Concentration and heritability of immunoglobulin G and natural antibody immunoglobulin M in dairy and beef colostrum along with serum total protein in their calves

Immunoglobulin (Ig) G and natural antibody (NAb) IgM are passively transferred to the neonatal calf through bovine colostrum. Maternal IgG provides pathogen- or vaccine-specific protection and comprises about 85 percent of colostral Ig. Natural antibody IgM is less abundant but provides broad and non-specific reactivity, potentially contributing to protection against the dissemination of pathogens in the blood (septicemia) in a calf’s first days of life. In the dairy and beef industries, failure of passive transfer (FPT) of colostral Ig (serum total protein (STP) <5.2 g/dL) is still a common concern. The objectives of this study were to, i) compare colostral IgG concentrations and NAb-IgM titers between dairy and beef cows; ii) assess the effect of beef breed on colostral IgG; iii) compare passive transfer of colostral Ig in dairy and beef calves; and iv) estimate the heritability of colostral IgG and NAb-IgM. Colostrum was collected from Holstein dairy (n=282) and crossbred beef (n=168) cows at the University of Guelph dairy and beef research centres. Colostral IgG was quantified by radial immunodiffusion and NAb-IgM was quantified by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In dairy (n=308) and beef (n=169) calves, STP was estimated by digital refractometry. Beef cows had significantly greater colostral IgG (146.5 ± 9.5 SEM g/L) than dairy cows (92.4 ± 5.2 g/L, p <0.01). Beef cows with a higher proportion of Angus ancestry had significantly lower colostral IgG (125.5 ± 5.8 g/L) than cows grouped as “Other” (142.5 ± 4.9 g/L, p= 0.02). Using the FPT cut-off, 13% of dairy and 16% of beef calves had FPT; still, beef calves had a significantly larger proportion with excellent passive transfer (STP ≥6.2 g/dL, p <0.01). The heritability of colostral IgG was 0.04 (± 0.14) in dairy and 0.14 (± 0.32) in beef. Colostral NAb-IgM titers in dairy (12.12 ± 0.22, log2 (reciprocal of titer)) and beef cows (12.03 ± 0.19) did not differ significantly (p=0.71). The range of NAb-IgM titers was 9.18 to 14.60, equivalent to a 42-fold range in antibody concentration. The heritability of colostral NAb was 0.24 (± 0.16) in dairy and 0.11 (± 0.19) in beef cows. This study is the first to compare colostral NAb-IgM between dairy and beef cows. Based on the range in NAb-IgM titers and the heritability, selective breeding may improve colostrum quality and protection for neonatal calves in the early days of life.

Enhancement of growth, antioxidative status, nonspecific immunity, and disease resistance in gibel carp (Carassius auratus) in response to dietary Flos populi extract

This study investigated the effects of dietary Flos populi extract (FPE) on the growth, antioxidation capability, innate immune response, and disease resistance in gibel carp. A total of 480 fish were fed with five different diets containing 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, or 2.0 g kg−1 FPE (designated as control, D0.5, D1.0, D1.5, or D2.0 groups) for 45 days. The fish were challenged with A. hydrophila after the feeding trial. Compared with the control, the feed efficiency (FE), weight gain (WG), final body weight (FBW), and specific growth rate (SGR) were significantly improved in groups D1.0 and D1.5. Dietary FPE significantly increased serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT) activities, as well as glutathione (GSH) content. The contents of protein carbonyl (PCC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum decreased significantly. Additionally, FPE supplementation in diets resulted in significant improvement in serum lysozyme (LZM) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activities, as well as immunoglobulin M (IgM) and complement 3 (C3) concentrations. The hepatic antioxidant enzymes (CAT and SOD) activities increased, whereas content of MDA decreased in fish treated with dietary FPE than those of control both pre- and post-challenged. After 12 h-challenge, an obvious downregulation of hepatic Kelch-like-ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), splenic tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-8, IL-1β, and toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) mRNA levels was observed in fish treated with dietary FPE, whereas hepatic Nrf2 transcription level was upregulated compared to the control. Furthermore, compared to group D0.5, higher relative percent survival (RPS) was observed in gibel carp fed dietary 1.0–2.0 g/kg FPE. Our results reveal that FPE supplemented diet has a stimulatory effect on antioxidant capacity and nonspecific immune response, along with improved growth performance and enhanced resistance against A. hydrophila infection in juvenile gibel carp.

Humoral Immune Durability of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in Southern Iran: A Population-Based Survey Study

Background: To promote mitigation strategies and public health response, this study aimed to evaluate the population-based seroprevalence of anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibodies in Hormozgan province. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted within 10 districts of Hormozgan province with 1325 participants for three months by considering three-month successive follow-ups to evaluate the durability of humoral immunity. The participants completed the questionnaire, and blood samples were taken followed by immunoassay SARS-CoV-2 ELISA testing. Results: In general, 717 (54.1%) males and 596 (45.9%) females participated in this study. In phase one, 147 (11.1%) and 182 (14.7%) tested positive for immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgG, respectively. Upon three months, 13.8% and 17.8% tested positive for IgG and at least for one of the antibodies. Based on the results, 606 (45.7%) cases reported no symptoms while 673 (50.8%) of them reflected at least one. Among 798 (60.2%) participants, the most common symptoms were headache (n = 244, 18.4%), sore throat (n = 186, 14.0%), weakness (n = 150, 11.3%), muscular pain (n = 139, 10.5%), and sputum cough (n = 134, 10.1%). The odds of the antibodies in females was 1.37 (95% CI: 1.03, 1.82, P = 0.03). In phase 2, 43 (5.3%) participants persisted positive for IgG while 559 (73%) tested negative for IgG. Finally, 20% of the suffered participants tested positive for IgG until nine months. Conclusion: Although IgG antibodies decreased in the first six months, their titers persisted stable for nine months. It seems our population has not reached a desirable level of protection. It is stressed that mass vaccination is needed to prevent future epidemic waves.

Viral Haemorrhagic Fevers and Malaria Co-Infections Among Febrile Patients Seeking Health Care in Tanzania

Background: In recent years there have been reports of viral haemorrhagic fever (VHF) epidemics in Sub-Saharan Africa where malaria is endemic. VHF and malaria have overlapping clinical presentations making differential diagnosis a challenge. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of selected zoonotic VHFs and malaria co-infections among febrile patients seeking health care in Tanzania. Methods: This facility-based cross-section study was carried out in Buhigwe, Kalambo, Kyela, Kilindi, Kinondoni, Kondoa, Mvomero, and Ukerewe districts in Tanzania. The study involved febrile patients seeking health care from primary healthcare facilities. Blood samples were collected and tested for infections due to malaria, Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF), Ebola virus disease (EVD), Marburg virus disease (MVD), Rift Valley fever (RVF) and yellow fever (YF). Malaria infections were tested using rapid diagnostics tests while exposure to VHFs was determined by screening for immunoglobulin M antibodies using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Results: A total of 308 participants (mean age=35±18.9 years) were involved in the study. Of these, 54 (17.5%) had malaria infection and 15 (4.8%) were positive for IgM antibodies against VHFs (RVF=8; CCHF=2; EBV=3; MBV=1; YF=1). Six (1.9%) individuals had both VHF (RVF=2; CCHF=1; EVD=2; MVD=1) and malaria infections. The highest co-infection prevalence (0.6%), was observed among individuals aged 46-60 years (p<0.05). District was significantly associated with co-infection (p<0.05) with the highest prevalence recorded in Buhigwe (1.2%) followed by Kinondoni (0.9%) districts. Headache (100%) and muscle, bone, back and joint pains (83.3%) were the most significant complaints among those infected with both VHFs and malaria (p=0.001). Conclusions: Co-infections of VHF and malaria are prevalent in Tanzania and affect more the older than the younger population. Since the overlapping symptoms in co-infected individuals may challenge accurate diagnosis, adequate laboratory diagnosis should be emphasized in the management of febrile illnesses.

Reactive infectious mucocutaneous eruptions associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection

Several dermatological manifestations are described in COVID-19. A 3-year-old boy presented with fever, painful oral ulcers with COVID-19 infection. A diagnosis of reactive infectious mucocutaneous eruptions (RIME) was made. He was worked up for the usual causes of RIME but were all negative. His severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus-2 immunoglobulin M (SARS-CoV-2 IgM) was positive and he was managed with Intravenous hydrocortisone with which he improved dramatically. RIME might be the first/only manifestation of COVID-19 and it should be kept in mind.

Comparison of Gut Microbiota and Metabolic Status of Sows With Different Litter Sizes During Pregnancy

The experiment was conducted to compare the differences of gut microbiota and metabolic status of sows with different litter sizes on days 30 and 110 of gestation, and uncover the relationship between the composition of maternal gut microbiota during gestation and sow reproductive performance. Twenty-six Large White × Landrace crossbred multiparous sows (2nd parity) with similar back fat thickness and body weight were assigned to two groups [high-reproductive performance group (HP group) and low-reproductive performance group (LP group)] according to their litter sizes and fed a common gestation diet. Results showed that compared with LP sows, HP sows had significantly lower plasma levels of triglyceride (TG) on gestation d 30 (P &lt; 0.05), but had significantly higher plasma levels of TG, non-esterified fatty acid, tumor necrosis factor-α, and immunoglobulin M on gestation d 110 (P &lt; 0.05). Consistently, HP sows revealed increased alpha diversity and butyrate-producing genera, as well as fecal butyrate concentration, on gestation d 30; HP sows showed significantly different microbiota community structure with LP sows (P &lt; 0.05) and had markedly higher abundance of Firmicutes (genera Christensenellaceae_R-7_group and Terrisporobacter) which were positively related with litter size on gestation d 110 than LP sows (P &lt; 0.05). In addition, plasma biochemical parameters, plasma cytokines, and fecal microbiota shifted dramatically from gestation d 30 to d 110. Therefore, our findings demonstrated that microbial abundances and community structures differed significantly between sows with different litter sizes and gestation stages, which was associated with changes in plasma biochemical parameters, inflammatory factors, and immunoglobulin. Moreover, these findings revealed that there was a significant correlation between litter size and gut microbiota of sows, and provided a microbial perspective to improve sow reproductive performance in pig production.

Hyperenzymemia after vaccination against COVID-19: complex equation with simple variables

The article presents clinical case of the jaundice development and severe hyperenzymemia in GAM-Covid-VAK (Sputnik V) vaccination against COVID-19 in a 69-year-old patient. History — systematic use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs due to persisting pain after knee arthroplasty in 2018; frequent trips for several years to another region for sanatorium treatment, the use of mineral water. The diseases caused by hepatitis viruses, drug damage and post-vaccination reaction were included in diagnostic search. The markers of hepatitis B and C infection viruses were not detected during the enzyme immunoassay and polymerase chain reaction. The indicator for determining the relationship of a drug with the liver damage development was 6 points (borderline value) and only indicated the likelihood of drug hepatotoxicity. At the same time, it is known from history that repeated administration of the drug did not cause liver dysfunctions. The diagnosis of coronavirus infection was established based on the identification of SARS-CoV-2 in the hospital with repeated laboratory testing and competing diagnosis of hepatitis A has been confirmed on the basis of hepatocellular damage and the presence of serological marker of hepatitis A virus (immunoglobulin M antibodies). The treatment was continued in the infectious hospital, where the diagnosis of co-infection was confirmed. The pneumofibrotic changes in the S5 region of the left lung were revealed according to computed tomography. The normalization of aminotransferase activity and bilirubin was noted during dynamic observation. Apparently HAV infection led to a decrease in the immune response, the formation of an insufficient level of neutralizing antibodies in vaccinated against COVID-19 patient M. and contributed to the development of a new coronavirus infection with minimal manifestations in contact with SARS-CoV-2.

Healing through faith: meeting a chaplain coupled with biblical readings could produce lymphocyte changes that correlate with brain activity (HEALING study)

Introduction: Faith and systems of beliefs are known to impact not only the emotional, but also the immunological state of believers in ways that we are just starting to understand. Moreover, clinical implications of previous studies are limited. The aim of the “HEALING” (Hospital-based Ecumenical and Linguistic Immuno-NeuroloGic) Study was to examine immunological and neurological changes in hospitalized patients after meeting a chaplain coupled with biblical readings. Methods: Hospitalized patients were pre-screened to find those who were the most in need of an intervention. A passage from the Bible was read to them during a meeting with the chaplain at the bedside (n= 20) or in the chapel (n= 18). No meeting occurred in the randomized control group (n=19). Blood samples were taken 30 minutes prior, and 60 minutes after the meeting to measure white blood cells (WBC), interferon gamma (IFN-γ), immunoglobulin M (IgM), IgA, IgG, and complement 3 (C3). A subgroup of the visited patients was subjected to functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), where they were played an audiotape of readings of the same passage from the Bible (n=21). Results: Lymphocyte counts increased more often after the more successful visits, but the immunological changes were not significant. Conversely, a significant (pfwe=0.003) correlation was revealed between changes in lymphocytes and activation of the angular gyrus (left BA39) during fMRI, a brain area involved in word recognition. Conclusions: Although limited by the sample size and cohort study design, the findings suggest the depth of psycho-immunological changes could depend on the degree to which the chaplains’ main message is understood.