Biomedical subjects

J K Skeeles

Publications and source records attributed to J K Skeeles.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1997

Immune and physiological responses of turkeys with green-liver osteomyelitis complex.

A study of field turkeys was undertaken in order to determine the involvement of relative immunological differences in the etiology of turkey osteomyelitis complex (TOC). Lame and normal turkeys were sampled from commercial flocks just prior to processing in two separate trials. After testing for functions of both humoral and cellular immunity, the turkeys were necropsied and examined for lesions of TOC. There were significantly higher relative spleen and over weights and significantly lower body weights and relative bursal weights in birds with TOC. The birds with TOC had lower response to phytohemagglutinin-P in both in vivo and in vitro tests as well as lower circulating lymphocyte counts and higher monocyte, heterophil, and total white blood cell counts. There was a significantly higher antibody response to sheep red blood cells in turkeys with TOC, whereas antibody response to Salmonella pullorum antigen was not different. There were no significant differences in the percentages of mononuclear cells or heterophils able to phagocytize bacteria or latex particles, or kill bacteria; however, the heterophils from turkeys with TOC lesions did phagocytize significantly fewer latex particles per cell than did those of the healthy turkeys. Total serum protein, uric acid, and blood urea nitrogen levels were higher in birds with TOC, whereas hemoglobin, iron, alkaline phosphatase, and gamma-glutamyl-transferase levels were lower. Although many of the differences in birds with TOC could be caused by the normal host reaction to infection, further study may reveal innate differences that contribute to susceptibility to TOC.

Animals↗

PubMed1997

Effect of the genetic selection of turkeys for increased body weight and egg production on immune and physiological responses.

Selection of poultry for fast growth rate is often accompanied by a reduction in specific immune responses or increased disease susceptibility. In this study, 17-wk-old male turkeys from each of four closed genetic lines, a randombred control (RBC) line and its subline (F) selected for increased 16-wk BW, and another RBC and its subline (E) selected for increased egg production, were tested for in vivo response to toe web inoculation with phytohemagglutinin-P (PHA-P), in vitro response of lymphocytes in whole blood to PHA-P and concanavalin A (Con A), hemolytic complement activity, differential white blood cell counts, hematology, and serum chemistry values. Fifteen male turkeys from each of two commercial lines, Com A and Com B, were also tested. The large-bodied F line birds had a lower toe web response to PHA-P, lower lymphocyte counts, and lower relative spleen weights than their smaller parent line. Body weights, total erythrocyte counts, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels, and in vitro mitogenic response to PHA-P and Con A were higher in the F line birds. Line E had lower hemolytic complement levels, lower relative spleen and relative bursal weights, and a higher in vitro mitogenic response to PHA-P than its parent line. The Com B line had a lower toe web response to PHA-P, and lower serum levels of gamma-glutamyltransferase and bilirubin than Com A. Line Com B had higher total RBC counts and higher levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) than Com A. These results support the concept that some changes in the cell-mediated immune response, as well as other physiological changes that may potentially affect immune response, appear to accompany selection for faster growth.

Alanine Transaminase↗

PubMed1996

Reservoir competence of Alphitobius diaperinus (Coleoptera:Tenebrionidae) for Escherichia coli (Eubacteriales:Enterobacteriaceae).

Larval and adult lesser mealworms, Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer), were found to harbor a Congo red-binding strain of Escherichia coli (Migula) Castellani & Chalmers both on the external surface of their body and internally for 12 d. Thereafter, E. coli was not detected, even though the beetles were exposed continuously to a food source inoculated with the bacteria. Lesser mealworm larvae and adults discharge E. coli bacteria in their feces for up to 6 and 10 d, respectively. However, bacteria were no longer detected in their feces after larvae underwent a single molt to the next larval stage. This indicated there was no transstadial transmission of this strain of E. coli. Consumed infected larvae were found to cause more 1-d-old chicks to have positive cloacal swabs for Congo red-binding E. coli than consumed infected adults. The data indicated that the lesser mealworm may play a role in the direct transmission of E. coli and contribute to the spread of this bacteria in broiler production systems. This may be achieved by beetles being directly consumed by chickens or indirectly by spread of the bacteria throughout the broiler house by lesser mealworm feces.

Animals↗

PubMed1995

Isolation of infectious bursal disease virus from the lesser mealworm, Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer).

Infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) was isolated from adult lesser mealworms, Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer), up to 14 d after exposure, but isolation of the virus was erratic over this period of time. The virus was undetected after 24 h in beetle larvae. Virus was isolated from the adult beetle's mouth parts, foregut, midgut, hindgut, and blood 24 h after they fed on feed inoculated with IBDV. Ten days after exposure, virus was isolated from the foregut but not the blood, mouth parts, or remaining digestive tract of the adult beetles. The adult lesser mealworm is capable of serving as a reservoir for IBDV, rather than a fomite, between broiler growouts.

Animals↗

PubMed1994

Reservoir competence of the lesser mealworm (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) for Salmonella typhimurium (Eubacteriales: Enterobacteriaceae).

The reservoir competence of the lesser mealworm, Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer) is reported for Salmonella typhimurium (Loeffler) relative to broiler chicken production. Salmonella typhimurium was isolated from feces of the adult lesser mealworm at least 28 d after feeding for 24 h on 1 g of chicken feed inoculated with 3 x 10(8) bacteria/ml. All larvae fed S. typhimurium ceased voiding the bacteria in their feces before pupal molt, except one. One beetle continued to void S. typhimurium after it emerged as an adult, providing evidence that transstadial transmission of S. typhimurium may occur. The bacteria were found both on the external body surface and inside the body of surface-sterilized adults and larvae during 16 d of exposure. Salmonella-positive cloacal swabs were obtained from 1-day-old broiler chicks within 24 h after eating one infected lesser mealworm adult or larva.

Animal Feed↗

PubMed1994

Evaluation of the humoral immune response to different antigens in Arkansas Regressor and Progressor chickens.

Arkansas Regressor and Progressor chickens were re-evaluated for their immune response to different antigens. Chickens received i.v. injection of either SRBC (10 birds per line) or Salmonella pullorum (SP; 10 birds per line) at 7 wk of age, and sera were collected at 6, 13, and 20 d postimmunization. A third group of birds (10 birds per line) received and i.m. injection of GAT emulsion at 7 and 12 wk of age, and sera were collected at 10 and 14 wk of age. There were significant differences between the two lines in their humoral immunity to SRBC, SP, and GAT. Such results suggest genetic control of humoral immunity to these antigens in these lines. It is unknown whether humoral immunity to these antigens is correlated to regression of tumors induced by Rous sarcoma virus.

Animals↗

PubMed1994

The effect of microaerosolized hydrogen peroxide on bacterial and viral poultry pathogens.

The effect of microaerosolized H2O2 on bacterial and viral poultry pathogens was investigated. Bacterial cultures and viruses were dried on sterile glass Petri dishes and subjected to direct and indirect 5% (H2O2) microaerosol mist. In the trials using Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, there was complete inactivation following exposure to H2O2. Using Salmonella typhimurium, indirect exposure resulted in only partial inactivation whereas direct exposure to H2O2 gave complete inactivation. For the viruses studied, 5% H2O2 microaerosol mist completely inactivated infectious laryngotracheitis virus. Newcastle disease virus, infectious bronchitis virus, and avian influenza virus showed reduced infectivity but were not completely inactivated. Avian reovirus susceptibility varied with the method of exposure and infectious bursal disease virus was highly resistant. The use of 10% H2O2 mist, however, resulted in total inactivation of infectious bursal disease virus. The effect of 10% H2O2 on equipment and selected materials representative of a hatcher or poultry house was investigated. A solar cell calculator, a thermostat containing a microswitch, and samples of uncoated steel, galvanized steel, and uncoated aluminum were subjected to 10 fumigation cycles. No damage was detected in the calculator and the thermostat. Both the uncoated steel and the galvanized steel showed signs of oxidation. The aluminum did not show signs of oxidation.

Aerosols↗

PubMed1990

The evaluation of chicken spermatozoa using fluorescent staining in a 96-well format.

An efficient method for the evaluation of spermatozoa using the fluorescent stains carboxyfluorescein diacetate and propidium iodide and an automated fluorescence concentration analyzer was adapted for chicken semen. Arbitrary fluorescence units representing either live or dead spermatozoa were strongly correlated with percentage of added dead spermatozoa and with the direct fluorescent microscope counts of live, dead, and damaged cells.

Animals↗

PubMed1990

A survey of infectious diseases in wild turkeys (Meleagridis gallopavo silvestris) from Arkansas.

Wild turkeys (Meleagridis gallopavo silvestris) trapped as part of a relocation program by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission were tested for selected infectious diseases and parasites. The 45 birds were trapped at four locations in Pope, Scott, and Montgomery counties (Arkansas, USA). Forty-four blood samples for serology, 27 blood smears and 12 fecal samples were collected. Of the serum samples tested, 20 of 44 (45%) were positive for Pasteurella multocida by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), 42 of 44 (95%) were positive for Bordetella avium by ELISA, and 15 of 44 (34%) were positive for Newcastle disease virus antibody by the hemagglutination inhibition test. All serum samples were negative for Mycoplasma gallisepticum, Mycoplasma synoviae, avian paramyxovirus 3, avian influenza, hemorrhagic enteritis, Marek's disease, avian encephalomyelitis, laryngotracheitis, Salmonella pullorum and Salmonella gallinarum. Haemoproteus meleagridis was found in eight of 27 (30%) and Leucocytozoon smithi in nine of 27 (33%) blood smears; all smears were negative for Plasmodium hermani. Enteric parasites included Ascaridia dissimilis, Heterakis gallinarum, Eimeria dispersa and Raillietina spp. This study was an attempt to document the health status and disease exposure of wild turkeys in Arkansas to aid in managing and preventing the spread of disease agents to wild turkeys and other species of birds.

Animals↗

PubMed1988

Effects of glycerol on chicken spermatozoa incubated in vitro at 41 C in oviducal and embryonic cell cultures.

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of glycerol on the quality and survival of spermatozoa in an in vitro system at 41 C in the presence of oviducal and other tissue cultures. The motility and percentages of abnormal and dead spermatozoa of glycerolized semen were significantly affected in a positive way by the presence of living cells. The most negative effect of glycerol on semen quality was observed with semen incubated in the tissue culture medium alone. Aspartate aminotransferase activity in the culture fluid revealed a harmful effect of glycerol on spermatozoa and culture cells.

Animals↗

PubMed1987

Effects of diethyldithiocarbamate and structural analogs in mice with systemic candidal infections.

Three different substituted dithiocarbamates: sodium diethyldithiocarbamate (DDTC), sodium dimethyldithiocarbamate (DmDTC), and sodium N-methyl-D-glucamine dithiocarbamate (NMG-DTC) were evaluated for their ability to combat the growth and development of three human pathogenic strains of Candida albicans, in vitro and in vivo, in mice. DDTC and DmDTC produced marked growth inhibition on agar plates, in vitro, of three different strains of Candida albicans, while NMG-DTC displayed little inhibitory effect. Low, nontoxic doses of each compound administered to immunosuppressed mice exhibited impressive therapeutic effects in treating candidiasis. NMG-DTC showed the best consistent therapeutic antifungal effect against Candida albicans in mice immunosuppressed with Solu-Medrol. Combinations of low doses of DDTC and Amphotericin-B appeared to be effective in treating systemic candidal infections, and the results suggested that these combinations may offer therapeutic advantages over those produced by the use of either agent alone.

Amphotericin B↗

PubMed1986

Genetic aspects of antibody responses in chickens to different classes of antigens.

Six breeding groups of chickens, each characterized by a different haplotype of the B blood group system, were challenged with different classes of antigens, namely Newcastle disease vaccine (ND), infectious bronchitis vaccine (IB), infectious bursal disease viral agent (IBD), Salmonella pullorum antigen (P), and sheep red blood cells (SRBC). Parents were challenged at 20 weeks of age, and their offspring were challenged at 3 weeks of age. Blood samples were taken from the parents at 1 week after challenge, and from the offspring at 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks after challenge for determination of antibody titers to each antigen. The offspring were also challenged at 8 weeks of age in the wing-web with Rous sarcoma virus (RSV). Tumor scores were taken weekly on individual chickens for the next 10 weeks. There were significant differences (P less than .01) between breeding groups of parents for antibody titer responses to ND, IB, P, and SRBC. There were significant differences (P less than .05) between the breeding groups of offspring for antibody titer responses to ND, IB, IBD, P, and SRBC. There were significant (P less than .01) differences between the breeding groups in the accumulative tumor scores over the 10-week period. The lines that cause regression of Rous sarcomas (R-lines) were significantly (P less than .01) superior in resisting tumor growth to those lines that allow progressive growth of tumors (Pr-lines). The only antigen to which the R-lines gave significantly (P less than .01) higher titers of antibody responses than the Pr-lines was SRBC.

Alleles↗

PubMed1985

The effect of aflatoxin on complement activity in broiler chickens.

Groups of broiler chickens were fed rations containing .625, 1.25, or 2.5 micrograms total aflatoxin/g of feed from one day to 42 days of age. Treatment groups were segregated according to sex and control groups were maintained. The chickens were bled at 14-day intervals, and serum was collected for assay of total complement (C) activity using a radial hemolytic procedure. No significant differences were found in C titers between males and females of the same age group. For the sexes combined, mean C titers of chickens fed aflatoxin were compared to mean titers of controls. For each age group, significant differences in C titers existed only between the control group and those chickens fed 2.5 micrograms/g aflatoxin. Complement is a major component of the humoral immune response and this study adds to the evidence that aflatoxin can be immunosuppressive to chickens.

Aflatoxins↗

PubMed1985

Evaluation of four disinfectants under poultry grow-out conditions using contact agar sampling technique.

Four commercial disinfectants used in poultry house sanitation procedures were evaluated for efficacy using a specialized petri dish (Rodac plate) for contact sampling. The samples were taken from a variety of surface materials commonly found in poultry rearing facilities. Two media were used, one for bacteria and one for mold. Predisinfection samples were taken following removal of chickens and litter. Postdisinfection samples were taken 4 hr after room treatment with a high pressure spray apparatus. The most effective disinfectant for reducing bacteria colony counts was a product that contained glutaraldehyde. The other products, ranking in order of efficacy for bacteria, contained cresylic acid, iodophors, and a combination of quaternary ammonium compound and formaldehyde. The most effective disinfectant for reducing mold colony counts was the product containing cresylic acid. The other products, ranking in order of efficacy for mold, contained iodophors, the combination of quaternary ammonium compound and formaldehyde, and glutaraldehyde. The most effective overall disinfectant was the cresylic acid product.

Animals↗

PubMed1980

Hemolytic complement activity in broiler chickens and turkeys.

Broiler chickens and turkeys were tested for hemolytic complement (C) activity at 7 or 14 day intervals beginning at one day of age and ending at 42 days of age. The mean titers for chickens on days 1, 14, 28, and 42 were 1:14, 1:14, 1:22, and 1:33, respectively. The mean C titers for turkeys on days 1, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 42 were 1:4, 1:6, 1:9, 1:10, 1:19, and 1:25, respectively. Birds were segregated as to sex so hemolytic activities could be compared. There were no significant differences between sexes in C titers in broiler chickens at any of the ages tested. This was also true of turkeys, except at 42 days of age when the C titer of the hens was significantly higher than the toms. Complement titers increased with age in both broiler chickens and turkeys.

Animals↗

PubMed1980

An age-related coagulation disorder associated with experimental infection with infectious bursal disease virus.

Specific-pathogen-free White Leghorn chickens were inoculated with a field strain of infectious bursal disease virus. One group (A) was inoculated at 17 days after the chicks were hatched, and the other groups (C and E) were inoculated at posthatch day 42. Blood samples were obtained for determination of clotting times (whole blood recalcification, prothrombin, and activated partial thromboplastin times), virus-neutralizing antibody, and total hemolytic complement. There were significant increases in clotting times for groups C and E at 3 and 5 days after they were inoculated. There were no significant increases in clotting times at 3 days after inoculation in the group A chickens (inoculated at 17 days after hatching). There were no significant decreases in total complement activity in any of these chickens (groups A, C, and E). This study indicates that the mortality and clinical symptoms observed in chickens experimentally infected with infectious bursal disease virus may be associated with a clotting abnormality because it was noted only in chickens that developed severe clinical disease (inoculated at 42 days after hatching) and was not noted in chickens that remained clinically normal (inoculated at 17 days).

Age Factors↗

PubMed1979

A rapid and simplified technique for the assay of chicken hemolytic complement.

The technique described is a modification of a qualitative hemolytic radial diffusion technique. The test involves the use of sensitized sheep erythrocytes that have been incorporated into agarose. Tube dilutions were made of chicken serum and samples of each dilution were placed into wells cut in the agarose. The test is quantitative for hemolytic complement in that the highest dilution showing visible hemolysis of sensitized erythrocytes in agarose is determined to be the endpoint for that serum sample. The test as compared with the standard tube assay was determined to be less sensitive by approximately one dilution. The advantages of speed, simplicity, and cost more than offset the decrease in sensitivity of the test.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Viral and bacterial agents associated with experimental transmission of infectious proventriculitis of broiler chickens.

Proventriculitis of broilers can be reproduced by oral inoculation of day-old chicks with a proventricular homogenate from affected 3-wk-old broilers. The objective of the following studies was to isolate from this homogenate viral and bacterial isolates that could produce proventriculitis. A monoclonal antibody to infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) was used to precipitate virus from the homogenate. A primary chicken digestive tract cell culture system was also used to isolate virus from a 0.2-microm filtrate of the homogenate, and a bacterium was also isolated from the homogenate. In trial 1, day-old birds were orally inoculated with either proventriculus homogenate or monoclonal antibody immunoprecipitated IBDV (MAB-IBDV). At 4, 7, 14, and 21 days postinfection (PI), 12 birds from each treatment group were subjected to necropsy. In trial 2, day-old birds were orally inoculated with either infectious proventriculus homogenate, suspect virus isolated in cell culture and propagated in embryo livers and spleens, or a bacterial isolate. Twelve birds from each treatment were subjected to necropsy at days 7, 14, 21, and 28 PI. In trial 3, treatments were maintained in negative pressure isolation chambers, and an additional treatment included virus plus bacterial isolate. Twenty-four birds from each treatment were subjected to necropsy at day 21 PI. In trial 1, infectious homogenate decreased body weight and relative gizzard weights at 4, 7, 14, and 21 days PI. Proventriculus relative weight was increased at days 7, 14, and 21 PI, and proventriculus lesion scores were increased at days 14 and 21 PI. Bursa/spleen weight ratios were decreased at day 14, and feed conversion was increased at days 4 and 21. The MAB-IBDV treatment decreased proventriculus and gizzard relative weights at day 4 PI, increased proventriculus lesion scores and bursa/spleen weight ratios at day 14, and decreased heterophil/lymphocyte ratios at day 21. In trial 2, all infected birds had significantly higher mean relative proventriculus weights at 21 days PI and had higher 4-wk mean proventriculus scores as compared with both control groups. In trial 3, birds treated with homogenate and birds treated with both suspect virus and the bacterial isolate had significantly higher proventriculus lesion scores; higher relative weights of proventriculus, gizzard, liver, and heart; lower body weights; and lower relative bursa weights compared with the saline control group. These studies suggest that infectious proventriculitis has a complex etiology involving both viral and bacterial infection.

Animals↗