ABSTRACT
Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) is a retrovirus associated with fatal disease in cats with infection in its progressive form. Although there are numerous reports on the occurrence of FeLV in the feline population worldwide, there is a paucity of data in Asia. In this study, we assessed the circulation of FeLV by ELISA and nested PCR in cats from different countries in Southeast Asia (i.e., Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam) and Taiwan during 2017-2018. Forty-seven cats were positive to FeLV by antigen or provirus detection, but 32 samples were considered truly positive on the basis of positive molecular testing. Frequency of occurrence of FeLV proviral DNA ranged from 0% (0/43 positive samples) in Indonesia to 18.5% (22/119 positive samples) in Thailand. A statistically significant association (p < 0.05) was found between country of cats origin, age, lifestyle, abnormal oral mucosa, and FeLV molecular positive results. In-depth studies are needed in other countries in Southeast Asia to elucidate the mosaic of knowledge about FeLV epidemiology.
Subject(s)
Cat Diseases/epidemiology , Leukemia Virus, Feline/genetics , Pets/virology , Retroviridae Infections/veterinary , Tumor Virus Infections/veterinary , Animals , Asia, Southeastern/epidemiology , Cat Diseases/blood , Cat Diseases/virology , Cats/virology , DNA, Viral/genetics , Female , Leukemia Virus, Feline/classification , Leukemia Virus, Feline/isolation & purification , Male , Proviruses/genetics , Retroviridae Infections/blood , Retroviridae Infections/epidemiology , Risk Factors , Taiwan/epidemiology , Tumor Virus Infections/epidemiology , Viral LoadABSTRACT
Ozone (O3) is a triatomic form of oxygen. As O3 rapidly dissociates into water and releases a reactive form of oxygen that may oxidize cells, the gas mixture of O3/O2 is used in medicine. ATP is widely available for cellular activity. O3 can be administered via the systemic and local routes. Although O3 is known as one of the most powerful oxidants, it also promotes antioxidant enzymes. Additionally, it stimulates some of the cells of the immune system and inactivates pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, yeasts, protozoa, and viruses. Owing to these activities, O3 is used to improve several diseases, both in human and in veterinary medicine. Considering the wide scope of O3 application, the aim of this review was to reiterate the mechanisms of action of O3 and its utilization in different mammalian species (bovine, ovine-caprine, equine, canine, porcine).
Subject(s)
Ozone/therapeutic use , Animals , Antioxidants , Cattle , Cattle Diseases/drug therapy , Dog Diseases/drug therapy , Dogs , Goat Diseases/drug therapy , Goats , Horse Diseases/drug therapy , Horses , Oxidants , Oxidation-Reduction , Ozone/administration & dosage , Prodrugs , Sheep , Sheep Diseases/drug therapy , Swine , Swine Diseases/drug therapyABSTRACT
The clinical features and economic impact of the infection caused by an emerging group of pestiviruses, namely HoBi-like pestivirus, in a cattle herd of southern Italy are reported. In 2011, the virus was first associated with respiratory disease, causing an abortion storm after 1 year and apparently disappearing for the following 3 years after persistently infected calves were slaughtered. However, in 2014, reproductive failures and acute gastroenteritis were observed in the same herd, leading to a marked decrease of productivity. A HoBi-like strain closely related to that responsible for previous outbreaks was detected in several animals. Application of an intensive eradication programme, based on the detection and slaughtering of HoBi-like pestivirus persistently infected animals, resulted in a marked improvement of the productive performances.
