57. GENOTYPING OF UROGENITAL CHLAMYDIA TRACHOMATIS IN REGIONAL NEW SOUTH WALES, AUSTRALIA

Sexual Health ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 306
Author(s):  
D. Mossman ◽  
C. Ooi ◽  
M. Loewenthal ◽  
M. Boyle
Keyword(s):  
Chlamydia Trachomatis ◽  
Older Patients ◽  
New South ◽  
Genotypic Variation ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Genotype Frequency ◽  
Sexual Networks ◽  
Genotype Analysis ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Significant Difference

Background: Chlamydia Trachomatis is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in Australia and world wide. This study was undertaken to map the frequency of Chlamydia genotypes in regional New South Wales (NSW), Australia, to explore the potential utility of genotype analysis in defining local sexual networks, and to investigate whether patterns of genotype frequency are correlated with demographic factors, including age and gender. Methods: We studied 204 urine samples infected with Chlamydia trachomatis, as determined by PCR analysis using the COBAS Amplicor system. Samples were collected from wide geographic area of regional New South Wales (Hunter, New England, Northern Rivers, South Eastern New South Wales). Sequencing and genotyping were performed after nested PCR of the omp1 gene. Results: Genotype E was found in 42.6% of infections, with genotypes F (23.5%) and G (16.7%) other common causes of infection. Mixed infection occurred in only 3 cases. There was no significant difference in genotype frequency based on gender or geographic location. There was a significant difference in gender frequency based on patient age, with older patients significantly more likely to demonstrate infection with genotype G (mean age (years) 23.7+/-7.29 sd, E: 21.7 +/-5.7 sd; G: 28.9; sd 10.18; p�=�0.022). Conclusions: There was no significant difference in genotype frequency in the various regions of New South Wales, suggesting genotype analysis is of limited use in defining sexual networks in regional NSW. The finding of a higher frequency of genotype G in older patients raises the possibility that genotypic variation may be driven by immune responses to genotypes that occur more frequently at a younger age. These results may have implications for the future design of a chlamydial vaccine.

Effects of variable-intensity logging and the influence of habitat variables on the distribution of the Greater Glider Petauroides volans in montane forest, southeastern New South Wales

2000 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rodney P. Kavanagh ◽  
Rodney P. Kavanagh
Keyword(s):  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Environmental Variable ◽  
Variable Intensity ◽  
Usual Practice ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Arboreal Marsupials ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Before And After

Populations of arboreal marsupials were assessed in forests before and after logging at different levels of logging intensity to determine the sensitivity of these species to habitat disturbance. The logging treatments imposed were unlogged controls and two intensities of integrated logging for sawlogs and woodchips. The mean basal area of trees retained in logged blocks ranged from 83% to 35% of pre-logging levels. The objective of the study was to develop better methods for managing arboreal marsupials within the wood production forests of southeastern New South Wales. Seven species of arboreal marsupials were recorded during the study, but the Greater Glider Petauroides volans was the only species recorded in sufficient numbers for analysis (86% of all records). No significant differences were observed between the treatments in counts of the Greater Glider before and after logging. However, given the observed trend and an a priori expectation of a decline in numbers of this species following intensive logging, a one-tailed statistical test was applied which resulted in a significant difference at P = 0.08 for the contrast between the unlogged controls and the most intensively logged treatment. The existence of a threshold in logging intensity within the range of 21 % to 39% retention of tree basal area, below which numbers of the Greater Glider suffer a marked decline, was inferred on the basis of comparisons with the results of other studies. Factors other than logging were important in determining the distribution of the Greater Glider. Elevation, in particular, was a significant environmental variable, with Greater Gliders more likely to occur in forests above 845 m a.s.1. The presence and absence of particular tree species also influenced the distribution of the Greater Glider. Forests containing Manna Gum E. viminalis and Mountain Gum E. dalrympleana were highly preferred compared to forests with a high proportion of E. obliqua. The presence of E. cypellocarpa appeared to improve the quality of habitat for the Greater Glider in forests dominated by E. obliqua. This study has shown that Greater Glider populations can be maintained at or near pre-logging levels when at least 40% of the original tree basal area is retained thoughout logged areas and when the usual practice of retaining unlogged forest in riparian strips is applied.

Changes in testing methods for genital Chlamydia trachomatis in New South Wales, Australia, 1999 to 2002

Sexual Health ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 251 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcus Y. Chen ◽  
Basil Donovan
Keyword(s):  
Chlamydia Trachomatis ◽  
Relative Frequency ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Health Department ◽  
Laboratory Method ◽  
Testing Methods ◽  
Chlamydia Trachomatis Infection ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Rapid Shift

Background: Over the last decade, significant advances have occurred in the area of chlamydia diagnostics. The relative frequency of different testing methods employed in the diagnosis of Chlamydia trachomatis infection in New South Wales has not been previously reported. Methods: Testing methods—both laboratory method and specimen type—employed in the diagnosis of chlamydia cases notified in New South Wales between 1999 and 2002 were collated from Health Department records. Results: During a period of increasing notifications, the proportion of men diagnosed with C. trachomatis using nucleic acid tests (NATs) increased from 36% in 1999 to 90% in 2002. Among women, the proportion diagnosed using NATs increased from 42% in 1999 to 92% in 2002. Urine samples were consistently used in the diagnosis of two-thirds of the men, and one-third of the women. Conclusion: Between 1999 and 2002, a rapid shift towards NATs for genital C. trachomatis took place in New South Wales.

Studies of the Ground-dwelling Mammals of Eucalypt Forests in North-eastern New South Wales: the Species, their Abundance and Distribution

1997 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. C. Catling ◽  
R. J. Burt
Keyword(s):  
Vulpes Vulpes ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Felis Catus ◽  
Widespread Distribution ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Eucalypt Forests ◽  
Abundance And Distribution

The distribution and abundance of ground-dwelling mammals in the major vegetation alliances in the eucalypt forests within an area of c. 24000 km2 in north-eastern New South Wales were examined. Data for 33 species of mammal from 21 areas containing 30 vegetation alliances were collected. Four notable aspects of the data were the absence or low abundance of the introduced fox (Vulpes vulpes), the widespread distribution and abundance of the cat (Felis catus), the diversity and abundance of medium-sized native mammals and the diversity of small mammals. Although differences occurred between areas and alliances, there was no significant difference in the number of native and introduced species. The ground-dwelling mammals present in the eucalypt forests of north-eastern New South Wales were more diverse and in greater abundance than those found in forests of south-eastern New South Wales. However, some species, such as the spotted-tailed quoll (Dasyurus maculatus), appear to be in urgent need of protection and management if they are to persist.

Using abattoir surveillance and producer surveys to investigate the prevalence and current preventative management of Caseous lymphadenitis in Merino flocks in Australia

2012 ◽  
Vol 52 (7) ◽  
pp. 675 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. D. Bush ◽  
R. Barnett ◽  
I. J. Links ◽  
P. A. Windsor
Keyword(s):  
Western Australia ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
New South ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Surveillance Data ◽  
Caseous Lymphadenitis ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Livestock Health

The prevalence of Caseous lymphadenitis (CLA) in Australia was estimated to be 5.2% using 2009 abattoir surveillance data from all States supplied by Animal Health Australia involving 5029 lines comprising 1 339 463 sheep. This is a decrease from the 26% estimated in a similar study in 1995. There was a significant difference (P < 0.001) in CLA prevalence between all states except Tasmania and Victoria (P = 0.75) with prevalences of 12.8 and 12.9%, respectively. Western Australia recorded the lowest prevalence with 1.0%. The average CLA prevalence for New South Wales was 5.3% and within three surveyed Livestock Health and Pest Authority regions (Tablelands, Central North and Central West) was 2.9, 4.9 and 4.4%, respectively. The attitude of the majority of producers surveyed in these three Livestock Health and Pest Authority areas was that CLA was of little or no significance (75%) but were aware of the need for CLA control with ~68% using 6-in-1 vaccine, though only 39.9% as recommended. It appears that the prolonged use of CLA vaccination has been successful in reducing the prevalence of CLA across Australia and particularly in New South Wales. Further improvements in communication of information on preventative management practices associated with lice control, importance of using an approved vaccination program, plus increasing producers’ awareness of the importance of CLA control, are indicated.

Genotyping of Urogenital Chlamydia trachomatis in Regional New South Wales, Australia

2008 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 614-616 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Mossman ◽  
Kenneth W. Beagley ◽  
Alan L. Landay ◽  
Mark Loewenthal ◽  
Catriona Ooi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chlamydia Trachomatis ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
South Wales

Aspects of Lactation in the Platypus, Ornithorhynchus anatinus (Monotremata), in Waters of Eastern New South Wales.

1983 ◽  
Vol 31 (6) ◽  
pp. 881 ◽  
Author(s):  
TR Grant ◽  
M Griffiths ◽  
RMC Leckie
Keyword(s):  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Young Leave ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Ornithorhynchus Anatinus ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Lactating Females ◽  
One Year ◽  
The One ◽  
First Time

Female platypuses captured in waters of eastern New South Wales were found to be lactating between the months of October and March. Lactating females were most numerous in December, accounting for 64% of females captured. Non-lactating females were taken in all months, indicating that not all females breed successfully every year. There was no significant difference between the fatty acid complement of milk taken from a platypus lactating very late in the season and those of others sampled in December at the peak of the lactation season. Some evidence exists that females do not become reproductive until at least their second year of life. Some females were found lactating in consecutive years, and others lactated one year and not in the one following. Animals of over 9 years of age are known to breed. Most juveniles were captured in February, March and April, and it is suggested that the young leave the breeding burrows for the first time in late January through to March, and become independent from their mothers, who are ceasing lactation at that time.

Chlamydia trachomatis infection in the family planning clinical setting across New South Wales

Sexual Health ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deborah J. Bateson ◽  
Edith Weisberg ◽  
Harpreet Lota
Keyword(s):  
Family Planning ◽  
Chlamydia Trachomatis ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Oral Contraceptive Pill ◽  
Chlamydia Trachomatis Infection ◽  
The Past ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infections ◽  
The Family

Background: Following a small pilot study in 2003, a study was set up to determine the prevalence of genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection in young women presenting to Family Planning NSW centres across New South Wales and to evaluate the characteristics of those infected. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 621 consecutive women aged from 16 to 24 years was carried out over a 3-month period in 2004 at five Family Planning NSW centres. Urine samples were tested for C. trachomatis using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Women with a positive result were reviewed and treated. Results: Of 925 eligible clients, 621 (67%) were recruited to the study. Chlamydia trachomatis was detected in 35 of the 621 recruits (5.6%, 95% CI 3.8–7.4). The prevalence at the Hunter centre was significantly higher than the combined prevalence at the other four participating centres (9.7% compared with 3.9%; P = 0.008). Two characteristics were identified as independent predictors of infection in this study: ‘reporting a recent change of partner in the past three months’ (crude odds ratio (OR) 3.33, 95% CI 1.67–6.64) and ‘reporting three or more partners in the past year’ (crude OR 3.69, 95% CI 1.83–7.46). Reported condom use, a history of one or more sexually transmissible infections and current combined oral contraceptive pill use were not associated with infection in this study. Conclusions: The prevalence of C. trachomatis infection is sufficiently high to support targeted testing of 16–24-year-old women in the Family Planning NSW setting and informs the development of a national screening strategy.

A survey of free and conjugated deoxynivalenol in the 2009, 2010 and 2011 cereal crops in Australia

2013 ◽  
Vol 53 (5) ◽  
pp. 407 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. T. Tran ◽  
T. K. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Western Australia ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
South Australia ◽  
Cereal Crops ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Cereal Grain ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Current Survey

Free and conjugated deoxynivalenol (DON, vomitoxin) were determined in samples of cereal grain collected from the 2009, 2010 and 2011 crops in the Australian states of New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia. Free DON was absent in 53–64% of analysed samples. Levels of free DON ranged from 0.10 to 7.31 µg/g. The highest levels of free DON were found in samples collected from the New South Wales 2010 crop while no samples from South Australia or Western Australia regions contained this compound. Free DON in the samples collected from the 2010 crop was significantly higher compared with those from the 2009 and the 2011 crop. Conjugated DON was detected in 61, 87 and 68% of contaminated grain samples in the 2009, 2010 and 2011 crop, respectively. Conjugated DON was found mainly in the samples collected from the 2009 crop (up to 48%) and the 2011 crop (up to 43%) but no significant difference between free DON and total DON content was observed. The current survey emphasises the frequency of non-detectable, conjugated DON in Australian cereal crops and the potential challenges in understanding the hazard posed by DON-contaminated feedstuffs.

Genotypic variation among sites within eleven Australian native grasses

2003 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 70 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Waters ◽  
G. Melville ◽  
A. Grice
Keyword(s):  
New South ◽  
Genotypic Variation ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Morphological Characteristics ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Strong Relationship ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Genotypic Differences ◽  
Seed Sources ◽  
South Wales

Eleven species of native grass were collected from 51 sites throughout western New South Wales and south-west Queensland. Approximately 10 whole plants of each species were collected from a site but not all species were collected from each site. Plants were grown in a common environment at Trangie in central western New South Wales and plant morphological and floristic characteristics measured. Data reported here are for observations made in the third year, by which time differences between populations were likely to be more genetic than environmental. Principal component and discriminant analyses revealed a strong relationship between site of origin and plant morphological characteristics, which explained between 61% and 93% of the variation within species. For all but one species, site was significantly correlated with these morphological characteristics. Site could be predicted from morphological characters with a success rate usually greater than 80%. These morphological characteristics must reflect genotypic differences among the collection from the different sites. We were unable to relate this variation to any of a range of site characteristics. Distance between sites could not be used as an indicator of morphological differences between populations. The implications of these findings are discussed in terms of providing strong evidence for the existence of ecotypes and for obtaining appropriate seed sources for revegetation/restoration programs.

Comparison of Wheel Point and Point Frame Methods for Plant Cover Measurement of Semiarid and Arid Rangeland Vegetation of New South Wales.

1994 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 94
Author(s):  
H Arzani ◽  
GW King
Keyword(s):  
New South ◽  
Plant Cover ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Annual Rainfall ◽  
Biomass Estimation ◽  
Tall Grass ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Drought Conditions ◽  
Average Annual Rainfall

Ground cover is frequently estimated in rangeland monitoring and it is an important intermediate measurement between biomass estimation and satellite imagery. As a preliminary phase in a longer term program, wheel point and point frame methods were used to measure vegetation cover on four permanent Soil Conservation Service transects at each of four land systems in western New South Wales, at Nyngan (410 mm average annual rainfall), at Cobar (364 mm average annual rainfall) and two at Fowlers Gap (200 mm average annual rainfall) north of Broken Hill. The majority of this work used 400 wheel point hits per transect and 100 point quadrats sub sampled 9 - 13 times along each of four transects. There was no statistically significant difference between these techniques for total foliage cover over a combined analysis of all sites under pre-drought conditions, and for pre-drought and post-drought at Cobar. However, there was a 10% difference estimated between the techniques for total foliage cover at Nyngan when it was analysed in isolation. There were no consistent differences in technique for cover estimation for more than 40 plant species including annual grasses and herbs, perennial grasses and saltbushes. Significant differences between techniques were found for Medicago sp. and Thyridolepis mitchelliana on one occasion. We believe that these differences were due to the problems of finding small plants in tall grass and identifying heavily grazed grasses during drought conditions at Cobar and, in the latter case, this was also associated with a significantly greater estimate of mean cover for all grasses and thus total foliage cover. Although there was generally no statistical difference between techniques our observations suggest that the point frame tends to give lower estimates of cover than the wheel point in the situations measured. This may be associated with the circumference of the marker pins on the wheel point or perhaps observer error but as this effect appeared to be more noticeable with grasses we suspect that the former is most likely. The wheel point is less time consuming, more convenient and simpler to use than the point frame, and will readily accommodate most temporal and spatial variation in sampling requirements in similar land forms in western New South Wales.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document