Monday, May 7, 2012
Feline oral cancer: new treatment options
Winn grant W11-027
Cetuximab Targeting of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in Feline Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Investigators: Stuart Helfand and Krystal Claybrook; Oregon State University
Feline oral squamous cell carcinoma (FOSCC) is a common and deadly cancer for which there are no truly effective therapies. This study’s long-term aim is to suppress growth of FOSCC by interrupting signaling through the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). EGFR-signaling is a known trigger for cell growth making it a desirable target for therapy. The study considers two strategies of interest that share the same goal of impeding EGFR signaling. One method is to use cetuximab for monoclonal antibody blockade of the receptor. The alternate method is use of tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) blockade of the receptor’s activation site. The impairment of signaling suppresses a number of processes that would otherwise promote malignant behavior.
Previous study results showed EGFR is expressed by the only cell line of FOSCC available and that cetuximab can bind to FOSCC biopsy tissue. Despite the prior data, this investigator unexpectedly discovered that cetuximab did not bind to the cells. The study then turned to pursuing the alternate approach to block EGFR signaling by examining a TKI drug, gefitinib, on proliferation of this cell line. Results in this instance confirmed the ability to interrupt EGFR signaling in the cell line by using gefitinib, resulting in suppression of the tumor cells. Data has indicated that this approach is effective and may facilitate use of lower drug doses while achieving superior cell killing.
Additional time is needed to confirm the results and validate targeting of gefitinib (and another TKI drug, dasatinib) to EGFR by western blot analysis. [VT]
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Cetuximab Targeting of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in Feline Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Investigators: Stuart Helfand and Krystal Claybrook; Oregon State University
 |
| Elderly cats are most at risk for oral cancer |
Previous study results showed EGFR is expressed by the only cell line of FOSCC available and that cetuximab can bind to FOSCC biopsy tissue. Despite the prior data, this investigator unexpectedly discovered that cetuximab did not bind to the cells. The study then turned to pursuing the alternate approach to block EGFR signaling by examining a TKI drug, gefitinib, on proliferation of this cell line. Results in this instance confirmed the ability to interrupt EGFR signaling in the cell line by using gefitinib, resulting in suppression of the tumor cells. Data has indicated that this approach is effective and may facilitate use of lower drug doses while achieving superior cell killing.
Additional time is needed to confirm the results and validate targeting of gefitinib (and another TKI drug, dasatinib) to EGFR by western blot analysis. [VT]
More on cat health:
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Winn grant W11-027
Cetuximab Targeting of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in Feline Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Investigators: Stuart Helfand and Krystal Claybrook; Oregon State University
Feline oral squamous cell carcinoma (FOSCC) is a common and deadly cancer for which there are no truly effective therapies. This study’s long-term aim is to suppress growth of FOSCC by interrupting signaling through the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). EGFR-signaling is a known trigger for cell growth making it a desirable target for therapy. The study considers two strategies of interest that share the same goal of impeding EGFR signaling. One method is to use cetuximab for monoclonal antibody blockade of the receptor. The alternate method is use of tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) blockade of the receptor’s activation site. The impairment of signaling suppresses a number of processes that would otherwise promote malignant behavior.
Previous study results showed EGFR is expressed by the only cell line of FOSCC available and that cetuximab can bind to FOSCC biopsy tissue. Despite the prior data, this investigator unexpectedly discovered that cetuximab did not bind to the cells. The study then turned to pursuing the alternate approach to block EGFR signaling by examining a TKI drug, gefitinib, on proliferation of this cell line. Results in this instance confirmed the ability to interrupt EGFR signaling in the cell line by using gefitinib, resulting in suppression of the tumor cells. Data has indicated that this approach is effective and may facilitate use of lower drug doses while achieving superior cell killing.
Additional time is needed to confirm the results and validate targeting of gefitinib (and another TKI drug, dasatinib) to EGFR by western blot analysis. [VT]
More on cat health:
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Read More
Cetuximab Targeting of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in Feline Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Investigators: Stuart Helfand and Krystal Claybrook; Oregon State University
|
| Elderly cats are most at risk for oral cancer |
Previous study results showed EGFR is expressed by the only cell line of FOSCC available and that cetuximab can bind to FOSCC biopsy tissue. Despite the prior data, this investigator unexpectedly discovered that cetuximab did not bind to the cells. The study then turned to pursuing the alternate approach to block EGFR signaling by examining a TKI drug, gefitinib, on proliferation of this cell line. Results in this instance confirmed the ability to interrupt EGFR signaling in the cell line by using gefitinib, resulting in suppression of the tumor cells. Data has indicated that this approach is effective and may facilitate use of lower drug doses while achieving superior cell killing.
Additional time is needed to confirm the results and validate targeting of gefitinib (and another TKI drug, dasatinib) to EGFR by western blot analysis. [VT]
More on cat health:
Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Friday, May 4, 2012
Parvovirus in cats and dogs
Stucker KM, Pagan I, Cifuente JO, et al. The role of evolutionary intermediates in the host adaptation of canine parvovirus. J Virol 2012;86:1514-1521.
Canine parvovirus (CPV-2) emerged in the late 1970’s as a variant of feline panleukopenia virus (FPV). By the early 1980’s, this variant was replaced by new variants that infected both dogs and cats (CPV-2a and -2b). Interestingly, it is now believed that raccoons may have played a role in the evolution of FPV and its adaptation to dogs, and re-adaptation to cats. Through analysis of all of these viruses and variants, the researchers were able to describe the complex sequence of events, involving small changes in the virus were necessary for these changes in host adaptations. Furthermore, they found that these changes had to occur in concert with one another in order for the adaptation to be successful. These findings show how complex this adaptation to new hosts is, and thus why it is not a common occurrence among viruses. [MK]
Related articles: Horiuchi M, Yamaguchi Y, Gojobori T, et al. Differences in the evolutionary pattern of feline panleukopenia virus and canine parvovirus. Virology 1998;249:440-452.
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Canine parvovirus (CPV-2) emerged in the late 1970’s as a variant of feline panleukopenia virus (FPV). By the early 1980’s, this variant was replaced by new variants that infected both dogs and cats (CPV-2a and -2b). Interestingly, it is now believed that raccoons may have played a role in the evolution of FPV and its adaptation to dogs, and re-adaptation to cats. Through analysis of all of these viruses and variants, the researchers were able to describe the complex sequence of events, involving small changes in the virus were necessary for these changes in host adaptations. Furthermore, they found that these changes had to occur in concert with one another in order for the adaptation to be successful. These findings show how complex this adaptation to new hosts is, and thus why it is not a common occurrence among viruses. [MK]Related articles: Horiuchi M, Yamaguchi Y, Gojobori T, et al. Differences in the evolutionary pattern of feline panleukopenia virus and canine parvovirus. Virology 1998;249:440-452.
More on cat health:
Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Stucker KM, Pagan I, Cifuente JO, et al. The role of evolutionary intermediates in the host adaptation of canine parvovirus. J Virol 2012;86:1514-1521.
Canine parvovirus (CPV-2) emerged in the late 1970’s as a variant of feline panleukopenia virus (FPV). By the early 1980’s, this variant was replaced by new variants that infected both dogs and cats (CPV-2a and -2b). Interestingly, it is now believed that raccoons may have played a role in the evolution of FPV and its adaptation to dogs, and re-adaptation to cats. Through analysis of all of these viruses and variants, the researchers were able to describe the complex sequence of events, involving small changes in the virus were necessary for these changes in host adaptations. Furthermore, they found that these changes had to occur in concert with one another in order for the adaptation to be successful. These findings show how complex this adaptation to new hosts is, and thus why it is not a common occurrence among viruses. [MK]
Related articles: Horiuchi M, Yamaguchi Y, Gojobori T, et al. Differences in the evolutionary pattern of feline panleukopenia virus and canine parvovirus. Virology 1998;249:440-452.
More on cat health:
Winn Feline Foundation Library
Find us on Facebook
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Read More
Canine parvovirus (CPV-2) emerged in the late 1970’s as a variant of feline panleukopenia virus (FPV). By the early 1980’s, this variant was replaced by new variants that infected both dogs and cats (CPV-2a and -2b). Interestingly, it is now believed that raccoons may have played a role in the evolution of FPV and its adaptation to dogs, and re-adaptation to cats. Through analysis of all of these viruses and variants, the researchers were able to describe the complex sequence of events, involving small changes in the virus were necessary for these changes in host adaptations. Furthermore, they found that these changes had to occur in concert with one another in order for the adaptation to be successful. These findings show how complex this adaptation to new hosts is, and thus why it is not a common occurrence among viruses. [MK]Related articles: Horiuchi M, Yamaguchi Y, Gojobori T, et al. Differences in the evolutionary pattern of feline panleukopenia virus and canine parvovirus. Virology 1998;249:440-452.
More on cat health:
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Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Improving treatment of feline kidney disease
Winn grant W12-039
Administration of pimobendan to cats with chronic kidney disease
Investigators: Mary Anna Labato, Brandi R. Gallagher, John Rush; Tufts University
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the most common reasons geriatric cats present to the veterinarian. CKD is considered irreversible and progressive, and effective treatments are limited. A common co-existing condition seen in feline CKD patients is heart disease. Two of the investigators in this study have administered pimobendan to cats with combined kidney and heart disease. The patients had developed congestive heart failure (CHF) secondary to intravenous fluid administration, a typical standard of care for kidney disease. In some of these patients, addition of pimobendan resulted in a great improvement in kidney values and clinical response. Tolerability and safety of this drug has already been established in cats with heart disease. This will be a pilot study to assess the tolerability of pimobendan in cats with CKD and search for benefits in comparison to the current standard of care. Investigating these observations in a larger study will help establish whether pimobendan could be a novel treatment for cats with CKD.
This project is available for sponsorship. When you sponsor a project, your name will be added to the list of the project's supporters on our website and in any publications we produce about the project. You will receive exclusive pre-publication reports on the progress of your chosen project as they become available, and a final report at its conclusion.
More on cat health:
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Administration of pimobendan to cats with chronic kidney disease
Investigators: Mary Anna Labato, Brandi R. Gallagher, John Rush; Tufts University
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the most common reasons geriatric cats present to the veterinarian. CKD is considered irreversible and progressive, and effective treatments are limited. A common co-existing condition seen in feline CKD patients is heart disease. Two of the investigators in this study have administered pimobendan to cats with combined kidney and heart disease. The patients had developed congestive heart failure (CHF) secondary to intravenous fluid administration, a typical standard of care for kidney disease. In some of these patients, addition of pimobendan resulted in a great improvement in kidney values and clinical response. Tolerability and safety of this drug has already been established in cats with heart disease. This will be a pilot study to assess the tolerability of pimobendan in cats with CKD and search for benefits in comparison to the current standard of care. Investigating these observations in a larger study will help establish whether pimobendan could be a novel treatment for cats with CKD. This project is available for sponsorship. When you sponsor a project, your name will be added to the list of the project's supporters on our website and in any publications we produce about the project. You will receive exclusive pre-publication reports on the progress of your chosen project as they become available, and a final report at its conclusion.
More on cat health:
Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Winn grant W12-039
Administration of pimobendan to cats with chronic kidney disease
Investigators: Mary Anna Labato, Brandi R. Gallagher, John Rush; Tufts University
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the most common reasons geriatric cats present to the veterinarian. CKD is considered irreversible and progressive, and effective treatments are limited. A common co-existing condition seen in feline CKD patients is heart disease. Two of the investigators in this study have administered pimobendan to cats with combined kidney and heart disease. The patients had developed congestive heart failure (CHF) secondary to intravenous fluid administration, a typical standard of care for kidney disease. In some of these patients, addition of pimobendan resulted in a great improvement in kidney values and clinical response. Tolerability and safety of this drug has already been established in cats with heart disease. This will be a pilot study to assess the tolerability of pimobendan in cats with CKD and search for benefits in comparison to the current standard of care. Investigating these observations in a larger study will help establish whether pimobendan could be a novel treatment for cats with CKD.
This project is available for sponsorship. When you sponsor a project, your name will be added to the list of the project's supporters on our website and in any publications we produce about the project. You will receive exclusive pre-publication reports on the progress of your chosen project as they become available, and a final report at its conclusion.
More on cat health:
Winn Feline Foundation Library
Find us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Read the Cat Health News Weekly
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Read More
Administration of pimobendan to cats with chronic kidney disease
Investigators: Mary Anna Labato, Brandi R. Gallagher, John Rush; Tufts University
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the most common reasons geriatric cats present to the veterinarian. CKD is considered irreversible and progressive, and effective treatments are limited. A common co-existing condition seen in feline CKD patients is heart disease. Two of the investigators in this study have administered pimobendan to cats with combined kidney and heart disease. The patients had developed congestive heart failure (CHF) secondary to intravenous fluid administration, a typical standard of care for kidney disease. In some of these patients, addition of pimobendan resulted in a great improvement in kidney values and clinical response. Tolerability and safety of this drug has already been established in cats with heart disease. This will be a pilot study to assess the tolerability of pimobendan in cats with CKD and search for benefits in comparison to the current standard of care. Investigating these observations in a larger study will help establish whether pimobendan could be a novel treatment for cats with CKD. This project is available for sponsorship. When you sponsor a project, your name will be added to the list of the project's supporters on our website and in any publications we produce about the project. You will receive exclusive pre-publication reports on the progress of your chosen project as they become available, and a final report at its conclusion.
More on cat health:
Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Monday, April 30, 2012
Feline Health Symposium: Diving into the Gene Pool
Registration is now open for the 34th Annual Winn Feline Foundation Feline Health Symposium. This year's event, "Diving into the Gene Pool", will take place on Thursday, June 28, 2012, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at the Boston Marriott Quincy, in Quincy, MA.
“We are excited to announce that two preeminent feline healthcare researchers will be delivering the program. Leslie Lyons, PhD, University of California, Davis will present ‘The Next Generation of Feline Genetics’ and John Rush, DVM, DACVIM, DACVECC, Tufts University will speak on ‘Feline Cardiomyopathy - More than Genes! New thoughts on Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment’",stated Dr. Vicki Thayer, Winn Feline Foundation Board President.
Dr. Lyons will speak on recent genetic sequencing of the cat which has led to development of a powerful new genetic resource, the cat 63K DNA array. Dr. Lyons will present examples of recent successes for identification of mutations causing cat traits and diseases. In addition, discussion will cover a new study design to evaluate more challenging traits, such as FIP resistance and susceptibility, and other complex conditions in the cat. While genetic mutations contribute to many forms of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in the cat, these mutations cannot explain all of the manifestations of the disease. Dr. Rush will present information and research relative to diagnostic testing, dietary implications, and new drugs for treatment of feline cardiomyopathy.
All event proceeds will benefit worldwide medical research on feline HCM via Winn’s Ricky Fund, established in 2002 with the specific purpose of raising funds for feline HCM research.
The registration fee, which includes light snacks with a cash bar, is $25. Reservations are required by June 17, 2012. Detailed information and registration options are available on our website and in the event flyer.
For more information, contact:
Maureen Walsh, Winn Chief Executive Officer
mwalsh@winnfelinehealth.org
“We are excited to announce that two preeminent feline healthcare researchers will be delivering the program. Leslie Lyons, PhD, University of California, Davis will present ‘The Next Generation of Feline Genetics’ and John Rush, DVM, DACVIM, DACVECC, Tufts University will speak on ‘Feline Cardiomyopathy - More than Genes! New thoughts on Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment’",stated Dr. Vicki Thayer, Winn Feline Foundation Board President.
Dr. Lyons will speak on recent genetic sequencing of the cat which has led to development of a powerful new genetic resource, the cat 63K DNA array. Dr. Lyons will present examples of recent successes for identification of mutations causing cat traits and diseases. In addition, discussion will cover a new study design to evaluate more challenging traits, such as FIP resistance and susceptibility, and other complex conditions in the cat. While genetic mutations contribute to many forms of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in the cat, these mutations cannot explain all of the manifestations of the disease. Dr. Rush will present information and research relative to diagnostic testing, dietary implications, and new drugs for treatment of feline cardiomyopathy.All event proceeds will benefit worldwide medical research on feline HCM via Winn’s Ricky Fund, established in 2002 with the specific purpose of raising funds for feline HCM research.
The registration fee, which includes light snacks with a cash bar, is $25. Reservations are required by June 17, 2012. Detailed information and registration options are available on our website and in the event flyer.
For more information, contact:
Maureen Walsh, Winn Chief Executive Officer
mwalsh@winnfelinehealth.org
Registration is now open for the 34th Annual Winn Feline Foundation Feline Health Symposium. This year's event, "Diving into the Gene Pool", will take place on Thursday, June 28, 2012, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at the Boston Marriott Quincy, in Quincy, MA.
“We are excited to announce that two preeminent feline healthcare researchers will be delivering the program. Leslie Lyons, PhD, University of California, Davis will present ‘The Next Generation of Feline Genetics’ and John Rush, DVM, DACVIM, DACVECC, Tufts University will speak on ‘Feline Cardiomyopathy - More than Genes! New thoughts on Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment’",stated Dr. Vicki Thayer, Winn Feline Foundation Board President.
Dr. Lyons will speak on recent genetic sequencing of the cat which has led to development of a powerful new genetic resource, the cat 63K DNA array. Dr. Lyons will present examples of recent successes for identification of mutations causing cat traits and diseases. In addition, discussion will cover a new study design to evaluate more challenging traits, such as FIP resistance and susceptibility, and other complex conditions in the cat. While genetic mutations contribute to many forms of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in the cat, these mutations cannot explain all of the manifestations of the disease. Dr. Rush will present information and research relative to diagnostic testing, dietary implications, and new drugs for treatment of feline cardiomyopathy.
All event proceeds will benefit worldwide medical research on feline HCM via Winn’s Ricky Fund, established in 2002 with the specific purpose of raising funds for feline HCM research.
The registration fee, which includes light snacks with a cash bar, is $25. Reservations are required by June 17, 2012. Detailed information and registration options are available on our website and in the event flyer.
For more information, contact:
Maureen Walsh, Winn Chief Executive Officer
mwalsh@winnfelinehealth.org
Read More
“We are excited to announce that two preeminent feline healthcare researchers will be delivering the program. Leslie Lyons, PhD, University of California, Davis will present ‘The Next Generation of Feline Genetics’ and John Rush, DVM, DACVIM, DACVECC, Tufts University will speak on ‘Feline Cardiomyopathy - More than Genes! New thoughts on Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment’",stated Dr. Vicki Thayer, Winn Feline Foundation Board President.
Dr. Lyons will speak on recent genetic sequencing of the cat which has led to development of a powerful new genetic resource, the cat 63K DNA array. Dr. Lyons will present examples of recent successes for identification of mutations causing cat traits and diseases. In addition, discussion will cover a new study design to evaluate more challenging traits, such as FIP resistance and susceptibility, and other complex conditions in the cat. While genetic mutations contribute to many forms of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in the cat, these mutations cannot explain all of the manifestations of the disease. Dr. Rush will present information and research relative to diagnostic testing, dietary implications, and new drugs for treatment of feline cardiomyopathy.All event proceeds will benefit worldwide medical research on feline HCM via Winn’s Ricky Fund, established in 2002 with the specific purpose of raising funds for feline HCM research.
The registration fee, which includes light snacks with a cash bar, is $25. Reservations are required by June 17, 2012. Detailed information and registration options are available on our website and in the event flyer.
For more information, contact:
Maureen Walsh, Winn Chief Executive Officer
mwalsh@winnfelinehealth.org
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Eliminating ringworm spores from the home
Winn grant W12-034
Decontamination of household textiles exposed to Microsporum canis spores
Investigator: Karen A. Moriello; University of Wisconsin-Madison
Ringworm is a superficial fungal skin disease that affects all animals, including cats. In cats, the most commonly isolated pathogen is Microsporum canis. This disease is important because it is highly contagious to cats and transmitted to people making it a public health concern. Ringworm can infect any cat, but the most commonly infected are the most adoptable (kittens and juveniles), old cats with other illnesses, and cats in animal shelters or rescue organizations. This skin disease is curable but treatment can be challenging because diseased cats shed large amounts of infective material (spores and infected hairs) into the environment. Effective cleaning is necessary to prevent spore contamination of the environment and prevent cats from becoming re-infected or “dust mop carriers”. Information on effective cleaning of hard surfaces (walls, counters, etc.) is available, but no evidence-based information is available for household textiles-fabric, clothing, carpeting, etc.
The purpose of this study is to determine the efficacy of decontamination options for household textiles (e.g., towels, fabric, and carpet) with a goal of identifying safe and effective practices. Common household textiles will be experimentally contaminated with naturally infective material and the following cleaning techniques tested: washing in cold or hot water with or without bleach pre-soaking, vacuuming rugs at different lengths of time, rental carpet cleaners, and high pressure/high temperature commercial cleaning of carpets. This study will determine which of these techniques are excellent, adequate, marginal or unsatisfactory for decontamination. Information will be immediately useful for people treating cats with ringworm.
This project is available for sponsorship. When you sponsor a project, your name will be added to the list of the project's supporters on our website and in any publications we produce about the project. You will receive exclusive pre-publication reports on the progress of your chosen project as they become available, and a final report at its conclusion.
More on cat health:
Winn Feline Foundation Library
Find us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
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Decontamination of household textiles exposed to Microsporum canis spores
Investigator: Karen A. Moriello; University of Wisconsin-Madison
Ringworm is a superficial fungal skin disease that affects all animals, including cats. In cats, the most commonly isolated pathogen is Microsporum canis. This disease is important because it is highly contagious to cats and transmitted to people making it a public health concern. Ringworm can infect any cat, but the most commonly infected are the most adoptable (kittens and juveniles), old cats with other illnesses, and cats in animal shelters or rescue organizations. This skin disease is curable but treatment can be challenging because diseased cats shed large amounts of infective material (spores and infected hairs) into the environment. Effective cleaning is necessary to prevent spore contamination of the environment and prevent cats from becoming re-infected or “dust mop carriers”. Information on effective cleaning of hard surfaces (walls, counters, etc.) is available, but no evidence-based information is available for household textiles-fabric, clothing, carpeting, etc.
 |
| Microscopic view of M. canis |
This project is available for sponsorship. When you sponsor a project, your name will be added to the list of the project's supporters on our website and in any publications we produce about the project. You will receive exclusive pre-publication reports on the progress of your chosen project as they become available, and a final report at its conclusion.
More on cat health:
Winn Feline Foundation Library
Find us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Read the Cat Health News Weekly
Join us on Google+
Winn grant W12-034
Decontamination of household textiles exposed to Microsporum canis spores
Investigator: Karen A. Moriello; University of Wisconsin-Madison
Ringworm is a superficial fungal skin disease that affects all animals, including cats. In cats, the most commonly isolated pathogen is Microsporum canis. This disease is important because it is highly contagious to cats and transmitted to people making it a public health concern. Ringworm can infect any cat, but the most commonly infected are the most adoptable (kittens and juveniles), old cats with other illnesses, and cats in animal shelters or rescue organizations. This skin disease is curable but treatment can be challenging because diseased cats shed large amounts of infective material (spores and infected hairs) into the environment. Effective cleaning is necessary to prevent spore contamination of the environment and prevent cats from becoming re-infected or “dust mop carriers”. Information on effective cleaning of hard surfaces (walls, counters, etc.) is available, but no evidence-based information is available for household textiles-fabric, clothing, carpeting, etc.
The purpose of this study is to determine the efficacy of decontamination options for household textiles (e.g., towels, fabric, and carpet) with a goal of identifying safe and effective practices. Common household textiles will be experimentally contaminated with naturally infective material and the following cleaning techniques tested: washing in cold or hot water with or without bleach pre-soaking, vacuuming rugs at different lengths of time, rental carpet cleaners, and high pressure/high temperature commercial cleaning of carpets. This study will determine which of these techniques are excellent, adequate, marginal or unsatisfactory for decontamination. Information will be immediately useful for people treating cats with ringworm.
This project is available for sponsorship. When you sponsor a project, your name will be added to the list of the project's supporters on our website and in any publications we produce about the project. You will receive exclusive pre-publication reports on the progress of your chosen project as they become available, and a final report at its conclusion.
More on cat health:
Winn Feline Foundation Library
Find us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Read the Cat Health News Weekly
Join us on Google+
Read More
Decontamination of household textiles exposed to Microsporum canis spores
Investigator: Karen A. Moriello; University of Wisconsin-Madison
Ringworm is a superficial fungal skin disease that affects all animals, including cats. In cats, the most commonly isolated pathogen is Microsporum canis. This disease is important because it is highly contagious to cats and transmitted to people making it a public health concern. Ringworm can infect any cat, but the most commonly infected are the most adoptable (kittens and juveniles), old cats with other illnesses, and cats in animal shelters or rescue organizations. This skin disease is curable but treatment can be challenging because diseased cats shed large amounts of infective material (spores and infected hairs) into the environment. Effective cleaning is necessary to prevent spore contamination of the environment and prevent cats from becoming re-infected or “dust mop carriers”. Information on effective cleaning of hard surfaces (walls, counters, etc.) is available, but no evidence-based information is available for household textiles-fabric, clothing, carpeting, etc.
|
| Microscopic view of M. canis |
This project is available for sponsorship. When you sponsor a project, your name will be added to the list of the project's supporters on our website and in any publications we produce about the project. You will receive exclusive pre-publication reports on the progress of your chosen project as they become available, and a final report at its conclusion.
More on cat health:
Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Monday, April 23, 2012
New feline virus identified
Lau SK, Woo PC, Yip CC, et al. Identification of a novel feline picornavirus from the domestic cat. J Virol. 2012; 86: 395-405.
Picornaviruses are small viruses infecting many animal species as well as humans. This family of viruses includes many important human and veterinary pathogens including the common cold virus, poliovirus, and foot and mouth disease virus. Thus far, picornaviruses infecting cats have not been identified.
The investigators screened fecal, urine, blood, and nasopharyngeal swab samples from over 600 cats in Hong Kong over a 3-year period for picornavirus using genetic detection methods. They found a novel virus which after characterization was found to be most closely related to but distinct from all known picornaviruses. Their findings indicated that infection of cats with this virus was quite common. While the cats tested in this study were all apparently healthy, further research is required to fully understand the significance of this virus among cats. [MK]
Related articles: Santti J, Vainionpaa R, Hyypia T. Molecular detection and typing of human picornaviruses. Virus Res. 1999; 62: 177-83.
More on cat health:
Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Picornaviruses are small viruses infecting many animal species as well as humans. This family of viruses includes many important human and veterinary pathogens including the common cold virus, poliovirus, and foot and mouth disease virus. Thus far, picornaviruses infecting cats have not been identified.
The investigators screened fecal, urine, blood, and nasopharyngeal swab samples from over 600 cats in Hong Kong over a 3-year period for picornavirus using genetic detection methods. They found a novel virus which after characterization was found to be most closely related to but distinct from all known picornaviruses. Their findings indicated that infection of cats with this virus was quite common. While the cats tested in this study were all apparently healthy, further research is required to fully understand the significance of this virus among cats. [MK]Related articles: Santti J, Vainionpaa R, Hyypia T. Molecular detection and typing of human picornaviruses. Virus Res. 1999; 62: 177-83.
More on cat health:
Winn Feline Foundation Library
Find us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Read the Cat Health News Weekly
Join us on Google+
Lau SK, Woo PC, Yip CC, et al. Identification of a novel feline picornavirus from the domestic cat. J Virol. 2012; 86: 395-405.
Picornaviruses are small viruses infecting many animal species as well as humans. This family of viruses includes many important human and veterinary pathogens including the common cold virus, poliovirus, and foot and mouth disease virus. Thus far, picornaviruses infecting cats have not been identified.
The investigators screened fecal, urine, blood, and nasopharyngeal swab samples from over 600 cats in Hong Kong over a 3-year period for picornavirus using genetic detection methods. They found a novel virus which after characterization was found to be most closely related to but distinct from all known picornaviruses. Their findings indicated that infection of cats with this virus was quite common. While the cats tested in this study were all apparently healthy, further research is required to fully understand the significance of this virus among cats. [MK]
Related articles: Santti J, Vainionpaa R, Hyypia T. Molecular detection and typing of human picornaviruses. Virus Res. 1999; 62: 177-83.
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Picornaviruses are small viruses infecting many animal species as well as humans. This family of viruses includes many important human and veterinary pathogens including the common cold virus, poliovirus, and foot and mouth disease virus. Thus far, picornaviruses infecting cats have not been identified.
The investigators screened fecal, urine, blood, and nasopharyngeal swab samples from over 600 cats in Hong Kong over a 3-year period for picornavirus using genetic detection methods. They found a novel virus which after characterization was found to be most closely related to but distinct from all known picornaviruses. Their findings indicated that infection of cats with this virus was quite common. While the cats tested in this study were all apparently healthy, further research is required to fully understand the significance of this virus among cats. [MK]Related articles: Santti J, Vainionpaa R, Hyypia T. Molecular detection and typing of human picornaviruses. Virus Res. 1999; 62: 177-83.
More on cat health:
Winn Feline Foundation Library
Find us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Read the Cat Health News Weekly
Join us on Google+
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