1
|
Jeljli A, Ben Abid OA, Jlassi A, Hammami I, Gharbi M. Knowledge, attitudes and practices of sheep owners regarding abortion in Northern Tunisia. Vet Med Sci 2024; 10:e1418. [PMID: 38818783 PMCID: PMC11140447 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abortion in ewes causes high economic losses and represents a threat for human health due to abortive zoonotic pathogens. OBJECTIVE The present study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) among sheep owners in the northern Tunisia regarding ewes' abortions. METHODS Between February 2021 and May 2022, a structured questionnaire containing both close and open-ended questions was applied to 120 sheep owners in northern Tunisia. The data collected were analysed by chi-square test using Epi info 6 software. RESULTS The majority (75%) of participants reported a history of abortion in their sheep flocks. Sheep owners thought that the most frequent cause of abortion was physical factors, such as trauma, climate and stress (60% ± 5.5%; 48/80), followed by toxicity (15% ± 4%; 12/80), metabolic and nutritional conditions (12.5% ± 3.7%; 10/80), vaccination (5% ± 2.4%; 4/80) and infectious causes (7.5% ± 2.9%; 6/80) (p < 0.001). The majority of animal owners reported that abortions occurred mainly during autumn (39.6% ± 5%; 38/96), followed by summer (27% ± 4.5%; 26/96), winter (23% ± 4.3%; 22/96) and spring (10.4% ± 3.1%; 10/96) (p < 0.001). Approximately, half (45.8% ± 5%; 55/120) of interviewed farmers would not take any action if an abortion occurred. Half of the interviewed farmers (50.5% ± 5.1%; 48/95) did not apply any preventive measures when manipulating aborted ewes, and most of the sheep owners (77.3% ± 3.8%; 92/119) did not know that aborted ewes could transmit zoonotic pathogens. CONCLUSIONS Our survey concluded that sheep owners in Northern Tunisia had poor knowledge and attitudes as well as applied limited actions concerning several health aspects related to abortion. Education programmes should be established in order to improve Tunisian sheep owners' KAP regarding abortion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Afef Jeljli
- Departement of Sciences and Pathology of Animal ReproductionInstitution of Agricultural Research and Higher EducationNational School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi ThabetUniversity of ManoubaSidi ThabetTunisia
- Laboratory of ParasitologyInstitution of Agricultural Research and Higher EducationNational School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi ThabetUniversity of ManoubaSidi ThabetTunisia
| | - Obaid Allah Ben Abid
- Laboratory of ParasitologyInstitution of Agricultural Research and Higher EducationNational School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi ThabetUniversity of ManoubaSidi ThabetTunisia
| | | | - Ines Hammami
- Laboratory of ParasitologyInstitution of Agricultural Research and Higher EducationNational School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi ThabetUniversity of ManoubaSidi ThabetTunisia
| | - Mohamed Gharbi
- Laboratory of ParasitologyInstitution of Agricultural Research and Higher EducationNational School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi ThabetUniversity of ManoubaSidi ThabetTunisia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hecker YP, González-Ortega S, Cano S, Ortega-Mora LM, Horcajo P. Bovine infectious abortion: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1249410. [PMID: 37841464 PMCID: PMC10570746 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1249410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present systematic review and meta-analysis was to identify the main infectious agents related to bovine abortion worldwide in the period between 2000 and 2022. First, we investigated the global prevalence of infectious agents related to bovine abortion. For this analysis, only 27 articles detected of a wide panel of agents were included. The random effects model revealed that the estimated prevalence of the abortifacient agents in bovine abortion was 45.7%. The heterogeneity among studies was high, but Egger's test showed that there was no publication bias, even though the total number of samples analyzed in these articles was variable. There was no significant effect of the year of the study publication on the estimated prevalence, although an increasing trend was observed over time, possibly due to the implementation of new diagnostic techniques. Then, we analyzed the prevalence of the main transmissible agents in bovine abortion. For this analysis, 76 studies that analyzed 19,070 cases were included. Some infectious agent was detected in 7,319 specimens, and a final diagnosis was reached in 3,977 of these, when both the infectious agent and compatible histopathological changes were detected. We found that Neospora caninum was the most detected agent (22.2%), followed by opportunistic bacteria (21.4%), Chlamydiaceae family (10.9%) and Coxiella burnetii (9.5%). Regarding viral agents, bovine herpes virus type 1 and bovine viral diarrhea displayed similar prevalence rates (approximately 5%). After considering the description of specific histopathological changes, our analyzes showed that N. caninum was a confirmed cause of abortion in 16.7% of the analyzed cases, followed by opportunistic bacteria (12.6%) and Chlamydia spp. (6.8%); however, C. burnetii was only confirmed as a cause of abortion in 1.1% of the cases. For all agents, the heterogeneity among studies was high, and the subgroup analyzes discarded the diagnostic method as the cause of such heterogeneity. This study provides knowledge about the global prevalence of the different infectious agents related to bovine abortion, the most coming of which is N. caninum. In addition, this review reveals the existing deficiencies in the diagnosis of bovine abortion that must be addressed in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanina Paola Hecker
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Institute of Innovation for Agricultural Production and Sustainable Development (IPADS Balcarce), INTA-CONICET, Balcarce, Argentina
| | - Sara González-Ortega
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Santiago Cano
- Computing Services, Research Support Center, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Miguel Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar Horcajo
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Modise BM, Mpoloka SW, Settypalli TBK, Hyera J, Natale A, Ceglie L, Gcebe N, Marobela-Raborokgwe C, Viljoen GJ, Cattoli G, Lamien CE. A novel multiplex qPCR‑HRM assay for the simultaneous detection of four abortive zoonotic agents in cattle, sheep, and goats. Sci Rep 2023; 13:12282. [PMID: 37507444 PMCID: PMC10382562 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39447-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Abortifacient pathogens induce substantial economic losses in the livestock industry worldwide, and many of these pathogens are zoonotic, impacting human health. As Brucella spp., Coxiella burnetii, Leptospira spp., and Listeria monocytogenes cause abortion, rapid differential molecular diagnostic tests are needed to facilitate early and accurate detection of abortion to establish effective control measures. However, the available molecular methods are laborious, time-consuming, or costly. Therefore, we developed and validated a novel multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) method based on high-resolution melting (HRM) curve analysis to simultaneously detect and differentiate four zoonotic abortifacient agents in cattle, goats, and sheep. Our HRM assay generated four well-separated melting peaks allowing the differentiation between the four zoonotic abortifacients. Out of 216 DNA samples tested, Brucella spp. was detected in 45 samples, Coxiella burnetii in 57 samples, Leptospira spp. in 12 samples, and Listeria monocytogenes in 19 samples, co-infection with Brucella spp. and Coxiella burnetii in 41 samples, and 42 samples were negative. This assay demonstrated good analytical sensitivity, specificity, and reproducibility. This is a valuable rapid, cost-saving, and reliable diagnostic tool for detecting individual and co-infections for zoonotic abortifacient agents in ruminants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Boitumelo M Modise
- Botswana National Veterinary Laboratory, Private Bag 0035, Gaborone, Botswana.
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Botswana, Private Bag 00704, Gaborone, Botswana.
| | - Sununguko W Mpoloka
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Botswana, Private Bag 00704, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Tirumala B K Settypalli
- Animal Production and Health Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Division of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications, International Atomic Energy Agency, Wagramer Strasse 5, P.O. Box 100, 1400, Vienna, Austria
| | - Joseph Hyera
- Botswana Vaccine Institute, Private Bag 0031, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Alda Natale
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe), Viale dell'Università, 10, 35020, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Letizia Ceglie
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe), Viale dell'Università, 10, 35020, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Nomakorinte Gcebe
- Agricultural Research Council-Bacteriology and Zoonotic Diseases Diagnostic Laboratory, Onderstepoort Veterinary Research, Pretoria, South Africa
| | | | - Gerrit J Viljoen
- Animal Production and Health Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Division of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications, International Atomic Energy Agency, Wagramer Strasse 5, P.O. Box 100, 1400, Vienna, Austria
| | - Giovanni Cattoli
- Animal Production and Health Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Division of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications, International Atomic Energy Agency, Wagramer Strasse 5, P.O. Box 100, 1400, Vienna, Austria
| | - Charles E Lamien
- Animal Production and Health Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Division of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications, International Atomic Energy Agency, Wagramer Strasse 5, P.O. Box 100, 1400, Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Alzuguren O, Domínguez L, Chacón G, Benito AA, Mencía-Ares O. Infectious abortions in small domestic ruminants in the Iberian Peninsula: Optimization of sampling procedures for molecular diagnostics. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1152289. [PMID: 36968459 PMCID: PMC10033884 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1152289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
IntroductionInfectious abortions have a major impact on small domestic ruminant farms, i.e., sheep and goats, both in terms of profitability and health status. Therefore, rapid and sensitive diagnosis is essential to minimize losses. Currently, molecular techniques, such as qPCR, are routinely used for their diagnosis, which imply the need to manipulate all abortive material, with consequent biosafety risks. Here, we evaluate the frequency of the main abortifacient pathogens in small domestic ruminants in the Iberian Peninsula and also assess an alternative approach for the optimization of sampling for molecular diagnosis.ResultsA total of 392 clinical cases were analyzed from April 2020 to May 2021, evidencing that the main causative agents of abortion detected were Coxiella burnetii (49.0%), Chlamydia abortus (38.3%) and, to a lesser extent, Toxoplasma gondii (10.2%), Salmonella enterica (7.1%) and Campylobacter spp. (6.1%). An uneven distribution of these pathogens was observed between ruminant species, with a higher frequency (p < 0.05) of T. gondii, S. enterica and Campylobacter spp. in sheep than goat abortions, and among geographic areas, highlighting the higher frequency (p < 0.05) of T. gondii and Campylobacter spp. in the north compared to southeastern Spain. The alternative sampling method, consisting on the use of fetal tongues and placental swabs in replacement of the whole fetus and placental tissue, offered a very good agreement with the classical method for all pathogens, except for low concentrations of C. burnetii, which seems to have a doubtful role in abortion when its concentration in the abortifacient material is low.ConclusionsThis study reveals a high frequency of infectious etiology in abortions of small domestic ruminants in the Iberian Peninsula and validates for the first time an alternative sampling method for molecular diagnosis that will help to provide rapid and accurate results while minimizing biosafety risks.
Collapse
|
5
|
Jonker A, Michel AL. Optimization and Application of Real-Time qPCR Assays in Detection and Identification of Chlamydiales in Products of Domestic Ruminant Abortion. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12020290. [PMID: 36839562 PMCID: PMC9965055 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12020290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Domestic ruminant abortions due to infectious agents represent an important cause of economic losses in the agricultural industry. This study aimed to optimise and apply qPCR assays for detection of Chlamydiales in domestic ruminant abortion cases. Primers and probes for detection of the order Chlamydiales, Chlamydia abortus, Chlamydia pecorum, Parachlamydia acanthamoeba and Waddlia chondrophila were taken from the literature to create one singleplex and two duplex assays and the assays were optimised. Placentitis and pneumonia are pathological lesions associated with Chlamydiales infection. In a previous study, twenty-five clinical cases had pathological lesions of placentitis or pneumonia. These cases were investigated further by application of the qPCR assays in this study. Chlamydiales were detected in 16 cases. C. abortus, P. acanthamoeba and W. chondrophila were detected in bovine; and C. pecorum and W. chondrophila in ovine and caprine cases. Chlamydiales were detected in three previously inconclusive cases. Identification was improved from genus to species level (C. pecorum). Four cases remained inconclusive. In conclusion, detection of Chlamydiales and differentiation to species level was improved. This study reports the first detection of P. acanthamoeba and W. chondrophila in abortion cases in South Africa, indicating a potentially significant role in abortions in this country.
Collapse
|
6
|
Jonker A, Thompson PN, Michel AL. Approaches to increase recovery of bacterial and fungal abortion agents in domestic ruminants. Onderstepoort J Vet Res 2023; 90:e1-e10. [PMID: 36744493 PMCID: PMC9900296 DOI: 10.4102/ojvr.v90i1.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Abortions in domestic ruminants cause significant economic losses to farmers. Determining the cause of an abortion is important for control efforts, but it can be challenging. All available diagnostic methods in the bacteriology laboratory should be employed in every case due to the many limiting factors (autolysis, lack of history, range of samples) that complicate the investigation process. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the recovery of diagnostically significant isolates from domestic ruminant abortion cases could be increased through the use of a combination of the existing aerobic culture and Brucella selective method with methods that are commonly recommended in the literature reporting abortion investigations. These methods are examination of wet preparations and impression smears stained by the modified Ziehl-Neelsen method, anaerobic, microaerophilic, Leptospira, Mycoplasma and fungal culture. Samples of placenta and aborted foetuses from 135 routine clinical abortion cases of cattle (n = 88), sheep (n = 25) and goats (n = 22) were analysed by the new combination of methods. In 46 cases, bacteria were identified as aetiological agents and in one case a fungus. Isolation of Brucella species increased to 7.4% over two years compared with the previous 10 years (7.3%), as well as Campylobacter jejuni (n = 2) and Rhizopus species (n = 1). Salmonella species (5.9%) and Trueperella pyogenes (4.4%) were also isolated more often. In conclusion, the approach was effective in removing test selection bias in the bacteriology laboratory. The importance of performing an in-depth study on the products of abortion by means of an extensive, combination of conventional culture methods was emphasised by increased isolation of Brucella abortus and isolation of C. jejuni. The combination of methods that yielded the most clinically relevant isolates was aerobic, microaerophilic, Brucella and fungal cultures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annelize Jonker
- Tuberculosis and Brucellosis Research Programme, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Peter N. Thompson
- Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Anita L. Michel
- Tuberculosis and Brucellosis Research Programme, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ebani VV. Reproductive Disorders in Domestic Ruminants: A One Health Concern. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11101139. [PMID: 36297196 PMCID: PMC9607530 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11101139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Virginia Ebani
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Centre for Climate Change Impact, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Jonker A, Thompson PN, Michel AL. Approaches to increase recovery of bacterial and fungal abortion agents in domestic ruminants. Onderstepoort J Vet Res 2022. [DOI: 10.4102/ojvr.v89i1.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
|
9
|
Thomas KM, Kibona T, Claxton JR, de Glanville WA, Lankester F, Amani N, Buza JJ, Carter RW, Chapman GE, Crump JA, Dagleish MP, Halliday JEB, Hamilton CM, Innes EA, Katzer F, Livingstone M, Longbottom D, Millins C, Mmbaga BT, Mosha V, Nyarobi J, Nyasebwa OM, Russell GC, Sanka PN, Semango G, Wheelhouse N, Willett BJ, Cleaveland S, Allan KJ. Prospective cohort study reveals unexpected aetiologies of livestock abortion in northern Tanzania. Sci Rep 2022; 12:11669. [PMID: 35803982 PMCID: PMC9270399 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-15517-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Livestock abortion is an important cause of productivity losses worldwide and many infectious causes of abortion are zoonotic pathogens that impact on human health. Little is known about the relative importance of infectious causes of livestock abortion in Africa, including in subsistence farming communities that are critically dependent on livestock for food, income, and wellbeing. We conducted a prospective cohort study of livestock abortion, supported by cross-sectional serosurveillance, to determine aetiologies of livestock abortions in livestock in Tanzania. This approach generated several important findings including detection of a Rift Valley fever virus outbreak in cattle; high prevalence of C. burnetii infection in livestock; and the first report of Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii, and pestiviruses associated with livestock abortion in Tanzania. Our approach provides a model for abortion surveillance in resource-limited settings. Our findings add substantially to current knowledge in sub-Saharan Africa, providing important evidence from which to prioritise disease interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kate M Thomas
- Centre for International Health, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Good Samaritan Foundation, Moshi, United Republic of Tanzania.
- Ministry for Primary Industries, New Zealand Food Safety, Wellington, New Zealand.
| | - Tito Kibona
- Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST), Tengeru, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - John R Claxton
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - William A de Glanville
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Felix Lankester
- Paul G. Allen School for Global Animal Health, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
- Global Animal Health Tanzania, Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Nelson Amani
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Good Samaritan Foundation, Moshi, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Joram J Buza
- Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST), Tengeru, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Ryan W Carter
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Gail E Chapman
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - John A Crump
- Centre for International Health, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, United Republic of Tanzania
| | | | - Jo E B Halliday
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Caroline Millins
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Blandina T Mmbaga
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Good Samaritan Foundation, Moshi, United Republic of Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Victor Mosha
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Good Samaritan Foundation, Moshi, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - James Nyarobi
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Obed M Nyasebwa
- Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Zonal Veterinary Centre-Arusha, Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania
| | | | - Paul N Sanka
- Tanzania Veterinary Laboratory Agency, Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - George Semango
- Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST), Tengeru, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Nick Wheelhouse
- School of Applied Sciences, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Brian J Willett
- Medical Research Council, University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK
| | - Sarah Cleaveland
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Kathryn J Allan
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Dorsch MA, Francia ME, Tana LR, González FC, Cabrera A, Calleros L, Sanguinetti M, Barcellos M, Zarantonelli L, Ciuffo C, Maya L, Castells M, Mirazo S, da Silva Silveira C, Rabaza A, Caffarena RD, Doncel Díaz B, Aráoz V, Matto C, Armendano JI, Salada S, Fraga M, Fierro S, Giannitti F. Diagnostic Investigation of 100 Cases of Abortion in Sheep in Uruguay: 2015–2021. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:904786. [PMID: 35664842 PMCID: PMC9161216 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.904786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this work was to identify causes of abortion through laboratory investigations in sheep flocks in Uruguay. One hundred cases of abortion, comprising 58 fetuses, 36 fetuses with their placentas, and 6 placentas were investigated in 2015–2021. Cases were subjected to gross and microscopic pathologic examinations, and microbiological and serological testing for the identification of causes of abortion, including protozoal, bacterial, and viral pathogens. An etiologic diagnosis was determined in 46 (46%) cases, including 33 (33%) cases caused by infectious pathogens, as determined by the detection of a pathogen along with the identification of fetoplacental lesions attributable to the detected pathogen. Twenty-seven cases (27%) were caused by Toxoplasma gondii, 5 (5%) by Campylobacter fetus subspecies fetus, and 1 (1%) by an unidentified species of Campylobacter. Fourteen cases (14%) had inflammatory and/or necrotizing fetoplacental lesions compatible with an infectious etiology. Although the cause for these lesions was not clearly identified, T. gondii was detected in 4 of these cases, opportunistic bacteria (Bacillus licheniformis, Streptococcus sp.) were isolated in 2 cases, and bovine viral diarrhea virus 1 subtype i (BVDV-1i) was detected in another. Campylobacter jejuni was identified in 1 (1%) severely autolyzed, mummified fetus. BVDV-2b was identified incidentally in one fetus with an etiologic diagnosis of toxoplasmosis. Microscopic agglutination test revealed antibodies against ≥1 Leptospira serovars in 15/63 (23.8%) fetuses; however, Leptospira was not identified by a combination of qPCR, culture, fluorescent antibody testing nor immunohistochemistry. Neospora caninum, Chlamydia abortus, Chlamydia pecorum, Coxiella burnetii and border disease virus were not detected in any of the analyzed cases. Death was attributed to dystocia in 13 (13%) fetuses delivered by 8 sheep, mostly from one highly prolific flock. Congenital malformations including inferior prognathism, a focal hepatic cyst, and enterohepatic agenesis were identified in one fetus each, the latter being the only one considered incompatible with postnatal life. Toxoplasmosis, campylobacteriosis and dystocia were the main identified causes of fetal losses. Despite the relatively low overall success rate in establishing an etiologic diagnosis, a systematic laboratory workup in cases of abortion is of value to identify their causes and enables zoonotic pathogens surveillance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matías A. Dorsch
- Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Estación Experimental La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay
| | - María E. Francia
- Laboratorio de Biología de Apicomplejos, Instituto Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
- Departamento de Parasitología y Micología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Leandro R. Tana
- Laboratorio de Biología de Apicomplejos, Instituto Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Fabiana C. González
- Laboratorio de Biología de Apicomplejos, Instituto Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Andrés Cabrera
- Laboratorio de Interacciones Hospedero-Patógeno, Instituto Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
- Unidad de Microbiología, Departamento de Patobiología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Lucía Calleros
- Sección de Genética Evolutiva, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Margarita Sanguinetti
- Sección de Genética Evolutiva, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Maila Barcellos
- Sección de Genética Evolutiva, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Leticia Zarantonelli
- Unidad Mixta Instituto Pasteur de Montevideo e Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (UMPI), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Camila Ciuffo
- Unidad Mixta Instituto Pasteur de Montevideo e Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (UMPI), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Leticia Maya
- Laboratorio de Virología Molecular, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Centro Universitario Regional (CENUR) Litoral Norte, Universidad de la República, Salto, Uruguay
| | - Matías Castells
- Laboratorio de Virología Molecular, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Centro Universitario Regional (CENUR) Litoral Norte, Universidad de la República, Salto, Uruguay
| | - Santiago Mirazo
- Laboratorio de Virología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
- Departamento de Bacteriología y Virología, Instituto de Higiene, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Caroline da Silva Silveira
- Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Estación Experimental La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay
| | - Ana Rabaza
- Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Estación Experimental La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay
| | - Rubén D. Caffarena
- Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Estación Experimental La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay
- Unidad Académica Salud de los Rumiantes, Departamento de Producción Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Benjamín Doncel Díaz
- Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Estación Experimental La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay
- Laboratorio de Patología Veterinaria, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y de Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede Bogotá, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Virginia Aráoz
- Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Estación Experimental La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay
| | - Carolina Matto
- Laboratorio Regional Noroeste, División de Laboratorios Veterinarios (DILAVE) Miguel C. Rubino, Ministerio de Ganadería, Agricultura y Pesca (MGAP), Paysandú, Uruguay
| | - Joaquín I. Armendano
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (UNCPBA), Tandil, Argentina
| | - Sofía Salada
- Secretariado Uruguayo de la Lana (SUL), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Martín Fraga
- Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Estación Experimental La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay
| | - Sergio Fierro
- Secretariado Uruguayo de la Lana (SUL), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Federico Giannitti
- Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Estación Experimental La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay
- *Correspondence: Federico Giannitti
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Molecular detection of Coxiella burnetii in aborted bovine fetuses in Brazil. Acta Trop 2022; 227:106258. [PMID: 34826384 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
In the past decade, cases of Q fever have been reported in Brazil. Although the previous report of Coxiella burnetii in humans and animals, the knowledge about the occurrence of this pathogen in livestock in Brazil is scarce. This study aimed to search C. burnetii and possible coinfections in tissues of aborted bovine fetuses from Brazil. Tissue samples from seventy-six aborted bovine fetuses sent to the laboratory of molecular diagnosis of infectious diseases from 2013 to 2019 were evaluated by real-time PCR for C. burnetii. Overall, 9.2% (7/76) of the samples were positive for C. burnetii. Moreover, the molecular diagnostic history of our lab revealed the coinfection with Neospora spp. in three fetuses and the presence of histopathological features suggestive with fetal neosporosis in another one. The previous report of C. burnetii in humans and animals in the country, with the detection of C. burnetii from tissues of aborted bovine fetuses reported here, reinforces the neglected state of the disease in Brazil and raises the question of the role of the pathogen in reproductive disorders in national livestock.
Collapse
|
12
|
Amagliani G, La Guardia ME, Dominici S, Brandi G, Omiccioli E. Salmonella Abortusovis: An Epidemiologically Relevant Pathogen. Curr Microbiol 2021; 79:3. [PMID: 34878615 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-021-02689-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The ovine pathogen Salmonella enterica serovar Abortusovis (SAO), a pathogen strictly adapted to ovine hosts, is endemic in several European and Asian countries, where it causes significant economic losses due to the high rates of abortion in infected flocks. In some countries (i.e. Switzerland and Croatia), re-emergence of infection by SAO occurred after decades during which the disease has not been reported. The introduction of (SAO) epidemic strains in new areas is difficult to control due to the asymptomatic behaviors in infected adult lambs, rams, and nonpregnant ewes. Culture-based diagnosis may provide false-negative results. Moreover, the retrospective identification of Salmonella infection in ewes is challenging as excretion of the causative agent is transient and the serum antibodies fall to low titres soon after the abortion. Therefore, regular monitoring of pathogen exposure, mainly through seroconversion assessment, is advisable to prevent disease introduction and spread in SAO-free areas, especially in case of animal export, and to reduce abortion risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Amagliani
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Urbino Carlo Bo, via S. Chiara, 27, 61029, Urbino, PU, Italy.
| | | | | | - Giorgio Brandi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Urbino Carlo Bo, via S. Chiara, 27, 61029, Urbino, PU, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Dorsch MA, Cantón GJ, Driemeier D, Anderson ML, Moeller RB, Giannitti F. Bacterial, protozoal and viral abortions in sheep and goats in South America: A review. Small Rumin Res 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2021.106547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
14
|
Golender N, Bumbarov V, Kovtunenko A, David D, Guini-Rubinstein M, Sol A, Beer M, Eldar A, Wernike K. Identification and Genetic Characterization of Viral Pathogens in Ruminant Gestation Abnormalities, Israel, 2015-2019. Viruses 2021; 13:v13112136. [PMID: 34834943 PMCID: PMC8619439 DOI: 10.3390/v13112136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Infectious agents including viruses are important abortifacients and can cause fetal abnormalities in livestock animals. Here, samples that had been collected in Israel from aborted or malformed ruminant fetuses between 2015 and 2019 were investigated for the presence of the following viruses: the reoviruses bluetongue virus (BTV) and epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV), the flaviviruses bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) and border disease virus (BDV), the peribunyaviruses Shuni virus (SHUV) and Akabane virus (AKAV), bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BoHV-1) and bovine ephemeral fever virus (BEFV). Domestic (cattle, sheep, goat) and wild/zoo ruminants were included in the study. The presence of viral nucleic acid or antigen could be confirmed in 21.8 % of abnormal pregnancies (213 out of 976 investigated cases), with peribunyaviruses, reoviruses and pestiviruses being the most prevalent. At least four different BTV serotypes were involved in abnormal courses of pregnancy in Israel. The subtyping of pestiviruses revealed the presence of two BDV and several distinct BVDV type 1 strains. The peribunyaviruses AKAV and SHUV were identified annually throughout the study period, however, variation in the extent of virus circulation could be observed between the years. In 2018, AKAV even represented the most detected pathogen in cases of small domestic ruminant gestation abnormalities. In conclusion, it was shown that various viruses are involved in abnormal courses of pregnancy in ruminants in Israel.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Golender
- Department of Virology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel; (V.B.); (A.K.); (D.D.); (M.G.-R.); (A.S.); (A.E.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +972-3968-8949; Fax: +972-3968-1788
| | - Velizar Bumbarov
- Department of Virology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel; (V.B.); (A.K.); (D.D.); (M.G.-R.); (A.S.); (A.E.)
| | - Anita Kovtunenko
- Department of Virology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel; (V.B.); (A.K.); (D.D.); (M.G.-R.); (A.S.); (A.E.)
| | - Dan David
- Department of Virology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel; (V.B.); (A.K.); (D.D.); (M.G.-R.); (A.S.); (A.E.)
| | - Marisol Guini-Rubinstein
- Department of Virology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel; (V.B.); (A.K.); (D.D.); (M.G.-R.); (A.S.); (A.E.)
| | - Asaf Sol
- Department of Virology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel; (V.B.); (A.K.); (D.D.); (M.G.-R.); (A.S.); (A.E.)
| | - Martin Beer
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (M.B.); (K.W.)
| | - Avi Eldar
- Department of Virology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel; (V.B.); (A.K.); (D.D.); (M.G.-R.); (A.S.); (A.E.)
| | - Kerstin Wernike
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (M.B.); (K.W.)
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
An Accessible Diagnostic Toolbox to Detect Bacterial Causes of Ovine and Caprine Abortion. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10091147. [PMID: 34578179 PMCID: PMC8468688 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10091147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Results of laboratory investigations of ovine and caprine cases of abortion in the lambing season 2015–2016 were analyzed, using pathology records of submissions to Royal GD (Deventer, the Netherlands) from January until and including April 2016, in comparison with the results of two accessible alternative techniques for sampling aborted lambs and kids, swabbing the fetal oropharynx and puncture of the fetal lung. Chlamydia abortus was the main cause of abortion in sheep as well as in goats. Other causes of abortion were Campylobacter spp., Listeria spp., Escherichia coli, and Yersinia enterocolitica. Ovine pathological submissions resulted more often in detecting an infectious agent compared to caprine submissions. For the three main bacterial causes of abortion, Campylobacter spp., Listeria spp., and Chlamydia spp., compared to results of the pathological examination, oropharynx mucus, and fetal lung puncture samples showed an observed agreement of 0.87 and 0.89, an expected agreement of 0.579 and 0.584, and a kappa value of 0.691 and 0.737 (95% CI: 0.561–0.82 and 0.614–0.859), respectively. The agreement between the results of the pathological examination and both fetal lung puncture and oropharynx mucus samples was classified as good. In conclusion, although a full step-wise post-mortem examination remains the most proper way of investigating small ruminant abortions, the easily accessible, low-threshold tools for practitioners and farmers as described in this paper not only provide reliable results compared to results of the post-mortem examination but also stimulates farmers and veterinarians to submit fetuses and placentas if necessary. Suggestions for further improvement of both alternatives have been summarized. Both alternatives could also be tailor-made for specific regions with their specific causes of abortion.
Collapse
|
16
|
Alemayehu G, Mamo G, Desta H, Alemu B, Wieland B. Knowledge, attitude, and practices to zoonotic disease risks from livestock birth products among smallholder communities in Ethiopia. One Health 2021; 12:100223. [PMID: 33614884 PMCID: PMC7879039 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2021.100223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Many causes of abortion in livestock are due to zoonotic pathogens that pose serious infection risks for humans. Carefully designed, empirical One Health research allows to untangle the complexity around these risks and guides the development of practical health education guidelines and best prevention practices for veterinary public health interventions. To support this, the study presented here aimed at understanding knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) on zoonotic risks from livestock birth products among rural communities in Ethiopia. From July 2018 to February 2019, a cross-sectional study design was conducted with 327 randomly selected farmers and pastoralists in five districts in three regions in Ethiopia. The structured questionnaire consisted of 48 items to evaluate knowledge (24), attitude (9), and prevention practices (15) related to zoonotic diseases risks from livestock birth products. A unidimensional two-parameter logistic (2-PL) Item Response Theory (IRT) model was used for zoonotic disease risk KAP scale construction and evaluation. The 2-PL IRT model was fitted to determine the probability of a person to appropriately respond to an item with a provided zoonotic disease KAP level. We then examined differential item functioning (DIF) concerning to five important covariates. The attitude subscale had the highest total mean score (37.3, ± 28.92%) and the knowledge subscale had the lowest mean score (22.4, ± 33.6%) among the three subscales. The mixed model regression analysis indicated that region was the only apparent factor explaining differences in zoonotic diseases knowledge, attitude, and practice total mean scores. The knowledge and attitude subscales had good internal consistency with a Cronbach's α at 0.83 and 0.81, respectively, whereas the practice subscale had lower internal consistency with 0.51. There was a positive association between responding to knowledge questions correctly and a positive attitude (r2 = 0.44, p < 0.0001) and self-reported good practice (r2 = 0.307, p < 0.0001). The differential item functioning test showed that 19 of 37 (51.35%) and 12 of 37 (32.43%) items of the retained KAPs survey items had non-uniform and uniform DIF linked to at least one covariate respectively and all the covariates were related with DIF in at least one item. This study found substantial knowledge gaps, a low level of the desired attitude, and high-risk behavioural practices regarding zoonotic disease from livestock birth products. Consequently, livestock keepers are likely exposed to pathogens and thus these practices are an important contributing factor for zoonotic disease infection in people.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gezahegn Alemayehu
- International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Veterinary Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, Bishoftu, Ethiopia
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Samara University, Samara, Ethiopia
| | - Gezahegne Mamo
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Veterinary Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, Bishoftu, Ethiopia
| | - Hiwot Desta
- International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Biruk Alemu
- International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Barbara Wieland
- International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Van Loo H, Pascottini OB, Ribbens S, Hooyberghs J, Pardon B, Opsomer G. Retrospective study of factors associated with bovine infectious abortion and perinatal mortality. Prev Vet Med 2021; 191:105366. [PMID: 33930623 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2021.105366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Abortion and perinatal mortality, leading causes of economic loss in cattle industry, are the consequence of both non-infectious and a wide range of infectious causes. However, the relative contribution of pathogens to bovine abortion and perinatal mortality is poorly documented, since available studies involved only a limited number of pathogens. Therefore, the objectives of the present monitoring study were to determine the prevalence of infectious agents associated with bovine abortion and perinatal mortality, and to identify differences in production type, gestation length, parity and seasonality by using mixed effect models (logistic regression). A pre-established sampling protocol based on the collection of the aborted fetus/calf and a corresponding maternal blood sample, involving diagnostic testing for 10 pathogens, was performed. At least one potential causal agent of the abortion or perinatal mortality was detected in 39 % of cases. In these diagnosed cases, Neospora caninum was the most detected pathogen, followed by Trueperella pyogenes, BVDv, Escherichia coli, and Aspergillus fumigatus. Neospora caninum [odds ratio (OR): 0.4; 95 % confidence interval (CI): 0.3-0.7] and Aspergillus fumigatus (OR: 0.1; 95 % CI: 0.1-0.3) were detected less in late versus early gestation. Aspergillus fumigatus was less common in dairy in comparison to beef abortion cases (OR: 0.2; 95 % CI: 0.1-0.6). Winter was associated with a lower positivity for Neospora caninum and BVDv in comparison to warmer seasons. Despite extensive diagnostic testing, an etiological diagnosis was not reached in 61 % of cases, highlighting the need for even more extensive (non-)infectious disease testing or more accurate tests.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H Van Loo
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics, and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - O Bogado Pascottini
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics, and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium; Department of Veterinary Sciences, Gamete Research Center, Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - S Ribbens
- Animal Health Services Flanders (DGZ Vlaanderen), Industrielaan 29, 8820, Torhout, Belgium
| | - J Hooyberghs
- Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain, Kruidtuinlaan 55, 1000, Brussels, Belgium
| | - B Pardon
- Department of Large Animal Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - G Opsomer
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics, and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Wolf-Jäckel GA, Strube ML, Schou KK, Schnee C, Agerholm JS, Jensen TK. Bovine Abortions Revisited-Enhancing Abortion Diagnostics by 16S rDNA Amplicon Sequencing and Fluorescence in situ Hybridization. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:623666. [PMID: 33708810 PMCID: PMC7940352 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.623666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abortion in cattle causes significant economic losses for cattle farmers worldwide. The diversity of abortifacients makes abortion diagnostics a complex and challenging discipline that additionally is restrained by time and economy. Microbial culture has traditionally been an important method for the identification of bacterial and mycotic abortifacients. However, it comes with the inherent bias of favoring the easy-to-culture species, e.g., those that do not require cell culture, pre-enrichment, a variety of selective growth media, or different oxygen levels for in vitro growth. Molecular methods such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and next-generation sequencing have been established as alternatives to traditional microbial culturing methods in several diagnostic fields including abortion diagnostics. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), a bridging microscopy technique that combines molecular accuracy with culture independence, and spatial resolution of the pathogen-lesion relation, is also gaining influence in several diagnostic fields. In this study, real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR), 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing, and FISH were applied separately and in combination in order to (i) identify potentially abortifacient bacteria without the bias of culturability, (ii) increase the diagnostic rate using combined molecular methods, (iii) investigate the presence of the difficult-to-culture zoonotic agents Coxiella burnetii, Chlamydia spp., and Leptospira spp. in bovine abortions in Denmark. Tissues from 162 aborted or stillborn bovine fetuses and placentas submitted for routine diagnostics were screened for pathogenic bacteria using 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing. Lesion association of fungal elements, as well as of selection of bacterial abortifacients, was assessed using specific FISH assays. The presence of Chlamydia spp. and chlamydia-like organisms was assessed using qPCR. The study focused on bacterial and fungal abortifacients, because Danish cattle is free from most viral abortifacients. The 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing-guided FISH approach was suitable for enhancing abortion diagnostics, i.e., the diagnostic rate for cases with tissue lesions (n = 115) was increased from 46 to 53% when compared to routine diagnostic methods. Identification of Bacillus licheniformis, Escherichia coli, and Trueperella pyogenes accounted for the majority of additional cases with an established etiology. No evidence for emerging or epizootic bacterial pathogens was found. The difficult-to-culture abortifacients were either not detected or not identified as abortifacients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mikael Lenz Strube
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | - Christiane Schnee
- Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Jena, Germany
| | - Jørgen S Agerholm
- Section for Veterinary Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Taastrup, Denmark
| | - Tim Kåre Jensen
- National Veterinary Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Alemayehu G, Mamo G, Alemu B, Desta H, Tadesse B, Benti T, Bahiru A, Yimana M, Wieland B. Causes and Flock Level Risk Factors of Sheep and Goat Abortion in Three Agroecology Zones in Ethiopia. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:615310. [PMID: 33585619 PMCID: PMC7878554 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.615310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A cross-sectional survey was conducted to estimate the incidence of small ruminant abortion and identify its major causes and potential risk factors in goat and sheep flocks in three agroecology and production systems of Ethiopia. Information on pregnancy outcomes and management risk factors were collected for 299 goat and 242 sheep flocks. Blood samples were collected from 133 sheep and 90 goat flocks and tested for Coxiella burnetii, Brucella spp., Chlamydia abortus, and Toxoplasma gondii. A causal diagram outlined relationships between potential predictor variables and abortion in the flock. The effect of management and exposure to infectious causes on the number of abortions in the flock across agroecology was tested using zero-inflated negative binomial regression. Results showed that 142 (58.68%) goats and 53 (17.73%) sheep flocks reported abortions in the 12 months before the survey. The mean annual flock abortion percentages were 16.1% (±26.23) for does and 12.6% (±23.5) for ewes. Farmers perceived infectious diseases, extreme weather conditions, feed shortage, physical traumas, and plant poisoning as the most important causes of abortion. A higher proportion of abortion was recorded during the short rainy season (March to May) and start of the short dry and cold season (June to August) in the lowland mixed crop-livestock and pastoral agroecology and production system, respectively. Overall, 65.41% sheep and 92.22% goat flocks tested positive for one or more abortion causing agents, namely, C. burnetti, C. abortus, Brucella spp., and T. gondii; mixed infection was found in 31.58% sheep and 63.33% goat flocks. Spending the night in a traditional house and providing supplementary feed for pregnant dams were important management factors which significantly (p ≤ 0.05) decreased the risk of abortion by 2.63 and 4.55 times, respectively. However, the presence of other livestock species and dogs in the household and exposure of the flock to Brucella spp. or anyone of the four tested infectious agents significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased the risk of abortion in sheep and goat flocks. In general, abortion is a challenge for small ruminant production in the study area especially in lowland agroecology and calls for improvement in husbandry practices, health care and biosecurity practices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gezahegn Alemayehu
- Animal and Human Health, International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Veterinary Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, Bishoftu, Ethiopia
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Samara University, Samara, Ethiopia
| | - Gezahegne Mamo
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Veterinary Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, Bishoftu, Ethiopia
| | - Biruk Alemu
- Animal and Human Health, International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Hiwot Desta
- Animal and Human Health, International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Biniam Tadesse
- National Animal Health Diagnostic and Investigation Center (NAHDIC), Sebeta, Ethiopia
| | - Teferi Benti
- National Animal Health Diagnostic and Investigation Center (NAHDIC), Sebeta, Ethiopia
| | - Adane Bahiru
- Sekota Dryland Agricultural Research Center, Sekota, Ethiopia
| | - Muhabaw Yimana
- Sekota District Livestock and Fish Development Office, Sekota, Ethiopia
| | - Barbara Wieland
- Animal and Human Health, International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Maganga GD, Boundenga L, Ologui-Minkue-Edzo EJ, Kombila LB, Mebaley TGN, Kumulungui B, Mavoungou JF. Frequency and diversity of trypanosomes in sheep and goats from Mongo County in South Gabon, Central Africa. Vet World 2020; 13:2502-2507. [PMID: 33363347 PMCID: PMC7750216 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2020.2502-2507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim Trypanosomosis is a major impediment to livestock farming in sub-Saharan Africa. It is a vector-borne disease caused by several species of protozoan parasites, namely, trypanosomes. The present study aimed to identify the diversity of trypanosome species infecting sheep and goats from Mongo County and to determine the frequency of these parasites. Materials and Methods This study was conducted on 286 trypanotolerant goats and sheep from Mongo regions located in South Gabon, using polymerase chain reaction. Results Analyses showed that the overall occurrence of trypanosomosis in small ruminants was 13.6% (39/286). Our results also showed that two factors, species and season, could affect the occurrence rate of Trypanosoma. A total of six Trypanosoma species were identified, two in sheep (Trypanosoma simiae and Trypanosoma theileri) and five in goats (Trypanosoma vivax, T. simiae, T. simiae Tsavo, Trypanosoma congolense, and Trypanosoma brucei), though Trypanosoma simiae was the most important species. Mixed infections were also found in goats (54.5%) and sheep (3.57%). Conclusion Our study demonstrated that small ruminants could represent a reservoir of biodiversity for Trypanosoma parasites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gael Darren Maganga
- Centre International de Recherches Médicales de Franceville, BP 769, Franceville, Gabon.,Département de Zootechnologie, Institut National Supérieur d'Agronomie et de Biotechnologies, BP 901, Franceville, Gabon
| | - Larson Boundenga
- Centre International de Recherches Médicales de Franceville, BP 769, Franceville, Gabon
| | | | - Linda Bohou Kombila
- Centre International de Recherches Médicales de Franceville, BP 769, Franceville, Gabon
| | | | - Brice Kumulungui
- Centre International de Recherches Médicales de Franceville, BP 769, Franceville, Gabon.,Département de Zootechnologie, Institut National Supérieur d'Agronomie et de Biotechnologies, BP 901, Franceville, Gabon
| | - Jacques François Mavoungou
- Department of Zootechnology, Institut de Recherche Agronomique et Forestière (IRAF-CENAREST), BP: 13354, Libreville, Gabon
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Meixner N, Sommer MF, Scuda N, Matiasek K, Müller M. Comparative aspects of laboratory testing for the detection of Toxoplasma gondii and its differentiation from Neospora caninum as the etiologic agent of ovine abortion. J Vet Diagn Invest 2020; 32:898-907. [PMID: 33025842 DOI: 10.1177/1040638720962110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Histologic examination of aborted material is an essential component in the diagnosis of ovine toxoplasmosis. However, the detection of Toxoplasma gondii in histologic sections, and its differentiation from the closely related protozoan Neospora caninum, is challenging. We developed a chromogenic in situ hybridization (ISH) assay for the identification of T. gondii in paraffin-embedded tissue samples. We examined retrospectively the archived placental tissue of 200 sheep abortion submissions for the presence of T. gondii by immunohistochemistry (IHC), ISH, and real-time PCR (rtPCR). All placental samples that tested positive for T. gondii by rtPCR (9 of 200) were also positive by IHC, with inconclusive IHC staining in an additional 7 rtPCR-negative cases. Further testing for N. caninum of all 200 placentas by rtPCR revealed 7 Neospora-positive cases. T. gondii ISH was positive in 4 of 9 IHC-positive samples and 1 of the 7 N. caninum rtPCR-positive samples. Real-time PCR was used as the reference standard for specificity and sensitivity calculations regarding placenta samples. Specificity of ISH and IHC was 99% and 96-100%, respectively. The sensitivity of ISH (44%) was quite low compared to IHC (100%). The exclusive use of ISH for the detection of T. gondii, and thus for the diagnosis of ovine toxoplasmosis, was not acceptable. However, combined with rtPCR, both ISH and IHC can be useful detection methods to improve histologic evaluation by visualizing the parasite within tissue sections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Meixner
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Marie F Sommer
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Nelly Scuda
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Kaspar Matiasek
- Section of Clinical and Comparative Neuropathology, Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Müller
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Erlangen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Cheuquepán Valenzuela F, Recavarren M, Quintana S, Cantón G, Odeón A, Marin M, Morrell E. Improvement of Leptospira spp. diagnosis in aborted bovine fetuses by qPCR. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2020; 73:101555. [PMID: 33032190 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2020.101555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a disease with major economic impact on livestock industry. The objective of this work was to determine the presence of Leptospira spp. DNA by qPCR in bovine fetuses with presumptive diagnosis of leptospirosis as the cause of abortion. Leptospira spp. DNA was detected by qPCR in 11 out of 34 fetuses. These specimens (10/11) had histopathological findings in hepatic and/or renal tissues compatible with leptospirosis. qPCR detection rate (32.4 %) was higher compared with direct immuno-fluorescence antibody test (DFAT) (11.8 %). The concordance coefficient between both techniques was 0.44. qPCR is a rapid and sensitive technique for the diagnosis of leptospirosis and improved the detection rate in fetal tissues compared with DFAT. Implementation of molecular techniques may increase the accurate detection of leptospirosis as a cause of bovine abortion allowing the application of rapid therapeutic and prophylactics measures in order to reduce the impact of this zoonotic disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Cheuquepán Valenzuela
- Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible (IPADS Balcarce), CONICET - INTA, Ruta 226 Km 73.5, (7620), Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariana Recavarren
- Instituto de Análisis Fares Taie, Rivadavia 3331, (7600), Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Silvina Quintana
- Instituto de Análisis Fares Taie, Rivadavia 3331, (7600), Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Rivadavia 1917, C1033AAJ, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Centro de Investigación en Abejas Sociales, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, UNMDP, Funes, 3350, (7600), Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Germán Cantón
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Balcarce, Ruta 226 Km 73.5, (7620), Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Anselmo Odeón
- Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Ruta 226 Km 73.5, (7620), Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Maia Marin
- Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible (IPADS Balcarce), CONICET - INTA, Ruta 226 Km 73.5, (7620), Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Eleonora Morrell
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Balcarce, Ruta 226 Km 73.5, (7620), Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Mee JF. Investigation of bovine abortion and stillbirth/perinatal mortality - similar diagnostic challenges, different approaches. Ir Vet J 2020; 73:20. [PMID: 32944225 PMCID: PMC7487920 DOI: 10.1186/s13620-020-00172-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
This pracademic paper reviews current bovine foetopathy (abortion and stillbirth) case definitions, reporting and triage, and causes and time-of-death and proposes veterinary practitioner-focused investigative standard operating procedures (SOPs). Issues of under- and over-triage and intra-institutional SOP harmonisation are also discussed. It is proposed that an ‘observable abortion’ (120–260 days of gestation) is a more practitioner-friendly definition of abortion for reporting and benchmarking purposes and that the term ‘peristillbirth’ can replace stillbirth and perinatal mortality. Diagnosis of bovine foetopathy involves an investigative triad of the farmer, veterinary practitioner and the veterinary diagnostic laboratory. However, the poor sensitivity of abortion reporting undermines the value of currently adopted scanning/passive surveillance; parallel active surveillance/sentinel herd models should also be employed. The approach to abortion investigation differs from that of peristillbirth. The former should include collecting a herd and case history, examination and sampling of dam and cohorts and sampling of the foetus and placenta. A sample selection decision tree is provided to assist test selection. In peristillbirths, non-infectious and periparturient causes-of-death are more important hence the anamnesis must focus on peristillbirth risk factors and calving management. The foetopsy, while including the sampling menu appropriate to aborted foetuses, must also include a detailed internal and external examination of the carcass for lesions indicative of periparturient causes-of-death. In addition, for aborted foetuses the time-of-death is not important as the foetus is generally not viable; however, for the peristillbirth the time-of-death is critical as it provides useful information for the farmer to address modifiable risk factors and to alter their perinatal management. Reporting of the ultimate cause-of-death is more useful to prevent future abortions and peristillbirths though the proximate cause-of-death is often reported in the absence of a complete clinical anamnesis. Finally, the common reasons for diagnosis not reached (DNR) and the limitations of current investigative approaches are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John F Mee
- Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Teagasc, Moorepark Research Centre, Fermoy, Co. Cork Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Şevik M. Genomic characterization of pestiviruses isolated from bovine, ovine and caprine foetuses in Turkey: A potentially new genotype of Pestivirus I species. Transbound Emerg Dis 2020; 68:417-426. [PMID: 32564510 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
This study was carried out to investigate the frequency and genetic diversity of pestiviruses in abortion cases in cattle and small ruminants in Turkey. During January 2012 and December 2017, a total of 2029 aborted foetuses (553 bovine foetuses, 1,388 sheep foetuses and 88 goat foetuses) were collected from different regions of Turkey. Real-time RT-PCR (RRT-PCR) assays were used to detect pestiviral RNA in aborted foetuses. To confirm the cause of abortion, pestivirus-positive foetuses were also examined for the presence of Brucella spp., Campylobacter spp., Chlamydophila abortus (C. abortus), akabane virus, bluetongue virus and Schmallenberg virus by molecular detection methods. Pestiviral RNA was detected in 61 (11%) of the 553 bovine foetuses, 124 (8.9%) of the 1,388 sheep foetuses and 3 (3.4%) of the 88 goat foetuses. Furthermore, C. abortus DNA was detected in 3 pestivirus-positive sheep foetuses, whereas other infectious agents were not detected in pestivirus-positive foetuses. Genetic characterization of the pestivirus RRT-PCR positive samples was conducted by sequencing 5' untranslated (5' UTR) and non-structural autoprotease (Npro ) genomic regions. A total of 68 sequences were obtained, and phylogenetic analyses revealed that all sequences belonged to BVDV-1, including 1b (8/68), 1f (2/68), 1l (4/68), 1r (10/68), Aydin-like pestivirus (20/68) and one unknown genotype (24/68). The 5' UTR and Npro sequences of this unknown genotype differed from pestiviruses previously described, providing evidence for the presence of an emerging genotype within the species Pestivirus I, tentatively named as 'Konya-like' pestivirus. 'Konya-like' pestivirus was the dominant genotype in sheep foetuses, whereas Aydin-like pestivirus was found to be the predominant genotype in bovine foetuses. To the best my knowledge, this is the first report of Aydin-like pestivirus infection in cattle. The information provided in this study contributes to the understanding the dissemination and evolution of pestiviruses and could be beneficial for developing more effective vaccines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Murat Şevik
- Department of Virology, Veterinary Faculty, Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Antakya, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Szeredi L, Dán Á, Malik P, Jánosi S, Hornyák Á. Low incidence of Schmallenberg virus infection in natural cases of abortion in domestic ruminants in Hungary. Acta Vet Hung 2020; 68:105-111. [PMID: 32384062 DOI: 10.1556/004.2020.00002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
An epizootic caused by a new orthobunyavirus called Schmallenberg virus (SBV) was recognised in European ruminants in 2011 and 2012. The re-emergence of the infection was reported in several countries in the subsequent years. Although the main clinical sign of SBV infection is abortion, the impact of SBV in natural cases of abortion in domestic ruminants had not been systematically examined before this study. The aim of the study was to investigate the role of SBV infection and to compare it to the importance of other causes of abortion by examining 537 natural cases of abortion that had occurred between 2011 and 2017 in Hungary. The cause of abortion was determined in 165 (31%) cases. An infectious cause was proved in 88 (16%) cases. SBV infection was found only in a total of four cases (0.8%) using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Three of them proved to be inapparent SBV infection, and one case was attributed to SBV-induced abortion by detecting non-purulent encephalitis and SBV nucleoprotein by immunohistochemistry in a brain tissue sample. According to the results, SBV played a minor role in natural cases of domestic ruminant abortion in Hungary during the 7-year period following the first SBV outbreak in 2011.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Levente Szeredi
- 1Veterinary Diagnostic Directorate, National Food Chain Safety Office, Tábornok utca 2, H-1143, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ádám Dán
- 1Veterinary Diagnostic Directorate, National Food Chain Safety Office, Tábornok utca 2, H-1143, Budapest, Hungary
- 2Present adress: SCG Diagnostics Ltd., Délegyháza, Hungary
| | - Péter Malik
- 1Veterinary Diagnostic Directorate, National Food Chain Safety Office, Tábornok utca 2, H-1143, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Szilárd Jánosi
- 1Veterinary Diagnostic Directorate, National Food Chain Safety Office, Tábornok utca 2, H-1143, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ákos Hornyák
- 1Veterinary Diagnostic Directorate, National Food Chain Safety Office, Tábornok utca 2, H-1143, Budapest, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Gebretensay A, Alemayehu G, Rekik M, Alemu B, Haile A, Rischkowsky B, Aklilu F, Wieland B. Risk factors for reproductive disorders and major infectious causes of abortion in sheep in the highlands of Ethiopia. Small Rumin Res 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2019.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
|
27
|
Amouei A, Sharif M, Sarvi S, Bagheri Nejad R, Aghayan SA, Hashemi-Soteh MB, Mizani A, Hosseini SA, Gholami S, Sadeghi A, Sarafrazi M, Daryani A. Aetiology of livestock fetal mortality in Mazandaran province, Iran. PeerJ 2019; 6:e5920. [PMID: 30687586 PMCID: PMC6340351 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.5920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In the farming industry, the productivity of livestock herds depends on the fertility efficiency of animals. The accurate diagnosis of a broad range of aetiological agents causing fetal death is often difficult. Our aim was to assess the prevalence rates of Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, and Brucella spp. infections in ruminant abortion using bacteriological culture and molecular techniques in Mazandaran Province, northern Iran. Samples were collected from 70 aborted sheep, goat, and cattle fetuses between September 2014 and December 2015. Necropsy was performed on all the received samples, and brain tissue and abomasal content were obtained from the aborted fetuses. Protozoan infections were detected by specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and bacterial agents using bacteriological examinations and PCR assay. Infectious pathogens were detected in 22 out of 70 (31.4%) examined fetuses. Moreover, T. gondii, N. caninum, and B. melitensis were verified in 13 (18.6%), four (5.7%), and two (2.85%) samples, respectively. Our results showed that infection with the mentioned pathogenic agents may lead to fetal mortality, which can be a major cause of economic loss. The listed pathogens could be considered important etiological agents of fetal loss in Mazandaran Province, for which appropriate control measures such as vaccination and biosecurity can be implemented to prevent infection and reduce reproductive loss in livestock farms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Afsaneh Amouei
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Mazandaran, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Mazandaran, Iran.,Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Mazandaran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Sharif
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Mazandaran, Iran.,Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Mazandaran, Iran
| | - Shahabeddin Sarvi
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Mazandaran, Iran.,Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Mazandaran, Iran
| | - Ramin Bagheri Nejad
- Brucellosis Department, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Karaj, Alborz, Iran
| | - Sargis A Aghayan
- Laboratory of Zoology, Research Institute of Biology, Yerevan State University, Yerevan, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Mohammad Bagher Hashemi-Soteh
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Mazandaran, Iran
| | - Azadeh Mizani
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Mazandaran, Iran
| | - Seyed Abdollah Hosseini
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Mazandaran, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Mazandaran, Iran.,Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Mazandaran, Iran
| | - Sara Gholami
- Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Mazandaran, Iran
| | - Alireza Sadeghi
- Mazandaran Central Laboratory of Veterinary Organization, Medical Sciences, Sari, Mazandaran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Sarafrazi
- Mazandaran Provincial Veterinary Department, Medical Sciences, Sari, Mazandaran, Iran
| | - Ahmad Daryani
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Mazandaran, Iran.,Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Mazandaran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Morrell EL, Campero CM, Cantón GJ, Odeón AC, Moore DP, Odriozola E, Paolicchi F, Fiorentino MA. Current trends in bovine abortion in Argentina. PESQUISA VETERINARIA BRASILEIRA 2019. [DOI: 10.1590/1678-5150-pvb-5668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT: Bovine abortion is an important cause of significant economic losses in beef and dairy herds. This syndrome is usually difficult to diagnose. The aim of this study was to characterize bovine abortion causes in Argentina by standard diagnosis procedures (histology, bacterial and viral isolation) and other diagnostic tests like direct fluorescent antibody test (DFAT), fetal serology, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and PCR, showing their specific advantages and limitations. Necropsies were performed in 150 aborted bovine fetuses submitted to the diagnostic laboratories of Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA) Balcarce, Argentina. Etiological diagnosis was confirmed in 78 fetuses (52% of the cases). Most causes of abortion were of infectious origin, being Neospora caninum (14.67%), Campylobacter fetus sp. (9.33%), Leptospira spp. (7.33%) and Brucella abortus (6.65%) the main microorganisms identified. Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) and bovine herpes virus (BHV) were diagnosed in 2 (1.33%) and 3 (2%) cases, respectively. This study showed a better characterization of bovine abortion compared with previous researches done on this topic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Dadín P. Moore
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Argentina
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Wosnick N, Adams KR, Freire CA. Ultrasonography as a promising methodology to indicate captured-induced abortion in viviparous elasmobranchs. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2018; 93:1033-1037. [PMID: 29974473 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.13746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to characterize morphological aspects related to abortion through a non-lethal approach in the shortnose guitarfish Zapteryx brevirostris, an endemic and threatened species commonly caught by artisanal fisheries. Two females with signs of abortion and one female exhibiting external signs of pregnancy were purchased alive at a fish market during the period when this species has developing embryos in southern Brazil. Scans were conducted using a portable ultrasound. Females with signs of abortion revealed an absence of embryos despite having a similar morphology of the uterus when compared to the pregnant female. Examination of the pregnant female revealed the presence of two embryos, measuring c. 100 mm, each detected through their midline. This study presents new data on uterine macromorphology following successive abortive events in a viviparous elasmobranch species and validates ultrasonography as a diagnostic tool for the species. Ultrasonography is an effective, non-lethal and less-invasive methodology that is recommended for use in future studies of abortion and other reproductive events in elasmobranchs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natascha Wosnick
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Setor de Ciências Biológicas, Centro Politécnico, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Kye R Adams
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Carolina A Freire
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Setor de Ciências Biológicas, Centro Politécnico, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Vidal S, Brandt BW, Dettwiler M, Abril C, Bressan J, Greub G, Frey CF, Perreten V, Rodriguez-Campos S. Limited added value of fungal ITS amplicon sequencing in the study of bovine abortion. Heliyon 2018; 4:e00915. [PMID: 30426108 PMCID: PMC6222074 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2018.e00915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Revised: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Bovine mycotic abortion is sporadic and caused by different ubiquitous and opportunistic fungi. Recently, a broad spectrum of bacterial opportunists involved in bovine abortion was revealed by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. We hypothesized that fungal organisms potentially involved in bovine abortion also might remain undetected by conventional culture. In this retrospective study, we therefore applied fungal internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) region amplicon sequencing to 74 cases of bovine abortion submitted to our diagnostic service. The investigation was complemented by fungal culture and, retrospectively, by data from bacteriological, virological and parasitological analyses and histopathological examination of placentas. Fungal DNA was found in both the placentas and abomasal contents, with 92 fungal genera identified. In 18 cases, >75% of the reads belonged to one specific fungal genus: Candida (n = 7), Malassezia (n = 4), Cryptococcus (n = 3), unidentified Capnodiales (n = 3), Actinomucor (n = 1), Cystofilobasidium (n = 1), Penicillium (n = 1), Verticillum (n = 1) and Zymoseptoria (n = 1) with one case harboring two different genera. By culture, in contrast, fungal agents were detected in only 6 cases. Inflammatory and/or necrotizing lesions were found in 27/40 histologically assessed placentas. However, no lesion-associated fungal structures were detected in HE- and PAS-stained specimens. Complementary data revealed the presence of one or more non-fungal possible abortifacient: Chlamydiales, Coxiella burnetii, Leptospira spp., Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus, Streptococcus uberis, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus pluranimalium, Bacillus licheniformis, Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus, Serratia marcescens, Trueperella pyogenes, Schmallenbergvirus, Neospora caninum. The mycobiota revealed by sequencing did not differ between cases with or without a possible infectious etiology. Our study suggests that amplicon sequencing of the ITS2 region from DNA isolated from bovine abortion does not provide additional information or new insight into mycotic abortion and without complementary analyses may easily lead to a false interpretation of the role of fungal organisms in bovine abortion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Vidal
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Laenggassstrasse 122, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Bernd W. Brandt
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam and VU University Amsterdam, Gustav Mahlerlaan 3004, 1081 LA Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Martina Dettwiler
- Institute of Animal Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Laenggassstrasse 122, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Carlos Abril
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, University of Bern, Laenggassstrasse 122, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jenny Bressan
- Department of Neurology, Bern University Hospital and University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Gilbert Greub
- Institute of Microbiology, University Hospital Center and University of Lausanne, Bugnon 48, CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Caroline F. Frey
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Laenggassstrasse 122, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Vincent Perreten
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Laenggassstrasse 122, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sabrina Rodriguez-Campos
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Laenggassstrasse 122, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Botta C, Pellegrini G, Hässig M, Pesch T, Prähauser B, Wunderlin S, Guscetti F, Schneeberger M, Schmitt S, Basso W, Hilbe M, Schuler G, Borel N. Bovine Fetal Placenta During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period. Vet Pathol 2018; 56:248-258. [PMID: 30355149 DOI: 10.1177/0300985818806453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Bovine abortion is a worldwide problem, but despite extensive histopathologic and molecular investigations, the cause of abortion remains unclear in about 70% of cases. Cellular debris is a commonly observed histopathologic finding in the fetal placenta and is often interpreted as necrosis. In this study, the nature of this cellular debris was characterized, and histologic changes in the normal fetal placenta during pregnancy and after delivery were assessed. In addition, the presence of the most common abortifacient pathogens in Switzerland ( Chlamydiaceae, Coxiella burnetii, Neospora caninum) was tested by polymerase chain reaction. We collected 51 placentomes and 235 cotyledons from 41 and from 50 cows, respectively. In total, cellular debris was present in 48 of 51 (94%) placentomes and in 225 of 235 (96%) cotyledons, inflammation occurred in 1 of 51 (2%) placentomes and in 46 of 235 (20%) cotyledons, vasculitis was seen in 1 of 51 (2%) placentomes and 46 of 235 (20%) cotyledons, and 18 of 51 (35%) placentomes and 181 of 235 (77%) cotyledons had mineralization. The amount of cellular debris correlated with areas of positive signals for cleaved caspase 3 and lamin A. Therefore, this finding was interpreted as an apoptotic process. In total, 10 of 50 cotyledons (20%) were positive for C. burnetii DNA, most likely representing subclinical infections. The results of our study indicate that histologic features in the fetal placenta such as cellular debris, inflammation, vasculitis, and mineralization must be considered physiological processes during pregnancy and after delivery. Therefore, their presence in placentae of aborted fetuses must be interpreted with caution and might not be necessarily linked to an infectious cause of abortion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Botta
- 1 Institute of Veterinary Pathology, University of Zurich, Vetsuisse Faculty, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Giovanni Pellegrini
- 1 Institute of Veterinary Pathology, University of Zurich, Vetsuisse Faculty, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Hässig
- 2 Department for Farm Animals, University of Zurich, Vetsuisse Faculty, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Theresa Pesch
- 1 Institute of Veterinary Pathology, University of Zurich, Vetsuisse Faculty, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Barbara Prähauser
- 1 Institute of Veterinary Pathology, University of Zurich, Vetsuisse Faculty, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sabina Wunderlin
- 1 Institute of Veterinary Pathology, University of Zurich, Vetsuisse Faculty, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Franco Guscetti
- 1 Institute of Veterinary Pathology, University of Zurich, Vetsuisse Faculty, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marianne Schneeberger
- 3 Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, University of Zurich, Vetsuisse Faculty, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Schmitt
- 3 Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, University of Zurich, Vetsuisse Faculty, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Walter Basso
- 4 Institute of Parasitology, University of Bern, Vetsuisse Faculty, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Monika Hilbe
- 1 Institute of Veterinary Pathology, University of Zurich, Vetsuisse Faculty, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Gerhard Schuler
- 5 Clinic for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Andrology of Large and Small Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Nicole Borel
- 1 Institute of Veterinary Pathology, University of Zurich, Vetsuisse Faculty, Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Reichel MP, Wahl LC, Hill FI. Review of Diagnostic Procedures and Approaches to Infectious Causes of Reproductive Failures of Cattle in Australia and New Zealand. Front Vet Sci 2018; 5:222. [PMID: 30333984 PMCID: PMC6176146 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2018.00222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Infectious causes of reproductive failure in cattle are important in Australia and New Zealand, where strict biosecurity protocols are in place to prevent the introduction and spread of new diseases. Neospora caninum ranks highly as an important cause of reproductive wastage along with fungal and bacterial infections. Brucella, a leading cause of abortion elsewhere in the world, is foreign, following successful programs to control and eradicate the disease. Leptospirosis in cattle is largely controlled by vaccination, while Campylobacter and Tritrichomonas infections occur at low rates. In both countries, Bovine Viral Diarrhea virus (BVDV) infection rates as the second most economically important disease of cattle and one that also has an effect on reproduction. Effective disease control strategies require rapid diagnoses at diagnostic laboratories. To facilitate this process, this review will discuss the infectious causes of reproductive losses present in both countries, their clinical presentation and an effective pathway to a diagnosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael P Reichel
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Lloyd C Wahl
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Fraser I Hill
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Schnydrig P, Overesch G, Regli W, Bee A, Rodriguez-Campos S. Salmonella enterica subspecies diarizonae serovar 61:(k):1,5,(7) as cause of caprine abortion. Small Rumin Res 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2018.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
|
34
|
Borel N, Polkinghorne A, Pospischil A. A Review on Chlamydial Diseases in Animals: Still a Challenge for Pathologists? Vet Pathol 2018; 55:374-390. [PMID: 29310550 DOI: 10.1177/0300985817751218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Chlamydiae have a worldwide distribution causing a wide range of diseases in human hosts, livestock, and companion animals as well as in wildlife and exotic species. Moreover, they can persist in their hosts as asymptomatic infections for extended periods of time. The introduction of molecular techniques has revolutionized the Chlamydia field by expanding the host range of known chlamydial species but also by discovering new species and even new families of bacteria in the broader order Chlamydiales. The wide range of hosts, diseases, and tissues affected by chlamydiae complicate the diagnosis such that standard diagnostic approaches for these bacteria are rare. Bacteria of the Chlamydiales order are small and their inclusions are difficult to detect by standard microscopy. With the exception of avian and ovine chlamydiosis, macroscopic and/or histologic changes might not be pathognomic or indicative for a chlamydial infection or even not present at all. Moreover, detection of chlamydial DNA in specimens in the absence of other methods or related pathological lesions questions the significance of such findings. The pathogenic potential of the majority of recently identified Chlamydia-related bacteria remains largely unknown and awaits investigation through experimental or natural infection models including histomorphological characterization of associated lesions. This review aims to summarize the historical background and the most important developments in the field of animal chlamydial research in the past 5 years with a special focus on pathology. It will summarize the current nomenclature, present critical thoughts about diagnostics, and give an update on chlamydial infections in domesticated animals such as livestock, companion animals and birds, as well as free-ranging and captive wild animals such as reptiles, fish, and marsupials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Borel
- 1 Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Veterinary Pathology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Adam Polkinghorne
- 2 Centre for Animal Health Innovation, Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Australia
| | - Andreas Pospischil
- 1 Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Veterinary Pathology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Vidal S, Kegler K, Greub G, Aeby S, Borel N, Dagleish MP, Posthaus H, Perreten V, Rodriguez-Campos S. Neglected zoonotic agents in cattle abortion: tackling the difficult to grow bacteria. BMC Vet Res 2017; 13:373. [PMID: 29197401 PMCID: PMC5712085 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-017-1294-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coxiella burnetii, Chlamydia abortus and Leptospira spp. are difficult to grow bacteria that play a role in bovine abortion, but their diagnosis is hampered by their obligate intracellular lifestyle (C. burnetii, C. abortus) or their lability (Leptospira spp.). Their importance is based on the contagious spread in food-producing animals, but also as zoonotic agents. In Switzerland, first-line routine bacteriological diagnostics in cattle abortions is regulated by national law and includes only basic screening by staining for C. burnetii due to the high costs associated with extended spectrum analysis. The aim of this study was to assess the true occurrence of these zoonotic pathogens in 249 cases of bovine abortion in Switzerland by serology (ELISA for anti-C. burnetii and C. abortus antibodies and microscopic agglutination test for anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies), molecular methods (real-time PCR and sequencing of PCR products of Chlamydiales-positive cases), Stamp's modification of the Ziehl-Neelsen (mod-ZN) stain and, upon availability of material, by histology and immunohistochemistry (IHC). RESULTS After seroanalysis the prevalence was 15.9% for C. burnetii, 38.5% for C. abortus and 21.4% for Leptospira spp. By real-time PCR 12.1% and 16.9% of the cases were positive for C. burnetii and Chlamydiales, respectively, but only 2.4% were positive for C. burnetii or Chlamydiales by mod-ZN stain. Sequencing of PCR products of Chlamydiales-positive cases revealed C. abortus in 10% of cases and the presence of a mix of Chlamydiales-related bacteria in 5.2% of cases. Pathogenic Leptospira spp. were detected in 5.6% of cases. Inflammatory lesions were present histologically in all available samples which were real-time PCR-positive for Chlamydiales and Leptospira spp. One of 12 real-time PCR-positive cases for C. burnetii was devoid of histological lesions. None of the pathogens could be detected by IHC. CONCLUSION Molecular detection by real-time PCR complemented by histopathological analysis is recommended to improve definitive diagnosis of bovine abortion cases and determine a more accurate prevalence of these zoonotic pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Vidal
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Laenggassstrasse 122, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, Theodor Kocher Institute, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 1, CH-3001 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Kristel Kegler
- Institute of Animal Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Laenggassstrasse 122, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Gilbert Greub
- Institute of Microbiology, University Hospital Center and University of Lausanne, Bugnon 48, CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sebastien Aeby
- Institute of Microbiology, University Hospital Center and University of Lausanne, Bugnon 48, CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Borel
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 270, CH – 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mark P. Dagleish
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Edinburgh, Scotland EH26 0PZ UK
| | - Horst Posthaus
- Institute of Animal Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Laenggassstrasse 122, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Vincent Perreten
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Laenggassstrasse 122, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sabrina Rodriguez-Campos
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Laenggassstrasse 122, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Şevik M. Molecular and serological survey of Akabane virus infection in sheep in the Mediterranean Region of Turkey. Small Rumin Res 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2017.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
|
37
|
Vidal S, Kegler K, Posthaus H, Perreten V, Rodriguez-Campos S. Amplicon sequencing of bacterial microbiota in abortion material from cattle. Vet Res 2017; 48:64. [PMID: 29017611 PMCID: PMC5633877 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-017-0470-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Abortions in cattle have a significant economic impact on animal husbandry and require prompt diagnosis for surveillance of epizootic infectious agents. Since most abortions are not epizootic but sporadic with often undetected etiologies, this study examined the bacterial community present in the placenta (PL, n = 32) and fetal abomasal content (AC, n = 49) in 64 cases of bovine abortion by next generation sequencing (NGS) of the 16S rRNA gene. The PL and AC from three fetuses of dams that died from non-infectious reasons were included as controls. All samples were analyzed by bacterial culture, and 17 were examined by histopathology. We observed 922 OTUs overall and 267 taxa at the genus level. No detectable bacterial DNA was present in the control samples. The microbial profiles of the PL and AC differed significantly, both in their composition (PERMANOVA), species richness and Chao-1 (Mann-Whitney test). In both organs, Pseudomonas was the most abundant genus. The combination of NGS and culture identified opportunistic pathogens of interest in placentas with lesions, such as Vibrio metschnikovii, Streptococcus uberis, Lactococcus lactis and Escherichia coli. In placentas with lesions where culturing was unsuccessful, Pseudomonas and unidentified Aeromonadaceae were identified by NGS displaying high number of reads. Three cases with multiple possible etiologies and placentas presenting lesions were detected by NGS. Amplicon sequencing has the potential to uncover unknown etiological agents. These new insights on cattle abortion extend our focus to previously understudied opportunistic abortive bacteria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Vidal
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Laenggassstrasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland.,Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, Theodor Kocher Institute, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 1, 3001, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Kristel Kegler
- Institute of Animal Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Laenggassstrasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Horst Posthaus
- Institute of Animal Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Laenggassstrasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Vincent Perreten
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Laenggassstrasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sabrina Rodriguez-Campos
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Laenggassstrasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
|
39
|
Mee JF. A practitioner's guide to post-mortem examination of an aborted or stillborn calf. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.12968/live.2016.21.1.38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- John F Mee
- Teagasc, Animal and Bioscience Department, Moorepark Research Centre, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Wheelhouse N, Longbottom D. Chlamydia-related Organisms: Infection in Ruminants and Potential for Zoonotic transmission. CURRENT CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s40588-014-0011-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
|
41
|
Wheelhouse N, Dagleish M. Diagnosing the causes of ruminant abortion: Where are we now? Vet J 2014; 201:243-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2014.05.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2014] [Accepted: 05/31/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|