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Escherichia coli in domestic animals and humans
Book reviews
242
mainly from the United Kingdom experience and opinion, particularly emphasize the interdependency of dairy and beef cattle in the UK. However, the authors do not compare their findings with other parts of the world, such as North and South America, or even Western Europe. The following chapters focus on the principles of anatomy and physiology of the reproductive system in cows. Topics are presented in the following sequence: anatomy, ovarian cycle, oestrous behavior, function of the male reproductive organs, artificial insemination, hormonal characteristic of the oestrous cycle, fertilization, conception, pregnancy, lactation, postpartum period, reproductive problems in the bull and cow, embryo transfer, factors related to reproductive management, and breeding management. Basic principles for both anatomy and physiology of the reproductive system in cattle are presented in academic text book style. However, the most up to date research findings are limited in this text and recent research findings are not cited. The book, also, lacks the components of health and disease in cattle production. However, the book is an excellent text for the physiology and anatomy of reproduction in cattle. It can be used by both undergraduate and graduate students who have the interest in bovine reproduction. Veterinary epidemiologists working with reproductive parameters in their studies may find this book useful in understanding physiological pathways. The last chapter of the book contains a summary and conclusions. The first and last chapters present information and opinions strictly related to cattle reproductive problems in the UK. Thus, any inferences from the authors’ conclusions are limited solely to that one country. M.D. SALMAN Center for Veterinary Epidemiology
and Animal Disease Surveillance Systems Colorado State University College of Vet. Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Ft. Collins, CO 80523-1676 USA
PIISO167-5877(96)01045-S
Escherichia
coli
coli in domestic animals and humans. C.L. Gyles (Editor), CAB Intemational, Wallingford, UK, 1994, 666 pp., L82.5O/US$150.00 (Americas only), ISBN O-85198-921-7.
Escherichia
The editor has succeeded in synthetizing the more recent knowledge on Escherichia cob infections in domestic animals and humans for the broadest audience possible. A total of 31 different contributors have participated in this book. They are recognized experts from Australia, Belgium, Canada, Ireland, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and the United States, and represent various disciplines.
Book reviews
243
The table of contents clearly demonstrates the logical presentation of the book. Part I covers the biochemical and serologic characteristics of E. coli, which is the basis for a good understanding of the following chapters. Part II includes 11 chapters on diseases caused by E. Coli and represents about 40% of the book. Emphasis has been put on diseases in domestic animals (cattle, swine, sheep, goats, horses, dogs, cats and poultry). Four of these chapters are devoted to diseases in pigs, and three to diseases in cattle. Only one chapter deals with diseases in humans. But with some 50 pages and more than 250 references, it reviews very well the human dimensions of the problem. This part covers all aspects, from the historical to the clinical, and epidemiological characteristics involved, as well as pathogenesis, diagnosis, and control. It is very interesting to discover the amount of knowledge about E. coli isolates found in species such as rabbits or goats. Part III represents another 40% of the book, and is devoted to the virulence factors of E. co/i. ‘This is definitively the most interesting part for persons who wish to review the establishled or putative virulence factors, as well as the more recent developments in the understanding of the pathogenesis of E. coli infections. Not all veterinarians are aware that in cattle, both the verotoxins (also called Shiga-like toxins (SLT)) SLTI and SLTII can be kmplicated in haemorrhagic colitis and diarrhea; or, that in pigs SLTI and SLTII are absent but there is a SLTIIe which is essential for oedema disease in this species. Also, the existence of other cytotoxins, such as the cytolethal distending toxin (CLDT) or the cytotoxic necrotizing factor (CNF), should become more familiar to students and career clinicians. Chapters in this third part of the book are easy to read and accessible to persons of all disciplines. Similar to Part I, Part IV, “Diagnosis and Prevention of Diseases Caused by Escherichia coli, represents the final 10% of the book. This part should have been entitled “Laboratory Diagnosis of Diseases Caused by Escherichiu coli and Vaccines”. The first half, chapter 21, is strictly oriented towards laboratory methods. It covers the isolation of pathogenic isolates of E. coli, serotyping isolates, and the detection of toxins and other virulence factors by biological, immunological and genetic methods. Interestingly, no virulence determinants are associated with isolates from mastitis cases. These isolates appear to be simply opportunists arising from the faeces and the environment. Also, virulence-associated factors are not routinely detected for E. coli isolates originating from urine; a high percentage of isolates from urinary tract infections are haernolytic, produce aerobactin (a siderophore), and are resistant to the bactericidal effects of serum. Several pages are devoted to the description and use of gene probes, and to techniques using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. The serotypic and genetic detection of virulence factors are now available to veterinary as well as to medical laboratories and this is of invaluable assistance to clinicians and pathologists. Nonetheless, since such techniques necessitate a critical setup, isolates have to be referred to reference laboratories and additional costs are inevitably attached to such techniques. Clinicians, pathologists, and microbiologists should be informed of the existence or location of their nearest reference laboratory. It has to be noted that diagnostic aspects, other than the microbiological, have already been covered in each chapter of Part II. The second half of Part IV, chapter 22, is essentially oriented towards vaccines. The
Book reviews
244
word “prevention” should have been avoided in the title of Part IV. Prevention is a more general concept and better represents the subjects covered in individual chapters about diseases in domestic animals. As an example, in chapter 9, “Oedema Disease in Pigs”, prevention deals with the diet, chemoprophylaxis, probiotics, and immunoprophylaxis. This is merely a comment and does not diminish the success and the value of the book. This book should be considered as a reference for undergraduate and graduate veterinary and medical students, clinicians, diagnosticians, and immunologists, as well as fundamental researchers. It should be on the list of books recommended as continuing education material. According to some veterinary clinicians who have read the book in our institution, even if some chapters are perceived as fundamental knowledge, they are easy to read and comprehend. It is a major editorial accomplishment to obtain this level of coherence with so many contributors. In spite of the enormous amount of knowledge on E. cofi since its first isolation from the human intestine in 1885, and particularly since the advances realized in the 1970s and 198Os, more has yet to come. Indeed, research is needed to characterize other important adhesins and virulence factors, and to develop efficient vaccines. Work has to be done on the means to stimulate a good local response and to be able to administer vaccines in the proper period of time. The development of engineered vaccines is of major importance. In conclusion, this book is probably the most valuable guide to a proper comprehension of infections due to E. coli in domestic animals, as well as in humans. It should be considered as a serious reference text for students and persons working in public health or animal health, for diagnosticians and research workers. ROBERT HIGGINS Faculte’ de midecine vt%rinaire De’partement de pathologie et microbiologic Universitk de Mpntrkal C.P.5000, Saint-Hyacinthe P. Quebec J2S 7C6 Canada PII SO167-5877(96)01046-X
Calf crops Factors AfSecting Calf Crop, Michael J. Fields and Robert S. Sand (Editors), CRC Press,
Boca Raton, FL, 1994, 416 pp., US$97.00 (in the USA), US$116.00 (elsewhere), ISBN O-8493-8754-X. The book is composed of 28 chapters which include important information on the factors affecting beef calf crops. Each chapter is written by selected author(s) who are experts in their field. The sequence of these chapters begins with a comprehensive
242
mainly from the United Kingdom experience and opinion, particularly emphasize the interdependency of dairy and beef cattle in the UK. However, the authors do not compare their findings with other parts of the world, such as North and South America, or even Western Europe. The following chapters focus on the principles of anatomy and physiology of the reproductive system in cows. Topics are presented in the following sequence: anatomy, ovarian cycle, oestrous behavior, function of the male reproductive organs, artificial insemination, hormonal characteristic of the oestrous cycle, fertilization, conception, pregnancy, lactation, postpartum period, reproductive problems in the bull and cow, embryo transfer, factors related to reproductive management, and breeding management. Basic principles for both anatomy and physiology of the reproductive system in cattle are presented in academic text book style. However, the most up to date research findings are limited in this text and recent research findings are not cited. The book, also, lacks the components of health and disease in cattle production. However, the book is an excellent text for the physiology and anatomy of reproduction in cattle. It can be used by both undergraduate and graduate students who have the interest in bovine reproduction. Veterinary epidemiologists working with reproductive parameters in their studies may find this book useful in understanding physiological pathways. The last chapter of the book contains a summary and conclusions. The first and last chapters present information and opinions strictly related to cattle reproductive problems in the UK. Thus, any inferences from the authors’ conclusions are limited solely to that one country. M.D. SALMAN Center for Veterinary Epidemiology
and Animal Disease Surveillance Systems Colorado State University College of Vet. Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Ft. Collins, CO 80523-1676 USA
PIISO167-5877(96)01045-S
Escherichia
coli
coli in domestic animals and humans. C.L. Gyles (Editor), CAB Intemational, Wallingford, UK, 1994, 666 pp., L82.5O/US$150.00 (Americas only), ISBN O-85198-921-7.
Escherichia
The editor has succeeded in synthetizing the more recent knowledge on Escherichia cob infections in domestic animals and humans for the broadest audience possible. A total of 31 different contributors have participated in this book. They are recognized experts from Australia, Belgium, Canada, Ireland, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and the United States, and represent various disciplines.
Book reviews
243
The table of contents clearly demonstrates the logical presentation of the book. Part I covers the biochemical and serologic characteristics of E. coli, which is the basis for a good understanding of the following chapters. Part II includes 11 chapters on diseases caused by E. Coli and represents about 40% of the book. Emphasis has been put on diseases in domestic animals (cattle, swine, sheep, goats, horses, dogs, cats and poultry). Four of these chapters are devoted to diseases in pigs, and three to diseases in cattle. Only one chapter deals with diseases in humans. But with some 50 pages and more than 250 references, it reviews very well the human dimensions of the problem. This part covers all aspects, from the historical to the clinical, and epidemiological characteristics involved, as well as pathogenesis, diagnosis, and control. It is very interesting to discover the amount of knowledge about E. coli isolates found in species such as rabbits or goats. Part III represents another 40% of the book, and is devoted to the virulence factors of E. co/i. ‘This is definitively the most interesting part for persons who wish to review the establishled or putative virulence factors, as well as the more recent developments in the understanding of the pathogenesis of E. coli infections. Not all veterinarians are aware that in cattle, both the verotoxins (also called Shiga-like toxins (SLT)) SLTI and SLTII can be kmplicated in haemorrhagic colitis and diarrhea; or, that in pigs SLTI and SLTII are absent but there is a SLTIIe which is essential for oedema disease in this species. Also, the existence of other cytotoxins, such as the cytolethal distending toxin (CLDT) or the cytotoxic necrotizing factor (CNF), should become more familiar to students and career clinicians. Chapters in this third part of the book are easy to read and accessible to persons of all disciplines. Similar to Part I, Part IV, “Diagnosis and Prevention of Diseases Caused by Escherichia coli, represents the final 10% of the book. This part should have been entitled “Laboratory Diagnosis of Diseases Caused by Escherichiu coli and Vaccines”. The first half, chapter 21, is strictly oriented towards laboratory methods. It covers the isolation of pathogenic isolates of E. coli, serotyping isolates, and the detection of toxins and other virulence factors by biological, immunological and genetic methods. Interestingly, no virulence determinants are associated with isolates from mastitis cases. These isolates appear to be simply opportunists arising from the faeces and the environment. Also, virulence-associated factors are not routinely detected for E. coli isolates originating from urine; a high percentage of isolates from urinary tract infections are haernolytic, produce aerobactin (a siderophore), and are resistant to the bactericidal effects of serum. Several pages are devoted to the description and use of gene probes, and to techniques using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. The serotypic and genetic detection of virulence factors are now available to veterinary as well as to medical laboratories and this is of invaluable assistance to clinicians and pathologists. Nonetheless, since such techniques necessitate a critical setup, isolates have to be referred to reference laboratories and additional costs are inevitably attached to such techniques. Clinicians, pathologists, and microbiologists should be informed of the existence or location of their nearest reference laboratory. It has to be noted that diagnostic aspects, other than the microbiological, have already been covered in each chapter of Part II. The second half of Part IV, chapter 22, is essentially oriented towards vaccines. The
Book reviews
244
word “prevention” should have been avoided in the title of Part IV. Prevention is a more general concept and better represents the subjects covered in individual chapters about diseases in domestic animals. As an example, in chapter 9, “Oedema Disease in Pigs”, prevention deals with the diet, chemoprophylaxis, probiotics, and immunoprophylaxis. This is merely a comment and does not diminish the success and the value of the book. This book should be considered as a reference for undergraduate and graduate veterinary and medical students, clinicians, diagnosticians, and immunologists, as well as fundamental researchers. It should be on the list of books recommended as continuing education material. According to some veterinary clinicians who have read the book in our institution, even if some chapters are perceived as fundamental knowledge, they are easy to read and comprehend. It is a major editorial accomplishment to obtain this level of coherence with so many contributors. In spite of the enormous amount of knowledge on E. cofi since its first isolation from the human intestine in 1885, and particularly since the advances realized in the 1970s and 198Os, more has yet to come. Indeed, research is needed to characterize other important adhesins and virulence factors, and to develop efficient vaccines. Work has to be done on the means to stimulate a good local response and to be able to administer vaccines in the proper period of time. The development of engineered vaccines is of major importance. In conclusion, this book is probably the most valuable guide to a proper comprehension of infections due to E. coli in domestic animals, as well as in humans. It should be considered as a serious reference text for students and persons working in public health or animal health, for diagnosticians and research workers. ROBERT HIGGINS Faculte’ de midecine vt%rinaire De’partement de pathologie et microbiologic Universitk de Mpntrkal C.P.5000, Saint-Hyacinthe P. Quebec J2S 7C6 Canada PII SO167-5877(96)01046-X
Calf crops Factors AfSecting Calf Crop, Michael J. Fields and Robert S. Sand (Editors), CRC Press,
Boca Raton, FL, 1994, 416 pp., US$97.00 (in the USA), US$116.00 (elsewhere), ISBN O-8493-8754-X. The book is composed of 28 chapters which include important information on the factors affecting beef calf crops. Each chapter is written by selected author(s) who are experts in their field. The sequence of these chapters begins with a comprehensive