Walter Tarello references:

Walter Tarello references (PubMed):

Chronic fatigue syndrome in horses: diagnosis and treatment of 4 cases.

Tarello W. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2001 Jan;24(1):57-70. PMID: 11131041 Online

A report from England has suggested that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome exists in equines and constitutes an emerging veterinary problem. Preliminary epidemiological studies seem to confirm the zoonotic implications of CFS. An arsenical drug, sodium thiacetarsamide, was administered to four horses with a diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), already treated unsuccessfully with different medications. The CFS-like lethargy, with accompanying symptoms and signs, of the four animals obtained a complete remission after intravenous treatment with this drug at low dosage (0.1 mg/kg/day). No adverse side effects were ever noticed. This clinical response was associated with recovery from anaemia and decrease of muscular enzyme values in two of the four horses. In all patients, micrococci-like bacteria found before treatment adhering to the outer surface of many red blood cells, disappeared at post-treatment controls. Considerations are made on the possible action of an arsenical drug, used in isolation, in the treatment of CFS.

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) in cats: Diagnosis and treatment of 7 cases.

Tarello W. Revue de Medecine Veterinaire 2001, 152: 11. Online

A diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) was made on 7 cats, according to the current human criteria for this condition. Persistent fatigue and related symptoms lasting more than 6 months were associated with upper respiratory tract dysfunctions, chronic shedding hairs and, in some cases, anaemia. Observation of micrococci-like organisms in the blood and high creatine kinase levels at rest were hallmarks apparently supporting the physical nature of this illness. All animals had relapsed after extensive prior treatment with current medications and were consequently submitted to a 3-4 day course of Potassium arsenite 0.5% (Fowler’s solution) in low dosage (0.1 ml/kg/day), intramuscularly.

No side effects were ever noted. Controls made between 15 and 30 days after the arsenical treatment confirmed a complete clinical and haematological remission from the syndrome. Considerations were made on the nature of the micrococci-like organisms seen in the blood and their possible role in the aetiology of feline syndrome. The biological and therapeutic actions of arsenical drugs are also reviewed.

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) associated with Staphylococcus spp. Bacteriaemia, responsive to thiacetarsamide sodium in 7 dogs.

Tarello W. Revue de Medecine Veterinaire 2001, 152: 11. Online

A cluster of canine Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) was diagnosed according to current criteria accepted in human medicine. The fatigue and pain symptoms were associated with pyoderma, presence of micrococci-like organisms in the blood and the recovery of two vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus xilosus strains, from a pustule and from drinking water. Thiacetarsamide sodium, was administered intravenously at low dosage (0.1 mg/Kg/day) for three days in all dogs. Clinical and hematological parameters at days 4, 7 and 10 after therapy confirmed complete remission from the syndrome, which had lasted for more than 2 years and had been treated previously with several chemotherapeutics agents. The possible role of coagulase-negative staphylococci in the aetiology of CFS and the antimicrobial action of arsenicals are discussed.

A case of the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) in a horse from USA examined in Dubai.

Tarello W. Poster presentation. THIRD INTERNATIONAL CLINICAL AND SCIENTIFIC MEETING: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, a serious legitimate diagnosis. Sydney, 1-2 December 2001. Online

A six-year old castrated male warm-blood horse with a two-year history of CFSresembling disease tested negative for Equine Herpes viruses type 1 and 4, Sarcocystis neurona and Equine Arteritis virus. High level of Streptococcus equi aspecific antibodies were detected. Symptoms were: resistance to perform the normal activity, fever, apathy, tender and enlarged head and neck lymph nodes, sweats, hives, laminitis and abscesses in hind hooves. Recurrences occurred following several attempted therapies with current medicaments. All biochemistry tests were normal with the exception of high neutrophils, platelets counts, CK and LDH activities at rest. Fresh blood smears from the horse’s blood were sent unstained from the USA to this author in Dubai (UAE). After staining with the Wright technique, slides were microscopically examined (x100) showing the presence of micrococci-like organisms on 5-6% of Red Blood Cells, and the absence of alternative causes of chronic fatigue in horses (Babesia and Ehrlichia spp.) Taken together these observations led to a diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Following treatment with Potassium Arsenite 0.5% intravenously given at low dosage (0.025 ml/Kg/day) for three days the horse’s health rapidly improved. Clinical and laboratory checks made 15 days and 2 months later confirmed complete recovery.

Babesiosis as an underlying factor influencing the severity and duration of perianal fistulas in three dogs.

Tarello W. Revue de Medecine Veterinaire, 152, 1, 83-88 (2001).

Perianal fistulas is a serious problem mostly affecting German shepherd dogs, which are predisposed to this condition as a result of breed and anatomical factors. A decreased cell-mediated immune response and similarities with the fistulous form of Crohn's disease in humans have been recently noted. Consequently, a thorough search for the underlying factors seems advisable as part of the diagnostic work, with a view to the possibility of treatment by chemotherapy. The two 3-year old German shepherds and one 14-year old Pomeranian dog with perianal fistulas, described in the present report were found to be carriers of Babesia spp. without specific clinical symptoms and signs of babesiosis, and consequently treated with imidocarb dipropionate once a week for 4 weeks. This therapy led to a complete recovery from the perianal fistulas, without subsequent relapses no surgery was needed.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) in 15 dogs and cats with specific biochemical and microbiological anomalies.

Tarello W. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2001 Jul;24(3):165-85 PMID: 11440190 Online

A great deal of controversy and speculation surrounds the etiology of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) in human patients and the existence of a similar illness in animals. To evaluate the association with a presumptive staphylococcal infection and bacteremia, seven dogs and eight cats diagnosed with CFS (two meeting the CDC working case definition) were submitted to rapid blood cultures and fresh blood smears investigations. Nine out of 15 blood cultures proved Staph-positive and four isolates were specified as S. xilosus (3) and S. intermedius (1). The presence of micrococci-like organisms in the blood was of common observation among these subjects, in association with fatigue/pain-related symptoms and biochemical abnormalities suggestive of a myopathy. Following treatment with a low dosage arsenical drug (thiacetarsamide sodium, Caparsolate, i.v., 0.1 ml/kg/day) all patients experienced complete remission. Micrococci disappeared from the blood at post-treatment controls made 10-30 days later. The outcomes were compared with those of five healthy controls and five 'sick with other illness' patients showing significant difference.

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) associated with Staphylococcus spp. bacteremia, responsive to potassium arsenite 0.5% in a veterinary surgeon and his coworking wife, handling with CFS animal cases.

Tarello W. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis. 2001 Oct;24(4):233-46. PMID: 11561958 Online

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) in human patients remain a controversial and perplexing condition with emerging zoonotic aspects. Recent advances in human medicine seem to indicate a bacterial etiology and the condition has already been described in horses, dogs, cats and birds of prey in association with micrococci-like organisms in the blood. To evaluate the possibility of a chronic bacteremia, a veterinary surgeon (the author) and his coworking wife, both diagnosed with CFS and meeting the CDC working case de®nition, were submitted to rapid blood cultures and fresh blood smears investigations. Blood cultures proved Staph-positive and micrococci-like organisms in the blood were repeatedly observed in the 3-year period preceding the arsenical therapy, during which several medicaments, including antibiotics, proved unsuccessful. Following treatment with a low dosage arsenical drug (potassium arsenite 0.5%, im., 1 ml/12 h, for 10 days) both patients experienced complete remission. At the post-treatment control made 1 month later, micrococci had disappeared from the blood, and the CD4/CD8 ratio was raising.

Dermatitis associated with Dirofilaria (Nochtiella) repens microfilariae in dogs from central Italy.

Tarello W. Acta Vet Hung. 2002;50(1):63-78. PMID: 12061238

Pruritic dermatitis associated with Dirofilaria (Nochtiella) repens microfilariae in the blood was diagnosed in 22 dogs from Fermo (Central Italy). According to the history, previous unsuccessful treatments with corticosteroids, antibiotics, restricted diet, flea control, levamisole and ivermectin were recorded in 17 dogs (77.3%). The combined filtration tests and antigen tests, performed during the study, were negative for Dirofilaria immitis and Acanthocheilonema reconditum in each case. Dermatological lesions included erythema, papules, single or multifocal alopecia, eczema, lichenification, crusting and nodules. All dogs had pruritus. Concurrent babesiosis was diagnosed in the blood smears of each case (100%), and 60% of the dogs were found to be carriers of canine granulocytic ehrlichiosis (CGE). Three dogs (13.6%) were positive for leishmaniosis. Eradication of the concurrent infections followed by specific macro- and microfilaricide treatment led to complete recovery from the dermatological syndrome. The main conclusion of the study is that D. repens infection can be more pathogenic than is currently considered, and it is apparently an opportunistic disease with serious dermatological consequences.

A possible relationship between bumblefoot responsive to potassium arsenite and micrococci in the blood of three birds of prey.

Tarello W. Acta Vet Hung. 2002;50(2):143-50. PMID: 12113168

Pododermatitis (bumblefoot) is a major health problem of falcons worldwide because healing processes in the talons are difficult and lengthy. A peregrine (Falco peregrinus), a merlin (Falco columbarius) and a saker falcon (Falco cherrug) with bumblefoot at different stages ranging from III to V, were all found to be carriers of micrococcus-like organisms in the blood and two of them were successfully treated with 0.5% potassium arsenite in low dosage given intravenously. A number of considerations are made on the immune dysfunction aspects of bumblefoot in birds of prey and on the emerging role of arsenic-based medicaments in the treatment of animal and human immune dysfunction syndromes.

Cutaneous lesions in dogs with Dirofilaria (Nochtiella) repens infestation and concurrent tick-borne transmitted diseases.

Tarello W. Vet Dermatol. 2002 Oct;13(5):267-74. PMID: 12358611

A pruritic dermatitis characterized by the presence of erythema, papules, focal or multifocal alopecia, crusting and nodules was seen in 28 dogs with Dirofilaria repens microfilariae infestation in an endemic area in north-west Italy. Previous unsuccessful nonspecific antipruritic treatments, flea control and restricted diet were recorded in 53.6% of the patients. Both the Knott and the antigen tests were negative for Dirofilaria immitis and Acanthocheilonema reconditum. Concurrent babesiosis and/or canine granulocytic ehrlichiosis was also diagnosed in many affected dogs. Preliminary treatment of the concurrent diseases was followed by specific filaricide treatment. The cutaneous lesions, although slightly improved with the initial treatment, resolved completely with macro- and microfilaricide treatment. Although D. repens may be an opportunistic pathogen, this parasite should not be considered as harmless as previously thought and its potential pathogenic role in causing cutaneous lesions in dogs should be considered. Furthermore, it has a zoonotic importance as human cases have been reported worldwide.

Dermatitis associated with Dirofilaria repens microfilariae in a dog in Dubai.

Tarello W. Vet Rec. 2002 Dec 14;151(24):738-9. PMID: 12509080

NA. Case report.

Dermatitis associated with Dirofilaria repens microfilariae in a dog from Rome.

Tarello W. Vet J. 2003 Mar;165(2):175-7. PMID: 12573609

Dermatitis associated with Dirofilaria repens microfilariae in three dogs in Saudi Arabia.

Tarello W. J Small Anim Pract. 2003 Mar;44(3):132-4. PMID: 12653329

The presence of microfilariae of the zoonotic nematode Dirofilaria repens is reported in three dogs from Saudi Arabia, manifesting as pruritic dermatitis with signs including erythema, alopecia, papules, crusting and hyperkeratosis. All dogs were found to have concurrent babesiosis. Specific treatments against the two conditions led to complete clinical recovery and disappearance of microfilariae from the blood one month later.

Immunological anomalies and thrombocytopenia in 117 dogs and cats diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).

Tarello W. Acta Vet Hung. 2003;51(1):61-72. PMID: 12688127

Medical records of thirty-five consecutive cases of canine granulocytic ehrlichiosis (CGE) diagnosed cytologically in Central Italy in 1995-2000 were analysed retrospectively. Tick exposure was reported in 16 dogs (45.7%) and concurrent babesiosis in 19 dogs (54.3%). Ehrlichia-like inclusion bodies were found in neutrophils in a percentage varying from 0.5% to 11%. Frequently recorded clinical signs included anorexia (71.4%), lethargy (45.7%), conjunctivitis (31.4%), fever (25.7%), lameness (20%) and ataxia (20%). Among the 16 representative dogs in which protein electrophoresis was performed, 10 (62.5%) showed high globulin levels and 6 (37.5%) had concurrent high total protein levels. During treatment with doxycycline, all associated symptoms, including those unusually described, such as pyoderma intertrigo, erythema, apparent blindness and oral papillomatosis, progressively disappeared in 31 (89%) out of 35 dogs. The efficacy of treatment was marked in dogs simultaneously treated twice with imidocarb dipropionate: among the 14 dogs in which a fast recovery was noted, 11 (80%) were concurrently affected by babesiosis and consequently treated with the specific medicament leading to excellent outcomes. The main conclusion is that CGE is present among dogs from Central Italy and should be included in the differential diagnosis of possible zoonotic agents affecting the canine population.

Canine granulocytic ehrlichiosis (CGE) in Italy.

Tarello W. Acta Vet Hung. 2003;51(1):73-90. PMID: 12688128

Medical records of thirty-five consecutive cases of canine granulocytic ehrlichiosis (CGE) diagnosed cytologically in Central Italy in 1995-2000 were analysed retrospectively. Tick exposure was reported in 16 dogs (45.7%) and concurrent babesiosis in 19 dogs (54.3%). Ehrlichia-like inclusion bodies were found in neutrophils in a percentage varying from 0.5% to 11%. Frequently recorded clinical signs included anorexia (71.4%), lethargy (45.7%), conjunctivitis (31.4%), fever (25.7%), lameness (20%) and ataxia (20%). Among the 16 representative dogs in which protein, electrophoresis was performed, 10 (62.5%) showed high globulin levels and 6 (37.5%) had concurrent high total protein levels. During treatment with doxycycline, all associated symptoms, including those unusually described, such as pyoderma intertrigo, erythema, apparent blindness and oral papillomatosis, progressively disappeared in 31 (89%) out of 35 dogs. The efficacy of treatment was marked in dogs simultaneously treated twice with imidocarb dipropionate: among the 14 dogs in which a fast recovery was noted, 11 (80%) were concurrently affected by babesiosis and consequently treated with the specific medicament leading to excellent outcomes. The main conclusion is that CGE is present among dogs from Central Italy and should be included in the differential diagnosis of possible zoonotic agents affecting the canine population.

Retrospective study on the presence and pathogenicity of Dirofilaria repens in 5 dogs and 1 cat from Aosta Vally.

Tarello W. Schweiz Arch Tierheilkd. 2003 Oct;145(10):465-9. PMID: 14593932

Aosta Valley is the only region of Italy free of reported human cases of dirofilariosis due to Dirofilaria repens. Nonetheless, the retrospective analysis of five locally acquired D. repens infections in dogs, seems to indicate that an animal reservoir exist in the area. A feline case imported from Camargue, France, is also described. The most common dermatological signs were erythema, alopecia, crusting, papulae and nodules. All patients had lesional pruritus and dogs were affected by concurrent babesiosis. Eradication of the underlying condition, followed by a therapy with the specific adulticide and microfilaricide drugs led to a complete recovery of microfilaraemia. Increased pet travel and ecological changes are extending the ranges of vector borne, parasitic and zoonotic diseases. This fact pose a unique diagnostic challenge for the veterinarian, since the index of suspicion may be absent outside endemic areas.

Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome Associated with Staphylococcus spp. Bacteraemia Responsive to Thiacetarsamide Sodium in Eight Birds of Prey.

Tarello W. Journal of Veterinary Medicine (2001), Series B 48 (4), 267-281.

Chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome (CFIDS) is a recognized human illness with zoonotic implications that is rarely described in animals. Eight birds of prey examined between 1992 and 1995 and sharing common symptoms (asthenia, inability to fly, poor appetite and emaciation) underwent laboratory tests revealing immunodeficiency, anaemia, high creatine kinase levels and low serum magnesium levels. Diagnosis of CFIDS was based upon these features. The effectiveness of an arsenic-based medication, thiacetarsamide sodium, administered intravenously for 2–3 days at low dosages (0.1 ml/kg/day) has been demonstrated by checks carried out 10, 20 and 30 days after therapy. The symptoms and the immune and haematological dysfunctions disappeared within 2–4 weeks of treatment. In all patients, micrococcus-like organisms found adhering to the outer surface of many red blood cells, had disappeared at post-treatment controls. Two of five blood cultures were positive for Staphylococcus spp. (S. intermedius and S. xilosus). Consideration is given to the pharmacological activity of an arsenic-based drug in animal illnesses resembling CFIDS.

Leucocytozoon toddi in falcons from Kuwait: epidemiology, clinical signs and response to melarsomine.

Tarello W. Parasite. 2006 Jun;13(2):179. PMID: 16800128

Serological response of Houbara bustards to an H5N1 vaccine.

Wernery U, Joseph S, Tarello W, Theneyan M. Vet Rec. 2006 Jun 17;158(24):840. PMID: 16782864

Serratospiculosis in falcons from Kuwait: incidence, pathogenicity and treatment with melarsomine and ivermectin.

Tarello W. Parasite. 2006 Mar;13(1):59-63. PMID: 16605068

Effective imidocarb dipropionate therapy for Babesia shortti in falcons.

Tarello W. Vet Rec. 2006 Feb 18;158(7):239-40. PMID: 16489163

Lymphoid leukaemia in a saker falcon.

Tarello W. Vet Rec. 2006 Feb 11;158(6):212. PMID: 16474066

Halitosis in association with canine hepatozoonosis.

Tarello W. Vet Rec. 2006 Feb 11;158(6):205-6. PMID: 16474056

Fatal Haemoproteus psittaci infection in an African grey parrot.

Tarello W. Vet Rec. 2005 Jul 2;157(1):32. PMID: 15995245

Microscopic and clinical evidence for Anaplasma (Ehrlichia) phagocytophilum infection in Italian cats.

Tarello W. Vet Rec. 2005 Jun 11;156(24):772-4. PMID: 15951500

Trypanosoma avium incidence, pathogenicity and response to melarsomine in falcons from Kuwait.

Tarello W. Parasite. 2005 Mar;12(1):85-7. PMID: 15828588

Adult Dirofilaria repens nematodes in a cat from Kiev, Ukraine.

Mazurkevich A, Vasylyk N, Avramenko T, Velichko S, Tarello W, Varodi E. Vet Rec. 2004 Nov 13;155(20):638-9. PMID: 15573788

Identification and treatment of Dipetalonema grassii microfilariae in a cat from central Italy.

Tarello W. Vet Rec. 2004 Oct 30;155(18):565-6. PMID: 15559425