Potential Source Of Infection Research Articles

Análise da presença de protozorários na água do mar como ferramenta de aprendizagem da disciplina de microbiologia

Beaches and seawater are potential sources of parasite infection because of the contamination of these natural resources by sewage and human feces. Thus, the general objective of this work was to identify, together with the students, the protozoan parasites present in seawater, as a tool to complement the theoretical knowledge of the Microbiology discipline. The students, through the knowledge discussed in the classroom, were able to identify, in seawater, collected in the Municipality of Caucaia, the presence of Euglena, Ameba and Paramecium. The characteristics of these protozoa, possible diseases that they could cause, as well as the benefits that some of them can bring to the environment were discussed with the students. The present project contributed to meaningful, dynamic and applied learning about the content of protozoa.

Human Case of Leptospirosis During a Canine Disease Outbreak - Wyoming, 2023.

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic bacterial disease spread through the urine of infected animals; the typical incubation period is 5-14 days. In approximately 90% of human cases, illness is asymptomatic or mild, characterized by fever, chills, myalgia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, calf pain, and conjunctival suffusion, but severe illness can progress to multiorgan dysfunction and death. Although Wyoming is considered a low-risk area for leptospirosis because of its cold and semiarid climate, the Wyoming Department of Health was notified of a probable human case in August 2023, the first reported in the state since 1983. The patient had occupational exposure to dogs but did not report other risk factors. The same week that the human patient's illness began, public health authorities received notification of an increase in canine leptospirosis cases. Public health authorities investigated to determine potential sources of infection, identify additional cases, and recommend control measures. After public health outreach activities were implemented, canine vaccination practices changed substantially in the affected city: a survey conducted after the outbreak revealed that all responding veterinary clinics in the affected city were recommending the vaccine more frequently to dog owners and reporting higher levels of owner compliance with vaccination recommendations. Increased vaccination coverage offers protection from leptospirosis for both dogs and persons exposed to them. Leptospirosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of persons with occupational exposure to animals and clinically compatible signs and symptoms, including fever, chills, myalgia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, calf pain, and conjunctival suffusion, irrespective of geographic location.

Prevalence and subtypes of Blastocystis in wild rodents from three provinces in China.

Blastocystis is one of the most critical intestinal protozoans in various hosts, including humans and mice. To determine the status of Blastocystis infection in wild rodents in China. A total of 344 faecal samples were collected from seven wild rodent species from three provinces, and the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) genes of Blastocystis were amplified to determine their prevalence and subtypes. Of the 344 samples, 54 (15.70%) were detected as Blastocystis-positive. The prevalence of Blastocystis was 26.14% (40/153), 7.95% (7/88), and 6.80% (7/103) in wild rodents from Hunan Province, Yunnan Province, and Guangxi Province, respectively. The prevalence of Blastocystis in different wild rodent species varied from 0.00% (0/13) in Mus musculus to 40.00% (2/5) in Rattus rattus sladeni. The prevalence of Blastocystis in samples from the lake beach area (27.40%, 40/146) was significantly higher than in those from the mountain (6.80%, 7/103) and field regions (7.37%, 7/95). The prevalence in different seasons was 26.14% in summer (40/153), 7.95% in autumn (7/88), and 6.80% in winter (7/103). Moreover, a total of two Blastocystis subtypes were identified in the investigated wild rodents, including ST4 and ST5. The present study discovered the existence of Blastocystis infection in Rattus favipectus, Microtus fortis, Apodemus agrarius, Bandicota indica, Rattus rattus sladeni, and Rattus losea, expanding the host range of this parasite. The findings also demonstrate that wild rodents may be an important potential infection source for Blastocystis infection in humans and other animals.

Molecular and serological prevalence of Leptospira spp. among slaughtered cattle and associated risk factors in the Bahr El Ghazal region of South Sudan

IntroductionLeptospirosis is a neglected emerging and zoonotic disease reported worldwide. This study sought to determine the molecular and serological prevalence of Leptospira spp. and the associated risk factors in slaughtered cattle from the Bahr El Ghazal region of South Sudan.Materials and methodsBetween January 16th and February 25th, 2023, blood and urine samples were collected from 402 cattle at the Lokoloko Municipal Slaughterhouse in Western Bahr El-Ghazal State. Serum samples were tested using the microscopic agglutination test (MAT), with a panel of 12 serovars (sv) from 12 serogroups (sg) and 4 species (spp) of Leptospira spp. These serovars had been previously identified in Sudan and the East African region. Simultaneously, 400 corresponding urine samples were screened using qualitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect the shedding of Leptospira spp. in urine. To identify the associated risk factors, the age, sex, breed and body condition score of each sampled cattle was noted at the time of sampling and subsequently analysed using logistic regression models.ResultsAmong the 402 serum samples screened, a substantial 81.8% (329/402, 95% CI 77.9–85.3) displayed seropositivity for Leptospira spp. with a MAT titre ≥ 100. The prevalence of urine shedding determined by PCR was 6% (23/400, 95% CI 3.8–8.4), while probable recent leptospirosis with a MAT ≥ 1:800 was observed in 33.1% (133/402, 95% CI 28.6–37.8) of the cattle. Multiple reactions were detected in 34.8% (140/402, 95% CI 30.6–39.5) serum samples. The seropositivity was against L. borgpetersenii sg. Tarassovi (78.6%; 316/402, 95% CI 74.4–82.3), followed by L. borgpetersenii sg. Ballum at 20.4% (82/402, 95% CI, 16.7–24.4%), L. kirschneri sg. Autumnalis At 8.7% (35/402, 95% CI 5.7–11.7), L. interrogans sg. of Pomona at 7.0% (28/402, 95% CI 4.5–9.5), and L. interrogans sg. Hebdomadis was 5.0% (20/402, 95% CI 2.8–7.2). Several risk factors are associated with seropositivity. Older animals (≥ 2 years) had 2.0 times greater odds (95% CI 1.14–3.5) of being seropositive than younger animals (< 2 years), P-value = 0.016. Female animals demonstrated 2.1 times greater odds (95% CI 1.2–3.6) of seropositivity than males did (P-value = 0.008). Additionally, Felata/Mbororo cattle exhibited 2.4 times greater odds (95% CI 1.3–4.5) of being seropositive than did local Nilotic cattle (P-value = 0.005). The agreement between the MAT and PCR results was poor, as indicated by a kappa statistic value of 0.001 and a P-value of 0.913. But there was a moderate agreement between MAT high titres ≥ 800 and PCR positivity with a kappa statistic value = 0.501 and a P-value < 0.001.ConclusionIn addition to the high seroprevalence, Leptospira spp. were found in the urine of slaughtered cattle, suggesting that leptospirosis is endemic to the study area. This finding underscores the significance of cattle as potential sources of infection for slaughterhouse workers, the general public, and other animal species. To address this issue effectively in the Bahr El Ghazal Region and South Sudan, a comprehensive strategy involving a multidisciplinary approach is essential to minimize disease among animals, hence reducing potential zoonotic risks to humans.

MERS-CoV exposure and risk factors for MERS-CoV ELISA seropositivity among members of livestock-owning households in southern Jordan: a population based cross-sectional study

Although dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) are known to be the host reservoir for MERS-CoV, the virus causing Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), zoonotic transmission pathways and camel subpopulations posing highest transmission risk are poorly understood. Extensively managed herds, ubiquitous across the Arabian Peninsula, present a major potential source of primary infection. In this study we aimed to address key knowledge gaps regarding MERS epidemiology among high-risk communities associated with such herds, which is essential information for effective control strategies. We did a cross-sectional study between Sept 27, 2017, and Oct 11, 2018, among members of livestock-owning households in southern Jordan (Aqaba East, Aqaba West, Ma'an East, and Ma'an West regions), with random selection of households (house and tent dwellings) from Ministry of Agriculture lists via computer-generated randomisation lists. Household visits were done, with questionnaires administered to household members regarding potential risk factors for MERS-CoV exposure in the past 6months and blood samples and nasal and oral swabs collected, alongside physical examination data including blood pressure and blood glucose. Children younger than 5years and individuals without capacity to provide informed consent were excluded. Serum was tested for IgG antibodies to MERS-CoV spike protein (S1 subunit) and nucleocapsid (N) protein with in-house indirect ELISAs, and viral RNA was detected in nasal and oral samples by RT-PCR. The primary outcome was evidence of MERS-CoV exposure (ascertained by seropositive status on S1 or NELISAs, or a positive swab sample on RT-PCR); secondary outcomes were potential associations between possible risk factors and seropositive status. RT-PCR data were to be presented descriptively. Seroprevalence estimates were obtained at the individual and household levels, and associations between hypothetical risk factors and seropositive status were assessed with use of mixed-effects logistic regression. We sampled 879household members (median age 27years [IQR 16-44]; 471 [54%] males and 408 [46%] females) from 204households. 72 (8%) household members were seropositive on S1 ELISA (n=25, 3%) or NELISA (n=52,6%). No positive nasal or oral swab samples were identified on RT-PCR. Within-household clustering was identified for seropositivity on S1 ELISA (intraclass correlation coefficient 0·88 [0·35-0·96]) but not NELISA (0·00 [0·00-0·27]). On multivariable analysis, S1 ELISA seropositivity was associated with frequently (≥weekly) interacting with young (age<1year) camels (adjusted odds ratio [ORadj] 3·85 [95% CI 1·41-11·61], p=0·011), with frequent kissing and petting (ORadj 4·56 [1·55-15·42], p=0·0074), and frequent feeding and watering (ORadj 4·97 [1·80-15·29], p=0·0027) of young camels identified as risk activities. Attending camel races (ORadj 3·73 [1·11-12·47], p=0·029), frequently feeding and watering camels of any age (ORadj 3·18 [1·12-10·84], p=0·040), and elevated blood glucose (>150mg/dL; ORadj 4·59[1·23-18·36], p=0·021) were also associated with S1 ELISA seropositivity. Among individuals without history of camel contact, S1 ELISA seropositivity was associated with sharing a household with an S1 ELISA-positive household member (ORadj 8·92 [1·06-92·99], p=0·044), and with sharing a household with an S1 ELISA-positive household member with history of camel contact (ORadj 24·74 [2·72-306·14], p=0·0050). NELISA seropositivity was associated with age (categorical, p=0·0069), a household owning a young camel (age <18months; ORadj 1·98 [1·02-4·09], p=0·043), and frequently feeding and watering camels of any age (ORadj 1·98 [1·09-3·69]; p=0·025). The study findings highlight the importance of effective MERS-CoV surveillance and control strategies among camel-owning communities in Jordan and the Arabian Peninsula. Juvenile dromedaries pose increased risk for zoonotic MERS-CoV transmission and should be prioritised for vaccination once such vaccines become available. Among high-risk communities, vaccination strategies should prioritise camel-owning households, particularly individuals engaged in camel husbandry or racing, and household members who are older or diabetic, with evidence to suggest secondary within-household transmission. UK Medical Research Council and US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

Prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility profiles and resistant gene identification of bovine subclinical mastitis pathogens in Bangladesh

Subclinical mastitis (SCM), a silent threat in the dairy sector of Bangladesh poses a significant economic impact and serves as a potential source of infection for healthy cows, hindering efforts to achieve milk self-sufficiency. Despite the importance of this issue, limited research has been conducted on mastitis in Sylhet region of Bangladesh. This study aimed to investigate the molecular prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility profile and resistant genes detection on pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae) causing SCM. In a cross-sectional study utilizing convenience sampling, 325 milk samples were collected from apparently healthy dairy cows. Initially, SCM was detected using the modified Whiteside test (MWST) method. Suspected positive samples were then subjected to bacteriological culture and standard biochemical assays, followed by molecular identification through polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Finally, antimicrobial susceptibility testing was conducted on all PCR-positive samples using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method on Mueller-Hinton agar. In the Sylhet district, the prevalence of SCM was 64.92 % (211 out of 325) at the individual animal level and 82.69 % (43 out of 52) at the herd level. Among the SCM-positive animals, S.aureus was found in 31.75 % (67 out of 211) of cases, E.coli in 81.99 % (173 out of 211), and K.pneumoniae in 66.82 % (141 out of 211). K.pneumoniae had the highest prevalence at 60 % in Zakiganj, S.aureus at 45 % in Zakiganj, and E.coli at 72 % in Bishwanath Upazila. Extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) genes blaTEM, blaOXA, blaCTX-M1,blaCTX-M2,MultiCaseDHA were identified. Additionally, antibiotic resistance genes tet(A), AAC(3)-iv, and Sul1 were also detected. The pathogens exhibited resistance to Penicillins (ampicillin, amoxicillin), Cephems (cefuroxime, ceftazidime), and Tetracyclines (tetracycline). However, all three bacteria were highly sensitive to meropenem, amikacin, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim. These findings highlight the critical need for targeted antimicrobial stewardship and effective control measures to mitigate the impact of SCM on dairy production and animal health in the Sylhet region of Bangladesh.

Nasal carriage rate, associated factors, and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of methicillin resistance Staphylococcus aureus among pre-clinical undergraduate students at the College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Ethiopia

BackgroundStaphylococcus aureus nasal carriage has been linked to higher rates of infection and morbidity. People with Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus can be a potential source of infection for others. University students living together in crowded conditions increase their risk of acquiring infections. The prevalence of S. aureus, particularly Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus nasal carriage, in Ethiopian university students is sparse.ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the nasal carriage rate, associated factors, and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus among pre-clinical students at the College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Ethiopia, from 1 July to 30 August 2022.MethodsAn institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 270 randomly selected pre-clinical Health and Medical Sciences students. Data on associated factors were collected using pre-tested, structured questionnaires. A nasal swab was taken from each participant and sent to the microbiology laboratory via Amies transport media in a cold chain. There, it was cultivated using conventional techniques. The isolated colonies were found to be S. aureus, and its antimicrobial susceptibility was performed using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method on Muller–Hinton agar. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus expressing using cefoxitin based on CLSI breakpoint. Data were entered into Epi-Data version 4.4.2.1 and exported to the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 25 for analysis. Pearson’s chi-square test was performed to predict the associations between variables. A p-value less than 0.05 was regarded as statistically significant.ResultMethicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus nasal carriage was 5.9% (95% CI: 3.09–8.7) of cases of S. aureus nasal colonization, which was found to be 12.96% (95% CI: 8.85–16.96). Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus nasal colonization was significantly associated with the history of cigarette smoking (p = 0.000), intake of khat (p = 0.042), nose-picking habit (p = 0.003), history of sharing personal goods (p = 0.021), and history of hospitalizations (p = 0.00). All of the Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates were resistant to ampicillin and cefoxitin.ConclusionBased on the findings, a considerable proportion of healthy students harbored Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains associated with behavioral factors. Furthermore, these isolates showed high resistance to cefoxitin and ampicillin. Hence, it is crucial to regularly test pre-clinical students to prevent endogenous infections and the spread of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Unraveling tuberculosis patient cluster transmission chains: integrating WGS-based network with clinical and epidemiological insights.

Tuberculosis remains a global health threat, and the World Health Organization reports a limited reduction in disease incidence rates, including both new and relapse cases. Therefore, studies targeting tuberculosis transmission chains and recurrent episodes are crucial for developing the most effective control measures. Herein, multiple tuberculosis clusters were retrospectively investigated by integrating patients' epidemiological and clinical information with median-joining networks recreated based on whole genome sequencing (WGS) data of Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates. Epidemiologically linked tuberculosis patient clusters were identified during the source case investigation for pediatric tuberculosis patients. Only M. tuberculosis isolate DNA samples with previously determined spoligotypes identical within clusters were subjected to WGS and further median-joining network recreation. Relevant clinical and epidemiological data were obtained from patient medical records. We investigated 18 clusters comprising 100 active tuberculosis patients 29 of whom were children at the time of diagnosis; nine patients experienced recurrent episodes. M. tuberculosis isolates of studied clusters belonged to Lineages 2 (sub-lineage 2.2.1) and 4 (sub-lineages 4.3.3, 4.1.2.1, 4.8, and 4.2.1), while sub-lineage 4.3.3 (LAM) was the most abundant. Isolates of six clusters were drug-resistant. Within clusters, the maximum genetic distance between closely related isolates was only 5-11 single nucleotide variants (SNVs). Recreated median-joining networks, integrated with patients' diagnoses, specimen collection dates, sputum smear microscopy, and epidemiological investigation results indicated transmission directions within clusters and long periods of latent infection. It also facilitated the identification of potential infection sources for pediatric patients and recurrent active tuberculosis episodes refuting the reactivation possibility despite the small genetic distance of ≤5 SNVs between isolates. However, unidentified active tuberculosis cases within the cluster, the variable mycobacterial mutation rate in dormant and active states, and low M. tuberculosis genetic variability inferred precise transmission chain delineation. In some cases, heterozygous SNVs with an allelic frequency of 10-73% proved valuable in identifying direct transmission events. The complex approach of integrating tuberculosis cluster WGS-data-based median-joining networks with relevant epidemiological and clinical data proved valuable in delineating epidemiologically linked patient transmission chains and deciphering causes of recurrent tuberculosis episodes within clusters.

Reliable and specific detection of Acanthamoeba spp. in dishcloths using quantitative real-time PCR assay

Acanthamoeba spp., are ubiquitous protist which belongs to Free-Living Amoeba (FLA) group, is considered as causal agent of side-threatening keratitis or fatal encephalitis among other human infections. Besides, this parasite has been reported as host for other microorganisms important to human health such as Campylobacter spp. or Vibrio spp. among others. This role of Acanthamoeba as pathogen and environmental phagocyte has increased the reports confirming its presence in human related environments, acting as a water quality indicator. Considering the tide relationship between water and kitchen environments, and the high prevalence of Acanthamoeba in water sources, the present study aims to establish a quick and accurate protocol based on DNA extraction and a real time qPCR assay to detect Acanthamoeba spp. in dishcloths. The procedure has been validated by processing 17 used dishcloths. Our findings demonstrated the high sensitivity of the qPCR assay used which was capable of detecting up to one Acanthamoeba from an in vitro contaminated dishcloth. The protocol accurately detected 64.7% of positive samples for Acanthamoeba spp, (in 4 samples DNA concentrations corresponded to 1-102 amoebae). Our findings demonstrate the importance of FLA surveillance by efficient and sensitive methods since one amoeba is capable of colonizing human related food environments such as kitchens sinks and could be a potential source of infection.

Antimicrobial resistance and genetic relatedness of Salmonella serotypes isolated from food, asymptomatic carriers, and clinical cases in Shiyan, China.

Salmonella is a primary cause of foodborne diseases globally. Despite food contamination and clinical infections garnering substantial attention and research, asymptomatic Salmonella carriers, potential sources of infection, have been comparatively overlooked. In this study, we conducted a comparative analysis of serotype distribution, antimicrobial resistance phenotypes, and genetic profiles of archived Salmonella strains isolated from food (26), asymptomatic carriers (41), and clinical cases (47) in Shiyan City, China. Among the 114 Salmonella strains identified, representing 31 serotypes and 34 Sequence Types (STs), the most prevalent serovars included Typhimurium, Derby, Enteritidis, Thompson, and London, with the most predominant STs being ST11, ST40, ST26, ST34, and ST155. Antimicrobial resistance testing revealed that all strains were only sensitive to meropenem, with 74.6% showing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and 53.5% demonstrating multidrug resistance (MDR). Strains resistant to five and six classes of antibiotics were the most common. Pearson's chi-square test showed no statistically significant difference in the occurrence of AMR (p = 0.105) or MDR (p = 0.326) among Salmonella isolates from the three sources. Our findings underscore associations and diversities among Salmonella strains isolated from food, asymptomatic carriers, and clinical patients, emphasizing the need for increased vigilance towards asymptomatic Salmonella carriers by authorities.

Toxoplasma gondii infection in European brown hares (Lepus europaeus) in Brazil.

Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide zoonosis that affects warm-blooded animals, including humans. Wild animals can act as intermediate hosts of this pathogen; thus, this study aims to detect Toxoplasma gondii infection in invasive European brown hares in Brazil. For this, 72 wild European brown hares were captured from July 2020 to June 2022 in three Brazilian states: São Paulo, Paraná, and Rio Grande do Sul. The diagnostic of Toxoplasma gondii infection was performed by bioassay in mouse, histopathology in Hematoxylin-Eosin-stained tissue sections (brain, liver, lungs, kidneys, and small intestine), serology by IFAT, and molecular techniques by conventional PCR and qPCR. The combined prevalence of the different diagnostic methods was 51.4% (37/72, CI= 40.1 - 62.6 %), and there was no statistical difference between sexes, age range, or geographical region of the hosts. Mouse bioassay was the technique that detected more positive hares. To our knowledge, this is the first confirmation of Toxoplasma gondii infection in invasive European brown hares in Brazil. These animals act as reservoirs and potential infection source for carnivores and other wild and domestic animals, including humans, thus contributing to perpetuate the disease cycle in São Paulo, Paraná, and Rio Grande do Sul States. Research such as the present study is necessary to raise awareness about the role of animals in the disease cycle.

Acute watery diarrhoea cases during cholera outbreak in Syria: a cohort study

ObjectivesThe aim of this study is a descriptive presentation of cases of acute watery diarrhoea (AWD) that were presented to Aleppo University Hospital (AUH) during the recent cholera outbreak in...

Patterns of Skin Disease among Prisoners in Central Prison in Nepal: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Skin diseases pose a significant health challenge globally, especially within prison settings where overcrowding and inadequate sanitation create a breeding ground for infections. Prisons, as part of society, exist in a dynamic equilibrium, serving as potential sources of infections that can spread beyond their confines. Despite facing similar challenges, there is a dearth of research focusing on skin diseases among inmates in Nepal. This study aims to assess patterns of skin diseases among prisoners.Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study at the central prison, Kathmandu from December 2023 to March 2024. All patients with skin disease visiting the consultant Dermatologist and giving consent were included in this study. Ethical approval was obtained from the Nepal Health Research Council. Data were entered in Microsoft Excel 2010 and analysis was done by the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software. Data were presented in the form of frequency and percentage.Results: A total of 253 patients visited the consultant Dermatologist for skin conditions. Out of which, eczema was 67 (26.50%), fungal infections 57 (22.50%), and bacterial infections 51 (20.10%). The mean age of the respondents was 34.21±12 years.Conclusions: The fungal and bacterial infections were common among the prisoners.

First time whole genome sequencing of Mycobacterium bovis from the environment supports transmission at the animal-environment interface

Spreading of Mycobacterium bovis causing animal tuberculosis (TB) at livestock-wildlife-environment interfaces remains a significant problem. Recently, we provided evidence of widespread environmental contamination of an endemic animal TB setting with viable and dormant M. bovis cells able to recover metabolic activity, making indirect transmission via environmental contamination plausible. We now report the first whole genome sequences of M. bovis recovered from the environment. We establish epidemiological links at the environment-animal interface by phylogenomic comparison of these M. bovis genomes with those isolated from livestock and wild ungulates from the same area. Environmental and animal genomes are highly intertwined and distribute similarly into the same M. bovis lineages, supporting several instances of environmental contamination. This study provides compelling evidence of M. bovis excretion into the environment and viability maintenance, supporting the environment as a potential source of new infection. These insights have clear implications for policy formulation, advocating environmental surveillance and an ecosystem perspective in TB control programs. Environmental ImplicationWe report the first whole genome sequences of M. bovis from the environment and establish epidemiological links at the environment-animal interface, demonstrating close phylogenomic relatedness of animal and environmental M. bovis. Definitive evidence of M. bovis excretion into the environment with viability maintenance is provided, supporting the environment as a potential source of new infection. Implications of this work include methodological innovations offering a tool to resolve indirect transmission chains and support customized biosecurity measures. Policy formulation aiming at the control of animal tuberculosis and cost mitigation should consider these findings, encouraging environmental surveillance in official eradication programmes.

Dirofilaria sp. and Blood Meal Analysis in Mosquitoes Collected in Vojvodina and Mačva, and the First Report of Setaria tundra (Issaitshikoff & Rajewskaya, 1928) in Serbia.

Dirofilaria immitis and D. repens are the two most widespread and important species of mosquito-borne nematodes, posing a significant threat to veterinary health and particularly affecting canines and felines. While D. immitis causes cardiopulmonary dirofilariasis, D. repens causes subcutaneous infections in dogs and other carnivores. Despite the extensive knowledge on these parasites, little is known about their natural vectors in Serbia. The parasite Setaria tundra, known to infect deer, has not yet been detected in Serbia but has been documented in neighboring countries. Thus, the aim of this study was to (i) further map out Dirofilaria sp. hotspots in the Vojvodina Province and detect S. tundra for the first time, (ii) detect positive mosquito species that can provide insights into how the nematodes spread in Serbia, and (iii) analyze the blood-fed female mosquitoes of species found to be infected, in order to identify the potential source of parasite infection. A total of 2902 female mosquitoes were collected across 73 locations during 2021 and 2022. Molecular biology methods, based on conventional PCR, were used to analyze non-blood-fed (2521 specimens) and blood-fed (381 specimens) female mosquitos, in order to detect filarial nematode presence and identify blood-meal sources, respectively. When the parasite genome was detected, the amplicon (cox1 gene, 650 bp fragment) was sent for Sanger sequencing, further confirming the presence of nematodes and species assignation. D. immitis was detected in three Culex pipiens mosquitoes collected in Zrenjanin (August 2021) and Glogonj and Svetozar Miletić (both in July 2021). Additionally, Setaria tundra was detected in Aedes vexans collected in Iđoš (mid-August 2021) and Aedes caspius, which was collected in Mali Iđoš (end of July 2021). This work identifies two new locations where D. immitis occurs in Vojvodina, and is the first report of S. tundra in Serbian territory. Blood-meal analysis provided insights into the preferences of mosquitoes that were positive for Dirofilaria sp. and S. tundra.

Putting 'X' into context: the diversity of 'Candidatus Phytoplasma pruni' strains associated with the induction of X-disease.

Recurrent epiphytotics of X-disease, caused by 'Candidatus Phytoplasma pruni', have inflicted significant losses on commercial cherry and peach production across North America in the last century. During this period, there have been multiple studies reporting different disease phenotypes, and more recently, identifying different strains through sequencing core genes, but the symptoms have not, to date, been linked with genotype. Therefore, in this study we collected and assessed differing disease phenotypes from multiple U.S. states and conducted multi-locus sequence analysis on these strains. We identified a total of five lineages associated with the induction of X-disease on commercial Prunus species and two lineages that were associated with wild P. virginiana. Despite a century of interstate plant movement, there were regional trends in terms of lineages present, and lineage-specific symptoms were observed on P. avium, P. cerasus, and P. virginiana, but not on P. persica. Cumulatively, these data have allowed us to define 'true' X-disease-inducing strains of concern to the stone fruit industry across North America, as well as potential sources of infection that exist in the extra-orchard environment.

“It’s Your Fault!”—Said the Vaccinated to the Unvaccinated. The Effect of COVID-19 Vaccination on Responsibility Attribution

Limited knowledge exists regarding the factors influencing the perceptions of individuals who may have transmitted a contagious virus. This study examined the impact of vaccination status on evaluations of individuals suspected of being sources of infection. The vaccination status of three individuals—the study participant (observer), the potential source of infection (actor), and the infected person—was considered. A total of 395 participants were assigned to one of four conditions based on vaccination status. Results revealed that vaccinated observers attributed greater responsibility for the infection to the unvaccinated actor, perceiving them as less moral, trustworthy, and empathetic compared to unvaccinated observers. The vaccination status of the infected person did not significantly influence observers’ evaluations of the actor, nor did it affect unvaccinated observers’ assessments based on the actor’s vaccination status. These findings suggest that vaccinated individuals may negatively assess unvaccinated individuals suspected of being sources of infection.

A Comparative Analysis of Extracted Human Teeth Sterilization by Using Distinctive Sterilizing Agents

Background Regular use for practice and educational purposes of Extracted human teeth in dental institutions at undergraduate and postgraduate levels is a necessity. Individuals who collect extracted teeth must decontaminate and then handle teeth. Different materials and methods are used for sterilizing extracted teeth to avoid infection from them.MethodsTotal of 50 freshly extracted human teeth that were intact, non-carious and extracted due to periodontal disease or orthodontic purpose were divided randomly into 5 groups consisting of 10 teeth in each group.These were stored in sterile saline till tested and will randomly be divided into one of the following 5 groups of sterilizing agents consisting of 5.25% sodium hypochlorite, 10% formalin, 2% glutaraldehyde, Microwave Radiation and a control group with normal saline. All teeth will be immersed in separate bottles. Samples were collected with the help of inoculating loop and then streaked over the surface of Mc-conkey agar medium. The media was incubated at 37 degree C for 24 h. Sterilization was determined based on the growth of micro-organisms on culture medium. Evidence of growth was observed after 24 hour of inoculation. Absence of any visible growth in the media was the indicator of an effective sterilization.ResultsThis research showed that, 10% formalin, 5.25% sodium hypochlorite could be efficiently used for sterilization and disinfectionof extracted human teeth.Conclusions Extracted teeth are potential source of infection hence should be disinfected before any use in the laboratories.

Fever and pleurodynia after dental appointment in a 65-year-old male

We present a unique case of parapneumonic effusion from an unusual microorganism on a 65-year-old ex-smoker with a history of arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus, following dental procedures for a periapical tooth abscess. Cultures from the dental abscess were taken, coming back negative. However, some days after the procedure, fever and pleurodynia started showing up on the patient with his condition progressively worsening, until he visited the emergency room of the hospital. Laboratory exams and imaging were consistent with a complicated pneumonia with parapneumonic effusion. After ultrasound-guided evacuation of the effusion, Parvimonas micra (P. micra) was isolated from pleural fluid cultures, so antibiotics were accordingly modified on the treatment plan. The patient responded well, and clinical and radiological improvements were observed. This case highlights the rare occurrence of P. micra-associated pleuropulmonary infection, because of the difficulty to be isolated in the aerobic environment of the lungs, and underscores the importance of considering dental procedures as a potential source of such infections. Early diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic therapy, guided by culture and sensitivity testing, are essential for successful management.

Detection and Sequence Analysis of Toxoplasma Gondii B1 Gene in Tissues of Some Bird Species in Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract Toxoplasma gondii is a single-cell parasite capable of infecting almost all homeotherms posing a grave public health risk globally. There is limited available literature on the T. gondii strains circulating in bird species in the Plateau State, of Nigeria. Consequently, this study was carried out to identify and confirm T. gondii infection and also determine the relationship of the DNA sequences with those of bird species in other parts of the world. To achieve this, brain and heart tissues of 25 bird species were sampled and a nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) and sequence analyses of the B1 gene were carried out. The DNA of T. gondii was identified in the heart and brain tissues of 7/7 (100.0 %) of wild bird species, and 15/18 (83.3 %) of domestic local chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) sampled. The evolutionary relationship among the T. gondii sequences in this study using phylogenetic tree constructed by maximum likelihood method showed the sequences shared a common ancestor with the Type I RH strain (GenBank: AF179871). The T. gondii sequences were in a cluster distinct from other sequences in the GenBank. Calculations of genetic differentiation and genetic diversity indices undertaken and collated revealed three haplotypes with higher haplotype diversity within the T. gondii sequences obtained from wild birds (0.667) compared with the sequences from local chickens (0.333). A 97–100 % homology among the aligned sequences of T. gondii in the study shows that only one strain type exists in all of the samples. This study has established the occurrence of T. gondii infection in asymptomatic bird species in the study area and portrays them as carriers, and potential sources of human infection.