A review of post-operative infections in veterinary orthopedic surgery.

Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol. 2008;21(2):99-105

Authors: Weese JS

Surgical site infections are an inherent risk in orthopaedic surgery and many of the infections that develop are likely to be non-preventable. However, a variety of measures can be undertaken to reduce the risk and impact of surgical site infections. The development and implementation of an infection control program, including surgical site infection surveillance, can be an important tool for patient management. All veterinary practices should have some form of infection control program in order to address surgical site infections, among other issues, and to provide the optimal and expected level of care.

PMID: 18545710 [PubMed - in process]

Molecular characterization of freshwater snails in the genus Bulinus: a role for barcodes?

Parasit Vectors. 2008 Jun 10;1(1):15

Authors: Kane RA, Stothard JR, Emery AM, Rollinson D

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Reliable and consistent methods are required for the identification and classification of freshwater snails belonging to the genus Bulinus (Gastropoda, Planorbidae) which act as intermediate hosts for schistosomes of both medical and veterinary importance. The current project worked towards two main objectives, the development of a cost effective, simple screening method for the routine identification of Bulinus isolates and the use of resultant sequencing data to produce a model of relationships within the group. RESULTS: Phylogenetic analysis of the DNA sequence for a large section (1009bp) of the mitochondrial gene cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) for isolates of Bulinus demonstrated superior resolution over that employing the second internal transcribed spacer (its2) of the ribosomal gene complex. Removal of transitional substitutions within cox1 because of saturation effects still allowed identification of snails at species group level. Within groups, some species could be identified with ease but there were regions where the high degree of molecular diversity meant that clear identification of species was problematic, this was particularly so within the B. africanus group. CONCLUSIONS: The sequence diversity within cox1 is such that a barcoding approach may offer the best method for characterization of populations and species within the genus from different geographical locations. The study has confirmed the definition of some accepted species within the species groups but additionally has revealed some unrecognized isolates which underlines the need to use molecular markers in addition to more traditional methods of identification. A barcoding approach based on part of the cox1 gene as defined by the Folmer primers is proposed.

PMID: 18544153 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

A review of highly pathogenic avian influenza in birds, with an emphasis on Asian H5N1 and recommendations for prevention and control.

J Avian Med Surg. 2008 Mar;22(1):1-16

Authors: Kelly TR, Hawkins MG, Sandrock CE, Boyce WM

Avian influenza is a disease of both veterinary and public health importance. Influenza A viruses infect a range of hosts, including humans, and can cause significant morbidity and mortality. These viruses have high genetic variability, and new strains develop through both mutation and reassortment. Modes of transmission as well as the location of viral shedding may differ both by host species and by viral strain. Clinical signs of influenza A virus infection in birds vary considerably depending on the viral subtype, environmental factors, and age, health status, and species of the bird and range from decreased egg production and gastrointestinal manifestations to nervous system disorders and respiratory signs. Most commonly, peracute death with minimal clinical disease is observed in poultry infected with a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus. There are various prevention and control strategies for avian influenza, including education, biosecurity, surveillance, culling of infected animals, and vaccination. These strategies will differ by institution and current federal regulations. Each institution should have an established biosecurity protocol that can be properly instituted. Lastly, human health precautions, such as proper hand hygiene, personal protective equipment, and employee health monitoring, are imperative for at-risk individuals.

PMID: 18543597 [PubMed - in process]

Fred Brown: 31 January 1925 - 20 February 2004.

Biogr Mem Fellows R Soc. 2007;53:93-108

Authors: Rowlands DJ, Skehel JJ

Fred Brown was a major figure in British and international virology during most of the latter half of the twentieth century. He brought to the subject a rigorous and critical attitude acquired during his early training in chemistry. In addition, he was passionately interested in the practical application of his work and that of others to the prevention and alleviation of disease. He always believed that his research would make a significant contribution to the welfare of agricultural livestock. He is best known for his pioneering work on foot-and-mouth disease virus, the causative agent for the most important disease of domestic livestock globally. However, he also made seminal contributions to the study of many other viruses of veterinary importance.