scholarly journals An Official Outbreak Investigation of Acute Haemorrhagic Diarrhoea in Dogs in Norway Points to Providencia alcalifaciens as a Likely Cause

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 3201
Author(s):  
Hannah Joan Jørgensen ◽  
Mette Valheim ◽  
Camilla Sekse ◽  
Bjarne Asbjørn Bergsjø ◽  
Helene Wisløff ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diagnostic Testing ◽  
Epidemiological Data ◽  
Common Point ◽  
Outbreak Investigation ◽  
Pathogenic Potential ◽  
Common Cause ◽  
Providencia Alcalifaciens ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
Haemorrhagic Diarrhoea ◽  
Diagnostic Investigations

An outbreak investigation was initiated in September 2019, following a notification to the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (NFSA) of an unusually high number of dogs with acute haemorrhagic diarrhoea (AHD) in Oslo. Diagnostic testing by reporting veterinarians had not detected a cause. The official investigation sought to identify a possible common cause, the extent of the outbreak and prevent spread. Epidemiological data were collected through a survey to veterinarians and interviews with dog owners. Diagnostic investigations included necropsies and microbiological, parasitological and toxicological analysis of faecal samples and food. In total, 511 dogs with acute haemorrhagic diarrhoea were registered between 1 August and 1 October. Results indicated a common point source for affected dogs, but were inconclusive with regard to common exposures. A notable finding was that 134 of 325 faecal samples (41%) cultured positive for Providencia alcalifaciens. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) of 75 P. alcalifaciens isolates from 73 dogs revealed that strains from 51 dogs belonged to the same WGS clone. Findings point to P. alcalifaciens as implicated in the outbreak, but investigations are needed to reveal the pathogenic potential of P. alcalifaciens in dogs and its epidemiology.

scholarly journals Identification and complete genome characterization of a novel picornavirus in turkey (Meleagris gallopavo)

2012 ◽  
Vol 93 (10) ◽  
pp. 2171-2182 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ákos Boros ◽  
Csaba Nemes ◽  
Péter Pankovics ◽  
Beatrix Kapusinszky ◽  
Eric Delwart ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acid ◽  
Complete Genome ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Entry Site ◽  
Pathogenic Potential ◽  
Genome Characterization ◽  
Genome Region ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
The Usa

Members of the family Picornaviridae are important pathogens of humans and animals, although compared with the thousands of known bird species (>10 000), only a few (n = 11) picornaviruses have been identified from avian sources. This study reports the metagenomic detection and complete genome characterization of a novel turkey picornavirus from faecal samples collected from eight turkey farms in Hungary. Using RT-PCR, both healthy (two of three) and affected (seven of eight) commercial turkeys with enteric and/or stunting syndrome were shown to be shedding viruses in seven (88 %) of the eight farms. The viral genome sequence (turkey/M176/2011/HUN; GenBank accession no. JQ691613) shows a high degree of amino acid sequence identity (96 %) to the partial P3 genome region of a picornavirus reported recently in turkey and chickens from the USA and probably belongs to the same species. In the P1 and P2 regions, turkey/M176/2011/HUN is related most closely to, but distinct from, the kobuviruses and turdivirus 1. Complete genome analysis revealed the presence of characteristic picornaviral amino acid motifs, a potential type II-like 5′ UTR internal ribosome entry site (first identified among avian-origin picornaviruses) and a conserved, 48 nt long ‘barbell-like’ structure found at the 3′ UTR of turkey/M176/2011/HUN and members of the picornavirus genera Avihepatovirus and Kobuvirus. The general presence of turkey picornavirus – a novel picornavirus species – in faecal samples from healthy and affected turkeys in Hungary and in the USA suggests the worldwide occurrence and endemic circulation of this virus in turkey farms. Further studies are needed to investigate the aetiological role and pathogenic potential of this picornavirus in food animals.

Eimeria species in cattle with diarrhoea in the Republic of Korea regarding age, season and nature of diarrhoea

2018 ◽  
Vol 183 (16) ◽  
pp. 504-504 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seung-Hun Lee ◽  
Ha-Young Kim ◽  
Haeseung Lee ◽  
Jong Wan Kim ◽  
Yu-Ran Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Analysis ◽  
Eimeria Species ◽  
Republic Of Korea ◽  
Lower Prevalence ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
The Republic ◽  
Haemorrhagic Diarrhoea

This study evaluated the prevalence of Eimeria species, particularly E bovis, E zuernii and E auburnensis that are pathogenic to cattle, in faecal samples collected from cattle with diarrhoea reared in the Republic of Korea by using microscopy and PCR. In addition, the prevalence of Eimeria species was analysed according to age, type of cattle, region, season and nature of diarrhoea. Overall, Eimeria species were identified in 279 of the 1261 (22.1 per cent) faecal samples through microscopy, and statistical analysis revealed a lower prevalence in calves aged than three weeks or less and higher prevalence in cattle with haemorrhagic diarrhoea. Of the 279 microscopy-positive samples, E bovis, E zuernii and E auburnensis were identified in 100 (7.9 per cent), 83 (6.6 per cent) and 27 (2.1 per cent) faecal samples, respectively, by using PCR. To the authors' knowledge, this study is the first to apply PCR for epizootiology of bovine coccidiosis.

scholarly journals Isolation of the anaerobic intestinal spirochaete Brachyspira pilosicoli from long-term residents and Indonesian visitors to Perth, Western Australia

2009 ◽  
Vol 58 (2) ◽  
pp. 248-252 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Rini Margawani ◽  
Ian D. Robertson ◽  
David J. Hampson
Keyword(s):  
Western Australia ◽  
Gastrointestinal Disease ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Pathogenic Potential ◽  
Brachyspira Pilosicoli ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
History Of ◽  
The City ◽  
Culture Positive

Brachyspira pilosicoli is an anaerobic spirochaete that colonizes the large intestine of humans and various species of animals and birds. The spirochaete is an important enteric pathogen of pigs and poultry, but its pathogenic potential in humans is less clear. In the current study, the occurrence of B. pilosicoli in faecal samples from 766 individuals in two different population groups in Perth, Western Australia, was investigated by selective anaerobic culture. Of 586 individuals who were long-term residents of Perth, including children, elderly patients in care and in hospital and individuals with gastrointestinal disease, only one was culture positive. This person had a history of diverticulitis. In comparison, faeces from 17 of 180 (9.4 %) Indonesians who were short- or medium-term visitors to Perth were positive for B. pilosicoli. The culture-positive individuals had been in the city for between 10 days and 4.5 years (median 5 months). Resampling of subsets of the Indonesians indicated that all negative people remained negative and that some positive individuals remained positive after 5 months. Two individuals had pairs of isolates recovered after 4 and 5 months that had the same PFGE types, whilst another individual had isolates with two different PFGE types that were identified 2 months apart. Individuals who were culture-positive were likely to have been either colonized in Indonesia before arriving in Perth or infected in Perth following contact with other culture-positive Indonesians with whom they socialized. Colonization with B. pilosicoli was not significantly associated with clinical signs at the time the individuals were tested, although faeces with wet-clay consistency were 1.5 times more likely (confidence interval 0.55–4.6) than normal faeces to contain B. pilosicoli.

scholarly journals Multicenter Evaluation of the Xpert Norovirus Assay for Detection of Norovirus Genogroups I and II in Fecal Specimens

2015 ◽  
Vol 54 (1) ◽  
pp. 142-147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark D. Gonzalez ◽  
L. Claire Langley ◽  
Blake W. Buchan ◽  
Matthew L. Faron ◽  
Melanie Maier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gold Standard ◽  
Infection Prevention ◽  
Diagnostic Testing ◽  
Reference Method ◽  
Rapid Identification ◽  
Prevention Measures ◽  
Predictive Values ◽  
Common Cause ◽  
Percent Agreement ◽  
Control And Prevention

Norovirus is the most common cause of sporadic gastroenteritis and outbreaks worldwide. The rapid identification of norovirus has important implications for infection prevention measures and may reduce the need for additional diagnostic testing. The Xpert Norovirus assay recently received FDA clearance for the detection and differentiation of norovirus genogroups I and II (GI and GII), which account for the vast majority of infections. In this study, we evaluated the performance of the Xpert Norovirus assay with both fresh, prospectively collected (n= 914) and frozen, archived (n= 489) fecal specimens. A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) composite reference method was used as the gold standard for comparison. For both prospective and frozen specimens, the Xpert Norovirus assay showed positive percent agreement (PPA) and negative percent agreement (NPA) values of 98.3% and 98.1% for GI and of 99.4% and 98.2% for GII, respectively. Norovirus prevalence in the prospective specimens (collected from March to May of 2014) was 9.9% (n= 90), with the majority of positives caused by genogroup II (82%,n= 74). The positive predictive value (PPV) of the Xpert Norovirus assay was 75% for GI-positive specimens, whereas it was 86.5% for GII-positive specimens. The negative predictive values (NPV) for GI and GII were 100% and 99.9%, respectively.

scholarly journals Design of the EPIGENEC Study: Assessing the EPIdemiology and GENetics of Escherichia coli in the Netherlands

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Denise van Hout ◽  
Tess D. Verschuuren ◽  
Patricia C.J. Bruijning-Verhagen ◽  
Thijs Bosch ◽  
E. Ascelijn Reuland ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
The Netherlands ◽  
Molecular Epidemiology ◽  
Epidemiological Data ◽  
Invasive Disease ◽  
Community Based ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
Faecal Carriage ◽  
Population Structures ◽  
Hospital Acquired

Background: Infections caused by E. coli cause considerable disease burden and range from frequently occurring and relatively innocent urinary tract infection (UTI) to severe bloodstream infection (BSI). The incidence of infections caused by ESBL-producing E. coli (ESBL-PEc) is increasing, justifying surveillance and development of preventive strategies in several domains. Faecal carriage is universal and believed to be the most important reservoir for E. coli from which infections can originate. It is currently unknown to what extent Dutch E. coli carriage strains in the community reflect isolates causing disease. In this study, we will perform comparative genomics to infer the population structures of human-derived ESBL-PEc from community- and hospital-acquired infections and from community-based faecal carriage samples in the Netherlands. Furthermore, we will describe the molecular epidemiology of E. coli isolates causing invasive disease (BSI). Methods: This study uses four different microbiological data sources: 1) ESBL-PEc from patients with community-acquired UTI tested in primary care between May and November 2017, 2) ESBL-PEc from urine cultures obtained from patients hospitalized between January 2014 and December 2016, 3) E. coli from blood cultures obtained from patients hospitalized between January 2014 and December 2016, and 4) ESBL-PEc from faecal samples collected in a national population- prevalence study performed between January 2014 and January 2017. Clinical epidemiological data was collected from all patients and all isolates were subjected to whole genome sequencing. Discussion: The EPIGENEC study (EPIdemiology and GENetics of E. coli) will describe the molecular epidemiology of E. coli BSI and assess the genomic population structure of ESBL-PEc strains from community-acquired and nosocomial infections, and of ESBL-PEc reflecting community-based faecal carriage. Information from these studies may assist in optimizing surveillance strategies and determining targets and potential impact of future new preventive measures.

scholarly journals Seoul Virus Infection and Spread in United States Home-Based Ratteries: Rat and Human Testing Results From a Multistate Outbreak Investigation

2020 ◽  
Vol 222 (8) ◽  
pp. 1311-1319
Author(s):  
Barbara Knust ◽  
Shelley Brown ◽  
Annabelle de St. Maurice ◽  
Shannon Whitmer ◽  
Sarah E Koske ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diagnostic Testing ◽  
Pcr Primers ◽  
Outbreak Investigation ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Recent Infection ◽  
Seoul Virus ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Health Community ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Ig G

Abstract Background During 2017, a multistate outbreak investigation occurred after the confirmation of Seoul virus (SEOV) infections in people and pet rats. A total of 147 humans and 897 rats were tested. Methods In addition to immunoglobulin (Ig)G and IgM serology and traditional reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), novel quantitative RT-PCR primers/probe were developed, and whole genome sequencing was performed. Results Seventeen people had SEOV IgM, indicating recent infection; 7 reported symptoms and 3 were hospitalized. All patients recovered. Thirty-one facilities in 11 US states had SEOV infection, and among those with ≥10 rats tested, rat IgG prevalence ranged 2%–70% and SEOV RT-PCR positivity ranged 0%–70%. Human laboratory-confirmed cases were significantly associated with rat IgG positivity and RT-PCR positivity (P = .03 and P = .006, respectively). Genomic sequencing identified >99.5% homology between SEOV sequences in this outbreak, and these were >99% identical to SEOV associated with previous pet rat infections in England, the Netherlands, and France. Frequent trade of rats between home-based ratteries contributed to transmission of SEOV between facilities. Conclusions Pet rat owners, breeders, and the healthcare and public health community should be aware and take steps to prevent SEOV transmission in pet rats and to humans. Biosecurity measures and diagnostic testing can prevent further infections.

Characteristics of Fingertip Injuries in Children in Singapore

Hand Surgery ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (03) ◽  
pp. 410-414 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mala Satku ◽  
Mark Edward Puhaindran ◽  
Alphonsus Khin Sze Chong
Keyword(s):  
Surgical Treatment ◽  
Epidemiological Data ◽  
Common Cause ◽  
Left Hand ◽  
Number Of Children ◽  
Safety Awareness ◽  
Crush Injuries ◽  
Treatment Safety ◽  
Degrees Of Severity ◽  
Epidemiological Information

Fingertip injuries are common in children, with varying degrees of severity. However, there is limited epidemiological information in the literature. An understanding of the characteristics of these injuries can be used as a basis to prevent such injuries. Epidemiological data was gathered through a retrospective review of all fingertip injuries affecting children, that presented to our department. There were 202 children with 234 injured fingertips in a period of 36 months. Most children were boys and most children injured their left hand. The mode age affected was 2 years. Accidental crush injuries in doors was the most common cause of fingertip injuries in children. An unexpectedly high number of children have fingertip injuries, with many requiring surgical treatment. Safety awareness and prevention of door crush injuries could reduce a large number of fingertip injuries in young children.

scholarly journals Prevalence of echinococcosis in humans, livestock and dogs in northern Italy

2011 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 59-66 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Manfredi ◽  
A. Cerbo ◽  
S. Zanzani ◽  
A. Moriggia ◽  
D. Fattori ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cystic Echinococcosis ◽  
Southern Italy ◽  
Epidemiological Data ◽  
National Registry ◽  
Northern Italy ◽  
Total Hospital ◽  
Lombardy Region ◽  
Total Hospital Stay ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
Hospital Discharge Records

AbstractThe presence of Echinococcus sp. cysts was investigated in 822 sheep, 123 goats and 112,521 cattle from Lombardy region, North Italy. Faecal samples from 40 sheepdogs were also analyzed, with 9 samples containing taeniid eggs (22.5 %), 8 samples being coproantigen-positive (20 %), and one dog from a northern province (Lecco) positively confirmed by PCR. Cystic Echinococcosis (CE) was detected in 0.36 % of sheep and in 0.29 % of cattle in 2004. No goat resulted to be infected. Data from CE patients treated in Lombardy were collected by inspecting hospital discharge records. In 2004, 156 CE-related admissions (62 % male and 38 % female) were reported in Lombardy. Total hospital stay was 1,372 days (1,286 for inpatients, 86 for outpatients). Most patients (72.4 %) were residents in Lombardy and 1.9 % were from Piedmont; the remaining patients were from central and southern Italy. According to acquired data CE resulted hypoendemic in animals in Lombardy. Prevalence rates in humans were higher than expected in this region, usually considered as non-endemic. Assessment of the prevalence of CE in humans remains a difficult, costly, time-consuming and labourintensive task. The present study suggests establishing a National Registry of Cystic Echinococcosis with the aim to highlight regional risk factors and to benefit from its matching both clinical and epidemiological data.

scholarly journals Clinical Predictors of Influenza in Young Children: The Limitations of “Influenza-Like Illness”

2012 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas T. Conway ◽  
Zoe V. Wake ◽  
Peter C. Richmond ◽  
David W. Smith ◽  
Anthony D. Keil ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young Children ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Influenza Infection ◽  
Diagnostic Testing ◽  
Epidemiological Data ◽  
Influenza Surveillance ◽  
Surveillance Systems ◽  
Clinical Predictors ◽  
Influenza Like Illness ◽  
Control And Prevention

Abstract Background Influenza-like illness (ILI) definitions have been infrequently studied in young children. Despite this, clinical definitions of ILI play an important role in influenza surveillance. This study aims to identify clinical predictors of influenza infection in children ≤5 years old from which age-specific ILI definitions are then constructed. Methods Children aged 6–59 months with a history of fever and acute respiratory symptoms were recruited in the Western Australia Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness (WAIVE) Study. Clinical data and per-nasal specimens were obtained from all children. Logistic regression identified significant predictors of influenza infection. Different ILI definitions were compared for diagnostic accuracy. Results Children were recruited from 2 winter influenza seasons (2008–2009; n = 944). Of 919 eligible children, 179 (19.5%) had laboratory-confirmed influenza infection. Predictors of infection included increasing age, lack of influenza vaccination, lower birth weight, fever, cough, and absence of wheeze. An ILI definition comprising fever ≥38°C, cough, and no wheeze had 58% sensitivity (95% confidence interval [CI], 50–66), 60% specificity (95% CI, 56–64), 26% positive predictive value (95% CI, 21–31), and 86% negative predictive value (95% CI, 82–89). The addition of other symptoms or higher fever thresholds to ILI definition had little impact. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention definition of ILI (presence of fever [≥37.8°C] and cough and/or sore throat) was sensitive (92%; 95% CI, 86–95), yet lacked specificity (10%; 95% CI, 8–13) in this population. Conclusions Influenza-like illness is a poor predictor of laboratory-confirmed influenza infection in young children but can be improved using age-specific data. Incorporating age-specific ILI definitions and/or diagnostic testing into influenza surveillance systems will improve the accuracy of epidemiological data.

Campylobacter concisus and exotoxin 9 levels in paediatric patients with Crohn’s disease and their association with the intestinal microbiota

2014 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
pp. 99-105 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadeem O. Kaakoush ◽  
Natalia Castaño-Rodríguez ◽  
Andrew S. Day ◽  
Daniel A. Lemberg ◽  
Steven T. Leach ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Crohn’S Disease ◽  
Crohn's Disease ◽  
Intestinal Microbiota ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Virulence Determinants ◽  
Pathogenic Potential ◽  
Campylobacter Concisus ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
Intestinal Microbial Flora

There is mounting evidence for a possible role for Campylobacter concisus in Crohn’s disease (CD). However, the pathogenic potential of C. concisus remains disputed due to its presence in healthy subjects. It is documented that genetic diversity exists within this species, with some strains possessing putative virulence determinants such as exotoxin 9/DnaI that may enable them to persist intracellularly in host cells. In order to clarify this, we employed real-time PCR to determine C. concisus and exotoxin 9 levels within faecal samples of CD patients and healthy controls, and correlated these levels with abundances of microbial taxa identified in a subset of subjects. Both C. concisus and exotoxin 9 levels were found to be higher in CD patients than healthy controls, suggesting not only that CD patients had a greater abundance of C. concisus but also that their strains were likely to be more virulent. Moreover, C. concisus levels correlated with the exotoxin 9 levels in CD patients but not in healthy controls, indicating that healthy controls were colonized by non-virulent C. concisus strains. Correlations with the intestinal microbiota found C. concisus levels to correlate with Eubacterium, Subdoligranulum and Blautia, while exotoxin 9 levels correlated with Dialister, Oscillospira, Lachnospira and Prevotella. This suggests that either the composition of the intestinal microbial flora has the ability to influence levels of both virulent and non-virulent C. concisus strains, or infection with C. concisus may modulate the levels of specific bacterial taxa within the gastrointestinal tract.

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