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At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources
PubMed2006

Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. in a veterinary college bovine teaching herd.

In a preliminary study, we commonly identified Giardia duodenalis in adult dairy cattle from a veterinary college teaching herd. Therefore, the present study was carried out in order to better understand the potential of adult cattle to act as a source for G. duodenalis infections for students and staff at the veterinary college. Fecal samples were collected bi-weekly from this herd of adult cattle (n=30) over an 8-month period to determine the prevalence of G. duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. within the herd. Nested PCR followed by DNA sequencing was then performed on a subset of positive samples in order to better understand the zoonotic potential of these infections. Every cow was sampled between 11 and 18 times, depending on the date the animal joined the teaching herd. In total, 507 fecal samples were collected from 30 different cows and examined for cysts and oocysts using epifluorescence microscopy. G. duodenalis prevalence during the course of the study ranged from 37% (11/30) to 64% (18/28), with a mean of 49%. Cumulative G. duodenalis prevalence was 73% (22/30). Zoonotic G. duodenalis assemblage A genotype was identified in 43% (6/14) of the G. duodenalis-positive samples on which PCR and genetic sequencing were successfully performed. G. duodenalis assemblage E was identified in 57% (8/14) of these samples. Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts were not detected in the feces of any cows during the study period. The presence of the zoonotic G. duodenalis assemblage A in 43% of the sequenced samples indicates that there is a potential risk of infection for students and staff at this research and teaching facility, although the roles of cows as sources of giardiasis in humans remain uncertain. Furthermore, due to the large amount of feces they produce, adult cattle may serve as important sources for G. duodenalis infections in young cattle, or other animals in the facility, despite relatively low numbers of cysts excreted per gram of feces. In contrast, the results of this study indicate that this herd posed a negligible risk of transmitting Cryptosporidium parvum infections to humans.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Humans, dogs and parasitic zoonoses--unravelling the relationships in a remote endemic community in northeast India using molecular tools.

Canine parasitic zoonoses pose a continuing public health problem, especially in developing countries and communities that are socioeconomically disadvantaged. Our study combined the use of conventional and molecular epidemiological tools to determine the role of dogs in transmission of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites such as hookworms, Giardiaand Ascarisin a parasite endemic tea-growing community in northeast India. A highly sensitive and specific PCR-RFLP was developed to detect and differentiate the zoonotic species of canine hookworm eggs directly from faeces. This allowed epidemiological screening of canine hookworm species in this community to be conducted with ease and accuracy. Seventy two percent of dogs were found to harbour A. caninum, 60% A. braziliense and 37% harboured mixed infections with both hookworms. No A. ceylanicum was detected in the dog population. The zoonotic potential of canine Giardiawas also investigated by characterising Giardia duodenalisrecovered from humans and dogs living in the same locality and households, at three different loci. Phylogenetic and epidemiological analysis provided compelling evidence to support the zoonotic transmission of canine Giardia. Molecular tools were also used to identify the species of Ascarisegg present in over 30% of dog faecal samples. The results demonstrated the role of dogs as a significant disseminator and environmental contaminator of Ascaris lumbricoidesin communities where promiscuous defecation practices exist. Our study demonstrated the usefulness of combining conventional and molecular parasitological and epidemiological tools to help solve unresolved relationships with regards to parasitic zoonoses.

Ancylostomatoidea↗
PubMed2005

Molecular epidemiology: a multidisciplinary approach to understanding parasitic zoonoses.

Sound application of molecular epidemiological principles requires working knowledge of both molecular biological and epidemiological methods. Molecular tools have become an increasingly important part of studying the epidemiology of infectious agents. Molecular tools have allowed the aetiological agent within a population to be diagnosed with a greater degree of efficiency and accuracy than conventional diagnostic tools. They have increased the understanding of the pathogenicity, virulence, and host-parasite relationships of the aetiological agent, provided information on the genetic structure and taxonomy of the parasite and allowed the zoonotic potential of previously unidentified agents to be determined. This review describes the concept of epidemiology and proper study design, describes the array of currently available molecular biological tools and provides examples of studies that have integrated both disciplines to successfully unravel zoonotic relationships that would otherwise be impossible utilising conventional diagnostic tools. The current limitations of applying these tools, including cautions that need to be addressed during their application are also discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed2026

Characterization of the oral microbiota and antimicrobial resistance genes in shelter dogs in Japan.

Companion animals can serve as reservoirs of antimicrobial resistance genes and zoonotic microorganisms, yet information on shelter dogs remains limited. This study characterized the oral microbiota and screened for antimicrobial resistance genes in shelter dogs in Japan. Oral swabs were collected from 81 dogs, microbial genomic DNA was extracted, bacterial communities were profiled by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, and antimicrobial resistance genes were screened by PCR. We detected genes conferring resistance to several antimicrobial classes, including β-lactams, tetracyclines, macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B, phenicols, and sulfonamides. cfxA was detected in all 81 samples, followed by sul1 (66/81), tet(M) and sul2 (65/81), floR (39/81), mecA (17/81), and erm(B) (15/81). We identified potentially pathogenic genera including Capnocytophaga, Pasteurella, Fusobacterium, Campylobacter and Corynebacterium. Microbiome analysis revealed that at the phylum level, Pseudomonadota and Bacteroidota were the most dominant, while Porphyromonas, Frederiksenia and Moraxella were the most prevalent genera. Our findings highlight that (i) the oral microbiota of shelter dogs broadly resembles that reported in companion dogs and (ii) shelter dogs represent an overlooked reservoir of clinically relevant antimicrobial resistance genes and potentially zoonotic bacteria. Therefore, it is necessary to include shelter animals in antimicrobial resistance surveillance programs to capture any potential gaps in the antimicrobial resistance prevalence in companion animals and prevent dissemination of resistant bacteria to humans following adoption of shelter dogs and cats.

antimicrobial resistance gene↗
PubMed2006

Identification and characterization of the threadworm, Strongyloides procyonis, from feral raccoons (Procyon lotor) in Japan.

Strongyloides procyonis Little, 1966 was detected about 45 years ago in raccoons (Procyon lotor) of southern Louisiana, U.S.A., and was demonstrated experimentally to cause creeping eruption and a short-lived intestinal infection in a healthy human volunteer. After its description and demonstration of its pathogenicity in humans, S. procyonis has not been found in raccoons in North America despite repeated surveys. During a survey on feral raccoons in Japan, S. procyonis parasitic females were identified in 66 (28.3%) of 233 raccoons collected between May 2004 and January 2005. The number of parasitic females recovered from individual raccoons was 1-197 (geomean, 3.2). Both the morphological features and the nucleotide sequences of the small and large subunit ribosomal RNA genes (SSU/LSU rDNA) of S. procyonis closely resembled those of zoonotic Strongyloides stercoralis. The sequences of internal transcribed spacer (ITS)1 and 28S rDNA could differentiate clearly these 2 species. Awareness of S. procyonis in raccoons in North America and other places worldwide where raccoons are introduced and naturalized is important to assess the epidemiological significance of this potentially zoonotic helminth species.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Aspects of Toxocara epidemiology: human toxocarosis.

Toxocarosis is the clinical disease in man caused by infection of zoonotic roundworms of dogs and cats, Toxocara canis and T. cati. In this review the mode of transmission to the human by oral ingestion of Toxocara eggs from the environment is discussed. T. cati seems to play a more important role than generally suggested. Direct contact with animals is not considered a potential risk because embryonation of excreted Toxocara ova requires a minimum of 2 weeks. For the same reason there is no relationship expected between infection and exposure to dogs and cats in the household. Children more frequently have clinical symptoms because of the closer contact with contaminated soil in yards and sandpits, the lack of hygiene, and because of eating dirt. Toxocara larval migration in the body can cause various clinical syndromes. Visceral larva migrans, ocular larva migrans, and covert toxocarosis are described. Serodiagnostic techniques are reliable tools to detect antibodies or antigens. Systemic treatment with anthelmintics is described but can result in hypersensitivity reactions caused by dying larvae. For ocular lesions, laser photocoagulation and corticosteroid therapy are described. Preventive measures consist of preventing contamination of the environment with Toxocara eggs and for education of pet owners and non-pet owners to increase awareness about potential zoonotic hazards. Veterinary practitioners, general practitioners, and public health agencies should therefore provide sufficient information and advice.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Bovine torovirus (Breda virus) revisited.

Bovine torovirus (BoTV) is a pleomorphic virus with a spike-bearing envelope and a linear, non-segmented, positive-sense single-stranded RNA genome. This kidney-shaped virus is associated with diarrhea in calves and apparently has a worldwide distribution. This review provides details of the history and taxonomy of BoTV since its discovery in 1979. Information about virion morphology and architecture, antigenic and biological properties, viral genome, protein composition, thermal and chemical stability, and pH and proteolytic enzymes resistance is also summarized. A major focus of this review is to postulate a possible epidemiological cycle for BoTV, based on epidemiological data obtained in our studies and other published data, and progressing from the newborn calf to the adult animal. The distribution, host range, pathogenesis, disease and clinical signs (under experimental and natural exposure), pathology, diagnosis, prevention, treatment and control of BoTV infections are also described. In addition, a discussion of the zoonotic implications of torovirus-like particles detected in patients with gastroenteritis that resemble and cross-react with BoTV is presented. Hopefully, the findings described here will alert others to the existence of BoTV in cattle and its contribution to the diarrheal disease complex. This review also highlights the need for continual vigilance for potential zoonotic viruses belonging to the order Nidovirales, such as the SARS coronavirus.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Anthropogenic environmental change and the emergence of infectious diseases in wildlife.

By using the criteria that define emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) of humans, we can identify a similar group of EIDs in wildlife. In the current review we highlight an important series of wildlife EIDs: amphibian chytridiomycosis; diseases of marine invertebrates and vertebrates and two recently-emerged viral zoonoses, Nipah virus disease and West Nile virus disease. These exemplify the varied etiology, pathogenesis, zoonotic potential and ecological impact of wildlife EIDs. Strikingly similar underlying factors drive disease emergence in both human and wildlife populations. These are predominantly ecological and almost entirely the product of human environmental change. The implications of wildlife EIDs are twofold: emerging wildlife diseases cause direct and indirect loss of biodiversity and add to the threat of zoonotic disease emergence. Since human environmental changes are largely responsible for their emergence, the threats wildlife EIDs pose to biodiversity and human health represent yet another consequence of anthropogenic influence on ecosystems. We identify key areas where existing expertise in ecology, conservation biology, wildlife biology, veterinary medicine and the impact of environmental change would augment programs to investigate emerging diseases of humans, and we comment on the need for greater medical and microbiological input into the study of wildlife diseases.

Animal Diseases↗
PubMed2003

The poultry red mite, Dermanyssus gallinae, a potential vector of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae causing erysipelas in hens.

Erysipelas is a bacterial disease caused by Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, which may infect swine as well as several other species of mammals and birds, including domestic fowl. In poultry, erysipelas may cause sudden high mortality due to septicemia. This communication describes the first isolation of E. rhusiopathiae from the haematophagous poultry red mite, Dermanyssus gallinae DeGeer (Acari: Dermanyssidae), that was collected on three farms where hen erysipelas was diagnosed. The bacteria were isolated from the integument as well as from the interior of the mites. Serotypes 1a and 1b of E. rhusiopathiae found in the mites corresponded with those isolated from the diseased birds. These findings imply that D. gallinae is a potential vector of E. rhusiopathiae. The current lack of effective measures to control D. gallinae causes recurring mite problems in poultry facilities once afflicted by this parasite. Consequently, mites containing E. rhusiopathiae may act as reservoir hosts of this bacterium, allowing it to persist in the poultry house between flock cycles as a source of infection for the replacement pullets. The zoonotic potentials of both E. rhusiopathiae and D. gallinae should also be considered.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

[The problem connected with probability of zoonotic bird's influenza pandemic].

Because of the probability of influenza pandemic that can occur in the next few years the anthroponotic and zoonotic hypotheses of influenza A agents remained in biosphere are discussed. The most arguments show that anthroponotic A2 virus that persists in inactive form among the population since 1968 can return in circulation. Alternative is the long co-circulation of "drifting" variants of A1 and A3 viruses that continue causing separate weak epidemics in the world due to decrease in their epidemic potential. Zoonotic influenza in people represents the local epidemic manifestations of epizootic process in the countries of south-west Asia that occur under the influence of social and natural conditions usual for the region. It's unlikely that zoonotic recombinant viruses can rapidly adapt to human organism, to form the anthroponotic transfer mechanism and cause the pandemic. Competition between anthroponotic influenza viruses and other agents of human droplet infections prevents it. The main task of today is the prophylaxis of anthroponotic influenza and strengthening of epidemiological and epizootological inspection of zoonotic viruses-recombinants.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Potential human health risks associated with animal retroviruses: some hypotheses.

Several studies have demonstrated the existence of morphological, biological, genetic and antigenic correlations between human and animal retroviruses. Furthermore, some agents of bovine and feline origin can also be considered useful comparative models for the pathogenetic study of human diseases such as leukaemia, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and multiple sclerosis (MS). In spite of the existence of data suggesting a possible role of some animal retroviruses (e.g. the bovine leukosis virus, BLV) in the etiology and epidemiology of human leukaemia and MS, the true zoonotic potential of such agents remains unknown, but their genetic and antigenic linkages with some human lentiviruses (such as the human immunodeficiency virus-1, HIV 1) can make them hypothetically responsible for a certain number of false-positive serological reactions in man, especially in those subjects who are professionally exposed to animal lentiviruses. In the present paper particular reference is made to this last hypothesis which, if confirmed, would suggest a larger scale-utilization of more specific diagnostic tests for HIV infection in man, such as the immunoblotting techniques.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed2003

Porcine cytomegalovirus in pigs being bred for xenograft organs: progress towards control.

In human medicine, human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is readily transmitted by organ transplant causing end-organ disease and triggering graft rejection in recipients. Because of a chronic shortage of human organs, pigs transgenic for human complement control proteins are being considered as potential donors. Such xenotransplantation raises concerns about the potential zoonotic transmission of viruses including porcine cytomegalovirus (PCMV), an endemic infection of pigs. Similar to HCMV and PCMV transmission is thought to occur in utero and perinatally. We used quantitative polymerase chain reaction to examine the prevalence, organ distribution and viral load of PCMV in human decay accelerating factor (CD55) transgenic pigs. In animals reared under conventional farm conditions, virus was identified in a wide range of organs including potential xenografts (liver, kidney and heart). The spleen was PCMV DNA positive in all infected pigs. Examination of foetal spleens failed to identify evidence of transplacental infection and prospective monitoring of two litters showed that infection occurred in the postnatal period. This transmission was prevented by hysterotomy derivation and barrier rearing. Our findings demonstrate that PCMV could be eradicated from pig herds being bred for xenotransplantation and argue that the spleen from donor animals should be examined as part of quality control procedures if clinical trials proceed.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2004

Variation in Giardia: implications for taxonomy and epidemiology.

The taxonomy, life cycle patterns and zoonotic potential of Giardia infecting mammals and birds have been poorly understood and controversial for many years. The development of molecular tools for characterising isolates of Giardia directly from faeces or environmental samples has made an enormous contribution to resolving these issues. It is now clear that the G. duodenalis morphological group is a species complex comprising a series of what appear to be largely host-adapted species, and at least two zoonotic species for which humans are the major host, but which are also capable of infecting other mammals. It is proposed that this new information be reflected in the redesignation of several species of Giardia described previously. The molecular epidemiological tools that are now available need to be applied in different endemic foci of Giardia transmission, as well as in outbreak situations, in order to understand better the frequency of zoonotic transmission as well as to develop more effective approaches to controlling giardiasis.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Prevalence of neutralizing antibodies to Equine rhinitis A and B virus in horses and man.

Equine rhinitis viruses (ERVs) are the causative agents of mild to severe upper respiratory infections in horses worldwide. Immunologically, four serotypes of ERVs have been identified. Equine rhinitis A virus (ERAV) and Equine rhinitis B virus 1 (ERBV1) are the most frequent serotypes in Europe. Both viruses have a broad host range in cultured cells with ERAV being able to infect humans. Since there is neither information on the seroprevalence of ERAV and ERBV1 in Austria nor on the zoonotic potential of ERBV1, we investigated 200 horse and 137 veterinary sera for the presence of neutralizing antibodies relating to ERAV and ERBV1. One hundred and eighty (90%) and 173 (86%) horse sera neutralized ERAV and ERBV1, respectively. In contrast, only four (2.7%) and five (3.6%) human sera showed weak neutralizing activity to ERAV and ERBV1, respectively. These results indicate that ERAV and ERBV1 are widespread in the Austrian horse population; however, the risk of acquiring zoonotic infection among veterinarians appears low.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

The public health impact of prion diseases.

Several prion disease-related human health risks from an exogenous source can be identified in the United States, including the iatrogenic transmission of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), the possible occurrence of variant CJD (vCJD), and potential zoonotic transmission of chronic wasting disease (CWD). Although cross-species transmission of prion diseases seems to be limited by an apparent "species barrier," the occurrence of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) and its transmission to humans indicate that animal prion diseases can pose a significant public health risk. Recent reports of secondary person-to-person spread of vCJD via blood products and detection of vCJD transmission in a patient heterozygous at codon 129 further illustrate the potential public health impacts of BSE.

Age Distribution↗
PubMed1981

Introduction and reisolation of selected gram-negative bacteria from fermented edible wastes.

A Lactobacillus fermentation process, using edible food wastes, was tested for its ability to eliminate selected bacterial pathogens. This fermentation process converts food wastes into a feed ingredient for animal consumption. Six gram-negative bacterial pathogens of potential zoonotic importance were tested. These experimental organisms were: Salmonella enteritidis serovar typhimurium, S enteritidis serovar anatum, S cholerae-suis, Yersinia enterocolitica, Y pseudotuberculosis, and Pasteurella multocida. Each organism was introduced into ground waste that had been previously inoculated with L acidophilus, and was mixed. This mixture was divided among 8 containers, and was incubated in duplicate at 5 C, 10 C, 20 C, and 30 C for 96 hours. The temperature of the reactant containers, reduction-oxidation potential, and pH were monitored. Waste samples were obtained initially and subsequently at 24-hour periods for 96 hours. Qualitative and quantitative recovery attempts from each sample were made for the introduced gram-negative bacteria. Pasteurella multocida and the S enteritidis serovars typhimurium and anatum survived the fermentation at 5 C and 10 C, but were killed after 48 hours at 20 C and 30 C. Salmonella cholerae-suis survived at 5 C, but was destroyed by 72 hours at the remaining temperatures. Yersinia enterocolitica was viable through 70 hours, but was killed by 96 hours. Yersinia pseudotuberculosis was not reisolated at any temperature.

Animal Feed↗
PubMed2005

Prevalence and molecular characterization of Giardia duodenalis from sheep in central Italy.

Giardiosis in domestic ruminants is an important parasitic disease and it has been shown to impair growth in lambs, thus constituting a disease of economic concern. In Europe, surveys on the prevalence of giardiosis in sheep are limited. In order to obtain additional information on the presence of giardiosis and on the potential zoonotic role of Giardia duodenalis affecting sheep in central Italy, faecal samples of 325 native sheep from 20 farms in Abruzzo region (Italy) were examined for the presence of Giardia and the isolates were genotyped and sequenced. G. duodenalis cysts were detected in five of the 325 sheep (1.5%) (mean of 450 cysts/g) coming from two farms. The 770-bp fragment of the glutamate dehydrogenase gene and the 753-bp fragment of the beta-giardin gene showed 100% homology with the Assemblage AI. This work suggests for the first time in Italy that sheep carry a Giardia genotype, which can be a potential public health hazard.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Detection of TT virus among chimpanzees in the wild using a noninvasive technique.

Zoonotic transmission and emergence of pathogens are serious threats to endangered populations of free-ranging primate species. Recent discovery of a nonpathogenic yet highly prevalent virus in human populations, TT virus (TTV), has prompted studies into the presence of this virus among captive individuals of other species of nonhuman primates. In this study, we screened captive primate species for TTV. In addition, we provide the first data on TTV infectionin free-ranging primates by noninvasive screening of three chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes sweinfurthii) commlunities. Phylogenetic relationships between virus isolates and those previously reported from hulman popullations, captive primates, and domesticated species are inferred. Our findings are discussed with respect to potential zoonotic events that may result from increased levels of human encroachlment into wild habitats.

Animals↗