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PubMed1998

Coccidiosis in goats in the Czech Republic.

An observational study was conducted to determine coccidial infections in goats of 13 farms in the Czech Republic. The prevalence of oocysts of Eimeria species in kids (less than 3 months old), weaned but not served goats (from 3 months to 1 year), and adult goats (1 year or more) was determined. Nine Eimeria species were identified in fecal samples by Sheather's sugar flotation technique. The overall prevalence of Eimeria oocysts in fecal specimens was 92.2%. Eimeria arloingi was the most common species with an overall prevalence of 84%, followed by E. hirci (63%) and E. ninakohlyakimovae (56%). Other species present were E. christenseni (55%), E. alijevi (36%), E. caprina (25%), E. aspheronica (12%), E. capriovina (6%) and E. jolchijevi (2%). Two or more Eimeria species were detected in 88% of the samples. The most prevalent species in kids was E. arloingi, while in weaned but not served and adult goats E. ninakohlyakimovae was the most frequently found. The number of oocysts excreted was generally lower in adult goats (2567.3+/-12678 OPG), whereas higher number oocyst per gram of feces (OPG) were found in kids (18565+/-24888 OPG). Clinical coccidiosis was detected in two farms, and E. arloingi and E. ninakohlyakimovae were implicated as its cause. Disease was observed in kids 2 to 4 weeks after weaning and watery feces with clumps of mucus, and color changes from brown to yellow or dark tarry, weight loss, and dehydration were the most conspicuous clinical signs. At necropsy, macroscopic changes included mucosal hemorrhages and whitish nodular polyps in the jejunum were found. Histopathological changes were characterized by local hypertrophy and hyperplasia of intestinal villi, villus blunting and inflammatory infiltration in the lamina propria. Numerous developmental stages of the parasites were observed in enterocytes and lacteals of intestinal villi.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2003

Phosphorus feeding levels and critical control points on dairy farms.

A viable and cost-effective approach to managing P on dairy farms is to minimize excess P in diets, which in turn leads to less excretion of P in manure without impairing animal performance. A questionnaire survey was conducted, coupled with on-site feed and fecal sample collection and analysis on dairy farms in New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia. The purpose was to assess dietary P levels and to identify critical control points pertaining to P feeding management. Survey responses, 612 out of 2500 randomly selected farms, revealed a wide range of dietary P concentrations for lactating cows, from 3.6 to 7.0 g/kg of feed DM. The mean was 4.4 g/kg, which was 34% above the level recommended by the NRC for 27.9 kg milk/d, the mean milk yield in the survey. Higher P concentrations in diets were not associated with higher milk yields (n = 98, R2 = 0.057 for the survey farms; n = 92, R2 = 0.043 for farms selected for on-site sampling). However, higher dietary P led to higher P excretion in feces (n = 75, R2 = 0.429), with much of the increased fecal P being water soluble. Phosphorus concentrations in diet samples matched closely with P concentrations in formulated rations, with 67% of the feed samples deviating <10% from the formulations. On 84% of the survey farms, ration formulation was provided by professionals rather than producers themselves. Most producers were feeding more P than cows needed because it was recommended in the rations by these consultants. In conclusion, P fed to lactating cows averaged 34% above NRC recommendations; to reduce excess dietary P, ration formulation is the critical control point.

Animal Feed↗
PubMed1996

Specific detection and analysis of a probiotic Bifidobacterium strain in infant feces.

For specific detection of the probiotic Bifidobacterium sp. strain LW420 in infant feces and for rapid quality control of this strain in culture, three strain-specific 16S rRNA gene-targeted primers have been developed. These primers allow specific detection of the organism via PCR. Specificity of the primers was determined in DNA samples isolated from single-strain and mixed cultures of bifidobacteria and in heterogenous fecal samples. The feasibility of this method for use in specific detection of probiotic strains was investigated through addition of Bifidobacterium sp. strain LW420 to infant instant milk formula (IMF) and PCR analyses of bacterial DNA isolated from feces of 17 newborn IMF-fed infants. In feces of all nine babies that had been fed with the probiotic IMF, the strain-specific PCR signal could be detected. No signal was found in feces of the eight infants that had been fed with a nonprobiotic IMF, demonstrating the specificity of the PCR method. All 17 infants developed a major fecal Bifidobacterium population already after 3 days, as determined through genus-specific and strain-specific PCR. Phenotypical screening of Bifidobacterium sp. strain LW420 and analysis of homology of the 16S rRNA gene sequence of this strain with that of other bifidobacteria deposited in databases do not allow positive classification of LW420 among the currently known species of Bifidobacterium.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Fecal cortisol levels in free-ranging female chacma baboons: relationship to dominance, reproductive state and environmental factors.

Savannah baboons are one of the few mammalian species that do not exhibit seasonal reproduction patterns and are therefore ideally suited to study the effect of female reproductive states (cycling, pregnant, lactating) on cortisol levels independent of seasonal factors. Fecal samples from 10 free-ranging female chacma baboons (Papio hamadryas ursinus), collected during a period of 17 months, were analyzed using a steroid-extraction method. Reproductive state had a significant effect on fecal cortisol, with lowest levels found in estrous females. Fertility was not related to fecal cortisol levels; we found no significant differences between samples collected on conceptive and nonconceptive cycles. Environmental factors explained most of the variance of fecal cortisol levels. Cortisol measures were strongly correlated with seasonal differences such as daylight duration, temperature and the amount of time that baboons spent resting. We measured higher cortisol levels during winter months and suggest that this could be related to shorter resting periods and to the cold minimum ambient temperatures at this study site. Finally, we found no relationship between social rank nor the rate of agonistic interactions with basal fecal cortisol levels.

Adaptation, Physiological↗
PubMed2001

Molecular epidemiology of hepatitis A virus in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

The transmission of sporadic community-acquired hepatitis A virus (HAV) among different risk groups in Amsterdam was verified by applying molecular techniques on fecal samples. These were collected in 1997/1998 from 33 persons with HAV infection that was confirmed serologically. From 8 of these persons serial stool samples were collected. Nested RT-PCR targeting the VP3-VP1 and VP1-P2a regions followed by sequence analysis established the duration of fecal HAV RNA excretion in stool and the epidemiological molecular relationships between patients. The samples of 31 patients were RT-PCR positive, of which 24 were positive for both regions. Fecal HAV shedding was found to occur for at least 33 days after onset of disease, which was the longest time span tested. Sequencing showed that the hepatitis A virus subgenotype circulating among persons from Moroccan descent (type IB) was different from the subgenotype circulating among Dutch homosexual men (type IA). If the latter is endemic in the Netherlands, its presence is of importance to the national vaccination strategy.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Reproductive steroid hormones and ovarian activity in felids of the Leopardus genus.

Reproductive endocrine patterns were characterized in female ocelots (Leopardus pardalis; n = 3), tigrinas (Leopardus tigrinus; n = 2), and margays (Leopardus wiedii; n = 2) housed in captivity in southern Brazil. Females were maintained as singletons and exposed to natural fluctuations in photoperiod. Cyclic changes in ovarian steroids were monitored by analyzing estrogen and progestogen metabolites in fecal samples collected five times weekly for 14 to 18 months. Based on intervals between fecal estrogen peaks, mean (+/- SEM) duration of the estrous cycle was 18.4 +/- 1.6 days for the ocelots (range, 7-31 days; n = 75 cycles), 16.7 +/- 1.3 days for the tigrinas (range, 11-27 days; n = 23 cycles), and 17.6 +/- 1.5 days for the margays (range, 11-25 days; n = 32 cycles). Fecal progestogen analyses combined with two laparoscopic observations of the ovaries confirmed that ocelots and tigrinas did not ovulate spontaneously. In contrast, non-mating-induced luteal phases of 40.1 +/- 6.3 days in duration (range, 30-60 days) were observed frequently in both margays. There was no evidence of gonadal seasonality in margays in either follicular or luteal activity. In ocelots, cyclic changes in estrogen excretion were observed during each month of the year; however, only one female cycled continuously. In the other two ocelots, periods of acyclicity of several months' duration were observed. It was not possible to conclude whether tigrinas were aseasonal because estrous cyclicity was observed in only one of two individuals. In the female that cycled, a 3-month period of acyclicity was observed in the late fall/early winter. These data demonstrate similarities among three felid species of the genus Leopardus, including evidence they are polyestrous but experience unexplained periods of ovarian inactivity. Only the margays differed by exhibiting occasional spontaneous, non-mating-induced ovulations. Historically, these species have not bred well in captivity. However, it is hoped that understanding the biological similarities and differences among them could lead to improved management strategies that may one day result in increased reproductive success. Zoo Biol 20:103-116, 2001. Copyright 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1984

Coccidia in cows and calves on pasture in north Georgia (U.S.A.).

The prevalence and abundance of coccidian oocysts were determined in a herd of beef cows and calves on fescue pastures in the Piedmont area of Georgia during 4-consecutive grazing seasons. Twelve species of Eimeria were found in the feces of the calves and 10 species were found in the feces of the cows. Eimeria bovis was the most prevalent species found in both the calves and cows. It occurred in 72.5% of 1090 samples from the calves and 10.2% of 719 samples from cows. Eimeria bovis also comprised the majority of oocysts present in the fecal samples from the calves and cows. The greatest number of E. bovis in a sample was 45 800 oocysts per gram of feces (OPG) from a calf and 1900 OPG from a cow. No cases of clinical coccidiosis were seen in any of the animals sampled during the survey.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2005

Herd-level factors associated with isolation of Salmonella in a multi-state study of conventional and organic dairy farms II. Salmonella shedding in calves.

The objective of this study was to evaluate associations between herd-level factors and the isolation of Salmonella in calves from dairy farms in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and New York. Study farms were 129 conventional and organic farms enrolled without regard to previous history of Salmonella infection. Herds were sampled at 2-month intervals over a 1-year period. Salmonella was isolated in fecal samples from 176 (3.8%) of 4673 preweaned calves with 40 (31.0%) of 129 farms having at least one positive calf sample over the course of the study. Multivariable logistic regression using the generalized estimating equations approach was used to evaluate risk factors for Salmonella shedding after adjustment for effects of herd size, season, state of origin and the multiple sampling occasions per herd. Factors retained in the final model that were associated with an increased odds for Salmonella shedding were lack of routine feeding of milk replacer containing antimicrobials to preweaned calves (OR=2.8, 95% CI: 1.4, 5.8), use of maternity housing as a hospital area for sick cows more than once a month (OR=2.1, 95% CI: 1.1, 4.0), and cow prevalence level by visit, categorized into the following four-levels: > or =20% (OR=11.6, 95% CI: 5.7, 23.7), 10-19.9% (OR=4.7, 95% CI: 2.0, 11.5), 0.1-9.9% (OR=3.6, 95% CI: 1.5, 8.7) and 0% (reference level). Herd size was not associated with Salmonella shedding in the final multivariable model.

Animal Husbandry↗
PubMed2005

Magnitude and distribution of canine fecal contamination and helminth eggs in two areas of different urban structure, Greater Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The canine fecal contamination and the potential transmission of parasites to human and canine populations represent a public health problem of cosmopolitan importance. The objectives of this work were to evaluate the magnitude of fecal and parasite contamination in two suburban areas of different characteristics, and to investigate their distribution in various urban microenvironments such as yards, green spaces and sidewalks. The areas were referred to as middle-income neighbourhood (MIN) and low-income neighbourhood (LIN). To evaluate fecal contamination and its distribution, feces were counted and areas surveyed were calculated. The parasite contamination was evaluated from the prevalence of helminthosis found in a randomly selected fecal sample of the canine population in each of the study areas. The respective median fecal densities in MIN and LIN were 0.11 and 0.12 feces/m2 for green spaces, 0.10 and 0.19 feces/m2 for sidewalks (Mann-Whitney test, p<0.05), and 0.04 and 0.07 feces/m2 for households. In all the surveyed environments, dogs were free-ranging animals and preferred to defecate on grass surfaces rather than on bare soil, tile or sand. In MIN and LIN the respective prevalences were 40% and 70% for helminths in general (Chi square=15.17, p<0.01), 14 and 53% for Ancylostoma (Chi square=23.99, p<0.01), 9 and 17% for Toxocara (p>0.05), and 26 and 38% for Trichuris (p>0.05). Sidewalks were the most contaminated environments in LIN. The level of infected feces in sidewalks and yards was higher in LIN than in MIN (Mann-Whitney test, p<0.05). This study includes a discussion of the influence of variables such as canine population density, sidewalk structure and amount of available green spaces on the distribution of fecal contamination, and results obtained are compared with those previously recorded for Buenos Aires City. An increasing gradient of contamination by canine feces and parasites was observed as socioeconomic status decreased, the canine population increased and the sanitation condition decrease.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Effect of spices on lipid metabolism in 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-induced rat colon carcinogenesis.

Colon cancer is the second most common cancer among men and women worldwide. We investigated the effect of red chilli (Capsicum annum L.), cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.), and black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) on colon cancer induced in rats by a colon-specific carcinogen, 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH). Colon cancer was induced by subcutaneous injection of DMH at a dosage of 20 mg/kg of body weight (15 doses, at 1-week intervals). The rats were continued with the standard pellet diet and supplemented red chilli [C. annum L., 0.015% (wt/wt) mixed with the diet], cumin seeds [C. cyminum L., 1.25% (wt/wt) mixed with the diet], and black pepper (P. nigrum L., 0.5% (wt/wt) mixed with the diet] throughout the experimental period. After the total experimental period of 32 weeks (including 2 weeks of acclimatization) the incidence and number of tumors in the colon were observed to be significantly higher in the rats administered DMH and/or red chillis, as compared with the cumin + DMH and black pepper + DMH groups. No tumors were observed in the control, cumin + DMH, or black pepper + DMH groups. The levels of fecal bile acids and neutral sterols in 24-hour fecal samples were significantly decreased in DMH + chilli-administered rats, while the excretion of fecal bile acids and neutral sterols was significantly increased in cumin + DMH- and black pepper + DMH-administered rats. In DMH-, chilli-, and chilli + DMH-administered rats the levels of cholesterol, cholesterol/phospholipid ratio, and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase activity were decreased in cumin + DMH- and black pepper + DMH-treated rats. The phospholipid levels were reduced in the DMH, chilli, and chilli + DMH groups as compared with the cumin + DMH and black pepper + DMH groups. Our results show that chilli supplementation promotes colon carcinogenesis, whereas cumin or black pepper suppresses colon carcinogensis in the presence of the procarcinogen DMH.

1,2-Dimethylhydrazine↗
PubMed2001

Occurrence of Listeria spp. in captive antelope herds and their environment.

Two juvenile scimitar-horned oryx (Oryx dammah) at the Wild Animal Park Planckendael died from acute septicemia caused by Listeria monocytogenes serovar 4b. Subsequently, Listeria spp. were isolated from the feces, food, and environment of seven antelope species and examined using a two-stage enrichment procedure in Fraser Broth, followed by isolation on PALCAM agar. A total of 40/170 samples (23.5%) was positive for Listeria spp. No organisms were cultured in 83/170 samples (48.8%), and 47 samples (27.6%) were overgrown with Bacillus spp. Nonpathogenic Listeria spp. were isolated from 16/70 fecal samples, 22/40 soil samples, and 2/60 feed samples. Listeria monocytogenes serovar 1/2b was isolated from two soil samples collected in the enclosure of the scimitar-horned oryx.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Evaluation of antimicrobial susceptibility patterns in Campylobacter spp isolated from dairy cattle and farms managed organically and conventionally in the midwestern and northeastern United States.

OBJECTIVE: To describe antimicrobial susceptibility patterns in Campylobacter spp isolated from dairy cattle and farms managed organically and conventionally in the midwestern and northeastern United States. DESIGN: Longitudinal study. SAMPLE POPULATION: 128 farms. PROCEDURE: Samples and data were collected every 2 months from August 2000 to October 2001. Fecal samples were collected from calves and cows. Milk samples were obtained from the bulk tank and milk line filters. Environmental samples were obtained from a water source, feed bunks of lactating cows, and cattle housing areas. Campylobacter identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were performed at a central laboratory by use of microbroth dilution with 2 customized antimicrobial susceptibility panels. RESULTS: 460 and 1,570 Campylobacter isolates were obtained from organic and conventional dairy farms, respectively. Most isolates from both farm types were susceptible to most antimicrobial agents tested, and antimicrobial susceptibility of conventional dairy isolates was decreased, compared with organic dairy isolates. Low proportions of isolates resistant to ampicillin (< 10%) and moderate proportions resistant (30% to 60%) to kanamycin, sulfamethoxazole, and tetracycline were observed on both farm types. The proportion of isolates resistant to tetracycline was higher for conventional than organic farms. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Campylobacter isolates from dairy cattle and farms managed organically and conventionally had similar patterns of antimicrobial resistance; the proportion of resistant isolates was higher for conventional than organic farms.

Agriculture↗
PubMed2002

[Detection of lactoferrin in feces for differential diagnosis in diarrhea].

INTRODUCTION: Routine stool culture is used to evaluate patients with diarrheal illness. However, the results are often delayed, and the tests are very expensive. Therefore a rapid, simple method for screening would be a helpful adjunct in a diagnostic algorithm. Fecal leukocytes are found in diarrhea patients with diffuse colonic inflammation but missing in non-inflammatory cases, and are most commonly identified in infectious diarrheas of bacterial origin. It supports the use of immediate empiric therapy in very young, elderly and immunocompromised individuals. When negative, it may eliminate the need for stool culture in some cases of diarrhea. Recently, a new latex bead assay has been developed for the detection of lactoferrin, an iron binding glycoprotein found in polymorphonuclear leukocytes. AIMS: Evaluate the value of fecal leukocytes and lactoferrin in the workup of patients with diarrhea. METHODS: Fecal samples of 50 consecutive adult patients with acute or chronic diarrhea were tested for fecal leukocytes and lactoferrin. The results were compared with findings from fecal cultures, tests for parasite, Clostridium difficile A toxin latex test, data of the gastrointestinal examination and clinical evaluation. The authors defined two groups of the cases: the inflammatory and non-inflammatory diarrheas. RESULTS: The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of microscopic leukocyte count and the lactoferrin test were 42 and 63%, 87 and 87%, 67 and 75%, 71 and 79% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In agreement with the literature the results of the present study indicate that fecal lactoferrin appears more sensitive than fecal leukocyte smear, and accurately rules out inflammatory diarrhea.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

[Isolation of Campylobacter spp. from calves in Bulgaria].

Studied were a total of 58 samples, containing intestinal content of calves that had died of enteritis as well as fecal samples and samples from clinically normal calves. Campylobacter spp. were isolated in 8.8 per cent of the cases. The isolated 5 strains was determined as Campylobacter fetus subsp. intestinalis. This is the first communication on the isolation of Campylobacter spp. in this country.

Animals↗
PubMed1984

Short-chain fatty acids in the normal human feces.

The short-chain fatty acids ( SCFAs ) have been studied in the feces of 20 healthy subjects--10 methane excretors and 10 non-methane excretors. The analytical procedure included homogenization of fecal samples followed by vacuum distillation and subsequent gas chromatography. This method for analysis of fecal SCFAs showed recoveries of the individual acids from 90% to 109% and coefficients of variation for the inter-assay reproducibility from 6.0% to 19.7%, highest for those acids present in the smallest concentrations. There was no difference in the concentrations or relative compositions of SCFAs between methane-excreting subjects and non-methane-excreting subjects. The concentrations of SCFAs , given as mmol/kg feces (wet weight), were (median and range): total, 76.8 (27.9-187.7); acetic acid, 37.4 (12.8-103.4); propionic acid, 12.5 (4.5-27.8); i-butyric acid, 2.2 (0.7-3.8); n-butyric acid, 12.4 (4.0-53.0); i-valeric acid, 3.2 (0.8-5.9); n-valeric acid, 2.4 (0.6-3.8) and n-caproic acid, 0.5 (0.0-3.6). The study shows that the SCFAs are quantitatively the most important anions in the feces of healthy subjects. The pronounced individual variations in the concentrations of SCFAs are real biological variations and cannot be explained by methodological variations.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Effect of ionophore supplementation on the incidence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella and antimicrobial susceptibility of fecal coliforms in Stocker cattle.

To examine the effect of ionophore supplementation on fecal shedding of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella, crossbred beef calves (n=113; mean body weight [BW], 243 kg) were fed a mineral supplement with ionophore (1.76 g lasalocid/kg) for 61 days (d). Control calves received an identical mineral supplement without lasalocid. Calves were pastured on fescue/bermudagrass paddocks and supplemented with a corn/wheat midds/soybean meal supplement (1.5% of BW/d). Upon arrival, cattle were fed a commercial receiving ration containing 1 g chlorotetracycline/kg for 10 d. Sick calves were administered one or a combination of the following: Nuflor (florfenicol), Baytril (eurofloxacin), Micotil (tilmicosin), or LA 200 (oxytetracycline). Fecal samples were collected immediately prior to ionophore supplementation, approximately midway and at the end of the experimental period (60 d total ionophore feeding) for isolation of E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella. Putative fecal coliforms were also isolated at these sampling times and examined for antimicrobial susceptibility. The study was replicated over a two year period (year 1, n=53 head; year 2, n=60 head). Ionophore supplementation had no effect (p>0.10) on the incidence of calves shedding E. coli O157:H7 or Salmonella. The percentage of calves shedding E. coli O157:H7 varied throughout the experimental period from 0 to 30%, while Salmonella was cultured from only three calves over the 2-year experimental period. Antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of putative fecal coliforms were consistent with antibiotic treatments administered during the study (observed resistance to chlortetracycline, florfenicol, oxytetracycline), while only one treatment effect was observed. Ionophore treatment resulted in a significantly higher number of coliform isolates resistant to ampicillin compared to controls in year 1, but not year 2. A number of fecal coliform isolates demonstrated resistance to multiple antibiotics, however, this was not affected (p>0.10) by ionophore supplementation. Mineral intakes, BW gain, and the number of sick calves were similar (p>0.10) among treatments. Ionophore supplementation had no affect on fecal shedding of E. coli O157:H7 or Salmonella and a negligible impact on antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of fecal coliforms in beef calves.

Animal Feed↗
PubMed2004

Isolation of Rhodococcus equi from the feces of indigenous animals and soil from the Lower Zambezi National Park and Lochinvar National Park, Zambia.

Rhodococcus equi is an important pathogen in foals; however, its incidence in African indigenous animals is poorly understood. Fecal samples (92 from nine indigenous species) and 43 soil samples were collected from two Zambian National Parks. The presence of R. equi was investigated and 533 isolates were tested for the presence of 15- to 17-kDa antigens (VapA) and a 20-kDa antigen (VapB) by immunoblotting and PCR. R. equi was isolated (10(2)-10(4) colony forming units/g) from 75% of fecal and 74% of soil samples. Neither antigen was detected; however, about 20% of the isolates contained cryptic plasmids of various sizes. There was no evidence of virulent R. equi, but the avirulent form was widespread in the animals and the soil.

Animals↗
PubMed1983

Effects of liver disease on fecal excretion of methadone and its unconjugated metabolites in maintenance patients. Quantitation by direct probe chemical ionization mass spectrometry.

This study was performed to determine the amounts of methadone and unconjugated metabolites excreted in feces of otherwise healthy methadone maintained patients and to determine whether the metabolism and elimination of methadone, as assessed by analysis of feces, is altered in patients with liver disease. The method for analysis of fecal homogenates was modified from the methods previously developed by our laboratories for the quantitative measurements of methadone and its metabolites in urine, using chemical ionization mass spectrometry with direct probe insertion of specimens to improve sensitivity of analysis. Analysis of fecal homogenates from unmedicated volunteer patients showed that interferences at the mass range of interest (m/z 264 to 326) were usually very small, even smaller than those found in analyses of unmedicated urine specimens, and therefore would not introduce significant error into analysis. Nineteen patients stabilized in chronic methadone treatment for over two years were studied, including five otherwise healthy males and 14 patients with chronic liver disease (nine males and five females). Fecal collections were made over 24 h periods. Three consecutive fecal samples were collected over the required number of sequential 24 h intervals. Each of these fecal conditions was analysed separately. Each analysis was made in triplicate, following extraction procedures. The concentrations of methadone and unconjugated metabolites varied due to biological, pharmacological, and analytical factors and ranged from 3.8 ng ml-1 to 42 micrograms ml-1 of fecal homogenate. The relative concentrations of each, in descending order, were pyrrolidine, pyrrolidone (plus hydroxymethadone), methadone, pyrroline, and methadol.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Chronic Disease↗