scholarly journals Mongooses (Urva auropunctata) as reservoir hosts of Leptospira species in the United States Virgin Islands, 2019–2020

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (11) ◽  
pp. e0009859
Author(s):  
Hannah M. Cranford ◽  
A. Springer Browne ◽  
Karen LeCount ◽  
Tammy Anderson ◽  
Camila Hamond ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Predictive Value ◽  
Fluorescent Antibody ◽  
Antibody Test ◽  
The United States ◽  
Virgin Islands ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Isolation And Identification ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Predictive Values

During 2019–2020, the Virgin Islands Department of Health investigated potential animal reservoirs of Leptospira spp., the bacteria that cause leptospirosis. In this cross-sectional study, we investigated Leptospira spp. exposure and carriage in the small Indian mongoose (Urva auropunctata, syn: Herpestes auropunctatus), an invasive animal species. This study was conducted across the three main islands of the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI), which are St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John. We used the microscopic agglutination test (MAT), fluorescent antibody test (FAT), real-time polymerase chain reaction (lipl32 rt-PCR), and bacterial culture to evaluate serum and kidney specimens and compared the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of these laboratory methods. Mongooses (n = 274) were live-trapped at 31 field sites in ten regions across USVI and humanely euthanized for Leptospira spp. testing. Bacterial isolates were sequenced and evaluated for species and phylogenetic analysis using the ppk gene. Anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies were detected in 34% (87/256) of mongooses. Reactions were observed with the following serogroups: Sejroe, Icterohaemorrhagiae, Pyrogenes, Mini, Cynopteri, Australis, Hebdomadis, Autumnalis, Mankarso, Pomona, and Ballum. Of the kidney specimens examined, 5.8% (16/270) were FAT-positive, 10% (27/274) were culture-positive, and 12.4% (34/274) were positive by rt-PCR. Of the Leptospira spp. isolated from mongooses, 25 were L. borgpetersenii, one was L. interrogans, and one was L. kirschneri. Positive predictive values of FAT and rt-PCR testing for predicting successful isolation of Leptospira by culture were 88% and 65%, respectively. The isolation and identification of Leptospira spp. in mongooses highlights the potential role of mongooses as a wildlife reservoir of leptospirosis; mongooses could be a source of Leptospira spp. infections for other wildlife, domestic animals, and humans.

scholarly journals Integration of symptomatic, demographical and diet-related comorbidities data with SARS-CoV-2 antibody rapid diagnostic tests during epidemiological surveillance: a cross-sectional study in Jakarta, Indonesia

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. e047763
Author(s):  
Rina Agustina ◽  
Ari Fahrial Syam ◽  
Fadila Wirawan ◽  
Indah S Widyahening ◽  
Ahmad Jabir Rahyussalim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Predictive Value ◽  
Diagnostic Tests ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Rapid Diagnostic Tests ◽  
Epidemiological Surveillance ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Predictive Values ◽  
Current Infection

ObjectivesAffordable options for COVID-19 epidemiological surveillance are needed. Virus detection by reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) is sensitive but costly, and antigen-based rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are cheap but with reduced sensitivity; both detect current infection but not exposure. RDT-IgM/IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 detect exposure but have poor sensitivity for current infection. We investigated if the integration of symptomatic, demographical and diet-related comorbidities data with antibody RDTs improves their potential to assess infection rates in addition to exposure, thereby broadening their utility for surveillance.DesignWe conducted a cross-sectional study using data from community surveillance for SARS-CoV-2. Health workers collected nasopharyngeal swabs for RT-PCR and RDT antigen assessments and venous blood for RDT-IgM/IgG from symptomatic and asymptomatic persons. Data on age, gender, contact history, symptoms (ie, fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, headache, dyspnoea and diarrhoea), diet-related comorbidities (ie, diabetes and hypertension) and chest radiology were collected.SettingHigh-risk communities in Jakarta, Indonesia, in May 2020.Participants343 community members’ data were included.Outcome measuresRDT-IgM/IgG sensitivity, specificity and predictive values and area under receiver operating characteristic curve for RT-PCR positivity using RDT results alone and in combination with other predictors, including symptom components derived from principal component analysis.ResultsThere were 24 PCR-confirmed infections. RDT-IgM/IgG-positive tests were associated with infection (OR 10.8, 95% CI 4.43 to 26.4, p<0.001) with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.708% and 50% sensitivity, 91.5% specificity, 30.8% positive predictive value (PPV) and 96.1% negative predictive value (NPV). RDT results combined with age, gender, contact history, symptoms and comorbidities increased the AUC to 0.787 and yielded 62.5% sensitivity, 87.0% specificity, 26.6% PPV and 96.9% NPV.ConclusionsSARS-CoV-2 RDT-IgM/IgG results integrated with other predictors may be an affordable tool for epidemiological surveillance for population-based COVID-19 exposure and current infection, especially in groups with outbreaks or high transmission.

Evaluation of a Rapid Immunochromatographic test kit to the Gold Standard Fluorescent Antibody test for diagnosis of rabies in animals in Bhutan 

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tenzin Tenzin ◽  
Kelzang Lhamo ◽  
Purna B Rai ◽  
Dawa Tshering ◽  
Pema Jamtsho ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Predictive Value ◽  
Fluorescent Antibody ◽  
False Negative ◽  
Rapid Test ◽  
Antibody Test ◽  
Reference Standard ◽  
Predictive Values ◽  
Percent Agreement ◽  
Test Kit ◽  
Resource Poor

Abstract Background: Rabies kills approximately 59,000 people in the world each year worldwide. Rapid and accurate diagnosis of rabies is important for instituting rapid containment measures and for advising the exposed people for postexposure treatment. The application of a rapid diagnostic tests in the field can greatly enhance disease surveillance and diagnostic activities, especially in resource poor settings. In this study, a total of 179 brain tissue samples collected from different rabies suspect animal species (113 dogs, 50 cattle, 10 cats, 3 goats, 2 horses, and 1 bear) were selected and tested using both rapid immunochromatographic kit and the reference standard fluorescent antibody test (FAT). We evaluated the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of a rapid antigen detection test kit produced by BioNote, Inc. (Hwaseong-si, Korea) relative to a FAT for its fit-for-purpose for confirmation of clinical cases of rabies for early response and enhancing rabies surveillance. Results: Among 179 samples examined in this study, there was a concordance in results by the rapid test and FAT in 115 positive samples and 54 negative samples. Test results were discordant in 10 samples which were positive by FAT, but negative (false negative) by rapid kit. The rapid test kit showed a sensitivity of 92% (95% CI: 85.9 – 95.6) and specificity of 100% (95% CI: 93.4 – 100) using FAT as the reference standard. The positive and negative predictive values were found to be 100% (95% CI:96.7 – 100) and 84.4% (95% CI: 73.6 – 91.3), respectively. Overall, there was 94.4% (95% CI: 90 – 96.9) test agreement between rapid test and FAT (Kappa value = 0.874) with a positive percent agreement and negative percent agreement of 92 and 100%, respectively. Conclusions: Our finding demonstrated that the rapid test kit (BioNote) can be used for rabies surveillance and confirming clinical case of rabies in animals for making rapid decisions particularly controlling rabies outbreaks in resource poor settings.

scholarly journals Development of a Japanese version of the SARC-F for diabetic patients: an examination of reliability and validity

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (5) ◽  
pp. 935-942 ◽  
Author(s):  
Satoshi Ida ◽  
Kazuya Murata ◽  
Daiki Nakadachi ◽  
Yuki Ishihara ◽  
Kanako Imataka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Predictive Value ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Japanese Version ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Kappa Coefficient ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Predictive Values ◽  
Retest Reliability ◽  
European Working

Abstract Background SARC-F is a 5-item, self-administered questionnaire developed to screen sarcopenia. To date, no Japanese version of the SARC-F has been developed. Aims To create a Japanese version of the SARC-F (SARC-F-J), a questionnaire for diabetic patients, and to investigate its reliability and validity. Methods This was a cross-sectional study. A Japanese translation of the SARC-F was created and revised, and the authors of the original version of the SARC-F verified the back-translation. The questionnaire was tested in diabetic outpatients aged ≥65 years who had received treatment at our hospital. After 14 weeks, the kappa coefficient was used to evaluate the retest reliability. Using the diagnostic criteria for sarcopenia based on the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People as the reference standard, we calculated the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the SARC-F-J. Results The study comprised 207 patients (men, 60.8%; women, 39.2%). The kappa coefficient was 0.66. For men and women, the sensitivities were 14.6 and 33.3%, specificities were 85.8 and 72.4%, positive predictive values were 33.3 and 17.3%, and negative predictive values were 65.7 and 86.2%, respectively. Discussion The probability of identifying the condition is considered high when patients are diagnosed with sarcopenia using SARC-F-J. Conclusions The retest reliability of SARC-F-J was regarded to be good. When EWGSOP was assumed as a reference, the specificity of SARC-F-J was high. Because the sensitivity was low, patients with sarcopenia could not be screened, and hence, attention is needed.

scholarly journals Age, gender and climate associations with the seroprevalence of Neospora species infection in horses in Jordan

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marwan Abu-Halaweh ◽  
Mahmoud N. Abo-Shehada ◽  
Raida Khalil
Keyword(s):  
Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test ◽  
Fluorescent Antibody ◽  
Antibody Test ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Temperate Climate ◽  
Multivariate Logistic Regression ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Cool Temperate ◽  
Ig G

Abstract A cross-sectional study was carried out on a sample of 379 horses to determine the seroprevalence of Neospora spp. in Jordan using the indirect fluorescent antibody test. Five variables, namely locality (n=10), climatic zone (n=4), age group (n=3), gender, and breed were tested as risk factors for Neospora–immunoglobulin (Ig)G seropositivity at four cutoff titers (1:50, 1:200, 1:400, and 1:800) using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. A total of 122 (32%; 95% CI: 28, 37) sera samples had anti-Neospora–IgG at a cutoff titer of 1:50. Increased Neospora–IgG seropositivity was found in horses in three localities (Madaba, Zarka, and Petra) and was associated with the following variables: cool temperate climate; age >14 years; and female gender. Seropositivity was found among horses from Madaba at all cutoff titers, Zarka at titers >1:200, and Petra at titers <1:200. Cool temperate climate was associated with titers <1:400. Horses aged >14 years were found to be associated with seropositivity at titers ≥1:200. Female gender was associated with high seropositivity at >1:800.

scholarly journals Influence of intraoperative findings on immediate flow through radial-cephalic arteriovenous wrist fistulas for hemodialysis access

2018 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 208-214
Author(s):  
Afonso César Polimanti ◽  
Rafael Vilhena de Carvalho Fürst ◽  
Sidnei José Galego ◽  
Alexandre Sacchetti Bezerra ◽  
Fernando Adami ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Predictive Value ◽  
Venous Access ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Arterial Calcification ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Predictive Values ◽  
Multiple Characteristics ◽  
Chi Square Test ◽  
Flow Through

Abstract Background Adequate flow through a newly created arteriovenous fistula depends on multiple characteristics of the vessels and patient comorbidities. Several studies have related preoperative findings to failure, but few have analyzed the influence of intraoperative findings. Objectives To evaluate the predictive value of intraoperative findings on the immediate outcome of radial-cephalic arteriovenous wrist fistulas (RCAVF) by collecting data that are easily measured intraoperatively. Methods We designed a cross-sectional study, in which a single surgeon performed 101 RCAVF in 100 patients at a single center. We analyzed the immediate postoperative flow, assessed by thrill intensity immediately after fistula creation, against patient demographics and intraoperative data. The following variables were analyzed: age, sex, comorbidities, length of vein visible at preoperative examination, macroscopic arterial calcification, maximum vein diameter, and length of stenosis-free vein, measured by cannulation with a urethral catheter during the procedure. The chi-square test was used both to eliminate possible bias introduced by side of venous access (left or right), and to determine predictive values of immediate thrill. Results Side of access was not associated with any significant differences in variables. Absence of macroscopic arterial calcification, successful venous catheterization using a 6 French catheter or larger, and ability to advance it more than 10 centimeters along the lumen of the proximal vein were correlated with adequate immediate postoperative thrill (p = 0.004, p < 0.001, and p = 0.005, respectively). Conclusions In this series of 101 RCAVF, both the diameter of the catheter and its progress through the proximal vein and also absence of arterial calcification had positive predictive value for achieving adequate immediate thrill after vascular access construction.

scholarly journals Frequency of Leishmania spp. infection among HIV-infected patients living in an urban area in Brazil: a cross-sectional study

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
MIRELLA ALVES CUNHA ◽  
BEATRIZ CELESTE ◽  
NORIVAL KESPER ◽  
MAHYUMI FUGIMORI ◽  
MARIANNA MARTINS LAGO ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Urban Area ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Fluorescent Antibody ◽  
Antibody Test ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Leishmania Infection ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Leishmania Spp ◽  
Immunosuppressed Patients

Abstract Background: There is little information about the frequency of Leishmaniainfection in asymptomatic HIV infected individuals and about the performance of laboratory diagnostic methods in coinfected patients in Latin America. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the frequency of Leishmaniaspp. infection in HIV infected patients living in an urban area from Brazil. Methods: To detect Leishmaniainfection, were performed diagnostic tests to detection of antibodies anti-Leishmania(ELISA using Leptomonas seymouriantigens; ELISA using rk39 antigens; ELISA using rK28 antigens; indirect fluorescent-antibody test (IFAT); direct agglutination test (DAT) and detection of LeishmaniaDNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with the target genes kDNA and ITS-1. Results: Frequency, considering at least one positive test, was 15%. For ELISA using Leptomonasantigens and IFAT, there was an association between CD4+ T-lymphocyte counts and test positivity, with a higher positivity of these tests in more immunosuppressed patients (T CD4+ cells count < 200/mm3). Conclusions: According to our data, there was a high prevalence of Leishmaniaspp. in this population living with HIV. Although there is the possibility of cross-reaction, some tests considered highly specific for the diagnosis of Leishmania infection were positive. There was also an association between the positivity of some tests studied and lower values of T CD4+ lymphocytes.

scholarly journals High seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora spp. in stray dogs from Rolim de Moura, Rondônia state, Western Brazilian Amazon

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (6) ◽  
pp. 3535-3542
Author(s):  
Henrique Momo Ziemniczak ◽  
◽  
Maerle Oliveira Maia ◽  
Maiara Oliveira Maia ◽  
Elvino Ferreira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Fluorescent Antibody ◽  
Antibody Test ◽  
Brazilian Amazon ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
High Seroprevalence ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Stray Dogs ◽  
Antibody Levels ◽  
Group 1

Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora spp. are important apicomplexan pathogens that can infect dogs and result in a neurological syndrome. The aim of this study was to evaluate the seroprevalence of T. gondii and Neospora spp. in stray dogs in the state of Rondônia, Brazil. A cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2014 to April 2016. A total of 458 dogs blood samples were collected at the Center for Control of Zoonosis (CCZ), and anti-T. gondii and anti-N. spp. antibody levels were detected and measured using indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). The seroprevalence of T. gondii and Neospora spp. in dogs it was 82.20% and 73.85%, respectively. The seroprevalence of coinfections was 47.59%. This is the first report of anti-T. gondii and anti-Neospora spp. antibodies detected in stray dogs in Rolim de Moura, state of Rondônia, Western Brazilian Amazon. Male dogs showed a higher frequency of anti-T. gondii antibodies than female dogs (88.0% vs. 75.3%; p < 0.001), presenting 2.41 times more chances of having the disease. High seroprevalence of infection (92.4%: T. gondii and 89.2%: Neospora spp.) was detected in the group ≥ 1-year-old dogs, in all collections, with OR 7.35 and OR 10.27 for the presence of anti-T. gondii and anti- Neospora spp., respectively. In conclusion, the serological results indicate an important circulation of T. gondii and Neospora spp. in wandering dogs hailing from Rolim de Moura, state of Rondônia, Western Brazilian Amazonia.

scholarly journals Mentorship on Malaria Microscopy Diagnostic Service in Ethiopia: Baseline Competency of Microscopists and Performance of Health Facilities

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bokretsion Gidey ◽  
Desalegn Nega ◽  
Adugna Abera ◽  
Abnet Abebe ◽  
Sindew Mekasha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sensitivity And Specificity ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
False Negative ◽  
Malaria Diagnosis ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
Malaria Parasites ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Predictive Values ◽  
Malaria Microscopy

Abstract Background: In Ethiopia, malaria case is declining as a result of proven interventions and the country launched malaria elimination strategy in targeted settings since 2017. Accurate malaria diagnosis and prompt treatment are the key components of the strategy to prevent morbidity and stop continuation of the transmission. However, the quality of microscopic diagnosis in general is deteriorating as malaria burden declines. Therefore, this study was carried out toevaluate the competency of microscopists and the performance of health facilities on malaria microscopic diagnosis.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from August 01 to September 30, 2019 in nine Regional States and one city administration. A standard checklist was used for on-site evaluation, archived patient slides were re-checked and proficiency of microscopists was tested using WHO certified slides from national slide bank in public health institute. Strength of agreement, sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values were calculated.Results: In this study, 102 health facilities (84 health centers and 18 hospitals) were included; from which, 202 laboratory professionals participated. In slide re-checking, moderate agreement (Agreement: 76.0%; Kappa: 0.41) was observed between experts and microscopists on malaria detection in all health facilities. The sensitivity and specificity of routine slide reading and the rechecking results were 78.1% and 80.7%, respectively. Likewise, positive predictive value of 65.1% and negative predictive value of 88.8% were scored in the routine diagnosis. By panel testing, a substantial overall agreement (A: 91.8%; K: 0.79) was observed between microscopists and experts in detecting malaria parasites. The sensitivity and specificity in detection of malaria parasites was 92.7% and 89.1%, respectively. Furthermore, in identifying species, slight agreement (A: 57%; K: 0.18) was observed between microscopists and experts. Conclusion: The study found significant false positive and false negative results in routine microscopy on slide re-checking of Plasmodium parasites. Moreover, reduced grade in parasite species identification was reported on the panel tests. Therefore, implementing comprehensive malaria microscopy mentorship, in-service training and supportive supervision are the key strategies to improve the overall performance of health facilities in malaria microscopy.

scholarly journals An Evaluation of the Arcus Corneae For Age Estimation

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 155-162
Author(s):  
Boonsak Hanterdsith
Keyword(s):  
Predictive Value ◽  
Interobserver Reliability ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Diagnostic Value ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Likelihood Ratios ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Predictive Values ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity

Although the arcus corneae (AC) has long been used as an age indicator for forensic purposes, its diagnostic value has not been evaluated. To evaluate the AC as a predictor of chronological age, the author has studied the correlation of AC with respect to age of the deceased. A cross-sectional study was conducted of 342 Thai corpses at the Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital, Thailand. AC was graded into three levels: no AC, incomplete ring, and complete ring. One-way analysis of variance, chi-square test, binomial logistic regression, sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and likelihood ratios were used for analysis. The Cohen’s kappa was used to determine the intraobserver and interobserver reliability. The prevalence of AC and the probability of complete AC were significant higher in corpses aged 60 years and above than in those under 60 years. Consequently, this study confirmed that the prevalence of AC was significantly correlated with the age of Thai individuals. If the complete AC is used as an indicator of age of 60 years and above, complete AC has high sensitivity (92.56%) but low specificity (72.85%), low positive predictive value (65.12%), but high negative predictive value (94.71%). For diagnostic value, the presence of AC can be used for age screening but not for absolute confirmation. The absence of AC indicates young age, incomplete AC indicates middle age, and complete AC indicates old age. The high intraobserver and interobserver reliability provides assurance of the value of AC as a means to estimate personal age.

scholarly journals Quantification of vertical transmission of Neospora caninum in dairy cows in Minas Gerais, Brazil

2012 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 294-297 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raquel Ribeiro Dias Santos ◽  
Christiane Maria Barcellos Magalhães da Rocha ◽  
Tarcísio de Morais Gonçalves ◽  
Antônio Marcos Guimarães
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Vertical Transmission ◽  
Neospora Caninum ◽  
Fluorescent Antibody ◽  
Horizontal Transmission ◽  
Antibody Test ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Minas Gerais ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Cross Sectional

The objective of this cross-sectional study was to estimate the rate of vertical transmission and to investigate horizontal transmission of Neospora caninum and occurrences of reproductive abnormalities in seropositive dairy cows on two farms in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The frequency of cows seropositive for N.caninum according to the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) was 39.4% (93/236) for Farm A and 31.4% (32/102) for the Farm B (p > 0.05). The mean vertical transmission rates for N. caninum were 29% and 9% for the herds of Farms A and B, respectively. No negative effects (p > 0.05) from infection by N.caninum were observed regarding milk production and occurrences of reproductive abnormalities in herds A and B.

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