Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus prevalence in livestock of Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, Central India and its implications for public health

The rise of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), poses a significant global health challenge, urging immediate action and continuous surveillance. With no available vaccines, monitoring pathogen presence is critical to identify at-risk areas promptly. A study was designed to assess the incidence of CCHF virus in goats and cattle using commercial ELISA IgG kits in tribal-dominated regions. Overall, 16% of the samples (n = 63/393) were positive for CCHF virus-specific IgG antibodies, whereas sero-prevalence detected in cattle 11.6% [95% CI:7-17.7] and in goats 18.9% [95% CI: 13.76-24.01], respectively. Statistically, Animal gender and age didn't significantly affect prevalence (p-value >0.05). Our finding indicates unnoticed CCHF virus circulation. Notably, lack of public awareness about zoonotic diseases in the study region was recorded. To combat this emerging tick-borne disease effectively, it's crucial to screen individuals with hemorrhagic manifestations in healthcare settings and active surveillance of ticks to prevent unwarranted public health outbreaks and design preventive interventions.

In vitro effects of uncarboxylated osteocalcin on buffalo Leydig cell steroidogenesis

Uncarboxylated osteocalcin (UcOCN), a bone derived circulating protein, has been demonstrated to influence steroidogenesis in testicular Leydig cells of murine and human species. However, the role of UcOCN in testosterone biosynthesis remains unexplored in domestic animals. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of UcOCN on the expressions of steroidogenic genes (HSD3β1, HSD3β6, CYP17A1, CYP11A1), testosterone production and GPRC6A receptor localization in buffalo Leydig cells. Leydig cells from the testes of adult Murrah buffalo were isolated, with an average cell count and viability after digestion and Percoll enrichment of 1.43 × 106 cells/g of testes and 78.5%, respectively. Immunophenotyping of Percoll-enriched cell suspension by flow cytometry showed populations of Leydig cells ranging between 69 and 73.9%. Immunostaining confirmed the presence of GPRC6A receptors and CYP11A1 positive Leydig cells. When these cells were cultured and incubated with varying levels of UcOCN (6, 12, 24, and 48 ng/ml) and LH, there was a significant (P < 0.01) increase in testosterone production and up-regulation (P < 0.05) of CYP11A1, CYP17A1, HSD3β1 and HSD3β6 gene expression. In summary, the present study underscored the effects of UcOCN on testosterone biosynthesis, expression of crucial steroidogenic genes and interaction with GPRC6A receptors in buffalo Leydig cells, emphasizing its potential implications in andrology.

Screening for the "Achilles Heel" of Hyalomma anatolicum Ticks by RNA Interference Technology and an Update on Anti-Tick Vaccine Design

Over the years, RNA interference (RNAi) has evolved as a valuable tool to study the tick gene function, screening and preliminary characterization of tick-protective antigens in a relatively short time, with a minimal use of laboratory animals before conducting expensive vaccine trials for the development of improved vaccine composition. In this process, a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) of gene of interest is introduced into the tick system which specifically suppresses expression of a target gene. The results of RNAi-based gene silencing were interpreted by reduction in targeted gene transcript, changes in phenotypic data and anatomical/ biochemical changes in ticks; thereby, providing a clue to the probable role played by the gene in the tick biological system. Across the globe, various tick research groups applied RNAi technique for characterization and identification of new anti-tick vaccine targets. Herein, we used the RNAi tool in Hyalomma anatolicum ticks for identification and characterization of vaccine candidates.

Determination of cut-off of diagnostic ELISA for Scrub typhus in endemic setup: Central India

Serology remains the mainstay for diagnosis of scrub typhus. In central India, diagnosis of this neglected emerging zoonotic disease suffers due to lack of standardized region-specific cutoff value and diagnostic test. Henceforth, standardized region-specific cutoff value for diagnostic ELISA play a significant role in initial treatment of patients and to differentiate other febrile diseases in endemic setup. A total of 144 patients of all age groups with acute undifferentiated febrile illness patients, forty healthy controls, dengue and chikungunya positive thirty-five samples in each category, respectively were enrolled in the study and subjected to IgM ELISA (InBioS, International, Inc.). Samples showing OD value more than 0.5 in IgM ELISA, were subjected to nested PCR. Both, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and healthy volunteer samples mean with +3 SD were considered to generate region specific cutoff OD value. A total of 48 patients were diagnosed as cases of scrub typhus through IgM ELISA. Out of 48 samples, 30 were positive by nested PCR. The ROC curve analysis revealed a diagnostic ELISA cutoff value of 0.73 with sensitivity and specificity of 95% and 100%, respectively. The cut off arrived from healthy volunteer is mean OD + 3 SD is 0.72. Considering the significance of scrub typhus diagnosis for treatment and to understand disease dynamics in region wise, the cutoff value of >0.72 for diagnostic ELISA for Madhya Pradesh in central India can be used.

A review on Hyalomma species infestations on human and animals and progress on management strategies

The Hyalomma species of ticks have gained additional attention due to their role in the transmission of Theileria annulata infection in animals and the Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) virus in humans. Apart from these, many other pathogens viz., other species of Theileria, a few species of Babesia, Rickettsia and viruses are either maintained or transmitted by this tick species. The medium to large size species with longer proboscis has inflicted additional burden on the overall impact of tick infestations. Being a multi-host species, management of the species is very challenging. Presently, the traditional method of tick management using chemical acaricides is found insufficient and unsustainable. Henceforth, the overall burden of tick infestations and tick-borne diseases are increasing gradually. After the successful development of vaccines against cattle tick, Rhipicephalus microplus, the anti-Hyalomma vaccine is considered a feasible and sustainable management option. In the recent past research on herbal acaricides and its possible application for tick control seems promising. Other eco-friendly methods are still under experimental stage. The present review is focused on impact of Hyalomma species infestation on human and animal health with special emphasis on progress on its sustainable management.

Prevalence of torch infections and its associated poor outcome in high-risk pregnant women of Central India: Time to think for prevention strategies

Introduction

The TORCH infections during pregnancy are associated with adverse congenital abnormalities, poor foetal outcome and subsequent reproductive failures. The absence of baseline data on status of TORCH infections and associated foetal outcomes prompted us to conduct the current study in Central India.

Materials and Methods

: A total of 144 high-risk pregnant women attending tertiary care unit, suspected for TORCH infections were enrolled from August 2017 to December 2018. All the participants were tested for the presence of IgM and IgG antibodies and followed up to record the foetal outcome.

Results

The overall TORCH infection (IgM positivity) positivity rate was 61.1% (88/144). Rubella was the most prevalent infection (46.5%) followed by herpes simplex virus (HSV) 1 and 2 (41%) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) (34.7%). The highest IgG sero-positivity was recorded against CMV (88.6%), followed by Rubella (86.8%), HSV 1 and 2 (28.4%), and toxoplasmosis (15.2%). Follow-up of IgM TORCH positive pregnant women revealed that majority of the neonates/infants are having congenital cardiac abnormalities (39.2%), followed by microcephaly/hydrocephaly (25%), low birth weight (10.7%), and deafness (3.6%). Thirty-two percent of neonatal mortality was associated to multiple TORCH infections.

Conclusion

A high prevalence of IgM seropositivity of TORCH infection was noted in the present study with the increased rate of poor foetal outcome warrants the need of proper prenatal counselling, universal immunisation and nutritional supplements during pregnancy.

Identification and characterization of vaccine candidates against Hyalomma anatolicum-Vector of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a tick borne viral disease reported from different parts of the world. The distribution of the CCHF cases are linked with the distribution of the principal vector, Hyalomma anatolicum in the ecosystem. Presently, vector control is mainly dependent on repeated application of acaricides, results in partial efficacy and generated acaricide resistant tick strains. Amongst the different components of integrated management programme, immunization of hosts is considered as one of the sustainable component. To restrict CCHF virus spreading, use of anti-Hyalomma vaccines appears as a viable solution. Accordingly, present study was under taken to characterize and evaluate vaccine potential of two conserved molecules, ferritin2 (FER2) and tropomyosin (TPM). Silencing of the genes conferred a cumulative reduction (rejection + unable to engorge) of 61.3% in FER2 and 70.2% in TPM respectively. Furthermore, 44.2% and 72.7% reduction in engorgement weight, 63.6% and 94.9% reduction in egg masses in FER2 and TPM silenced ticks in comparison to LUC-control group was recorded. The recombinant protein, rHaFER2 was characterized as 35 kDa protein with pI of 5.84 and possesses iron binding domains. While rHaTPM is a 51kDa protein with pI of 4.94 having calcium binding domains. Immunization of cross-bred calves by rHaFER2 conferred 51.7% and 51.2% protection against larvae and adults of H. anatolicum challenge infestations. While rHaTPM conferred 63.7% and 66.4% protection against larvae and adults infestations, respectively. The results were comparable with the data generated by RNAi and it clearly showed the possibility for the development of anti-hyalomma vaccine to manage CCHF virus and Theileria annulata infection in human and animals.

Characterization and establishment of a reference deltamethrin and cypermethrin resistant tick line (IVRI-IV) of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus

The problem of ticks and tick borne diseases is a global threat and growing reports of resistance to commonly used insecticides further aggravated the condition and demands for country specific resistance monitoring tools and possible solutions of the problem. Establishment of standard reference is prerequisite for development of monitoring tools. For studying possible role of different mechanisms involved in development of resistance in Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus population and to develop newer drug to manage the problem of resistance, a deltamethrin exposed and selected tick colony, referred to as IVRI-IV, was characterized using reference susceptible IVRI-I tick line as control. The RF values of IVRI-IV ticks against deltamethrin, cypermethrin and diazinon were determined as 194.0, 26.6, 2.86, respectively, against adults. The esterase enzyme ratios of 2.60 and 5.83 was observed using α-naphthyl and β-naphthyl acetate while glutathione S-transferase (GST) ratio was 3.77. Comparative analysis of IVRI-I and IVRI-IV carboxylesterase gene sequences revealed 13 synonymous and 5 non synonymous mutations, reported for the first time. The C190A mutation in the domain II S4-5 linker region of sodium channel gene leading to leucine to isoleucine (L64I) amino acid substitution was also detected in the IVRI-IV population. In the present study, monitorable indicators for the maintenance of the reference IVRI-IV colony, the first established deltamethrin and cypermethrin resistant tick line of India, were identified.

Nasal Oestrosis in a Jamunapari goat

Oestrus ovis is a well-known parasite of the nasal cavities and adjoining sinuses in sheep and goats. A 3-year-old female Jamunapari goat was presented with a history of anorexia, weight loss, in-coordinated movements, nasal discharge since 10 days and two nasal bots expelled during sneezing 3 days back. Upon clinical examination the animal was dull, dysphonic, unsteady gait and having blocked nostrils with thick mucoid discharge along with an increased respiratory rate. Parasitiological examination revealed it as an O. ovis (nasal bots). The occurrence of nasal bots in a goat and its successful therapeutic management and public health significance have been reported and discussed in the present communication.

Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) test for specific and rapid detection of Brucella abortus in cattle

BACKGROUND

Brucella abortus, the major causative agent of abortion in cattle and a zoonotic pathogen, needs to be diagnosed at an early stage. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) test is easy to perform and also promising to be adapted at field level.

OBJECTIVE

To develop a LAMP assay for specific and rapid detection of B. abortus from clinical samples of cattle.

METHODS

LAMP primers were designed targeting BruAb2_0168 region using specific software tool and LAMP was optimized. The developed LAMP was tested for its specificity with 3 Brucella spp. and 11 other non-Brucella spp. Sensitivity of the developed LAMP was also carried out with known quantity of DNA. Cattle whole blood samples and aborted fetal stomach contents were collected and used for testing with developed LAMP assay and results were compared with polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

RESULTS

The developed LAMP assay works at 61 °C for 60 min and the detection limit was observed to be 100-fold more than the conventional PCR that is commonly used for diagnosis of B. abortus. Clinical sensitivity and specificity of the developed LAMP assay was 100% when compared with Rose Bengal plate test and standard tube agglutination test. SYB® green dye I was used to visualize the result with naked eye.

CONCLUSION

The novelty of the developed LAMP assay for specifically detecting B. abortus infection in cattle along with its inherent rapidness and high sensitivity can be employed for detecting this economically important pathogen of cattle at field level as well be exploited for screening of human infections.