Search Results
Abstract
Objective—To evaluate a modified Ziehl-Neelsen acid-fast staining technique (mZN), a direct immunofluorescence detection procedure (DIF), and 3 commercial enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) for detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts in fecal specimens from kittens.
Design—Prospective study.
Sample Population—416 fecal specimens collected from 104 randomly selected domestic shorthair kittens (8 to 16 weeks of age) that were naturally exposed to Cryptosporidium spp.
Procedure—Fresh fecal specimens were collected once daily for 4 consecutive days and processed immediately. Sensitivities of mZN, DIF, and 3 commercial EIAs (EIA-1, EIA-2, and EIA-3) were estimated and compared.
Results—EIA-2 had the highest sensitivity on day 1 (89%), followed by EIA-1 (80%), and mZN (72%). EIA- 3 had the lowest sensitivity on day 1 (15%). EIA-2, EIA- 1, and mZN had similar sensitivities after 2 consecutive fecal examinations (approx 90%). Determination of specificities was compromised by the small number of cats that had negative results for all tests (n = 3).
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggest that EIA-2 and EIA-1 had the highest sensitivities when only a single fecal specimen was examined; however, mZN and EIA-1 had similar sensitivities when 2 consecutive fecal specimens were examined. The higher costs of EIA-2 and EIA-1 may be offset by the tests’ high sensitivity, simplicity of use, and ease of interpretation and by savings in technician time. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 2004;225:1549–1553)
stained with H&E and Kinyoun acid fast. Fish exhibited disseminated amorphous aggregates of acid-fast intracytoplasmic material throughout the body ( Figure 1 ) . High magnification revealed that these were comprised of acid-fast bacilli ( Figure 2
acid-fast bacteria, and 3 fecal specimens yielded negative results of bacteriologic culture for mycobacterial organisms. Five months later, an examination of the bird was performed prior to transfer to another zoologic institution. The kingfisher
media used for microbial culture. Special stains were used to confirm the colonies were formed by gram-positive acid-fast rod-shaped organisms. The mycobacterium pure isolate was sent to a specialty reference laboratory b for further identification and
Abstract
Objective—To determine prevalence of enteric zoonotic organisms in cats in north-central Colorado.
Design—Prospective study.
Sample Population—Serum and fecal samples from 87 cats with diarrhea, 106 cats without diarrhea, and 12 cats for which fecal consistency was unknown.
Procedures—Samples were obtained from clientowned cats and cats at a humane society shelter. Serum was assayed for feline leukemia virus antigen and antibodies against feline immunodeficiency virus, IgM antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii, and IgG antibodies against T gondii and Cryptosporidium parvum. Microscopic examination of unstained feces was performed after centrifugation in a zinc sulfate solution, thin fecal smears were stained with acid fast stain and examined for C parvum, and bacteriologic culture of feces was used to detect aerobic and anaerobic bacteria.
Results—Enteric zoonotic organisms were detected in feces from 27 of 206 (13.1%) cats and included C parvum (5.4%), Giardia spp (2.4%), Toxocara cati (3.9%), Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium (1.0%), and Campylobacter jejuni (1.0%); each organism was detected in samples from cats with and without diarrhea. Although differences between groups were not significant, a higher proportion of shelter cats (18.2%) had enteric zoonotic organisms than client-owned cats (10.1%).
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Enteric zoonotic organisms were detected in feces of 13.1% of cats, suggesting that cats, particularly those in homes of immunocompromised humans, should be evaluated for enteric zoonotic organisms. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 2000;216:687–692)
after a cat fight. Microscopic examination of multiple punch biopsy specimens of affected tissue obtained 3 months prior to referral revealed severe pyogranulomatous dermatitis and panniculitis with intralesional gram-positive bacilli. Acid-fast staining
revealed myriad acid-fast, elongated bacilli in the cytoplasm of epithelioid macrophages of granulomas of the liver, kidneys, leptomeninges, and the hepatic lymph node. Figure 2— Photomicrographs of sections of the liver with a nodule (A) and the left
following staining with Fite acid-fast stain ( Figure 4 ). Multifocal areas of necrosis with numerous acicular cholesterol clefts were present. The alveolar spaces in the less affected areas of lungs contained eosinophilic fluid. The lamina propria and
filamentous bacteria that were gram positive and acid-fast positive ( Figure 3 ). Figure 2— Photomicrographs of a section of skin from the cat in Figure 1 . A—Notice the pyogranulomatous inflammation with a cluster of tangled bacteria within the
lymphocytes and fewer plasma cells were observed ( Figure 3 ). Large numbers of acid-fast bacilli were present within the cytoplasm of epithelioid macrophages and extracellularly. Granulomas were limited to the lungs. Additional microscopic findings included
