scholarly journals Fleas of black rats (Rattus rattus) as reservoir host of Bartonella spp. in Chile

PeerJ ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. e7371 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucila Moreno Salas ◽  
Mario Espinoza-Carniglia ◽  
Nicol Lizama Schmeisser ◽  
L. Gonzalo Torres ◽  
María Carolina Silva-de la Fuente ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phylogenetic Analysis ◽  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Arid Zone ◽  
Rattus Rattus ◽  
Reservoir Host ◽  
Climate Conditions ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Close Relationship ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Black Rats

Background Rattus rattus is a widely distributed, invasive species that presents an important role in disease transmission, either directly or through vector arthropods such as fleas. These black rats can transmit a wide variety of pathogens, including bacteria of the genus Bartonella, which can cause diseases in humans and animals. In Chile, no data are available identifying fleas from synanthropic rodents as Bartonella vectors. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of Bartonella spp. in the fleas of R. rattus in areas with different climate conditions and featuring different human population densities. Methods In all, 174 fleas collected from 261 R. rattus captured from 30 localities with different human densities (cities, villages, and wild areas) across five hydrographic zones of Chile (hyper-arid, arid, semi-arid, sub-humid, and hyper-humid) were examined. Bartonella spp. presence was determined through polymerase chain reaction, using gltA and rpoB genes, which were concatenated to perform a similarity analysis with BLAST and phylogenetic analysis. Results Overall, 15 fleas species were identified; Bartonella gltA and rpoB fragments were detected in 21.2% (37/174) and 19.5% (34/174) of fleas, respectively. A total of 10 of the 15 fleas species found were positive for Bartonella DNA. Leptopsylla segnis was the most commonly collected flea species (n = 55), and it also presented a high prevalence of Bartonella DNA (P% = 34.5%). The highest numbers of fleas of this species were collected in villages of the arid zone. There were no seasonal differences in the prevalence of Bartonella DNA. The presence of Bartonella DNA in fleas was recorded in all hydrographic areas, and the arid zone presented the highest prevalence of this species. Regarding areas with different human densities, the highest prevalence was noted in the villages (34.8% gltA and 31.8% rpoB), followed by cities (14.8% gltA and 11.1% rpoB) and wild areas (7.4% gltA and 14.8% rpoB). The BLAST analysis showed a high similitude (>96%) with four uncharacterized Bartonella genotypes and with two species with zoonotic potential: B. mastomydis and B. tribocorum. The phylogenetic analysis showed a close relationship with B. elizabethae and B. tribocorum. This is the first study to provide evidence of the presence of Bartonella in fleas of R. rattus in Chile, indicating that the villages and arid zone correspond to areas with higher infection risk.

scholarly journals High Prevalence of Three Potyviruses Infecting Cucurbits in Oklahoma and Phylogenetic Analysis of Cucurbit Aphid-Borne Yellows Virus Isolated from Pumpkins

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 53
Author(s):  
Vivek Khanal ◽  
Harrington Wells ◽  
Akhtar Ali
Keyword(s):  
Phylogenetic Analysis ◽  
Mosaic Virus ◽  
Zucchini Yellow Mosaic Virus ◽  
Yellow Mosaic Virus ◽  
Watermelon Mosaic Virus ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
The Us ◽  
Close Relationship ◽  
The Status ◽  
Low Incidence

Field information about viruses infecting crops is fundamental for understanding the severity of the effects they cause in plants. To determine the status of cucurbit viruses, surveys were conducted for three consecutive years (2016–2018) in different agricultural districts of Oklahoma. A total of 1331 leaf samples from >90 fields were randomly collected from both symptomatic and asymptomatic cucurbit plants across 11 counties. All samples were tested with the dot-immunobinding assay (DIBA) against the antisera of 10 known viruses. Samples infected with papaya ringspot virus (PRSV-W), watermelon mosaic virus (WMV), zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV), and cucurbit aphid-borne-yellows virus (CABYV) were also tested by RT-PCR. Of the 10 viruses, PRSV-W was the most widespread, with an overall prevalence of 59.1%, present in all 11 counties, followed by ZYMV (27.6%), in 10 counties, and WMV (20.7%), in seven counties, while the remaining viruses were present sporadically with low incidence. Approximately 42% of the infected samples were positive, with more than one virus indicating a high proportion of mixed infections. CABYV was detected for the first time in Oklahoma, and the phylogenetic analysis of the first complete genome sequence of a CABYV isolate (BL-4) from the US showed a close relationship with Asian isolates.

scholarly journals Molecular identification of the Trypanosoma (Herpetosoma) lewisi clade in black rats (Rattus rattus) from Australia

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Siobhon L. Egan ◽  
Casey L. Taylor ◽  
Jill M. Austen ◽  
Peter B. Banks ◽  
Liisa A. Ahlstrom ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phylogenetic Analysis ◽  
Molecular Identification ◽  
Ribosomal Rna ◽  
Rattus Rattus ◽  
Molecular Evidence ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Trypanosoma Lewisi ◽  
Sydney Australia ◽  
Black Rats

AbstractInvasive rodent species are known hosts for a diverse range of infectious microorganisms and have long been associated with the spread of disease globally. The present study describes molecular evidence for the presence of a Trypanosoma sp. from black rats (Rattus rattus) in northern Sydney, Australia. Sequences of the 18S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) locus were obtained in two out of eleven (18%) blood samples with subsequent phylogenetic analysis confirming the identity within the Trypanosoma lewisi clade.

scholarly journals 452. Familial Cluster of COVID-19 Cases Associated with High Prevalence of Anosmia, Ageusia, and Gastrointestinal Symptoms

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S293-S293
Author(s):  
Bethany E Ho ◽  
Andrea P Ho ◽  
Michaela A Ho ◽  
Elizabeth C Ho
Keyword(s):  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Respiratory Symptoms ◽  
Index Case ◽  
Gastrointestinal Symptoms ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Familial Cluster ◽  
Gi Symptoms ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Polymerase Chain

Abstract Background Patients with COVID-19 most commonly report respiratory symptoms, with a minority reporting gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in currently available reports. Additionally, little is known about the symptoms of anosmia/hyposmia, ageusia, and dysgeusia anecdotally seen in COVID-19 patients, which may be considered both GI and sensory/neurological manifestations of infection. Methods We interviewed 7 patients via oral inquiries and a questionnaire, collecting data on subject symptoms and their durations. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to confirm 2 of these cases. Results We report a familial cluster of 7 COVID-19 cases, 5 of whom reported sensory symptoms of anosmia/hyposmia (5/7), ageusia/hypogeusia (5/7), and/or dysgeusia (3/7). All 7 cases reported GI involvement with one or more symptom of: nausea (5/7), diarrhea (4/7), abdominal pain (3/7), anorexia (3/7), and emesis (2/7). Figure 1. Timeline of Symptoms and Exposure to Index Case in Familial COVID-19 Cluster Conclusion This frequency of GI symptoms is high relative to currently available epidemiological reports, which also infrequently report on sensory symptoms. The mechanistic underpinnings of GI and sensory symptoms in COVID-19 warrant close consideration and analysis, especially as it relates to reducing disease transmission. COVID-19 exhibits wide variation in duration, severity, and progression of symptoms, even within a familial cluster. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

scholarly journals Investigation on Canine parvovirus circulation in dogs from Sicily (Italy) by biomolecular assay

2018 ◽  
Vol 68 (1) ◽  
pp. 80-94 ◽  
Author(s):  
Purpari Giuseppa ◽  
Mira Francesco ◽  
Di Bella Santina ◽  
Di Pietro Simona ◽  
Giudice Elisabetta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Field Isolate ◽  
Canine Parvovirus ◽  
Vp2 Gene ◽  
Worldwide Distribution ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Canine Population ◽  
Close Relationship ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Canine Parvovirus Type 2

Abstract Canine parvovirus type-2 (CPV-2) is a DNA virus that causes a very common worldwide diffused infectious disease in dogs. Since its appearance, the CPV-2 evolved generating novel genetic and antigenic variants (CPV-2a/2b/2c) which are distributed throughout the world. In the present study, the frequency of CPV-2 in a canine population in Sicily (Italy) was investigated, using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for a fragment of the VP2 gene. Out of a total of 673 samples from 370 dogs, submitted to the laboratory from July 2009 to August 2015, 265 samples (39.38%) were positive and these were further analyzed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and DNA sequence analysis. A high prevalence of the CPV-2c variant (79.56% of CPV-2 positive dogs) was observed in this survey, underlining that this type of CPV field isolate is prevalent circulating in Sicily. Sequence and phylogenetic analysis showed a close relationship with CPV-2a and CPV-2c strains from Europe and non-European countries. Considering that CPV-2c is reaching a worldwide distribution and that this variant is also affecting vaccinated dogs, efforts should be made towards the development of new CPV vaccines.

A Comparative Study on the Incidence, Aggravation, and Remission of Lupus Nephritis Based on iTRAQ Technology

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (7) ◽  
pp. 649-657
Author(s):  
Dong-Jiang Liao ◽  
Xi-Ping Cheng ◽  
Nan Li ◽  
Kang-Li Liang ◽  
Hui Fan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lupus Nephritis ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Kidney Tissue ◽  
Quantitative Information ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Absolute Quantitation ◽  
Western Blot Method ◽  
Close Relationship ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Isobaric Tags

Aim and Objective: Lupus nephritis (LN) is one of the major complications of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The specific mechanisms of pathogenesis, aggravation, and remission processes in LN have not been clarified but is of great need in the clinic. Using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) technology to screen the functional proteins of LN in mice. Especially under intervention factors of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and dexamethasone. Methods: Mrl-lps mice were intervened with LPS, dexamethasone, and normal saline (NS) using intraperitoneal injection, and c57 mice intervened with NS as control. The anti-ANA antibody enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to verify disease severity. Kidney tissue is collected and processed for iTRAQ to screen out functional proteins closely related to the onset and development of LN. Western blot method and rt-PCR (real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction) were used for verification. Results: We identified 136 proteins that marked quantitative information. Among them, Hp, Igkv8-27, Itgb2, Got2, and Pcx proteins showed significant abnormal manifestations. Conclusion: Using iTRAQ methods, the functional proteins Hp, Igkv8-27, Itgb2, Got2, and Pcx were screened out for a close relationship with the pathogenesis and development of LN, which is worth further study.

Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in Different Districts of a County in Istanbul, March to September 2020

2021 ◽  
pp. 101053952110090
Author(s):  
Hüseyin Bilgin ◽  
Ahmet Topuzoğlu ◽  
Volkan Korten
Keyword(s):  
Public Transportation ◽  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Geographical Information Systems ◽  
Geographical Information ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Heat Map ◽  
Large Populations ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Education Tool ◽  
Airborne Viruses

Epidemics caused by airborne viruses in cities with large populations create a big problem as in the current COVID-19 pandemic. Cramped lifestyle, busy workplaces, crowded public transportation, and higher household member counts are responsible for the transmission of the disease. In Turkey, Istanbul has taken the lead in the number of cases since the beginning of the epidemic. The excess population density is the major cause for disease transmission. It is essential to monitor the contaminated regions with geographical information systems on city maps. Outbreak maps visualize and help analyze the patterns of transmission and serve as a communication and education tool. A dynamic heat map video of SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) polymerase chain reaction positive cases in a county of Istanbul was generated. The heat map visualizes how the epidemic spread to all the districts and the cumulative cases increased in one county of Istanbul with real attack rates.

scholarly journals High prevalence of qnrA and qnrB genes among fluoroquinolone-resistant Escherichia coli isolates from a tertiary hospital in Southern Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chibuzor M. Nsofor ◽  
Mirabeau Y. Tattfeng ◽  
Chijioke A. Nsofor
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Susceptibility Testing ◽  
Tertiary Hospital ◽  
Vaginal Swab ◽  
Fluoroquinolone Resistance ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Diffusion Technique ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
And Control

Abstract Background This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of qnr genes among fluoroquinolone-resistant Escherichia coli (FREC) isolates from Nigeria. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by disc diffusion technique. Polymerase chain reaction was used to identify Escherichia coli (E. coli) and for the detection of qnr genes. Results A total of 206 non-duplicate E. coli were isolated from 300 clinical specimens analyzed. In all, 30 (14.6%) of these isolates were FREC; the resistance to fluoroquinolones among these 30 FREC showed 80% (24), 86.7% (26), 86.7% (26), 100% (30), 86.7% (26), 93.3% (28) and 86.7% (26) were resistant to pefloxacin, ciprofloxacin, sparfloxacin, levofloxacin, nalidixic acid, ofloxacin and moxifloxacin, respectively. The distribution of FREC among the various sample sources analyzed showed that 14%, 10%, 13.3%, 16.7% and 20% of the isolates came from urine, stool, high vaginal swab, endo cervical swab and wound swab specimens, respectively. More FREC were isolated from female samples 73.3% (22) compared to male samples 26.7% (8) and were more prevalent among the age group 26–35 years (40%). Twenty eight out of the 30 (93.3%) FREC isolates possessed at least one fluoroquinolone resistance gene in the form of qnrA 10 (33.3%) and qnrB 18 (60%), respectively; qnrS was not detected among the FREC isolates analyzed and 13.5% of the isolates possessed both the qnrA and qnrB genes. Phylogenetic analysis showed that these isolates were genetically diverse. Conclusions These findings suggest a possible resistance to fluoroquinolone is of high interest for better management of patients and control of antimicrobial resistance in Nigeria.

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