Veterinary Parasitology, Microbiology, and Public Health
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Effect of Diet on Susceptibility of Cattle to Respiratory Disease
The intent of the study is to determine why cattle on a higher plane of nutrition are generally more susceptible to respiratory disease than cattle fed a maintenance diet. Respiratory disease will be reproduced by inoculating calves fed different diets with bovine herpesvirus-1 and with Pasteurella haemolytica; diets will consist of either a high energy diet or hay only.
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
PIs: Jean d'Offay, Rebecca J. Morton, Fred Owens, and Roger Panciera
Improved Diagnostic Tests to Detect BHV-5 Infection in Cattle
Bovine herpesvirus-5 (BHV-5) is being recognized with increasing frequency in Oklahoma cattle dying of encephalitis. We are developing a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) procedure to detect and differentiate this virus from BHV-1 and a serological test that will identify BHV-5 infected cattle.
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
PIs: Jean d'Offay, R. Eberle, Ray Ely, and Jeremiah Saliki
Development of Rapid Diagnostic Tests for Monkey B Virus
Monkey B virus is a herpesvirus of macaques that produces disease very similar to oral/genital herpes of humans. However, when transmitted to humans via bites or scratches, B virus produces an extremely severe and usually fatal encephalitic infection. Rapid diagnosis of human B virus cases is essential in order that effective chemotherapy can be initiated at the earliest point possible. Serological diagnosis of B virus infections is difficult due to the time required for antibody to appear and the extensive antigenic cross-reactivity between the two human herpes viruses (HSV1 and HSV2). The goal of this research program is to develop rapid diagnostic tests capable of detecting B virus infections against a background of pre-existing HSV infection. A PCR-based test has been developed for direct detection of virus in lesions. Using recombinant DNA technology, virus-specific antigens will be identified, cloned, sequenced, and expressed in vitro. These will serve as a basis for development of B virus-specific serological immunoassays useful for screening of macaques to identify infected individuals.
Sponsors: Division of Research Resources and National Institutes of Health
PIs: R. Eberle and Darla H. Black
Interferon and Host Defense Mechanisms
Various biologics, including viral and bacterial vaccines, have not been adequately successful in lessening economic losses in cattle with shipping fever (pneumonic pasteurellosis). Several viruses cause respiratory infections, often in combination with stress, predisposing cattle to more severe disease, especially pneumonic pasteurellosis. This research will determine the effects of interferon (IFN) and other immunomodulators on the immune system, the induction of 2'-5'-oligoadenylate synthetase after treatment with IFN, and define IFN pharmacokinetics in cattle.
Sponsors: USDA Animal Health Formula 1433, Hoffman-LaRoche, Inc., Genentech, Inc., and Amarillo Cell Culture Co., Inc.
PIs: Robert W. Fulton, Anthony W. Confer, and Rebecca J. Morton
Growth Promotant Activities of Interferon in Chickens
The growth promotant activities of orally administered interferon (IFN) in broiler chickens will be evaluated. Parameters measured will include mortality reduction, feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion, dressing percentage at processing, breast weight at processing, and carcass specific gravity (to estimate carcass fat). Initial results indicate oral IFN improved survivability of birds in a cycling ambient temperature (24-36 degrees C) and improved weight gain:feed ratio. Oral IFN may reduce the cost of production for birds reared in a cycling ambient temperature environment.
Sponsor: Amarillo Cell Culture Co., Inc.
PIs: Robert W. Fulton and Robert Teeter
Onset and Duration of Serum Antibodies in Cattle Administered Vaccine Containing Modified Live Viral and Pasteurella haemolytica Immunogens
The study will determine: (1) the onset and magnitude of serum antibodies; and (2) the duration of antibodies in calves administered vaccine containing modified live bovine herpesvirus-1, bovine viral diarrhea virus, parainfluenza-3 virus, bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV), and Pasteurella haemolytica bacterin toxoid. The calves' serologic response to revaccination will be determined.
Sponsor: SmithKline Beecham Animal Health
PIs: Robert W. Fulton and Anthony W. Confer
Stability of Natural Human Interferon Alpha
The stability of a natural human interferon (IFN) alpha will be determined by measuring antiviral activity retained in: (1) tablets maintained under storage conditions; and (2) dilutions maintained at 37 degrees C, 22 degrees C, 4 degrees C, and -20 degrees C. The purpose will be to assess retention of IFN activity for preparations designed to deliver IFN to animals.
Sponsor: Amarillo Cell Culture Co., Inc.
PI: Robert W. Fulton
Onset and Duration of Serum Antibodies in Cattle Administered Inactivated Bovine Respiratory Vaccine
Cattle will be vaccinated with inactivated vaccines containing bovine herpesvirus-1, bovine viral diarrhea virus, parainfluenza-3 virus, and/or Pasteurella haemolytica immunogens. The onset, magnitude, and duration of serum antibodies to each immunogen will be determined after both primary vaccination and revaccination five months later. The serologic responses will be compared to other animals receiving modified live and other inactivated vaccines.
Sponsors: Fort Dodge Laboratories and Franklin Laboratories
PIs: Robert W. Fulton and Anthony W. Confer
Antibody Response in Cattle Administered Bovine Viral Vaccine
Cattle will be vaccinated with vaccines containing bovine herpesvirus-1 (BHV-1), bovine viral diarrhea virus, parainfluenza-3 virus, and bovine respiratory syncytial virus immunogens. The vaccines will compare the onset and duration of antibodies after initial vaccination and revaccination between groups receiving modified live or inactivated vaccine. A new vaccine, Tandem¨SV+3IBR containing both modified live and inactivated BHV-1 components will be used to determine if the additional inactivated component enhances the BHV-1 immune response.
Sponsor: Sanofi Animal Health, Inc.
PI: Robert W. Fulton
Immunomodulation by Interferon in Calves Vaccinated with Viral and Bacterial Immunogens
Calves were given natural human interferon (IFN) alpha orally and were vaccinated with vaccines containing modified live bovine herpesvirus-1, bovine viral diarrhea virus, parainfluenza-3 virus, bovine respiratory syncytial virus, and Pasteurella haemolytica bacterin leukotoxoid. The ability of oral IFN alpha to serve as an immunomodulator enhancing antibody responses to BHV-1 will be tested.
Sponsor: Vanguard Biosciences, Inc.
PI: Robert W. Fulton
Bovine Viral Diarrhea Disease Virus (BVDV) Vaccines: Antibody Response to Heterologous BVDV Strains
The study will determine the range of heterologous immunity in calves receiving modified live virus (MLV) or killed (inactivated) BVDV vaccines. Currently there are two recognized antigenic types of BVDV, Type 1 and 2. With one exception, all MLV and killed BVDV vaccines licensed by the USDA and marketed commercially contain only Type 1 strains. The purpose of the study will be to determine if these vaccines induce antibodies to various Type 1 and 2 viruses including Oklahoma strains and other isolates from throughout the U.S.
Sponsors: Grand Laboratories, Inc. and Fort Dodge Laboratories, Inc.
PI: Robert W. Fulton
Emerging Bovine Viral Diarrhea Disease: Persistent Infections and Control Program
Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) causes a common infection in cattle and is a long recognized pathogen. The BVDV causes a diversity of diseases including: diseases of digestive and respiratory tracts; fetal infections, including abortions and congenital defects; immunosuppression; and persistently infected adult cattle. In 1993-1994, there was an increase in reported BVDV diseases as well as the recognition of two antigenic different strains, Type 1 and 2. The purpose of this study is to test Oklahoma beef and dairy herds to identify BVDV infected animals and to determine if infected animals, although vaccinated, spread virus to their calves. Also, Oklahoma isolates of BVDV will be classified as Type 1 or 2 by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and viral neutralization tests. Currently available BVDV vaccines will be evaluated for their ability to induce antibody to both antigenic types.
Sponsor: USDA Animal Health Formula 1433
PIs: Robert W. Fulton, Jeremiah Saliki, and Jean M. d'Offay
Optimization of Hatching and Rearing of Ranched Ostrich
Factors influencing the survivability of ostrich, emu, and rhea chicks are under investigation. Procedures necessary to increase hatchability and survivability of chicks are being evaluated including nutritional, physiologic, and metabolic variations that exist under artificial hatching conditions. Growth rate and weight gain performance are also being evaluated for all three species including gains per month, optimal slaughter weight determinations, and optimal yields at slaughter.
Sponsor: The Ostrich Research Foundation
PIs: A. Alan Kocan, Stanley Vanhooser, and Joe Berry
Adenovirus Pathogenicity in Ostrich Chicks
Increased survivability of ostrich chicks is an important factor influencing the continued growth of the ostrich industry. The exact role of parasitic and infectious diseases in overall mortality figures is not clearly understood. Adenovirus infections are known to exist but their total role in mortality is not known. Experimental studies are designed to determine the correlation between the existence of this virus and actual mortalities.
Sponsor: The Ratite Research Foundation
PIs: A. Alan Kocan and Amey Raines
Lyssavac Berna HDC Vaccine Study
The OSU College of Veterinary Medicine is one of three U.S. colleges participating in final testing of a human vaccine for rabies. Lyssavac Berna Human Diploid Cell (HDC) Vaccine is being administered to 77 veterinary medical students who are first- or second-year students. Two protocols are being used in order to test the immunologic response in both a pre-exposure and post-exposure situation. The major portion of the vaccination program took place in the 1993-94 academic year. The vaccination program will be completed in 1994-95 and immunologic response will be monitored through 1996-97. It is anticipated that the vaccine will be approved for distribution and sale in the U.S. if the results of these studies are acceptable to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Sponsor: Swiss Serum and Vaccine Institute
PIs: Patrick Morgan, Billy Hooper, and Ron Sanders
Antibacterial Activity of Chicken Interferon on Chicken Macrophages Against Salmonella typhimurium
Little is known regarding the effects of avian interferon (IFN) on macrophage function in birds. We are investigating the effect of natural chicken IFN on the uptake and killing of Salmonella typhimurium by chicken macrophages by an in vitro method using an established chicken macrophage cell line, CD11. By understanding the effects of IFN on avian macrophages, we hope to develop IFN treatment regimens to enhance resistance against salmonellosis and the resultant carrier state.
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
PIs: Rebbeca J. Morton, Robert W. Fulton, and Jean M. Clarke
Mechanisms of Adherence and Colonization of Pasteurella haemolytica to Bovine Respiratory Mucosa
We are investigating an in vitro tissue culture model as one means of studying colonization by Pasteurella haemolytica to bovine cells. We are attempting to identify cell lines appropriate for in vitro adherence studies that can be used to determine the role of various bacterial components, such as capsule, outer membrane proteins, and lipopolysaccharide, in adhesion to cultured bovine cells. Identified bacterial adhesions can then be evaluated in cattle as possible antigens in vaccine preparations. The in vitro assay also will be used to determine the effects of viruses, corticosteroids, and host factors on adherence. Understanding the cellular and molecular events of colonization and proliferation of P. haemolytica on host cells could result in new methods for management and/or treatment of bovine pneumonic pasteurellosis as well as contributing to our knowledge of host-parasite relationships on body surfaces.
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
PIs: Rebecca J. Morton, Jean M. d'Offay, and George L. Murphy
Bovine T Lymphocyte Immunity to Mycobacterium bovis Stress Response Proteins
This study will determine the exact regions of the Mycobacterium bovis stress response proteins to be used as a more specific and simple reagent in the caudal fold test for diagnosis of tuberculosis in cattle. Specifically, peptides representing native protein sequences will be chemically synthesized and tested both in vivo and in vitro for stimulation of T lymphocytes from M. bovis sensitized cattle.
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
PI: John H. Wyckoff III
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