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[A new zoonosis--investigation of Gardnerella vaginalis disease of fox. V. Studies serotype of Gardnerella vaginalis in fox].

145 strains Gardnerella vaginalis isolated in foxes were isolated from 13 main farms raising foxes in six provinces (regions), China, after antigenicity and immunogenicity of the strains were measured, 1-3 appropriate strains were selected from each farm raising foxes for serotype studies. Cross agglutinin absorption test confirmed that selected 26 strains Gardnerella vaginalis were divided into three serotypes and then the representing strains were used to produce typing serum. Among remaining 119 strain, 108 strains were typable with the typing sera, and 11 strains can't be set. Among three serotypes, serotype I made up 79.1% of the strains. It was shown that serotype I was the principal serotype of Gardnerella vaginalis of fox in China. The test also confirmed that 5 strains of Gardnerella vaginalis isolated from racoon dog, 4 strain Gardnerella vaginalis from mink and 2 strains Gardnerella vaginalis from canine also belonged to serotype I. Supersonic antigben was produced with three serotypes, representative strains. By agar immuno-diffusion test, it confirmed that the antigens of three serotypes formed a obvious blending precipitating line with the homologous or heterologous serotype antiserum. It indicated common antigen existed among all serotypes. The agar immuno-diffusion test results revealed that the precipitating line of the homologous serotype completely blended. It is our opinion that the method of serotyping is reliable.

Animals↗

[Investigation on zoonoses among veterinary technicians].

We conducted a survey on how much veterinary clinics staff, mostly veterinary technicians, know about zoonosis and how extensively they inform pet owners of ways to prevent zoonosis. The number of people who took part in the survey was 1,057. The ratio of people who said their knowledge on zoonosis is "neither sufficient nor insufficient" was 53.8%, which is larger than the ratio of people who replied "sufficient" or "insufficient." The percentage of those who said their way of giving information on zoonosis to pet owners is "neither sufficient nor insufficient" was 52.4%. The ratios of people who knew about Spirometra erinacei, Dipylidium canium or Giardia lamblia were 64.7%, 73.6% and 57.6%, respectively. The longer they worked, the more they knew about Cryptosporidium spp. (20.1%), Hymenolepis nana (31.8%), Echinococcus spp. (45.7%), Ancylostoma spp. (73.3%), Dirofilaria immitis (80.5%), Toxoplasma gondii (82.4%), and Toxocara canis (86.5%). It seems that systematic continuing education and opportunities to acquire new knowledge are not sufficient for those working in veterinary clinics, and this needs to be corrected.

Adult↗

Survey of veterinary conference attendees for evidence of zoonotic infection by feline retroviruses.

OBJECTIVE: To examine exposure risks, possibility of zoonosis, and potential disease associations for feline retroviruses among a group of occupationally exposed individuals. DESIGN: Unlinked voluntary cross-sectional epidemiologic survey. SAMPLE POPULATION: 204 veterinarians, laboratory scientists, and other occupationally exposed individuals who attended a veterinary conference on feline geriatric medicine. PROCEDURE: Blood was collected from participants who also completed a 13-question survey requesting demographic, occupational, exposure, and health information. Blood specimens were fractionated into plasma and mononuclear cell components. Plasma was tested for antibodies against feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline foamy virus (FeFV), as well as p27 antigen of FeLV. Mononuclear cell lysates were tested for FeLV provirus. RESULTS: Subjects reported extensive duration of work with cats (mean, 17.3 years) and multiple high-risk exposures (eg, cat bites, scratches, and injuries with sharp instruments) per year. However, neither serologic nor molecular evidence of zoonosis with any of the 3 feline retroviruses was detected. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Veterinarians encounter occupational exposures to animal material that place them at high risk for zoonoses. For feline retroviruses, the risk of zoonosis among healthy adult humans appears to be extremely small. However, potential for retroviral zoonosis, especially for viruses such as FeLV and FeFV that can replicate in human cells, cannot be eliminated, and universal precautions to reduce potential exposures should be used when handling sick cats.

Adult↗

Toxocara cati: an underestimated zoonotic agent.

The role of Toxocara cati as a zoonosis is reviewed. It is suggested that, despite case histories of human infection in the literature, historical factors have led to T. cati being under-recognized as a zoonosis, particularly when compared with the prominence given to Toxocara canis in dogs. Differentiation of the two infections remains challenging even today. It is recommended that further work be conducted to facilitate differentiation so that the importance of T. cati as a zoonosis can be clearly defined.

Animals↗

[Survey of consciousness of community residents regarding the community life of disabled persons with service dogs].

PURPOSE: Service dogs have received much attention as effective choices for promoting participation in society of disabled persons. The purpose of this study was to obtain the fundamental data to prepare guidelines regarding service dogs use in community life, by making clear the problems in terms of public health and community welfare through a survey of attitudes towards service dogs in community residents. METHODS: Study 1 was conducted as follows. The subjects were 423 community residents between their teens and seventies who participated in health and welfare lectures in 4 metropolitan areas. A questionnaire survey was conducted just after watching a promotion video about service dogs, including several items on aspects not accept, were anxious about or were unpleasant in the case of community life of a disabled person and a service dog. Study 2 was as follows. A questionnaire survey was conducted inside a supermarket in the central part of Tokyo. One group of subjects were 103 shopping customers who witnessed a shopping scene featuring a disabled person with her service dog, and the other subjects were 84 customers who were not witnessed to the scene. The same survey was simultaneously performed for impression about the shopping scene. RESULTS: Study 1 showed that 31.8% of all the respondents replied that they had some knowledge of service dogs before watching the video. A total of 20.4% (32.5% of the elderly) replied that there were places where service dogs should not enter. Concretely speaking, these included restaurants for 7.3-22.5% and medical institutions for 8.5-12.5% of the respondents. A third of all the respondents (51.3% of older persons) replied they could not endure some actions by service dogs, concretely "carrying food in the mouth" was highly pointed out by 27.3%. Zoonosis (15.3-19.0%), hair scattering (9.5-21.3%), injuries (4.4-7.4%) were also pointed out as main sources of anxiety or uncomfortable feelings. Such negative opinions were especially apparent among those aged 60 years and older. Also, 44.1% knew some disabled person. Cross tabulation showed those who had experience of taking care of a dog were significant less anxious about "vague anxiety or discomfort," and "zoonosis" than those who had not (P < 0.01). On the other hand, most of both witness (79.6%), and non-witness groups (81.0%) replied that it was heartwarming that the service dog assisted with shopping. None expressed discomfort about the presence of "service dog" inside the supermarket. In terms of carrying a commodity in the mouth, 92.2% and 89.1% in both groups replied that they don't mind, especially if safety was guaranteed for public health, and 91.3% and 95.2% in both groups replied that they had no other problems. Moreover, none of them would not entering stores. Significant differences were seldom in replies between the witness and non-witness groups. CONCLUSION: Although the respondents were extremely affirmative regarding the image of service dogs, it became clear that anxiety about public health aspects such as "zoonosis" or "utilization of medical institutions" was persisting. On the whole, negative opinions were more apparent in the elderly.

Adolescent↗

[Serological, clinical, and epidemiological aspects of an outbreak of trichinosis in Azul, province of Buenos Aires].

An outbreak of human trichinellosis that took place in Southern Buenos Aires Province, an endemic area for this zoonosis, was studied. Eighteen individuals were infected by eating swine sausages lacking veterinary control. Clinical symptoms, as well as serological studies related to antibody production and cytotoxic capacity of the sera are described. Eight interdicted pigs and their products were analysed. In order to determine the transmission network of this zoonosis, wild rats were hunted in the farm where the swine were bred. The clinical symptoms of the infected individuals were: myalgia, edema, fever and cephalea. Sixty-one percent of the patients showed antibodies against muscle larvae 15-20 days after ingestion of the infected meat. Five out of eighteen patients showed anti-newborn larvae antibodies 40-60 days postinfection. The sausage burden was 5.3 muscle larvae/g. Two out of eight swine were diagnosed employing serological techniques, while parasitic techniques detected only one. The rat is an important reservoir in the domestic cycle of this zoonosis.

Adolescent↗

[Pets as permanent excretors of zoonoses pathogens].

When scrutinizing zoonoses with regard to risks for human beings, the spectrum of pathogens with dogs, cats and birds leading to persistent infections and consequently to the fact that the animals become carriers and permanent excretors is relatively small. Most of the zoonoses cause clinical symptoms and will be taken care of correspondingly. With regard to dogs there is a multitude of persistent infections that are transferred from the pet to the human being and vice versa. In reality, however, the importance of the dog as permanent excretor of zoonosis pathogens endangering human health is minimal, except for some parasitoses. As far as cats are concerned, the situation is totally different. Cats are carriers and permanent excretors of pasteurella, the pathogens of the so-called cat-scratch disease, trichophyton and microsporum species, toxoplasmosis and orthopox viruses. The new zoonosis feline pox serves as an example of the necessity of a permanent observation of persistently infected pets. Healthy, but persistently infected birds form a source of infection not to be underestimated. Through the beat of their wings they constantly stir up dried infectious excrements and dust and thus favour the airborn infection of human beings. Chlamydia psittaci, the Newcastle disease virus and Mycobacterium avium are of major importance in this context. The risk of transferring zoonosis pathogens from persistently infected pets to human beings can be minimized through prophylactic diagnosis, strict measures of hygiene, observation of the schedule of vaccinations for the respective species and regular use of anthelmintica.

Animals↗

[Regional analysis of human and animal hydatidosis in Chile, 1989-1993].

A descriptive study of hydatidosis, a still very prevalent zoonosis in Chile, was carried out with information up to 1993. Both human and animal data were included, the last one based on more reliable information. Regional human distribution up to 1991 shows persistent high notification rates in the extreme south of the country, Aysen and Magallanes hospital discharges, more reliable than notified cases, adds the IX Region of Araucania to the high risk areas, join with more than 30 hospitalizations per 100,000 people in 1989. Mortality case rate suggests strongly a very high subnotification in all the regions, mainly in O'Higgins. This zoonosis affects predominantly, young and middle aged adults, with a similar sex distribution. Cattle infection has decreased in the last 20 years, particularly in sheep. Proportion of infected dogs also tends to show a lowering trend in specific studies. It appears a strong need of a national program for controlling this zoonosis, to be initiated with an epidemiological evaluation by regions and centered in health education, dogs' infection control with treatment and better handling of slaughterhouses.

Adolescent↗

Prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi (sensu lato) in Ixodes ricinus (L.) populations in France, according to a phytoecological zoning of the territory.

Ixodes ricinus is considered as the main vector of Lyme Borreliosis in France. The aim of our investigations was to obtain a comprehensive view of the spatial risk linked to the distribution of the species in our country. Previous studies [1] have provided strong evidence that the species populations are widely distributed, so the objective of the present work was to ascertain the bacteriological infection of the tick by the agent of the zoonosis (Borrelia burgdorferi, sensu lato), over the French territory, whatever the ecological conditions may be. For this purpose, we kept the same framework as that used in our acarological investigation, a phytoecological zoning of the territory into 54 geographically separate and ecologically distinct units distributed into three climatic zones. Batches of ticks, picked up in these different phytoecological units (only two thirds of which were sampled), were submitted for bacteriological investigation. A total of 4,673 ticks were examined, individually, for the presence of Borrelia burgdorferi, by immunofluorescence. Percentages of infection according to the various stages of Ixodes ricinus free stages, collected by flagging, were as follows: 4.95% in 3,247 nymphs, 11.2% in 699 males, 12.5% in 727 females. Larvae were ignored. Practically all the tested units harboured the bacterium. The percentage of tick samples (25 ticks or more) absolutely free of Borrelia, wherever they came from, is very low (not exceeding 10 percent of the sampled forests). Our study confirms the assessment of a widespread distribution of the zoonosis in France which was, until now, exclusively based on an approximate distribution of limited human cases observed in the country.

Animals↗

Field evaluation of an intravital diagnostic test of Echinococcus multilocularis infection in red foxes.

Echinococcus multilocularis parasitizes the small intestine of red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and other carnivores, and has a wide distribution throughout the northern hemisphere. This cestode is the causative agent of human alveolar echinococcosis, a life-threatening helminth zoonosis. In 2000-2002, 2130 red foxes were examined for its presence in Slovakia, with a total prevalence of 30.7%. The data on occurrence were obtained by the combination of necropsy of small intestines from red foxes and coproantigen detection in faecal samples. The correlation between the number of detected specimens and the value of optical density of copro-ELISA test was found. When worm burdens were low (1-25 specimens) the sensitivity of the method was 31.3+/-8.64%, when worm burdens were >50 specimens, 81.8+/-0.66%, and with high worm burdens (>1000 specimens) the sensitivity reached 100+/-0.34%. E. multilocularis presence was detected using the nested PCR method from the eggs in the faecal samples with a 100% specificity. In epidemiological surveys of this zoonosis, it is of crucial importance to detect animals with a high level of infection, which are responsible for the bulk of environmental contamination. The advantage of copro-ELISA test lies in allowing the intravital diagnostics to be employed within the epidemiological survey of E. multilocularis occurrence in the protected and urban areas.

Animals↗

The endogenous langur type D retrovirus PO-1-Lu and its exogenous counterparts in macaque and langur monkeys.

PO-1-Lu, the endogenous type D retrovirus of langurs (Trachypithecus obscurus) has previously been considered a progenitor to the prototype type D retrovirus, Mason Pfizer monkey virus (M-PMV/SRV-3), that became established in macaque monkeys (Macaca spp.) following a zoonosis. This study reevaluates this hypothesis to include other exogenous SRVs. New sequence information from the gp70(SU)-encoding region of PO-1-Lu shows striking similarity to the newly identified exogenous langur retrovirus, SRV-6, recently isolated from the Hanuman Langur (Semnopithecus entellus). An unrooted, bootstrapped neighbor-joining tree derived from env gene nucleotide sequences shows PO-1-Lu and SRV-6 appear more closely related genetically to SRV-2 than SRV-1 or SRV-3 (M-PMV). This is also reflected in our observations that the M-PMV envelope glycoprotein precursor gPr86(Env) and gp70(SU) were antigenically distinct from PO-1-Lu, although the gp22(TM) glycoproteins were antigenically cross-reactive. The potential that SRV-6 represents an exogenous form of PO-1-Lu that has arisen following a recent zoonosis is discussed.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Systematics and epidemiology of trichinella.

In this review, we describe the current knowledge on the systematics, ecology and epidemiology of Trichinella and trichinellosis, and the impact of recent research discoveries on the understanding of this zoonosis. The epidemiology of this zoonosis has experienced important changes over the past two decades, especially with regard to the importance of the sylvatic cycle and the sylvatic species. Outbreaks of trichinellosis due to Trichinella spiralis from domestic swine, while still frequent, increasingly are caused by other Trichinella spp. infecting hosts such as horses, dogs, wild boars, bears and walruses. The latter revelations have occurred as a result of a series of discoveries on the systematics of Trichinella spp., facilitated by new molecular tools. As a consequence, the genus is now composed of two clades, an encapsulated group (five species and three genotypes) and a non-encapsulated one (three species). This has sparked renewed investigations on the host range of these parasites and their epidemiological features. Most dramatic, perhaps, is the recognition that reptiles may also serve as hosts for certain species. This new knowledge base, in addition to having an important relevance for food safety policies and protection measures, is raising important questions on the phylogeny of Trichinella spp., the ecological characteristics of the species and their geographic histories. Answers to these questions may have great value for the understanding of the evolutionary biology for other parasitic helminths, and may increase the value of this genus as models for research on parasitism in general.

Animals↗

Zoonotic transmission of hepatitis E virus from deer to human beings.

Zoonosis has been suggested for hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection, but so far is based only on indirect evidence. We experienced a series of cases of HEV infection among people who had eaten uncooked deer meat 6-7 weeks before. On testing, a left over portion of the deer meat, kept frozen to eat in the future, was positive for HEV RNA, whose nucleotide sequence was identical to those from the patients. Patients' family members who ate none or very little of the deer meat remained uninfected. These findings provide direct evidence for HEV infection to be a zoonosis.

Animals↗

Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in Polish shepherds and their families.

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori infection might, in some instances, be considered as zoonosis. AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the H. pylori prevalence in Polish shepherds and in their families as compared to controls. Patients and methods. A total of 42 shepherds from Polish Tatra Mountains with regular contact with sheep, 28 members of their families with incidental contacts and 61 age- and gender-matched farmer controls without such contacts were involved in this study. H. pylori status was determined by 13C-urea breath test. Serology was used to measure anti-H. pylori and anti-CagA IgG. Plasma gastrin, interleukin-8 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha were also determined. RESULTS: The H. pylori prevalence reached 97.6% in shepherds, 86% in their family members, but significantly less, 65.1%, in controls without contact with sheep. Anti-H. pylori IgG, anti-CagA in contact groups were significantly higher than in controls. Also, plasma gastrin, interleukin-8 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha had significantly higher values as compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS: Shepherds showed almost 100% H. pylori prevalence and higher incidence of CagA seropositivity, plasma gastrin and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels. Considering 100% positive 13C-urea breath test in sheep, it may be reasonable to suggest that H. pylori infection in shepherds and their family members originates from sheep and H. pylori infection might, therefore, be considered as zoonosis.

Adult↗

Emerging pathologies in aquaculture: effects on production and food safety.

Infectious diseases represent a limiting factor for the further development of Italian aquaculture. The recent introduction and spreading of new pathogens, along with the global climatic change, has contributed to a considerable decrease in trout production. Emerging pathologies in rainbow trout culture include viral diseases, e.g. infectious haematopoietic necrosis (IHN), bacterial diseases, such as lactococcosis and visceral flavobacteriosis, and parasitical diseases, e.g. proliferative kidney disease (PKD). Higher mortality rates in trout fry and fingerlings are generally induced by visceral flavobacteriosis and IHN, while the main losses in large trout during the warm season are due to lactococcosis and PKD. Mariculture has at present a better sanitary status compared to trout culture, but a rapid dissemination of pathogens, including zoonosis agents, is envisaged also for seabass and seabream. Emerging pathologies in sea bass include VNN, pseudotuberculosis, streptococcosis and tuberculosis. Seabream is much more resistant and is mainly affected by novel Vibrio infections and enteromyxidiosis. A good sanitary management of fish farms is essential for avoiding or limiting losses caused by emerging pathologies. Transmission of zoonosis agents to man, through the consumption of cultured fish, is very remote in Italy. On the contrary, transmission of Streptococcus iniae, Vibrio vulnificus and Mycobacterium marinum by means of improper manipulation of infected fish, could represent a potential hazard for fish farmers and fish processors, as well as for people preparing fish meals.

Animals↗

Leishmaniosis due to Leishmania infantum in a FIV and FelV positive cat with a squamous cell carcinoma diagnosed with histological, serological and isoenzymatic methods.

Leishmaniosis caused by Leishmania infantum is an endemic zoonosis present in the Mediterranean area. Canidae (dog and fox) constitute the main reservoir hosts for the parasite, whilst wild rodents or the cat can be carriers of the protozoan and are considered as secondary potential reservoirs. This paper describes a case of disseminated feline leishmaniosis with cutaneous (ulcerative), visceral (spleen and lymph nodes) and blood involvement in a FIV-FelV positive cat. The microscopic identification of the Leishmania infection was initially made on a skin biopsy of the temporal area, where a squamous cell carcinoma was diagnosed. The diagnosis of the disease was achieved by several serological techniques (ELISA, IFAT and Western-blot). The strain was obtained by blood culture, characterized by electrophoresis of isoenzymes and identified as Leishmania infantum zymodeme MON-1. Since the infection due to L. infantum is a zoonosis, the potential feline reservoir should be more investigated. Serological analysis by Western blot on domestic cats provides a useful tool. In veterinary practice, feline leishmaniosis should be systematically included in the differential diagnosis when compatible cutaneous lesions are present, especially in the endemic areas of canine leishmaniosis.

Animals↗