scholarly journals Epidemiology and Genomic Analysis of Equine Encephalosis Virus Detected in Horses with Clinical Signs in South Africa, 2010–2017

Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 398
Author(s):  
Jumari Snyman ◽  
Otto Koekemoer ◽  
Antoinette van Schalkwyk ◽  
Petrus Jansen van Vuren ◽  
Louwtjie Snyman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Genomic Analysis ◽  
African Horse Sickness Virus ◽  
Unexpected Death ◽  
Mild Disease ◽  
Serotype 1 ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Outer Capsid ◽  
Reference Strains

Equine encephalosis virus (EEV) is a neglected virus endemic to South Africa and is considered to generally result in mild disease in equines. Specimens were analyzed from live horses that presented with undefined neurological, febrile, or respiratory signs, or sudden and unexpected death. Between 2010 and 2017, 111 of 1523 (7.3%) horse samples tested positive for EEV using a nested real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR). Clinical signs were reported in 106 (7.2%) EEV positive and 1360 negative horses and included pyrexia (77/106, 72.6%), icterus (20/106, 18.9%) and dyspnea (12/106, 11.3%). Neurological signs were inversely associated with EEV infection (OR < 1, p < 0.05) relative to EEV negative cases despite a high percentage of animals presenting with neurological abnormalities (51/106, 48.1%). Seventeen of the EEV positive horses also had coinfections with either West Nile (5/106, 4.7%), Middelburg (4/106, 3.8%) or African Horse sickness virus (8/106, 7.6%). To investigate a possible genetic link between EEV strains causing the observed clinical signs in horses, the full genomes of six isolates were compared to the reference strains. Based on the outer capsid protein (VP2), serotype 1 and 4 were identified as the predominant serotypes with widespread reassortment between the seven different serotypes.

scholarly journals Culicoides species abundance and potential over-wintering of African horse sickness virus in the Onderstepoort area, Gauteng, South Africa

2014 ◽  
Vol 85 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gert J. Venter ◽  
Karien Labuschagne ◽  
Daphney Majatladi ◽  
Solomon N.B. Boikanyo ◽  
Carina Lourens ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Species Abundance ◽  
Winter Period ◽  
Infection Prevalence ◽  
African Horse Sickness ◽  
African Horse Sickness Virus ◽  
Pcr Assay ◽  
Culicoides Imicola ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Polymerase Chain

In South Africa, outbreaks of African horse sickness (AHS) occur in summer; no cases are reported in winter, from July to September. The AHS virus (AHSV) is transmitted almost exclusively by Culicoides midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), of which Culicoides imicola is considered to be the most important vector. The over-wintering mechanism of AHSV is unknown. In this study, more than 500 000 Culicoides midges belonging to at least 26 species were collected in 88 light traps at weekly intervals between July 2010 and September 2011 near horses in the Onderstepoort area of South Africa. The dominant species was C. imicola. Despite relatively low temperatures and frost, at least 17 species, including C. imicola, were collected throughout winter (June–August). Although the mean number of midges per night fell from > 50 000 (March) to < 100 (July and August), no midge-free periods were found. This study, using virus isolation on cell cultures and a reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay, confirmed low infection prevalence in field midges and that the detection of virus correlated to high numbers. Although no virus was detected during this winter period, continuous adult activity indicated that transmission can potentially occur. The absence of AHSV in the midges during winter can be ascribed to the relatively low numbers collected coupled to low infection prevalence, low virus replication rates and low virus titres in the potentially infected midges. Cases of AHS in susceptible animals are likely to start as soon as Culicoides populations reach a critical level.

scholarly journals Importation of canid rabies in a horse relocated from Zimbabwe to South Africa : research communication

2005 ◽  
Vol 72 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
C.T. Sabeta ◽  
J.L. Randles
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Rabies Virus ◽  
Fluorescent Antibody ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Antibody Test ◽  
Domestic Dog ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Training Centre ◽  
Polymerase Chain

In July 2003 a 2-year-old Thoroughbred colt was imported from Harare, Zimbabwe to the Ashburton Training Centre, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. Five months after importation, the colt presented with clinical signs suggestive of rabies: it was uncoordinated, showed muscle tremors and was biting at itself. Brain tissue was submitted for analysis and the clinical diagnosis was confirmed by the fluorescent antibody test and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Phylogenetic analysis of the nucleotide sequence of the cytoplasmic domain of the glycoprotein and the G-L intergenic region of the rabies virus confirmed it to be an infection with a canid rabies virus, originating from an area in Zimbabwe endemic for the domestic dog (Canis familiaris) and side-striped jackal (Canis adustus) rabies.

scholarly journals Multidrug-Resistant Listeria Species Shows Abundance in Environmental Waters of a Key District Municipality in South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 481
Author(s):  
Liyabona Mpondo ◽  
Kingsley Ehi Ebomah ◽  
Anthony Ifeanyi Okoh
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Surface Waters ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
Eastern Cape ◽  
Environmental Waters ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Phenotypic Resistance ◽  
Listeria Species ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Identification And Characterization

The prevalence of bacteria with multidrug-resistance (MDR) is a significant threat to public health globally. Listeria spp. are naturally ubiquitous, with L. monocytogenes particularly being ranked as important foodborne disease-causing microorganisms. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence and determine the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles of multidrug-resistant Listeria spp. (MDRL) isolated from different environmental samples (river and irrigation water) in the Sarah Baartman District Municipality (SBDM), Eastern Cape Province (ECP), South Africa. Molecular identification and characterization were carried out using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and isolates that exhibited phenotypic resistance were further screened for relevant antimicrobial-resistant genes (ARGs). Findings revealed a total of 124 presumptive Listeria isolates; 69 were molecularly confirmed Listeria species. Out of the confirmed species, 41 isolates (59%) were classified as L. monocytogenes while 9 (13%) were classified as L. welshimeri. All Listeria spp. exhibited phenotypic resistance against ampicillin, penicillin, and trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole and further screening revealed ARGs in the following proportions: sulI (71%), blaTEM (66%), tetA (63%), and blaCIT (33%). Results confirmed the occurrence of ARGs among Listeria inhabiting surface waters of ECP. The present study indicates that the river water samples collected from SBDM are highly contaminated with MDRL, hence, constituting a potential health risk.

scholarly journals Comparison of Three Rapid Commercial Canine Parvovirus Antigen Detection Tests with Electron Microscopy and Polymerase Chain Reaction

2009 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 344-345 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silke Schmitz ◽  
Christina Coenen ◽  
König Matthias ◽  
Thiel Heinz-Jürgen ◽  
Reto Neiger
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Chronic Diarrhea ◽  
Gastrointestinal Disease ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Canine Parvovirus ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Group A ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Group B

Different antibody-based tests for rapid detection of Canine parvovirus antigens in feces are commercially available, allowing quick diagnosis in a clinical setting. However, the diagnostic accuracy of these tests compared with standard methods has not been evaluated so far. In the current study, 3 commercial tests were compared with immune-electron microscopy (IEM) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Dogs were divided into 3 groups: group A, samples from dogs with acute hemorrhagic diarrhea ( n = 50); group B, dogs with chronic diarrhea ( n = 10); and group C, dogs with no evidence of gastrointestinal disease ( n = 40). Specificity of all 3 commercial tests versus PCR and IEM was good to excellent (92.2–100%). Sensitivity, in contrast, was poor: 15.8–26.3% versus PCR and 50–60% versus IEM. In group A, 10 dogs were positive by IEM and 24 dogs were positive by PCR. Positive PCR results were also obtained from animals in control groups (group B, 1 dog; group C, 5 dogs). No dog in group B or C was positive by IEM. In conclusion, the rapid tests are useful to diagnose canine parvoviral enteritis, but they do not rule out parvovirus infection in an animal with typical clinical signs. In addition, a small percentage of healthy dogs and dogs with chronic diarrhea showed positive PCR results; this may be due to asymptomatic/persistent infection or intestinal passage of virus. The significance of this finding remains unclear.

scholarly journals Molecular basis of reovirus virulence. Role of the M2 gene.

1980 ◽  
Vol 152 (4) ◽  
pp. 853-868 ◽  
Author(s):  
D H Rubin ◽  
B N Fields
Keyword(s):  
Virulence Gene ◽  
Systemic Infection ◽  
Genome Segment ◽  
Dsrna Segment ◽  
Newborn Mice ◽  
Serotype 1 ◽  
Dsrna Genome ◽  
Outer Capsid

The mammalian reoviruses (serotype 1, strain Lang and serotype 3, strain Dearing) differ in their sensitivity to digestion by chymotrypsin. We have found that the M2 double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) genome segment (encoding the micro1C outer capsid polypeptide) is responsible for this property. In addition to determining response to protease treatement in vitro, we have found that the M2 genome segment also determines the ability of these two viruses successfully to initiate local and systemic infection in newborn mice after peroral inoculation. Thus the M2 dsRNA segment defines a new virulence gene of the mammalian reoviruses.

scholarly journals Psittacine beak and feather disease virus in budgerigars and ring-neck parakeets in South Africa

2004 ◽  
Vol 71 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Albertyn ◽  
K.M. Tajbhai ◽  
R.R. Bragg
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Genetic Variation ◽  
Disease Virus ◽  
Common Disease ◽  
Sample Collection ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Feather Disease Virus ◽  
Viral Isolates

Psittacine beak and feather disease (PBFD) is a common disease of the psittacine species and is caused by the psittacine beak and feather disease virus (PBFDV). In this study the occurrence of the disease in ring-neck parakeets and budgerigars in South Africa suffering from feathering problems, using polymerase chain reaction as a diagnostic test was investigated. The genetic variation between viral isolates was also studied. Results indicate that PBFDV can be attributed to being the cause of feathering problems in some of the ring-neck parakeets and budgerigars in South Africa. Genetic variation of isolates occurs between species and individuals. A cheap and easy to use method of blood sample collection on filter paper for diagnostic purposes was also evaluated. It proved to be less stressful to the birds and did not inhibit further processes.

scholarly journals Ulcerative balanitis and vulvitis of Dorper sheep in South Africa : a study on its aetiology and clinical features

2005 ◽  
Vol 76 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Kidanemariam ◽  
J. Gouws ◽  
M. Van Vuuren ◽  
B. Gummow
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Clinical Features ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Regular Feature ◽  
Clinically Normal ◽  
Large Colony ◽  
Mycoplasma Mycoides ◽  
Dorper Sheep ◽  
Arcanobacterium Pyogenes ◽  
Apparently Healthy

Ovine ulcerative balanitis and vulvitis in sheep of the Dorper breed has been observed in South Africa since 1979. Its aetiology has not been conclusively resolved, and there is some discrepancy in descriptions of its clinical features. In order to identify the pathogenic microorganism / s that contribute to the occurrence of the disease, the microflora in the genital tracts of both clinically healthy and affected sheep were isolated and compared. Bacteriological examination of materials from affected and unaffected sheep resulted in the isolation of Arcanobacterium pyogenes from 44.2 % and 17.2 % of them respectively. This difference is statistically significant (P < 0.01). Seventy-four per cent of the isolates originated from severe clinical cases. Mycoplasmas were isolated from 49.3 % of 116 clinically normal sheep and 78.2%of 104 affected sheep. There were significant differences in their rates of isolation in clinical groups (P < 0.05). Of all the mycoplasma isolates, Mycoplasma mycoides mycoides large colony variant (MmmLC) was isolated from 61.5 % of clinically diseased sheep while 6.0 % of the isolates were from apparently healthy animals (P < 0.05). The study threw light on the prevalence of mycoplasmas in the genital tract of apparently healthy sheep and, at the same time the identity of the mycoplasma pathogen associated with ulcerative balanitis and vulvitis was revealed. The findings of this investigation therefore confirmed the involvement of mycoplasma, particularly that of MmmLC large colony, in the disease in Dorper sheep in South Africa, and it was concluded that this microorganism is an important pathogen of balanitis and vulvitis in them. The study furthermore demonstrated a probable synergism between A. pyogenes and MmmLC. Finding these 2 organisms together occurred 53.4 times more frequently in the affected sheep than in the unaffected, which emphasises the probable multifactorial nature of the disease. The association between age and the presence of clinical signs was statistically significant. It was found that young sheep were more likely to have lesions than adult sheep. Clinical observations showed that the typical ulceration appears to be confined to the glans penis and lips of the vulva; no ulceration was observed on the shaft of the penis and prepuce or vaginal vestibule. In uncomplicated cases inflammation of the prepuce and vaginal vestibule is not a regular feature of the disease. Therefore the names ulcerative balanitis and vulvitis most accurately describe the nature of the disease in South Africa.

scholarly journals First report of Trypanosoma cruziinfection in naturally infected dogs from southern Bahia, Brazil

2013 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 182-185 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nilo Fernandes Leça Júnior ◽  
Valter dos Anjos Almeida ◽  
Fábio Santos Carvalho ◽  
George Rego Albuquerque ◽  
Fabiana Lessa Silva
Keyword(s):  
Endemic Area ◽  
Natural Infection ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Domestic Dogs ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
First Report ◽  
Molecular Tests ◽  
Southern Bahia ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Cruzi Infection

In order to verify the Trypanosoma cruzi infection in domestic domiciled dogs in a rural endemic area from the south region of the State of Bahia, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) were performed using S35 and S36 primers in 272 dogs living in the district of Vila Operaria, in the municipality of Buerarema. All animals were clinically evaluated; 2.5 mL of blood were collected through venipuncture for the performance of molecular tests. None of these animals showed clinical signs of the illness and only two were identified with the DNA parasite. This result is the first report of natural infection by T. cruzi in domestic dogs in southern Bahia.

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