Hye-Jin Jang

High prevalence of Theileria sp. in wild Chinese Water Deer (Hydropotes inermis argyropus) in South Korea.

Wild Chinese Water Deer exist in large numbers in Northeast Asia, including South Korea. The deer population is so widespread that they are common even in urban areas, resulting in increased contact with humans and domestic animals. The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of Theileria sp. infection in wild Chinese Water Deer in South Korea. Using biomolecular techniques, blood samples taken from 18 wild Chinese Water Deer were examined. Thirteen of the 18 samples (72%) tested positive for infection. In 11 of the deer, a Theileria sp. was detected that is nearly identical to the highly pathogenic Theileria sp. reported in China. Theileria ovis and Theileria capreoli were also detected individually in two deer. These results indicate that there may be a high prevalence of Theileria sp. infection in wild Chinese Water Deer, and that the deer may act as a reservoir for the Theileria sp. infection of domestic animals.

Molecular Detection of Theileria sp. in Wild Chinese Water Deer (Hydropotes inermis argyropus)

Two cases of Theileria sp. infection in wild Chinese water deer (Hydropotes inermis argyropus) were diagnosed by microscopic examination of thin blood smears and by molecular typing. Two wild Chinese water deer were referred to the Veterinary Medical Center of Chungbuk National University in South Korea, presumably the result of traffic accidents. Thin blood smears, which were stained with Giemsa, revealed intraerythrocytic parasites; however, the deer had no remarkable findings on physical examination. Polymerase chain reaction and direct sequencing indicated that the parasite was nearly identical to the unidentified Theileria sp. previously found in China. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the Theileria sp. identified in these cases are closest to the group of unidentified Theileria spp. previously found in China and Japan.

Asymptomatic Babesia microti-like parasite infection in wild raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) in South Korea

We describe asymptomatic piroplasmosis caused by a Babesia microti–like parasite in wild raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) diagnosed by blood smear and DNA analysis. This is the first description of natural B. microti–like parasite infection in raccoon dogs and suggests that the wild raccoon dog can be a source for B. microti–like parasite infection of domestic dogs and humans.

Isolation of Staphylococcus simulans from Dermatitis in a Captive African Pygmy Hedgehog

Abstract:  Staphylococcus simulans, a coagulase-negative staphylococcal species, can cause several diseases in humans and animals. This report describes a case of dermatosis characterized by broad, well-circumscribed hyperkeratosis and alopecia on the back of a household pygmy hedgehog (Erinaceous albiventris). Quills and exudates were studied by microscopy. The microscopic examination of the exudates collected from the lesion revealed several leukocytes and numerous gram-positive cocci. An aerobic bacterial culture revealed overgrowth of the same gram-positive bacteria. The bacterium was identified as S. simulans by polymerase chain reaction amplification and direct sequencing targeted to the 16S ribosomal RNA gene. This report is the first to show that S. simulans could be related to the dermatitis of hedgehogs.

Hematologic and serum biochemical reference intervals of the Oriental white stork (Ciconia boyciana) and the application of an automatic hematologic analyzer

This study was conducted to establish accurate baseline values of clinical laboratory data with regard to age-related changes in the Oriental white stork (Ciconia boyciana). In addition, the availability of an automated hematological cell counter was evaluated. A total of 94 clinically normal storks, including 64 young storks (<1 year old; 30 male and 34 female) and 30 adults (> 1 year old; 17 male and 13 female) were included. Hematological assays were performed using manual and automated cell counters and serum biochemistry profiles were examined using an automated analyzer. There were no significant differences in any parameters between male and female storks, while 16 parameters were significantly different between young and adult storks. Of these 16 parameters, total protein, albumin, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, creatinine, triglyceride, total bilirubin, potassium, white blood cell count, packed cell volume, mean cell volume and hemoglobin levels were higher in adult storks than in young storks, while the latter showed higher glucose, uric acid and alkaline phosphatase levels, as well as a higher sodium/potassium ratio. The results presented herein will aid researchers who work for the conservation and rehabilitation of this endangered species.

What is your diagnosis? Lymph node aspirates from a dog with stillbirth

A 3-year-old female Miniature Schnauzer was presented to Chungbuk National University College of Veterinary Medicine with hyperthermia and vaginal discharge. Symptoms had started 2 days previously when the dog had whelped stillborn puppies. Before the pregnancy, the owner had noticed a symmetric subcutaneous mass in the cervical area, but had not sought treatment because the dog appeared otherwise healthy at the time. At first presentation, symptoms included depression and anorexia. Physical examination revealed hyperthermia (39.9°C), tachypnea, persistent dark-green vaginal discharge, abdominal distention, and generalized peripheral lymphadenopathy. Radiographic and ultrasonographic examinations of the thorax and abdomen revealed systemic lymph node enlargement, splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, ascites, and uterine distention. The CBC results included anemia (PCV 26.1%, reference interval [RI] 37–55%). Fine-needle aspirates (FNA) were obtained from enlarged lymph nodes and the spleen (Figure 1), and smears were prepared for cytologic examination. A

What is your diagnosis? Ascites fluid from an 11‐year‐old dog with epigastric bulging

An 11-year-old, intact female, Yorkshire Terrier dog was presented with epigastric bulging. Results of a CBC included mild neutrophilia and thrombocytopenia. Radiographic examination and abdominal ultrasonography revealed abundant ascites and a well-circumscribed mass in the caudal region of the spleen. Abdominocentesis revealed bloody fluid. Cytologic analysis of the fluid revealed numerous clustered and individual large cells with moderate anisocytosis and anisokaryosis. The spleen was surgically resected. An imprint smear of a white nodular tumor on the caudal pole of the spleen contained a bimorphic population of small and large lymphocytes. The cytologic diagnosis was lymphoma. Histologically, large lymphocytes with distinct borders and single nucleoli formed multiple neoplastic follicles. The final diagnosis was primary splenic lymphoma. Immunocytochemical staining results on buffy coat smears prepared from the ascites fluid showed the lymphocytes were negative for CD3 and positive for CD79a, indicating B-cell origin. Further investigation of the cell clusters using semiquantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR showed that ICAM-1, a cell-cell adhesion molecule, was overexpressed in the tumor cells, likely contributing to the clustering of neoplastic lymphocytes in the ascites fluid. Usually, round cells are not adherent; however, spontaneously detached round cells may form clusters, as in this case, and must be differentiated from epithelial tumors.