Molecular detection of vector-borne agents in dogs from ten provinces of China

Background

Although many vector-borne agents are potential zoonoses and cause substantial morbidity and mortality in dogs worldwide, there are limited data on these organisms in dogs of China.

Methods

Quantitative PCRs for vector-borne agents were performed to investigate their prevalences in convenience whole blood samples obtained from 1114 dogs from 21 veterinary clinics and a commercial dog breeding facility in ten provinces of China. In addition, the PCRs were performed on 146 Rhipicephalus sanguineus senso lato and 37 Linognathus setosus collected from dogs in the commercial dog breeding facility.

Results

DNAs of Babesia gibsoni and B. vogeli (1.2 %), Ehrlichia canis (1.3 %), Hepatozoon canis (1.8 %) and Theileria orientalis (0.1 %) or a closely related organism were detected in the bloods of the dogs studied, and Babesia vogeli (3.4 %) and Ehrlichia canis (4.1 %) in R. sanguineus senso lato. The qPCRs for Anaplasma spp., Dirofilaria immitis and Leishmania spp. were negative for all blood samples, ticks and lice. At least one vector-borne agent was found in dogs from 5 of the 10 provinces investigated in this study. Overall, 4.4 % (49/1117) of the dogs studied were positive for at least one vector-borne agent with the prevalence being highest in the commercial breeding colony (24/97; 24.7 %).

Conclusions

Our study confirms that B. vogeli, B. gibsoni, H. canis, and E. canis occur in China. Also, we present evidence that T. orientalis or a closely related organism can infect dogs.

Vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolated from camel meat and slaughterhouse workers in Egypt

Background

The emergence of vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA) represents a challenge for the treatment of staphylococcal infections in both human and animals worldwide. Although VRSA has been detected in several animal species worldwide, data on the bacterial prevalence in dromedary camels and workers in camel slaughterhouses are scarce.

Methods

We investigated meat samples from 200 dromedary camel carcasses from three different abattoirs that were being prepared to be sent to the markets. Twenty hand swabs were voluntarily collected from the workers in the same abattoirs. Isolation and identification of the bacterial specimens from the samples were performed using conventional cultural techniques and biochemical identification and were confirmed by PCR amplification of the nuc gene. Antimicrobial susceptibility against nine antimicrobial agents commonly used in human and camels was tested using the disc diffusion method, and genetic analysis was performed by evaluating the mecA gene in phenotypically oxacillin (OXA)- and cefoxitin (FOX)-resistant isolates. The resistance of S. aureus to vancomycin (VAN) was tested by broth microdilution and confirmed by PCR targeting the vanA and vanB genes. The vanA and vanB genes were sequenced.

Result

S. aureus was detected in both camel meat (29/200, 14.5%) and in abattoir workers (11/20, 55%). Of the collected samples, 27% (8/29, camel) and 54% (6/11, human) were identified as VRSA.

All VRSA isolates carried both the vanA and vanB genes. Additionally, all VRSA isolates were also classified as methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). The vanA amplicons of the isolates from human and camel meat were homologous and clustered with a Chinese reference isolate sequence.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that VRSA is present in camel abattoirs in Egypt. Zoonotic transmission between animals and human is probable and reflects both a public health threat and a food safety concern.

A pan-Theileria FRET-qPCR survey for Theileria spp. in ruminants from nine provinces of China

Background

Theileria spp. are tick transmitted protozoa that can infect large and small ruminants causing disease and economic losses. Diagnosis of infections is often challenging, as parasites can be difficult to detect and identify microscopically and serology is unreliable. While there are PCR assays which can identify certain Theileria spp., there is no one PCR that has been designed to identify all recognized species that occur in ruminants and which will greatly simplify the laboratory diagnoses of infections.

Methods

Primers and probes for a genus-specific pan-Theileria FRET-qPCR were selected by comparing sequences of recognized Theileria spp. in GenBank and the test validated using reference organisms. The assay was also tested on whole blood samples from large and small ruminants from nine provinces in China.

Results

The pan-Theileria FRET-qPCR detected all recognized species but none of the closely related protozoa. In whole blood samples from animals in China, Theileria spp. DNA was detected in 53.2% of the sheep tested (59/111), 44.4% of the goats (120/270) and 30.8% of the cattle (380/1,235). Water buffaloes (n = 29) were negative. Sequencing of some of the PCR products showed cattle in China were infected with T. orientalis/T. sergenti/T. buffeli group while T. ovis and T. luwenshuni were found in sheep and T. luwenshuni in goats. The prevalence of Theileria DNA was significantly higher in Bos p. indicus than in Bos p. taurus (77.7% vs. 18.3%) and copy numbers were also significantly higher (10^4.88 vs. 10^3.00Theileria 18S rRNA gene copies/per ml whole blood).

Conclusions

The pan-Theileria FRET-qPCR can detect all recognized Theileria spp. of ruminants in a single reaction. Large and small ruminants in China are commonly infected with a variety of Theileria spp.

First report of Babesia gibsoni in Central America and survey for vector-borne infections in dogs from Nicaragua

Background

Although many vector-borne diseases are important causes of morbidity and mortality in dogs in tropical areas and potential zoonoses, there is little information on these conditions in Central America.

Methods

Seven qPCRs for vector-borne pathogens were performed on a Roche LightCycler PCR Instrument to investigate their prevalence in a convenience sample of whole blood samples from apparently healthy dogs in Nicaragua. Also, a qPCR targeting the canine hydroxymethylbilane synthase (HMBS) gene was used as an endogenous internal control and verified the quality and quantity of DNA in the samples was appropriate for the study.

Results

We found DNA of Rickettsia felis (5%), Babesia spp. (26%), Hepatozoon canis (51%), Anaplasma platys (13%) and Ehrlichia canis (56%) in the 39 dogs studied. The qPCRs for Coxiella burnetii and Dirofilaria immitis were negative. Of the 30 (80%) dogs that were positive by qPCR, 12 (31%) were positive for one agent, 11 (28%) for two, 3 (8%) for three, and 4 (10%) for four agents.

Conclusions

This is the first report of B. gibsoni in dogs from Central America and the first recording of vector-borne agents in dogs from Nicaragua. Dogs in Nicaragua are commonly infected with a variety of vector-borne pathogens, some of which may also infect people.

Clinical and microbiologic determinants of serious bloodstream infections in Egyptian pediatric cancer patients: a one-year study

OBJECTIVES

Bloodstream infections (BSI) remain a major cause of morbidity and death in patients undergoing treatment for cancer. However, all recent epidemiological and therapeutic studies underline the absolute need for knowledge of the factors governing the infections in each center. The aim of this study is to identify the factors affecting BSI in the pediatric service of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) at Cairo University. More tailored policies for the treatment of patients with febrile neutropenia following chemotherapy can then be created.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Over a 12-month period, all children with cancer and fever, with or without neutropenia, who were admitted to the NCI for empirical therapy of febrile episodes and who had a microbiologically confirmed bloodstream infection were studied retrospectively.

RESULTS

A total of 328 BSI occurred in 1135 febrile episodes in pediatric cancer patients at the NCI in one year. Gram-positive bacteria were isolated in 168 episodes (51.2%) and 61.9% of the total isolates (either single or mixed), Gram-negative in 97 (29.6%), and mixed infections in 45 (13.7%). The common causative agents of bloodstream infections in this study were coagulase-negative staphylococci (16.2%), Staphylococcus aureus (13.4%), Streptococcus spp. (12.1%) followed by Acinetobacter spp. (6.7%) and Pseudomonas spp. (5.5%). Fungemia was encountered in 18 episodes, being mixed in nine of them. A more serious BSI in terms of a prolonged episode was encountered in 30.2% of the episodes and was significantly associated with patients being hospitalized, having intensified chemotherapy, polymicrobial and fungal infection, lower respiratory tract infections and persistent neutropenia at day seven.

CONCLUSIONS

In a large population of children, common clinical and laboratory risk factors were identified that can help predict more serious BSI. These results encourage the possibility of a more selective management strategy for these children.

Serological and molecular evidence of Coxiella burnetii in samples from humans and animals in China

INTRODUCTION

Coxiella burnetii is the agent of Q fever, a worldwide zoonosis. To add to the available knowledge of the disease in China, C. burnetti infections were investigated in convenience samples from five animal species and humans from Yangzhou, Jiangsu province, eastern China.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Commercial ELISA kits were used to detect antibodies to phase I and II C. burnetii. A FRET-qPCR targeting the outer membrane protein com1 gene was also developed to detect C. burnetii DNA in blood samples from animals and humans, and bovine milk samples.

RESULTS

Seropositive cattle (44/150; 29%), goats (33/150; 22%), humans (45/180; 25%) and pigs (4/130; 3%) were found, while dogs (0/136; 0%) and cats (0/140; 0%) were seronegative. Seropositivity in humans was associated with increasing age, but there was no gender difference. DNA was amplified from two milk samples (2/150, 1.3%), while none of the blood samples were positive. The sequences of the obtained amplicons were identical to those of the com1 gene of the universal C. burnetii RSA 493 strain and other stains from China.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings indicaten that C. burnetii is endemic in Yangzhou, China, and therefore human and animal health workers should be aware of the possibility of infections and the occurrence of outbreaks of Q fever.

Inhibitory activity of chitosan nanoparticles against Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts

Cryptosporidium is a ubiquitous harsh protozoan parasite that resists many disinfectants. It remains viable and infective for a long time in water and food causing global outbreaks. Chitosan (the deacetylated chitin molecule) was used in its nanosuspension form to evaluate its effect against Cryptosporidium parvum. The experiments were performed in vitro in serial concentrations and confirmed in mice in vivo infectivity assay. Chitosan nanoparticles (Cs NPs) were toxic to Cryptosporidium oocysts. The effect appeared to decrease the number of Cryptosporidium oocysts and altered their content. The destruction rate of oocysts was dependent on the dose of chitosan and the time of exposure (P < 0.05). Higher doses of Cs NPs over a prolonged period exhibited a significantly higher destruction rate. Using staining and light microscopy, remarkable destructive changes were observed in the oocysts' morphology. The minimal lethal dose for > 90% of oocysts was 3000 μg/ml, no mice infections in vivo were observed. The results in this study elucidate Cs NPs as an effective anti-cryptosporidial agent.

Public health significance of dermatophytes in Ismailia and Port Said Provinces, Egypt

BACKGROUND

[corrected] Dermatophytes are common in both developed and developing countries, the species involved and the resulting clinical entities vary geographically.

AIM OF STUDY

To determine public health importance of dermatophytes with special regard to the distribution of the zoophilic species among the examined human cases.

METHODS

Patient specimens (dermatophytosis-like lesions) were mycologically examined using direct microscopic and cultural examinations.

RESULTS

The overall dermatophyte infection rates among the examined patients (260) were 81.5% and 61.9% by direct microscopic and cultural examinations, respectively. A total of 161 dermatophyte isolates were obtained from culturally positive human specimens. The most common isolated species were Trichophyton violaceum (60, 37.3%) and Microsporum canis (46, 28.6%), followed by Trichophyton rubrum (20, 12.4%), Trichophyton tonsurans (16, 9.9%) and Trichophyton mentagrophytes (11, 6.8%). The less frequently isolated species were Trichophyton verrucosum (3, 1.9%), Epidermophyton floccosum (3, 1.9%), Microsporum gypseum (1, 0.6%) and Microsporum audouinii (1, 0.6%). The current study further revealed that out of 161 culturally positive patients, 61 (37.9%) had contact with pet animals, 6 (3.7%) had contact with farm animals, 7 (4.3%) had a history of rodent presence in or around their home and 87 (54%) had no contact with animals.

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Although the anthropophilic species dominated the aetiology of human dermatophytosis in present study, the zoophilic species represented nearly one third of the totally obtained isolates, with the most important organisms being M. canis, T.mentagrophytes var. mentagrophytes and T. verrucosum. These findings indicate the necessity of human beings taking appropriate control measures when they are in contact with animals.

Molecular detection of Dirofilaria immitis, Hepatozoon canis, Babesia spp., Anaplasma platys and Ehrlichia canis in dogs on Costa Rica

Although vector-borne diseases are important causes of morbidity and mortality in dogs in tropical areas, there is little information on these conditions in Costa Rica. In PCRs of blood from dogs in Costa Rica, we did not detect DNAs of Rickettsia (R.) felis and Coxiella (C.) burnetii but we did find evidence of infection with Dirofilaria (D.) immitis (9/40, 22.5%), Hepatozoon (H.) canis (15/40, 37.5%), Babesia spp. (10/40, 25%; 2 with B. gibsoni and 8 with B. vogeli), Anaplasma (A.) platys (3/40, 7.5%) and Ehrlichia (E.) canis (20/40, 50%). Nine dogs (22.5%) were free of any vector-borne pathogens while 14 (35%) were infected with a single pathogen, 11 (27.5%) with two, 4 (10%) with three, 1 (2.5%) with four, and 1 (2.5%) with five pathogens. Dogs in Costa Rica are commonly infected with vector-borne agents.

Detection of Dirofilaria immitis antigen and antibodies against Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi and Ehrlichia canis in dogs from ten provinces of China

Despite the fact vector-borne diseases (VBDs) have been increasingly reported in dogs worldwide, there are only limited reports on VBDs in dogs in China with most being based on molecular detection of active infections. To provide further data on the exposure of dogs in China to VBD agents, we used commercial immunochromatographic assays to test plasma from 637 apparently healthy indoor and breeding colony dogs from 21 veterinary clinics in 10 provinces in China and a commercial dog breeding facility for circulating antigen of Dirofilaria immitis, and for circulating antibodies against Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp., and Borrelia burgdorferi. Overall, we found only low levels of exposure to Ehrlichia spp. (4.7%; 30/637), Anaplasma spp. (1.4%; 9/637), B. burgdorferi (0.9%; 6/637) and D. immitis (0.2%; 1/637) with most of the positive animals coming from the commercial breeding colony (26/103; 25.2%) where ectoparasites were most commonly noted. At least one vector-borne agent was found in dogs from 6 of the 10 provinces investigated. Our results confirm exposure of dogs from around China to a variety of VBDs, even indoor pets seldom observed to harbor ectoparasites.

High seroprevalence of Coxiella burnetii in dairy cattle in China

Coxiella burnetii is the agent of Q fever, a zoonosis which occurs worldwide. As there is little reliable data on the organism in China, we investigated C. burnetii infections in dairy cattle herds around the country. Opportunistic whole blood samples were collected from 1140 dairy cattle in 19 herds, and antibodies to phase I and II C. burnetii antigens were detected using commercial ELISA kits. Seropositive cattle (381/1140, 33 %) were detected in 13 of the 15 surveyed provinces and in 16 of the 19 herds (84 %) studied. Our data indicates C. burnetii is widespread in China and that animal and human health workers should be aware of the possibility of Q fever infection in their patients.

Pathways of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Animal Model: New Insights Regarding Public Health

Background

Staphylococcus aureus is considered one of the major threats regarding food safety worldwide. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strains in livestock, companion animals, and wild animals continue to be a potential risk to people working with them.

Aim

The current research aims to investigate the potential pathways of livestock-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (LA-MRSA) strains in the body after oral infection using the experimental mouse model.

Methods

Seven groups of SPF male mice were purchased and housed. On day 1, six groups of mice were infected orally by the sterile gastric probe using 100 μL/mice of LA-MRSA bacterial suspension (1 × 10⁸ colony-forming units (CFU)/mL). The remaining group was kept as negative controls. Over 15 days, these animals have been monitored. Fresh fecal samples were screened for LA-MRSA at day 0, day 7 and day 14 following oral administration of MRSA strains. All animals were sacrificed at day 15, and internal organs (liver, lung, kidney, and intestine) were harvested aseptically and divided into two sections. The first part was histopathologically investigated, while the other half has been tested for LA-MRSA re-isolation.

Result

The oral challenge of mice by MRSA strains showed that MRSA was re-isolated from feces and intestines of all inoculated mice groups and from internal organs (liver, lung, kidney and intestine) of most mice. Results were confirmed by the detection of the bacteria in gram-stained tissue sections and changes in H&E-stained histopathological tissue sections from these organs.

Conclusion

Data from the present study indicate the possible colonization of livestock-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (LA-MRSA) in internal organs following oral infection and thus posing a risk for food-borne infection of MRSA. Infected animals could pass LA-MRSA through feces again, resulting in increased dispersion and environmental contamination.

Virulence and antimicrobial-resistance of shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) Isolated from edible shellfish and its public health significance

Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) are an important cause of foodborne illness in humans with infections ranging from mild non-bloody diarrhea to bloody diarrhea (BD) and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). This study aimed to investigate the distribution of STEC in shellfish from coastal shores of Lake Timsah in Ismailia Governorate, Egypt and its probable hazard to seafood consumers. Samples from the external surface and tissues of shrimp (n = 45), crabs (n = 45), and oysters (n = 45) batches were examined bacteriologically for the presence of STEC and tested for their antibiotic sensitivity. Moreover, occurrence of virulence genes was determined via detection of stx1, stx2 and eaeA genes using PCR. Overall, E. coli and presumptive STEC isolates (from CHROMagar) were identified from the surface (55.6 and 5.9%) and tissues (42.2 and 8.9%) of the examined shellfish batches, respectively. Five STEC isolates had been confirmed and found belonging to O26:H11, O125:H6, O146:H21, and O159 serogroups, those were 4 isolates from tissues of the three shellfish species and one isolate from the crab surface. The STEC isolates were multi-drug resistant, showing complete resistance to; penicillins, amoxycillin/clavulanic acid, colistin, fosfomycin, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, and tetracycline, however, they were sensitive to gentamycin except O159 serogroup. The current study revealed low level of contamination of shellfish from coastal shores of Lake Timsah with STEC, however, it also highlights the extreme level of antimicrobial resistance exhibited by the presumptive and confirmed STEC isolates which is very hazardous for seafood consumers in the study area.

Role of dietary Spirulina platensis and betaine supplementation on growth, hematological, serum biochemical parameters, antioxidant status, immune responses, and disease resistance in Nile tilapia

Spirulina platensis is, a freshwater microalga, broadly used worldwide. It not only stimulates the immune systems of aquatic organisms but also provides a protein-rich diet and commonly used in the manufacture of aquafeeds. This study was planned to evaluate the growth performance, hepato-renal, and immune response biomarkers of Spirulina and Betaine on Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and their protective effect against infection with Aeromonas hydrophila. O. niloticus juveniles (20.22 ± 0.86 g) were divided into four groups (n = 10 per replicate). For 8 weeks, the first and second groups (T_S&T_B) were fed with 0.5% and 0.3% concentrations of Spirulina and Betaine supplemented diets, respectively; the third group (T_SB) was fed with a Spirulina and Betaine mixed diet; the fourth group was fed with a basal diet (without supplementation, T₀), which served as control. Dietary inclusion of Spirulina and Betaine significantly improved (P ˂ 0.05) the weight gain, final weight, and food conversion ratio, especially in the T_S group. The activities of hepatic malonaldehyde were unchanged in T_S & T_SB groups and the muscular significantly decreased (P ˂ 0.05) in the same groups, while both increased in the T_B group; meanwhile, levels of glutathione reductase were significantly upregulated in all treated groups. Serum interleukins, TNF- alpha, and IL-10 levels were also significantly reduced in all treatment groups. A significant protective power against pathogenic Aeromonas infection was evidenced in all treated groups. Findings in this study highlight the reputation of Spirulina and Betaine as immunostimulants and protective agents against A. hydrophila infection in O. niloticus.

Beta-lactam and Fluoroquinolone Resistant Extraintestinal Escherichia coli from Broiler Chickens and Ducks: Public Health Threat

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a zoonotic bacterial pathogen commonly found in human, birds and animals. The widespread use of broad-spectrum beta-lactams for poultry treatment, has resulted in the production of extended spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) in E. coli. In this study, we analyzed the antimicrobial resistance pattern of E. coli isolates from broiler chickens and ducks with clinical colibacillosis, and investigated the presence of beta-lactam (blaTEM, blaSHV, ampC, and blaCTX-M) and fluoroquinolone (qnrS and qepA) resistance genes using PCR. E. coli isolates showed a higher resistance against beta-lactams: penicillin G and ceftriaxone (97.5%), cephalexin (92.5%), ampicillin (77.5%), amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (62.5%), with somewhat lower resistance for nalidixic acid (45%), ciprofloxacin (35%), and norfloxacin (32.5%) from fluoroquinolone group. Isolates showed considerable sensitivity to cefotaxime (65%) and levofloxacin (55%). All tested isolates carried blaTEM, blaSHV and ampC resistance genes, and this was associated with the phenotypic resistance too. Although some isolates showed phenotypic intermediate resistance to fluoroquinolones, or resistance to only one agent from this class, the qnrS (83.3%) has been detected with high frequency. The blaCTX-M (27.87%) and qepA (16.7%) showed the lowest occurrence and had been detected in isolates from broiler chickens only. The occurrence of these resistant E. coli serotypes in broiler chickens and ducks pose a potential threat to poultry industry, and constitutes a public health risk to human consumers, slaughterhouse and poultry packing plant workers due to dissemination of beta-lactam and fluoroquinolone resistant E. coli serotypes.