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 249. Evaluation of 99 Radiologically-proven Osteomyelitis Cases

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S232-S232
Author(s):  
Olcay Buse Kenanoğlu ◽  
Gunel Quliyeva ◽  
Tansu Yamazhan ◽  
Bilgin Arda ◽  
Meltem Taşbakan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Clinical Response ◽  
Clinical Laboratory ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Surgical Debridement ◽  
Purulent Discharge ◽  
Resonance Imaging ◽  
Duration Of Treatment ◽  
Laboratory Findings

Abstract Background Herein we aimed to evaluate osteomyelitis cases in our setting. Methods We evaluated the hospital records of patients with osteomyelitis between January 2013 and December 2020 retrospectively. Osteomyelitis was confirmed by direct radiography or magnetic resonance imaging or pathology. Demographic features, risk factors, clinical/laboratory findings, treatment response and mortality rates were evaluated. Clinical response was defined as (resolution of clinical signs including fever and purulent discharge and other symptoms) and/or negative culture at the end of antimicrobial therapy. Results Patients were 33 female, aged 29–85 years (mean 59±12.6). Fourty nine of the patients were diabetic foot infection, 30 were spondylodiscitis, eight were primary, seven were post-traumatic, and five were post-surgical osteomyelitis. Overall 62 patients had diabetes mellitus and 16 patients had chronic renal failure. Peripheral arterial disease, neuropathy, diabetic retinopathy and venous insufficiency rate in the DM subgroup is shown in table. Fever was present in 24.2% of the cohort. İncreasing of CRP was in 95,9%, erythrocyte sedimentation rate in 83,9%, and leukocytosis in 37.3%. The radiological findings of osteomyelitis were detected via magnetic resonance imaging in 73 patients. Etiology in biopsy cultures were elucidated in 59.5% and the most common pathogen was S. aureus (30%) Table1. The most common empirical treatment regimens were tigecycline in 27 patients, ampicillin/sulbactam in 19 patients and ceftriaxone+teicoplanin in 12 cases. Duration of treatment was 36,2±17.3 days (range 6-104 days). Overall, clinical response was obtained in 91.9%. Fifty patients were performed surgical procedure + antibacterial treatment, clinical response was 96% (p:0.091). Surgical debridement could be performed in 22 patients, clinical response was obtained in all (p:0.193). Thirteen patients developed recurrence within one year. Sixty-seven patients received oral consecutive treatment after discharge. In hospital mortality rate was 2/99 (2,02%). Conclusion Despite surgical debridement and/or developed antimicrobial treatment, approximately 1/5 of osteomyelitis cases required further treatment Further interventions seem to be needed to reach better outcomes. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Drug- and Chemical-Induced Aseptic Meningitis: A Review of the Literature

1992 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 813-822 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacqueline S. Marinac
Keyword(s):  
Aseptic Meningitis ◽  
Medical Literature ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Primary Objective ◽  
Background Information ◽  
Antiinflammatory Drugs ◽  
Laboratory Findings ◽  
Medline Search ◽  
Meningeal Involvement

OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this article is to provide readers with case reports of drug- or chemical-induced aseptic meningitis (DCAM) described in the medical literature. Background information regarding the classification of DCAM, incidence, proposed mechanisms, associated risk factors, clinical management, and sequelae is presented. DATA SOURCES: A MEDLINE search was used to identify pertinent background literature and case reports of DCAM. DATA EXTRACTION: All case reports of DCAM involve anecdotal information. A critical analysis of a causal relationship to the implicated drug or chemical and the appearance of meningeal involvement is presented. Animal data are included when pertinent. DATA SYNTHESIS: DCAM is a rare adverse event associated with numerous agents. Patients present with a variety of clinical signs and symptoms and laboratory findings of cerebral spinal fluid, when obtained, vary greatly. Most patients fully recover without sequelae. CONCLUSIONS: Numerous drugs and chemicals have been implicated in the medical literature as producing DCAM. Two proposed mechanisms of DCAM have been theorized: a delayed hypersensitivity-type reaction and direct meningeal irritation. The nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, certain antibiotics, radiographic agents, and muromonab-CD3 have been most frequently implicated. There appears to be an association between the occurrence of the hypersensitivity-type reactions and underlying collagen vascular or rheumatologic disease.

scholarly journals An unusual course of COVID-19 infection with late increase in C-reactive protein (clinical case reports)

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (5) ◽  
pp. 709-714
Author(s):  
S. Yu. Chikina ◽  
M. Yu. Brovko ◽  
V. V. Royuk ◽  
S. N. Avdeev
Keyword(s):  
Comprehensive Evaluation ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Clinical Status ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Common Finding ◽  
C Reactive Protein ◽  
Laboratory Findings ◽  
Antiinflammatory Therapy ◽  
Reactive Protein

Clinical signs of COVID-19 infection are non-specific and diagnosis is typically based on comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s history, clinical status, radiological and laboratory findings. A common finding in COVID-19 patients is increased C-reactive protein (CRP), though in some patients, CRP remains within normal range notwithstanding the presence of other criteria of severe disease. We describe two clinical cases of COVID-19 with severe bilateral pneumonia and late increase in CRP. Similar cases re quite challenging for making the diagnosis and indicating the antiinflammatory therapy.

scholarly journals Electrocardiography Abnormalities in Macaques after Infection with Encephalitic Alphaviruses

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henry Ma ◽  
Jeneveve D. Lundy ◽  
Katherine J. O'Malley ◽  
William B. Klimstra ◽  
Amy Hartman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Frequency Spectrum ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Clinical Laboratory ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Biological Weapons ◽  
Laboratory Findings ◽  
Rr Intervals ◽  
Post Exposure ◽  
Fundamental Frequencies ◽  
Qt Intervals

Eastern (EEEV) and Venezuelan (VEEV) equine encephalitis viruses (EEVs) are related, (+)ssRNA arboviruses that can cause severe, sometimes fatal, encephalitis in humans. EEVs are highly infectious when aerosolized, raising concerns for potential use as biological weapons. No licensed medical countermeasures exist; given the severity/rarity of natural EEV infections, efficacy studies require animal models. Cynomolgus macaques exposed to EEV aerosols develop fever, encephalitis, and other clinical signs similar to humans. Fever is nonspecific for encephalitis in macaques. Electrocardiography (ECG) metrics may predict onset, severity, or outcome of EEV-attributable disease. Macaques were implanted with thermometry/ECG radiotransmitters and exposed to aerosolized EEV. Data was collected continuously, and repeated-measures ANOVA and frequency-spectrum analyses identified differences between courses of illness and between pre-exposure and post-exposure states. EEEV-infected macaques manifested widened QRS-intervals in severely ill subjects post-exposure. Moreover, QT-intervals and RR-intervals decreased during the febrile period. VEEV-infected macaques suffered decreased QT-intervals and RR-intervals with fever onset. Frequency-spectrum analyses revealed differences in the fundamental frequencies of multiple metrics in the post-exposure and febrile periods compared to baseline and confirmed circadian dysfunction. Heart rate variability (HRV) analyses revealed diminished variability post-exposure. These analyses support using ECG data alongside fever and clinical laboratory findings for evaluating medical countermeasure efficacy.

scholarly journals Feline Hypertrophic Osteopathy Associated with Congenital Megaesophagus: Two Case Reports and Literature Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 71 (3) ◽  
pp. 2413
Author(s):  
A.M. ABU-SEIDA ◽  
F.A. TORAD ◽  
E.A. HASSAN ◽  
K.M. ALI
Keyword(s):  
Differential Diagnosis ◽  
Physical Examination ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Appendicular Skeleton ◽  
Long Bones ◽  
New Bone Formation ◽  
Thoracic Radiography ◽  
Laboratory Findings ◽  
Laboratory Investigations

This report describes two cases of feline hypertrophic osteopathy (HO) associated with congenital megaesophagus (ME). The diagnosis was based upon case history, physical examination, radiography and laboratory investigations. The clinical signs of both cats included; regurgitation, weakness and reluctance to walk since birth. Physical examination revealed painful and thickened long bones, swollen joints, difficult flexion of all four limbs and normal urination, defecation, appetite as well as heart and respiratory rates. The abnormal laboratory findings were thrombocytosis, leukocytosis with lymphocytosis and monocytosis. Survey and contrast thoracic radiography showed generalizedesophageal dilatation. Radiography of appendicular skeleton revealed symmetrical and massive subperiosteal new bone formation of the affected long bones and pelvis. In conclusion, radiography of extremities is highly recommended for cats admitted with congenital ME and lameness to investigate the possibility of HO. Moreover, the HO should be listed duringthe differential diagnosis of thickened limbs in cats.

scholarly journals Dexamethasone-Induced Cytokine Changes Associated with Diminished Disease Severity in Horses Infected with Anaplasma phagocytophilum

2011 ◽  
Vol 18 (11) ◽  
pp. 1962-1968 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. S. Davies ◽  
J. E. Madigan ◽  
E. Hodzic ◽  
D. L Borjesson ◽  
J. S. Dumler
Keyword(s):  
Disease Severity ◽  
Anaplasma Phagocytophilum ◽  
Macrophage Activation ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Proinflammatory Response ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Granulocytic Anaplasmosis ◽  
Limb Edema ◽  
Ifn Γ ◽  
Dexamethasone Suppression

ABSTRACTAnaplasma phagocytophilumis the zoonotic cause of granulocytic anaplasmosis. We hypothesized that immune response, specifically gamma interferon (IFN-γ), plays a role in disease severity. To test this, horses were infected andIFNGexpression was pharmacologically downregulated using corticosteroids. Eight horses were infected withA. phagocytophilum; 4 received dexamethasone on days 4 to 8 of infection. Clinical signs, hematologic parameters, and transcription of cytokine/chemokine genes were compared among treated and untreated horses. Infection was quantitated bymsp2real-time PCR and microscopy. As anticipated, there was significantly greater leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia in infected versus uninfected horses. TheA. phagocytophilumload was higher for dexamethasone-treated horses. Dexamethasone reducedIFNGtranscription by day 12 andIL-8andIL-18by days 7 to 9 and increasedIL-4on day 7. The ratio ofIL-10toIFNGwas increased by dexamethasone on day 9. There were no hematologic differences between the infected horses. Dexamethasone suppression of proinflammatory response resulted in delayed infection-induced limb edema and decreased icterus, anorexia, and reluctance to move between days 6 and 9 and lower fever on day 7. These results underscore the utility of the equine model of granulocytic anaplasmosis and suggest that Th1 proinflammatory response plays a role in worsening disease severity and that disease severity can be decreased by modulating proinflammatory response. A role for Th1 response and macrophage activation in hematologic derangements elicited byA. phagocytophilumis not supported by these data and remains unproven.

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 Epidemiological and Clinicopathological Features of Anaplasma phagocytophilum Infection in Dogs: A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah El Hamiani Khatat ◽  
Sylvie Daminet ◽  
Luc Duchateau ◽  
Latifa Elhachimi ◽  
Malika Kachani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Anaplasma Phagocytophilum ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Febrile Illness ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Response To Treatment ◽  
Host Immune System ◽  
Granulocytic Anaplasmosis ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Vector Borne

Anaplasma phagocytophilum is a worldwide emerging zoonotic tick-borne pathogen transmitted by Ixodid ticks and naturally maintained in complex and incompletely assessed enzootic cycles. Several studies have demonstrated an extensive genetic variability with variable host tropisms and pathogenicity. However, the relationship between genetic diversity and modified pathogenicity is not yet understood. Because of their proximity to humans, dogs are potential sentinels for the transmission of vector-borne pathogens. Furthermore, the strong molecular similarity between human and canine isolates of A. phagocytophilum in Europe and the USA and the positive association in the distribution of human and canine cases in the USA emphasizes the epidemiological role of dogs. Anaplasma phagocytophilum infects and survives within neutrophils by disregulating neutrophil functions and evading specific immune responses. Moreover, the complex interaction between the bacterium and the infected host immune system contribute to induce inflammatory injuries. Canine granulocytic anaplasmosis is an acute febrile illness characterized by lethargy, inappetence, weight loss and musculoskeletal pain. Hematological and biochemistry profile modifications associated with this disease are unspecific and include thrombocytopenia, anemia, morulae within neutrophils and increased liver enzymes activity. Coinfections with other tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) may occur, especially with Borrelia burgdorferi, complicating the clinical presentation, diagnosis and response to treatment. Although clinical studies have been published in dogs, it remains unclear if several clinical signs and clinicopathological abnormalities can be related to this infection.

scholarly journals Clinical and laboratory findings of patients with the possible diagnosis of influenza hospitalized in affiliated hospitals of Babol University of Medical Sciences, 2015-2016

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 113-116 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mostafa Javanian ◽  
Arefeh Babazadeh ◽  
Soheil Ebrahimpour ◽  
Mehran Shokri ◽  
Masomeh Bayani
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Laboratory ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Gastrointestinal Symptoms ◽  
Medical Sciences ◽  
Laboratory Findings ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Epidemiological Characteristics

Abstract The clinical and para clinical manifestations of influenza in various patients have range from an autoimmune disease to a life-threatening respiratory infection. In addition, the severity of the disease is influenced by factors such as demographic factors, underlying diseases, and immune response. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the clinical, laboratory and epidemiological characteristics of patients with this type of influenza in Babol (north of Iran). This study was conducted as a descriptive cross-sectional study from October 2015 to March 2016. Subsequently, in this study, records of 123 patients with clinical signs of the influenza-like disease who have undergone the clinical sign in hospitals affiliated to Babol University of Medical Sciences were reviewed. Of 123 patients admitted to a possible diagnosis of influenza, 58 patients (47.2%) were PCR positive for H1N1, while seventy nine (64.2%) participants were women and 21 (17.1%) had diabetes or underlying lung disease. Most of the involved age groups were of individuals above the age of 50. These were followed by the 21-35 years-old. Fever (78%), cough (65.9%), shivering (58.5%) and myalgia (56.1%) were the most common clinical symptoms. Increased levels of transaminases (43.1%), leukocytosis (35.8%) and thrombocytopenia (34.2%) were as well reported in patients as the most frequently reported para clinical findings. In the present study, the most usual clinical symptoms were fever, cough, chill, and myalgia, while gastrointestinal symptoms were also noticeably observed in patients. In an experimental study, a significant number of patients showed leukocytosis and thrombocytopenia and increased transaminases.

scholarly journals Electrocardiography Abnormalities in Macaques after Infection with Encephalitic Alphaviruses

Pathogens ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 240 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ma ◽  
Lundy ◽  
O'Malley ◽  
Klimstra ◽  
Hartman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Frequency Spectrum ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Clinical Laboratory ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Biological Weapons ◽  
Laboratory Findings ◽  
Rr Intervals ◽  
Post Exposure ◽  
Fundamental Frequencies ◽  
Qt Intervals

Eastern (EEEV) and Venezuelan (VEEV) equine encephalitis viruses (EEVs) are related, (+) ssRNA arboviruses that can cause severe, sometimes fatal, encephalitis in humans. EEVs are highly infectious when aerosolized, raising concerns for potential use as biological weapons. No licensed medical countermeasures exist; given the severity/rarity of natural EEV infections, efficacy studies require animal models. Cynomolgus macaques exposed to EEV aerosols develop fever, encephalitis, and other clinical signs similar to humans. Fever is nonspecific for encephalitis in macaques. Electrocardiography (ECG) metrics may predict onset, severity, or outcome of EEV-attributable disease. Macaques were implanted with thermometry/ECG radiotransmitters and exposed to aerosolized EEV. Data was collected continuously, and repeated-measures ANOVA and frequency-spectrum analyses identified differences between courses of illness and between pre-exposure and post-exposure states. EEEV-infected macaques manifested widened QRS-intervals in severely ill subjects post-exposure. Moreover, QT-intervals and RR-intervals decreased during the febrile period. VEEV-infected macaques suffered decreased QT-intervals and RR-intervals with fever onset. Frequency-spectrum analyses revealed differences in the fundamental frequencies of multiple metrics in the post-exposure and febrile periods compared to baseline and confirmed circadian dysfunction. Heart rate variability (HRV) analyses revealed diminished variability post-exposure. These analyses support using ECG data alongside fever and clinical laboratory findings for evaluating medical countermeasure efficacy.

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