scholarly journals Epidemiology of Blackleg Disease in Ethiopia

Author(s):  
Gedefa N ◽  

Blackleg is an infectious bacterial disease of cattle and rarely of other ruminants. This bacteria is caused by Clostridium chauvoei which is an anaerobic, gram positive, motile, rod-shaped bacillus bacterium and persists in the soil as resistant spores. Blackleg is an acute or subacute but chronic disease may occur. It occurs most frequently in animals 6-24 months of age and the disease mainly affects none vaccinated as well as animals in good nutritional condition. It produces persistent spores when conditions are not ideal and spores are highly resistant to environmental factors and disinfectants. Infected ruminants do not directly transmit the disease to other animals. The bacteria enter the body through the alimentary mucosa after ingestion of contaminated feed. Secretion of cytolytic toxins that cause necrosis of vascular endothelia .The toxins are absorbed into the animal’s bloodstream which makes the animal acutely sick and causes rapid death. Economic importance due to blackleg is loss of animals, milk production and draft oxen, and cost for treatment and vaccination. Fatality rate of blackleg in fully susceptible populations approaches 100%. Clinical Signs include lethargy anorexia, reluctance to move lameness and recumbence. When superficial muscles are affected, swelling and crepitus are evident. Cattle found dead of blackleg are lying on the side with the affected hind limb stands out stiffly, bloating and putrefaction occur quickly and bloodstained from exudates, nostrils and anus. The disease can be diagnosed using laboratory diagnosis, Immune Fluorescent, Cell Culture and PCR. Control and prevention relies mainly on vaccination.

2010 ◽  
Vol 29 (11) ◽  
pp. 903-913 ◽  
Author(s):  
RC Collicchio-Zuanaze ◽  
M. Sakate ◽  
L. Langrafe ◽  
RK Takahira ◽  
C. Burini

Sodium fluoroacetate (SFAC) is a potent rodenticide, largely used for rodent and domestic pest control. The toxic effects of SFAC are caused by fluoroacetate, a toxic metabolite, whose toxic action blocks the Krebs cycle and also induces the accumulation of citrate in the body, which is a serum calcium chelator. The most common clinical signs of this intoxication are the cardiac and neurological effects. However, the hematological, biochemical and histopathological findings occurring in intoxication are still unknown in different species. In the present study, 16 domestic cats were experimentally intoxicated with oral doses of fluoroacetate (0.45 mg/kg). The hematological and biochemical profiles and histopathological findings were made to look for auxiliary diagnosis methods in SFAC intoxications. The hematological profile showed transitory leucopenia and thrombocytopenia; in the biochemical profiles were detected hyperglycemia, increase of creatinequinase enzyme (CK) and creatinequinase cardiac isoenzyme (CK-MB), hypokalemia and hypophosfatemia. In the macroscopic and histopathological findings were observed lesions characteristic of degenerative and ischemic processes in heart, kidneys, liver, brain and lungs. These changes may be auxiliary to the diagnosis of intoxication by SFAC in cats, when associated with clinical signs described for the species. Thus, the complete blood count with platelet count, serum glucose, enzymes CK and CK-MB isoenzyme, as well as the electrolytes potassium and phosphorus, can facilitate the laboratory diagnosis during intoxication by SFAC, associated with the pathological findings in the case of death of the intoxicated animal.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jia Liu ◽  
Zhe Wang ◽  
Dingyong Sun ◽  
Xiying Wang

UNSTRUCTURED The HIV epidemic imposes a heavy burden on societal development. Presently, the protection of susceptible populations is the most feasible method for eliminating the spread of HIV. Governments and other relevant industries are actively attempting to solve the problem. In view of the unavailability of biological vaccines, the best measures that can currently be applied are identification of HIV-infected persons and provision of treatment and behavioral intervention. This paper proposes a HIV digital vaccine strategy based on blockchain technology. In the proposed strategy, a decentralized surveillance network is jointly constructed using HIV high-risk individuals as application nodes and accredited testing agencies as authentication nodes. Following testing at the authentication nodes, the results are uploaded to the blockchain, which results in HIV high-risk individuals being able to determine the HIV infection status of each other in a convenient, anonymous, and credible manner. This reduces the occurrence of high-risk sexual behavior and effectively protects susceptible populations. The proposed strategy is a promising solution to prevent the spread of HIV. The performance of the decentralized surveillance network may lead to the restructuring of current government-funded infectious disease prevention and control modes that are centered on centers for disease control and prevention and hospitals to introduce revolutionary changes in public health systems globally.


Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 1470
Author(s):  
Ana García-Galán ◽  
Juan Seva ◽  
Ángel Gómez-Martín ◽  
Joaquín Ortega ◽  
Francisco Rodríguez ◽  
...  

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is an important viral and/or bacterial disease that mainly affects feedlot calves. The involvement of Mycoplasma bovis in BRD can lead to chronic pneumonia poorly responsive to antimicrobial treatment. Caseonecrotic bronchopneumonia is a pulmonary lesion typically associated with M. bovis. In Spain, M. bovis is widely distributed in the feedlots and circulating isolates are resistant to most antimicrobials in vitro. However, the role of this species in clinical respiratory disease of feedlot calves remains unknown. Furthermore, available data are relative to a fixed panel of antimicrobials commonly used to treat BRD, but not to the specific set of antimicrobials that have been used for treating each animal. This study examined 23 feedlot calves raised in southeast Spain (2016–2019) with clinical signs of respiratory disease unresponsive to treatment. The presence of M. bovis was investigated through bacteriology (culture and subsequent PCR), histopathology and immunohistochemistry. The pathogen was found in 86.9% (20/23) of the calves, mainly in the lungs (78.26%; 18/23). Immunohistochemistry revealed M. bovis antigens in 73.9% (17/23) of the calves in which caseonecrotic bronchopneumonia was the most frequent lesion (16/17). Minimum inhibitory concentration assays confirmed the resistance of a selection of 12 isolates to most of the antimicrobials specifically used for treating the animals in vivo. These results stress the importance of M. bovis in the BRD affecting feedlot calves in Spain.


Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 177
Author(s):  
Jutta Pikalo ◽  
Paul Deutschmann ◽  
Melina Fischer ◽  
Hanna Roszyk ◽  
Martin Beer ◽  
...  

African swine fever virus (ASFV) causes a hemorrhagic disease in pigs with high socio-economic consequences. To lower the impact of disease incursions, early detection is crucial. In the context of experimental animal trials, we evaluated diagnostic workflows for a high sample throughput in active surveillance, alternative sample matrices for passive surveillance, and lateral flow devices (LFD) for rapid testing. We could demonstrate that EDTA blood is significantly better suited for early ASFV detection than serum. Tissues recommended by the respective diagnostic manuals were in general comparable in their performance, with spleen samples giving best results. Superficial lymph nodes, ear punches, and different blood swabs were also evaluated as potential alternatives. In summary, all matrices yielded positive results at the peak of clinical signs and could be fit for purpose in passive surveillance. However, weaknesses were discovered for some matrices when it comes to the early phase of infection or recovery. The antigen LFD showed variable results with best performance in the clinical phase. The antibody LFD was quite comparable with ELISA systems. Concluding, alternative approaches are feasible but have to be embedded in control strategies selecting test methods and sample materials following a “fit-for-purpose” approach.


2018 ◽  
Vol 54 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-36
Author(s):  
Nikola Musiała ◽  
Iga Hołyńska-Iwan ◽  
Dorota Olszewska-Słonina

Cortisol, also called “the” stress hormone is a glucocorticoid secreted by the adrenal cortex. This hormone plays a significant role in maintaining homeostasis, according to the body’s total stress. Cortisol interferes with many organs, affects glucose and fatty acids metabolism and neurotransmitter secretion. Predominantly, cortisol influences the carbohydrate metabolism, stimulating gluconeogenesis in the liver and inhibiting glucose utilization in peripheral tissues. As it is an element “fight or flight” it also stimulates central nervous system and enhances blood flow. To some extent cortisol influences also the renal handling of electrolytes, namely: increasing sodium resorption, and renal excretion of potassium, calcium and phosphates. Through its anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive character this glucocorticoid modulates the immune system functioning. Cortisol has a circadian rhythm following ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) secretion. Increased cortisol levels are observed physiologically during stress and pathologically in Cushing’s syndrome. Chronic hypercortisolism is harmful or the body, and its effects present an extremely wide spectrum, including insulin resistance, obesity, insomnia and even depression. Thus, laboratory diagnosis of cortisol level is important for the diagnosis, monitoring and evaluate the effectiveness of hypercortisolism treatment.


Author(s):  
O.M. Stanishevskaya ◽  
◽  
M.A. Safronova ◽  
G.V. Bratko ◽  
I.Y. Efremova ◽  
...  

Disorders of hemostasis occupy an important place in the structure of vascular diseases and are one of the most frequent pathological conditions encountered in practical medicine. The hemostasis system is naturally the most vulnerable system of the body. Violations of its balance are found in a wide variety of physiological and pathological conditions of the body. It is not uncommon for the first debut of decompensation to lead to an ophthalmologist. In the practice of an ophthalmologist, there are diseases when it is necessary to pay close attention to thrombophilic conditions. Changes in the hemostatic system, affect a wide range of vascular diseases of the eyeball. Recognition of the type of thrombophilia and its timely laboratory diagnosis in patients with vascular diseases of the retina and optic nerve are important in achieving the best treatment results. Multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of vascular diseases of the eyeball and modern diagnostics, including the study of hemostasis, is necessary and relevant to achieve the best clinical and functional treatment result. Timely and correct orientation of patients in vascular pathology is extremely important due to the fact that concomitant systemic pathology can aggravate the course of the disease, therefore, the choice of treatment tactics for this category of patients should be carried out in conjunction with a therapist, cardiologist, hematologist and endocrinologist. Key words: hemostasis, thrombosis CVS, diabet, primary open-angle glaucoma thrombodynamica, cardiovascular pathology.


Livestock ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 300-308
Author(s):  
John Carr ◽  
Mark Howells ◽  
William Hersey

Skin conditions in pigs are common problems presented to the veterinary surgeon. A careful clinical examination, especially considering the age of the pig and the distribution of the lesions, all aids making an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Pain management is essential in clinical management. Sarcoptic mange is a condition that can be eliminated from pigs and should be considered a welfare problem. Ear necrosis and trauma injuries can be particularly problematic and must be treated aggressively. African swine fever (ASF) presents with a range of clinical signs including skin lesions, and all veterinary surgeons must be able to put ASF as a differential where appropriate.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Werner Solbach

Microorganisms constitute 70 percent of the biomass on Planet Earth. Comparatively few species are adapted to colonize human surfaces and form a complex Meta-Organism with manyfold mutual benefits. Occasionally, microorganisms may overcome the barriers of the skin and mucosal surfaces and may multiply locally or in multiple sites inside the body. This process is called infection. Infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, helminths, and fungi. Immediately after infection, numerous defense mechanisms of the immune system are activated to combat replication of the microbes. There is a balance between microorganism and human defense mechanisms, which may lead to either asymptomatic infection or result in a wide spectrum of symptoms from mild to severe disease and even death. The most important factors in the diagnosis of infectious diseases are a careful history, physical examination and the appropriate collection of body fluids and tissues. Laboratory diagnosis requires between 2 and 72 hours. Wherever possible, antibiotics should only be used when sufficient evidence of efficacy is available. Then, however, they should be used as early as possible and in high doses. In addition to everyday hygiene measures, vaccination is the most effective measure to prevent infectious diseases.


2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 48-54
Author(s):  
M. N. Chamurlieva ◽  
E. Yu. Loginova ◽  
T. V. Korotaeva

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a heterogeneous disease manifested by peripheral arthritis, dactylitis, spondylitis, and enthesitis. PsA is often undiagnosed by dermatovenerologists because of the difficulty in identifying a variety of clinical signs. The early diagnosis of PsA and the accurate assessment of all its symptoms are necessary for the timely choice of optimal therapy.Objective: to assess the detectability of clinical signs of PsA in patients with psoriasis in dermatological practice.Patients and methods. The investigation enrolled 103 patients (47 men and 56 women) (mean age, 44.0±13.7 years) with psoriasis (its mean duration, 10.7±10.2 years), the average prevalence and severity according to the Body Surface Area (BSA) and the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) were 9.3±13.6% and 15.4±12.5 scores, respectively. All the patients completed the Psoriasis Epidemiology Screening Tool (mPEST) and were examined by a dermatovenerologist and a rheumatologist. The diagnosis of PsA was based on the Classification Criteria for Psoriatic Arthritis (CASPAR). The investigators evaluated arthritis, dactylitis, enthesitis, and inflammatory back pain (IBP) according to the rheumatological standards: IBP by the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society (ASAS) criteria, and enthesitis by the Leeds Enthesitis Index (LEI).Results and discussion. Sixty-one (59.2%) of the 103 patients with psoriasis were found to have PsA on the basis of the CASPAR criteria and the rheumatologist's examination. The dermatovenerologist diagnosed arthritis in a significantly smaller number of cases than did the rheumatologist: in 15 (24.6%) and 35 (57.4%) of the 61 patients (p<0.001), respectively. The dermatovenerologist and the rheumatologist demonstrated no significant differences in their clinical evaluation of dactylitis: it was detected in 37 (60.7%) and 40 (65.6%) of the 61 patients, respectively (p=0.32). Based on patient complaints and mPEST findings, the dermatovenerologist recorded pain in the calcaneal region in 32 (52.5%) patients. The rheumatologist identified ulnar, knee, and calcaneus enthesitis in 11 (18%), 8 (13.1%), and 25 (41%) patients, respectively. Based on complaints and mPEST findings, the dermatovenerologist detected back pain in 30 (49.2%) of the 61 patients. The rheumatologist diagnosed IBP in 21 (70%) of these 30 patients and mechanical back pain in 9 (30%). Thus, IBP was noted in 34.4% of PsA patients. Tendonitis was undiagnosed by the dermatovenerologist; the rheumatologist identified wrist tendonitis in 13 (21.3%) of the 61 patients with PsA.Conclusion. Dermatovenerologists frequently underestimate damage to the spine and entheses in patients with psoriasis. The introduction of the ASAS criteria for IBP and methods for assessing enthesitis in dermatological practice can improve the early diagnosis of axial lesion in PsA in patients with psoriasis.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Kraus ◽  
Raz Khandadash ◽  
Raphael Hof ◽  
Abraham Nyska ◽  
Ekaterina Sigalov ◽  
...  

Sarah Nanoparticles (SaNPs) are unique multicore iron oxide-based nanoparticles, developed for the treatment of advanced cancer, following standard care, through the selective delivery of thermal energy to malignant cells upon exposure to an alternating magnetic field. For their therapeutic effect, SaNPs need to accumulate in the tumor. Since the potential accumulation and associated toxicity in normal tissues are an important risk consideration, biodistribution and toxicity were assessed in naïve BALB/c mice. Therapeutic efficacy and the effect on survival were investigated in the 4T1 murine model of metastatic breast cancer. Toxicity evaluation at various timepoints did not reveal any abnormal clinical signs, evidence of alterations in organ function, nor histopathologic adverse target organ toxicity, even after a follow up period of 25 weeks, confirming the safety of SaNP use. The biodistribution evaluation, following SaNP administration, indicated that SaNPs accumulate mainly in the liver and spleen. A comprehensive pharmacokinetics evaluation, demonstrated that the total percentage of SaNPs that accumulated in the blood and vital organs was ~78%, 46%, and 36% after 4, 13, and 25 weeks, respectively, suggesting a time-dependent clearance from the body. Efficacy studies in mice bearing 4T1 metastatic tumors revealed a 49.6% and 70% reduction in the number of lung metastases and their relative size, respectively, in treated vs. control mice, accompanied by a decrease in tumor cell viability in response to treatment. Moreover, SaNP treatment followed by alternating magnetic field exposure significantly improved the survival rate of treated mice compared to the controls. The median survival time was 29 ± 3.8 days in the treated group vs. 21.6 ± 4.9 days in the control, p-value 0.029. These assessments open new avenues for generating SaNPs and alternating magnetic field application as a potential novel therapeutic modality for metastatic cancer patients.


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