1,720,992 research outputs found
Etude sur la valeurde la coprologie chez les carnivores
No full textSensitivity (SE), Specificity (SP) positivive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive values of the coprological test, performed on 208 foxes, 105 dogs and 95 cats for tapeworms, ascarids, whipworms and hookworms were evaluated. The SP values are always very high, whereas SE shows rather low values, for tapeworms especially. PPV values lie between a minimum of 27% for whipworms in fox and a maximum of 100% for tapeworms in all the three host species. The NPV lowest value is 50% for tapeworms in cat, the highest is 100% for hookworms in dog. These parameters were also correlated with prevalence, intensity and abundanc
The validity of some haematological and elisa methods for the diagnosis of canine heartworm disease
No full textExaminations for heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) were performed on 175 impounded dogs from a hyperendemic area of the Po Valley (Italy). Each blood sample was used with five haematological diagnostic methods (filtration, direct smear, modified Knott, clotted blood and capillary tube) and three commercial ELISA kits (PetChek, Diasystems, Uni-Tec). The results were compared with the true infection status obtained from post-mortem examination of the heart, pulmonary arteries, thoracic venae cavae and lungs. The prevalence of the infection by adult worms at necropsy was 63%. The sensitivity of the tests ranged from 60% (capillary tube) to 81% (Diasystems) and the specificity from 88% (filtration) to 98% (PetChek). The results of all the tests differed significantly (p < 0.01) from those obtained at necropsy. The sensitivity of the tests was also assessed with respect to the differing numbers of worms in the hosts. A positive correlation between the worm burden and the sensitivity was observed in all the tests. It is apparent that the ELISA methods were better able to detect cases with a low number of worms than the haematological tests
Ricerca e identificazione morfologica di Strongili broncopolmonari di cervo (Cervus elaphus hippelaphus) e bovino (Bos taurus) nella Regione Valle d’Aosta
Full text linkLe strongilosi broncopolmonari nei ruminanti domestici e selvatici sono sostenute da nematodi del genere Dictyocaulus spp, agenti eziologici della bronchite parassitaria e causa di importanti danni economici in diversi Paesi del mondo.
La conoscenza di questi parassiti, quindi, risulta fondamentale ai fini della salvaguardia del patrimonio zootecnico e faunistico; tuttavia la letteratura disponibile riguardo le strongilosi polmonari, in particolare nei ruminanti selvatici dell’arco alpino, risulta essere limitata.
Uno degli obiettivi di questo studio è, pertanto, quello di fornire un panorama sulla presenza delle strongilosi broncopolmonari nel bovino (Bos taurus) e nel cervo rosso (Cervus elaphus) su territorio nazionale e, in particolare nella Regione Valle d’Aosta. Per la ricerca di Strongili sono stati presi in esame i polmoni di 100 bovini di razza Valdostana e di 104 cervi rossi. I bovini sono risultati tutti negativi, mentre 23 cervi sono risultati positivi per la presenza di Strongili polmonari, con una prevalenza di infezione del 22%.
Altro punto cardine di questa ricerca è rappresentato dall’identificazione su base morfologica della specie di Strongilo rinvenuta nel cervo rosso. Per questo sono state effettuate le misure dei caratteri utili ai fini dell’identificazione morfologica e queste sono state confrontate, sia con la specie riconosciuta da tempo nel cervo rosso, Dictyocaulus eckerti, che con la nuova specie recentemente identificata in Polonia: Dictyocaulus cervi n. sp (Pyziel et al, 2017). Queste due specie si distinguono per le misure di diversi caratteri chiave per l’identificazione morfologica.
I risultati hanno messo in evidenza una corrispondenza tra i valori delle misure degli Strongili polmonari prelevati e quelle riportate per D. cervi, il che permette di avanzare l’ipotesi secondo cui questa specie sia presente anche in Italia.
Questo potrebbe rappresentare, quindi, il primo caso di identificazione di D. cervi n. sp. nel cervo in Italia e non fa altro che confermare la necessità di approfondire la ricerca di questi parassiti per risolvere l’annosa questione relativa alla loro tassonomia.
Nel tempo diversi studi hanno messo in discussione l’ipotesi secondo cui il cervo possa rappresentare un serbatoio di infezione per il bovino (Divina et al, 2000, Pyziel et al, 2015) e i risultati di questa ricerca forniscono un ulteriore supporto alla tesi secondo cui le strongilosi broncopolmonari siano ad eziologia specie-specifica e non via sia, in natura, la possibilità di cross-infezione.
Dai parassiti sono stati, inoltre, prelevati campioni da sottoporre a PCR, al fine di confermare o escludere l’ipotesi avanzata dall’indagine morfologica
An updating of the occurrence of canine heartworm disease in northern Italy
No full textA survey was carried out in northern Italy (Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia Regions) to assess the extension of canine heartworm disease close to the classic hyperendemic areas of the Po Valley. A filtration test on 275 privately owned dogs showed a mean prevalence of 44%, with a peak of 55% in the Venice province. A high prevalence (17%) of occult filariosis was discovered using a serological test. These values fall within the medium-high range previously reported from other Italian areas. The provinces of Pordenone, Udine, Trieste, Treviso and Belluno, where no cases had been previously reported, were found to be infected. The distribution of the infection did not differ significantly with the dogs' origin or sex. The prevalence seemed to be influenced significantly (p<0.01) by the hosts' age, function and degree of outdoor activity, reflecting the different exposure risks
Wildlife veterinarian, conservation and public health
No full textIn recent years wildlife diseases (infectious and non-infectious) have played a relevant role in both wildlife conservation and public health. Global environmental changes have determined a bimodal evolution of wildlife. On one side a huge loss of biodiversity has been observed leading to the increasing of threatened or endangered species. In contrast few opportunistic taxa increased their aboundances and ranges. The above scenarios claim the intervention of wildlife veterinarians. In conservation the understanding of the ecological role of the host-parasite relationship and the perturbations on the host population dynamics have to be assessed and eventually modified. In public health the increased overlapping among wildlife, livestock, pets and human beings represents a risk for diseases spread (no matter in which directions). Serious limits are, still now, observed in the acceptance of this 'new world' by veterinary academics. As a consequence curricula often fail in providing adequate skill at both undergraduate and graduate levels. An addressed approach towards wildlife diseases should be promoted as an essential component of environmental management
Canine faecal contamination and parasitic risk in the city of Bologna
No full textINTRODUCTION. Canine faecal contamination of urban areas represents an important public-health problem. The aim of this study was to evaluate the degree of both canine faecal pollution and presence of canine parasitic elements in the city of Bologna, with particular attention to the Bolognina district, where a previous similar experience was done.
MATERIALS AND METHODS. The methods used in the previous study (Martini and Cassani,1984, Ann. Ist. Super. Sanità, 20:291-296) were employed to evaluate the canine faecal contamination of Bolognina district after more than 35 years, following a 6.2 km route structured in the middle of the quarter, for 12 times in a year. The centre of Bologna was also examined, dividing the overall area included in the circular avenue in 6 sub-areas. A sampling was performed just once in each sub-area, following a continuous route including the highest number of streets, for a total of 50.14 km. All the faeces found were collected and submitted to qualitative microscopic analysis by centrifugation-flotation technique. For each sample, a form was filled to specify date, time, address of the findings and some characteristics (weather in previous days, type of road, location, fresh state, aspect, presumed dog size, traces of trampling). All the data were reported in a Geographical Information System (QGIS 2.18) and on Excel datasheet (v. 2016).
RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS. A total of 228 faecal samples was collected, of which 192 from Bolognina district (daily faecalization level: 2.6 faeces/km) and 36 from Bologna centre (total faecalization level: 0.7 faeces/km). A part of collected faeces was dried and traces of trampling were found in both areas. The prevalence of faeces attributed to large dogs resulted significantly higher in samples collected in Bolognina (17.19%), respect to the centre of city (2.78%) (χ2 y = 3,89; p< 0.05). In Martini and Cassani study (1984 l.c.), 2204 faeces were found in 10 months following the same route in Bolognina (daily faecalization level: 35.5 faeces/km). Comparing this value with our results, we can observe that the faecalization of the area decreased during past decades. Only two faecal samples (0.88%) were positive for parasitic elements, both from Bolognina district: eggs of Trichuris vulpis were found in both and Ancylostomatidae in one of them. The faecalization level and the presence of canine parasitic elements in the centre of Bologna and in Bolognina district, are lower compared to other studies (Poglayen et al., 2000, parassitologia, 42 (suppl1):220; Rinaldi et al., 2006, BMC Vet. Res. 2: 29; Zanzani et al., 2014, Sc. World J. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2014/132361, Beraldo et al., 2014, Atti XXVII SoIPa, 258). The low parasites prevalence in this area agree with the results of the diagnostic routine of our lab
Parasites in cage and aviary birds: an update?
No full textINTRODUCTION. In recent years, in Italy, there has been an increasing interest in cage and aviary birds and an increase of the owners of these animals. That pushes veterinarians to a deeper knowledge of this particular branch of avian medicine. In the present work a survey on intestinal parasites was carried out in particular during Ornithological Exhibitions, where breeders from different regions expose they specimens, because no research has ever been done on intestinal parasites in these locations in Italy. Some cage and aviary birds breedings were also sampled.
MATERIALS AND METHODS. 70 samples were collected from Ornithological exhibition of Faenza (RA) 2016, 101 from Ornithological exhibition of Faenza (RA) 2017 and 34 from Ornithological exhibition of Bologna 2017. During these events, each bird is housed in a single cage: fecal samples were obtained collecting the corncob litter or the blotting paper litter under each cage. Moreover 7 samples from the seat of F.O. I (Federation Italian bird breeders) and 23 samples from two parrot’s breedings were also collected. Overall, 235 samples were examined: the papers were scrubbed to obtain fecal samples and analyzed by flotation technique; the corncobs were washed in one liter of water, that was filtered and submitted to sedimentation and flotation.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS. Ascaridia sp. and Capillaria sp. are confirmed the most frequent helminthic species found in parrots, while in Passeriformes only Coccidia was observed. The low parasites prevalence seen in this survey suggests that breeders lead anti-parasitic therapies (which we have not been able to ascertain), and that they hold animals in compliance with good health and hygiene standards. The animals that are selected to participate in the exhibits are therefore in compliance with the characteristics of the breed standards, but also have a good state of nutrition and general well-being
Keratinophylic fungi in off-leash areas soil of Bologna (Northern Italy)
No full textINTRODUCTION. Off-leash areas, created for dogs to exercise and play in a controlled environment, are increased in urban areas all around the world. Together the benefit, public health considerations can concern also zoonotic risk (Rahim et al., 2017 J. Comm. Health, 43:433–440). It is known that the presence and quantity of keratinophilic fungi in the soil is closely related to the animalization process: soils rich in keratin material of animal origin constitute a suitable pabulum for the survival and multiplication of potentially pathogenic agents for humans and animals (Mantovani,1978, Mycopathol., 65: 61-66). The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of keratinophilic fungi in the soil of off-leash areas in Bologna.
MATERIALS AND METHODS. Six areas were selected; every ones was divided in two subareas in each of which a x sampling scheme was used (according to DM 11/5/1992), collecting a sample of superficial soil every 2 meters along the diagonals. From each area, 8 pools for mycological examination (see figure) were obtained, and handled according to Vanbreuseghem et al., (1978. Guide pratique de mycologie medicale et veterinaire, Masson, Paris) to isolate keratinophilic fungi, using human hair as baits. A total of 56 pools were examined.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS. All the off-leash areas were positive for the geophilic M. gypseum, potentially pathogenic for humans and animals, found in 43/56 samples (76.8%); also the geophilics Trichophyton ajelloi (2/56-3.6%) and Chrysosporium sp (4/56-7.1%) were occasionally found. In this research, the assortment of genera of keratinophilic fungi was lower than other surveys carried out in soil from parks of urban areas or in soil from lairs of wild animals (Morganti and Tampieri, 1984, Nuovi Ann Ig. Microbiol, XXXV: 43-50; Gallo et al., 2005, Med Mycol. 43,:373-379; Galuppi et al., 2002, VI congresso FIMUA, 127-128), and no zoophilic dermatophytes were found. The lack of the latter should not be surprising, because they do not replicate in the ground and are rapidly destroyed by the environmental microflora, so their occasional finding in the soil is usually considered a consequence of a recent contamination due to infected animals (Lostia and Pinetti, 1970 , rassegna medica sarda, 73: 71). Vice versa, a higher percentage of positive samples for M. gypseum was found. Probably, the high attendance of a single animal species (dog) in these areas may promote the development of an ecological niche favourable to the development of this mycete. It could be of interest to verify, in collaboration with dermatologists, if an higher prevalence of dermatophytoses due to M. gypseum is observed in people attending off-leash areas
Going Beyond Counting First Authors in Author Co-citation Analysis
Full text linkThe present study examines one of the fundamental aspects of author co-citation analysis (ACA) - the way co-citation
counts are defined. Co-citation counting provides the data on which all subsequent statistical analyses and mappings
are based, and we compare ACA results based on two different types of co-citation counting - the traditional type that
only counts the first one among a cited work's authors on the one hand and a non-traditional type that takes into
account the first 5 authors of a cited work on the other hand. Results indicate that the picture produced through this non-traditional author co-citation counting contains more coherent author groups and is therefore considerably clearer. However, this picture represents fewer specialties in the research field being studied than that produced through the traditional first-author co-citation counting when the same number of top-ranked authors is selected and analyzed. Reasons for these effects are discussed
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