New retrospective study classified Canine Anaplasmosis as endemic
in austria.

The seroprevalence of 56,5 % was evaluated using indirect immunofluorescence
assay (MegaScreen FLUO ANAPLASMA ph.) with a cut off titer of 1:80

The prevalence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Austrian dogs was determined in a retrospective study (2001 - 2006). Therefore the presence and level of IgG-antibodies against Anaplasma phagocytophilum was examined by an indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFAT) in serum samples. Samples of 1470 dogs from all parts of Austria were analysed. The prevalence rate was 56.5 %. No age and breed-related disposition for Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Austrian dogs was found. Male dogs showed a statistical significant higher percentage ( P < 0,05) of seropositivity as female dogs In Spring, when ambience temperature get favorable for ticks there was a marked increase in seropositive dogs and in the level of antibody-titer. The majority of Anaplasma phagocytophilum-positive dogs lived in Ixodes ricinus endemic areas

Zusammenfassung:

Gegenstand und Ziel: Retrospektive Untersuchung von Hunden auf eine autochthone Infektion mit E. canis in Deutschland. Material und Methode: In die Studie gingen 111 Hunde ein, die sich in eine symptomatische (n = 49) und eine asymptomatische (n = 62) Gruppe unterteilten. Bei allen Hunden erfolgten eine Antikörperbestimmung gegen Ehrlichia canis mittels Immunfluoreszenztest im Serum und ein Direktnachweis von Ehrlichia und Anaplasma spp. mittels PCR aus EDTA-Vollblut. Ausschlusskriterien waren ein Auslandsaufenthalt sowie die Vorbehandlung mit Tetrazyklinen, Chloramphenicol oder Imidocarb. Ergebnisse: Niedrige IFT-Antikörpertiter gegen E. canis konnten bei sieben Hunden (6,3%) festgestellt werden. Sechs Hunde gehörten der symptomatischen und ein Hund der asymptomatischen Gruppe an. Gleichzeitig wurden bei vier dieser Hunde sehr hohe und bei einem ein moderater Antikörpertiter gegen Anaplasma phagocytophilum gefunden. Das PCR-Screening für Ehrlichia und Anaplasma war lediglich in zwei Fällen positiv. Beide Male ließ sich A. phagocytophilum nachweisen. Schlussfolgerungen: Nur bei zwei für E. canis seropositiven Hunden konnten keine Kreuzreaktionen mit A. phagocytophilum nachgewiesen werden. Da ein Direktnachweis bei diesen zwei Hunden nicht möglich war, ist eine tatsächliche Infektion mit E. canis fraglich. Die Gefahr der autochthonen Infektion von Hunden mit E. canis in Deutschland scheint somit gering zu sein, ist aber nicht ausgeschlossen. Klinische Relevanz: Bei unspezifischen Symptomen wie Apathie, Fieber und Inappetenz sowie Laborveränderungen in Form von Anämie und/oder Thrombozytopenie sollte deshalb auch bei Hunden, die Deutschland nicht verlassen haben, an eine Infektion mit E. canis gedacht werden.

Zusammenfassung:

Gegenstand und Ziel: Prospektive Untersuchung über das Vorkommen von Infektionen mit Anaplasmen und Ehrlichien bei Hunden aus Deutschland und der Schweiz. Material und Methode: In die Studie einbezogen wurden Hunde aus Deutschland und der Schweiz (nördlich der Alpen), die entweder serologisch positiv waren, d. h. bei denen Antikörper gegen Ehrlichia canis oder Anaplasma phagocytophilum nachgewiesen wurden, oder bei denen Erreger-DNA mittels PCR im EDTA-Blut detektiert werden konnte. Anhand eines einheitlichen Dokumentationsbogens stellten die behandelnden Tierärzte anamnestische und klinische Daten zusammen. Ergebnisse: Im Untersuchungszeitraum von April 2005 bis Mai 2006 gingen 101 Fälle in die Studie ein. Für 82 von ihnen lagen anamnestische und klinische Daten vor. Bei 56 Hunden ließen sich sowohl Erreger-DNA als auch spezifische Antikörper nachweisen. Dagegen waren 19 Fälle nur in der PCR und 26 Fälle nur serologisch positiv. Im zweiten Teil der Studie konnte bei 245 zufällig ausgewählten Hundeseren eine Prävalenz von Antikörpern gegen A. phagocytophilum von 19% festgestellt werden. Bei 271 zur „Borreliose“-Abklärung eingesandten Hundeseren lag die Seroprävalenz dagegen bei 32%. Schlussfolgerung und klinische Relevanz: Die Gefahr einer Infektion mit E. canis in Deutschland und der nördlichen Schweiz scheint gering zu sein. Betroffen sind vorwiegend Reise- oder Importhunde. Im Gegensatz dazu muss die Anaplasmose beim Hund als endemisch eingestuft und bei Zeckenbefall und klinischer Symptomatik (z. B. Gelenkprobleme, Lahmheit oder ZNS-Symptome) differenzialdiagnostisch in Betracht gezogen werden. Der direkte Erregernachweis mittels PCR zum Nachweis von frischen oder reaktivierten Infektionen und zur Kontrolle des Therapieerfolgs ist diagnostisch sehr hoch einzuschätzen.

Internal studies in our quality control laboratory proofed the possibility using
MegaScreen FLUOENCEPHALITOZOON c. also for cats, dogs and horses!

Several studies show that the ubiquitous obligate intracellular sporeforming Encephalitozoon cuniculi is responsible for various clinical signs infecting the nervous system (encephalitozoonosis), the respiratory and digestive tract (colic!) but also the kidneys, lymph nodes etc. in various animals and people!

A study done in Israel in 2004 (Prevalence of antibodies to Encephalitozoon cuniculi in horses in the Israel; Levkutova M.) showed high percentages of prevalence of antibodies level in horses. In horses with various clinical signs 80% were seropositive. 68% of the positive samples showed a titer of 1: 512 and high titers were associated with colic and neurological signs.

In another study (Serological screening of occurrence of antibodies to encephalitozoon cuniculi in humans and animals in eastern Slovakia; Hal?nov? M.;) in Slovakia in 2003 showed high prevalence in animals, especially rabbits (41,%) and dogs (37,8%) but also cats (23,6%) as potential source for humans getting infected with encephalitozoon cuniculi.

Accumulating evidence indicates that symptomatic but also asymptomatic infections with encephalitozoon cuniculi could be present in other companion animals, especially horses, dogs and cats! Due to its zoonotic potential encephalitozoon cuniculi could be also a serious source of infection for humans. Therefore it could be recommended to enlarge the laboratory species range for the detection of anti- encephalitozoon cuniculi IgG ? Antibodies for cats, dogs and horses.

COMPARISON of 5 COMMERCIAL TEST SYSTEMS for the DETECTION of PARVOVIRUS in CAT SPECIMENS

Felix Neuerer, Karin Horlacher, Katrin Hartmann Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München: Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Clinic for Internal Veterinary Medicine

Parvovirus infections in the dogs show quit different clincial symptoms compared to panleukopenia virus infections in the cat which are rather unspecific and variable. Especially leucopenia is often not present at the moment of clinical investigation. Therefore it is of particular importance to detect the virus antigen early and reliable having the possibility to isolate the affected cats (especially in veterinary clinics with other severe ill animals), to start immediately intensive therapy and to inform the pet owner about prognosis and potential risks for other animals in the same household.

Many rapid tests for the detection of canine and/or feline parvovirus antigen were developed in the last years. Due to narrow structural and antigenic relationship of feline and canine parvovirus it is possible to use every Test-Kit for cats, provided that the Testkit is at least accredited for either of them viruses.

This study was designed for the comparison of 5 commercial available tests proofing their strength and weakness as well as sensitivity, specificity and predictive values. The total number of 200 feces specimes from healthy and sick (diarrhea) cats were selected, tested in comparison to electron microscopy and evaluated.

The sensitivity and specificity of the different tests vary from 50 to 80% resp. 94 to 100%. The negative predictive value was chosen the most important criteria for a rapid test, because it defines the likelihood of a cat not being infected, therefore she is not a risk factor for other cats.

All rapid tests showed very high negative predictive values (> 90%) and therefore all are qualified for the detection of parvovirus antigen in cat feces. The final ranking based on the combination of high negative predictive value (94%) and fast, easy and reliable practicability placing the FASTest PARVO Strip® first best test system of the study.

ZUSAMMENFASSUNG:

In der vorliegenden Studie wurde die Eignung eines semiquantitativen Schnelltests für die Bestimmung von Parvovirusantikörpern bei Hunden im Vergleich mit dem Hämagglutinations-Hemmtest (HAH) untersucht. Verwendet wurden 52 Hundeseren verschiedener Hunderassen. Alle Seren, die im HAH einen niedrigen Titer (D 1:80) aufwiesen, wurden auch im Schnelltest als solche erkannt. Von den Seren mit einer mittleren Titerhöhe (1:80-1:320) wurden 80 % als solche erkannt, die restlichen 20 % zeigten im Schnelltest einen hohen Titer (F 1:640) .Von den Seren mit einem hohen Titer (F 1:640) wurden 65 % als solche erkannt. Die verbleibenden 35 % zeigten im Schnelltest eine mittlere Titerhöhe an. Bei der Untersuchung von fünf Hundeseren mit einem anfänglichen Antikörpertiter von 1:640 (HAH), die in sieben konsekutiven Verdünnungsstufen getestet wurden, stimmten die erwarteten Ergebnisse mit denen aus dem Schnelltest überein. Der Schnelltest lieferte vergleichbare Ergebnisse für die Antikörperbestimmung aus Serum- und Vollblutproben. Für die Untersuchung von zwei Katzenseren mit Antikörpertitern von 1:160 und 1:640, bestimmt im HAH, lieferte der Schnelltest keine auswertbaren Ergebnisse. Der untersuchte Schnelltest stellt eine Möglichkeit dar, Hunde mit einem niedrigen Parvo-virusantikörper-Titer unter Praxisbedingungen zu erkennen, und eine „Impfung nach Maß" durchzuführen.

New in-clinic Test-Kit for the Detection of Avian Influenza Virus Type A Specific Antigen in Avian
Cloaca resp. scattered feces swabs

Avian Influenza (?bird flu? or ?fowl plague?) is an infectious disease of all avian species worldwide caused by type A strains of the influenza virus (Orthomyxoviridae). Fifteen subtypes of influenza virus are known to infect birds, thus providing an extensive reservoir of influenza viruses potentially circulating in bird populations. To date, all outbreaks of the highly pathogenic form have been caused by influenza A viruses of subtypes H5 and H7. Infection causes a wide spectrum of symptoms in birds, ranging from mild illness (e.g. dicrease in egg production or fertility) to a highly contagious and rapidly fatal disease resulting in severe epidemics. The latter is known as ?highly pathogenic avian influenza?. This form is characterized by sudden onset, severe illness (especially respiratory signs but also greenish diarrhea, cyanosis and edema of the head, comb and wattle, discoloration of the shanks and feet due to echymoses and blood tined oral and nasal discharges. The location and severity of gross lesions are highly variable and may consist of hemorrhages, transudation, necrosis in the respiratory and urogenytal systems.) and rapid death, with a mortality that can approach 100%.

Detecting all subtypes of AIV Type A (H1-H15) with highest Sensitivity (100 %) using cloaca swabs and Specificity (100%)FASTest AIV Ag. Test-kit is an useful diagnostic tool for fast screening on site in AIV suspicious poultry flocks. Using point of care testing enables the veterinarian to confirm an estimated diagnosis, to exclude similiar diseases like NDV, IBD etc. and starting immediately required Eradication Programs to avoid the fatal dissemination of this potential pandemic virus.

New in-clinic Rapid Test for the Detection of Canine Brucella Antibodies in Dog`s Blood, Plasma or Serum

Canine Brucellosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria of the genus Brucella canis (B. canis) being characterized by abortions and reproductive failures. Humans may be infected; however, dogs and other canine species are believed to be the only true hosts. Brucellosis in the dog show low prevalence but occurs most commonly after ingestion of contaminated placental materials or aborted fetuses, vaginal discharges from infected bitches that are in heat or who abort, and during breeding. Following an abortion, Brucella c. may be shed for several weeks or, intermittently, for months. In females, the most prominent sign is abortion after 45-55 days of gestation in about 75% of the cases, but early embryonic death and resorption, or abortion 10-20 days after mating is reported. These may go unnoticed and the female may present with the chief complaint of "failure to conceive". In males, the main sign is epididymitis of one or both testes, and infertility. Testicular atrophy and a moist scrotal dermatitis may be present. Semen from infected males usually contains large numbers of abnormal sperm and inflammatory cells, especially during the first 3 post-infection months. Chronically infected males may have no sperm, or reduced numbers of immature sperm. Nonspecific signs in both sexes include lethargy, loss of libido, premature aging and generalized lymph node enlargement.

Showing a Sensitivity of 90,5 % and Specificity of 88,4 % FASTest BRUCELLA c. Test-kit enables the veterinarian to confirm fast and on site an estimated diagnosis and to start therapy and a Brucellosis Prevention Program for adapted to the breeder needs.

Zusammenfassung:

Gegenstand/Problemstellung: In der vorliegenden Studie wurde ein neuer, kommerziell erhältlicher Test (FASTest® RELAXIN-Test, Fa. MegaCor) zur semiquantitativen Relaxin-bestimmung im Blut auf seine Eignung für den Trächtigkeits-nachweis beim Hund untersucht. Darüber hinaus wurde die Stabilität der Relaxinmoleküle in Serumproben überprüft, die 24 und 48 Stunden bei Raumtemperatur (15-25 °C) sowie für mindestens 10 Tage tiefgefroren (-20 °C) gelagert wurden. Material und Methoden: Die Ergebnisse des FASTest® RELAXIN-Tests von 33 tragenden und acht nicht tragenden Hündinnen unterschiedlicher Rassen wurden mit sonogra-phischen Befunden und quantitativen Relaxinwerten vergli-chen. Ergebnisse: Für den FASTest® RELAXIN-Test ergab sich eine Sensitivität von 97,83% und eine Spezifität von 100% (Tag 22 bis 57 post ovulationem). Bei den sonographisch für tragend befundenen Hündinnen (inkl. sieben Fälle mit ver-einzelten Fruchtresorptionen, ein Sonderfall mit zahlreichen Fruchtresorptionen sowie ein Sonderfall mit Resorption aller Früchte) wurden mithilfe eines quantitativen Relaxinassays Relaxinkonzentrationen von 0,34 bis 12,6 ng/ml (Median 1,27 ng/ml) gemessen. Bei den sonographisch für nicht tragend befundenen Hündinnen lagen die Relaxinkonzentrationen zwischen 0,09 und 0,38 ng/ml (Median 0,25 ng/ml). Schluss-folgerung: Der FASTest® RELAXIN-Test wird als zuverlässi-ges Verfahren zum Nachweis oder Ausschluss einer Träch-tigkeit beurteilt. Aufgrund der Ergebnisse der Stabilitätsprü-fung wird empfohlen, die Relaxinanalyse möglichst schnell, d. h. innerhalb weniger Stunden nach der Serumgewinnung durchzuführen, um einen Zerfall der Relaxinmoleküle durch die Lagerung zwischen 15 und 25 °C zu vermeiden. Kann dies nicht gewährleistet werden, wird zur Prävention des Relaxin-abbaus das sofortige Einfrieren und die Aufbewahrung bei -20 °C empfohlen. Klinische Relevanz: Die Ergebnisse zei-gen, dass Relaxin ein eindeutiger Marker für eine bestehen-de Gravidität ist, allerdings erhält man keine Informationen über Anzahl und Vitalität der Früchte sowie eventuelle Störungen der Trächtigkeit.

Der semiquantitative Nachweis von Relaxin mittels FASTest® RELAXIN-Test kann daher die sonographische Untersuchung, insbesondere bei vorbe-richtlich sub- oder infertilen Hündinnen, nicht ersetzen.

New in-clinic rapid test for the detection of Canine Distember Virus (CDV) Antigen in nasal or ocular Discharge

Available end of september 2003

For many years canine distemper virus (CDV)enveloped, single stranded RNA virus of the genus Morbillivirus, family Paramyxoviridae) was the most feared of the viral diseases affecting dogs world-wide. The good vaccination practises led to a great reduction in the number of infected domestic dogs but it is still a deadly virus that kills dogs and other members of the canine family (Mustelidae: e.g. ferrets, mink, weasels, skunks; Procyonidae: e.g. racoons, pandas). Canine distemper is a highly contagious, incurable, often fatal, multisystemic viral disease and is more likely to affect puppies between 3 and 6 months than older (non immunized) dogs. Therefore puppies are most susceptible to infection and disease and are more likely to die than infected adults. Therefore distemper should be considered in the diagnosis of any febrile condition in puppies with multisystemic manifestations like conjunctivitis (?runny eyes?) and rhinitis (?runny nose?), vomiting, diarrhea, fever (usually present but unnoticed), pneumonia (cough, labored breathing) followed by various neurologic disorders (rhythmic motions or ?tics?). Extreme hardness of the skin of the nose or food pads (?hardpad? disease) may be seen. Virus can be shed by subclinically or mildly infected animals due to the individual level of immunresponse. If one dog in a shelter develops full blown disease, it is likely that there have been other, unrecognized cases in exposed dogs.

These subclinically cases are difficult to diagnose, because the characteristic signs sometimes fail to appear until late stage of the disease. Since there is no real cure for distemper, treatment is very supportive and therefore a simple and reliable method of diagnosing the canine distemper virus. Using the FASTest DISTEMPER Strip is most useful early in the course of disease to succeed in managing dogs suffering from CDV. Control of distemper requires a combination of disease recognition/diagnostic testing, effective quarantine, isolation, and environmental decontamination.

The FASTest? RELAXIN is also applicable to detect Relaxin in the serum or plasma of the cat(queen).

Known as the only pregnancy-specific hormon in the carnivores, meaning dog and cat Relaxin can be used as an indirect marker for the detection of early feline pregnancy. According to preliminary unpublished data Relaxin can be detected at day 26 to 28 of pregnancy. Normally ovulation occurs 30 to 50 hours after a copulation. Until recently, queens were believed to require copulation or direct mechanical stimulation of the vagina and cervix to ovulate. But ovulation induced by noncopulatory stimulation an also occur in cats (stroke of hand down the back, visual, auditory or olfactory stimulation by a nearby tomcat).

FASTest® BCV Strip, FASTest® ROTA Strip, FASTest® CRYPTO Strip, FASTest® E.coli-K99 Strip

MEGACOR presents its complete product line for diagnosing enteric diseases (scours) in the calf

Diarrhea is a common complaint in neonatal calves, typically in the first 7 to 14 days. Often caused by more than one pathologic agent like Rotavirus, Coronavirus, Cryptosporidium spp., Salmonella spp., Giardia spp. and especially E.coli spp.. Enteric colibacillosis is caused by enterotoxigenic strains of E. coli (ETEC: K 99 (F5), F 41). Finding a quick diagnosis on-site is often difficult and mostly based only on clinical signs. Facing the problem, that most of the diarrhea causing agents did not show a clear pathogenic clinical picture, specially in cases of mixed infection, it is necessary to have a diagnostic tool to detect the diarrhea causing agent.

Using the complete product line for diagnosing an unknown diarrhea FASTest? Strip allows the veterinarian on clinical grounds, the rapid and specific diagnosis and therapy, in case of a present enteric disease (scours). The rapid identification saves time which can be used to suggest management strategies that will prevent further outbreaks of disease optimising calves health and farm productivity. Concerning the cross-transmission from calves to humans it is important to know about the incidence, especially of Cryptosporidium spp. in the livestock, being able to take great care when handling diarrheic animals, and fecal samples to avoid contaminating yourself and others.

New in-clinic rapid test for the detection of Giardia duodenalis in the feces of the dog and cat

Giardiasis (Lambliasis) is an infectious, parasitic diarrhea of the small intestine, caused by world-wide spreaded flagellated protozoa Giardia lamblia (syn. Giardia duodenalis, Lamblia intestinalis). It is not possible to make a morphologic distinction between G. lamblia and G. canis (dog) and G. cati (cat). All together belonging to the G. duodenalis group. Recently the supposed strong host specificity of the different Giardia species is questionable, because scientific studies has proved the transmission from human Giardia to dog and rodents. Therefore it would be wise to consider Giardia infected animals capable of transmitting for humans. Surveys have shown that about 15% of the adult dog population and over 30% of dogs under one year of age were infected. The most common route of infection is fecal-oral. The infectious dose is less than 10 cysts when given orally. The incubation period ranges usually from 7 to 10 days. The shedding of the infectious cysts begin about 7 days post infection. Depending of age and state of immunity the clinical signs range from acute, intermittent or chronic diarrhea. Asymptomatic infections (beware of carriers!) are common in older pets. Concerning to the classification as a zoonosis, dogs and cats should be regularly tested for the incidence of Giardia ssp. First of all finding the asymtomatic carriers.

In recent years, many new feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) rapid tests for use in veterinary practice have been introduced to the market. The question of relative merits of each kit has prompted comparative studies. This study was designed to define the strengths and weaknesses of 11 commercial tests and to assess sensitivity and specificity of the tests, as well as the predictive values of positive and negative test results.

Using two unique high specific monoclonal antibody associated with high specificity (98,67%) and sensitivity (94,4%) the FASTest? CRYPTO detects Cryptosporidia spp. (C. parvum) in the feces of the calf. Diarrhoea in calves during the first two weeks of live is mostly caused by infectious agents like rotavirus, coronavirus, E. coli spp. and more frequently by Cryptosporidium parvum. Finding a quick diagnosis on site is often hard, an mostly based only on clinical signs. The rapid identification of calves with Cryptosporidiosis saves valuable time, which can be used for specific therapy (e.g. halofuginon), for developing optimal intervention strategies in conjunction with your farmer to optimise calves health and farm productivity.

Atopic disease refers to any clinical manifestation of atopy. In the dog the predominant manifestation of atopic disease is atopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis is the inflammatory and pruritic allergic skin disease associated with IgE antibodies to environmental allergens in genetically predisposed pets.