Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) is a key contributor to the development of Bovine Respiratory Disease complex, which can cause respiratory disease, congenital defects, severe diarrhea, immunosuppression, abortion, or birth of persistently infected calves. Current commercial vaccines are formulated using strains from BVDV-1a and BVDV-2a, conferring protection against some, but not all, homologous species and low neutralization titers against heterologous and emergent species. This study aimed to develop a live vaccine capable of inducing broad protection against diverse BVDV strains. A contemporary live-attenuated BPI3Vc-vectored BVDV prototype vaccine was developed. Novel chimeric BVDV E2-NS2-51–2 antigens, designed based on the consensus of all BVDV-1a, -1b, -2a, -2b, and -2c protein sequences, were used to generate recombinant BPI3VcmutantE2-NS2-51–2 viruses. The recombinant viruses expressed all the ~5kb encoded transgenes, replicated efficiently, remained genetically stable over nine passages in vitro, and displayed the E2 ectodomain on the surface of infected cells. Intranasal immunization of calves with a cocktail of these recombinant viruses, designated rBPI3VcmutBVDV, elicited strong serum antibodies against BVDV-1 and -2 viruses compared to a commercial vaccine. Notably, vaccination elicited stronger IgG responses against BVDV-1b CA0401186a and TGAC, with significantly higher virus-neutralizing titers than the commercial vaccine (CA0401186a: p=0.0031; TGAC: p=0.0002). Immunized calves also elicited significantly higher VN titers against BVDV-2a strains 296NC (p=0.0006), 890 (p=0.0020), 296C (p=0.0464), A125 (p=0.0018), and 1373 (p=0.0025). Upon challenge with BVDV-1b CA0401186a, the rBPI3VcmutBVDV vaccinees exhibited a steady weight gain, less decrease in lymphocyte counts, lower viremia, and fewer gross lesions. This data supports use of the live-attenuated BPI3Vc-vector for development of contemporary broadly protective BVDV vaccines that can easily be upgraded for improved disease management and cattle productivity.
Mosquitoes vector multiple disease-causing pathogens detrimental to humans, imposing a high public health and economic burden. Chemical and biological larvicides are used in some settings to reduce mosquito populations as a supplement to adult population control. In this study, we assessed the larvicidal potential of a newly isolated strain of the hypocrealean fungus, Clonostachys rosea, by modifying a previously established laboratory-based experimental design. This design allowed us to distinguish between the larvicidal impact of the fungal culture supernatant and conidia. Our data show that C. rosea efficiently kills larvae of the African malaria mosquito, Anopheles gambiae, at an LC50 of 7.78 × 106 for culture supernatant and 7.13 × 107 conidia/mL for washed conidia. Fungal culture supernatant retained over 95% of its activity upon autoclaving, suggesting a temperature stable non-proteinaceous mycotoxin is responsible for larvicidal activity in the supernatant. Conidia were readily ingested, remained in the gut lumen, and did not germinate or pass to the ectoperitrophic space or the hemocoel. UV and heat-killed conidia retained larvicidal activity (75.5% and 64.6% mortality, respectively), demonstrating that no active secretion of toxins, fungal growth, or infection is required for killing mosquito larvae. However, autoclaving conidia abolished larvicidal activity (3.1% mortality), suggesting that larvae may not be killed via a mechanical mechanism, such as occlusion. Instead, our data demonstrate that C. rosea conidia kill An. gambiae larvae via the passive release of intracellular mycotoxins and have potential as a fungal biolarvicide to control An. gambiae populations.
Bovine parainfluenza-3 virus (BPI3V) contributes to Bovine Respiratory Disease Complex, causing severe pneumonia and death in cattle, leading to economic losses. Existing BPI3V commercial vaccines, based on genotype A strains, confer protection against some, but not all, genotype A strains and induce low neutralizing antibody titers against genotypes B and C. This study aimed to develop a live vaccine capable of inducing broad protection against diverse BPI3V strains using an attenuated BPI3V vaccine vector based on a genotype C strain. A rescued recombinant BPI3VcmutantGFP virus exhibited a temperature-sensitive attenuated phenotype in vitro. Novel Fusion (designated F2) and Hemagglutinin-Neuraminidase (designated HN2) antigens, derived from consensus protein sequences of BPI3V genotypes A, B, and C, were used to develop a recombinant prototype vaccine, designated rBPI3VcmutF2-HN2. The recombinant virus replicated efficiently, displayed the novel antigens on the surface of infected cells, and remained stable over nine in vitro passages. Intranasal vaccination of calves with the rBPI3VcmutF2-HN2 virus induced strong systemic and mucosal IgG responses against BPI3V genotypes A, B, and C, which were significantly amplified upon boost, unlike the responses elicited by a commercial vaccine. Notably, sera from calves vaccinated with the rBPI3VcmutF2-HN2 virus had significantly higher (p<0.0001) neutralizing antibodies against BPI3V genotypes A-C compared to the commercial vaccine. The F2-HN2 antigens were critical in eliciting neutralizing antibodies against wild-type BPI3Va and c (p< 0.0001), and BPI3Vb (p<0.001). Upon challenge with wild-type BPI3V genotype C virus, the rBPI3VcmutF2-HN2-vaccinated calves shed the least amount of virus in nasal swabs, had lower viremia, and exhibited minimal pulmonary lesions. Therefore, rBPI3VcmutF2-HN2 virus is a promising vaccine candidate that has potential to confer broad protection against multiple BPI3V strains.
Certain microbes inhabiting the gut have been implicated in maintaining gut homeostasis and promoting gut damage repair. Lachnospiraceae members were highly detected in dysbiotic IL-10 KO mice that displayed similar physiological outcomes as control mice. Lachnospiraceae is a highly diverse family of microbes that have been shown to display both commensal and pathogenic characteristics in the colon environment. We investigated the impact of genetic variation in five Lachnospiraceae strains on lowering cellular inflammation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Cell-free spent media (CFSM) from Eubacterium rectale resulted in lowered ROS, and nitric oxide levels in stressed colon cells and colon organoids. CFSM-treated organoids showed reduced ROS accumulation, improved epithelial integrity, and partial recovery of barrier function compared to oxidatively stressed controls. We demonstrated through shotgun metagenomics, metabolomics, host RNA sequencing, and molecular techniques that glutathione (GSH) biosynthesized by E. rectale alleviated host ROS damage. We showed downregulation of cell stress and immune response genes, indicating recovery from ROS stress. Chemical depletion of GSH in CFSM confirmed the role of microbial derived GSH in alleviation of ROS in colon cells. In this study, we identify E. rectale as a potential probiotic by lowering colon inflammation and ROS damage through production of reduced glutathione. Microbially derived GSH has not been well established in the Lachnospiraceae family which are a large member of the overall gut microbiota. Understanding more about the impacts of microbial functions including GSH on lowering inflammation is needed to develop potential probiotics or therapies for chronic inflammatory conditions.
Purpose: To determine the technical feasibility of discriminating discontiguous from contiguous ablation zones between a pair of microwave ablation (MWA) applicators using broadband microwave transmission signal measurements in an in vivo porcine liver model. Materials and Methods: Dual applicator 2.45 GHz MWA was performed using 1 directional and 1 omnidirectional applicator, spaced 3 cm apart, under imaging guidance. The study involved 15 hepatic MWAs across 4 swine, with ablation durations of 200 seconds (n = 8) for discontiguous ablation and 600 seconds (n = 7) for contiguous ablation, each at 60 W; these ablation durations and applied power combinations were selected with the intent of creating discontiguous (200 s) and contiguous (600 s) ablation zones. A custom software periodically measured transmission signals between the applicators at 46-second intervals. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT), gross pathology, and histopathologic analyses were used to assess the processed transmission signal (PTS). Results: Statistical analyses revealed significant differences between contiguous and discontiguous ablation zones on contrast-enhanced CT imaging (volume, 16.9 cm(3) [SD +/- 5.2] vs 3.9 cm(3) [SD +/- 1.5]; P = .0002) and gross tissue sections and histology (area, 10 cm(3) [SD +/- 3.3] and 6.5 cm(3) [SD +/- 1.3]; P = .001), and PTS datasets showed values of 85.1% (SD +/- 11) and 37.3% (SD +/- 12.9; P = .02). PTS values functioned well as predictors of complete versus incomplete ablation (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.90), with a PTS threshold of 53% being optimal for indicating ablation zone contiguity. Ablation zone contiguity was strongly correlated with PTS (Spearman correlation coefficient, 0.86; P < .0001). Conclusions: This study demonstrated that PTS between dual MWA applicators can distinguish between contiguous and discontiguous ablation zones.
ABSTRACT Background Iron deficiency in humans with chronic inflammatory enteropathies (CIE) is associated with active disease and anemia‐related morbidity. Objectives To compare iron deficiency prevalence in cats with CIE versus low‐grade alimentary lymphoma (LGAL) and secondarily, determine the effect of iron deficiency on short‐term clinical response in CIE cats. Animals Twenty‐eight client‐owned cats with primary gastrointestinal disease, including 14 CIE cats and 14 LGAL cats. Methods Prospective study. Cats were enrolled when they presented for gastrointestinal endoscopy. Iron panel (serum iron, ferritin, total iron binding capacity), CBC, cobalamin, serum amyloid A, methylmalonic acid, and clinical disease severity were evaluated. Cats were categorized as “normal” or “iron deficient” using calculated transferrin saturation. CIE cats were reevaluated 14, 30, and 90 days after initiation of non‐standardized gastrointestinal disease treatment. Clinical response was compared based on iron and anemia status. Results Iron deficiency was diagnosed in 7/28 cats (2/14 CIE, 5/14 LGAL cats) at enrollment and developed in four additional CIE cats during follow‐up. While 9/28 cats were anemic at enrollment, neither anemia (relative risk [RR], 0.90; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.13–5.50) nor iron status (RR, 0.4; 95% CI, 0.10–1.5) was associated with treatment response. Transferrin saturation was lower in LGAL cats (22%; 95% CI, 20%–27%) than in CIE cats (30%; 95% CI, 26%–39%). Conclusions and Clinical Importance There was high prevalence of iron deficiency over the first 90 days of treatment in CIE cats. Iron deficiency did not affect short‐term response to individualized treatment of gastrointestinal disease.
Objectives The objective of this study was to compare plasma glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) concentrations in cats with chronic enteropathies (CE) with those of healthy cats.Methods Nineteen client-owned cats with a histopathologic diagnosis of either idiopathic chronic enteropathy (CIE) or low-grade lymphoma and six healthy client-owned cats were enrolled in a prospective study between 2 December 2021 and 9 June 2023. Fasted and postprandial plasma GLP-2 concentrations were measured via ELISA in CE cats at the time gastrointestinal biopsies were obtained and before CE treatment. In cats with a histopathologic diagnosis of CIE, plasma GLP-2 concentrations were re-evaluated after 1 month of CE treatment.Results There was no significant difference in plasma GLP-2 concentrations between healthy cats (0.53 ng/ml) and cats with CE (0.52 ng/ml). GLP-2 concentrations in cats with CIE were not significantly different following 1 month of treatment (0.43 ng/ml) from those at initial presentation (0.44 ng/ml).Conclusions and relevance GLP-2 can be successfully detected in the plasma of cats with CE. Based on the lack of differences observed between this population of CE cats and healthy cats, GLP-2 cannot be recommended as a biomarker of feline CE using this ELISA method. Further investigation of larger CE cat populations and analytic methods would be needed to determine the overall utility of GLP-2 evaluation in feline CE.
Liver abscesses (LA) are a major cause of hepatic condemnation in feedlot cattle (~ 20% beef carcasses) creating concerns surrounding carcass contamination, impaired performance, and antimicrobial stewardship. Due to antemortem limitations in determining LA status, risk factors for LA during the feeding phase are poorly characterized. The objective was to identify factors associated with the presence of LA in feedlot mortalities at necropsy, including demographic factors, and gross and histologic gastrointestinal (GI) morphologic lesions. Systematic necropsies (n = 900) were performed in 6 central U.S. commercial feedyards (June/July 2022 and 2023). Gross morphologic diagnoses were determined by technicians and confirmed by a veterinarian. Formalin-fixed sections of rumen, small intestine (SI), and spiral colon (SC) were collected from LA cases (n = 40) and time-, feedlot-matched controls (CON; no LA; n = 40). Demographic data collected included sex, days on feed at death (DOF), arrival weight, number of disease treatments, and estimated weight at death. Morphologic features were measured in GI tissues using hematoxylin and eosin stain and alcian blue stain was used to evaluate goblet cell area in SI and SC. General and linear mixed-effects models were used to evaluate LA association with demographic, gross lesions, and histomorphologic changes identified in LA and CON cases. Steers had greater (P < 0.01) probability of LA than heifers (0.16 vs. 0.06, respectively). Dairy-influenced cases had a greater (P = 0.04) probability of LA than traditional beef breeds (0.30 vs. 0.03, respectively). Cases that were 101 + DOF had a greater (P < 0.01) probability of LA than those <50 DOF (0.20 vs. 0.06, respectively). Cases with peritoneal adhesions had a greater (P < 0.01) probability of having LA than cases without peritoneal adhesions. Liver abscess cases had wider (P = 0.03) rumen papillae and thinner (P = 0.05) keratin layer lining papillae in the rumen, and shallower (P = 0.02) crypts and thinner (P = 0.02) propria in the SI than CON cases. A tendency (P = 0.08) for LA cases to have a lower percent area of goblet cells in the SI than CON cases was observed. No differences in SC morphology were observed. Although results are biased to only feedlot mortalities, these findings indicate an association of LA with histomorphologic measures, gross pathology, and demographic factors. Further investigation is required to better understand factors influencing LA formation in feedlot cattle.
BackgroundDespite the theoretical advantages of treating metastatic bone disease with microwave ablation (MWA), there are few reports characterizing microwave absorption and bioheat transfer in bone. This report describes a computational modeling-based approach to simulate directional microwave ablation (dMWA) in spine, supported by ex vivo and pilot in vivo experiments in porcine vertebral bodies.Materials and methodsA 3D computational model of microwave ablation within porcine vertebral bodies was developed. Ex vivo porcine vertebra experiments using a dMWA applicator measured temperatures approximately 10.1 mm radially from the applicator in the direction of MW radiation (T1) and approximately 2.4 mm in the contra-lateral direction (T2). Histologic assessment of ablated ex vivo tissue was conducted and experimental results compared to simulations. Pilot in vivo experiments in porcine vertebral bodies assessed ablation zones histologically and with CT and MRI.ResultsExperimental T1 and T2 temperatures were within 3-7% and 11-33% of simulated temperature values. Visible ablation zones, as indicated by grayed tissue, were smaller than those typical in other soft tissues. Posthumous MRI images of in vivo ablations showed hyperintensity. In vivo experiments illustrated the technical feasibility of creating directional microwave ablation zones in porcine vertebral body.ConclusionComputational models and experimental studies illustrate the feasibility of controlled dMWA in bone tissue.
Lachnospiraceae members were highly detected in dysbiotic IL-10 KO mice that displayed similar physiological outcomes as control mice. Lachnospiraceae is a highly diverse family of microbes that have been shown to display both commensal and pathogenic characteristics in the colon environment. We investigated the impact of genetic variation in five Lachnospiraceae strains on lowering cellular inflammation and ROS levels. Cell free spent media (CFSM) fromEubacterium rectaleresulted in lowered ROS, and nitric oxide levels in stressed colon cells. We demonstrated through an array of multi-omics and molecular techniques that glutathione (GSH) biosynthesized byE. rectalewas able to alleviate host ROS damage. We further showed downregulation of cell stress and immune response genes by host RNA sequencing, which is evidence thatE. rectalemicrobial products promote recovery and alleviate ROS stress.
ABSTRACT Members of the Enterobacteriaceae and Enterococcus are associated with persistent gut inflammation due to rapid colonization combined with pathogenic tendencies. Here, we investigated the functions of gut microbial populations resulting in persistent gut inflammation. In this study, we utilized the IL-10 knockout mouse model and induced colitis using dextran sulfate sodium (2%) after development. Dams during gestation were provided cefoperazone to induce vertically transmitted dysbiosis in the pups that were monitored in this study. We characterized the dysbiotic gut microbial community and potential crosstalk of these microbes, and host gene expression changes to identify bacterial populations and potential functions that were involved in gut inflammation. We isolated Enterobacteriaceae populations from mice to validate the utilization of sulfur-containing amino acids. Members of Enterobacteriaceae and Enterococcus were highly detected in inflamed mice. Enterobacteriaceae populations containing L-cysteine dioxygenase were strongly correlated with the upregulation of host gene CSAD , responsible for cysteine breakdown. We observed that bacterial isolates from dysbiotic mice displayed increased growth rates when supplemented with L-cysteine, highlighting the use of sulfur metabolism. Our results show that microbial populations use alternate metabolisms and sequester host nutrients for growth, associated with inflammation in the gut. IMPORTANCE Inflammatory bowel disease is associated with an increase in Enterobacteriaceae and Enterococcus species; however, the specific mechanisms are unclear. Previous research has reported the associations between microbiota and inflammation, here we investigate potential pathways that specific bacteria populations use to drive gut inflammation. Richie et al. show that these bacterial populations utilize an alternate sulfur metabolism and are tolerant of host-derived immune-response products. These metabolic pathways drive host gut inflammation and fuel over colonization of these pathobionts in the dysbiotic colon. Cultured isolates from dysbiotic mice indicated faster growth supplemented with L-cysteine, showing these microbes can utilize essential host nutrients.
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is generated by the cross-talk among tumor cells, immune system cells, and stromal cells. The TME generated by Marek's disease virus (MDV) is suggested to display an immunosuppressive milieu due to immune inhibitory molecules and cytokines which are possibly induced by MDV-transformed cells and regulatory T cells. Both anti-tumor and pro-tumor gamma delta (γδ) T cells are reported in human cancer. Although anti-tumor like and pro-tumor like γδ T cells are found in MDV-infected chickens at the later phase of infection, how the TME affects circulating and tissue-resident γδ T cells has not been investigated. Here, we demonstrated that the supernatant of the cultured splenocytes derived from MDV-challenegd chickens inhibited interferon (IFN)-γ production and CD25 expression by T cell receptor (TCR)γδ-stimulated tissue-resident γδ T cells, but the supernatant of the cultured MDV-transformed cell line did not affect γδ T cell activation. TCRγδ-stimulated circulating γδ T cells were influenced neither by the supernatant of the cultured splenocytes derived from MDV-challenegd chickens nor by the supernatant of the cultured MDV-transformed cell line. Taken together, activation and IFN-γ production by tissue-resident γδ T cells can be inhibited in the TME generated by MDV while tumor attracted circulating γδ T cells may not be influenced in activation and IFN-γ production by the TME generated by MDV.
Gamma delta (γδ) T cells play a significant role in the prevention of viral infection and tumor surveillance in mammals. Although the involvement of γδ T cells in Marek’s disease virus (MDV) infection has been suggested, their detailed contribution to immunity against MDV or the progression of Marek’s disease (MD) remains unknown. In the current study, T cell receptor (TCR)γδ-activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were infused into recipient chickens and their effects were examined in the context of tumor formation by MDV and immunity against MDV. We demonstrated that the adoptive transfer of TCRγδ-activated PBMCs reduced virus replication in the lungs and tumor incidence in MDV-challenged chickens. Infusion of TCRγδ-activated PBMCs induced IFN-γ-producing γδ T cells at 10 days post-infection (dpi), and degranulation activity in circulating γδ T cell and CD8α+ γδ T cells at 10 and 21 dpi in MDV-challenged chickens. Additionally, the upregulation of IFN-γ and granzyme A gene expression at 10 dpi was significant in the spleen of the TCRγδ-activated PBMCs-infused and MDV-challenged group compared to the control group. Taken together, our results revealed that TCRγδ stimulation promotes the effector function of chicken γδ T cells, and these effector γδ T cells may be involved in protection against MD.
Summary Members of the Enterobacteriaceae family including Escherichia coli are associated with persistent gut inflammation during disorders like inflammatory bowel disease. This is due to rapid microbial colonization during dysbiosis combined with pathogenic tendencies. We characterized the dysbiotic gut community, defined potential functional pathways, and investigated crosstalk between host gene expression and microbial detections in an intestinal inflammation murine model. Members of Enterobacteriaceae family and the Enterococcus genus were highly detected in dysbiotic mice. These metagenome assembled genomes (MAGs) contained several virulence factors and metabolic pathways necessary to drive perpetual inflammation. Two Enterobacteriaceae MAGs with L-cysteine and L-taurine dioxygenases were strongly correlated with upregulation of the host gene CSAD, responsible for cysteine metabolism. Suggesting these bacteria compete with the host to utilize essential amino acids. We observed that bacterial isolates from dysbiotic mice displayed increased growth rates supplemented with L-cysteine, confirming that these microbes can utilize host nutrients to sustain inflammation. In Brief Inflammatory bowel disease is associated with an increase in Enterobacteriaceae and Enterococcus species, however the mechanisms are unclear. Richie et al . show that these bacterial populations use sulfur metabolism and tolerate host-derived immune-response, to drive host inflammation and fuel growth in the dysbiotic colon. Cultured isolates from dysbiotic mice indicated faster growth supplemented with L-cysteine, showing these microbes can utilize these essential host nutrients. Highlights Mice receiving native microbial FMT showed lower colon inflammation scores, higher microbial diversity, detections and gene expression similar to control mice. Dysbiotic mice displayed increased colon inflammation, higher detection of potential pathogenic MAGs, and upregulation of cysteine dioxygenase and other inflammation response genes MAGs assigned to Enterococcus and Enterobacteriaceae species were more frequently detected in dysbiotic mice, while almost absent in mice receiving FMT or control mice, they also contain several virulence factors and antibiotic resistance genes. These MAGs also display potential functions of utilizing host products and nutrients including nitrate, cysteine, and taurine to further fuel their growth and metabolism, which results in persistent host intestinal inflammation. Isolates in the Enterobacteriaceae family from dysbiotic mice utilize L-cysteine for growth, whereas isolates from FMT and control mice show no significant difference, indicating these bacteria can utilize the host derived cysteine.
Background There are limited studies investigating the use of fecal microbial transplant (FMT) in dogs with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aim of this preliminary study was to assess the feasibility of adding FMT to standard therapy (corticosteroids and a hypoallergenic diet) for dogs with IBD and to and to describe the changes in measured outcomes after 30 days of treatment. Methods Thirteen client-owned dogs with IBD were enrolled in this double blinded, randomized clinical trial. All dogs received corticosteroid therapy and a hypoallergenic diet; dogs were randomized to receive either placebo or FMT. Measured outcomes included the canine chronic enteropathy clinical activity index (CCECAI) at 1 week and 1 month after enrolment. Fecal microbiota were analyzed after extracting DNA from fecal samples and profiling using 16S amplicon sequencing. Dogs in the placebo group not responding to treatment after 1 month were offered FMT. Results The CCECAI significantly decreased over time in both groups (p = 0.001). There were no significant differences between the CCECAI of the placebo and FMT group at each time point (F test from ANOVA, p = 0.40). No adverse effects were reported in the 30 days following FMT. Conclusions The addition of FMT to standard therapy for IBD was feasible. No significant differences were observed in the CCECAI between groups at each time point. Large scale clinical trials can be performed using these methods to evaluate the longer term effect of FMT on clinical signs, microbial diversity, and other outcomes.
Gamma delta (γδ) T cells are highly enriched in mucosal barrier sites including intestinal tissues where microbial infections and tumors often originate in mammals. Human γδ T cells recognize stress antigens and microbial signals via their T cell receptor (TCR), natural killer (NK) receptors, and pattern recognition receptors. However, little is known about antigens or ligands capable of stimulating chicken γδ T cells. The results of the present study demonstrated that polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C)), a Toll-like receptor (TLR)3 ligand, significantly induced upregulation of CD8α molecules on circulating and lung γδ T cells. Moreover, poly(I:C) stimulation induced interferon (IFN)-γ production from splenic and lung CD8α+ γδ T cells while Cytosine-phosphate-Guanine oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG-ODN) 2007, a TLR21 ligand, stimulation induced IFN-γ production by circulating γδ T cells. Neither poly(I:C) nor CpG-ODN 2007 stimulation elicited degranulation of γδ T cells. Additionally, the results revealed that CpG-ODN 2007 induced IFN-γ production from TCR-stimulated γδ T cells sorted from spleen. In our experiments, isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP), 4-hydroxy-3-methyl-but-2-enyl pyrophosphate (HMBPP), or zoledronate (Zol) stimulation did not induce IFN-γ production or degranulation in γδ T cells. Taken together, a combination of CpG-ODN 2007 and anti-CD3ε monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) can stimulate chicken γδ T cells and induce production of IFN-γ by these cells while IFN-γ production by γδ T cells induced by stimulation of poly(I:C) needs signals from other cells. These results suggest that chicken γδ T cells can sense invading pathogens via TLRs and produce IFN-γ as a first line of defense.
Neoplasms of the intestinal tract are uncommon in rabbits and primary lymphoma of the intestinal tract is rare. This case series is the first detailed description of primary intestinal lymphoma in rabbits. We reviewed four cases of primary intestinal lymphoma in rabbits aged 5-9.5 years old with an average age of 7.8 years. Neoplastic cells in three cases were large (8 mm diameter) while one case had intermediate cells (5 mm diam-eter). Neoplastic lymphocytes were of B-cell lineage and characterized by intense, multifocal, membranous immunoreactivity for CD79a and no immunoreactivity to CD3. Based on the Revised European-American Classification of Lymphoid Neoplasms/World Health Organization classification, three of the cases were consistent with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and the case with intermediate-sized neoplastic cells was consis-tent with lymphoblastic lymphoma. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Two central bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps), a 3-y-old male and a 5-y-old female, were diagnosed with different manifestations of lymphoma at the Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory between 2019 and 2020. The 3-y-old male was presented for postmortem evaluation and was in poor body condition. Microscopically, nearly all examined organs contained variable numbers of neoplastic round cells. Neoplastic cells in the stomach and liver had moderate immunoreactivity to CD3 consistent with multicentric T-cell lymphoma, and non-neoplastic lymphocytes infiltrating the stomach mass had strong immunoreactivity to Pax5. The 5-y-old female had an ulcerated oral mass located in the right lingual gingiva submitted as an excisional biopsy. Microscopically, the mass was composed of large numbers of neoplastic round cells in the epithelium and connective tissue that were strongly and diffusely positive for CD3 and frequently positive for Pax5, consistent with a dual-positive, localized, epitheliotropic T-cell lymphoma. Neoplastic and non-neoplastic lymphocytes did not stain with CD20 or CD79a. Neoplasms are increasingly reported as a cause of morbidity and mortality in reptiles. Our 2 cases illustrate various presentations of T-cell lymphoma and the effectiveness of CD3 and Pax5 immunohistochemistry in bearded dragons.
Salmonella enterica serotype 4,[5],12:i:- (STM) has become an increasing problem for food safety and has been often detected in swine products. Weanling pigs were exposed to STM-contaminated feed, water, or air to determine possible STM transmission routes. A control group of pigs was included. STM was monitored daily in feces and rectal and nasal swabs. STM colonization was most prevalent in tissues from tonsil, lower intestine, and mesenteric lymph nodes. No differences in lesion severity were observed between inoculated and control pigs. Contaminated feed, water, and aerosolized particles caused infection in weaned pigs; however, no STM colonization was observed in skeletal muscle destined for human consumption. Based on the results from this study, STM contamination in pork products most likely results from cross-contamination of meat by digesta or lymph node tissue during processing.