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Biomedical subjects

R Ruppanner

Publications and source records attributed to R Ruppanner.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

Antibacterial and antiviral activity of camel milk protective proteins.

Lysozyme (LZ), lactoferrin (LF), lactoperoxidase (LP), immunoglobulin G and secretory immunoglobulin A were extracted from camel milk. The activity of these protective proteins was assayed against Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium and rotavirus. Comparative activities of egg white LZ, bovine LZ and bovine LF are also presented. The antibacterial activity spectrum of camel milk LZ was similar to that of egg white LZ, and differed from bovine milk LZ. Bovine and camel milk LF antibacterial activity spectra were similar. The camel milk LP was bacteriostatic against the Gram-positive strains and was bactericidal against Gram-negative cultures. The immunoglobulins had little effect against the bacteria but high titres of antibodies against rotavirus were found in camel milk. The LP system was ineffective against rotavirus.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

Disease outbreak investigation. Three case studies.

Three case studies of the investigation of outbreaks of disease or deviations from target performance are presented. The first is a study of a mastitis problem in a dairy herd, made evident by increased somatic cell counts. The pattern of the production problem is carefully analyzed and conclusions are reached that indicate an infection with environmental contaminant organisms, thus permitting control measures to be introduced. The second case study is an investigation of an outbreak of neonatal mortality in sheep. Analysis suggests a multiple etiology, with infection by border disease virus predominating. The third case study describes the investigation of foothill abortion in a beef herd in California and demonstrates the use of epidemiologic techniques to try to identify the source of infection in a subgroup of the study population, thus allowing specific control measures to be introduced.

Abortion, Veterinary↗
PubMed1986

Q fever vaccination of sheep: challenge of immunity in ewes.

Adult ewes (17 months of age) were vaccinated against Coxiella burnetii, using a formalin-inactivated whole cell (WC) phase I Henzerling strain vaccine or a chloroform methanol residue (CMR) vaccine. Nineteen pregnant ewes were placed in 3 categories [(i) unvaccinated, (ii) WC vaccine, and (iii) CMR vaccine] and were challenge exposed at approximately the 100th day of gestation with 210,000 plaque-forming units of C burnetii inoculated subcutaneously. Shedding of rickettsiae was measurably reduced, but was not prevented in vaccinated groups, as shown by inoculating ewes' placental tissues, amniotic fluid, and colostrum into mice, as well as by histopathologic lesions of placental tissues. The rickettsiae were shed in the placenta, amniotic fluid, or colostrum in 6 nonvaccinated ewes. In comparison, rickettsiae were detected in placental inoculations from 2 of 6 ewes in the WC vaccine group and 1 of 6 in the CMR group. In contrast to those in the vaccinated ewes, placentitis, high concentrations of rickettsiae in microscopic preparations, and weak lambs were typical for the nonvaccinated ewes.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

Epidemiologic study of toxoplasmosis on a sheep ranch.

An epidemiologic study was done on a ranch in northern California on a flock of ewes that had a history of abortions, mummified fetuses, weak or stillborn lambs, and failure to conceive. Of 56 ewes tested, 33 (59%) had serum agglutinating antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii, with an unusually high proportion of high titers. Over a 2-year-period, reproductive problems were higher (39% to 42%) among the seropositive ewes than among the seronegative ewes (9% to 33%). Of 89 sera received from persons and 7 species of animals on the ranch, 44 (49%) were found to be seropositive to T gondii, including seropositive members of a family of 6. The rancher's wife and teenage daughter, both of whom were involved with lambing, had serum titers exceeding 4,096. Other members of the family not involved with lambing were seronegative by the indirect hemagglutination test. The 2 infected persons are known to have come in contact with placentas, birth fluids, fetuses, and colostrums from these infected ewes.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

Enzyme immunoassay for surveillance of Q fever.

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed to monitor antibodies against Coxiella burnetii among animal populations used in research and teaching facilities. Various antigenic components of C burnetii prepared from phase I and phase II whole cells and commercially available antigens were evaluated. A trichloroacetic acid extract was selected for routine use. There was a linear relationship between the transformed absorbance readings of the ELISA results and microagglutination (MA) titers. Comparison between positive or negative results of the MA test and ELISA gave 98.6% concordance. Using the MA test as the standard, ELISA results were 97.8% sensitive and 100% specific. The efficacy of ELISA was evaluated by testing ruminants with known histories of C burnetii infection. Antibody prevalence was 0 in 117 sheep with no history of C burnetii infection, 22% in 145 naturally infected sheep used for research, and 53% in 115 sheep used for vaccine field trials. Forty-eight percent of 120 dairy cows and 52% of 79 goats from endemically infected herds were seropositive. These results indicate that ELISA should be the test of choice for mass screening and surveillance of animals when Q fever is a suspected biohazard.

Animals↗
PubMed1983

Serologic survey of California wild hogs for antibodies against selected zoonotic disease agents.

Blood samples were collected from trapped or hunter-killed wild hogs (Sus scrofa) in 4 areas of California. Sera were tested for antibodies against 7 zoonotic disease agents. Antibodies against Brucella sp were detected in 21 (15%) of 136 samples. Antibodies against Coxiella burnetii were found in 50% of the collected samples (67 of 135 tested). Of the 135 wild hogs screened for pseudorabies virus, 4 (3%) were seropositive. Leptospira interrogans antibodies were discovered in 118 (87%) of the 136 samples tested. Of the 130 samples screened for antibodies against Mycobacterium avium complex, 111 (85%) were seropositive. Antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii were detected in 17 (13%) of 135 wild hogs. Antibodies against Yersinia pestis were found in 9 (15%) of 59 sera tested.

Animal Population Groups↗
PubMed1983

Initial clinical and immunologic evaluation of a new phase I Q fever vaccine and skin test in humans.

A new phase I Q fever skin test was administered to 74 subjects. Thirty-eight had less than 8 mm and 36 had greater than or equal to 10 mm erythema at 24 hr. Only 14 had circulating antibody. Three skin test-positive and 17 skin test-negative, seronegative individuals subsequently received 6 or 30 micrograms of vaccine in a single dose. All skin test-positive individuals and one skin test-negative individual developed mild local reactions. Seventeen of 18 recipients developed fluorescent antibody to phase II antigen, and five developed positive phase II complement fixation titers. Serial assays of specific lymphocyte proliferation (LT) performed in 15 individuals revealed an increase in phase II LT in nine and an increase in phase I LT in six. All local reactions occurred in individuals with preexisting phase II LT. On the basis of these results, this vaccine and skin-test preparation appear safe, effective, and promising for eventual use in at-risk personnel.

Antibodies, Bacterial↗
PubMed1982

Serologic survey for certain zoonotic diseases in black bears in California.

Black bears (Ursus americanus) from 3 geographic areas of California were tested for antibodies against agents of 6 zoonotic diseases: toxoplasmosis (indirect hemagglutination), Q fever (microagglutination), trichinosis (latex particle agglutination), botulism (passive hemagglutination), leptospirosis (plate agglutination), and plague (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). Of 149 sera tested, 40 (27%) were positive for Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and 25 (17%) had antibodies against Coxiella burnetii. Of 141 bears tested for Trichinella spiralis, 18 (13%) were seropositive, and 19 (15%) of 125 tested had antibodies against the plague organism, Yersinia pestis. Only 2% (2 of 123 tested) had antibodies against Clostridium botulinum. Sera from 129 bears were tested against 4 pools of Leptospira interrogans representing 12 serovars, and 16% of the sera reacted with the pool containing the serovars australis, hyos, and mini georgia.

Animals↗
PubMed1982

Why the dairy industry does not make greater use of veterinarians.

Interviews with 32 large-scale dairy operators in Tulare County, Calif, indicated that as large-scale dairies have replaced smaller dairies, the operator's reliance on the veterinarian as a primary source of advice about a wide range of dairy health management issues has declined. Large dairies require an integrated approach to herd management, ie, herd health, herd management, and production. Dairy operators do not look to veterinarians to provide this integrated approach, instead relying on feed representatives, nutritionists, accountants, and staff of dairy cooperatives. Operators perceive veterinarians as primary providers of clinical services only. As veterinarians have little conflict of interest or vested interest in giving advice about nutrition, proper facility design, and other general management issues, this perception of the veterinarian as a clinician only deprives the dairy operator of an objective appraisal of herd health, management, and production. Changing this perception will require a restructuring of many veterinary medical school curricula, with an emphasis on courses in epidemiology, preventive medicine, herd management, nutrition, and similar courses.

Animal Husbandry↗
PubMed1982

Metabolic and cellular profile testing in calves maintained under feedlot conditions: protein fractions and lactate dehydrogenase isoenzymes--changes over time.

Mean concentrations for total serum protein and serum protein fractions, and mean activities for total lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and LDH isoenzymes were determined in 114 crossbred yearling cattle during a 56-day feeding trial. These values were to be used as predictors of performance (weight gain). The mean total serum protein concentration on day 0 was high (7.27 g/dl), reached a low on days 7 and 14 (6.47 and 6.50 g/dl), and then equilibrated toward the end of the study. The mean concentration for the albumin fraction also reached a low on days 7 and 14 (2.83 and 2.84 g/dl) and then increased, remaining steady until termination of the feeding trial. The alpha-, beta-, and gamma-globulin fractions fluctuated throughout the study. The mean for total LDH activity peaked on day 21 (1,363 IU) and then remained relatively constant through day 56. Mean serum activities for the LDH3 activity peaked on day 7 (27%) and then decreased progressively to day 56 (17%). The overall trend for LDH4 and LDH5 activities seemed to be a steady increase.

Animal Feed↗
PubMed1980

Environmental exposure to Coxiella burnetii: a sero-epidemiologic survey among domestic animals.

The prevalence of agglutinating serum antibodies against Coxiella burnetii, the cause of Q fever in humans, was tested in a hospital population of companion animals and livestock in California during 1973--1975. A sample of stray dogs was also tested. Among the hospitalized animals 346 (48%) of 724 dogs, 7 (9%) of 80 cats, 9 (32%) of 28 cattle and 31 (26%) of 121 horses had antibodies against C. burnetii. Of 316 stray dogs 208 (66%) were seropositive. The overall prevalence of 53% among 1040 dogs tested was comparable to the 63% antibody prevalence found in an earlier survey among coyotes and foxes in wildlife areas of California. When the dog was considered as a sentinel animal for the presence of C. burnetii surrounding household environments, it was hypothesized that the common, low level exposures in the community are similar to those found in more remote wildlife areas.

Animals↗
PubMed1980

Comparison of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with other tests for brucellosis, using sera from experimentally infected heifers.

During an evaluation of H-38 Brucella melitensin vaccine, serum samples were collected from 24 Hereford-Angus heifers (nonvaccinated controls) before exposure and then 11 times between 12 and 102 days after exposure to Brucella abortus strain 2308. Antibody concentrations were determined by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and by standard tube agglutination (STA), 2-mercaptoethanol agglutination (ME), microtitration complement-fixation (MCF), and automated complement-fixation (ACF) tests. The results were compared in terms of concordance, sensitivity, and specificity. Concordance between the ELISA and other tests were 100% (STA), 75.7% (ME), 97.8% (MCF), and 95.2% (ACF). On the 12th day after heifers were exposed, antibodies were detected in 18.2% of the infected heifers by the ELISA and in 11.1% with the STA test, in 0% with the ME test, in 33.3% with the MCF test, and in 44.4% with the ACF test. On the 25th day, ELISA and all serotests (except ME) detected antibodies in all infected heifers. All serum samples from the heifers before exposure were negative.

Agglutination Tests↗
PubMed1980

Metabolic and cellular profile testing in calves under feedlot conditions, using discriminant analysis to identify calves with low potential for weight gain.

Thirty-eight variables were measured in blood samples of 48 calves at the beginning (day 0) of a feed trial. After 56 days, the calves were assigned (according to weight gain) into three groups: high gainers, medium gainers, and low gainers. Discriminant analysis was used on the variables that were measured to classify the calves into three groups. When the mean values for three overlapping groups of 16 calves each were analyzed, blood urea nitrogen data alone correctly classified 68.7% of the low gainers. Overall, correct classification never exceeded 58.3%. When three nonoverlapping groups of nine calves each were used, inorganic phosphate data (used first and alone) correctly classified 66.7% of the low gainers. After seven steps, 81.5% of the animals were correctly classified, including 88.9% of the low gainers. The two-group discriminant analysis identified 78% of the nine lowest gainers, and 90% of the remaining animals were correctly classified.

Animals↗
PubMed1979

Serologic profile of exotic deer at Point Reyes National Seashore.

Serotests were conducted on axis (Axis axis) and fallow (Dama dama) deer at Point Reyes National Seashore to determine their status with respect to nine diseases enzootic to the native black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus) or to resident dairy cattle. In the exotic deer, the proportion of animals that were seropositive included: anaplasmosis, 35%; bluetongue, 48%; brucellosis, 0%; bovine viral diarrhea, 2%; infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, 3%; leptospirosis, 7%; parainfluenza-3, 49%; toxoplasmosis, 8%; and Q fever, 51%. The prevalence of antibodies among a small sample of the black-tailed deer included anaplasmosis, 100%; toxoplasmosis, 29%; and Q fever, 57%. The antibody prevalences in a sample of dairy cattle in the area included anaplasmosis, 19%; toxoplasmosis, 8%; and Q fever, 100%.

Animals↗
PubMed1979

Paratuberculosis in cattle and free-living exotic deer.

Paratuberculosis was studied among dairy cows and exotic deer that shared grazing areas at Point Reyes National Seashore, California. Of the 10 dairy herds tested, 5 (50%) were infected with Mycobacterium paratuberculosis (based on results of fecal culture). Mycobacterium paratuberculosis was cultured from 9 (8.7%) of the 103 bovine fecal samples and from 4 (3.9%) of the 103 bovine rectal mucosa scapings tested. Of 89 fecal samples from 52 axis deer (Axis axis) and 37 fallow deer (Dama dama), 5 (9.6%) and 3 (8.1%), respectively, contained M paratuberculosis. Culture of intestinal necropsy samples from the same deer indicated that 3 (5.8%) of the axis deer and 2 (5.4%) of the fallow deer were infected with M paratuberculosis. The cows were tested for serum antibodies by the complement-fixation test and by radioimmunoassay. Of 95 sera tested by complement fixation, 15 (15.8%) were positive, as were 15 (14.7%) of 102 sera tested by radioimmunoassay. Culture results and serologic test results were compared on a herd basis.

Animals↗