ABSTRACT
Theileria infections are encountered worldwide, occasionally resulting in serious economic losses for the livestock industry. This study is an epidemiological survey of Theileria infections in Korean indigenous cattle populations in the Republic of Korea (ROK). Blood samples were collected from 100 cattle in April (n=50) (prior to pastureland grazing), and again four months later, in August (n=50) (half of the cattle put out for grazing and the other half kept in housing). All samples were tested for the presence of Theileria infection based on PCR amplification of the small subunit of ribosomal RNA gene. Twenty-two samples across the whole study were verified as positive for Theileria infection by PCR methods. In August, Theileria infection was markedly increased in grazing cattle (16/25 animals, 64%) compared with indoor cattle (4/25 animals, 16%); affected animals exhibited no clinical signs of infection. The red blood cell, hematocrit, and hemoglobin values were significantly lower in Theileria- positive cattle than in Theileria-negative cattle. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the isolates from this study belonged to the T. buffeli species, and were significantly related to Types A, B, C, and E, and were distinct from T. buffeli Type D, which is known to be more pathogenic. These findings indicate that T. buffeli identified in Korean indigenous cattle have a low-to-mild pathogenicity. These results suggest that the T. buffeli infection is relatively higher in the ROK, and the infection rate may increase following grazing. Taken together, T. buffeli infection may not only be seasonally correlated, but also may be affected by management practices such as pastureland grazing.
ABSTRACT
Glycyrrhizin has been used clinically for several years due to its beneficial effect on immunoglobulin E (IgE)-induced allergic diseases, alopecia areata and psoriasis. In this study, glycyrrhizin, ultraviolet B light (UVB) or a combination of both were used to treat active-stage generalized vitiligo. One hundred and forty-four patients between the ages of 3 and 48 years were divided into three groups: group A received oral compound glycyrrhizin (OCG); group B received UVB applications twice weekly, and group C received OCG+UVB. Follow-ups were performed at 2, 4, and 6 months after the treatment was initiated. The Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (VASI) and the Vitiligo Disease Activity (VIDA) instrument were used to assess the affected body surface, at each follow-up. Results showed that 77.1, 75.0 and 87.5% in groups A, B and C, respectively, presented repigmentation of lesions. Responsiveness to therapy seemed to be associated with lesion location and patient compliance. Adverse events were limited and transient. This study showed that, although the three treatment protocols had positive results, OCG and UVB combination therapy was the most effective and led to improvement in disease stage from active to stable.