Biomedical subjects

Kai Frölich

Publications and source records attributed to Kai Frölich.

18 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Arcanobacterium bialowiezense sp. nov. and Arcanobacterium bonasi sp. nov., isolated from the prepuce of European bison bulls (Bison bonasus) suffering from balanoposthitis, and emended description of the genus Arcanobacterium Collins et al. 1983.

A taxonomic study was performed on 13 bacterial strains isolated from preputial swabs of European bison (Bison bonasus) bulls suffering from balanoposthitis. The isolates were Gram-positive, non-motile, facultatively anaerobic, diphtheroid-shaped cells. Based on biochemical profiles and BOX-PCR-generated genomic fingerprints, the isolates were grouped into two clusters represented by four and nine strains, respectively. Strains 1(W3/01)T and 2(W106/04)T, selected as representatives of the two clusters, shared 97.2 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity. The highest gene sequence similarities found (95.5-96.4 %) were to Arcanobacterium pyogenes DSM 20630T and Arcanobacterium bernardiae DSM 9152T, demonstrating that the novel strains are members of the genus Arcanobacterium, but are not members of a recognized species. The polar lipid profiles of the two novel strains displayed the major characteristics also found in A. pyogenes DSM 20630T and Arcanobacterium haemolyticum DSM 20595T. Detection of a quinone system with MK-10(H4) as the predominant compound confirmed phylogenetic relatedness of the novel strains to A. pyogenes and separated them from the type species of the genus, A. haemolyticum, which contains MK-9(H4) as the predominant quinone. Results from DNA-DNA hybridizations clearly demonstrated that strains 1(W3/01)T and 2(W106/04)T represent separate species. Based on these data, two novel species of the genus Arcanobacterium are described, for which the names Arcanobacterium bialowiezense sp. nov. [type strain 1(W3/01)T = DSM 17162T = NCTC 13354T] and Arcanobacterium bonasi sp. nov. [type strain 2(W106/04)T = DSM 17163T = NCTC 13355T] are proposed.

Actinomycetaceae↗

PubMed2006

Characterization of equid herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) related viruses from captive Grevy's zebra and blackbuck.

Equid herpes virus 1 (EHV-1) related isolates from a captive blackbuck (strain Ro-1) and Grevy's zebra (strain T965) behaved similarly to EHV-1 and EHV-9 in respect to their host cell range. Restriction enzyme analysis and a phylogenetic tree confirmed that Ro-1 and T965 were identical and more closely related to EHV-1 than to EHV-9. Differences from EHV-1 became obvious firstly, by amino acid alignments revealing two unique substitutions in the gB protein of Ro-1 and T965. Secondly, an EHV-1 type-specific monoclonal antibody did not detect its antigen on Ro-1, T965 or EHV-9 infected cells by immunohistochemistry. The results support the view that Ro-1 and T965 isolates represent a distinct, previously unrecognized species of equid herpesviruses.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2006

Zoo and wildlife medical education: a European perspective.

Europe has a long and distinguished history in veterinary science and education, and it was here that the first professional investigations of pathological conditions in zoo animals took place. However, despite an increasing number of veterinarians working with wildlife, education in zoological and wildlife medicine has only recently become part of formal veterinary training at the undergraduate level. Consequently, current educational opportunities in zoological and wildlife medicine vary widely throughout Europe, both in availability and in composition. The need to establish agreed standards in education across Europe and to foster the mobility of students and teaching staff are reflected by international agreements such as the Bologna Treaty and the ERASMUS-SOCRATES program. Europe is also home to a number of voluntary professional organizations, such as the European Wildlife Disease Association and the European Association of Zoo and Wildlife Veterinarians, that actively promote the inclusion of zoological and wildlife medicine in veterinary education. Zoo and wildlife medicine is currently a veterinary specialization in Europe, but educational opportunities are likely to increase in availability in the future.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Surveillance for prion disease in cervids, Germany.

An active survey on transmissible spongiform encephalopathies was performed from 2002 to 2005 on 4,255 roe deer, 1,445 red deer, and 1,604 fallow deer in Germany. All cervids tested negative. This survey has been the largest in European wildlife and provides no evidence of prion diseases in free-living German cervids.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

An alternative, less invasive blood sample collection technique for serologic studies utilizing triatomine bugs (Heteroptera; Insecta).

The collection of blood samples for serological studies is often stressful for the focus animal. Recently, the use of bloodsucking bugs, such as Dipetalogaster maximus or Triatoma infestans (Reduviidae; Triatominae; Heteroptera), has been suggested as a new and less invasive method for blood collection. To evaluate this technique, we collected paired blood samples from 20 domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) during a study of rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV). For each rabbit, blood samples were collected by the conventional method (needle and syringe from the vena auricularis) and through feeding by D. maximus. Samples were tested for RHDV antibodies using standard test kits at three different dilutions. Antibody titers were identical for 56 paired samples and differed in only four cases. The simple matching indices were 1 for the 1:10 dilution and 0.9 for the 1:100 and 1:1000 dilutions. The major advantages of the new technique are 1) the possibility to obtain blood from animals where veins are inaccessible and 2) the fact that anesthesia of focus animals may not be necessary.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Evidence from nature: interspecies spread of heron hepatitis B viruses.

Heron hepatitis B viruses (HHBVs) in three subspecies of free-living great blue herons (Ardea herodias) from Florida, USA, were identified and characterized. Eight of 13 samples were positive in all assays used, whereas sera from egrets, which are also members of the family Ardeidae, were negative in the same assays. Comparative phylogenetic analysis of viral DNA sequences from the preS/S region of previously reported and novel HHBV strains isolated from captive grey herons (Germany) and free-ranging great blue herons (USA), respectively, revealed a strong conservation (95 % sequence similarity) with two separate clusters, implying a common ancestor of all strains. Our data demonstrate for the first time that different subspecies of herons are infected by HHBV and that these infections exist in non-captive birds. Phylogenetic analysis and the fact that the different heron species are geographically isolated populations suggest that lateral transmission, virus adaptation and environmental factors all play a role in HHBV spreading and evolution.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Epizootiologic investigations of parvovirus infections in free-ranging carnivores from Germany.

To assess if wild carnivores in Germany play a role in the epizootiology of canine parvovirus (CPV) infection, seroprevalences against CPV in free-ranging carnivores (n=1,496) from selected urban and rural areas were compared. Antibodies against CPV were found in sera from red foxes (Vulpes vulpes; 136 of 1,442; 9%), raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonides; two of 33; 6%), stone martens (Martes foina; four of 13; 31%), and pine martens (Martes martes; one of two) using the hemagglutination-inhibition test and pig erythrocytes. Evidence of CPV infection was detected in all study areas. Antibody titers varied between 10 and 320. In red foxes, the number of reactors did not differ between most urban and rural areas. However, we found significantly more reactors in the most densely populated urban area (Berlin). None of 430 tissue samples (small intestine, spleen, mesenterial lymph nodes) from any species tested for the presence of CPV nucleic acid using polymerase chain reaction yielded an amplification product. Based on our results, we believe that contact between domestic dogs and free-ranging red foxes probably plays a subordinate role in the epizootiology of CPV in Germany.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Serologic surveillance for selected viral agents in captive and free-ranging populations of Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx) from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

A total of 294 sera collected between 1999 and 2001 from eight captive and one free-ranging herds of Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx) distributed in Saudi Arabia (SA) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were assayed for antibodies against 13 selected viral agents. Arabian oryx have been exposed to bluetongue virus (BTV), epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV), rinderpest virus (RPV), bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV), bovine adenovirus 3 (BAV-3), cervid herpesvirus-1, foot-and-mouth disease virus, equine herpesvirus 9, and bovine viral diarrhea virus. The high seroprevalence to BTV and EHDV in the UAE and SA indicates that Arabian oryx are likely to be susceptible to infection by these viruses and therefore could act as a source of virus to vectors during the infective stage of infection. Moreover, antibodies were detected against RPV and BRSV in sera from SA and against BAV-3 in sera from the UAE. No antibodies were found against bovine herpesvirus-1, caprine herpesvirus-1, enzootic bovine leucosis virus, and peste des petits ruminants virus. On the basis of these results, caution should be applied when considering translocation of Arabian oryx, and only those proven to be free of infectious agents that might present a risk to other species should be moved.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Antibodies against equine herpesviruses and equine arteritis virus in Burchell's zebras (Equus burchelli ) from the Serengeti ecosystem.

A total of 51 sera from a migratory population of Burchell's zebras (Equus burchelli) were collected in the Serengeti National Park (Tanzania) between 1999 and 2001 to assess levels of exposure to equine herpesvirus types 1, 2, 4, 9 (EHV-1, -2, -4, -9), EHV-1 zebra isolate T965, and equine arteritis virus (EAV). Using virus-specific neutralizing antibody tests, seroprevalence was high for EHV-9 (60% of 45), moderate for EAV (24% of 51), and lower for the EHV-1-related zebra isolate (17% of 41), EHV-1 (14% of 49), and EHV-4 (2% of 50). No evidence for exposure to EHV-2 was found (0% of 51). The high level of exposure to EHV-9 is interesting because evidence of infection with this virus has not been previously described in any wild equine population. Although the epidemiology of EHV-9 in Burchell's zebras is presently unknown, our results suggest that in East Africa, this species may be a natural host of EHV-9, a neuropathogenic virus that was only recently isolated from captive Thomson's gazelles (Gazella thomsoni) in Japan. There is currently no evidence that EHV-9 induced mortality in Burchell's zebras in the Serengeti, but because of the reported virulence of this virus for more susceptible species such as Thomson's gazelles, viral transmission from infected zebras to ungulates may result in mortality.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Absence of antibodies to foot-and-mouth disease virus in free-ranging roe deer from selected areas of Germany (2001-2002).

Blood samples (n = 223) of free-ranging roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) were collected from selected hunting grounds in Germany between October 2001 and October 2002. Samples originated from Lower Saxony (n = 43) and North-Rhine Westphalia (n = 108) within a 20-km area ("cordon") cordoned off along the border of The Netherlands. This is adjacent to the area of a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak that occurred between 21 March and 22 April 2001 in The Netherlands. Negative control samples were taken from northern Germany (Schleswig-Holstein, n = 72). Two different enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) were used for the detection of antibodies against foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) serotype O strain Manisa. To confirm ELISA-positive results, a virus neutralization test was performed. All samples tested negative for antibodies against FMDV. These results suggest that FMDV was not transmitted to free-ranging roe deer living in parts of Germany adjacent to the area affected by the 2001 foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in The Netherlands.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Detection of a newly described pestivirus of Pyrenean chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica pyrenaica) in France.

A pestivirus was detected and characterized in chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica pyrenaica) originating from the French part of the Pyrenees. Phylogenetic analysis of the pestivirus was done on the basis of a fragment from the 5' noncoding region including 22 published nucleotide sequences of different pestivirus strains. Our strain was grouped within the clade of border disease viruses (BDV). However, it had an intermediate position between clade BDV and classical swine fever viruses representing a basal position to BDV strains of domestic sheep. Our strain was grouped as a sister unit to a novel pestivirus (Chamois-1) recently described from chamois in Spain. Therefore, we postulate that this virus occurs in the entire population of Pyrenean chamois. On the basis of the phylogenetic grouping of this isolate, a postulated cross-species transmission of pestivirus from domestic sheep to chamois via shared pastures seems to be unlikely.

5' Untranslated Regions↗

PubMed2003

New hepatitis B virus of cranes that has an unexpected broad host range.

All hepadnaviruses known so far have a very limited host range, restricted to their natural hosts and a few closely related species. This is thought to be due mainly to sequence divergence in the large envelope protein and species-specific differences in host components essential for virus propagation. Here we report an infection of cranes with a novel hepadnavirus, designated CHBV, that has an unexpectedly broad host range and is only distantly evolutionarily related to avihepadnaviruses of related hosts. Direct DNA sequencing of amplified CHBV DNA as well a sequencing of cloned viral genomes revealed that CHBV is most closely related to, although distinct from, Ross' goose hepatitis B virus (RGHBV) and slightly less closely related to duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV). Phylogenetically, cranes are very distant from geese and ducks and are most closely related to herons and storks. Naturally occurring hepadnaviruses in the last two species are highly divergent in sequence from RGHBV and DHBV and do not infect ducks or do so only marginally. In contrast, CHBV from crane sera and recombinant CHBV produced from LMH cells infected primary duck hepatocytes almost as efficiently as DHBV did. This is the first report of a rather broad host range of an avihepadnavirus. Our data imply either usage of similar or identical entry pathways and receptors by DHBV and CHBV, unusual host and virus adaptation mechanisms, or divergent evolution of the host genomes and cellular components required for virus propagation.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

European brown hare syndrome virus in free-ranging European brown hares from Argentina.

From 1998 to 2000, serum samples of 80 shot European brown hares (Lepus europaeus) from Argentina were examined for antibodies against European brown hare syndrome virus (EBHSV) and 80 spleen samples were tested for EBHSV-antigen by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Nine hares were positive for EBHSV-antigen. Antibodies against EBHSV were detected in only one individual. Based on negative staining electron microscopy of spleen homogenates, we observed calicivirus in one of five EBHSV-antigen positive hares. However, EBHS has not been reported to cause abnormal mortality in these hares. This is the first report of antibodies to EBHSV, EBHSV-antigen, and electron microscopy findings in free-ranging European brown hares from South America.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Newcastle disease virus and Chlamydia psittaci in free-living raptors from eastern Germany.

Organ samples from free-living raptors from the federal states of Berlin and Brandenburg in eastern Germany were tested for Newcastle disease virus (NDV; n = 331) and Chlamydia psittaci (n = 39) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In 18 individuals NDV nucleic acids were detected. These samples originated from barn owls (Tyto alba; n = 15, 28%), tawny owl (Strix aluco; n = 1, 5%), common buzzard (Buteo buteo, n = 1, 1%), and European kestrel (Falco tinnunculus; n = 1, 4%). In 29 (74%) of 39 samples C. psittaci was detected. Chlamydia psittaci is common in free-living birds of prey in the investigated area.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Epizootiologic and ecologic investigations of European brown hares (Lepus europaeus) in selected populations from Schleswig-Holstein, Germany.

From 1997-99 European brown hare (Lepus europaeus) population densities were estimated by spotlight surveys within different areas in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. These areas showed a wide variation in local hare population densities. In addition, red fox (Vulpes vulpes) densities were estimated in 1997 by surveys of fox dens and litters. Sera of 321 hares (shot between 1998-2000) from four study areas were examined for antibodies against European brown hare syndrome virus (EBHSV) by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Yersinia spp. (n = 299) and Francisella tularensis (n = 299) by western blotting, Brucella spp. by Rose Bengal test, and Toxoplasma gondii by Sabin-Feldman test (n = 318). Tissue samples comprising lung, liver, spleen, kidney, heart, and adrenal glands were collected for histopathology. Liver (n = 201) and spleen (n = 201) samples were processed for the detection of T. gondii-antigen in tissue sections and 321 liver and spleen samples were investigated for EBHSV-antigen by ELISA. Furthermore, 116 hares were examined macro- and microscopically for lungworms. Significant negative correlations between hare and fox densities were found in spring and autumn 1997. Antibodies against EBHSV were detected in 92 of 321 (29%), against Yersinia spp. in 163 of 299 (55%), and against T. gondii in 147 of 318 (46%) hares. We evaluated the potential influence of origin and hunting season on exposure rates of hares using logistic regression analysis. A strong association between hare densities and exposure rates was observed for various agents. One hundred and eight of 201 (57%) hares were positive for T. gondii-antigen. All sera were negative for antibodies against Brucella spp. and F. tularensis and all lung samples were negative for lungworms. In conclusion, variation in red fox densities may have an impact on the hare populations examined and the infectious diseases we studied seem to play a subordinate role in the dynamics of European brown hare populations from Schleswig-Holstein.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

Virologic investigations of free-living European bison (Bison bonasus) from the Bialowieza Primeval Forest, Poland.

We conducted virologic investigations on postmortem specimens from 261 free-living European bison (Bison bonasus) from the Bialowieza Primeval Forest, Poland collected between 1990 and 2000. Fifty-four of 94 males had balanoposthitis; none of the 167 female bison examined had reproductive tract lesions. Peripheral blood, swabs, and various tissues were analyzed for bovine viruses as well as for viral DNA by bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1) and bovine herpesvirus 4 (BoHV-4) specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. An infectious bovine rhinotracheitis like BoHV-1 strain was isolated from the spleen of a female bison calf and additionally was detected by nested PCR from splenic tissue. None of the bison had significant antibody titers against BoHV-1, bovine herpesvirus 2, BoHV-4, caprine herpesvirus 1, cervid herpesvirus 1, or bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) virus-1. However, low antibody titers in two animals indicate that this European bison population has been exposed to BVD virus or BVD-like viruses and BoHV-2.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

Antibodies to adenoviruses in free-living common buzzards from Germany.

One hundred sixty-seven plasma samples of free-living birds of prey from Berlin and Brandenburg State (Germany) were tested for antibodies against avian adenovirus (FAV, group I) using agar gel precipitation test. Antibodies to FAV were detected in seven (4%) of 167 total samples. The positive samples originated only from common buzzards (Buteo buteo; seven [12%] of 59). This serologic survey provides evidence of natural exposure of free-living common buzzards from eastern Germany to adenoviruses.

Adenoviridae Infections↗

PubMed2002

Antibodies against Mycoplasma bovigenitalium in free-living European bison (Bison bonasus) with balanoposthitis.

Since 1980 severe chronic balanoposthitis has been observed in free-living European bison (Bison bonasus) in the Białowieza Primeval Forest (Poland). Sera of 50 bison with balanoposthitis and 48 clinically healthy male and 49 female bison were investigated for antibodies against Mycoplasma bovis and M. bovigenitalium by western blot analysis. Prevalence of antibodies against M. bovigenitalium was significantly higher in bison with balanoposthitis than in unaffected male bison. Mycoplasma bovigenitalium may play a role in the pathogenesis of balanoposthitis in European bison.

Animals↗