Seroprevalence of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) infection in cattle population in Iran: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Surveillance and genetic diversity of bovine viral diarrhea virus in dairy herds across Taiwan

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) significantly impacts cattle worldwide, causing respiratory, gastrointestinal, and reproductive disorders that lead to substantial economic losses. Despite its high global prevalence and various genotypes, the infection status of BVDV in Taiwan has not been reported. This study conducted large-scale surveillance in 2014, analyzing 460 bovine serum samples collected from 49 dairy herds across Taiwan. The results revealed a herd-level seroprevalence of 59.2 % (29/49), with significant regional variations: 16.7 % in the northern region and 77.8 % in the southern region. At the animal level, the overall BVDV-positive rate was 32.4 % (148/460), ranging from 3.3 % (northern region) to 41.5 % (central region), with significant regional differences as analyzed by the mixed-effects logistic regression model. Five-year surveillance of a single dairy farm revealed persistent BVDV circulation, with the seroprevalence starting at 89 % in 2019 and remaining between 82 % and 100 % among the cohort of 27 cattle monitored from 2020 to 2023. In contrast, a study of three farms revealed that while the two high-prevalence farms maintained high infection rates, the low-prevalence farm experienced a gradual decline in infections, indicating varied infection dynamics. Moreover, this study identified BVDV-1b as the predominant genotype in Taiwan, along with BVDV-1a and BVDV-2a, which were detected in mosquito samples. These findings emphasize the high prevalence of BVDV in Taiwan, ongoing viral circulation within herds, and the need for continuous surveillance and robust control measures to mitigate the spread of BVDV in Taiwan's cattle industry.

Menopausal state and rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory condition primarily affecting the joints. The higher prevalence of RA among females, combined with the known effects of sex hormones on immune function, has led researchers to investigate the potential relationship between menopausal status and the risk, severity, or progression of RA. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the association between menopause and rheumatoid arthritis.

METHODS

In 2023, we conducted a comprehensive search across multiple databases, including Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed/MEDLINE, Science Direct, Web of Science, EMBASE, Springer, and ProQuest. The search aimed to identify studies exploring the association between menopause and rheumatoid arthritis.

RESULTS

Our analysis revealed that post-menopausal women had a higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis compared to pre-menopausal women, with an estimated odds ratio of 1.35 (95% CI: 1.04-1.67). Additionally, women who experienced early menopause (defined as onset before age 45) showed significantly higher odds of developing RA, with an odds ratio of 2.97 (95% CI: 1.73-4.22).

CONCLUSION

These findings highlight the importance of considering menopausal status when assessing the risk of RA development in women. The results suggest that post-menopausal women, particularly those who experience early menopause, may be at higher risk for developing RA. Further research in this area could provide valuable insights into potential preventive measures and targeted interventions for high-risk individuals.

Neurological consequences after portosystemic shunt attenuation in cats: A meta-analysis study

Neurological symptoms that occur after treatment of portosystemic shunts, in cats, known as post-attenuation neurological signs (PANS) can be quite severe. This study seeks to analyze a better understanding of the neurological outcomes that result from reducing portosystemic shunts in felines and provide insights that could guide future clinical approaches and treatment strategies for congenital portosystemic shunts (CPSS).The research utilized the MOOSE Checklist as a guide. PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science ScienceDirect, Embase, Scopus, ProQuest, and Google Scholar were used. The study investigated diversity using variance, Cochran Q tests with Applied fixed effects, and random effects models. A meta-regression model identified contributors. Eggers test funnel plot and Beggs test for asymmetry addressed publication bias. 12 high-quality studies were discovered from 664 research papers. This research covered years, shunt morphology, and surgery. PANS occurred 38.9 % of the time in cats, while PAS occurred 20.2 %. The overall PANS mortality rate was 17 %, while PAS was 37.2 %. The complete ligation technique was most common in subgroup analysis. PANS occurrence ranged from 26.8 % to 56.5 % in cats with congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunts The cause of PANS in cats is still unknown, and there is only limited evidence to justify the use of preventive antiepileptic medications such as levetiracetam. The treatment primarily aims to control neurologic symptoms, and the long-term outlook varies, with the potential for the reappearance of symptoms.

Serosurvey and associated risk factors for bovine viral diarrhea virus infection in cattle in Egypt

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), is widely spread, poses a considerable risk of infection in the majority of dairy farms, causing respiratory, gastrointestinal, and reproductive problems. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence and the risk variables associated with the seroprevalence of BVDV infection in cattle in four Egyptian governorates. A total of 680 blood samples were collected from cattle and examined for the presence of antibodies against BVDV using indirect ELISA (iELISA). Reproductive and management factors were considered, and epidemiological surveys were conducted. The total seroprevalence of BVDV in cattle was 18.24% (124/680) and it was significantly higher in females 19.66% (116/590), cattle older than 8 years 22.14% (62/280), dairy animals 22.65% (94/514), introduction of new animals to herd 21.39% (89/416), breeding with artificial insemination 28.46% (74/260), animals with history of abortion 28.76% (49/357), or during lactation stage 23% (89/387). The present findings suggest that BVD is prevalent in Egyptian dairy cattle and has an impact on farm productivity and production. Therefore, older, lactating, and aborted animals should also be identified for the disease, pose a risk of infection, and be handled appropriately.

Global knowledge, attitude, and practice towards COVID-19 among pregnant women: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Pregnant women form a specially vulnerable group due to unique changes in pregnancy, leading to a higher risk of getting a severe infection. As severe COVID-19 increases the risk of preeclampsia, preterm delivery, gestational diabetes, and low birth weight in pregnancy, there is a need to enhance pregnant women's knowledge, attitudes, and practices to prevent these complications. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine their levels of knowledge, attitudes, and practice (KAP) regarding COVID-19 at the global level.

METHODS

The systematic literature search was conducted in the English language, including Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed/MEDLINE, Science Direct, Web of Science, EMBASE, Springer, and ProQuest, from the occurrence of the pandemic until September 2022. We used The Newcastle Ottawa scale for cross-sectional studies checklist to evaluate the risk of bias in the studies. Data were extracted by a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and analyzed by STATA software version 14. We also employed Cochran Q statistics to assess the heterogeneity of studies and utilized Inverse variance random-effects models to estimate the pooled level of pregnant women's KAP towards COVID-19 infection prevention.

RESULTS

Based on the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) and inclusion criteria, 53 qualified studies were acquired from several countries. In total, 51 articles (17,319 participants) for knowledge, 15 articles (6,509 participants) for attitudes, and 24 articles (11,032 participants) for practice were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled good knowledge, positive attitude, and appropriate practice in pregnant women were estimated at 59%(95%CI: 52-66%), 57%(95%CI: 42-72%), and 53%(95%CI: 41-65%), respectively. According to subgroup analysis, the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice were 61%(95%CI: 49-72), 52%(95%CI: 30-74), and 50%(95%CI: 39-60), respectively, in Africa, and 58.8%(95%CI: 49.2-68.4), 60%(95%CI: 41-80) and 60% (95%CI: 41-78), respectively, in Asia.

CONCLUSION

The Knowledge, attitude, and practice towards COVID-19 infection prevention in pregnant women were low. It is suggested that health education programs and empowerment of communities, especially pregnant women, about COVID-19 continue with better planning. For future studies, we propose to investigate the KAP of COVID-19 in pregnant women in countries of other continents and geographical regions.

The Global Seroprevalence of Equine Brucellosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Based on Publications From 1990 to 2022

Brucellosis, a bacterial infection caused by Brucella spp., is a widespread zoonosis concerning human and animal health. In equines, brucellosis may occur asymptomatically or with clinical signs such as arthritis, bursitis, and tenosynovitis. This study aims to ascertain the overall seroprevalence of equine brucellosis and its related factors, including geographic region, serological detection method, equine's species, gender, age, and body condition. This is because equine brucellosis is a zoonotic infection with significant epidemiological implications. The systematic literature search was conducted from January 1, 1990, to April 1, 2022, in the following electronic databases: Google Scholar, Scopus, Pub Med, Science Direct, Web of Science, Embase, Springer, and ProQuest. Based on the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) and inclusion criteria, 49 qualified studies were acquired from several countries. Because Egger's test result and the asymmetry in the funnel plot indicated significant publication bias, the meta-analysis model was corrected using the trim-and-fill method. After correction, the pooled seroprevalence of equine brucellosis was 1.92% (95% CI, 0.67-3.79; estimated by the random effect model). Based on meta-regression analysis, the probable heterogeneity factors may be geographic areas (continents and countries). The brucellosis seroprevalence in equines was the lowest in Europe (0%, 95% CI, 0-0.1) and the highest in Asia (10.03%, 95% CI, 8-12.9). The highest overall estimate of seroprevalence of Brucella infection in equines based on a subset of serological tests was made using the serum agglutination test (10.2%, 95% CI, 7.7-13.4). The combined seroprevalence of brucellosis in donkeys (7.3%, 95% CI, 4.9-9.7) was higher than in other equine species. The overall seroprevalence of brucellosis in female equines was significantly higher than in males (OR = 1.437; 95% CI, 1.025-2.014); despite this, the overall seroprevalence had no significant difference based on other risk factors such as age and body condition. Understanding the epidemiology of this zoonotic infection in equines is critical for one-health integration. In addition, this study's results may be appropriate for controlling and managing equine brucellosis.

Seroprevalence of bovine viral diarrhea virus antibodies and risk factors in dairy cattle from the central desert of Iran

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) infects cattle worldwide and causes one of the most important economic diseases of the dairy industry. BVDV infection reduces reproductive efficiency, suppresses the immune system, and causes gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases. A first cross-sectional study was conducted in the central desert of Iran (Yazd and South Khorasan provinces) to estimate the seroprevalence and identify BVDV-related risk factors in dairy cattle. A total of 800 cows were randomly selected of 76 herds, and their serum samples were tested by the indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method for BVDV antibody detection. Data were analyzed using the logistic regression model. The serum prevalence of BVDV at animal and herd levels was 66.83% and 91.6%, respectively. Traditional housing system (OR = 3.22; 95% CI = 1.20-9.09) and cattle introduction to the herd (OR = 2.12; 95% CI = 1.21-3.70) were the important risk factors for BVDV seropositivity (p < 0.05). Increasing of age per year caused adding in 0.33 log (odds) of BVDV seropositivity (p < 0.05). It is necessary to implement control and eradication programs because of the high seroprevalence at the individual level and at the herd in the central desert of Iran.