@article{birkenheuer_marr_warren_acton_mucker_humphreys_tucker_2008, title={Cytauxzoon felis infections are present in bobcats (Lynx rufus) in a region where cytauxzoonosis is not recognized in domestic cats}, volume={153}, ISSN={["1873-2550"]}, DOI={10.1016/j.vetpar.2008.01.020}, abstractNote={This study was performed to determine the prevalence of Cytauxzoon felis (C. felis) infections in bobcats (Lynx rufus) from a region where C. felis is recognized in domestic cats, North Carolina (NC), and a region where C. felis is not recognized in domestic cats, Pennsylvania (PA). Samples from NC (n=32) were obtained post-mortem via cardiac puncture from legally trapped bobcats. Samples from PA (n=70) were collected post-mortem onto Nobuto blood collecting strips by the PA Game Commission. Each sample was tested using a C. felis specific PCR assay as well as a PCR assay targeting host DNA to rule out the presence of PCR inhibitors. Three samples were excluded due to the presence of PCR inhibitors. Thirty-three percent (10/30) of the samples from NC and 7% (5/69) of the samples from PA tested positive for the presence of C. felis. The proportion of C. felis positive bobcats from NC was significantly different than that from PA (P<0.005). Despite the lower prevalence of C. felis infections in bobcats from PA this finding is unique and indicates the potential for C. felis infections in domestic cats in the northeastern USA if the appropriate tick vectors are present. Veterinary practitioners in PA should be on alert for cytauxzoonosis in domestic cats. Further studies about the epidemiology and transmission of C. felis infections among both domestic cats and bobcats are needed.}, number={1-2}, journal={VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY}, author={Birkenheuer, Adam J. and Marr, Henry S. and Warren, Camille and Acton, Anne E. and Mucker, Eric M. and Humphreys, Jan G. and Tucker, Melissa D.}, year={2008}, month={May}, pages={126–130} } @article{birkenheuer_marr_hladio_acton_2008, title={Molecular evidence of prevalent dual piroplasma infections in North American raccoons (Procyon lotor)}, volume={135}, ISSN={["1469-8161"]}, DOI={10.1017/S0031182007003538}, abstractNote={SUMMARYBased on 18S rRNA sequence analyses 2 distinct genotypes of piroplasms have been described in raccoons. One genotype resides in the Babesia sensu stricto clade and the other in the Babesia microti-like clade. Since these organisms appear morphologically indistinguishable, it is unclear which strain is responsible for the majority of the infections in raccoons. In order to overcome these limitations we performed a molecular survey of raccoons using polymerase chain reaction assays specific for each genotype. We tested blood samples from 41 wild raccoons trapped in eastern North Carolina using PCR assays and found that 95% (39/41) had detectable piroplasm DNA. Ninety percent (37/41) of the samples contained Babesia sensu stricto DNA and 83% (34/41) samples contained Babesia microti-like DNA. DNA from both genotypes was present in 76% (31/41) samples suggesting a very high rate of co-infections. The presence of dual piroplasma infections in carnivores appears to be an uncommon finding. This study highlights the need for molecular assays for the accurate identification of piroplasma. Further studies are indicated to investigate the ability of these parasites to infect domestic animals as well as their zoonotic potential.}, number={1}, journal={PARASITOLOGY}, author={Birkenheuer, A. J. and Marr, H. S. and Hladio, N. and Acton, A. E.}, year={2008}, month={Jan}, pages={33–37} } @article{acton_beale_gilger_stoskopf_2006, title={Sustained Release Cyclosporine Therapy for Bilateral Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca in a Red Wolf (Canis rufus)}, volume={37}, ISSN={1042-7260 1937-2825}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1638/06-021.1}, DOI={10.1638/06-021.1}, abstractNote={Abstract A 12-yr-old intact male red wolf (Canis rufus) diagnosed with bilateral idiopathic dry eye was treated with subconjunctival drug delivery implants designed to release therapeutic levels of cyclosporine from 12–24 mo. Normal tear production and corneal health has been maintained, alleviating the need for daily handling of the animal for topical medication.}, number={4}, journal={Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine}, publisher={American Association of Zoo Veterinarians}, author={Acton, Anne E. and Beale, A. Brady and Gilger, Brian C. and Stoskopf, Michael K.}, year={2006}, month={Dec}, pages={562–564} } @article{birkenheuer_harms_neel_marr_tucker_acton_tuttle_stoskopf_2007, title={The identification of a genetically unique piroplasma in North American river otters (Lontra canadensis)}, volume={134}, ISSN={["1469-8161"]}, url={http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-34249725062&partnerID=MN8TOARS}, DOI={10.1017/S0031182006002095}, abstractNote={SUMMARYDuring a routine health check of a wild-caught North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) small piroplasms were noted within erythrocytes. Analyses of the 18S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) gene sequences determined that this was a genetically unique organism most closely related to Babesia microti-like parasites found in other small carnivores. Subsequently 39 wild-trapped North American river otters from North Carolina were tested for the presence of piroplasma deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) via polymerase chain reaction and piroplasma DNA was detected in 82% (32/39) of these samples. Sequencing of partial 18S rRNA genes from selected cases determined that they were identical to the sentinel case. This report documents the existence of a genetically unique piroplasma in North American river otters and indicates that the prevalence of piroplasma in North Carolina otters is quite high. The pathogenic potential of this organism for otters or other species remains unknown.}, number={5}, journal={PARASITOLOGY}, author={Birkenheuer, A. J. and Harms, C. A. and Neel, J. and Marr, H. S. and Tucker, M. D. and Acton, A. E. and Tuttle, A. D. and Stoskopf, M. K.}, year={2007}, month={May}, pages={631–635} }