Outbreaks of infectious keratoconjunctivitis in alpine chamois and ibex in Switzerland between 2001 and 2003.

Five outbreaks of infectious keratoconjunctivitis (ikc) affecting alpine chamois and ibex in the western and central Swiss Alps were recorded in 2001 to 2003. Mycoplasma conjunctivae was identified from conjunctival swabs by means of a nested pcr in 27 of the 28 chamois tested. The outbreaks occurred in an area covering 1590 km(2). Deep valleys acted as a barrier to the spread of the disease. A total of 409 chamois and 33 ibex with clinical signs of ikc were reported. Most of the chamois were shot, primarily because they were blind or in poor general body condition. Almost a quarter were observed alive, and 16.9 per cent died as a result of ikc. Many of the affected animals were juveniles, and more females than males died of ikc. The disease was more common during the summer and autumn. The chamois affected by ikc were found at altitudes between 550 and 3200 m. The estimated overall mortality was less than 5 per cent, but more than 20 per cent may have died locally. Ibex affected by ikc were recorded in only two outbreaks. In six places, ibex with clinical signs of ikc were found before the first affected chamois appeared in the same area.

A 10-year case report and current clinical review of chronic beta-hemolytic streptococcal keratoconjunctivitis.

BACKGROUND: Streptococcus is a common source of bacterial keratoconjunctivitis in adults. Affected patients often report decreased vision, foreign body sensation, redness, and a mucous discharge. Clinical signs reveal diffuse conjunctival injection, a conjunctival papillary response, corneal superficial punctate keratitis, and a mucopurulent discharge with corresponding visual acuity decrease. Culturing is mandatory in hyperacute cases and broad-spectrum treatment is advised until culture results are definitive. Recurrent cases may change in clinical appearance. Bacterial exotoxins may induce a severe inflammatory response as well. CASE REPORT: A case of bilateral recurrent bacterial keratoconjunctivitis in a 61-year-old man is reported, as well as a current clinical review of the literature. Aerobic culture yielded Streptococcus pyogenes, a beta-hemolytic group A streptococcus. After unsuccessful broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment with several agents, culture and sensitivity testing confirmed the diagnosis and adjustment of the treatment plan accordingly was successful. During the following 10 years, there were six episodes in the left eye and three episodes in the right eye with resultant inflammation and comeal pannus. Recent repeat culture and sensitivity testing showed that the streptococcus had changed to an atypical presentation. The university laboratory reported the findings to the State Department of Public Health, as this was a nonrespiratory isolate of group A streptococcus. CONCLUSION: Although culture is indicated in hyperacute bacterial keratoconjunctivitis, consider sensitivity testing in non-responsive cases. If the condition is recurrent and the clinical presentation appears different from previous episodes, suspect that the initial pathogen may be changing. Severe secondary inflammation may occur due to bacterial exotoxin reactions. Identification of the underlying causes is advised.

Infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis: a review.

The economic impact of infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK) warrants continued investigation of the mechanisms by which Moraxella bovis survives on and colonizes the corneal surface. Virulent strains of M bovis produce hemolysin and exhibit different plasmid profiles than nonvirulent strains. Interactions among host, environment, vector, season, and concurrent infection influence the prevalence of IBK. Mycoplasma sp. or infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus may enhance or hasten the disease process. The manifestations of IBK may range from mild conjunctivitis to severe ulceration, corneal perforation, and blindness. Treatment of IBK is dictated by economic considerations, intended animal use, and feasibility of administration. Antibiotic therapy is aimed at achieving drug concentrations in tears to meet or exceed the minimum inhibitory concentration for prolonged periods. At present, IBK is not a preventable disease. Affected animals must be separated from the herd and vector control vigorously instituted. Carrier animals must be identified and removed from the herd. Vaccination trials have been unsuccessful because of pili antigen cross-reactivity, variable strains, and uncontrolled environmental factors. Recent investigations have determined that M bovis may utilize host iron sources via iron-repressible outer membrane proteins and siderophores for growth. Elucidation of normal defense mechanisms of the bovine eye may lead to new strategies to enhance the immune response against M bovis.