Is this all cause and effect?
While putting together this week’s newsletter on Animal Health Research I couldn’t help but notice that a vast majority of the articles from the past week were on canine topics, and specifically infectives-related topics.
Such a skewed view would be quite unusual in other branches of science, but here?
Are there factors driving it?
And what are the consequences?
I couldn’t get these questions out of my head, so I researched what is the split of market share in veterinary medicine by indication category, and the results were quite interesting:
Now, if we look at the order of the different indications by percentage, we see that infectives are dominating the chart. Astonishingly, Oncology is coming in second place, but this category is quite underrepresented in academic publications.
Is most of the research in Oncology simply done in Pharma, and therefore not published?
And how much of the focus on the individual areas is fueled by academic work?
With these thoughts, I will leave you to this week’s new articles
Yours,
Infectives
Deltamethrin Collars Reduce Leishmaniasis Risk in Infected Dogs
Paes de Barros Cortez et al. from the USP – Universidade de São Paulo, Brasil investigated the effectiveness of using 4% deltamethrin-impregnated collars on seropositive dogs to control visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in endemic areas of Brazil. Comparing two districts, one using conventional methods (including euthanasia) and the other employing strategic collaring, the study found that dogs with the collars had up to four times lower risk of infection. This approach, targeting only seropositive dogs, offers a promising and less controversial alternative to mass collaring, significantly reducing costs and improving VL control in endemic regions.
L. R. Paes de Barros Cortez, J. E. Tolezano, R. M. Hiramoto, M. R. de Paula e Silva, J. E. F. Passos, S. H. Antônio, V. M. Camprigher, M. J. V. Vendramini Cuoghi, G. Vioti, F. Ferreira, R. M. Soares. Strategic use of 4 % deltamethrin impregnated-collar in seropositive dogs reduces the incidence of seroreactivity to visceral leishmaniasis in dogs from endemic areas. Research in Veterinary Science, Volume 179, 2024, 105397, ISSN 0034-5288, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rvsc.2024.105397.
Genomic Study of Penicillin and Rifampin-Resistant Bacterial Strains in Dog Skin Infections
Araújo et al. from the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brasil, analyzed two strains of Corynebacterium rouxii, a recently identified bacterium, isolated from skin infections in dogs. The strains were found to be resistant to penicillin and rifampin. Through genome sequencing and molecular analysis, researchers identified several antimicrobial resistance genes and virulence factors. The findings provide insights into the genetic makeup and potential risks associated with this little-studied bacterium, emphasizing the need for ongoing monitoring of its resistance and virulence traits, which could have broader implications for both animal and human health.
M. R. B. Araújo, F. D. Prates, M. V. C. Viana, L. S. Santos, A. L. Mattos-Guaraldi, C. H. Camargo, C. T. Sacchi, K. R. Campos, V. V. Vieira, M. B. N. Santos, S. Bokermann, J. N. Ramos, V. Azevedo. Genomic analysis of two penicillin- and rifampin-resistant Corynebacterium rouxii strains isolated from cutaneous infections in dogs. Research in Veterinary Science, Volume 179, 2024, 105396, ISSN 0034-5288, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rvsc.2024.105396.
Genome Sequencing of Canine Distemper Virus in Unvaccinated Mongolian Dogs
In their latest article, Munkhtsetseg et al. from the University of Life Sciences Zaisan; Mongolia, present the first genetic analysis of Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) in Mongolia, using isolates from three unvaccinated dogs that succumbed to the disease. Genome sequencing revealed that the mixed-breed dogs were infected with a non-recombinant CDV from the Asia-1 lineage, while the Samoyed carried a virus from the Asia-4 lineage. These findings contribute valuable data on the genetic diversity of CDV in Mongolia, providing a foundation for improved control measures and future research in the region.
A. Munkhtsetseg, E. Batmagnai, M. Odonchimeg, G. Ganbat, Y. Enkhmandakh, G. Ariunbold, T. Dolgorsuren, R. Odbileg, P. Dulam, B. Tuvshintulga, C. Sugimoto, Y. Sakoda, J. Yamagishi, D. Erdenechimeg. Genome sequencing of canine distemper virus isolates from unvaccinated dogs in Mongolia. The Veterinary Journal, Volume 308, 2024, 106231, ISSN 1090-0233, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2024.106231.
Quality Testing of Artemisinin Supplements for Dogs Reveals Inconsistencies
Alyssa Berman et al. from the North Carolina State University- College of Veterinary Medicine evaluated the quality of artemisinin supplements marketed for dogs in the U.S. to treat Babesia gibsoni. Using high-performance liquid chromatography, researchers found significant variability in the strength of artemisinin between products and even within the same product. None of the supplements met the quality standards set by the United States Pharmacopeia or International Council for Harmonisation. One product contained no detectable artemisinin, while others had much higher concentrations than stated. The findings underscore the need for rigorous testing of unapproved supplements before clinical use in dogs.
Berman, A., Birkenheuer, A., Sorah, E. and Papich, M. (2024), Analysis of US Marketed Artemisinin Supplements for Use in Dogs. J Vet Pharmacol Therap. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvp.13480
Pasteurella multocida Disrupts Blood–Brain Barrier by Weakening Cell Junctions
In this study, Lin et al from the Huazhong Agricultural University, China, investigated how Pasteurella multocida, a bacterium known to cause meningitis, disrupts the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Using mouse models and human brain microvascular endothelial cells, researchers found that the infection increases BBB permeability by reducing the expression of tight and adherens junction proteins. The study also identified that the bacteria activate specific signaling pathways, contributing to this disruption. These findings offer new insights into how P. multocida crosses the BBB, advancing our understanding of its role in meningitis in both humans and animals.
Lin, L., Bi, H., Yang, J. et al. Pasteurella multocida infection induces blood–brain barrier disruption by decreasing tight junctions and adherens junctions between neighbored brain microvascular endothelial cells. Vet Res 55, 104 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13567-024-01351-5
Lavender Oil and Otological Gel Show Promise Against Pseudomonas Biofilms in Dog Ear Infections
Mourão et al. from the Universidade de Lisboa (University of Lisbon) , Portugal, investigated the effectiveness of lavender oil, an otological gel, and gentamicin in eradicating biofilms produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a common and drug-resistant cause of chronic ear infections in dogs. Lavender oil was found to significantly reduce biofilms within 30 minutes, while gentamicin completely eradicated them after 24 hours. The otological gel, though slower, was as effective as lavender oil after 24 hours. These findings suggest that lavender oil and the gel could be viable alternatives to traditional antibiotics for treating canine ear infections caused by biofilm-producing bacteria.
Mourão A, Serrano I, Cunha E, Tavares L, Lourenço A, Oliveira M. In vitro efficacy of lavender oil, otological gel and gentamicin to eradicate biofilm produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Vet Dermatol. 2024; 00: 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1111/vde.13294
Allergy & Immunity
Identifying Cross-Reactive Allergens Between Dust Mites and Nematodes in Allergic Dogs
Thierry Olivry et al. from Nextmune, Sweden, investigated the cross-reactivity between allergens from the house dust mite Dermatophagoides farinae and the nematode Toxocara canis in dogs with suspected allergies. By analyzing archived sera from 73 dogs, researchers identified that some allergens, particularly glycans and proteins like tropomyosins and paramyosins, are shared between the two organisms. This complex cross-reactivity could explain why some dogs exhibit allergic reactions to both dust mites and nematodes. These findings provide valuable insights for diagnosing and managing allergies in dogs.
Olivry T, Mas-Fontao A, Jacquenet S, Aumayr M, Tsukui T, Gomord V, et al. Identification of cross-reactive allergens between the Dermatophagoides farinae house dust mite and the Toxocara canis nematode in dogs with suspected allergies. Vet Dermatol. 2024; 00: 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1111/vde.13295
Opthalmology
Link Between Meibomian Gland Dysfunction and Sebaceous Adenitis in Dogs
This study from Giulia Striuli et al, Ghent University , Belgium, explores the relationship between sebaceous adenitis (SA) and meibomian gland dysfunction in dogs. By comparing 9 dogs with SA to 9 healthy dogs, researchers found that SA dogs had more severe meibomian gland abnormalities and a thinner tear film lipid layer. These findings suggest a connection between the two conditions, with meibomian gland dysfunction potentially contributing to reduced tear film quality in dogs with SA. The study also highlights the usefulness of noninvasive methods like interferometry and meibography in assessing meibomian gland health.
Striuli G, Vandenabeele S, Nachtegaele F, Devriendt N. Correlation between meibomian gland dysfunction and sebaceous adenitis in dogs. Vet Dermatol. 2024; 00: 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1111/vde.13293
Oncology
Characterizing Feline Hodgkin-Like Lymphoma: Insights into a Rare Feline Cancer
This study from Prof. Laura Marconato et al, University of Bologna (Alma Mater Studiorum – Università di Bologna) , Italy, provides a detailed analysis of feline Hodgkin-like lymphoma (HLL), a rare cancer in cats. Researchers reviewed 24 cases, focusing on the presence of Reed-Sternberg (RS) cells and their expression of CD30 and CD20. Histological examination revealed characteristic lymphoid cell proliferation with RS cells and a mixed inflammatory infiltrate. Immunohistochemistry confirmed CD30 positivity in most cases, while molecular analysis showed clonal B-cell expansion in 60% of cases. The findings help in diagnosing this challenging condition, distinguishing it from other lymphomas, and understanding its clinical behavior in cats.
Marconato, L., Maga, I., Iussich, S., Benali, S. and Aresu, L. (2024), Histologic, Phenotypic, and Molecular Characterization of Feline Hodgkin-Like Lymphoma With Classical Reed-Sternberg Cells. Vet Comp Oncol. https://doi.org/10.1111/vco.13007
I am Davide – Founder & CEO of Lab4Paws . With my life science company I help #AnimalHealth scientists develop therapeutic & diagnostic solutions for companion animals and work to reduce animal testing for human drug development.
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