scholarly journals Genomic Epidemiology and Heterogeneity of SRLV in Italy from 1998 to 2019

Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 2338
Author(s):  
Moira Bazzucchi ◽  
Ilaria Pierini ◽  
Paola Gobbi ◽  
Silvia Pirani ◽  
Claudia Torresi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Genetic Background ◽  
Small Ruminant ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Genomic Variants ◽  
Genomic Epidemiology ◽  
Farm Production ◽  
Italian Regions

Small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLV) are viruses that retro-transcribe RNA to DNA and show high rates of genetic variability. SRLV affect animals with strains specific for each host species (sheep or goats), resulting in a series of clinical manifestations depending on the virulence of the strain, the host’s genetic background and farm production system. The aim of this work was to present an up-to-date overview of the genomic epidemiology and genetic diversity of SRLV in Italy over time (1998–2019). In this study, we investigated 219 SRLV samples collected from 17 different Italian regions in 178 geographically distinct herds by CEREL. Our genetic study was based on partial sequencing of the gag-pol gene (800 bp) and phylogenetic analysis. We identified new subtypes with high heterogeneity, new clusters and recombinant forms. The genetic diversity of Italian SRLV strains may have diagnostic and immunological implications that affect the performance of diagnostic tools. Therefore, it is extremely important to increase the control of genomic variants to improve the control measures.

scholarly journals One Health Approach to Leishmaniases: Understanding the Disease Dynamics through Diagnostic Tools

Pathogens ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 809 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahyun Hong ◽  
Ricardo Andrade Zampieri ◽  
Jeffrey Jon Shaw ◽  
Lucile Maria Floeter-Winter ◽  
Maria Fernanda Laranjeira-Silva
Keyword(s):  
One Health ◽  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Sand Fly ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Self Healing ◽  
Animal Reservoir ◽  
Vector Borne Diseases ◽  
Vector Borne

Leishmaniases are zoonotic vector-borne diseases caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania that affect millions of people around the globe. There are various clinical manifestations, ranging from self-healing cutaneous lesions to potentially fatal visceral leishmaniasis, all of which are associated with different Leishmania species. Transmission of these parasites is complex due to the varying ecological relationships between human and/or animal reservoir hosts, parasites, and sand fly vectors. Moreover, vector-borne diseases like leishmaniases are intricately linked to environmental changes and socioeconomic risk factors, advocating the importance of the One Health approach to control these diseases. The development of an accurate, fast, and cost-effective diagnostic tool for leishmaniases is a priority, and the implementation of various control measures such as animal sentinel surveillance systems is needed to better detect, prevent, and respond to the (re-)emergence of leishmaniases.

scholarly journals A systematic review of historical and current trends in Chagas disease

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 204993612110337
Author(s):  
Diego-Abelardo Álvarez-Hernández ◽  
Rodolfo García-Rodríguez-Arana ◽  
Alejandro Ortiz-Hernández ◽  
Mariana Álvarez-Sánchez ◽  
Meng Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Chagas Disease ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Human Case ◽  
Acute Stage ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Chronic Stage ◽  
Pubmed Database ◽  
Trypanocidal Drugs

Introduction: Chagas disease (CD) is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi. When acquired, the disease develops in stages. For diagnosis, laboratory confirmation is required, and an extensive assessment of the patient’s health should be performed. Treatment consists of the administration of trypanocidal drugs, which may cause severe adverse effects. The objective of our systematic review was to analyze data contained in the CD published case reports to understand the challenges that patients and clinicians face worldwide. Materials and methods: We performed a systematic review following the PRISMA guidance. PubMed database was explored using the terms ‘American trypanosomiasis’ or ‘Chagas disease’. Results were limited to human case reports written in English or Spanish. A total of 258 reports (322 patients) were included in the analysis. Metadata was obtained from each article. Following this, it was analyzed to obtain descriptive measures. Results: From the sample, 56.2% were males and 43.8% were females. Most cases were from endemic countries (85.4%). The most common clinical manifestations were fever during the acute stage (70.0%), dyspnea during the chronic stage in its cardiac form (53.7%), and constipation during the chronic stage in its digestive form (73.7%). Most patients were diagnosed in the chronic stage (72.0%). Treatment was administered in 56.2% of cases. The mortality rate for the acute stage cases was 24.4%, while for the chronic stage this was 28.4%. Discussion: CD is a parasitic disease endemic to Latin America, with increasing importance due to human and vector migration. In this review, we report reasons for delays in diagnosis and treatment, and trends in medical practices. Community awareness must be increased to improve CD’s diagnoses; health professionals should be appropriately trained to detect and treat infected individuals. Furthermore, public health policies are needed to increase the availability of screening and diagnostic tools, trypanocidal drugs, and, eventually, vaccines.

scholarly journals Can Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnosis Be Parameterized and Standardized? A Narrative Review

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 177
Author(s):  
Luís Carlos Matos ◽  
Jorge Pereira Machado ◽  
Fernando Jorge Monteiro ◽  
Henry Johannes Greten
Keyword(s):  
Chinese Medicine ◽  
Traditional Chinese Medicine ◽  
Functional Status ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Systematic Evaluation ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Functional Evaluation ◽  
Diagnostic Systems ◽  
Mechanical Pulse ◽  
Proof Of Efficacy

The integration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in Western health systems and research requires a rational communicable theory, scientific proof of efficacy and safety, and quality control measures. The existence of clear definitions and the diagnosis standardization are critical factors to establish the patient’s vegetative functional status accurately and, therefore, systematically apply TCM therapeutics such as the stimulation of reflex skin areas known as acupoints. This science-based conceptualization entails using validated methods, or even developing new systems able to parameterize the diagnosis and assess TCM related effects by objective measurements. Traditionally, tongue and pulse diagnosis and the functional evaluation of action points by pressure sensitivity and physical examination may be regarded as essential diagnostic tools. Parameterizing these techniques is a future key point in the objectification of TCM diagnosis, such as by electronic digital image analysis, mechanical pulse diagnostic systems, or the systematic evaluation of acupoints’ electrophysiology. This review aims to demonstrate and critically analyze some achievements and limitations in the clinical application of device-assisted TCM diagnosis systems to evaluate functional physiological patterns. Despite some limitations, tongue, pulse, and electrophysiological diagnosis devices have been reported as a useful tool while establishing a person’s functional status.

scholarly journals Current diagnostic tools and management modalities of Nocardia keratitis

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Soleimani ◽  
Ahmad Masoumi ◽  
Sadegh Khodavaisy ◽  
Mostafa Heidari ◽  
Ali A. Haydar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Trauma Surgery ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Topical Steroid ◽  
Nocardia Asteroides ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Contact Lens Wear ◽  
Drug Of Choice ◽  
Good Visual Acuity ◽  
Lens Wear

AbstractNocardia species are an uncommon but important cause of keratitis. The purpose of this review is to discus previous published papers relation to the epidemiology, etiology, diagnosis and management of Nocardia keratitis. Nocardia asteroides is the most frequently reported from Nocardia keratitis. Pain, photophobia, blepharospasm and lid swelling are mainly clinical manifestations. Usual risk factors for Nocardia keratitis are trauma, surgery, corticosteroids, and contact lens wear. Several antibiotics were used for treatment of Nocardia infection but according to studies, topical amikacin is the drug of choice for Nocardia keratitis. Topical steroid should not prescribe in these patients. In conclusion, although Nocardia keratitis is rare, early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent any scar formation and preserve a good visual acuity.

scholarly journals Genetic diversity of small-ruminant lentiviruses: characterization of Norwegian isolates of Caprine arthritis encephalitis virus

2006 ◽  
Vol 87 (3) ◽  
pp. 573-580 ◽  
Author(s):  
Britt Gjerset ◽  
Anne K. Storset ◽  
Espen Rimstad
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Small Ruminant ◽  
Genomic Sequence ◽  
Sequence Divergence ◽  
Encephalitis Virus ◽  
Surface Glycoprotein ◽  
Group Designation ◽  
Variable Regions ◽  
Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis Virus ◽  
Small Ruminant Lentiviruses

Small-ruminant lentiviruses (SRLVs), including Caprine arthritis encephalitis virus (CAEV) in goats and maedi-visna virus (MVV) in sheep, are lentiviruses that, despite overall similarities, show considerable genetic variation in regions of the SRLV genome. To gain further knowledge about the genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships among field isolates of SRLVs occurring in geographically distinct areas, the full-length genomic sequence of a CAEV isolate (CAEV-1GA) and partial env sequences obtained from Norwegian CAEV-infected goats were determined. The genome of CAEV-1GA consisted of 8919 bp. Alignment studies indicated significant diversity from published SRLV sequences. Deletions and hypervariability in the 5′ part of the env gene have implications for the size of the proposed CAEV-1GA Rev protein and the encoded surface glycoprotein (SU). The variable regions in the C-terminal part of SU obtained from Norwegian CAEV isolates demonstrate higher sequence divergence than has been described previously for SRLVs. Phylogenetic analysis based on SU sequences gives further support for a unique group designation. The results described here reveal a distant genetic relationship between Norwegian CAEV and other SRLVs and demonstrate that there is more geographical heterogeneity among SRLVs than reported previously.

scholarly journals Dissecting autism and schizophrenia through neuroimaging genomics

Brain ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clara A Moreau ◽  
Armin Raznahan ◽  
Pierre Bellec ◽  
Mallar Chakravarty ◽  
Paul M Thompson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Psychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Case Control ◽  
Effect Sizes ◽  
Case Control Studies ◽  
Top Down ◽  
Bottom Up ◽  
Genomic Variants

Abstract Neuroimaging genomic studies of autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia have mainly adopted a ‘top-down’ approach, starting with the behavioural diagnosis, and moving down to intermediate brain phenotypes and underlying genetic factors. Advances in imaging and genomics have been successfully applied to increasingly large case-control studies. As opposed to diagnostic-first approaches, the bottom-up strategy starts at the level of molecular factors enabling the study of mechanisms related to biological risk, irrespective of diagnoses or clinical manifestations. The latter strategy has emerged from questions raised by top-down studies: Why are mutations and brain phenotypes over-represented in individuals with a psychiatric diagnosis? Are they related to core symptoms of the disease or to comorbidities? Why are mutations and brain phenotypes associated with several psychiatric diagnoses? Do they impact a single dimension contributing to all diagnoses? In the review, we aimed at summarizing imaging genomic findings in autism and schizophrenia as well as neuropsychiatric variants associated with these conditions. Top-down studies of autism and schizophrenia identified patterns of neuroimaging alterations with small effect-sizes and an extreme polygenic architecture. Genomic variants and neuroimaging patterns are shared across diagnostic categories suggesting pleiotropic mechanisms at the molecular and brain network levels. Although the field is gaining traction; characterizing increasingly reproducible results, it is unlikely that top-down approaches alone will be able to disentangle mechanisms involved in autism or schizophrenia. In stark contrast with top-down approaches, bottom-up studies showed that the effect-sizes of high-risk neuropsychiatric mutations are equally large for neuroimaging and behavioural traits. Low specificity has been perplexing with studies showing that broad classes of genomic variants affect a similar range of behavioral and cognitive dimensions, which may be consistent with the highly polygenic architecture of psychiatric conditions. The surprisingly discordant effect sizes observed between genetic and diagnostic first approaches underscore the necessity to decompose the heterogeneity hindering case-control studies in idiopathic conditions. We propose a systematic investigation across a broad spectrum of neuropsychiatric variants to identify putative latent dimensions underlying idiopathic conditions. Gene expression data on temporal, spatial and cell type organization in the brain have also considerable potential for parsing the mechanisms contributing to these dimensions phenotypes. While large neuroimaging genomic datasets are now available in unselected populations, there is an urgent need for data on individuals with a range of psychiatric symptoms and high-risk genomic variants. Such efforts together with more standardized methods will improve mechanistically informed predictive modeling for diagnosis and clinical outcomes.

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Two Tertiary-Care Centers in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

2001 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 211-216 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tariq A. Madani ◽  
Nabeela A. Al-Abdullah ◽  
Ali A. Al-Sanousi ◽  
Tawfik M. Ghabrah ◽  
Shadia Z. Afandi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Staphylococcus Aureus ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Total Mortality ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Methicillin Resistant ◽  
Mrsa Infection ◽  
Tertiary Care Hospitals

AbstractObjective:To review clinical experience with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in tertiary-care hospitals in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.Design:Retrospective review for the year 1998.Setting:Two tertiary-care hospitals.Methods:Results of MRSA-positive cultures of clinical specimens obtained as part of investigations for suspected infections were retrieved from the microbiology laboratories' records. Charts of patients were reviewed, with standardized data collection.Results:Of 673 S aureus isolates identified, 222 (33%, or 6.8 isolates/1,000 admissions) were MRSA Overall MRSA prevalence was 2% in 1988. Nosocomial acquisition occurred in 84.2% of cases. All age groups were affected, and 52% of patients had at least one comorbidity. MRSA prevalence was highest in the intensive care units (26.6% of all isolates), the medical wards (24.8%), and the surgical wards (19.8%). Seventy-three percent of isolates caused infection; the rest represented colonization. Surgical wounds (35.2%), the chest (29%), and central venous catheters (13%) were the most common sites of infection. Bacteremia occurred in 15.4% of patients. Local signs (84%) and fever (75.9%) were the most common clinical manifestations. Respiratory distress and septic shock occurred in 30.2% and 13.6% of cases, respectively. Of 162 patients with MRSA infection and 60 patients with MRSA colonization, 95.7% and 70% received antibiotics in the preceding 6 weeks, respectively (P<.0001). The total mortality of patients with MRSA infection was 53.7%: 36.4% as a result of MRSA infection and 17.3% as a result of other causes.Conclusions:The prevalence of MRSA is high and rapidly increasing in the two hospitals, as it is worldwide. Control measures to prevent die spread of MRSA in hospitals should continue, with reinforcement of hygienic precautions and development of policies to restrict the use of antibiotics.

scholarly journals Aflatoxins: A Brief Review of their Chemical Properties, Toxicological Effects and Control Measures

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 43-46
Author(s):  
Eloiza Sarmento Amoras ◽  
Anderson Luiz Pena Costa
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Food Poisoning ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Toxicological Effects ◽  
Vegetable Foods ◽  
And Control

Aflatoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by the fungi of the genus Aspergillus. These substances cause food poisoning with clinical manifestations that vary according to the time of exposure and concentration of the dose ingested, representing a serious public health problem for compromising the food security, also causing considerable economic losses both in the production of stocked vegetable foods, as well as in the livestock contaminated with these substances through the feed. Therefore, this literature review aims to introduce some aspects related to the contamination of food by the fungi of the genus Aspergillus, the chemical and toxicological properties of the aflatoxins, as well as the strategies of control to avoid them in food.

Infections due to Mycobacterium leprae and Nontuberculous Mycobacteria

2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael K Leonard Jr ◽  
Henry M Blumberg ◽  
Carlos Franco-Paredes
Keyword(s):  
Nontuberculous Mycobacteria ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Mycobacterium Leprae ◽  
Lepromatous Leprosy ◽  
Molecular Diagnostic ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Human Pathogens ◽  
Mycobacterial Infections ◽  
Rapidly Growing Mycobacteria ◽  
Treatment Regimens

Mycobacterium leprae infection (i.e., leprosy) is a disease that has been recognized—and often misunderstood—since ancient times. The emergence of HIV/AIDS and the development of newer culture methodologies and molecular diagnostic tools have brought about increased interest in the epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of human infections from nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). More than 140 species of NTM have been identified; approximately 50 of these may be pathogenic for humans, causing a broad spectrum of disease. This chapter covers both M. leprae and selected NTM organisms, including M. avium complex; M. kansasii; M. marinum; and rapidly growing mycobacteria such as M. chelonae, M. fortuitum, and M. abscessus. The section on leprosy encompasses subsections on diagnosis, clinical manifestations and classification, laboratory studies, treatment, and leprosy reactions. Treatments for nontuberculous mycobacteria infections are also covered. Figures include a natural history of leprosy, tuberculoid leprosy, lepromatous leprosy, and various forms of borderline leprosy, as well as type 1 and type 2 leprosy reaction. Tables include the Ridley-Jopling classification of leprosy, recommendations for treatment of leprosy, clinical characteristics and treatment of leprosy, major clinical syndromes associated with nontuberculous mycobacterial infections, diagnosing nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease, a listing of slow and rapidly growing mycobacteria that are human pathogens, plus treatment regimens for selected nontuberculous mycobacterial infections in adults. This review contains 59 references.

Communicable diseases in humanitarian operations and disasters

2020 ◽  
pp. bmjmilitary-2020-001415 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronan James Murphy
Keyword(s):  
Communicable Disease ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
Communicable Diseases ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Humanitarian Operations ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Tools And Techniques ◽  
Austere Environments

Military organisations have battled communicable disease for millennia. They have pioneered disease prevention from the Crusades to the World Wars and continue to do so today. Predeployment vaccinations and chemoprophylaxis are effective in preventing communicable disease, as is reliable vector destruction and bite prevention, especially in the era of multidrug resistant organisms. These measures are unlikely to be fully possible in disasters, but reactive vaccination and efforts to reduce exposure to communicable disease should be a priority. Communicable diseases can be challenging to diagnose—the UK Defence Medical Services have become familiar with tools such as multiplex PCR and mass spectrometry. These have the potential to accurately identify organisms and sensitivity patterns in austere environments. Management of communicable diseases depends on accurate diagnosis and has a largely well-established evidence base but can be limited by a lack of resources and skills in an austere setting, therefore telemedicine can assist diagnosis and treatment of infections by projecting specialist skill. Systems such as EpiNATO2 are useful in monitoring diseases and identifying trends in order to establish control measures. Many of these tools and techniques are effective in austere environments and offer learning opportunities for those providing care in similar settings. Further research is ongoing into diagnostic tools as well as remote management.

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