Biomedical subjects

G Amtsberg

Publications and source records attributed to G Amtsberg.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1995

[Serologic examinations for the detection of antibodies against Eubacterium suis in swine].

Determination of antibodies against Eubacterium suis (E. suis) in the serum of pigs was carried out by an indirect immunofluorescence test. Therefore 35 sows with urinary tract infections as well as 43 healthy control sows were investigated. E. suis could be detected in the urine of 19 sows. Serological results were compared with the bacteriological examinations. To reach a specificity of 100% for detection of animals actually infected with E. suis, titres from 1:16++ can be accepted as positive. Therefore sensitivity gave a level of 78.9%. Seroconversion and development of antibody titers were studied on 15 sows, which were experimentally infected with E. suis. Antibodies could be shown 3 weeks after infection at the earliest, they were preferably demonstrated in sows with a haemorrhagic cystitis. No correlation existed between the affection of the kidneys and the development and the level of titres respectively. Serological investigations can turn out negative in spite of E. suis infection, if immunological response still has not taken place or development of antibodies has failed to appear after short-time infection of the bladder.

Animals↗

PubMed1994

Characterization of Staphylococcus intermedius from healthy dogs and cases of superficial pyoderma by DNA restriction endonuclease patterns.

In order to study the possible clonal relation of Staphyloccocus (S.) intermedius from canine superficial pyoderma and from healthy carriers, isolates from pustular swabs and from vaginal, nasal and normal skin sabs were typed using macrorestriction analysis with Sma I and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. From the size of the resulting fragments the size of the chromosome of S. intermedius could be determined to be roughly 1500 +/- 200 kb on the average. The fingerprints were very heterogeneous though characteristically distinct from patterns of (human) S. aureus as published by others. Strains from superficial pyoderma were not found to be more similar to each other than strains from healthy carriers. Therefore it was concluded that strains from this type of skin infection probably did not belong to a certain subpopulation of S. intermedius, which might have indicated a higher virulence of these strains.

Animals↗

PubMed1992

[The diagnosis of Listeria encephalitis in ruminants using cultural and immunohistological techniques. I. Comparison of different selective media and culture techniques for the detection of Listeria from ruminant brains].

The selective L-PALCAMY differential enrichment broth, the Listeria enrichment broth of the International Dairy Federation, Oxford Listeria selective agar, and PALCAM Listeria selective agar were comparatively examined in the cultural isolation of Listeria spp. from ten ruminant brains. The L-PALCAMY medium proved to be superior to the IDF broth in both selectivity and productivity for Listeria spp. in the brain samples, which were also contaminated with other bacteria. The Oxford and PALCAM agars corresponded in their productivity for Listeria spp. The latter, however, was more selective than the Oxford agar. Bacterial counts of up to 1.2 x 10(9) CFU/g of brain stem sample were made from Listeria monocytogenes (L.m.), and up to 6.2 x 10(4) CFU/g from Listeria innocua. A total of 164 brains from ruminants showing CNS disturbances and/or pathoanatomical CNS alterations were examined using L-PALCAMY medium, and Oxford and PALCAM agar. L.m. could be isolated from 29 of the brains, and Listeria innocua from five. Cultural isolation of both Listeria spp. occurred in one brain. Of 27 brains containing L.m., which were also examined using cold enrichment, L.m. was isolated in 59.3% of the cases with direct culture, in 81.5% of the cases using selective warm enrichment, and in 77.8% of the cases by means of selective cold enrichment. Five cases each were identified solely by cold or warm enrichment, respectively. In investigations of further 69 ruminant brains the number of brains shown to contain L.m. could be increased from seven to 13 by means of selective cold enrichment for three months.

Animals↗

PubMed1992

[The diagnosis of listeria encephalitis in ruminants using cultural and immunohistologic methods. II. Immunohistologic studies in formalin-fixed paraffin sections].

The unlabelled peroxidase-antiperoxidase (PAP)-technique was compared with the avidin-biotin-peroxidase-complex (ABC)-technique in the identification of Listeria antigen in formalin-fixed paraffin sections of 58 ruminant brains, 44 of which showed histopathological lesions typical for listeric encephalitis. Rabbit hyperimmune serum, obtained by immunization with a Listeria monocytogenes strain of serotype 1/2 a, served as primary serum in the immunohistochemical investigations. The antiserum was tested for specificity using formalin-fixed smears of various bacterial species. Listeria antigen was demonstrated in 40 of the 44 brains with histopathological CNS alterations, as seen in listeriosis, using the ABC method, whereas their identification with the PAP method only succeeded in 34 of the brains. Despite the higher dilution of the primary antibody, the ABC method distinguished itself further, in comparison with the PAP method, through more intense immunohistochemical staining of Listeria antigen. Listeria spp, could be isolated from 46 of 52 brains, which were also examined bacteriologically. They could be isolated from 14 brains, which showed no histopathological lesions indicative of listeriosis. In contrast to this, Listeria antigen was only detected immunohistologically in brains with typical histological listeric CNS alterations. In three cases the presumptive histological diagnosis could not be confirmed immunohistologically.

Animals↗

PubMed1992

[The effect of bacterial interference phenomena in experimental Staphylococcus hyicus infections of gnotobiotic piglets].

The prevention of exudative epidermitis could be confirmed in experimental investigations with gnotobiotic piglets when the skin first was colonized with avirulent strains of Staphylococcus (Staph.) hyicus and subsequently exposed to virulent strains of Staph. hyicus. However, locally restricted cutaneous lesions in the area of application corresponding to exudative epidermitis were seen in five of nine piglets. Using the strain Staph. sciuri the spread of virulent Staph. hyicus could not be suppressed. Such infected two piglets developed generalized exudative epidermitis. In another experiment with four piglets it could be shown, that the relative protective mechanism correlating to bacterial interference on the one hand can be influenced by the virulence of causative organisms. On the other hand it even can be abolished when skin lesions are involved. For that reason probably the utilization of bacterial interference in prevention of exudative epidermitis under field conditions is considerably limited.

Animals↗

PubMed1991

[The occurrence of enterotoxigenic Clostridium perfringens strains in the feces of dogs and cats].

A total of 147 faecal specimen of dogs and cats was examined with cultural method for the occurrence of Cl. perfringens and its enterotoxin by using a reversed passive latex agglutination test (Pet-RPLA). Cl. perfringens could be detected in 77.9% of the samples of dogs (n = 68) and 65.6% of cats (n = 32) with diarrhoea in germ counts of 10(4)-10(10) cfu/g faeces. In the group of non diarrhoeic dogs (n = 39) and cats (n = 8) Cl. perfringens was found in 53.9% and 50% of the samples, the germ counts revealed 10(4)-10(8) cfu/g faeces. The enterotoxin of Cl. perfringens was detected in 48.5% of the samples of dogs and 28.1% of cats with diarrhoea. On the other hand this toxin could not be detected in any faecal specimen of non diarrhoeic animals. The in vitro detection of Cl. perfringens enterotoxin was successful at 65% of 20 strains, that had been isolated from faecal samples with enterotoxin. Also 2 Cl. perfringens strains isolated from faeces of non diarrhoeic dogs proved to be enterotoxigenic. The present test results given reason to believe that enterotoxigenic Cl. perfringens strains are involved in the complex of enteric disease of dogs and cats.

Animals↗

PubMed1991

[Bacteriologic studies of the occurrence of Chlamydia psittaci in organs of swine and in aborted swine fetuses].

By inoculation of embryonating chicken eggs via the yolk sac route Chlamydia psittaci was grown from 11 lungs of 45 pigs with pneumonia (24.4%). From the lungs of 55 pigs with other diseases the organism was isolated in five cases (9.1%). Chlamydiae were not detectable by cultural methods in the uterine mucosa of 87 sows, arthritic joints of 30 store pigs and in aborted fetuses. A commercial available enzyme amplified immunoassay indicated the presence of chlamydial antigen in mucosal scrapings from the uterus of two sows and in the fetal membranes as well as fetal organs in one case of porcine abortion.

Abortion, Veterinary↗

PubMed1990

[Comparative studies of the detection of Corynebacterium suis infections in swine by indirect immunofluorescence and culture].

In a comparative study 47 urine samples of sows and 9 swabs of preputial diverticulum of boars were investigated for detection of Corynebacterium suis (Eubacterium suis) using an indirect immunofluorescent technique, a Gram stained preparation, a direct culture technique and a culture technique after enrichment. Examinations show that the indirect immunofluorescent technique and the enriched culture technique provide the best results, but that the fluorescent technique saves time and expenses. Additionally in contrast to culture techniques the detection of C. suis is not affected by accompanying bacteria. Using an indirect immunofluorescence it is possible to detect antibody-coating of C. suis in urine sediment of sows as well. There were close correlations between evidence of antibody-coated C. suis and the presence of an ascending pyelonephritis.

Animals↗

PubMed1990

[Lectin agglutination for the characterization of intestinal treponema isolates from different animal species].

The study presents the results of lectin-associated agglutinations of intestinal strains of treponemes isolated from pigs, dogs, mice and rats. At all 95 isolates are investigated, within the type strains for Treponema hyodysenteriae serotype 1-4 and Treponema innocens. Reactions with Concanavalin A and the Limulus-polyphemus-Lectin are often seen (twenty lectins used). Three out of four type strains for Treponema hyodysenteriae show an identical pattern of reaction, which is often seen in Treponema strains from dysentery suspected cases, too. Basing on these data a ranging in groups of lectin agglutination is proposed.

Agglutination Tests↗

PubMed1990

[Corynebacterium suis infection in swine. 1. Clinical diagnosis with special consideration of urine studies and cystoscopy].

Experimental and spontaneous infections with Corynebacterium suis in sows were investigated. In early stages animals show no clinical disorders or only for a short time. However, there are already marked changes in urinary samples (hematuria, proteinuria, leukocyturia, gross alterations). Using an endoscope mucosal irritations can be seen mainly on the floor of the bladders. In chronic cases alterations in urine are more pronounced. If a pyelonephritis is present in addition to the cystitis, general signs of illness are evident including anorexia, emaciation, anemia, subnormal body temperature and abortions. Bladders demonstrate an erosive and ulcerative, hemorrhagic cystitis on the whole mucosal surface. Uremia appears only in late stages of the disease.

Animals↗

PubMed1990

[Examination of cattle with respiratory diseases for Mycoplasma and bacterial bronchopneumonia agents].

A total of 247 mycoplasma strains was isolated from 435 lungs, tracheobronchial secretions and nasal swabs originating from cattle with symptoms of bronchopneumonia. Mycoplasma (M.) bovis was found 89 times (36%) and was the most common mycoplasma species in the lungs. M. bovirhinis, M. bovigenitalium, M. spec. and Acholeplasma (A.) laidlawii were isolated 158 times (64%). Among these mycoplasmas M. bovirhinis was the most widespread species (114 isolations). In 55 cases (62%) M. bovis was associated with Pasteurella or Actinomyces (A.) pyogenes. The other mycoplasma species were found in 67 cases (42%) together with these bacteria. Without mycoplasmas Pasteurella and A. pyogenes occurred in 33 of the probes investigated (21%). Beside mycoplasmas Haemophilus (H.) somnus was isolated from 16 of 162 tracheobronchial secretions investigated. The results confirm earlier suppositions that in most of the cases bronchopneumonia of cattle is a multifactorial event, frequently associated with mycoplasmas--especially M. bovis.

Actinomyces↗

PubMed1989

[Fine particles and dust in animal feeds--quantitative and qualitative (fungi, bacteria and LPS) aspects].

Unground feedstuffs like cereals and roughage which are conspicuous by high proportions of finer particles and dust have to be estimated as risky environmental factors due to the accumulation of microorganisms (moulds, bacteria and lipopolysaccharides) and mites in the fines frequently. The dusty fraction in feed samples should be separated by sensorial inspection of feedstuffs (for example by sieves) and has to be looked at (using pocket lens) critically to find out lacks in the hygienic quality of feedstuffs. Dusty qualities of roughage contain high counts of moulds frequently, therefore a mycological investigation is to be recommended for these samples. The feedstuffs may influence the quantity and quality of air dust within the stable as the starch content (similar to the fed diet) indicates. Likewise corresponding LPS contents were measured in feeds and airborne dust of pig stables. Due to the high counts of microorganisms in the dusty fraction of cereals an intensive cleaning procedure for cereals has to be recommended for minimizing the load of germs; a reduced risk for deterioration can be expected. The residues of cleaning processes (combined mechanic/pneumatic procedures) of cereals should not be reutilized in the production of compound feeds by feed manufacturers, the nutritive value is relatively low anyway due to the high ash- and fiber-contents. Potential risks of dusty feedstuffs to animals' health and the influences of mites, moulds and lipopolysaccharides on the development of gastrointestinal and respiratoric disturbances are discussed. Experimental investigations are needed to elucidate the role of inhaled dust--and its content of lipopolysaccharides especially--in the development of respiratory diseases in veterinary medicine.

Animal Feed↗

PubMed1988