Evaluation of Real-Time Quaking-Induced Conversion, ELISA, and Immunohistochemistry for Chronic Wasting Disease Diagnosis.

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a transmissible prion disorder, primarily affecting free-ranging and captive cervids in North America (United States and Canada), South Korea, and Europe (Finland, Norway, and Sweden). Current diagnostic methods used in the United States for detection of CWD in hunter harvested deer involve demonstration of the causal misfolded prion protein (PrP) in the obex or retropharyngeal lymph nodes (RLNs) using an antigen detection ELISA as a screening tool, followed by a confirmation by the gold standard method, immunohistochemistry (IHC). Real-time quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC) assay is a newer approach that amplifies misfolded CWD prions and has facilitated CWD prion detection in a variety of tissues, body fluids, and excreta.

Toxoplasma gondii in an African crested porcupine (Hystrix cristata).

An adult female crested porcupine (Hystrix cristata) was evaluated for acute onset of neurologic signs including head tilt, circling, and ataxia. She was found dead in her holding area 2 days after initially exhibiting clinical signs. Necropsy was unremarkable.

Toxoplasmosis in a free-ranging mink.

A free-ranging mink (Mustela vison), estimated to be 3 mo old, was found on the campus of Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan; it exhibited clinical signs of left hind limb lameness, ataxia, head tremors, and bilateral blindness. Histologically, the animal had a mild, nonsuppurative meningoencephalitis and severe chorioretinitis with intralesional bradyzoites and tachyzoites. Protozoal organisms were identified as Toxoplasma gondii based on histology, immunohistochemistry, and polymerase chain reaction.

Seroprevalence of antibodies against Leishmania spp among dogs in the United States.

Objective: To determine seroprevalence of antibodies against Leishmania spp among dogs other than Foxhounds in the United States.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Sample Population: 957 serum samples from dogs throughout the United States submitted between January 2000 and August 2001 to the Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health at Michigan State University for serologic testing for tick-borne diseases.