Tissues Of Infected Animals Research Articles

Infection Dynamics of Dengue Virus in Caco-2 Cells Depending on Its Differentiation Status.

Dengue virus (DENV), from the Flaviviridae family, is the causative agent of dengue fever and poses a significant global health challenge. The virus primarily affects the vascular system and liver; however, a growing body of evidence suggests its involvement in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, contributing to clinical symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. However, the mechanisms underlying DENV infection in the digestive system remain largely unexplored. Prior research has detected viral RNA in the GI tissue of infected animals; however, whether the dengue virus can directly infect human enterocytes remains unclear. In this study, we examine the infectivity of human intestinal cell lines to the dengue virus and their subsequent response. We report that the Caco-2 cell line, a model of human enterocytes, is susceptible to infection and capable of producing viruses. Notably, differentiated Caco-2 cells exhibited a lower infection rate yet a higher level of virus production than their undifferentiated counterparts. These findings suggest that human intestinal cells are a viable target for the dengue virus, potentially elucidating the GI symptoms observed in dengue fever and offering a new perspective on the pathogenetic mechanisms of the virus.

The Helicobacter pylori infection alters the intercellular junctions on the pancreas of gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus)

Helicobacter pylori is a common resident in the stomach of at least half of the world’s population and recent evidence suggest its emergence in other organs such as the pancreas. In this organ, the presence of H. pylori DNA has been reported in cats, although the functional implications remain unknown. In this work, we determined distinct features related to the H. pylori manifestation in pancreas in a rodent model, in order to analyse its functional and structural effect. Gerbils inoculated with H. pylori exhibited the presence of this bacterium, as revealed by the expression of some virulence factors, as CagA and OMPs in stomach and pancreas, and confirmed by urease activity, bacterial culture, PCR and immunofluorescence assays. Non-apparent morphological changes were observed in pancreatic tissue of infected animals; however, delocalization of intercellular junction proteins (claudin-1, claudin-4, occludin, ZO-1, E-cadherin, β-catenin, desmoglein-2 and desmoplakin I/II) and rearrangement of the actin-cytoskeleton were exhibited. This structural damage was consistent with alterations in the distribution of insulin and glucagon, and a systemic inflammation, event demonstrated by elevated IL-8 levels. Overall, these findings indicate that H. pylori can reach the pancreas, possibly affecting its function and contributing to the development of pancreatic diseases.Graphical

Epidemiological Analysis of Childhood Brucellosis in Duhok, Iraq: A Retrospective Observational Study From 2018 to 2021.

Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease that can spread from animal to human through contaminated dairy products, raw vegetables, and water or via direct contact with infected animal tissues. While the disease affects individuals of all ages, research on its prevalence and clinical profile, particularly in Iraq, is limited. To address this knowledge gap, a retrospective observational study was conducted using data from the Bacterial Serology Laboratory of Heevi Pediatric Teaching Hospital, Duhok, Iraq, from 2018 to 2021. Of the 1,032 suspected cases of brucellosis in children, 72 cases that met the inclusion were analyzed. The study found a 7% prevalence of childhood brucellosis in the Duhok region, with the highest incidence of 7.8% in 2020. The infection rate was age-dependent, with most cases occurring in the year's third quarter. No statistically significant relationship was found between sex and the infection rate. These findings highlight the importance of targeted public health interventions and improved diagnostic protocols to reduce the prevalence of brucellosis among children in this region.

Meningoencephalitic Listeriosis in Iranian Sheep and Goats

Background: Meningoencephalitic listeriosis is a significant disease affecting goats and sheep, with potential implications for public health. This study aimed to investigate and report the occurrence, clinical manifestation, laboratory findings, and further understanding of neurolisteriosis in the goat and sheep populations in Tehran, Qazvin, and Kurdistan provinces of Iran. Methods: From 2018 to 2021, a program was implemented to monitor multiple flocks for meningoencephalitic listeriosis. Clinical manifestations of animals that showed suspected neurological signs of listeriosis (19 animals) were recorded, and necropsies were performed. Sampling of the brain tissue of infected animals was done. The specimens underwent a 'cold-enrichment' procedure, and subsequent culture and biochemical tests were conducted to confirm the presence of Listeria monocytogenes. Results: According to the clinical and bacteriological findings, 19 animals were diagnosed with neurolisteriosis. The affected animals exhibited various signs of the disease, including head deviation, head tilt, head pressing, mouthfuls, walking in circles, drooping of the ear, and unilateral hypalgesia. L. monocytogenes was isolated from brain samples of 11 animals. Conclusion: The study revealed potential indications of meningoencephalitic listeriosis in certain breeds of goats and sheep. Recognizing these typical signs can contribute to early detection, diagnosis, and proper management of listeriosis cases, improving welfare and health outcomes for affected animals. The results underscore the importance of strengthened disease surveillance, prevention, and control strategies.

A retrospective study of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever in Iraq.

CCHF is transmitted via ticks biting and directly by contact with tissue or blood of infected patients or viremic animals. This study intends to determine the occurrence of CCHF in Iraq between 2015 and 2019. This study was designed as a retrospective and descriptive cross-sectional study. It was approved the occurrence of CCHF in Iraq with relation to some epidemiological and demographic data reported in the Iraqi Communicable Diseases Control Center (CDC)/zoonotic diseases section between 2015-2019. Out of 206 suspected cases, only 17 were diagnosed as CCHF with a total fatality ratio of 52%, 25%, and 80% in 2015 and 2018 respectively. However, no mortality was reported during 2016, 2017, and 2019. The mean age of the patients was 33 years± 18 SD, in males mainly (76%). Moreover, the risk groups were 29 %, 23 %, 18 % 12 %, and 6 % for butchers, animal dealers, gainers, both housewives and students and children respectively. Strict precautions and precise surveillance should be implemented to control the disease and protect the community by improving the diagnosis and treatment of CCHF. The authors recommend another future study to detect the genotyping and sequencing of CCHFV in Iraq.

Ayurvedic Insights into Re-Emerging Human Brucellosis

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

Outbreak of Rift Valley Fever in Mauritania, 2022

Rift valley fever (RVF) is a viral zoonosis endemic to Africa and Arabian Peninsula, that primarily affects animals but can also cause illness in humans. The Rift valley fever virus belongs to the Bunyaviridae family and is transmitted primarily by the Aedes and Culex genera. In Humans, transmission can also occur through contact with blood, body fluids, or tissues and ingesting unpasteurised or uncooked milk of infected animals. The disease symptoms range from mild fever and flu-like symptoms to severe hemorrhagic fever, encephalitis, and death. This watching brief describes the outbreak of RVF in Mauritania in 2022. The first case reported on 25th August, was a 25-year-old male, an animal breeder from Tintane district, Hodh El Gharbi wilaya. As of 17 October 2022, a total of 47 confirmed cases including 23 deaths (CFR 49%)—mostly among animal breeders— have been reported from nine of Mauritania’s 15 wilayas, with a sex ratio of M:Fcases= 4.4:1 and median age of 22 years. There are currently no vaccines available for humans and treatment is only symptomatic. Prevention is by avoiding contact with blood & body fluids or tissues of infected animals, unsafe animal products and protection from mosquitoes. To prevent future outbreaks there is the need to promote safer animal husbandry and slaughter practices, strengthening of existing surveillance systems, implementation of vector control activities and restriction of movement of livestock from infected to uninfected areas.

A simple method for enrichment of phase I Coxiella burnetii

Coxiella burnetii is the bacterial causative agent of the zoonosis Q fever. This bacterium undergoes lipopolysaccharide (LPS) phase transition similar to Enterobacteriaciae upon in vitro passage. Full-length, phase I C. burnetii LPS is a critical virulence factor and profoundly impacts vaccine-induced immunogenicity; thus, LPS phase is an important consideration in C. burnetii experimentation and Q fever vaccine design. Typically, phase I LPS-expressing organisms are obtained from the tissues of infected experimental animals. In this process, residual phase II LPS-expressing organisms are thought to be cleared by the host immune system. Here, we propose an efficient and non-animal-based method for the enrichment of C. burnetii phase I LPS-expressing bacteria in vitro. We utilize both Vero cell culture to selectively enrich solutions with phase I and intermediate phase LPS-expressing bacteria. This simple and quick method decreases reliance on experimental animals and is a sustainable solution for Q fever diagnostic and vaccine development hurdles.

Evaluation of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever in Kermanshah (2006 - 2020)

Background: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a contagious viral disease that can be transmitted through various means, including tick bites, contact with infected blood and animal tissues in slaughterhouses, and healthcare-related infections. Methods: In this study, we examined the incidence of CCHF and analyzed the demographic and clinical data of 130 patients diagnosed with CCHF in Kermanshah, a city located in western Iran, over a period of 15 years (2006 - 2020). Results: During the study, 19 cases tested positive, 66 were verisimilar, and the remaining cases (31.54%) were considered suspected. Among the positive cases, 15 patients recovered, and four died. Of those infected, 63.16% were males residing in rural areas. Additionally, 78.95% of the infected individuals had contact with domestic livestock, 26.31% had a history of contact with ticks, and 10.53% had contact with raw meat or raw liver. Furthermore, 5.26% had a history of contact with a CCHF patient. Conclusions: The highest prevalence of CCHF was observed among men aged 15 to 30 who lived in rural areas. According to the annual reports of people suffering from CCHF, health authorities should prioritize this disease in their public health programs. Since individuals who come into direct contact with livestock and livestock products are at a high risk of contracting diseases, it is important to educate them.

Prevalence and Haplotypes of Toxoplasma gondii in Native Village Chickens and Pigs in Peninsular Malaysia.

Toxoplasma gondii is an important zoonotic foodborne parasite capable of infecting almost all warm-blooded animal species worldwide. Toxoplasmosis is usually acquired via ingestion of undercooked infected animal tissues resulting in life-threatening consequences for unborn foetus and immunocompromised individuals. A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the prevalence of T. gondii infection, its associated risk factors in farms, and haplotypes isolated from the native village chicken and pig populations in Peninsular Malaysia. The seroprevalence of T. gondii in village chickens at the animal level was low at 7.6% (95% CI: 4.60-11.60), while at the farm level, it was 52.0% (95% CI: 31.30-72.20). For pigs, the animal-level seroprevalence of T. gondii was 3.0% (95% CI: 1.60-5.10), while the farm-level, it was 31.6% (95% CI: 12.60-56.60). The PCR-based DNA detection on meat samples from chickens (n = 250) and pork (n = 121) detected 14.0% (95% CI: 9.95-18.9) and 5.8% (95% CI: 2.4-11.6) positive, respectively. Six unique T. gondii haplotypes were isolated from the tissue samples. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that feeding the chickens farm-produced feeds and allowing wild animals access to pig farms were significant determinants for farm-level seropositivity. Providing hygienic and good quality feeds to chickens and increasing biosecurity in pig farms through prevention of access by wildlife may reduce the risk of transmission of T. gondii infection in the local chickens and pig farms.

Rift Valley fever (RVF): a re-emerging zoonotic disease, pathogenesis, epidemiology, current status, and future perspective - correspondence.

Rift Valley fever (RVF): a re-emerging zoonotic disease, pathogenesis, epidemiology, current status, and future perspective - correspondence.

Recent leptospirosis outbreak: an urgent warning around the globe, genomic features, diagnosis, and treatment procedures-correspondence.

Recent leptospirosis outbreak: an urgent warning around the globe, genomic features, diagnosis, and treatment procedures-correspondence.

Viscerotropic Leishmaniasis; Diagnosis and species detection using the polymerase chain reaction with kinetoplast DNA-specific primers in Balb/c mice

The study involves three groups of Balb/c mice, the first and second groups inoculated in the hind footpad (1 x 106), (3 x 106) stationary phase promastigotes of L. tropica respectively, the third group inoculated phosphate buffer saline. The aim of this study was to establish a murine model for human viscerotropic leishmaniasis, and the dissemination of L. tropica to visceral organs tissues of BALB/c mice in order to find out the ability to diagnosis the disease by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) as recent application. The samples of liver tissues were collected and DNA was extracted by Promega DNA kit purification. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with kDNA specific primers was used firstly to distinguish the species of parasite which isolate from patient had cutaneous lesion acquired in Iraq where only L. major and L. tropica were expected to be the causative agents. The size difference between the PCR products of L. major and L. tropica allowed differential diagnosis. The smaller product (650 bp) could be identified as derived from L. major, whereas the larger product (800 bp) was due either to L. tropica or to a member of the L. donovani complex which yielded the same size of band. The same primers were used to detect the dissemination of parasites to visceral organs via extracted DNA from liver tissues of infected animals. PCR application was very high sensitive and early diagnosis in liver tissues as a substrate for PCR reaction, all animals of group (1) which infected with (106) promastigotes were negative result at (15) days post-infection, whereas three animals from group (2) which infected with (3x106) promastigotes showed positive result at the same period. All animals except one from group (1) showed positive results at (30) days post-infection. But at the later sequences days all animals were positive.

Fascioloides magna and other liver parasites in cloven-hoofed game from northeastern Bavaria, Germany: occurrence and pathological findings with special emphasis on red deer (Cervus elaphus)

The first detection of Fascioloides (F.) magna in northeastern Bavaria in 2011 was presumably correlated to natural migration movements of free ranging wild ruminants originating from the neighboring Czech Republic, where high infection rates have been reported frequently. To gain more data on the continuing spreading and current occurrence of the giant liver fluke in surrounding regions, 700 livers of cloven-hoofed game originating from eleven different northeastern Bavarian counties were investigated for the presence of F. magna and accompanying liver parasites in the hunting season 2019–2020. Macroscopically altered liver tissue was further investigated by pathohistological and parasitological examination. F. magna was detected in 5.9% (38/640) of livers from red deer (0.7% < 1 year, 9.8% > 1 year; p < 0.05) whereas none of the investigated livers of wild boar, roe, and fallow deer was infected (n=60). Mild pathological alterations of the liver tissue were documented in 15, moderate in 14, and major in 9 of all F. magna-positive cases. Histologically, the fluke-specific pigment haematin, large trematode eggs, and periportal fibrosis were detected in the liver tissue of infected animals. In 9% of all investigated livers, parasitic stages of other parasites, i.e., Dicrocoelium dendriticum (6.0%), Fasciola hepatica (0.3%), Taenia spp. (1.7%), and Echinococcus multilocularis (1.0%), were found. According to the results of this study, F. magna is not restricted to formerly known affected regions of Upper Franconia, but is also present in the military training ground Grafenwöhr, Upper Palatinate, and the Bavarian Forest National Park, Lower Bavaria, with estimated prevalences of 3.6 and 16.4%, respectively, and thus seems to spread in suitable habitats in northeastern Bavaria.

Immunomagnetic separation of Toxoplasma gondii and Hammondia spp. tissue cysts generated in cell culture.

Toxoplasma gondii is commonly transmitted among animals and humans by ingestion of infected animal tissues or by consumption of food and water contaminated with environmentally-resistant oocysts excreted by cats. Tissue cysts and oocysts have different walls, whose structures and compositions are poorly known. Herein, we describe an immunomagnetic separation (IMS) method that was successfully used for purification of T. gondii tissue cysts generated in cell culture. We used an IgG monoclonal antibody (mAb) that reacts against antigens in tissue cyst walls. Many in vitro produced cysts were obtained by this IMS; >2,000 T. gondii cysts were isolated from a single culture flask of 25 cm2. Tissue cysts from two Hammondia spp., H. hammondi, and H. heydorni, produced in cell culture were also separated using this method. As a reference, purification of tissue cysts by Percoll gradients was used. Percoll was able to separate T. gondii tissue cysts produced in mice but was not suitable for purifying T. gondii tissue cysts produced in vitro. The IMS described here should favor proteomic studies involving tissue cysts of T. gondii.

A short review on ticks and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever disease in emergency department perspective in endemic regions

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a lethal disease caused by the CCHF virus of the Bunyaviridae family. The virus is transmitted to humans through tick bites or contact with blood and tissues of infected animals. Various domestic and wild animals have been identified as a reservoir for this virus, including cattle, sheep, goats, hedgehogs and hares. Numerous species of ticks can carry the virus; however, very few of them have been implicated as vectors. The most important tick vector is the Hyalomma spp., as the virus was isolated from it and its geographic distribution coincides with that of the disease. In Turkey, especially since 2002, CCHF has been a serious public health problem threatening lives of thousands of people. A regional epidemic has occurred in Turkey in 2003 and since then, when considering the number of CCHF cases reported worldwide, the highest number has been reported in Turkey. The majority of cases in our country were from 15 cities in a region called Kelkit Canyon and its environs in the middle and North Anatolia, particularly the cities of Corum, Tokat, Sivas, Yozgat and Erzurum from which two-thirds of cases were reported. In this article, our aim was to guide physicians for CCHF in endemic regions in the World and share our experiences. Being aware of the disease is the mainstay for prevention from the disease and reduce morbidity and mortality related to it.

Serologic evidence of silent Rift Valley fever virus infection among occupationally exposed persons in northern Nigeria.

Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a zoonotic disease caused by RVF virus (RVFV) and transmitted primarily by mosquitoes and contact with fluids and tissues of infected animals. First described in Kenya, it has spread to many African countries and beyond. In humans, it is sometimes misdiagnosed because the symptoms resemble those of influenza and/or malaria. Butchers, abattoir workers, and livestock keepers have the highest risk of infection. In this study, serum samples collected between February and September 2019 from 196 individuals comprising of butchers (n = 121), abattoir/slaughterhouse workers (n = 55), and livestock keepers (n = 20) in Benue, Sokoto, and Borno States of northern Nigeria were screened using a commercial ELISA that detected anti-RVFV IgM and IgG alike (i.e., without discrimination). Data from administered questionnaires and the ELISA results were statistically analyzed. Thirty-nine (19.9%) of the 196 samples were positive for RVFV antibodies. The distribution by states showed that 17.4% (8/46), 21.7% (15/69), and 19.8% (16/81) of samples from Benue, Sokoto, and Borno States were seropositive, respectively. Additionally, 21.5% (26/121) butchers, 16.4% (9/55) abattoir workers, and 20% (4/20) livestock keepers were seropositive. These findings provide serological evidence for exposure of occupationally at-risk individuals in northern Nigeria to RVFV. The higher seropositivity obtained in Sokoto and Borno states could be due to contact of these individuals with infected animal blood/tissues, aborted fetuses, and unhindered transboundary movement of animals and animal products into these states which share international borders with Niger, Chad, and Cameroon where evidences of RVFV infections were recently reported.

Helminth infection modulates number and function of adipose tissue Tregs in high fat diet-induced obesity.

BackgroundEpidemiological and experimental studies have shown a protective effect of helminth infections in weight gain and against the development of metabolic dysfunctions in the host. However, the mechanisms Treg cells exert in the helminth-obesity interface has been poorly investigated. The present study aimed to verify the influence of Heligmosomoides polygyrus infection in early stages of high fat diet-induced obesity.Principal findingsThe presence of infection was able to prevent exacerbated weight gain in mice fed with high fat diet when compared to non-infected controls. In addition, infected animals displayed improved insulin sensitivity and decreased fat accumulation in the liver. Obesity-associated inflammation was reduced in the presence of infection, demonstrated by lower levels of leptin and resistin, lower infiltration of Th1 and Th17 cells in adipose tissue, higher expression of IL10 and adiponectin, increased infiltration of Th2 and eosinophils in adipose tissue of infected animals. Of note, the parasite infection was associated with increased Treg frequency in adipose tissue which showed higher expression of cell surface markers of function and activation, like LAP and CD134. The infection could also increase adipose Treg suppressor function in animals on high fat diet.ConclusionThese data suggest that H. polygyrus modulates adipose tissue Treg cells with implication for weight gain and metabolic syndrome.

Natural disease and evolution of an Amdoparvovirus endemic in striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis).

Striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis) densely populate the human-animal interface of suburbia throughout North America. Skunks share that habitat with numerous related mesocarnivores, where increased contact, competition for shared food and water sources and other stressors contribute to increased exposure and susceptibility to viral infection. The recently identified skunk amdoparvovirus (SKAV) has been detected at high prevalence in skunks and occasionally in mink, but its distribution in North America is unknown. To understand the impact of SKAV in striped skunks and the risk posed to related species, we investigated the geographic distribution of SKAV, analysed its genetic diversity and evolutionary dynamics and evaluated viral distribution in tissues of infected animals to identify possible mechanisms of transmission. SKAV was detected in 72.5% (37/51) skunks and was present at high rates at all locations tested across North America. Analysis of the complete genomic sequence of 29 strains showed a clear geographic segregation, frequent recombination and marked differences in the evolutionary dynamics of the major structural (VP2) and non-structural (NS1) proteins. NS1 was characterized by a higher variability and a higher percentage of positively selected codons. This could indicate that antibody-mediated enhancement of infection occurs in SKAV, an infection strategy that may be conserved across amdoparvoviruses. Finally, in situ hybridization revealed virus in epithelium of the gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract and skin, indicating that viral transmission could occur via oronasal, faecal and/or urinary secretions, as well as from skin and hair. The endemicity of SKAV over large geographic distances and its high genetic diversity suggest a long-term virus-host association. Persistent shedding and high environmental stability likely contribute to efficient viral spread, simultaneously offering opportunities for cross-species transmission with consequent risk to sympatric species, including domestic animals and wildlife.

Distinct spatial arrangements of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 expression in Syrian hamster lung lobes dictates SARS-CoV-2 infection patterns.

SARS-CoV-2 attaches to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) to gain entry into cells after which the spike protein is cleaved by the transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) to facilitate viral-host membrane fusion. ACE2 and TMPRSS2 expression profiles have been analyzed at the genomic, transcriptomic, and single-cell RNAseq levels. However, transcriptomic data and actual protein validation convey conflicting information regarding the distribution of the biologically relevant protein receptor in whole tissues. To describe the organ-level architecture of receptor expression, related to the ability of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 to mediate infectivity, we performed a volumetric analysis of whole Syrian hamster lung lobes. Lung tissue of infected and control animals was stained using antibodies against ACE2 and TMPRSS2, combined with SARS-CoV-2 nucleoprotein staining. This was followed by light-sheet microscopy imaging to visualize their expression and related infection patterns. The data demonstrate that infection is restricted to sites containing both ACE2 and TMPRSS2, the latter is expressed in the primary and secondary bronchi whereas ACE2 is predominantly observed in the bronchioles and alveoli. Conversely, infection completely overlaps where ACE2 and TMPRSS2 co-localize in the tertiary bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli.