Evaluation of plasma N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) concentrations in dogs with mitral valve insufficiency.

The diagnostic significance of the plasma concentration of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) was evaluated in 72 dogs with mitral valve insufficiency and 36 control dogs. In the controls, the plasma NT-proBNP concentration was 163.9 +/- 114.

Confirmed case of feline mycetoma due to Microsporum canis.

The first case of feline true mycetoma because of a dermatophyte has been reported in this manuscript, although pseudomycetoma has been described in dogs and cats. The patient was a 9-year-old castrated male Persian cat weighing 4.2 kg with subcutaneous nodules on the dorsal trunk.

Genome and virulence determinants of high virulence community-acquired MRSA.

Background: A new type of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), designated community-acquired MRSA, is becoming increasingly noticeable in the community, some strains of which cause fatal infections in otherwise healthy individuals. By contrast with hospital-acquired MRSA, community-acquired MRSA is more susceptible to non b-lactam antibiotics. We investigated the high virulence potential of certain strains of this bacterium.