scholarly journals Viromics on Honey-Baited FTA Cards as a New Tool for the Detection of Circulating Viruses in Mosquitoes

Viruses ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 274 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lotty Birnberg ◽  
Sarah Temmam ◽  
Carles Aranda ◽  
Florencia Correa-Fiz ◽  
Sandra Talavera ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Emerging Infectious Diseases ◽  
Viral Genomes ◽  
Control Programs ◽  
Fta Cards ◽  
Llobregat River ◽  
Next Generation Sequencing Ngs ◽  
And Control ◽  
Distribution Record

Worldwide, emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) are a major burden on public and animal health. Arthropod vectors, with mosquitoes being the main contributors of global disease, transmit more than 70% of the recognized EIDs. To assess new alternatives for arthropod-borne viral diseases surveillance, and for the detection of new viruses, honey-baited Flinders Technology Associates (FTA) cards were used as sugar bait in mosquito traps during entomological surveys at the Llobregat River Delta (Catalonia, Spain). Next generation sequencing (NGS) metagenomics analysis was applied on honey-baited FTA cards, which had been exposed to field-captured mosquitoes to characterize their associated virome. Arthropod- and plant-infecting viruses governed the virome profile on FTA cards. Twelve near-complete viral genomes were successfully obtained, suggesting good quality preservation of viral RNAs. Mosquito pools linked to the FTA cards were screened for the detection of mosquito-associated viruses by specific RT-PCRs to confirm the presence of these viruses. The circulation of viruses related to Alphamesonivirus, Quaranjavirus and unclassified Bunyavirales was detected in mosquitoes, and phylogenetic analyses revealed their similarities to viruses previously reported in other continents. To the best our knowledge, our findings constitute the first distribution record of these viruses in European mosquitoes and the first hint of insect-specific viruses in mosquitoes’ saliva in field conditions, demonstrating the feasibility of this approach to monitor the transmissible fraction of the mosquitoes’ virome. In conclusion, this pilot viromics study on honey-baited FTA cards was shown to be a valid approach for the detection of viruses circulating in mosquitoes, thereby setting up an alternative tool for arbovirus surveillance and control programs.

scholarly journals Molecular characterization of ochratoxin A-producing fungi isolated from poultry feed

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-27
Author(s):  
Youssuf A. Gherbawy ◽  
Eman G.A. El-Dawy ◽  
Hams M.A. Mohamed
Keyword(s):  
Ochratoxin A ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Toxin Production ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Poultry Feed ◽  
Aspergillus Section Nigri ◽  
And Control ◽  
Aspergillus Section

Mycotoxins are toxic metabolites mainly produced by Aspergillus spp. fungi. Further fungal characterization and mycotoxin estimation in feed are crucial measures for animal health and safety. The aim of this study was to identify and characterize mycotoxin-producing fungi in poultry feed. Forty poultry ration samples were collected and were subjected to morphological and molecular as well as to phylogenetic analyses of Aspergillus section Nigri. On average, 40% (16 of 40 samples) were contaminated with Aspergillus section Nigri fungi. Moreover, A. niger and A. tubingensis were identified and characterized in the contaminated poultry feed using molecular and phylogenetic analyses. Furthermore, our results showed that ochratoxin A was produced by some fungal isolates indicating their mycotoxigenicity.  In conclusion, A. niger and A. tubingensis contaminate poultry feed and can produce mycotoxins under optimal conditions. Furthermore, several preventive and control measures should be undertaken to reduce the occurrence of fungal contamination and toxin production in poultry rations.

scholarly journals Development of a Modular Vaccine Platform for Multimeric Antigen Display Using an Orthobunyavirus Model

Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 651
Author(s):  
Andrea Aebischer ◽  
Kerstin Wernike ◽  
Patricia König ◽  
Kati Franzke ◽  
Paul J. Wichgers Schreur ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Animal Health ◽  
Lethal Dose ◽  
Emerging Infectious Diseases ◽  
Time Frame ◽  
Single Shot ◽  
Aquifex Aeolicus ◽  
Vaccine Platform ◽  
Peptide Epitopes ◽  
Self Assembling ◽  
And Control

Emerging infectious diseases represent an increasing threat to human and animal health. Therefore, safe and effective vaccines that could be available within a short time frame after an outbreak are required for adequate prevention and control. Here, we developed a robust and versatile self-assembling multimeric protein scaffold particle (MPSP) vaccine platform using lumazine synthase (LS) from Aquifex aeolicus. This scaffold allowed the presentation of peptide epitopes by genetic fusion as well as the presentation of large antigens by bacterial superglue-based conjugation to the pre-assembled particle. Using the orthobunyavirus model Schmallenberg virus (SBV) we designed MPSPs presenting major immunogens of SBV and assessed their efficacy in a mouse model as well as in cattle, a target species of SBV. All prototype vaccines conferred protection from viral challenge infection and the multivalent presentation of the selected antigens on the MPSP markedly improved their immunogenicity compared to the monomeric subunits. Even a single shot vaccination protected about 80% of mice from an otherwise lethal dose of SBV. Most importantly, the MPSPs induced a virtually sterile immunity in cattle. Altogether, LS represents a promising platform for modular and rapid vaccine design.

Preparedness for emerging infectious diseases: pathways from anticipation to action

2014 ◽  
Vol 143 (10) ◽  
pp. 2043-2058 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. J. BROOKES ◽  
M. HERNÁNDEZ-JOVER ◽  
P. F. BLACK ◽  
M. P. WARD
Keyword(s):  
Prevention And Control ◽  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Emerging Infectious Diseases ◽  
Simulation Modelling ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Environmental Scanning ◽  
Horizon Scanning ◽  
Efficient Resource ◽  
And Control

SummaryEmerging and re-emerging infectious disease (EID) events can have devastating human, animal and environmental health impacts. The emergence of EIDs has been associated with interconnected economic, social and environmental changes. Understanding these changes is crucial for EID preparedness and subsequent prevention and control of EID events. The aim of this review is to describe tools currently available for identification, prioritization and investigation of EIDs impacting human and animal health, and how these might be integrated into a systematic approach for directing EID preparedness. Environmental scanning, foresight programmes, horizon scanning and surveillance are used to collect and assess information for rapidly responding to EIDs and to anticipate drivers of emergence for mitigating future EID impacts. Prioritization of EIDs − using transparent and repeatable methods − based on disease impacts and the importance of those impacts to decision-makers can then be used for more efficient resource allocation for prevention and control. Risk assessment and simulation modelling methods assess the likelihood of EIDs occurring, define impact and identify mitigation strategies. Each of these tools has a role to play individually; however, we propose integration of these tools into a framework that enhances the development of tactical and strategic plans for emerging risk preparedness.

scholarly journals Establishment and lineage dynamics of the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in the UK

Science ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. eabf2946
Author(s):  
Louis du Plessis ◽  
John T. McCrone ◽  
Alexander E. Zarebski ◽  
Verity Hill ◽  
Christopher Ruis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Transmission Dynamics ◽  
Genetic Lineage ◽  
Size Dependent ◽  
Spatio Temporal ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Lineage Structure ◽  
And Control ◽  
Lineage Diversity

The UK’s COVID-19 epidemic during early 2020 was one of world’s largest and unusually well represented by virus genomic sampling. Here we reveal the fine-scale genetic lineage structure of this epidemic through analysis of 50,887 SARS-CoV-2 genomes, including 26,181 from the UK sampled throughout the country’s first wave of infection. Using large-scale phylogenetic analyses, combined with epidemiological and travel data, we quantify the size, spatio-temporal origins and persistence of genetically-distinct UK transmission lineages. Rapid fluctuations in virus importation rates resulted in >1000 lineages; those introduced prior to national lockdown tended to be larger and more dispersed. Lineage importation and regional lineage diversity declined after lockdown, while lineage elimination was size-dependent. We discuss the implications of our genetic perspective on transmission dynamics for COVID-19 epidemiology and control.

scholarly journals Pseudogymnoascus destructans growth in wood, soil and guano substrates

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jenny Urbina ◽  
Tara Chestnut ◽  
Jennifer M. Allen ◽  
Taal Levi
Keyword(s):  
Dna Extraction ◽  
Emerging Infectious Diseases ◽  
Transmission Risk ◽  
Pseudogymnoascus Destructans ◽  
White Nose Syndrome ◽  
Management Interventions ◽  
Pathogen Persistence ◽  
Tenfold Increase ◽  
And Control

AbstractUnderstanding how a pathogen can grow on different substrates and how this growth impacts its dispersal are critical to understanding the risks and control of emerging infectious diseases. Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd) causes white-nose syndrome (WNS) in many bat species and can persist in, and transmit from, the environment. We experimentally evaluated Pd growth on common substrates to better understand mechanisms of pathogen persistence, transmission and viability. We inoculated autoclaved guano, fresh guano, soil, and wood with live Pd fungus and evaluated (1) whether Pd grows or persists on each (2) if spores of the fungus remain viable 4 months after inoculation on each substrate, and (3) whether detection and quantitation of Pd on swabs is sensitive to the choice to two commonly used DNA extraction kits. After inoculating each substrate with 460,000 Pd spores, we collected ~ 0.20 g of guano and soil, and swabs from wood every 16 days for 64 days to quantify pathogen load through time using real-time qPCR. We detected Pd on all substrates over the course of the experiment. We observed a tenfold increase in pathogen loads on autoclaved guano and persistence but not growth in fresh guano. Pathogen loads increased marginally on wood but declined ~ 60-fold in soil. After four months, apparently viable spores were harvested from all substrates but germination did not occur from fresh guano. We additionally found that detection and quantitation of Pd from swabs of wood surfaces is sensitive to the DNA extraction method. The commonly used PrepMan Ultra Reagent protocol yielded substantially less DNA than did the QIAGEN DNeasy Blood and Tissue Kit. Notably the PrepMan Ultra Reagent failed to detect Pd in many wood swabs that were detected by QIAGEN and were subsequently found to contain substantial live conidia. Our results indicate that Pd can persist or even grow on common environmental substrates with results dependent on whether microbial competitors have been eliminated. Although we observed clear rapid declines in Pd on soil, viable spores were harvested four months after inoculation. These results suggest that environmental substrates and guano can in general serve as infectious environmental reservoirs due to long-term persistence, and even growth, of live Pd. This should inform management interventions to sanitize or modify structures to reduce transmission risk as well early detection rapid response (EDRR) planning.

scholarly journals Agro-Environmental Determinants of Leptospirosis: A Retrospective Spatiotemporal Analysis (2004−2014) in Mahasarakham Province (Thailand)

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 115
Author(s):  
Jaruwan Viroj ◽  
Julien Claude ◽  
Claire Lajaunie ◽  
Julien Cappelle ◽  
Anamika Kritiyakan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Spatiotemporal Analysis ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Intersectoral Collaboration ◽  
The Public ◽  
Additive Modeling ◽  
The One ◽  
And Control ◽  
Northeastern Thailand

Leptospirosis has been recognized as a major public health concern in Thailand following dramatic outbreaks. We analyzed human leptospirosis incidence between 2004 and 2014 in Mahasarakham province, Northeastern Thailand, in order to identify the agronomical and environmental factors likely to explain incidence at the level of 133 sub-districts and 1,982 villages of the province. We performed general additive modeling (GAM) in order to take the spatial-temporal epidemiological dynamics into account. The results of GAM analyses showed that the average slope, population size, pig density, cow density and flood cover were significantly associated with leptospirosis occurrence in a district. Our results stress the importance of livestock favoring leptospirosis transmission to humans and suggest that prevention and control of leptospirosis need strong intersectoral collaboration between the public health, the livestock department and local communities. More specifically, such collaboration should integrate leptospirosis surveillance in both public and animal health for a better control of diseases in livestock while promoting public health prevention as encouraged by the One Health approach.

Historical perspective of cyathostomes: prevalence, treatment and control programs

1999 ◽  
Vol 85 (2-3) ◽  
pp. 97-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
E.T Lyons ◽  
S.C Tolliver ◽  
J.H Drudge
Keyword(s):  
Historical Perspective ◽  
Control Programs ◽  
And Control

Food for thought: food systems, livestock futures and animal health

2013 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 159-162
Author(s):  
Angela Wilkinson
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Systems ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Global Food Security ◽  
Futures Research ◽  
Power And Control ◽  
Key Issues ◽  
Fundamental Misunderstanding ◽  
And Control ◽  
Global Food

AbstractGlobal food security, livestock production and animal health are inextricably bound. However, our focus on the future tends to disaggregate food and health into largely separate domains. Indeed, much foresight work is either food systems or health-based with little overlap in terms of predictions or narratives. Work on animal health is no exception. Part of the problem is the fundamental misunderstanding of the role, nature and impact of the modern futures tool kit. Here, I outline three key issues in futures research ranging from methodological confusion over the application of scenarios to the failure to effectively integrate multiple methodologies to the gap between the need for more evidence and power and control over futures processes. At its core, however, a better understanding of the narrative and worldview framing much of the futures work in animal health is required to enhance the value and impact of such exercises.

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