Seroepidemiology of Anaplasma marginale in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) from Louisiana

Antibodies to Anaplasma marginale were detected by the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFA) in six of 331 (2%) serum samples of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) from Louisiana. None of the serum samples were positive using the A. marginale modified rapid card agglutination test. Of the six IFA positive sera retested by the complement fixation test four sera gave anticomplementary and two gave seropositive reactions. The low A. marginale reactor rate in this white-tailed deer population was probably a reflection of the lack of cohabitation between cattle and deer and the fact that the primary arthropod vectors in Louisiana are tabanids. The validity of the indirect fluorescent antibody test for A. marginale antibodies in white-tailed deer should be evaluated.     

Experimental infection of white-tailed deer with rangiferine brucellosis

Experimental infections of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) with Brucella suis biovar 4 were evaluated over a period of 6 wk. Five adult male hand-raised white-tailed deer were inoculated with 1 x 10(7) colony forming units of B. suis biovar 4 in the conjunctiva and serologically evaluated over 6 wk by the card test (CARD), rivanol test (RIV), serum agglutination test (SAT), complement fixation test (CFT), particle concentration fluorescence immunoassay (PCFIA), and competitive enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA), as routinely used for bovine samples. Six weeks postinoculation the animals were euthanized and cultured for B. suis biovar 4. One deer became serologically positive 4 wk postinoculation on CFT, CARD, PCFIA, and cELISA. At 6 wk postinoculation, CFT was positive in four infected deer, CARD was positive in three deer; RIV, SAT, and PCFIA was positive in two deer; and cELISA was positive in one deer. Only the CFT was 100% sensitive. At necropsy B. suis biovar 4 was isolated from four of five deer, and representative colonies were biologically similar to the challenge organism.     

Prevalence and isolation of Toxoplasma gondii from white-tailed deer in Alabama

Nineteen white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) from 5 counties in Alabama were examined for infection with Toxoplasma gondii. Twenty-gram samples of heart tissue were bioassayed in mice, serum was examined for T. gondii antibodies using the direct agglutination test, and sections of heart muscle were examined histologically for tissue cysts. Toxoplasma gondii was isolated from 4 of 19 (21%) white-tailed deer hearts. Antibody titers of greater than or equal to 1:50 were found in sera from 7 of 16 (44%) white-tailed deer. Histological examinations of tissue sections from white-tailed deer hearts were negative for T. gondii.     

Evaluation of the anaplasmosis rapid card agglutination test for detecting experimentally-infected elk.

Anaplasma marginale was experimentally transmitted from cattle to elk to cattle. Six intact adult elk (Cervus canadensis canadensis) inoculated with freshly collected heparinized blood from cattle chronically infected with A. marginale became asymptomatic carriers. Although the elk did not develop clinical or hematologic evidence of infection, they became seropositive by the serum(SRCA) and plasma rapid card agglutination (PRCA) tests. Blood from the experimentally-infected elk produced disease in splenectomized bovine calves and the carrier state persisted for at least one year. Infection did not occur when two elk were inoculated with 0.5 ml of frozen blood from known bovine carriers. The blood had been frozen for four weeks in liquid nitrogen with 6% dimethyl-sulfoxide. The bovine SRCA and PRCA tests were adapted for use with elk serum. To obtain accurate test results, serum collected from clotted elk blood had to be held for at least 72 h at 21-27 C before performance of the SRCA test. Comparative serologic and infectivity studies indicated that the carrier (reactor) status of elk was accurately identified with the serologic tests in 61 of 68 samples evaluated. Incorrect serologic results with the SRCA and PRCA tests were false-negative readings. In no case were uninfected elk identified as seropositive.     

Prevalence of agglutinating antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in adult and fetal mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) from Nebraska

Toxoplasma gondii is an apicomplexan parasite of mammals and birds. Herbivores acquire postnatal infection by ingesting oocysts from contaminated food or water. Toxoplasma gondii infection is common in white-tailed deer, Odocoileus virginianus, but little is known about the prevalence of infection in mule deer, O. hemionus. We examined sera from 89 mule deer from Nebraska for agglutinating antibodies to T. gondii using the modified direct agglutination test (MAT) with formalin-fixed tachyzoites as antigen. Thirty-one (35%) of the samples were positive at dilutions of > or = 1:25. Samples were examined from 29 fetuses from these mule deer and none were positive in the MAT. Sera from 14 white-tailed deer from Nebraska were also examined and 6 (43%) were positive for T. gondii. Samples were examined from 5 fetuses from these white-tailed deer and none was positive in the MAT. Our results in both deer species from Nebraska are similar to studies conducted in white-tailed deer from other regions of the United States. Our findings indicate that mule deer are frequently infected with T. gondii and that mule-deer meat may be a source of human infection.     

The serological responses of calves to live Salmonella dublin vaccine--a comparison of different serological tests

The serological responses to live Salmonella dublin vaccine was assessed in three groups of calves; three-day-old colostrum-deprived (3DO C-), three-day-old colostrum-fed (3DO C+) and three-month-old (3MO), by the following tests; serum agglutination test (SAT), indirect haemagglutination test (IHA), complement-fixation test (CFT) and antiglobulin test (AGT). Serological activity was detected by all the tests in the 3MO calves. In the 3DO C+ calves no serological activity was detected by either the somatic SAT or IHA but low levels of CF and somatic AGT antibodies were produced. In 3DO C- calves serological activity, often at low levels, was detected by all the tests except the somatic SAT. High levels of flagellar agglutinins were detected in both groups of 3DO calves. It was concluded that with the exception of the flagellar SAT the tests were affected by the age of the calf and in 3DO calves also by the presence of colostral antibodies. However, the use of the SAT in 3MO calves would provide an indication as to the potency of salmonella vaccines.     

Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in sika deer from eastern Hokkaido, Japan

Brain and serum were collected from 120 and 12 free-ranging sika deer (Cervus nippon yesoensis), respectively, from six regions in eastern Hokkaido during controlled hunts in the autumn of 2003. Brains were tested for Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays. Antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii were measured by means of a latex agglutination test. No brain tested positive for either type of DNA, and no antibody to Toxoplasma gondii was detected in serum, suggesting a low prevalence of infection with these organisms in free-ranging sika deer from eastern Hokkaido. Further examination of multiple tissues by PCR and serologic surveys will be necessary to confirm this.     

Experimental infection of captive axis deer with Brucella abortus

Four captive-raised axis deer, Axis axis (Erxleben), which were negative serologically to Brucella were inoculated with 1 X 10(8) virulent Brucella abortus biotype 1 organisms (Texas #221 isolate) administered bilaterally into the conjunctival sac. Sera collected from each deer prior to inoculation and 30 days post-inoculation (PI) were examined for Brucella antibodies by the buffered Brucella antigen (card), the rivanol precipitation, the standard tube agglutination, and the cold complement fixation tube serologic tests. All four axis deer converted serologically as determined by all tests at 30 days PI. Brucella abortus biotype 1 was isolated from 26 of 32 tissue samples collected at necropsy and also from milk from the lactating female.     

Microtiter Plate Agglutination Test for Salmonella Antibodies

Similar results were obtained when testing human sera for Salmonella antibodies by the tube agglutination test and by the Microtiter plate agglutination test. The plate test was easier to perform and saved time, space, antigen, and serum.     

Prevalence of antibodies to Neospora caninum in white-tailed deer,Odocoileus virginianus,from the southeastern United States

Serum samples from 305 white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) from 14 states in the southeastern United States were examined for antibodies to Neospora caninum using a direct agglutination test. Positive agglutination titers were found in 145 (48%) of the white-tailed deer examined: 21 (7%) had titers of 1:25, 92 (30%) had titers of 1:50, and 32 (10%) had titers of > or = 1:500. These findings that antibodies to N. caninum are common in white-tailed deer support the concept that a sylvatic cycle might exist for this economically important parasite of domestic cattle.     

The role of IgM in paratyphoid immunity

The authors analyze the results of studies on the effect produced by the immunization of calves with paratyphoid vaccine on the production of agglutinins, changes in the blood serum immunoglobulin levels, and the specificity of IgM to Salmonella dublin and Salmonella typhimurium antigens. The highest level of agglutinins to paratyphoid antigens in the blood sera of the immunized calves was registered on days 14-21 after immunization, changes in the levels of different immunoglobulin classes being insignificant. The agglutination test and the enzyme immunoassay have revealed that antibodies to S. dublin anb S. typhimurium antigens belong to IgM.     

Serosurvey for antibodies against Brucella abortus and Leptospira interrogans in pampas deer from Brazil

A survey for antibodies against Brucella abortus, and Leptospira interrogans was conducted on 17 pampas deer (Ozotocerus bezoarticus) from Pantanal Matogrossense (State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil) and on 24 pampas deer from Parque Nacional de Emas (State of Goiás, Brazil). Antibodies against B. abortus were detected by plate agglutination, rose Bengal, and complement fixation tests; antibodies against Leptospira interrogans were detected by the microscopic agglutination test. All sera were negative for B. abortus antibodies and all deer sera from Parque Nacional de Emas were negative for L. interrogans antibodies. Four (24%) of 17 sera from Pantanal Matogrossense were positive for L. interrogans serovar (n = 2) hardjo, wolffi (n = 1) and mini (n = 1). While these diseases do not appear to be of major importance to the health status of Pampas deer, it appears that deer are reservoir for leptospirosis in one of the study areas.     

Brucella abortus in coyotes. I. A serologic and bacteriologic survey in eastern Texas.

Prevalence of Brucella abortus serum antibodies in coyotes from east central Texas was determined by the buffered Brucella antigen (card test), rivanol, standard agglutination tube, and cold complement fixation tube tests. Eighteen percent (9 of 51) of the coyotes were positive serologically. B. abortus biotype 1 was isolated from various tissues from 7 of 43 coyotes by bacteriologic culture. Congenital transmission was found.     

High prevalence of antibodies to Neospora caninum in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus)

Serum samples of 400 white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) from 16 preserves in northeastern Illinois were tested for Neospora caninum antibodies in the N. caninum agglutination test using mouse-derived N. caninum tachyzoites and mercaptoethanol. Antibodies were found in 162 deer with titres of 1:40 (47 deer), 1:80 (32 deer), 1:160 (17 deer), 1:200 (eight deer), 1:400 (19 deer), 1:800 (17 deer) and > or = 1:1600 (22 deer). There were no significant differences in prevalence between age or sex of the deer. The high prevalence of N. caninum infection in deer is consistent with a sylvatic cycle of N. caninum.     

牛布鲁氏菌病阳性血清国家标准品的研制

手足口病是由多种肠道病毒感染导致的一种急性儿科传染病。近年来,我国肠道病毒71型 (EV71) 手足口病发病率急剧上升,重症病例时有报道,严重威胁儿童健康。临床上对于重症手足口病的治疗缺乏有效手段,主要以对症治疗和支持疗法为主。静脉注射人免疫球蛋白由健康献血员血浆提取纯化而来,含有包括EV71在内的多种肠道病毒的中和抗体,可作为重症手足口病被动免疫和免疫调节的重要手段,值得关注。     

A seroprevalence survey of Toxoplasma gondii in common wombats (Vombatus ursinus)

Serum was collected from 23 wild common wombats (Vombatus ursinus) on a pastoral property in the Southern Tablelands of New South Wales, Australia (231N 616E) between 3rd August 2001 and 25th March 2002. The serum was tested using three serological methods for antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii. Six animals (26.1%) were shown to have antibodies to T. gondii. The latex agglutination test proved to be less sensitive than the direct agglutination test or the modified agglutination test. This is the first serological survey of T. gondii in wombats. This is the first recorded use of the latex agglutination test on wombat serum. This study demonstrated the highest percentage of seropositive animals in any serological survey for T. gondii in marsupials.     

Restricted dietary protein in pregnant beef cows: II. Effect on the immune response

Cows fed 0.37 Kg crude protein per day for four months before calving showed no decrease in colostral IgG, IgA, or IgM from cows fed a normal ration. Similarly, no difference in serum immunoglobulin concentration was detected in their calves. Cows in the low protein group developed significantly lower (P < 0.01) titers to Salmonella pullorum antigen than did the normal group. The data show significant positive linear regressions of calf agglutination titer to S. pullorum on the dam's colostral titers. Serum levels of IgG measured at 24 hours were significantly lower in calves from second-calf heifers than from these of other age groups. The IgA levels of serums from calves from the six-year-old cows were significantly higher than the serum levels of calves from younger dams (P < 0.01).     

裸鼠巴斯德氏菌病的诊断

目的对某实验动物中心裸鼠发病死亡的原因进行诊断。方法对发病裸鼠进行病理组织学和细菌学检查以及血清学试验。结果根据临床症状、病理剖检、细菌分离培养、生化鉴定和血清凝集试验,确诊为嗜肺巴斯德氏菌感染导致的细菌性疾病。药敏试验结果表明,分离菌株对阿莫西林／克拉维酸、阿奇霉素、复方新诺明敏感,而对红霉素已经产生耐药性。结论为巴斯德氏菌病原鉴定与疾病诊断提供了科学依据。     

Transmission of Megatrypanum trypanosomes to Cervus dama by Tabanidae

Four fallow deer, Cervus dama, became infected with Trypanosoma (megatrypanum) sp. by oral application of triturated guts from tabanids collected in an area with deer but without any cattle; four control calves remained negative. Upon challenge with triturated guts from tabanids from an area with pastured cattle, the four calves became infected with Trypanosoma (M.) theileri. The prepatent period in deer was five days or less. Haematopota spp. and Tabanus spp. were identified as vectors of the deer trypanosomes. It is concluded that the trypanosomes of C. dama belong to a Megatrypanum species that is not identical with T. theileri.     

The development of a potency test for Leptospira hardjo vaccines: a comparison of protection in calves and serology in guinea-pigs

The protective properties of two commercial Leptospira hardjo vaccines in calves were compared with the serological responses induced in guinea-pigs with a view to establishing a potency test based on serology. Groups of calves were given graded doses of the two vaccines and after eight weeks were challenged with virulent L. hardjo. Infection was monitored by microscopy and culture of urine and, eight weeks after challenge, by culture of the kidneys post mortem. Groups of guinea-pigs also were tested by the microscopic agglutination test (MAT). A clear dose response was observed and the response was related to the degree of protection achieved in the calves. The MAT titre in guinea-pigs indicative of an effective vaccine was calculated for the minimum dose of each vaccine that gave full protection in calves. A close correlation was observed. Two further batches of each vaccine were tested in guinea-pigs on two occasions with reproducible results. A potency test based on the MAT response of guinea-pigs is proposed.