Cases Of Human Infection Research Articles

Monkeypox: An Emerging Disease.

Until the month of April 2022, cases of monkeypox virus infection in humans were hardly documented outside of the endemic African regions. There are cases now throughout the world. Infected exotic pets have taken the monkeypox virus out of Africa. Following the universal eradication of smallpox in the 1970s, occurrences of monkeypox have attracted attention on a global scale. The western hemisphere and European nations are seeing the majority of the monkeypox infections linked to the 2022 epidemic. Numerous groups are working on contact-tracing initiatives, but it is still unclear what started this outbreak. The precise cause of monkeypox is uncertain, as the virus's origins have been linked to a number of rodents and small animals. Testing for monkeypox DNA from a patient using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or viral culture isolation material can both be used to confirm monkeypox infection. Monkeypox is from the family: Poxviridae, subfamily: chordopoxvirinae, genus: orthopoxvirus and species: Monkeypox virus. The DNA virus monkeypox virus (MPXV), which causes the zoonotic illness MPX, or monkeypox, is divided into two genetic clades: The Congo Basin (CB) and the west Africa (WA) clades. Monkeypox's true impact on public health is uncertain.

P142 Lodderomyces elongisporus: A n emerging cause of fung emia

Poster session 2, September 22, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PMBackground Lodderomyces elongisporus, earlier considered as a sexual state of Candida parapsilosis, was described as a distinct species based on ribosomal RNA gene sequencing. Few cases of human infections by this yeast have been described from Mexico, China, Malaysia, Kuwait, Australia, and the USA. We describe here eight cases of fungemia by L. elongisporus from a tertiary care hospital in North India.MethodsClinical characteristics and risk factors associated with L. elongisporus fungaemia were evaluated. Yeast isolated from blood culture (BD BACTEC™ 9240, New Jersey, USA) was identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectroscopy (MALDI-TOF MS, Bruker Daltonik GmbH, Bremen, Germany) and sequencing of D1/D2 region of a large subunit of ribosomal DNA. We performed antifungal susceptibility testing for amphotericin B, fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole, caspofungin, anidulafungin, and micafungin by the microbroth dilution method recommended by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI).ResultsWe report eight cases of fungemia caused by L. elongisporus at our tertiary care center. Of these, three were infants (males) and five were adults (3 males and 2 females). The mean age of adults was 43.4 years. Among the pediatric cases, underlying diseases included congenital heart disease/atrophic kidney (neonate), tracheoesophageal fistula (4 months), and late-onset neonatal sepsis (LONS). Among the adults, underlying illnesses included acute kidney injury (n = 2), superior mesenteric artery thrombosis with bowel gangrene (n = 1), diabetes (n = 1), and central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma (n = 1). The iatrogenic factors included the history of surgery (n = 3), admission to ICU (n = 3), presence of urinary catheter (n = 4), and presence of central venous catheter (n = 1). Seven patients were on broad-spectrum antibiotics. The mean stay in the hospital was 20.38 days. Three of the patients were managed with fluconazole. Six patients improved while one left against medical advice (LAMA) and one expired. The range of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of all the isolates against antifungals was as follows: amphotericin B (0.03-0.25 μg/ml), fluconazole (0.125 μg/ml), voriconazole (0.03 μg/ml), itraconazole (0.03-0.06 μg/ml), posaconazole (0.03-0.25 μg/ml), caspofungin (0.03-0.06 μg/ml), micafungin (0.03-0.06 μg/ml), and anidulafungin (0.03 μg/ml).Conclusion Lodderomyces elongisporus is an emerging pathogenic yeast causing fungemia in patients with comorbidities and undergoing surgery or invasive interventions. Though no antifungal breakpoints exist for this yeast, all the isolates exhibited low MICs to all the tested antifungals.

P487 Basidiobolus omanensis, an emerging pathogen to watch out for?

Poster session 1, September 21, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Introduction Basidiobolus species can be found in amphibian, reptile, lizard, insectivorous bat, and soil, as well as decaying vegetables, and fruits. Basidiobolus species infect both adults and children, with the majority of cases reported from the Middle East, including Oman. Basidiobolomycosis is a chronic subcutaneous infection of the trunk and limbs that typically manifests as subcutaneous or gastrointestinal lesions with only a few cases of systemic involvement. Basidiobolus haptosporus, B. heterosporus, B. magnus, B. meristosporus, B. microsporus, B. omanensis and B. ranarum are the seven species in the genus Basidiobolus. Four of these species have been linked to gastrointestinal infections in humans. Basidiobolus ranarum is the most commonly reported species from humans, followed by B. omanensis. We recently described B. omanensis as a novel species from a patient in Oman. It was isolated from a boy with type 1 diabetes who died as a result of basidiobolmycosis complications. Four more fatal human cases have been documented since then (unpublished data), but little is known about its role as a pathogen in humans.ObjectiveThe goal of this paper is to present four cases of basidiobolomycosis caused by B. omanensis in young children and adults, each with unique diagnostic and treatment challenges.MethodsWe collected four cases of basidiobolomycosis caused by B. omanensis from various tertiary hospitals in Oman. All identifications were based on ribosomal DNA gene sequencing of the internal transcribed spacers (ITS) and partial large subunit (LSU). The CLSI method was used for testing the antifungal drug susceptibility in vitro.ResultsWe present four new cases of Basidiobolus infection in humans (two from children and two from adults). The underlying condition, site of infection, clinical presentation, treatment, and outcomes are all summarized in Table 1. Basidiobolus omanensis strains isolated from these cases were molecularly identified using (ITS and LSU) gene sequencing. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for amphotericin B (AMB) is 1 µg/ml, isavuconazole (ISC) is 4 µg/ml, itraconazole (ITC), posaconazole (PSC), and voriconazole (VRC) is > 16 µg/ml respectively. These were the first cases of the fungus B. omanensis ever diagnosed globally at various hospitals in Oman. All of the cases presented diagnostic and treatment challenges. Despite the atypical nature of the disease, clinical response was obtained following surgical excision and antifungal treatment, and the mortality rate among the four cases was 50%.ConclusionThis new species may cause problems with identification and antifungal susceptibility, which is why clinicians should be aware of infections with uncommon mould species and consider DNA sequencing for confirmation. Any fungus can cause infection in an immunocompromised host and should never be dismissed as a contaminant out of hand.

Current Issues on Monkeypox Disease in Nigeria

Monkeypox (MPXV) is a viral infectious disease, capable of transmitting from animals to humans. It is a zoonotic virus responsible for causing the disease, and belongs to the same family (orthopoxvirus) as the smallpox virus. The first case of human monkeypox infection was recorded in 1970 in a town called Basankusu, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. There have also been reports of the disease outbreak across West Africa. The first recorded monkeypox case outside Africa was in 2003 in the United States of America, which later developed to 70 cases without any mortality recorded. In Nigeria, the spread of monkeypox has been reported across the South-East and South-South regions of the country and disease has since been recorded in states such as Akwa Ibom, Abia, Bayelsa, Benue, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Ekiti, Enugu, Imo, Lagos, Nasarawa, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The monkeypox virus has been identified as a double-stranded DNA virus belonging to the genus Orthopoxvirus, of the family, Poxviridae with accompanying symptoms such as fever, severe headache, chills, swelling of the lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy), back and muscle aches (myalgia), and exhaustions (asthenia) and eventually the appearance of rashes which develops through various stages before eventually falling off as the patients recovers and wounds heals. Animal-human Zoonotic transmission occurs through direct contact with the biological materials from infected host animal such as blood, mucosal lesions, bodily fluids, or cutaneous, through broken skin, mucous membranes, or respiratory airways of the nose, eyes, or the mouth, while human-to-human infection occurs through direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids, of an infected person. It also spreads through secretion from the respiratory tract through prolonged face to face or intimate contact with an infected person, contact with contaminated surfaces from infected host, or to a fetus via the placenta, or close contact with infected mother (congenital monkeypox). It can be diagnosed through Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) laboratory testing in combination with gene sequencing, and the infected patient treated using tecovirimat specific for smallpox virus, while studies are ongoing to develop its particular medication. This study is aimed at discussing the current issues on monkeypox virus with respect to the Nigerian society.

The first detection of relapsing fever spirochete Borrelia miyamotoi in Ixodes ricinus ticks from the northeast Czech Republic

Borrelia miyamotoi, a relapsing fever spirochete, is considered a human pathogen. Knowledge of this borrelia is currently limited. Data about its potential impact on public health, circulation in nature, or its occurrence in natural environments are insufficient. For our study, a total of 505 questing Ixodes ricinus ticks (337 nymphs, 85 females and 83 males) from Hradec Králové Region in the Czech Republic were collected. Additionally, 160 winged Lipoptena deer keds from Hradec Králové Region, from Pardubice Region, Czech Republic, and from one location in western Slovakia were collected. The presence of B. miyamotoi in ticks and deer keds was determined using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting a gene encoding glycerophosphodiester phosphodiesterase (glpQ), antigenic protein specific to the relapsing fever spirochetes. Borrelia miyamotoi was identified in six nymphs and four females of I. ricinus ticks. The overall prevalence was 2%. None of the examined Lipoptena specimens were found to be infected. Although no human case of infection with B. miyamotoi has been reported in the Czech Republic yet, this spirochete is widespread in ticks, and therefore the risk of human infection exists.

Human case of Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection in Eastern Taiwan

Human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA) is a tick-borne infection caused by the bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum. In this study, we report an indigenous case of clinically diagnosed HGA. The patient was a 41-year-old man who experienced a tick bite and later developed fever, chills, myalgia, malaise, thrombocytopenia, leukocytosis with a left shift, elevated hepatic transaminase levels, and splenomegaly upon admission to the hospital. Immunofluorescence assays detected seroconversion against A. phagocytophilum, whereas tests for spotted fever group rickettsiae, murine typhus, scrub typhus, Q fever, and ehrlichiosis were negative. ELISA and Western blot analysis using recombinant MSP2 protein confirmed the exposure to A. phagocytophilum. Oral doxycycline and intravenous ceftriaxone were prescribed, and the patient made a full recovery. Our findings indicate the presence of HGA on the main island of Taiwan. Precautions against tick bites should be taken when engaging in outdoor activities, and HGA should be considered by physicians in the differential diagnosis.

Analysis of epidemiological situation for human dirofilariasis in Astrakhan Region

Objective. To carry out the retrospective and operative analysis of the epidemiological situation regarding human dirofilariosis in Astrakhan Region for the period from 1951 to 2019.
 Materials and methods. Eighty-one epidemiological maps of persons infected with dirofilaria as well as case histories of ambulatory patients of Helminthological Center were analyzed.
 Results. In total, during the analyzed period (from 1951 to 2019), 81 local cases of human dirofilariae infection were registered in Astrakhan Region. The largest number of dirofilariasis cases was observed in the late 90s early 2000s 63 % (n = 51). The largest number of dirofilariasis cases was registered in 2000 and 2002 13.6 % (n = 11) and 11.1 % (n = 9), respectively. The age of the patients ranged from 11 months to 78 years. Thus, dirofilariasis was registered mainly in the adult population 84 % (n = 68). Children aged 11 months to 17 years accounted for 16 % (n = 13) of all cases of dirofilariasis. Helminth was localized both in the eye area 44.4 % (n = 36), and out of 55.6 % (n = 45). At extra-ocular localization of the parasite, helminth was localized in the lower extremities 11.1 % (n = 5), in the head 42.2 % (n = 19), in the chest 11.1 % (n = 5), in the abdomen and face 2.2 % for each (n = 1), in the upper extremities 17.8 % (n = 8). In most cases, incorrect diagnoses were made 77.8 %. All the described cases were local patients did not leave Astrakhan Region. The diagnosis of dirofilariasis was made based on the data of the clinical picture, epidemiological history and data from laboratory blood tests.
 Conclusions. Thus, the problem of dirofilariasis remains relevant today, as evidenced by new cases of human disease; the main location is the area of the eyelids, orbit and scalp; dirofilariasis was more often observed in women due to the fact that, unlike men, they are more careful about their appearance; characteristic signs of dirofilariosis are hyperemia, edema, pain at the location of helminth as well as the migration of the parasite under the skin; in most cases, incorrect diagnoses are made.

Larval Gnathostoma: morphological identification and probable source of a case of human eye infection in Assam, India

The present communication deals with morphological identification of a parasite specimen sent from a private eye hospital at Guwahati, Assam after its extraction alive from the aqueous humor in the right eye of a non-tribal rural woman from Assam. The parasite 3 mm X 0.3 mm in size, characterized by the presence of a distinct anterior head bulb armed with four rows of hooklets numbering less than 40 per row and spination along the transverse striations present throughout the body was identified as the third stage larva of a pig gnathostome, Gnathostoma doloresi. Interview based investigation to ascertain the source of G. doloresi infection reported here for the first time in the 32 year old non-vegetarian house wife having no history of raw fish consumption revealed water used for domestic purpose from a pond adjacent to domestic pig pastured swampy area and the fresh water fishes as the possible sources of infection which might have occurred by accidental ingestion of infected cyclops present in pond water or by direct skin penetration of the larval stage of the parasite during descaling and evisceration of infected fishes prepared for cooking and consumption.

Glycyrrhiza Polysaccharide Inhibits Pseudorabies Virus Infection by Interfering with Virus Attachment and Internalization.

Pseudorabies virus (PRV) is one of the most important pathogens causing serious diseases and leads to huge economic losses in the global swine industry. With the continuous emergence of PRV variants and the increasing number of cases of human infection, there is an urgent need to develop antiviral drugs. In this study, we discover that Glycyrrhiza polysaccharide (GCP) has anti-PRV infection activity in vitro, and 600 μg/mL GCP can completely block viral infection. The addition of GCP simultaneously with or after PRV infection had a significant inhibitory effect on PRV. Addition of GCP at different times of the virus life cycle mainly led to the inhibition of the attachment and internalization of PRV but does not affect viral replication and release. Our findings suggest that GCP has potential as a drug against PRV infection.

SARS-COV-2/COVID-19: scenario, epidemiology, adaptive mutations, and environmental factors.

The coronavirus pandemic of 2019 has already exerted an enormous impact. For over a year, the worldwide pandemic has ravaged the whole globe, with approximately 250 million verified human infection cases and a mortality rate surpassing 4 million. While the genetic makeup of the related pathogen (SARS-CoV-2) was identified, many unknown facets remain a mystery, comprising the virus’s origin and evolutionary trend. There were many rumors that SARS-CoV-2 was human-borne and its evolution was predicted many years ago, but scientific investigation proved them wrong and concluded that bats might be the origin of SARS-CoV-2 and pangolins act as intermediary species to transmit the virus from bats to humans. Airborne droplets were found to be the leading cause of human-to-human transmission of this virus, but later studies showed that contaminated surfaces and other environmental factors are also involved in its transmission. The evolution of different SARS-CoV-2 variants worsens the condition and has become a challenge to overcome this pandemic. The emergence of COVID-19 is still a mystery, and scientists are unable to explain the exact origin of SARS-CoV-2. This review sheds light on the possible origin of SARS-CoV-2, its transmission, and the key factors that worsen the situation.

Leishmania tarentolae: A new frontier in the epidemiology and control of the leishmaniases.

Leishmaniasis (or the leishmaniases), classified as a neglected tropical parasitic disease, is found in parts of the tropics, subtropics and southern Europe. Leishmania parasites are transmitted by the bite of phlebotomine sand flies and million cases of human infection occur annually. Leishmania tarentolae has been historically considered a non-pathogenic protozoan of reptiles, which has been studied mainly for its potential biotechnological applications. However, some strains of L. tarentolae appear to be transiently infective to mammals. In areas where leishmaniasis is endemic, recent molecular diagnostics and serological positivity to L. tarentolae in humans and dogs have spurred interest in the interactions between these mammalian hosts, reptiles and Leishmania infantum, the main aetiologic agent of human and canine leishmaniasis. In this review, we discuss the systematics and biology of L. tarentolae in the insect vectors and the vertebrate hosts and address questions about evolution of reptilian leishmaniae. Furthermore, we discuss the possible usefulness of L. tarentolae for new vaccination strategies.

Retrospective Investigation of the Whole Genome of the Hypovirulent Listeria monocytogenes Strain of ST201, CC69, Lineage III, Isolated from a Piglet with Fatal Neurolisteriosis.

Listeria monocytogenes (Lm), the causative agent for both human and animal listeriosis, is considered to be a rare but potentially fatal foodborne pathogen. While Lm strains associated with current cases of human listeriosis are now being intensely investigated, our knowledge of this microorganism which has caused listerial infection in the past is still extremely limited. The objective of this study was a retrospective whole-genome sequence analysis of the Lm collection strain, 4/52-1953, isolated in the middle of the 20th century from a piglet with listerial neuroinfection. The multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) analysis based on seven housekeeping genes (abcZ, bglA, cat, dapE, dat, ldh, and lhkA) showed that the Lm strain 4/52-1953 was assigned to the sequence type 201 (ST201), clonal complex 69 (CC69), and phylogenetic lineage III. The strain 4/52-1953, similarly to other ST201 strains, probably originated from the ST9, CC69 via ST157. At least eight different STs, ST69, ST72, ST130, ST136, ST148, ST469, ST769, and ST202, were identified as the descendants of the first generation and a single one, ST2290, was proved to be the descendant of the second generation. Among them there were strains either associated with some sporadic cases of human and animal listerial infection in the course of more than 60 years worldwide or isolated from food samples, fish and dairy products, or migratory birds. Phylogenetic analysis based on whole genomes of all the Lm strains available in the NCBI GenBank (n = 256) demonstrated that the strain 4/52-1953 belonged to minor Cluster I, represented by lineage III only, while two other major Clusters, II and III, were formed by lineages I and II. In the genome of the strain 4/52-1953, 41 virulence-associated genes, including the Listeria pathogenicity island 1 (LIPI-1), and LIPI-2 represented by two internalin genes, the inlA and inlB genes, and five genes related to antibiotic resistance, were found. These findings can help to make the emergence of both hyper- and hypovirulent variants, including those bearing antibiotic resistance genes, more visible and aid the aims of molecular epidemiology as well.

Clinical and virological features of first human monkeypox cases in Germany

BackgroundMonkeypox is a zoonotic orthopoxvirus infection endemic in central and western Africa. In May 2022, human monkeypox infections including human-to-human transmission were reported in a multi-country outbreak in Europe and North America.Case presentationsHere we present the first two cases of monkeypox infection in humans diagnosed in Germany. We present clinical and virological findings, including the detection of monkeypox virus DNA in blood and semen. The clinical presentation and medical history of our patients suggest close physical contact during sexual interactions as the route of infection.ConclusionMonkeypox requires rapid diagnosis and prompt public health response. The disease should be considered in the current situation especially the differential diagnosis of vesicular or pustular rash, particularly in patients with frequent sexual contacts. Most importantly, it is essential to raise awareness among all health professionals for the rapid and correct recognition and diagnosis of this disease, which is probably still underreported in Europe (Adler et al. in Lancet Infect Dis https://doi.org/10.1016/s1473-3099(22)00228-6, 2022).

Environmental Factors Associated With Soil Prevalence of the Melioidosis Pathogen Burkholderia pseudomallei: A Longitudinal Seasonal Study From South West India.

Melioidosis is a seasonal infectious disease in tropical and subtropical areas caused by the soil bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei. In many parts of the world, including South West India, most cases of human infections are reported during times of heavy rainfall, but the underlying causes of this phenomenon are not fully understood. India is among the countries with the highest predicted melioidosis burden globally, but there is very little information on the environmental distribution of B. pseudomallei and its determining factors. The present study aimed (i) to investigate the prevalence of B. pseudomallei in soil in South West India, (ii) determine geochemical factors associated with B. pseudomallei presence and (iii) look for potential seasonal patterns of B. pseudomallei soil abundance. Environmental samplings were performed in two regions during the monsoon and post-monsoon season and summer from July 2016 to November 2018. We applied direct quantitative real time PCR (qPCR) together with culture protocols to overcome the insufficient sensitivity of solely culture-based B. pseudomallei detection from soil. A total of 1,704 soil samples from 20 different agricultural sites were screened for the presence of B. pseudomallei. Direct qPCR detected B. pseudomallei in all 20 sites and in 30.2% (517/1,704) of all soil samples, whereas only two samples from two sites were culture-positive. B. pseudomallei DNA-positive samples were negatively associated with the concentration of iron, manganese and nitrogen in a binomial logistic regression model. The highest number of B. pseudomallei-positive samples (42.6%, p < 0.0001) and the highest B. pseudomallei loads in positive samples [median 4.45 × 103 genome equivalents (GE)/g, p < 0.0001] were observed during the monsoon season and eventually declined to 18.9% and a median of 1.47 × 103 GE/g in summer. In conclusion, our study from South West India shows a wide environmental distribution of B. pseudomallei, but also considerable differences in the abundance between sites and within single sites. Our results support the hypothesis that nutrient-depleted habitats promote the presence of B. pseudomallei. Most importantly, the highest B. pseudomallei abundance in soil is seen during the rainy season, when melioidosis cases occur.

The Epidemiology and Variation in Pseudorabies Virus: A Continuing Challenge to Pigs and Humans.

Pseudorabies virus (PRV) can infect most mammals and is well known for causing substantial economic losses in the pig industry. In addition to pigs, PRV infection usually leads to severe itching, central nervous system dysfunction, and 100% mortality in its non-natural hosts. It should be noted that increasing human cases of PRV infection have been reported in China since 2017, and these patients have generally suffered from nervous system damage and even death. Here, we reviewed the current prevalence and variation in PRV worldwide as well as the PRV-caused infections in animals and humans, and briefly summarized the vaccines and diagnostic methods used for pseudorabies control. Most countries, including China, have control programs in place for pseudorabies in domestic pigs, and thus, the disease is on the decline; however, PRV is still globally epizootic and an important pathogen for pigs. In countries where pseudorabies in domestic pigs have already been eliminated, the risk of PRV transmission by infected wild animals should be estimated and prevented. As a member of the alphaherpesviruses, PRV showed protein-coding variation that was relatively higher than that of herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV), and its evolution was mainly contributed to by the frequent recombination observed between different genotypes or within the clade. Recombination events have promoted the generation of new variants, such as the variant strains resulting in the outbreak of pseudorabies in pigs in China, 2011. There have been 25 cases of PRV infections in humans reported in China since 2017, and they were considered to be infected by PRV variant strains. Although PRV infections have been sporadically reported in humans, their causal association remains to be determined. This review provided the latest epidemiological information on PRV for the better understanding, prevention, and treatment of pseudorabies.

Increased incidence and antimicrobial resistance among Vibrio parahaemolyticus in shellfishes from major fish markets in Cochin, South India: Seafood risk assessment

Abstract India remains as a top supplier of value-added seafoods to the global markets. Cochin is one of the leading fishing ports in India contributing to country’s major seafood export. As part of risk assessment, we analyzed the prevalence of multi-drug resistant Vibrio parahaemolyticus; seafood borne gastroenteritis-causing pathogen, in shellfishes collected from major fish markets in Cochin. This bacterial species was initially isolated on thiosulfate-citrate-bile salts-sucrose agar and HiCrome™ Vibrio agar, further confirmed by detection of V. parahaemolyticus species-specific toxR gene and by 16S r RNA sequencing. A total of 113 confirmed V. parahaemolyticus were recovered. Almost all the strains exhibited resistance towards three or more antibiotics (multiple-drug resistant) and harbored virulence related exoenzymes especially hemolysin (Kanagawa phenomenon); which is indeed a matter of concern. The multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index of the isolates ranged from 0.21 to 0.57. Furthermore, our results also indicate a substantial increase in the incidence of the pathogen in seafood from the area compared to previous years. This may pose a risk to the local and international consumers of the seafood. Practicing complete hygiene and adequate cooking is strongly recommended. Regular monitoring of aquaculture areas and fish markets is urged to reduce dissemination of pathogenic V. parahaemolyticus in seafood and to prevent fatal cases of human infection induced by this species in the country.

Genomic characterization of Streptococcus parasuis, a close relative of Streptococcus suis and also a potential opportunistic zoonotic pathogen

Streptococcus parasuis (S. parasuis) is a close relative of Streptococcus suis (S. suis), composed of former members of S. suis serotypes 20, 22 and 26. S. parasuis could infect pigs and cows, and recently, human infection cases have been reported, making S. parasuis a potential opportunistic zoonotic pathogen. In this study, we analysed the genomic characteristics of S. parasuis, using pan-genome analysis, and compare some phenotypic determinants such as capsular polysaccharide, integrative conjugative elements, CRISPR-Cas system and pili, and predicted the potential virulence genes by associated analysis of the clinical condition of isolated source animals and genotypes. Furthermore, to discuss the relationship with S. suis, we compared these characteristics of S. parasuis with those of S. suis. We found that the characteristics of S. parasuis are similar to those of S. suis, both of them have “open” pan-genome, their antimicrobial resistance gene profiles are similar and a srtF pilus cluster of S. suis was identified in S. parasuis genome. But S. parasuis still have its unique characteristics, two novel pilus clusters are and three different type CRISPR-Cas system were found. Therefore, this study provides novel insights into the interspecific and intraspecific genetic characteristics of S. parasuis, which can be useful for further study of this opportunistic pathogen, such as serotyping, diagnostics, vaccine development, and study of the pathogenesis mechanism.

Hepatitis E virus detection in hunted wild boar (Sus scrofa) livers in Central Italy.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a zoonotic pathogen, responsible for numerous cases of infection in humans. Transmission occurs through the orofecal route, and ingestion of contaminated foods represents an important risk factor for final consumer’s health. Wild animal species, in particular wild boar (Sus scrofa), are the main virus reservoirs; liver is the target organ, from which, through the hematic diffusion, HEV reaches different tissues and organs, as muscular one. The hygienic-sanitary critical issues connected with game meat food chain in general, and particularly wild boar, with special regards to any geographical area where this animal species can be directly in contact with humans, domestic ones (i.e., domestic pig), and other wild reservoirs (i.e., wild ruminants), finds favorable environmental conditions, have induced us to conduce the present scientific investigation.During the hunting season 2019/2020, a total of 156 wild boar livers were collected from provided plucks at slaughterhouse in Ascoli Piceno. Nested RT-PCR was used for the viral RNA detection. Results demonstrated a positivity of 5.12% (8/156), and the circulation in the screened area of genotype 3 subtype c, which is frequently identified in Central Italy. HEV sanitary relevance and the emerging role of any food chains in its transmission impose further detailed studies. The molecular screening of hunted wild boars’ livers can provide important information about virus’s circulation in wild animal populations in a specific area.

Isolation and identification of Aspergillus fumigatus from feline respiratory infection in Baghdad province

Aspergillus fumigatus considered to be the most important species to cause respiratory infection cases in both humans and animals especially in cats in the last decades. In this study, we focused on the isolation and identification of Aspergillus fumigates by collecting 40 samples in deferent veterinary clinics and stray cats in Baghdad city, during the period (October 2021 to January 2022), all samples were cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar and malt extract agar. The isolates identified by the laboratory methods, it’s depend on macroscopic and microscopic appearance. The results showed that (40) swaps taken from the pharynx of infected cats, included: Aspergillus fumigatus 16 (40%), Aspergillus spp. 7 (17.5%), Aspergillus niger 8 (20%), Penicillium spp. 5 (12.5%), Cryptococcus spp. 3 (7.5%), Fusarium spp. 1 (2.5%), and the presence of infection in female (62.5%) more than male (37.5%), this study indicated that the virulence and normal habitat of Aspergillus fumigatus make it the most important pathogen to cause respiratory infection and allergen in cats.

Assessment of rabies immune globulin dose rounding at a university health system

PurposeDescribe a dose rounding strategy for rabies immune globulin (RIG) administration. MethodsMulticenter, retrospective, observational review of patients that received RIG following an exposure from an animal with potential to transmit rabies infection in one health-system from March 2011 through December 2021. The primary outcome was to describe the RIG dose rounding strategy and population of patients that received RIG rounded to the nearest vial size compared to those that did not. Secondary outcomes evaluated additional costs and RIG international units (IU) wasted that could have occurred (rounded group) or did occur (not rounded group), re-presentation to the ED or primary care provider (PCP) within 7 days due to RIG related complaint, and occurrence of rabies infection. Data collection included patient demographics, exposure information, and RIG dose administered. Descriptive data and univariate analyses are reported. Cost and RIG IU wasted were calculated for the dosing strategies. Results426 patients were included; 373 (88%) had RIG rounded to the nearest vial size and 53 (12%) did not (mean age 36.1 years ±20.5, 51.6% male, most common exposures were bats [50%], type was bite [58%], and category III exposures [92%]). Those that had RIG rounded were younger and had lower total RIG doses, but similar IU/kg doses to those not rounded. A cost savings of $144,815 and prevention of 40,572 RIG IU wasted was calculated from those patients that had RIG rounded. There was no difference in the rate of re-presentation within 7 days and no cases of human rabies infection in the region during the study period. ConclusionsRIG dose rounding to the nearest vial size is associated with cost savings and prevention of wasting RIG IU. There was no association with re-presentation to the ED or PCP with RIG related issues within 7 days from administration.