scholarly journals Managing a cluster outbreak of psittacosis in Belgium linked to a pet shop visit in The Netherlands

2015 ◽  
Vol 144 (8) ◽  
pp. 1710-1716 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. DE BOECK ◽  
C. DEHOLLOGNE ◽  
A. DUMONT ◽  
M. SPIERENBURG ◽  
M. HEIJNE ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
The Netherlands ◽  
Chlamydia Psittaci ◽  
Reference Laboratory ◽  
Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Pet Birds ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Local Healthcare ◽  
Genotype A

SUMMARYIn July 2013, a Belgian couple were admitted to hospital because of pneumonia. Medical history revealed contact with birds. Eleven days earlier, they had purchased a lovebird in a pet shop in The Netherlands. The bird became ill, with respiratory symptoms. The couple's daughter who accompanied them to the pet shop, reported similar symptoms, but was travelling abroad. On the suspicion of psittacosis, pharyngeal swabs from the couple were taken and sent to the Belgian reference laboratory for psittacosis. Culture and nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests were positive for the presence ofChlamydia psittaci, andompAgenotyping indicated genotype A in both patients. The patients were treated with doxycycline and the daughter started quinolone therapy; all three recovered promptly. Psittacosis is a notifiable disease in Belgium and therefore local healthcare authorities were informed. They contacted their Dutch colleagues, who visited the pet shop. Seven pooled faecal samples were taken and analysed using PCR by the Dutch national reference laboratory for notifiable animal diseases for the presence ofChlamydia psittaci.Four (57%) samples tested positive, genotyping revealed genotype A. Enquiring about exposure to pet birds is essential when patients present with pneumonia. Reporting to health authorities, even across borders, is warranted to prevent further spread.

Seroprevalence and genotype of Chlamydia in pet parrots in China

2014 ◽  
Vol 143 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-61 ◽  
Author(s):  
N.-Z. ZHANG ◽  
X.-X. ZHANG ◽  
D.-H. ZHOU ◽  
S.-Y. HUANG ◽  
W.-P. TIAN ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Geographical Location ◽  
Chlamydia Psittaci ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Indirect Haemagglutination ◽  
Pet Birds ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
Potential Risk Factors ◽  
Genotype A

SUMMARYParrots are one of the most popular pet birds in China, and can harbour Chlamydia which has significance for human and animal health. We investigated, by indirect haemagglutination assay, the seroprevalence of Chlamydia infection in four species of parrots, namely budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus), lovebirds (Agapornis sp.), cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) and Alexandrine parakeets (Psittacula eupatria) that were collected from Weifang and Beijing cities, North China and explored the association between potential risk factors and chlamydial seropositivity. We further determined the genotype of Chlamydia in 21 fresh faecal samples based on the ompA sequence by reconstruction of phylogenetic relationships. Of the 311 parrots examined, 35·37% (95% confidence interval 30·06–40·68) were seropositive, and species, gender, age, season and geographical location were identified as risk factors. Two PCR-positive samples represented Chlamydia psittaci genotype A. The occurrence of C. psittaci genotype A in the droppings of two pet parrots in China suggests potential environmental contamination with Chlamydiaceae and may raise a public health concern.

Cross-sectional survey of Toxoplasma gondii infection in colony cats from urban Florence (Italy)

2010 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 351-354 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesca Mancianti ◽  
Simona Nardoni ◽  
Gaetano Ariti ◽  
Dario Parlanti ◽  
Giovanna Giuliani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Modified Agglutination Test ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
Key Species ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Toxoplasma Gondii Infection

Cats are the key species in the epidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii infection, even if the proportion of subjects excreting oocysts is low. The aim of the present paper was to obtain information about seroprevalence, oocyst shedding rate and presence of T gondii DNA in faeces collected from an urban population of colony cats in Florence (Tuscany). Fifty European shorthair feral cats were examined for anti- T gondii specific antibodies by a modified agglutination test (MAT), and for oocysts by microscopic examination and for faecal protozoal DNA, by means of a nested polymerase chain reaction (n-PCR) protocol. Twenty-two out of 50 serum samples (44%) were MAT positive. T gondii oocysts were not detected in any of the examined faecal samples. Eight out of 50 faecal specimens (16%) were n-PCR positive and sequencing of the bands was specific for T gondii. Detection by combination of the two methods was higher than single techniques and enhanced the detection of T gondii up to 48%. Our results suggest that the use of MAT plus PCR in faeces may be the best choice for diagnosis of feline toxoplasmosis. Further studies to ascertain the real infectivity of the copro-PCR positive subjects are required.

scholarly journals Molecular features of hepatitis E virus from farmed rabbits in Shandong province, China

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 307
Author(s):  
Hongna Zhang ◽  
Yufa Zhou ◽  
Jingbo Liu
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis E Virus ◽  
Hepatitis E ◽  
The United States ◽  
Shandong Province ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Zoonotic Infections ◽  
Molecular Features ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
Polymerase Chain

<p>This study was undertaken to investigate the genetic variability of hepatitis E virus (HEV) from farmed rabbits in Shandong province, China. A total of 50 fresh faecal samples from 5 rabbit farms were collected and subjected to reverse transcription and nested polymerase chain reaction (RT-nPCR) for a fragment sequence of HEV capsid gene. The results demonstrated that HEV RNA was observed in 6 faecal samples (6/50, 12.0%). In addition, the result of phylogenetic analysis showed that the 6 HEV isolates were classified into HEV-3 genotype with other rabbit HEV isolates from other countries, and shared 85.2-87.2%, 81.5-83.1%, and 77.0-78.6% nucleotide similarities with rabbit HEV isolates from Korea, the United States and France, respectively. To sum up, the HEV isolated in this study from farmed rabbits belongs to the HEV-3 genotype, and the zoonotic ability and pathogenesis of the rabbit HEV merit further study due to the fact that HEV-3 genotype has the potential to trigger zoonotic infections.</p>

scholarly journals Molecular identification of Pentatrichomonas hominis in animals in central and western Thailand

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aongart Mahittikorn ◽  
Ruenruetai Udonsom ◽  
Khuanchai Koompapong ◽  
Rachatawan Chiabchalard ◽  
Chantira Sutthikornchai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Polymerase Chain Reaction Method ◽  
Small Subunit ◽  
Reservoir Host ◽  
Molecular Techniques ◽  
Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
Zoonotic Parasite ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Pentatrichomonas Hominis ◽  
Rna Genes

Abstract Background Pentatrichomonas hominis inhabits the digestive tracts of several vertebrates, such as humans, monkeys, pigs, dogs, cats and rats. This protozoan was originally considered a commensal of the digestive tract but has subsequently been identified as a potential zoonotic parasite and a causative agent of diarrhoea. Molecular techniques are considered more sensitive and specific to detect P. hominis. This study aimed to determine the presence and genetic diversity of P. hominis in animals in Thailand. A total of 403 faecal samples were collected from 119 cats, 55 dogs, 73 goats, 35 monkeys, 55 cattle and 66 pigs, and the presence of P. hominis was determined using the nested polymerase chain reaction method. Sequence analysis of small-subunit ribosomal RNA genes was used to determine the genotype of the organism. Results Twenty-six samples (26/403, 6.45%) were positive for P. hominis. The highest prevalence was found in cats (21/119; 17.65%), followed by cattle (3/55; 5.45%) and dogs (2/55; 3.64%). Seven out of 26 nucleotides demonstrated 100% sequence identity with existing sequences; additionally, 16 novel sequence patterns were identified. All nucleotide sequences of P. hominis-positive samples were shown in the same branch with the previously described P. hominis sequences found in humans, dogs and goat. Conclusion This is the first study on P. hominis infections in animals in Thailand. Our findings revealed that the prevalence of P. hominis was significantly higher in cats than in cattle and dogs. Cats were the main reservoir host; however, P. hominis can infect several kinds of animals. Therefore, the proper waste management of animals is necessary to reduce and prevent infection in the community.

scholarly journals Genetic characterisation of small ruminant lentiviruses in sheep and goats from the Czech Republic

2018 ◽  
Vol 87 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-26
Author(s):  
Pavel Barták ◽  
Bronislav Šimek ◽  
Petr Václavek ◽  
Vladislav Čurn ◽  
Hana Plodková ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Czech Republic ◽  
Small Ruminant ◽  
State Monitoring ◽  
Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Sheep And Goats ◽  
Genetic Characterisation ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Genotype A

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of small ruminant lentivirus (SRLV) infections on sheep and goat farms which are exempt from state monitoring and carry molecular characterisation of strains circulating amongst these farms without SRLV eradication. A total number of 3,410 blood samples of sheep and goats from 21 herds were collected for the purpose of the project. The detected serological prevalence of maedi visna in sheep was 19.9% (556/2801) and the seroprevalence of caprine arthritis and encephalitis in goats was 14.1% (86/609). All positive animals were tested by the nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) method for the presence of provirus in the buffy-coats from EDTA-blood samples. Phylogenetic analysis of 93 SRLV strains identified the genotype in 77 sequences, where 60 of them were genotype A and 17 belonged to genotype B. Whereas all of the genotype B sequences were classified in subtype B2, the genotype A group of isolates showed higher variability and were related to subgenotypes A2 and A3. This study represents the first report of genetic characterisation of SRLV strains circulating in the territory of the Czech Republic.

Using a Polymerase Chain Reaction as a Complementary Test to Improve the Detection of Dermatophyte Fungus in Nails

2014 ◽  
Vol 104 (3) ◽  
pp. 233-237 ◽  
Author(s):  
María José Iglesias Sánchez ◽  
Ana María Pérez Pico ◽  
Félix Marcos Tejedor ◽  
María Jesús Iglesias Sánchez ◽  
Raquel Mayordomo Acevedo
Keyword(s):  
Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Dna Sequences ◽  
Classical Method ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Culture Method ◽  
Clinical Samples ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Traditional Procedure ◽  
Polymerase Chain

Background Dermatomycoses are a group of pathologic abnormalities frequently seen in clinical practice, and their prevalence has increased in recent decades. Diagnostic confirmation of mycotic infection in nails is essential because there are several pathologic conditions with similar clinical manifestations. The classical method for confirming the presence of fungus in nail is microbiological culture and the identification of morphological structures by microscopy. Methods We devised a nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) that amplifies specific DNA sequences of dermatophyte fungus that is notably faster than the 3 to 4 weeks that the traditional procedure takes. We compared this new technique and the conventional plate culture method in 225 nail samples. The results were subjected to statistical analysis. Results We found concordance in 78.2% of the samples analyzed by the two methods and increased sensitivity when simultaneously using the two methods to analyze clinical samples. Now we can confirm the presence of dermatophyte fungus in most of the positive samples in just 24 hours, and we have to wait for the result of culture only in negative PCR cases. Conclusions Although this PCR cannot, at present, substitute for the traditional culture method in the detection of dermatophyte infection of the nails, it can be used as a complementary technique because its main advantage lies in the significant reduction of time used for diagnosis, in addition to higher sensitivity.

scholarly journals Investigation of Lethal Concurrent Outbreak of Chlamydiosis and Pigeon Circovirus in a Zoo

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1654
Author(s):  
Wei-Tao Chen ◽  
Chin-Ann Teng ◽  
Cheng-Hsin Shih ◽  
Wei-Hsiang Huang ◽  
Yi-Fan Jiang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Disease Outbreaks ◽  
Chlamydia Psittaci ◽  
Bursa Of Fabricius ◽  
Chain Reactions ◽  
Renal Epithelium ◽  
Polymerase Chain Reactions ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Intracytoplasmic Inclusion Bodies ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Streptopelia Orientalis

During the spring, an outbreak of sudden death involving 58 birds occurred in a zoo. Histopathological examinations revealed variable numbers of intracytoplasmic basophilic microorganisms in the macrophages, hepatocytes, and renal epithelium of most birds, along with occasional botryoid intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies within histiocytes in the bursa of Fabricius. Based on the results of histopathological examinations, immunohistochemical staining, transmission electron microscopy, and polymerase chain reactions, genotype B Chlamydia psittaci infection concurrent with pigeon circovirus (PiCV) was diagnosed. A retrospective survey, including two years before the outbreak and the outbreak year, of C. psittaci and PiCV infections of dead birds in the aviaries, revealed that the outbreak was an independent episode. The findings of this study indicate that concurrent infection with C. psittaci and PiCV might lead to lethal outbreaks of chlamydiosis, particularly Streptopelia orientalis. In addition, persistently monitoring both pathogens and identifying potential PiCV carriers or transmitters might also help prevent lethal disease outbreaks.

Detection of hepatitis “C” virus in formalin-fixed liver tissue by nested polymerase chain reaction

1992 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 310-314 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Sallie ◽  
Anne Rayner ◽  
Bernard Portmann ◽  
A. L. W. F. Eddleston ◽  
Roger Williams
Keyword(s):  
Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Liver Tissue ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Formalin Fixed
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