Isolation of Abiotrophia spp. with Staphylococcus aureus in a case of mastitis in a cow.
Isolation of Streptococcus suis from a young wild boar C treptococcus suis is an important pathogen of pigs, which has also been recognized as a zoonotic agent (1). Streptococcus suis has been associated with sporadic infections in a variety of mammalian species, such as, cattle, bison, horses, sheep, goats, dogs, and cats (2). It has recently been isolated from psittacine birds, zebrafinches, canaries, bullfinches, and a duck (2). A 20-day-old, wild boar from a 30-sow herd was submitted to the Faculte de medecine vet6rinaire of the Universit6 de Montr6al with signs of pneumonia and diarrhea. The animal was alert and did not show any neurological signs. The boar was euthanized; at necropsy, the cranial lobes of the lung, particularly on the the right side, were firm textured. The caudal lobes of the lung were not affected. There was no evidence of arthritis. Microscopic examination of the lung revealed suppurative bronchopneumonia with hemorrhagic foci and fibrinous exudation. A moderate number of coccidia were seen in sections of the small intestine. Bacteriological cultures of lungs yielded Streptococcus suis capsular type 2 colonies in large numbers, as well as a comparable number of colonies of Escherichia coli. The E. coli isolated from the intestines did not possess any of the enteropathogenicity virulence factors, and tests for rotavirus and coronavirus were negative. A total of 3 litters in this herd showed signs of infection with Streptococcus suis. Marked clinical improvement was noted after pigs from these litters were injected with 300,000 units of procaine penicillin G. The origin of the infection was not determined, but there is speculation that it spread from a swine herd on the same farm.
Streptococcus suis infections in birds.
Four cases of Streptococcus suis infection were diagnosed in psittacine birds and four others in zebrafinches, bullfinches, canaries and a duck. The main clinical and pathological manifestation was septicaemia with multiple sudden deaths in nestlings, young and adults. Other cases were solitary, with evidence for secondary involvement of S. suis. Four serotypable strains all belonged to serotype 9.
Community refinement of glaucoma referrals
AbstractAim To describe a Manchester-based glaucoma referral refinement scheme designed to reduce the number of false-positive referrals to the hospital eye service. To report on the first years results of this scheme and its financial costs to the NHS.Methods Patients with suspected glaucoma, instead of being referred to their GP and then on to the hospital eye service, were referred to a group of specially trained community optometrists working to an agreed set of referral criteria. Those patients who did not meet the referral criteria were returned to the referring optometrist, while those who met the referral criteria were referred directly to Manchester Royal Eye Hospital. The patient's GP was informed in all cases.Results The number of suspect glaucoma cases referred to the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital was reduced by 40%. This figure is close to the percentage of false-positive referrals measured at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital prior to the onset of this study. The information accompanying referral has been improved and the scheme produces a small financial cost saving to the NHS of approximately £17 per patient.Conclusion Community refinement of suspect glaucoma offers some important benefits over the current referral pathway.