Putative vaccine breakthrough event associated with heterotypic rotavirus infection in newborn calves, Turkey, 2015

Physical Activity Intervention for Urban Black Women With Asthma: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Efficacy Study

BACKGROUND

Black women experience a higher prevalence of poor asthma outcomes and physical inactivity than their White counterparts. Black women comprise a particularly vulnerable group of patients with asthma, with some of the highest rates of asthma in adults, high health care use (emergency department visits and hospitalizations), and the highest crude asthma mortality rate of all race or ethnicity groups. Despite recommendations to engage in regular physical activity, fewer than 15% of Black women meet the 2008 National Physical Activity Guidelines, the lowest of all racial subgroups of adults. Given the connection between physical inactivity and poor asthma outcomes, addressing physical activity among Black women with asthma is imperative.

OBJECTIVE

This 2-arm randomized controlled trial aims to (1) determine the efficacy of a lifestyle walking intervention on asthma control compared to an education (control) group over 24 weeks, (2) examine the maintenance effects of the lifestyle walking intervention on asthma control at 48 weeks, (3) explore the behavioral mediators (eg, self-efficacy, social support, self-regulation, and daily physical activity levels) and contextual moderators (eg, baseline asthma severity, neighborhood environment, comorbid conditions, and social determinants of health) that contribute to treatment responsiveness, and (4) assess the reach and implementation potential of the intervention.

METHODS

The proposed study (ACTION [A Lifestyle Physical Activity Intervention for Minority Women with Asthma]) delivers a 24-week lifestyle walking intervention designed for and by urban Black women with asthma. Participants (n=224) will be recruited through 2 urban health care systems that care for a diverse Black population. Patients will be randomized to one of two groups: (1) ACTION intervention (group sessions, physical activity self-monitoring-Fitbit, and text-based support for step goal setting) or (2) education control (an individual asthma education session and SMS text messages related to asthma education). Outcome assessments will take place at baseline, 12, 24, and 48 weeks. The primary outcome is a change in asthma control from baseline to week 24 as assessed by the asthma control questionnaire-6 (ACQ-6). Secondary outcomes include asthma-related quality of life, health care use, and asthma exacerbations and behavioral outcomes such as self-efficacy, self-regulation, social support, and physical activity.

RESULTS

This study was funded by the National Institute of Minority Health Disparities in August 2022. We pilot-tested our recruitment and intervention procedures and began recruitment in April 2023, with the enrollment of our first participant in May 2023. The anticipated completion of the study is April 2027.

CONCLUSIONS

This study will deliver a new approach to physical activity interventions in Black women with asthma and help to provide guidance for addressing physical activity within this subgroup. This study will also provide a potential framework for future studies in minoritized populations with other disease conditions associated with low levels of physical activity.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05726487; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05726487.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/55700.

Equine Rotavirus A under the One Health Lens: Potential Impacts on Public Health

Group A rotaviruses are a well-known cause of viral gastroenteritis in infants and children, as well as in many mammalian species and birds, affecting them at a young age. This group of viruses has a double-stranded, segmented RNA genome with high genetic diversity linked to point mutations, recombination, and, importantly, reassortment. While initial molecular investigations undertaken in the 1900s suggested host range restriction among group A rotaviruses based on the fact that different gene segments were distributed among different animal species, recent molecular surveillance and genome constellation genotyping studies conducted by the Rotavirus Classification Working Group (RCWG) have shown that animal rotaviruses serve as a source of diversification of human rotavirus A, highlighting their zoonotic potential. Rotaviruses occurring in various animal species have been linked with contributing genetic material to human rotaviruses, including horses, with the most recent identification of equine-like G3 rotavirus A infecting children. The goal of this article is to review relevant information related to rotavirus structure/genomic organization, epidemiology (with a focus on human and equine rotavirus A), evolution, inter-species transmission, and the potential zoonotic role of equine and other animal rotaviruses. Diagnostics, surveillance and the current status of human and livestock vaccines against RVA are also reviewed.

Genome characterization of a Turkish bovine rotavirus field isolate by shotgun metagenomics

A bovine rotavirus (BRV) isolate from Kirsehir was isolated from feces of a neonatal calf with diarrhea, identified, and sequenced by shotgun sequencing. Its genotype constellation is G10-P[5]-I2-R2-C2-M2-A3-N2-T6-E2-H3. The structural genes and the non-structural genes NSP1, NSP3, and NSP4 of the Kirsehir isolate were similar in sequence to those of BRVs identified in Turkey. However, VP2, NSP2, NSP4, and NSP5/6 showed similarity to those of rotaviruses from different animal hosts. These findings not only expand our current understanding of the diversity of rotaviruses but also contribute to our understanding of the evolution of rotaviruses at both the national and global levels and reinforce the significance of conducting further research on rotaviruses in Turkey.

Whole-genome analysis of a rare G15P[21] group A rotavirus detected at a dairy cattle farm

Group A rotaviruses (RVAs) are a major cause of severe enteritis in humans and animals. RVAs have been identified in several animal species and their genetic diversity, the segmented nature of their RNA genome and the ability to spill over from one species to another can generate new RVA strains. In this study, we investigated the genome constellations of an unusual, rare, bovine RVA strain, G15P[21], identified from a farm with neonatal diarrhoea of calves in 2006. In parallel, the genome constellations of other RVA strains with different G/P types identified from the same farm in the same time span (2006-2008) were analysed. The genome constellation of strain K53 was G15-P[21]-I2-R2-C2-M2-A13-N2-T9-E2-H3 and was similar, overall, to that of the other bovine RVA strains (G6/10-P[11]-I2-R2-C2-M2-A13-N2-T6-E2-H3) with the exception of the NSP3 segment (T9 vs T6). This study describes RVA genomes with different genotype combinations isolated at a farm and also contributes to the understanding of the diversity and evaluation of rotavirus in a global context.

Efficacy of prepartum vaccination against neonatal calf diarrhea in Nelore dams as a prevention measure

Background

Neonatal calf diarrhea (NCD) is the leading cause of calf morbidity and mortality in beef cattle. Cow’s vaccination in last stage of pregnancy is one of the most important measures to mitigate the risk of NCD outbreaks. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of prepartum single dose vaccination against NCD, especially Bovine Rotavirus type A (BoRVA) and Bovine Coronavirus (BCoV), in Nelore dams and offspring. A total of 117 pregnant cows (n = 81) and heifers (n = 36) were distributed in two groups, vaccinated (VAC: cows = 40; heifers = 19) and non-vaccinated (NVAC: cows = 41; heifers = 17). Vaccination occurred between 60 to 50 days before the expected calving date with a single dose of a water-in-oil (W/O) vaccine, and NVAC group received a dose of saline solution 0.9%. Blood samples were collected before vaccination and 30 days after to evaluate the antibody (Ab) response. Specific IgG1 Abs against BoRVA and BCoV were measured by using an Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (ELISA). Calves’ births were monitored, and the transference of passive immunity was evaluated. Diarrhea was monitored in the first 30 days of age, and fecal samples were collected for identification of the etiological agent.

Results

Higher titers of IgG1 Ab against BoRVA and BCoV was observed in the VAC group than NVAC group in the cow (P < 0.0001) and total dams categories (P < 0.0001). The titer of specific IgG1 Abs in the calves’ serum reflected the dams response, observing higher IgG1 Ab titers for BoRVA (P < 0.0016) and BCoV (P < 0.0095) in the offspring born to VAC cows and higher IgG1 Ab titers for BoRVA(P < 0.0171) and BCoV (P < 0.0200) in the offspring born to VAC total dams. The general incidence of diarrhea observed was 18.6% (11/59) and 29.3% (17/58) in the calves born to the VAC and NVAC group, respectively.

Conclusions

Prepartum vaccination with a single dose of the vaccine tested increased the titers of IgG1 Ab against BCoV and BoRVA, and it could be used as a preventive strategy to decrease the NCD occurrence in Nelore calves.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12917-022-03391-5.

Implementation of a pre-calving vaccination programme against rotavirus, coronavirus and enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (F5) and association with dairy calf survival

Background

Diarrhea is one of the most common diseases and causes of death in calves during the first month of life. Pre-calving vaccination programme (PVP) against the most common diarrhea-causing pathogens could help to avoid this threat if hyperimmune transition milk (TM) is fed to calves throughout the whole susceptibility period. The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to reveal the implementation practices of PVPs in large commercial dairy farms and to compare calf-level mortality hazards during the first year of vaccination (V+ period) and a year before implementing the vaccination programme (V- period). A questionnaire was filled out in 15 large-scale dairy farms in Estonia that used PVP. The farms were assigned into three groups based on compliance with the vaccine directions for use and TM feeding practices. Calf-level time-to-event data was analyzed with an observation period of 21 days and on-farm mortality due to diarrhea being the event of interest.

Results

During the V+ period, a significant decline in diarrhea-induced calf mortality was identified in three out of six herds that followed vaccination instructions and fed TM for at least 14 days. On average, calf mortality hazard due to diarrhea decreased among these herds (hazard rate ratio (HR) = 0.72, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.63; 0.81). In the group of correctly vaccinating herds where TM was fed for less than 14 days, diarrhea-induced calf mortality decreased in two herds and remained unchanged in two herds with average diarrhea-induced calf mortality hazard declining significantly during the vaccination period (HR = 0.24, 95% CI 0.14; 0.41). Among the three farms that deviated from the vaccination instructions, the average calf mortality hazard increased in the V+ period (HR = 1.61, 95% CI 1.21; 2.14).

Conclusions

This study revealed that implementing a PVP might aid to reduce diarrhea-induced calf mortality in large commercial dairy farms. There is a need to increase veterinarians´ and farmers´ awareness about the importance of including pregnant heifers into the vaccination programme and emphasize the importance of prolonged feeding of hyperimmune TM to calves.

Isolation and Characterization of Bovine RVA from Northeast China, 2017-2020

Group A rotaviruses (RVAs) are major enteric pathogens causing infections in calves. To investigate the epidemiological characteristics and genetic diversity of bovine rotavirus (BRV), 233 fecal samples were collected from calves with diarrhea in northeast China. The samples were analyzed for sequences encoding the inner capsid protein VP6 (subgroup) and the outer capsid proteins VP7 and VP4 (G and P type, respectively) using RT-PCR. Ten of the 233 samples (4.3%) were identified as BRV positive and were used for virus isolation and sequence analysis, revealing that all strains analyzed were of the G6P[1] genotype. The isolates exhibited high VP6 sequence identity to the USA cow RVA NCDV strain (>99% amino acid identity) and were further shown to be closely related to Japanese cow RVA BRV101 and Israelian human RVA G6P[1] strains, with >99% amino acid identity to VP7 and VP4 proteins, respectively. Comparative analyses of genome-predicted amino acid sequences between the isolates and the NCDV strains indicated that the antigenicity and infectivity of the strains isolated had changed. In this study, BRV genotypes and the genetic diversity among vaccinated cattle herds were monitored to provide epidemiological data and references for early diagnosis, allowing for early detection of new, potentially pathogenic RVA strains.

Viral Enteritis in Cattle: To Well Known Viruses and Beyond

Livestock products supply about 13 percent of energy and 28 percent of protein in diets consumed worldwide. Diarrhea is a leading cause of sickness and death of beef and dairy calves in their first month of life and also affecting adult cattle, resulting in large economic losses and a negative impact on animal welfare. Despite the usual multifactorial origin, viruses are generally involved, being among the most important causes of diarrhea. There are several viruses that have been confirmed as etiological agents (i.e., rotavirus and coronavirus), and some viruses that are not yet confirmed as etiological agents. This review summarizes the viruses that have been detected in the enteric tract of cattle and tries to deepen and gather knowledge about them.

Epidemiology and Molecular Characterization of Rotavirus A in Fruit Bats in Bangladesh

Rotavirus A (RVA) is the primary cause of acute dehydrating diarrhea in human and numerous animal species. Animal-to-human interspecies transmission is one of the evolutionary mechanisms driving rotavirus strain diversity in humans. We screened fresh feces from 416 bats (201 Pteropus medius, 165 Rousettus leschenaultii and 50 Taphozous melanopogon) for RVA using rRT-PCR. We detected a prevalence of 7% (95% CI 3.5-10.8) and 2% (95% CI 0.4-5.2) in P. medius and R. leschenaultii, respectively. We did not detect RVA in the insectivorous bat (T. melanopogon). We identified RVA strains similar to the human strains of G1 and G8 based on sequence-based genotyping, which underscores the importance of including wildlife species in surveillance for zoonotic pathogens to understand pathogen transmission and evolution better.

Genotype constellation of a rotavirus A field strain with an uncommon G8P[11] genotype combination in a rotavirus-vaccinated dairy cattle herd

In this report we describe the genotype constellation of a bovine rotavirus A (RVA) strain with an uncommon G8P[11] genotype combination. The RVA/Cow-wt/BRA/Y136/2017/G8P[11] strain was classified as G8-P[11]-I2-R5-C2-M2-A3-N2-T9-E2-H3. Phylogenetic analysis based on the VP7 gene showed that the Y136 strain and a human G8P[1] strain comprise a putative new (VII) lineage for the G8 genotype. In addition, two other genotypes, R5 (VP1) and T9 (NSP3), were identified in the constellation of Y136 that are rarely found in RVA strains of bovine origin. The immunological pressure caused by regular vaccination of cows might be responsible for the selection of heterologous RVA strains.

Vaccines the tugboat for prevention-based animal production

The world population is growing at a faster rate day-by-day and the demands for animal products are also increasing to meet the food security worldwide. For sustained production of animals products, healthy livestock and poultry farming are the major concerns as animals are susceptible to various infectious agents viz. bacteria, virus, and parasites leading to huge economical losses in the form of livestock’s morbidity and mortality. Besides, zoonotic nature of some infectious pathogens of animals is also raising concern for human safety. Vaccination of animals against various diseases present in different geographical regions is a best known strategy for prevention of different disease outbreaks both in organized and unorganized livestock and poultry sectors. Vaccines had played a major role in eradication of different dreaded diseases of livestock sectors globally. In this article we have discussed different vaccine types, various vaccine strategies used for the development of more efficacious and safe vaccines and commercially available vaccines for livestock and poultry.

Identification of rotavirus A strains in small ruminants: first detection of G8P[1] genotypes in sheep in Turkey

Although members of rotavirus group A (RVA) are major enteric pathogens of humans and animals of many species, their impact on the health of small ruminants is not well documented. In this study, we conducted a molecular analysis of VP4, VP7, VP6 and NSP4 genes of RVAs detected using a commercial antigen ELISA in small ruminants with or without diarrhea in Turkey. Of the RVAs detected in sheep, one strain (Kutahya) was characterized as genotype G8P[1]-I2-E2. Two others (Ankara-1 and Ankara-2) were identified as NSP4 E2 and VP6 I2 genotypes, although they were untyped for the VP4 and VP7 genes. The RVAs from two goats were characterized as genotype G6P [1]-I2-E2. This is the first detection of in goats RVA genotypes G6P [1], which had previously only been found in cattle in Turkey, and of RVA in sheep. The study extends our current knowledge about the circulation of two RVA G genotypes, G6 and G8, in goat herds, and the detection of the G8 genotype in sheep in Turkey. This provides further information about the molecular epidemiology of RVAs in different animal species and indicates that additional surveillance programs are needed to determine the epidemiology of RVA in small ruminants and other species.

Longitudinal surveillance of rotavirus A genotypes circulating in a high milk yield dairy cattle herd after the introduction of a rotavirus vaccine

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RVA vaccination program reduces the frequency and intensity of diarrhea in dairy calves.

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The vaccination immune pressure can select specific genotypes in RVA field strains.

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RVA genotype G10P[11] in fecal samples of calves from G6P[5] vaccinated dairy cattle herds.

Worldwide, neonatal diarrhea is one of the most important health issues affecting dairy calves, and rotavirus A (RVA) is one of its primary causes. Among the measures to mitigate the risk of diarrhea outbreaks, cow vaccination stands out as one of the most important. However, the immune pressure resulting from routine vaccination may be able to select specific G and P genotypes in RVA field strains. This study aimed to determine the frequency and intensity of neonatal diarrhea and the incidence of RVA and attempted to monitor the G and P genotypes present in the RVA strains circulating in a high milk yield cattle herd vaccinated with RVA G6P[5] strain. Fecal samples (n = 1220) from 122 Holstein heifer calves between 0–30 days old that were born from RVA-vaccinated cows were collected at 10 different time points, regardless of the presence or absence of diarrhea. The presence of RVA in fecal samples was determined by the polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) technique and confirmed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). G and P amplicons from 10 RVA-positive fecal samples from calves of different ages and collections were subjected to nucleotide sequencing. The proportion of the calves and fecal samples that were positive for RVA were 62.3% (76/122) and 8.1% (99/1220), respectively. Using sequence analysis, all 10 RVA field strains presented genotype G10P[11]. The protection of G6P[5] vaccination is clear, as this genotype was not detected in this study, and it is known that vaccination against RVA reduces the incidence of diarrhea independent of genotype involved. This result demonstrates the importance of epidemiological monitoring of RVA genotypes circulating in vaccinated dairy cattle herds to the early detection of new potential pathogenic RVA strains.