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Biomedical subjects

K H Waldmann

Publications and source records attributed to K H Waldmann.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2003

Studies on the effect of specific egg antibodies against Escherichia coli infections in piglets.

The effect of chicken egg powder enriched with immunoglobulins specific for rotavirus antigen and fimbrial adhesions F4, F5, F6 of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) (Globigen 66 S, Lohmann Animal Health, Cuxhaven, Germany) was studied in 465 sucking piglets on a commercial farm. Half of those piglets were given Globigen 66 S as an additive to milk replacer from day 2 until day 12 of life in addition to sows' milk. These piglets showed a higher intake of milk replacer and a lower prevalence of diarrhoea on days 2 and 3 of life. Statistical evaluation showed, that the effect of sows' milk on the duration of diarrhoea and on piglet weight gains was more pronounced than the effect of Globigen 66 S. Anti-ETEC F4-antibody-activities were measured using an indirect ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). There was an inverse relationship between the intensity of diarrhoea and colostral antibody-activity (r = -0.2). Comparison of binding affinities of avian and porcine antibodies for F4 showed only a limited common spectrum of epitopes, so, in all probability, they might complement each other in the intestine.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

[Keeping sows outdoors during the winter season].

During the last decade the number of outdoor breeding pig units increased in Northern Europe. With comparable results in reproduction and up to 70 per cent lower capital outlays in relation to the conventional indoor systems the interest of farmers in outdoor breeding grew also in Germany. There are a number of issues that are specific to outdoor systems that need to be considered during winter season.

Animal Husbandry↗
PubMed2003

[Housing- and management-specific effects on the health of swine].

Important diseases with regard to inadequate housing and management conditions in pig production are given. Typical examples like claw lesions, cannibalism and infectious factorial diseases are described. Beside negative factors of pig housing and management which are of particular pathogenic importance some aspects of disease control and herd health are listed finally.

Animal Husbandry↗
PubMed2003

[Outlook for control of current zoonoses in swine--an issue on consumer health protection].

With the development of a uniform European strategy for the control of zoonoses the European Commission has placed the main emphasis on the protection of consumer health. This direction is clearly marked by the White Paper on Food Safety and the attached proposals for directives and regulations. The present article considers the peculiarities of the epidemiological situation of the agents Campylobacter spp. and Yersinia enterocolitica in pork production. The situation of zoonoses in Europe is used as an opportunity to present the distinctive characteristics of these agents, results of epidemiological studies available, and the risk to consumer health in light of the literature. For the approaching transfer of the responsibility for food safety to the primary producers, i.e. the farmers, the most interesting data concern the prevalence, distribution and risk factors. But as there is a strong need for clarification of further questions about the main ways of entry of these agents on farms and into the production chain before a successful preventive strategy can be developed on pig farms, these issues are considered in more detail here.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

[CO2-stunning of slaughter pigs: effects on EEG, catecholamines and clinical reflexes].

Investigations were carried out on the response of slaughter pigs to CO2 stunning with two different gas concentrations (80 vol%, 90 vol%, 73 s) under practical conditions in a one gondola-dip-lift system. EEG measurements were performed and blood constituents such as catecholamines (adrenaline, nor-adrenaline) and lactate as well as clinical reactions (nasal septum and corneal reflex, heart beats) investigated. Special EEG-electrodes were adapted for the measurement on pigs and a mobile data logger was prepared for the use in the lairage of the slaughter house and in the stunning unit. The CO2 concentrations were measured continuously close to the head of the pigs when transported up and down in the stunning gondola. The results show that the technique is suited to monitor the effects of different CO2 gas concentrations on the EEG of the pigs under practical conditions. There is strong evidence that CO2 concentrations of 80 vol% applied over 70 s as required by law are not sufficient to stun pigs properly. A large part of the animals still showed typical reflexes when leaving the stunning pit. When an atmosphere of 90 vol% CO2 is applied, most animals are already dead before bleeding commences. This may create problems in respect to meat hygiene. The blood analysis revealed very high concentrations of catecholamines after stunning. The values for adrenaline and nor-adrenaline in the sticking blood rose by a factor of about 1000 as compared to the concentrations in blood samples taken in the lairage before stunning. It seems necessary to revise the current legislation on gas stunning and to look in greater detail in the effects of CO2 stunning on the welfare of slaughter pigs.

Abattoirs↗
PubMed2001

[Autologous subretinal transplantation of cultivated porcine iris pigment epithelial cells (IPE)].

BACKGROUND: Subretina transplantation of epithelium may be a therapeutic option for surgical treatment of age-related macular degeration (AMD). Various experimental data have demonstrated that homologous transplantation of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) can prevent photoreceptor deterioration. However, most investigators experienced immunogenic graft rejection when using homologous pigmented cells for grafting. Autologous cells were soon considered as an alternative for subretinal grafting. Particularly iris pigment epithelium (IPE) appeared suitable to replace homologous RPE for it embryogenetic similarity and its simple availability. Recent studies have shown, that IPE is capable of taking over functions of RPE in maintaining retinal metabolism. the purpose of this study was to evaluate if autologous IPE cells would survive when being transplanted subretinally. In addition, immunogenic reponses to the presence of "foreign" iris pigment cells needed to be excluded. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Iris tissue was obtained by peripheral iridectomy in the anesthetized pig. Sheets of pigment iris epithelium were separated from the specimens and transferred into tissue culture. After the cells had been grown to confluency, cell suspensions were injected into the subretinal space of the donor animal's fellow eye. After 4 weeks, the grafted eye was enucleated and examined histologically.. RESULTS: The histological exam revealed that the graft cells had survived in the subretinal space. No evidence of immunogenic rejection was observed. CONCLUSION: Autologous IPE-cells can survive in the host's sub-retinal space without creating inflammatory reactions. Transplanted IPE appears to interact with photoreceptor outer segments.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

[Investigations on Brachyspira--diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in swine dysentery].

The infectious agent of swine dysentery, Brachyspira (Br.) hyodysenteriae, seems to be widespread in German pig herds. Due to different reasons the eradication is increasingly difficult. Not only the success of therapeutic procedures but also the possibilities of diagnostics are unsatisfactory. Although only the bacteriological investigation of faeces or intestinal probes by culture techniques allows the typing of Brachyspira strains and the testing of drug resistance, however, the rate of false negative results is relatively high. In comparison with the cultural method an easy, prompt and cheap immunofluorescent test (IFT) resulted in a good sensitivity (90%). The higher rate of negative results by culture techniques can not be attributed to a lower specificity of the IFT, but to an insufficient transport of samples to the laboratory. The IFT therefore has to be considered as a valuable supplement to the cultural diagnostic of Br. hyodysenteriae. It is absolutely necessary to establish strategies in eradication of swine dysentery which result in pig breeding herds free of Br. hyodysenteriae. Only weaner pigs which are reliable free of this germ guarantee a fattening period sufficiently free of swine dysentery. The principles of different measures in effective eradication are described.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

[Clinical and laboratory diagnostic findings in chronic pleuropneumonia of swine].

In the course of an experimental study 12 pigs were infected intrabronchially with the pathogen of infectious porcine pleuropneumonia, Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae. All animals survived the acute stage of infection due to the application of subtherapeutic doses of antibiotics. After infection all of the animals showed clinical signs of acute pneumonia with an elevation of body temperature to about 41 degrees C. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was taken every week endoscopically. An increase of neutrophil granulocytes could be observed at day 7 and 14 after infection. In parallel, a clear granulocytosis and a shift to the left of the nuclei was observed at day 7. Comparing the methods for detection of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serological assays like the complement-fixation assay (CFA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) as well as immunofluorescence in lung tissue and BALF were more sensitive than cultural isolation from lung tissue, tonsils and BALF.

Actinobacillus Infections↗
PubMed1997

[Investigations on clinical diagnosis and pathogenesis of otitis media et interna in swine].

A total of 25 pigs with a head tilt as clinical sign of otitis media et interna were examined. The majority were weaner-pigs with respiratory tract disorders. In lateral and ventrodorsal radiographic views of the bulla tympanica, there was an increased opacity, often accompanied by marginal destruction or thickening of the bulla wall. The findings confirmed the clinical diagnosis in each affected pig. In the case of leptomeningitis an examination of the cerebrospinal fluid revealed a drastic increase in the cell count. In 20 of 23 microbiologically examined empyemic bullae a polyinfection was seen. The results indicate that the route of infection of the middle ear is by the auditory tube. Mange on the other hand plays only a minor role in the pathogenesis of otitis media.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

[Causes of pre- and perinatal piglet loss].

The main part of the extensive embryonic losses in swine is usually attributed to endogenous regulatory processes. Beyond that a lot of endogenous and exogenous noxae can induce embryonic and fetal death. 60-80% of the preweaning mortality occur during the perinatal period, i.e. the time direct before farrowing until the third day of life. Aetiology, which generally is due to noninfectious causes, and clinical symptoms of perinatal mortality are described.

Abortion, Veterinary↗
PubMed1993

[Clinical laboratory diagnosis in swine practice].

Necessity and facilities of clinical laboratory diagnostics in veterinary swine practice are discussed. The selection of suitable tests with regard to diagnostic relevance and reliability is pointed out. Typical test features (sensitivity and specificity) as well as disease dependent parameters (prevalence, positive or negative predictive value) are presented and illustrated by means of urinary tract infections in sows. It is concluded that a specific selection of tests and probands closely related to diagnosis is more successful than the use of unspecific multi-analysing procedures (profile tests).

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↗
PubMed1992

[Provision and measures for sanitation in piglet breeding operations with latent swine dysentery].

The eradication and control of swine dysentery in breeding or farrow-to-finish herds require comprehensive knowledge about the epidemiology, pathogenesis and immunology of this typical multifactorial disease. Based upon this background information, the characteristics of chemotherapy, immunoprophylaxis and other necessary concomitant measures are described. The objectives of the eradication and control schemes should be the production of Treponema-free weaner pigs and a long-term prevention of reinfections.

Animal Husbandry↗
PubMed1991

[Creatinine clearance as the foundation for clinical determination of kidney function in swine].

Comparative examinations of renal function using inulin- and endogenous creatinine-clearance tests in 5 pigs showed nearly identical values of glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Based on this relation 79 healthy pigs, weighting 2 kg to 230 kg were investigated using the creatinine-clearance test for determination of normal values of GFR and urine flow rate (Vu) as well as renal excretion (E), renal clearance (Clr) and fractional excretion (FE) of urea, sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, glucose and lactate. The renal excretion of creatinine (E-Creat) was closely correlated with the body weight. Therefore it is possible to use the body weight for estimation of E-Creat and to calculate GFR and Vu using plasma and urine concentrations of creatinine independent of a timed volumetric urine collection. Subsequently E, Clr and FE of electrolytes or other endogenous substances can be evaluated. Finally the practicability of this procedure for detection of disturbed glomerular filtration or tubular reabsorption was demonstrated in piglets suffering from colidiarrhoea and/or transmissible gastroenteritis.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

[Pathomorphologic course study in fattening pigs after olaquindox poisoning].

In an investigation over five months the adrenal toxic effect of the quinoxaline derivate olaquindox in pigs of different ages (10 and 16 weeks) after accidental feeding of a 15-fold overdosage of olaquindox is demonstrated. The substance induced clinical and hematological changes comparable with Addison's disease. A reduced gain of body weight was observed, predominant hematological findings were a hyperkalemia and a hyponatremia, which reversed to normal values after 17 weeks in the younger group and after 14 weeks in the older group. Whereas five weeks after the first intake of the feed, degenerative changes of the zona arcuata were most prominent, a destructive fibrosis and a reduction of the adrenal cortex were more marked 12 and 13 weeks later. Due to the loss of aldosterone the electrolyte imbalances led to degenerative changes in the skeletal muscles and in the myocardium. Pigs of younger age were more affected than elder ones. Subcapsular cells with basophilic nuclei resembling normal cells of the zona arcuata appear 18 to 22 weeks after the first overdosage of olaquindox and are suggestive in combination with normal electrolyte values of a regeneration of the zona arcuata.

Adrenal Glands↗
PubMed1990

[Comparative studies of the clearance of inulin and creatinine in swine].

Endogenous creatinine clearance was determined in 5 healthy female pigs of different body weight simultaneously to the clearance of inulin. The average creatinine clearance (3.74 +/- 0.57 mg/min/kg) has been found to be 7% higher than inulin clearance indicating some tubular secretion of creatinine. However, since this difference was not significant, the endogenous creatinine clearance is a practicable method for the measurement of glomerular filtration rate in swine. Data of creatinine concentration in plasma and of creatinine excretion showed close relationships to the body weight. It is discussed, whether the glomerular filtration rate can be predicted from the creatinine concentration in plasma and creatinine excretion, which might be estimated from the body weight without quantitative urine collection.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

[Progression and control of leptospirosis in a sow herd].

After a short review about etiology, epidemiology, clinical symptoms, diagnosis and therapy of leptospirosis the course and therapy of an acute leptospirosis outbreak in a breeding herd with nearly 240 sows is described. The microscopic agglutination test (MAT) served for diagnosis and was most reliable for estimation the actually stage of infection when used twice with an interval of several weeks. As causative agent serovar L. pomona was identified, whereby cross-reactions were seen to serovars L. grippotyphosa, L. bratislava and L. copenhageni. Therapy of all animals with Terramycin/LA (Pfizer) at three times with intervals of five days and doses of 20 mg oxytetracycline/kg b.w. distinctly reduced the incidence of abortion and stillborn or mummified pigs. Local irritations, relative to the intramuscular administration of oxytetracycline, mostly were low-graded and temporary. For the next months acute infections could not be registered. Probably due to infections from leptospires-reservoirs, maintained by numerous existing mice and puddles on the pasture-ground, leptospirosis occurred again six months later. Only another antibiotic therapy of the whole herd and simultaneous eradication of rodents as well as closing the pasture led to a long-termed control of leptospirosis in this herd.

Animals↗