Brucellosis in India: Comparing exposure amongst veterinarians, para-veterinarians and animal handlers

Abstract This issue of the ILAR Journal focuses on the topic of responsible science as it relates to animal research. We start with the concept of the scientist as a responsible citizen and then move through multiple phases of research including careful experimental planning, reporting, and incorporation of laboratory animal science. The work of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) or animal ethical/oversight body in reviewing both animal use and contributing to scientific excellence is explored. Additional topics include protection of animal handlers from multiple experimental hazards, use of agricultural animals and wildlife studies, regulatory ambiguities, and harmonization of animal research. Rounding out the issue is a discussion of how animal care and use programs can enhance animal welfare while mitigating regulatory burden, and our responsibility to clearly communicate the ethical use of animals in advancing biomedical research. A deeper understanding of these topics can assist scientists in simultaneously advancing their research and animal welfare.

Download Full-text

Seroprevalence of IgG antibodies to SARS-coronavirus in asymptomatic or subclinical population groups

Epidemiology and Infection ◽

10.1017/s0950268805004826 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 134 (2) ◽

pp. 211-221 ◽

Cited By ~ 49

Author(s):

G. M. LEUNG ◽

W. W. LIM ◽

L.-M. HO ◽

T.-H. LAM ◽

A. C. GHANI ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Close Contact ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Confirmatory Test ◽

Igg Antibodies ◽

Testing Procedures ◽

Population Immunity ◽

Care Workers ◽

General Community ◽

Animal Handlers

We systematically reviewed the current understanding of human population immunity against SARS-CoV in different groups, settings and geography. Our meta-analysis, which included all identified studies except those on wild animal handlers, yielded an overall seroprevalence of 0·10% [95% confidence interval (CI) 0·02–0·18]. Health-care workers and others who had close contact with SARS patients had a slightly higher degree of seroconversion (0·23%, 95% CI 0·02–0·45) compared to healthy blood donors, others from the general community or non-SARS patients recruited from the health-care setting (0·16%, 95% CI 0–0·37). When analysed by the two broad classes of testing procedures, it is clear that serial confirmatory test protocols resulted in a much lower estimate (0·050%, 95% CI 0–0·15) than single test protocols (0·20%, 95% CI 0·06–0·34). Potential epidemiological and laboratory pitfalls are also discussed as they may give rise to false or inconsistent results in measuring the seroprevalence of IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV.

Download Full-text

An Epidemiologic Investigation of a Case of Acute Hepatitis E

Journal of Clinical Microbiology ◽

10.1128/jcm.01189-15 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 53 (11) ◽

pp. 3547-3552 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Souvik Sarkar ◽

Elenita M. Rivera ◽

Ronald E. Engle ◽

Hanh T. Nguyen ◽

Cathy A. Schechterly ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Acute Hepatitis ◽

Blood Donors ◽

Hepatitis E ◽

Transmission Risk ◽

Genotype 3 ◽

Modes Of Transmission ◽

Parenteral Transmission ◽

Potential Mode ◽

Acute Hepatitis E ◽

Animal Handlers

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is considered a zoonotic infection in developed nations. A case of acute hepatitis E in a researcher following a scalpel injury while working on a pig prompted a seroepidemiologic study to identify potential modes of transmission and determine the seroprevalence of HEV among animal handlers at the institute. Sera from personnel (n= 64) in two animal facilities and age/sex-matched blood donors (n= 63) as controls were tested for IgG anti-HEV and, if positive, for IgM anti-HEV and HEV RNA. Sera and stool from pigs aged 6 to 12 weeks from the breeding farm and older pigs from animal facilities were tested similarly. The median age of personnel was 36 years, 74% were white, 56% were male, and 74% had direct exposure to pigs. The prevalence of anti-HEV was 3.1% among personnel compared to 3.2% among blood donors; none were positive for IgM anti-HEV or HEV RNA. IgG anti-HEV was detected in sera from 10% of pigs aged 6 to 8 weeks, 80% aged 10 weeks, 100% aged 12 weeks, and 76% aged >12 weeks. HEV RNA was detected in stool but not sera from three 12-week-old pigs. Sequencing revealed HEV genotype 3 with ∼10% difference between the patient and pig sequences. Parenteral transmission is a potential mode of acute HEV infection. The low and similar seroprevalence of anti-HEV between the at-risk group and age-matched blood donors suggests low transmission risk with universal precautions among animal handlers.

Download Full-text

Blastocystis infection

Oxford Textbook of Medicine ◽

10.1093/med/9780198746690.003.0168 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1450-1451

Author(s):

Richard Knight

Keyword(s):

Ribosomal Rna ◽

Microscopic Examination ◽

Brown Algae ◽

Case Reports ◽

Human Infection ◽

Blastocystis Infection ◽

Non Invasive ◽

Animal Handlers

Blastocystis is an anaerobic unicellular non-invasive colonic parasite of animals and humans. It is transmitted faeco-orally, with human infection associated with travel, institutions, animal handlers, and immunodeficiency. Case reports strongly suggest that it causes a self-limited diarrhoeal illness. Diagnosis is by microscopic examination of faecal smears or concentrates. A trial of treatment with metronidazole is justified in patients who are immunocompromised, also when symptoms are prolonged. Molecular and ribosomal RNA studies now indicate that Blastocystis is a Stramenopile (a synonym for kingdom Chromista), currently only one species is recognized. Blastocystis has no flagellae, unlike other stramenopiles, which include slime nets, water moulds, and brown algae.

Download Full-text

Incidence and mechanism of spurious increase in serum thyrotropin.

Clinical Chemistry ◽

10.1093/clinchem/28.3.427 ◽

1982 ◽

Vol 28 (3) ◽

pp. 427-431 ◽

Cited By ~ 46

Author(s):

P J Howanitz ◽

J H Howanitz ◽

H V Lamberson ◽

K M Ennis

Keyword(s):

Human Serum ◽

Rheumatoid Factor ◽

Laboratory Animal ◽

Solid Phase ◽

Reference Interval ◽

Rabbit Serum ◽

Immunoradiometric Assay ◽

Rabbit Antibody ◽

Testing And Measurement ◽

Animal Handlers

Abstract We previously reported spuriously high values for thyrotropin (TSH), presumably owing to an antibody in human serum that reacts with both reagent rabbit antibodies in an immunoradiometric assay (IRMA). We used this IRMA to measure TSH. Five of 20 sera from laboratory animal handlers showed spuriously high values. When we added 2 mL of nonimmune rabbit serum per liter to the labeled IRMA rabbit antibody reagent and reassayed the five affected specimens, the results were within the reference interval. Smaller additions partly corrected the TSH values, but nonimmune sera of eight other species had no effect. Substitution of goat solid-phase antibody decreased, but did not eliminate, the increases in TSH in three of the five affected sera. Chromatographic properties, results of rheumatoid factor testing, and measurement of human anti-rabbit immunoglobulin suggest that the interference is ascribable to an antibody of the IgG class that reacts with rabbit antibody. Evidently, antibody interference with IRMA procedures may be common in certain populations. It can be avoided by including nonimmune serum corresponding to the species used to produce reagent antibody.

Download Full-text

Travel Vaccines

10.1093/med/9780190604776.003.0004 ◽

2017 ◽

Author(s):

Tina Q. Tan ◽

John P. Flaherty ◽

Melvin V. Gerbie

Keyword(s):

Typhoid Fever ◽

Human Waste ◽

Bodily Fluids ◽

Care Workers ◽

Vaccination Recommendations ◽

The Us ◽

Travel Vaccines ◽

Regular Contact ◽

Patient Concerns ◽

Animal Handlers

Vaccines for travelers visiting countries or regions in which vaccine preventable infectious disease is endemic are discussed. This chapter also discusses vaccination recommendations for health-care workers, animal handlers, veterinarians, and others who are in regular contact with bodily fluids, human waste, live animals, or animal parts. Specific illnesses such as yellow fever, typhoid fever, cholera, and rabies are discussed in detail relating to their geographic sites, clinical courses, incubation periods, transmissibilities, treatments, and vaccine prophylaxes. Typhoid fever history in the US is discussed. The need and usefulness of certified Travel Clinics are emphasized. Each illness has specific FAQs providing useful responses to patient concerns.

Download Full-text

Ringworm carriage and its control in mice

Epidemiology and Infection ◽

10.1017/s0022172400045393 ◽

1965 ◽

Vol 63 (4) ◽

pp. 507-515 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

R. R. Davies ◽

Jennifer Shewell

Keyword(s):

Laboratory Animal ◽

Trichophyton Mentagrophytes ◽

Laboratory Mice ◽

Vesicular Lesion ◽

Animal Handlers

The carriage of Trichophyton mentagrophytes (Robin) Blanchard by symptomfree laboratory mice has been described by La Touche (1957), Dolan, Kligman, Kobylinski & Motsavage (1958) and Mackenzie (1961). It may often be only the development of infections in the animal handlers which draws attention to the carriage of the fungus by the mice. These ringworm infections in man may take the form of a rapidly developing eczematous and vesicular lesion and the mouse carrier constitutes a significant hazard to the laboratory animal worker.

Download Full-text

Self-reported selected zoonotic diseases among animal handlers in Urban Ahmedabad, India

Veterinary World ◽

10.14202/vetworld.2019.176-182 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

pp. 176-182 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Krupali Patel ◽

Deepak Saxena

Keyword(s):

Urban Areas ◽

Family Members ◽

Raw Milk ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Zoonotic Diseases ◽

Microbial Pathogens ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Preventive Practices ◽

Animal Handling ◽

Animal Handlers

Background and Aim: Out of all global microbial pathogens, 61% are zoonoses. Zoonotic diseases (Z/D/S) are responsible for a large burden on the public health, livestock economies, and wildlife of India. Data on burden and knowledge about Z/D/S among animal handlers are limited for urban and peri-urban areas of India. The present study aimed to estimate the prevalence of self-reported selected Z/D/S and knowledge about those diseases among animal handlers in the urban area of Ahmedabad city, India. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 170 animal handlers from three zones of Ahmedabad city, India, from February to May 2017. Data were collected on sociodemographic, different exposure, knowledge, practices about animal handling, and self-reported Z/D/S condition. Results: Majority of study participants were females. Participants had numbers of animals, and it ranged from 1 to 70. However, the majority of them were cattle. Average experience and hours/day spent for handling animal were reported 22±15 years and 5±2 h, respectively. From all participants, about one-third perceived that handling animal could be a cause of disease. Average knowledge on the mode of transmission of Z/D/S was found 4.1%. Most common high risk and preventive practices found consumption of raw milk (72%) and handwashing (83%). The proportion of self-reported Z/D/S in the past 5 years was found to be 23% among respondents and 17% among family members. However, the proportion of existing self-reported Z/D/S or symptomatic Z/D/S was 17% among respondents and 18% among family members. Most common self-reported Z/D/S were vector-borne, animal bite, and respiratory disorders. Conclusion: The knowledge and prevalence of Z/D/S were found low as compared to other studies from India. Further awareness and screening of animal handlers can be useful to increase the reporting and prevention and control of Z/D/S among them.

Download Full-text

HBV and HEV Co-infections among Animal Handlers and Non-Animal Handlers in Osun State, Nigeria

International Blood Research & Reviews ◽

10.9734/ibrr/2021/v12i130140 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-7

Author(s):

I. R. Gidado ◽

I. O. Okonko ◽

F. A. Osundare ◽

O. O. Opaleye

Keyword(s):

Drinking Water ◽

Water Source ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Drinking Water Source ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

University Of Technology ◽

High Prevalence ◽

Blood Screening ◽

Pork Consumption ◽

Animal Handlers

Aim: Co-infection of hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E viruses may lead to severe morbidity and mortality. This study was conducted to determine prevalence of co-infection of HBV and HEV among animal and non-animal handlers in Osun State, Nigeria. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Nigeria, between June 2015 and July 2019. Methods: A total of 180 blood samples were obtained and screened for Hepatitis B and E virus from cohorts of 90 animal handlers and 90 non-animal handlers. Questionnaires on HBV and HEV were administered to obtain a demographic characteristic of the participants. HBsAg and anti-HEV antibodies were screened using HBsAg and HEV ELISA kits. Results: Results showed the overall prevalence of HBV and HEV Co-infection to be 12.2 %. There was variation in the HBV/HEV co-infections rates among the studied population, with a co-infection rates of 15.9%, 14.3% and 7.8% for butchers, pig handlers and non-animal handlers, respectively. Sources of drinking water was the predisposition factor for HBV/HEV coinfections (P=0.02). The results revealed that subjects who used tap and river as a drinking water source had the highest prevalence followed by well and sachet and then all water source. Although results portray no statistically significant association with, frequent washing of hands after, rearing of animal, type of toilet, eating of pork, consumption of grilled meat and cow skin (P> 0.05). Conclusion: This study reported a high prevalence of HBV/HEV coinfections among animal and non-animal handlers in Osun State, Nigeria. There is, therefore, the need to increase health promotion efforts such as immunization, health education, campaign, provision of adequate blood screening equipment and proper hygiene is recommended for further reduction in HBV/HEV transmission. Since the consumption of contaminated water is the main transmission route of HEV, improving the level of public health sanitation in the area should be considered a priority by policymakers.

Download Full-text

Application of immunofluorescence assay and nested polymerase chain reaction for query fever diagnosis in animal handlers of Puducherry, South India, and phylogenetic analysis based on IS1111 repetitive gene element

Veterinary World ◽

10.14202/vetworld.2019.1769-1774 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 12 (11) ◽

pp. 1769-1774 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Jothimani Pradeep ◽

Selvaraj Stephen ◽

Balakrishnan Sangeetha ◽

Prabakar Xavier Antony ◽

S. Amsaveni ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽

Phylogenetic Analysis ◽

Tamil Nadu ◽

South India ◽

Molecular Evidence ◽

Chain Reaction ◽

Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽

Polymerase Chain ◽

Gene Element ◽

Animal Handlers

Background and Aim: Diagnosis of query fever (QF) is mostly done on the basis of serological/molecular tests, due to the stringent requirement of biosafety level-3 containment facilities for isolating Coxiella burnetii in culture. QF is an important zoonosis and is considered to be an occupational hazard to livestock handlers. This report describes our study on the serological as well as molecular evidence of QF in animal handlers from Puducherry and surrounding Tamil Nadu, from where, to the best of our knowledge, no such reports are available so far. Materials and Methods: Seventy-five animal handlers were recruited, comprising veterinarians, slaughterhouse workers, butchers, and animal attendants of various government veterinary clinics from Puducherry and surrounding areas of Tamil Nadu state. QF serology was performed to identify Phase I and Phase II immunoglobulin G antibodies to C. burnetii. Nested polymerase chain reaction (N-PCR) was carried out to detect C. burnetii DNA in buffy coat samples by targeting IS1111 gene element. N-PCR-positive samples were sequenced and phylogenetic analysis was performed using MEGA software version 10.0. Results: A total of 21 animal handlers (28.1%) were positive for either serology or PCR. PCR alone was positive in 10 (13.4%), only serology was positive in 8 (10.7%), and both serology and PCR were positive in three samples (4.0%). GenBank accession numbers were obtained for 13 N-PCR-positive samples (MG548608-MG548620). Six of our study sequences showed close similarity with the reference isolates from Bengaluru, Colombia, Brazil, France, and Iran. Conclusion: A significant percentage of QF positivity in animal handlers of this part of South India, Puducherry, warrants a prospective study with follow-up of a large number of this occupational group.

Download Full-text