scholarly journals New Brucella variant isolated from Croatian cattle

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvio Spicic ◽  
Maja Zdelar-Tuk ◽  
Claire Ponsart ◽  
Rene S. Hendriksen ◽  
Irena Reil ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tandem Repeats ◽  
Phylogenetic Profile ◽  
Geographic Region ◽  
Molecular Diagnostic ◽  
Eradication Programme ◽  
Domestic Ruminants ◽  
New Variant ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Dairy Cattle Herd ◽  
Transmission Pathways

Abstract Background A novel Brucella strain closely related to Brucella (B.) melitensis biovar (bv) 3 was found in Croatian cattle during testing within a brucellosis eradication programme. Case presentation Standardised serological, brucellin skin test, bacteriological and molecular diagnostic screening for Brucella infection led to positive detection in one dairy cattle herd. Three isolates from that herd were identified to species level using the Bruce ladder method. Initially, two strains were typed as B. melitensis and one as B. abortus, but multiplex PCR based on IS711 and the Suis ladder showed that all of them to belong to B. melitensis, and the combination of whole-genome and multi-locus sequencing as well as Multi-Locus Variable numbers of tandem repeats Analysis (MLVA) highlighted a strong proximity within the phylogenetic branch of B. melitensis strains previously isolated from Croatia, Albania, Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Two isolates were determined to be B. melitensis bv. 3, while the third showed a unique phylogenetic profile, growth profile on dyes and bacteriophage typing results. This isolate contained the 609-bp omp31 sequence, but not the 723-bp omp31 sequence present in the two isolates of B. melitensis bv. 3. Conclusions Identification of a novel Brucella variant in this geographic region is predictable given the historic endemicity of brucellosis. The emergence of a new variant may reflect a combination of high prevalence among domestic ruminants and humans as well as weak eradication strategies. The zoonotic potential, reservoirs and transmission pathways of this and other Brucella variants should be explored.

scholarly journals Comparison of Quidel Sofia SARS FIA Test to Hologic Aptima SARS-CoV-2 TMA Test for Diagnosis of COVID-19 in Symptomatic Outpatients

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric T. Beck ◽  
Wendy Paar ◽  
Lara Fojut ◽  
Jordan Serwe ◽  
Renee R. Jahnke
Keyword(s):  
Symptom Onset ◽  
Care Center ◽  
Urgent Care ◽  
Molecular Diagnostic ◽  
Nasopharyngeal Swab ◽  
Urgent Care Center ◽  
Ct Value ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Nasal Swabs ◽  
Molecular Diagnostic Test

The Quidel Sofia SARS FIA test (SOFIA) is a rapid antigen immunoassay for detection of SARS-CoV-2 viral proteins from nasal or nasopharyngeal swab specimens. The purpose of this study was to compare the results of the SOFIA test to the Hologic Aptima SARS-CoV-2 TMA test (APTIMA TMA), a high-throughput molecular diagnostic test that uses transcription mediated amplification for detection of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid from upper respiratory specimens. Three hundred and 40-seven symptomatic patients, from an urgent care center in an area with a high prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infections, were tested in parallel using nasal swabs on the SOFIA test and nasopharyngeal swabs on the APTIMA TMA test. The SOFIA test demonstrated an 82.0% positive percent agreement (PPA) compared to the APTIMA TMA test for symptomatic patients tested ≤ 5 days from symptom onset and a 54.5% PPA for symptomatic patients > 5 days from symptom onset. The Cepheid Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR test was used to determine the cycle threshold (Ct) value from any specimens that were discrepant between the SOFIA and APTIMA TMA tests. Using a Ct value of ≤ 35 as a surrogate for SARS-CoV-2 culture positivity, we estimate that the SOFIA test detected 87.2% of symptomatic patients tested ≤ 5 days from symptom onset that were likely to be culture positive.

scholarly journals Rapid tests in the diagnostics of sexually transmitted infections

2015 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
pp. 34-43
Author(s):  
Olga Sergeyevna Ryzhkova
Keyword(s):  
Sexually Transmitted Infections ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
High Specificity ◽  
Molecular Diagnostic ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Highly Sensitive ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Microfluidic Biosensor ◽  
Rapid Tests ◽  
Diagnostic Technologies

High prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and their substantial adverse effect on reproductive health of people necessitate the development of accurate and rapid tests for their diagnostics, in particular those that can be used at point-of-care (POC). The majority of current immunological POC-tests have high specificity; however, their sensitivity is mainly suboptimal. The future of POC-diagnostics of STIs - highly sensitive and specific, robust and affordable - is seen in the development and implementation of molecular diagnostic technologies (amplification, microfluidic, biosensor).

scholarly journals Prevention of COVID-19 by mRNA-based vaccines within the general population of California

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristin L Andrejko ◽  
Jake Pry ◽  
Jennifer F Myers ◽  
Nicholas P Jewell ◽  
John Openshaw ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
General Population ◽  
Herd Immunity ◽  
Asymptomatic Infection ◽  
Geographic Region ◽  
Vaccine Effectiveness ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Molecular Diagnostic ◽  
California Department ◽  
Molecular Diagnostic Test ◽  
To Receive

Abstract Background Estimates of COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness under real-world conditions, and understanding of barriers to uptake, are necessary to inform vaccine rollout. Methods We enrolled cases (testing positive) and controls (testing negative) from among the population whose SARS-CoV-2 molecular diagnostic test results from 24 February-29 April 2021 were reported to the California Department of Public Health. Participants were matched on age, sex, and geographic region. We assessed participants’ self-reported history of mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine receipt (BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273). Participants were considered fully vaccinated two weeks after second dose receipt. Among unvaccinated participants, we assessed willingness to receive vaccination. We measured vaccine effectiveness (VE) via the matched odds ratio of prior vaccination, comparing cases with controls. Results We enrolled 1023 eligible participants aged ≥18 years. Among 525 cases, 71 (13.5%) received BNT162b2 or mRNA-1273; 20 (3.8%) were fully vaccinated with either product. Among 498 controls, 185 (37.1%) received BNT162b2 or mRNA-1273; 86 (16.3%) were fully vaccinated with either product. Two weeks after second dose receipt, VE was 87.0% (95% confidence interval: 68.6-94.6%) and 86.2% (68.4-93.9%) for BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273, respectively. Fully vaccinated participants receiving either product experienced 91.3% (79.3-96.3%) and 68.3% (27.9-85.7%) VE against symptomatic and asymptomatic infection, respectively. Among unvaccinated participants, 42.4% (159/375) residing in rural regions and 23.8% (67/281) residing in urban regions reported hesitancy to receive COVID-19 vaccination. Conclusions Authorized mRNA-based vaccines are effective at reducing documented SARS-CoV-2 infections within the general population of California. Vaccine hesitancy presents a barrier to reaching coverage levels needed for herd immunity.

scholarly journals High Prevalence and New Genotype of Coxiella burnetii in Ticks Infesting Camels in Somalia

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 741
Author(s):  
Dimitrios Frangoulidis ◽  
Claudia Kahlhofer ◽  
Ahmed Shire Said ◽  
Abdinasir Yusuf Osman ◽  
Lidia Chitimia-Dobler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Coxiella Burnetii ◽  
One Health ◽  
Tandem Repeats ◽  
Q Fever ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Variable Number ◽  
New Genotype ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Variable Number Tandem Repeats ◽  
Vntr Analysis

Coxiella burnetii is the causative agent of Q fever. It can infect animals, humans, and birds, as well as ticks, and it has a worldwide geographical distribution. To better understand the epidemiology of C. burnetii in Somalia, ticks infesting camels were collected from five different regions, including Bari, Nugaal, Mudug, Sool, and Sanaag, between January and March 2018. Collected ticks were tested for C. burnetii and Coxiella-like endosymbiont DNA by using IS1111, icd, and Com1-target PCR assays. Moreover, sequencing of the 16S-rRNA was conducted. Molecular characterization and typing were done by adaA-gene analysis and plasmid-type identification. Further typing was carried out by 14-marker Multi-Locus Variable-Number Tandem Repeats (MLVA/VNTR) analysis. The investigated ticks (n = 237) were identified as Hyalomma spp. (n = 227, 95.8%), Amblyomma spp. (n = 8, 3.4%), and Ripicephalus spp. (n = 2, 0.8%), and 59.1% (140/237) of them were positive for Coxiella spp. While Sanger sequencing and plasmid-type identification revealed a C. burnetii that harbours the QpRS-plasmid, MLVA/VNTR genotyping showed a new genotype which was initially named D21. In conclusion, this is the first report of C. burnetii in ticks in Somalia. The findings denote the possibility that C. burnetii is endemic in Somalia. Further epidemiological studies investigating samples from humans, animals, and ticks within the context of “One Health” are warranted.

scholarly journals Early practices in endonasal skull base surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic: a global survey

2020 ◽  
Vol 49 (6) ◽  
pp. E12
Author(s):  
Pierre-Olivier Champagne ◽  
Michael M. McDowell ◽  
Eric W. Wang ◽  
Carl H. Snyderman ◽  
Georgios A. Zenonos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
North America ◽  
Skull Base ◽  
Pituitary Tumors ◽  
Geographic Region ◽  
Healthcare Personnel ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Endoscopic Endonasal ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Asymptomatic Patients ◽  
High Prevalence

OBJECTIVEDuring the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, endoscopic endonasal surgery (EES) is feared to be a high-risk procedure for the transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Nonetheless, data are lacking regarding the management of EES during the pandemic. The object of this study was to understand current worldwide practices pertaining to EES for skull base/pituitary tumors during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and provide a basis for the formulation of guidelines.METHODSThe authors conducted a web-based survey of skull base surgeons worldwide. Different practices by geographic region and COVID-19 prevalence were analyzed.RESULTSOne hundred thirty-five unique responses were collected. Regarding the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), North America reported using more powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs), and Asia and Europe reported using more standard precautions. North America and Europe resorted more to reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for screening asymptomatic patients. High-prevalence countries showed a higher use of PAPRs. The medium-prevalence group reported lower RT-PCR testing for symptomatic cases, and the high-prevalence group used it significantly more in asymptomatic cases.Nineteen respondents reported transmission of COVID-19 to healthcare personnel during EES, with a higher rate of transmission among countries classified as having a medium prevalence of COVID-19. These specific respondents (medium prevalence) also reported a lower use of airborne PPE. In the cases of healthcare transmission, the patient was reportedly asymptomatic 32% of the time.CONCLUSIONSThis survey gives an overview of EES practices during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Intensified preoperative screening, even in asymptomatic patients, RT-PCR for all symptomatic cases, and an increased use of airborne PPE is associated with decreased reports of COVID-19 transmission during EES.

scholarly journals Model-based estimation of transmissibility and reinfection of SARS-CoV-2 P.1 variant

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Renato Mendes Coutinho ◽  
Flavia Maria Darcie Marquitti ◽  
Leonardo Souto Ferreira ◽  
Marcelo Eduardo Borges ◽  
Rafael Lopes Paixão da Silva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Population Level ◽  
Health Surveillance ◽  
Spike Protein ◽  
Model Based ◽  
New Variant ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Global Spread ◽  
Amazonas State ◽  
The City ◽  
Local Transmission

The variant of concern (VOC) P.1 emerged in the Amazonas state (Brazil) in November-2020. It contains a constellation of mutations, ten of them in the spike protein. Consequences of these specific mutations at the population level have been little studied so far, despite the detection of P.1 variant in 26 countries, with local transmission in at least four other countries in the Americas and Europe. Here, we estimate P.1’s transmissibility and reinfection using a model-based approach, by fitting data from the Brazilian national health surveillance of hospitalized individuals and frequency of the P.1 variant in Manaus from December 2020 to February 2021, when the city was devastated by four times more cases than in the previous peak (April 2020). The new variant was found to be about 2.6 times more transmissible (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 2.4–2.8) than previous circulating variant(s). The city already had a high prevalence of individuals previously affected by the SARS-CoV-2 virus (estimated as 78%, CI:73–83%), and the fitted model attributed 28% of the cases during the period to reinfections by the variant P.1. Our estimates rank P.1 as the most transmissible among the current identified SARS-CoV-2 VOCs, posing a serious threat and requiring urgent measures to control its global spread.

scholarly journals Profiling RT-LAMP tolerance of sequence variation for SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Esta Tamanaha ◽  
Yinhua Zhang ◽  
Nathan Tanner
Keyword(s):  
Diagnostic Tests ◽  
Clinical Laboratory ◽  
Single Point ◽  
Nucleic Acid Amplification ◽  
Detection Sensitivity ◽  
Molecular Diagnostic ◽  
Single Point Mutation ◽  
Rna Sequences ◽  
Rna Detection ◽  
New Variant

The ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has necessitated a dramatic increase in our ability to conduct molecular diagnostic tests, as accurate detection of the virus is critical in preventing its spread. However, SARS-CoV-2 variants continue to emerge, with each new variant potentially affecting widely-used nucleic acid amplification diagnostic tests. RT-LAMP has emerged as a quick, inexpensive diagnostic alternative to RT-qPCR, but has not been studied as thoroughly.  Here we interrogate the effect of SARS-CoV-2 sequence mutations on RT-LAMP amplification, creating 572 single point mutation “variants” covering every position of the LAMP primers in 3 SARS-CoV-2 assays and analyzing their effects with over 4,500 RT-LAMP reactions. Remarkably, we observed only minimal effects on amplification speed and no effect on detection sensitivity, highlighting RT-LAMP as an extremely robust technique for viral RNA detection. Additionally, we describe the use of molecular beacons to sensitively identify variant RNA sequences. Together these data add to the growing body of knowledge on the utility of RT-LAMP and increase its potential to further our ability to conduct molecular diagnostic tests outside of the traditional clinical laboratory environment.

scholarly journals A New Group of Hepadnaviruses Naturally Infecting Orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus)

1999 ◽  
Vol 73 (9) ◽  
pp. 7860-7865 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristin S. Warren ◽  
Jonathan L. Heeney ◽  
Ralph A. Swan ◽  
Heriyanto ◽  
Ernst J. Verschoor
Keyword(s):  
Viral Infections ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Geographic Region ◽  
Sequence Analyses ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Hbv Genotypes ◽  
Geographic Clustering ◽  
B Virus ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Genotype C

ABSTRACT A high prevalence (42.6%) of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection was suspected in 195 formerly captive orangutans due to a large number of serum samples which cross-reacted with human HBV antigens. It was assumed that such viral infections were contracted from humans during captivity. However, two wild orangutans were identified which were HBV surface antigen positive, indicating that HBV or related viruses may be occurring naturally in the orangutan populations. Sequence analyses of seven isolates revealed that orangutans were infected with hepadnaviruses but that these were clearly divergent from the six known human HBV genotypes and those of other nonhuman hepadnaviruses reported. Phylogenetic analyses revealed geographic clustering with Southeast Asian genotype C viruses and gibbon ape HBV. This implies a common origin of infection within this geographic region, with cross-species transmission of hepadnaviruses among hominoids.

scholarly journals The life-cycle of Toxoplasma gondii reviewed using animations

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Márcia Attias ◽  
Dirceu E. Teixeira ◽  
Marlene Benchimol ◽  
Rossiane C. Vommaro ◽  
Paulo Henrique Crepaldi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Cell Model ◽  
Protozoan Parasite ◽  
Lytic Cycle ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Unique Cell ◽  
Transmission Pathways ◽  
And Control ◽  
Important Parasite

AbstractToxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite that is the causative agent of toxoplasmosis, an infection with high prevalence worldwide. Most of the infected individuals are either asymptomatic or have mild symptoms, but T. gondii can cause severe neurologic damage and even death of the fetus when acquired during pregnancy. It is also a serious condition in immunodeficient patients. The life-cycle of T. gondii is complex, with more than one infective form and several transmission pathways. In two animated videos, we describe the main aspects of this cycle, raising questions about poorly or unknown issues of T. gondii biology. Original plates, based on electron microscope observations, are also available for teachers, students and researchers. The main goal of this review is to provide a source of learning on the fundamental aspects of T. gondii biology to students and teachers contributing for better knowledge and control on this important parasite, and unique cell model. In addition, drawings and videos point to still unclear aspects of T. gondii lytic cycle that may stimulate further studies.

Elaphostrongylus cervi in a population of red deer (Cervus elaphus) and evidence of cerebrospinal nematodiasis in small ruminants in the province of Varese, Italy

2010 ◽  
Vol 85 (3) ◽  
pp. 313-318 ◽  
Author(s):  
E.G. Alberti ◽  
G. Gioia ◽  
G. Sironi ◽  
S. Zanzani ◽  
P. Riccaboni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cervus Elaphus ◽  
Red Deer ◽  
Small Ruminants ◽  
Domestic Ruminants ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Internal Parasites ◽  
History Of ◽  
Central Nervous Systems ◽  
Polymerase Chain

AbstractThirty-one faecal samples were collected from red deer in the northern area of Varese, in the Italian region of Lombardy, between August and October 2008. The animals had either been hunted or accidently killed. Examination for internal parasites showed a prevalence of 45.2% for Elaphostrongylus cervi larvae and species identification was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Ninety-seven faecal samples were also collected from two goat flocks grazing in the same area between December 2007 and May 2008. These showed a prevalence of 74.7% for lungworms. Furthermore, the central nervous systems from five goats and one sheep from this area with a history of neurologically related lameness were examined. Histopathology confirmed E. cervi cerebro- spinal nematodiasis in five cases out of six. This study demonstrates E. cervi transmission from wild to domestic ruminants when the animals graze in the same area, and the possible occurrence of clinical disease in infected goats and sheep associated with high prevalence in deer.

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