scholarly journals Seropositivity to canine tick-borne pathogens in a population of sick dogs in Italy

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jairo Alfonso Mendoza-Roldan ◽  
Giovanni Benelli ◽  
Marcos Antonio Bezerra-Santos ◽  
Viet-Linh Nguyen ◽  
Giuseppe Conte ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Borrelia Burgdorferi ◽  
Serological Test ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Central Italy ◽  
Rickettsia Conorii ◽  
High Seroprevalence ◽  
The South ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Serological Tests ◽  
Distribution Maps

Abstract Background Canine vector-borne diseases (CVBDs) associated to ticks are among the most important health issues affecting dogs. In Italy, Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma spp., Rickettsia conorii and Borrelia burgdorferi (s.l.) have been studied in both healthy canine populations and those clinically ill with suspected CVBDs. However, little information is currently available on the overall prevalence and distribution of these pathogens in the country. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and distribution of tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) in clinically suspect dogs from three Italian macro areas during a 15-year period (2006–2020). Methods A large dataset (n = 21,992) of serological test results for selected TBPs in three macro areas in Italy was analysed using a Chi-square test to evaluate the associations between the categorical factors (i.e. macro area, region, year, sex and age) and a standard logistic regression model (significance set at P = 0.05). Serological data were presented as annual and cumulative prevalence, and distribution maps of cumulative positive cases for TBPs were generated. Results Of the tested serum samples, 86.9% originated from northern (43.9%) and central (43%) Italy. The majority of the tests was requested for the diagnosis of E. canis (47%; n = 10,334), followed by Rickettsia spp. (35.1%; n = 7725), B. burgdorferi (s.l.) (11.6%; n = 2560) and Anaplasma spp. (6.2%; n = 1373). The highest serological exposure was recorded for B. burgdorferi (s.l.) (83.5%), followed by Rickettsia spp. (64.9%), Anaplasma spp. (39.8%) and E. canis (28.7%). The highest number of cumulative cases of Borrelia burgdorferi (s.l.) was recorded in samples from Tuscany, central Italy. Rickettsia spp. was more prevalent in the south and on the islands, particularly in dogs on Sicily older than 6 years, whereas Anaplasma spp. was more prevalent in the north and E. canis more prevalent in the south and on the islands. Conclusions The results of this study highlight the high seroprevalence and wide distribution of the four TBPs in dogs with clinically suspected CVBDs from the studied regions of Italy. The very high seroprevalence of B. burgdorferi (s.l.) exemplifies a limitation of this study, given the use of clinically suspect dogs and the possibility of cross-reactions when using serological tests. The present research provides updated and illustrative information on the seroprevalence and distribution of four key TBPs, and advocates for integrative control strategies for their prevention. Grapic abstract

scholarly journals Quantitative serological evaluation as a valuable tool in the COVID-19 vaccination campaign

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Davide Ferrari ◽  
Alessandra Mangia ◽  
Maria Sestina Spanò ◽  
Lucia Zaffarano ◽  
Marco Viganò ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune Response ◽  
General Population ◽  
Serological Test ◽  
Vaccination Campaign ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Vaccine Dose ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Serological Tests ◽  
Antibody Persistence ◽  
Definition Of

Abstract Objectives After exceptional research efforts, several vaccines were developed against SARS-CoV-2 which sustains the pandemic COVID-19. The Comirnaty vaccine showed high efficacy in clinical trials and was the first to be approved for its distribution to the general population. We evaluated the immune response induced by the first vaccine dose in different sex/age groups and subjects with or without naturally present anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Methods As part of an Italian multicenter project (Covidiagnostix), serum samples from 4,290 health-professionals were serologically tested the day of the first vaccination dose, and 21 days later, using two different instrumentations (Siemens-Healthineers and Roche). Results In total, 97% of samples showed the presence of specific antibodies 21 days after the vaccination dose; the percentage of non-responders increased with age in both genders. Remarkably, naturally seropositive individuals showed antibody persistence up to 11 months and an exceptionally higher vaccination response compared to subjects never infected by SARS-CoV-2. Conclusions This study highlighted the importance of the serological test i) to identify naturally SARS-CoV-2 seropositive individuals and ii) to evaluate the antibody level elicited by the first vaccination dose. Both tests, highlighted differences in the immune response, when subjects were stratified by sex and age, and between naturally seropositive and seronegative subjects. The data obtained show how serological tests could play a crucial role in the triage of the population subjected to the vaccination campaign for COVID-19. The definition of suitable instrumentation-specific thresholds is needed to correctly follow eventually acquired post-vaccination immunity in the general population.

scholarly journals Serodiagnosis of Louse-Borne Relapsing Fever with Glycerophosphodiester Phosphodiesterase (GlpQ) fromBorrelia recurrentis

2000 ◽  
Vol 38 (10) ◽  
pp. 3561-3571 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen F. Porcella ◽  
Sandra J. Raffel ◽  
Merry E. Schrumpf ◽  
Martin E. Schriefer ◽  
David T. Dennis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Serological Test ◽  
Geometric Mean ◽  
Eastern Africa ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Relapsing Fever ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Serological Tests ◽  
Whole Cell ◽  
Convalescent Phase ◽  
Glycerophosphodiester Phosphodiesterase

Human louse-borne relapsing fever occurs in sporadic outbreaks in central and eastern Africa that are characterized by significant morbidity and mortality. Isolates of the causative agent,Borrelia recurrentis, were obtained from the blood of four patients during a recent epidemic of the disease in southern Sudan. TheglpQ gene, encoding glycerophosphodiester phosphodiesterase, from these isolates was sequenced and compared with the glpQ sequences obtained from other relapsing-fever spirochetes. Previously we showed that GlpQ of Borrelia hermsii is an immunogenic protein with utility as a serological test antigen for discriminating tick-borne relapsing fever from Lyme disease. In the present work, we cloned and expressed theglpQ gene from B. recurrentis and used recombinant GlpQ in serological tests. Acute- and convalescent-phase serum samples obtained from 42 patients with louse-borne relapsing fever were tested with an indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) that used whole cells ofB. recurrentis and with immunoblotting to whole-cell lysates of the spirochete and Escherichia coli producing recombinant GlpQ. The geometric mean titers of the acute- and convalescent-phase serum samples measured by IFA were 1:83 and 1:575, respectively. The immunoblot analysis identified a high level of reactivity and seroconversion to GlpQ, and the assay was more sensitive than the whole-cell IFA and ELISA using purified, recombinant histidine-tagged GlpQ. Serum antibodies to GlpQ and other antigens persisted for 27 years in one patient. We conclude that assessment of anti-GlpQ antibodies will allow serological confirmation of louse-borne relapsing fever and determination of disease prevalence.

scholarly journals Comparison of Coombs Gel Test with ELISA and Standard Tube Agglutination Tests Used in Serological Diagnosis of Brucellosis

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cigdem Akalan Kuyumcu ◽  
Serpil Erol ◽  
Rıza Adaleti ◽  
Seniha Senbayrak ◽  
Secil Deniz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sensitivity And Specificity ◽  
Diagnostic Tests ◽  
Serological Test ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Serological Diagnosis ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Serological Tests ◽  
Reliable Test ◽  
And Control

Objective: Serological tests are the most commonly used tests in the diagnosis of brucellosis; however, each serological test has some drawbacks. In this study, we aimed to determine the value of the Brucella Coombs gel test (BCGT) in the serological diagnosis of brucellosis in comparison with Standard tube agglutination (STA) and ELISA tests. Materials and Methods: The study included 42 patients who were considered to have brucellosis as a preliminary diagnosis. BCGT, Brucella-IgM/IgG ELISA, and STA tests were performed from serum samples of the patients. The correlation of the diagnostic tests was analyzed using Cohen’s Kappa Analysis.  Results: Twenty-seven (64.2%) of 42 patients were diagnosed with brucellosis according to their medical history and clinical and serological tests. The sensitivity and specificity of BCGT to diagnose brucellosis was 96.2%, and 100%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of brucellosis 62.9% and 100% for STA, respectively; 33.3% and 66.6% for Brucella-IgM; and 66.6% and 100% for Brucella-IgG. BCGT was significantly correlated with STA (κ= 0.590) and Brucella-IgG (κ=0.539) Conclusion: BCGT can be utilized as a simple and reliable test in the diagnosis of brucellosis with high sensitivity and specificity. Nevertheless, the sensitivity and specificity of BCGT should be demonstrated by comprehensive studies, including culture-confirmed cases and control groups.

scholarly journals Anti-Cysticercus Antibodies in Pigs and Pig Breeders in María La Baja, Colombia

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Mavianis Pinilla ◽  
Julio C. Giraldo ◽  
Lucy M. Villafañe ◽  
Jaime Lorduy ◽  
Sandy Rocha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prevention And Control ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Taenia Solium ◽  
Parasitic Infection ◽  
Causal Association ◽  
High Seroprevalence ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Socioeconomic Variables ◽  
And Control ◽  
Hygienic Conditions

Cysticercosis is a parasitic infection caused by the larvae of the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium. It is acquired through fecal-oral contamination, and it can affect humans and pigs. In Colombia, this is an endemic infection especially in locations where breeding and commercialization of pigs are performed under poorly hygienic conditions, such as in Maria La Baja, Department of Bolívar. However, seroprevalence of anti-cysticercus antibodies in pigs or pig breeders at these locations has not been determined. Thus, using indirect immunoassays we quantified anti-cysticercus antibodies in serum samples of pigs (n=254) and pig breeders (n=121) in Maria La Baja. Furthermore, a questionnaire was applied in order to determine environmental, cultural, and socioeconomic variables. Anti-cysticercus antibodies were detected in 36.6% (93/254) of pigs and 44.6% (54/121) of pig breeders. A significant causal association was identified for daily cleaning of pigsties and having anti-cysticercus antibodies with an aOR = 15.16 (CI 95%: 2.13 - 107.86; p = 0.0002). No significant associations were identified between the evaluated variables and seroprevalence of anti-cysticercus antibodies in pigs. Our study indicates that there is a high seroprevalence of anti-cysticercus antibodies in humans and pigs in locations where handling of pigs is performed under poor hygienic conditions. Our results suggest that there is a need to design and implement prevention and control strategies in Maria La Baja in order to reduce transmission of this disease.      

scholarly journals Reliability of serological tests for COVID-19: Comparison of three immunochromatography test kits for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hidetsugu Fujigaki ◽  
Masao Takemura ◽  
Michiko Osawa ◽  
Aki Sakurai ◽  
Kentaro Nakamoto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Early Stage ◽  
Serological Test ◽  
Entire Period ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Igg Antibody ◽  
Serological Tests ◽  
Igm Antibody ◽  
Potential Clinical Utility ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Positive Results

AbstractBackgroundSeveral immunochromatographic serological test kits have been developed to detect severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-specific antibodies, but their relative performance and potential clinical utility is unclear.MethodsThree commercially available serological test kits were evaluated using 99 serum samples collected from 29 patients diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).ResultsThe IgM antibody-positive rates of the three serological test kits for samples taken at the early stage of the disease (0–6 days after onset) were 19.0%, 23.8%, and 19.0%, respectively. The IgM antibody-positive rates over the entire period were 21.2%, 60.6%, and 15.2%, respectively. The IgG antibody-positive rates for samples taken after 13 days of onset were 100.0%, 97.6%, and 97.6%, respectively.ConclusionThere were large differences among the results of the three test kits. Only few cases showed positive results for IgM in the early stage of disease and the IgM antibody-positive rates over the entire period were low, suggesting that the kits used in this study were unsuitable for diagnosis of COVID-19. The IgG antibody was positive in almost all samples after 13 days of onset, suggesting that it may be useful for determining infections in the recent past.

scholarly journals IDENTIFIKASI IMMUNOGLOBULIN MIU (IgM) IMMUNOGLOBULIN GAMMA (IgG) ANTI SALMONELA PADA SERUM PASIEN DEMAM TIFOID DI PUSKESMAS GODEAN II, SLEMAN, YOGYAKARTA

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 79-87
Author(s):  
Yuliana Prasetyaningsih ◽  
Fitri Nadifah ◽  
Desto Arisandi ◽  
Dieta Dieon Saputri
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Typhoid Fever ◽  
Health Center ◽  
Serological Test ◽  
Rapid Test ◽  
Salmonella Typhi ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Serological Tests ◽  
Serological Method ◽  
Public Health Center

Widal examination is a serological method to diagnose typhoid fever used by Godean II Public Health Center, Sleman Regency, Yogyakarta Special Region (DIY). However, this method is difficult to hold onto because there is no agreement on agglutination standards. A positive Widal test result is not necessarily typhoid fever. Therefore, the results really need to be confirmed by other supporting examinations. IgM anti Salmonella IgG rapid test is one of the serological tests to support the diagnosis of typhoid fever which has better sensitivity and specificity to handle specific antibodies against Salmonella typhi in serum. This study aims to examine the results of the serological test of Immunoglobulin Miu (IgM) Anti Salmonella gamma immunoglobulin (IgG) on positive widal samples at Godean II Public Health Center and to see the lowest positive widal titers IgM antisalmonella in the sample. This research is a descriptive study with accidental sampling technique. The method of examination used a rapid test immunochromatography to examine IgM IgG anti Salmonella typhi on positive widal serum samples at Puskesmas Godean II, Sleman, DIY. The results showed that 21.7% of the samples were positive IgG negative IgM; 8.7% of IgM samples were positive IgG positive, and 69.6% IgM negative IgG negative. Anti Salmonella IgM in widal positive samples appeared at titer 320. Anti Salmonella typhi IgM and IgG were detected in positive widal samples at Godean II Public Health Center. Immunoglobulin Miu (IgM) appears at titer 320.

scholarly journals Serological Survey on the Occurrence of Rickettsia spp., Neospora caninum, Bartonella henselae and Toxoplasma gondii in Cats from Tuscany (Central Italy)

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1842
Author(s):  
Valentina Virginia Ebani ◽  
Simona Nardoni ◽  
Michela Maestrini ◽  
Stefania Perrucci ◽  
Francesca Mancianti
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Blood Serum ◽  
Neospora Caninum ◽  
Bartonella Henselae ◽  
Central Italy ◽  
Immunofluorescence Assay ◽  
Rickettsia Conorii ◽  
Serological Survey ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Rickettsia Felis

Asymptomatic cats often harbor pathogens, some of which have not been largely investigated in feline populations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of antibodies against Rickettsia conorii, Rickettsia felis, Rickettsia typhi, Neospora caninum, Bartonella henselae and Toxoplasma gondii in cats from Tuscany. Ninety-five blood serum samples, previously collected, were analyzed by indirect immunofluorescence assay. Fifty-six (58.94%) cats had antibodies to at least one investigated pathogen: 28 (29.47%) cats were positive for B. henselae, 17 (17.89%) for R. felis, 14 (14.73%) for R. conorii, 14 (14.73%) for T. gondii, 2 (2.1%) for N. caninum. No cats were positive for R. typhi. Positive reactions to two or more pathogens were detected in 18 (18.94%) cats. The occurrence of antibodies against these microorganisms suggests that cats, even though asymptomatic, may be infected by pathogens, often zoonotic, and thus may be a source of infections for other animals and humans.

scholarly journals Seroprevalence of mycoplasmosis in broiler, layer, and native chickens in Giza, Egypt

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (7) ◽  
pp. e0254220
Author(s):  
Saeed El-Ashram ◽  
Mahmoud E. Hashad ◽  
G. A. Abdel-Alim ◽  
Taher Abdelhamid ◽  
Heba N. Deif
Keyword(s):  
Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Hemagglutination Inhibition ◽  
Serological Test ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Serological Tests ◽  
Passive Hemagglutination ◽  
Positive Serum ◽  
Commercial Kits ◽  
Elisa Data

We aimed to investigate Mycoplasma infections among chicken flocks (Ross, Lohmann and native) in Giza, Egypt, using serological tests, including the slide plate agglutination (SPA) test, hemagglutination inhibition (HI) test, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The slide plate agglutination examination, a serological test, indicated the prevalence of Mg and Ms infections of 10.9% and 13.2%, respectively. On 91 SPA test positive serum samples for either Mg or Ms, a passive hemagglutination/hemagglutination inhibition (HI) test was performed. The SPA and HI test findings were found to be comparable. On 90 SPA test positive samples, an ELISA was performed using commercial kits for Mg and Ms serodiagnosis. According to the ELISA data, only 83.33% and 18.88% of SPA test positive samples were confirmed as positive for Ms and Mg infections, respectively. The prevalence increased to 84.44% and 77.77%, respectively, when suspected samples were deemed positive.

scholarly journals Seroprevalence and Clinical Features of Scrub Typhus among Febrile Patients Attending a Referral Hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 78
Author(s):  
Anil Pokhrel ◽  
Binod Rayamajhee ◽  
Saroj Khadka ◽  
Sandeep Thapa ◽  
Samjhana Kapali ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Serum ◽  
Clinical Presentation ◽  
Scrub Typhus ◽  
Serological Test ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Outbreak Detection ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Diagnostic Dilemma ◽  
Serological Tests ◽  
Test Kit

(1) Background: Scrub typhus (ST) is endemic to Nepal. It is often underdiagnosed and misdiagnosed due to non-specific clinical presentation coupled with limited microbiological facilities, leading to adverse clinical outcomes. This study aimed to assess the seroprevalence of scrub typhus in febrile patients attending Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital (STIDH), Nepal, from August 2018 to April 2019. (2) Materials and Method: Blood/serum samples and clinical and demographic data of adult febrile patients (≥19 years) who attended or were referred to the hospital were collected after obtaining written informed consent from the participants excluding immunocompromised individuals. Collected blood/serum samples were subjected to hematological, biochemical, and serological tests. A serological test for scrub typhus was performed using the ImmuneMed scrub typhus rapid diagnostic test kit. Data generated were analyzed using SPSS software version 24.0. (3) Results: Amongst the 2070 febrile patients, 462 (22.3%) were seropositive to at least one etiological agent of febrile illnesses (scrub typhus: 253 cases, dengue: 101 cases, leptospirosis: 9, brucellosis: 52, malaria: 9 and kala-azar: 20 cases). Scrub typhus accounted for 12.2% (n = 253) of total febrile illnesses followed by dengue (4.9%, n = 101). Mixed seropositivity of scrub typhus with dengue, brucellosis, and typhoid was found in 12 (0.6%), 9 (0.4%), and 5 (0.2%) cases, respectively. Among 253 scrub typhus patients, 53.4% were female. Among the 154 patients, the most common symptoms were fever (100%), headache (79.2%), sweating (70.1%), breathing difficulty (51.3%), redness of the eye (43.5%), and pathognomonic eschar was observed in 9.1% patients. Fifty percent of scrub typhus patients had low platelet count and >30% of patients had an elevated level of liver enzymes (such as serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGPT) and serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGOT). (4) Conclusion: Scrub typhus is a considerable cause of febrile illness in Nepal. Females apparently have a higher chance of acquiring scrub typhus. ST presents nonspecific clinical presentation. The diagnostic dilemma of typhus patients can be minimized by the early monitoring of ST-associated symptoms. The country’s health system needs to be strengthened for early outbreak detection, and immediate response actions against scrub typhus to control the future outbreak of ST.

Comparison of serological tests for detection of Brucella antibodies in cattle of an organized dairy farm

2016 ◽  
Vol 50 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Neelam Kushwaha ◽  
V. S. Rajora ◽  
Anand Mohan ◽  
A. K. Upadhyay ◽  
Ramesh Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Serological Test ◽  
Dairy Farm ◽  
Dairy Herds ◽  
Initial Screening ◽  
High Seroprevalence ◽  
Serological Tests ◽  
Indigenous Breed ◽  
The Status ◽  
Serological Surveillance ◽  
Rule Out

Brucellosis has long been recognized with high seroprevalence in Indian dairy herds. Serological surveillance followed regularly to monitor the status of the disease. Four serological methods viz., ELISA, RBPT, STAT and 2-ME tests were used to determine the seroprevalence of brucellosis in an organized dairy farm. Overall, 33.85%, 32.61% and 30.90% animals were diagnosed serologically positive, respectively by ELISA, RBPT and STAT. However, only 13.66% animals were diagnosed positive by 2-ME. Maximum numbers of seropositive cases were found in female animals, indigenous breed and in 6 to <9 yrs age group, respectively by all serological tests. ELISA diagnosed highest number of seropositive cases in different categories viz., females (36.41%), indigenous breed (21.13%) and 6 to <9 yrs (52.15%), respectively. Sex, breed and age of animals were found to influence the antibody titer (, p<0.05) of animals. Therefore, ELISA could be recommended as a screening test for cattle. However, at field level RBPT (, 0.8597) and STAT (, 0.8608) may be used for initial screening of the herd. In addition, 2-ME test must be used in parallel to other serological test to rule out the infection.

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