Fragments of bacterial and viral DNA are identified by the immune system of vertebrates which cause the activation of specific and non-specific mechanisms of immunological response. Similar immunostimulating effects can be achieved by using oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) consisting of unmethylated cytosine-guanosine dinucleotides (CpG ODN). Numerous studies show the capability of their appliance in treating bacterial, viral and parasitic infections, as well as in the therapy of tumors and cancers and in specific immunoprophylactics of many kinds of animal (including bird) diseases. This fact creates the capability of using CpG ODN in large scale poultry production. The authors describe the influence of CpG ODN on immune system cells and the possibilities of the practical application of CpG ODN in therapy and immunoprophylaxis of poultry diseases.
A case of acute beak and feather disease complicated with secondary fungal infection was diagnosed in a three-month-old female African Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus). Two days before the bird’s death the owners observed its depression and diarrhea with excess urates. Despite symptomatic therapy the bird died after two days. In the course of the autopsy a large focus of fungi in the trachea bifurcation and left main bronchus was discovered. Also visible were strong congestion and areas of hepatization in the left lung, the enlargement of mottled liver and air sacculitis (abdominal air sacs). Histologically, no inclusion bodies in the hepatic cells and no lesions in the proventriculus were observed. Microbiological examination revealed numerous fungi as Aspergillus sp., Streptomyces sp. and Candida sp. In the PCR test presence of Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease Virus was detected. PCR tests for Pacheco’s disease herpesvirus, avian Polyomavirus and Chlamydophila psittaci were negative.
Background: Hucul horses are the unique, genetically distinct breed of Carpathian Mountains. Even though they are recognized as primitive breed, many morphological differences between them and other primitive horses have been reported. Neither hematological nor blood biochemical studies in this breed have been conducted so far. Objectives: The aim of this study was to establish the reference intervals for basic hematological and selected biochemical variables and to compare them with other breeds. Material and Methods: Blood samples were collected from 168 Hucul horses and the analyses were performed using routine methods. Mainly nonparametric method was used to establish reference intervals. Results: The following reference intervals have been established (rounded to two significant digits): RBC: 7.0-13x1012/l; HGB: 106.1-195.8 g/l; HCT: 0.3-0.6 l/l; MCV: 35-50 fl; MCH 11.9-17.1 pg; MCHC: 31.9-34.8 g/dl; WBC: 7.5-22x109/l, bands: 0-0.5x109/l; segmented neutrophils: 3.3-10x109/l; eosinophils: 0-1.1x109/l; basophils: 0-0.3x109/l; lymphocytes: 1.9-12x109/l; monocytes: 0-0.2x109/l; PLT 95-350x109/l; MPV 5.2-7.0; ALP: 98-425 U/l; AST: 220-470 U/l; GGT: 9.1-31 U/l; total bilirubin: 6.5-29 μmol/l; CPK: 120-640 U/l; triglycerides: 0.1-0.9 mmol/l; urea: 3.8-11 mmol/l; creatinine: 44 -140 μmol/l; serum amyloid A: 130-5200 μg/l. Conclusions: Hematological and biochemical variables in Hucul horses were closer to hot-blooded then to cold-blooded and primitive horses or wild equidae. The reference intervals presented in this study pose clinically useful tool for evaluation of blood check-up in Hucul horses.
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