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Biomedical subjects

R Ruppanner

Publications and source records attributed to R Ruppanner.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
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↗
PubMed1979

Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in California swine.

In a serologic survey for Toxoplasma gondii in 891 swine from 20 California counties, 478 (54%) were seronegative, 153 (17%) were nonspecific reactors, and 260 (29%) were seropositive. Most of the titers (81%) were low, ie, from 1:64 to 1:128, but a few (2%) were high, ie, 1:1024 or greater.

Animals↗
PubMed1979

Epidemiologic survey of sylvatic plague by serotesting coyote sentinels with enzyme immunoassay.

The geographic distribution and areas of high sylvatic plague activity in California were verified by using coyotes (Canis latrans) as sentinel animals. Antibody levels against Yersinia pestis were tested using the enzyme-labelled antibody (ELA) test and the microtiter passive hemagglutination and hemagglutination inhibition. A survey using the ELA test indicated that the overall antibody prevalence among 143 coyotes was 21%. By geographic regions, the highest antibody prevalence was 27% among coyotes from mountain areas on the northern and eastern borders of the state. This was followed by 19% in the central coastal area and 12% in the central valley. Areas with a high prevalence of seropositive coyotes or high antibody levels in individual coyotes matched the four areas of human plague exposures reported in 1977 and 1978. These areas included the central Sierra mountains adjacent to Lake Tahoe, southeastern Kern County, the central coastal area and Scott Valley near the Oregon border. The ELA test appears to be a promising tool for future epidemiologic studies of plague.

Animals↗
PubMed1979

Antibodies to bovine leukemia virus in a leukosis dairy herd and suggestions for control of the infection.

A closed herd of 765 Holstein-Friesian dairy cattle with a history of multiple cases of leukosis was tested for antibodies to bovine leukemia virus by the bovine leukemia-glycoprotein immunodiffusion test. A total of 355 animals (46.4%) were antibody positive. Prevalence was 60% in the 373 milking cows and 100% in the breeding bulls. Antibodies were present in 59% of newborn calves. Prevalence of antibodies was higher in older animals and cows in second lactation had a higher prevalence than cows in first lactation (72% vs 43%). Proposed control measures in this herd aim at preventing infection of calves, heifers and lactating cows by: 1) separating them into groups negative and positive for bovine leukemia virus antibodies, 2) not allowing calves to receive colstrum or milk from infected cows and 3) by using seronegative bulls for natural breeding tested at three month intervals. Calves should be tested after six months of age. Before this time calves of positive mothers should be treated as being positive.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1978

Evaluation of the hemagglutination test for epidemiologic studies of leptospiral antibodies in wild mammals.

Sera from 153 wild animals of 18 species were tested for antibodies against 12 serovars of Leptospira by the microscopic agglutination (MA) test. Seventy-five percent of the animals tested were seropositive against one or more of the 12 serovars used. The most commonly found serovars were pomona, autumnalis, pyrogenes, icterohaemorrhagiae, australis, and canicola. Of 62 carnivores representing 7 species, 55 (89%) were seropositive, as were 46 (60%) of 77 rodents from 9 species. Leptospira of the serovar copenhageni serogroup icterohaemorrhagiae were recovered from kidney tissues of a Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus). Of 443 wildlife sera tested by the indirect hemagglutination (IHA) test using cells sensitized with L. illini antigen, 47 (11%), mainly carnivores and deer, gave a heterophile reaction. Of the remaining 396 sera, 164 (41%) were seropositive for leptospirosis by the IHA test. To compare the IHA test with the MA test, 143 serum samples were tested by both methods. There was 84% concordance between the two tests.

Agglutination Tests↗
PubMed1978

Metabolic and cellular profile testing in calves under feedlot conditions: minerals, electrolytes, and biochemical components--reference values.

Blood serum samples were obtained from 114 crossbred calves on a feed trial under feedlot conditions at the end of a 56-day feeding period. Average values for 19 blood components were determined. The effects of the 3 trial rations and 2 electrolyte treatments were analyzed. Except for inorganic phosphates, urea nitrogen, cholesterol, glucose, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase most mean values were similar to those in dairy cattle. Urea nitrogen values differed significantly (P less than 0.05) in animals fed different rations apparently reflecting the crude protein content of each ration. The mean values presented can be used as base-line data for comparison with other similar studies or with values from diseased animals.

Animal Feed↗
PubMed1978

Metabolic and cellular profile testing in calves under feedlot conditions: minerals, electrolytes and biochemical components--changes over time in feedlot.

The concentration of 19 mineral, electrolyte, and biochemical components in blood serum of 114 calves under feedlot conditions were measured or calculated over a 58-day period (2 days before and 56 days during a feed trail). The purpose was to evaluate the variability in the concentration of these components over time. The blood was collected on 7 sampling dates and analyzed on the day following sampling. Generally, the serum concentrations of the components that were measured varied considerably over the first 3 weeks of the feeding period and then had a tendency to level off during the 2nd part of that period.

Alanine Transaminase↗
PubMed1978

Metabolic and cellular profile testing in calves uncer feedlot conditions: blood cellular components--reference values and changes over time in feedlot.

The cellular components of the blood of 114 calves were measured under feedlot conditions. The results suggest that certain cellular components of the blood of a group of crossbred feedlot-type calves which are homogeneous only with regard to weight are reasonably uniform. More specifically, all red blood cell components have coefficients of variation of less than 10%. The white blood cell counts underwent drastic changes over the first 2 sampling dates, ie, before and after transport and processing of the calves. Later, in the feeding period, the cell counts readjusted to more stable levels. The results were compared with such values obtained from dairy cattle. The total erythrocyte count, total leukocyte count, and red blood cell components were found to be slightly higher in these feedlot calves than in dairy cattle. The difference might partly be due to age. The mean values reported can be used as a base for comparison with values obtained from other such studies or from studies of disease processes in cattle under feedlot conditions (or both).

Animal Feed↗
PubMed1978

Metabolic and cellular profile testing in calves under feedlot conditions: protein fractions and lactate dehydrogenase isoenzymes--reference values.

Serum protein and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) isoenzyme values were determined for frozen serum samples from crossbred yearling feedlot cattle on feed for 56 days. The mean percentage values for serum protein components from 114 samples were: albumin, 46.5; alpha-globulin, 10.4; beta-globulin, 18.7; gamma-globulin, 23.8. For LDH isoenzymes, they were: LDH1, 36.5; LDH2, 24.7; LDH3, 16.9; LDH4, 12.0; LDH5, 9.1. These values are compared with values from dairy cattle.

Animal Feed↗
PubMed1978

Prevalence of Coxiella burnetii (Q fever) and Toxoplasma gondii among dairy goats in California.

The prevalence of antibodies against Coxiella burnetii and Toxoplasma gondii, the causative agents of Q fever and toxoplasmosis, was examined in goats to determine the extent of the potential of goats to tansfer these infections to persons. Of 1,054 goats from 234 premises in California, 248 goats (24%) were seropositive for C burnetii and 246 (23%) were seropositive for T gondii. Of 29 dairy goats tested, 2 (7%) were found to be shedding the Q fever rickettsia in their milk; T gondii was not detected. Factors of sex, age, location, and herd size are discussed.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1978

The prevalence of antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii among hospitalized animals and stray dogs.

Hospitalized animals and stray dogs were serologically tested for antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii. In addition, the data were examined for the possibility of toxoplasmosis infection being associated with the clinical diagnosis and with the discharge status (alive vs. dead). Among 1056 hospitalized animals, 17 (20%) of 86 cats, 112 (14%) of 804 dogs, 34 (26%) of 133 horses and 6 (18%) of 33 cattle had serological evidence of infection with T. gondii. Only 22 (6%) of 342 young (median age = one year) stray dogs were seropositive. The difference in antibody prevalence between hospitalized and stray dogs was thought to be due to age and dietary factors. Of 249 dogs grouped by clinical diagnosis, there was significantly (p less than 0.01) higher prevalence of seropositives among dogs with diseases of the kidney or with adrenocortical hyperfunction than among dogs hospitalized for other diseases. Of 19 dogs with diseases of the kidney and 12 with adrenocortical hyperfunction 37% and 42%, respectively, were seropositive.. There was higher risk of being discharged from the hospital dead among seropositive dogs, cattle and horses than among seronegative animals of the same species. The exception was cats, where of 69 seronegative cats 29% were dead at discharge and where of 17 seropositive cats 18% were dead at discharge. The possible effects of stress due to hospitalization need further research.

Animals↗
PubMed1977

Survey of Toxoplasma antibodies among sheep in western United States.

A survey was conducted to determine the prevalence of toxoplasma antibodies among breeding ewes and among lambs slaughtered for food in western United States. Each serum was tested by the indirect hemaglutination method, using microtiter technique. Agglutination (greater than or equal to 2 +) at the 1:64 dilution was considered to be a positive reaction. Of 2,164 ewes from 18 flocks tested in California, 523 (24%) were seropositive for Toxoplasma gondii, with prevalence rates among flocks ranging from 4 to 51%. In 9 of those flocks, 1,495 ewes were stratified by whether ewes had lambed or were barren. On an overall basis, the antibody prevalence was similar (about 25%) in both groups, but there was a significant difference (P less than 0.05) in 1 flock in which 30% of the nursing ewes were seropositive, compared with 21% of the barren ewes. Of 1,056 market lambs from 19 lots tested, 85 (8%) were seropositive. The antibody prevalence in lambs tested at slaughter in California, by state of origin, were: Oregon, 11/51 (22%); Nevada, 32/159 (20%); Idaho, 12/147 (5%), and California, 30/699 (4%).

Abortion, Veterinary↗
PubMed1977

Vaccination of dairy cattle against Q fever (Coxiella burneti): results of field trials.

A phase I formalin-inactivated Q fever vaccine, using the Nine Mile strain of the organism, was tested for its ability to prevent dairy cows from shedding Coxiella burnetti in their milk. More than 1,400 Holstein-Friesian dairy calves and heifers from 5 dairies were used in field trials lasting over a 3-year period. Vaccination of 476 calves resulted in a geometric mean antibody titer of 1:123.3 compared with 1:2.4 for 486 nonvaccinated calves. The milk samples from 163 vaccinated calves were tested by mouse inoculation after the cows commenced lactation and were placed in their respective milking herds. Of these vaccinated animals, only 2 cows (1%) from 1 herd were suspected shedders, but on subsequent testing gave negative results. Among 164 nonvaccinated (control) cows, 39 (24%) were shedding C burnetii in their milk; this figure corresponded to the prevalence (23%) of shedders in the general population of dairy cows in California. The results of the current field trials indicated that vaccination greatly reduced the shedding of the Q fever organism in the milk of dairy cows.

Animals↗
PubMed1976

Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in wild and domestic animals in northern California.

Wild and domestic animals from 3 geographic-climatologic areas in northern California were tested for antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii. A total of 2,796 serum samples representing 37 species of wild mammals, 35 species of wild birds, and 5 species of domestic animals were tested by the indirect hemagglutination test. Of 1,174 wild mammal serums tested, 10.8% were positive, which compared with 14.7% of the 1,221 domestic mammal serums. Of 229 wild carnivores tested, 45% were seropositive, including 69% of 86 bobcats, 28% of 58 coyotes, 48% of 25 raccoons, 27% of 26 gray foxes, 22% of 32 striped skunks, a civet cat, and a mink. Serologic evidence of infection was found in 38% of 47 rural domestic cats, but none of the 7 dogs tested was seropositive. Of 160 murid rodents (rats and house mice) in rural habitats, 4% were seropositive, which compared with 2% of 399 cricetine rodents (mostly deer mice) collected from wilderness habitats. Seven percent of 56 wild Artiodactyla (deer and feral pigs) were seropositive, which compared with 15% of 1,048 domestic sheep tested. Of 401 birds tested, 3.5% had antibodies against T gondii. The highest prevalence of antibodies among birds was in crows (14%). Toxoplasma was isolated from 1 raven, by mouse inoculation. In general, the highest prevalence of seropositive carnivores, rodents, and sheep was in the coastal region below 100 ft elevation, where the weather is cool and damp for much of the year. In the central valley the highest prevalence among sheep was in areas under irrigation. The prevalence of antibodies was lowest in the mountain areas, where climatologic extremes prevail at various seasons of the year.

Animals↗
PubMed1976

Q fever (Coxiella burnetii) investigations in dairy cattle: challenge of immunity after vaccination.

The immunity of Holstein-Friesian dairy cows vaccinated against Coxiella burnetii was challenged with 4 X 10(8) infective guinea pig doses of viable rickettsiae. Cows that were vaccinated had normal full-term calves, whereas 2 nonvaccinated cows aborted late in pregnancy. Intrauterine infection of the fetus was indicated by recovery of the organism from tissues of the fetus. Coxiella burnetii was recovered from milk, colostrum, and placenta of vaccinated and nonvaccinated cows after challenge inoculation, but the rickettsiae recovered were as many as 1,000 times more numerous in nonvacinated cows.

Abortion, Veterinary↗
PubMed1975

A survey for Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in deer and other wildlife on a sheep range.

Blood samples were obtained from native mammals and birds on a sheep range (Hopland Field Station) in northern California. Serums were tested for antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii by the indirect hemagglutination test. Of 382 deer that were tested from 1964 to 1973, 77 (20%) were seropositive for T gondii. Among 36 serums representing 6 species of wild carnivores (badgers, bobcats, coyotes, foxes, raccoons, and skunks), 18 (50%) were seropositive. All of the 5 bobcats tested were seropositive, with antibody titers ranging from 1:65,536. The testing of 175 serums from small wild mammals indicated antibody prevalence of 8% among jackrabbits, 6% among brush rabbits, and 2% among squirrels. None of the native mice tested was seropositive for T gondii. Of 120 native birds tested, 6 (5%) were seropositive. Of the resident domestic species of animals tested, antibodies were found in 1 of 7 domestic cats, 1 of 5 feral cats, 1 of 2 dogs, and 54 (13%) of 405 sheep.

Animals↗