Related Articles

Dr. Charles C. Capen an enduring legacy in veterinary pathology.

Vet Pathol. 2008 May;45(3):285

Authors:

PMID: 18487482 [PubMed - in process]

Adaptation of IFN-gamma ELISA and ELISPOT tests for feline tuberculosis.

Vet Immunol Immunopathol. 2008 Apr 16;

Authors: Rhodes SG, Gruffydd-Jones T, Gunn-Moore D, Jahans K

There are currently no reliable immunodiagnostic tests for feline tuberculosis. Infection of domestic cats in the UK is thought to occur via their contact with the relevant reservoir of infection, e.g. cattle and badgers for Mycobacterium bovis, and rodents for M. microti. In the African National Parks, where M. bovis infection of Bovidae is an increasing problem, transmission to big cats is occurring via their ingestion of infected carcasses. We have adapted feline ELISA and ELISPOT assays to potentially provide the first cell-based diagnostic test for the detection of tuberculosis in cats. We tested peripheral blood mononuclear cell antigen-specific IFN-gamma responses of 18 cats suspected of mycobacterial infection for which biopsy material was co-submitted to the Veterinary Laboratories Agency for mycobacterial culture and identification. Seventeen cats were tested by ELISA while seven cats were tested by ELISPOT (six cats were tested by both ELISA and ELISPOT). Six healthy control cats provided baseline data for these tests. Responses to bovine and avian tuberculins (PPDB and PPDA) and a protein cocktail of ESAT6 and CFP10 were measured, together with positive mitogen (PMA and calcium ionophore) and negative (medium) controls. Overall, both ELISPOT and ELISA tests were found to be suitable for generating rapid results (2 and 4 days, respectively), which provided good predictive information for M. bovis and M. microti infections, but were unable to reliably discern M. avium infection.

PMID: 18486239 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Quantic molecular resonance scalpel and its potential applications in oral surgery.

Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2008 May 19;

Authors: Paolo V, Maddalena M, Elisabetta M, Carlo F, Jean-Paul R, Samir N, Mauro B

Quantic molecular resonance is a new technique that applies high frequency waves suitable for many surgical fields. It is a remarkable advance from conventional electrosurgery, and consists of non-traumatic cutting of tissue and gentle coagulation. The cut is achieved by the explosion of infracellular and intracellular liquids, that resonate with a special frequency. The temperature of the cut area and surrounding tissues is less than 45 degrees C, so no thermal injury results. Coagulation is by denaturation of fibrinogen at 63 degrees C, and not at (conventional) higher temperatures. The result is the elimination of scar tissue or keloid, with considerable aesthetic benefits and reduction in postoperative swelling and pain. The quantic molecular resonance scalpel is a device that is suitable for oromaxillofacial surgery and related specialist areas (such as periodontology, implantology, and paediatric oral surgery). Other specialties (such as ear, nose, and throat, dermatology, aesthetic surgery, and veterinary surgery) could also benefit from this new technique.

PMID: 18495305 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Theriogenology. 2008 May 19;

Authors: Pretzer SD

Several bacterial species have been implicated in canine and feline pregnancy loss. Brucella canis is one of the more important bacterial infectious agents that cause pregnancy loss in the bitch. Brucella has been documented in the queen but in general infectious abortion from bacteria and protozoal agents is uncommon in the species. Protozoal causes of pregnancy loss in the bitch and queen are less common than in other species. Etiology, clinical signs, diagnosis and treatment of bacterial and protozoal causes of pregnancy loss in the bitch and queen are reviewed. Veterinary practitioners should be aware that many of these organisms have zoonotic potential.

PMID: 18495236 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]