The nomenclature of ulcerative dermatitis as used in literature is somehow confusing because on the one hand this skin disorder is associated with bacterial growth and on the other hand it is a synonym for a chronic sporadic disease of adult sows with unknown aetiology. Thus, we propose the terminus 'Porcine Ulcerative Dermatitis Syndrome (PUDS)' for the latter to distinguish between these two disease complexes. This syndrome could be identified by clinical and pathological examinations in six sows, that were submitted to the clinic. Epidermal ulcers could be found nearly all over the body, but teats were always spared. Haematological examination showed a slight anaemia but physiological leucocyte counts. However, lymphopenia (x = 44.8%), granulocytosis (x = 42.0%) and an increased number of monocytes (x = 13.1%) could be found. Histologically, a lymphoplasmacytic and granulohistiocytic infiltration in the corium was most prominent. In some cases, a moderate leucocytoclastic vasculitis and perivasculitis could be seen at the dermo-epidermal border. Additionally, a multifocal interstitial nephritis with lymphoplasmacytic infiltration was a prominent feature in all animals. Participation of an immune complex associated disorder can be assumed when regarding histological findings as skin lesions in combination with glomerulonephritis are a common feature of such diseases. Also, IgG levels were elevated two- to fourfold in all affected sows when compared with healthy control pigs. This supports the hypothesis that not only T cells, as shown previously, but also the humoral branch of the immune system is involved in the aetiology of PUDS.
The efficacy of a new inactivated vaccine against Babesia divergens was evaluated by means of inoculation tests. The infection was initiated by i.v. injection of blood containing 2 x 10(9) living parasites into splenectomized and non-splenectomized calves. Clinical status and hematological parameters were determined. Serology examinations for antibodies against B. divergens were carried out by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Non-vaccinated and splenectomized animals exhibited experimental infections. In vaccinated and splenectomized animals, clinical symptoms and prolonged incubation periods were observed.
To establish an assay for the serological differentiation of bovine Babesia species ( B. bigemina, B. bovis, B. divergens and B. major), antigens from experimentally infected cattle were Western blotted and probed with homologous and heterologous sera. Varying antigen patterns for each species allowed the determination of species-specific diagnostic antigens. Blood samples from 36 naturally infected cattle from the province of Styria were tested by indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) against B. divergens, as well as by Western blotting against B. bigemina, B. bovis, B. divergens and B. major, 3 weeks after clinical babesiosis was diagnosed by blood smears. All 36 cattle were B. divergens-positive when tested by IFAT. In four cases (11%), an infection with both B. bovis and B. divergens and in two cases a single infection with B. bovis were diagnosed when tested by Western blot. B. bigemina and B. major infections were not detected. These are the first serologically confirmed cases of B. bovis in Austrian cattle.
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