Metrisor: A novel diagnostic method for metritis detection in cattle based on machine learning and sensors.

The Metrisor device has been developed using gas sensors for rapid, highly accurate and effective diagnosis of metritis. 513 cattle uteri were collected from abattoirs and swabs were taken for microbiological testing. The Metrisor device was used to measure intrauterine gases. The results showed a bacterial growth rate of 75.75 % in uteri with clinical metritis. In uteri positive for clinical metritis, the most commonly isolated and identified bacteria were Trueperella pyogenes, Fusobacterium necrophorum and Escherichia coli. Measurements taken with Metrisor to determine the presence of metritis in the uterus yielded the most successful results in evaluations of relevant machine learning algorithms. The ICO (Iterative Classifier Optimizer) algorithm achieved 71.22 % accuracy, 64.40 % precision and 71.20 % recall. Experiments were conducted to examine bacterial growth in the uterus and the random forest algorithm produced the most successful results with accuracy, precision and recall values of 78.16 %, 75.30 % and 78.20 % respectively. ICO also showed high performance in experiments to determine bacterial growth in metritis-positive uteri, with accuracy, precision and recall values of 78.97 %, 77.20 % and 79.00 %, respectively. In conclusion, the Metrisor device demonstrated high accuracy in detecting metritis and bacterial growth in uteri and could identify bacteria such as E. coli, S. aureus, coagulase-negative staphylococci, T. pyogenes, Bacillus spp., Clostridium spp. and F. necrophorum with rates up to 80 %. It provides a reliable, rapid and effective means of detecting metritis in animals in the field without the need for laboratory facilities.

Improving the detection of integrative conjugative elements in bovine nasopharyngeal swabs using multiplex recombinase polymerase amplification.

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is an important health and economic burden to the cattle industry worldwide. Three bacterial pathogens frequently associated with BRD (Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, and Histophilus somni) can possess integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs), a diverse group of mobile genetic elements that acquire antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes (ARGs) and decrease the therapeutic efficacy of antimicrobial drugs. We developed a duplex recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) assay to detect up to two variants of ICEs in these Pasteurellaceae. Whole genome sequence analysis of M. haemolytica, P. multocida, and H. somni isolates harbouring ICEs revealed the presence of tnpA or ebrB next to tet(H), a conserved ARG that is frequently detected in ICEs within BRD-associated bacteria. This real-time multiplex RPA assay targeted both ICE variants simultaneously, denoted as tetH_tnpA and tetH_ebrB, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 29 (95% CI [23, 46]) and 38 genome copies (95% CI [30, 59]), respectively. DNA was extracted from 100 deep nasopharyngeal swabs collected from feedlot cattle on arrival. Samples were tested for ICEs using a real-time multiplex RPA assay, and for M. haemolytica, P. multocida, H. somni, and Mycoplasma bovis using both culture methods and RPA. The assay provided sensitive and accurate identification of ICEs in extracted DNA, providing a useful molecular tool for timely detection of potential risk factors associated with the development of antimicrobial-resistant BRD in feedlot cattle.

Development of PCR-based genetic test for detection of TTF1 mutation causing abortion in Holstein Friesian cattle.

A stop-gain mutation (rs715966442; BTA11: 1,02,463,944 nucleotide position) in transcription termination factor, RNA polymerase I (TTF1) gene causes abortion in Holstein Friesian (HF) cattle. A PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP)-based genetic test has been developed and validated to screen the TTF1 mutation locus in HF cattle. The mutation locus was screened in 80 HF and HF crossbreds using the protocol, which revealed two animals as carriers of the mutant TTF1 allele. The test employed is cost-effective, rapid and precise and can be utilized as an effective tool for the screening of TTF1 mutation carriers in HF cattle population.

Digital dermatitis in Swedish dairy herds assessed by ELISA targeting Treponema phagedenis in bulk tank milk.

BACKGROUND: Digital dermatitis (DD) is a contagious hoof infection affecting cattle worldwide. The disease causes lameness and a reduction in animal welfare, which ultimately leads to major decreases in milk production in dairy cattle. The disease is most likely of polymicrobial origin with Treponema phagedenis and other Treponema spp. playing a key role; however, the etiology is not fully understood. Diagnosis of the disease is based on visual assessment of the feet by trained hoof-trimmers and veterinarians, as a more reliable diagnostic method is lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) on bulk tank milk samples testing for the presence of T. phagedenis antibodies as a proxy to assess herd prevalence of DD in Swedish dairy cattle herds. RESULTS: Bulk tank milk samples were collected in 2013 from 612 dairy herds spread across Sweden. A nationwide DD apparent prevalence of 11.9% (8.1-14.4% CI95%) was found, with the highest proportion of test-positive herds in the South Swedish regions (31.3%; 19.9-42.4% CI95%). CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals an underestimation of DD prevalence based on test results compared to hoof trimming data, highlighting the critical need for a reliable and accurate diagnostic method. Such a method is essential for disease monitoring and the development of effective control strategies. The novelty of ELISA-based diagnostic methods for DD, coupled with the disease's polymicrobial origin, suggests an avenue for improvement. Developing an expanded ELISA, incorporating antigens from various bacterial species implicated in the disease, could enhance diagnostic accuracy. The significance of this study is underscored by the extensive analysis of a substantial sample size (612). Notably, this investigation stands as the largest assessment to date, evaluating the application of ELISA on bulk tank milk for DD diagnosis at the herd level.

Bovine medicine: Whats´s your diagnosis?

INTRODUCTION: Two Angus calves housed in the Swiss Alps for two months were presented with brisket edema, jugular distension, and diarrhea. Hematological and biochemical examination included elevated concentration of erythrocytes and increased activity of liver enzymes. Ultrasonography revealed small amount of pleural effusion hepatomegaly and congested caudal vena cava. The diagnosis of congestive heart failure secondary to high-altitude disease was confirmed in pathology.

INTRODUCTION: Deux veaux Angus alpés dans les Alpes suisses depuis deux mois ont été présentés avec un œdème du poitrail, une stase jugulaire et de la diarrhée. Les examens hématologiques et biochimiques ont révélé une concentration élevée d'érythrocytes ainsi qu'une augmentation de l'activité des enzymes hépatiques. L'échographie a révélé un petit épanchement pleural, une hépatomégalie et une veine cave caudale congestionnée. Le diagnostic d'insuffisance cardiaque congestive secondaire à un mal des montagnes a été confirmé par la pathologie.

Torsion of the spiral colon in cattle- a retrospective analysis of 58 cases.

BACKGROUND: Torsion of the spiral colon (TSC) describes twisting of the spiral colon around its mesentery. The present study reviewed the medical records of 58 cows and heifers with TSC and described the findings, treatment and outcome. RESULTS: All cases had an abnormal general condition, and the main vital sign abnormalities were tachycardia (72.4%), tachypnoea (67.2%) and decreased rectal temperature (51.8%). Signs of colic were seen in 62.1% of the cows. The most common intestinal abnormalities were an empty or almost empty rectum (96.6%), reduced or absent rumen motility (93.2%), positive ballottement and/or percussion and simultaneous auscultation on the right side of the abdomen (87.9%), reduced or absent intestinal motility (84.5%) and dilatation of the large intestines (spiral colon and/or caecum, 70.7%) diagnosed by transrectal palpation. The main biochemical changes were hypermagnesaemia (70.8%), hypocalcaemia (70.8%), and acidosis (66.7%). Haemoconcentration was found in 63.8%. The main ultrasonographic findings were reduced to absent small intestinal motility (83.3%), dilated small intestines (69.6%) and ascites (66.7%). The spiral colon was dilated in 44.0% of the cows and the caecum in 24.0%. The actual site of torsion could not be visualised. Based on the clinical findings, TSC was diagnosed in 22.4% and caecal dilatation in 50.0% of the cows. A tentative diagnosis of small intestinal ileus was made in another 10.3% of the cows, and a definitive diagnosis of small intestinal ileus in 17.3%. Fifty-three cows underwent right flank laparotomy, and the TSC could be reduced in 26. Twenty-six of the 58 (44.8%) cows were discharged and 32 (55.2%) were euthanased before, during or after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Acute illness, a sparse amount of faeces in the rectum and dilated spiral colon and caecum are characteristic findings of TSC. The final diagnosis often relies on the surgical or postmortem findings. Cattle with TSC should be treated surgically without delay. The prognosis is guarded with a survival rate of 44.8%.

Development and application of one-step multiplex Real-Time PCR for detection of three main pathogens associated with bovine neonatal diarrhea.

Introduction: Neonatal calf diarrhea (NCD) is one of the most common diseases in calves, causing huge economic and productivity losses to the bovine industry worldwide. The main pathogens include bovine rotavirus (BRV), bovine coronavirus (BCoV), and Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) K99. Since multiple infectious agents can be involved in calf diarrhea, detecting each causative agent by traditional methods is laborious and expensive. Methods: In this study, we developed a one-step multiplex Real-Time PCR assay to simultaneously detect BRV, BCoV, and E. coli K99+. The assay performance on field samples was evaluated on 1100 rectal swabs of diseased cattle with diarrhea symptoms and compared with the conventional gel-based RT-PCR assay detect BRV, BCoV, and E. coli K99+. Results: The established assay could specifically detect the target pathogens without cross-reactivity with other pathogens. A single real-time PCR can detect ~1 copy/µL for each pathogen, and multiplex real-time PCR has a detection limit of 10 copies/µL. Reproducibility as measured by standard deviation and coefficient of variation were desirable. The triple real-time PCR method established in this study was compared with gel-based PT-PCR. Both methods are reasonably consistent, while the real-time PCR assay was more sensitive and could rapidly distinguish these three pathogens in one tube. Analysis of surveillance data showed that BRV and BCoV are major enteric viral pathogens accounting for calves' diarrhea in China. Discussion: The established assay has excellent specificity and sensitivity and was suitable for clinical application. The robustness and high-throughput performance of the developed assay make it a powerful tool in diagnostic applications and calf diarrhea research. ​.

The seasonality as a relevant aspect to be considered for differential diagnosis of Trypanosoma vivax infection and co-infections in female cattle.

Bovine Trypanosomiasis and other infectious diseases cause relevant loss for the livestock industry impacting productive/reproductive indices. This study intended to better understand the frequency, seasonality, and profile of infections associated with Bovine Trypanosomiasis. A total of 1443 serum samples were screened for T. vivax infection and other infectious diseases: Neosporosis, Leptospirosis, Bovine Leukosis Virus infection/(BLV), Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis/(IBR) or Bovine Viral Diarrhea/(BVD). Distinct methods were used for screening and diagnosis: immunofluorescence assay (Trypanosomiasis), ELISA (Neosporosis,BLV,IBR,BVD) and microscopic agglutination test (Leptospirosis). Our findings demonstrated that the seropositivity for Trypanosomiasis=57% was similar to Neosporosis=55%, higher than Leptospirosis=39% and BVL=34%, but lower than IBR=88% and BVD=71%. The seropositivity for Trypanosomiasis was higher in the autumn and lower in the winter. Regardless the season, the IBR seropositivity (min=73%;max=95%) was higher than Trypanosomiasis (min=48%;max=68%). Moreover, Neosporosis (min=71%;max=100%) and BVD (min=65%;max=76%) were more frequent than Trypanosomiasis in the summer, winter and spring. The diagnosis outcome revealed that Trypanosomiasis&IBR=43% and Trypanosomiasis&Neosporosis=35% were the most frequent co-infections with higher seropositivity in the autumn (58%) and summer (80%), respectively. Noteworthy, high seropositivity to Trypanosomiasis&BVD was registered in the autumn (46%). Together, our data re-enforce the relevance of differential diagnosis between Trypanosomiasis with other bovine infectious diseases and that differences in the seasonality profile is a relevant aspect to be considered while selecting the differential diagnosis to be applied.

Detection of haptoglobin and serum amyloid A as biomarkers in naturally infected Mycoplasma bovis calves.

The livestock sector of Pakistan is increasing rapidly and it plays important role both for rural community and national economy. It is estimated that almost 8 million rural people are involved in livestock rearing and earning about 35-40 % of their income from the livestock sector. Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis) infection causes significant economic losses in dairy animals especially young calf in the form of clinical illnesses such as pneumonia, poly-arthritis, respiratory distress and mortality. M. bovis is hard to diagnose and control because of uneven disease appearance and it is usually noticed in asymptomatic animals. For the identification of M. bovis in sub-clinical and clinical samples, determination of acute phase proteins i.e., haptoglobin (Hp) and serum amyloid A (SAA) are important tools for the timely diagnosis of disease. Therefore, early diagnosis of disease and hemato-biochemical changes are considered beneficial tools to control the infectious agent to uplift the economy of the dairy farmers. For this purpose, blood samples were collected from 200 calves of Bovidae family. Serum was separated from blood samples to determine the concentration of Hp and SAA, while blood samples were processed to determine hematological changes in blood from calves by using hematological analyzer. The blood plasma obtained from the blood samples was processed to measure oxidative stress factors. Lungs tissues from slaughterhouses/ morbid calves were collected to observe histopathological changes. The results of present study indicated that level of SAA and Hp remarkably increased (P < 0.05) in M. bovis infected calves in comparison to healthy calves. The oxidative stress markers indicated that nitric oxide and MDA levels in the infected calves increased significantly (P < 0.05), while infected claves had considerably lower levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione. These findings indicate that oxidative stress play role to increase the level of APPs, while monitoring of APPs levels may serve as a valuable addition to the clinical evaluation of naturally infected calves with M. bovis. The hematological parameters were decreased significantly (P < 0.05). Altogether, this study suggests that Hp and SAA are proposed as promising biomarkers for detecting naturally occurring M. bovis infection in calves.

Development and evaluation of genomics informed real-time PCR assays for the detection and strain typing of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis.

AIMS: This study aimed to identify specific genomic targets for the detection and strain typing of Map and analyse their sensitivity and specificity, and detect Map directly from faeces. METHODS AND RESULTS: A comparative genomics approach was used to identify specific genomic targets for the detection and strain typing of Map. A Map specific qPCR using the primer pair 7132 that targets a DNA segregation ATPase protein was able to detect all strains of Map and is more sensitive than the current Johne's disease PCR assays with a sensitivity of 0.0002 fg µl-1. A strain specific qPCR using the Atsa primer pair that targets the arylsulfase gene was able to differentiate between Type S and Type C strains of Map and was more sensitive than the IS1311 PCR and REA with a sensitivity of 40 fg µl-1 and was specific for Type S Map. Both assays successfully detected Map directly from faeces. CONCLUSION: This study developed and validated two genomics informed qPCR assays, 7132B Map and Atsa Type S and found both assays to be highly specific and sensitive for the detection of Map from culture and directly from faeces. This is the first time that a probe-based qPCR has been designed and developed for Map strain typing, which will greatly improve the response time during outbreak investigations.

Recent advances in early pregnancy loss diagnosis in dairy cows: New approaches.

Early pregnancy loss is a primary cause of low reproductive rates in dairy cows, posing severe economic losses to dairy farming. The accurate diagnosis of dairy cows with early pregnancy loss allows for oestrus synchronization, shortening day open, and increasing the overall conception rate of the herd. Several techniques are available for detecting early pregnancy loss in dairy cows, including rectal ultrasound, circulating blood progesterone, and pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs). Yet, there is a need to improve on existing techniques and develop novel strategies to identify cows with early pregnancy loss accurately. This manuscript reviews the applications of rectal ultrasound, circulating blood progesterone concentration, and PAGs in the diagnosis of pregnancy loss in dairy cows. The manuscript also discusses the recent progress of new technologies, including colour Doppler ultrasound (CDUS), interferon tau-induced genes (ISGs), and exosomal miRNA in diagnosing pregnancy loss in dairy cows. This study will provide an option for producers to re-breed cows with pregnancy loss, thereby reducing the calving interval and economic costs. Meanwhile, this manuscript might also act as a reference for exploring more economical and precise diagnostic technologies for early pregnancy loss in dairy cows.

A rare case of adventitious placentation (diffuse semi-placenta) in a Jersey cow.

Placental abnormalities more frequently occur during pregnancy of somatic cell clones and may lead to pregnancy loss or dystocia. Adventitious placentation, or diffuse semi-placenta, is determined by the development of areas of accessory placentation between the cotyledons due to the abnormal growth of placentomes.After a full-term pregnancy, a 3-year-old Jersey heifer was referred for dystocia which resulted in the delivery of a dead calf. The cause of dystocia was found to be foetal malposition, while the placenta was physiologically expelled after dystocia resolution.Grossly, cotyledons appeared reduced in size and number in one placental horn, while the surface of the other horn was covered with microplacentomes. Numerous villous structures without trophoblastic coating were highlighted after histopathology. The dominant sign was an inflammatory reaction. The findings were consistent with inter-cotyledonal placentitis, which led to adventitial placentation.Diffuse semi-placenta compensates for the inadequate development of placentomes and may occur as a congenital or acquired defect. The outcome depends on its severity: in the worst scenario, pregnancy may not proceed beyond midterm and may be complicated by hydrallantois. In the case under examination, the dimensions of the cotyledons (from 2 to 10 cm) allowed for the natural course of pregnancy.

Biochemical and molecular characterization of Campylobacter fetus isolates from bulls subjected to bovine genital campylobacteriosis diagnosis in Spain.

BACKGROUND: Bovine genital campylobacteriosis (BGC) is caused by Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis (Cfv) including its biovar intermedius (Cfvi). This sexually transmitted disease induces early reproductive failure causing considerable economic losses in the cattle industry. Using a collection of well-characterized isolates (n = 13), C. fetus field isolates (n = 64) and saprophytic isolates resembling Campylobacter (n = 75) obtained from smegma samples of breeding bulls, this study evaluated the concordance of the most used phenotypic (H2S production in cysteine medium and 1% glycine tolerance) and molecular (PCR) methods for the diagnosis of BGC and assessed possible cross-reactions in the molecular diagnostic methods. RESULTS: Characterization at the subspecies level (fetus vs. venerealis) of C. fetus isolated from bull preputial samples using phenotypic and molecular (PCR targeting nahE and ISCfe1) methods showed moderate concordance (κ = 0.462; CI: 0.256-0.669). No cross-reactions were observed with other saprophytic microaerophilic species or with other Campylobacter species that can be present in preputial samples. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) of discrepant isolates showed 100% agreement with PCR identification. For the differentiation of Cfv biovars, comparison of the H2S test (at 72 h and 5 days of incubation) and a PCR targeting the L-cysteine transporter genes showed higher concordance when H2S production was assessed after 5 days (72 h; κ = 0.553, 0.329-0.778 CI vs. 5 days; κ = 0.881, 0.631-1 CI), evidencing the efficacy of a longer incubation time. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirmed the limitations of biochemical tests to correctly identify C. fetus subspecies and biovars. However, in the case of biovars, when extended incubation times for the H2S test (5 days) were used, phenotypic identification results were significantly improved, although PCR-based methods produced more accurate results. Perfect agreement of WGS with the PCR results and absence of cross-reactions with non-C. fetus saprophytic bacteria from the smegma demonstrated the usefulness of these methods. Nevertheless, the identification of new C. fetus subspecies-specific genes would help to improve BGC diagnosis.

Comparison of physiological markers, behavior monitoring, and clinical illness scoring as indicators of an inflammatory response in beef cattle.

Clinical illness (CI) scoring using visual observation is the most widely applied method of detecting respiratory disease in cattle but has limited effectiveness in practice. In contrast, body-mounted sensor technology effectively facilitates disease detection. To evaluate whether a combination of movement behavior and CI scoring is effective for disease detection, cattle were vaccinated to induce a temporary inflammatory immune response. Cattle were evaluated before and after vaccination to identify the CI variables that are most indicative of sick cattle. Respiratory rate (H2 = 43.08, P < 0.0001), nasal discharge (H2 = 8.35, P = 0.015), and ocular discharge (H2 = 16.38, P = 0.0003) increased after vaccination, and rumen fill decreased (H2 = 20.10, P < 0.0001). Locomotor activity was measured via leg-mounted sensors for the four days preceding and seven days following vaccination. A statistical model that included temperature, steps, lying time, respiratory rate, rumen fill, head position, and excess saliva was developed to distinguish between scores from before and after vaccination with a sensitivity of 0.898 and specificity of 0.915. Several clinical illness signs were difficult to measure in practice. Binoculars were required for scoring respiratory rate and eye-related metrics, and cattle had to be fitted with colored collars for individual identification. Scoring each animal took up to three minutes in a small research pen; therefore, technologies that can automate both behavior monitoring and identification of clinical illness signs are key to improving capacity for BRD detection and treatment.

Seroprevalence and molecular detection of foot and mouth disease virus in cattle in selected districts of Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia.

Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious, endemic, and acute viral cattle ailment that causes major economic damage in Ethiopia. Although several serotypes of the FMD virus have been detected in Ethiopia, there is no documented information about the disease's current serostatus and serotypes circulating in the Wolaita zone. Thus, from March to December 2022, a cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate FMDV seroprevalence, molecular detection, and serotype identification in three Wolaita Zone sites. A multistage sample procedure was used to choose three peasant associations from each study region, namely Wolaita Sodo, Offa district, and Boloso sore district. A systematic random sampling technique was employed to pick 384 cattle from the population for the seroprevalence research, and 10 epithelial tissue samples were purposefully taken from outbreak individuals for molecular detection of FMDV. The sera were examined using 3ABC FMD NSP Competition ELISA to find antibodies against FMDV non-structural proteins, whereas epithelial tissue samples were analyzed for molecular detection using real-time RT-PCR, and sandwich ELISA was used to determine the circulating serotypes. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to evaluate the associated risk variables. The total seroprevalence of FMD in cattle was 46.88% (95% CI 41.86-51.88), with Wolaita Sodo Town having the highest seroprevalence (63.28%). As a consequence, multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that animal age, herd size, and interaction with wildlife were all substantially related to FMD seroprevalence (p < 0.05). During molecular detection, only SAT-2 serotypes were found in 10 tissue samples. Thus, investigating FMD outbreaks and identifying serotypes and risk factors for seropositivity are critical steps in developing effective control and prevention strategies based on the kind of circulating serotype. Moreover, further research for animal species other than cattle was encouraged.

Evaluation of ELISA in raw milk for detection of antibodies to Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis in dairy herd.

Paratuberculosis (PTBC) is a chronic intestinal disease of animals caused by Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis (MAP). MAP infection is diagnosed through indirect tests based on the immune response. The aims of this study were to compare the performance of two milk ELISA for the diagnosis of PTBC and to assess the bulk tank milk (BTM) MAP exposure in dairy cattle in Argentina. A total of 357 fecal, serum, and milk samples were collected. The fecal samples were processed by culture for MAP isolation, while both, serum and milk samples were used for the detection of antibodies by two different ELISA tests, "in-house" and commercial kit. MAP was isolated in 3.9% of fecal samples. For milk ELISA, poor concordances were obtained. Optimized cut-off points were calculated. The highest sensitivity and specificity values (64% and 80% respectively) were obtained with the combination of MAP isolation and commercial milk ELISA. The results indicate that the combination of different techniques to identify of dairy cattle infected with MAP increases the efficiency of diagnosis. In addition, BTM  samples (n=98) were evaluated to determine herd status using the commercial kit during two seasons, identifying 33.3% of positive samples in autumn and 35.4% in spring.

Diagnosis of fasciolosis antibodies in Brazilian cattle through ELISA employing both native and recombinant antigens.

Bovine fasciolosis is a parasitic disease with a global reach. Coprological based on egg detection in fecal samples and liver inspection to evaluate the presence of the parasite is currently the gold standard for diagnosing chronic fasciolosis in cattle. However, these techniques are labor-intensive and ineffective during the acute phase of the disease. Serodiagnosis using native and recombinant antigens has become an interesting alternative in efforts to identify cattle fasciolosis. We evaluated cattle from abattoir (n = 139) and farms (n = 500) through liver inspection and coprological examination, respectively. Our laboratory team optimized and validated enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay tests based on somatic antigen, excretory/secretory proteins, and the recombinant antigen cathepsin L-1 to detect serum antibodies against fasciolosis in cattle. For animals from abattoir, 10 were positive for fasciolosis according to liver inspection. Both FhES and FhrCL-1 presented an area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve of 0.80, with a sensitivity of 0.80 (95% CI: 0.46-0.95) and 0.70 (95% CI: 0.38-0.90) and specificity of 0.81 (95% CI: 0.73-0.87) and 0.87 (95% CI: 0.80-0.92), respectively. For those cattle from farms, 28 were positive only for fasciolosis according to coprological examination. In this scenario, FhES gave the best performance, with an AUROC of 0.84, sensitivity of 0.79 (95% CI: 0.60-0.90), and specificity of 0.86 (95% CI: 0.82-0.89). In conclusion, our study highlights the potential of serodiagnosis for accurately screening cattle fasciolosis. The promising sensitivity and specificity values of FhES when compared to liver inspection or coprological examination enhance its importance for cattle fasciolosis diagnosis. IMPORTANCE: The aim of this article was to identify antibodies against fasciolosis in cattle in Brazil. The methodology was reproduced in our laboratory and applied for the first time to the Brazilian cattle herd. The antigens tested can be used as a screening test and thus speed up the diagnosis of bovine fascioliasis.

Small intestinal volvulus in 47 cows.

Objective: To describe the findings, treatment, and outcome of small intestinal volvulus (SIV) in 47 cows. Animals and procedure: Retrospective analysis of medical records. Comparison of the findings for 18 surviving and 29 non-surviving cows. Results: The most common abnormal vital signs were tachycardia (68.0%), tachypnea (59.6%), and decreased rectal temperature (51.1%). Signs of colic occurred in 66.0% of cows in the study. Rumen motility was reduced or absent in 93.6% of cows, and intestinal motility in 76.6%. Clinical signs on ballottement and/or percussion and simultaneous auscultation were positive on the right side in 78.7% of cows. Transrectal examination showed dilated small intestines in 48.9% of cows. The rectum contained little or no feces in 93.6% of cows. The principal laboratory abnormalities were hypocalcemia (74.1%), hypokalemia (73.8%), azotemia (62.8%), hypermagnesemia (61.6%), and hemoconcentration (60.0%). The principal ultrasonographic findings were dilated small intestines (87.1%) and reduced or absent small intestinal motility (85.2%). Forty-one of the 47 cows underwent right flank laparotomy and the SIV was reduced in 21 cows. When comparing the clinical and laboratory findings of 18 surviving and 29 non-surviving cows, the groups differed significantly with respect to severely abnormal general condition (16.7 versus 37.9%), rumen stasis (22.2 versus 79.3%), intestinal atony (16.7 versus 48.3%), serum urea concentration (6.5 versus 9.8 mmol/L), and serum magnesium concentration (0.98 versus 1.30 mmol/L). In summary, 38.3% of the cows were discharged and 61.7% were euthanized before, during, or after surgery. Conclusion and clinical relevance: An acute course of disease, little or no feces in the rectum, and dilated small intestines were characteristic of SIV in this study population.

Volvulus de l'intestin grêle chez 47 vaches. Objectif: Décrire les données, le traitement et les résultats du volvulus de l'intestin grêle (SIV) chez 47 vaches. Animaux et procédure: Analyse rétrospective des dossiers médicaux. Comparaison des résultats pour 18 vaches survivantes et 29 vaches non survivantes. Résultats: Les signes vitaux anormaux les plus courants étaient la tachycardie (68,0 %), la tachypnée (59,6 %) et la diminution de la température rectale (51,1 %). Des signes de coliques sont apparus chez 66,0 % des vaches étudiées. La motilité du rumen était réduite ou absente chez 93,6 % des vaches et la motilité intestinale chez 76,6 %. Les signes cliniques de ballottement et/ou percussion et auscultation simultanée étaient positifs du côté droit chez 78,7 % des vaches. L'examen transrectal a montré une dilatation de l'intestin grêle chez 48,9 % des vaches. Le rectum contenait peu ou pas de matières fécales chez 93,6 % des vaches. Les principales anomalies des analyses de laboratoire étaient l'hypocalcémie (74,1 %), l'hypokaliémie (73,8 %), l'azotémie (62,8 %), l'hypermagnésémie (61,6 %) et l'hémoconcentration (60,0 %). Les principaux résultats échographiques étaient une dilatation de l'intestin grêle (87,1 %) et une motilité intestinale réduite ou absente (85,2 %). Quarante et une des 47 vaches ont subi une laparotomie du flanc droit et le SIV a été corrigé chez 21 vaches. En comparant les résultats cliniques et biologiques de 18 vaches survivantes et de 29 vaches non survivantes, les groupes différaient significativement en ce qui concerne l'état général sévèrement anormal (16,7 contre 37,9 %), la stase du rumen (22,2 contre 79,3 %), l'atonie intestinale (16,7 contre 48,3 %), la concentration sérique d'urée (6,5 contre 9,8 mmol/L) et la concentration sérique de magnésium (0,98 contre 1,30 mmol/L). En résumé, 38,3 % des vaches ont reçu leur congé et 61,7 % ont été euthanasiées avant, pendant ou après l'intervention chirurgicale. Conclusion et pertinence clinique: Une évolution aiguë de la maladie, peu ou pas de selles dans le rectum et un intestin grêle dilaté étaient caractéristiques du SIV dans cette population étudiée.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Validation of the natural sedimentation technique in the diagnosis of chronic fasciolosis.

There are various diagnostic techniques available for chronic fasciolosis in ruminants. However, many of them exhibit low specificity and sensitivity, making them impractical for field use and in low-resource laboratories. The present study evaluates the usefulness of the Natural Sedimentation technique in diagnosing chronic fasciolosis in three domestic species conducted at the Laboratorio de Parasitología y Enfermedades Parasitarias, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinas, Universidad Nacional de Cajamarca. Fecal samples were collected from n = 323 cattle, n = 362 sheep, and n = 231 swine for Fasciola hepatica fecal egg counts. The visualization of adult parasites in animal livers post-mortem was considered the gold standard. Additionally, the sensitivity of the technique was evaluated using five different amounts of feces. In cattle, a sensitivity of 0.93 ± 0.03, specificity of 0.91 ± 0.06, positive predictive value of 0.96 ± 0.03, and negative predictive value of 0.86 ± 0.07 were obtained. In sheep, a sensitivity of 0.79 ± 0.05, specificity of 0.83 ± 0.07, positive predictive value of 0.90 ± 0.04, and negative predictive value of 0.66 ± 0.08 were observed. In swine, a sensitivity of 0.92 ± 0.06, specificity of 1.00 ± 0.00, positive predictive value of 1.00 ± 0.00, and negative predictive value of 0.96 ± 0.03 were found. There was no statistical difference in egg counts when using 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 g of feces (p = 0.907). Furthermore, 1 to 688 fecal eggs of F. hepatica were counted in 1 g of feces. The Natural Sedimentation technique has both qualitative and quantitative applications with satisfactory results when using 1 g of feces in the diagnosis of chronic fasciolosis in domestic animals. Due to its simplicity, it can be implemented in field conditions and low-resource laboratories.