Alpha proteobacteria of genusAnaplasma(Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae): Epidemiology and characteristics ofAnaplasmaspecies related to veterinary and public health importance

Parasitology ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 143 (6) ◽  
pp. 659-685 ◽  
Author(s):  
FARHAN AHMAD ATIF
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Geographic Area ◽  
Cross Reactivity ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Habitat Modification ◽  
Nucleic Acid Detection ◽  
Public Health Importance ◽  
Granulocytic Anaplasmosis

SUMMARYTheAnaplasmaspecies are important globally distributed tick-transmitted bacteria of veterinary and public health importance. These pathogens, cause anaplasmosis in domestic and wild animal species including humans.Rhipicephalus, Ixodes, DermacentorandAmblyommagenera of ticks are the important vectors ofAnaplasma.Acute anaplasmosis is usually diagnosed upon blood smear examination followed by antibodies and nucleic acid detection. All age groups are susceptible but prevalence increases with age. Serological cross-reactivity is one of the important issues amongAnaplasmaspecies. They co-exist and concurrent infections occur in animals and ticks in same geographic area. These are closely related bacteria and share various common attributes which should be considered while developing vaccines and diagnostic assays. Movement of susceptible animals from non-endemic to endemic regions is the major risk factor of bovine/ovine anaplasmosis and tick-borne fever. Tetracyclines are currently available drugs for clearance of infection and treatment in humans and animals. Worldwide vaccine is not yet available. Identification, elimination of reservoirs, vector control (chemical and biological), endemic stability, habitat modification, rearing of tick resistant breeds, chemotherapy and tick vaccination are major control measures of animal anaplasmosis. Identification of reservoirs and minimizing the high-risk tick exposure activities are important control strategies for human granulocytic anaplasmosis.

scholarly journals Seroprevalence of Antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 among the Personnel and Students of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece: A Preliminary Report

Life ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 214 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ourania E. Tsitsilonis ◽  
Dimitrios Paraskevis ◽  
Evi Lianidou ◽  
Vassilios Pierros ◽  
Athanasios Akalestos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Continuous Monitoring ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Medical Personnel ◽  
Faculty Members ◽  
Public Health Importance ◽  
Health Measures ◽  
Early Implementation ◽  
June July ◽  
State Responses

Due to early implementation of public health measures, Greece had low number of SARS-CoV-2 infections and COVID-19 severe incidents in hospitalized patients. The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (ΝΚUA), especially its health-care/medical personnel, has been actively involved in the first line of state responses to COVID-19. To estimate the prevalence of antibodies (Igs) against SARS-CoV-2 among NKUA members, we designed a five consecutive monthly serosurvey among randomly selected NKUA consenting volunteers. Here, we present the results from the first 2500 plasma samples collected during June–July 2020. Twenty-five donors were tested positive for anti-SARS-CoV-2 Igs; thus, the overall seroprevalence was 1.00%. The weighted overall seroprevalence was 0.93% (95% CI: 0.27, 2.09) and varied between males [1.05% (95% CI: 0.18, 2.92)] and females [0.84% (95% CI: 0.13, 2.49)], age-groups and different categories (higher in participants from the School of Health Sciences and in scientific affiliates/faculty members/laboratory assistants), but no statistical differences were detected. Although focused on the specific population of NKUA members, our study shows that the prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 Igs for the period June–July 2020 remained low and provides knowledge of public health importance for the NKUA members. Given that approximately one in three infections was asymptomatic, continuous monitoring of the progression of the pandemic by assessing Ig seroprevalence is needed.

Development of a Promising Agglutination Based Diagnostic Kit for Detection of Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) Infection in Chickens

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Manimaran ◽  
Adarsh Mishra ◽  
Parimal Roy ◽  
K. Kumanan
Keyword(s):  
Early Diagnosis ◽  
Field Condition ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Mycoplasma Gallisepticum ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Detection Methods ◽  
Nucleic Acid Detection ◽  
Prevalence Studies ◽  
Poultry Birds ◽  
Different Temperatures

Background: Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) an important respiratory tract pathogen is responsible for morbidity in poultry flocks. It affects poultry birds of various age groups of layers as well as broiler, especially in younger ones. The diagnosis of such ailment is highly sought for adopting suitable control measures. In this regard, classical procedure of culture and isolation of mycoplasmas is cumbersome, tedious and time-taking. In an earlier study, it was found that serology was more sensitive than bacteriology in MG infection. The serum plate agglutination test was used in many of the earlier sero-prevalence studies. It is recommended to use the serology based detection methods for screening the poultry flocks rather than testing individual poultry birds. For field based rapid diagnosis, agglutination based serology methods are best comparison to nucleic acid detection methods, more so in remote areas.In view of the difficulties in the diagnosis of MG infection in field condition, the study was undertaken to develop a user-friendly agglutination kit, which can be used as screening test for an early diagnosis of MG infection in the poultry flocks.Methods: Mycoplasma coloured antigen kit was developed and standardized using Mycoplasma gallisepticum F strain available at the Central University Laboratory. The prepared coloured antigen kit was stored at different temperatures such as 37°C, room temperature (22-28°C) and at 4-8°C at different period of time such as three months, six months and one year to know the shelf life of the kit.Result: The sensitivity of the coloured antigen kit was found to be 92.25% and specificity as 100%. The kit was found promising in the field condition for an early diagnosis of the ailment among the poultry flocks.

scholarly journals Knowledge and practices related to bovine brucellosis transmission amongst livestock workers in Yewa, south-western Nigeria

2013 ◽  
Vol 84 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hezekiah K. Adesokan ◽  
Peter I. Alabi ◽  
Judy A. Stack ◽  
Simeon I.B. Cadmus
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Cluster Sampling ◽  
Public Health Importance ◽  
Poor Knowledge ◽  
Brucella Infection ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Risk Practices

Brucellosis is an endemic disease in the animal population in Nigeria and of major public health importance, particularly amongst livestock workers who are ignorant of the risk of Brucella infection. Therefore, to gain insight into the knowledge and practices related to brucellosis transmission amongst livestock holders (LH) and livestock marketers (LM) in Yewa, an international livestock trading centre in south-western Nigeria, we conducted an interviewbased study using a cluster sampling technique. In all, a total of 157 respondents comprising 54 LH and 103 LM were interviewed. Two-thirds (69.5%) of the two groups had poor knowledge of brucellosis with no significant difference between them (p = 0.262). Furthermore, consumption of unpasteurised milk, uncooked meat and its products, co-habitation with animals, and poor hygiene were significant risk practices identified as possible means of transfer of Brucella infection from animals to humans amongst these livestock workers (p < 0.05). In conclusion, our findings revealed that poor knowledge and practices related to the consumption of unpasteurised or unboiled dairy products, contaminated beef, and unhygienic practices are factors that will facilitate Brucella infections amongst livestock workers in Nigeria. Therefore, there is a need for more public health enlightenment programmes, as well as implementation of brucellosis control measures in the cattle populations.

scholarly journals Can Wastewater be Used to Improve our COVID-19 Surveillance Efforts?

CommonHealth ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 141-147
Author(s):  
Shannon McGinnis ◽  
Shane Mclouglin ◽  
Tiffany Buturla ◽  
Nishita D'Souza ◽  
José Logo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Population Level ◽  
The United States ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Clear Understanding ◽  
Health Control ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Public Health Authorities ◽  
Wastewater Samples

As the spread of COVID-19 continues to significantly impact daily life in the United States and globally, there is a need for a clear understanding of disease prevalence in communities. Traditional methods that rely on counting individual cases often result in underreporting due to limited access to testing or healthcare. This issue is further exacerbated by the spread of COVID-19 by asymptomatic or presymptomatic individuals who may not seek testing. Historically, wastewater surveillance has been used to provide population-level data on the prevalence of infectious diseases in communities. Data collected through wastewater surveillance has been used to advise public health control measures, such as vaccination campaigns, and to detect local outbreaks before cases are reported to public health authorities. For this reason, researchers around the globe have been analyzing wastewater samples for SARS-CoV-2 to assist in our response to the existing COVID-19 pandemic. This commentary discusses the potential utility of wastewater-based surveillance to advise public health control strategies for COVID-19 and discusses how it may be used to strengthen local surveillance efforts in Philadelphia.

Molecular detection and epidemiology of chicken infectious anaemia virus in India

2013 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 145-151
Author(s):  
M. Y. Wani ◽  
K. Dhama ◽  
R. Barathidasan ◽  
V. Gowthaman ◽  
R. Tiwari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prevention And Control ◽  
Molecular Detection ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Field Samples ◽  
And Control ◽  
Young Chicks

Chicken infectious anemia (CIA) is an economically important disease affecting poultry, especially young chicks, characterized by poor weight gain, anemia, immunosuppression and production losses. Recent reports indicate that the virus is emerging and re-emerging worldwide.  Also, scarce reports regarding the molecular detection and epidemiology of virus from India are available. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of the virus in the commercial poultry farms of the country employing polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Out of the suspected 424 field samples tested from 12 different states of the country during the last five years (2007-2012), 311 (73.3%) samples were found positive for CIAV-DNA indicating the wide prevalence of the virus in India. The age wise prevalence of the virus indicated high prevalence in young chicks of up to three weeks (80.3%) of age compared to 3-7 (66.6%) and 7-12 (25%) week age groups. Being an immunosuppressive emerging pathogen circulating among the poultry flocks of the country, suitable prevention and control measures need to be adopted timely. This is a first elaborative report on the molecular epidemiology of CIAV in poultry flocks of the country. Extensive epidemiological studies are suggested to know the magnitude of the virus affecting poultry industry of the country, and design and formulate effective disease prevention and control strategies to reduce economic losses being caused by emerging virus.

scholarly journals Research Approaches for Improved Pro-Poor Control of Zoonoses

2007 ◽  
Vol 28 (2_suppl2) ◽  
pp. S345-S356 ◽  
Author(s):  
Esther Schelling ◽  
Delia Grace ◽  
A. Lee Willingham ◽  
Tom Randolph
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Developing Countries ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Informal Markets ◽  
Zoonotic Infections ◽  
Livestock Sector ◽  
The Impact

Background Developing countries face difficulties in sustainably utilizing tools to effectively implement control measures for zoonoses. This is mainly due to dispersed and heterogeneous smallholder livestock systems, predominance of informal markets, poor infrastructure and lack of resources to deliver information, interventions, and regulations. In addition, developing countries lack an evidence base for planning and targeting control efforts. Zoonotic infections are receiving more and more international attention as diseases of neglected and impoverished communities, at the intersection between livestock production, human health, and poverty. Objective To review research innovations and trends that can help identify and test targeted control strategies for zoonoses tailored to poor communities, focusing particularly on Africa. Methods Review of recommendations of relevant working groups and scientific literature. Results New and innovative research approaches promise to better capture the impact of zoonoses from a societal perspective and the perspective of poor livestock owners through more comprehensive frameworks that consider benefits of the control of zoonoses to the public health, livestock, and private sectors. It is challenging to better assure food safety in informal markets. Risk-based approaches with participatory elements provide a framework in which stakeholders can decide an appropriate level of protection to balance the needs for safe food, cheap food, and pro-poor economic growth. Appropriate information for all stakeholders and capacity-building of national and regional authorities is an important element of this process. New diagnostic tools that are accurate and easily used in developing-country health centers and markets can assist in reporting of cases, detection of patients, and testing of control strategies. Conclusions A research agenda on zoonoses of the livestock sector should be interdisciplinary and participatory and include intersectoral collaborations, notably between the livestock and public health sectors.

Chemoprophylaxis of Onchocerca infections: in a controlled, prospective study ivermectin prevents calves becoming infected with O. ochengi

Parasitology ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 118 (2) ◽  
pp. 195-199 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. L. TCHAKOUTÉ ◽  
M. BRONSVOORT ◽  
V. TANYA ◽  
A. RENZ ◽  
A. J. TREES
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
West Africa ◽  
Prospective Study ◽  
Adult Worm ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Onchocerca Volvulus ◽  
River Blindness ◽  
Public Health Importance ◽  
Therapeutic Benefits ◽  
Northern Cameroon

Onchocerciasis (‘River Blindness’), caused by the filarial nematode Onchocerca volvulus is of major public health importance in West Africa. Ivermectin, a drug originally developed for veterinary use, is now being incorporated in control strategies but whilst it has potent efficacy against L1 larvae (microfilariae), ivermectin is not lethal to adult (L5) O. volvulus, nor to adults of the related cattle parasite O. ochengi. We have exploited this model to determine if ivermectin has prophylactic activity against naturally transmitted, O. ochengi infections in a controlled, prospective study in northern Cameroon. Calves were treated monthly with ivermectin at either 200 μg/kg or 500 μg/kg for 21 months. None of 15 treated calves developed adult worm infection, whereas 5/6 untreated controls became infected (P<0·001) with a total of 54 O. ochengi nodules, and all 5 developed patent microfilaridermia. These results have significant implications for the use of ivermectin in humans, and suggest that strategic chemotherapy at times of maximal transmission will confer prophylactic as well as therapeutic benefits.

scholarly journals Broad respiratory testing to identify SARS-CoV-2 viral co-circulation and inform diagnostic stewardship in the COVID-19 pandemic

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalie C. Marshall ◽  
Ruwandi M. Kariyawasam ◽  
Nathan Zelyas ◽  
Mathew A. Diggle
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Respiratory Viruses ◽  
Cross Reactivity ◽  
Respiratory Pathogen ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Respiratory Pathogens ◽  
Public Health Importance ◽  
Clinical Laboratories ◽  
Pathogen Testing ◽  
Virus Testing

Abstract Background: SARS-CoV-2 infection can present with a broad clinical differential that includes many other respiratory viruses; therefore, accurate tests are crucial to distinguish true COVID-19 cases from pathogens that do not require urgent public health interventions. Co-circulation of other respiratory viruses is largely unknown during the COVID-19 pandemic but would inform strategies to rapidly and accurately test patients with respiratory symptoms.Methods: This study retrospectively examined 298,415 respiratory specimens collected from symptomatic patients for SARS-CoV-2 testing in the three months since COVID-19 was initially documented in the province of Alberta, Canada. By focusing on 52,285 specimens that were also tested with the Luminex Respiratory Pathogen Panel for 17 other pathogens, this study examines the prevalence of 18 potentially co-circulating pathogens and their relative rates in prior years versus since COVID-19 emerged, including four endemic coronaviruses. Results: SARS-CoV-2 was identified in 2.2% of specimens. Parallel broad multiplex testing detected additional pathogens in only 3.4% of these specimens: significantly less than in SARS-CoV-2-negative specimens (p < 0.0001), suggesting very low rates of SARS-CoV-2 co-infection. Furthermore, the overall co-infection rate was significantly lower among specimens with SARS-CoV-2 detected (p < 0.0001). Finally, less than 0.005% of all specimens tested positive for both SARS-CoV-2 and any of the four endemic coronaviruses tested, strongly suggesting neither co-infection nor cross-reactivity between these coronaviruses. Conclusions: Broad respiratory pathogen testing rarely detected additional pathogens in SARS-CoV-2-positive specimens. While helpful to understand co-circulation of respiratory viruses causing similar symptoms as COVID-19, ultimately these broad tests were resource-intensive and inflexible in a time when clinical laboratories face unprecedented demand for respiratory virus testing, with further increases expected during influenza season. A transition from broad, multiplex tests toward streamlined diagnostic algorithms targeting respiratory pathogens of public health concern could simultaneously reduce the overall burden on clinical laboratories while prioritizing testing of pathogens of public health importance. This is particularly valuable with ongoing strains on testing resources, exacerbated during influenza seasons.

scholarly journals Broad respiratory testing to identify SARS-CoV-2 viral co-circulation and inform diagnostic stewardship in the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalie C. Marshall ◽  
Ruwandi M. Kariyawasam ◽  
Nathan Zelyas ◽  
Jamil N. Kanji ◽  
Mathew A. Diggle
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Respiratory Viruses ◽  
Cross Reactivity ◽  
Respiratory Pathogen ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Respiratory Pathogens ◽  
Public Health Importance ◽  
Clinical Laboratories ◽  
Pathogen Testing ◽  
Virus Testing

Abstract Background SARS-CoV-2 infection can present with a broad clinical differential that includes many other respiratory viruses; therefore, accurate tests are crucial to distinguish true COVID-19 cases from pathogens that do not require urgent public health interventions. Co-circulation of other respiratory viruses is largely unknown during the COVID-19 pandemic but would inform strategies to rapidly and accurately test patients with respiratory symptoms. Methods This study retrospectively examined 298,415 respiratory specimens collected from symptomatic patients for SARS-CoV-2 testing in the three months since COVID-19 was initially documented in the province of Alberta, Canada (March-May, 2020). By focusing on 52,285 specimens that were also tested with the Luminex Respiratory Pathogen Panel for 17 other pathogens, this study examines the prevalence of 18 potentially co-circulating pathogens and their relative rates in prior years versus since COVID-19 emerged, including four endemic coronaviruses. Results SARS-CoV-2 was identified in 2.2% of all specimens. Parallel broad multiplex testing detected additional pathogens in only 3.4% of these SARS-CoV-2-positive specimens: significantly less than in SARS-CoV-2-negative specimens (p < 0.0001), suggesting very low rates of SARS-CoV-2 co-infection. Furthermore, the overall co-infection rate was significantly lower among specimens with SARS-CoV-2 detected (p < 0.0001). Finally, less than 0.005% of all specimens tested positive for both SARS-CoV-2 and any of the four endemic coronaviruses tested, strongly suggesting neither co-infection nor cross-reactivity between these coronaviruses. Conclusions Broad respiratory pathogen testing rarely detected additional pathogens in SARS-CoV-2-positive specimens. While helpful to understand co-circulation of respiratory viruses causing similar symptoms as COVID-19, ultimately these broad tests were resource-intensive and inflexible in a time when clinical laboratories face unprecedented demand for respiratory virus testing, with further increases expected during influenza season. A transition from broad, multiplex tests toward streamlined diagnostic algorithms targeting respiratory pathogens of public health concern could simultaneously reduce the overall burden on clinical laboratories while prioritizing testing of pathogens of public health importance. This is particularly valuable with ongoing strains on testing resources, exacerbated during influenza seasons.

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