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Barlow AM, Tingvoll S, Gover E, Schock A, Finlay D. Botulism in Two Juvenile Wild Red Foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in Somerset, England, UK. J Wildl Dis 2024; 60:229-231. [PMID: 37897305 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-23-00049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
Two juvenile red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) were euthanased because of severe nervous signs and paralysis. Detailed postmortem examinations were carried out with bacteriology, histology, and Clostridium botulinum toxin screening, which confirmed botulism as the cause of the clinical signs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander M Barlow
- Wildlife Network for Diseases Surveillance, Rookham Cottage, Dursdon Drove, Wells, Somerset, England BA5 3AW, UK
- University of Bristol, Bristol Veterinary School, Langford Campus, England BS40 5DU, UK
| | - Sarah Tingvoll
- Secret World Wildlife Rescue, New Rd, Highbridge, Somerset, England TA9 3PZ, UK
| | - Emily Gover
- Vale Vets, 1 Beach Road West, Portishead, England BS20 7HR, UK
| | - Alex Schock
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) Lasswade, Pathology Department, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian, Scotland EH26 0PZ, UK
| | - David Finlay
- Agri-food and Biosciences Institute, Veterinary Sciences Division, Stoney Road, Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland BT4 3SD, UK
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Masters AM, Palmer DG. Confirmation of botulism diagnosis in Australian bird samples by ELISA and RT rtPCR. J Vet Diagn Invest 2021; 33:684-694. [PMID: 33955287 DOI: 10.1177/10406387211014486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
We developed a sandwich ELISA that detects Clostridium botulinum C and D toxins and reverse-transcription real-time PCRs (RT-rtPCRs) that detect botulinum C and D toxin genes, respectively, to replace the mouse bioassay. The toxin genes were closely associated with the toxin molecules and used as surrogates for the presence of toxin. Samples (638) from 103 clinical cases of birds (302) with suspected botulinum toxicity came from wild birds and poultry (9 cases). Samples tested included blood serum, other body fluids, various tissues, gut contents, maggots, water, and sediment. Botulism was diagnosed in 34 cases (all of which had positive samples in the ELISA, the C toxin gene RT-rtPCR, or both assays). Botulism was suspected in 16 cases (each of which had 1 positive sample either in the ELISA or the C toxin gene RT-rtPCR). In the remaining 53 cases, no samples were positive, but botulism could not be excluded in 32 of these cases, whereas there was no indication of botulism or another diagnosis in 21 cases. The D toxin gene was not detected in any of the clinical samples. No C or D toxin genes were detected in 71 pooled cloacal swabs from 213 healthy migratory birds. The use of an ELISA that detects botulinum C and D toxins in combination with a RT-rtPCR for the botulinum C toxin gene can help confirm the diagnosis of botulism in birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne M Masters
- DPIRD Diagnostics & Laboratory Services, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Western Australia, South Perth, Australia
| | - Dieter G Palmer
- DPIRD Diagnostics & Laboratory Services, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Western Australia, South Perth, Australia
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A large outbreak of bovine botulism possibly linked to a massive contamination of grass silage by type D/C Clostridium botulinum spores on a farm with dairy and poultry operations. Epidemiol Infect 2017; 145:3477-3485. [PMID: 29094676 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268817002382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Type D bovine botulism outbreaks associated with poultry litter are increasingly reported in European countries, but the circumstances of exposure to Clostridium botulinum toxins remain unclear. In spring 2015, a large type D/C bovine botulism outbreak affected a farm with dairy and poultry operations. Epidemiological and laboratory investigations strongly suggest that the outbreak was caused by feeding cattle with insufficiently acidified grass silage that was contaminated by type D/C C. botulinum spores. The source of the spores remains unclear, but could have been a stack of poultry litter stored in the grass silage pasture before harvesting. The presence of putrefied poultry carcasses mixed in with the litter is relatively unlikely considering the careful daily removal of poultry carcasses. These findings reinforce the importance of proper ensiling of feed materials and highlight the need for safe disposal of poultry litter, even in the case of good management of poultry deadstock, in order to prevent bovine botulism.
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Salvarani FM, Otaka DY, Oliveira CM, Reis AS, Perdigão HH, Souza AE, Brito MF, Barbosa JD. Type C waterborne botulism outbreaks in buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in the Amazon region. PESQUISA VETERINARIA BRASILEIRA 2017. [DOI: 10.1590/s0100-736x2017000700008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT: Botulism is a poisoning caused by botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs). BoNTs serotypes C and D are involved in botulism outbreaks in cattle in several countries. Despite the high number of buffaloes worldwide, the real impact of botulism in buffaloes is not known, because it is not a notifiable disease in Brazil and only few studies have evaluated the occurrence of the disease in buffaloes. Those studies did not conduct diagnostic tests to confirm the presence of BoNTs. The objective of the present study was to describe three outbreaks of botulism in buffaloes in the Brazilian Amazon region considering epidemiological and clinical data as well as laboratory diagnosis to confirm the presence of BoNTs. The results of the bioassay were negative in the tissues and in feed samples, but positive for BoNT C in water samples. Confirmation of the occurrence of botulism in buffaloes allows the implementation of preventive strategies in susceptible herds. Waterborne botulism in buffaloes is prevented by ensuring the constant circulation of water collections and restricting the presence of dead animals and bones in order to prevent the accumulation of organic matter and the development of anaerobic conditions, which might favor the replication of Clostridium botulinum. Another measure that can be adopted is the shading of the pasture, in order to maintain the thermal comfort for the buffaloes and to avoid the excess of permanence of them in the water pools.
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Hansbauer EM, Skiba M, Endermann T, Weisemann J, Stern D, Dorner MB, Finkenwirth F, Wolf J, Luginbühl W, Messelhäußer U, Bellanger L, Woudstra C, Rummel A, Fach P, Dorner BG. Detection, differentiation, and identification of botulinum neurotoxin serotypes C, CD, D, and DC by highly specific immunoassays and mass spectrometry. Analyst 2016; 141:5281-97. [PMID: 27353114 DOI: 10.1039/c6an00693k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) serotypes C and D and their mosaic variants CD and DC cause severe cases of botulism in animal husbandry and wildlife. Epidemiological data on the exact serotype or toxin variant causing outbreaks are rarely available, mainly because of their high sequence identity and the lack of fast and specific screening tools to detect and differentiate the four similar toxins. To fill this gap, we developed four highly specific sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) able to detect and differentiate botulinum neurotoxins type BoNT/C, D, CD, and DC based on four distinct combinations of specific monoclonal antibodies targeting both conserved and divergent subdomains of the four toxins. Here, highly sensitive detection with detection limits between 2 and 24 pg mL(-1) was achieved. The ELISAs were extensively validated and results were compared with data obtained by quantitative real-time PCR using a panel of Clostridium botulinum strains, real sample materials from veterinary botulism outbreaks, and non-BoNT-producing Clostridia. Additionally, in order to verify the results obtained by ELISA screening, the new monoclonal antibodies were used for BoNT enrichment and subsequent detection (i) on a functional level by endopeptidase mass spectrometry (Endopep-MS) assays and (ii) on a protein sequence level by LC-MS/MS spectrometry. Based on all technical information gathered in the validation study, the four differentiating ELISAs turned out to be highly reliable screening tools for the rapid analysis of veterinary botulism cases and should aid future field investigations of botulism outbreaks and the acquisition of epidemiological data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva-Maria Hansbauer
- Biological Toxins, Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Robert Koch Institute (RKI), Berlin, Germany.
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Johnson AL, McAdams-Gallagher SC, Aceto H. Accuracy of a Mouse Bioassay for the Diagnosis of Botulism in Horses. J Vet Intern Med 2016; 30:1293-9. [PMID: 27108763 PMCID: PMC5074318 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.13950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2015] [Revised: 02/11/2016] [Accepted: 03/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The laboratory diagnosis of botulism in horses traditionally has relied upon the mouse bioassay (MBA). The accuracy of this test for the diagnosis of botulism in horses is unknown. Hypothesis/Objectives Our goal was to determine the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the MBA on laboratory‐processed fecal and gastrointestinal samples for foals and adult horses. Animals Cases included all horses with a final clinical diagnosis of botulism that were admitted between 1986 and 2011 and had MBA testing performed. Controls included horses without botulism that were admitted during the same time period and had MBA testing performed. Methods Retrospective study. Horses suspected of having botulism had fecal or (less commonly) gastrointestinal content samples tested using MBA. For every hospitalized botulism suspect, control samples were obtained from ≥1 additional hospitalized horses not suspected to have botulism. Results One hundred and twenty‐nine adult horses and 253 adult controls were identified. Overall sensitivity of the MBA was only 32% but specificity was 97%. Forty‐three foal cases and 21 foal controls were evaluated; sensitivity of the MBA was 53% and specificity was 100%. Positive predictive value was substantially higher (100% for foals and 89% for adults) than negative predictive value (51% for foals and 67% for adults). Conclusions and Clinical Importance Mouse bioassay has low sensitivity but high specificity for the diagnosis of botulism in horses. Positive results are highly suggestive of botulism but negative results do not exclude the diagnosis. Unaffected horses and foals rarely shed C. botulinum in their feces.
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Affiliation(s)
- A L Johnson
- Botulism Reference Laboratory, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Kennett Square, PA.,Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Kennett Square, PA
| | - S C McAdams-Gallagher
- Botulism Reference Laboratory, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Kennett Square, PA
| | - H Aceto
- Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Kennett Square, PA
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Nakamura K, Kohda T, Seto Y, Mukamoto M, Kozaki S. Improved detection methods by genetic and immunological techniques for botulinum C/D and D/C mosaic neurotoxins. Vet Microbiol 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2012.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Rapid and selective detection of botulinum neurotoxin serotype-A and -B with a single immunochromatographic test strip. J Immunol Methods 2012; 380:23-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2012.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2012] [Revised: 03/28/2012] [Accepted: 03/28/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Sharpe AE, Sharpe EJ, Ryan ED, Clarke HJ, McGettrick SA. Outbreak of type C botulism in laying hens. Vet Rec 2011; 168:669. [PMID: 21697187 DOI: 10.1136/vr.d1090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A E Sharpe
- Central Veterinary Research Laboratory, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Backweston, Celbridge, County Kildare, Ireland
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Affiliation(s)
- Seamus Kennedy
- Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute; Newforge Lane, Malone Upper Belfast BT9 5PX
| | - Hywel Ball
- Veterinary Sciences Division; Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute; Stoney Road, Ballymiscaw, Stormont Belfast BT4 3SD
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Brooks CE, Clarke HJ, Ardis TC, Ball HJ. Temperature dependency of Clostridium botulinum C and D toxin production from anaerobically enriched bovine gastrointestinal samples. Lett Appl Microbiol 2011; 53:174-7. [PMID: 21585406 DOI: 10.1111/j.1472-765x.2011.03087.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To determine whether Clostridium botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) production in anaerobic culture was affected by temperature and could influence the sandwich ELISA (sELISA) detection of group III toxins in pre-enriched gastrointestinal (GI) contents from clinically suspect cattle botulism cases. METHODS AND RESULTS Bovine post-mortem GI samples taken from 124 and 96 animals with suspect and nonsuspect botulism, respectively, were pre-enriched anaerobically at 30 and 37°C prior to testing by sELISA. After enrichment at 37°C, BoNT was demonstrated in all clinically suspect bovine botulism cases that had been identified by the mouse bioassay, and enrichment by both temperatures enabled BoNT detection in a number of mouse bioassay-negative suspect cases. CONCLUSIONS Culture temperature does influence the production of group III BoNT, and incubation at both 30 and 37°C is required for optimum detection. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY The in vitro assay defined in this study has the potential of improving the confirmation rate of clinically suspect cattle botulism cases whilst reducing the use of the costly and ethically sensitive mouse bioassay, the current diagnostic gold standard for BoNT testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- C E Brooks
- Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), Veterinary Sciences Division (VSD), Stormont, Belfast, UK.
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