RESUMEN
Ten of 12 red-bellied short-necked turtles from a single clutch presented at 9 months of age with multiple white to tan nodules on their feet. Histologically, the nodules were composed of large periarticular deposits of mineralized crystalline material that extended into the joint spaces of interphalangeal joints and was surrounded by granulomatous inflammation and fibrosis. Crystallographic analysis determined the material to be apatite (calcium phosphate hydroxide) consistent with the tumoral calcinosis form of hydroxyapatite deposition disease (HADD). HADD has previously been described in aquatic turtles and rarely lizards and must be differentiated from gout in reptiles. A cause for the tumoral calcinosis lesions in these turtles could not be determined; however, based on previous reports in this species, a species-specific predilection, in conjunction with unknown environmental factors, is suspected. The use of the terms HADD, pseudogout (calcium pyrophosphate crystal deposition disease), and calcinosis circumscripta has been inconsistent, creating confusion in the literature.
Asunto(s)
Apatitas/química , Calcinosis/veterinaria , Enfermedades del Pie/veterinaria , Tortugas , Animales , Calcinosis/patología , Calcio/sangre , Pirofosfato de Calcio/metabolismo , Cristalografía/veterinaria , Durapatita/metabolismo , Femenino , Fibrosis/patología , Fibrosis/veterinaria , Pie/patología , Enfermedades del Pie/patología , Masculino , Fósforo/sangre , Piel/patología , Especificidad de la Especie , Ácido Úrico/sangreRESUMEN
The value profiles of 5 intracellular enzymes, 15 metabolites (with 2 associated ratios), and 3 electrolytes were monitored over time in 9 captive-reared African black-footed penguins (Spheniscus demersus) with different avian malaria clinical status: uninfected, subclinically infected, and clinically infected with fatal outcome. Fatal infections were caused by Plasmodium relictum. Numerous schizonts were visible in the lungs, liver, spleen, and interstitial tissue of the kidneys. The reference ranges of 23 serum clinical chemistry parameters and 2 ratios were established for S. demersus. The mean values obtained for 8 of 23 parameters of the infected penguins were significantly different from those recorded for the uninfected birds, indicating impaired renal function, hepatic dysfunction, and nonspecific tissue damage related to the infestation with exoerythrocytic schizonts. Analysis of sensitivity, specificity, and negative and positive predictive values (PPVs) showed that gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGTP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and creatinine reached PPVs and a specificity over 57% for avian malaria infections in penguins. Creatinine, ALT, and GGTP values should be consulted in evaluation of the clinical malaria status of S. demersus.
Asunto(s)
Malaria Aviar/sangre , Alanina Transaminasa/sangre , Fosfatasa Alcalina/sangre , Animales , Aves/sangre , Aves/parasitología , Creatinina/sangre , Lipoproteínas VLDL/sangre , Malaria Aviar/diagnóstico , Fosfatos/sangre , Plasmodium/aislamiento & purificación , Valores de Referencia , Sensibilidad y Especificidad , Triglicéridos/sangre , Ácido Úrico/sangre , gamma-Glutamiltransferasa/sangreRESUMEN
Antibody responses to naturally acquired Plasmodium relictum and P. elongatum infections, blood parasitemia, and disease signs were investigated in 23 naive juvenile African black-footed penguins (Spheniscus demersus). Anti-Plasmodium spp. immunoglobulins were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using P. falciparum antigens. All birds rapidly developed antibody to P. relictum and P. elongatum. Five penguins showed detectable parasitemia and signs of the disease. Parasitemia was not related to the timing of the maximal antibody response or to the antibody titer. Two of the five parasitemic birds died and gross examination revealed splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, and congested, edematous lungs. Although the other 17 birds were clearly exposed to the disease, none showed signs of infection. No subsequent episode of parasitemia was observed in individual penguins. A comparison of the fate of 1993 penguins with those from other years showed a great variability in the proportion of birds exhibiting signs of malaria.
Asunto(s)
Malaria Aviar/inmunología , Animales , Animales de Zoológico , Anticuerpos Antiprotozoarios/biosíntesis , Anticuerpos Antiprotozoarios/sangre , Aves , Malaria Aviar/parasitología , Malaria Aviar/transmisión , Masculino , Parasitemia/inmunología , Parasitemia/veterinaria , Plasmodium/inmunología , Factores de TiempoRESUMEN
Standard epidemiologic methods were used to determine the prevalence and risk factors for iron deficiency at weaning in 143 weanling rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) raised indoors at the California Primate Research Center, Davis, CA. Maternal, infant, and management factors were investigated. Prevalence of iron deficiency anemia was 19%, as defined by mean corpuscular volume less than or equal to 66 femtoliters. It was found that animals raised entirely or partially in the nursery had less iron deficiency than dam-reared offspring. Results also suggest multiparous dams were more likely to have iron-deficient weanlings than primiparous dams. These results were discussed in relation to human and nonhuman primate pediatric medicine.