Molecular Detection of Rickettsia felis in Fleas of Companion Animals in East Texas.

Flea-borne spotted fever is an emerging insect-borne rickettsial infection caused by Rickettsia felis and has been identified worldwide. This study sought to explore the prevalence of rickettsiae associated with fleas on companion dogs and cats from Walker and Montgomery Counties in East Texas. Fleas were collected from animals entering local veterinary clinics for routine checkups.

Age and Body Condition Influence the Post-Prandial Interleukin-1β Response to a High-Starch Meal in Horses.

Older horses and those prone to obesity may be at a higher risk for inflammation than younger and leaner counterparts. Previous research indicated a postprandial elevation in plasma concentrations of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), a pro-inflammatory cytokine, after consuming 1.2 g of non-structural carbohydrates/kilogram of body weight.

Colorado tick fever virus induces apoptosis in human endothelial cells to facilitate viral replication.

Colorado tick fever virus (CTFV) belongs to the genus Coltivirus of the Reoviridae family, and it is the causative agent of Colorado tick fever. Symptoms of the infection are characterized by sudden biphasic fever, headache, and petechial rash, while severe forms of the disease can include meningoencephalitis, hemorrhagic fever, and death in children. However, the mechanisms underlying CTFV induced pathology and severe complications remain unknown.