Triple Infection Research Articles

Predominance of High-Risk Human Papillomavirus Genotype 16 and 39 in Women with Premalignant and Malignant Cervical Pathology from Raipur, Chhattisgarh: Clinical Evaluation of Tagging Oligonucleotide Cleavage and Extension Mediated Genotyping Assay

AbstractBackground: Identification of 14 high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) is immensely important in elucidating molecular epidemiology, patient monitoring and evidence-based treatment. There is paucity of such data from Chhattisgarh state of Central India. The present study has evaluated tagging oligonucleotide cleavage and extension-mediated Anyplex HR-HPV genotyping assay in identification of 14 HR-HPV genotypes attributable to premalignant and malignant cervical lesion in comparison to GP5+/6+ assay, cytology and colposcopy. Materials and Methods: A total of 185 clinically suspected cases of premalignant and malignant cervical lesion were investigated by HR-HPV genotyping, GP5+/6+, cytology and colposcopy. Results: Genotyping assay showed clinical sensitivity and specificity of 86.5% (confidence interval [CI]: 80.7–91.0) and 100% (CI: 86.3–100) respectively and found noninferior to GP5+/6+ assay (P > 0.05). HR-HPV prevalence was 76.3%, 88.4%, 94.8%, 100% and 100% among cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) Grade I–III, squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma cases, respectively. The four most common genotypes detected in CIN I–III were HPV 16 (63.9%), HPV 39 (15.0%), HPV 18 (6.0%) and HPV 33 (5.3%). In cervical cancer (CC) cases, HPV 16 (44.4%), HPV 39 (11.1%), dual infection of HPV 16, 18 (11.1%) and triple infection of HPV 16, 18, 33 (11.1%) were the four most identified genotypic aetiologies. A novel coinfection of HR-HPV 35, 39 were found in two and one cases of CIN I and II. Finding of HPV 39 as the second most prevalent genotype was unusual and underscores the importance of genotyping screening. Conclusion: Anyplex HR-HPV assay is arguably the useful assay for better patient management and can be useful for HR-HPV screening by its unique individual genotype identification of all HR-HPV. Finding of HPV 16, 39, 18, 33 and coinfection of 16,18 and 16, 18, 33 in CIN and CC would help vaccine manufacturer to design specific future HPV polyvalent vaccine preparation to curb down the CC-associated mortality.

Current status of intestinal parasitic infections and associated factors among primary school children in Birbir town, Southern Ethiopia

BackgroundIntestinal parasites still pose major public health problems in developing countries like Ethiopia. Local epidemiological data is indispensable in order to design and monitor prevention and control strategies. Therefore the present study aimed to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and associated factors among students at Birbir town, Southern Ethiopia.MethodsA school-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to May 2018. Three hundred fifty-one students, who were selected by stratified followed by systematic random sampling, participated in the study. Socio-demographic information was collected using a structured questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements of height and weight were taken at the time of interview. Stool samples were collected and processed by direct wet mount and formol-ether concentration techniques for microscopic detection of intestinal parasites. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20.ResultsAmong 351 (180 male and 171 female) children participated, 135 (38.5%) and 216 (61.5%) were within the age groups of 5–9 and 10–14 respectively. Ninety five (27.1%; 95%CI: 22.2–31.9) of them were tested positive for intestinal parasites. Helminths and protozoa account 21.1 and 7.1% prevalences respectively. Seventy eight children were infected with a single parasite species while 17 were positive for double or triple infections. A. lumbricoides (31, 8.8%) was the most frequently detected parasite followed by T. trichiura (20, 5.7%) and hookworms (19, 5.4%). Age group of 10–14 years (AOR = 2.51; 95%CI: 1.41–4.45, p = 0.002) and absence of hand washing habit after toilet (AOR = 4.49; 95%CI: 2.00–10.1, p = 0.001) were significantly associated with intestinal parasitic infection.ConclusionsThe prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection among school age children is still unacceptably high. Age group of 10–14 year old and not having habit of hand washing after toilet were significantly associated with intestinal parasitic infection. The ongoing school based deworming should be strengthened and be integrated with school health programs.

Profile of hepatocellular carcinoma in the Republic of Moldova: first-hand information on the presentation, distribution and etiologies.

Moldova is the European country with the highest incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in both sexes. There is, however, no data comprehensively describing the presentation and the risk factors of HCC in the country. We decided to analyze cases of HCC recently received in a tertiary healthcare Institution from Chisinau, the Moldovian capital. A series of 148 primary liver tumors including 139 cases of HCC were retrospectively analyzed for demographic features, serological and biochemical data, and clinical presentation. The mean age of patients was 59 ± 10 years (range: 19-66) with a M:F sex ratio of 1.9. Tumors appeared on full-blown liver cirrhosis in 83% of cases and were composed of multiple nodules at diagnosis in 36% of patients. Serum Alpha-fetoprotein was exceeding 10ng/mL in 76% of cases. Liver tumor and hepatitis were co-discovered in 34% of cases. More than 81% of hepatocellular carcinomas were associated with at least one hepatitis virus. Carriers of anti-hepatitis C virus were predominating (55% of cases) over patients seropositive for hepatitis B virus surface antigen (36%). Half of the latter were also infected with hepatitis Delta virus. In total, dual or triple infections were present in 24% and 7% of cases. The burden of infections with hepatitis viruses is particularly important in Moldova and corresponds to a situation commonly observed in countries of the Southern hemisphere. A pro-active policy of screening for persistent liver infection targeting population at risk of HCC (> 50 years) and coupled with the distribution of antivirals in positive cases should be rapidly implemented in Moldova to reduce incidence or primary liver cancer.

Detection of PCV3 in German wild boars

BackgroundPorcine circovirus 3 is a newly described circovirus circulating worldwide. PCV3 may play an etiologic role in different pig diseases. Two different genotypes of PCV3 were described, PCV3a and PCV3b. In order to analyse whether PCV3 is also present in wild boars, animals living in and near Berlin were studied. The animals had been analysed previously and were found to form two genetically distinct and geographically coherent clusters.MethodsTo detect PCV3 in wild boars, a PCR was performed, to analyse the virus in detail, parts of the sequence of the capsid protein were sequenced. In addition, a screening for PCV1 and PCV2 was performed using PCR.ResultsFor the first time, PCV3 was detected in German wild boars, with 50% of the animals infected in one genetic cluster, and 23% in the second cluster. In both populations which were divided in the years of division of Berlin, PCV3b was detected, in one case also PCV3a was detected. In some animals, co-infections with PCV1 and PCV2 or triple infections were detected.ConclusionThe data show a high prevalence of PCV3 and co-infections with PCV1 and PCV2 in German wild boars. The finding of PCV3 in both clusters suggests that the virus was introduced into the animal populations before Berlin was divided. Furthermore, the methods used will be indispensable for screening for circoviruses in pigs genetically modified for xenotransplantation.

The Acanthamoeba–Fungal Keratitis Study

To ascertain the incidence of Acanthamoeba keratitis and the coexistence of Acanthamoeba and fungi in microbial keratitis. Prospective cross-sectional study. Patients presenting with stromal keratitis were additionally tested for Acanthamoeba irrespective of the clinical diagnosis. Culture positivity was the gold standard. Of the 401 cases included in the study, 40 were positive for Acanthamoeba (10%); of these 40, 16 were positive for both Acanthamoeba and fungi (4.5% of the study group was Acanthamoeba and fungal keratitis positive); 5 were positive for Acanthamoeba and bacteria; and 2 had triple infection with Acanthamoeba, fungi, and bacteria. Ring infiltrates and stromal edema are frequently associated with Acanthamoeba keratitis, as well as in Acanthamoeba coinfections. Ring infiltrates in particular were more frequently seen in the Acanthamoeba and fungal keratitis group (8/16) and they were often yellowish with hyphate edges (vs ring infiltrates only, which are seen in the patients with Acanthamoeba alone). Only 2 patients were contact lens wearers: however, they presented with history of trauma. Acanthamoeba coinfections are much more frequent and are not restricted to contact lens users. Anticipating coinfections is necessary for establishing a diagnosis as well as for appropriate and timely therapeutic interventions.

Analysis of Schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths mixed infections among pupils in Enugu State, Nigeria: Implications for control.

Schistosomiasis and Soil-transmitted helminthiasis cause considerable morbidity and mortality in developing countries, especially among children. To this end it, a cross-sectional survey to determine the pattern of Schistosomiasis and Soil-transmitted helminthiasis co-infection was undertaken among primary school pupils in Oduma Community in Enugu State, Nigeria. Fresh urine and stool samples were collected from pupils. The urine and stool samples were examined using sedimentation and Kat-Katz techniques respectively. Of the 236 pupils examined, 137 (58.1%) were found positive for at least one helminth infection. Ascaris lumbricoides was the most prevalent soil-transmitted helminth (STH), with a prevalence rate of 40.3%, followed by Trichuris trichiura (15.3%) and hookworm (8.9%). Infection with Schistosoma haematobium was detected in 13.6% of the pupils while Schistosoma mansoni infection prevalence was 7.2%. Age group 4 -7 years recorded the highest prevalence for S. haematobium, A. lumbricoides, T. Trichiura and hookworm infections. Multiple infections were also recorded, with 22.9% having double infections and 2.5% having triple infections. The most common double infection was A. lumbricoides with T. trichiura (8.9%), while the most common triple infection was A. lumbricoides, S. haematobium and hookworm (1.7%). The results from the present study revealed an evident need for the systematic and sustained administration of school-based chemotherapy program targeting the control of STH infection and Schistosomiasis using Albendazole and Praziquantel respectively in the community, instead of a one-off approach that was carried out.

Molecular characterization of Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania spp. coinfection in mammals of Venezuelan coendemic areas.

Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania spp. are protozoans that cause American trypanosomiasis and leishmaniasis, respectively. In endemic foci where both diseases coincide, coinfection can occur. The objective of this work was the characterization of the parasites involved in coinfection in several endemic areas of Venezuela. Molecular characterization was done in 30 samples of several species of mammals (Didelphis marsupialis, Equus mulus, Rattus rattus, Canis familiaris, Felis catus, and Sciurus granatensis) from the states of Anzoategui, Cojedes and Capital District diagnosed with T. cruzi and Leishmania spp. coinfections. For the typing of T. cruzi DTUs, the markers of miniexon, 24Sa rDNA, 18Sa rDNA, and hsp60-PCR-RFLP (EcoRV) were used. Infection by Leishmania spp. was characterized by miniexon multiplex PCR for complexes of Leishmania and ITS1-PCR-RFLP (HaeIII, HhaI, and RsaI) for the identification of the species. The T. cruzi TcI was present in 100% of the coinfected mammals, which included 76.7% of triple infection by T. cruzi TcI-complex-L. (L) mexicana-L. infantum/chagasi, 13.3% of double infection by T. cruzi TcI-L. mexicana and 10% of double infection by T. cruzi Tcl-L. infantum/chagasi. These results suggest that the double or triple infection is a phenomenon existing in almost all the coendemics areas and mammals studied, which might influence the mechanisms of adaptation and pathogenicity of these parasites.

Prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (HIV, hepatitis B virus, herpes simplex virus type 2, and syphilis) in pregnant women in Ethiopia: Trends over 10 years (2005–2014)

ObjectivesThis study was performed to determine the trends in seroprevalence of four major sexually transmitted infections (STIs) (HIV, hepatitis B virus (HBV), herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), and syphilis) over a 10-year period (2005–2014) in pregnant women in Ethiopia. MethodsPregnant women (15–49 years old) who were enrolled in the antenatal care-based national HIV surveillance were included. Serological tests for HIV, HBV, HSV-2, and syphilis were done on serum/plasma samples. ResultsA total of 4887 pregnant women were included. Results showed a decline in prevalence of these STIs by 40–60% over the 10 years (2005–2014): HIV (10.5% to 5.5%), syphilis (2.5% to 1.1%), HBV (12.6% to 6.7%), and HSV-2 (47.5% to 28.5%). In 2014, 109/4887 (2.2%) women had triple infections. In 2005, 2007, and 2009, the prevalence of HSV-2 in the older age group (35–45 years) (47.1%, 47.4%, and 50.0%, respectively) was higher than that in the younger age group (15–24 years) (40.9%, 19.5%, and 20.2%, respectively). Age category (Chi-square=22.4, p<0.001), study sites/residence (Chi-square=135.2, p=0.001), and time/years (Chi-square=58.9, p=0.001) were associated with a positive HSV-2 test result. ConclusionsA decline in HIV, HBV, HSV-2, and syphilis of >40% was seen over the years in Ethiopia. However, an intermediate endemicity level of HBV and higher prevalence of HIV and HSV-2 by 2014, suggest the need to strengthen prevention strategy for STIs.

Prevalence of trypanosomes, salivary gland hypertrophy virus and Wolbachia in wild populations of tsetse flies from West Africa

BackgroundTsetse flies are vectors of African trypanosomes, protozoan parasites that cause sleeping sickness (or human African trypanosomosis) in humans and nagana (or animal African trypanosomosis) in livestock. In addition to trypanosomes, four symbiotic bacteria Wigglesworthia glossinidia, Sodalis glossinidius, Wolbachia, Spiroplasma and one pathogen, the salivary gland hypertrophy virus (SGHV), have been reported in different tsetse species. We evaluated the prevalence and coinfection dynamics between Wolbachia, trypanosomes, and SGHV in four tsetse species (Glossina palpalis gambiensis, G. tachinoides, G. morsitans submorsitans, and G. medicorum) that were collected between 2008 and 2015 from 46 geographical locations in West Africa, i.e. Burkina Faso, Mali, Ghana, Guinea, and Senegal.ResultsThe results indicated an overall low prevalence of SGHV and Wolbachia and a high prevalence of trypanosomes in the sampled wild tsetse populations. The prevalence of all three infections varied among tsetse species and sample origin. The highest trypanosome prevalence was found in Glossina tachinoides (61.1%) from Ghana and in Glossina palpalis gambiensis (43.7%) from Senegal. The trypanosome prevalence in the four species from Burkina Faso was lower, i.e. 39.6% in Glossina medicorum, 18.08%; in Glossina morsitans submorsitans, 16.8%; in Glossina tachinoides and 10.5% in Glossina palpalis gambiensis. The trypanosome prevalence in Glossina palpalis gambiensis was lowest in Mali (6.9%) and Guinea (2.2%). The prevalence of SGHV and Wolbachia was very low irrespective of location or tsetse species with an average of 1.7% for SGHV and 1.0% for Wolbachia. In some cases, mixed infections with different trypanosome species were detected. The highest prevalence of coinfection was Trypanosoma vivax and other Trypanosoma species (9.5%) followed by coinfection of T. congolense with other trypanosomes (7.5%). The prevalence of coinfection of T. vivax and T. congolense was (1.0%) and no mixed infection of trypanosomes, SGHV and Wolbachia was detected.ConclusionThe results indicated a high rate of trypanosome infection in tsetse wild populations in West African countries but lower infection rate of both Wolbachia and SGHV. Double or triple mixed trypanosome infections were found. In addition, mixed trypanosome and SGHV infections existed however no mixed infections of trypanosome and/or SGHV with Wolbachia were found.

Syndemic Characterization of HCV, HBV, and HIV Co-infections in a Large Population Based Cohort Study

BackgroundLimited data are available on HBV, HCV, and HIV co-infections and triple infection. We characterized co-occurrence of HIV, HBV, and HCV infections at the population level in British Columbia (BC) to identify patterns of predisposing factors unique to co-infection subgroups. MethodsWe analyzed data from the BC Hepatitis Testers Cohort, which includes all individuals tested for HCV or HIV in BC between 1992 and 2013, or included in provincial public health registries of HIV, HCV, HBV, and active tuberculosis. Individuals were classified as negative, mono-, and co-infection groups based on HIV, HBV, and HCV status. We evaluated associations between risk factors (injection drug use, sexual orientation etc.) and co-infection groups using multivariate multinomial logistic regression. FindingsOf a total of 1,376,989 individuals included in the analysis, 1,276,290 were negative and 100,699 were positive for HIV, HBV, and/or HCV. Most cases (91,399, 90.8%) were mono-infected, while 3991 (4.0%) had HBV/HCV, 670 HBV/HIV (0.7%), 3459 HCV/HIV (3.4%), and 1180 HBV/HCV/HIV (1.2%) co-infection. Risk factor and demographic distribution varied across co-infection categories. MSM classification was associated with higher odds of all HIV co-infection groups, particularly HBV/HIV (OR 6.8; 95% CI: 5.6, 8.27), while injection drug use was most strongly associated with triple infection (OR 64.19; 95% CI: 55.11, 74.77) and HIV/HCV (OR 23.23; 95% CI: 21.32, 25.31). InterpretationSyndemics of substance use, sexual practices, mental illness, socioeconomic marginalization, and co-infections differ among population groups, highlighting avenues for optimal composition and context for health services to meet each population's unique needs. FundingBC Centre for Disease Control and Canadian Institutes of Health Research.

A Challenging Case of Triple Hepatitis Virus Infection: An Accurate Diagnostic Test for Hepatitis D Virus Is Urgently Needed

Hepatitis D virus (HDV) has 8 genotypes and has common routes of transmission as HBV, HCV and HIV. HDV is an incomplete RNA virus that can only be acquired as a coinfection or superinfection with HBV. Patients with both HBV and HDV infection usually have severe, progressive liver disease. HDV serological assays are available for screening but false negative rates are high due to the lack of sensitivity for the various genotypes. This case illustrates the critical need for an accurate HDV diagnostic test. The patient is a 49-year-old Chinese male who initially presented in 2013 with HBeAg positive chronic hepatitis B with HBV DNA <1,000 IU/ml, ALT 66U/L, AST 48U/L and normal hepatic synthetic function. His risk factor was nasal cocaine use between 1992 and 1993. He denied history of acute hepatitis and alcohol use. Initial screening was positive for anti-HCV and negative for anti-HDV by ELISA assay. He had documented HCV genotype 6 but HCV RNA was later repeatedly undetectable without antiviral therapy. Liver biopsy in 2014 reported advanced stage 3 bridging fibrosis and mild predominantly mononuclear inflammation without steatosis. EGD in 2015 was normal. Tenofovir was initiated in 2014 with optimal HBV DNA suppression but serum aminotransferases elevated further (ALT 166 U/L, AST 94 U/L). Fibroscan score (10.5 kpa) from 2017 was consistent with stage 3-4 fibrosis. Repeat EGD in 2017 showed 3 cords of grade 1 varices in the lower third of esophagus. Patient remained asymptomatic. He had regular HCC surveillance and abdominal ultrasound was normal in 2018 without focal lesion. HDV coinfection remained a concern, especially with his liver disease progression. His serial stored serum samples from 2013 to 2017 were tested by the new pan-genotypic Quantitative Microarray Antibody Capture Assay (QMAC). The low limit of detection of anti-HDV IgG for QMAC is only 10 pg/ml compared to 1 μg/ml with ELISA. All the samples, including those tested negative previously, were tested anti-HDV positive with high 2.0 intensity units (>1.659 IU is predictive of replicative HDV RNA). HDV RNA levels >5 log10IU/ml were confirmed in the serial samples. This case underscores the importance to pursue hepatitis D diagnosis especially if the patient has low HBV DNA level but progressive liver disease. A standardized HDV diagnostic test is essential for the management of this important disease especially as promising new therapy for hepatitis D is becoming available.

Prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths infections among school-aged children in Kurmi Local Government Area, Taraba State, Nigeria

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and helminthic load of Gastrointestinal Helminths Infections (GHIs) among school-aged children in Kurmi Local Government Area, Taraba State, Nigeria. A total of 600 stool samples from the children in six randomly selected communities were examined by direct smear method under microscope and formol-ether concentration technique. A structured questionnaire was prepared for this research work to assess the association of intestinal helminths infections with socio-noneconomic status of the children’s parents and other variables. The data collected was analyzed using x2 test. Out of 600 stool sampled examined, 252 (42, 0%) were infected with intestinal helminths. Hookworm (10.8%) showed highest occurrence followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (9.3%), Strongyloides stercoralis (6.5%), Schistosoma mansoni (5.6%), Trichuris trichiura (4.3%), Enterobius vermicularis (2.1%). Taenia spp. (1.8 %), and Hymenolepis nana (0.81%). Helmenthic Load revealed that 180(30.1%) of the subjects in all the communities had scanty (+) helminthic load, 51(8.5%) of the children had moderate (++) infections while 20(3.3%) had high (+++) infection. Out of the 42% infected cases, 226(37%) of the pupils were found to be infected with single helminthic infection, 20(3.38%) with double helminthic infection and 4(0.4%) with triple infections and 1(0.1%) quadruple infection. Such a relatively high prevalence rate of helminthic infection in the study area could be used as a base line for the concern bodies to lunch de-worming intervention campaigns.Keywords: Prevalence; helminthic load; gastrointestinal helminths infections; hookworm; Ascaris lumbricoides.

Detection and prevalence of viruses associated with sugarbeet in the Tadla region of Morocco

Fifty-five soil samples were collected from sugarbeet fields with rhizomania occurrence in the region of Tadla. BNYVV was ascertained by RT-PCR in 40 out of 55 fields surveyed and the positive samples were subsequently examined for the presence of the different pathotype of BNYVV. Using the same technique, a survey was simultaneously undertaken to identify the occurrence of other soil-borne viruses, which might frequently associate with BNYVV such as beet soilborne virus (BSBV), beet soilborne mosaic virus (BSBMV) and beet virus Q (BVQ). Results indicated that most samples were infected with A-type BNYVV, but only 9% of the samples were positive for B-type BNYVV. BNYVV (72.7%) was the most frequently detected, followed respectively by BSBV (36.36%) and BVQ (30.9%). However, P-type BNYVV was not detected at all. Our results also indicated the likely absence of BSBMV in the Tadla region. Surprisingly, among the 40 BNYVV-infected samples, 17 were also infected with BVQ and 20 with BSBV. In conclusion, BSBV occurred in triple infections with BNYVV and BVQ. In addition, there was only one sample revealed positive for both viruses BNYVV-B and BVQ and four samples for BSBV infection. Therefore, this study is the first investigation of BSBV and BVQ in fields-grown sugarbeet of Morocco.

Human infection with Plasmodium knowlesi on the Laos-Vietnam border

BackgroundBorder malaria in the Greater Mekong region of Southeast Asia poses a serious threat to the health of the ethnic minority populations of the region. Traditionally thought to be caused primarily by the malaria parasites Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax, recently a zoonotic parasite, Plasmodium knowlesi, has been identified in some countries of the region. The presence of this parasite poses a challenge to malaria control programmes, as it is maintained in a zoonotic reservoir of forest-dwelling macaque monkeys.MethodsA cross-sectional malaria parasite species prevalence survey was conducted along the Laos-Vietnam border in the central part of the two countries. Human blood samples were collected from Savannakhet in Laos and Quang Tri in Vietnam between August and October 2010 and assayed for the presence of human malaria parasite species and P. knowlesi. A PCR targeting the 18S small subunit ribosomal RNA gene and circumsporozoite protein gene was used for Plasmodium species identification.ResultsNine cases of P. knowlesi were detected by PCR in blood samples from the Laos side and three from the Vietnam side. All P. knowlesi infections were found in co-infection with P. vivax, with some triple infections of P. knowlesi, P. vivax and P. falciparum detected in Laos. Phylogenetic analysis of these parasites suggests that P. knowlesi is circulating in the Laos-Vietnam border region.ConclusionThis report shows that P. knowlesi is transmited on both sides of the Vietnam-Laos border. Continued monitoring of the range and prevalence of P. knowlesi on both the sides of Laos-Vietnam border is of importance to the National Malaria Control Programmes of both countries.

Chronic Triple Infection with Hepatitis B, C, and D Viruses in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia)

Chronic Triple Infection with Hepatitis B, C, and D Viruses in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia)

Trichinella spiralis prevalence among wildlife of a boreal region rapidly reduced in the absence of spillover from the domestic cycle

Carnivore and omnivore animals are the main reservoir hosts of nematodes of the genus Trichinella. Out of the twelve taxa identified so far in the world, four, namely Trichinella spiralis, Trichinella nativa, Trichinella britovi and Trichinella pseudospiralis, are circulating in Europe. All these four species were detected in Finnish wild animals and T. spiralis also in domestic pigs and synanthropic rats of Finland up to 2004, when the last T. spiralis infection was documented in a domestic pig. In the periods 1993–1997 and 1999–2005, T. spiralis was detected in 13.6% (6/44) and in 14.5% (46/317) of infected wild animals, respectively. The aims of the present study were to investigate the prevalence of Trichinella spp., especially T. spiralis in wild carnivores of Finland, 7–9 years after the eradication of Trichinella infection from Finnish domestic pigs, and to evaluate the impact of the disappearance of domestic cycle of T. spiralis on the sylvatic Trichinella cycle(s). Trichinella spp. larvae were detected in 34.7% (1081/3112) wild animals and 835 (77.2%) Trichinella spp. isolates were identified at the species level. Trichinella spiralis was detected in 9 animals (1.0% of identified infections) as single, double or triple infections; whereas, T. spiralis had been detected in 13.6% and in 14.5% of infected wild animals in the course of the two previous investigations. The reduction of T. spiralis prevalence from 1993–1997 to 2011–2013 is statistically significant (p < 0.001) both per total tested animals and per host species. The results of this study support the hypothesis of spillover from domestic pigs as a source of T. spiralis in wildlife. The eradication of T. spiralis from the domestic cycle in Finland in 2004 has probably established a virtuous cycle reducing the prevalence of this pathogen among wild carnivores. We can expect that within some years and in absence of T. spiralis reintroduction in the domestic habitat, it might even disappear from the Finnish wildlife.

Canine morbillivirus (canine\xa0distemper virus) with concomitant canine adenovirus, canine parvovirus-2, and Neospora caninum in puppies: a retrospective immunohistochemical study

A retrospective immunohistochemical study was designed to investigate the frequency of concomitant traditional infectious disease pathogens in puppies that died suddenly and review the aspects of associated pathogenesis. Fifteen puppies were evaluated; the pathology reports and histopathologic slides of these animals were reviewed to determine the pattern of histopathologic lesions. The intralesional identification of antigens of canine (distemper) morbillivirus (CDV), canine adenovirus-1 and -2 (CAdV-1 and -2), canine parvovirus-2 (CPV-2), Toxoplasma gondii, and Neospora caninum was evaluated by IHC within the histopathologic patterns observed. All puppies contained CDV nucleic acid by molecular testing. The most frequent histopathologic patterns were intestinal crypt necrosis (n = 8), white matter cerebellar demyelination (n = 7), necrohaemorrhagic hepatitis (n = 7), interstitial pneumonia (n = 7), and gallbladder oedema (n = 5). All puppies contained intralesional antigens of CDV in multiple tissues resulting in singular (n = 3), and concomitant dual (n = 3), triple (n = 5) and quadruple (n = 4) infections by CAdV-1, and -2, CPV-2, and N. caninum; T. gondii was not identified. Concomitant infections by CDV was observed with N. caninum (100%; 1/1), CPV-2 (100%; 8/8), CAdV-1 (100%; 8/8), and CAdV-2 (100%; 8/8). Intralesional antigens of CDV and not CAdV-1 were identified in cases of gallbladder oedema. The “blue eye” phenomenon was histologically characterized by corneal oedema and degenerative lesions to the corneal epithelium, without inflammatory reactions.

Prevalence and Risk Factors for Occult Hepatitis B and HIV Infections Among HCV Infected Intravenous Drug Users, Tehran, Iran

Background: Exposure to hepatitis B virus (HBV) or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is common among hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected Intra venous drug users (IVDUs); however there exist only a few data about frequency and risk factors of HCV, occult HBV infection (OBI) and HIV among IVDUs. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and associated risk factors for OBI and HIV infections among Iranian HCV infected IVDUs. Methods: Serum samples were screened for the presence of hepatitis C virus antibody (HCVAb), hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb), hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), and human immunodeficiency virus antibody/antigen (HIVAb/Ag) using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). For detection of OBI, presence of HBV DNA among HBcAb positive/HBsAg negative subjects was determined using nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: Among all subjects, 94 cases (53.5%) were positive for HCVAb from which 7% and 23.4% were positive for HCV/OBI and HCV/HIV co-infections, respectively. A significant association existed between HCVAb with type of drug, sharing syringes and needles and a history of imprisonment. In the case of HCV/OBI co-infections, the only significant correlation was between sharing a syringe and occult hepatitis B infection. Also no significant association existed between risk factors and HCV/HIV co-infections. Conclusions: the present data documented an alarming prevalence of HCV and HIV as well as co-infections among IVDUs, which emphasizes the requirement for expansion of public health interventions for this at-risk population. Despite previously high prevalence reported for HCV/HBV/HIV triple infections among IVDUs, low prevalence of triple HCV/OBI/HIV infections was obtained. The reason for this difference may be related to the effect of HCV on HBV expression in case of OBI which had been suggested previously

Survey for the identification and geographical distribution of viruses and virus diseases of maize (Zea mays L.) in Ethiopia

A survey to identify the distribution of virus diseases of maize was made in major maize growing regions of Ethiopia. Four surveys were conducted between 2015 and 2017. A total of 284 maize fields have been surveyed, of which 846 leaf samples with virus like disease symptoms were collected from 191 fields. There were no symptoms indicating for virus presence in maize grown in 93 fields which were exempted from sampling, while in contrast up to 100% disease incidence was recorded in maize grown in the Benishangul-Gumuz, Oromia and South Nations, Nationalities and People (SNNP) regions. Symptoms varied in maize ranging from the most common mosaic and streak to severe leaf mottling and necrosis as well as stunting and pre-mature plant death. Double or triple antibody sandwich (DAS or TAS) enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay (ELISA) to test for eight common maize viruses such as Maize chlorotic mottle virus (MCMV), Sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV), Maize streak virus (MSV), Maize dwarf mosaic virus (MDMV), Maize mosaic virus (MMV), Maize stripe virus (MSpV), Wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV) and Johnsongrass mosaic virus (JGMV) confirmed the presence of MCMV, SCMV and MSV in the leaf samples. Single or mixed infections with MCMV and SCMV frequently occurred and triple infections of MCMV, SCMV and MSV were found in 1% of samples from SNNP region. Sequence analysis of the coat protein genes of randomly selected seropositive samples of the three viruses showed little variability within the studied isolates and those retrieved from the GenBank. Our results indicated maize lethal necrosis disease (MLND) caused by MCMV and SCMV co-infection was the most important disease in SNNP and Oromia while maize streak disease was the predominant virus infecting maize in Benishangul-Gumuz.

Detection of Anaplasmataceae agents and co-infection with other tick-borne protozoa in dogs and Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato ticks.

Anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis are of serious health concern worldwide for animals and humans. In the present study, we report the occurrence of Anaplasma platys and Ehrlichia canis in dogs and Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.) ticks from Peninsular Malaysia using a nested polymerase chain reaction assay based on amplification of the 16S rRNA gene. Anaplasma platys was detected from dogs and ticks with prevalence rates of 3.3% (8/240) and 2.9% (4/140), respectively. On the other hand, 12.9% (31/240) of the dogs and 0.7% (1/140) of the ticks were tested positive for E. canis. Additionally, co-infections of A. platys and E. canis with Babesia or Hepatozoon protozoa were also noted in this study. Double infection (E. canis + B. gibsoni) was observed in tick, whereas triple infections (E. canis + A. platys + B. vogeli and E. canis + A. platys + H. canis) were found in dogs. This study represents the first evidence of A. platys DNA in R. sanguineus s.l. in Malaysia.