Zoonoses and Public HealthThis is an RSS file. You can use it to subscribe to this data in your favourite RSS reader, such as GoogleReader, or to display this data on your own website or blog. Subscribe to this data using MyMedWorm.Subscribe to this data using GoogleReader.Subscribe to this data using Bloglines.Subscribe to this data using MyYahoo.

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Genomic Tandem Repeat Analysis Proves Laboratory-Acquired Brucellosis in Veterinary (Camel) Diagnostic Laboratory in the United Arab EmiratesEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
We report a case of a 64-year-old veterinarian working in a state camel veterinary laboratory who was diagnosed with and treated for acute brucellosis with complicating epididymo-orchitis. Genomic tandem repeat analysis (MLVA-16) revealed identical Brucella strains in patient cultures and from different dromedary milk samples positive for Brucella melitensis, thereby confirming the diagnosis of a laboratory acquired infection. The case illustrates the high (airborne) infectivity of brucellosis in laboratory settings and the need to implement vigorous bio-safety measures in veterinary laboratories handling camel specimen di...
Source: Zoonoses and Public Health - November 19, 2009 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: J. S. zur Wiesch, D. Wichmann, I. Sobottka, H. Rohde, G. Schmoock, R. Wernery, S. Schmiedel, G. Dieter Burchard, F. Melzer Source Type: journals

Molecular Typing of Mycobacterium bovis Isolates in Argentina: First Description of a Person-to-Person Transmission CaseEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Bovine tuberculosis is caused by Mycobacterium bovis, a mycobacterium highly similar to M. tuberculosis that belongs to the M. tuberculosis complex. The main host of M. bovis is cattle but it also affects many other mammalians including humans. Tuberculosis in humans caused by either M. bovis or M. tuberculosis is clinically hard to distinguish. During 2004[ndash]2005, samples from 448 patients with diagnosis of TB were collected from different regions of Argentina. The PRA technique identified 400 isolates with representative patterns of mycobacterium. The predominant ones were the M. tuberculosis complex, the M. avium[nd...
Source: Zoonoses and Public Health - November 13, 2009 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: I. Etchechoury, G. Echeverría Valencia, N. Morcillo, M. D. Sequeira, B. Imperiale, M. López, K. Caimi, M. J. Zumárraga, A. Cataldi, M. I. Romano Source Type: journals

Chicken Faeces Garden Fertilizer: Possible Source of Human Avian Influenza H5N1 InfectionEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
We report on human cases of H5N1 infection in Indonesia where exposure to H5N1-infected animals could not be established, but where the investigation found chicken faeces contaminated with viable H5N1 virus in the garden fertilizer. Human cases of avian influenza H5N1 warrant extensive investigations to determine likely sources of illness and to minimize risk to others. Authorities should regulate the sale and transportation of chicken faeces as fertilizer from areas where H5N1 outbreaks are reported. (Source: Zoonoses and Public Health)
Source: Zoonoses and Public Health - November 13, 2009 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: I. N. Kandun, G. Samaan, S. Harun, W. H. Purba, E. Sariwati, C. Septiawati, M. Silitonga, N. P. I. Dharmayanti, P. M. Kelly, T. Wandra Source Type: journals

Investigation of a Q Fever Outbreak in a Scottish Co-Located Slaughterhouse and Cutting PlantEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Outbreaks of Q fever are rare in the UK. In 2006, the largest outbreak of Q fever in Scotland occurred at a co-located slaughterhouse and cutting plant with 110 cases. Preliminary investigations pointed to the sheep lairage being the potential source of exposure to the infective agent. A retrospective cohort study was carried out among workers along with environmental sampling to guide public health interventions. A total of 179 individuals were interviewed of whom 66 (37%) were migrant workers. Seventy-five (41.9%) were serologically confirmed cases. Passing through a walkway situated next to the sheep lairage, a nearby s...
Source: Zoonoses and Public Health - November 13, 2009 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: L. E. Wilson, S. Couper, H. Prempeh, D. Young, K. G. J. Pollock, W. C. Stewart, L. M. Browning, M. Donaghy Source Type: journals

Serological Survey for Influenza Type A Viruses in Domestic Dogs (Canis Lupus Familiaris) and Cats (Felis Catus) in North-Eastern ItalyEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
To ascertain the potential transmission of influenza A viruses to dogs and cats, a serological survey was carried out in North-eastern Italy. In a 4-year period, 637 serum samples were screened using a Mab-based competitive ELISA for anti-nucleoprotein A (NPA) antibody detection of influenza viruses. No evidence of anti-NPA antibodies was observed. (Source: Zoonoses and Public Health)
Source: Zoonoses and Public Health - November 13, 2009 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: A. Piccirillo, D. Pasotto, A. Moreno Martin, P. Cordioli Source Type: journals

Prevalence and Genetic Relatedness of Antimicrobial-Resistant Escherichia coli Isolated From Animals, Foods and Humans in IcelandEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
This study gives baseline information on the prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant E. coli from production animals, and their food products in Iceland and the moderate to high resistance rates emphasize the need for continuing surveillance. Further studies on the origin of the resistant strains and the genetic relatedness of strains of different origin are needed. (Source: Zoonoses and Public Health)
Source: Zoonoses and Public Health - November 13, 2009 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: T. R. Thorsteinsdottir, G. Haraldsson, V. Fridriksdottir, K. G. Kristinsson, E. Gunnarsson Source Type: journals

Molecular Epidemiology and Antimicrobial Resistance Mechanisms of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Bovine MilkEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
The aim of this study was to identify methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains gathered from 2002 to 2006 from milk samples in Aydin region in Turkey. Among 93 S. aureus strains isolated from bovine milk with mastitis, 16 were resistant to methicillin. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus strains were studied further for their staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) types, pulsotypes, spa and MLST types, antimicrobial susceptibilities, mechanisms of resistance and presence of Panton[ndash]Valentine leucocidin (PVL) toxin gene. The MRSA strains were multi-drug resistant. The susceptibility rates to anti...
Source: Zoonoses and Public Health - November 13, 2009 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: S. Türkyılmaz, S. Tekbıyık, E. Oryasin, B. Bozdogan Source Type: journals

Methods for Genotyping Verotoxin-Producing Escherichia coliEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC) is annually incriminated in more than 100 000 cases of enteric foodborne human disease and in losses amounting to $US 2.5 billion every year. A number of genotyping methods have been developed to track VTEC infections and determine diversity and evolutionary relationships among these microorganisms. These methods have facilitated monitoring and surveillance of foodborne VTEC outbreaks and early identification of outbreaks or clusters of outbreaks. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) has been used extensively to track and differentiate VTEC because of its high discriminatory p...
Source: Zoonoses and Public Health - November 13, 2009 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: M. Karama, C. L. Gyles Source Type: journals

Epidemiological Survey on Equine Cryptosporidium and Giardia Infections in Italy and Molecular Characterization of IsolatesEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
This study was undertaken to investigate the prevalence, excretion patterns and risk factors related to the faecal shedding of Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia cysts in horses and the zoonotic potential of species/genotypes isolated. The survey was performed on 120 foals and 30 broodmares reared in five Italian farms. Foals were divided in four homogeneous groups of 30 animals each (age classes: 0[ndash]2, 2[ndash]4, 4[ndash]8, >8 weeks). Three sequential faecal samples were collected from each animal and analysed by three techniques: direct fluorescent antibody test (DFA), faecal flotation (FF) and stained faecal smear...
Source: Zoonoses and Public Health - November 13, 2009 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: F. Veronesi, F. Passamonti, S. Cacciò, M. Diaferia, D. Piergili Fioretti Source Type: journals

Identifying Antimicrobial Multiresistance Patterns of Escherichia coli Sampled From Diarrhoeic Calves by Cluster Analysis Techniques: A Way to Guide Research on Multiresistance MechanismsEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
This study points out the usefulness of cluster analysis techniques to describe concisely the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of bacterial isolates in a way that could effectively help in generating hypotheses on multiresistance mechanisms. Data were selected from the French antimicrobial resistance survey network on veterinary pathogens (Resapath). They were related to 1545 Escherichia coli isolates, which were isolated from faecal samples of diarrhoeic calves in France between 2002 and 2006. Ten clusters of isolates displaying similar features in terms of resistance profile to 13 relevant antimicrobials were comput...
Source: Zoonoses and Public Health - November 13, 2009 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: M.-A. Botrel, E. Morignat, D. Meunier, J.-Y. Madec, D. Calavas Source Type: journals

Inter-relationships of Salmonella Status of Flock and Grow-Out Environment at Sequential Segments in Broiler Production and ProcessingEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
In this study, we investigated how the likelihoods of Salmonella presence in various samples from broilers and their grow-out environment throughout one production cycle were related. Sixty-four broiler flocks from 10 complexes of two companies in the southern United States were included in the study. Samples from the gastrointestinal tracts of chicks, transport tray pads and litter and drag swabs from the house were collected on the day of placement of each flock. Approximately, 1 week before harvest, whole bird carcass rinses, caecum and crop samples were collected from birds from these same flocks. On the day of harvest...
Source: Zoonoses and Public Health - November 13, 2009 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: V. V. Volkova, R. H. Bailey, M. L. Rybolt, K. Dazo-Galarneau, S. A. Hubbard, D. Magee, J. A. Byrd, R. W. Wills Source Type: journals

Tuberculosis Infection in Animal and Human Populations in Three Districts of Western Gojam, EthiopiaEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Tuberculosis concurrent infection in cattle and their respective owners in North-western Ethiopia had been investigated. Two hundred and ten cattle owners and 1220 heads of their cattle were included in the study to determine degree of tuberculosis infection in cattle owned by tuberculosis patients and tuberculosis patients. Comparative intradermal tuberculin test, bacteria culturing, acid fast staining and biochemical tests were used to conduct the study. The prevalence of tuberculosis was significantly (P < 0.001) higher in cattle owned by tuberculosis patients than in cattle owned by non-tuberculosis owners, and infecti...
Source: Zoonoses and Public Health - November 13, 2009 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: T. Fetene, N. Kebede, G. Alem Source Type: journals

Detection of Haemagglutination–Inhibiting Antibodies against Human H1 and H3 Strains of Influenza A Viruses in Pigs in Ibadan, NigeriaEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
This study was therefore designed to investigate the transmission of human influenza viruses to pigs in Ibadan, using serological surveillance. Serum specimens were collected from ninety-one (91/199) apparently healthy, unvaccinated Landrace pigs at three locations within Ibadan from April to June, 2008. Two strains of human influenza virus A: A/Brisbane/59/2007 (H1N1) and A/Brisbane/10/2007 (H3N2) were used in Haemagglutination-Inhibition Assay for antibody detection. Prevalence of HI antibodies to the two subtypes was 90.1%. Antibodies to influenza A/Brisbane/59/2007 (H1N1) were significantly (P < 0.05) more prevalent (8...
Source: Zoonoses and Public Health - November 13, 2009 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: O. A. Adeola, J. A. Adeniji, B. O. Olugasa Source Type: journals

A Serosurvey of Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever Virus in Dairy Cattle in IranEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
A seroepidemiological survey to determine the prevalence of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus among dairy cattle in Iran was carried out during 2006 and 2008. Blood samples were collected from 876 animals in five different provinces of the country. Sera were tested by a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for quantitative determination of antibodies to CCHF virus. Serological evidence of infection was noted in 52 (5.9%) of 876 dairy cattle. Antibody prevalence increased with age; 78.8% seroprevalence in cattle older than 3 years versus 21.2% in animals less than 2 years old. There was a differenc...
Source: Zoonoses and Public Health - November 13, 2009 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: S. Lotfollahzadeh, Gh. R. Nikbakht Boroujeni, M. R. Mokhber Dezfouli, S. Bokaei Source Type: journals

Growth Model of a Plasmid-Bearing Virulent Strain of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis in Raw Ground BeefEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
The growth kinetics of virulence plasmid-bearing Yersinia pseudotuberculosis (YPST) in sterile ground beef were studied at temperatures ranging from 0 to 30°C. In irradiated sterile ground beef, YPST replicated from 0 to 30°C, with corresponding growth rates (GR) ranging from 0.023 to 0.622 log CFU/h at 0[ndash]25°C, and the GR was 0.236 log CFU/h at 30°C. The maximum population densities (MPD) ranged from 8.7 to 11.0 log CFU/g. The growth and MPD of YPST were reduced significantly at 30°C. Models for GR and MPD of YPST in raw ground beef (RGB) as a function of storage temperatures were produced and displayed acceptab...
Source: Zoonoses and Public Health - November 13, 2009 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: S. Bhaduri, J. G. Phillips Source Type: journals

Cluster of Cases of Salmonella enterica Serotype Rissen Infection in a General Hospital, Italy, 2007Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
In 2007, three strains of Salmonella enterica serotype Rissen (S. Rissen) were isolated in the laboratory of diagnostic microbiology of the General Hospital of Prato, Tuscany, Italy, over a 1 month and half interval of time. The first isolate was recovered on January 26 from an outpatient with enteritis. Then, two strains were isolated on February 16 and March 11 respectively, from central venous catheters of patients who were being hospitalized in two departments of the Hospital. An epidemiologically linked cluster of cases of salmonellosis was suspected. The three strains were submitted to single enzyme-amplified fragmen...
Source: Zoonoses and Public Health - November 13, 2009 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: T. Boschi, D. Aquilini, R. Degl'Innocenti, A. Aleo, C. Romani, P. Nicoletti, M. I. Buonomini, P. Marconi, S. Bilei, C. Mammina, A. Nastasi Source Type: journals

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis E Virus in the UK Farming PopulationEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Hepatitis E is a zoonosis that can be acquired by the consumption of contaminated food or water, or via person-to-person spread. However, little is known about the transmission of hepatitis E virus (HEV) in the UK. We investigated the epidemiology of indigenous hepatitis E infection using the PHLS Farm Cohort, a sentinel group with a history of close contact with a range of domestic animals. Ten of the 413 subjects tested were positive for hepatitis E IgG antibodies (2.4%). Seroprevalence peaked in those aged 51 to 60 years (relative risk 3.3, 95% CI: 1.0[ndash]10.5). Male participants (relative risk 3.6, 95% CI: 0.6[ndash...
Source: Zoonoses and Public Health - November 12, 2009 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: E. Meader, D. Thomas, R. Salmon, M. Sillis Source Type: journals

Molecular Detection of Leishmania infantum in Wild Rodents (Rattus norvegicus) in GreeceEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Leishmania infantum and Leishmania tropica are the species responsible for visceral leishmaniasis and cutaneous leishmaniasis respectively. In Greece, both diseases are endemic. The dog is considered the main reservoir of L. infantum, whereas the role of other animals for both L. infantun and L. tropica is unknown. Spleens from wild Rattus norvegicus, live trapped in Greece, were examined for the presence of Leishmania parasites by PCR. Out of 16 samples examined, only one was found positive for L. infantum with scant amount of parasitic DNA present. This is the first documented case of detection of L. infantum in R. norve...
Source: Zoonoses and Public Health - November 12, 2009 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: E. Papadogiannakis, G. Spanakos, V. Kontos, P. G. Menounos, N. Tegos, N. Vakalis Source Type: journals

Statistical Evaluation of Test Accuracy Studies for Toxoplasma gondii in Food Animal Intermediate HostsEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
In this study, we reviewed statistical approaches to evaluation of tests for toxoplasmosis with and without a gold-standard (reference) test, including use of ROC analysis and likelihood ratios which retain the diagnostic information inherent in a quantitative test result. We use previously published data from a comparison of the accuracy of serological tests for swine toxoplasmosis to demonstrate suggested methods of data analysis. We make recommendations for statistical analysis and reporting of test evaluation studies for T. gondii in food animals based on our own experiences and those of others. (Source: Zoonoses and Public Health)
Source: Zoonoses and Public Health - September 10, 2009 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: I. A. Gardner, M. Greiner, J. P. Dubey Source Type: journals

Cats and Toxoplasma: Implications for Public HealthEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Cats are popular as pets worldwide because they are easy to care for and provide companionship that enriches the lives of human beings. Little attention has been focused on their potential to contaminate the environment with zoonotic pathogens. One such pathogen, the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii, rarely causes clinical manifestations in cats or immunocompetent humans; however, it can have serious adverse effects on human foetuses and immunocompromised patients. Many human infections are believed to be acquired from eating undercooked or raw meat, such as pork and lamb (Tenter et al. Int. J. Parasitol., 30, 2000, 12...
Source: Zoonoses and Public Health - September 9, 2009 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: H. A. Dabritz, P. A. Conrad Source Type: journals

Toxoplasma gondii Infections in Chickens (Gallus domesticus): Prevalence, Clinical Disease, Diagnosis and Public Health SignificanceEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
The objective of this study is to review worldwide prevalence of T. gondii infection in chickens and to assess the role of infected chickens in the epidemiology of toxoplasmosis in humans. A very high prevalence of the parasite was found in chickens raised in backyards (up to 100%) and free-range organic (30[ndash]50%) establishments. (Source: Zoonoses and Public Health)
Source: Zoonoses and Public Health - September 9, 2009 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: J. P. Dubey Source Type: journals

Seroprevalence of and Risk Factors for Toxoplasma gondii in the US Swine Herd Using Sera Collected During the National Animal Health Monitoring Survey (Swine 2006)Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) initiated the National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS) in 1983 to collect, analyse and disseminate data on animal health, management and productivity in US domestic livestock populations, including swine. The programme includes an on-farm serological sampling component which can be used to monitor seroprevalence of various pathogens, including Toxoplasma gondii. The purpose of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii in grower/finisher pigs using sera collected during NAHMS Swine 2006 and to determine farm level factors associated with difference...
Source: Zoonoses and Public Health - September 9, 2009 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: D. E. Hill, C. Haley, B. Wagner, H. R. Gamble, J. P. Dubey Source Type: journals

A Brief History and Overview of Toxoplasma gondiiEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Toxoplasma gondii was discovered by scientists working in North Africa and Brazil around 100 years ago. The parasite has since been found to be capable of infecting all warm-blooded animals including humans making it one of the most successful parasitic organisms worldwide. The pathogenic potential of T. gondii was recognized in the 1920s and 1930s, in congenitally infected children presenting with the classic triad of symptoms, namely hydrocephalus, retinochoroiditis and encephalitis. In addition, around the same time T. gondii parasites were found to be associated with severe intraocular inflammation. In the 1980s, T. go...
Source: Zoonoses and Public Health - September 9, 2009 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: E. A. Innes Source Type: journals

Toxoplasmosis Prevention and Testing in Pregnancy, Survey of Obstetrician–GynaecologistsEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Toxoplasmosis in pregnant women can lead to congenital disease with severe neurological and ocular complications in the foetus. In 2006, we surveyed US obstetrician[ndash]gynaecologists to determine their knowledge and practices about toxoplasmosis prevention and testing. Questionnaires were mailed (four mailings) to a random sample of 1200 of the 33 354 members of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Of the 1200 surveyed, 502 (42%) responded. The respondents were similar to all ACOG members by gender, region of the country and practice type (P > 0.5), and age (respondents were slightly younger, ...
Source: Zoonoses and Public Health - September 9, 2009 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: J. L. Jones, A. Krueger, J. Schulkin, P. M. Schantz Source Type: journals

What Do We Know About Risk Factors for Infection in Humans with Toxoplasma gondii and How Can We Prevent Infections?Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Fourteen case[ndash]control studies evaluating the importance of different risk factors for infection of humans with Toxoplasma gondii were identified. Surprisingly, up to two-thirds of infections could not be explained by risk factors such as consuming raw or undercooked meat or poor kitchen hygiene. Few studies reported population attributable risk, and when reported, it was low. Protocols including questionnaires used for collecting data, age and socio-economic groups studied, and sample sizes varied among studies. There is a need for carefully planned, case[ndash]control studies to identify sources of infection with T....
Source: Zoonoses and Public Health - September 9, 2009 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: E. Petersen, G. Vesco, S. Villari, W. Buffolano Source Type: journals

Infection with Toxoplasma gondii during Pregnancy: Seroepidemiological Studies in AustriaEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Seropositivity among pregnant woman in Austria has decreased from 48% to 50% at the end of the 1970s to 35% in recent years. Despite this decrease, knowledge of possible sources and risk factors for Toxoplasma infection remains important. We reviewed seroepidemiological studies that were undertaken to assess the roles of undercooked meat and oocysts in cat faeces as potential sources of infection in pregnant women. Improved management and hygiene in pig herds raised in confinement have resulted in less contact of pigs with cats and a decrease of infected pigs within one decade from 14% in 1982 to 0.9% in 1992. In Austrian ...
Source: Zoonoses and Public Health - September 9, 2009 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: R. Edelhofer, H. Prossinger Source Type: journals

Radiofrequency-Induced Thermal Inactivation of Toxoplasma gondii Oocysts in WaterEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
In this study, the physical method of radiofrequency (RF) power was evaluated for its ability to inactivate T. gondii oocysts in water. Oocysts were exposed to various RF energy levels to induce 50, 55, 60, 70 and 80°C temperatures maintained for 1 min. Post-treatment oocyst viability was determined by mouse bioassay with serology, immunohistochemistry and in vitro parasite isolation to confirm T. gondii infections in mice. None of the mice inoculated with oocysts treated with RF-induced temperatures of [ge]60°C in an initial experiment became infected; however, there was incomplete oocyst activation in subsequent experi...
Source: Zoonoses and Public Health - September 9, 2009 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: K. E. Wainwright, M. Lagunas-Solar, M. A. Miller, B. C. Barr, A. C. Melli, A. E. Packham, N. Zeng, T. Truong, P. A. Conrad Source Type: journals

An Outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza at a Public Animal Exhibit in Seoul, Korea, During 2008Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
This study describes the first recorded outbreak of HPAI in the city of Seoul, in captive birds held in an exhibition for public viewing at a local district office. The index cases were two pheasants, which had been introduced into the exhibit on 24 April, 4 days prior to death, from a store in a local market in Gyeonggi-do. Ducks and chickens from an HPAI outbreak farm, subsequently confirmed on 4 May, had also been held in this store. This outbreak highlights the potential role of local markets in AIV transmission. This outbreak led to considerable public health concern in Korea, however, no human cases were reported. Th...
Source: Zoonoses and Public Health - July 22, 2009 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: H. Yoon, O. K. Moon, S. J. More, C. K. Park, J. Y. Park, Y. J. Lee, S. D. Lee, J. K. Ha, S. K. Jeong, J. W. Jeong, S. J. Lee Source Type: journals

Evaluation of Specific Infection Control Practices Used by Companion Animal Veterinarians in Community Veterinary Practices in Southern OntarioEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
This study evaluated specific infection control practices in community veterinary practices in southern Ontario. Environmental disinfection, management of infectious patients and antimicrobial use in clean surgical procedures were investigated. Community companion animal veterinary practices (n = 101) in Southern Ontario were recruited, and a questionnaire was administered to one veterinarian and one veterinary technician from each practice. The veterinarian questionnaire gathered data on clinic demographics, management of infectious patients, infectious diseases of concern, environmental disinfection and antimicrobial use...
Source: Zoonoses and Public Health - July 22, 2009 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: C. P. Murphy, R. J. Reid-Smith, J. S. Weese, S. A. McEwen Source Type: journals

Re-Emergence of West Nile Virus in ItalyEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
In August 2008, West Nile disease re-emerged in Italy. The infection is affecting the North Eastern regions and, as of November 2008, has caused 33 clinical cases and five fatalities in horses. Until now, no deaths have been reported in birds. Mosquitoes, blood, serum and tissue samples, from horses and birds, within and around the outbreak area, have been collected and tested by various methods both serologically and virologically. West Nile virus strains have been isolated from blood samples of one horse and one donkey and from pools of brain, kidneys, heart and spleen of a pigeon and three magpies. When compared to the ...
Source: Zoonoses and Public Health - July 22, 2009 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: F. Monaco, R. Lelli, L. Teodori, C. Pinoni, A. Di Gennaro, A. Polci, P. Calistri, G. Savini Source Type: journals

Spatial and Temporal Epidemiology of Sporadic Human Cryptosporidiosis in ScotlandEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
The spatial and temporal epidemiology of human cryptosporidiosis was described by analysing sporadic cases reported in Scotland from 2005 to 2007. Measures of livestock density and human population density were explored as indicators of the geographical variation in prevalence. Cryptosporidium parvum was more common in areas with lower human population densities, with a higher ratio of the number of farms to human inhabitants and with a higher ratio of the number of private water supplies to human inhabitants. Cryptosporidium parvum caused disease in humans in rural areas and in areas with high ruminant livestock density, ...
Source: Zoonoses and Public Health - July 22, 2009 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: K. G. J. Pollock, H. E. Ternent, D. J. Mellor, R. M. Chalmers, H. V. Smith, C. N. Ramsay, G. T. Innocent Source Type: journals

Occurrence of Salmonella, Campylobacter, Yersinia enterocolitica, Escherichia coli O157 and Listeria monocytogenes in SwineEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
The objective of this study was to investigate the occurrence of major bacterial foodborne pathogens in swine. In total, 359 samples from manure storage tanks (91) and fresh pooled faeces (268) obtained from finisher (110), sows (78) and weanlings (80) were collected and tested. Campylobacter, Salmonella, Yersinia enterocolitica, Escherichia coli O157 and Listeria monocytogenes were isolated from 36.5%, 31.5%, 5.8%, 3.3% and 3.3% of samples respectively. All E. coli O157 isolates found on 10 farms were tested but none was determined to be E. coli O157:H7. Salmonella and Campylobacter were more likely to be detected from st...
Source: Zoonoses and Public Health - July 22, 2009 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: A. Farzan, R. M. Friendship, A. Cook, F. Pollari Source Type: journals

Detection of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli and Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli in Faecal Samples of Healthy Mithun (Bos frontalis) by Multiplex Polymerase Chain ReactionEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Faecal samples obtained from 190 healthy mithuns were examined for the presence of Escherichia coli. Total one-hundred and five E. coli isolates were obtained from these samples, which belonged to 55 different serogroups. These isolates were subjected to multiplex polymerase chain reaction (m-PCR) for detection of stx1, stx2, eaeA and hlyA genes. Twenty-three (21.90%) E. coli isolates belonging to 14 serogroups revealed the presence of at least one virulence gene when examined by m-PCR. Nineteen percent and 2.85% of the mithuns were found to carry Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) and enteropathogenic E. coli, respectiv...
Source: Zoonoses and Public Health - July 22, 2009 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: S. Rajkhowa, R. Das, S. Bora, C. Rajkhowa, H. Rahman, K. M. Bujarbaruah Source Type: journals

Prevalence and Financial Effects of Hydatidosis in Cattle Slaughtered in Birre-Sheleko and Dangila Abattoirs, Northwestern EthiopiaEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
A cross-sectional survey of bovine hydatidosis was carried out on local zebu cattle slaughtered at Birre-Sheleko and Dangila Abattoirs from August 2007 to July 2008 to determine the prevalence and to estimate financial loss caused by the disease. Postmortem examination, hydatid cyst characterization and direct and indirect financial loss estimations were conducted. Out of the total of 521 animals examined (255 Birre-Sheleko and 266 Dangila), 79 (15.2%) were found harbouring one or more hydatid cyst. The prevalence of the disease between the two abattoirs was not significantly different (P > 0.05). The result obtained from ...
Source: Zoonoses and Public Health - July 22, 2009 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: N. Kebede, Z. Gebre-Egziabher, G. Tilahun, A. Wossene Source Type: journals

Screening for Nipah Virus Infection in West Kalimantan Province, IndonesiaEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Compared to other viruses, research on Nipah virus has been limited in Indonesia because attributable disease outbreaks have not been reported. However, Nipah virus is a zoonotic Biosafety Level 4 (BSL4) agent, so strategic monitoring is prudent. Farmer interviews and a serologic survey of 610 pig sera and 99 bat sera from West Kalimantan province were conducted. Farmers reported no recent or historic encephalitic or respiratory disease in themselves, their families, workers or pigs. The survey found no evidence of exposure to Nipah virus in pigs. In contrast, 19% of the 84 Pteropus vampyrus bat sera reacted in the ELISA, ...
Source: Zoonoses and Public Health - July 22, 2009 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: I. Sendow, H. E. Field, A. Adjid, A. Ratnawati, A. C. Breed, Darminto, C. Morrissy, P. Daniels Source Type: journals

Detection of the floR Gene in a Diversity of Florfenicol Resistant Gram-Negative Bacilli from Freshwater Salmon Farms in ChileEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Florfenicol is an important antibiotic in veterinary medicine that is used extensively in aquaculture, including salmon farming in Chile. We analysed a set of 119 florfenicol-resistant Gram-negative bacilli from seven freshwater Chilean salmon farms for the molecular determinants involved in the florfenicol resistance. Ninety-seven of these strains were glucose non-fermenting bacilli, mainly belonging to the Pseudomonas genus, whereas 22 strains were glucose-fermenters. The floR gene was detected in 26 strains (21.8%) that had been isolated from three of the seven salmon farms. Most of the floR-carrying strains were glucos...
Source: Zoonoses and Public Health - June 24, 2009 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: C. Fernández-Alarcón, C. D. Miranda, R. S. Singer, Y. López, R. Rojas, H. Bello, M. Domínguez, G. González-Rocha Source Type: journals

Bats and Emerging Zoonoses: Henipaviruses and SARSEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Nearly 75% of all emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) that impact or threaten human health are zoonotic. The majority have spilled from wildlife reservoirs, either directly to humans or via domestic animals. The emergence of many can be attributed to predisposing factors such as global travel, trade, agricultural expansion, deforestation/habitat fragmentation, and urbanization; such factors increase the interface and/or the rate of contact between human, domestic animal, and wildlife populations, thereby creating increased opportunities for spillover events to occur. Infectious disease emergence can be regarded as primaril...
Source: Zoonoses and Public Health - June 17, 2009 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: H. E. Field Source Type: journals

Feline Sporotrichosis in the Southern Region of Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil: Clinical, Zoonotic and Therapeutic AspectsEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
This study demonstrates a good clinical response of felines with sporotrichosis, when they were treated itraconazole and calls the attention for the incidence of human sporotrichosis on people related to the veterinary activity as well as for pet owners. (Source: Zoonoses and Public Health)
Source: Zoonoses and Public Health - June 16, 2009 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: I. M. Madrid, A. Mattei, A. Martins, M. Nobre, M. Meireles Source Type: journals

Leptospirosis in a Small Animal Veterinarian: Reminder to Follow Standardized Infection Control ProceduresEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
A small animal veterinarian in Washington State developed leptospirosis after an occupational exposure. Approximately 10 days prior to the onset of illness, he examined a healthy appearing pet rat for fleas, which urinated on his un-gloved hands. Although the veterinarian washed his hands after the examination, his hands had abrasions from gardening. The veterinarian was hospitalized for 12 days and was able to return to work part-time 1 month following discharge. This illness may have been prevented if the veterinarian had been wearing gloves during the examination as recommended by the National Association of State Publi...
Source: Zoonoses and Public Health - June 16, 2009 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: R. Baer, W. Turnberg, D. Yu, R. Wohrle Source Type: journals

Recurrence of Human Streptococcus suis Infections in 2007: Three Cases of Meningitis and Implications that Heterogeneous S. suis 2 Circulates in ChinaEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Emergence of fatal Streptococcus suis serotype 2 (S. suis 2, SS2) in China, 2005, has greatly challenged the public health, raising serious concerns about its global circulation. Whole genome sequencing of the representative strains has identified a potential pathogenicity island (PAI), named 89K. Here, we reported the recurrence of human S. suis meningitis cases (two in Shenzhen City and one in Sichuan Province) in China, in 2007. Multiple lines of evidence supported that these human cases are caused by highly pathogenic SS2 isolates. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis analysis indicated that these re-emerging SS2 isolates ...
Source: Zoonoses and Public Health - June 16, 2009 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Y. Feng, X. Shi, H. Zhang, S. Zhang, Y. Ma, B. Zheng, H. Han, Q. Lan, J. Tang, J. Cheng, G. F. Gao, Q. Hu Source Type: journals

Epidemiology of Bartonella Infection in Rodents and Shrews in TaiwanEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
During the period of August 2002 and November 2004, an epidemiological investigation for Bartonella infection was conducted in small mammals in Taiwan. Using whole blood culture on chocolate agar plates, Bartonella species were successfully isolated from 41.3% of the 310 animals tested. The isolation rate of Bartonella species varied among different animal species, including 52.7% of the 169 Rattus norvegicus, 28.6% of the 126 Sucus murinus, 10% of the 10 Rattus rattus and 66.7% of the three Rattus losea. Bacteremia prevalence also varied with the origin of the animals, as 56.2% of the animals captured on farms, 38.6% of t...
Source: Zoonoses and Public Health - June 16, 2009 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: J.-W. Hsieh, K.-C. Tung, W.-C. Chen, J.-W. Lin, L.-J. Chien, Y.-M. Hsu, H.-C. Wang, B. B. Chomel, C.-C. Chang Source Type: journals

Seroprevalence of Antibodies to Chlamydophila psittaci in Zoo Workers in BrazilEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
To evaluate the prevalence of antibodies to Chlamydophila psittaci 364 serum samples were collected from veterinarians, biologists, animal scientists, veterinary students, animal keepers and others employees in 20 zoos, and from veterinary practitioners in 10 Brazilian states. Subjects ranged from 15 to 64 years of age, with 268 (74%) males and 96 (26%) females. Chlamydial antibodies were determined by the complement fixation test (CFT) and specific anti-C. psittaci IgG antibodies were determined by the microimmunoflurescence (MIF) test. Complement fixation test showed 23.9% (87/364) and MIF test showed 4.7% (17/364) posit...
Source: Zoonoses and Public Health - June 16, 2009 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: T. F. Raso, A. O. T. Carrasco, J. C. R. Silva, M. F. V. Marvulo, A. A. Pinto Source Type: journals

Characterization of Francisella tularensis Strains, Comparing Their Carbon Source UtilizationEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Thirteen Francisella tularensis strains were isolated from 22 seropositive brown hares (Lepus europaeus) originating from different parts of Hungary, and further two from a patas monkey (Erythrocebus patas) and vervet monkey (Chlorocebus aethiops). The isolates were identified as F. tularensis ssp. holarctica on the basis of culture, morphological and biochemical characteristics. The identification was verified by polymerase chain reaction and the sequencing of the partial 16S rRNA gene. Utilization of carbon sources of the 15 F. tularensis strains was characterized with the Biolog system. The system was able to identify t...
Source: Zoonoses and Public Health - June 16, 2009 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: M. Gyuranecz, K. Erdélyi, L. Fodor, K. Jánosi, B. Szépe, M. Füleki, I. Szőke, B. Dénes, L. Makrai Source Type: journals

Pathogenesis and Subsequent Cross-Protection of Influenza Virus Infection in Pigs Sustained by an H1N2 StrainEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
The objectives of this study were to investigate the pathogenesis of Sw/Italy/1521/98 (H1N2) influenza virus, isolated from respiratory tissues of pigs from herds in Northern Italy, and to evaluate its potential cross-protection against the Sw/Fin/2899/82 (H1N1) strain. In the pathogenesis test, eight pigs were intranasally infected with H1N2 virus; at pre-determined intervals, these animals were killed and necropsied, along with eight uninfected animals. In the cross-protection test, sixteen pigs were infected by intranasal (i.n.) and intratracheal (i.t.) routes with either H1N2 or H1N1 virus. Twenty days later, all pigs ...
Source: Zoonoses and Public Health - June 16, 2009 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: M. Ferrari, P. Borghetti, E. Foni, C. Robotti, R. Di Lecce, A. Corradi, S. Petrini, E. Bottarelli Source Type: journals

Evaluation of Environmental Mycobacteria Contamination in a Specific Pathogen Free Animal Facility from a Tropical CountryEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
With the evidence showing the protection variability of bacille Calmette-Guérin, new potential vaccines for tuberculosis have been tested around the world. One of the general concerns in tuberculosis vaccine development is the possibility of priming the host immune system with prior exposure to environmental mycobacteria antigens, which can change the efficacy of subsequent vaccination. As there is a great homology between the species from Mycobacterium genera, the previous contact of experimental animals with environmental mycobacteria could sensitize the mice and, in this way, could influence subsequent vaccine research...
Source: Zoonoses and Public Health - June 16, 2009 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: F. G. Frantz, L. N. Andrade, R. Araújo, J. I. Araújo, L. H. Faccioli, D. N. Sato Source Type: journals

The Use of Tannins to Control Salmonella Typhimurium Infections in PigsEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
In conclusion, the hydrolysable tannin extract used in this study showed strong action against Salmonella Typhimurium in vitro but not in vivo. (Source: Zoonoses and Public Health)
Source: Zoonoses and Public Health - June 16, 2009 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: A. Van Parys, F. Boyen, J. Dewulf, F. Haesebrouck, F. Pasmans Source Type: journals

Genetic and Antigenic Evolution of Swine Influenza Viruses in Europe and Evaluation of Their Zoonotic PotentialEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Swine influenza is a highly contagious respiratory viral infection of pigs that has become enzootic in areas densely populated with pigs. Like other influenza A viruses, swine influenza virus (SIV) is genetically unstable and able to accumulate antigenic drifts and/or antigenic shifts. The pig is susceptible to both avian and human influenza viruses and can serve as an intermediate host in influenza virus ecology. Zoonotic agents may emerge in pigs following the modification of an established swine strain, adaptation of a strain of avian origin to the mammalian host, or reassortment between human and avian influenza viruse...
Source: Zoonoses and Public Health - May 28, 2009 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: G. Kuntz-Simon, F. Madec Source Type: journals

Two Unusual Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy Cases Detected in Great BritainEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
This study describes the prion protein (PRNP) genotype and molecular profiles of the first two cases of H-type BSE detected in GB in comparison with those obtained for classical BSE, scrapie in sheep from GB and a control H-type BSE case from France. (Source: Zoonoses and Public Health)
Source: Zoonoses and Public Health - May 28, 2009 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: M. Stack, R. Focosi-Snyman, S. Cawthraw, L. Davis, R. Jenkins, L. Thorne, M. Chaplin, S. Everitt, G. Saunders, L. Terry Source Type: journals

Detection of High Levels of European Bat Lyssavirus Type-1 Viral RNA in the Thyroid Gland of Experimentally-Infected Eptesicus fuscus BatsEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Two common bat lyssavirus species have been identified in many European countries: European bat lyssavirus type-1 and -2 (EBLV-1 and EBLV-2). Only limited knowledge on the susceptibility of the natural EBLV-hosts, insectivorous bats, to lyssavirus infection is available. Our study was undertaken to evaluate the susceptibility and pathology associated with an EBLV-1 infection in Eptesicus fuscus following different routes of virus inoculation including intracranial (n = 6), intramuscular (n = 14), oral (n = 7) and intranasal (n = 7). Blood and saliva samples were collected from all bats on a monthly basis. Four bats inocula...
Source: Zoonoses and Public Health - May 28, 2009 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: A. R. Fooks, N. Johnson, T. Müller, A. Vos, K. Mansfield, D. Hicks, A. Nunez, C. Freuling, L. Neubert, I. Kaipf, A. Denzinger, R. Franka, C. E. Rupprecht Source Type: journals

The αGal HyperAcute® Technology: Enhancing Immunogenicity of Antiviral Vaccines by Exploiting the Natural αGal-Mediated Zoonotic BlockadeEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
The [alpha]Gal HyperAcute® Technology exploits a robust zoonotic blockade to enhance potency of antiviral vaccines. Naturally acquired immunity against the common [alpha]Gal epitope [galactose-alpha(1,3)-galactose-beta(1,4)N-acetylglucosamine-R (Gal-[alpha](1,3)-Gal-[beta](1,4)-GlcNAc-R)] is facilitated by the loss of a key enzyme in the epitope's biosynthetic pathway. As human cells are devoid of this epitope, chronic stimulus from gut flora leads to high levels of circulating anti-[alpha]Gal antibodies and the development of a robust immune pathway. As the [alpha]Gal epitope is immediately recognized as foreign, the nat...
Source: Zoonoses and Public Health - May 27, 2009 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: R. B. Mandell, R. Flick, W. R. Staplin, L. D. Kaniewski, A. K. Carzoli, R. P. Manuszak, J. Wang, G. R. Rossi, N. N. Vahanian, C. J. Link Source Type: journals