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Microorganisms Jun 2020Ticks are obligate hematophagous arthropods and act as vectors for a great variety of pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and helminths. Some tick-borne... (Review)
Review
Ticks are obligate hematophagous arthropods and act as vectors for a great variety of pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and helminths. Some tick-borne viruses, such as Powassan virus and tick-borne encephalitis virus, are transmissible within 15-60 min after tick attachment. However, a minimum of 3-24 h of tick attachment is necessary to effectively transmit bacterial agents such as spp., spp., and spp. to a new host. Longer transmission periods were reported for spp. and protozoans such as spp., which require a minimum duration of 24-48 h of tick attachment for maturation and migration of the pathogen. Laboratory observations indicate that the probability of transmission of tick-borne pathogens increases with the duration an infected tick is allowed to remain attached to the host. However, the transmission time may be shortened when partially fed infected ticks detach from their initial host and reattach to a new host, on which they complete their engorgement. For example, early transmission of tick-borne pathogens (e.g., , , and ) and a significantly shorter transmission time were demonstrated in laboratory experiments by interrupted blood feeding. The relevance of such situations under field conditions remains poorly documented. In this review, we explore parameters of, and causes leading to, spontaneous interrupted feeding in nature, as well as the effects of this behavior on the minimum time required for transmission of tick-borne pathogens.
PubMed: 32560202
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8060910 -
Biomedica : Revista Del Instituto... Jun 2021Introduction: The risk of Brucella canis infection in humans and dogs has increased due to the permanent exposure to asymptomatic carrier dogs. In Colombia, there is...
Introduction: The risk of Brucella canis infection in humans and dogs has increased due to the permanent exposure to asymptomatic carrier dogs. In Colombia, there is evidence of B. canis infection in humans living with dogs. In the case of Bogotá, an additional concern is the lack of updated information related to the prevalence of the infection in dogs. Objective: To determine the seroprevalence of infection by B. canis in dogs intended for adoption programs in Bogotá. Materials and methods: By means of a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out in a dog shelter in Bogotá, anti-B. canis IgG antibodies were detected in the serum from 51 dogs 28 females and 23 males) using a lateral-flow immunochromatographic test. Additionally, seropositive animals were analyzed with PCR to detect Brucella spp DNA. Results: Brucella canis seroprevalence was 1.96% (1/51). The seropositive dog was an asymptomatic three-year-old she-dog in which no bacteria DNA was detected in the blood through PCR. Conclusions: The seroprevalence determined in this study represented by a single dog with anti-B. canis IgG can be considered a potential risk both for canine and human populations since this single dog could have a persistent infection capable of spreading the bacteria.
Topics: Animals; Brucella canis; Brucellosis; Colombia; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Female; Immunoglobulin G; Male; Persistent Infection; Seroepidemiologic Studies
PubMed: 34214267
DOI: 10.7705/biomedica.5409 -
Veterinary Sciences Jul 2022The global burden of human and animal brucellosis remains enormous. The disease, which is endemic in Nigeria, lacks appropriate attention and national data. This review... (Review)
Review
The global burden of human and animal brucellosis remains enormous. The disease, which is endemic in Nigeria, lacks appropriate attention and national data. This review estimated the burden and distribution of human and animal brucellosis in Nigeria in the last twenty years (2001-2021). Publications reporting the detection of brucellosis in Nigeria were sorted from different search engines, including PubMed, ResearchGate, Scopus, and Google Scholar, to generate data on its prevalence, spatial distribution, and predisposing factors. The results of the national seroprevalence of human and animal brucellosis as revealed in this study were 17.6% (554/3144) and 13.3% (8547/64,435), respectively. Specifically, 15.8% (7178/45,363) seroprevalence of brucellosis was recorded in northern Nigeria as against 8.7% (1902/21,740) seroprevalence in the southern part. It also indicated that 78.7% of the detected brucellae were un-typed. The species detected were (15.2%), (4%), (1.8%), and (0.4%). This study revealed that brucellosis is endemic in Nigeria. Culture and molecular methods for detecting brucellosis and reports on antimicrobial susceptibility testing remain a conjecture. This review will help researchers redirect their research focus and serve as a guide for policymakers on measures for managing brucellosis in Nigeria.
PubMed: 35893777
DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9080384 -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases May 2020Brucellosis is a neglected zoonotic disease of remarkable importance worldwide. The focus of this systematic review was to investigate occupational brucellosis and to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Brucellosis is a neglected zoonotic disease of remarkable importance worldwide. The focus of this systematic review was to investigate occupational brucellosis and to identify the main infection risks for each group exposed to the pathogen. Seven databases were used to identify papers related to occupational brucellosis: CABI, Cochrane, Pubmed, Scielo, Science Direct, Scopus and Web of Science. The search resulted in 6123 studies, of which 63 were selected using the quality assessment tools guided from National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Case Report Guidelines (CARE). Five different job-related groups were considered greatly exposed to the disease: rural workers, abattoir workers, veterinarians and veterinary assistants, laboratory workers and hunters. The main risk factors and exposure sources involved in the occupational infection observed from the analysis of the articles were direct contact with animal fluids, failure to comply with the use of personal protective equipment, accidental exposure to live attenuated anti-brucellosis vaccines and non-compliance with biosafety standards. Brucella species frequently isolated from job-related infection were Brucella melitensis, Brucella abortus, Brucella suis and Brucella canis. In addition, a meta-analysis was performed using the case-control studies and demonstrated that animal breeders, laboratory workers and abattoir workers have 3.47 [95% confidence interval (CI); 1.47-8.19] times more chance to become infected with Brucella spp. than others individuals that have no contact with the possible sources of infection. This systematic review improved the understanding of the epidemiology of brucellosis as an occupational disease. Rural workers, abattoir workers, veterinarians, laboratory workers and hunters were the groups more exposed to occupational Brucella spp. infection. Moreover, it was observed that the lack of knowledge about brucellosis among frequently exposed professionals, in addition to some behaviors, such as negligence in the use of individual and collective protective measures, increases the probability of infection.
Topics: Abattoirs; Animals; Brucella; Brucellosis; Humans; Laboratory Personnel; Occupational Diseases; Occupational Exposure; Veterinarians
PubMed: 32392223
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008164 -
Frontiers in Microbiology 2021is a facultatively intracellular bacterial pathogen and the cause of worldwide zoonotic infections, infamous for its ability to evade the immune system and persist... (Review)
Review
is a facultatively intracellular bacterial pathogen and the cause of worldwide zoonotic infections, infamous for its ability to evade the immune system and persist chronically within host cells. Despite the frequent association with attenuation in other Gram-negative bacteria, a rough lipopolysaccharide phenotype is retained by and , which remain fully virulent in their natural canine and ovine hosts, respectively. While these natural rough strains lack the O-polysaccharide they, like their smooth counterparts, are able to evade and manipulate the host immune system by exhibiting low endotoxic activity, resisting destruction by complement and antimicrobial peptides, entering and trafficking within host cells along a similar pathway, and interfering with MHC-II antigen presentation. and appear to have compensated for their roughness by alterations to their outer membrane, especially in regards to outer membrane proteins. , in particular, also shows evidence of being less proinflammatory , suggesting that the rough phenotype may be associated with an enhanced level of stealth that could allow these pathogens to persist for longer periods of time undetected. Nevertheless, much additional work is required to understand the correlates of immune protection against the natural rough spp., a critical step toward development of much-needed vaccines. This review will highlight the significance of rough lipopolysaccharide in the context of both natural disease and host-pathogen interactions with an emphasis on natural rough spp. and the implications for vaccine development.
PubMed: 34335551
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.713157 -
Journal of the American Veterinary... Aug 2018OBJECTIVE To estimate Brucella canis seropositivity rates for purebred dogs being bred by noncommercial breeders, describe epidemiological findings in infected...
OBJECTIVE To estimate Brucella canis seropositivity rates for purebred dogs being bred by noncommercial breeders, describe epidemiological findings in infected commercial dog-production facilities, and characterize B canis infection in pet dogs and the risk to human health. DESIGN Retrospective descriptive study. SAMPLE 2,799 canine specimens submitted to the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory for B canis testing and records of B canis reports provided to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development from 2007 through 2016. PROCEDURES Results of B canis laboratory tests and epidemiological findings for reported cases of B canis were reviewed and summarized. Federal and state public health officials were interviewed regarding human B canis infection. State veterinarians were interviewed regarding canine brucellosis reporting and control procedures. RESULTS Estimated B canis seropositivity was 0.4% among purebred Michigan dogs owned by noncommercial breeders. Infection was confirmed in dogs from 17 commercial dog-production facilities, 3 shelters, and 1 rescue agency. Estimated infection prevalence in production facilities ranged from 2 of 22 (9%) to 5 of 6 (83%). Transfer of infected dogs involved 22 Michigan counties and 11 states. Seven of 20 privately owned infected dogs had diskospondylitis; I also had uveitis. Fifty-three veterinary hospital or diagnostic laboratory personnel had inadvertent exposure to the pathogen. Brucella canis was isolated from 1 commercial production facility owner. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE B canis was uncommon in purebred dogs being bred by noncommercial breeders but endemic in Michigan commercial facilities producing dogs destined to become household pets. Infected pet dogs caused human B canis exposure, and several pet dogs had debilitating disease not associated with the reproductive system.
Topics: Animal Husbandry; Animals; Breeding; Brucella canis; Brucellosis; Demography; Disease Outbreaks; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Female; Humans; Male; Michigan; Pets; Prevalence; Zoonoses
PubMed: 30020006
DOI: 10.2460/javma.253.3.322 -
Veterinary World Jan 2023Given the rise in stray and imported dogs in Egypt over the past 5 years, it is surprising that no report of infection in dogs or humans has been documented in Egypt's...
BACKGROUND AND AIM
Given the rise in stray and imported dogs in Egypt over the past 5 years, it is surprising that no report of infection in dogs or humans has been documented in Egypt's published papers. This study aimed to detect the presence of antibodies against the rough () and smooth among dogs in Egypt and to characterize the species circulating in dogs.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Blood samples (n = 449) were collected from owned and stray dogs in the Greater Cairo region (n = 309) and Damietta governorate (n = 140). The apparent, true, and total seroprevalence of canine brucellosis caused by infection were calculated using the 2-mercaptoethanol tube agglutination test (2-ME TAT) and rapid slide agglutination test (RSAT). We used the rose Bengal test (RBT) and the buffered acidified plate antigen test (BAPAT) to check the serum samples from dogs for the presence of antibodies against smooth . Three polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays - Bruce-ladder PCR, species-specific PCR (BcSS-PCR), and Abortus Melitensis Ovis Suis (AMOS)-PCR - were used to determine the species in the buffy coats of the serologically positive dogs.
RESULTS
The overall apparent and true prevalence of infection in dogs were estimated to be 3.8% and 13.2%. The estimated true prevalence in stray dogs (15%) was higher than in owned dogs (12.5%). The BAPAT and the RBT using smooth antigens revealed that 11 (2.4%) and 9 (2%) were positive. Bruce-ladder PCR targeting , and genes was able to identify in nine out of 17 buffy coat samples. AMOS-PCR identified the eight undetermined species by Bruce-ladder PCR as (n = 4) and (n = 4). To exclude the presence of , a one-step species-specific BcSS-PCR was performed and specifically amplified all DNA (n = 9) the same as did the Bruce-ladder PCR.
CONCLUSION
To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of detection in dogs in Egypt. Molecular identification of and in the Egyptian canines highlights the role of stray dogs in brucellosis remerging in Brucellosis-free dairy farms. infection can be diagnosed specifically with the one-step BcSS-PCR. The obtained results set-an-alarm to the veterinary authorities to launch plans to control this disease in dogs.
PubMed: 36855351
DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2023.229-238 -
Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic... Mar 2021In male dogs, frequently causes epididymitis, ultimately resulting in testicular atrophy and infertility. Although predominantly affects the epididymis, the misleading...
In male dogs, frequently causes epididymitis, ultimately resulting in testicular atrophy and infertility. Although predominantly affects the epididymis, the misleading term "orchitis" is still commonly used by clinicians. Of additional concern, diagnosis in dogs remains challenging because of variable sensitivity and specificity of serologic assays and fluctuations in bacteremia levels in infected dogs, reducing the sensitivity of blood culture. We describe here the histologic lesions in the scrotal contents of 8 dogs suspected of being infected with and clinically diagnosed with orchitis. We explored the possibility of using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and real-time PCR (rtPCR) in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues to detect the presence of . Epididymitis of variable chronicity was identified in all 8 dogs, with only 3 also exhibiting orchitis. Using rtPCR, the presence of was identified in 4 of 8 dogs, with 3 of these 4 dogs also positive by IHC. These results suggest that rtPCR and IHC are promising techniques that can be used in FFPE tissues to detect when other detection techniques are unavailable. Additionally, accurate recognition of epididymitis rather than orchitis in suspect cases could aid in accurate diagnosis.
Topics: Animals; Brucella canis; Brucellosis; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Epididymis; Formaldehyde; Immunohistochemistry; Male; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Testis
PubMed: 33468036
DOI: 10.1177/1040638720986883 -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Mar 2024Animal hoarding disorder (AHD) is classified as a psychiatric obsessive-compulsive condition characterized by animal accumulation and often accompanied by unsanitary...
Animal hoarding disorder (AHD) is classified as a psychiatric obsessive-compulsive condition characterized by animal accumulation and often accompanied by unsanitary conditions and animal cruelty. Although AHD may increase pathogen transmission and spread, particularly for zoonotic diseases, human and dog exposure in such cases has yet to be fully established. Accordingly, this study aimed to assess Brucella canis in 19 individuals with AHD (11 households) and their 264 dogs (21 households) in Curitiba, the eighth largest city in Brazil, with approximately 1.8 million habitants. Anti-B. canis antibodies were detected by the 2-mercaptoethanol microplate agglutination test (2ME-MAT) and by a commercial lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA), while molecular detection of previously positive seropositive samples was performed by conventional PCR. Although all the human samples were 2ME-MAT negative, 12/264 (4.5%, 95% Confidence Interval: 2.0-7.0%) dog samples were 2ME-MAT and LFIA positive, with 2ME-MAT titers ranging from 20 to 640. At least one dog in 4/21 (19.0%, 95% CI: 2.0-46.0%) households was seropositive. Despite the absence of seropositivity in individuals with AHD and the comparatively low seroprevalence in dogs, B. canis circulation and outbreaks should be considered in such human populations due to the high burden and recurrent character of B. canis exposure in high-density dog populations and the constant introduction of susceptible animals.
Topics: Animals; Dogs; Humans; Brucella canis; Brucellosis; Dog Diseases; One Health; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Hoarding Disorder
PubMed: 38470939
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011974 -
Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2021Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease caused by a Gram-negative coccobacillus. There are four strains of zoonotic importance in our domestic species, subdivided by their...
Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease caused by a Gram-negative coccobacillus. There are four strains of zoonotic importance in our domestic species, subdivided by their culture phenotypes: (), (smooth strains) and (rough strain). Dogs can serve as hosts for all four of the zoonotic strains; however, routine serologic testing in dogs has been limited to the identification of antibodies. The aim of our study was to identify smooth strain antibodies in canines. We hypothesize that the Fluorescence Polarization Assay would be successful in identifying smooth Brucella strain antibodies in canines. Ninety-five dogs, including forty-five hog hunting dogs were screened for circulating antibodies to any of the four zoonotic strains of the bacteria utilizing a combination of Canine Slide Agglutination Test (CBSA), Agar Gel Immunodiffusion II test (AGIDII), Card Agglutination Test (BCA), and the Fluorescence Polarization Assay (FPA). Test interpretation results yielded a 0% (0/95) smooth strain seropositivity rate, with 2% (2/95) of dogs yielding inconclusive rough strain serology results (0-2% rough strain seropositivity rate). Additionally, a retrospective portion of the study was performed to identify sera containing circulating antibodies to any of the smooth strains of by testing previously banked canine serum samples stored at Cornell's Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory from 2018 to 2019 via FPA. Of the 769 serum samples tested, 13/769 (1.7%) yielded an inconclusive result, 725/769 (94.2%) were negative, 30/769 (4%) yielded a positive FPA test result, and 1/769 (0.1%) had to be excluded due to insufficient sample remaining to perform the diagnostic test. Of the 30 FPA positive canine serum samples, 97% (29/30) also tested positive on the CBSA test. Additionally, there was a statistically significant ( < 0.0001) likelihood of altered (spayed/neutered) and mixed breed dogs to be FPA positive when compared to intact, purebred dogs, respectively.
PubMed: 34307536
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.697479