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Biomedical subjects

J R Needham

Publications and source records attributed to J R Needham.

34 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

A survey of the aerobic bacteria in the droppings of captive birds of prey.

Fresh droppings were collected from six species of bird of prey (Falconiformes and Strigiformes). Bacteriological examination revealed that the birds' digestive systems were colonised by bacteria found widely in other species of animals. Throughout the survey no Salmonella species were isolated.

Animals↗

The use of a simple barrier system to exclude murine pathogens.

A simple barrier system was used successfully to exclude Mycoplasma pulmonis and Sendai virus from a conventional mouse room. 49 weeks after introduction of the barrier system of management Pasteurella pneumotropica was first isolated from animals in the room.

Animals↗

An investigation into the prevalence of S aureus on avian feet.

The feet of 63 domestic poultry and 37 birds of prey were swabbed and cultured. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from 4 X 7 per cent of the former and 10 X 8 per cent of the latter. The recovery of S epidermidis was considerably higher, the organism being cultured from 80 X 9 per cent of poultry and 62 X 1 per cent of birds of prey. The significance of the low S aureus isolation rates is discussed in relation to avian staphylococcal infections and attention is drawn to the importance of the choice of plasma for the coagulase test when identifying S aureus from non-human sources.

Animals↗

An outbreak of shigellosis in laboratory marmosets and tamarins (Family: Callithricidae).

An outbreak of shigellosis due to Shigella sonnei, is reported in laboratory maintained marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) and tamarins (Saguinus nigricollis). The clinical signs and pathological lesions are described and the microbiological findings discussed. Control of the disease was based upon hygiene and antibiotic therapy and the consequences of this approach are described in detail.

Animals↗

Lactobacillus sp. isolates from mouse livers: saprophyte or potential pathogen?

Over a 3-year sampling period Lactobacillus sp. has been isolated from the livers of barrier-maintained and conventional mice. Serology has failed to detect presence of mouse hepatitis virus antibodies in any of these mice. Histopathological examination revealed only mild fatty change and small monocytic infiltrates.

Animals↗

Rhinitis in long term captive Mediterranean tortoises (Testudo graeca and T hermanii).

Rhinitis is a common condition of captive Mediterranean tortoises (Testudo species). The interpretation of the results of the bacteriological examination of naso-oropharyngeal swabs from affected individuals has proved difficult, because the normal bacterial population of this region was unknown. No substantial differences in the strains of bacteria isolated from healthy individuals and from those affected by rhinitis could be found in this study. The report that Sendai virus was implicated in the genesis of rhinitis in tortoises could not be substantiated. Paired blood samples failed to show a rise in titres against Sendai virus in either study group.

Animals↗