Difference In Seropositivity Research Articles

Risk factors associated with ticks and Rickettsia spp. exposure in wild boars (Sus scrofa), hunting dogs, and hunters of Brazil.

Background and Aim:Wild boars have recently been implicated as the maintainers and carriers of Amblyomma spp. ticks, which are essential for Rickettsia spp. transmission. Consequently, wild boar hunting may increase the risk of tick exposure and subsequent human tick-borne infection and disease. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the risk factors for ticks and Rickettsia spp. exposure in wild boars, hunting dogs, and hunters in Brazilian biomes.Materials and Methods:The statistical relationship of Rickettsia spp. antibodies were evaluated using the Chi-square test in 80 wild boars, 170 hunting dogs, and 49 hunters.Results:The only statistically significant difference in seropositivity found in this study was between male and female wild boars (p=0.034), probably associated with in-park exposure to Amblyomma brasiliense infected with Rickettsia spp.Conclusion:The absence of statistical differences in the associated risk factors for hunting dogs and hunters may indicate a random exposure to Rickettsia spp.

Seroprevalence of Immunoglobulin-G Antibody Among Confirm Cases of COVID-19.

BackgroundSero-surveillance to find the presence of IgG antibodies among COVID-19 cases helps in the better understanding of the immune response after COVID-19 infection.ObjectivesTo estimate seropositivity among confirmed COVID-19 cases and to correlate the seropositivity with various factors affecting seropositivity.MethodsPopulation-based sero-surveillance among COVID-19 cases was carried out during the second half of August 2020 in Ahmedabad using the COVID KAVACH, Immunoglobulin-G (IgG) Antibody Detection Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) kits. Seropositivity among cases was measured and compared with various other factors to understand the immunity status among COVID-19 cases.ResultsWith 1073 positive for IgG antibodies from 1720 samples, the seropositivity among COVID-19 cases is 62.38% [95%CI 60.07-64.64%]. The difference in seropositivity based on gender was statistically not significant (Z=0.26, P=0.79). Children have the highest seropositivity (94.44%) and from young adults, to the elderly, the proportion of positivity among cases shows an increasing trend. Time gap analysis from the date of diagnosis shows that the proportion of cases with IgG antibodies increases gradually reaching its peak at around 10 weeks (third month) and then declines gradually.ConclusionSeropositivity among COVID-19 cases is 62.38%. The proportion of cases with IgG antibodies reaches its peak at around 10 weeks (third month) after diagnosis and then declines gradually. This fall indicates that the detected antibodies may not be long-lasting and may become undetectable/absent over a period of time. The reason for seronegative results in COVID-19 cases needs further in-depth scientific research.

Pre-Vaccine Positivity of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in Alberta, Canada during the First Two Waves of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

ABSTRACTWe systematically evaluated SARS-CoV-2 IgG positivity in a provincial cohort to understand the local epidemiology of COVID-19 and support evidence-based public health decisions. Residual blood samples were collected for serology testing over 5-day periods monthly from June 2020 to January 2021 from six clinical laboratories across the province of Alberta, Canada. A total of 93,993 individual patient samples were tested with a SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid antibody assay with positives confirmed using a spike antibody assay. Population-adjusted SARS-CoV-2 IgG seropositivity was 0.92% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.91 to 0.93%) shortly after the first COVID-19 wave in June 2020, increasing to 4.63% (95% CI: 4.61 to 4.65%) amid the second wave in January 2021. There was no significant difference in seropositivity between males and females (1.39% versus 1.27%; P = 0.11). Ages with highest seropositivity were 0 to 9 years (2.71%, 95% CI: 1.64 to 3.78%) followed by 20 to 29 years (1.58%, 95% CI: 1.12 to 2.04%), with the lowest rates seen in those aged 70 to 79 (0.79%, 95% CI: 0.65 to 0.93%) and >80 (0.78%, 95% CI: 0.60 to 0.97%). Compared to the seronegative group, seropositive patients inhabited geographic areas with lower household income ($87,500 versus $97,500; P < 0.001), larger household sizes, and higher proportions of people with education levels of secondary school or lower, as well as immigrants and visible minority groups (all P < 0.05). A total of 53.7% of seropositive individuals were potentially undetected cases with no prior positive COVID-19 nucleic acid test (NAAT). Antibodies were detectable in some patients up to 9 months post positive NAAT result. This seroprevalence study will continue to inform public health decisions by identifying at-risk demographics and geographical areas.IMPORTANCE Using SARS-CoV-2 serology testing, we assessed the proportion of people in Alberta, Canada (population 4.4 million) positive for COVID-19 antibodies, indicating previous infection, during the first two waves of the COVID-19 pandemic (prior to vaccination programs). Linking these results with sociodemographic population data provides valuable information as to which groups of the population are more likely to have been infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus to help facilitate public health decision-making and interventions. We also compared seropositivity data with previous COVID-19 molecular testing results. Absence of antibody and molecular testing were highly correlated (95% negative concordance). Positive antibody correlation with a previous positive molecular test was low, suggesting the possibility of mild/asymptomatic infection or other reasons leading individuals from seeking medical attention. Our data highlight that the true estimate of population prevalence of COVID-19 is likely best informed by combining data from both serology and molecular testing.

Dynamics of Seroconversion of Anti-Sars-Cov-2 Igg Antibodies in the Czech Unvaccinated Population: Nationwide Prospective Seroconversion (Proseco) Study

Background: Although the Czech Republic weathered the first wave of the COVID-19 epidemic with relatively low incidence, the second wave of the global pandemic saw it rank among countries bearing the greatest COVID-19 burden, both in Europe and on a worldwide scale. The aim of the nationwide prospective seroconversion (PROSECO) study was to investigate the dynamics of seroconversion of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies in the Czech population.Methods: All clients of the second largest health insurance company in the Czech Republic were sent a written invitation to participate in this longitudinal study. The study includes the first 30,054 persons who provided a blood sample between October 2020 and March 2021. Seroprevalence was compared between calendar periods of blood sample collection, RT-PCR test results, sociodemographic factors, and other characteristics.Findings: The data show a dramatic increase in seropositivity over time, from 28% in October/November 2020 to 43% in December 2020/January 2021 to 51% in February/March 2021. These trends were consistent with government data on cumulative viral antigenic prevalence in the population captured by PCR testing – although the seroprevalence rates established in this study were considerably higher than those listed in government data. Data pooled across the entire study period exhibited minor differences in seropositivity between sexes, age groups and body mass index categories; results were similar between test providing laboratories. Seropositivity was substantially higher among symptomatic vs. asymptomatic persons (76% vs. 34%). At least one third of all seropositive participants were asymptomatic, and 28% participants who developed antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 never underwent PCR testing.Interpretation: Antibody response provides a better marker of past SARS-CoV-2 infection than PCR testing data. Our data on seroconversion confirm the rapidly increasing prevalence in the Czech population during the dramatically rising pandemic wave prior to the beginning of massive vaccination. The planned second and third assessment of the study participants (April 2021 – September 2021, October 2021 – March 2022) will provide valuable evidence on the seroprevalence changes following vaccination and persistence of antibodies resulting from natural infection and vaccination.Funding: Prevention Programme of the Health Insurance Company of the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic, Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport of the Czech Republic, EU Horizon 2020, European Structural and Investment Funds. Declaration of Interest: We declare no competing interests.Ethical Approval: This study received approval from the ELSPAC ethics committee under reference number (C)ELSPAC/EK/5/2021.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Cumulative Incidence, United States, August 2020-December 2020.

BackgroundReported coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases underestimate severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections. We conducted a national probability survey of US households to estimate cumulative incidence adjusted for antibody waning.MethodsFrom August–December 2020 a random sample of US addresses were mailed a survey and self-collected nasal swabs and dried blood spot cards. One adult household member completed the survey and mail specimens for viral detection and total (immunoglobulin [Ig] A, IgM, IgG) nucleocapsid antibody by a commercial, emergency use authorization–approved antigen capture assay. We estimated cumulative incidence of SARS-CoV-2 adjusted for waning antibodies and calculated reported fraction (RF) and infection fatality ratio (IFR). Differences in seropositivity among demographic, geographic, and clinical subgroups were explored.ResultsAmong 39 500 sampled households, 4654 respondents provided responses. Cumulative incidence adjusted for waning was 11.9% (95% credible interval [CrI], 10.5%–13.5%) as of 30 October 2020. We estimated 30 332 842 (CrI, 26 703 753–34 335 338) total infections in the US adult population by 30 October 2020. RF was 22.3% and IFR was 0.85% among adults. Black non-Hispanics (Prevalence ratio (PR) 2.2) and Hispanics (PR, 3.1) were more likely than White non-Hispanics to be seropositive.ConclusionsOne in 8 US adults had been infected with SARS-CoV-2 by October 2020; however, few had been accounted for in public health reporting. The COVID-19 pandemic is likely substantially underestimated by reported cases. Disparities in COVID-19 by race observed among reported cases cannot be attributed to differential diagnosis or reporting of infections in population subgroups.

SEROLOGICAL EVIDENCE OF COXIELLA BURNETII INFECTION IN THE WHITE RHINOCEROS (CERATOTHERIUM SIMUM) IN SOUTH AFRICA.

Coxiellosis, or Query (Q) fever, a disease caused by the intracellular bacteria Coxiella burnetii, was recently described in a managed breeding herd of white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) in the southeastern United States. Clinical disease often results in abortion and could represent a conservation challenge for this species. In addition to the reproductive and herd management consequences, coxiellosis is also a zoonotic disease. Infection or clinical disease in any free-ranging rhinoceros species in a national park setting has not been previously described. In this study, evidence of prior infection was measured by immunofluorescent antibody titers in 89 serum samples collected from white rhinoceros within private reserves and a national park in South Africa. Total seropositivity was 48/89 (53.9% [95% CI, 43.6-63.9%]). Animals on private reserves had a seropositivity of 21/51 (41.1% [95% CI, 27.1-55.2%]), and national park rhinoceros had a higher rate of seropositivity at 71.0% [95% CI, 55.9-86.2%] (27/38; P= 0.004). Adults had a higher seropositivity compared with subadults (P= 0.03). There was no difference in seropositivity between sexes (P > 0.05). Results demonstrate that South African white rhinoceros populations are exposed to Coxiella, which could result in underrecognized reproductive consequences. Further studies should investigate potential implications for public health and conservation management of this species.

Neospora caninum and/or Toxoplasma gondii Seroprevalence: Vaccination against PCV2 and Muscle Enzyme Activity in Seropositive and Seronegative Pigs.

Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii affect both humans and animals worldwide. To investigate their seroprevalence and differences in seropositivity between pigs vaccinated and unvaccinated against porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2), as well as differences in muscle enzyme activity between seropositive and seronegative pigs, blood samples were collected from 380 sows. Antibodies against T. gondii and N. caninum were detected by an indirect immunofluorescence antibody (IFA) assay, while the activities of creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were biochemically assessed. Out of the 364 sows finally included in the study, 4.4%, 3.5%, and 0.5% were seropositive to T. gondii, N. caninum, or both. A significantly higher percentage of seropositivity against T. gondii and/or N. caninum in PCV2 unvaccinated pigs compared with vaccinated pigs was observed. Increased serum activities of CK and AST were detected in 71.43% and 100% of only against T. gondii (T+) and 63.64% and 90.91% of only against N. caninum (N+) seropositive sows, respectively, and were significantly higher compared to seronegative animals. T. gondii and N. caninum seropositivity, especially in presumed immunocompromised pigs, and the evidence of muscle damage highlight their importance as a zoonotic pathogen and animal model of human infection, respectively.

Immunogenicity of two-dose and three-dose vaccination schedules with Sabin inactivated poliovirus vaccine in China: An open-label, randomized, controlled trial

BackgroundWe assessed immunogenicity of three-dose and two-dose immunization schedules with a Sabin-strain inactivated poliovirus vaccine (sIPV) produced by one Chinese vaccine manufacturer. MethodsThis was an open label, randomized, controlled trial conducted in 16 vaccination clinics in Shandong province. Infants were allocated randomly to either a 3-dose study arm (sIPV administered at 2, 3, and 4 months of age) or a 2-dose arm (sIPV administered at 4 and 8–11 months of age). Poliovirus neutralizing antibodies were measured in sera collected prior to the first sIPV dose and one month after the last dose. FindingsWe enrolled 560 infants; 536 (95.7%) completed the study. Final seropositivity rates were >98% for all three serotypes in both study arms. There were no statistically significant differences in seropositivity between the 2-dose and the 3-dose schedule. Final median reciprocal titres of polio antibodies were high overall (>1:768 for all serotypes) and statistically significantly higher in 2-dose recipients compared with 3-dose recipients (p < 0.001). InterpretationThis study offers evidence that two doses of sIPV administered at 4 and 8–11 months of age and three doses of sIPV administered at 2, 3, and 4 months of age both provide serological protection against poliomyelitis. Median reciprocal titres of polio antibodies were high overall, and were more related to the interval between doses than the number of doses, with the longer interval of the 2-dose schedule producing higher reciprocal titres than the shorter-interval 3-dose schedule. The protection provided by the 3-dose schedule is achieved earlier in life than the protection with the 2-dose schedule. Countries planning to use an IPV-only schedule in the post-eradication era can consider this 2-dose sIPV option as an immunogenic and dose-sparing strategy. FundingWorld Health Organization (from a grant from International PolioPlus Committee, Rotary International, Evanston, IL, USA).

Seroprevalence of SARS-Coronavirus 2 among asymptomatic healthy blood donors from healthcare and non-healthcare settings: Implications for safety of blood donors and blood collection staff during blood donation

IntroductionSARS-Coronavirus-2 pandemic has adversely affected blood supply as potential blood donors were afraid of acquiring infection in hospital settings. We aimed to compare COVID-19 seroprevalence among asymptomatic blood donors from healthcare and non-healthcare setting to analyse the difference in exposure level of each group as well as the risk of acquiring infection during the process of blood donation. Material and MethodsAnalysis of whole blood donors tested for SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies was carried out after categorizing them into healthcare workers (HCW) and non-healthcare workers (NHCW). NHCW were further categorized into residents of containment and non-containment zones and seroprevalence analyzed. Seroprevalence among different ABO blood groups was also analyzed. Results1191 blood donors were tested for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies with 9.5 % seropositivity. Significantly lower seropositivity of 3.2 % (p < 0.001) was observed among HCW as compared to 10.9 % seropositivity in NHCW. Among NHCW no difference in seropositivity was observed based on residence in containment or non-containment zone. Significantly higher (p = 0.012) seroprevalence was observed among A blood group donors (12.5 %) as compared to O blood group donors (6.8 %). ConclusionResults suggests that a blood donor, in a hospital setting is less likely to be exposed to COVID-19 disease than when participating in activities of daily living. It is postulated that the lower seroprevalence among HCW as compared to NHCW reflects differences in knowledge and practice of preventive measures among these groups. The findings should instil confidence among blood donors and motivate them to donate blood without fear.

Antibody responses to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus, influenza A virus, and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae from weaning to the end of the finisher stage in fourteen groups of pigs in Ontario, Canada

BackgroundRespiratory diseases are among the most important factors affecting swine farm productivity in Canada. The objectives of this study were to investigate antibody responses to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), influenza A virus (IAV), and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (M. hyopneumoniae) from weaning to the end of the finisher stage on a subset of commercial swine farms in Ontario, Canada, and to examine the association between nursery diet and antibody responses.ResultsOverall, older pigs were more likely to test seropositive for PRRSV and less likely to test seropositive for M. hyopneumoniae (p < 0.001). Pigs were more likely to test seropositive for IAV at weaning and the end of the grower and finisher stages compared to the end of nursery (p < 0.001). Pigs that were seropositive for IAV were more likely to test seropositive for both PRRSV and M. hyopneumoniae (p < 0.001). Two, 9, and 4 groups that had more than 20% of pigs seropositive to PRRSV, IAV, and M. hyopneumoniae, respectively, from the end of nursery to the end of finisher were classified as seropositive. Pigs fed a plant-based (low complexity) diet during nursery were more likely to be seropositive for PRRSV (p < 0.001) but there were no significant differences in seropositivity to IAV or M. hyopneumoniae due to nursery diet complexity.ConclusionsThis study provides information regarding changes in serum antibody in pigs across different stages of production and highlights periods of vulnerability. Additionally, these findings may encourage further research into the effects of nursery diet complexity on disease susceptibility and immune response.

Serosurvey of Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever Virus (CCHFV) in Cattle in Livestock Areas of Côte d'Ivoire, West Africa

Background: Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is an arbovirus transmitted by Ixodid ticks and causes a highly pathogenic disease called Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever with a mortality rate of up to 50% in humans.&#x0D; Methods: From January to December 2019, tick and blood samples were taken from seven cattle farms located in the towns of Korhogo, Bondoukou, Man and Bouaflé. In each of the farms, samples were taken from twenty cattle. These tick and blood samples were sent to the national reference laboratory of the Department of Epidemic Viruses of the Pasteur Institute of Côte d'Ivoire for diagnosis of CCHFV as part of the surveillance of haemorrhagic fever viruses in Côte d'Ivoire. Molecular detection of the Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fevervirus in ticks was performed by real-time PCR. For the serological analysis, the ELISA was used for the detection of antibodies to CCHFV (IgM and IgG).&#x0D; Results: The study allowed the identification of 411 ticks divided into three genera Amblyomma, Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus. The predominant species were Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus with (47.4%) and Amblyomma variegatum with (42.8%). No ticks gave positive results for the research of the CCHFV.Serological analysis showed that all 140 blood samples were IgM negative and 53.57% were IgG positive. Cattle from Bouaflé (90%) and Korhogo (70%) showed a higher seroprevalence than cattle from other regions. There was no significant difference in seropositivity between female bovines (54.1%) and male bovines (52.5%) (P&gt;0.05). There is an association between age and anti-CCHF IgG positivity (P≤0.05), as cattle less than 3 years old (59.3%) showed a higher seroprevalence.&#x0D; Conclusion: CCHFV serological tests have been detected in cattle, one of the livestock known to play a role in the amplification of CCHFV. Our results demonstrate that the prevalence of CCHFV is high in livestock areas of Côte d'Ivoire and suggest that surveillance for CCHFV should be established.

SARS-CoV-2 Cumulative Incidence, United States, August-December 2020

Background: Reported COVID-19 cases underestimate SARS-CoV-2 infections. We conducted a national probability survey of US households to estimate the cumulative incidence of infection adjusted for antibody waning.Methods: From August to December 2020, a multistage random sample of US addresses were mailed a survey and materials to self-collect nasal swabs and dried blood spots. One adult household member was randomly selected to complete the survey and mail specimens for virus and antibody testing. We estimated cumulative incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infections adjusted for waning antibodies and calculated reported fraction and infection fatality ratio (IFR). Differences in seropositivity among demographic, geographic and clinical subgroups were explored with weighted prevalence ratios (PR).Results: Among 39,500 sampled households, 4,654 respondents provided surveys and valid specimens. Cumulative incidence adjusted for waning was 11.9% (95% credible interval (CrI): 10.5-13.5%) as of October 30, 2020. We estimated 30,332,842 (95% CrI: 26,703,753-34,335,338) total infections in the U.S. adult population by October 30, 2020.The reported fraction was 17% and the IFR was 0.85% among adults. Non-Hispanic Black (PR: 2.2) and Hispanic (PR: 3.1) persons were significantly more likely than White non-Hispanic to be seropositive, as were those living in metropolitan areas (PR: 2.5).Conclusions: One in 8 US adults had been infected with SARS-CoV-2, but few had been accounted for in public health reporting. Our data document that the scope of the COVID-19 pandemic is likely substantially underestimated by reported cases. Disparities in COVID-19 by race observed among reported cases cannot be attributed to differential diagnosis or reporting of infections in some population subgroups.Funding Statement: This project was funded by the National Institute of Allergy andInfectious Diseases, grant number 3R01AI143875-02S1, This project was partially funded by The Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity for Infectious Diseases, Grant Number 6 NU50CK000539. This project was partially funded by the Woodruff Foundation.Declaration of Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.Ethics Approval Statement: The COVIDVu study was approved by the Emory University Institutional Review Board (STUDY00000695).

Assessing seropositivity for IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in Ahmedabad city of India: a cross-sectional study

ObjectivesTo study the percentage seropositivity for SARS-CoV-2 to understand the pandemic status and predict the future situations in Ahmedabad.Study designCross-sectional study.SettingsField area of Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation.ParticipantsMore than 30 000 individuals...

Species Traits and Hotspots Associated with Ross River Virus Infection in Nonhuman Vertebrates in South East Queensland.

Ross River virus (RRV) is a mosquito-borne zoonotic arbovirus associated with high public health and economic burdens across Australia, but particularly in South East Queensland (SEQ). Despite this high burden, humans are considered incidental hosts. Transmission of RRV is maintained among mosquitoes and many nonhuman vertebrate reservoir hosts, although the relative contributions of each of these hosts are unclear. To clarify the importance of a range of vertebrates in RRV transmission in SEQ, a total of 595 serum samples from 31 species were examined for RRV exposure using a gold-standard plaque reduction neutralization test. Data were analyzed statistically using generalized linear models and a coefficient inference tree, and spatially. RRV exposure was highly variable between and within species groups. Critically, species group ("placental mammal," "marsupial," and "bird"), which has previously been used as a proxy for reservoir hosts, was a poor correlate for exposure. Instead, we found that generalized "diet" and greater "body mass" were most strongly correlated with seropositivity. We also identified significant differences in seropositivity between the two major possum species (ringtail possums and brushtail possums), which are ecologically and taxonomically different. Finally, we identified distinct hotspots and coldspots of seropositivity in nonhuman vertebrates, which correlated with human notification data. This is the largest diversity of species tested for RRV in a single study to date. The analysis methods within this study provide a framework for analyzing serological data in combination with species traits for other zoonotic disease, but more specifically for RRV highlight areas to target further public health research and surveillance effort.

Humoral Immune Response of Thai Dogs after Oral Vaccination against Rabies with the SPBN GASGAS Vaccine Strain.

Applied research is crucial in pushing the boundaries and finding a solution to the age-old problem of dog-mediated rabies. Although oral vaccination of dogs is considered to have great potential in mass dog vaccination campaigns and could have far-reaching benefits, it is perhaps the most ignored of all available tools in efforts to eliminate dog-mediated rabies, not least because of limited data on immunogenicity, efficacy, and safety of potential oral rabies vaccine candidates. In this study, the long-term immunogenicity in local Thai dogs after oral administration of the highly attenuated 3rd generation rabies virus vaccine strain SPBN GASGAS was assessed. The oral rabies vaccine was administered to dogs by either direct oral administration (n = 10) or by offering a vaccine loaded intestine bait (n = 15). The humoral immune response was then compared to three groups of dogs; a group that received a parenteral delivered inactivated rabies vaccine (n = 10), a group offered a placebo intestine bait (n = 7), and a control group (n = 4) for an observation period of 365 days. There was no significant difference in the immune response of dogs that received oral and parenteral vaccine in terms of magnitude, kinetics, and persistence of both rabies virus (RABV) neutralizing (RFFIT) and binding (ELISA) antibodies. Although the single parenteral injection of an inactivated rabies vaccine mounted a slightly higher humoral immune response than the orally delivered live vaccine, RABV specific antibodies of both types were still detectable after one year in most animals for all treatment groups and resulted in no difference in seropositivity. Characterization of rabies specific antibodies revealed two main classes of antibodies involved in the immune response of dogs vaccinated. While IgM antibodies were the first to appear, the succeeding IgG response was mainly IgG2 dominated independent of the vaccine type used. The results support the view that SPBN GASGAS induces a sustained detectable immune response in local dogs both after direct oral administration and via bait application.

The effect of Helicobacter pylori infection on the decline of lung function in a health screening population.

Although Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection has long been associated with many extragastric diseases, its long-term effects on declining lung function and the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains controversial. We conducted a retrospective study in a health screening population (Gene-Environment of Interaction and Phenotype Cohort at Seoul National University Gangnam Health Center in Korea) recruited from 2004 to 2015. The annual decline rates of lung function and the risk for COPD were compared to the seropositivity for H. pylori. We also assessed the impact of the H. pylori eradication treatment on lung function. Among 3,619 subjects, 1,849 subjects (51.1%) tested positive for H. pylori-specific IgG. In the first year, 95 (2.6%) patients were diagnosed with COPD. however, there was no difference in seropositivity for H. pylori in patients with COPD compared to non-COPD subjects (P=0.756). There was no significant difference in the incidence of COPD between the seronegative (2.2%) and the seropositive group (2.0%; P=0.728) even during the follow-up period. The decline rates of the mean FVC and FEV1 were not different between the seronegative and seropositive group (35.38 vs. 34.34 mL/year for FVC, P=0.389; 39.23 vs. 37.49 mL/year for FEV1, P=0.086). The eradication treatment for H. pylori did not affect the decline rates of mean FVC and FEV1. Infection or eradication treatment of H. pylori was not associated with the decline of lung function or COPD progression in this general population health screening. As a result, H. pylori may not be a significant contributor to deteriorating lung function.

A Comparative study of the Sero-prevalence of Peste Des Petits Ruminants Virus among Districts of Different Agro-Ecological Zones in Tanzania

Peste des petits Ruminants (PPR), a disease affecting sheep and goats, was confirmed in Tanzania in the year 2018. Since then the disease has continued to spread into different districts, causing significant socio-economic losses to livestock keepers. This study aimed at determining the sero-prevalence of PPR in 32 districts from the coastal, semi-arid and plateau ecological zones, respectively. Sera samples were collected from sheep and goats, and analysed by competitive Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (c-ELISA). Findings indicated that six (18.8%) districts had very high PPR sero-prevalence of which four (66.7%; Chamwino, Kondoa, Mvomero and Kilosa) belong to the semi-arid ecological zone and two (33.3%; Bagamoyo and Mkuranga) to the coastal ecological zone. Three districts (9.4%) had high PPR sero-prevalence, all from the semi-arid ecological zone. Twelve districts had low PPR sero-prevalence of which two (16.7%) were from semi-arid, one (8.3%) from coastal and nine (75.0%) from plateau ecological zones. A zero PPR sero-prevalence was recorded in three districts and eight districts from semi-arid and plateau ecological zones, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in sero-positivity between the different ecological zones, ?2 (2) = 9.121, p = 0.010, with a mean rank sero-positivity of 24.7% for coastal zone, 12.0% for plateau and 20.8% for semi-arid zone. Post hoc pairwise comparison with Bonferroni correction for multiple tests showed a statistically significant difference between plateau and semi-arid zones (p = 0.032). Although the coastal zone had a higher mean rank positivity than the plateau zone, the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.083). The study suggests a zonal predisposition of PPR sero-prevalence with districts in the semi-arid and coastal zones having significantly higher values compared to those in the plateau ecological zones. Efforts for control of the disease need to concentrate in those two high risk ecological zones.

Seroprevalence of canine hepatitis in stray dogs in Nineveh Province, Iraq.

Aim:The current study was conducted to explore evidence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in dogs in Nineveh Province, Iraq.Materials and Methods:Serum samples of 78 dogs were used to (i) estimate levels of the antibodies against HBV through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and (ii) measure the activity of liver function enzymes.Results:Seropositive dogs for HBV constituted 9% of total tested dogs. The differences in seropositivity among males compared to females and among different ages were not statistically significant. Liver function enzymes analysis revealed a significant increase in the activity of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase in seropositive dogs compared to those seronegative.Conclusion:Hepatitis B is evident in dogs in Nineveh Province, Iraq, with a significant impact on liver function in affected dogs. It is important to confirm this evidence through molecular tests.

Seroprevalence to herpesviruses in patients with primary brain gliomas

Purpose of the study . The purpose of the study was to assess the level of seroprevalence and the frequency of detection of serological markers of acute herpesvirus infection in patients with PGBT in comparison with those in patients with chronic non-tumor diseases. Materials and methods . Before conducting antitumor therapy, the blood serum of 42 patients with PGBT (the main group) was studied. The comparison group consisted of 137 patients with chronic non-tumor diseases. Antibodies of classes M and G to herpes simplex virus types 1, 2 (HSV-1,2), cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), human herpes virus type 6 (HHV-6) were determined by ELISA using JSC Vector-Best reagent kits. Results . Among patients with PGBT, seropositive for HSV-1,2 were 95.2%, CMV — 92.9%, EBV — 100%, HHV-6-40.5% of patients. No statistically significant differences in seroprevalence and the presence of markers of acute infection (IgM) were found either in comparison with non-tumor diseases or depending on the malignancy grade. Antibodies to HSV-1,2, CMV and EBV in patients with gliomas were significantly more often found in the medium range, and in the comparison group — in the high values of coefficient of positivity (CP) for IgG. In all the studied groups, antibodies to HHV-6 were determined statistically significantly less frequently than to other herpes viruses. Conclusion . The absence of statistically significant differences in seropositivity between groups of patients and their presence between pathogens is most likely a reflection of general trends in the population, and the question of the involvement of various representatives of the Herpesviridae family in neuro-oncogenesis of primary glial brain tumors still remains open.

Seroprevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Rift Valley Fever in Domestic Small Ruminants in the North Region of Cameroon.

Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a zoonotic vector borne infectious disease of major medical and veterinary importance particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. However, there is dearth of epidemiological knowledge of the disease in Cameroon. We conducted a cross-sectional study (January 2016–January 2017) to investigate the seroprevalence and potential risk factors of Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) in sheep and goats in the North region of Cameroon. Stratified sampling approach was used to select herds where sera were collected from 680 randomly selected small ruminants (355 goats and 325 sheep) in eight localities (Kismatari, Lagdo, Pitoa, Garoua, Bocklé, Dembo, Poli and Touboro) within three administrative divisions (Bénoué, Mayo-Rey and Faro) in the North region. Anti-RVFV antibodies were detected using a competitive Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), while a capture ELISA was used for the detection of specific RVFV-Immunoglobulin M (Ig-M) antibodies. We evaluated the associated potential risk factors of RVF in small ruminants based on observations of animal-related intrinsic and extrinsic factors in combination with serological results. The results revealed that 3.4% (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.2–5.1%) of sampled animals and 24.6% (95% CI: 15.1–37.1%) of 65 sampled herds were seropositive for anti-RVFV antibodies and no difference in seropositivity between sheep and goats at individual animal as well as at herd levels was observed. Localities along hydrographic or large water banks such as Kismatari (OR: 14.333, (95% CI: 1.436–145.088)) and Pitoa (OR = 11.467 (95% CI: 1.249–50.306)) were significantly associated to RVFV antibody seroprevalence in a simple logistic regression. In addition, the multiple regression analysis showed that age and access to water points significantly influenced RVFV antibody seroprevalence in small ruminants. This study revealed that anti-RVFV antibodies are present in sheep and goats in the North region of Cameroon. It highlights the likely endemic circulation of RVFV in the considered localities despite the absence of clinical cases reported in animals or humans. Under these conditions, it is necessary to set up an early warning, surveillance and control strategy based on epizootic risk.