The first Linguatula serrata case in an imported dog in Finland.

Linguatula serrata is a pentastomid parasite infecting carnivores as definitive hosts and herbivores as intermediate hosts. In carnivores, including dogs, it usually parasitises the nasal cavity and sinuses, causing upper respiratory signs. This case report presents the first canine Linguatula case in Finland in an imported dog originating from Spain. In addition to the unremarkable clinical history of the dog, the treatment, parasite's morphology and molecular analysis are described, and the zoonotic potential is discussed.

Severe deforming dermatitis in a kitten caused by Caryospora bigenetica.

BACKGROUND: Caryospora bigenetica is an intracellular protozoan parasite, which in its primary hosts, typically snakes, is found it the intestine. Extraintestinal multiplication with the development of tissue cysts takes place in secondary hosts, which are normally prey for snakes. Natural infection in domestic animals has been reported only in dogs; this is the first report of C. bigenetica infection in a cat. CASE PRESENTATION: A stray kitten developed nodular dermatitis after being adopted by a shelter. Firm swelling, nodules, and crusts were present mainly on the nasal bridge, eyelids, and pinnae. Histopathology and cytology revealed severe pyogranulomatous inflammation with abundant intracellular organisms suggestive of apicomplexan protozoa. Treatment with clindamycin 13 mg/kg twice daily was initiated, but the cat was euthanized because of the worsening condition. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed parasite's apicomplexan origin postmortem, and the causative agent was identified as C. bigenetica by polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing. CONCLUSIONS: We present the first case of a naturally occurring infection with C. bigenetica in a cat. Although the definitive etiological diagnosis relied on molecular identification, the abundance of unsporulated oocysts and caryocysts and the parasite's effective reproduction within macrophages and in several other cell types might have enabled differentiation from other protozoal infections and allowed a presumptive diagnosis through cytology and histopathology.

Disorders of sex development in cats with different complements of sex chromosomes.

The genetic background of disorders of sex development (DSDs) in cats is poorly understood, due to a relatively low number of such studies in this species. Here we present three new DSD cases with different complements of sex chromosomes. The first, an Oriental Shorthair cat with a rudimentary penis, abdominal atrophic testicles and lack of uterus appeared to be a freemartin, since leucocyte chimerism XX/XY and a lack of Y-linked genes (SRY and ZFY) were observed in DNA isolated from hair follicles. XXY trisomy was identified in the second case, a tortoiseshell Devon Rex male cat with atrophic scrotal testicles and a normal penis. Finally, a European Shorthair cat with atrophic testicles in a bifid scrotum, rudimentary penis and a lack of uterus had XY complement, including Y chromosome of normal size and morphology. Also presence of eight Y-linked genes, detected by PCR, was confirmed. Due to the low testosterone level in this last patient, we searched for a causative mutation in two candidate genes (HSD3B2 and HSD17B3) involved in the metabolism of this steroid hormone. Altogether, five polymorphic sites in HSD3B2 and two in HSD17B3 were found, but none of them showed associations with DSD phenotype. We thus excluded a possibility that the causative mutation is present in these genes. In conclusion, we confirmed that analysis of the sex chromosome complement is a crucial step in diagnosis of DSDs. However, extensive molecular studies of the genes involved in sex development are needed to elucidate the causes of DSDs in cats with normal complements of sex chromosomes.

Dirofilaria repens transmission in southeastern Finland.

BACKGROUND: The spread of vector-borne diseases to new regions has become a global threat due to climate change, increasing traffic, and movement of people and animals. Dirofilaria repens, the canine subcutaneous filarioid nematode, has expanded its distribution range northward during the last decades. The northernmost European locations, where the parasite life-cycle has been confirmed, are Estonia and the Novgorod Region in Russia. RESULTS: Herein, we describe an autochthonous D. repens infection in a Finnish woman. We also present two cases of D. repens infection in imported dogs indicating the life-cycle in the Russian Vyborg and St Petersburg areas, close to the Finnish border. CONCLUSIONS: The most obvious limiting factor of the northern distribution of D. repens is the summer temperature, due to the temperature-dependent development of larvae in vectors. With continuing climate change, further spread of D. repens in Fennoscandia can be expected.

Efficacy of fluralaner (Bravecto™ chewable tablets) for the treatment of naturally acquired Linognathus setosus infestations on dogs.

BACKGROUND: The clinical efficacy of fluralaner chewable tablets (Bravecto™, MSD Animal Health) against naturally acquired Linognathus setosus infestations on dogs was evaluated compared with permethrin (Exspot®, MSD Animal Health) treatment. METHODS: Privately-owned dogs naturally infested with L. setosus from 21 different households were randomly allocated to two treatment groups. Fourteen dogs were treated once orally with fluralaner and ten dogs were treated once topically with permethrin, at the recommended label dose. Live L. setosus on all dogs were counted before treatment and 1, 7, 28 (both groups) and 84 (fluralaner group) days post-treatment according to a coat parting technique at pre-specified locations and lice species were confirmed microscopically. At the same time points, a veterinary dermatology severity score and an owner's perceived pruritus score were recorded. RESULTS: Percentage reduction in geometric mean L. setosus counts, comparing post- with pre-treatment counts within each group, were 85.7% (day 1), 96.8% (day 7) and 100% (days 28 and 84) for the fluralaner (two-sided two-sample t-test, P ≤ 0.0088 for days 1-84) and 67.5% (day 1), 90.3% (day 7) 99.1% (day 28) for the permethrin group (two-sided two-sample t-test, P ≤ 0.0014 for days 7-28). No lice were seen on fluralaner-treated dogs 28 and 84 days post-treatment. In contrast, two permethrin-treated dogs were re-treated at 7 and 28 days after initial treatment because of observed lice. Owner's perceived pruritus scores were reduced compared to pre-treatment levels by 23.8% (day 1), 31.1% (day 7), 70.4% (day 28) and 99.5% (day 84) after fluralaner treatment and 21.3% (day 1), 45.8% (day 7), and 78.1% (day 28) after permethrin treatment. Dermatological signs were improved compared to pre-treatment levels in both treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: Single oral fluralaner treatment eliminated natural L. setosus infestation on dogs within 28 days and led to complete dermatological recovery that was maintained until the study end on day 84. Single topical permethrin treatment reduced the number of L. setosus by 99.1% at day 28 although two animals required unscheduled re-treatment.

Sylvatic Trichinella spp. infection in Finland.

Although human infections caused by Trichinella sp. have not been reported in Finland for several decades and Trichinella sp. infection in pork has become virtually extinct in the last decade, sylvatic Trichinella spp. infection is still highly prevalent in Finland. Muscle digestion of 2,483 carnivorous wild animals from 9 host species during 1999-2005 showed 617 positive animals (24.8%). Molecular identification from 328 larval isolates revealed 4 different endemic Trichinella species, i.e., T. nativa, T. spiralis, T. britovi, and T. pseudospiralis. Seven percent of the infected animals carried mixed infections. Trichinella nativa was the most common species (74%), but T. spiralis was identified in 12%, T. britovi in 6%, and T. pseudospiralis in 1% of the animals. Host species showed different sample prevalence and Trichinella species distribution. Geographical distribution also varied, with the southern part of the country having significantly higher percentages than the northern part. Infection density was dependent on both the infecting Trichinella species and the host species. Trichinella spiralis was discovered in areas with no known domestic infection cases, indicating that it can also occur in the sylvatic cycle. Raccoon dogs and red foxes are the most important reservoir animals for T. spiralis , as well as for the sylvatic Trichinella species in Finland.

Demodex gatoi-associated contagious pruritic dermatosis in cats--a report from six households in Finland.

BACKGROUND: Demodex gatoi is unique among demodectic mites. It possesses a distinct stubby appearance, and, instead of residing in the hair follicles, it dwells in the keratin layer of the epidermis, causing a pruritic and contagious skin disease in cats. Little is known of the occurrence of D. gatoi in Europe or control of D. gatoi infestation. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe D. gatoi in 10 cats, including five Cornish Rex, two Burmese, one Exotic, one Persian and one Siamese, living in six multi-cat households in different locations in Finland containing 21 cats in total. Intense pruritus was the main clinical sign. Scaling, broken hairs, alopecia and self-inflicted excoriations were also observed. Diagnosis was based on finding typical short-bodied demodectic mites in skin scrapings, skin biopsies or on tape strips. Other pruritic skin diseases, such as allergies and dermatophytoses, were ruled out. In one household, despite finding several mites on one cat, all six cats of the household remained symptomless. Amitraz used weekly at a concentration of 125-250 ppm for 2-3 months, proved successful in three households, 2% lime sulphur weekly dips applied for six weeks in one household and peroral ivermectin (1 mg every other day for 10 weeks) in one household. Previous trials in four households with imidacloprid-moxidectin, selamectin or injected ivermectin given once or twice a month appeared ineffective. CONCLUSION: D. gatoi-associated dermatitis is an emerging contagious skin disease in cats in Finland. Although pruritus is common, some cats may harbour the mites without clinical signs. In addition, due to translucency of the mites and fastidious feline grooming habits, the diagnosis may be challenging. An effective and convenient way to treat D. gatoi infestations has yet to emerge.

Complement membrane attack complex formation and infectivity of Trichinella spiralis and T. nativa in rats.

Rats readily become infected with Trichinella spiralis but are more resistant to T. nativa. We infected complement factor C6-deficient (C6-) rats and control (C6+) rats with T. spiralis and T. nativa to compare the effects of membrane attack complex on these parasites in vivo. The 2000 larvae infection dose per rat yielded 652 lpg (larvae per gram) in the C6- group and 608 lpg in the C6+ group with T. spiralis, whereas with T. nativa the corresponding figures were only 1.05 and 1.87 lpg. The difference between the Trichinella species was evident, but the infection intensity was unaffected by the C6 deficiency. When newborn larvae were incubated in C6-deficient and control rat sera for 24h in vitro, no changes in viability were observed. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the musculature of cross-sectioned adults and certain stichocytes bound human complement factors C3, C8 and C9, but not C1q. Interestingly, the outermost layer of the cuticle and the newborn larvae did not show any binding activity. Similar findings were obtained with immunofluorescence microscopy of intact newborn larvae. These results indicate that both T. spiralis and T. nativa have efficient mechanisms to protect themselves against complement attack. The difference in infectivity for rats between the two species, however, is not due to a differential resistance to complement membrane attack complex.

A nonhealing ulcerative skin lesion associated with Trichinella nativa infection in a cat.

Trichinella spp. can infect various domestic and wild species, including companion animals. Infection occurs because of the ingestion of raw meat (e.g., infected prey). In experimental studies, cats have been found to be a very susceptible host to infection by Trichinella spp.; naturally occurring feline infections have also been reported. However, clinically apparent disease seems to be a rare manifestation of this infection in cats. The skin biopsy of an 8-year-old, neutered, male, domestic cat revealed an inflammatory granulation tissue that surrounded a well-preserved cyst that contained a Trichinella sp. larva. Distinct seropositive reaction against Trichinella spp. antigens was demonstrated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot. Immunohistochemistry, by using serum from the infected cat as the source of antibody, showed strong immunostaining of Trichinella spp. larvae. During a 1-year follow-up, a postexcisional local tissue reaction was observed. This manifested as a firm, poorly circumscribed subcutaneous mass adjacent to the eye, which demonstrated clinical features and histopathologic findings indicative of chronic inflammation associated with granulation tissue and fibrodysplasia. Digestion of the muscle biopsy revealed one Trichinella sp. larva, which was identified by multiplex polymerase chain reaction as Trichinella nativa. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first documented case of trichinellosis in a cat with a nonhealing ulcerative skin lesion as the main clinical manifestation of the infection.

Calcipotriol plus betamethasone dipropionate scalp formulation is effective and well tolerated in the treatment of scalp psoriasis: a phase II study.

BACKGROUND: There is a need for more effective therapy for scalp psoriasis. OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of a 2-compound scalp formulation including calcipotriol and betamethasone dipropionate in the treatment of scalp psoriasis. METHODS: Patients (n = 218) with scalp psoriasis were randomized to treatment with the 2-compound scalp formulation (n = 108) or betamethasone dipropionate in the same vehicle (n = 110). The treatments were applied once daily on the scalp for up to 8 weeks. RESULTS: The 2-compound scalp formulation showed a significantly higher efficacy than betamethasone dipropionate on the total sign score at the end of treatment (p = 0.042) and after 2 weeks (p = 0.005). CONCLUSION: The calcipotriol plus betamethasone dipropionate scalp formulation was superior to betamethasone dipropionate in the same vehicle when used once daily for up to 8 weeks in the treatment of scalp psoriasis.

Strongyloides stercoralis infection in a Finnish kennel.

BACKGROUND: Intestinal threadworm Strongyloides stercoralis is a parasite of dog, cat and primates that occurs worldwide being most prevalent in tropical and subtropical countries. The adult parasitic worm is about 2 mm long and slender. It possesses both parasitic and free-living lifecycles. The parasitic worms are females. Strongyloides stercoralis infects the host via percutaneous, peroral or transmammary transmission in addition to autoinfection. Clinical disease varies from inapparent to severe enteritis and pneumonia. The diagnosis is based on demonstration of larvae in fresh faeces, which is best made by Baermann technique. CASE PRESENTATION: Strongyloides stercoralis infection was diagnosed in autopsy in a 10-week-old puppy born and raised in a Finnish kennel. Prior to its sudden death, the puppy had suffered from gastrointestinal disturbance for three weeks. Subsequent sampling of the dogs in the kennel revealed that three adult dogs in the kennel were also infected. CONCLUSION: The present case shows that S. stercoralis can complete its life cycle and cause disease in dogs also in Northern Europe. Infection can be maintained also in a temperate climate and may become a chronic problem in a kennel environment. Infection may be underdiagnosed as Baermann technique is not routinely performed in small animal practice.

Pelodera (syn. Rhabditis) strongyloides as a cause of dermatitis--a report of 11 dogs from Finland.

BACKGROUND: Pelodera (Rhabditis) strongyloides is a small saprophytic nematode that lives in decaying organic matter. On rare occasions, it can invade the mammalian skin, causing a pruritic, erythematous, alopecic and crusting dermatitis on skin sites that come into contact with the ground. Diagnosis of the disease is based on case history (a dog living outdoors on damp straw bedding) with characteristic skin lesions and on the demonstration of typical larvae in skin scrapings or biopsy. Pelodera (rhabditic) dermatitis cases have been reported mainly from Central European countries and the United States. CASE PRESENTATION: During 1975-1999, we verified 11 canine cases of Pelodera dermatitis in Finland. The cases were confirmed by identifying Pelodera larvae in scrapings. Biopsies for histopathology were obtained from three cases, and typical histopathological lesions (epidermal hyperplasia, epidermal and follicular hyperkeratosis, folliculitis and furunculosis with large numbers of nematode larvae of 25-40 microm of diameter within hair follicles) were present. The Pelodera strongyloides dermatitica strain from the first verified case in Finland has been maintained in ordinary blood agar in our laboratory since 1975. Light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies were employed to obtain detailed morphological information about the causative agent. The rhabditiform oesophagus at all developmental stages, the morphology of the anterior end of the nematode, copulatory bursa and spicules of the male and the tail of the female were the most important morphological features for identifying P. strongyloides. CONCLUSION: These cases show that Pelodera dermatitis occurs in Finland, and also farther north than described earlier in the literature. This condition should be considered when a dog living outdoors has typical skin lesions situated at sites in contact with the ground as the main presenting clinical feature. The fastest and easiest way to confirm the diagnosis is to demonstrate typical larvae in skin scrapings. In uncertain cases, skin biopsy and culturing of the worms are recommended as supplementary diagnostic procedures.

Contagious mucocutaneous dermatitis of the mountain hare (Lepus timidus): pathology and cause.

Contagious mucocutaneous dermatitis is a frequently encountered disease of mountain hares (Lepidus timidus) in Finland. We describe the histopathologic changes and propose an etiologic cause for this disorder. Fifty-three cases collected during 1982-2000 were examined histologically. Transmission electron microscopy was performed in one case. In fully developed lesions, keratinocytes in epidermis and follicular infundibula were swollen and contained large eosinophilic intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies with marked reticular and ballooning degeneration. In later stages, there was marked necrosis and ulceration with severe pyogranulomatous and suppurative inflammation. At this stage, no viral inclusions were detectable, but secondary Staphylococcus warnerii infection was present in most cases. In late lesions, there was dermal fibrosis with epidermal hyperplasia. No spiral-shaped bacteria suggesting treponematosis were detected at any stage. Ultrastructurally, swollen epidermal and follicle infundibular cells contained round intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies with a myriad of virions typical of poxvirus with a biconcave nucleocapsid core, two lateral bodies, and a clearly discernible outer lipoprotein capsule. The findings suggest that contagious mucocutaneous dermatitis in mountain hares is a viral disease caused by a poxvirus. The disease is often complicated by secondary bacterial infection, most commonly S. warneri.

The hypoparathyroidism of autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy protective effect of male sex.

In autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy, hypoparathyroidism (HP) is the most common endocrine component. It occurs in most (but not all) patients. Determinants of its occurrence are unknown, and there is no proof for its autoimmune nature. Recently, the Ca(2+)-sensing receptor (CaSR) was reported to be an autoantigen in HP. With our group of 90 patients, we aimed at identifying the determinants and pathomechanism of HP. For the determinants, we evaluated gender and the HLA class II. For the pathomechanism, we searched for parathyroid autoantibodies, including antibodies against CaSR and PTH. Also, we studied whether AIRE is expressed in the human parathyroid, because its absence could be a pathogenetic factor. We found a clear gender linkage with lower and later incidence in males. Of the 14 patients who had escaped HP, 13 were males. This was associated with adrenal failure, which was the first or only endocrinopathy in 47% of males vs. 7% of females. In contrast, we found no linkage to the HLA class II. By immunofluorescence, 19% of the patients had antibodies to parathyroid epithelia. By immunoblotting, these recognized several parathyroid proteins. No antibodies were observed against the CaSR or PTH. By RT-PCR, AIRE mRNA was not found in the parathyroid.

Evaluation of pancreatic forceps biopsy by laparoscopy in healthy beagles.

The effects of laparoscopic biopsies were determined in four healthy laboratory beagles. Biopsies were taken from the pancreas of three dogs and from the peripancreatic fat of one dog. Clinical examinations and blood sampling for hematologic and biochemical tests were performed before laparoscopy and weekly throughout each dog's participation in the study (7 or 21 days). No clinical signs of pancreatitis were observed, and hematologic and biochemical parameters remained within normal limits in three dogs. One dog exhibited a transient increase in trypsinlike immunoreactivity, amylase, and lipase. Minor adhesions between the pancreas, small intestine, and peritoneum were observed macroscopically in this dog. Histologically, granulation tissue and a mild nonsuppurative inflammation in the pancreas were present. No abnormal changes were seen macroscopically or histologically in the other two dogs for which pancreatic biopsies were performed. Thus, laparoscopy appears to be safe, with neither permanent abnormalities in blood parameters nor changes in clinical health occurring during or after the procedure in healthy beagles.