scholarly journals Molecular investigation and geographical distribution of Leishmania spp infection in stray and owned cats (Felis catus) in Thessaly, central Greece

2018 ◽  
Vol 68 (1) ◽  
pp. 27 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. GIANNAKOPOULOS ◽  
C. N. TSOKANA ◽  
E. PAPADOPOULOS ◽  
V. SPYROU ◽  
D. C. CHATZOPOULOS ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Geographical Distribution ◽  
Nested Pcr ◽  
Living Conditions ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Geographical Information ◽  
Endemic Region ◽  
Central Greece ◽  
Molecular Investigation ◽  
Leishmania Spp

In this study we aimed to determine the prevalence of Leishmania spp infection and to report the geographical distribution of Leishmania spp infected cats from Thessaly, central Greece, an endemic region for canine and human leishmaniosis. Blood samples were collected from a total of 150 cats (34 stray and 116 owned) from the area of Thessaly, i.e. Larissa (n=6), Volos (n=94), Trikala (n=30) and Karditsa (n=20). Data on signalment and living conditions were registered for each cat. The samples were tested by Internal Transcribed Spacer 1 nested PCR (ITS1 nested PCR). Geographical Information System (GIS) was used to define the geographical distribution of the Leishmania spp infected cats in relation to the land uses and the altitude. In total, 13.3% (95% CI: 8.3-19.8) of the sampled cats were found positive for Leishmania spp DNA. More precisely, the results are 12.8% (95% CI 6.8-21.2) in Volos, 20% (95% CI 6.8-21.2) in Trikala and 10% (95% CI 12-31.7) in Karditsa while none of the six cats examined from the region of Larissa was found PCR positive. The Leishmania spp infected cats were found in artificial surfaces and associated areas and in cultivated and managed areas with a mean altitude of 81,7 m above sea level (range 14 - 225 ± 51.57 SD). No significant correlation was found between Leishmania spp infection and signalment or living conditions, thus suggest ing that the infection is uniformly distributed among the screened feline population. The findings of this study along with the occurrence of competent vectors of Leishmania infantum in Thessaly, support the hypothesis that cats may serve as a reservoir for Leishmania spp in this region and highlight the need for surveillance in feline population and implementation of control measures. However, the epidemiological role of cats in the maintenance and transmission of Leishmania spp has yet to be defined and deserves further investigation.

scholarly journals Osteoarticular tuberculosis – diagnostic solutions in a disease endemic region

2009 ◽  
Vol 3 (07) ◽  
pp. 511-516 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vikas Agashe ◽  
Shubhada Shenai ◽  
Ganesh Mohrir ◽  
Minal Deshmukh ◽  
Anita Bhaduri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nested Pcr ◽  
Bone Diseases ◽  
Drug Resistant ◽  
Endemic Region ◽  
Mycobacterial Culture ◽  
Osteoarticular Tuberculosis ◽  
Private And Public ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Negative Controls

Background: We conducted a study of osteoarticular tuberculosis in patients from private and public settings in a disease endemic area. Our objective was to assess the role of mycobacterial culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the diagnosis of osteoarticular tuberculosis (TB) in settings where only clinical and imaging diagnosis form the basis for treatment. Methodology: Ninety-three consecutive specimens collected from clinically suspected patients of osteoarticular TB were screened for bacterial culture, mycobacterial culture and in-house nested PCR. In addition, specimens were examined by imaging and histopathology. Ten specimens collected from patients suffering from other bone diseases were included as negative controls. Results: Of the 93 clinically suspected TB patients, mycobacterial culture was positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) in 47 (51%) patients who were confirmed as definite TB cases. Of the remaining patients, 16 (17%) were diagnosed as probable, 19 (20%) as possible, and 11 (12%) as only clinically suspected TB cases. In-house nested PCR was positive in 65 (70%) cases. Fifteen patients were resistant to one or more anti-tuberculous drugs; twelve patients were multi-drug resistant, two of whom were extensively drug resistant. Conclusion: Mycobacterial cultures using liquid media with susceptibility should form the backbone of management of osteoarticular TB. Nested PCR enhances the sensitivity if performed in addition to culture.

scholarly journals PCR-positivity of gerbils and their ectoparasites for Leishmania spp. in a hyperendemic focus of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in central Iran

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sahar Azarmi ◽  
Alireza Zahraei-Ramazani ◽  
Mehdi Mohebali ◽  
Yavar Rassi ◽  
Amir Ahmad Akhavan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cutaneous Leishmaniasis ◽  
Infection Rate ◽  
Microscopic Examination ◽  
Nested Pcr ◽  
Central Iran ◽  
Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Zoonotic Cutaneous Leishmaniasis ◽  
Leishmania Spp ◽  
Different Seasons

Abstract Background: Sand flies are the only known vectors of Leishmania parasites. Various arthropods, including ticks have been suggested as secondary vectors of Leishmania spp. many years ago. This study was conducted to determine PCR-positivity of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis reservoir hosts and their ectoparasites for Leishmania spp. in central Iran. Methods: Microscopic examination and nested polymerase chain reaction (Nested-PCR) were used to detect and identify species of Leishmania and the results were confirmed by two methods, PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and sequencing. Results: Totally, 93 rodents (Rhomombis opimus (n=92) and Nesokia indica (n=1)) were captured during different seasons and 9 different species of ectoparasites were collected from them. Out of 92 collected R. opimus, 14 were positive for Leishmania spp. by microscopic examination while one N. indica and 77 R. opimus were positive by nested-PCR. The infection rate of rodents with Leishmania major and Leishmania turanica was 39.79% and 15.05%, respectively. Mixed natural infections with L. major and L. turanica were seen in 15.05% of rodents, in 7.53% of the rodents with L. major and Leishmania gerbilli, and in 6.45% of the rodents with the three species. The leishmanial infection rate of the rodents was the highest (94.29%) in summer and lowest (45.45%) in the winter. Moreover, 39 out of 54 fleas, 5 out of 8 mites, and 1 tick were PCR positive for Leishmania parasites. Conclusions: The highest rate of infection with L. major and L. turanica in R. opimus populations was observed in the summer and spring respectively, and the highest percentage of L. major and L. turanica coinfection was seen in the winter. It is suggested that the role of L. turanica and the probable role of ectoparasites in the transmission of epidemiology should be investigated carefully. Xenodiagnostic testing is recommended for future testing.

scholarly journals "BAIXADEIROS" HORSES: PREVALENCE OF ANTI-Trypanosoma spp. AND ANTI-Leishmania spp. ANTIBODIES

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fernanda Pinto Ferreira ◽  
Eloiza Teles Caldart ◽  
Danilo Rodrigues Barros Brito ◽  
Daniel Praseres Chaves ◽  
João Luis Garcia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Indirect Immunofluorescence ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Statistical Association ◽  
Subsequent Separation ◽  
Leishmania Spp ◽  
Horse Blood ◽  
Collection Period ◽  
Immunoenzymatic Assays ◽  
Significant Statistical Association

Abstract A total of 138 horse blood samples were collected from 2012 to 2013 for the subsequent separation of serum collection. For detection of anti-Leishmania spp. and anti-Trypanosoma spp. antibodies, indirect immunofluorescence reactions and immunoenzymatic assays were performed. Samples with titers ≥40 were considered positive in the indirect immunofluorescence (IFAT), and the cut off for the enzyme immunoassay (ELISA) was calculated with three standard deviations. When tested for Trypanosoma spp., 50.37% (68/135) of the samples were ELISA reagents, 18.84% (8/136) were positive for IFAT and 2.89% (4/138) for both tests. A significant statistical association was observed for the municipality (p = 0.013) and collection period (p = 0.042) in the ELISA. When tested for Leishmania spp., 25.4% (35/138) of the samples were ELISA reagents, 13.00% (18/138) were positive for the IFAT and 4.34% (6/138) were positive for two tests, there were no variables associated with seropositivity. A statistical association (p = 0.0034) was observed between the presence of anti-Trypanosoma spp. and anti-Leishmania spp. antibodies when the ELISA was used. The results suggest that this horse breed is in contact with leishmaniasis and trypanosomiasis, which demonstrates the need for a more accurate investigation into the real role of horses in these diseases to assist in disease control measures.

scholarly journals PCR-positivity of gerbils and their ectoparasites for Leishmania spp. in a hyperendemic focus of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in central Iran

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sahar Azarmi ◽  
Alireza Zahraei-Ramazani ◽  
Mehdi Mohebali ◽  
Yavar Rassi ◽  
Amir Ahmad Akhavan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cutaneous Leishmaniasis ◽  
Infection Rate ◽  
Microscopic Examination ◽  
Nested Pcr ◽  
Leishmania Major ◽  
Central Iran ◽  
Zoonotic Cutaneous Leishmaniasis ◽  
Leishmania Spp ◽  
Leishmania Parasites

Abstract Background: Sand flies are the only known vectors of Leishmania parasites. Various arthropods, including ticks have been suggested as secondary vectors of Leishmania spp. many years ago. This study was conducted to determine PCR-positivity of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis reservoir hosts and their ectoparasites for Leishmania spp. in central Iran. Methods: Microscopic examination and nested polymerase chain reaction (Nested-PCR) were used to detect and identify species of Leishmania and the results were confirmed by two methods, PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and sequencing. Results: Totally, 93 rodents (Rhomombis opimus (n=92) and Nesokia indica (n=1)) were captured during different seasons and 9 different species of ectoparasites were collected from them. Out of 92 collected R. opimus, 14 were positive for Leishmania spp. by microscopic examination while one N. indica and 77 R. opimus were positive by nested-PCR. The infection rate of rodents with Leishmania major and Leishmania turanica was 39.79% (37) and 15.05% (14), respectively. Mixed natural infections with L. major and L. turanica were seen in 15.05% of the rodents (14), in 7.53% of the rodents (7) with L. major and Leishmania gerbilli, and in 6.45% of the rodents (6) with the three species. The leishmanial infection rate of the rodents was the highest (94.29%) in summer and lowest (45.45%) in the winter. Moreover, 39 out of 54 fleas (72.22%), 5 out of 8 mites (75%), and 1 tick nymph (100%) were PCR-positive for Leishmania parasites. Conclusions: The highest rate of infection with L. major and L. turanica in R. opimus populations was observed in the summer and spring respectively, and the highest percentage of L. major and L. turanica coinfection was seen in the winter. It is suggested that the role of L. turanica and the probable role of ectoparasites in the transmission of epidemiology should be investigated carefully. Xenodiagnostic testing is recommended for future testing.

scholarly journals Tourism Impacts, Tourism-Phobia and Gentrification in Historic Centers: The Cases of Málaga (Spain) and Gdansk (Poland)

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 408
Author(s):  
Fernando Almeida-García ◽  
Rafael Cortés-Macías ◽  
Krzysztof Parzych
Keyword(s):  
Comparative Research ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Tourism Impacts ◽  
Tourist Destinations ◽  
Tourist Flows ◽  
Tourist Accommodation ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Urban Characteristics

This study analyzes the role of residents in urban tourist destinations affected by the increase in tourist flows, which have generated various problems such as tourism, gentrification and the emergence of tourism as a threat to residents. The role of residents in tourist destinations has not been analyzed regularly during the development process of destinations. We study two cases of historic centers in European cities, with the aim of comparing tourism problems, which are common to most European urban destinations. This study was conducted by administering surveys amongst residents of these historic centers (378 in Málaga, Spain, and 380 in Gdansk, Poland). These cities show a similar demographic size and urban characteristics. This is the first comparative research on tourism-phobia and gentrification in destinations, a field of analysis that is still not studied much. We develop specific scales to measure gentrification and tourism-phobia; moreover, we study the impact of some tourist problems that affect residents (noise, dirt, occupation of public spaces, etc.), and we show the spatial distribution of tourism-phobia. The same analysis instruments are used for both cities. The results of this study show that the tourism-phobia situation is different in the analyzed destinations. It is more intense in the case of Málaga than in Gdansk. The two historic centers are especially affected by the processes of increased tourist flows and the growth of new forms of tourist accommodation. The research results show that the residents’ annoyance caused by tourism gentrification is more intense than tourism-phobia. Both case studies highlight the residents’ complaints regarding the inadequate management of problems by public stakeholders and control measures.

Identifying the etiologic role of Parvovirus B19 in non-immune hydrops fetalis by histopathology, immunohistochemistry and nucleic acid testing: a retrospective study

Open Medicine ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 271-279 ◽  
Author(s):  
Koray Ergunay ◽  
Gulcin Altinok ◽  
Bora Gurel ◽  
Ahmet Pinar ◽  
Arzu Sungur ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nucleic Acid ◽  
Real Time ◽  
San Francisco ◽  
Real Time Pcr ◽  
Nested Pcr ◽  
Parvovirus B19 ◽  
Etiologic Agent ◽  
Hydrops Fetalis ◽  
Nucleic Acid Detection

AbstractIntrauterine Parvovirus B19 infections may cause fetal anemia, non-immune hydrops fetalis or abortion. This study focuses on the pathogenic role of Parvovirus B19 in non-immune hydrops fetalis at Hacettepe University, a major reference hospital in Turkey. Twenty-two cases of non-immune hydrops fetalis were retrospectively selected out of a total of 431 hydrops fetalis specimens from the Department of Pathology archieves. Paraffine embedded tissue sections from placental and liver tissues from each case were evaluated by histopathology, immunohistochemistry, nested PCR and commercial quantitative Real-time PCR. Viral DNA was detected in placental tissues by Real-time PCR in 2 cases (2/22, 9.1%) where histopathology also revealed changes suggestive of Parvovirus B19 infection. No significant histopathologic changes were observed for the remaining sections. Nested PCR that targets the VP1 region of the viral genome and immunohistochemistry for viral capsid antigens were negative for all cases. As a result, Parvovirus B19 is identified as the etiologic agent for the development of non-immune hydrops fetalis for 9.1% of the cases in Hacettepe University, Turkey. Real-time PCR is observed to be an effective diagnostic tool for nucleic acid detection from paraffine embedded tissues. Part of this study was presented as a poster at XIIIth International Congress of Virology, San Francisco, USA (Abstract V-572).

scholarly journals Role of Urban Greening Strategies for Environmental Sustainability—A Review and Assessment in the Context of Saudi Arabian Megacities

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 6457
Author(s):  
Abdullah Addas ◽  
Ahmad Maghrabi
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Saudi Arabian ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Geographical Information ◽  
Design Management ◽  
Urban Greening ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Local Climate ◽  
Questionnaire Surveys

The review and assessment of urban greening patterns play a crucial role in sustainable urban planning and green spaces (GSs) management, helping to improve human well-being. In recent years, various methods and strategies were applied to examine the relationship between GSs and environmental sustainability, but so far, no studies on systematic review and empirical assessments were carried out in Saudi Arabian context. Thus, a comprehensive review and assessment of current GSs patterns and planning strategies are important for achieving urban environmental sustainability. This study aims to assess spatial pattern of GSs across the cities and a bibliographic review on the urban greening strategies in the Saudi context. These six urban strategies were further supported from empirical evidence on Saudi cities. Geographical information system (GIS) techniques and questionnaire surveys were performed for spatial mapping of GSs and the perceived role of GSs strategies of the respondent to environmental sustainability across cities. The findings showed that (i) highest PCGS was reported from Dammam (5.4 m2) followed by Riyadh (1.18 m2), and Jeddah (0.5 m2); (ii) most of the respondents use GSs for picnic (59%), mental well-being (53%), and physical activities (47%), respectively; (iii) GSs play a significant role for local climate regulation such as temperature control (78%) and UHI reduction (81%), and GSs provide thermal comfort (84%), respectively; and (iv) 40% respondents do not use GSs due to the lack of availability, accessibility, design, management, and safety of GSs. Thus, such findings of the study surely assist planners and policy makers to understand and implement the suggested GSs strategies to meet the satisfaction level of the respondents as well as to manage GSs at neighborhood and city level for urban environmental sustainability.

Arthrocladiella mougeotii. [Descriptions of Fungi and Bacteria].

1998 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. P. Heluta
Keyword(s):  
Czech Republic ◽  
Geographical Distribution ◽  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Russian Far East ◽  
Far East ◽  
Republic Of Georgia ◽  
Lycium Barbarum ◽  
Initial Stage ◽  
High Infection

Abstract A description is provided for Arthrocladiella mougeotii. Information is included on the disease caused by the organism, its transmission, geographical distribution, and hosts. DISEASE: Powdery mildew of Lycium species only. The mycelium, conidiophores, conidia and ascomata form first white, then dirty-grey patches on damaged green parts of the host. Infected parts are deformed slightly and, in cases of high infection, plants can lose their ornamental qualities. Damaged leaves can fall prematurely. HOSTS: Lycium barbarum (= L. europaeum), L. chinense, L. dasystemum, L. halimifolium, L. ovatum, L. potaninii, L. rhombifolium, L. ruthenicum. [Type host - Lycium barbarum] GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION: Africa: Canary Islands. Asia (temperate areas only): Armenia, Azerbaijan, China, Republic of Georgia, Israel, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kirghizistan, Korea, Russia (Russian far east), Tadzhikistan, Taiwan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan. Australasia: New Zealand (introduced). Europe: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Rumania, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, Ukraine (southern), former Yugoslavia. North America: USA (introduced). TRANSMISSION: By wind-dispersed conidia. The rôle of ascospores in disease transmission is unknown, although it has been supposed that they can cause the initial stage of the disease.

Podosphaera leucotricha. [Descriptions of Fungi and Bacteria].

1967 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. N. Kapoor
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
North America ◽  
Powdery Mildew ◽  
South America ◽  
Geographical Distribution ◽  
Prunus Persica ◽  
Podosphaera Leucotricha

Abstract A description is provided for Podosphaera leucotricha. Information is included on the disease caused by the organism, its transmission, geographical distribution, and hosts. HOSTS: On Malus spp., chiefly on M. pumila (apple), peach (Prunus persica), quince (Cydonia ualgaris) and Photinia spp. also attacked (Hirata, 1966). Also reported on almond fruit (43, 2544). DISEASE: Powdery mildew of apple. GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION: Africa (? Kenya, Rhodaia, South Africa, Tanzania); Asia (China, India, Israel, Japan, U.S.S.R.); Australia and New Zealand, Europe (widely distributed) North America (Canada and U.S.A.); South America (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru). (CMI map 118). TRANSMISSION: Overwinters on host as dormant mycdium in blossom buds. The role of deistothecia in overwintering is doubtful. Spread by wind-borne conidia (Anderson, 1956).

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