis in naturally infected dogs in Japanese islands and peninsulas

Canine hepatozoonosis is a worldwide protozoal disease caused by Hepatozoon canis and Hepatozoon americanum and is transmitted by ixodid ticks, Rhipicephalus and Amblyomma spp., respectively. H. canis infection is widespread in Africa, Europe, South America, and Asia, including Japan. The objective of this study was to study the distribution pattern and diversity of H. canis in naturally infected dogs in nine Japanese islands and peninsulas. Therefore, 196 hunting dogs were randomly sampled during the period from March to September 2011 and the ages and sexes were identified. Direct microscopy using Giemsa-stained blood smears revealed H. canis gametocytes in the peripheral blood of 45 (23.6 %) dogs. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed on EDTA-anticoagulated blood, initially with the common primer set (B18S-F and B18S-R) amplifying the 1,665-bp portion of the 18S rRNA gene, and then with the specific primer set (HepF and HepR) amplifying about 660 bp fragments of the same gene. Based on PCR, 84 (42.9 %) dogs were positive using the common primer and 81 (41.3 %) were positive using the specific primer. The current investigation indicated that all screened areas, except for Sado Island and Atsumi Peninsula, were infected. Yaku Island had the highest infection rate (84.6 % in males and 100.0 % in females), while Ishigaki Island showed the lowest infection rates (8.3 % in males and 17.7 % in females). Both sexes were infected with no significant difference. However, diversity of infection among the surveyed islands and peninsulas was significantly different (P?<?0.05). Although H. canis has previously been reported in dogs in Japan, the higher infection rate described in the current study and the diversity of infection in a wide range of islands strongly encourage prospective studies dealing with the prevention and treatment of the infection in dogs, as well as control of ticks.     

Assessment of PCR status of vector-borne pathogens in dogs presenting arrhythmias

Arrhythmias are frequent and can be caused by many diseases. Vector-borne diseases are increasing in importance as a cause of arrhythmias in veterinary medicine. The objective of the study was to evaluate dogs presenting arrhythmias of any aetiology and to assess the influence of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) status for vector-borne pathogens in the Mediterranean area of Spain. A total of 120 dogs presenting arrhythmias were prospectively selected, and PCR for several vector-borne pathogens (Leishmania infantum, Ehrlichia/Anaplasma spp., Babesia spp., Rickettsia spp., Mycoplasma spp., Hepatozoon canis and Bartonella spp.) were analysed in blood samples. Twenty-four (20 %) dogs had positive results for PCR. Found pathogens were Ehrlichia/Anaplasma spp. (n?=?10, 8.3 %), Babesia spp. (n?=?7, 5.8 %), Rickettsia spp. (n?=?5, 4.2 %), Leishmania spp. (n?=?4, 3.3 %), Mycoplasma spp. (n?=?4, 3.3 %), and H. canis (n?=?1, 0.8 %). No significant differences were found in relation to PCR status and type or cause of the arrhythmia. Although there is a clear association between some infectious diseases and cardiac diseases, this study could not find evidence of the role of infectious agents as triggers for arrhythmias in dogs. More studies are needed to further explore this association.     

Seroprevalence of bluetongue in sheep and goats in southern Iran with an overview of four decades of its epidemiological status in Iran

Bluetongue virus (BTV) is the prototype of the genus Orbivirus, family Reoviridae. Bluetongue (BT) occurs throughout the temperate and tropical regions of the world, in an area that parallels the distribution of the competent vector, Culicoides spp. There is considerable genetic variability within the serogroup of BTV so that 26 serotypes have been recognized worldwide. A total of 1,010 blood samples from 820 sheep and 190 goats, with history of abortion and mucosal diseases, from 25 Counties of Fars Province, southern Iran were tested in a period of 1 year between 2010 and 2011, using competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (c-ELISA), for anti-bluetongue virus antibodies. A total of 772/1,010 (76.4 %) samples, 162/190 (85.3 %) goats and 610/820 (74.4 %) sheep, were found seropositive for BTV. The present study showed high seroprevalence of BT in goats and sheep of this area. The enzootic nature of BTV in southern areas of Iran is supported by climatic factors that favour the maintenance and recirculation of the virus in its vertebrate and non-vertebrate hosts. This investigation evaluates the present status of BT in southern Iran. It also has an overview on the previously confirmed serotypes of BT and demonstrates four decades prevalence of this disease in Iran.     

Urinary creatinine to serum creatinine ratio and renal failure index in dogs infected with Babesia canis

Urinary creatinine to serum creatinine (UCr/SCr) ratio and renal failure index (RFI) are useful indices of renal damage. Both UCr/SCr ratio and RFI are used in differentiation between prerenal azotaemia and acute tubular necrosis. In this work the authors calculated the UCr/SCr ratio and RFI in dogs infected with Babesia canis and the values of these indices in azotaemic dogs infected with the parasite. The results of this study showed significantly lower UCr/SCr ratio in dogs infected with B. canis than in healthy dogs. Moreover, in azotaemic dogs infected with B. canis the UCr/SCr ratio was significantly lower and the RFI was significantly higher than in non-azotaemic dogs infected with B. canis. The calculated correlation between RFI and duration of the disease before diagnosis and treatment was high, positive and statistically significant (r = 0.89, p < 0.001). The results of this study showed that during the course of canine babesiosis caused by B. canis in Poland acute tubular necrosis may develop.     

Molecular investigations of Hepatozoon species in dogs and developmental stages of Rhipicephalus sanguineus

The occurrence and distribution of Hepatozoon species in stray dogs, and the developmental stages of Rhipicephalus sanguineus detached from the same dogs in Diyarbak?r Province, Turkey is reported. A total of 328 ticks, including 133 adults (55 males and 75 females consist of 63 partially engorged and 15 fully engorged) and 195 nymphs (91 partially engorged and 104 fully engorged) were detached from the dogs. Fully engorged nymphs and females were incubated at 27 °C and relative humidity of 85 % to molt to adult stage and recover eggs. The ticks were pooled according to sex and developmental stage. No Hepatozoon gamonts were found, whereas, by PCR, 15.87 % (10/63) of the dogs were infected with Hepatozoon canis. Of the 68 tick pools tested, 14 (20.58 %) pools were infected with Hepatozoon spp., an overall maximum likelihood estimation of prevalence of 4.9 % (95 % confidence intervals (CI)?=?2.85–7.93 %) per 100 ticks. Maximum likelihood estimation of the infection rate varied by tick sex and developmental categories, ranging from 1.75 % (95 % CI?=?0.11–8.11 %) in fed males to 6.81 % (95 % CI?=?2.07–17.46 %) in unfed females. One amplicon from a fed adult female was 99 % identical to the sequence for Hepatozoon felis. The remaining sequences isolated from both dogs and ticks shared 99–100 % similarity with the corresponding H. canis isolates. This is the first detection of H. canis and H. felis in the tick R. sanguineus in Turkey.     

Serological study of Neospora caninum infection in dogs and cattle from west of Iran

The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of Neospora caninum infection in dogs and cattle from Hamedan province (West of Iran). Blood samples were collected from 1,046 cattle and 270 dogs in this area. Cattle and dog samples were tested and analyzed using ELISA and IFAT, respectively. IgG-antibodies to N. caninum were found in 27 and 17.4 % of dogs and cattle samples, respectively. In cattle study, The association between infection and type of cattle was statistically significant (P?=?0.004). Also, significant statistical differences were observed regarding to stray canids presence in farm (P?P?P?=?0.195) and breed (P?=?0.077). In dog study, there was statistical differences among age groups (P?P?P?=?0.112). This study is the first report of N. caninum infection in dogs and cattle from west of Iran. There is both horizontal and vertical transmission of N. caninum in this area, and the presence of stray dogs may be a risk factor for N. caninum infection in cattle. N. caninum is an important factor in the economic losses of the cattle breeding in Hamedan province. Therefore, further investigations and designing control strategies for improving management in cattle farms is highly recommended.     

Application the mass spectrometry MALDI-TOF technique for detection of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Babesia canis canis</Emphasis> infection in dogs

The aim of this study was to use rapid mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics analyses for diagnosis of Babesia canis canis infections in dogs. The study was conducted on two groups of dogs—healthy dogs and dogs infected with B. canis canis which demonstrated symptoms of babesiosis. The matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) MS technique revealed the presence of a protein fraction of 51–52 kDa in the blood serum of all the animals infected with the protozoa, which was not found in the serum of healthy dogs. The proteins are suspected to be disease markers, whereas the MALDI-TOF technique itself has high specificity and sensitivity and can be applied in analytical laboratories in the diagnosis of canine babesiosis.     

In vitro culture of Parascaris equorum larvae and initial investigation of parasite excretory-secretory products

Currently, diagnosis of Parascaris equorum infection in equids is limited to patent infections. The goals of this study were to culture P. equorum larvae in vitro and identify excretory-secretory (ES) products for prepatent diagnostic testing. Parascaris equorum L2/L3 larvae were hatched and cultured for up to 3 weeks for ES product collection. Fifth stage (L5) P. equorum were also cultured for ES product collection. Examination of ES fractions by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and silver stain revealed L2/L3 products ranging from 12–94 kDa and L5 products ranging from 12–189 kDa. Western blot analyses were conducted using polyclonal antibodies produced against P. equorum or Baylisascaris procyonis L2/L3 ES products, sera from rabbits inoculated with B. procyonis or Toxocara canis eggs, and sera from animals naturally infected with P. equorum or T. canis. Western blot results indicated parasite antigens migrating at 19 and 34 kDa may be useful for specifically detecting P. equorum infections.     

Brucella canis Is an Intracellular Pathogen That Induces a Lower Proinflammatory Response than Smooth Zoonotic Counterparts

Canine brucellosis caused by Brucella canis is a disease of dogs and a zoonotic risk. B. canis harbors most of the virulence determinants defined for the genus, but its pathogenic strategy remains unclear since it has not been demonstrated that this natural rough bacterium is an intracellular pathogen. Studies of B. canis outbreaks in kennel facilities indicated that infected dogs displaying clinical signs did not present hematological alterations. A virulent B. canis strain isolated from those outbreaks readily replicated in different organs of mice for a protracted period. However, the levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-12 in serum were close to background levels. Furthermore, B. canis induced lower levels of gamma interferon, less inflammation of the spleen, and a reduced number of granulomas in the liver in mice than did B. abortus. When the interaction of B. canis with cells was studied ex vivo, two patterns were observed, a predominant scattered cell-associated pattern of nonviable bacteria and an infrequent intracellular replicative pattern of viable bacteria in a perinuclear location. The second pattern, responsible for the increase in intracellular multiplication, was dependent on the type IV secretion system VirB and was seen only if the inoculum used for cell infections was in early exponential phase. Intracellular replicative B. canis followed an intracellular trafficking route undistinguishable from that of B. abortus. Although B. canis induces a lower proinflammatory response and has a stealthier replication cycle, it still displays the pathogenic properties of the genus and the ability to persist in infected organs based on the ability to multiply intracellularly.     

Ectoparasites of dogs and cats in Albania

One hundred eighty-one dogs and 26 short-hair cats from suburban areas around Tirana, Albania were examined for ectoparasite infestation. The dogs were examined on several occasions from 2005 through 2009 representing three seasons: winter (December–February), spring (March–May), and summer (June–August); the cats were examined in late autumn (November). In addition, deep ear swab specimens of 30 dogs were examined for ear mites. The arthropod ectoparasite fauna of the dogs included two tick species (Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Ixodes ricinus), three mite species (Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis, Otodectes cynotis, and Demodex canis), three flea species (Ctenocephalides canis, Ctenocephalides felis, and Pulex irritans), and one louse species (Trichodectes canis). In the dogs, rates of infestation were 23.8% for R. sanguineus, 0.6% for I. ricinus, 4.4% for S. scabiei var. canis, 6.7% for O. cynotis, 0.6% for D. canis, 75.7% for C. canis, 5.0% for C. felis, 8.3% for P. irritans, and 6.6% for T. canis. Mixed infestation with two or three species of ectoparasites was recorded on 38.1% of the dogs. Fleas infested 75.7% dogs (geometric mean, 3.96; range, 1–80) and were observed in winter, spring, and summer with increasing prevalences of 64.3%, 75.9%, and 100%. Ticks parasitized 24.3% of the dogs (geometric mean, 0.41; range, 1–331). R. sanguineus ticks were recorded on 34.2% and 50% of the dogs examined in spring and summer, respectively, but were absent on the dogs during winter except for a single I. ricinus specimen observed. Prevalence of infestation with R. sanguineus, S. scabiei var. canis, C. felis, P. irritans, and T. canis did not differ between dogs ≤6 months and dogs >6 months of age; however, prevalence of infestation with C. canis was significantly (p?<?0.01) higher in dogs >6 months old. There was no difference between the sexes for the prevalences of infestation with those parasites. The examination of the cats revealed infestation with only one species of ectoparasite, C. felis (prevalence, 100%; geometric mean, 2.5; range, 1–9).     

Efficacy of dinotefuran, permethrin and pyriproxyfen combination spot-on on dogs against Phlebotomus perniciosus and Ctenocephalides canis

This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of a new topical ectoparasiticidal spot-on containing 4.95 % dinotefuran (w/w), 36.08 % permethrin (w/w) and 0.44 % pyriproxyfen (w/w) (Vectra 3D?, Ceva, Libourne, France) against Portuguese strain of Phlebotomus perniciosus and a French strain of Ctenocephalides canis in dogs. Twelve beagle dogs were exposed for 1 h to 100 P. perniciosus on day 6 for allocation in two groups. One group was treated on day 0, and the other group was the control group. The dogs were exposed for 1 h to 100 P. perniciosus on days 1, 7, 14, 21 and 28. After each sandfly challenge, the same dogs were infested with 100 C. canis. Counts of living fleas were determined 48 h after infestation on days 4, 3, 9, 16, 23 and 30. For sandflies, the anti-feeding effect was 96.9, 99.7, 98.7, 83.5 and 87.0 % on days 1, 7, 14, 21 and 28, respectively. The mortality effect was 97.8, 99.8, 73.7, 27.5 and 39.6 % on days 1, 7, 14, 21 and 28, respectively. At each challenge point, the mortality and anti-feeding effects on sandflies were significantly different between the control and treatment groups (p?<?0.05). The adulticidal effect on C. canis remained above 99 % throughout the study period. The results indicate that a combination with dinotefuran, permethrin and pyriproxyfen may be used as an effective part of an overall flea and sandfly control strategy in dogs for monthly use.     

Disturbance of thyroid function in canine ehrlichiosis and babesiosis associated with oxidative stress

Canine babesiosis and ehrlichiosis are endemic in India. The effect of these diseases on hematological and clinical biochemistry is well established; however, the association with thyroid function and oxidative stress is not known. Accordingly, we assessed the thyroid function and oxidative stress in the dogs with babesiosis (n = 8) and ehrlichiosis (n = 10) based on the blood smear examination. Non-infected dogs (n = 8) served as control. Assay of plasma free triiodothyronine (FT3) and free thyroxine (FT4) was done by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NOx) were done by spectrophotometric method. Hematology was done in the blood using Na₂ ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (Na₂ EDTA) as anticoagulant. Plasma FT3 and FT4 were significantly decreased by 1.79 to 1.82 pg/mL and 0.85 to 0.88 ng/dL, respectively, in the dogs with babesiosis or ehrlichiosis (P < 0.01). In contrast, plasma MDA and NOx were significantly increased by 2.904 to 3.576 nM/mL and 3.725 to 5.04 μM/mL, respectively, in the presence of infection (P < 0.01). Hematology showed anemia (P < 0.01), leukocytosis (P < 0.01), and lymphopenia (P < 0.01) in the presence of either Babesia gibsoni or Ehrlichia canis as compared to non-infected dog. The results indicated that hypothyroidism with concurrent oxidative stress might be responsible for pathophysiology in dogs with B. gibsoni and E. canis infection besides hematological crisis.     

Evaluation of a Prototype Flow Cytometry Test for Serodiagnosis of Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis

Diagnosing canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) is a critical challenge since conventional immunoserological tests still present some deficiencies. The current study evaluated a prototype flow cytometry serology test, using antigens and fluorescent antibodies that had been stored for 1 year at 4°C, on a broad range of serum samples. Noninfected control dogs and Leishmania infantum-infected dogs were tested, and the prototype test showed excellent performance in differentiating these groups with high sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and accuracy (100% in all analyses). When the CVL group was evaluated according to the dogs'' clinical status, the prototype test showed outstanding accuracy in all groups with positive serology (asymptomatic II, oligosymptomatic, and symptomatic). However, in dogs which had positive results by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) but negative results by conventional serology (asymptomatic I), serological reactivity was not observed. Additionally, sera from 40 dogs immunized with different vaccines (Leishmune, Leish-Tec, or LBSap) did not present serological reactivity in the prototype test. Eighty-eight dogs infected with other pathogens (Trypanosoma cruzi, Leishmania braziliensis, Ehrlichia canis, and Babesia canis) were used to determine cross-reactivity and specificity, and the prototype test performed well, particularly in dogs infected with B. canis and E. canis (100% and 93.3% specificities, respectively). In conclusion, our data reinforce the potential of the prototype test for use as a commercial kit and highlight its outstanding performance even after storage for 1 year at 4°C. Moreover, the prototype test efficiently provided accurate CVL serodiagnosis with an absence of false-positive results in vaccinated dogs and minor cross-reactivity against other canine pathogens.     

Pharmacokinetics and anthelmintic efficacy of topical eprinomectin in goats prevented from grooming

Pharmacokinetics and anthelmintic activity of topical eprinomectin in goats prevented from physical contact to others and self-grooming were studied. Sixteen approximately 7 months old male castrated German White Noble goats harbouring induced infections of gastrointestinal nematode parasites were included in the study. They were blocked based on pre-treatment body weight (range 22.4 to 36.4 kg) and then randomly allocated to the untreated control group or the group treated with topical 0.5 % w/v eprinomectin (EPRINEX® Pour-on, Merial) at 1 mg/kg body weight. Plasma samples were collected prior to and at intervals up to 14 days following treatment and analyzed to determine the concentrations of eprinomectin (B1a component). Parasites were recovered, identified, and counted following necropsy 14 days after treatment. Goats treated with topical eprinomectin had significantly fewer (≥99 % reduction, p?Cooperia curticei, Haemonchus contortus, Nematodirus battus, Oesophagostomum venulosum, Ostertagia circumcincta, and Trichostrongylus colubriformis than the untreated controls. Basic pharmacokinetic parameters for eprinomectin B1a were AUC_infinity, 37.1?±?15.2 day ng/mL; T_½, 5.11?±?2.83 days; and C_max, 5.93?±?1.87 ng/mL; individual maximal concentrations were observed 1 or 2 days after treatment. Results of this study indicate that oral ingestion is not required to achieve adequate exposure for excellent anthelmintic efficacy following topical administration of eprinomectin at 1 mg/kg body weight to goats.     

Simvastatin Inhibits Inflammation in Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) is associated with leukocyte accumulation and tissue injury. The aim of this research was to investigate the protective effect of simvastatin on hind limb I/R inflammation and tissue damage. Mice were subjected to hind limb ischemic insult for 2 h and were simultaneously administered an intraperitoneal injection of simvastatin (5 mg/kg); this was followed by 36 h of reperfusion. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels in the muscles of the hind limb were determined. CXC chemokines and pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-2, cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant (KC), interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and P-selectin, were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Leukocyte rolling and adhesion in vitro was assessed to indicate leukocyte recruitment at the site of inflammation. Quantitative measurement of skeletal muscle tissue injury was performed. The fluorescent dye level in tissue and serum was used to determine hind limb vascular leakage and tissue edema after I/R. Systemic and differentiated leukocytes were also counted. Simvastatin significantly reduced MIP-2, KC, TNF-α, MPO, IL-6, and P-selectin levels compared to the sham group and I/R plus pretreatment with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) group (P?P?P?相似文献   

Report of Theileria annulata and Babesia canis infections in dogs

Piroplasmosis is a zoonotic protozoan disease transmitted by ticks. The full geographical range of canine piroplasms has been found in dogs in the Middle East, parts of Africa, North America, and Europe. Following our studies on molecular detection of piroplasmosis in the south of Iran, we found Theileria annulata in two herd dogs, as well as information on their 18S rRNA gene sequences. Piroplasmosis agents were detected by PCR of 280 blood samples collected from dogs in seven regions of the Shiraz suburbia in southern Iran, between November 2009 and June 2011. Two positive samples from Shiraz were infected with T. annulata, and one sample was infected with Babesia canis. PCR positive samples were further analyzed by sequence analysis. The results of this study reconfirmed that T. annulata are not always as host specific as accepted. This is the first report of T. annulata in herd dogs in southern Iran and the second report of T. annulata in dogs worldwide.     

Protective Effects of Lactobacillus plantarum NDC 75017 Against Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Liver Injury in Mice

This study investigated the protective effect of Lactobacillus plantarum NDC 75017 (L. plantarum NDC 75017) against acute liver injury induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Thirty male mice were randomly divided into the control, LPS, and LPS + L. plantarum NDC 75017 groups. In the LPS + L. plantarum group, the mice were orally pretreated with L. plantarum NDC 75017 for 15 days. At 16 days, the mice in the LPS and LPS + L. plantarum NDC 75017 groups were intraperitoneally injected with LPS at 4 mg/kg body weight, whereas the control mice were treated with an equal amount of saline. After 8 h, the serum alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and histology changes were examined. The oxidative stress markers and pro-inflammatory cytokines in the liver were also examined. Meanwhile, the expression of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) mRNA and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in the liver was determined by qRT-PCR. The LPS group showed an increase in ALT and AST, whereas the LPS + L. plantarum NDC 75017 group showed a significant decrease. In addition, pretreatment with L. plantarum NDC 75017 can attenuate LPS-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory response. Furthermore, the increase of hepatic NF-κB and TLR4 mRNA induced by LPS was significantly downregulated by the pretreatment with L. plantarum NDC 75017. These data show that pretreatment with L. plantarum NDC 75017 protects against LPS-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory injury in the liver of mice, which may be attributed to the inhibition of the TLR4-NF-κB pathway.     

L-4F Inhibits Lipopolysaccharide-Mediated Activation of Primary Human Neutrophils

Human apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) mimetic L-4F inhibits acute inflammation in endotoxemic animals. Since neutrophils play a crucial role in septic inflammation, we examined the effects of L-4F, compared to apoA-I, on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated activation of human neutrophils. We performed bioassays in human blood, isolated human neutrophils (incubated in 50 % donor plasma), and isolated human leukocytes (incubated in 5 and 50 % plasma) in vitro. In whole blood, both L-4F and apoA-I inhibited LPS-mediated elevation of TNF-α and IL-6. In LPS-stimulated neutrophils, L-4F and apoA-I (40 μg/ml) also decreased myeloperoxidase and TNF-α levels; however, L-4F tended to be superior in inhibiting LPS-mediated increase in IL-6 levels, membrane lipid rafts abundance and CD11b expression. In parallel experiments, when TNF-α and IL-8, instead of LPS, was used for cell stimulation, L-4F and/or apoA-I revealed only limited efficacy. In LPS-stimulated leukocytes, L-4F was as effective as apoA-I in reducing superoxide formation in 50 % donor plasma, and more effective in 5 % donor plasma (P?P?in vitro; (2) while L-4F has similar efficacy to apoA-I in anti-endotoxin effects in whole blood, it demonstrates superior efficacy to apoA-I in aqueous solutions and fluids with limited plasma components. This study rationalizes the utility of L-4F in the treatment of inflammation that is mediated by endotoxin-activated neutrophils.     

Incidence of dermatophytes isolated from dogs and cats in the city of Baku,Azerbaijan

Dermatophytes are filamentous fungi, which are able to use keratin as a source of carbon. Some of these organisms develop in skin and hair and cause cutaneous lesions. This zoonotic disease is called dermatophytosis or ringworm. The study was aimed to assess the frequency of dermatophyte infection of dog’s and cat’s skin around the city of Baku. During a period of 1 year (2014–2015), 116 dogs and 77 cats were included in this study. The mycological analyses were conducted by direct microscopy and by fungal culture on chloramphenicol Sabouraud agar (CSA) at the Department of Microbiology, Azerbaijan Animal Rescue Center (AARC), Baku, Republic of Azerbaijan. Of the 193 samples, 108 resulted in positive cultures for dermatophytes. Of the remaining 85 samples, no fungal growth was observed in 7 samples. One, two, and three genera of saprobe fungi were isolated in 32, 39, and 7 samples, respectively. Microsporum gypseum was isolated in 15 (14 %) and 38 samples (35.1 %) from cats and dogs, respectively. Microsporum canis was isolated in 18 (16.8 %) and 22 samples (20.3 %) from cats and dogs, respectively, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes in 6 (5.5 %) and 9 samples (8.3 %) from cats and dogs, respectively.