scholarly journals Pneumocystosis in dogs: meta-analysis of 43 published cases including clinical signs, diagnostic procedures, and treatment

2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 26-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christiane Weissenbacher-Lang ◽  
Andrea Fuchs-Baumgartinger ◽  
Abigail Guija-De-Arespacochaga ◽  
Andrea Klang ◽  
Herbert Weissenböck ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Diagnostic Procedures ◽  
Molecular Techniques ◽  
Detection Methods ◽  
Respiratory Pathogens ◽  
Laboratory Findings ◽  
Appropriate Treatment ◽  
Chronic Therapy ◽  
Pneumocystis Infection

We evaluated 43 published cases of dogs with confirmed Pneumocystis infection regarding the value of clinical parameters indicating the presence of the disease as well as tools for the detection of the pathogen. The assessed parameters included clinical signs, laboratory findings, results of thoracic radiography, autopsy, histopathology, methods for the detection of Pneumocystis, as well as medical therapy. Pneumocystosis was diagnosed most often in certain breeds (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Miniature Dachshund) with a predisposition for impaired immunity. The median age of the dogs was 1 y. Chronic therapy-resistant respiratory signs, such as tachypnea, dyspnea, and cough, along with leukocytosis, neutrophilia, and hypogammaglobulinemia, were the most frequently described clinical and clinicopathologic abnormalities. Pneumocystosis can be masked by coinfections with other respiratory pathogens, and the successful detection of Pneumocystis organisms is of major relevance. Several detection methods have been used in the past, but only a few provide reliable results. In 2017, the cytologic evaluation of Giemsa-stained bronchoalveolar lavage samples is generally used, even if sensitivity is only moderate. More reliable results can be achieved using special stains or sensitive molecular techniques. Fast and reliable detection of Pneumocystis is the essential basis for appropriate treatment and higher survival chances for dogs.

scholarly journals Florfenicol - pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetics and clinical efficacy of oral formulations in domestic animals: A systematic review

2005 ◽  
Vol 59 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 635-654 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leon Scuka
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Clinical Efficacy ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Domestic Animals ◽  
Oral Solution ◽  
Favorable Effect ◽  
Respiratory Pathogens ◽  
Oral Formulations

Porcine respiratory disease complex (PRDC) is a major economic problem for swine producers world-wide. Pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetics and clinical efficacy of florfenicol oral formulations in domestic animals were evaluated. For this purpose the systematic review and meta-analysis were done. In vitro efficacy of florfenicol showed that this drug is highly effective against most important respiratory pathogens. All these facts are shown in our survey. Three studies in pigs were relevant to include in the meta-analysis, which showed that results in the florfenicol group were better than in comparative control groups in all observed parameters: clinical signs, lung lesions and resolution of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (P<0,001). A second meta-analysis with 7 studies showed that the usage of florfenicol reduces mortality in pig herds with PRDC (P<0.05). Other field trials in pigs using florfenicol oral forms where reviewed. After treatment with florfenicol oral solution there was a significant drop of mortality in both groups of pigs (P<0.01); eg. one using florfenicol oral solution in treating PRDC (n=85) and another mixed pneumoenteric infection (n=54). Analysis of data when using premix in pigs (n=118) also suggests that a medicated premix has a favorable anti-infectious effect on pigs, irrespective of the group of animals or the evolution stage of the disease. Finally, favorable effect of florfenicol in treating swine ileitis was also presented. Regarding their pharmacokinetics, in vitro and clinical efficacy of florfenicol oral forms, they should be considered as a powerful tool for combating complex infections that are frequently met in intensive animal production.

scholarly journals Neonatal sepsis definitions from randomised clinical trials

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rían Hayes ◽  
Jack Hartnett ◽  
Gergana Semova ◽  
Cian Murray ◽  
Katherine Murphy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Culture ◽  
Neonatal Sepsis ◽  
Laboratory Tests ◽  
Late Onset ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
International Consensus ◽  
Laboratory Findings ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
Common Definition

Abstract Introduction Neonatal sepsis is a leading cause of infant mortality worldwide with non-specific and varied presentation. We aimed to catalogue the current definitions of neonatal sepsis in published randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Method A systematic search of the Embase and Cochrane databases was performed for RCTs which explicitly stated a definition for neonatal sepsis. Definitions were sub-divided into five primary criteria for infection (culture, laboratory findings, clinical signs, radiological evidence and risk factors) and stratified by qualifiers (early/late-onset and likelihood of sepsis). Results Of 668 papers screened, 80 RCTs were included and 128 individual definitions identified. The single most common definition was neonatal sepsis defined by blood culture alone (n = 35), followed by culture and clinical signs (n = 29), and then laboratory tests/clinical signs (n = 25). Blood culture featured in 83 definitions, laboratory testing featured in 48 definitions while clinical signs and radiology featured in 80 and 8 definitions, respectively. Discussion A diverse range of definitions of neonatal sepsis are used and based on microbiological culture, laboratory tests and clinical signs in contrast to adult and paediatric sepsis which use organ dysfunction. An international consensus-based definition of neonatal sepsis could allow meta-analysis and translate results to improve outcomes.

scholarly journals Multiplex PCR for detection of water-borne bacteria

2016 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 169-175
Author(s):  
Roohollah Kheiri ◽  
Reza Ranjbar ◽  
Mojtaba Memariani ◽  
Leili Akhtari
Keyword(s):  
Multiplex Pcr ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Simultaneous Detection ◽  
Diagnostic Procedures ◽  
Molecular Techniques ◽  
Detection Sensitivity ◽  
Detection Methods ◽  
Salmonella Spp ◽  
Pcr Assays ◽  
Water Borne

Microbial water-borne diseases still affect developing countries and are major water quality concerns throughout the world. Routine culture-based methods of identifying bacterial pathogens in water sources are laborious and time-consuming. Recently, the use of molecular techniques such as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has provided rapid and highly promising detection methods. In this study, we developed two multiplex PCR assays for simultaneous detection of six water-borne bacteria. Two triplex PCR protocols were developed to detect six target genes. The first protocol targets uidA (Escherichia coli), int (Shigella spp.), and gyrB (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) genes, while invA (Salmonella spp.), ompW (Vibrio cholera), and lacZ (coliforms) were amplified by the second protocol. Specificity testing was carried out for 12 reference strains. Furthermore, the applicability of the multiplex PCR assays for detection of these bacteria was investigated for 52 surface water samples. The results indicated that all primer pairs showed specificities only for their corresponding target organisms. The detection sensitivity of both multiplex PCR assays was 3 × 102 − 3 × 103 colony forming units. The developed assays represent simple and efficient diagnostic procedures for co-detection of water-borne bacteria and have the potential to provide earlier warnings of possible public health threats and more accurate surveillance of these organisms.

Anaplasma phagocytophilum in domestic cats from Germany, Austria and Switzerland and clinical/laboratory findings in 18 PCR-positive cats (2008–2020)

2021 ◽  
pp. 1098612X2110174
Author(s):  
Ingo Schäfer ◽  
Barbara Kohn ◽  
Elisabeth Müller
Keyword(s):  
Anaplasma Phagocytophilum ◽  
Clinical Laboratory ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Indirect Detection ◽  
Detection Methods ◽  
Direct Pcr ◽  
Laboratory Findings ◽  
Additional Information ◽  
Granulocytic Anaplasmosis

Objectives Anaplasma phagocytophilum is considered the most significant rickettsial pathogen affecting cats. The organism is transmitted by ticks of the species Ixodes ricinus in Central Europe and can cause granulocytic anaplasmosis in pets, wildlife and humans. The aims of this study were to assess the frequency of positive test results for A phagocytophilum in cats in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, as well as to evaluate clinical and laboratory findings in cats with positive PCR results. Methods This study included the results of direct (PCR) and indirect detection methods (immunofluorescence antibody tests [IFAT]) requested by veterinarians in Germany, Austria and Switzerland between 2008 and 2020 from the LABOKLIN laboratory (Bad Kissingen, Germany). The veterinarians treating the PCR-positive cats were contacted by telephone to enquire about their clinical signs, laboratory findings, management and outcomes. Results In total, 244/1636 cats (15%) tested positive by direct (PCR: n = 27/725 [4%]) and/or indirect detection methods (IFAT: n = 221/956 [23%]). In 18/26 cats with PCR results positive for A phagocytophilum, additional information about clinical signs, laboratory findings, treatment and outcome was obtained. Of these 18 cats, five had comorbidities independent of their infection with A phagocytophilum. The most common clinical signs in PCR-positive cats (total/without comorbidities) were lethargy (83%/92%), fever (83%/85%) and thrombocytopenia (61%/62%). Overall, more than half (57%) of the cats with and without comorbidities recovered clinically. Conclusions and relevance Infections with A phagocytophilum should be considered as differential diagnoses in cats with tick infestation, lethargy, fever and thrombocytopenia. The clinical signs and laboratory findings are consistent with published case reports in cats. Ectoparasite prophylaxis in cats is recommended throughout the entire year.

scholarly journals Comorbidities, clinical signs and symptoms, laboratory findings, imaging features, treatment strategies, and outcomes in adult and pediatric patients with COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine Ruth Jutzeler ◽  
Lucie Bourguignon ◽  
Caroline V. Weis ◽  
Bobo Tong ◽  
Cyrus Wong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Publication Bias ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Imaging Features ◽  
Laboratory Findings ◽  
Clinical Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Meta Analyses

Introduction Since December 2019, a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has triggered a world-wide pandemic with an enormous medical, societal, and economic toll. Thus, our aim was to gather all available information regarding comorbidities, clinical signs and symptoms, outcomes, laboratory findings, imaging features, and treatments in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods EMBASE, PubMed/ Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for studies published in any language between December 1st, 2019 and March 28th. Original studies were included if the exposure of interest was an infection with SARS-CoV-2 or confirmed COVID-19. The primary outcome was the risk ratio of comorbidities, clinical signs and symptoms, imaging features, treatments, outcomes, and complications associated with COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. We performed random-effects pairwise meta-analyses for proportions and relative risks, I2, Tau2, and Cochrane Q, sensitivity analyses, and assessed publication bias. Results: 148 met the inclusion criteria for the systematic review and meta-analysis with 12149 patients (5739 female) and a median age was 47.0 [35.0-64.6]. 617 patients died from COVID-19 and its complication, while 297 patients were reported as asymptomatic. Older age (SMD: 1.25 [0.78- 1.72]; p < 0.001), being male (RR = 1.32 [1.13-1.54], p = 0.005) and pre-existing comorbidity (RR = 1.69 [1.48-1.94]; p < 0.001) were identified as risk factors of in-hospital mortality. The heterogeneity between studies varied substantially (I2; range: 1.5-98.2%). Publication bias was only found in eight studies (Eggers test: p < 0.05). Conclusions: Our meta-analyses revealed important risk factors that are associated with severity and mortality of COVID-19.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Optimal Antibiotic Use in Children with Gastroenteritis Abstract

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Farzad Ferdoosian ◽  
Ardalan Zare ◽  
Majid Aflatoonian
Keyword(s):  
Analytical Study ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Antibiotic Use ◽  
Significant Relation ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Laboratory Findings ◽  
Viral Diarrhea ◽  
Appropriate Treatment ◽  
Chi Square Test

Introduction: Due to the side effects of overuse of antibiotics, the aim of study was to evaluate the optimal antibiotic use in children with gastroenteritis. Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 178 children with gastroenteritis from January to December 2018. Data including age, gender, clinical symptoms and laboratory findings were extracted from records. Results: Out of 178 cases of diarrhea, 32 cases were due to bacteria and 146 cases were due to viruses. The most clinical symptoms in the patients were fever (34.40 %), vomiting (33.2 %) and coryza (13.1%). The most frequency of viral (46.2%) and bacterial diarrhea (32.2%) were seen in autumn season. Antibiotics were used mostly in spring (39 %) and autumn (25 %) seasons. In 14% of cases, the appropriate treatment was not selected. In addition, 50.56 % of treated children were less than 1 years old. No significant relation was also seen between season with bacterial or viral cases (p>0.05). Significant relation was seen between taking antibiotics at admission and clinical signs such as abdominal pain and suspicious food (p<0.01). Data were analyzed throgh SPSS, version16. Chi Square test was used for analysis of data Conclusion: Virus is the main cause of diarrhea in children with gastroenteritis. Moreover, the most frequency of diarrhea was seen in autumn and spring season. However, there was no significant relation between seasons with bacterial and viral cases. It indicates that bacterial and viral diarrhea was not affected by season. For preventing microbial resistance, antibiotic therapy should be administered more carefully in children with diarrhea.

A Meta-Analysis of the Facial Feedback Literature: Effects of Facial Feedback on Emotional Experience Are Small and Variable

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas Alvaro Coles ◽  
Jeff T. Larsen ◽  
Heather Lench
Keyword(s):  
Publication Bias ◽  
Emotional Experience ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Effect Sizes ◽  
Detection Methods ◽  
Feedback Effects ◽  
Facial Feedback ◽  
Facial Movements ◽  
Facial Feedback Hypothesis ◽  
Variance Estimates

The facial feedback hypothesis suggests that an individual’s experience of emotion is influenced by feedback from their facial movements. To evaluate the cumulative evidence for this hypothesis, we conducted a meta-analysis on 286 effect sizes derived from 138 studies that manipulated facial feedback and collected emotion self-reports. Using random effects meta-regression with robust variance estimates, we found that the overall effect of facial feedback was significant, but small. Results also indicated that feedback effects are stronger in some circumstances than others. We examined 12 potential moderators, and three were associated with differences in effect sizes. 1. Type of emotional outcome: Facial feedback influenced emotional experience (e.g., reported amusement) and, to a greater degree, affective judgments of a stimulus (e.g., the objective funniness of a cartoon). Three publication bias detection methods did not reveal evidence of publication bias in studies examining the effects of facial feedback on emotional experience, but all three methods revealed evidence of publication bias in studies examining affective judgments. 2. Presence of emotional stimuli: Facial feedback effects on emotional experience were larger in the absence of emotionally evocative stimuli (e.g., cartoons). 3. Type of stimuli: When participants were presented with emotionally evocative stimuli, facial feedback effects were larger in the presence of some types of stimuli (e.g., emotional sentences) than others (e.g., pictures). The available evidence supports the facial feedback hypothesis’ central claim that facial feedback influences emotional experience, although these effects tend to be small and heterogeneous.

scholarly journals Hematologic, biochemical and immune biomarker abnormalities associated with severe illness and mortality in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): a meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 58 (7) ◽  
pp. 1021-1028 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brandon Michael Henry ◽  
Maria Helena Santos de Oliveira ◽  
Stefanie Benoit ◽  
Mario Plebani ◽  
Giuseppe Lippi
Keyword(s):  
Serum Ferritin ◽  
Weighted Mean Difference ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Severe Illness ◽  
China National Knowledge Infrastructure ◽  
Discriminative Ability ◽  
Laboratory Findings ◽  
Liver And Kidney ◽  
Wbc Count

AbstractBackgroundAs coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic rages on, there is urgent need for identification of clinical and laboratory predictors for progression towards severe and fatal forms of this illness. In this study we aimed to evaluate the discriminative ability of hematologic, biochemical and immunologic biomarkers in patients with and without the severe or fatal forms of COVID-19.MethodsAn electronic search in Medline (PubMed interface), Scopus, Web of Science and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) was performed, to identify studies reporting on laboratory abnormalities in patients with COVID-19. Studies were divided into two separate cohorts for analysis: severity (severe vs. non-severe and mortality, i.e. non-survivors vs. survivors). Data was pooled into a meta-analysis to estimate weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) for each laboratory parameter.ResultsA total number of 21 studies was included, totaling 3377 patients and 33 laboratory parameters. While 18 studies (n = 2984) compared laboratory findings between patients with severe and non-severe COVID-19, the other three (n = 393) compared survivors and non-survivors of the disease and were thus analyzed separately. Patients with severe and fatal disease had significantly increased white blood cell (WBC) count, and decreased lymphocyte and platelet counts compared to non-severe disease and survivors. Biomarkers of inflammation, cardiac and muscle injury, liver and kidney function and coagulation measures were also significantly elevated in patients with both severe and fatal COVID-19. Interleukins 6 (IL-6) and 10 (IL-10) and serum ferritin were strong discriminators for severe disease.ConclusionsSeveral biomarkers which may potentially aid in risk stratification models for predicting severe and fatal COVID-19 were identified. In hospitalized patients with respiratory distress, we recommend clinicians closely monitor WBC count, lymphocyte count, platelet count, IL-6 and serum ferritin as markers for potential progression to critical illness.

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