Characterization of an avirulent FCV strain with a broad serum cross-neutralization profile and protection against challenge of a highly virulent vs feline calicivirus.

Highly virulent, systemic strains of Feline calicivirus (vs FCV) have been described in recent years. These vs FCV isolates cause severe edema, cutaneous ulcers, lameness and other upper respiratory and oral clinical signs typically associated with FCV infection in cats. Vs FCV isolates can cause high mortality even in cats vaccinated with currently available commercial vaccines.

Characterization of a highly virulent feline calicivirus and attenuation of this virus.

Feline calicivirus (FCV) is a common cause of upper respiratory and oral disease in cats. Highly virulent, systemic strains of FCV (vs FCV) have been recently described. These vs FCV isolates cause edema, cutaneous ulcers and high mortality in affected cats.

The immunopathogenesis of flea allergy dermatitis in dogs, an experimental study.

In this study, we investigated the development of clinical disease and immune responses in the development of an experimental model of flea allergy dermatitis. Dogs were randomly divided into four treatment groups and were infested with fleas on two different feeding schedules (continuous and episodic). Group 1 consisted of four non-exposed dogs (negative controls) and Group 2 consisted of six dogs exposed to fleas continually.

Homologous protection but lack of heterologous-protection by various species and types of Bartonella in specific pathogen-free cats.

Cat-scratch disease (CSD) is caused by Bartonella henselae, and possibly by B. clarridgeiae. In immuno-compromised persons, B.

Experimental and natural infection with Bartonella henselae in domestic cats.

Domestic cats were experimentally infected with culture propagated Bartonella henselae by intradermal (i.d.) and intravenous (i.

Experimental transmission of Bartonella henselae by the cat flea.

Bartonella henselae is an emerging bacterial pathogen, causing cat scratch disease and bacillary angiomatosis. Cats bacteremic with B. henselae constitute a large reservoir from which humans become infected.

Bartonella henselae prevalence in domestic cats in California: risk factors and association between bacteremia and antibody titers.

The isolation of Bartonella henselae, the agent of cat scratch disease, from the blood of naturally infected domestic cats and the demonstration that cats remain bacteremic for several months suggest that cats play a major role as a reservoir for this bacterium. A convenience sample of 205 cats from northern California was selected between 1992 and 1994 to evaluate the B. henselae antibody and bacteremia prevalences and to determine the risk factors and associations between bacteremia and antibody titers.

Cyclosporine pharmacokinetics in cats following topical ocular administration.

Topical ocular administration of two forms of cyclosporine were studied in the cat. Both forms were able to produce measurable whole-blood levels capable of suppressing in vitro lymphocyte stimulation. The kinetics of cyclosporine following administration of either oral solution or cyclosporine in olive oil were variable, with peak concentrations ranging from 450 to 1033 ng/ml and 288 to 648 ng/ml, respectively.