Prevalence Of Serum Antibodies Research Articles

Prevalence of autoantibodies neuromyelitis optica (NMO igg) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) in NMOSD and the relationship between them in the general population

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and anti-myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (anti-MOG) syndromes are inflammatory conditions of the central nervous system that often involve the optic nerves and spinal cord. They can be mistaken for MS due to their similar symptoms. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between NMO antibody (NMO-Ab) and anti-MOG antibody (MOG-Ab) and the positivity of these antibodies in the general Indian population.: This retrospective study analyzed 40186 patients for Neuromyelitis Optica Antibodies serum and Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein antibodies serum. Additionally, 5762 patients were analyzed specifically for these antibodies in their cerebrospinal fluid. The study included patients of all ages, unaccounting for their clinical history, and was conducted between January 2019 and July 2023 at the Global Reference Lab.: Overall, it was observed that MOG serum antibodies were more prevalent (18.59%) than NMO serum antibodies (8.12%). Females had a higher prevalence of NMO serum antibodies (13.23%) than males (2.16%), whereas the prevalence of MOG serum antibodies was similar in females (14.27%) and males (14.59%). The highest percentage of MOG serum positivity (31.40%) was observed in 1-12 years age group, and for NMO, it was 9.44% in the 19-30 years age group. The overlap in the positivity between NMO serum and CSF was 6.09% while for MOG serum and CSF, it was 3.86%. A concordance of 92.04% was observed for samples tested negative for NMO in serum as well as CSF. Only 2 cases of 259 cases tested for MOG antibodies showed negativity in serum but positivity in CSF.The study highlights the prevalence of MOG and NMO antibodies in serum and CSF among patients with suspected or known autoimmune neurological disorders, with notable difference in positivity rates between genders for NMO antibodies. These findings underscore the importance of comprehensive antibody testing in the diagnosis and management of demyelinating diseases such as MOG-Ab NMOSD and AQP4-Ab NMOSD. Further research is warranted to explore the clinical implications of these antibodies and their role in guiding therapeutic interventions for affected individuals.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination Coverage and Seropositivity amongst Nigerians 18 Years Old and Above.

This was a cross-sectional community-based survey to study the prevalence of serum antibodies against the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 1 (SARS-COV-1) and determine possible source of antibodies as to whether from vaccination or from natural infection as well as attempt to compare antibody levels in response to the different four types of vaccines administered in Nigeria. A cross-sectional community-based study of the prevalence of serum antibodies against all four vaccine types used in Nigeria amongst a representative sample of people aged 18 years and above in the six geopolitical zones of the country using a multistage sampling technique covering 12 states of the country with two states being randomly selected from each geopolitical zone. High-throughput Roche electrochemiluminescence immunoassay system (Elecsys Anti-SARS-COV-1 Cobas) was used for qualitative and quantitative detection of antibodies to SARS-COV-1 in human plasma. There was no statistically significant difference between the proportions with seropositivity for both the vaccinated and the unvaccinated (P = 0.95). The nucleocapsid antibody (anti-Nc) titres were similar in both the vaccinated and the unvaccinated, whereas the Spike protein antibody (anti-S) titres were significantly higher amongst the vaccinated than amongst the unvaccinated. Antibody levels in subjects who received different vaccines were compared to provide information for policy. While only 45.9% of the subjects were reported to have been vaccinated, 98.7% of the subjects had had contact with the SARS-COV-1 as evidenced by the presence of nucleocapsid (NC) antibodies in their plasma. The 1.3% who had not been exposed to the virus, had spike protein antibodies which most likely resulted from vaccination in the absence of NC antibodies. Successive vaccination and booster doses either through heterogeneous or homologous vaccines increased antibody titres, and this stimulation of immune memory may offer greater protection against coronavirus disease 2019.

Feline Susceptibility to Leptospirosis and Presence of Immunosuppressive Co-Morbidities: First European Report of L. interrogans Serogroup Australis Sequence Type 24 in a Cat and Survey of Leptospira Exposure in Outdoor Cats.

Leptospirosis is one of the most widespread zoonotic diseases and can infect both humans and animals worldwide. The role of the cat as a susceptible host and potential environmental reservoir of Leptospira is still not well understood, due to the lack of obvious clinical signs associated with Leptospira spp. infection in this species. This study aims to describe the first European detection of Leptospira interrogans serogroup Australis ST 24 in a young outdoor cat with a severe comorbidity (feline panleukopenia virus). In addition, the results of a preliminary study conducted in 2014-2016 are presented (RC IZSVE 16/12), which reports an investigation of Leptospira exposure of outdoor cats in Northeast Italy by means of serological investigation and molecular evaluation of urine. The animals included in the survey are part of samples collected during active and passive surveillance (diagnostic samples). The study reported a seroprevalence of 10.5% among outdoor cats and the serogroups identified were Grippotyphosa, Icterohaemorrhagiae, Bratislava, Canicola and Ballum. Symptomatic cats reported high MAT titres (ranging from 1:800 to 1:1600) towards antigens belonging to the serovars Grippotyphosa (1:800), Bratislava (1:1600), Icterohaemorrhagiae (1:200) and Copenhageni (1:200-1:800). In one subject, urine tested positive for Leptospira PCR. Cats with high antibody titres for Leptospira and/or positivity on molecular test suffered from immunosuppressive comorbidities (feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukaemia virus; feline herpesvirus and lymphoma; hyperthyroidism). The overall prevalence of serum antibodies against Leptospira found in free-ranging cats (10.53%, 95% CI: 4.35-16.70%) and the identification of L. interrogans ST 24 in a young cat with immunosuppressive disease (feline panleukopenia virus) suggest the possibility of natural resistance to clinical leptospirosis in healthy cats. In a One Health perspective, further studies are needed to better define the pathogenesis of leptospirosis in cats and their epidemiological role as environmental sentinels or possible carriers of pathogenic Leptospira.

Prevalence of serum and salivary virus-neutralizing antibodies against equine coronavirus in four riding stables in Japan.

To assess the prevalence of equine coronavirus infection in riding horses, virus-neutralizing tests were performed on serum and saliva samples collected at four facilities in Japan. Seropositivity rates ranged from 79.2% to 94.6%, suggesting widespread circulation of the virus in these populations. Antibody prevalence in saliva samples from two facilities that had experienced outbreaks in the previous year (67.6% and 71.4%) was significantly higher than at the other facilities without reported outbreaks (41.7% and 45.2%, P<0.05). The presence of salivary antibodies in a high proportion of horses is therefore suggestive of recent exposure to the virus.

Detection of serum antibodies to tick-borne and other infections in patients with lymphadenopathy

The aim was to determine the prevalence of serum antibodies to tick-borne pathogens and other infectious agents in patients with lymphadenopathy. Materials and methods. 68 patients with lymphadenopathy aged 20 to 63 years who received outpatient or inpatient treatment were followed up at Ternopil University Hospital and Ternopil Regional Clinical Dermatological and Venereological Dispensary. There were 41 women (60.3 %) and 27 men (39.7 %). Two-stage serological detection (ELISA and immunoblot) was used for diagnosis of Lyme borreliosis (LB). Indirect immunofluorescence, including the BIOCHIP multiplex indirect immunofluorescence technique, was used for serological identification of human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA) and other infectious diseases, which could be associated with lymphadenopathy. Results. In total, 45.6 % of 68 enrolled patients were positive for the presence of specific antibodies IgM and/or IgG against B. burgdorferi s. l. Further examination demonstrated the presence of specific serum anti-A. phagocytophilum antibodies IgM and/or IgG in 33 patients with lymphadenopathy. It was found that 24.2 % of involved patients were positive for the presence of at least one type of anti-A. phagocytophilum antibodies; 12.1 % had positive or intermediate results only for B. burgdorferi s. l.; 60.6 % of patients were positive for the presence of antibodies against both pathogens. 46.9 % of patients were seropositive for EBV-CA, 40.6 % – for Parainfluenza virus type 1, 37.5 % – for HHV-6, 34.4 % – for HSV-1, 31.3 % – for EBV-EA and Toxoplasma gondii, 6.3 % – for Coxsackievirus type A9 and HIV-2. Conclusions. One-third of all involved patients with lymphadenopathy were positive for antibodies to B. burgdorferi s. l., causa tive agent of Lyme borreliosis. Co-infection of Lyme borreliosis and human granulocytic anaplasmosis was established in more than half of the patients. Besides, specific antibodies to 18 causative agents of other infectious diseases were detected with varying rate. Almost half of positive results detected were the antibodies to parainfluenza virus type 1 and Epstein–Barr virus.

Prevalence of hepatitis C in the adult Mexican population: National Survey of Health and Nutrition 2018

Hepatitis C is a preventable and treatable disease that has been declared a public health problem. In 2012, the prevalence of HCV serum anti-bodies in the Mexican adult population aged 20 to 49 years was 0·30%. We randomly selected a probabilistic sub-sample of 12,389 adults (20+ years) from adults participating in the National Health and Nutrition Survey (ENSANUT) 2018 who provided a venous blood sample. Anti-HCV antibodies and HCV RNA were determined for this sub-sample. We estimated the national prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies and the proportion with viral RNA detection and evaluated their association with sociodemographic characteristics for all adults and with sexual behaviours in those aged 20 to 49 years using logistic regression. The national prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies in serum was 0·38% (95%CI 0·24, 0·59) in the population aged 20 years and older; 14·9% of them had viral RNA. In the population aged 20 to 49 years antibody prevalence was 0·23% (95%CI 0·11, 0·48), being higher for males and people living in urban areas. In the population aged 50 years and older, the prevalence was 0·59% (95%CI 0·34, 1·06). The prevalence of antibodies anti-HCV in people aged 20 to 49 years was similar in 2018 than in 2012, suggesting that the prevalence of HCV has remained stable. ENSANUT is a household study and could underestimate the prevalence of HCV. Further efforts must be made to identify cases in non-household populations. National Institute of Statistics and Geography and National Institute of Public Health of Mexico [CIEE/1807].

Serologic and urinary survey of exposure to Leptospira species in a feral cat population of Prince Edward Island, Canada.

ObjectivesRecent studies show that cats could play an important role in the transmission of Leptospira species. There are few reports of leptospirosis on Prince Edward Island (PEI) and none in cats. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of serum antibodies against Leptospira serovars and of Leptospira DNA in the urine of a population of free-roaming cats.MethodsPaired blood and urine samples were collected from 200 cats brought to a trap–neuter–return program. Antibody titers against six Leptospira serovars (Bratislava, Canicola, Gryppotyphosa, Hardjo, Pomona, Icterohaemorrhagiae) were determined by microscopic agglutination test. PCR was performed on urine samples to identify urine shedding of Leptospira DNA.ResultsAntibodies were detected in 20/200 cats (10%) for at least one serovar, with titers ranging from 1:50 to 1:6400 (all serovars tested, except Hardjo). Urine samples of 7/200 cats (3.5%) were PCR-positive.Conclusions and relevanceFeral cats in PEI had a higher than expected exposure to leptospirosis and can shed DNA from pathogenic Leptospira species in urine. Further studies are needed to determine the prevalence of exposure to leptospirosis in other species on PEI and the potential role of feral cats in transmission of the disease.

Prevalence of serum antibodies of tick-borne diseases and the presence of Rhipicephalus microplus in communal grazing cattle in the north-eastern region of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa.

A survey to determine the prevalence of tick-borne diseases (TBDs) and ticks infesting cattle was conducted in the communal areas of the north-eastern region of the Eastern Cape Province (ECP) between January 2019 and October 2019. Tick counts, packed cell volume (PCV), body condition scores (BCS), and serological test for TBDs were seasonally conducted in communally grazed cattle (n = 240) in Joe Gqabi district in two local municipalities (Elundini and Senqu). A standard indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) was used to determine antibodies to Babesia bigemina, Babesia bovis, and Ehrlichia ruminantium and indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed for antibodies to Anaplasma marginale detection. The highest tick loads were observed on cattle during the hot-wet and post-rainy seasons and lowest during the cool-dry season. The E. ruminantium prevalence in Elundini was 16% and 14% in post-rainy and hot-dry seasons respectively and 15% at Senqu during the post-rainy season. B. bigemina prevalence was highest at Elundini (18%) and Senqu (16%) during the post-rainy season and hot-wet season respectively. Cattle BCS was negatively correlated with E. ruminantium (P < 0.01; r = - 0.203), B. bovis (P < 0.01; r = - 0.125), and A. marginale (P < 0.01; r = - 0.122) seroprevalence. The PCV was negatively correlated with B. bigemina (P < 0.01; r = - 0.138) seroprevalence. On the other hand, E. ruminantium was positively correlated with Amblyomma hebraeum (P < 0.05; r = 0.112) infestation, while B. bovis (P < 0.05; r = 0.134) and B. bigemina (P < 0.05; r = 0.188) were positively correlated with Rhipicephalus microplus infestation, and B. bigemina (P < 0.05; r = 0.077) was positively correlated with Rhipicephalus decoloratus infestation. Our study reports for the first time the presence of R. microplus in the study area. Further research is, however, needed to better understand seroprevalence and the transmission mode of TBDs to cattle so that effective disease control measures can be developed.

Prevalence of serum antibodies against vaccine-preventable diseases in Japanese students and its advisory standard of vaccination

Prevalence of serum antibodies against vaccine-preventable diseases in Japanese students and its advisory standard of vaccination

Prevalence and determinants of serum antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in the general population of the Gardena valley.

Estimating the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection in communities is critical. We surveyed 2244 stratified random sample community members of the Gardena valley, a winter touristic area, amidst the first expansion phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe. We measured agreement between Diasorin and Abbott serum bioassay outputs and the Abbott optimal discriminant threshold of serum neutralisation titres with recursive receiver operating characteristic curve. We analytically adjusted serum antibody tests for unbiased seroprevalence estimate and analysed the determinants of infection with non-response weighted multiple logistic regression. SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence was 26.9% (95% CI 25.2-28.6) by June 2020. The bioassays had a modest agreement with each other. At a lower threshold than the manufacturer's recommended level, the Abbott assay reflected greater discrimination of serum neutralisation capacity. Seropositivity was associated with place and economic activity, not with sex or age. Symptoms like fever and weakness were age-dependent. SARS-CoV-2 mitigation strategies should account for context in high prevalence areas.

Prevalence of serum antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in free-ranging cats on Tokunoshima Island, Japan.

The prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in free-ranging cats on Tokunoshima Island was assessed by testing 125 serum samples using anti-T. gondii IgG indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The overall seropositivity rate was 47.2% (59/125). Seropositivity rates in cats with body weight >2.0 kg (57.4%) were significantly higher than in those with body weight ≤2.0 kg (12.5%, P<0.01). Analysis of the number of seropositive cats by settlement revealed the presence of possibly-infected cats in 17 of 23 settlements, indicating the widespread prevalence of T. gondii on the island. This is the first study to show the seroprevalence of T. gondii in free-ranging cats on Tokunoshima Island. The information revealed in this paper will help to prevent the transmission of T. gondii among cats and also in both wild and domestic animals and humans on the island.

A study of seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus infection in STI clinic attendees

Background: Herpes simplex virus infections are prevalent worldwide. They are caused by Herpes simplex virus Type-1 (HSV-1) and type-2 (HSV-2). HSV-1 causes orolabial disease. Genital herpes may be caused by either HSV-2 or HSV-1, large majority of cases being caused by HSV-2. HSV-1 is acquired during early childhood by most of the individuals. The acquisition of HSV-2 starts around puberty or thereafter. The ability of the virus to successfully avoid clearance by the immune system by entering a non-replicating state known as latency leads to life long persistence of infection with unpredictable reactivation and transmission. Detecting antibodies plays an important role in identifying those infected. Type specific tests have been developed that are based on the protein Glycoprotein G from HSV-2 (gG2) or Glycoprotein G from HSV-1 (gG1). As very limited sequence homology exists between gG1 and gG2, assays based on detecting these type specific epitopes using ELISA can reliably differentiate between antibodies to HSV-1 and HSV-2. Objectives 1. To study the Seroprevalence of Herpes simplex virus infection in patients attending the STI clinic.2. To study the risk factors and other socioepidemiological factors associated with HSV-2 seropositivity.3. To study the seroprevalence of HSV infection in HIV positive individuals.4. To study the proportion of subclinical seropositives for HSV infection. Material and methods: The study was carried out from July 2017 to June 2019. All patients reporting to DVL OPD at GITAM institute of Medical sciences & Research, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh were examined and evaluated. 82 consecutive patients of both sexes with STI complaints, in the age group of 15-70 years were studied. Patients with genital herpes as well as patients with other STI complaints including both HIV positive and HIV negative patients were included in the study.With prior permission from ethical committee and consent from patients, blood samples were collected and tested for HSV-1 IgG and IgM antibodies and HSV-2 IgG and IgM antibodies.Results: Out of 82 patients 42 (51%) were females and 40 (49%) were males; 41 (50%) were HIV positive and the other 41(50%) were HIV negative.Out of 82 patients, 39(47.6%) had genital herpes and 43 (52.5%) had other STDs which include genital candidiasis (18.3%), non specific urethritis (13.4%), Condyloma acuminate (14.6%) and genital molluscum contagiosum (6.1%).Out of 82 patients, 2(2.4%) were seropositive for HSV-1 IgM and 68 (82.9%) were seropositive for HSV-1 IgG.Out of 82 patients, 4(5%) were seropositive for HSV-2 IgM and 40(48.8%) are seropositive for HSV-2 IgG.Out of 39 patients with genital herpes 21(53.8%) were seropositive for HSV-2 and out of 43 patients with other STDs without genital herpes 19 (44.2%) were seropositive for HSV-2, indicating that the proportion of subclinical seropositivity was 44.2% in our studyConclusion: From our study we conclude that Herpes simplex virus infection is common in STI clinic attendees in our hospital. Prevalence of HSV-1 and HSV-2 serum antibodies provide an epidemiological measure of population burden of these infections. The high seroprevalence of HSV-2 in HIV patients potentiates the need for regular HSV-2 screening in HIV positive individuals and proper counselling and treatment of HSV-2 seropositives during outbreaks will efficiently lower the frequency of recurrences and decrease the transmission of both HSV and HIV infections.

Sero-epidemiological study of the rotavirus VP8* protein from different P genotypes in Valencia, Spain

The aims of the present work were to determine the prevalence and titer of serum antibodies against several rotavirus VP8* proteins from different P genotypes in children and adults in Valencia, Spain; and to determine the role of the secretor status (FUT2G428A polymorphism) in the antibody response. The VP8* protein from the P[4], P[6], P[8], P[9], P[11], P[14] and P[25] genotypes were produced in E. coli. These proteins were tested with 88 serum samples from children (n = 41, 3.5 years old in average) and from adults (n = 47, 58 years old in average) by ELISA. A subset of 55 samples were genotyped for the FUT2G428A polymorphism and the antibody titers compared. The same subset of samples was also analysed by ELISA using whole rotavirus Wa particles (G1P[8]) as antigen. Ninety-three per cent of the samples were positive for at least one of the VP8* antigens. Differences in the IgG seroprevalence were found between children and adults for the P[4], P[8] and P[11] genotypes. Similarly, significant differences were found between adults and children in their antibody titers against the P[4], P[8], and P[11] VP8* genotypes, having the children higher antibody titers than adults. Interestingly, positive samples against rare genotypes such as P[11] (only in children), P[14] and P[25] were found. While no statistical differences in the antibody titers between secretors and non-secretors were found for any of the tested P genotypes studied, a higher statistic significant prevalence for the P[25] genotype was found in secretors compared to non-secretors. Significant differences in the antibody titers between secretors and non-secretors were found when the whole viral particles from the Wa rotavirus strain (G1P[8]) were used as the antigen.

Prevalence of serum antibodies against the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in wild boar in Campania region, Italy.

Mycobacterium bovis and related members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) are the etiological agents of tuberculosis. Increasing attention has recently been paid to the role played by wild animals in the epidemiology of tuberculosis and particularly regarding the Eurasian wild boar (Sus scrofa). Thus, we performed a cross-sectional survey in wild boar in Campania region to assess the seroprevalence against Mycobacterium bovis or cross-reacting members of the MTBC. Fourty six out of 434 (10.6%; 95% CI 7.71–13.49%) sampled animals presented antibodies against M. bovis by MPB83-ELISA. Statistical analysis indicated that the seropositivity to MTBC was not associated with age, gender, or location of sampling. We also evaluated the correlation between the seropositivity in wild boar and the presence of tuberculosis outbreaks in livestock. Our results suggest that wild boar exposure to MTBC is probably related to the presence of tuberculosis in livestock. The average distance between a positive wild boar and the nearest tuberculosis outbreak in cattle was 7.38 km, lower than the expected mean. In conclusion, the seroprevalence observed in the present study indicates a moderate exposure to MTBC in wild boar in Campania region, which may have important implications not only for conservation but also for animal and public health.

Studying the prevalence of genital Chlamydia trachomatis IgG serum antibodies and associated risk factors in heterosexual men attending Tishreen University Hospital, Syria

Studying the prevalence of genital Chlamydia trachomatis IgG serum antibodies and associated risk factors in heterosexual men attending Tishreen University Hospital, Syria

Seroprevalence estimates for toxocariasis in people worldwide: Asystematic review and meta-analysis.

BackgroundHuman toxocariasis is an important neglected disease. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis study to estimate the global and regional prevalence of anti-Toxocara serum antibodies (referred to as ‘T-seroprevalence’) in human populations around the world.MethodsWe searched five international databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, SciELO and Scopus) for seroprevalence studies published from 1 January 1980 to 15 March 2019. We used random effect models to calculate the overall T-seroprevalence (with 95% CIs) in all six WHO regions and worldwide. We also conducted subgroup and linear meta-regression analyses to evaluate the impact of socio-demographic, geographical and climatic parameters on seroprevalence.ResultsWe identified 250 eligible studies (253 datasets) comprising 265,327 participants in 71 countries for inclusion in the present meta-analysis. The estimated global T-seroprevalence rate was 19.0% (95%CI, 16.6–21.4%; 62,927/265,327); seroprevalence was highest in the African region (37.7%; 25.7–50.6%) and lowest in the Eastern Mediterranean region (8.2%; 5.1–12.0%). The pooled seroprevalence for other WHO regions was 34.1% (20.2–49.4%) in the South-East Asia; 24.2% (16.0–33.5%) in the Western Pacific; 22.8% (19.7–26.0%) in the American; and 10.5% (8.5–12.8%) in the European regions. A significantly higher T-seroprevalence was associated with a lower income level; lower human development index (HDI); lower latitude; higher humidity; higher temperature; and higher precipitation (P-value < 0.001). Potential risk factors associated with seropositivity to Toxocara included male gender; living in a rural area; young age; close contact with dogs, cats or soil; consumption of raw meat; and the drinking of untreated water.ConclusionsThe present findings indicate high levels of infection with, or exposure to Toxocara spp. in many countries, which calls for increased attention to human toxocariasis and improved measures to prevent adverse health risks of this disease.

Presence of cerebrospinal fluid antibodies associated with autoimmune encephalitis of humans in dogs with neurologic disease.

BackgroundPresumed autoimmune diseases affecting the central nervous system (CNS) of dogs are common. In people, antibodies against neuronal cell surface antigens that are associated with a wide variety of neurological syndromes have been identified. The presence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) autoantibodies that target neuronal cell surface proteins has not been reported in dogs with neurologic disorders.ObjectivesAutoantibodies to neuronal cell surface antigens can be found in the CSF of dogs with inflammatory CNS disease. Our aim was to determine whether 6 neuronal cell surface autoantibodies were present in the CSF of dogs diagnosed with inflammatory and noninflammatory CNS disease.AnimalsClient‐owned dogs with CNS disease and complete diagnostic evaluation including magnetic resonance imaging and CSF analysis were included. One healthy dog was included as a negative control.MethodsCerebrospinal fluid was tested for 6 antigenic targets with a commercially available indirect immunofluorescence assay test kit.ResultsThere were 32 dogs with neurological disease, 19 diagnosed with inflammatory disease (encephalitis and meningitis), 10 with noninflammatory disease (neoplasia, intervertebral disk disease, degenerative myelopathy, and epilepsy), 2 with no diagnosis, and 1 with neoplasia and meningoencephalitis. Anti‐N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor 1 (NMDAR1) antibodies were detected in 3 dogs (3/32; 9.38%). All 3 dogs responded to treatment of meningoencephalomyelitis of unknown etiology (MUE).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceFurther evaluation of the prevalence and clinical relevance of CSF and serum antibodies to neuronal cell surface antigens is warranted. Defining antigenic targets associated with encephalitis in dogs might allow diagnostic categorization of MUE antemortem.

The Prevalence of Serum and Seminal Fluid Antisperm Antibody in Couples with Unexplained Subfertility in Kirkuk City

The Prevalence of Serum and Seminal Fluid Antisperm Antibody in Couples with Unexplained Subfertility in Kirkuk City

Lumpy skin disease: scientific and technical assistance on control and surveillance activities.

The duration of the vaccination campaign sufficient to eliminate lumpy skin disease (LSD) mainly depends on the vaccination effectiveness and coverage achieved. By using a spread epidemiological model, assuming a vaccination effectiveness of 65%, with 50% and 90% coverage, 4 and 3 years campaigns, respectively, are needed to eliminate LSD. When vaccination effectiveness is 80% to 95%, 2 years of vaccination at coverage of 90% is sufficient to eliminate LSD virus (LSDV). For shorter campaigns, LSD is predicted to persist. When the infection is eliminated by vaccination, two pathways for disease recurrence are possible, (i) by new introduction from a neighbouring affected area, especially by introduction of infected animals, or, less likely (ii) the infection persisting either in the environment, in vectors or in wild animals. For planning surveillance, several elements should be considered: the objectives and related design prevalence, the epidemiological situation, the immunological status of the host population, the geographical area and the season, the type of surveillance (active or passive), the diagnostic methods including clinical detection (considered the most effective method for early detection of LSD), the target population, the sample size and frequency. According to the model, for early detecting new introductions of LSD, it may be needed to clinically check a large number of herds (e.g. 2–3,000 herds) monthly. Lower sample sizes can be considered, when a greater delay in detecting the virus is acceptable. Where vaccination is maintained, active surveillance for verifying the effectiveness of vaccination would be needed. Demonstrating disease absence can rely on serological surveillance, which should consider the test sensitivity, the design prevalence (estimated value: 3.5%), the onset and duration of serum antibodies. Important knowledge gaps on LSD are about within‐herd transmission, duration of protective immunity, role of vectors, diagnostic tests, farm location and type in the at‐risk countries and the epidemiological status of neighbouring countries.

Protective antibodies against Clostridium difficile are present in intravenous immunoglobulin and are retained in humans following its administration.

The prevalence of serum antibodies against Clostridium difficile (CD) toxins A and B in healthy populations have prompted interest in evaluating the therapeutic activity of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) in individuals experiencing severe or recurrent C. difficile infection (CDI). Despite some promising case reports, a definitive clinical role for IVIg in CDI remains unclear. Contradictory results may be attributed to a lack of consensus regarding optimal dose, timing of administration and patient selection as well as variability in specific antibody content between commercial preparations. The purpose of this study was to investigate retrospectively the efficacy of three commercial preparations of IVIg for treating severe or recurrent CDI. In subsequent mechanistic studies using protein microarray and toxin neutralization assays, all IVIg preparations were analysed for specific binding and neutralizing antibodies (NAb) to CD antigens in vitro and the presence of anti-toxin NAbs in vivo following IVIg infusion. A therapeutic response to IVIg was observed in 41% (10 of 17) of the CDI patients. Significant variability in multi-isotype specific antibodies to a 7-plex panel of CD antigens and toxin neutralization efficacies were observed between IVIg preparations and also in patient sera before and after IVIg administration. These results extend our current understanding of population immunity to CD and support the inclusion of surface layer proteins and binary toxin antigens in CD vaccines. Future strategies could enhance IVIg treatment response rates by using protein microarray to preselect donor plasma/serum with the highest levels of anti-CD antibodies and/or anti-toxin neutralizing capacities prior to fractionation.