A new predilection site of Mycoplasma bovis: Postsurgical seromas in beef cattle.

Mycoplasma bovis is a highly contagious bacterium, which predominantly causes chronic pneumonia, otitis and arthritis in calves and mastitis in adult cattle. In humans, Mycoplasma species have been associated with post-surgical infections. The present study aimed to identify the bacteria associated with three outbreaks of infected seromas after caesarian section in Belgian Blue beef cattle. A total of 10 cases occurred in three herds which were in close proximity of each other and shared the same veterinary practice. M. bovis could be cultured from seroma fluid in five of the six referred animals, mostly in pure culture and was isolated from multiple chronic sites of infection (arthritis and mastitis) as well. DNA fingerprinting of the isolates targeting two insertion sequence elements suggested spread of M. bovis from chronic sites of infection (udder and joints) to the postsurgical seromas. Identical genetic profiles were demonstrated in two animals from two separate farms, suggesting spread between farms. Mortality rate in the referred animals positive for M. bovis in a seroma was 80% (4/5), despite intensive treatment. A massive increase in antimicrobial use was observed in every affected farm. These observations demonstrate involvement of mycoplasmas in outbreaks of postsurgical seromas in cattle.

Occurrence of Brachyspira hyodysenteriae in multiplier pig herds in Switzerland.

OBJECTIVE: This research was aimed to determine the occurrence of Brachyspira (B.) hyodysenteriae in Swiss multiplier pig herds. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a pilot study a direct real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method for B. hyodysenteriae was compared to culture followed by PCR on 106 samples from three herds. Subsequently 40 multiplier herds were epidemiologically characterized and analysed for the presence of B. hyodysenteriae using direct PCR on 1412 rectal swabs. For external validation 20 swabs obtained from two positive conventional herds were analysed. RESULTS: The comparison of direct PCR with culture followed by PCR resulted in a moderate agreement (kappa index: 0.58). In the two conventional herds, 35% of the samples (7/20) tested positive. Samples from 39 multipliers tested negative. In one multiplier herd, 25% (9/36) of the samples tested PCR positive. Risk factors in the multiplier herd may have been rodents or birds, but not pig purchase. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: B. hyodysenteriae have been detected in a Swiss multiplier herd, which underlines the threat of potential spread by replacement pigs. Consequently, a Brachyspira monitoring programme was established for Swiss multiplier herds.

[Chronic pain - new therapeutic strategies]. / Schmerzchronifizierung: Alte und neue Therapiestrategien.

Patient suffering from chronic pain need treatment in a multimodal setting. Enriched environment might be a new therapeutical approach.

[Persistent neutropenia]. / Persistierende Neutropenie.

We report the case of a 72-old patient with persistent neutropenia diagnosed during investigation of sialadenitis. Further examination led to the diagnosis of immune neutropenia and systemic lupus erythematosus. Anamnesis and the clinical course made initial diagnosis of drug-induced lupus erythematosus implausible. Steroid trial was done, followed by maintenance therapy, with good control of symptoms.

The prospects for the developing world: a review of recent forecasts.

PIP: This article addresses the future aspects of developing countries during the 1980s. To do so it has drawn on recent reports about the future of the world's economy. Even widespread failures of harvests and the increase in the price of oil in the 1970s did not diminish the optimistic attitude about the future in the 1980s. The original World Bank projections predicted a 5.7%/annum increase in gross domestic product and a substantial reduction in the level of poverty. The 1980 report paints a very pessimistic picture due to: the structural changes which the world economy is undergoing (changes in demand and production, slower economies, declines in productivity growth, etc.), world interdependence, and reduction of world resources. Other reports and studies have arrived at the same general conclusions. The predictions of the authors of "Interfutures" are also marked with considerable pessimism. They said that future uncertainties could lead to political rifts as well as economic and social problems. The Brandt commission report sketches a bleak picture for the world economy. Despite the consensus among the varous reports concerning the future in the developing nations, there are differences of opinion concerning the ability of these nations to adjust to the difficult circumstances. Certain actions must be taken immediately--generate more resources for development, measures to reduce oil and food imports, long-term goals should include improvements in administration, increasing agricultural productivity, and better utilizing available resources. The Brandt Commission is less optimistic about the world's ability to help the poor out of its troubles. The OECD targets sub-Saharan Africa as the area to be dealt with immediately. Basically, these developing nations will not be able to rely on industrialization and cheap energy for their growth.^ieng

Rural development: the real issues.

PIP: The objectives of rural development are clear -- to improve the economic and social life of the rural poor -- but there remains some uncertainty about the contents of this strategy. To formulate rural development strategies it is necessary to ask and answer what may be termed the "what" and "how" questions. The "what" questions are concerned with the types of activities that must be undertaken in order to reach the rural poor and develop their human potential. The "how" questions are concerned with devising the means for implementing rural development programs. The real issues in rural development at this time are concerned with formulating and answering the "what" and "how" questions. The perceptions of what should be done is dependent upon an estimate of the magnitude of rural poverty and the way in which its nature is understood. There is increasing evidence to suggest that even when women are identified as a separate target group, the programs designed to reach them may offer little help. Organizations are essential for promoting equity within societies. For the underprivileged segments of the society to find a voice in the decision-making process, they need to overcome the inhibiting influence of the elite. The inability to participate in the production process to the extent that it would yield to their social, economic and political satisfaction is pushing many rural poor to migrate.^ieng