Kenneth S Latimer

Publications of Kenneth S Latimer

• Response letter from Clinical Pathology Interest Group of the Society of Toxicologic Pathology (STP) for manuscript entitled International recommendations for training future toxicologic pathologists participating in regulatory-type, nonclinical toxicity studies by Bolon et al.

  Authors: Niraj K Tripathi, A Eric Schultze, Renee C Pearson, Nancy E Everds, Glenn S Elliott, Lila Ramaiah, Monique Y Wells, Kenneth S Latimer, Gail L Walter, Paula Katavolos [......] Michael J Topper, Holly L Jordan, Laurie G O'Rourke, Valerie B Guilpin, Charles W Brockus, Angela L Wilcox, Frances A Clemo, Graham S Smith, William J Reagan, Jeffrey E McCartney

  Experimental and toxicologic pathology : official journal of the Gesellschaft fur Toxikologische Pathologie. 06/2011;

• Pathology in practice. Cutaneous mycobacteriosis.

  Authors: Victoria B Wilson, Raquel R Rech, Michaela G Austel, Cynthia L Bauer, Kenneth S Latimer, Susan Sanchez, Elizabeth W Howerth

  Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. 01/2011; 238(2):171-3.

• Identification and genetic characterization of Cytauxzoon felis in asymptomatic domestic cats and bobcats.

  Authors: Holly M Brown, J Mitchell Lockhart, Kenneth S Latimer, David S Peterson

  Veterinary parasitology. 09/2010; 172(3-4):311-6.

  The objectives of the current study were to assess the prevalence of Cytauxzoon felis infection among a population of domestic cats that were clinically healthy but at higher risk for parasiteThe objectives of the current study were to assess the prevalence of Cytauxzoon felis infection among a population of domestic cats that were clinically healthy but at higher risk for parasite exposure and to determine if the strains present in these asymptomatically infected cats were genetically unique as compared to those present both in domestic cats that were fatally infected and in the natural reservoir host, the bobcat. Using real-time PCR analysis targeting a portion of the parasite 18S rRNA gene specific for C. felis, 27/89 (30.3%) high-risk asymptomatic domestic cats from Arkansas and Georgia, and 34/133 (25.6%) bobcats from Arkansas, Georgia and Florida, were identified as positive for C. felis infection. Conventional PCR analysis was performed on all positive samples, targeting the C. felis ribosomal internal transcribed spacer regions 1 and 2 (ITS1, ITS2) in order to utilize the ITS sequences as markers to assess the genotype variability of the parasite population. Within the asymptomatically infected domestic cat samples, 3 genetically distinct parasite populations were identified. The C. felis ITS sequences from asymptomatic cats were identical to those previously reported from clinically ill infected cats, and 2 of the 3 sequence types were also present in infected bobcat samples. While sequence diversity exists, evaluation of the ITS region does not appear to be useful to verify pathogenicity of C. felis strains within host species. However, the presence of asymptomatic C. felis infections in clinical healthy domestic cats warrants further investigation to determine if these cats can serve as a new reservoir for C. felis transmission.

• Gingival osteogenic melanoma in two dogs.

  Authors: Angela E Ellis, Barry G Harmon, Debra L Miller, Nicole C Northrup, Kenneth S Latimer, Elizabeth W Uhl

  Journal of veterinary diagnostic investigation : official publication of the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians, Inc. 01/2010; 22(1):147-51.

  Osteogenic melanoma is a rare variant of metaplastic malignant melanoma in human medicine and appears to be a similarly rare variant in dogs. Two dogs with oral malignant melanoma with neoplasticOsteogenic melanoma is a rare variant of metaplastic malignant melanoma in human medicine and appears to be a similarly rare variant in dogs. Two dogs with oral malignant melanoma with neoplastic bone formation are reported in this study. Both tumors were characterized by malignant melanocytes that transitioned into neoplastic bone at the deep margins of the neoplasm. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed S100- and Melan-A-positive neoplastic cells adjacent to, and occasionally embedded within, an osteoid and chondroblastic matrix. Scattered clusters of neoplastic cells were also positive for osteocalcin. The findings indicate that in dogs, as in humans, neoplastic melanocytes have metaplastic potential and can be osteogenic.

• Atoxoplasmosis in canary fledglings: severe lymphocytic enteritis with preferential parasitism of B lymphocytes.

  Authors: William R Maslin, Kenneth S Latimer

  Avian diseases. 09/2009; 53(3):473-6.

  All fledgling canaries (Serinum canarius) in a small private aviary died from atoxoplasmosis during a single breeding season. The birds were clinically normal when removed from their parents at 2 moAll fledgling canaries (Serinum canarius) in a small private aviary died from atoxoplasmosis during a single breeding season. The birds were clinically normal when removed from their parents at 2 mo of age, but by 3 mo of age all had died following an illness characterized by progressive lethargy, anorexia, and debilitation. Cachexia, splenomegaly, and pale foci in the liver were evident at necropsy. Microscopically, there was striking infiltration of the intestinal lamina propria by mononuclear cells that contained intracytoplasmic protozoa. Protozoa were also observed in mononuclear cells in splenic and hepatic sinusoids and in vascular or perivascular spaces of other organs, but were much less numerous. Ultrastructural features of infected enteric mononuclear cells were suggestive of lymphocytes, and the majority of parasitized cells in paraffin sections of intestine were positive for CD-79 antigen, consistent with B lymphocytes. CD-3 staining was minimal, suggesting little or no T-cell infection. The following year, after egg-laying was completed, adults were treated with sulfadimethoxine, and no further fledgling losses occurred.

• Systemic adenovirus infection in Sulawesi tortoises (Indotestudo forsteni) caused by a novel siadenovirus.

  Authors: Sam Rivera, James F X Wellehan, Rita McManamon, Charles J Innis, Michael M Garner, Bonnie L Raphael, Christopher R Gregory, Kenneth S Latimer, Carlos E Rodriguez, Orlando Diaz-Figueroa, Annajane B Marlar, Akinyi Nyaoke, Amy E Gates, Kelly Gilbert, April L Childress, Guillermo R Risatti, Salvatore Frasca

  Journal of veterinary diagnostic investigation : official publication of the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians, Inc. 08/2009; 21(4):415-26.

  A novel siadenovirus was identified in the Sulawesi tortoise (Indotestudo forsteni). A group of 105 Sulawesi tortoises was obtained by the Turtle Survival Alliance. Many of the tortoises were in poorA novel siadenovirus was identified in the Sulawesi tortoise (Indotestudo forsteni). A group of 105 Sulawesi tortoises was obtained by the Turtle Survival Alliance. Many of the tortoises were in poor health. Clinical signs included anorexia, lethargy, mucosal ulcerations and palatine erosions of the oral cavity, nasal and ocular discharge, and diarrhea. Initial diagnostic tests included fecal testing for parasites, complete blood count and plasma biochemical analysis, mycoplasma serology, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for intranuclear coccidia and chelonian herpesvirus. Treatment included administration of antibiotics, antiparasitic medications, parenteral fluids, and nutritional support. Tissue samples from animals that died were submitted for histopathologic evaluation. Histopathologic examination revealed systemic inflammation and necrosis associated with intranuclear inclusions consistent with a systemic viral infection in 35 tortoises out of 50 examined. Fecal testing results and histopathologic findings revealed intestinal and hepatic amoebiasis and nematodiasis in 31 animals. Two of 5 tortoises tested by PCR were positive for Chlamydophila sp. Aeromonas hydrophila and Escherichia coli were cultured from multiple organs of 2 animals. The mycoplasma serology and PCR results for intranuclear coccidia and chelonian herpesvirus were negative. Polymerase chain reaction testing of tissues, plasma, and choanal/cloacal samples from 41 out of 42 tortoises tested were positive for an adenovirus, which was characterized by sequence analysis and molecular phylogenetic inference as a novel adenovirus of the genus Siadenovirus. The present report details the clinical and anatomic pathologic findings associated with systemic infection of Sulawesi tortoises by this novel Siadenovirus, which extends the known reptilian adenoviruses to the chelonians and extends the known genera of reptilian Adenoviridae beyond Atadenovirus to include the genus Siadenovirus.

• Genetic variability of archived Cytauxzoon felis histologic specimens from domestic cats in Georgia, 1995-2007.

  Authors: Holly M Brown, Shirin M Modaresi, Jessica L Cook, Kenneth S Latimer, David S Peterson

  Journal of veterinary diagnostic investigation : official publication of the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians, Inc. 08/2009; 21(4):493-8.

  Cytauxzoon felis infection in domestic cats has historically been nearly 100% fatal. However, increasing reports of domestic cats that survive cytauxzoonosis and reports of asymptomatic cats with C.Cytauxzoon felis infection in domestic cats has historically been nearly 100% fatal. However, increasing reports of domestic cats that survive cytauxzoonosis and reports of asymptomatic cats with C. felis infections suggest the existence of different parasite strains that vary in pathogenicity. The objective of the current study was to obtain epidemiologic information about cytauxzoonosis through genotypic characterization of archived histologic specimens from domestic cats with C. felis infections that were diagnosed in Georgia between 1995 and 2007. Such retrospective data on genetic variability will provide an historic context for current studies of C. felis genotype frequencies. Cytauxzoon felis DNA was obtained from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues from infected cats diagnosed with cytauxzoonosis at necropsy. Genetic characterization of C. felis was performed using sequence analysis of the polymerase chain reaction-amplified ribosomal internal transcribed spacer regions 1 and 2 (ITS1, ITS2). Eleven different combined ITS1 and ITS2 sequences were identified, the majority of which were identical to those previously reported in fatally infected cats from Georgia. The findings of the current study document the existence of genetically distinct C. felis populations in historical samples and, together with data from contemporary samples, demonstrate a diverse population structure for C. felis.

• Investigation of shell disease in map turtles (graptemys spp.).

  Authors: Stephen J Hernandez-Divers, Patrick Hensel, Juliet Gladden, Sonia M Hernandez-Divers, Kurt A Buhlmann, Chris Hagen, Susan Sanchez, Kenneth S Latimer, Mary Ard, Alvin C Camus

  Journal of wildlife diseases. 08/2009; 45(3):637-52.

  Nineteen map turtles (Graptemys spp.) maintained under natural conditions were investigated because of chronic shell abnormalities. Animals were evaluated using a novel shell scoring system thatNineteen map turtles (Graptemys spp.) maintained under natural conditions were investigated because of chronic shell abnormalities. Animals were evaluated using a novel shell scoring system that divided the 54 scutes into six regions, with each region scored for lesion extent and severity, and summated to produce a total shell disease score (TSDS). Complete blood counts and various biochemistry analytes (total protein, albumin, globulin, urea, uric acid, 25-hydroxycholecalciferol, phosphorus, and ionized and total calcium) were measured. Under ketamine-medetomidine-morphine anesthesia, cytology tape strips and full thickness shell biopsies were collected aseptically for microbiologic, histologic (including scoring of biopsy quality), and ultrastructural evaluations. The TSDSs were low and ranged from 4 to 22 (median = 9) out of a possible score of 54. There were no correlations between TSDS and any hematologic or biochemistry parameter. The histologic quality of shell biopsies was good, and normal shell structure, by both light and electron microscopy, is described. Small clefts and pitting lesions were noted in 8/19 sections. There was no evidence of erosion, ulceration, inflammation, or infectious agents, but algae and diatoms were observed. Six biopsies yielded aerobic isolates (Chryseobacterium indologenes, Aeromonas hydrophila, Ralstonia pickettii, and Morganella morganii), whereas 11 shell samples grew various clostridial anerobes. No fungal organisms were cultured. Although the etiology of the lesions described remains unknown, the use of a scoring system in conjunction with full thickness biopsies is suggested to help standardize investigations into chelonian shell disease in the future.

• Tolerance doses of cutaneous and mucosal tissues in ring-necked parakeets (Psittacula krameri) for external beam megavoltage radiation.

  Authors: Heather W Barron, Royce E Roberts, Kenneth S Latimer, Stephen Hernandez-Divers, Nicole C Northrup

  Journal of avian medicine and surgery. 04/2009; 23(1):6-9.

  Currently used dosages for external-beam megavoltage radiation therapy in birds have been extrapolated from mammalian patients and often appear to provide inadequate doses of radiation for effectiveCurrently used dosages for external-beam megavoltage radiation therapy in birds have been extrapolated from mammalian patients and often appear to provide inadequate doses of radiation for effective tumor control. To determine the tolerance doses of cutaneous and mucosal tissues of normal birds in order to provide more effective radiation treatment for tumors that have been shown to be radiation responsive in other species, ingluvial mucosa and the skin over the ingluvies of 9 ring-necked parakeets (Psittacula krameri) were irradiated in 4-Gy fractions to a total dose of either 48, 60, or 72 Gy using an isocentric cobalt-60 teletherapy unit. Minimal radiation-induced epidermal changes were present in the high-dose group histologically. Neither dose-related acute nor chronic radiation effects could be detected in any group grossly in cutaneous or mucosal tissue over a 9-month period. Radiation doses of 72 Gy in 4-Gy fractions were well tolerated in the small number of ring-necked parakeets in this initial tolerance dose study.

• Genetic variability of Cytauxzoon felis from 88 infected domestic cats in Arkansas and Georgia.

  Authors: Holly M Brown, Roy D Berghaus, Kenneth S Latimer, James O Britt, Pauline M Rakich, David S Peterson

  Journal of veterinary diagnostic investigation : official publication of the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians, Inc. 02/2009; 21(1):59-63.

  Although cytauxzoonosis has historically been nearly 100% fatal in domestic cats, increasing number of reports of infected cats that demonstrate less-severe disease suggest the existence of differentAlthough cytauxzoonosis has historically been nearly 100% fatal in domestic cats, increasing number of reports of infected cats that demonstrate less-severe disease suggest the existence of different strains of Cytauxzoon felis. To test this hypothesis, the genetic variability of C. felis was examined in blood samples from naturally infected domestic cats from Arkansas and Georgia by using the first and second ribosomal internal transcribed spacer regions (ITS1, ITS2) as markers to assess genotypic variability. In addition, the clinical outcome of infection (survival vs. fatal disease) was analyzed. Within the C. felis ITS1 region, there were a total of 8 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) and a single nucleotide insertion. Within the ITS2 region, there were a total of 4 SNPs and a single 40 base pair insertion. When taken together, the ITS1 and ITS2 sequence data defined a total of 11 different sequences and 3 unique genotypes. One unique ITS1-ITS2 genotype was detected in samples submitted exclusively from Arkansas, and a second unique genotype was submitted exclusively from Georgia. There was a significant association between infection with C. felis that contained particular ITS genotypes and survival of the infected domestic cat. The identification of unique C. felis genotypes obtained from different geographic areas and the association of particular ITS genotypes with the outcome of infection suggest the existence of parasite strains that may vary in pathogenicity to the domestic cat and offer an explanation for the survival of some infected cats in more recent case studies.

• Comparison between coelioscopy and coeliotomy for liver biopsy in channel catfish.

  Authors: S Shaun Boone, Stephen J Hernandez-Divers, Maryann G Radlinsky, Kenneth S Latimer, James L Shelton

  Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. 10/2008; 233(6):960-7.

  Objective-To evaluate endoscopic liver biopsy and compare that technique with a standard coeliotomy biopsy technique in fish. Design-Randomized controlled clinical trial. Animals-30 channel catfishObjective-To evaluate endoscopic liver biopsy and compare that technique with a standard coeliotomy biopsy technique in fish. Design-Randomized controlled clinical trial. Animals-30 channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus). Procedures-10 fish were randomly assigned into control, coeliotomy, and coelioscopy groups. Anesthesia was performed with a recirculating anesthesia machine. Body weight, PCV, and total protein (TP) concentration in blood as well as plasma activities of aspartate aminotransferase, creatinine phosphokinase, lactate dehydrogenase, and sorbitol dehydrogenase were measured before and after surgery. Standard ventral coeliotomy or coelioscopy was performed, and the biopsy specimens were scored histologically. Results-Coeliotomy and coelioscopy procedures were well tolerated without acute deaths. Blood TP concentration and PCV decreased after surgery in the coelioscopy group because of intracoelomic fluid administration to aid visualization. Minor changes in activities for hepatic and muscular enzyme activities were apparent, but were not significantly different between the coelioscopy and coeliotomy groups. Coelioscopy and coeliotomy yielded biopsy specimens of similar diagnostic quality. However, coelioscopy permitted a more extensive evaluation of the viscera, and all 10 surgical wounds healed completely, compared with severe wound dehiscence in 3 of 10 fish that underwent coeliotomy. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-Both coelioscopy and coeliotomy were capable of yielding antemortem liver biopsy specimens of diagnostic quality in catfish. Coelioscopy permitted a more detailed examination of the coelomic viscera through a smaller surgical incision, was less traumatic, and resulted in decreased wound dehiscence.

• Hematology of the Pascagoula map turtle (Graptemys gibbonsi) and the southeast Asian box turtle (Cuora amboinensis).

  Authors: David Perpiñán, Sonia M Hernandez-Divers, Kenneth S Latimer, Thomas Akre, Chris Hagen, Kurt A Buhlmann, Stephen J Hernandez-Divers

  Journal of zoo and wildlife medicine : official publication of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians. 10/2008; 39(3):460-3.

  Turtle populations are decreasing dramatically due to habitat loss and collection for the food and pet market. This study sought to determine hematologic values in two species of turtles to helpTurtle populations are decreasing dramatically due to habitat loss and collection for the food and pet market. This study sought to determine hematologic values in two species of turtles to help assess health status of captive and wild populations. Blood samples were collected from 12 individuals of the Pascagoula map turtle (Graptemys gibbonsi) and seven individuals of the southeast Asian box turtle (Cuora amboinensis) from the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (South Carolina, USA). The hematologic data included hematocrit, total solids, erythrocyte count, leukocyte count, and differential and percentage leukocyte counts. Low hematocrit values and high basophil counts were found in both species. The basophil was the most abundant leukocyte in the Pascagoula map turtle (median = 0.80 x 10(9)/L), whereas in the Southeast Asian box turtle the most abundant leukocyte was the heterophil (median = 2.06 x 10(9)/L).

• Detection of persistent Cytauxzoon felis infection by polymerase chain reaction in three asymptomatic domestic cats.

  Authors: Holly M Brown, Kenneth S Latimer, Laura E Erikson, Marsha E Cashwell, James O Britt, David S Peterson

  Journal of veterinary diagnostic investigation : official publication of the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians, Inc. 08/2008; 20(4):485-8.

  Repeated polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing of 3 asymptomatic domestic cats were positive for Cytauxzoon felis DNA, suggesting persistent infection. Two cats initially presented with clinicalRepeated polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing of 3 asymptomatic domestic cats were positive for Cytauxzoon felis DNA, suggesting persistent infection. Two cats initially presented with clinical signs consistent with acute cytauxzoonosis and, in both cases, signs of illness resolved after treatment. Parasitemia was detected in peripheral blood smears from these cats upon presentation with illness and, at subsequent follow-up appointments, in the absence of clinical illness. Polymerase chain reaction analysis was positive for C. felis from blood sampled at each time point. A third cat, a housemate of a cat fatally infected with C. felis, was preventatively treated for infection at the time of the housemate cat's death. This contact cat, having never shown signs of clinical illness consistent with cytauxzoonosis infection, had no detectable parasitemia but was positive for C. felis on repeated PCR testing. Detection of asymptomatically infected cats allows for the possibility of a yet unrecognized population of infected domestic cats that may have the capacity to serve as an additional reservoir host for C. felis, altering the currently accepted paradigm of C. felis transmission to domestic cats through bobcats as the reservoir host. In cases of very low parasitemia, more sensitive means of parasite detection, such as PCR testing, may be necessary to detect infected cats. Increased detection of asymptomatically infected cats will aid in understanding the epidemiology of C. felis infection and enhance the ability to prevent this highly fatal infectious disease of domestic cats.

• Three cases of systemic atypical granulomatous disease in moluccan cockatoos (Cacatua moluccensis): a new syndrome.

  Authors: Gretchen A Cole, Michael M Garner, James W Carpenter, Keiichi Kuroki, Rachel A Bowlus, Kenneth S Latimer

  Journal of avian medicine and surgery. 07/2008; 22(2):127-37.

  A 1.5-year-old male Moluccan cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis) presented to Kansas State University Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital with a 4-month history of lethargy and weakness. Hematologic andA 1.5-year-old male Moluccan cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis) presented to Kansas State University Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital with a 4-month history of lethargy and weakness. Hematologic and radiographic diagnostic testing revealed profound leukocytosis and coelomic and pulmonary granulomatous masses of unknown origin. The bird died during laparoscopic evaluation under general anesthesia. Necropsy revealed multiple pulmonary and hepatic soft-tissue nodules and an intracoelomic mass over the left kidney communicating with external subcutaneous masses and a pericloacal mass of similar gross appearance. Histopathologic findings identified a severe, disseminated, inflammatory infiltration of multiple tissues and multiple granulomas containing bizarre multinucleated cells. No causative agent of this granulomatous disease was identified. To our knowledge, this is the first report of systemic atypical granulomatous disease in Moluccan cockatoo. Traditional causes of granulomatous disease include mycotic disease, bacterial (ie, Mycobacterium) disease, and neoplasia. Attempts to identify an causative agent or neoplasia were unsuccessful. A retrospective review of pathology records revealed 2 additional cases with identical pathologic lesions. All 3 cases occurred in young Moluccan cockatoos and are assumed to be a disease of unknown origin that could be unique to this species.

• Avian cytology.

  Authors: Kenneth S Latimer, Pauline M Rakich

  The veterinary clinics of North America. Exotic animal practice. 02/2007; 10(1):131-54, vi.

  An overview of avian cytology is presented, discussing more common abnormalities that are encountered in routine clinical practice. The general cytologic features of inflammatory, infectious, andAn overview of avian cytology is presented, discussing more common abnormalities that are encountered in routine clinical practice. The general cytologic features of inflammatory, infectious, and neo-plastic lesions are described. The remainder of the article covers major cytologic abnormalities by anatomic site of origin of the specimens.

• Cytologic diagnosis of diseases of ferrets.

  Authors: Pauline M Rakich, Kenneth S Latimer

  The veterinary clinics of North America. Exotic animal practice. 02/2007; 10(1):61-78, vi.

  Cytology is a useful, rapid, inexpensive diagnostic technique that is particularly suitable for ferrets because of their small size and readily accessible organs and tissues. This article begins withCytology is a useful, rapid, inexpensive diagnostic technique that is particularly suitable for ferrets because of their small size and readily accessible organs and tissues. This article begins with a brief discussion of general cytologic information. The remainder of the article concentrates on the cytologic features of common diseases that affect ferrets.

• Falcon adenovirus infection in breeding Taita falcons (Falco fasciinucha).

  Authors: Jason Dean, Kenneth S Latimer, J Lindsay Oaks, Mark Schrenzel, Patrick T Redig, Arno Wünschmann

  Journal of veterinary diagnostic investigation : official publication of the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians, Inc. 06/2006; 18(3):282-6.

  Four female and 3 male Taita falcons (Falco fasciinucha) out of a breeding colony of 14 Taita falcons (7 pairs) died during the breeding season after showing lethargy and anorexia for 1 to 2 days.Four female and 3 male Taita falcons (Falco fasciinucha) out of a breeding colony of 14 Taita falcons (7 pairs) died during the breeding season after showing lethargy and anorexia for 1 to 2 days. All animals were submitted for necropsy. Gross lesions in the female falcons were characterized by anemia secondary to marked hemorrhage into the ovary and oviduct, serofibrinous effusion into the cardioabdominal cavity and serosal petechiae. In addition, marked necrotizing splenitis and pulmonary hemorrhage were present. Histologically, the female falcons had mild necrotizing hepatitis with numerous intranuclear inclusion bodies and necrotizing splenitis with rare inclusion bodies. There were no gross lesions in the male falcons, and the histological lesions were characterized by urate deposition and rare intranuclear inclusion bodies in the renal tubular epithelial cells. Adenoviral particles were found by electron microscopy in the cloacal contents of the female Taita falcons but not in the male falcons. DNA in situ hybridization revealed widespread aviadenoviral nucleic acid within the nuclei of hepatocytes, renal tubular epithelial cells, and adrenal cells in the female falcons but no aviadenoviral nucleic acid in 1 male falcon and only a low quantity of adenoviral nucleic acid in the liver and kidney of another male Taita falcon. PCR amplified aviadenoviral DNA in the liver and intestine of all Taita falcons. The amplicons were sequenced, and the virus was identified as falcon adenovirus. The deaths of the female and male birds were attributed to the aviadenovirus infection.

• Novel iridovirus in a nautilus (Nautilus spp.).

  Authors: Christopher R Gregory, Kenneth S Latimer, Kate E Pennick, Keith Benson, Tiffany Moore

  Journal of veterinary diagnostic investigation : official publication of the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians, Inc. 04/2006; 18(2):208-11.

  Intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies suggestive of iridovirus infection were observed in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues from a nautilus (Nautilus spp.) that died without premonitory signs.Intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies suggestive of iridovirus infection were observed in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues from a nautilus (Nautilus spp.) that died without premonitory signs. Transmission electron microscopy revealed enveloped, hexagonal, viral particles that measured approximately 176 nm in diameter. Virions contained a dense central core and morphology typical of iridoviruses. Extracted DNA was amplified using primers homologous to conserved iridovirus sequences. The amplicons were cloned, sequenced, and determined to be approximately 60% similar to reported amphibian iridovirus sequences. A polymerase chain reaction-generated digoxigenin probe was used to detect viral nucleic acid in tissue sections by DNA in situ hybridization and high-affinity cytochemistry. The detected nucleic acid corresponded to the inclusion bodies observed microscopically. This represents a novel iridovirus of mollusks.

• Persistent viral shedding during asymptomatic Aleutian mink disease parvoviral infection in a ferret.

  Authors: Kate E Pennick, Mary Ann M Stevenson, Kenneth S Latimer, Branson W Ritchie, Christopher R Gregory

  Journal of veterinary diagnostic investigation : official publication of the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians, Inc. 12/2005; 17(6):594-7.

  A 2-year-old domestic ferret that appeared clinically healthy was repeatedly seropositive for Aleutian mink disease parvovirus (ADV) over a 2-year observation period. Antibody titers, determined byA 2-year-old domestic ferret that appeared clinically healthy was repeatedly seropositive for Aleutian mink disease parvovirus (ADV) over a 2-year observation period. Antibody titers, determined by counter-immunoelectrophoresis, ranged from 1024 to 4096. Viral DNA also was identified in serum, urine, feces, and blood cell fractions by polymerase chain reaction analysis. Ultimately, DNA in situ hybridization revealed ADV DNA in histologic sections of various tissues and organs. These data indicate that this asymptomatic ferret was persistently infected with ADV.

• Lymphoid follicular cloacal inflammation associated with a novel herpesvirus in juvenile alligators (Alligator mississippiensis).

  Authors: Pamela D Govett, Craig A Harms, April J Johnson, Kenneth S Latimer, James F X Wellehan, Michael H Fatzinger, L Shane Christian, Terra R Kelly, Gregory A Lewbart

  Journal of veterinary diagnostic investigation : official publication of the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians, Inc. 10/2005; 17(5):474-9.

  Multifocal hyperemic nodules and plaques associated with the cloacal mucosa of juvenile alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) at a public aquarium were investigated. Grossly, pale pink to dark redMultifocal hyperemic nodules and plaques associated with the cloacal mucosa of juvenile alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) at a public aquarium were investigated. Grossly, pale pink to dark red multifocal, circular lesions of varying degrees of severity were identified on the cloacal and, in males, phallus mucosa. Cloacal mucosa biopsies were obtained from 2 of the alligators. These samples were examined histologically and by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using consensus primers targeting a conserved region of the herpesvirus polymerase gene. Microscopically, the lesions were characterized as submucosal lymphoid follicles with hyperemia and hemorrhage. No inclusion bodies were observed. Minimal to no anisokaryosis was present, and no etiologic agents were identified. Through PCR, a band consistent in size with herpesvirus was observed. Tissues showing similar clinical, histopathologic, and PCR findings were collected from animals at an alligator farm several months later. Sequencing of the PCR amplicon resulted in a 180-base pair sequence that shared 85% sequence identity with tortoise herpesvirus-1.