Veterinaria Italiana (Journal)
Not a member yet
578 research outputs found
Sort by
S08 Landscape Connectivity and travel corridors routes for predicting the spread of ASF in European wild boar
No full textAfrican Swine Fever (ASF) is an infectious and highly fatal disease affecting wild and domestic swine. It is rapidly spreading worldwide and there is a pressing need for tools that help to identify areas to prioritize monitoring and prevention measures. In Europe, wild boars are the main driver of local spread, transmission, and maintenance of the disease in endemic areas, and also an introduction into ASF-free countries. Landscape connectivity studies are the main discipline to analyze wild species dispersal networks, and it can be an essential tool to predict dispersal wild boars’ movements and the associated potential ASF spread with holistic and successful disease management. In this study, we aimed to integrate structural and functional wild boar connectivity predictions with their population abundance and ASF notifications to calculate the impact of wild boars’ infection across Europe.
First, for the connectivity analyses we defined the available habitat patches, which represent the suitable areas of wild boar habitat. Second, the landscape surrounding the habitat patches was characterized by a resistance surface, measuring the difficulty level of moving through each land cover class of the landscape. Third, we estimated the most favorable routes or corridors of movement for wild boar between habitat patches with the least-cost path algorithm; obtaining the least accumulated resistance between each pair of habitat patches. Fourth, based on the probability of connectivity (PC) index used by the Conefor software (which measures the overall habitat connectivity of a landscape), we identify the most important areas to apply ASF spread control and surveillance measures using two risk indicators: the impact factor (how much the infection of each habitat patch and corridor would potentially affect the whole wild boar network), and the risk factor (the threat of infection of each habitat patch from already affected habitat patches). Furthermore, we tested the accuracy of the risk of infection comparing the results with the temporal distribution of ASF cases from 2019 to July 2022.
Our findings highlighted that the impact and risk factors were generally higher in Europe's central and eastern regions. Additionally, the impact factor was 31 times higher on habitat patches that actually were infected the next year, proving the utility of the proposed approach and the key role of wild boars’ movements in ASF spread. This early warning system tool and network analysis can aid to identify important areas for ASF management and locate the potential routes/corridors of the international spread of the disease to other countries by the natural movements of wild boar. Also, it is a useful tool to implement cost-effective active surveillance and preventive measures in the framework of the European wildlife health surveillance program for ASF disease
R09.1 Development of an operational tool for genomic and phenotypic surveillance of antimicrobial resistance: applications for swine pathogens in the United States
No full textThe increasing emergence of resistant bacteria to the existing antimicrobials and the lack of developing novel antimicrobials have created a global health emergency. Intelligent real-time surveillance is the key prerequisite to informed policy decisions and evidence-based interventions to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and enhance antimicrobial stewardship. Here, we present new capabilities of the Disease BioPortal platform (https://bioportal.ucdavis.edu), which allows users to generate interactive dashboards to facilitate the visualization and analysis of AMR patterns in swine farms in the United States in near real time. Production systems, veterinary clinics, or diagnostic laboratories can easily integrate their AMR phenotypic (e.g., Minimum Inhibitory Concentration -MIC- values) and/or genotypic (e.g., whole genome sequences) confidential data using APIs or manual uploads. Genomic surveillance is a valued addition to phenotypic surveillance of AMR and provides insights into the resistance mechanisms, AMR evolution, and population dynamics at different spatial and temporal scales. The putative genetic determinants of resistance (e.g., AMR genes) are identified using CARD v3.1.0 (including only perfect and strict paradigms) and ResFinder (90% minimum identity and length coverage) databases (Alcock et al., 2020; Florensa et al., 2022). Heatmaps and donut charts are generated to visualize the distribution of AMR genes at various production scales (individual animal, farm, production system, etc.). AMR prevalence is observed dynamically at multiple spatial and temporal scales using space-time-visualizations and phylogeographic methods (i.e., Nextstrain). Further, various spatial and temporal analyses (e.g., time-series analysis, Scan statistics) are incorporated into the Disease BioPortal dashboard to identify important resistance trends. We illustrate the value of this tool for several use cases using de-identify datasets for Streptococcus suis in the United States to identify resistance trends and improve antimicrobial stewardship. Ultimately, this tool better informs us on how we might approach prevention and control of resistance
Trattamento della leishmaniosi cutanea canina mediante Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis nei cani con un'associazione di furazolidone complessata con β-ciclodestrina: case report.
No full textEuthanasia of animals is not accepted as a control for cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis and drugs used in humans for the treatment of leishmaniasis are not allowed for animals in Brazil. Miltefosine was authorized for dogs infected by Leishmania infantum with variable results for L. braziliensis. Thus, nine dogs infected with Leishmania (V.) braziliensis were treated by a combination of furazolidone and β-cyclodextrin. The nine dogs were mongrels, weighing between 4-17 kg and 3-10 years old. These dogs had ulcerous lesions in different regions such as scrotal tissue, auricular pavilion and nostrils. Serological, molecular and protozoal culture techniques were used for laboratory diagnosis. The treatment used furazolidone + β-cyclodextrin complex (1: 2) at a concentration of 60 mg/mL given orally at a dose of 15 mg/kg every 12 hours. The re-epithelialization of lesions occurred between 35 and 41 days of treatment. During fourteen months the animals were monitored and there was no reactivation of lesions or growth of the protozoan in a culture medium of the biopsies. This study demonstrated that treatment with FZD and CD is effective in reducing the cutaneous lesions caused by L. braziliensis in dogs.L'eutanasia del cane non è accettata come controllo della leishmaniosi cutanea da Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis e i farmaci usati nell'uomo non sono ammessi per il trattamento degli animali in Brasile. La miltefosina autorizzata per i cani infetti da Leishmania infantum ha mostrato risultati variabili per L. braziliensis. Pertanto, sei cani infetti da Leishmania (V.) braziliensis sono stati trattati con un'associazione di furazolidone complessata con β-ciclodestrina. I sei cani erano di razza Beagle da 10 a 17 kg di età compresa tra 3 e 8 anni. Questi cani presentavano lesioni ulcerative nel tessuto scrotale, nella pinna e nelle narici. Per la diagnosi di laboratorio sono state utilizzate tecniche sierologiche e molecolari e coltura protozoaria. La terapia consisteva nel furazolidone + complesso β-ciclodestrina (1: 2), concentrazione di 60 mg / mL somministrata per via orale 15 mg / kg / 12 ore per 50 giorni. A questo dosaggio, durante il trattamento non sono stati osservati effetti collaterali. La riepitelizzazione delle lesioni si è verificata tra 35 e 41 giorni di trattamento. Per nove mesi, gli animali sono stati monitorati, senza riattivazione delle lesioni o crescita del protozoo nel terreno di coltura dopo la biopsia delle lesioni. Questa ricerca propone un trattamento della leishmaniosi cutanea nel cane causata da L. braziliensis usando la procedura sopra menzionata
Identification and antimicrobial susceptibility of milk isolates from cows with subclinical mastitis in the northwest of Paraná State, Brazil
Get PDFBovine mastitis is a multifactorial disease, caused mainly by bacteria, whose most traditional method of treatment is the use of antibiotics. However, incorrect administration of these drugs may lead to the emergence of resistant strains. The objective of this study was to identify the most common pathogens causing subclinical mastitis in the northwest State of Paraná, Brazil and establish their antimicrobial susceptibility profiles. A total of 507 foremilk samples were collected in 13 municipalities. Bacteria were identified and their profile of antimicrobial susceptibility were tested. The distribution of positive samples was not homogeneous among the cities. Streptococci were the most frequently genus observed (61%), followed by staphylococci (28%) and other genera (11%). Among streptococci and staphylococci, Streptococcus uberis and Staphylococcus aureus were the most frequently identified species, respectively. Overall, 40% of the isolates showed resistance to at least one of the antibiotics used in this study. A high proportion of cefoperazone resistant Staphylococcus spp. and bacitracin resistant Streptococcus were observed. The isolated microorganisms showed little resistance to enrofloxaxin. The results obtained show the importance of isolating the microorganism causing mastitis and testing its resistance to antibiotics before performing the treatment of the disease
Serological evidence of Newcastle disease virus antibodies in wild birds in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria
Get PDFWild birds have been reported to be reservoirs of viral diseases of poultry, and play an epidemiological role in their maintenance and spread. A serological survey was undertaken to determine the evidence of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) antibodies in wild birds in Zaria Kaduna State, Nigeria. A total of 150 apparently healthy wild birds comprising 30 each laughing dove, speckled pigeons, cattle egrets, village weavers and African silver bills were sampled. Sera collected were analysed for the presence of antibodies against NDV and avian paramyxovirus‑2 (APMV‑2) using the haemagglutination inhibition test. The results showed an overall seroprevalence of 4% (95% CI: 2.05‑10.1) to NDV. African silver bill showed a seroprevalence of 10.0% (95% CI: 2.61‑24.9) NDV antibodies while seroprevalence of 3.3% (95% CI: 0.16‑15.4) was recorded for cattle egrets, village weavers and laughing doves respectively. No statistically significant difference existed for NDV seroprevalence (P>0.05) among the different species of wild birds. All the 150 sera tested negative for APMV‑2 antibodies. The result of this study confirmed the exposure of wild birds to NDV in the study area. Continuous surveillance with isolation and characterization of NDV in the wild birds is therefore recommended for strategic planning for control
Isolation and culture of chicken embryonic synovial fibroblasts
Get PDFCells obtained from chicken embryos are often preferred for in vitro studies. These cells, which easily adapt to rapid and continuous growth in the appropriate cell culture environment, are thought to be one of the effective methods in the investigation of leg diseases that are frequently observed in poultry. Leg diseases, especially affecting the joints in chickens, cause locomotor problems and adversely affect animal welfare. In addition, they cause significant health problems and increase mortality. It is known that synovial fibroblasts play an important role in joint diseases. In this study, chicken embryonic synovial fibroblasts were isolated from tissue explants taken from the tibio-metatarsal joint region of brown layer chicken embryos. Characterization of cells was evaluated by immunocytochemistry and hemacolor staining. chicken embryonic synovial fibroblasts showed a strong positive reaction to the vimentin antibody. As a result of hemacolor staining, it was noted that the cell morphology was spindle-shaped. The absence of macrophages in chicken embryonic synovial fibroblast culture was confirmed by the carbon powder uptake. In this present study, we aim to present a useful cell culture protocol such as primary culture, passage, and characterization suitable for chicken embryonic synovial fibroblast to be used in the new scientific research
P8-02 Knowledge, attitude and practices associated with Brucellosis among livestock owners in Baure Local Government Area (LGA) of Katsina State-Nigeria
No full textA questionnaire was adopted and modified to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding brucellosis among livestock owners in the Baure local government area (LGA) of Katsina State, Nigeria. Of the 80 participants, the majority had heard about animal brucellosis (89%); but few (11%) had heard about human brucellosis. Based on this survey, 59% of the respondents were unaware about the zoonotic potential of brucellosis and have poor knowledge of the hazards associated with milk consumption, as 57% drink soured or fermented milk, 37% drink raw unpasteurized milk, and only 6% drink pasteurized milk. Fever is believed to be a sign of brucellosis by 51% of the respondents and is frequently misdiagnosed as malaria. The questionnaire revealed 95% practice natural mating for herd reproduction; and 58% and 29%, respectively, of the respondents purchase animals based on experience and trust. A majority of the owners had 1, 2, 3, or>3 abortions in their herd within the study period; and 81% have never screened their animals for brucellosis. Eighty-five percent of those surveyed are unaware of the existence of Brucella vaccines, while 15% know about vaccines against brucellosis; however, 94% never vaccinate their animals against brucellosis. There is little understanding about brucellosis screening as 79% of the participants are not familiar with that practice. Categorical data analysis based on the 4-point scale grade 75% of the respondents as having poor knowledge of brucellosis, 13% have an average knowledge, and only 12.5% have good knowledge of brucellosis. There is a lack of positive attitude and practice based on a 2-point scale with 90% has poor practices. The current study revealed that the knowledge and understanding about brucellosis among livestock owners in Baure LGA is very limited
P6-01 Diagnostic characterization of histopathological findings and bacterial isolation in canine brucellosis
No full textCanine brucellosis is a critical problem in dogs leading to reproductive illnesses including abortion and infertility. Brucella canis significantly influences the reproductive organs targeting local lymph nodes (LN) and causing a fluctuating bacteremia. It may also have systemic effects in chronic cases. The aim of this study was to gain insight into the diagnostic characterization of B. canis-infected dogs using histopathological findings and bacterial isolation from different organs to further understand the pathogenic changes in canine brucellosis. We collected different specimens from 24 asymptomatic seropositive dogs, including 10 tissues (superficial inguinal LN, uterus, etc.), blood and urine. We performed an in-depth histopathological analysis and bacterial isolation to detect the pathogenic changes and presence of B. canis in the collected specimens. Of the 24 seropositive dogs, 20 were confirmed as true positives with B. canis cultured from more than one specimen. Within the bacteria-positive dogs, 15 (75%) showed remarkable histopathological findings in six kinds of tissues (submandibular LN, lung, liver, kidney, uterus, testis, epididymis), including granulomatous and suppurative lesions. The histopathological findings correlated with bacterial presence in a majority of the cases (66.7%). Dogs with histopathological lesions in the liver exhibited multifocal granulomas around the hepatic vein. Seven dogs had B. canis isolated from the uterus; one dog showing progressive endometritis with severe necrosis and brownish exudate in gross findings and a severe granulomatous pyoendometritis with inflammatory infiltration of neutrophils, lymphocytes, plasma cells. This study further defined the pathogenic characteristics of canine brucellosis, revealing bacteriological and histopathological findings. Moreover, it suggests that dogs infected with B. canis demonstrate significant systemic pathology as well as reproductive organ effects. Work supported by APQA B-1543081-2021-22-02
P3-06 Is CuxR the missing link between CdG signaling and Brucella virulence?
No full textBis-(3’,5’)-cyclic diguanylic acid, also known as cyclic-di-GMP (CdG) is a secondary messenger that plays important roles in the basic physiology and virulence of many bacteria. CdG functions in three ways, by binding to effector proteins, binding to transcriptional regulators, or binding to riboswitches and modulating their activity. The latter two effect gene transcription while the former modulates protein function. Diguanylate cyclases (DGCs) produce CdG from two GTP molecules, while phosphodiesterases (PDE) degrade it. Their regulation affects the level and activity of CdG with in the cell. Previous work demonstrated a link between CdG signaling and Brucella virulence, but the genetic regulators that mediate this link have not been identified. The recent discovery and characterization of the CdG- responsive UDP-xylose regulator (CuxR) in Sinorhizobium meliloti, a close phylogenetic relative of Brucella, has provided a possible clue in this regard. The DNA-binding activity of CuxR, an AraC-type transcriptional activator, is dependent on the presence of CdG. CuxR controls the expression of genes encoding an arabinose-based exopolysaccharide known as APS in S. meliloti in a CdG-responsive manner. The genes encoding CuxR and the aps operon reside in a single genetic locus inS. meliloti that is conserved in Brucella. Derivatives of virulent strain B. abortus 2308 with null mutations in the cuxR and aps genes are currently being constructed to determine if - a) CuxR mediates CdG signaling in Brucella; b) if CuxR regulates expression of the Brucella aps genes, and c) if the cuxR and/or aps genes are required for the wild-type virulence of B. abortus 2308 in mice and cultured mammalian cells. In addition to providing important insight into the specific role that CdG signaling plays in Brucella virulence, these studies also have the potential to define a link between exopolysaccharide (EPS) production and virulence in these bacteria. This is an exciting possibility because although Brucella strains have been shown to have the genetic capacity to produce EPSs, it is unknown if they play a role in the pathogenesis of brucellae in their mammalian hosts
O8-5 Human brucellosis: First calculated estimate of global annual incidence
No full textBrucellosis presents a major concern worldwide, especially for people living under resource-limited settings. Until this date, a reliable estimate of the global annual incidence has been elusive for human disease. In order to truly comprehend its burden, it is vital for the international community to recognize its distribution and frequency. To address this gap, we employ a novel approach in which available data from the World Organization of Animal Health (WOAH), World Bank, and the United Nations (UN) is used to estimate the annual number of newly infected people worldwide and regionally, utilizing risk metrics and at- risk populations. Estimates are developed based on three different models that utilize Bayesian inference, bootstrap resampling, and weighted average interpolation that take into consideration missing information, underreporting, inadequate diagnostic capacity, and diagnostic misclassification. Alarmingly, a conservative estimate of the annual global incidence is many times higher than the historical speculation. Incorporating diagnostic misclassification into the models expands the estimate to an alarming order of magnitude. As expected, the vast majority of the estimated cases are predominantly occurring within Africa and Asia. Nevertheless, although the magnitude of the burden is significantly lower in areas within the Americas and Europe, some of these regions are still a concern and should be closely monitored for potential disease reemergence. As human brucellosis is evidently neglected in the regions where the risk of disease is most prominent, its reinstatement as a priority Neglected Zoonotic Disease by the World Health Organization (WHO) should become urgent to curb the disease spread