ABSTRACT
Wild passerine birds (Passeriformes) from the northeastern part of the Czech Republic were examined for ectoparasites during the pre-breeding period in 2007. Two species of fleas of the genera Ceratophyllus and Dasypsyllus (Siphonaptera: Ceratophyllidae), and 23 species of chewing lice belonging to the genera Ricinus, Myrsidea, Menacanthus (Phthiraptera: Menoponidae), Brueelia, Penenirmus, and Philopterus (Phthiraptera: Philopteridae) were found on 108 birds of 16 species. Distribution of insect ectoparasites found on wild birds during pre-breeding was compared with previous data from the post-breeding period. There was no difference in total prevalence of chewing lice in pre-breeding and post-breeding periods. Higher prevalence of fleas and slightly higher mean intensity of chewing lice were found on birds during the pre-breeding period. There was a significant difference in total prevalence but equal mean intensity of chewing lice on resident and migrating birds.
Subject(s)
Bird Diseases/parasitology , Ectoparasitic Infestations/veterinary , Insecta/classification , Passeriformes/parasitology , Animal Migration , Animals , Animals, Wild , Bird Diseases/epidemiology , Birds , Breeding , Czech Republic/epidemiology , Ectoparasitic Infestations/epidemiology , Ectoparasitic Infestations/parasitology , Insecta/growth & development , Phthiraptera/classification , Phthiraptera/growth & development , Prevalence , Siphonaptera/classification , Siphonaptera/growth & development , Time FactorsABSTRACT
Cystine aminopeptidase (CAP) activity in tissues and in plasma from pregnant cows was measured at various stages of gestation by using the substrate S-benzyl-L-cysteine-4-nitroanilide. The CAP activity was as high or higher in hepatic and renal tissues as in cotyledonary tissue. Plasma CAP activity was low and did not change with length of gestation, nor did it change when placentation was disrupted by infection with Aspergillus fumigatus.
Subject(s)
Aminopeptidases/metabolism , Aspergillosis/veterinary , Cattle Diseases/enzymology , Cattle/metabolism , Cystinyl Aminopeptidase/metabolism , Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/veterinary , Abortion, Veterinary/enzymology , Animals , Aspergillosis/enzymology , Aspergillus fumigatus , Cystinyl Aminopeptidase/blood , Female , Kidney/enzymology , Placenta/enzymology , Pregnancy , Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/enzymologyABSTRACT
The cystine aminopeptidase (CAP) activity was determined in plasma from guinea pigs at various stages of gestation and in pregnant guinea pigs infected with Campylobacter fetus subspecies intestinalis. The CAP activity decreased with length of gestation, which is in contrast to the changes in activity in persons. Infected guinea pigs near the time of abortion can be distinguished from normal guinea pigs on the basis of plasma CAP activity, if the plasma samples are taken 1 to 2 days before abortion. Among pregnant guinea pigs at the same stage of gestation, CAP activity was lower for infected than for normal pregnant animals. This test might be used to indicate probable disruption of placentation and the onset of abortion in the guinea pig.
