Infectious Diseases In Animals Research Articles

Characterization and complete genome sequence of highly lytic phage active against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolated from Egypt

BackgroundMethicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of the most resistant bacteria to antibiotics. S. aureus is an important, widespread pathogen that can cause a variety of infectious diseases in humans and animals. Phages have been recognized as natural, safe, highly specific and effective alternatives agents to antibiotics for preventing and treating bacterial infections caused by MRSA. Therefore, this study aims at the characterization of a novel isolated lytic phage, vB_SauP_ASUmrsa123.MethodsIsolates of Staphylococcus aureus MRSA were obtained on Mannitol Salt Agar and Baird Parker Agar plates and confirmed using VITEK 2. Sewage and clinical samples were used to isolate specific phages for S. aureus MRSA, and plaque assays were used for host range determination on Luria-Bertani (LB) media. The phage morphology of the isolated phage was determined by transmission electron microscopy. The phage’s whole genome sequencing was identified.ResultsA total of 25 isolates of Staphylococci were obtained from different clinical sources and showed typical colonies on Baird-Parker and Mannitol Salt Agar plates. The VITEK 2 automated system revealed that all 25 isolates were confirmed as S. aureus (MRSA). Two of the most antibiotics-resistant isolates were further confirmed using 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing. A lytic phage was detected against the MRSA isolates tested In Vitro, namely vB_SauP_ASUmrsa123. The phage belonged to Rountreeviridae family based on morphological properties observed by TEM and the host range of the isolated phage was tested on the 25 clinical MRSA isolates in Vitro. The one-step growth curve of the isolated phage showed that the latent period was about 55 min, and the burst size was estimated at 167 PFU. The whole genome sequencing and annotation of genes revealed that phage vB_SauP_ASUmrsa123 contained a linear dsDNA with a size of about 17,155 bp with predicted 24 ORFs. Analysis of its genome provides valuable information approximately the variety of phages belonging to the staphylococcal phages class I.ConclusionA lytic Podo Phage vB_SauP_ASUmrsa123 was identified against S. aureus MRSA isolates and its genome was sequenced. The phage was found to be eligible for potential application in biocontrol.

Identification and mapping of objects targeted for surveillance and their role as risk factors for brucellosis in livestock farms in Kazakhstan.

Objects for Targeted Surveillance (OTS) are infrastructure entities that can be considered as focal points and conduits for transmitting infectious animal diseases, necessitating ongoing epidemiological surveillance. These entities encompass slaughterhouses, meat processing plants, animal markets, burial sites, veterinary laboratories, etc. Currently, in Kazakhstan, a funded research project is underway to establish a Geographic Information System (GIS) database of OTSs and investigate their role in the emergence and dissemination of infectious livestock diseases. This initial investigation examined the correlation between brucellosis outbreaks in cattle and small ruminant farms in the southeastern region of Kazakhstan and the presence of OTSs categorized as "slaughterhouses," "cattle markets," and "meat processing plants. The study area (namely Qyzylorda, Turkestan, Zhambyl, Almaty, Zhetysu, Abay and East Kazakhstan oblasts), characterized by the highest livestock density in the country, covers 335 slaughterhouses (with varying levels of biosecurity), 45 livestock markets and 15 meat processing plants. Between 2020 and 2023, 338 cases of brucellosis were reported from livestock farms in this region. The findings of the regression model reveal a statistically significant (p<0.05) positive association between the incidence of brucellosis cases and the number of OTSs in the region. Conversely, meat processing plants and livestock markets did not exhibit a significant influence on the prevalence of brucellosis cases. These results corroborate the hypothesis of an elevated risk of brucellosis transmission in regions with slaughterhouses, likely attributable to increased animal movements within and across regions, interactions with vehicles and contact with slaughterhouse staff. These outcomes mark a pivotal advancement in the national agricultural development agenda. The research will be extended to encompass the entire country, compiling a comprehensive OTS database.

Epidemiological Dynamics of Canine Morbillivirus in Resident Dogs of Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria

Canine distemper is an endemic viral disease of dogs in Nigeria. Knowledge of the carrier status of dogs is key to successful control of the disease. In this study, the carrier status of apparently healthy dogs’ resident in parts of Makurdi metropolis was determined using the immunochromatographic rapid antigen assay kit for qualitative detection of canine morbillivirus antigens in ante-mortem samples. Ocular-, nasal-, and rectal- swabs, as well as serum were taken from each of 204 dogs bringing a total of 816 samples. The results showed that 26.96 % of the dogs sampled were positive for Canine morbillivirus antigens. Viral antigens were detected in 9.8%, 11.27%, and 4.41% of nasal, ocular, and rectal swaps respectively, and in 6.37% of the serum samples collected. An age-related susceptibility was observed as viral antigens detection rate was higher in younger dogs compared to older ones. Similarly, 40.43% of vaccinated and 22.93% of unvaccinated dogs were positive for canine morbillivirus antigens. Of significant importance is the prevalence rate in unvaccinated population of dogs. In terms of breed-related detection rate, 23.93% of Nigerian local dogs and 40.63% of exotic breeds tested positive for viral antigens, and it was observed that 25.54% of dogs which had history of contact with other dogs and 40% of dogs which had no such history carried canine morbillivirus antigens. The significance of this study is that it details the current epidemiological dynamics of canine morbillivirus in resident dogs of Makurdi metropolitan area, and the findings are discussed. Subject Areas: Animal infectious disease epidemiology.

BIOCHEMICAL PROFILE OF BLOOD IN HORSES DETECTED SUFFERING FROM SURRAIN EAST SUMBA, EAST NUSA TENGGARA, INDONESIA

The infectious animal disease known as surra, or trypanosomiasis in animals, is caused by Trypanosoma evansi.In Indonesia, surra has been recognized as a strategic infectious disease affecting animals. East Nusa Tenggara Province, identified as a center of livestock farming in Indonesia, is also known as an endemic area for surra and requires attention. Therefore, this study was aimed to determine the biochemical profile of blood in horses infected with T. evansi in East Sumba Regency. The parameters observed included blood glucose levels, total protein, creatinine, alanine transaminase (ALT), and aspartate transaminase (AST). Samples were collected from horses raised by the community in East Sumba Regency. The biochemicalexamination was performed using the Photometer 5010V5+ instrument.Blood glucose was examined usingGOD-PAP deproteinization method; totalprotein was determined using a photometry colorimetric test; creatinine was carried using the Jaffe-fixed time kinetic method; ALT and AST were performed using the kinetic method; and UV Test. The results showed that the average biochemical profile of blood in Sumba horses infected with T. evansi was glucose (68.17±5.11mg/dL); protein (5.417±1.82g/dL); creatinine (1.74±0.39mg/dL); urea (28.93±6.26mg/dL); AST (357.00±117.02U/L); and ALT (20.17±6.30U/L). Meanwhile, the average blood biochemical profile in Sumba horses not infected with T. evansi was glucose (99.00±14.96mg/dL); protein (7.20±1.72g/dL); creatinine (1.55±0.51mg/dL);urea (28.13±6.88mg/dL); AST (312.83±94.42U/L); and ALT (23.33±9.45U/L). Blood glucose levels in horsesinfected with T. evansiwere significantly lower (P&lt;0.01) compared to non-infected horses. Apart from blood glucose levels, all observed parameters were in normal ranges.

Enhanced Recovery and Detection of Highly Infectious Animal Disease Viruses by Virus Capture Using Nanotrap® Microbiome A Particles

This study reports the use of Nanotrap® Microbiome A Particles (NMAPs) to capture and concentrate viruses from diluted suspensions to improve their recovery and sensitivity to detection by real-time PCR/RT-PCR (qPCR/RT-qPCR). Five highly infectious animal disease viruses including goatpox virus (GTPV), sheeppox virus (SPPV), lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV), peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV), and African swine fever virus (ASFV) were used in this study. After capture, the viruses remained viable and recoverable by virus isolation (VI) using susceptible cell lines. To assess efficacy of recovery, the viruses were serially diluted in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) or Eagle’s Minimum Essential Medium (EMEM) and then subjected to virus capture using NMAPs. The NMAPs and the captured viruses were clarified on a magnetic stand, reconstituted in PBS or EMEM, and analyzed separately by VI and virusspecific qPCR/RT-qPCR. The PCR results showed up to a 100-fold increase in the sensitivity of detection of the viruses following virus capture compared to the untreated viruses from the same dilutions. Experimental and clinical samples were subjected to virus capture using NMAPs and analyzed by PCR to determine diagnostic sensitivity (DSe) that was comparable (100%) to that determined using untreated (-NMAPs) samples. NMAPs were also used to capture spiked viruses from EDTA whole blood (EWB). Virus capture from EWB was partially blocked, most likely by hemoglobin (HMB), which also binds NMAPs and outcompetes the viruses. The effect of HMB could be removed by either dilution (in PBS) or using HemogloBind™ (Biotech Support Group; Monmouth Junction, NJ), which specifically binds and precipitates HMB. Enhanced recovery and detection of viruses using NMAPs can be applicable to other highly pathogenic animal viruses of agricultural importance.

Evaluation of the efficacy of inhalation application of bacteriophage preparations in bronchopneumonia associated with Klebsiella pneumoniae

Against the background of increasing antibiotic resistance among pathogens of bovine bronchopneumonia, interest in phagotherapy as a therapeutic tool is revived. Inhaled phagotherapy in turn has the potential to change the treatment regimen for bacterial respiratory infections, including those caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Inhaled drug delivery tools allow the delivery of bacteriophages directly to the lesion. An important advantage, especially when it comes to bacteriophages, is the ability to use smaller doses of drugs than would be required if another route of administration were chosen. The article presents the results of evaluating the efficacy of the inhalation method of administration of commercial bacteriophage preparations in a mouse model. Mice were divided into five groups (1,2-animals exposed to &lt;I&gt;Klebsiella pneumonia&lt;/I&gt; infection and undergoing bacteriophage inhalation (n=6), 3-animals exposed to infection and not undergoing therapy (n=3), 4- control group of animals not exposed to infection (n=3)). Inhalations were performed using a compressor four-mode Neb-Aid inhaler (Flaem Nuova, Italy). Rapidflyam 2 nebuliser was used in mode I (particle size 0.8-2.0 μm). The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the developed therapy scheme, which allows further use of bactriophage-containing preparations in infectious diseases of animals.

The optimal way to use geoinformation systems with graphical elements of symbols of veterinary significant objects in vector format

A significant problem in the field of standardization in the monitoring of infectious animal diseases is the lack of a system of conventional symbols of veterinary significant objects used in geoinformation technologies, in particular in digital and electronic cartography. The object of the study is the conventional signs of veterinary significant objects, which in the context of display on digital maps can be defined as "non–scalable", marked with corresponding pictograms. A systematic approach has been applied as a methodological basis for the epizootological research method. The basic graphic format of the proposed SVG symbols is used – (Scalable Vector Graphics), which is a modern generally accepted vector format. This article presents the results of cartographic display of pictograms of one of the three sets of symbols for the database – veterinary facilities for various purposes – for which the method of selecting basic signs is used. An algorithm for fixing elements of symbols of veterinary significant objects in the vector format of the SVG geoinformation system with maximum use of free software and secure information technologies is presented. Images in SVG format can be directly represented in current GIS and converted to almost any vector and raster formats without loss of image quality. The algorithm for developing a system of symbols for veterinary significant objects will be used in the Draft of the preliminary national standard in the future.

Strategic Infectious Diseases in Beef Cattle in Balongpanggang during 2023

Strategic infectious animal diseases have a great impact on the national economy as they may cause great economic loss, public anxiety, and high mortality. In Indonesia, among the diseases considered as strategic infectious animal diseases is foot and mouth disease (FMD). This study reported the incidence of strategic infectious animal diseases in Balongpanggang district during 2023. Throughout 2023, FMD only accounted for 4% of the total diseases of the year and was the only strategic infectious animal disease reported that year. Meanwhile, bovine ephemeral fever (BEF) incidence reached 57% (876/1546) of the total diseases in beef cattle in 2023. In addition to BEF, official veterinary services reported a total case of 1546 throughout 2023 that comprises; diarrhea (99), limping (24), helminthiasis (91), ectoparasite (11), hematochezia (3), wound (3), mastitis (4), allergy (1), dystocia (28), vaginal prolapse (11), dermatitis (45), enteritis (27), tympani (11), scabiosis (122), arthritis (67), ophthalmic problem (11), endometritis (1), uterine retention (13), indigestion (2), pneumonia (21), hypoglycemia (5), abscess (21), ovariohysterectomy (1), orchitis (1), intoxication (1), and papilloma (1). In conclusion, the only strategic infectious animal disease reported in 2023 in Balongpanggang was FMD with the incidence as high as 3% as compared to the non-strategic infectious animal diseases, BEF, which reached 54% of the total cases during 2023.

A systematic review and guide for using multi-response statistical models in co-infection research.

The simultaneous infection of organisms with two or more co-occurring pathogens, otherwise known as co-infections, concomitant infections or multiple infections, plays a significant role in the dynamics and consequences of infectious diseases in both humans and animals. To understand co-infections, ecologists and epidemiologists rely on models capable of accommodating multiple response variables. However, given the diversity of available approaches, choosing a model that is suitable for drawing meaningful conclusions from observational data is not a straightforward task. To provide clearer guidance for statistical model use in co-infection research, we conducted a systematic review to (i) understand the breadth of study goals and host-pathogen systems being pursued with multi-response models and (ii) determine the degree of crossover of knowledge among disciplines. In total, we identified 69 peer-reviewed primary studies that jointly measured infection patterns with two or more pathogens of humans or animals in natural environments. We found stark divisions in research objectives and methods among different disciplines, suggesting that cross-disciplinary insights into co-infection patterns and processes for different human and animal contexts are currently limited. Citation network analysis also revealed limited knowledge exchange between ecology and epidemiology. These findings collectively highlight the need for greater interdisciplinary collaboration for improving disease management.

The Current Epizootiological Situation of Three Major Viral Infections Affecting Cattle in Egypt.

One of the major factors hindering efficient livestock production is the presence of high-impact infectious animal diseases, such as foot and mouth disease (FMD), lumpy skin disease (LSD), and bovine ephemeral fever (BEF), which are notable viral infections affecting cattle in Egypt, leading to significant economic losses. FMD is caused by the foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV) of the genus Aphthovirus in the Picornaviridae family. LSD is caused by lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) of Capripox genus within the Poxviridae family, subfamily Chordopoxvirinae. BEF is caused by bovine ephemeral fever virus (BEFV) of genus Ephemerovirus in the Rhabdoviridae family. FMD is a highly contagious viral infection of domestic and wild cloven-hooved animals and can spread through the wind. On the other hand, LSD and BEF are arthropod-borne viral diseases that mainly affect domestic cattle and water buffalo. Despite government vaccination efforts, these three viral diseases have become widespread in Egypt, with several reported epidemics. Egypt's importation of large numbers of animals from different countries, combined with unregulated animal movements through trading and borders between African countries and Egypt, facilitates the introduction of new FMDV serotypes and lineages not covered by the current vaccination plans. To establish an effective control program, countries need to assess the real epizootic situation of various infectious animal diseases to develop an efficient early warning system. This review provides information about FMD, LSD, and BEF, including their economic impacts, causative viruses, global burden, the situation in Egypt, and the challenges in controlling these diseases.

Bridging one health and sustainable analysis: enrofloxacin quantification amid combined therapy and its active metabolite in various matrices using green RP-HPLC

Antibiotics play a crucial role in the treatment of infectious diseases in both humans and animals. However, their extensive utilization has caused significant potential harm to both wildlife and humans. Enrofloxacin (ENR) is a common veterinary antibiotic, which is not approved for human use due to associated toxicities. It is often combined with other antibiotics to expand the antibacterial range. It is crucial to monitor and measure the levels of ENR medication in various matrices. RP-HPLC is highly effective for analyzing antibiotics due to its sensitivity, specificity, and ability to handle complex samples. By adopting eco-friendly solvents, decreasing solvent consumption, and limiting waste we developed a method for determination and quantification of ENR, amoxicillin (AMX), and ENR active metabolite in different matrices. The method utilized a reversed stationary phase and a mobile phase composed of phosphate buffer pH 3.0: ethanol (90:10 v/v) pumped at 1.0 mL/min and UV detection at 254.0 nm. Moreover, a comprehensive assessment of the environmental friendliness of the established method was conducted using various tools including the Green Certificate Classification (GCC) and Analytical Greenness AGREE and RGB12. The method was validated for its accuracy and precision in quantifying ENR, demonstrating its potential for the effective monitoring of ENR and contributing to public health protection.Graphical

Prediction of antimicrobial resistance of Klebsiella pneumoniae from genomic data through machine learning.

Antimicrobials, such as antibiotics or antivirals are medications employed to prevent and treat infectious diseases in humans, animals, and plants. Antimicrobial Resistance occurs when bacteria, viruses, and parasites no longer respond to these medicines. This resistance renders antibiotics and other antimicrobial drugs ineffective, making infections challenging or impossible to treat. This escalation in drug resistance heightens the risk of disease spread, severe illness, disability, and mortality. With datasets now containing hundreds or even thousands of pathogen genomes, machine learning techniques are on the rise for predicting antibiotic resistance in pathogens, prediction based on gene content and genome composition. Aim of this work is to combine and incorporate machine learning methods on bacterial genomic data to predict antimicrobial resistance, we will focus on the case of Klebsiella pneumoniae in order to support clinicians in selecting appropriate therapy.

Safety and efficacy of toll-like receptor agonists as therapeutic agents and vaccine adjuvants for infectious diseases in animals: a systematic review.

Strengthening global health security relies on adequate protection against infectious diseases through vaccination and treatment. Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists exhibit properties that can enhance immune responses, making them potential therapeutic agents or vaccine adjuvants. We conducted an extensive systematic review to assess the efficacy of TLR agonists as therapeutic agents or vaccine adjuvants for infectious diseases and their safety profile in animals, excluding rodents and cold-blooded animals. We collected qualitative and available quantitative data on the efficacy and safety outcomes of TLR agonists and employed descriptive analysis to summarize the outcomes. Among 653 screened studies, 51 met the inclusion criteria. In this review, 82% (42/51) of the studies used TLR agonists as adjuvants, while 18% (9/51) applied TLR agonist as therapeutic agents. The predominant TLR agonists utilized in animals against infectious diseases was CpG ODN, acting as a TLR9 agonist in mammals, and TLR21 agonists in chickens. In 90% (46/51) of the studies, TLR agonists were found effective in stimulating specific and robust humoral and cellular immune responses, thereby enhancing the efficacy of vaccines or therapeutics against infectious diseases in animals. Safety outcomes were assessed in 8% (4/51) of the studies, with one reporting adverse effects. Although TLR agonists are efficacious in enhancing immune responses and the protective efficacy of vaccines or therapeutic agents against infectious diseases in animals, a thorough evaluation of their safety is imperative to in-form future clinical applications in animal studies. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=323122.

Near-infrared in vivo imaging system for dynamic visualization of lung-colonizing bacteria in mouse pneumonia.

Conventional animal models of infectious diseases have traditionally relied upon average assessments involving numerous individuals, meaning they do not directly reflect changes in the pathology of an individual. Moreover, in recent years, ethical concerns have resulted in the demand to reduce the number of animals used in such models. Although in vivo imaging offers an effective approach for longitudinally evaluating the pathogenesis of infectious diseases in individual animals, a standardized method has not yet been established. To our knowledge, this study is the first to develop a highly versatile in vivo pulmonary bacterial quantification system utilizing near-infrared luminescence, plasmid-mediated expression of firefly luciferase in bacteria, and a scientific complementary metal-oxide semiconductor camera. Our research holds promise as a useful tool for assessing the efficacy of therapeutic drugs and pathogenesis of infectious diseases.

Overview of animal infectious disease situation in the Republic of Dagestan in 2023

An epizootiological survey of livestock farms of Dagestan was conducted, the main infectious diseases common in the region were considered, and measures taken to protect against them were described. At present, the Veterinary Service is undertaking systematic efforts to prevent the occurrence and spread of infectious diseases such as brucellosis, leukosis, rabies, pasteurellosis, blackleg, bradsot and enterotoxemia in the Republic. Among the above-mentioned diseases reported in 2023, brucellosis and leukosis are responsible for the vast majority of outbreaks and diseased animals detected in them. In particular, the following diseases have the largest share in the nosological profile of quarantinable infectious diseases based on the number of detected infected localities during the period under study: brucellosis (52.63%), bovine leukosis (30.70%), rabies (8.77%), enterotoxemia (3.51%), pasteurellosis (1.75%), bradsot (1.75%) and blackleg (0.88%). In total, 1,812 animals were affected with quarantinable infections and 35 animals died in 114 infected localities. Most often over the past year, quarantinable infections were reported in cattle (69.59% of cases) and small ruminants (29.36%); in 1.05% of cases, the diseases affected horses, cats, wild animals and birds. In order to maintain animal disease freedom and sustainable growth of livestock production, the Veterinary Committee of the Republic of Dagestan annually implements measures to prevent the occurrence and spread of 75 diseases of animals and birds, including 10 highly dangerous ones. Anti-epizootic measures taken in the past year included a total of 93.8 million vaccinations and 6.2 million tests performed in the diagnostic institutions. Plans for the prevention of highly dangerous and other contagious diseases of animals and birds were fully implemented.

Highly-Efficient Selection of Aptamers for Quantitative Fluorescence Detecting Multiple IAV Subtypes.

Influenza A virus (IAV) can cause infectious respiratory diseases in humans and animals. IAVs mutate rapidly through antigenic drift and shift, resulting in the emergence of numerous IAV subtypes and significant challenges for IAV detection. Therefore, achieving the simultaneous detection of multiple IAVs is crucial. In this work, three specific aptamers targeting the hemagglutination (HA) protein of the influenza A H5N1, H7N9, and H9N2 viruses were screened using a multichannel magnetic microfluidic chip. The aptamers exhibit nanomolar affinity and excellent specificity for the HA protein of H5N1, H7N9, and H9N2 viruses. Furthermore, three specific aptamers were truncated and labeled with different fluorescence markers to realize fluorescence quantitative detection of influenza A H5N1, H7N9, and H9N2 viruses through an aptamer sandwich assay in 1 h. The limit of detection (LOD) of the developed method is 0.38 TCID50/mL for the H5N1 virus, 0.75 TCID50/mL for the H7N9 virus, and 1.14 TCID50/mL for the H9N2 virus. The detection method has excellent specificity, strong anti-interference ability, and good reproducibility. This work provides a sensitive quantitative detection method for the H5N1, H7N9, and H9N2 viruses, enabling quantitative fluorescence detection for multiple IAV subtypes.

"Microbiology can be . . . " Student Competition to Develop Resources about Infectious Diseases that Improve Health Literacy.

The European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education emphasizes the importance of communication skills and teamwork for student success in clinical practice. Traditionally, many veterinary curricula lacked standardized formal training in acquiring these essential skills.Effective communication and collaborative teamwork are not only crucial for fulfilling the clinical responsibilities of the veterinary profession but also play a pivotal role in the broader societal context. Veterinarians, in their social role, serve as scientific communicators for the community. This role involves conveying scientific concepts, even complex ones, with a particular emphasis on their significance for public health, reaching a diverse audience. Currently, there is a growing public health necessity to improve health literacy, which refers to the ability to access, understand, appraise, and use information to support healthy choices by society, especially for topics like infectious diseases and vaccination. This became more evident during the global COVID-19 pandemic. This teaching tip describes the development, organization, and broad outcomes of a student competition introduced during a standard veterinary medicine course to design novel resources on microbiology and infectious disease-enhancing health literacy. Three separate events were organized during the academic years 2020-2023. The third-year veterinary medicine students attending the 3-month course on infectious diseases of small animals participated in a student competition aimed at promoting creativity and innovation. Their task was to develop novel resources that delivered informative content to the public concerning microbiology and infectious diseases. Participation was voluntary and students participated in groups of 5-6. Overall, 125 students created 22 projects on microbiology and infectious diseases that were able to enhance health literacy. This approach allowed students to engage with the content and convey foundational knowledge to others in an easily accessible way. This skill of communicating with the public using easy-to-understand language is essential for success in the veterinary medicine profession. The resources produced, such as drawings, comics, games, and videos, constitute informative sources. Thus, they were published online on a scientific journal to disseminate knowledge of infectious diseases to a broader audience.

Chromatographic purification technology optimisation of immunoglobulin G (IgG) from horse serum for animal chlamydia diagnostics

The study aimed to develop and evaluate an antibody quality improvement method to improve the accuracy and efficiency of chlamydia diagnosis in horses. The study was conducted in Kazakhstan and included 100 horses of the Kazakh breed infected with chlamydia, which was divided into two groups: experimental and control. In the experimental group, affinity chromatography was used to purify immunoglobulin G (IgG), which allowed for a 95% purity of the antibodies. The control group used a traditional diagnostic method without preliminary purification, which ensured IgG purity of only 60-65%. The data showed that the purified antibodies demonstrated improved diagnostic performance, including an increase in sensitivity of up to 92% and specificity of up to 95%. The purified antibodies provided effective binding to chlamydial antigens even at low concentrations (0.2cμg/ml), which is 2.5 times better than in the control group. The time to obtain a stable diagnostic signal was reduced by 33% and amounted to 20 minutes in the experimental group versus 30 minutes in the control group. The frequency of false-positive results in the experimental group was reduced to 5% and false-negative results to 4%, which significantly increases the overall reliability of diagnostics. The purified antibodies retained their activity for 12 months, demonstrating high stability and durability. These results highlighted the importance of using chromatographic purification to improve the quality of antibodies used for diagnostic purposes and offer a reliable approach for the accurate detection of chlamydia as well as other infectious diseases in animals. The introduction of such methods can significantly improve the efficiency of veterinary diagnostics and contribute to more timely and adequate treatment of animals

Multiplex reverse transcription recombinase polymerase amplification combined with lateral flow biosensor for simultaneous detection of three viral pathogens in cattle

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), bovine epidemic fever virus (BEFV), and bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) cause respiratory symptoms in cattle. The absence of rapid, precise, and easily accessible diagnostic methods poses difficulties for herders and veterinary epidemiologists during outbreaks of major infectious animal diseases. Considering the mixed infection of viruses, a multiple-detection method, reverse transcription recombinase polymerase amplification (mRT-RPA) combined with a lateral flow biosensor (LFB), was established to simultaneously detect the three pathogens. This technique is based on the specific binding of three differently labeled RT-RPA products (DNA sequences) to antibodies on the three test lines of the LFB, achieving multiplex detection through the presence or absence of coloration on the LFB test lines. The fluorescence values of the LFB test lines are recorded by a test strip reader. The mRT-RPA-LFB assay completes detection at a constant temperature of 41 °C within 33 min. The limits of detection (LODs) for BVDV, BEFV and BRSV were 2.62 × 101, 2.42 × 101 and 2.56 × 101 copies/μL, respectively. No cross-reactivity was observed with the other six bovine viruses. The developed method showed satisfactory intra- and inter-assay precision, and the average coefficients of variation were ranged from 2.92 % to 3.99 %. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were 98.11 % and 100 %, respectively, which were highly consistent with the RT-qPCR assay, and the kappa value was 0.988 (95 % confidence interval, CI). In general, the mRT-RPA-LFB assay has the potential to become a powerful tool for rapid screening of cattle diseases because of its advantages such as fast detection speed, convenient operation, strong specificity, and high sensitivity.

Multidrug Resistance of Escherichia coli in cats and the Level of Understanding of Cat Owners on Antimicrobial Resistance

Multidrug resistance poses a global health risk to humans, animals, and the environment.The impact of this issue is so great that it has gained international attention, ranging from the rising morbidity to the mortality rate of infectious diseases in humans and animals. Because of their peculiar eliminative behavior habit of burying their waste in the ground, cats may contribute to the spread of microorganisms resistant to antibiotics. The purpose of this study was to map the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant E. coli bacteria in cats and to determine the degree of cat owners' comprehension as a risk factor for the development of antimicrobial resistance. In this investigation, 353 cat anal swab samples were found to contain E. coli. The study was carried out in 2023 between March and May. The Mueller Hilton Agar medium was used to test for multidrug resistance to beta-lactam, aminoglycoside, and tetracycline class antibiotics using the diffusion method. Using a questionnaire, the degree of knowledge on antibiotic resistance among 373 cat owners was assessed. Respondent variables include identification, knowledge, demeanor, attitude, and cat care. After that, data were descriptively examined. E. coli was detected in 87.82% (310/353) of the cat anal swab samples (n = 353) in this investigation. Additionally, multidrug resistance was shown in 7.4% (23/310) of the isolates; this frequency was higher in stray cats (8.75%) than in domestic cats (6%). For ampicillin, tetracycline, and streptomycin, the rates of antimicrobial resistance were 28.39% (88/310), 15.81% (49/310), and 14.84% (46/310), in that order. According to an analysis of the questionnaires used to gauge cat owners' comprehension of antimicrobial-resistant events, 64.3% (240/373) of the owners did not know what antimicrobial resistance was. In addition, 72.7% (271/373) of the cat owners were aware of the medications their cats were given, and 66% (246/373) of them knew how to give antibiotics to their pets. These findings are consistent with the findings of another survey that showed 70% (261/373) of cat owners took their sick cats to the veterinarian. Compared to domestic cats, stray cats in this study had a higher rate of multidrug resistance.This is consistent with the relatively positive findings of a survey on cat owners' comprehension of cat maintenance and care; yet, the poor awareness of antimicrobial resistance among cat owners may contribute to its emergence. To raise awareness regarding antimicrobial resistance in cats, cat owners need to get education.