Bartonella spp. are Gram-negative zoonotic bacteria transmitted to humans via various blood-sucking arthropods. Rodents have been identified as reservoir hosts of several zoonotic pathogens, including Bartonella spp. In Thailand, studies of Bartonella spp. in rodents from urban areas are limited; thus, a study in this area is necessary. The objectives of this study were to detect Bartonella spp. in rodents in Thailand and to compare the species’ distribution across different areas. In total, 70 blood samples from rodents in urban and suburban areas were tested for Bartonella spp. using a conventional polymerase chain reaction that targeted the citrate synthase (gltA) gene. All Bartonella-positive sequences were analyzed using polymorphism in order to build a phylogenetic tree. Approximately 38% of the rodents studied contained Bartonella DNA. Both Rattus exulans (Pacific rat) and R. tanezumi (Asian house rat) contained Bartonella spp. Four species of Bartonella were detected in blood samples: B. tribocorum, B. phoceensis, B. grahamii, and B. rattimassiliensis. In addition, eight Pacific rats contained the B. kosoyi–B. tribocorum complex. Bartonella phoceensis and B. tribocorum–B. kosoyi complexes were found in a specific habitat (p < 0.05). Interestingly, only seven haplotypes were identified in the sequences analyzed, and only haplotype A was found in both rodent species. Finally, a monitoring program for zoonotic Bartonella infection, especially the B. kosoyi–B. tribocorum complex, B. phoceensis, B. grahamii, and B. rattimassiliensis should be established, especially in high-risk areas.

This study investigated the potential association between the detection of bacterial DNA and osteoarthritis in dogs using a broad-range polymerase chain reaction technique targeting the 16S ribosomal RNA gene.

Canine hip osteoarthritis (OA) requires multidimensional assessment. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated 4-week treatment with meloxicam, PCSO-524, EAB-277, meloxicam plus PCSO-524, or placebo in 203 client-owned dogs with naturally occurring hip OA. The principal outcome was index-hindlimb peak vertical force (PVF) measured by force-plate gait analysis. Secondary outcomes included PVF responder status, orthopedic assessment score (OAS), Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (LOAD), Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI), and safety assessments. The primary baseline-adjusted mean PVF analysis did not demonstrate treatment superiority among groups. A secondary responder analysis using an analysis-stage >5%BW PVF threshold showed that meloxicam had a nominally higher Week 4 responder probability than placebo (relative risk = 4.000; 95% confidence interval, 1.223 to 13.079; p = 0.022), interpreted as supportive rather than confirmatory. Within-group score reductions were observed in LOAD and CBPI pain interference for the combination group, LOAD for PCSO-524, and CBPI pain interference for EAB-277. OAS did not change significantly within any group. Between-group differences in LOAD and CBPI changes were not significant. No consistent group-level laboratory safety concern was detected. These findings support multidimensional assessment while emphasizing that secondary results do not establish treatment superiority.

Canine hip osteoarthritis (OA) is a common musculoskeletal disorder requiring mul-tidimensional assessment. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated 4-week treatment with meloxicam, two marine-based fatty acid com-pounds, combination treatment, or placebo in 203 client-owned dogs with naturally occurring hip OA. The principal outcome was peak vertical force (PVF) of the index hindlimb measured by force-plate gait analysis. Secondary outcomes included PVF responder status, orthopedic assessment score (OAS), Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (LOAD), Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI), adverse events, and laboratory safety variables. Baseline-adjusted mean PVF did not differ significantly among treatment groups, although within-group PVF increased in the meloxicam group be-tween weeks 2 and 4. Using a predefined >5% of body weight PVF responder thresh-old, meloxicam-treated dogs were more likely than placebo-treated dogs to respond at week 4 (relative risk = 4.000; 95% confidence interval, 1.223 to 13.079; p = 0.022). Combination treatment was associated with improvements in LOAD and CBPI pain interference, PCSO-524 showed within-group improvement mainly in LOAD score, and EAB-277 showed within-group improvement in CBPI pain interference. OAS did not change significantly, and no consistent group-level laboratory safety concern was detected. These findings support multidimensional assessment of short-term treat-ment response in canine hip OA.