Cortisol levels in cats' hair in presence or absence of Microsporum canis infection.

The purpose of this work was to perform a preliminary screening in the domestic cat to assess the concentration of cortisol in hairs by radioimmunoassay technique (RIA) in presence or absence of Microsporum canis infections. A total of 245 cats (7 with cutaneous lesions referable to dermatophytosis and 238 apparently healthy) coming from 14 shelters were examined. M. canis was isolated in 126 (51.4%) cats. The cortisol levels were significantly higher in cats with lesions or without lesions but with a high number of colonies in the plates (≥ 10 CFU) than in cats negative or with a lower number of colonies. The results obtained seem to highlight that chronic high levels of cortisol in cats could possibly promote the dermatophytes infections. Furthermore, in High-CFU asymptomatic cats, it could be present a state of infectious, and they, therefore, represents not a simple mechanical carrier.

Comparison of diagnostic methods to detect piroplasms in asymptomatic cattle.

This study was carried out to compare different diagnostic techniques to reveal the presence of piroplasms in asymptomatic cattle kept at pasture. Nineteen blood samples were collected from animals of two different areas of Emilia Romagna Region of Italy and processed for microscopic observation, PCR, serological test (IFAT) for Babesia bovis and Babesia bigemina antibodies and in vitro cultivation. The cultures were performed on both bovine and ovine erythrocytes. Seventeen blood smears (89%) were positive for piroplasms, while PCR was positive on 18 samples (95%). DNA sequencing of 18S rRNA identified the piroplasms as Theileria spp. In vitro cultures were successful for 6 samples (32%) cultured on bovine blood and subsequent identified these as Babesia major by PCR. On IFAT analyses of 16 samples, 36.8% resulted positive for B. bovis and 31.6% positive for B. bigemina. These results show, in the same animals, the co-infection with Babesia spp. and Theileria spp.; the detection of B. major was possible only using the in vitro cultures.

Detection and molecular characterization of Theileria sp. in fallow deer (Dama dama) and ticks from an Italian natural preserve.

The prevalence of piroplasms in a closed population of fallow deer (Dama dama L.) living in the Italian preserve of "Bosco della Mesola"--Ferrara (Mesola wood) was investigated. Blood samples and ticks were collected from 62 fallow deer. On microscopic observation, 28 (45.0%) blood samples were positive for piroplasms while PCR provided evidence for piroplasms infection in 47 (75.8%) fallow deer. The 67 ticks, collected from positive and negative animals, were identified as Ixodesricinus L., 1758 (89.6%) and Haemaphysalisconcinna Koch, 1844 (10.4%). At the PCR, four samples of I. ricinus were positive for piroplasms. The sequences of the 18S rRNA gene from both blood and ticks were identical and showed high identity (99.6%) with Theileria sp. 3185/02 (DQ866842) and Theileria capreoli (AY726011) from roe deer. Interestingly, the phylogenetical analyses evidenced differences between the Theileria strain from Mesola wood and the ones isolated in fallow deer from other Italian areas.

Prevalence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in fallow deer (Dama dama) and feeding ticks from an Italy preserve.

Up to date, information concerning the Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection in fallow deer is scant, therefore, to verify its prevalence in these ungulates serological and PCR screenings were performed on blood of 72 fallow deer hunted in a Central-Northern Italian preserve. Molecular analyses were also performed on 90 ticks removed from the animals. A. phagocytophilum infection in fallow deer was confirmed in 20 out 72 by IFA assay and in 11 out 72 by PCR. The sequence obtained revealed a complete genetic homology among the blood samples and strong degrees of homology with other European isolates. Considering the 90 ticks collected we found that 7.3% of Ixodes ricinus harboured A. phagocytophilum specific DNA. The data obtained confirmed that fallow deer can be a competent host for A. phagocytophilum and, therefore, that may represent a biological reservoir playing an important role in the epidemiological scenarios of the infection, in the geographical areas where is widespread.

Construction and test of a GRIN-based optical objective.

Optical fibres with their unique ability to transport light even in a coherent way (fibre bundles) and the possibility to build small volume optical pieces (Graded Index Fibres, GRIN) have a dominant role in the assembly of probes and objectives for microscopy applications requiring noninvasive and flexible operation in small and crowded spaces (in vivo microscopy, endoscopy, inspection). Nowadays, even complex observing procedures like confocal, two-photon and optical coherence tomography can be approached with fibres, making possible in vivo applications and also in place decision and processing. We present here a series of analytical simulations and practical tests made on an experimental GRIN fibre objective light fed through an adaptive optics system aimed to verify the practical possibility to correct a focalized beam of light. We intend this as a first step to the implementation of non-invasive probes making use of forthcoming optical devices (scanners, deformable mirrors) based on MEMS technology.