Bacteriological Tests Research Articles

Validity of luminometry and bacteriological tests for diagnosing intramammary infection at dry-off in dairy cows

The objective of this cross-sectional study was to estimate the validity of laboratory culture, Petrifilm and Tri-Plate on-farm culture systems, and luminometry to correctly identify IMI at dry-off in dairy cows, considering all tests as imperfect. From September 2020 until December 2021, we collected composite milk samples from cows before dry-off and divided them into 4 aliquots for the luminometry test, the Petrifilm (aerobic count), the Tri-Plate, and the laboratory culture. While we assessed multiple thresholds of relative light units (RLU) for the luminometry, we used thresholds of ≥100 cfu/mL for the laboratory culture, ≥ 50 cfu/mL for the Petrifilm, and ≥1 cfu for the Tri-Plate. We fitted Bayesian latent class analysis (LCA) models to estimate the sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) for each test to identify IMI, with 95% credibility interval (BCI). Using different prevalence measures (0.30, 0.50, and 0.70), we calculated the predictive values (PV) and misclassification cost terms (MCT) at different false-negative to false-positive ratios (FN:FP). A total of 333 cows were enrolled in the study from one commercial Holstein herd. The validity of the luminometry was poor for all thresholds, with Se of 0.51 (95% BCI = 0.43-0.59) and Sp of 0.38 (95% BCI = 0.26-0.50) when using a threshold of ≥150 RLU. The laboratory culture had Se of 0.93 (95% BCI = 0.85-0.98) and Sp of 0.69 (95% BCI = 0.49-0.89), the Petrifilm had Se of 0.91 (95% BCI = 0.80-0.98) and Sp of 0.71 (95% BCI = 0.51-0.90), and the Tri-Plate had Se of 0.65 (95% BCI = 0.53-0.82) and Sp of 0.85 (95% BCI = 0.66-0.97). Bacteriological tests had good PVs, with comparable positive PV for all 3 tests, but lower negative PV for the Tri-Plate compared with the laboratory culture and the Petrifilm. For a prevalence of IMI of 0.30, all 3 tests had similar MCT, but for prevalence of 0.50 and 0.70, the Tri-Plate had higher MCT in scenarios where leaving a cow with IMI untreated is considered to have greater detrimental impacts than treating a healthy cow (i.e., FN:FP of 3:1). Our results showed that the bacteriological tests have adequate validity to diagnose IMI at dry-off, but the luminometry does not. We concluded that, while luminometry is not useful to identify IMI at dry-off, the Petrifilm and Tri-Plate tests performed similarly to the laboratory culture, depending on the prevalence and the importance of the FP and FN results.

Review of current best practices for human milk banking.

Mother's/parent milk is the optimal way to feed infants and when unavailable, supplemental donor human milk is preferred. A safe supply of donor human milk should be available for all low birthweight infants for whom it has been shown to reduce morbidity. Human milk banking has been in existence for more than a century, although largely shut down during the 1980s, primarily due to fears of human immunodeficiency virus transmission. With renewed security in milk banking, has come an exponential growth in human donor milk use. Guidelines for milk banking have been published in many countries including Australia, France, India, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the nonprofit organization PATH. The European Milk Bank Association and the Human Milk Banking Association of North America have also published recommendations for milk banks throughout Europe and North America, respectively. Although there is variability among these guidelines, there is general consensus on quality control measures required to provide a supply of safe donor milk. These measures include effective donor screening, safe collection, transport and storage of milk, standardized pasteurizationand bacteriological testing. Operational considerations are also critical, such as appropriate training for staff, equipment maintenance and cleaning, protocol and record keepingand inspection and accreditation. Clearly delineating these key quality control measures provides an excellent foundation for establishing international guidelines. Acceptable modifications must be established for low- and middle-income countries that do not have sufficient resources; overly burdensome guidelines may make establishing a milk bank unnecessarily prohibitive. This review presents a summary of current best practices for human milk banking.

Tuberkulosis Paru Terkonfirmasi Bakteriologis dengan Komplikasi Pneumotoraks

This study aims to identify epidemiological characteristics, analyze risk factors, evaluate clinical management, and assess long-term outcomes in patients with bacteriologically confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis and pneumothorax complications. Simple studies can be performed to evaluate the effectiveness of bacteriological confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis management approaches with pneumothorax complications. This study will involve retrospective analysis of medical data from patients who have been diagnosed with bacteriological confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis and have pneumothorax complications in a health facility. The data to be collected includes information about patient characteristics, such as age, sex, smoking history, BCG immunization status, and history of comorbidities such as HIV/AIDS or diabetes. The results of the study above that the patient had pulmonary tuberculosis infection that had been confirmed through bacteriological tests, and also experienced complications in the form of pneumothorax, which is a buildup of air in the pleural cavity that results in pressure on the lungs. This condition requires careful medical attention and proper management to effectively address both issues and optimize the patient's recovery.

Assessment of Long-Term Success and Survival Rates of Different Types of Intracanal Medicaments.

Antimicrobial endodontic intracanal medicaments play a vital role along with biomechanical preparation in the elimination of bacteria present in the pulp area to achieve success in endodontic therapy. The present research was conducted with the objective of evaluating and comparing intracanal medicaments regarding antibacterial properties against Enterococcus faecalis. One hundred and twenty healthy human premolars of the mandible were used. All premolar crowns were removed, keeping the standardized length of the root as 15 mm. Category 1 received triple antibiotic paste (TAP) (n = 30), Category 2 received double antibiotic paste (DAP) (n = 30), Category 3 received augmentin (n = 30), and Category 4 received calcium hydroxide (n = 30). Hygienic paper points were placed in each root canal, then they were moved to a tube containing 1 mL of brain-heart infusion medium and left there for bacteriological testing. Colony-forming units (CFUs) of E. faecalis were then observed and counted after the plates had been incubated overnight at a temperature of 37°C. During intracategory comparisons, there was a significant reduction in colonies of E. feacilis in each category (P ≤ 0.001). When there were intercategory comparisons, there was a maximum reduction in CFU in specimens of Category 1 (TAP) followed by Category 3 (Augmentin) and Category 2 (DAP). Intracanal medicaments like TAP, DAP, and augmentin are effective against root canal E. faecalis.

Prevalence, Epidemiological, and Clinical Profile of Patients Coinfected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Tuberculosis in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Context in Health Facilities in the East Region, Cameroon.

Suspected cases of tuberculosis (TB) are identified for confirmation by bacteriological tests through clinical screening for TB in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) during routine visits or when antiretrovirals (ARVs) are dispensed. Our aim is to determine the prevalence and describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of HIV-TB coinfected patients in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) setting in health facilities in the East Region of Cameroon. This study addresses knowledge gaps on HIV-TB coinfection during COVID-19, aiming to provide insights into the interaction and impact of HIV, TB, and COVID-19 on individuals' health. This was an observational study. It involved two retrospective cohorts of HIV-TB coinfected patients before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted manual reviews of the medical records and antiretroviral therapy (ART) and TB registers of 262 patients. These patients were coinfected with HIV and TB during the period from April 2019 to April 2021 in 11 health facilities in the East Cameroon health region. The sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of the cases were extracted from the consultation registers and entered into the KoBo Collect application, then analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software, version 25. In this study of 262 HIV-TB coinfection cases, 60.3% occurred before COVID-19, and 39.7% during the pandemic. HIV-TB coinfection prevalence among HIV patients was 1%. Patients averaged 39.3 years in age, with a significant shift in sex ratios from 0.65 to 1.33 between pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 cohorts. Education varied, with 45.8% having secondary education, 44.8% with primary, 2.4% having higher education, and 7.1% having none. Most (78.9%) had professional occupations, and 53.7% lived in rural areas. The majority were newly diagnosed (96.3% before COVID-19; 93.3% during COVID-19), with 3.7% relapses and 4.2% discontinuing treatment. Most had pulmonary TB (84.9%) and were aware of treatment duration (94.6%). About 65.4% experienced treatment-related adverse events. Regarding family support, 69.3% received help with medication. However, the concern was 80.6% did not adhere to anti-COVID-19 measures. Gender was significantly associated with compliance. Most patients were on treatment, but a small percentage had discontinued it. Patients need to be made aware of the importance of complying with anti-COVID-19 barrier measures to prevent a potential worsening of the health situation. Moreover, clinical and biological monitoring needs to be stepped up throughout the course of anti-TB treatment.

Molecular Detection and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Salmonella Enterica and Escherichia Coli Isolated From Honeybee Gut in Holeta Town, Western Shewa, Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study conducted in Ethiopia from December 2021 to June 2022 investigated the prevalence of Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica in honeybee colonies in Holeta Town, West Shewa. Out of 200 honeybee samples analyzed using bacteriologic culture, biochemical, and PCR tests, 15 (7.5%) were positive for E. coli and 11 (5.5%) for S. enterica. Additionally, PCR targeting the invA gene detected S. enterica in 10 samples (5%). Notably, traditional hives showed higher rates of pathogen occurrence compared to modern colonies. None of the E. coli isolates exhibited virulence genes. The study found significant associations (P<0.05) between Salmonella isolation and factors such as feed supplement, water type, and colony collapse. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed that all E. coli and 63.6% of S. enterica isolates were resistant to Ampicillin, Clindamycin, and Penicillin. Conversely, all E. coli isolates were susceptible to Streptomycin, while only Streptomycin (100%) and Trimethoprim (63.6%) showed effectiveness against S. enterica. The findings suggest that management practices play a crucial role in honeybee health and pathogen contamination. Implementing modern hives and adopting good management practices including inspection, feeding, sanitation, and disease control are recommended to mitigate the impact of pathogens on honeybee colonies in the study area.

Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles of Campylobacter spp. Recovered from Chicken Farms in Two Districts of Bangladesh.

The rapid emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Campylobacter has reinforced its status as a foodborne pathogen of significant public health concern. Resistant Campylobacter is typically transferred to humans via the consumption of contaminated animal products, particularly poultry. The genes associated with antimicrobial resistance in Campylobacter spp. are poorly understood. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a prevalence survey of AMR Campylobacter across 84 chicken farms in two districts of Bangladesh. Pooled cloacal swabs were collected from chickens and underwent bacteriological testing for Campylobacter spp. with PCR confirmation. Antimicrobial susceptibility was tested against 14 antibiotics by disk diffusion method, and 12 resistance genes were screened in Campylobacter-positive isolates using multiplex PCR. A total of 34 (40.5%) farms were Campylobacter-positive of which 73.5% of isolates were resistant to at least 10 antibiotics. The antimicrobial susceptibility results indicate a high level of resistance against streptomycin (97.1%), clindamycin (97.1%), ampicillin (94.1%), tetracycline (94.1%), erythromycin (91.2%), ciprofloxacin (88.2%), nalidixic acid (85.3%), and imipenem (82.4%), and comparatively a low frequency of resistance to chloramphenicol (47.1%), ceftazidime (44.1%), and colistin (35.3%). Multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant Campylobacter were identified in 97.1%, and 50% of isolates, respectively. Ten resistance genes were identified including blaTEM (in 97.1% of isolates), strA-strB (85.9%), tetA (70.6%), tetB (32.4%), qnrS (23.5%), blaCTX-M-1 (20.6%), qnrB (20.6%), blaSHV (8.8%), aadB (5.9%), and qnrA (2.9%). Our findings demonstrate that resistance to ampicillin, tetracycline, and ceftazidime in Campylobacter isolates was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) associated with the presence of blaTEM, tetA, and blaSHV genes, respectively. The high rates of AMR in Campylobacter isolates from our study are not surprising given the liberal use of antimicrobials and incomplete biosecurity provisions on farms. Of particular concern are resistance rates to those classes of antibiotics that should be reserved for human use (azithromycin, ciprofloxacin, and colistin). AMR was more prevalent in chicken farms that used multiple antibiotics, engaged in prophylactic treatment of the birds, and improperly disposed of antibiotic packages. The high prevalence of MDR in chicken-derived Campylobacter isolates from the different regions of our study reinforces the need for more prudent use of antimicrobial compounds in Bangladeshi chicken farms.

Management of oculo-orbital complications of odontogenic sinusitis in adults.

Introduction: Odontogenic maxillary sinusitis (OMS) is an infectious inflammatory pathology caused by a dental condition. Considering the anatomical relations with the orbit, maxillary sinus infection can easily spread, evolving into severe oculo-orbital complications that can sometimes be life-threatening. Material and methods: We performed a retrospective study of over 2 years, examining the data of 18 patients diagnosed with OMS with oculo-orbital complications. The patients were evaluated regarding their dental history, symptoms, clinical and endoscopic findings, ophthalmologic evaluation, bacteriologic tests, computed tomography (CT) imaging, medical and surgical treatment, and outcomes. Results: The age of the patients was between 24 and 65 years old with an almost equal gender distribution: 10 female and 8 male patients. From the total, 7 patients had type II diabetes, 2 of whom were insulin-dependent, 1 patient had thrombophilia and 2 patients had renal failure with peritoneal dialysis. Regarding the type of oculo-orbital complications, 10 patients were diagnosed with preseptal cellulitis and 8 with orbital cellulitis. Just 5 patients with orbital cellulitis required surgical treatment and orbitotomy was performed, followed by endonasal endoscopic drainage. The evolution after surgical treatment was favorable for all operated patients. Discussions: Oculo-orbital complications of OMS are typically more severe than those of rhinogenic sinusitis because anaerobic bacteria are involved. Immunosuppression represents a favorable environment for the development of OMS and its complications, diabetes being the most common risk factor. A negative prognostic feature is the appearance of ophthalmological symptoms in both eyes, so visual function may be reduced. The treatment of oculo-orbital complications of OMS is urgent and depends on a broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy associated or not with surgical intervention. Conclusions: The diagnosis of oculo-orbital complications of OMS is complex and requires clinical experience as well as extensive medical knowledge to treat both the cause and the consequences of the conditions quickly and effectively. The proper management of oculo-orbital complications is based on a multidisciplinary team: ophthalmology, ENT, dentistry, imaging, and laboratory. Abbreviations: OMS = odontogenic maxillary sinusitis, CT = computed tomography, ENT = ear-nose-throat, MRI = magnetic resonance imaging, HNS = head and neck surgery.

Assessment of virulence potential of <i>Escherichia coli</i> isolated from clinical and non-clinical sources in port Harcourt, Nigeria.

Escherichia coli commonly occurs as a normal flora found in a variety of gastrointestinal tracts. However, certain strains acquire virulence characteristics. Potentially pathogenic species have also been isolated in non-clinical environments.This often raises concerns on the role these environments play in transmission. This study aimed to assess the occurrence of virulence traits in Escherichia coli isolated from non-clinical and clinical sources in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Two hundred samples from clinical (urine and stool) and non-clinical (soil and poultry) sources were analyzed. 8 isolation, purification and identification of E. coli isolates were performed using standard bacteriological and biochemical tests. Out of the 200 samples collected, 98 isolates (49%) were confirmed as E. coli. Confirmed E. coli isolates were then tested for virulence using standard phenotypic tests (protease, colicin, congo red, hemolysin, haemagglutination, adhesin and mannose resistant/sensitive haemagglutination). E. coli strains from clinical samples displayed a number of virulence traits ranging frombiofilm producing capabilities (53%), congo red binding propensity (24%), colicin (34%), protease (15%) and hemolysin production (4%) compared to their non-clinical counterpart. All samples were negative for haemagglutination. The total virulence prevalence of E. coli was 81%. Clinical samples possessed more virulence traits (71%) than samples from non-clinical sources (29%), with urine having a higher occurrence among the clinical samples (36%). There is need for an in-depth study on virulence attributes of E. coli and ways to control these factors to minimize the rate of spread and the degree of infections.

Seasonal subsurface water quality variation of physiochemical and bacteriological characteristics in Kamutwa-Kigali, Rwanda

Abstract The study was conducted to assess subsurface water quality on a seasonal basis in dry (January–February and June–August) and rainy (March and October–December) seasons. Samples were collected in the rainy and dry seasons of the year 2022. The results of this study were compared with global drinking water guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO) to understand its status in terms of threshold levels of pollution and protect public health. Total hardness (TH), pH, alkalinity, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), nitrate, sulfate, heavy metals (Zn, Mn, and Fe), fecal, and total coliforms were examined, and the water quality index (WQI) was calculated to assess the level of water contamination. The results indicated that during the rainy season, all physiochemical parameters gradually increased and the values were well within the permissible limit as prescribed by the WHO. The bacteriological test showed that there were no fecal coliform (FC) and total coliform (TC) in all trials performed, and the calculated WQI showed excellent water quality characteristics, thus proving fit for human consumption.

A case of septicemia with meningitis caused by Neisseria weaveri in a 7-year-old child

A case of septicemia with meningitis caused by Neisseria weaveri in a 7-year-old child

Evaluation of Effectiveness of Following Standard Operating Procedures in the Department of Forensic Medical Examination Based on Bacteriological Test Results

Introduction: The activities of forensic medical examiners are associated with an increased risk of contracting highly infectious diseases. Introduction of standard operating procedures into the daily practice of these health professionals can increase their biological safety. Objective: To evaluate effectiveness of implementing standard operating procedures (SOPs) in order to improve biological safety of the personnel performing autopsies in the Republican Bureau of Forensic Medicine in the city of Kazan. Materials and methods: The results of bacteriological testing of 120 indoor air samples for the total plate count, Staphylococcus aureus, yeast, and mold counts, and 320 surface wipe samples for S. aureus and total coliform counts, collected from February 3, 2021 to June 18, 2021 in the Autopsy Division before and after enforcement of standard operating procedures, were analyzed using the Student’s t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, and McNemar test. Results: The analysis of 40 air samples taken after SOP enforcement and tested for the total plate count showed a significant decrease in bacteriological contamination of the premises: from 1,000.0 to 226.7 CFU/m3 (T = 5.7, p < 0.01) and from 812.5 to 165.0 CFU/m3 (T = 6.287, p < 0.001) in the Teaching Autopsy Room and Autopsy Room One, respectively. A statistical decrease was also observed in airborne fungal concentrations in Autopsy Room One (T = 3.727, p < 0.01) and the Teaching Autopsy Room (T = 5.129, p < 0.01). The post-SOP frequency of detection of coliform bacteria on various surfaces and autopsy instruments demonstrated a significant reduction as well (160 wipe samples, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The study results show a pronounced decrease in microbial contamination of the Autopsy Division following introduction of standard operating procedures into the activities of the Republican Bureau of Forensic Medicine in the city of Kazan. It can be argued that standard operating procedures are effective in ensuring biological safety of healthcare workers.

Retrospective analysis of antimicrobial resistance in bacterial pathogens from pet rabbits in Hong Kong, 2019-2022.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing threat to human and animal health. Data are limited on the prevalence of resistant bacteria in pet rabbits. Therefore, we aimed to identify prevalent bacterial infections and AMR profiles among pet rabbits in Hong Kong (HK). Our search of the CityU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL) database found 301 cases of pet rabbits submitted for bacteriologic and antimicrobial susceptibility testing by veterinarians at 20 exotic veterinary clinics across HK between 2019 and 2022. The rabbits were of 8 different breeds and had a median age of 6.5 y, with 54.8% males, 40.2% females, and 5% unspecified. Of the 301 samples received, 168 (55.8%) had positive bacterial growth; 125 (74.4%) had single bacterial isolates, and 43 (25.6%) had mixed cultures. Cultures included Enterococcus faecalis (21.3%) as the most frequently isolated gram-positive bacterium, followed by Streptococcus intermedius (12.5%), and Staphylococcus aureus (11.3%). The most frequently isolated gram-negative bacteria were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (18.1%), followed by Escherichia coli (8.3%), Pasteurella multocida (6.9%), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (4.2%). Approximately 83% of the isolates had acquired resistance to at least one antimicrobial agent, and 49.4% were multidrug-resistant. The isolated bacteria had high levels of resistance to penicillin (69.8%), clindamycin (47.4%), and doxycycline (46.9%). Our findings highlight the high levels of AMR in bacteria isolated from pet rabbit clinical samples in HK; many of these bacteria are zoonotic and pose a public health threat.

Allografts use in orthopedic surgery: trend change over the past 11years from a regional tissue bank.

Allografts are the second most transplanted tissue in medicine after blood and are now increasingly used for both primary and revision surgery. Allografts have the advantages of lower donor site morbidity, availability of multiple grafts, and shorter operative time. The Banks represents the bridge between Donor and Recipient and guarantees the quality and safety of the distributed allografts Given the increasing interest in these tissues, a retrospective analysis of data collected from the Regional Musculoskeletal Tissue Bank registry over an 11-year period (2009-2019) was conducted. The statistical analyses used were the Shapiro-Wilk normality test and a Poisson regression model. From January 2009 to December 2019, a total of 14,199 musculoskeletal tissues stored in the Regional Musculoskeletal Tissue Bank were provided for surgical allograft procedures. In 2009, the number of allografts performed was 925; this figure has steadily increased to 1599 in 2019. Epiphyses were taken as the reference tissue with an almost constant trend over the period, while a significant increase was denoted for extensor mechanism allograft, ligaments, tendons and long bone corticals (p < 0.001), processed bone tissues had no change in trend (p = 0.841). There was also a gradual decrease in the rate of microbiological positivity, as determined by bacteriological and serological tests performed on the collected tissues. This phenomenon is due to improved sampling techniques and the training of a dedicated team. Thus, we have seen how the use of allografts in orthopedic surgery has increased over the past 11years, uniformly in terms of tissue type, except for the noticeable increase in ligamentous tissue.

The incremental value of Mycobacterium tuberculosis trace nucleic acid detection in CT-guided percutaneous biopsy needle rinse solutions for the diagnosis of tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis still faces challenges with high proportion of bacteriologic test negative incidences worldwide. We assessed the diagnostic value of digital PCR (dPCR) analysis of ultramicro Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) nucleic acid in CT-guided percutaneous biopsy needle rinse solution (BNRS) for TB. BNRS specimens were consecutively collected and total DNA was purified. The concentrations of M.tb-specific IS6110 and IS1081 were quantified using droplet dPCR. The diagnostic performances of BNRS-dPCR and its sensitivity in comparison with conventional tests were analyzed. A total of 106 patients were enrolled, 63 of whom were TB (48 definite and 15 clinically suspected TB) and 43 were non-TB. The sensitivity of BNRS IS6110 OR IS1081-dPCR for total, confirmed and clinically suspected TB was 66.7%, 68.8% and 60.0%, respectively, with a specificity of 97.7%. Its sensitivity was higher than that of conventional etiological tests, including smear microscopy, mycobacterial culture and Xpert using sputum and BALF samples. The positive detection rate in TB patients increased from 39.3% for biopsy AFB test alone to 73.2% when combined with BNRS-dPCR, and from 71.4% for biopsy M.tb molecular detection alone to 85.7% when combined with BNRS-dPCR. Our results preliminarily indicated that BNRS IS6110 OR IS1081-dPCR is a feasible etiological test, which has the potential to be used as a supplementary method to augment the diagnostic yield of biopsy and improve TB diagnosis.

Ayurvedic Insights into Re-Emerging Human Brucellosis

Brucellosis is a bacterial infection caused by Brucella melintensis. It is one of the most widespread endemic zoonotic diseases present globally, more prevalent in developing countries. It is transmitted to humans either through direct contact with infected animal tissues or fluids or indirectly by ingesting contaminated meat and unpasteurized dairy products. The route of transmission includes mainly mucocutaneous. Farmers, butchers, hunters, and veterinarians are mainly at higher risk of contracting this condition. Mostly the affected individuals exhibit flu-like symptoms, remittent fever, malaise, arthralgia, and weight loss which lasts from a few days to several years. The condition is often misdiagnosed due to nonspecific clinical symptoms, leading to inadequate treatment and prolonged illness leading to severe complications like endocarditis. Currently, there is no vaccine for human brucellosis. The modern management includes administration of antibiotics. The gold standard diagnostic tool is direct bacteriological testing. Ayurvedic understanding of endemic diseases highlights the unique concept of Janapathhodhwamsa proposed by Acharyas. They considered Vayu, Jala, Kala, and Desa as common factors in manifestation of disease. Any alteration in these factors can be understood as imbalance and disease outbreak emerged due to urbanization, lack of hygienic measures in animal husbandry, etc. remaining a public health hazard. Brucellosis is known by its undulant nature which closely resembles the Vishama Jwara in classics which is a Sannipatika type of Jwara. Amapachana, Shodhana, and Samana line of management followed by Rasayana, Satvritta Palana as a preventive line can be adopted to manage Brucellosis.

Modern Features of Pathogenic Leptospira Isolation and Identification in Siberia and the Far East

Recently, pathogenic Leptospira culture isolation is an extremely rare phenomenon in Russia.The aim of our work was to synthesize the lessons learned at the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Institute from Leptospira culture isolation and identification since 2011.Materials and methods. Material from eight individuals with suspected leptospirosis and from 942 small mammals (SM) was examined using PCR and microscopic agglutination test (MAT), from humans and 260 SM, applying bacteriological method. Bacteriological temperature test, MAT, PCR, MLST and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry with the original Leptospira protein profiles base were used to identify cultures. Six complete genomes were generated at the Central Research Institute of Epidemiology of the Rospotrebnadzor.Results and discussion. Leptospira have not been isolated from humans against the background of taking antibiotics, despite the positive PCR and MAT results. Four cultures of Leptospira borgpetersenii of the Javanica serogroup and three L. kirschneri (Grippotyphosa) have been isolated from SM. The results of identification using MLST scheme No. 1 and MALDI-TOF MS are identical. MLST in silico has shown the uniformity of two Grippotyphosa serogroup strains from Primorie and Khabarovsk with a sequence-type (ST) profile 110:100:94. ST146 is determined in four Javanica serogroup strains according to scheme No. 1, and unique single nucleotide polymorphisms are detected according to schemes No. 2–3. Thus, in Siberia and the Far East, between 2012 and 2016, seven pathogenic Leptospira cultures were isolated from carriers in natural foci; carrier infection rate being12.0–48.9 %. Javanica serogroup strains differ in the MLST profile characteristics and adapt to nutrient media for a longer time than Grippotyphosa serogroup strains.

Bayesian evaluation of meat juice ELISA for detecting Salmonella in slaughtered pigs without specifying a cut-off.

Consumption of pork and pork products is a major source of human infection with Salmonella. Salmonella is typically subclinical in pigs, making it difficult to identify infected pigs. Therefore, effective surveillance of Salmonella in pigs critically relies on good knowledge on how well the diagnostic tests used perform. A test that has been used in several countries for Salmonella monitoring is serological testing of meat juice using an ELISA (MJ ELISA) to detect antibodies against Salmonella. This MJ ELISA data could be used to estimate infection prevalence and trends. However, as the MJ ELISA output is a sample-to-positive (S/P) ratio, which is a continuous outcome rather than a binary (positive/negative) result, the interpretation of this data depends upon a chosen cut-off. To apply Bayesian latent class models (BLCMs) to estimate diagnostic accuracy of the MJ ELISA test values in the absence of a gold standard without needing to apply a cut-off. BLCMs were fitted to data from a UK abattoir survey carried out in 2006 in order to estimate the diagnostic accuracy of MJ ELISA with respect to the prevalence of active Salmonella infection. This survey consisted of a MJ ELISA applied in parallel with the bacteriological testing of caecal contents, carcass swabs and lymph nodes (n = 625). A BLCM was also fitted to the same data but with dichotomisation of the MJ ELISA results, in order to compare with the model using continuous outcomes. Estimates were obtained for sensitivity and specificity of the ELISA over a range of S/P values and for the bacteriological tests and were found to be similar between the models using continuous and dichotomous ELISA outcomes. The Bayesian method without specifying a cut-off does allow prevalence to be inferred without specifying a cut-off for the ELISA. The study results will be useful for estimating infection prevalence from serological surveillance data.

Enhanced diagnostic accuracy of combined serological and bacteriological tests for brucella infection.

To analyze the effects and value of combining serological and bacteriological tests in diagnosing Brucella infection. In this retrospective study, patients suspected of having Brucella infection admitted to Lishui Second People's Hospital from January 2019 to December 2022 were assessed using serological, bacteriological, and combined (serological + bacteriological) tests. The diagnostic performance of each test was compared using previous clinical results as the gold standard. We also compared the acceptance rate and satisfaction with clinical diagnostic results for the different testing modalities. The combined examination (serological + bacteriological test) showed higher diagnostic efficiency for Brucella infection compared to single serological and single bacteriological tests (P < 0.05). Similarly, the satisfaction rate for the clinical diagnostic effects of the combined examination was higher than for the serological and bacteriological tests alone (P < 0.05). The combination of serological and bacteriological tests provides superior diagnostic value for Brucella infection, with high diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. It is recommended as the preferred method for clinical diagnosis.

Study of the therapeutic efficacy of DOKSI AVZ 500 in bacterial respiratory diseases in young pigs

Background: Young farm animals are susceptible to the opportunistic infections which may cause economic losses due to mortality and poor weight gain. Development of antimicrobial resistance and desire to improve therapy efficacy and safety are the reasons to seek for new antibacterial drugs ensuring rapid recovery with minimum adverse events. Aim: To estimate the efficacy of DOKSI AVZ 500 in respiratory pathologies in young pigs. Methods: The study was conducted in 65–70-day old Yorkshire piglets with the signs of bacterial respiratory pathologies. The animals were treated with the test drug for 3 or 5 days. The reference group received TETRAMAX 500 which is similar to the test drug in terms of chemical structure, mechanism of action and spectrum. The animal status was assessed using clinical examination, CBC and bacteriological tests. Results: Both test and reference drugs were well tolerated and ensured the animal recovery within about 4 days. The recovery was accompanied with normalization of hematological parameters and flora composition. The bacteria associated with the disease development, Streptococcus suis, was virtually completely eliminated in all groups. No adverse events were noted. After the treatment, all the animals readily gained the weight and live market quality. Conclusion: DOKSI AVZ 500 was a highly efficient therapy for respiratory pathologies caused by the resident opportunistic flora in piglets. It also has shown noninferiority vs. TETRAMAX 500 in terms of all the health-related parameters and thus can be recommended for introduction in veterinary practice in pig farms.