Grupo MVeIT – Página 6 – Grupo de Investigación del Instituto Universitario de Investigaciones Biomédicas y Sanitarias (IUIBS) de la Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

15
Nov 14
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Evaluation of cardiopulmonary biomarkers during classic adulticide treatment versus the American Heartworm Society recommended treatment protocol in dogs infected by Dirofilaria immitis.

Vet Parasitol. 2014 Nov 15;206(1-2):55-9. doi: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2014.08.015. Epub 2014 Aug 30

Carretón E, Morchón R, Simón F, Juste MC, González-Miguel J, Montoya-Alonso JA.

Abstract

Adulticide treatment of dogs with canine heartworm disease causes the death of the adult Dirofilaria immitis lodged in the vascular system of the host. During the death of the worms, pulmonary thromboembolisms (PTE), pulmonary inflammation, congestive heart failure, or renal disease are possible consequences. The aim of this study was to evaluate cardiopulmonary biomarkers and renal parameters during adulticide treatment of canine heartworm to compare the classic two-injection treatment protocol versus the American Heartworm Society (AHS) recommended protocol. Fourteen heartworm-infected dogs with high parasite burdens were divided in three groups and allocated to adulticide protocols as follows: Group A (n=5) was treated with the classic two-injection protocol; group B (n=5) was treated using the AHS recommended protocol, and group C (n=4) was treated as for group B but received diminishing anti-inflammatory doses of prednisone. To assess cardiorespiratory status, cardiac troponin I (cTnI), myoglobin, and D-dimer were measured. Renal function was evaluated by measuring urea, creatinine, and urine protein:creatinine (UP:C). Serum and urine samples were collected day 0 (day of diagnosis), 7 and 14 days after the first dose of adulticide, and 1 month after the last adulticide injection. Dogs that received classic treatment presented pathologic concentrations of D-dimer more frequently and showed higher average D-dimer levels, which may indicate the presence of more severe PTE. Group C showed the highest levels of D-dimer during treatment, which may be due to an exacerbation of PTE caused by the administration of prednisone. CTnI and myoglobin values remained above reference values in all groups during the study but reached the lowest values 1 month after the last injection. Levels of urea and creatinine were within normal ranges in all groups, and 28.5% of the dogs were proteinuric on day 0, progressing to better UP:C values at the end of the treatment, except in group A. The results of this study justify the treatment of canine heartworm disease using the AHS recommended adulticide guidelines and recommends re-evaluation of the role of glucocorticosteroids in the prevention and treatment of PTE.

Enlace a PubMed

12
Nov 14
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First epidemiological report of feline heartworm infection in the Barcelona metropolitan area (Spain).

Parasit Vectors. 2014 Nov 12;7(1):506. doi: 10.1186/s13071-014-0506-6. PMID:25387458

Montoya-Alonso J, Carretón E, García-Guasch L, Expósito J, Armario B, Morchón R, Simón F.

Abstract
Background

The metropolitan area of Barcelona is the most densely populated metropolitan area on the Mediterranean coast. Several studies have reported the presence of canine heartworm disease in this region; however, there are no published epidemiological data regarding feline heartworm in this region and the prevalence in this species remains unknown.
Methods

Serum samples from 758 cats living in the metropolitan area of Barcelona (Spain) were collected between 2012 and 2013. To establish the seroprevalence of heartworm infection in cats, serological techniques for anti-D.immitis and anti-Wolbachia antibody detection were used while a commercial ELISA test kit was used to detect circulating D.immitis antigens.
Results

Of these samples, 11.47% were positive to D.immitis and Wolbachia surface protein antibodies and 0.26% were positive to D.immitis antigens. The higher antibody seroprevalences were found in the areas that follow the courses of the rivers Llobregat and Anoia (Baix Llobregat 11.5%, Vallés Occidental 13.2%; Barcelonés 11.7%) where humidity and vegetation favour the development of the mosquito vectors. High antibody seroprevalences were also found in the urban areas (Barcelona city 13.1%; Sabadell 15.5%), which demonstrates that city cats are also at risk from D.immitis infection.
Conclusions

Generally, in Spain cats do not receive prophylactic treatment and therefore the risk of infection is higher in this species than in dogs. Adequate prophylactic plans should be implemented in the feline population. This is the first epidemiologic study on feline heartworm infection to be carried out in continental Spain.

Enlace a PubMed

12
Nov 14
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Prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis in dogs from Barcelona: Validation of a geospatial prediction model.

Parasit Vectors. 2014 Nov 12;7:506. doi: 10.1186/s13071-014-0506-6.

Montoya-Alonso J, Carretón E, Morchón R, Silveira-Viera, L, Falcón Y y Simón F.

BACKGROUND:

The metropolitan area of Barcelona is the most densely populated metropolitan area on the Mediterranean coast. Several studies have reported the presence of canine heartworm disease in this region; however, there are no published epidemiological data regarding feline heartworm in this region and the prevalence in this species remains unknown.

METHODS:

Serum samples from 758 cats living in the metropolitan area of Barcelona (Spain) were collected between 2012 and 2013. To establish the seroprevalence of heartworm infection in cats, serological techniques for anti-D.immitis and anti-Wolbachia antibody detection were used while a commercial ELISA test kit was used to detect circulating D.immitis antigens.

RESULTS:

Of these samples, 11.47% were positive to D.immitis and Wolbachia surface protein antibodies and 0.26% were positive to D.immitis antigens. The higher antibody seroprevalences were found in the areas that follow the courses of the rivers Llobregat and Anoia (Baix Llobregat 11.5%, Vallés Occidental 13.2%; Barcelonés 11.7%) where humidity and vegetation favour the development of the mosquito vectors. High antibody seroprevalences were also found in the urban areas (Barcelona city 13.1%; Sabadell 15.5%), which demonstrates that city cats are also at risk from D.immitis infection.

CONCLUSIONS:

Generally, in Spain cats do not receive prophylactic treatment and therefore the risk of infection is higher in this species than in dogs. Adequate prophylactic plans should be implemented in the feline population. This is the first epidemiologic study on feline heartworm infection to be carried out in continental Spain.

Enlace la PubMed

08
Oct 14
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Computed tomography of the brain and associated structures of the one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius): An anatomic study

Journal of Applied Animal Research. Volume 43, Issue 2, 3 April 2015, Pages 218-223
Blanco D, Vázquez JM, Rivero, M.A., Corbera, J.A., Arencibia, A.

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to provide a description of normal cross-sectional anatomy of the camel brain and associated structures using computed tomography (CT) and macroscopic cross sections. Transverse images of two isolated camel cadaver heads were obtained by an axial CT equipment. CT scans were processed with a detailed algorithm using bone and soft-tissue windows settings, and compared with the corresponding frozen cross sections of the heads, to assist in the accurate identification of brain and associated structures. CT images provided good differentiation between the bones and the soft tissues of the head. These CT images are intended to be a useful anatomic reference in the interpretation for clinical CT imaging studies of the brain and associated structures in dromedary camels.

01
Oct 14
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Effects of low-fat high-fibre diet and mitratapide on body weight reduction, Blood pressure and metabolic parameters in obese dogs

Journal of Veterinary Medical Science. Volume 76, Issue 9, 1 October 2014, Pages 1305-1308

Peña, C., Suarez, L., Bautista-Castaño, I., Candelaria Juste, M., Carretón, E., Montoya-Alonso, J.A.

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to compare the impact on blood pressure and different metabolic parameters of a weight-loss program on obese dogs fed on a low-fat high-fibre diet and treated with and without mitratapide. The study sample consisted of 36 obese dogs, randomly assigned to a control group (n=17), which were fed on a low-fat high-fibre diet, and an intervention group (n=19), fed on the same diet and treated with mitratapide. Variables measured included body condition score, body weight, heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressures; total cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose levels; alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase activity, measured both at baseline (day 0) and at the end of the weight loss program (day 85). All the studied parameters had decreased in both groups at the end of the study; these being diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol and alanine aminotransferase, significantly lower in dogs treated with mitratapide. The use of mitrapide in addition to low-fat high-fibre diet does not seem to offer any further useful effect in the loss of weight during the treatment of canine obesity. On the other hand, mitratapide seems to present certain beneficial effects on pathologies associated with obesity, these being mainly related to blood pressure, lipids and hepatic parameters.

06
Sep 14
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Rectal pre-treatment with ozonized oxygen (O3) aggravates clinic status in septic rats treated with amoxicillin/clavulanate

Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiologia Clinica Monografias. Volume 33, Issue 7, 2015, Pages 469-475
Martín-Barrasa, J.L. , Cordovez, C.M.b De Los Monteros Y Zayas, A.E., D Santa Ana, M.C.J., Varas, B.C., Thomas, P.H., Benitez, A.B., Montoya-Alonso, J.A., García-Bello, M., Campelo, F.A.f Tejedor-Junco, M.T.

Abstract

Introduction: Despite the advanced antibiotic therapies, sepsis continues being a clinical entity with high morbidity and mortality. The ozone/oxygen mixture (O3/O2) has been reported to exhibit positive effects on immunity. The aim of our study was to analyze whether (O3/O2) combined with amoxicillin/ clavulanate has any influence on the morbidity and mortality of septic rats. Methods: We used 48 Sprague-Dawley rats randomly allocated to 6 groups (n = 8): healthy (C), septic (I), healthy + ozone therapy (O3), septic + amoxicillin/clavulanate (AMC), septic + amoxicillin/clavulanate + ozone therapy (AMC/O3) and septic + ozone therapy (I/O3). O3/O2 was administered rectally at increasing O3concentrations during 10 days prior to the onset of sepsis model (intraperitoneally injection of fecal material) or saline administration in healthy control rats. Later (post-inoculation), 3 days per week, O3was also administered. Vital signs were recorded, and microbiological, hematological and histopathological studies were performed. Results: The number of surviving animal/total was higher in AMC (8/8) than in AMC/O3 (4/8) p = 0.077. The percentage of surviving animals with pneumonia was higher in AMC/O3 than in AMC (100% vs 37.5%). In dead animals, AMC/O3 rats had a significantly higher percentage of lesions: Cardiac lesions, pulmonary hemorrhages and pleuritis (100%) and serositis/peritonitis (75%). Only Escherichia coli (2 different biotypes) was isolated from blood and/or peritoneal fluid from all infected groups. A significant decrease in the percentage of band neutrophils from the surviviors belonging to AMC/O3 vs AMC was observed (p 0.05). Conclusion: Rectal pre-treatment with O3/O2 aggravates clinic status in septic rats treated with amoxicillin/ clavulanate.

29
Ago 14
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Acute phase response in dogs with Dirofilaria immitis.

Vet Parasitol. 2014 Aug 29;204(3-4):420-5. doi: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2014.05.016. Epub 2014 May 17.

Méndez JC, Carretón E, Martínez S, Tvarijonaviciute A, Cerón JJ, Montoya-Alonso JA.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine concentrations of different positive and negative acute phase proteins (C-reactive protein, haptoglobin, albumin and paraoxonase-1) in dogs naturally infected with Dirofilaria immitis at the time of diagnosis. 194 dogs were included in the study. All were evaluated for the presence or absence of D. immitis circulating antigens and for the presence or absence of microfilariae and a clinical examination was carried out. 38 dogs were negative and 156 dogs were positive for circulating D. immitis antigens. A significant increase in C-reactive protein and significant decreases in albumin and paraoxonase-1 activity were observed in positive dogs. These changes appeared with independence of the presence/absence of microfilariae or clinical signs. C-reactive protein was the only acute phase protein that showed significant differences between asymptomatic and symptomatic dogs. Interestingly, the increases seen in C-reactive protein values were not accompanied by increases in haptoglobin, and haptoglobin even decreased in the dogs with microfilaria. This could be due to the hemolytic anemia which can be produced in dirofilariasis. In conclusion, there is an acute phase response (with increases in C-reactive protein and decreases in albumin and paraoxonase-1) and a divergence in the behaviour between C-reactive protein and haptoglobin in dogs with D. immitis.

Enlace a PubMed

29
Ago 14
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Control and eventual eradication of Trypanosoma evansi infection in dromedary camels after an episodic outbreak in mainland Spain: An example in a non-endemic area

Veterinary Parasitology
Volume 204, Issues 3–4, 29 August 2014, Pages 153–157
Gutiérrez, C. , Tamarit, A., González-Martín, M., Tejedor-Junco, M.T.

Abstract

In 2008, Trypanosoma evansi was detected on a camel farm in mainland Spain. The animals were isolated, confined in a closed stable, and treated twice with melarsamine (Cymelarsan^®, Merial, Lyon, France) with an interval of 1 month. Clinical and laboratory examinations by means of parasitological, serological, and molecular procedures (polymerase chain reaction (PCR)) were carried out regularly for 6 years. After the treatment, all parasitemic camels were cleared of parasites, and in the seropositive camels a progressive decrease in antibody levels was observed, with complete disappearance of antibodies between 15 and 21 months, except in one animal which showed doubtful Ag-Ab reaction at 21 months post treatment. In the next assessment, 6 months later, the diagnostic tests conducted on all animals had a negative result. The diagnostic and therapeutic tools recently developed against T. evansi will evidence new and alternative approaches after the parasite is detected, particularly if outbreak occurs in geographically localized areas in territories free of the disease.

31
Jul 14
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Hip osteoarthritis in dogs: A randomized study using mesenchymal stem cells from adipose tissue and plasma rich in growth factors

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Volume 15, Issue 8, 31 July 2014, Pages 13437-13460
Open Access
Rubio, M. , Sopena, J., Carrillo, J.M. , Cugat, R. , Dominguez, J.M. , Vilar, J., Morales, M. , Cuervo, B.

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of a single intra-articular injection of adipose mesenchymal stem cells (aMSCs) versus plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) as a treatment for reducing symptoms in dogs with hip osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: This was a randomized, multicenter, blinded, parallel group. Thirty-nine dogs with symptomatic hip OA were assigned to one of the two groups, to receive aMSCs or PRGF. The primary outcome measures were pain and function subscales, including radiologic assessment, functional limitation and joint mobility. The secondary outcome measures were owners’ satisfaction questionnaire, rescue analgesic requirement and overall safety. Data was collected at baseline, then, 1, 3 and 6 months post-treatment. Results: OA degree did not vary within groups. Functional limitation, range of motion (ROM), owner’s and veterinary investigator visual analogue scale (VAS), and patient’s quality of life improved from the first month up to six months. The aMSCs group obtained better results at 6 months. There were no adverse effects during the study. Our findings show that aMSCs and PRGF are safe and effective in the functional analysis at 1, 3 and 6 months; provide a significant improvement, reducing dog’s pain, and improving physical function. With respect to basal levels for every parameter in patients with hip OA, aMSCs showed better results at 6 months.

01
Jul 14
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Stomoxys calcitrans as possible vector of trypanosoma evansi among camels in an affected area of the Canary Islands, Spain

Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical
Volume 47, Issue 4, 1 July 2014, Pages 510-512
Rodríguez, N.F., Tejedor-Junco, M.T. , González-Martín, M., Gutierrez, C.

Abstract

Introduction: Trypanosoma evansi was first identified in the Canary Islands in 1997, and is still present in a small area of the Archipelago. To date, the disease has exclusively affected camel herds, and has not been detected in any other animal hosts. However potential vectors of Trypanosoma evansi must be identified. Methods: One Nzi trap was placed on a camel farm located in the infected area for a period of one year. Results: Two thousand five hundred and five insects were trapped, of which Stomoxys calcitrans was the sole hematophagous vector captured. Conclusions: Stomoxys calcitrans could be exclusively responsible for the transmission of Trypanosoma evansi among camels in the surveyed area, as other species do not seem to be infected by S. calcitrans in the presence of camels.

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