Biomedical subjects

S H Binns

Publications and source records attributed to S H Binns.

14 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2005

Molecular evidence of tick-transmitted infections in dogs and cats in the United Kingdom.

PCR analysis was used to determine the prevalence of tick-transmitted infections in 120 systemically ill dogs and 60 cats recruited over a period of three months from 52 veterinary practices in the UK. The animals had not travelled outside the UK and had one or more of the following clinical criteria: acute or recurrent pyrexia, anaemia and/or thrombocytopenia, polyarthritis/muscle pain, splenomegaly/lymphadenopathy, and intraocular inflammation with systemic signs. Blood samples from the animals were tested for the presence of DNA from Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and Anaplasma phagocytophilum by using simple PCR targeting. B. burgdorferi sensu lato was detected in five dogs and two cats, and A. phagocytophilum was detected in one dog and one cat. These results provide the first molecular evidence of naturally occurring B. burgdorferi sensu lato infection in cats in the UK and confirm that A. phagocytophilum infection is present in cats. There were no statistically significant associations between the infections and the clinical signs shown by the dogs and cats.

Anaplasma phagocytophilum↗

PubMed2005

Multiple antimicrobial resistant Salmonella enterica serovar Paratyphi B variant Java in cattle: a case report.

An epidemiological investigation of a calf rearing premises and a closely associated dairy herd was carried out after the isolation of Salmonella enterica serovar Paratyphi B variant Java phage type 3b variant 2 from clinically diseased calves on the premises. The isolate was resistant to ampicillin, chloramphenicol, streptomycin, sulphonamides, tetracyclines, trimethoprim and cefoperazone. The organism was widespread on the calf unit and was also recovered from the dairy premises, mainly from groups of weaned calves. The investigation was extended to 10 epidemiologically linked farms but no S Java was isolated from any of the 40 to 60 samples collected from each premises. Molecular studies showed that the S Java isolates were genetically most similar to isolates from cases of human disease associated with ornamental fish tanks or feed. Long PCR and resistance gene profiling identified a resistance island which was indistinguishable from the human 'fish tank' strain of S Java and animal and human epidemic strains of S Typhimurium DT104. The isolates were clearly distinguished from multi-resistant S Java strains commonly associated with continental poultry. This is the first report of S Java with this resistance pattern in Great Britain.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Use of a PCR assay to assess the prevalence and risk factors for Mycoplasma haemofelis and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' in cats in the United Kingdom.

Blood samples from 426 healthy and sick cats in the UK were tested in a PCR assay for 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' and Mycoplasma haemofelis (basonym Haemobartonella felis). Seventy-two of the cats (16.9 per cent) were positive for 'Candidatus M. haemominutum' alone, six (1.4 per cent) were positive for M. haemofelis alone and one (0.2 per cent) was positive for both. Logistic regression analysis indicated that older male cats were significantly more likely to be infected with 'Candidatus M. haemominutum', but there was no significant association between it and any of the haematological variables measured. M. haemofelis infection was uncommon in the anaemic cats sampled, and there were too few positive cases for multivariable analysis to be performed for M. haemofelis-positive status.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

Postal survey of ovine caseous lymphadenitis in the United Kingdom between 1990 and 1999.

Members of the Sheep Veterinary Society and three terminal sire breed societies (A, B and C) were surveyed to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of ovine caseous lymphadenitis in the UK. In total, 264 veterinary surgeons and 510 farmers responded. Eighteen per cent of the vets had seen at least one case of the disease, and 45 per cent of the farmers had seen abscesses in their sheep. Relatively few farmers had had the cause of the abscesses investigated, but 24 of the 32 flocks that had submitted samples to a laboratory had had the disease confirmed. The incidence of the disease and abscesses increased from 1990 to 1999. The disease was more likely to be investigated in certain breeds and when male sheep had abscesses. Risk factors for the disease included the presence of sheep of breed B in the flock, the presence of half-bred sheep, showing sheep, and the use of shearing contractors. Dipping sheep appeared to be protective.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

Risk factors for lamb mortality on UK sheep farms.

Data on neonatal-lamb mortality and flock history were recorded by veterinary students working on 108 sheep farms in the UK in Spring 1997. The mean reported mortality incidence risk was 10.0% (median 9%; inter-quartile range 5.9-12.3%). The outcomes were incidence risks of stillbirth, perinatal (within 24h of birth) mortality and postnatal (>24h after birth) mortality. Exposures were screened for univariable associations with mortality risk. Logistic binomial multiple regressions adjusted for confounding, with farm as a random effect. This study has raised hypotheses for management factors associated with lamb mortality that warrant further study. Intensive rearing systems appear to be associated with increased perinatal and postnatal mortality, although housing ewes at lambing was associated with a decreased risk of stillbirth. High perinatal mortality also was associated with poor mothering-pen hygiene, flocks that foster more lambs, and failure to provide appropriate nursing for sick lambs. Larger flocks, poor ewe condition at breeding, and flocks with higher ewe-replacement rates were associated with higher postnatal mortality.

Animal Husbandry↗

PubMed2002

The 2001 foot and mouth disease epidemic in the United Kingdom: animal welfare perspectives.

The management of the foot and mouth disease (FMD) epidemic which occurred in the United Kingdom (UK) in 2001 resulted in widespread animal welfare problems. These problems arose firstly because of the large numbers of animals slaughtered to bring the epidemic under control, which meant that the conditions under which animals were slaughtered and the manner in which this was carried out often breached regulations concerning welfare at slaughter. Secondly, the restrictions imposed on movements, especially animal movements, resulted in what appeared to be readily avoidable difficulties with livestock dying from, for example, food shortages and pregnant animals giving birth under unsuitable conditions. This brief review is based on the personal experiences of the authors as well as relevant observations and reports from a variety of sources.

Animal Welfare↗

PubMed2000

Antibiotic susceptibility of canine Bordetella bronchiseptica isolates.

The antimicrobial sensitivities of 78 recent (1995-1998) canine isolates of Bordetella bronchiseptica from 13 separate sources were determined. Minimum inhibitory concentrations were assessed using the E-test method or by agar dilution. All 78 isolates were sensitive to tetracycline, doxycycline, enrofloxacin, and amoxycillin/clavulanic acid; the majority were sensitive to ampicillin (63/78; 81%), trimethoprim (57/78; 73%), and sulphadiazine (63/78; 81%). Plasmids were detected in 14 out of the 24 isolates tested. There was no correlation between the presence of plasmids and antibiotic resistance, but there was some correlation between the presence of plasmids and the origin of the isolates. Three sizes of plasmid were found: 20, 14, and 5.5 kb. Eight of the isolates contained all three plasmids, the remainder one or two, Thirteen isolates demonstrated beta-haemolysis, of which six produced a soluble haemolysin. Except for one isolate, haemolysin production correlated with plasmid carriage. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis showed that all except one isolate could be grouped in the same genotype. Within this genotype isolates could be divided into three subtypes, generally corresponding to their place of origin.

Amoxicillin-Potassium Clavulanate Combination↗

PubMed2000

A study of feline upper respiratory tract disease with reference to prevalence and risk factors for infection with feline calicivirus and feline herpesvirus.

A cross-sectional survey of a convenience sample of cats was carried out to determine the prevalence of and risk factors for respiratory tract disease, feline calicivirus (FCV) infection and feline herpesvirus (FHV) infection. Seven hundred and forty cats were studied; samples for isolation of FCV and FHV were obtained from 622 (84%). Data on individual cat and household variables were obtained by questionnaire for each cat and analysed using univariable and logistic regression analysis. Thirty-eight percent (282/740) of cats surveyed had respiratory tract disease. Eighteen of 24 predictor variables were found to be significantly (P<0.05) associated with the presence of respiratory tract disease in a cat on univariable analysis. Following logistic regression, several factors retained significance including isolation of FCV and FHV, younger cats (4-11 months of age) and multiple cat households. A negative association was found with breeding catteries and other types of household in comparison with rescue catteries. Overall, feline calicivirus was isolated from 162/622 (26%) of cats sampled; 33% of the cats with respiratory tract disease were FCV positive compared to 21% of healthy cats. Variables significantly associated with FCV isolation on logistic regression were the presence of respiratory tract disease and contact with dogs with and without respiratory tract disease. Feline herpesvirus was isolated from 30/622 (5%) of all cats sampled; 11% of cats with respiratory tract disease were FHV positive compared to 1% of healthy cats. Variables significantly associated with FHV isolation on univariable analysis included age, gender, and the presence of respiratory tract disease. Vaccination showed a negative association. Logistic regression analysis of the data for FHV was limited by the sample size and the low prevalence of FHV.

Age Factors↗

PubMed1999

Prevalence and risk factors for feline Bordetella bronchiseptica infection.

A cross-sectional survey of a convenience-sample of 740 cats was undertaken to obtain an estimate of the prevalence of Bordetella bronchiseptica infection, and to identify risk factors that might predispose them to the infection. Data on individual cats and household variables, including disease status and animal contacts were obtained by questionnaire. B bronchiseptica was isolated from 82 (11 per cent) of the cats sampled. The prevalence of B bronchiseptica varied with the type of household sampled, being 19.5 per cent in rescue catteries, 9 per cent in breeding catteries, 13.5 per cent in research colonies, and 0 per cent in household pets. On the basis of a univariable analysis, 19 of 29 predictor variables were found to be significantly associated with the isolation of B bronchiseptica, including an association with cats in rescue catteries, and with cats from premises with larger numbers of animals. Separate analysis of the rescue cattery subpopulation showed a highly significant association on multivariable analysis with current respiratory disease, suggesting that different risk factors may operate in this type of environment. In the whole sample there was also strong association with cats from households containing a dog with recent respiratory tract disease. The clinical signs observed in the B bronchiseptica-positive cats included sneezing, ocular and nasal discharges and coughing, although only the association with sneezing was statistically significant. There was no significant association between the isolation of B bronchiseptica and the isolation of respiratory viruses, suggesting that in some circumstances B bronchiseptica may be able to cause disease independently.

Analysis of Variance↗

PubMed1999

Bordetella bronchiseptica infection in the cat.

Feline Bordetella bronchiseptica infection had received little consideration until recent years when it has been increasingly documented in association with respiratory disease. This article reviews current knowledge on the organism; its epidemiology, pathogenesis, and clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic features.

Animals↗

PubMed1998

The use of pulsed-field gel electrophoresis to examine the epidemiology of Bordetella bronchiseptica isolated from cats and other species.

A collection (164) of isolates of Bordetella bronchiseptica made predominantly from cats (132) but also from dogs (15), pigs (12) and other species was examined by pulsed field gel electrophoresis following macrorestriction digestion with XbaI. Each isolate was analysed twice and the patterns were entirely reproducible. The isolates fell into 17 different strains (> 3 bands different) and within strains there were numerous subtypes. Feline isolates fell into 12 of the 17 strains. In general, cats housed together had similar or identical strains and subtypes of B. bronchiseptica. There was no difference in the PFGE patterns of isolates made from carrier cats and those from cats with respiratory disease. Isolates from pigs and dogs were in general similar to the feline isolates and there was no great evidence for species specificity. The PFGE pattern of feline and canine isolates were more related to whether the animals were housed together rather than whether they came from dogs or cats.

Animals↗

PubMed1997

Antimicrobial susceptibility of Bordetella bronchiseptica isolates from cats and a comparison of the agar dilution and E-test methods.

One hundred and fifty-two predominantly feline isolates of Bordetella bronchiseptica were tested for their susceptibility to seven antimicrobial agents using an agar dilution method. The majority of isolates tested by the agar dilution method were resistant to trimethoprim (MIC90 500 micrograms/ml) and ampicillin (MIC90 > 32 micrograms/ml) but sensitive to tetracycline, doxycycline and enrofloxacin (MIC90 2 micrograms/ml for all three agents). The isolates showed a spectrum of susceptibility to sulphadiazine and clavulanate potentiated amoxycillin. The MIC's of twenty-nine of the 152 isolates were then compared for five of the antimicrobial agents using the E-test (AB Biodisk, Sweden), a recently introduced method for measuring the MIC's of antimicrobial agents based on the diffusion of a pre-defined antibiotic gradient from a plastic strip. Comparisons with the E-test demonstrated an overall agreement (+/- 1 log2 dilution) with the agar dilution method of 79.4% and an agreement within +/- 2 log2 dilutions of 96.2%.

Agar↗

PubMed1997

Characterization of antibiotic resistance plasmids from Bordetella bronchiseptica.

Of 52 antibiotic-resistant Bordetella bronchiseptica isolates from cats, ten carried plasmids. Only two of these plasmids, pLV1400 and pLV1401, were self-transmissible to Escherichia coli K12; both plasmids encoded resistance to ampicillin, tetracycline, sulphonamides, streptomycin and mercuric chloride, and were of incompatibility group P (IncP). Transferable tetracycline resistance has not been reported in B. bronchiseptica previously. The plasmids were identical in size (c.51 kb), restriction endonuclease digestion pattern and gene sequences (trfA and korA) within the IncP replicon. The trfA and korA sequences differed from those of the archetypal IncP plasmids RP4 and R751. Although the two B. bronchiseptica isolates were from epidemiologically and geographically separated cats, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis of their XbaI- or DraI-digested chromosomal DNA indicated that they were genotypically identical. The plasmid-encoded ampicillin resistance was mediated by a penicillinase of molecular weight 49,000, and pI 8.45 which was inhibited by clavulanate (IC50 = 0.1 mg/L) and tazobactam (IC50 = 0.42 mg/L) but not by parachloromercuribenzoate or EDTA. The high-level tetracycline resistance was mediated by a class C efflux mechanism that has not been described previously in this genus. The presence of transferable multi-drug resistance on a promiscuous plasmid may limit options for therapy of respiratory tract infection in companion and farm animals.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Doppler ultrasonographic, oscillometric sphygmomanometric, and photoplethysmographic techniques for noninvasive blood pressure measurement in anesthetized cats.

Blood pressure (BP) measurements obtained using 3 indirect BP measuring instruments, a Doppler ultrasonic flowmeter, an oscillometric device, and a photoplethysmograph, were compared with direct arterial pressure measurements in 11 anesthetized cats. The standard deviation of the differences (SDD) between direct and indirect pressure measurements were not significantly different from each other (P < .01), and ranged from 10.82 to 24.32 mm Hg. The high SDD values indicate that indirect BP estimates obtained with all these devices must be interpreted cautiously in individual patients. The mean errors (calculated as the sum of the differences between direct and indirect pressure measurements divided by the number of observations) of the 3 indirect devices were significantly different for systolic (SAP), diastolic (DAP), and mean (MAP) arterial pressures (P < .05). The Doppler and photoplethysmographic devices had the highest overall accuracy, as indicated by mean error values of less than 10 mm Hg. Correlation coefficients varied from .88 to .96 for the Doppler flowmeter, and from .85 to .94 for the photoplethysmograph; for both devices, the regression line slopes were close to unity. The Doppler flowmeter detected a pulse under all experimental conditions. The photoplethysmograph was also efficient in obtaining BP measurements, obtaining over 90% of SAP, DAP, and MAP readings attempted. The oscillometric device was the least accurate, with mean error values varying from 10 to 22 mm Hg. Correlation coefficients were high (.90 to .94) for this device, but the slopes of the regression lines were 0.7 to 0.8, indicating a trend for increased error at higher BP. The oscillometric device tended to underestimate BP by increasing amounts as the BP increased. The oscillometric device was the least efficient device for obtaining BP measurements (P < .01).

Analysis of Variance↗