@article{hepworth-warren_young_armwood_roessner_veerasammy_2024, title={Concurrent Streptococcus equi subsp. equi infection, purpura haemorrhagica and immune-mediated myositis in a Quarter Horse filly}, volume={2}, ISSN={["2042-3292"]}, DOI={10.1111/eve.13954}, abstractNote={Summary}, journal={EQUINE VETERINARY EDUCATION}, author={Hepworth-Warren, Kate L. and Young, Kimberly A. S. and Armwood, Abigail and Roessner, Holly and Veerasammy, Brittany}, year={2024}, month={Feb} }
 @article{john_criollo_gaghan_armwood_holmes_thachil_crespo_kulkarni_2024, title={Immunization of turkeys with Clostridium septicum alpha toxin-based recombinant subunit proteins can confer protection against experimental Clostridial dermatitis}, url={https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0302555}, DOI={10.1371/journal.pone.0302555}, abstractNote={Clostridial dermatitis (CD), caused by Clostridium septicum , is an emerging disease of increasing economic importance in turkeys. Currently, there are no effective vaccines for CD control. Here, two non-toxic domains of C . septicum alpha toxin, namely ntATX-D1 and ntATX-D2, were identified, cloned, and expressed in Escherichia coli as recombinant subunit proteins to investigate their use as potential vaccine candidates. Experimental groups consisted of a Negative control (NCx) that did not receive C . septicum challenge, while the adjuvant-only Positive control (PCx), ntATX-D1 immunization (D1) and ntATX-D2 immunization (D2) groups received C . septicum challenge. Turkeys were immunized subcutaneously with 100 μg of protein at 7, 8 and 9 weeks of age along with an oil-in-water nano-emulsion adjuvant, followed by C . septicum challenge at 11 weeks of age. Results showed that while 46.2% of birds in the PCx group died post-challenge, the rate of mortality in D1- or D2-immunization groups was 13.3%. The gross and histopathological lesions in the skin, muscle and spleen showed that the disease severity was highest in PCx group, while the D2-immunized birds had significantly lower lesion scores when compared to PCx. Gene expression analysis revealed that PCx birds had significantly higher expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine genes in the skin, muscle and spleen than the NCx group, while the D2 group had significantly lower expression of these genes compared to PCx. Peripheral blood cellular analysis showed increased frequencies of activated CD4+ and/or CD8+ cells in the D1 and D2-immunized groups. Additionally, the immunized turkeys developed antigen-specific serum IgY antibodies. Collectively, these findings indicate that ntATX proteins, specifically the ntATX-D2 can be a promising vaccine candidate for protecting turkeys against CD and that the protection mechanisms may include downregulation of C . septicum -induced inflammation and increased CD4+ and CD8+ cellular activation.}, journal={PLOS ONE}, author={John, Feba Ann and Criollo, Valeria and Gaghan, Carissa and Armwood, Abigail and Holmes, Jennifer and Thachil, Anil J. and Crespo, Rocio and Kulkarni, Raveendra R.}, editor={Chang, Yung-FuEditor}, year={2024}, month={Apr} }
 @article{hastain_buchy_dombrowski_womble_armwood_gruber_2023, title={What is your diagnosis? Ulcerative shell lesions from a diamond-backed terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin)}, volume={7}, ISSN={["1939-165X"]}, url={https://doi.org/10.1111/vcp.13291}, DOI={10.1111/vcp.13291}, abstractNote={An adult female intact diamond-backed terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences presented for an episode of scute sloughing and cystic ulcerative pitting lesions on the carapace and plastron. The patient was wild-caught as a hatchling or juvenile by another institution in 2004 and obtained by the museum in 2007. Since acquisition, this turtle has had a chronic history of pitting shell lesions, keratin scute flaking, and excessive keratin scute buildup. This turtle had two notable episodes with deep shell lesions and scute sloughing, the first of which completely resolved with topical antibiotics. During the second episode, the multifocal deep ulcerative lesions cultured positive for multiple aerobic bacteria that were initially susceptible to topical and injectable antibiotics. Healing was prolonged due to the development of antibiotic resistance, and antibiotic therapy was altered according to sensitivity results. Complete gross resolution occurred after 4 months of treatment. On presentation, multiple ulcerated and hemorrhagic lesions were present on the carapace after acute sloughing of the scutes, most notably between the right first and second costal scutes. The deep ulcers were associated with tan to yellow dry caseous granuloma-like exudative lesions that penetrated into the bone. Swabs from these lesions were submitted for cytology (Figure 1). The patient was otherwise active and eating well. Fungal hyphae with mild heterophilic inflammation The sample is of low cellularity consisting mostly of keratinized squamous epithelial cells. Focal areas of the slides contain low numbers of poorly preserved heterophils (not pictured). Numerous variably staining fungal hyphae are associated with many of the keratin aggregates. The hyphae are found individually and in mats. Hyphae are approximately 2–4 μm in diameter and septate, with thin nonstaining walls that are mostly parallel but occasionally nonparallel. They display internal complexity, often containing variably sized clear, distinct vacuoles. Rare acute and right-angled lateral branching is observed. Gross examination of the dermal fragments and multiple fragments of surrounding tissue reveals multifocal to coalescing pale tan plaques, nodules, and pitting lesions (Figure 2). On histopathologic examination, the superficial dermis is expanded by epithelial inclusion cysts. Cyst structures are lined by well-differentiated stratified squamous epithelium with central keratinization and the accumulation of lamellated layers of keratin debris (Figure 3A). Embedded within the central layers of keratin are numerous fungal hyphae highlighted by Grocott's methenamine silver stain (Figure 3B). Hyphae are approximately 4 μm in diameter with nonparallel cell walls and display acute and right-angle branching and septation. The dermal fragments display marked orthokeratotic to parakeratotic hyperkeratosis, with conglomerates of keratin debris, degenerative leukocytes, and eosinophilic fluid also containing the fungal hyphae (not pictured). A pooled swab prepared from the oral cavity, cloaca, and shell submitted to the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine Zoological Pathology Program Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory tested positive for Emydomyces testavorans by quantitative PCR. Ulcerative shell disease is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in captive and free-ranging populations of turtles,1, 2 and clinical signs include shell erosions, lethargy, and emaciation.3 Reported causes of ulcerative shell disease include trauma, malnutrition (eg, calcium and vitamin D3 deficiencies), and various bacterial and fungal etiologies, though the cause is often unknown.1, 4 In captive individuals, poor husbandry practices such as inappropriate temperature, humidity, lighting, and/or nutrition are considered predisposing factors.4 Infectious causes are most often identified as gram-negative commensals within the Enterobacteriae order, including Escherichia, Klebsiella, and Enterobacter spp.4 Bacterial ulcerative shell disease has the potential to progress to septicemic cutaneous ulcerative disease (SCUD), in which bacterial dermatitis and osteomyelitis may be identified.1 Fungal causes of ulcerative shell disease are rarely reported, and the majority of published reports are from nonaquatic turtle species.2 Emydomyces testavorans is a keratinophilic fungal organism in the Onygenales order.5 Onygenalean fungi have been identified as primary pathogens for ulcerative dermatitis in captive and free-ranging reptilian species, including crocodilians, lizards, and snakes.1 E. testavorans has only been recently described and has been isolated from ulcerative shell lesions in aquatic turtles, causing keratin discoloration, flaking and textural change, erosion, ulceration, and osteonecrosis.2, 5 The most consistent and striking histopathologic lesion with E. testavorans infection is the presence of epithelial inclusion cysts, identified in more than 90% of cases.2 Epithelial inclusion cysts are cystic spaces lined by stratified squamous epithelium with central keratinization. E. testavorans hyphae are typically embedded in keratin debris.5 Although the underlying mechanism of epithelial inclusion cyst formation with E. testavorans infection is unclear, it is presumed that the excessive keratinization occurs secondary to the fungal infection rather than fungal infection with tropism for previously established epithelial inclusion cysts. Since epithelial inclusion cysts in other species are not often associated with fungal infections, it is possible that immunosuppression is contributing to the pathogenesis in aquatic turtles. Definitive diagnosis of E. testavorans typically requires PCR with or without DNA sequencing. Although culture can be performed, it may be complicated by sample contamination with other common environmental bacterial and fungal organisms and by the requirement for reptile keratin-enriched media. Preferred samples are lesion swabs and biopsy material that should be refrigerated for culture and frozen for molecular diagnostics.5 In summary, this case described the cytologic features of the onygenalean fungus E. testavorans, a newly described cause of ulcerative shell lesions in aquatic turtles. The frequent association of fungal hyphae with keratin and concurrent inflammation is consistent with histologic findings of epithelial inclusion cysts associated with E. testavorans.2 The heterophilic inflammation, in this case, could be in response to the fungus, keratin, and/or concurrent bacterial infection. Although bacteria were not identified cytologically, bacterial culture was not performed to exclude this possibility. A thorough examination of keratin aggregates for fungal hyphae elements is warranted in samples from ulcerative shell lesions in aquatic turtles. The authors have no affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in, or in financial compensation with, the subject matter or materials discussed in this article.}, journal={VETERINARY CLINICAL PATHOLOGY}, author={Hastain, Sydney A. A. and Buchy, Jessica M. M. and Dombrowski, Daniel S. S. and Womble, Mandy A. A. and Armwood, Abigail R. R. and Gruber, Erika J. J.}, year={2023}, month={Jul} }
 @article{armwood_stilwell_ng_clauss_leary_mader_camus_2022, title={A novel herpes-like virus inducing branchial lesions in a tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier)}, volume={11}, url={https://doi.org/10.1177/03009858211052662}, DOI={10.1177/03009858211052662}, abstractNote={ A juvenile, male tiger shark ( Galeocerdo cuvier) developed illness after capture in Florida waters and was euthanized. Gross lesions included mild skin abrasions, hepatic atrophy, and coelomic fluid. Histologically, gills contained multifocal lamellar epithelial cell necrosis and thromboses. Scattered gill and esophageal epithelial cells had large, basophilic, intracytoplasmic, and intranuclear inclusions. Ultrastructurally, lamellar epithelial cells contained arrays of intracytoplasmic viral particles and scattered intranuclear nucleocapsids. Capsulated virions were 148 ± 11 nm with an 84 ± 8 nm icosahedral nucleocapsid and an electron-dense core. Next-generation sequencing, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and in situ hybridization performed on formalin-fixed tissue confirmed a herpes-like viral infection. The viral polymerase shared 24% to 31% protein homology with other alloherpesviruses of fish, indicating a divergent virus. This report documents the pathologic findings associated with a molecularly confirmed novel herpes-like virus in an elasmobranch. }, journal={Veterinary Pathology}, publisher={SAGE Publications}, author={Armwood, Abigail R. and Stilwell, Justin M. and Ng, Terry Fei Fan and Clauss, Tonya M. and Leary, John H. and Mader, Doug and Camus, Alvin C.}, year={2022}, month={Mar}, pages={030098582110526} }
 @article{armwood_griffin_richardson_wise_ware_camus_2022, title={Pathology and virulence of Edwardsiella tarda, Edwardsiella piscicida, and Edwardsiella anguillarum in channel (Ictalurus punctatus), blue (Ictalurus furcatus), and channel × blue hybrid catfish}, url={https://doi.org/10.1111/jfd.13691}, DOI={10.1111/jfd.13691}, abstractNote={Abstract}, journal={Journal of Fish Diseases}, author={Armwood, Abigail R. and Griffin, Matt J. and Richardson, Bradley M. and Wise, David J. and Ware, Cynthia and Camus, Alvin C.}, year={2022}, month={Nov} }
 @article{kirejczyk_goodwin_gyimesi_zachariah_sturgeon_armwood_frontera-acevedo_kokosinksa_seguel_fogelson_et al._2021, title={A Retrospective Study of Pathology in Bats Submitted to an Exotic and Zoo Animal Diagnostic Service in Georgia, USA (2008–2019)}, url={https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcpa.2021.04.010}, DOI={10.1016/j.jcpa.2021.04.010}, abstractNote={Pathology records of bats submitted to the University of Georgia from managed care settings were reviewed to identify naturally occurring diseases. Fifty-nine cases were evaluated during an 11-year period (2008–2019), including representatives from four families: Pteropodidae (Yinpterochiroptera), Phyllostomidae, Vespertilionidae and Molossidae (Yangochiroptera). Pathology reports were reviewed to determine the primary pathological process resulting in death or the decision to euthanize. Cases were categorized as non-infectious (34/59; 58%), infectious/inflammatory (17/59; 29%) or undetermined due to advanced autolysis (8/59; 14%). Musculoskeletal diseases and reproductive losses were the most frequent pathological processes. Among the infectious processes identified, bacterial infections of the reproductive and haemolymphatic systems were most frequently observed. The first two reports of neoplasia in small flying foxes (Pteropus hypomelanus) are described. Bats under managed care present with a wide range of histopathological lesions. In this cohort, non-infectious disease processes were common.}, journal={Journal of Comparative Pathology}, author={Kirejczyk, Shannon G.M. and Goodwin, Chloe and Gyimesi, Zoltan S. and Zachariah, Trevor T. and Sturgeon, Ginger L. and Armwood, Abigail R. and Frontera-Acevedo, Karelma and Kokosinksa, Anna and Seguel, Mauricio and Fogelson, Susan B. and et al.}, year={2021}, month={May} }
 @article{lópez‐porras_griffin_armwood_camus_waldbieser_ware_richardson_greenway_rosser_aarattuthodiyil_et al._2021, title={Genetic variability of Edwardsiella piscicida isolates from Mississippi catfish aquaculture with an assessment of virulence in channel and channel × blue hybrid catfish}, url={https://doi.org/10.1111/jfd.13491}, DOI={10.1111/jfd.13491}, abstractNote={Abstract}, journal={Journal of Fish Diseases}, author={López‐Porras, Adrián and Griffin, Matt J. and Armwood, Abigail R. and Camus, Alvin C. and Waldbieser, Geoffrey C. and Ware, Cynthia and Richardson, Bradley and Greenway, Terrence E. and Rosser, Thomas Graham and Aarattuthodiyil, Suja and et al.}, year={2021}, month={Nov} }
 @article{armwood_cañete‐gibas_dill‐okubo_wiederhold_camus_2021, title={Retrospective study of phaeohyphomycosis in aquarium‐housed fish, with first descriptions of Exophiala lecanii‐corni and Neodevriesia cladophorae in fish}, volume={44}, url={https://doi.org/10.1111/jfd.13477}, DOI={10.1111/jfd.13477}, abstractNote={Abstract}, number={10}, journal={Journal of Fish Diseases}, publisher={Wiley}, author={Armwood, Abigail R. and Cañete‐Gibas, Connie F. and Dill‐Okubo, Jennifer A. and Wiederhold, Nathan P. and Camus, Alvin C.}, year={2021}, month={Oct}, pages={1563–1577} }
 @article{armwood_camus_lópez‐porras_ware_griffin_soto_2019, title={Pathologic changes in cultured Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) associated with an outbreak of Edwardsiella anguillarum}, url={https://doi.org/10.1111/jfd.13058}, DOI={10.1111/jfd.13058}, abstractNote={The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.}, journal={Journal of Fish Diseases}, author={Armwood, Abigail R. and Camus, Alvin C. and López‐Porras, Adrián and Ware, Cyndi and Griffin, Matt J. and Soto, Esteban}, year={2019}, month={Oct} }