@article{moore_breitschwerdt_kim_li_ferris_maggi_lashnits_2023, title={The association of host and vector characteristics with Ctenocephalides felis pathogen and endosymbiont infection}, volume={14}, ISSN={["1664-302X"]}, DOI={10.3389/fmicb.2023.1137059}, abstractNote={Surveillance of the fleas and flea-borne pathogens infecting cats is important for both human and animal health. Multiple zoonotic Bartonella and Rickettsia species are known to infect the most common flea infesting cats and dogs worldwide: Ctenocephalides felis, the cat flea. The ability of other flea species to transmit pathogens is relatively unexplored. We aimed to determine cat host and flea factors independently associated with flea Bartonella and Rickettsia infection. We also assessed flea and cat infection by flea-host pair and location. To accomplish these aims, we performed qPCR for the detection of Bartonella, hemotropic Mycoplasma, Rickettsia, and Wolbachia DNA using paired cat and flea samples obtained from free-roaming cats presenting for spay or neuter across four locations in the United States. A logistic regression model was employed to identify the effect of cat (sex, body weight, geographic location, and Bartonella, hemotropic Mycoplasma, and Rickettsia spp., infection) and flea (clade and Rickettsia and Wolbachia infection) factors on C. felis Bartonella clarridgeiae infection. From 189 free roaming cats, we collected 84 fleas: Ctenocephalides felis (78/84), Cediopsylla simplex (4/84), Orchopeas howardi (1/84), and Nosopsyllus fasciatus (1/84). Ctenocephalides felis were phylogenetically assigned to Clades 1, 4, and 6 by cox1 gene amplification. Rickettsia asembonensis (52/84) and B. clarridgeiae (16/84) were the most common pathogenic bacteria detected in fleas. Our model identified host cat sex and weight as independently associated with B. clarridgeiae infection in fleas. Rickettsia asembonensis (52/84), Rickettsia felis (7/84) and Bartonella henselae (7/84) were detected in specific clades: R. felis was detected only in Clades 1 and 6 while B. henselae and R. asembonensis were detected only in Clade 4. Wolbachia spp., also displayed clade specificity with strains other than Wolbachia wCfeT only infecting fleas from Clade 6. There was poor flea and host agreement for Bartonella spp., infection; however, there was agreement in the Bartonella species detected in cats and fleas by geographic location. These findings reinforce the importance of considering reservoir host attributes and vector phylogenetic diversity in epidemiological studies of flea-borne pathogens. Widespread sampling is necessary to identify the factors driving flea-borne pathogen presence and transmission.}, journal={FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY}, author={Moore, Charlotte and Breitschwerdt, Edward B. B. and Kim, Lisa and Li, Yiyao and Ferris, Kelli and Maggi, Ricardo and Lashnits, Erin}, year={2023}, month={Mar} }
 @article{marin_ferris_gruber_2023, title={What is your diagnosis? Perineal swelling in a dog}, volume={1}, ISSN={["1939-165X"]}, url={https://doi.org/10.1111/vcp.13172}, DOI={10.1111/vcp.13172}, abstractNote={A 2-year-old male intact Terrier mix presented to the North Carolina State Veterinary Teaching Hospital (NCSU-VTH) for evaluation of an ill-defined, soft, fluctuant mass in the right dorsal perineal area that had been present for approximately 1 week. The subcutaneous lesion was approximately 10 by 8 centimeters, fluid-filled, non-painful, and initially reported to be non-reducible. The owner reported no abnormalities in behavior, urination, or defecation, and there was no known physical trauma. Other relevant history included a prior diagnosis of congenital renal dysplasia with stable proteinuria and azotemia. Targeted ultrasonography confirmed that the mass was fluid-filled, but did not identify communication with the abdominal cavity. Approximately 20 ml of fluid was removed from the perineal swelling via fine-needle aspiration, and submitted for cytologic evaluation (Figures 1 and 2). Atypical epithelial cells, concerning for carcinoma. The direct smears were of moderate cellularity consisting of mixed leukocytes and large atypical cells present individually and in small clusters on a light pink background with a moderate amount of blood. Atypical cells were round to polygonal with distinct cellular borders, round to oval nuclei, fine chromatin, and a moderate amount of mid to deep blue cytoplasm. Occasionally, these cells contained variably-sized bright pink round to oval inclusions that displaced the nucleus (Figures 2A-C). Cells displayed moderate anisocytosis and anisokaryosis. Occasional bi- and multi-nucleated and rare karyorrhectic cells were observed. Rarely, cells displayed cannibalistic phagocytosis. Leukocytes consisted mostly of macrophages, which occasionally contained non-specific phagocytic debris and/or clear vacuoles, along with low numbers of non-degenerate neutrophils and small lymphocytes. The large atypical cohesive cells were consistent with either epithelial or mesothelial cells, although the large eosinophilic cytoplasmic inclusions were unusual for mesothelial cells. Given the location and initial description of a non-reducible lesion, the atypical cells were interpreted to be concerning for carcinoma. Differential diagnoses included a congenital cyst or perineal hernia, although the latter was considered unlikely given that communication with the abdominal cavity had not been identified. Full abdominal ultrasonography revealed chronic nephropathy and cystic prostatomegaly, but no connection between the abdomen and the fluid-filled mass. No cytologic abnormalities or BRAF mutation (CADET BRAF) were detected on the prostatic wash sample. Further discussion with the primary clinician revealed that the lesion was, in fact reducible, and the clinical diagnosis was a perineal hernia. The NCSU-VTH Soft Tissue Surgery Service explored the lesion and identified a defect in the abdominal wall that communicated with the perineal swelling. The defect was repaired with a classic herniorrhaphy supplemented with an internal obturator muscle transposition. Excised tissue was examined by histopathology, which revealed adipose tissue with marked fibroplasia, mild mesothelial hypertrophy, and multifocal de novo lymphoid follicle formation. Findings were consistent with entrapped peritoneal adipose tissue that had undergone fibrosis, and the final diagnosis was a perineal hernia (Figure 3). The intracytoplasmic inclusions, observed only in the cytologic specimens, were Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) negative. Here, we report cytologic findings from entrapped fluid collected from a perineal hernia in a dog, which to our knowledge, have not been previously described. Reflecting its connection to the abdominal cavity, cytologic findings are similar to peritoneal transudative effusions: primarily mixed leukocytes with fewer reactive mesothelial cells. At the time of cytologic evaluation, the connection between the perineal swelling and abdominal cavity had not been identified; thus, the large atypical cells with cytoplasmic inclusions were concerning for carcinoma. After further discussion with the primary veterinarian, the lesion was described as reducible, and the perineal hernia was prioritized. The diagnosis was confirmed by surgery and histopathology. Two years post-surgery the patient has no evidence of recurrence or development of urothelial, prostatic, or other epithelial neoplasia, further supporting a non-neoplastic etiology. In this context, the atypical cells were re-assessed to be reactive mesothelial cells, which are notorious for being difficult to distinguish from carcinoma and mesothelioma cells. Reactive mesothelial cells may display increased nuclear to cytoplasmic ratio, large nuclei, prominent nucleoli, increased cytoplasmic basophilia, moderate to marked anisokaryosis and anisocytosis, and/or mitotic figures.1 Although not performed in this case, mesothelial cells are expected to be immunopositive for pan-cytokeratin, vimentin, and desmin.1, 2 The eosinophilic cytoplasmic inclusions in the mesothelial cells resembled Melamed-Wolinska bodies (MWB). MWB are a non-specific degenerative change, most likely composed of mucopolysaccharides or enlarged lysosomes, but unlike the inclusions observed in this case, are PAS-positive.3 MWB are most often associated with cells of urothelial origin, although similar inclusions have been reported in other cell types (eg, mammary, pulmonary carcinoma).3, 4 Cytoplasmic inclusions with a similar appearance to MWB may be observed in normal, degenerating, virus-infected, and neoplastic epithelial cell populations.3, 4 Intracytoplasmic targetoid mucin vacuoles observed in human urothelial cells appear very similar to MWB but differ with mucicarmine staining.5 Anecdotally, cytoplasmic inclusions resembling MWB have been observed in mesothelial cells, but to our knowledge, have not been documented. Here, the PAS-negative staining suggests a non-polysaccharide composition of the inclusions, not consistent with MWB. The origin and composition of these inclusions remain unknown. This case demonstrates the cytologic and histopathologic findings from entrapped fluid and tissue collected from a perineal hernia and documents PAS-negative eosinophilic cytoplasmic inclusions in mesothelial cells. This case also serves as a reminder of the importance of clinical context in the interpretation of atypical cells, which may require additional communication between the cytopathologist and the primary veterinarian. The authors have no affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in, or in financial competition with, the subject matter or materials discussed in this article.}, journal={VETERINARY CLINICAL PATHOLOGY}, author={Marin, Jessica and Ferris, Kelli and Gruber, Erika}, year={2023}, month={Jan} }
 @article{manvell_berman_callahan_breitschwerdt_swain_ferris_maggi_lashnits_2022, title={Identification of microbial taxa present in Ctenocephalides felis (cat flea) reveals widespread co-infection and associations with vector phylogeny}, volume={15}, ISSN={["1756-3305"]}, DOI={10.1186/s13071-022-05487-1}, abstractNote={Abstract Background Ctenocephalides felis , the cat flea, is the most common ectoparasite of cats and dogs worldwide. As a cause of flea allergy dermatitis and a vector for two genera of zoonotic pathogens ( Bartonella and Rickettsia spp.), the effect of the C. felis microbiome on pathogen transmission and vector survival is of substantial medical importance to both human and veterinary medicine. The aim of this study was to assay the pathogenic and commensal eubacterial microbial communities of individual C. felis from multiple geographic locations and analyze these findings by location, qPCR pathogen prevalence, and flea genetic diversity. Methods 16S Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) was utilized to sequence the microbiome of fleas collected from free-roaming cats, and the cox1 gene was used for flea phylogenetic analysis. NGS data were analyzed for 168 individual fleas from seven locations within the US and UK. Given inconsistency in the genera historically reported to constitute the C. felis microbiome, we utilized the decontam prevalence method followed by literature review to separate contaminants from true microbiome members. Results NGS identified a single dominant and cosmopolitan amplicon sequence variant (ASV) from Rickettsia and Wolbachia while identifying one dominant Bartonella clarridgeiae and one dominant Bartonella henselae/Bartonella koehlerae ASV. Multiple less common ASVs from these genera were detected within restricted geographical ranges. Co-detection of two or more genera ( Bartonella, Rickettsia , and/or Wolbachia) or multiple ASVs from a single genus in a single flea was common. Achromobacter , Peptoniphilus , and Rhodococcus were identified as additional candidate members of the C. felis microbiome on the basis of decontam analysis and literature review. Ctenocephalides felis phylogenetic diversity as assessed by the cox1 gene fell within currently characterized clades while identifying seven novel haplotypes. NGS sensitivity and specificity for Bartonella and Rickettsia spp. DNA detection were compared to targeted qPCR. Conclusions Our findings confirm the widespread coinfection of fleas with multiple bacterial genera and strains, proposing three additional microbiome members. The presence of minor Bartonella, Rickettsia , and Wolbachia ASVs was found to vary by location and flea haplotype. These findings have important implications for flea-borne pathogen transmission and control. Graphical Abstract}, number={1}, journal={PARASITES & VECTORS}, author={Manvell, Charlotte and Berman, Hanna and Callahan, Benjamin and Breitschwerdt, Edward and Swain, William and Ferris, Kelli and Maggi, Ricardo and Lashnits, Erin}, year={2022}, month={Oct} }
 @article{manvell_ferris_maggi_breitschwerdt_lashnits_2021, title={Prevalence of Vector-Borne Pathogens in Reproductive and Non-Reproductive Tissue Samples from Free-Roaming Domestic Cats in the South Atlantic USA}, volume={10}, ISSN={["2076-0817"]}, url={https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens10091221}, DOI={10.3390/pathogens10091221}, abstractNote={Reservoir to multiple species of zoonotic pathogens, free-roaming cats (FRCs) interact with domestic and wild animals, vectors, and humans. To assess the potential for feline vector-borne pathogens to be vertically transmitted, this study surveyed ear tip and reproductive tissues of FRCs from two locations in the South Atlantic United States for Anaplasma, Bartonella, Ehrlichia, hemotropic Mycoplasma, and Rickettsia species. We collected ovary (n = 72), uterus (n = 54), testicle (n = 74), and ear tip (n = 73) tissue from 73 cats, and fetal (n = 20) and placental (n = 19) tissue from 11 queens. Pathogen DNA was amplified utilizing qPCR, confirmed by sequencing. Cats were more frequently Bartonella henselae positive on reproductive tissues (19%, 14/73) than ear tip (5%, 4/73; p = 0.02). B. henselae was amplified from fetus (20%, 4/20) and placenta samples (11%, 2/19). Bartonella spp. infection was more common in cats from North Carolina (76%, 26/34) than Virginia (13%, 5/39; p < 0.0001). Fourteen percent (10/73) of both ear tip and reproductive tissues were positive for hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, and Rickettsia spp. DNA was not amplified from any cat/tissue. These findings suggest that B. henselae preferentially infected cats’ reproductive tissue and reinforces the importance of investigating the potential for B. henselae vertical transmission or induction of reproductive failure.}, number={9}, journal={PATHOGENS}, publisher={MDPI AG}, author={Manvell, Charlotte and Ferris, Kelli and Maggi, Ricardo and Breitschwerdt, Edward B. and Lashnits, Erin}, year={2021}, month={Sep} }
 @article{pankratz_ferris_griffith_sherman_2018, title={Use of single-dose oral gabapentin to attenuate fear responses in cage-trap confined community cats: a double-blind, placebo-controlled field trial}, volume={20}, ISSN={["1532-2750"]}, DOI={10.1177/1098612x17719399}, abstractNote={Objectives This double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated the safety and efficacy of single-dose oral gabapentin administered for the attenuation of fear responses in cage-trap confined community cats. Methods Community cats presented in cage traps for trap–neuter–return (TNR) were recruited and screened for inclusion. Each enrolled cat was randomly assigned and administered one of three equal-volume, single-dose treatments: placebo, low-dose gabapentin (50 mg) or high-dose gabapentin (100 mg). At baseline, 1, 2, 3 and 12 h post-administration, a single, blinded observer scored each cat for signs of fear and sedation using published paradigms, calculated the respiratory rate and documented any observable facial injuries. Results Fifty-three cats met the inclusion criteria and completed the study. Cat stress score (a measure of fear) was lower in cats that received gabapentin (50 or 100 mg) than in cats that received placebo (50 mg: P = 0.027; 100 mg: P = 0.029), with the greatest reduction at 2 h post-treatment (P = 0.0007). Respiratory rates did not differ between treatment groups. There was no difference in sedation scores between the groups (P = 0.86) at any time point (P = 0.09). Cat facial injuries did not vary by treatment group or over time. No adverse effects were detected specific to gabapentin administration. At 1 h, hypersalivation was observed in four cats across all treatment groups. All cats recovered from surgery and anesthesia uneventfully. Conclusions and relevance This study supports the hypothesis that 50 mg or 100 mg gabapentin (9.2–47.6 mg/kg per cat) reduces fear responses in confined community cats without measurable sedation over 3 h post-administration vs placebo. Gabapentin treatment was well tolerated in this population of cats. Further studies are recommended to investigate the use of oral gabapentin earlier in the TNR process, such as immediately after trapping or prior to transport for the prevention of confinement-related injuries.}, number={6}, journal={JOURNAL OF FELINE MEDICINE AND SURGERY}, author={Pankratz, Katherine E. and Ferris, Kelli K. and Griffith, Emily H. and Sherman, Barbara L.}, year={2018}, month={Jun}, pages={535–543} }
 @article{jacob_crowell_fauls_griffith_ferris_2016, title={Diagnostic accuracy of a rapid immunoassay for point-of-care detection of urinary tract infection in dogs}, volume={77}, ISSN={["1943-5681"]}, DOI={10.2460/ajvr.77.2.162}, abstractNote={OBJECTIVE
To determine the diagnostic accuracy of a rapid immunoassay (RIA) for point-of-care detection of urinary tract infection (UTI) of dogs, compared with criterion-referenced diagnosis with bacterial culture.


SAMPLE
200 urine samples obtained from dogs and submitted to a veterinary microbiology diagnostic laboratory for routine bacterial culture and antimicrobial susceptibility determination.


PROCEDURES
Samples were evaluated by use of quantitative bacterial culture and the RIA. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of the RIA were calculated; results of bacterial culture were the criterion-referenced outcome. A κ statistic was calculated to determine agreement between bacterial culture and RIA results.


RESULTS
56 of 200 (28%) urine samples had positive results for bacterial growth by use of culture methods; there were 38 (19%) positive results likely to be associated with bacterial UTI on the basis of sample collection method and bacterial concentration. Sensitivity and specificity of the RIA for detecting samples likely to be associated with UTI (≥ 1,000 CFUs/mL) were 97.4% and 98.8%, respectively. The positive and negative predictive values of the RIA for bacterial cultures with likely UTI were 0.949 and 0.994, respectively. Agreement between bacterial culture and RIA outcome for UTI was substantial (weighted κ, 0.718).


CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE
The RIA test evaluated in this study accurately detected UTI of dogs, compared with detection with the criterion-referenced bacterial culture method. Use of this point-of-care RIA could allow clinicians to diagnose UTI at the time of a patient visit and provide information useful for immediately initiating empirical antimicrobial treatment.}, number={2}, journal={AMERICAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY RESEARCH}, author={Jacob, Megan E. and Crowell, M. Denise and Fauls, Megan B. and Griffith, Emily H. and Ferris, Kelli K.}, year={2016}, month={Feb}, pages={162–166} }
 @article{mckelvey_beachler_ferris_diaw_vasgaard_bailey_2015, title={Vaginal prolapse in a pregnant Maine coon cat: a case report}, volume={56}, ISSN={["1748-5827"]}, DOI={10.1111/jsap.12310}, abstractNote={Vaginal prolapse is a condition characterised by excessive accumulation of mucosal oedema and protrusion of hyperplastic tissue through the vulva. It has been reported in ruminants and canines, but has not been characterised in felines. This report describes the history, clinical signs and treatment of a pregnant Maine coon cat with a Type III vaginal prolapse diagnosed approximately 54 days after the first day of mating. Prior to queening, the prolapse was reduced and retained using a vulvar cruciate suture. Due to the risk of dystocia and recurrence, a caesarean section with ovariohysterectomy was performed. Postoperatively, a stay suture was maintained in the vulva for 2 weeks, resulting in permanent reduction of the vaginal prolapse. To the authors' knowledge, this case represents the first report of the successful management of vaginal prolapse in a pregnant cat.}, number={7}, journal={JOURNAL OF SMALL ANIMAL PRACTICE}, author={McKelvey, K. A. and Beachler, T. M. and Ferris, K. K. and Diaw, M. and Vasgaard, J. M. and Bailey, C. S.}, year={2015}, month={Jul}, pages={473–475} }
 @article{hawkins_basseches_berry_stebbins_ferris_2003, title={Demographic, clinical, and radiographic features of bronchiectasis in dogs: 316 cases (1988-2000)}, volume={223}, DOI={10.2460/javma.2003.223.1628}, abstractNote={OBJECTIVE
To determine demographic, clinical, and radiographic features of bronchiectasis in dogs.


DESIGN
Retrospective study.


ANIMALS
289 dogs identified through the Veterinary Medical Database (VMDB) and 27 dogs examined at the North Carolina State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital.


PROCEDURE
Demographic characteristics of dogs identified through the VMDB were compared with characteristics of the entire population of dogs entered in the VMDB. Medical records of dogs examined at the teaching hospital were reviewed; the diagnosis was confirmed through review of thoracic radiographs.


RESULTS
Analysis of data from the VMDB indicated that American Cocker Spaniels, West Highland White Terriers, Miniature Poodles, Siberian Huskies, English Springer Spaniels, and dogs > 10 years old had an increased risk of bronchiectasis. Among dogs examined at the teaching hospital, coughing was the most common clinical sign. There was evidence for excessive airway mucus but not hemorrhage. A variety of bacterial organisms were isolated from tracheal wash and bronchoalveolar lavage samples. On thoracic radiographs, cylindrical bronchiectasis, generalized disease, and right cranial lung lobe involvement were most common. Seven of 14 dogs for which follow-up radiographs were available did not have any progression of radiographic lesions. Median duration of clinical signs prior to diagnosis of bronchiectasis was 9 months (range, 1 day to 10 years). Median survival time was 16 months (range, 2 days to 72 months).


CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Results suggest that despite substantial clinical abnormalities, dogs with bronchiectasis may survive for years. Certain purebred dogs and older dogs may have an increased risk of developing bronchiectasis.}, number={11}, journal={JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION}, author={Hawkins, EC and Basseches, J and Berry, CR and Stebbins, ME and Ferris, KK}, year={2003}, month={Dec}, pages={1628–1635} }
 @article{garber_smeltzer_fedorka-cray_ladely_ferris_2003, title={Salmonella enterica Serotype enteritidis in table egg layer house environments and in mice in US layer houses and associated risk factors}, volume={47}, ISSN={["0005-2086"]}, DOI={10.1637/0005-2086(2003)047[0134:SESEIT]2.0.CO;2}, abstractNote={SUMMARY. Prevalence was estimated for Salmonella enterica serotype enteritidis (SE) in layer house environments (n = 200 layer houses) and house mice (n = 129 layer houses) in 15 states throughout the United States. Environmental swabs were collected from manure, egg belts, elevators, and walkways. Live-catch rodent traps were placed for 4–7 days. Swabs and house mice were submitted to the laboratory for bacterial culture. Overall, 7.1% of layer houses and 3.7% of mice were culture positive for SE. The highest prevalence was in the Great Lakes region of the United States, and no SE was recovered from houses or mice in the southeast region. Presence of SE in layer houses was associated with age/molting, floor reared pullets, and number of rodents trapped. Cleaning and disinfecting houses between flocks was associated with a reduced risk. The prevalence of SE in mice from environmentally positive houses was nearly four times that of mice from environmentally negative houses.}, number={1}, journal={AVIAN DISEASES}, author={Garber, L and Smeltzer, M and Fedorka-Cray, P and Ladely, S and Ferris, K}, year={2003}, pages={134–142} }
 @article{marcellinlittle_deyoung_ferris_berry_1994, title={INCOMPLETE OSSIFICATION OF THE HUMERAL CONDYLE IN SPANIELS}, volume={23}, ISSN={["0161-3499"]}, DOI={10.1111/j.1532-950X.1994.tb00509.x}, abstractNote={An evaluation of 157 dogs with humeral fractures was performed. Cocker spaniels were more likely to have humeral condylar fractures (HCFs) than other breeds (P < .001). Male cocker spaniels were at increased risk (P < .001). Cocker spaniels had more bilateral HCFs than other breeds of dogs (P < .001). Eighteen dogs (17 purebred spaniels and 1 crossbred spaniel) with HCFs of unknown cause or occurring with normal activity were further studied, using radiography of their humeral condyle bilaterally (n = 18), computed tomography (n = 3), biopsy (n = 2), bone scintigraphy (n = 2), and genetic evaluation (n = 8). Fourteen of these 18 dogs had a nonfractured contralateral condyle. Twelve (86%) of the 14 nonfractured humeral condyles had a radiolucent line within the center of the condyle, 13 (93%) had radiographic signs of degenerative joint disease and an abnormal medial coronoid process, and six (43%) had periosteal proliferation involving the lateral epicondyle. Examination of biopsy samples from the fracture sites of two cocker spaniels showed fibrous tissue present at the fracture surfaces. The results of this study suggest an association between incomplete ossification of the humeral condyle in cocker spaniels and Brittany spaniels and a high prevalence of HCFs. Eight affected cocker spaniels with available pedigree information were found to be genetically related, suggesting that incomplete ossification of the humeral condyle may be a genetic disease with a recessive mode of inheritance.}, number={6}, journal={VETERINARY SURGERY}, author={MARCELLINLITTLE, DJ and DEYOUNG, DJ and FERRIS, KK and BERRY, CM}, year={1994}, pages={475–477} }