Frequency and factors associated of potential zoonotic pathogens (Borrelia spp., Rickettsia spp., Leishmania spp., and Anaplasma phagocytophilum) in equids in the state of Bahia, Brazil

Abstract Background Currently, various zoonotic diseases are classified as emerging or reemerging. Because equids have a direct relationship with various vectors, they are possibly more frequently exposed to zoonotic agents than are humans. The undeniable importance of diseases such as human granulocytic anaplasmosis, spotted fever, and leishmaniasis for both public and animal health, as well as the possibility of equids acting as sources, reservoirs, or even sentinels for these pathogens, justifies the detection of their frequency and factors associated with infection in equids from northeastern Brazil. Methods Blood samples were collected from 569 equids (528 horses, 33 donkeys, and 8 mules), 516 from a rural area and 53 from an urban area. Pathogen detection was carried out as follows: Borrelia spp. and Rickettsia spp., serological analysis; Leishmania spp., serological analysis and polymerase chain reaction (PCR); Anaplasma phagocytophilum, PCR. Determination of associated factors was carried out through generalized linear models. Results The frequencies of positivity for the pathogens observed in equids were as follows: Borrelia spp., 13.9% (79/569); Leishmania spp., 3.5% (20/569); Rickettsia spp. 33.4% (190/569). Regarding factors associated with infection, male sex was associated with protection against Borrelia spp.; donkeys and mules were associated with protection against Rickettsia spp., while a younger age was a risk factor. The infection of A. phagocytophilum was not detected in the sampled population. Co-infection was detected in 5.1% (29/569) of the animals. Conclusions Most of the studied pathogenic agents are present in the prospected area, indicating a possible risk for both human and animal health. This demonstrates that equids can be considered important sentinels in the assessment of pathogens with zoonotic potential in the region.

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Factors associated with the distribution of natural Toxoplasma gondii infection among equids in Northeastern Brazil

Revista Brasileira de Parasitologia Veterinária ◽

10.1590/s1984-29612019035 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 28 (2) ◽

pp. 283-290 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Alexandre Dias Munhoz ◽

Monia Andrade Souza ◽

Sonia Carmen Lopo Costa ◽

Jéssica de Souza Freitas ◽

Aísla Nascimento da Silva ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Linear Models ◽

Fluorescent Antibody ◽

Antibody Test ◽

Northeastern Brazil ◽

Domestic Cats ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Factors Associated

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and factors associated with Toxoplasma gondii in naturally infected equids in northeastern Brazil. Serum samples from 569 equids (528 horses, 8 mules and 33 donkeys) were subjected to the indirect fluorescent antibody test. Generalized linear models were used to evaluate associated factors. Among the 569 animals sampled, 118 (30.6%) living in rural areas and 14 (26.42%) in urban areas were seropositive (p>0.05). Seropositive animals were observed on 95% of the farms and in all the municipalities. Donkeys/mules as the host, presence of domestic cats and rats on the farm, ingestion of lagoon water and goat rearing remained in the final model as factors associated with infection. Preventive measures such as avoiding the presence of domestic cats close to rearing areas, pastures and sources of water for the animals should be adopted. The wide-ranging distribution of positive animals also indicated that infection in other domestic animals and in humans, through the contaminated environment, was possible. It should be highlighted that there was the possibility that donkeys and mules would continue to have detectable titers for longer, thus explaining the prevalence found. Further studies are needed to confirm this possibility.

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Prevalence and risk factors associated with Leishmania spp. and Trypanosoma cruzi infections in dogs presented at veterinary clinics in João Pessoa, Paraíba state, northeastern Brazil

Semina Ciências Agrárias ◽

10.5433/1679-0359.2018v39n5p2293 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 39 (5) ◽

pp. 2293

Author(s):

Arthur Willian de Lima Brasil ◽

Dália Monique Ribeiro Machado ◽

Mariana Aimee Ramos Xavier da Silva ◽

Noelle De Castro Barrosa ◽

Raizza Barros Sousa Silva ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Trypanosoma Cruzi ◽

Fluorescent Antibody ◽

Significant Proportion ◽

Antibody Test ◽

Northeastern Brazil ◽

Confirmatory Test ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Leishmania Spp ◽

The City

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with Leishmania spp. and Trypanosoma cruzi infections in dogs presented at veterinary clinics in the city of João Pessoa, Paraíba state, northeastern Brazil. A total of 384 dogs from 34 veterinary clinics were sampled between April 2015 and May 2016. For serological diagnosis of canine visceral leishmaniasis and Chagas disease, the indirect fluorescent antibody test was used. Reactive sera were submitted to a confirmatory test using the S7 ELISA. The seroprevalence of Leishmania spp. was 2.8% (11/384), and that of T. cruzi was 1.5% (6/384). Two animals were positive for both parasites. The variable “access to the street” was identified as a risk factor for Leishmania spp. infection (OR = 4.81; 95% CI = 1.23–18.75). We concluded that a significant proportion of dogs presented at veterinary clinics in João Pessoa are seropositive for Leishmania spp. or T. cruzi infections, and we suggest that greater care be taken with dogs that have access to the street.

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Economic burden of readmission due to postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak in Chinese patients

Journal of Comparative Effectiveness Research ◽

10.2217/cer-2020-0067 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (16) ◽

pp. 1105-1115

Author(s):

Shuqing Wu ◽

Xin Cui ◽

Shaoyu Zhang ◽

Wenqi Tian ◽

Jiazhen Liu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽

Generalized Linear Models ◽

Economic Burden ◽

Linear Models ◽

Chinese Patients ◽

Cerebrospinal Fluid Leakage ◽

Index Hospitalization ◽

Real World Data ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Hospitalization Cost

Aim: This real-world data study investigated the economic burden and associated factors of readmissions for cerebrospinal fluid leakage (CSFL) post-cranial, transsphenoidal, or spinal index surgeries. Methods: Costs of CSFL readmissions and index hospitalizations during 2014–2018 were collected. Readmission cost was measured as absolute cost and as percentage of index hospitalization cost. Factors associated with readmission cost were explored using generalized linear models. Results: Readmission cost averaged US$2407–6106, 35–94% of index hospitalization cost. Pharmacy costs were the leading contributor. Generalized linear models showed transsphenoidal index surgery and surgical treatment for CSFL were associated with higher readmission costs. Conclusion: CSFL readmissions are a significant economic burden in China. Factors associated with higher readmission cost should be monitored.

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Granulocytic anaplasmosis in captive ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta) in Poland

BMC Veterinary Research ◽

10.1186/s12917-021-02827-8 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 17 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Łukasz Adaszek ◽

Anna Wilczyńska ◽

Jerzy Ziętek ◽

Marcin Kalinowski ◽

Oliwier Teodorowski ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Anaplasma Phagocytophilum ◽

Polymerase Chain Reaction Test ◽

Anaplasma Ovis ◽

Case Presentation ◽

Granulocytic Anaplasmosis ◽

Pcr Product ◽

Polymerase Chain ◽

Obligate Intracellular Bacteria ◽

Chain Reaction Test ◽

Anaplasma Bovis

Abstract Background Anaplasma are obligate intracellular bacteria and aetiological agents of tick-borne diseases of both veterinary and medical interest. The genus Anaplasma comprises six species: Anaplasma marginale, Anaplasma centrale, Anaplasma ovis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Anaplasma bovis and Anaplasma platys. They can infect humans, carnivores, ruminants, rodents, insectivores, birds and reptiles. The aim of this study was to present the first clinical case of granulocytic anaplasmosis in a captive ring-tailed lemur in Poland. Case presentation A 4-year-old female lemur presented anorexia, epistaxis and tick infestation. The microscopic examination of a blood smear revealed morulae in neutrophils. Polymerase chain reaction test and sequencing of obtained PCR product confirmed infection by the GU183908 Anaplasma phagocytophilum strain. Therapeutic protocol included doxycycline (2.5 mg/kg p.o., b.i.d.) for 3 weeks and the lemur recovered within 24 h. Conclusions This is the first report on granulocytic anaplasmosis in a ring-tailed lemur in Europe, indicating that A. phagocytophilum infection must also be considered in differential diagnosis in this animal species, especially in individuals with thrombocytopenia associated with Ixodes ricinus parasitism.

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Factors associated to functioning and health in relation to home rehabilitation in Sweden: a non-randomized pre-post intervention study

BMC Geriatrics ◽

10.1186/s12877-021-02360-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Anette Johansson ◽

Marie Ernsth Bravell ◽

Eleonor I. Fransson ◽

Sofi Fristedt

Keyword(s):

Repeated Measures ◽

Linear Models ◽

Medical Condition ◽

Rehabilitation Program ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Rehabilitation Service ◽

Post Intervention ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Rehabilitation Outcomes ◽

Self Rated Health

Abstract Background Home rehabilitation is a growing rehabilitation service in many countries, but scientific knowledge of its components and outcomes is still limited. The aim of this study was to investigate; 1) which changes in functioning and self-rated health could be identified in relation to a home rehabilitation program in a population of community-dwelling citizens, and 2) how socio-demographic factors, health conditions and home rehabilitation interventions were associated to change in functioning and self-rated health after the home rehabilitation program. Method The sample consisted of participants in a municipal home rehabilitation project in Sweden and consisted of 165 community-dwelling citizens. General Linear Models (ANOVA repeated measures) was used for identifying changes in rehabilitation outcomes. Logistic regressions analysis was used to investigate associations between rehabilitation outcomes and potential factors associated to outcome. Result Overall improvements in functioning and self-rated health were found after the home rehabilitation program. Higher frequencies of training sessions with occupational therapists, length of home rehabilitation, and orthopaedic conditions of upper extremities and spine as the main health condition, were associated with rehabilitation outcomes. Conclusion The result indicates that the duration of home rehabilitation interventions and intensity of occupational therapy, as well as the main medical condition may have an impact on the outcomes of home rehabilitation and needs to be considered when planning such programs. However, more research is needed to guide practice and policymaking.

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CXCR2 Blockade Influences Anaplasma phagocytophilum Propagation but Not Histopathology in the Mouse Model of Human Granulocytic Anaplasmosis

Clinical and Diagnostic Laboratory Immunology ◽

10.1128/cdli.11.5.963-968.2004 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 11 (5) ◽

pp. 963-968 ◽

Cited By ~ 34

Author(s):

Diana G. Scorpio ◽

Mustafa Akkoyunlu ◽

Erol Fikrig ◽

J. Stephen Dumler

Keyword(s):

Anaplasma Phagocytophilum ◽

Tissue Injury ◽

Treated Group ◽

Obligate Intracellular Bacterium ◽

Human Granulocytic Anaplasmosis ◽

Obligate Intracellular ◽

Liver Histopathology ◽

Granulocytic Anaplasmosis ◽

Infected Cells ◽

And Control

ABSTRACT Anaplasma phagocytophilum is an obligate intracellular bacterium that infects neutrophils and causes human granulocytic anaplasmosis. Infection induces neutrophil secretion of interleukin-8 or murine homologs and perpetuates infection by recruiting susceptible neutrophils. We hypothesized that antibody blockade of CXCR2 would decrease A. phagocytophilum tissue load by interrupting neutrophil recruitment but would not influence murine hepatic pathology. C3H-scid mice were treated with CXCR2 antiserum or control prior to or on day 14 after infection. Quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry for A. phagocytophilum were performed and severity of liver histopathology was ranked. Control mice had more infected cells in tissues than the anti-CXCR2-treated group. The histopathological rank was not different between treated and control animals. Infected cells of control mice clustered in tissue more than in treated mice. The results support the hypothesis of bacterial propagation through chemokine induction and confirm that tissue injury is unrelated to A. phagocytophilum tissue load.

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Presence of antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum and Leishmania infantum in dogs from Piauí

Revista Brasileira de Parasitologia Veterinária ◽

10.1590/s1984-29612011000200004 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 20 (2) ◽

pp. 111-114 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Marcos Gomes Lopes ◽

Ivete Lopes Mendonça ◽

Kleber Portela Fortes ◽

Marcos Amaku ◽

Hilda de Fátima Jesus Pena ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Leishmania Infantum ◽

Neospora Caninum ◽

Fluorescent Antibody ◽

Northeastern Brazil ◽

Leishmania Infection ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Chi Square ◽

Leishmania Spp ◽

And Gender

This study aimed to evaluate the presence of antibodies against Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii and Leishmania infantum in dogs attended at the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Piauí, Northeastern Brazil, where there are no reports of the occurrence of N. caninum and T. gondii in dogs. Serum samples from 530 dogs of genders, different ages and breeds from the municipality of Teresina and nearby towns were analyzed using three indirect fluorescent antibody tests, each one targeting one of the three agents. The associations between the parasites and gender, breed and age of the dogs were assessed by the chi-square test (p > 0.05). The occurrence of antibodies to N. caninum, T. gondii and L. infantum was 3.2, 18.0 and 78.1%, respectively. Toxoplasma gondii was more frequently found in older dogs (p < 0.05) whereas L. infantum was more common in animals aged between 1 to 3 years (p < 0.05). In order to evaluate potential associations between the presence of anti-N. caninum and anti-T. gondii antibodies and Leishmania infection, 240 dogs were selected (120 positive and 120 negative for Leishmania spp.), based on serological and parasitological diagnoses. No association was found between Leishmania spp. and the coccidian parasites (p > 0.05). The results confirm the exposure of dogs to these parasites in the State of Piauí.

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Draft Anaplasma phagocytophilum Genome Sequences from Five Cows, Two Horses, and One Roe Deer Collected in Europe: TABLE 1

Genome Announcements ◽

10.1128/genomea.00950-16 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 4 (6) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Thibaud Dugat ◽

Marie-Noëlle Rossignol ◽

Olivier Rué ◽

Valentin Loux ◽

Sylvain Marthey ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Anaplasma Phagocytophilum ◽

Roe Deer ◽

Intracellular Bacterium ◽

Genome Sequences ◽

Sequence Capture ◽

Granulocytic Anaplasmosis ◽

Alternative Approaches

Anaplasma phagocytophilum is a zoonotic tick-borne intracellular bacterium responsible for granulocytic anaplasmosis. As it is difficult to isolate and cultivate, only 20 A. phagocytophilum genomes have been sequenced to date. Here, we present eight A. phagocytophilum genome sequences obtained using alternative approaches based on sequence capture technology.

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Factors Associated with Violent Behavior among Adolescents in Northeastern Brazil

The Scientific World JOURNAL ◽

10.1155/2014/863918 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 2014 ◽

pp. 1-7 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Roberto Jerônimo dos Santos Silva ◽

Nara Michelle Moura Soares ◽

Antônio César Cabral de Oliveira

Keyword(s):

Alcohol Consumption ◽

Violent Behavior ◽

Descriptive Statistics ◽

Northeastern Brazil ◽

Alcoholic Beverages ◽

Metropolitan Region ◽

Male And Female ◽

Public Network ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Behavioral Variables

The aim of this study was to identify prevalence and factors associated with violent behavior among adolescents in Aracaju and Metropolitan region. The study included 2207 adolescents (16.03 ± 1.08 years old) enrolled in high schools of the State Public Network. Violent behavior was identified from question 14 of the YRBS-2007 questionnaire with responses categorized as “never” and “one or more times.” Higher prevalence in males in relation to risk factors for adoption of violent behavior was found: cigarette consumption (7.3%), alcohol consumption (39.1%), and marijuana use (3.4%). Data analysis used descriptive statistics and logistic regression with hierarchical model at two levels: (a) sociodemographic variables and (b) behavioral variables. For both sexes, association between violent behavior and cigarette smoking (OR = 3.77, CI 95% = 2.06–6.92 and OR = 1.99, CI 95% = 1.04 to 3.81, male and female, resp.) and alcohol consumption (OR = 3.38, CI 95% = 2.22 to 5.16 and OR = 1.83, CI 95% = 1.28 to 2.63, male and female, resp.) was verified. It was concluded that violent behavior is associated with the consumption of alcoholic beverages and cigarettes among adolescents.

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Anaplasma phagocytophilum Has a Functional msp2 Gene That Is Distinct from p44

Infection and Immunity ◽

10.1128/iai.72.7.3883-3889.2004 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 72 (7) ◽

pp. 3883-3889 ◽

Cited By ~ 31

Author(s):

Quan Lin ◽

Yasuko Rikihisa ◽

Suleyman Felek ◽

Xueqi Wang ◽

Robert F. Massung ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Outer Membrane ◽

Anaplasma Phagocytophilum ◽

Ixodes Scapularis ◽

Outer Membrane Proteins ◽

Gene Families ◽

Single Copy ◽

The United States ◽

Granulocytic Anaplasmosis ◽

The United Kingdom ◽

Membrane Protein Gene

ABSTRACT The msp2 and p44 genes encode polymorphic major outer membrane proteins that are considered unique to the intraerythrocytic agent of Anaplasma marginale and the intragranulocytic agent of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, respectively. In the present study, however, we found an msp2 gene in A. phagocytophilum that was remarkably conserved among A. phagocytophilum strains from human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA) patients, ticks, and a horse from various regions in the United States, but the gene was different in a sheep isolate from the United Kingdom. The msp2 gene in the A. phagocytophilum strain HZ genome was a single-copy gene and was located downstream of two Ehrlichia chaffeensis omp-1 homologs and a decarboxylase gene (ubiD). The msp2 gene was expressed by A. phagocytophilum in the blood from HGA patients NY36 and NY37 and by A. phagocytophilum isolates from these patients cultured in HL-60 cells at 37°C. The msp2 gene was also expressed in a DBA/2 mouse infected by attaching ticks infected with strain NTN-1 and in a horse experimentally infected by attaching strain HZ-infected ticks. However, the transcript of the msp2 gene was undetectable in A. phagocytophilum strain HZ in SCID mice and Ixodes scapularis ticks infected with strain NTN-1. These results indicate that msp2 is functional in various strains of A. phagocytophilum, and relative expression ratios of msp2 to p44 vary in different infected hosts. These findings may be important in understanding roles that Msp2 proteins play in granulocytic ehrlichia infection and evolution of the polymorphic major outer membrane protein gene families in Anaplasma species.

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