scholarly journals Investigating the Immunological and Biological Equilibrium of Reservoir Hosts and Pathogenic Leptospira: Balancing the Solution to an Acute Problem?

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ellie J. Putz ◽  
Jarlath E. Nally
Keyword(s):  
Pathogenic Leptospira ◽  
Reservoir Hosts ◽  
Biological Equilibrium

scholarly journals Antigen-Specific Urinary Immunoglobulin in Reservoir Hosts of Leptospirosis

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. 178
Author(s):  
Jarlath E. Nally ◽  
Richard L. Hornsby ◽  
David P. Alt
Keyword(s):  
Urinary Excretion ◽  
Animal Species ◽  
Renal Excretion ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Domestic Animals ◽  
Protein Antigens ◽  
Cellular Immune ◽  
Reservoir Hosts ◽  
Ig G ◽  
Biological Equilibrium

Domestic and wildlife animal species act as reservoir hosts of leptospirosis, a global zoonotic disease affecting more than 1 million people annually and causing significant morbidity and mortality in domestic animals. In contrast to incidental hosts which present with an array of clinical manifestations, reservoir hosts are typically asymptomatic and can shed leptospires from chronically infected kidneys via urine for extended periods of time. Renal excretion of leptospires occurs despite evidence of a humoral and cellular immune response and is reflective of the unique biological equilibrium that exists between certain animal species and specific serovars of Leptospira. Here, we demonstrate that urinary excretion of leptospires is accompanied by the presence of antigen-specific urinary immunoglobulin. In rats experimentally infected with L. interrogans serovar Copenhageni using the intraperitoneal or conjunctival route of inoculation, urinary immunoglobulin (Ig) G specific for protein antigens was detectable within 1 week. Rat urinary IgG was not bound to urinary-derived leptospires. In cattle that were naturally exposed to, and infected with, L. borgpetersenii serovar Hardjo, urinary IgA specific for protein antigens was detected. Collectively, these results demonstrate that urinary excretion of immunoglobulin specific for leptospires is a hallmark of reservoir hosts of infection.

Chapter 11: General epidemiology of TBE

2020 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Eastern Siberia ◽  
Genetic Lineages ◽  
Phylogenetic Studies ◽  
Tick Borne Encephalitis ◽  
Natural Foci ◽  
Genetic Sequences ◽  
Tick Borne Encephalitis Virus ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Far Eastern ◽  
Reservoir Hosts

Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) exists in natural foci, which are areas where TBEV is circulating among its vectors (ticks of different species and genera) and reservoir hosts (usually rodents and small mammals). Based on phylogenetic studies, four TBEV subtypes (Far-Eastern, Siberian, European, Baikalian) and two putative subtypes (Himalayan and “178-79” group) are known. Within each subtype, some genetic lineages are described. The European subtype (TBEV-EU) (formerly known also as the “Western subtype”) of TBEV is prevalent in Europe, but it was also isolated in Western and Eastern Siberia in Russia and South Korea. The Far-Eastern subtype (TBEV-FE) was preferably found in the territory of the far-eastern part of Eurasia, but some strains were isolated in other regions of Eurasia. The Siberian (TBEV-SIB) subtype is the most common and has been found in almost all TBEV habitat areas. The Baikalian subtype is prevalent around Lake Baikal and was isolated several times from ticks and rodents. In addition to the four TBEV subtypes, one single isolate of TBEV (178-79) and two genetic sequences (Himalayan) supposed to be new TBEV subtypes were described in Eastern Siberia and China. The data on TBEV seroprevalence in humans and animals can serve as an indication for the presence or absence of TBEV in studied area.

Changes in the Population Density of Pathogenic Microorganisms in Response to the Allelopathic Effect of Thypha Latifolia

2014 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
O. Zhukorskiy ◽  
O. Gulay ◽  
V. Gulay ◽  
N. Tkachuk
Keyword(s):  
Cell Density ◽  
Allelopathic Effect ◽  
Pathogenic Microorganisms ◽  
Sterile Water ◽  
Erysipelothrix Rhusiopathiae ◽  
Pathogenic Leptospira ◽  
Favorable Conditions ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Control Samples

Aim. To determine the response of the populations of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae and Leptospira interrogans pathogenic microorganisms to the impact of broadleaf cattail (Thypha latifolia) root diffusates. Methods. Aqueous solutions of T. latifolia root diffusates were sterilized by vacuum fi ltration through the fi lters with 0.2-micron pore diameter. The experimental samples contained cattail secretions, sterile water, and cultures of E. rhusiopathiae or L. interrogans. The same amount of sterile water, as in the experimental samples, was used for the purpose of control, and the same quantity of microbial cultures was added in it. After exposure, the density of cells in the experimental and control samples was determined. Results. Root diffusates of T. latifolia caused an increase in cell density in the populations of E. rhusiopathiae throughout the whole range of the studied dilutions (1:10–1:10000). In the populations of the 6 studied serological variants of L. interrogans spirochetes (pomona, grippotyphosa, copenhageni, kabura, tarassovi, canicola), the action of broadleaf cattail root diffusates caused the decrease in cell density. A stimulatory effect was marked in the experimental samples of the pollonica serological variant of leptospira. Conclusions. The populations of E. rhusiopathiae and L. interrogans pathogenic microorganisms respond to the allelopathic effect of Thypha latifolia by changing the cell density. The obtained results provide the background to assume that broadleaf cattail thickets create favorable conditions for the existence of E. rhusiopathiae pathogen bacteria. The reduced cell density of L. interrogans in the experimental samples compared to the control samples observed under the infl uence of T. latifolia root diffusates suggests that reservoirs with broadleaf cattail thickets are marked by the unfavorable conditions for the existence of pathogenic leptospira (except L. pollonica).

DETECTION OF ALFACORONAVIRUSES, BETACORONAVIRUSES AND ASTROVIRUSES IN BAT FECAL SAMPLES FROM MOSCOW REGION

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
E.V. Korneenko ◽  
◽  
А.E. Samoilov ◽  
I.V. Artyushin ◽  
M.V. Safonova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Throughput ◽  
Viral Genome ◽  
High Throughput Sequencing ◽  
Pcr Amplification ◽  
Moscow Region ◽  
Fecal Samples ◽  
Genus Level ◽  
Zoonotic Viruses ◽  
Reservoir Hosts ◽  
Blastn Search

In our study we analyzed viral RNA in bat fecal samples from Moscow region (Zvenigorod district) collected in 2015. To detect various virus families and genera in bat fecal samples we used PCR amplification of viral genome fragments, followed by high-throughput sequencing. Blastn search of unassembled reads revealed the presence of viruses from families Astroviridae, Coronaviridae and Herpesviridae. Assembly using SPAdes 3.14 yields contigs of length 460–530 b.p. which correspond to genome fragments of Coronaviridae and Astroviridae. The taxonomy of coronaviruses has been determined to the genus level. We also showed that one bat can be a reservoir of several virus genuses. Thus, the bats in the Moscow region were confirmed as reservoir hosts for potentially zoonotic viruses.

scholarly journals Updated and Validated Pan-Coronavirus PCR Assay to Detect All Coronavirus Genera

Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 599
Author(s):  
Myndi G. Holbrook ◽  
Simon J. Anthony ◽  
Isamara Navarrete-Macias ◽  
Theo Bestebroer ◽  
Vincent J. Munster ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Host Species ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Respiratory Illness ◽  
Reservoir Host ◽  
Pcr Assay ◽  
Wildlife Reservoirs ◽  
Viral Surveillance ◽  
Reservoir Hosts

Coronavirus (CoV) spillover events from wildlife reservoirs can result in mild to severe human respiratory illness. These spillover events underlie the importance of detecting known and novel CoVs circulating in reservoir host species and determining CoV prevalence and distribution, allowing improved prediction of spillover events or where a human–reservoir interface should be closely monitored. To increase the likelihood of detecting all circulating genera and strains, we have modified primers published by Watanabe et al. in 2010 to generate a semi-nested pan-CoV PCR assay. Representatives from the four coronavirus genera (α-CoVs, β-CoVs, γ-CoVs and δ-CoVs) were tested and all of the in-house CoVs were detected using this assay. After comparing both assays, we found that the updated assay reliably detected viruses in all genera of CoVs with high sensitivity, whereas the sensitivity of the original assay was lower. Our updated PCR assay is an important tool to detect, monitor and track CoVs to enhance viral surveillance in reservoir hosts.

scholarly journals Spatial and temporal patterns of the emerging tick-borne pathogen Borrelia miyamotoi in blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis) in New York

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Keesing ◽  
D. J. McHenry ◽  
M. H. Hersh ◽  
R. S. Ostfeld
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Ixodes Scapularis ◽  
Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Human Infection ◽  
Ixodid Ticks ◽  
Transovarial Transmission ◽  
Infection Prevalence ◽  
Borrelia Miyamotoi ◽  
Spatial And Temporal Patterns ◽  
Reservoir Hosts

AbstractBorrelia miyamotoi, a bacterium that causes relapsing fever, is found in ixodid ticks throughout the northern hemisphere. The first cases of human infection with B. miyamotoi were identified in 2011. In the eastern USA, blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis) become infected by feeding on an infected vertebrate host, or through transovarial transmission. We surveyed B. miyamotoi prevalence in ticks within forested habitats in Dutchess County, New York, and identified possible reservoir hosts. To assess spatial variation in infection, we collected questing nymphal ticks at > 150 sites. To assess temporal variation in infection, we collected questing nymphs for 8 years at a single study site. We collected questing larval ticks from nine plots to estimate the amount of transovarial transmission. To evaluate potential reservoir hosts, we captured 14 species of mammal and bird hosts naturally infested with larval blacklegged ticks and held these hosts in the laboratory until ticks fed to repletion and molted to nymphs. We determined infection for all ticks using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The overall infection prevalence of questing nymphal ticks across all sites was ~ 1%, but prevalence at individual sites was as high as 9.1%. We detected no significant increase in infection through time. Only 0.4% of questing larval ticks were infected. Ticks having fed as larvae from short-tailed shrews, red squirrels, and opossums tended to have higher infection prevalence than did ticks having fed on other hosts. Further studies of the role of hosts in transmission are warranted. The locally high prevalence of B. miyamotoi in the New York/New England landscape suggests the importance of vigilance by health practitioners and the public.

Detection and characterization of Leptospira spp. in dogs diagnosed with kidney and/or liver disease in Selangor, Malaysia

2021 ◽  
pp. 104063872110245
Author(s):  
Sabri A. Rahman ◽  
Kuan H. Khor ◽  
Siti Khairani-Bejo ◽  
Seng F. Lau ◽  
Mazlina Mazlan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Liver Disease ◽  
Mortality Rate ◽  
Direct Detection ◽  
Bacterial Disease ◽  
Pathogenic Leptospira ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Leptospira Spp ◽  
Rrna Sequencing ◽  
The Common

Leptospirosis is a serious bacterial disease that affects both humans and animals. A wide range of symptoms have been described in humans; the disease in dogs is commonly associated with kidney and/or liver disease. In Malaysia, information about the common serovars infecting dogs is limited. Therefore, we investigated the occurrences of leptospirosis in 124 pet dogs diagnosed with kidney and/or liver disease. Blood, urine, abdominal effusion, and/or kidney and liver were collected from the dogs. Based on microscopic agglutination testing, 53 of 124 (42.7%) dogs were seropositive for leptospiral exposure. Sera were frequently positive to serovars Bataviae ( n = 12), Javanica ( n = 10), and Icterohaemorrhagiae ( n = 10). Direct detection using PCR showed that 42 of 124 (33.9%) of the whole blood and 36 of 113 (31.9%) urine samples were positive for pathogenic Leptospira spp. By PCR, 2 of 23 (9.1%) kidney and 2 of 23 (9.1%) liver were positive for pathogenic Leptospira spp. Abdominal effusion from 4 dogs were PCR-positive for pathogenic Leptospira spp. The species detected were L. interrogans, L. borgpetersenii, L. kirschneri, and L. kmetyi by partial 16S rRNA sequencing. We further identified and characterized 11 Leptospira spp. isolates from 8 dogs as serovars Bataviae, Javanica, and Australis. The mortality rate of the Leptospira-infected dogs was high (18 of 53; 34%).

scholarly journals Distribution of the leptospiral immunoglobulin-like (lig) genes in pathogenic Leptospira species and application of ligB to typing leptospiral isolates

2009 ◽  
Vol 58 (9) ◽  
pp. 1173-1181 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gustavo M. Cerqueira ◽  
Alan J. A. McBride ◽  
Mathieu Picardeau ◽  
Samuel G. Ribeiro ◽  
Ângela N. Moreira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Isolates ◽  
Pathogenic Leptospira ◽  
Reliable Identification ◽  
Specific Pcr ◽  
The Family ◽  
Leptospira Species

The family of leptospiral immunoglobulin-like (lig) genes comprises ligA, ligB and ligC. This study used PCR to demonstrate the presence of lig genes among serovars from a collection of leptospiral strains and clinical isolates. Whilst ligA and ligC appeared to be present in a limited number of pathogenic serovars, the ligB gene was distributed ubiquitously among all pathogenic strains. None of the lig genes were detected among intermediate or saprophytic Leptospira species. It was also shown that, similar to the previously characterized secY gene, a short specific PCR fragment of ligB could be used to correctly identify pathogenic Leptospira species. These findings demonstrate that ligB is widely present among pathogenic strains and may be useful for their reliable identification and classification.

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