Serological and molecular detection of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and Anaplasmataceae in rodents

The presence of Anaplasma spp. and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in rodents from Eastern Slovakia were followed by serological and molecular methods. The seroprevalence for Borrelia was detected in 16.6 %, for Anaplasmataceae (APT) in 13.2 % and co-occurrence of Borrelia and APT in 7.5 %. Out of 110 ear biopsies of rodents, 5 were B. afzelii-positive. Five biopsies tested positive with the Ehr521-Ehr747 primers amplifying all the members of the family APT. A. phagocytophilum was detected in 1.8 %, 2.7 % were infected with Anaplasma-like organisms. Co-occurrence of Borrelia and Anaplasma in ear biopsies was found in 1.8 %. The circulation of both Borrelia and Anaplasma in the region of Eastern Slovakia was confirmed.

Chlamydophila felis in cats--are the stray cats dangerous source of infection?

Chlamydophila felis is a causative agent of acute or chronic conjunctivitis, and pneumonia in cats. Natural transmission mostly occurs consequently to close contact with other infected cats, their aerosol and fomites. We have examined 93 cats with symptoms of acute or chronic conjunctivitis, from Košice region in Slovakia, during the period of 2 years. Conjunctival samples were obtained from 55 domestic cats (59.14%) and 38 stray cats (40.86%). Of the total number of 93 examined animals, 42 cats were positive, which represents 45.16% overall positivity. Out of the 42 positive cats, 25 cats were stray and 17 positive cats were classified as domestic, which means that of 38 stray cats, 25 were positive (which represented 65.78% positivity) and of 55 domestic cats, 17 were positive (positivity was 30.90%). Our results showed that cats, especially stray cats, could be a dangerous source of chlamydiosis for humans.

Immunoglobulin G antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi in game animals and small mammals in eastern Slovakia

In a survey of game animals and small mammals, the sera of 185 animals were examined for the presence of immunoglobulin G antibodies to the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, which causes Lyme borreliosis. These animals comprised 59 fallow deer (Dama dama), 56 mouflons (Ovis musimon) and 70 small mammals of six different species. The sera of the fallow deer and the mouflons were examined by indirect haemagglutination assay. The sera of the small mammals were examined by modified enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, which is available in a commercial kit. The sera of the 59 fallow deer demonstrated positivity of 40.77% (titres 1:40-1:80). The 56 mouflons demonstrated seropositivity of 17.8% (1:40-1:80). The sera of the small mammals were highly positive in the yellow-necked field mouse (Apodemus flavicollis) at 42.1% (titres 1:200-1:1,600), followed by the bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus) at 14.3% (1:400-1:800), the common vole (Microtus arvalis) at 12.5% (1:200) and the black-striped field mouse (A. agrarius) at 10.0% (1:200-1:400-800). The authors also report the rate of infestation of these small mammals by the tick Ixodes ricinus, as these mammal species are potential reservoirs for this vector. The study focuses on the relationship between the possibility of infestation by I. ricinus and the reservoir competence of the different species under study, as well as the possible spread of disease. The detected rate of seroprevalence indicates that all the investigated animals have had contact with infected ticks.

Chlamydial infection of cats and human health

Chlamydia psittaci var. felis is considered as a primary and important agent in the etiology of infectious diseases of the upper respiratory tract and eyes in cats, having zoonotic potential. We investigated 13 cats aged between 2 months and 7 years, in which conjunctivitis, rhinitis, laryngotracheitis, bronchopneumonia and lymph adenopathy was clinically diagnosed. To detect the antigen of C. psittaci the Clearview Chlamydia Direct Test was used for the first time. The presence of C psittaci in 10 of 13 investigated cats and in 8 nasal mucosa smears from 10 investigated cats were confirmed in conjunctiva. Using bacteriological examination different species of the genus Staphylococcus in conjunctiva from all 13 investigated animals were also confirmed. Serological investigation using complement fixation test was negative in all animals.

Serological evidence for Borrelia burgdorferi infection associated with clinical signs in dairy cattle in Slovakia

In the course of epizootological research on Lyme borreliosis in domestic and farm animals, the serological evidence for the occurrence of this zoonosis in cattle was screened. An ELISA showed that 25.2% of cattle from seven geographical areas in Slovakia were positive for anti-Borrelia IgG antibodies. In particular localities, the seroprevalence ranged from 0.6% to 34.3%. Of 33 cases with clinical signs, 20 ELISA-positive samples were also confirmed in Western blots. The most frequent clinical signs were lameness and swollen joints, but most of the cases were asymptomatic. The occurrence of Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies and suspected clinical signs in cattle of Slovak regions indicates that veterinarians should pay attention to this disease in their clinical practice and include it within the differential diagnosis.

Prevalence of antibodies to Encephalitozoon cuniculi (microsporidia) in angora goats--a potential risk of infection for breeders

The presence of antibodies against Encephalitozoon cuniculi in Angora goats was detected by the method of indirect immunofluorescence (IFAT). The animals reacting at the titre 1: 64 and more were considered positive. Of the total number of 48 sera examined, 4 were positive at the titre 1: 32 and 2 were positive at the titre 1: 64. The occurrence of antibodies against E. cuniculi indicates that one of the causes of disorders in the reproductive cycle in Angora goats may be microsporidia Encephalitozoon cuniculi, and that these animals may be potential sources of infection for people.

[Microsporidial infections in immunocompromised hospitalized patients]

Microsporidia Encephalitozoon cuniculi, obligate intracellular sporeforming protozoan parasite infecting a wide range of vertebrate and invertebrate host, has been described as opportunistic pathogen in severely immunocompromised human host. An antibody immune response to the presence of antibodies against Encephalitozoon cuniculi was investigated serologically using indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT). Of the total number of 113 sera from immunologically compromised patients examined, 5 were positive at the titre 1:32, 5 at the titre 1:64, and 6 at the titre 1:256. From total number of positive respondent patients were 12 children and 4 adults.

[Detection of anti-microsporidial antibodies in patients with secondary immunodeficiency]

Microsporidia are a group of eukaryotic obligate intracellular parasites that infect most invertebrates and all classes of vertebrates, including man. In human population, microsporidia are emerging as opportunistic pathogens in immunocompromised patients. Two groups of human sera (318 serum samples) were tested by ELISA for the presence of specific antimicrosporidial (anti-Encephalitozoon intestinalis) antibodies. Group 1 included 120 patients with secondary immunodeficiency, group 2 consisted of 198 immunocompetent controls. Anti-Encephalitozoon intestinalis antibodies were detected in 29 (24.16%) patients and 20 (10.1%) immunocompetent controls. The difference in prevalence of antibodies against Encephalitozoon intestinalis between the groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05%).

[Encephalitozoon cuniculi--clinical and epidemiologic significance. Results of a preliminary serologic study in humans]

Recently attention in human medicine has been drawn to encephalitozoonoses. Increased liability to develop the infection is found in particular in people with an impaired immunobiological condition. Evidence of this are more numerous infections in AIDS patients. However, the impact of encephalitozoonoses cannot be ruled out in other groups of patients. This calls however for specific aimed investigations. The authors examined 98 sera of employees of a slaughterhouse for encephalitozoonosis. Five sera (5.1%) were positive. Sera of 92 forestry workers, 22 dog breeders and 150 blood donors were negative. In future it will be necessary to focus attention on seropositive subjects in conjunction with the possible transmission of the disease from animals to man.

Serological response of cattle to Chlamydophila abortus in Slovakia in 1996-2000

In the Slovak Republic, in 1966-2000, 37,275 blood sera of cattle were investigated for the presence of antibodies against Chlamydophila abortus using the method of complement fixation. The antibody occurrence had following tendency: in 1996--3.72%; 1997--10.02%; 1998--9.15%; 1999--15.99%; 2000--9.51% of the tested sera contained the antibodies. In most cases, antibodies in low titres, 1:32-1:64, were detected. Positive serological reactions at such serum dilutions are not indicative of the clinical disease of cattle; they reflect an immune response of the host organism following contact with the Chlamydophila abortus antigen. The chlamydial antibody titres of 1:256, which were confirmed in 1998-1999, indicate the chlamydial infections.

[Detection of Chlamydia trachomatis in clinical material 1985-1988]

Investigation of 529 smears from the uterine cervix of women before delivery, during the puerperium and before induced abortion revealed positive findings in 25.2% of women before delivery and in 19.3% of women before induced abortion. Perinatal infection was confirmed by a positive finding of Ch. t. in 12.8% neonates with conjunctivitis and 15.4% from the nasopharynx. The direct immunofluorescent method was used. In another group of women examined by the serological method ELISA, from a total of 182 sera in 41.7% the presence of IgG antibodies was detected. In cervical smears from 10 seropositive women in seven Ch. t. was positive.

[Relation between characteristics of the small mammal population and occurrence of Leptospira antibodies]

Five rodent species (Apodemus flavicollis, A. agrarius, A. microps, Clethrionomys glareolus and Microtus arvalis) were examined serologically for presence of antibodies to leptospira. Small mammals were caught in several areas of eastern Slovakia, an important part of host material coming from East Slovakian Lowland (45.7%), south part of Kosice basin (26.5%) and Slovak carst (10.1%). Serological examinations were used by Kmety and Bakoss (1978), the sexual condition of rodents were ascertained after Pelikán (1965). Altogether, 2,113 individuals of rodent species were examined during five years (1991-1995), antibodies to leptospires were demonstrated in 5.02% of examined hosts. In examined hosts antibodies to six serovars of leptospira (Leptospira grippothyphosa, L. sejroe, L. bataviae, L. bratislava, L. pomona and L. sorex-jalna) were found. The most frequently observed antibodies were those of the serovar L. grippothyphosa (65.1%) and L. sejroe (25.5%). Slightly higher percentage of positive hosts in mature group rodents (5.4%) comparing with immature rodents (4.6%) were statistically insignificant. Similarly, no differences were found between percentage of positive rodent females (5.3%) and group of males (4.7%). No statistical differences were found in positivities to leptospira antibodies among sexual and age groups of individual rodent species, too. Proportion of serological positivities to L. grippothyphosa and L. sejroe in compared sex and age rodent groups were very similar. In evaluated rodent species trend of increases of serological positive values from spring to autumn was observed, but it was statistically confirmed only in A. agrarius.

[Urethritis of chlamydial origin]

Using the direct immunofluorescence method with a Chlamyset of Orion Co. Finland for detection of Chlamydia trachomatis, the authors examined smears from male and female patients with manifestations of non-specific urethritis and cervicitis. In women also specimens from the cervix were examined. The IF examinations of smears from the urethra of 72 men were positive in 25, i.e. 34.7%. IF examinations of 70 women with manifestations of cervicitis and urethritis were positive in 17, i.e. 24.3% from the urethra and in 20 cases, i.e. 28.6% from the cervix. The positive findings of Chlamydia trachomatis indicate the importance of diagnosing urethritis of chlamydial origin and aimed treatment.

[Detection of Chlamydia trachomatis in clinical material 1989-1990]

Examination of 276 smears and scrapings from the uterine cervix of women before delivery and during the puerperium revealed in 28.0% positive findings. Perinatal infection was confirmed by the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis in 35.5% neonates with conjunctivitis and 27.3% positive smears from the nasopharynx. The authors used the direct immunofluorescence method. For immunofluorescent staining they used Chlamyset of Orion Co., Finland.

[Occurrence of Leptospira serovars in old foci of leptospirosis]

In two old natural foci of leptospiroses in an Eastern Slovakian area an epidemiological investigation was made to detect persisting carriership in basis reservoirs-small mammals and the contact with leptospirae in population groups with an occupational risk. Using the microagglutination reaction (MAR), the authors examined 1,106 small mammals and detected in 50 cases, i.e. 4.5%, the presence of specific antibodies against leptospirae, most frequently in species Apodemus agrarius and Ap. flavicollis. Only in one instance a positive reaction was found in the main reservoir--Microtus arvalis. As to serovars, Leptospira grippotyphosa and the group L. sejroe dominated. Of 1,740 examined human sera (832 men, 908 women) 56 samples (3.2%) reacted in MAR (4.1% men, 2.4% women). The spectrum of serovars in positive subjects was the same as in the above mentioned reservoirs with a predominance of L. grippotyphosa and group L. sejroe. As compared with previous examinations made 18 years ago in small mammals, a decline of positivity to almost half was recorded (from 7.8% to 4.5%), a reduction of the number of serovars from 7 to 4 was observed, however, the positivity of dominating serovars did not decline. In humans a higher percentage of positivity to specific antibodies was found, as compared with the past, i.e. 3.0% as compared with 2.0%. The authors found differences in the frequency of different serovars. In the past serovar L. bratislava dominated in the above area, followed by L. grippotyphosa. At present the first place was held by L. grippotyphosa and the group of L. sejroe.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Extra-urogenital detection of Chlamydia trachomatis--perinatal transmission]

Infections produced by Chlamydia trachomatis reach an epidemic scale worldwide. Examination of 1,333 women with suspected cervicitis and other clinical symptoms revealed positive findings in 355 (27.5%). Of 72 examined men 25 (34.7%) were positive. Perinatal infection is confirmed also by positive evidence of Ch. t. in 28.9% neonates with conjunctivitis and 19% positive smears from the nasopharynx. The authors used the direct immunofluorescent method, Chlamyset of Orion Co., Finland.

Potential foci of Lyme borreliosis in towns

In 1997 the presence of ticks Ixodes ricinus infected with the agent of Lyme borreliosis was detected on the vegetation of Kosice urban agglomeration. The density of ticks on the vegetation of pericentral area islands of forest stands and neglected gardens was 2.4 times lower than that observed in a peripheral park forest. Only sporadical findings of ticks were reported from the industrial central part of town with remnants of uncultivated vegetation. Central parks and housing estates were actually tick-free. Borrelia-infected ticks, from 12.8 to 15% were found in the park forest and pericentral areas. The results indicate potential risks for humans and domestic animals coming in contact with borrelia-infected ticks, also in the territory of large towns.