Tag: thiacetarsamide

Chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome associated with Staphylococcus spp. bacteraemia responsive to thiacetarsamide sodium in eight birds of prey

Abstract:

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.

 

Source: Tarello W. Chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome associated with Staphylococcus spp. bacteraemia responsive to thiacetarsamide sodium in eight birds of prey.  J Vet Med B Infect Dis Vet Public Health. 2001 May;48(4):267-81. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15129582

 

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

Abstract:

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.

 

Source: Tarello W. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) in 15 dogs and cats with specific biochemical and microbiological anomalies. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis. 2001 Jul;24(3):165-85. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11440190

 

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

Abstract:

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.

 

Source: Tarello W. Chronic fatigue syndrome in horses: diagnosis and treatment of 4 cases. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis. 2001 Jan;24(1):57-70. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11131041