Original Project Description:
Bartonella species, a genus of gram-negative bacteria with zoonotic potential, are associated with a wide spectrum of life-threatening diseases in dogs. More than 10 Bartonella species have been implicated in association with serious diseases in dogs, including endocarditis, myocarditis, peliosis hepatis, granulomatous hepatitis, lymphadenitis, hemangiosarcoma, vasculitis, panniculitis, polyarthritis, uveitis, meningitis, and others. Despite recent advances in diagnostic technology for canine bartonelloses, currently available molecular (qPCR, dPCR), culture, and serological based assays lack sensitivity for a diagnosis of Bartonella infection in dogs. Bartonella spp. infections in dogs throughout the United States pose a serious threat to dogs, and public health, because of an increased
risk of transmission from dogs to humans via direct contact with infected fluids, via arthropod vectors, and potentially, through bites. There is an increasingly urgent need for the development of a reliable serodiagnostic assay, as well as for effective strategies to prevent canine bartonelloses.
Research Update 03337-MY1: Identification of Bartonella henselae Immunodominant Epitopes for Diagnosis and Prevention of Canine Bartonelloses
Original Project Description:
Bartonella species, a genus of gram-negative bacteria with zoonotic potential, are associated with a wide spectrum of life-threatening diseases in dogs. More than 10 Bartonella species have been implicated in association with serious diseases in dogs, including endocarditis, myocarditis, peliosis hepatis, granulomatous hepatitis, lymphadenitis, hemangiosarcoma, vasculitis, panniculitis, polyarthritis, uveitis, meningitis, and others. Despite recent advances in diagnostic technology for canine bartonelloses, currently available molecular (qPCR, dPCR), culture, and serological based assays lack sensitivity for a diagnosis of Bartonella infection in dogs. Bartonella spp. infections in dogs throughout the United States pose a serious threat to dogs, and public health, because of an increased risk of transmission from dogs to humans via direct contact with infected fluids, via arthropod vectors, and potentially, through bites. There is an increasingly urgent need for the development of a reliable serodiagnostic assay, as well as for effective strategies to prevent canine bartonelloses. Continue reading “Research Update 03337-MY1: Identification of Bartonella henselae Immunodominant Epitopes for Diagnosis and Prevention of Canine Bartonelloses”
Research Update CHF 02519 Final: Prevalence of Bartonella spp. Infection in Dogs with Cardiac and Splenic Hemangiosarcomas Within and Between Geographic Locations
We gained substantial and seemingly important information relative to the aims of this study. We were able to obtain the initial set of samples on April 26, 2018 so we had a short delay in starting this study. Subsequently, the COVID epidemic and loss of research personal resulted in repeated interruptions in our research efforts. After completing all Year I study aims, we continued to work on improvements in immunohistochemistry and FISH localization of Bartonella organisms within various cell types. Continue reading “Research Update CHF 02519 Final: Prevalence of Bartonella spp. Infection in Dogs with Cardiac and Splenic Hemangiosarcomas Within and Between Geographic Locations”
Research Update CHF 02519 EY3: Prevalence of Bartonella spp. Infection in Dogs with Cardiac and Splenic Hemangiosarcomas Within and Between Geographic Locations
We are on track to accomplish all of our aims for this study. We were able to obtain the initial set of samples on April 26, 2018 so we had a short delay in starting this study. We have now completed all Year I study aims, with the exception of immunohistochemistry and FISH localization of Bartonella organisms within various cell types. Continue reading “Research Update CHF 02519 EY3: Prevalence of Bartonella spp. Infection in Dogs with Cardiac and Splenic Hemangiosarcomas Within and Between Geographic Locations”
Research Update Mid-year 3 CHF 02519: Prevalence of Bartonella spp. Infection in Dogs with Cardiac and Splenic Hemangiosarcomas Within and Between Geographic Locations
We are on track to accomplish all of our aims for this study. We were able to obtain the initial set of samples on April 26, 2018 so we had a short delay in starting this study. We have now completed all Year I study aims, with the exception of immunohistochemistry and FISH localization of Bartonella organisms within various cell types. An unanticipated complication arose that the mouse monoclonal antibody was no longer being made commercially. B. henselae specific FISH probes have been designed and validation of FISH probes are in-progress. IHC is also in- progress. All qPCR and ddPCR have been completed at this time and samples are waiting for FISH and IHC analysis.
Research Update End-year 2 CHF 02519: Prevalence of Bartonella spp. Infection in Dogs with Cardiac and Splenic Hemangiosarcomas Within and Between Geographic Locations
Hemangiosarcoma (HSA) accounts for the majority of canine malignant splenic tumors and occurs in many large dog breeds, including mixed breeds. A less common site of HSA localization is the heart (cardiac HSA). Risk factors for both cardiac and splenic HSA remain unclear, confounding development of preventative strategies. The investigators recently reported a high prevalence of species of the bacterial genus Bartonella in dogs with HSA from North Carolina, suggesting a potential role in the initiation and/or progression of this cancer.
Research Update Mid-Year-2 for CHF-02519: Prevelance of Bartonella Infection in Dogs with Cardiac and Splenic Hemangiosarcomas
Research update from Dr. Breitschwerdt looking at the potential role of the Tick-Borne bacterial infection, bartonella in the initiation and/or progression of hemangiosarcoma.
Research Final Update CHF 02287: Enhanced Testing for the Diagnosis of Bartonellosis in Dogs
Research Final Update from Dr. Breitschwerdt to enhance ability to diagnose Bartonellosis.
Research Update End-Year-1 for CHF-02519: Prevelance of Bartonella Infection in Dogs with Cardiac and Splenic Hemangiosarcomas
Research update from Dr. Breitschwerdt looking at the potential role of the Tick-Borne bacterial infection, bartonella in the initiation and/or progression of hemangiosarcoma.
Research Update Mid-Year 1 for Enhanced Testing for the Diagnosis of Bartonellosis in Dogs
Update on progress with Dr. Breitschwerdt’s work on improving diagnostics for Bartonella.