Update on Pruritus Mechanism

Ikoma A, Cevikbas F, Kempkes C et al. Anatomy and neurophysiology of pruritus. Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery 2011; 30: 64-70. Abstract

PubMed ID (PMID): 21767766

Reprint: A. Ikoma 

Comments: This paper reviews recent advances in the deciphering of neural pathways and receptors involved in itch sensation. It will introduce some mediators and receptors with which our veterinary dermatology community is unlikely to be familiar, but this short paper paper is one of the simplest that I have recently read on this topic, so it makes for a nice reading.

Recommended by: Thierry Olivry, NC State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA

Lethal Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa in Sheep

Ostmeier M, Kerkmann A, Frase R et al. Inherited junctional epidermolysis bullosa (Herlitz type) in German black-headed mutton sheep. Journal of Comparative Pathology 2011; ePub ahead of print. Abstract

PubMed ID (PMID): 22000950

Reprint: M. Hewicker-Trautwein 

Comments: This second paper from a series of three further describes the clinical, histopathological and ultrastructural characteristics of lethal junctional EB in a German ovine breed. For those interested in molecular genetics, details of the complex mutation of LAMC2, which encodes the gamma-2 chain of laminin-332 (laminin-5), can be found in the open access article in PLoS One (Click here to view). 
The first paper of this series provides additional information on the origin of the trait and more in depth clinical and autopsy information (see (Click here for abstract).

Recommended by: Thierry Olivry, NC State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA

LeishVet Guidelines for Canine Leishmaniosis

Solano-Gallego L, Miró G, Koutinas A et al. LeishVet guidelines for the practical management of canine leishmaniosis. Parasite Vectors 2011; 20: 86. Abstract

PubMed ID (PMID): 21599936

Reprint: open access (click-to-view)

Comments: In this paper, the LeishVet group provides practical and updated guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment, follow-up, control and prevention of canine leishmaniosis. It is also a very good review for background, epidemiology and distribution of this disease. The interpretation of diagnostic tests for different clinical presentations is made easy and is well substantiated.  The treatment recommendations are based on four clinical stages after extensive evidence-based research. These guidelines are highly recommended for specialists and residents.

Recommended by: Ana Oliveira, Lisbon, Portugal.

Malassezia Dermatitis in Humans

Hay RJ. Malassezia, dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis: an overview. British Journal of Dermatology 2011; 165 (Suppl. 2): 2-8. Abstract

PubMed ID (PMID): 21919896

Reprint: R. Hay 

Comments: This is a simple and well-written paper that reviews the main skin diseases associated with Malassezia colonization in humans (mainly pityriasis versicolor and seborrheic dermatitis). This article is worth reading for comparative purposes and better appreciate the homology of Malassezia dermatitis of animals with human seborrheic dermatitis. 
Recommended by: Thierry Olivry, NC State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA