1,721,228 research outputs found
WINTER DISEASE IN ASSOCIATION WITH INTESTINAL NON-FORMING XENOMA MICROSPORIDIA IN GILTHEAD SEABREAM (SPARUS AURATA)
No full textAIM OF THE STUDY:
Winter disease (WD) is a multifactorial disease found primarily in sea caged gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) along the
Mediterranean coast.1,2 An emaciative syndrome has been recently observed in Spain and Enterospora nucleophila, a new
microsporidian species of the family Enterocytozoonidae has been described; these intracellular, non-forming xenoma
microsporidia, opportunistic in nature exploit a w eakened host immune status, as it could happen in WD.6 Teleost intestine
contains Mast Cells (MCs), w hose functional properties are similar to those of mammalian mast cells;5 recruitment of MCs to
sites of persistent inflammation is a general response in parasites-affected fish. An increased number of the MCs is also
reported in WD-affected fish.3,4 In December 2013 a disease outbreak in sea caged gilthead seabream in Italy, affecting 0+
year fish occurred. The aim of this study w as to evaluate the histopathological changes related to these tw o conditions, to
characterize the MCs by immunohistochemistry and the microsporidia by PCR.
MATERIAL AND METHODS:
From tw enty gilthead sea bream intestinal tracts w ere fixed in buffered formalin at the sample site and sent to DIMEVET.
Routine histological sections w ere obtained; Luna stain w as also performed. Immunohistochemistry w ith CD117 antibody
(1:100, Dako) w as also carried out. Intestinal tissue w as also subjected to molecular analysis; a fragment of the 18S rDNA
w as amplified and then sequenced.
RESULTS:
Hindgut show ed a moderate dilatation of the lumen in association w ith w hitish casts, similar to the milk-like mucous casts
reported in WD outbreaks.1,2 A severe mucosal atrophy w ith total folds flattening w as present; w ithin lamina propria and
submucosa a mild to moderate MCs hyperplasia and mild mucous cells hyperplasia w ere observed. Multifocally, w ithin
enterocytes and rodlet cells, the nucleus and/or cytoplasm contained microsporidian spores, more evident w ith Luna stain.
The sequences obtained from intestines show ed 99.9% identity w ith E. nucleophila. Within perivisceral exocrine pancreatic
acini, focal necrosis and MCs infiltration have been observed, as reported by other authors during WD outbreaks.
CONCLUSIONS:
MCs are interpreted as ‘‘standing force’’ in particular tissues consistently exposed to pathogens, in contrast to a ‘‘mobilization
force’’ that has been an advantage in those being exposed to noxious agents only occasionally.7 The severe mucosal
flattening could be interpreted as an effect of a chronic insult, not only related to the microsporidia infection; other
concurrent predisposing factors as those reported in WD could be then considered into the development of an overt
pathology.
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
1Birincioglu et al, 2013; 2Colorni, 2011; 3Contessi et al,2006; 4Ibarz et al, 2010; 5Lauriano et al.,2012;6 Palenzuela et
al.,2014; 7Reite and Evensen,2006
Valutazione della sensibilità di Doctor fish (Garra rufa) al trattamento con disinfettanti
No full textSUMMARY - In fish therapy it is essential to ensure optimum hygiene conditions while preserving animal
welfare. The aim of the study was to evaluate the sensitivity of Doctor fish (Garra rufa) towards two disinfectant
molecules, chloramine T and peracetic acid. The animals have been subjected to increasing treatments/day for
the duration of one week with two different concentrations for each disinfectant. The assessment of sensitivity was
done by behavioral observation and by histomorphological and morphometrical analysis on skin and gills. The
subjects showed signs of stress at the end of the treatment for both molecules and concentrations tested.
Histological sections have not shown any changes; it has been noted a statistically significant increase of mucous
cells in animals treated with peracetic acid and a decrease of club cells in animals treated with low dose
chloramine T and high dose peracetic acid. Animals showed overall good tolerability to the two disinfectant
molecules tested
Pathology in Practice
No full textPathology in practice: case report of a Young dog affected by CNS neosporosis. The case report is described according to the modalities of "what is your diagnosis". A young adult 12-kg (26.4-lb) female mixedbreed dog housed in an animal shelter was referred to the teaching hospital of the Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences of the University of Bologna because of severe nonambulatory tetraparesis and abnormal mentation. The dog was found wandering 2 months before; at that time, the dog had mild paraparesis that slowly progressed to tetraparesis and recumbency. On neurologic examination, the
dog was in lateral recumbency with severe nonambulatory tetraparesis, obtunded mental status, leftsided head tilt, occasional tremors of the neck and
head, and spontaneous proprioceptive deficits in all 4 limbs. Cranial nerve examination revealed vertical spontaneous nystagmus and an abnormal menace response. History and clinical signs were consistent with a suspected multifocal neurologic disorder, primarily involving the brainstem. Serum and CSF samples were tested for antibodies against Toxoplasma spp and Neospora spp. Both samples were negative for Toxoplasma spp but strongly positive
for Neospora spp (in both samples, the IgG titer was 1:640 (reference interval applied to both serum and CSF, < 1:40). A PCR assay was performed on the CSF sample, and the result was positive for Neospora caninum. On post mortem examination, sections of the brain (cerebral cortex) revealed
that neuroparenchyma was affected by multifocal malacia and reactive gliosis associated with intralesional groups of protozoa; numerous deeply basophilic bradyzoites measuring 6.5 X 1.5 μm were present, often within the cytoplasm of glial cells. There was evidence of nonsuppurative lymphoplasmacytic meningoencephalitis and reactive gliosis; samples of the cerebellum and brainstem contained scattered cysts without septa, with a wall thickness
of 0.5 to 4 μm. Ultrastructural examination of brain and cerebellum revealed bradyzoites grouped together and not enclosed by a cyst wall; intact bradyzoites had an apical part (conoid) rich in micronemes, rhoptries with an electron-dense content, electron-lucent amylopectin granules, and a nucleus , supporting the etiologic diagnosis of neosporosis
Advances in Viral Aquatic Animal Disease Knowledge: The Molecular Methods’ Contribution
Full text linkAquaculture is the fastest-growing food-producing sector, with a global production of 122.6 million tonnes in 2020. Nonetheless, aquatic animal production can be hampered by the occurrence of viral diseases. Furthermore, intensive farming conditions and an increasing number of reared fish species have boosted the number of aquatic animals’ pathogens that researchers have to deal with, requiring the quick development of new detection and study methods for novel unknown pathogens. In this respect, the molecular tools have significantly contributed to investigating thoroughly the structural constituents of fish viruses and providing efficient detection methods. For instance, next-generation sequencing has been crucial in reassignment to the correct taxonomic family, the sturgeon nucleo-cytoplasmic large DNA viruses, a group of viruses historically known, but mistakenly considered as iridoviruses. Further methods such as in situ hybridisation allowed objectifying the role played by the pathogen in the determinism of disease, as the cyprinid herpesvirus 2, ostreid herpesvirus 1 and betanodaviruses. Often, a combination of molecular techniques is crucial to understanding the viral role, especially when the virus is detected in a new aquatic animal species. With this paper, the authors would critically revise the scientific literature, dealing with the molecular techniques employed hitherto to study the most relevant finfish and shellfish viral pathogens
, Linnaeus)
Full text linkIn an adult male goldfish (Carassius auratus, Linnaeus), an unusual combination of diseases was detected. The owner noted a bilateral, asymmetrical distention of the abdomen, multiple cutaneous masses and an altered swimming behaviour over the course of time; diagnostic work-up was not requested and euthanasia elected. Grossly, the cutaneous masses were whitish, discrete, extremely friable. Histologically, the dermis was multifocally expanded by moderately cellular, unencapsulated neoplastic tissue, composed of dermal spindle cells. The celomic cavity opening revealed a gelatinous multicystic mass, corresponding to the kidney, which replicated several cysts compressing the residual parenchyma. Histologically, sparse, late-stage granulomas, basophilic intratubular deposits and crystals were also detected. No mycobacterial DNA was detected in tissue with granulomas. No parasites were detected in the histological sections examined. Diagnoses of cutaneous nerve sheath tumours, polycystic kidney disease, renal late-stage granulomas, nephrocalcinosis and crystals were formulated. The authors had proposed to recapitulate each single condition
Detection of Human and Fish Viruses in Marine Gastropods
Full text linkSIMPLE SUMMARY: Mollusca is one of the largest phyla in the animal kingdom that includes more than 100,000 existing species living in aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Within this phylum, marine molluscs are considered an important resource for fisheries, and gastropods represent 2% of marine molluscs fished worldwide. Similar to bivalves, gastropods are susceptible to environmental contamination, and they are able to accumulate microorganisms. However, despite their economic importance, only few studies have focused on the monitoring of viral contamination in their tissues and their possible role as carriers. In this study, the presence of human pathogenic viruses such as hepatitis A virus, but not noroviruses, different to the situation in bivalve molluscs, was found in gastropods. This finding suggests a low risk of food-borne viral infections for gastropod consumers. Furthermore, one of the most impactful pathogens for marine aquaculture, nervous necrosis virus (NNV), was detected in gastropods. However, the animal tissues examined did not show any histological changes, suggesting the absence of a pathogenic effect of NNV in the analyzed gastropods. ABSTRACT: Marine gastropods represent a major food source for higher trophic levels and an important source of animal protein for humans. Like bivalve molluscs, gastropods can accumulate several types of contaminants; however, the bioaccumulation of microorganisms, particularly viruses, has been poorly investigated in these animals. This study focused on gastropods (Tritia mutabilis, Bolinus brandaris and Rapana venosa) collected during the fishing season from 2017 to 2021 in the north-western Adriatic Sea, and on clams (Ruditapes philippinarum) harvested in the same geographical area, in order to evaluate the presence of human and fish viruses in their tissues. A virological investigation was carried out on the digestive gland using molecular methods. The presence of hepatitis A virus was detected in one sample, whereas noroviruses were not present in the investigated specimens. Regarding fish viruses, it was possible to detect the presence of nervous necrosis virus (NNV) in 26.5% of the analyzed gastropods; however, the histological examination did not show any pathological changes in the nervous tissue in both NNV-positive and -negative batches. As a whole, the investigated gastropods showed the ability to bioaccumulate viruses; however, lower contamination by human viruses compared to bivalve molluscs was pointed out, posing a minor concern to human health
Quantitative Pathology of Canine Cortico-Cerebellar Degeneration
Full text linkThe aim of this work was to document the value of morphometric analysis in quantifying neuronal loss in canine cerebellar degenerative disease. Measurements of the cerebellar cell populations in a dog affected by severe cortico-cerebellar degeneration (CCD) were compared with those of an age-matched control dog. Histological stainings (hematoxylin-eosin, thionin, Bielschowsky) were performed; the granule cell density and Purkinje cell linear density were quantified. GFAP immunohistochemistry was run to quantify the stained area. Morphometric analysis in the pathologic dog showed a significant decrease of Purkinje cell linear density (4.50/mm), granule cells density (81.34/10000 μm2) and an increase of GFAP stained area (40.28%) in comparison to the age-matched dog (Purkinje cell linear density=12.74/mm, granule cell neuron density=95.53/10000 μm2 and GFAP stained area=34.68%). The use of morphometric techniques is suggested in order to enable comparison between results obtained from different laboratories of pathology
Microbiological and pathological findings in koi carp (Cyprinus carpio) affected by swim bladder flooding
No full textHikui disease in nine koi carp (Cyprinus carpio): First description of a cutaneous perivascular wall tumour
No full textBackground: Hikui disease is a well known disfiguring disease of koi carp (Cyprinus carpio) primarily affecting fish with red pigmentation. It causes light orange to golden yellow, multifocal to coalescing raised patches, starting from the red cutaneous areas. Some cases respond to surgery or topical treatment, but recurrence is common. Objectives: To describe the clinical and pathological presentation of Hikui disease and its cause. Animals: Nine affected koi carp belonging to private hobbyists. Methods: Eight fish underwent surgery or biopsy; one was euthanized. Tissues were submitted for histology, immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy. Results: Five fish showed typical lesions of Hikui disease, whereas four fish showed an atypical presentation characterized by focal or multifocal, oedematous, dark red cutaneous plaques or nodules. Histology showed unencapsulated, infiltrating and densely cellular neoplasms composed of spindle cells arranged in bundles, rows and whorls frequently centred on capillaries. Immunohistochemistry for smooth muscle actin labelled neoplastic cells in all cases. Ultrastructure showed neoplastic cells with slender cytoplasmic processes encircling the capillaries, a thin basal membrane and occasional plasmalemmal vesicles. Conclusions and clinical importance: All of the data supported a neoplastic process producing perivascular wall tumours. Immunoreactivity to smooth muscle actin and the ultrastructural features were indicative of a pericyte origin (haemangiopericytoma). This is the first report dealing with Hikui disease that has achieved a conclusive diagnosis. The neoplastic nature of this condition suggests the potential usefulness of a surgical approach in the clinical management of less severe cases
Hernia of the swim bladder (aerocystocele) with concurrent mycotic granulomatous inflammation and swim bladder carcinoma in a wild mullet (Mugil cephalus)
No full textWe describe a hernia of the swim bladder, with a concurrent mycotic granulomatous inflammation, and carcinoma of the swim bladder in a wild mullet (Mugil cephalus) referred for an exophytic dorsal mass. Grossly, the mass was white, soft, and composed of multiple cystic gas-containing chambers connected by a funnel-shaped tissue segment to the coelomic swim bladder. Histologically, the mass was characterized by cysts of variable size, multifocally contiguous with the subepithelial rete mirabile, supported by abundant fibrous tissue. The skin covering the herniated swim bladder was focally ulcerated and replaced by abundant granulation tissue in which multiple scattered granulomas centered on pigmented fungal hyphae were observed. These granulomas were also seen in the remaining coelomic portion of the swim bladder as well as in the spleen, perivisceral pancreas, and peritoneal adipose tissue; the fungus was molecularly identified as Cladosporium spp. Focally, arising from the herniated swim bladder epithelium, an unencapsulated poorly demarcated, moderately cellular neoplasm, composed of islands, lobules, and acini of neoplastic epithelium, was found
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