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Rolph MJ, Bolfa P, Cavanaugh SM, Rolph KE. Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization for the Detection of Intracellular Bacteria in Companion Animals. Vet Sci 2024; 11:52. [PMID: 38275934 PMCID: PMC10821249 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci11010052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
FISH techniques have been applied for the visualization and identification of intracellular bacteria in companion animal species. Most frequently, these techniques have focused on the identification of adhesive-invasive Escherichia coli in gastrointestinal disease, although various other organisms have been identified in inflammatory or neoplastic gastrointestinal disease. Previous studies have investigated a potential role of Helicobacter spp. in inflammatory gastrointestinal and hepatic conditions. Other studies evaluating the role of infectious organisms in hepatopathies have received some attention with mixed results. FISH techniques using both eubacterial and species-specific probes have been applied in inflammatory cardiovascular, urinary, and cutaneous diseases to screen for intracellular bacteria. This review summarizes the results of these studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Kerry E. Rolph
- Center for Integrative Mammalian Research, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre P.O. Box 334, Saint Kitts and Nevis
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Ndlovu IS, Tshilwane SI, Ngcamphalala PI, Vosloo A, Chaisi M, Mukaratirwa S. Metabolomics (Non-Targeted) of Induced Type 2 Diabetic Sprague Dawley Rats Comorbid with a Tissue-Dwelling Nematode Parasite. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17211. [PMID: 38139040 PMCID: PMC10743009 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes is a non-communicable metabolic syndrome that is characterized by the dysfunction of pancreatic β-cells and insulin resistance. Both animal and human studies have been conducted, demonstrating that helminth infections are associated with a decreased prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, there is a paucity of information on the impact that helminths have on the metabolome of the host and how the infection ameliorates T2DM or its progression. Therefore, this study aimed at using a non-targeted metabolomics approach to systematically identify differentiating metabolites from serum samples of T2DM-induced Sprague Dawley (SD) rats infected with a tissue-dwelling nematode, Trichinella zimbabwensis, and determine the metabolic pathways impacted during comorbidity. Forty-five male SD rats with a body weight between 160 g and 180 g were used, and these were randomly selected into control (non-diabetic and not infected with T. zimbabwensis) (n = 15) and T2DM rats infected with T. zimbabwensis (TzDM) (n = 30). The results showed metabolic separation between the two groups, where d-mannitol, d-fructose, and glucose were upregulated in the TzDM group, when compared to the control group. L-tyrosine, glycine, diglycerol, L-lysine, and L-hydroxyproline were downregulated in the TzDM group when compared to the control group. Metabolic pathways which were highly impacted in the TzDM group include biotin metabolism, carnitine synthesis, and lactose degradation. We conclude from our study that infecting T2DM rats with a tissue-dwelling nematode, T. zimbabwensis, causes a shift in the metabolome, causing changes in different metabolic pathways. Additionally, the infection showed the potential to regulate or improve diabetes complications by causing a decrease in the amino acid concentration that results in metabolic syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Innocent Siyanda Ndlovu
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban 4001, South Africa; (I.S.N.); (P.I.N.); (A.V.)
| | - Selaelo Ivy Tshilwane
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0110, South Africa; (S.I.T.); (M.C.)
| | - Philile Ignecious Ngcamphalala
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban 4001, South Africa; (I.S.N.); (P.I.N.); (A.V.)
| | - Andre’ Vosloo
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban 4001, South Africa; (I.S.N.); (P.I.N.); (A.V.)
| | - Mamohale Chaisi
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0110, South Africa; (S.I.T.); (M.C.)
- Foundational Biodiversity Science, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
| | - Samson Mukaratirwa
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban 4001, South Africa; (I.S.N.); (P.I.N.); (A.V.)
- One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Ross University, Basseterre KN0101, Saint Kitts and Nevis
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Yao C. Human infections by the rat tapeworm Hymenolepis diminuta in China. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2023; 117:815-822. [PMID: 37650697 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trad063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The rat tapeworm Hymenolepis diminuta is a parasite that usually uses rats as a definitive host. It also infects humans and non-human primates. Human infections have been reported in 80 countries worldwide, including China. Nevertheless, nearly all the literature on human infections in China by the rat tapeworm is in Chinese journals, which are very difficult to access by readers outside China. The main aim of the current manuscript was to systematically review human infections by the rat tapeworm in China for readers inside and outside the country. Chinese characters for H. diminuta were used to search several databases, including Google Scholar. In total, 511 infections were reported in 24 Chinese provinces/autonomous regions, which surpassed 320 in Costa Rica as the country with the highest number of infections. Furthermore, three nationwide surveys on parasitic infections in the past 3 decades revealed detailed prevalence of this parasite along with that of roundworm, whipworm, hookworm and pinworm in Chinese populations. These data contribute to better understanding of this greatly neglected zoonosis in the world's most populated country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoqun Yao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross Unive rsity School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis
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Peda A, Samaniego P, Daugherty C, Wood T, Wang C, Knobel D. Does Perioperative Administration of Rabies Vaccine in Dogs Undergoing Surgical Sterilization Induce an Adequate Antibody Response? Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1418. [PMID: 37766095 PMCID: PMC10534611 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11091418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
High-volume spay/neuter events may facilitate access to free-roaming dogs to administer rabies vaccination, but important questions remain regarding the effect of surgery and anesthesia on the immune response to a vaccine administered in the perioperative period. This study evaluated the immunogenicity of primary rabies vaccination in dogs when administered during the immediate perioperative period at the time of surgical sterilization (ovariohysterectomy/orchidectomy). Healthy dogs of both sexes presenting for surgical sterilization who had never been vaccinated against rabies virus were eligible for enrollment in the study. Fifty dogs ranging in age from 5 to 96 months were enrolled and were vaccinated against rabies virus during the recovery period following anesthesia and surgery. Rabies virus neutralizing antibody (RVNA) titers were measured preoperatively and 28 days postoperatively. This cohort was compared to a historical control cohort of 57 dogs who received primary rabies vaccination for travel purposes and had RVNA titers measured at the same laboratory as the study group 28-35 days post-vaccination. After controlling for age and sex, there was no statistically significant difference in immunogenicity of a rabies vaccine administered to dogs during the perioperative period in comparison to dogs that received the rabies vaccine for travel alone in the absence of surgery. Perioperative administration of a rabies vaccine in dogs undergoing surgical sterilization induces an adequate antibody response. We recommend that rabies vaccine be administered perioperatively during spay/neuter campaigns in canine rabies endemic areas if other opportunities to access veterinary care and rabies vaccination are limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Peda
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre P.O. Box 334, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Paulina Samaniego
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre P.O. Box 334, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Christy Daugherty
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre P.O. Box 334, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Theresa Wood
- Department of Pathobiology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA; (T.W.)
| | - Chengming Wang
- Department of Pathobiology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA; (T.W.)
| | - Darryn Knobel
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre P.O. Box 334, Saint Kitts and Nevis
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Hooper SE, Hecker KG, Artemiou E. Using Machine Learning in Veterinary Medical Education: An Introduction for Veterinary Medicine Educators. Vet Sci 2023; 10:537. [PMID: 37756059 PMCID: PMC10536867 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10090537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Machine learning (ML) offers potential opportunities to enhance the learning, teaching, and assessments within veterinary medical education including but not limited to assisting with admissions processes as well as student progress evaluations. The purpose of this primer is to assist veterinary educators in appraising and potentially adopting these rapid upcoming advances in data science and technology. In the first section, we introduce ML concepts and highlight similarities/differences between ML and classical statistics. In the second section, we provide a step-by-step worked example using simulated veterinary student data to answer a hypothesis-driven question. Python syntax with explanations is provided within the text to create a random forest ML prediction model, a model composed of decision trees with each decision tree being composed of nodes and leaves. Within each step of the model creation, specific considerations such as how to manage incomplete student records are highlighted when applying ML algorithms within the veterinary education field. The results from the simulated data demonstrate how decisions by the veterinary educator during ML model creation may impact the most important features contributing to the model. These results highlight the need for the veterinary educator to be fully transparent during the creation of ML models and future research is needed to establish guidelines for handling data not missing at random in medical education, and preferred methods for model evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E. Hooper
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre KN0101, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Kent G. Hecker
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada;
- International Council for Veterinary Assessment, Crystal Lake, IL 60014, USA
| | - Elpida Artemiou
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Texas Tech University, 7671 Evans Drive, Amarillo, TX 79106, USA;
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Fairs J, Conan A, Yvorchuk-St. Jean K, Gingerich W, Abramo N, Stahl D, Walters C, Artemiou E. The Evaluation of a High-Fidelity Simulation Model and Video Instruction Used to Teach Canine Dental Skills to Pre-Clinical Veterinary Students. Vet Sci 2023; 10:526. [PMID: 37624313 PMCID: PMC10458249 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10080526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, there has been an increased focus on the teaching of small-animal dentistry to veterinary students in order to address the recognized gap between dental skill training and the expectations of employers regarding the competencies of new graduates in this field. In this study, third-year veterinary students were trained in three canine dental core skills using either a high-fidelity model (Group A) or video instruction (Group B). An objective structured clinical examination was used to assess skill acquisition and questionnaires were distributed in order to assess student confidence and perceptions related to small-animal dentistry practice and related skills before and after the training. All results were compared between the two groups. Group A outperformed Group B in skill acquisition (p < 0.001) and there was greater improvement in skill confidence for Group A than Group B (p < 0.001). There was no statistical difference in perceptions related to small-animal dentistry between the two groups after the training (p ≥ 0.1). Group A rated their training experience more highly than Group B (p < 0.001). Although dental skill acquisition shows greater improvement when training is provided by models rather than video instruction, a blended approach to teaching dental skills is likely to be the best approach to optimizing dental skill acquisition.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Fairs
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre P.O. Box 334, Saint Kitts and Nevis; (K.Y.-S.J.); (N.A.); (D.S.); (C.W.)
| | - Anne Conan
- Centre for Applied One Health Research and Policy Advice, City University of Hong Kong, 31 To Yuen Street, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China;
| | - Kathleen Yvorchuk-St. Jean
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre P.O. Box 334, Saint Kitts and Nevis; (K.Y.-S.J.); (N.A.); (D.S.); (C.W.)
| | - Wade Gingerich
- Pet Dental Center, 9250 Corkscrew, STE 18, Estero, FL 33928, USA;
| | - Nicole Abramo
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre P.O. Box 334, Saint Kitts and Nevis; (K.Y.-S.J.); (N.A.); (D.S.); (C.W.)
| | - Diane Stahl
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre P.O. Box 334, Saint Kitts and Nevis; (K.Y.-S.J.); (N.A.); (D.S.); (C.W.)
| | - Carly Walters
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre P.O. Box 334, Saint Kitts and Nevis; (K.Y.-S.J.); (N.A.); (D.S.); (C.W.)
| | - Elpida Artemiou
- Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine, 7671 Evans Dr., Amarillo, TX 79106, USA;
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Ndlovu IS, Tshilwane SI, Vosloo A, Chaisi M, Mukaratirwa S. Metabolomics of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Sprague Dawley Rats-In Search of Potential Metabolic Biomarkers. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12467. [PMID: 37569840 PMCID: PMC10419637 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is an expanding global health concern, closely associated with the epidemic of obesity. Individuals with diabetes are at high risk for microvascular and macrovascular complications, which include retinopathy, neuropathy, and cardiovascular comorbidities. Despite the availability of diagnostic tools for T2DM, approximately 30-60% of people with T2DM in developed countries are never diagnosed or detected. Therefore, there is a strong need for a simpler and more reliable technique for the early detection of T2DM. This study aimed to use a non-targeted metabolomic approach to systematically identify novel biomarkers from the serum samples of T2DM-induced Sprague Dawley (SD) rats using a comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with a time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GCxGC-TOF/MS). Fifty-four male Sprague Dawley rats weighing between 160-180 g were randomly assigned into two experimental groups, namely the type 2 diabetes mellitus group (T2DM) (n = 36) and the non-diabetic control group (n = 18). Results from this study showed that the metabolite signature of the diabetic rats was different from that of the non-diabetic control group. The most significantly upregulated metabolic pathway was aminoacyl-t-RNA biosynthesis. Metabolite changes observed between the diabetic and non-diabetic control group was attributed to the increase in amino acids, such as glycine, L-asparagine, and L-serine. Aromatic amino acids, including L-tyrosine, were associated with the risk of future hyperglycemia and overt diabetes. The identified potential biomarkers depicted a good predictive value of more than 0.8. It was concluded from the results that amino acids that were associated with impaired insulin secretion were prospectively related to an increase in glucose levels. Moreover, amino acids that were associated with impaired insulin secretion were prospectively related to an increase in glucose levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Innocent Siyanda Ndlovu
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban 4000, South Africa; (I.S.N.); (A.V.)
| | - Selaelo Ivy Tshilwane
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0110, South Africa; (S.I.T.); (M.C.)
| | - Andre Vosloo
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban 4000, South Africa; (I.S.N.); (A.V.)
| | - Mamohale Chaisi
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0110, South Africa; (S.I.T.); (M.C.)
- Foundational Biodiversity Science, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
| | - Samson Mukaratirwa
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban 4000, South Africa; (I.S.N.); (A.V.)
- One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Ross University, Basseterre KN0101, Saint Kitts and Nevis
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Suepaul S, Stegger M, Boyen F, Georges K, Butaye P. The Diversity and Zoonotic Potential of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius in Humans and Pet Dogs in Trinidad and Tobago. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1266. [PMID: 37627686 PMCID: PMC10451167 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12081266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is an opportunistic pathogen that is frequently isolated from canines. It is of escalating interest because of its increasing antimicrobial resistance and zoonotic potential. Although many published articles are available that describe isolates obtained from diseased dogs and humans, this study focused on isolates obtained from healthy dogs and their owners who presented at clinics for routine veterinary care and utilized whole genome sequencing-based analyses for strain comparisons. A total of 25 humans and 27 canines were sampled at multiple sites, yielding 47 and 45 isolates, respectively. Whole genome sequence analysis was performed. We detected mostly new sequence types (STs) and a high diversity. Strains carried few antimicrobial resistance genes and plasmids, albeit three MRSP strains were found that belonged to two internationally distributed STs. The virulence content did not provide insights toward a tendency to colonization of humans but supported that there may be differences in the surface proteins between carrier strains and those causing pyoderma. We identified 13 cases in which humans were infected with strains from the dog they owned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharianne Suepaul
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, St. George’s University, True Blue, St. George’s FZ818, Grenada
- Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine 685509, Trinidad and Tobago;
| | - Marc Stegger
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites, and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, 2300 Copenhagen, Denmark;
- Antimicrobial Resistance and Infectious Diseases Laboratory, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia
| | - Filip Boyen
- Department of Pathobiology, Pharmacology and Wildlife Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (F.B.); or (P.B.)
| | - Karla Georges
- Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine 685509, Trinidad and Tobago;
| | - Patrick Butaye
- Department of Pathobiology, Pharmacology and Wildlife Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (F.B.); or (P.B.)
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Ross University, Basseterre P.O. Box 334, Saint Kitts and Nevis
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Matthew MA, Christie J, Yang N, Yao C. A Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) Assay Specific to Trichomonas tenax Is Suitable for Use at Point-of-Care. Microorganisms 2022; 10:594. [PMID: 35336172 PMCID: PMC8949391 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10030594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Trichomonas tenax is a flagellated protozoan that inhabits the human and canine oral cavity in patients with poor oral hygiene and periodontal disease. The loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay could provide clinicians with a quick, cheap and reliable diagnostic test used for the detection of T. tenax in various settings. In this study, we aimed to develop a LAMP assay that can detect T. tenax with high sensitivity and specificity. A set of LAMP primers were specifically designed to detect the ITS and 5.8S rRNA gene of T. tenax. The newly developed LAMP assay was 1000 times more sensitive than conventional PCR. The limit of detection of the LAMP assay was 10 fg of genomic DNA, or 0.2-1 cell. Moreover, the LAMP assay was specific, resulting in no cross-reaction even with a closely related protozoan T. vaginalis or other microorganisms (Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, and Candida albicans) used. The present LAMP assay can be performed directly without prior DNA extraction, making the assay an easy, fast, cheap, specific and sensitive diagnostic tool for the detection of T. tenax at the point-of-care of both medical and veterinary clinics in developed and developing countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurice A. Matthew
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre 00334, Saint Kitts and Nevis; (M.A.M.); (N.Y.)
- One Health Centre for Zoonosis and Tropical Veterinary Diseases, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre 00334, Saint Kitts and Nevis;
| | - Jevan Christie
- One Health Centre for Zoonosis and Tropical Veterinary Diseases, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre 00334, Saint Kitts and Nevis;
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre 00334, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Nawu Yang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre 00334, Saint Kitts and Nevis; (M.A.M.); (N.Y.)
- One Health Centre for Zoonosis and Tropical Veterinary Diseases, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre 00334, Saint Kitts and Nevis;
| | - Chaoqun Yao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre 00334, Saint Kitts and Nevis; (M.A.M.); (N.Y.)
- One Health Centre for Zoonosis and Tropical Veterinary Diseases, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre 00334, Saint Kitts and Nevis;
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10
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Cavanaugh SM, Cavanaugh RP, Gilbert GE, Leavitt EL, Ketzis JK, Vieira AB. Short-term amino acid, clinicopathologic, and echocardiographic findings in healthy dogs fed a commercial plant-based diet. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0258044. [PMID: 34637461 PMCID: PMC8509881 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0258044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Consumer demand for commercially prepared plant-based (PB) dog food is increasing, but studies evaluating the short- or long-term effects of PB diets on canine health are lacking. The objective of this study was to assess the short-term amino acid (AA), clinicopathologic, and echocardiographic findings in 34 client-owned dogs fed a commercial extruded plant-based diet (PBD) in which pea protein was the primary protein source and 4 control dogs fed a commercial extruded traditional diet (TD). Plasma AA and whole blood taurine concentrations were measured in dogs at baseline and after 4 weeks on the PBD or the TD. Hematologic, serum biochemical, and echocardiographic testing were performed at baseline and after 12 weeks on the PBD or the TD. Four dogs in the PBD group did not complete the study. All essential AAs, except methionine, were higher in dogs after 4 weeks on the PBD compared to baseline. Taurine (plasma and whole blood) was also higher after 4 weeks on the PBD compared to baseline. A meaningful difference was detected in whole blood taurine between the PBD group and the control group at 4 weeks (P = .026) with the PBD group being higher. Median hematologic and biochemical results for the PBD group were within normal limits at baseline and at 12 weeks. In the PBD group, left ventricular internal diastolic dimension (LVIDd, P = < .001) and normalized LVIDd (P = .031) were higher 12 weeks post-PBD compared to baseline. There were no meaningful differences in left ventricular internal systolic dimension (LVIDs), normalized LVIDs, or fractional shortening 12 weeks post-PBD. There was no statistical evidence of difference between the 2 groups of dogs for any of the echocardiographic parameters at baseline or at 12 weeks. Essential AA or taurine deficiency was not observed in this cohort of dogs fed a commercial extruded PBD. Additionally, clinically relevant hematologic, serum biochemical and echocardiographic alterations were not detected. Further research is required to determine if long-term static feeding of PB diets can meet and maintain AA and other nutrient targets in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M. Cavanaugh
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Ross University, West Farm, Basseterre, St. Kitts
- * E-mail:
| | - Ryan P. Cavanaugh
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Ross University, West Farm, Basseterre, St. Kitts
| | - Gregory E. Gilbert
- Adtalem Global Education, Downers Grove, Illinois, United States of America
- Center for Teaching and Learning, School of Medicine, Ross University, Roseau, Dominica
| | - Elena L. Leavitt
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Ross University, West Farm, Basseterre, St. Kitts
| | - Jennifer K. Ketzis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Ross University, West Farm, Basseterre, St. Kitts
| | - Aline B. Vieira
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Ross University, West Farm, Basseterre, St. Kitts
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Hobbs EC, Mwape KE, Devleesschauwer B, Van Damme I, Krit M, Berkvens D, Zulu G, Mambwe M, Chembensofu M, Trevisan C, Baauw J, Phiri IK, Speybroeck N, Ketzis J, Dorny P, Willingham AL, Gabriël S. Effects of 'The Vicious Worm' educational tool on Taenia solium knowledge retention in Zambian primary school students after one year. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007336. [PMID: 31107880 PMCID: PMC6544326 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Revised: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Taenia solium is a neglected zoonotic parasite endemic throughout many low-income countries worldwide, including Zambia, where it causes human and pig diseases with high health and socioeconomic burdens. Lack of knowledge is a recognized risk factor, and consequently targeted health educational programs can decrease parasite transmission and disease occurrence in endemic areas. Preliminary assessment of the computer-based education program 'The Vicious Worm' in rural areas of eastern Zambia indicated that it was effective at increasing knowledge of T. solium in primary school students. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of 'The Vicious Worm' on knowledge retention by re-assessing the same primary school students one year after the initial education workshops. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Follow-up questionnaires were administered in the original three primary schools in eastern Zambia in 2017, 12 months after the original workshops. In total, 86 pupils participated in the follow-up sessions, representing 87% of the initial workshop respondents. Knowledge of T. solium at 'follow-up' was significantly higher than at the initial 'pre' questionnaire administered during the Vicious Worm workshop that took place one year earlier. While some specifics of the parasite's life cycle were not completely understood, the key messages for disease prevention, such as the importance of hand washing and properly cooking pork, remained well understood by the students, even one year later. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Results of this study indicate that 'The Vicious Worm' may be an effective tool for both short- and long-term T. solium education of rural primary school students in Zambia. Inclusion of educational workshops using 'The Vicious Worm' could be recommended for integrated cysticercosis control/elimination programs in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly if the content is simplified to focus on the key messages for prevention of disease transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma C. Hobbs
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, St Kitts, West Indies
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Kabemba Evans Mwape
- Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Brecht Devleesschauwer
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Inge Van Damme
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Meryam Krit
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Dirk Berkvens
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Gideon Zulu
- Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Government of the Republic of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Moses Mambwe
- Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Government of the Republic of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Mwelwa Chembensofu
- Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Chiara Trevisan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jacoba Baauw
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Isaac Khozozo Phiri
- Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Niko Speybroeck
- Institute for Health Research and Society, Université catholique de Louvain, Institute of Health and Society (IRSS), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jennifer Ketzis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, St Kitts, West Indies
| | - Pierre Dorny
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Arve Lee Willingham
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, St Kitts, West Indies
| | - Sarah Gabriël
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
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Yao C, Köster L, Halper B, Dundas J, Nair R. Failure to detect Tritrichomonas foetus in a cross-sectional survey in the populations of feral cats and owned outpatient cats on St Kitts, West Indies. JFMS Open Rep 2018; 4:2055116918782584. [PMID: 30202541 PMCID: PMC6125855 DOI: 10.1177/2055116918782584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES For over two decades, feline trichomonosis caused by Tritrichomonas foetus has been recognized as a large-bowel protozoan disease of the domestic cat. It has a wide distribution, but no reports exist in the Caribbean. The objectives of this study were to detect the presence of T foetus and its prevalence in the domestic cat on St Kitts, West Indies. METHODS A cross-sectional study was performed between September 2014 and December 2015. This study recruited 115 feral cats from a trap-neuter-return program and 37 owned cats treated as outpatients at the university veterinary clinic. Fresh feces were inoculated in InPouch culture medium, as per the manufacturer's instructions. In addition, PCR was performed using primers for T foetus. DNA extraction with amplification using primers of a Feliscatus NADH dehydrogenase subunit 6 was used as a housekeeping gene for quality control. RESULTS Only two owned cats had reported diarrhea in the preceding 6 months. None of the 152 samples were positive on InPouch culture microscopic examination. Only 35/69 feral cat fecal DNA samples were positive for the housekeeping gene, of which none tested PCR positive for T foetus. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE T foetus was not detected by culture and PCR in feral cats and owned cats on St Kitts. A high proportion of PCR inhibitors in the DNA samples using a commercial fecal DNA kit can lead to underestimating the prevalence, which should be taken into consideration when a survey on gastrointestinal pathogens depends exclusively on molecular detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoqun Yao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, St Kitts, West Indies
- One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, St Kitts, West Indies
| | - Liza Köster
- One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, St Kitts, West Indies
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, St Kitts, West Indies
- Current address: Davies Veterinary Specialists, Manor Farm Business Park, Higham Gobian SG5 3HR, UK
| | - Brandon Halper
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, St Kitts, West Indies
| | - James Dundas
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, St Kitts, West Indies
- Current address: Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, 550 University Avenue, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island C1A 4P3, Canada
| | - Rajeev Nair
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, St Kitts, West Indies
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Llanes A, Restrepo CM, Rajeev S. Whole Genome Sequencing Allows Better Understanding of the Evolutionary History of Leptospira interrogans Serovar Hardjo. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0159387. [PMID: 27442015 PMCID: PMC4956267 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0159387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Accepted: 07/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The genome of a laboratory-adapted strain of Leptospira interrogans serovar Hardjo was sequenced and analyzed. Comparison of the sequenced genome with that recently published for a field isolate of the same serovar revealed relatively high sequence conservation at the nucleotide level, despite the different biological background of both samples. Conversely, comparison of both serovar Hardjo genomes with those of L. borgpetersenii serovar Hardjo showed extensive differences between the corresponding chromosomes, except for the region occupied by their rfb loci. Additionally, comparison of the serovar Hardjo genomes with those of different L. interrogans serovars allowed us to detect several genomic features that may confer an adaptive advantage to L. interrogans serovar Hardjo, including a possible integrated plasmid and an additional copy of a cluster encoding a membrane transport system known to be involved in drug resistance. A phylogenomic strategy was used to better understand the evolutionary position of the Hardjo serovar among L. interrogans serovars and other Leptospira species. The proposed phylogeny supports the hypothesis that the presence of similar rfb loci in two different species may be the result of a lateral gene transfer event.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Llanes
- Centro de Biología Celular y Molecular de Enfermedades, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), Ciudad del Saber, Panamá, Panamá
- * E-mail:
| | - Carlos Mario Restrepo
- Centro de Biología Celular y Molecular de Enfermedades, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), Ciudad del Saber, Panamá, Panamá
| | - Sreekumari Rajeev
- Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, St. Kitts & Nevis
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