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Ali EAA, Hussein NA, El-Hakim AE, Amer MA, Shahein YE. Cloning and catalytic profile of Hyalomma dromedarii leucine aminopeptidase. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 268:131778. [PMID: 38657929 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Ticks have harmful impacts on both human and animal health and cause considerable economic losses. Leucine aminopeptidase enzymes (LAP) play important roles during tick infestation to liberate vital amino acids necessary for growth. The aim of the current study is to identify, express and characterize the LAP from the hard tick Hyalomma dromedarii and elucidate its biochemical characteristics. We cloned an open reading frame of 1560 bp encoding a protein of 519 amino acids. The LAP full-length was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) and purified. The recombinant enzyme (H.d rLAP- 6×His) had a predicted molecular mass of approximately 55 kDa. Purification and the enzymatic characteristics of H.d rLAP- 6×His were studied. The purified enzyme showed maximum activity at 37 °C and pH 8.0-8.5 using Leu-p-nitroanilide as a substrate. The activity of H.d rLAP- 6×His was sensitive to β-mercaptoethanol, dl-dithiothreitol, 1,10- phenanthroline, bestatin HCl, and EDTA and completely abolished by 0.05 % SDS. In parallel, the enzymatic activity was enhanced by Ni2+, Mn2+ and Mg2+, partially inhibited by Na+, Cu2+, Ca2+ and completely inhibited by Zn2+.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esraa A A Ali
- Molecular Biology Department, Biotechnology Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, 12622 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nahla A Hussein
- Molecular Biology Department, Biotechnology Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, 12622 Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Amr E El-Hakim
- Molecular Biology Department, Biotechnology Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, 12622 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud A Amer
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, 12613 Giza, Egypt
| | - Yasser E Shahein
- Molecular Biology Department, Biotechnology Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, 12622 Cairo, Egypt.
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2
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Youseef M, Karam F, Kadry M, Elhariri M, Elhelw R. Escherichia coli and their potential transmission of carbapenem and colistin-resistant genes in camels. BMC Microbiol 2024; 24:65. [PMID: 38402189 PMCID: PMC10893666 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-024-03215-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Camels harbouring multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria are capable of transmitting various microorganisms to humans. This study aimed to determine the distribution of anti-microbial resistance among Escherichia coli (E. coli) isolated from the feces of apparently healthy camels in Egyptian abattoirs. Additionally, we sought to characterize Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) strains, assess their virulence potential, and investigate the possibility of camels spreading carbapenem- and colistin-resistant E. coli. METHODS 121 fecal swaps were collected from camels in different abattoirs in Egypt. Isolation and identification of E. coli were performed using conventional culture techniques and biochemical identification. All isolates obtained from the examined samples underwent genotyping through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of the Shiga toxin-encoding genes (Stx1 and Stx2), the carbapenemase-encoding genes (blaKPC, blaOXA-48, blaNDM, and blaVIM), and the mcr genes for mcr-1 to mcr-5. RESULT Bacteriological examination revealed 75 E. coli isolates. PCR results revealed that one strain (1.3%) tested positive for Stx1, and five (6.6%) were positive for Stx2. Among the total 75 strains of E. coli, the overall prevalence of carbapenemase-producing E. coli was 27, with 7 carrying blaOXA48, 14 carrying blaNDM, and 6 carrying blaVIM. Notably, no strains were positive for blaKPC but a high prevalence rate of mcr genes were detected. mcr-1, mcr-2, mcr-3, and mcr-4 genes were detected among 3, 2, 21, and 3 strains, respectively. CONCLUSION The results indicate that camels in Egypt may be a primary source of anti-microbial resistance (AMR) E. coli, which could potentially be transmitted directly to humans or through the food chain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa Youseef
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, PO Box 12211, Giza, Egypt
| | - Fatma Karam
- Department of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, PO Box 12211, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mona Kadry
- Department of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, PO Box 12211, Giza, Egypt.
| | - Mahmoud Elhariri
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, PO Box 12211, Giza, Egypt
| | - Rehab Elhelw
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, PO Box 12211, Giza, Egypt
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Hamed NS, Mbye M, Ayyash M, Ulusoy BH, Kamal-Eldin A. Camel Milk: Antimicrobial Agents, Fermented Products, and Shelf Life. Foods 2024; 13:381. [PMID: 38338516 PMCID: PMC10855775 DOI: 10.3390/foods13030381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The camel milk (CM) industry has witnessed a notable expansion in recent years. This expansion is primarily driven by the rising demand for CM and its fermented products. The perceived health and nutritional benefits of these products are mainly responsible for their increasing popularity. The composition of CM can vary significantly due to various factors, including the breed of the camel, its age, the stage of lactation, region, and season. CM contains several beneficial substances, including antimicrobial agents, such as lactoferrin, lysozyme, immunoglobulin G, lactoperoxidase, and N-acetyl-D-glucosaminidase, which protect it from contamination by spoilage and pathogenic bacteria, and contribute to its longer shelf life compared to bovine milk (BM). Nevertheless, certain harmful bacteria, such as Listeria monocytogenes, Yersinia enterocolitica, and Escherichia coli, have been detected in CM, which is a significant public health concern. Therefore, it is crucial to understand and monitor the microbial profile of CM and follow good manufacturing practices to guarantee its safety and quality. This review article explores various aspects of CM, including the types of beneficial and harmful bacteria present in it, the composition of the milk, its antimicrobial properties, its shelf life, and the production of fermented CM products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nejat Shifamussa Hamed
- Department of Food Science, College of Food and Agriculture, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates; (N.S.H.); (M.M.); (M.A.)
- Department of Food Hygiene and Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Near East University, Nicosia 99138, Cyprus;
| | - Mustapha Mbye
- Department of Food Science, College of Food and Agriculture, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates; (N.S.H.); (M.M.); (M.A.)
| | - Mutamed Ayyash
- Department of Food Science, College of Food and Agriculture, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates; (N.S.H.); (M.M.); (M.A.)
| | - Beyza Hatice Ulusoy
- Department of Food Hygiene and Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Near East University, Nicosia 99138, Cyprus;
| | - Afaf Kamal-Eldin
- Department of Food Science, College of Food and Agriculture, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates; (N.S.H.); (M.M.); (M.A.)
- National Water and Energy Center, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
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Djenane D, Aider M. The one-humped camel: The animal of future, potential alternative red meat, technological suitability and future perspectives. F1000Res 2024; 11:1085. [PMID: 38798303 PMCID: PMC11128057 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.125246.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The 2020 world population data sheet indicates that world population is projected to increase from 7.8 billion in 2020 to 9.9 billion by 2050 (Increase of more than 25%). Due to the expected growth in human population, the demand for meats that could improve health status and provide therapeutic benefits is also projected to rise. The dromedary also known as the Arabian camel, or one-humped camel ( Camelus dromedarius), a pseudo ruminant adapted to arid climates, has physiological, biological and metabolic characteristics which give it a legendary reputation for surviving in the extreme conditions of desert environments considered restrictive for other ruminants. Camel meat is an ethnic food consumed across the arid regions of Middle East, North-East Africa, Australia and China. For these medicinal and nutritional benefits, camel meat can be a great option for sustainable meat worldwide supply. A considerable amount of literature has been published on technological aspects and quality properties of beef, lamb and pork but the information available on the technological aspects of the meat of the one humped camel is very limited. Camels are usually raised in less developed countries and their meat is as nutritionally good as any other traditional meat source. Its quality also depends on the breed, sex, age, breeding conditions and type of muscle consumed. A compilation of existing literature related to new technological advances in packaging, shelf-life and quality of camel meat has not been reviewed to the best of our knowledge. Therefore, this review attempts to explore the nutritional composition, health benefits of camel meat, as well as various technological and processing interventions to improve its quality and consumer acceptance. This review will be helpful for camel sector and highlight the potential for global marketability of camel meat and to generate value added products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Djamel Djenane
- Laboratory of Food Quality and Food Safety, Department of Food Science and Technology., University of Mouloud MAMMERI, Tizi-Ouzou, 15000, Algeria
| | - Mohammed Aider
- Department of Soil Sciences and Agri-Food Engineering, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods (INAF), Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
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El-Alfy ES, Abbas I, Saleh S, Elseadawy R, Fereig RM, Rizk MA, Xuan X. Tick-borne pathogens in camels: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence in dromedaries. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2024; 15:102268. [PMID: 37769585 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Published data on tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) in camels worldwide have been collected to provide an overview of the global prevalence and species diversity of camelid TBPs. Several TBPs have been detected in dromedary camels, raising concerns regarding their role as natural or maintenance hosts for tick-borne pathogens. Insubstantial evidence exists regarding the natural infection of camels with Babesia spp., Theileria spp., Anaplasma spp., and Ehrlichia spp., particularly because most of the camels were considered healthy at the time of sampling. Based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, a pooled prevalence of 35.3% (95% CI: 22.6-48.1%) was estimated for Anaplasma, which was the most frequently tested TBP in dromedaries, and DNA of Anaplasma marginale, Anaplasma centrale, Anaplasma ovis, Anaplasma platys, and A. platys-like were isolated, of which ruminants and dogs are reservoirs. Similarly, the estimated pooled prevalence for the two piroplasmid genera; Babesia and Theileria was approximately equal (10-12%) regardless of the detection method (microscopy or PCR testing). Nevertheless, Babesia caballi, Theileria equi, and Theileria annulata DNA have frequently been detected in camels but they have not yet been proven to be natural hosts. Scarce data detected Babesia microti, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) DNA in blood of dromedaries, although ticks of the genus Ixodes are distributed in limited areas where dromedaries are raised. Interestingly, a pooled seroprevalence of 47.7% (26.3-69.2%) was estimated for Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, and viral RNA was detected in dromedary blood; however, their contribution to maintain the viral transmission cycles requires further experimental investigation. The substantially low incidence and scarcity of data on Rickettsia and Ehrlichia species could imply that camels were accidentally infected. In contrast, camels may play a role in the spread of Coxiella burnetii, which is primarily transmitted through the inhalation of aerosols emitted by diseased animals and contaminated environments. Bactrian camels showed no symptoms due to the examined TBPs, meanwhile, clinical disease was seen in alpacas infected with A. phagocytophilum. Similar to dromedaries, accidental tick bites may be the cause of TBP DNA found in the blood of Bactrian camels.
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Affiliation(s)
- El-Sayed El-Alfy
- Parasitology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Ibrahim Abbas
- Parasitology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Somaya Saleh
- Parasitology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Rana Elseadawy
- Parasitology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Ragab M Fereig
- Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena City, Qena 83523, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Abdo Rizk
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-Cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan; Department of Internal Medicine, Infectious and Fish Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt.
| | - Xuenan Xuan
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-Cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
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Ortiz-Prado E, Izquierdo-Condoy JS, Yeager J, Vásconez-González E. Are we prepared for potential repercussions of international sports events in the midst of a global pandemic? J Glob Health 2023; 13:03061. [PMID: 38146821 PMCID: PMC10750448 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.13.03061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Justin Yeager
- Biodiversidad Medio Ambiente y Salud (BIOMAS), Direccion General de Investigacion, Universidad de las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
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Rodon J, Te N, Ballester M, Segalés J, Vergara-Alert J, Bensaid A. Quantification of camelid cytokine mRNA expression in PBMCs by microfluidic qPCR technology. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 149:105061. [PMID: 37717710 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2023.105061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Camelids are economically and socially important in several parts of the world and might carry pathogens with epizootic or zoonotic potential. However, biological research in these species is limited due to lack of reagents. Here, we developed RT-qPCR assays to quantify a panel of camelid innate and adaptive immune response genes, which can be monitored in a single run. The assays were validated with PHA, PMA-ionomycin, and Poly I:C-stimulated PBMCs from alpaca, dromedary camel and llama, including normalization by multiple reference genes. Further, comparative gene expression analyses for the different camelid species were performed by a unique microfluidic qPCR assay. Compared to unstimulated controls, PHA and PMA-ionomycin stimulation elicited robust Th1 and Th2 responses in PBMCs from camelid species. Additional activation of type I and type III IFN signalling pathways was described exclusively in PHA-stimulated dromedary lymphocytes, in contrast to those from alpaca and llama. We also found that PolyI:C stimulation induced robust antiviral response genes in alpaca PBMCs. The proposed methodology should be useful for the measurement of immune responses to infection or vaccination in camelid species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Rodon
- Unitat mixta d'investigació IRTA-UAB en Sanitat Animal, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193, Bellaterra, Catalonia, Spain; IRTA, Programa de Sanitat Animal, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193, Bellaterra, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - Nigeer Te
- IRTA, Programa de Sanitat Animal, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193, Bellaterra, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - Maria Ballester
- Animal Breeding and Genetics Program, Institute for Research and Technology in Food and Agriculture (IRTA), 08140, Caldes de Montbui, Spain.
| | - Joaquim Segalés
- Unitat mixta d'investigació IRTA-UAB en Sanitat Animal, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193, Bellaterra, Catalonia, Spain; Department de Sanitat i Anatomia Animals, Facultat de Veterinaria, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Campus de la UAB, 08193, Bellaterra, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - Júlia Vergara-Alert
- Unitat mixta d'investigació IRTA-UAB en Sanitat Animal, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193, Bellaterra, Catalonia, Spain; IRTA, Programa de Sanitat Animal, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193, Bellaterra, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - Albert Bensaid
- Unitat mixta d'investigació IRTA-UAB en Sanitat Animal, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193, Bellaterra, Catalonia, Spain; IRTA, Programa de Sanitat Animal, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193, Bellaterra, Catalonia, Spain.
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Khalafalla AI. Zoonotic diseases transmitted from the camels. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1244833. [PMID: 37929289 PMCID: PMC10620500 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1244833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Zoonotic diseases, infections transmitted naturally from animals to humans, pose a significant public health challenge worldwide. After MERS-CoV was discovered, interest in camels was raised as potential intermediate hosts for zoonotic viruses. Most published review studies pay little attention to case reports or zoonotic epidemics where there is epidemiological proof of transmission from camels to humans. Accordingly, any pathogen found in camels known to cause zoonotic disease in other animals or humans is reported. Methods Here, zoonotic diseases linked to camels are reviewed in the literature, focusing on those with epidemiological or molecular evidence of spreading from camels to humans. This review examines the risks posed by camel diseases to human health, emphasizing the need for knowledge and awareness in mitigating these risks. Results A search of the literature revealed that eight (36.4%) of the 22 investigations that offered convincing evidence of camel-to-human transmission involved MERS, five (22.7%) Brucellosis, four (18.2%) plague caused by Yersinia pestis, three (13.6%) camelpox, one (4.5%) hepatitis E, and one (4.5%) anthrax. The reporting of these zoonotic diseases has been steadily increasing, with the most recent period, from 2010 to the present, accounting for 59% of the reports. Additionally, camels have been associated with several other zoonotic diseases, including toxoplasmosis, Rift Valley fever, TB, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, and Q fever, despite having no evidence of a transmission event. Transmission of human zoonotic diseases primarily occurs through camel milk, meat, and direct or indirect contact with camels. The above-mentioned diseases were discussed to determine risks to human health. Conclusion MERS, Brucellosis, plague caused by Y. pestis, camelpox, hepatitis E, and anthrax are the main zoonotic diseases associated with human disease events or outbreaks. Transmission to humans primarily occurs through camel milk, meat, and direct contact with camels. There is a need for comprehensive surveillance, preventive measures, and public health interventions based on a one-health approach to mitigate the risks of zoonotic infections linked to camels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelmalik Ibrahim Khalafalla
- Development and Innovation Sector, Biosecurity Affairs Division, Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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Aggar OA, Al-Zubaidi MTS. Molecular identification and phylogenetic confirmation of Sarcocystis species in slaughtered camels in Al-Najif province, Iraq. Open Vet J 2023; 13:1099-1105. [PMID: 37842103 PMCID: PMC10576584 DOI: 10.5455/ovj.2023.v13.i9.5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Sarcocystis is an intracellular parasite of particular importance as it infects many domestic animals as camels that play the role of intermediate host for the parasite. Aim This study aimed to identify Sarcocystis species in camels by molecular assay with confirmation of local isolates by phylogenetic analysis. Methods A total of 200 slaughtered camels (Camelus dromedarius) that were slaughtered in Al-Najaf province (Iraq) abattoirs from October (2021) to July (2022) were subjected to collect the fresh tissues from four organs (esophagus, diaphragm, skeletal muscle, and heart), to be tested later by the conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Then, a total of 20 positive genomic DNA samples were sequenced, named, got specific access numbers (OP785703.1 to OP785722.1), and compared with the NCBI-GenBank isolates. Results Targeting Cox1 gene, 80% of collected tissues were found positive by the conventional PCR assay. Phylogenetic tree analysis revealed that the local Sarcocystis isolates were identical to Indian S. cameli isolates at 99.70%-99.90%. Significantly, an increase in Sarcocystis infection was seen in the esophagus compared to the diaphragm, skeletal muscle, and heart; older (>4 years) than younger (≤4 years) camels, and in females more than males. Conclusion To the best of our knowledge, this represents the first molecular study in Iraq that identifies Sarcocystis cameli in camels. However, additional epidemiological and molecular studies in camel populations as well as in other domestic and wild animals appeared to be necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ola A. Aggar
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq
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Friedrich B, Vogel P, Rückert MA, Lyer S, Günther J, Wernery U, Joseph S, Müller J, Behr VC, Alexiou C, Tietze R. Detection of viral antibodies in camel sera using magnetic particle spectroscopy. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2023; 107:3329-3339. [PMID: 37060465 PMCID: PMC10104765 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12513-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Pandemics like SARS-Cov-2 very frequently have their origin in different animals and in particular herds of camels could be a source of zoonotic diseases. This study took advantage on a highly sensitive and adaptable method for the fast and reliable detection of viral antibodies in camels using low-cost equipment. Magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) have high variability in their functionalization with different peptides and proteins. We confirm that 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane (APTES)-coated MNP could be functionalized with viral proteins. The protein loading could be confirmed by simple loading controls using FACS-analysis (p < 0.05). Complementary combination of antigen and antibody yields in a significant signal increase could be proven by both FACS and COMPASS. However, COMPASS needs only a few seconds for the measurement. In COMPASS, the phase φn on selected critical point of the fifth higher harmonic (n = 5th). Here, positive sera display highly significant signal increase over the control or negative sera. Furthermore, a clear distinction could be made in antibody detection as an immune response to closely related viruses (SARS-CoV2 and MERS). Using modified MNPs along with COMPASS offers a fast and reliable method that is less cost intensive than current technologies and offers the possibility to be quickly adapted in case of new occurring viral infections. KEY POINTS: • COMPASS (critical offset magnetic particle spectroscopy) allows the fast detection of antibodies. • Magnetic nanoparticles can be adapted by exchange of the linked bait molecule. • Antibodies could be detected in camel sera without washing steps within seconds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard Friedrich
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Section of Experimental Oncology and Nanomedicine (SEON), Else Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung Professorship, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Patrick Vogel
- Department of Experimental Physics 5 (Biophysics), Julius-Maximilians-University Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Martin A Rückert
- Department of Experimental Physics 5 (Biophysics), Julius-Maximilians-University Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Lyer
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Section of Experimental Oncology and Nanomedicine (SEON), Else Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung Professorship, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Section of Experimental Oncology and Nanomedicine (SEON), Professorship for AI-Controlled Nanomaterials, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Johanna Günther
- Department of Experimental Physics 5 (Biophysics), Julius-Maximilians-University Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ulrich Wernery
- Central Veterinary Research Laboratory, P.O. Box 597, Dubai, UAE
| | - Sunitha Joseph
- Central Veterinary Research Laboratory, P.O. Box 597, Dubai, UAE
| | - Judith Müller
- Generatio - Center for Animal Genetics, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Volker C Behr
- Department of Experimental Physics 5 (Biophysics), Julius-Maximilians-University Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Alexiou
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Section of Experimental Oncology and Nanomedicine (SEON), Else Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung Professorship, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Rainer Tietze
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Section of Experimental Oncology and Nanomedicine (SEON), Else Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung Professorship, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany.
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Belhout C, Boyen F, Vereecke N, Theuns S, Taibi N, Stegger M, de la Fé-Rodríguez PY, Bouayad L, Elgroud R, Butaye P. Prevalence and Molecular Characterization of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococci (MRS) and Mammaliicocci (MRM) in Dromedary Camels from Algeria: First Detection of SCC mec- mecC Hybrid in Methicillin-Resistant Mammaliicoccus lentus. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:674. [PMID: 37107036 PMCID: PMC10134997 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12040674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Dromedary camels are an important source of food and income in many countries. However, it has been largely overlooked that they can also transmit antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The aim of this study was to identify the Staphylococcaceae bacteria composition of the nasal flora in dromedary camels and evaluate the presence of methicillin-resistant Mammaliicoccus (MRM) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus (MRS) in dromedary camels in Algeria. Nasal swabs were collected from 46 camels from seven farms located in two different regions of Algeria (M'sila and Ouargla). We used non-selective media to determine the nasal flora, and antibiotic-supplemented media to isolate MRS and MRM. The staphylococcal isolates were identified using an Autoflex Biotyper Mass Spectrometer (MALDI-TOF MS). The mecA and mecC genes were detected by PCR. Methicillin-resistant strains were further analysed by long-read whole genome sequencing (WGS). Thirteen known Staphylococcus and Mammaliicoccus species were identified in the nasal flora, of which half (49.2%) were coagulase-positive staphylococci. The results showed that four out of seven farms were positive for MRS and/or MRM, with a total of 16 isolates from 13 dromedary camels. The predominant species were M. lentus, S. epidermidis, and S. aureus. Three methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) were found to be ST6 and spa type t304. Among methicillin-resistant S. epidermidis (MRSE), ST61 was the predominant ST identified. Phylogenetic analysis showed clonal relatedness among M. lentus strains, while S. epidermidis strains were not closely related. Resistance genes were detected, including mecA, mecC, ermB, tet(K), and blaZ. An SCCmec type VIII element was found in a methicillin-resistant S. hominis (MRSH) belonging to the ST1 strain. An SCCmec-mecC hybrid element was detected in M. lentus, similar to what was previously detected in M. sciuri. This study highlights that dromedary camels may be a reservoir for MRS and MRM, and that they contain a specific set of SCCmec elements. This emphasizes the need for further research in this ecological niche from a One Health perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chahrazed Belhout
- HASAQ Laboratory, High National Veterinary School, Issad Abbes Avenue, Oued Smar, El Harrach, Algiers 16270, Algeria
| | - Filip Boyen
- Department of Pathobiology, Pharmacology and Zoological Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Nick Vereecke
- PathoSense, Pastoriestraat 10, 2500 Lier, Belgium
- Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Sebastiaan Theuns
- PathoSense, Pastoriestraat 10, 2500 Lier, Belgium
- Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Nadia Taibi
- Centre de Recherche Scientifique et Technique en Analyses Physico-Chimiques (CRAPC), Bou-Ismail, Tipaza 42415, Algeria
| | - Marc Stegger
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites & Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, 2300 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Pedro Yoelvys de la Fé-Rodríguez
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Central “Marta Abreu” de Las Villas, Carretera a Camajuaní km 5½, Santa Clara 54 830, Cuba
| | - Leila Bouayad
- HASAQ Laboratory, High National Veterinary School, Issad Abbes Avenue, Oued Smar, El Harrach, Algiers 16270, Algeria
| | - Rachid Elgroud
- Institute of Veterinary Sciences, University Frères Mentouri Constantine 1, Constantine 25017, Algeria
| | - Patrick Butaye
- Department of Pathobiology, Pharmacology and Zoological Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
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The Surveillance of Borrelia Species in Camelus dromedarius and Associated Ticks: The First Detection of Borrelia miyamotoi in Egypt. Vet Sci 2023; 10:vetsci10020141. [PMID: 36851446 PMCID: PMC9961693 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10020141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) are emerging and re-emerging infections that have a worldwide impact on human and animal health. Lyme borreliosis (LB) is a severe zoonotic disease caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) transmitted to humans by the bite of infected Ixodes ticks. Borrelia miyamotoi is a spirochete that causes relapsing fever (RF) and is genetically related to Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. However, there have been no reports of B. miyamotoi in Egypt, and the data on LB in camels is scarce. Thus, the present study was conducted to screen and genetically identify Borrelia spp. and B. miyamotoi in Egyptian camels and associated ticks using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). METHODS A total of 133 blood samples and 1596 adult hard ticks were collected from Camelus dromedaries at Cairo and Giza slaughterhouses in Egypt. Tick species were identified by examining their morphology and sequencing the cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene. Borrelia spp. was detected using nested PCR on the IGS (16S-23S) gene, and positive samples were genotyped using 16S rRNA and glpQ spp. genes specific for Borrelia burgdorferi and Borrelia miyamotoi, respectively. The positive PCR products were sequenced and analyzed by phylogenetic tree. RESULTS Analysis of the cox1 gene sequence revealed that the adult ticks belonged to three genera; Hyalomma (H), Amblyomma (Am), and Rhipicephalus (R), as well as 12 species, including H. dromedarii, H. marginatum, H. excavatum, H. anatolicum, R. annulatus, R. pulchellus, Am. testudinarium, Am. hebraeum, Am. lipidium, Am. variegatum, Am. cohaerens and Am. gemma. Borrelia spp. was found in 8.3% (11/133) of the camel blood samples and 1.3% (21/1596) of the ticks, respectively. Sequencing of the IGS (16S-23S) gene found that B. afzelii, detected from H. dromedarii and H. marginatum, and B. crocidurae, which belongs to the RF group, was detected from one blood sample. B. burgdorferi and B. miyamotoi were discovered in the blood samples and tick species. Phylogenetic analysis of the glpQ gene showed that the B. miyamotoi in this study was of the Asian and European types. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that the camels can be infected by Lyme borrelia and other Borrelia bacteria species. This study also provides the first insight into the presence of Borrelia miyamotoi and B. afzelii DNA in camels and associated ticks in Egypt.
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Azhar EI, Hui DS, McCloskey B, El-Kafrawy SA, Sharma A, Maeurer M, Lee SS, Zumla A. The Qatar FIFA World Cup 2022 and camel pageant championships increase risk of MERS-CoV transmission and global spread. Lancet Glob Health 2023; 11:e189-e190. [PMID: 36525983 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(22)00543-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Esam I Azhar
- King Fahd Medical Research Center and Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21362, Saudi Arabia.
| | - David S Hui
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Brian McCloskey
- Global Health Program, Royal Institute of International Affairs, London, UK
| | - Sherif A El-Kafrawy
- King Fahd Medical Research Center and Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21362, Saudi Arabia
| | - Avinash Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology, National Centre for Cell Science, Pune, India
| | - Markus Maeurer
- Immunotherapy Programme, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal; I Medical Clinic, University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Shui-Shan Lee
- Stanley Ho Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Alimuddin Zumla
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Centre for Clinical Microbiology, University College London Royal Free Campus, London, UK; National Institute for Health and Care Research Biomedical Research Centre, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Premraj A, Aleyas AG, Nautiyal B, Rasool TJ. Novel type-I interferons from the dromedary camel: Molecular identification, prokaryotic expression and functional characterization of camelid interferon-delta. Mol Immunol 2023; 153:212-225. [PMID: 36563641 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2022.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The last two decades have seen the emergence of three highly pathogenic coronaviruses with zoonotic origins, which prompted immediate attention to the underlying cause and prevention of future outbreaks. Intensification of camel husbandry in the Middle East has resulted in increased human-camel interactions, which has led to the spread of potentially zoonotic viruses with human spillover risks like MERS-coronavirus, camelpox virus, etc. Type-I interferons function as the first line of defense against invading viruses and are pivotal for limiting viral replication and immune-mediated pathologies. Seven novel dromedary camel interferon delta genes were identified and cloned. Functional characterization of this novel class of IFNs from the mammalian suborder tylopoda is reported for the first time. The camel interferon-delta proteins resemble the reported mammalian counterparts in sequence similarity, conservation of cysteines, and phylogenetic proximity. Prokaryotically expressed recombinant camel interferon-δ1 induced IFN-stimulated gene expression and also exerted antiviral action against camelpox virus, an endemic zoonotic virus. The pre-treatment of camel kidney cells with recombinant camel IFN-δ1 increased cell survival and reduced camelpox virus in a dose-dependent manner. The identification of novel IFNs from species with zoonotic spillover risk such as camels, and evaluating their antiviral effects in-vitro will play a key role in improving immunotherapies against viruses and expanding the arsenal to combat emerging zoonotic pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avinash Premraj
- Camel Biotechnology Center, Presidential Camels & Camel Racing Affairs Centre, Department of the President's Affairs, P.O. Box 17292, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Abi George Aleyas
- Camel Biotechnology Center, Presidential Camels & Camel Racing Affairs Centre, Department of the President's Affairs, P.O. Box 17292, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Binita Nautiyal
- Camel Biotechnology Center, Presidential Camels & Camel Racing Affairs Centre, Department of the President's Affairs, P.O. Box 17292, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Thaha Jamal Rasool
- Camel Biotechnology Center, Presidential Camels & Camel Racing Affairs Centre, Department of the President's Affairs, P.O. Box 17292, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.
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Fereig RM, Abdelbaky HH, El-Alfy ES, El-Diasty M, Elsayed A, Mahmoud HYAH, Ali AO, Ahmed A, Mossaad E, Alsayeqh AF, Frey CF. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in camels recently imported to Egypt from Sudan and a global systematic review. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:1042279. [PMID: 36452298 PMCID: PMC9702086 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.1042279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum are closely related intracellular protozoan parasites of medical and veterinary concern by causing abortions and systemic illness. Limited or ambiguous data on the prevalence of T. gondii and N. caninum in camels triggered us to conduct this study. METHODS Camels (n = 460) recently imported from Sudan and destined mainly for human consumption, were tested for specific antibodies against these protozoans using commercially available ELISAs. From the two only quarantine stations for camels from Sudan, 368 camels were sampled between November 2015 and March 2016 in Shalateen, Red Sea governorate, and 92 samples were collected between September 2018 and March 2021 from Abu Simbel, Aswan governorate. RESULTS & DISCUSSION Overall, seropositive rates in camels were 25.7%, 3.9% and 0.8% for T. gondii, N. caninum and mixed infection, respectively. However, marked differences were found between the two study sites and/or the two sampling periods: For T. gondii, a higher rate of infection was recorded in the Red Sea samples (31.5%, 116/368; odds ratio 20.7, 5.0-85.6; P<0.0001) than in those collected in Aswan (2.2%, 2/92). The opposite was found for N. caninum with a lower rate of infection in the Red Sea samples (0.82%, 3/368; odds ratio 23.7, 6.7-83.9; P<0.0001) than in the samples from Aswan (16.3%, 15/92). Additionally, our systematic review revealed that the overall published seroprevalence of T. gondii and N. caninum was 28.6% and 14.3% in camels worldwide, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, this study provides the first record of seroprevalence of both T. gondii and N. caninum in recently imported camels kept under quarantine conditions before delivery to other Egyptian cities and regions. In addition, our review provides inclusive data on the prevalence of T. gondii and N. caninum in camel globally. This knowledge provides basic data for the implementation of strategies and control measures against neosporosis and toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ragab M. Fereig
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
| | - Hanan H. Abdelbaky
- Doctor of Veterinary Sciences, Veterinary Clinic, Eterinary Directorate, Qena, Egypt
| | - El-Sayed El-Alfy
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Mohamed El-Diasty
- Agricultural Research Center (ARC), Animal Health Research Institute-Mansoura Provincial Lab, (AHRI-Mansoura), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Elsayed
- Agricultural Research Center (ARC), Animal Health Research Institute-Al Shalateen Provincial Lab (AHRI-Al Shalateen), Giza, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hassan Y. A. H. Mahmoud
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
| | - Alsagher O. Ali
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
| | - Abdulrahman Ahmed
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
| | - Ehab Mossaad
- Department of Pathology, Parasitology and Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sudan University of Science and Technology, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Abdullah F. Alsayeqh
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Buraidah, Qassim, Saudi Arabia
| | - Caroline F. Frey
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Celina SS, Cerný J. Coxiella burnetii in ticks, livestock, pets and wildlife: A mini-review. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:1068129. [PMID: 36439350 PMCID: PMC9691889 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1068129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Coxiella burnetii is a zoonotic bacterium with an obligatory intracellular lifestyle and has a worldwide distribution. Coxiella burnetii is the causative agent of Q fever in humans and coxiellosis in animals. Since its discovery in 1935, it has been shown to infect a wide range of animal species including mammals, birds, reptiles, and arthropods. Coxiella burnetii infection is of public and veterinary health and economic concern due to its potential for rapid spread and highly infectious nature. Livestock are the primary source of C. burnetii infection in most Q fever outbreaks which occurs mainly through inhalation of contaminated particles. Aside from livestock, many cases of Q fever linked to exposure to wildlife. Changes in the dynamics of human-wildlife interactions may lead to an increased potential risk of interspecies transmission and contribute to the emergence/re-emergence of Q fever. Although C. burnetii transmission is mainly airborne, ticks may act as vectors and play an important role in the natural cycle of transmission of coxiellosis among wild vertebrates and livestock. In this review, we aim to compile available information on vectors, domestic, and wild hosts of C. burnetii, and to highlight their potential role as bacterial reservoirs in the transmission of C. burnetii.
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MALDI-TOF MS Identification of Dromedary Camel Ticks and Detection of Associated Microorganisms, Southern Algeria. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10112178. [DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10112178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
This study used MALDI-TOF MS and molecular tools to identify tick species infesting camels from Tamanrasset in southern Algeria and to investigate their associated microorganisms. Ninety-one adult ticks were collected from nine camels and were morphologically identified as Hyalomma spp., Hyalomma dromedarii, Hyalomma excavatum, Hyalomma impeltatum and Hyalomma anatolicum. Next, the legs of all ticks were subjected to MALDI-TOF MS, and 88/91 specimens provided good-quality MS spectra. Our homemade MALDI-TOF MS arthropod spectra database was then updated with the new MS spectra of 14 specimens of molecularly confirmed species in this study. The spectra of the remaining tick specimens not included in the MS database were queried against the upgraded database. All 74 specimens were correctly identified by MALDI-TOF MS, with logarithmic score values ranging from 1.701 to 2.507, with median and mean values of 2.199 and 2.172 ± 0.169, respectively. One H. impeltatum and one H. dromedarii (2/91; 2.20%) tested positive by qPCR for Coxiella burnetii, the agent of Q fever. We also report the first detection of an Anaplasma sp. close to A. platys in H. dromedarii in Algeria and a potentially new Ehrlichia sp. in H. impeltatum.
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Premraj A, Aleyas AG, Nautiyal B, Rasool TJ. Beta interferons from the extant camelids: Unique among eutherian mammals. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2022; 133:104443. [PMID: 35568245 PMCID: PMC9095258 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2022.104443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic is a wake-up call on the zoonotic viral spillover events and the need to be prepared for future outbreaks. Zoonotic RNA viruses like the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) are potential pathogens that could trigger the next pandemic. Dromedary camels are the only known animal source of MERS-CoV zoonotic infections, but little is known about the molecular antiviral response in this species. IFN-β and other type-I interferons provide the first line of defense against invading pathogens in the host immune response. We identified the IFNB gene of the dromedary camel and all extant members of the family Camelidae. Camelid IFN-β is unique with an even number of cysteines in the mature protein compared to other eutherian mammals with an odd number of cysteines. The viral mimetic poly(I:C) strongly induced IFN-β expression in camel kidney cells. Induction of IFN-β expression upon infection with camelpox virus was late and subdued when compared to poly(I:C) treatment. Prokaryotically expressed recombinant dromedary IFN-β induced expression of IFN-responsive genes in camel kidney cells. Further, recombinant IFN-β conferred antiviral resistance to camel kidney cells against the cytopathic effects of the camelpox virus, an endemic zoonotic pathogen. IFN-β from this unique group of mammals will offer insights into antiviral immune mechanisms and aid in the development of specific antivirals against pathogens that have the potential to be the next zoonotic pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avinash Premraj
- Camel Biotechnology Center, Presidential Camels & Camel Racing Affairs Centre, Department of the President's Affairs, PO Box 17292, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Abi George Aleyas
- Camel Biotechnology Center, Presidential Camels & Camel Racing Affairs Centre, Department of the President's Affairs, PO Box 17292, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Binita Nautiyal
- Camel Biotechnology Center, Presidential Camels & Camel Racing Affairs Centre, Department of the President's Affairs, PO Box 17292, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Thaha Jamal Rasool
- Camel Biotechnology Center, Presidential Camels & Camel Racing Affairs Centre, Department of the President's Affairs, PO Box 17292, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.
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Belhout C, Elgroud R, Butaye P. Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Other Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococci and Mammaliicoccus (MRNaS) Associated with Animals and Food Products in Arab Countries: A Review. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9070317. [PMID: 35878334 PMCID: PMC9320237 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9070317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Staphylococci are present in the microbiota of both humans and animal species, being recognized as the most important opportunistic pathogens. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become a global public health issue presenting a significant risk because it severely limits treatment options. Methicillin resistance in staphylococci (MRS) poses a specific problem as it may cause serious human and animal infections, eventually resulting in death. The increasing observation of MRS in different animal species has raised the concern of their impact on animal health and the potential of zoonotic transmission. The availability of comprehensive data on the ecology and distribution of MRS in animals and food products worldwide is necessary to understand their relevance in the “One Health” domain. However, there is a gap in information in terms of MRS and the Arab countries. Therefore, our study aimed to provide an overview of the situation of MRS in these countries by reviewing the available data on livestock and animal products and making recommendations for the future. Abstract The prevalence of methicillin resistance in staphylococci has been increasing globally and is currently one of the major public health concerns. In particular, treating infections caused by staphylococci with acquired antimicrobial resistance is problematic, as their treatment is more difficult. The resistance is found both in human and animal staphylococcal strains. Methicillin-resistant staphylococci (MRS) have also been increasingly reported in wildlife. In Arab countries, MRS has been detected in food producing animals and food products; however, the risk this poses is somewhat unclear, and still a significant lack of information on the trend and distribution of these pathogens in these countries, which have a specific ecosystem (desert) and traditions (Muslim culture). In this manuscript, we aim to provide an overview of the prevalence and the major MRS clonal lineages circulating in these specific countries and compare to them other situations with different ecosystems and cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chahrazed Belhout
- HASAQ Laboratory, High National Veterinary School, Issad Abbes Avenue, Oued Smar, El Harrach, Algiers 16270, Algeria
- Correspondence:
| | - Rachid Elgroud
- Institute of Veterinary Sciences, University Frères Mentouri Constantine 1, Constantine 25017, Algeria;
| | - Patrick Butaye
- Department of Pathobiology, Pharmacology and Zoological Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B9820 Merelbeke, Belgium;
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Exposure to multiple pathogens - serological evidence for Rift Valley fever virus, Coxiella burnetii, Bluetongue virus and Brucella spp. in cattle, sheep and goat in Mali. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010342. [PMID: 35486653 PMCID: PMC9094527 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
An important problem for livestock production in Mali is occurrence of several infectious diseases. A particular challenge for control of pathogens that affect different species, especially in a system with mixed herds with cattle, sheep and goats. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate co-exposure with Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV), Coxiella burnetii, Bluetongue virus (BTV) and Brucella spp. in different livestock species in mixed herds. With the exception of BTV these pathogens are also zoonotic. A retrospective assessment was carried out on a biobank of sera of cattle and small ruminants collected from Sikasso and Mopti regions. Nine hundred and twelve samples from cattle (n = 304), sheep (n = 318) and goat (n = 290) were screened. Serology tests were conducted using commercial kits as per the protocol of the manufacturers. Sero-prevalence for RVFV was 12.8% (Confidence Interval 95%: 9.3–17.1%); 4.7% (2.7–7.7%) and 3.1% (1.4–5.8%) in cattle, sheep and goat respectively. For Coxiella burnetii, the sero-prevalence was 55.3% (49.5–60.9%), 22.6% (18.2–27.6%), and 16.9% (12.8–21.7%); in cattle, sheep and goat respectively; and for BTV sero-prevalence was 88.8% (84.72–92.13%), 51.6% (45.9–57.2%), 56.2% (50.3–62.0%) in cattle, sheep in goat respectively. Brucella sp. had the lowest sero-prevalence and was only detected in cattle and sheep. Regional differences were observed with sero-prevalence of Coxiella burnetii in sheep and goat with BTV in goat being significantly higher in Sikasso than in Mopti (p<0.001). Evidence of exposure to two pathogens in the same animal was most common for the combination Coxiella burnetii and BTV in cattle (51.6%), followed by sheep (17.0%) and goat (15.5%). Considering the scarcity of disease occurrence and epidemiological data in most sub-saharan countries including Mali, this multi-pathogen survey provides important evidence that cattle, sheep and goat are exposed to pathogens that may negatively impact productivity and pose a risk for public health. The results from this study highlight the urgent need for a better understanding of pathogen diversity and their impact on human and animal health in order to minimize resulting risks. Given that some of the pathogens investigated here are zoonotic, establishment of One-Health surveillance system to monitor disease in animals and people is warranted. Therefore, intersectoral collaboration is recommended. High prevalence of Rift Valley fever virus, Coxiella burnetii and Bluetongue virus were observed in cattle, sheep, and goats. We provided evidence that animals of the same herds have to cope with several pathogens. This study points out to need for important follow up studies to fill further knowledge gaps related to impacts of livestock diseases in Mali, especially zoonoses, and how to address the challenges.
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Eckstein S, Ehmann R, Gritli A, Ben Rhaiem M, Ben Yahia H, Diehl M, Wölfel R, Handrick S, Ben Moussa M, Stoecker K. Viral and Bacterial Zoonotic Agents in Dromedary Camels from Southern Tunisia: A Seroprevalence Study. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10040727. [PMID: 35456778 PMCID: PMC9028256 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10040727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2 clearly demonstrated the potential of zoonotic diseases to cause severe harm to public health. Having limited access to medical care combined with severe underreporting and a lack of active surveillance, Africa carries a high burden of neglected zoonotic diseases. Therefore, the epidemiological monitoring of pathogen circulation is essential. Recently, we found extensive Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) prevalence in free-roaming dromedary camels from southern Tunisia. In this study, we aimed to investigate the seroprevalence, and thus the risk posed to public health, of two additional viral and two bacterial pathogens in Tunisian dromedaries: Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV), foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV), Coxiella burnetii and Brucella spp. via ELISA. With 73.6% seropositivity, most animals had previously been exposed to the causative agent of Q fever, C. burnetii. Additionally, 7.4% and 1.0% of the dromedaries had antibodies against Brucella and RVFV, respectively, while no evidence was found for the occurrence of FMDV. Our studies revealed considerable immunological evidence of various pathogens within Tunisian dromedary camels. Since these animals have intense contact with humans, they pose a high risk of transmitting serious zoonotic diseases during active infection. The identification of appropriate countermeasures is therefore highly desirable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Eckstein
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology (IMB), 80937 Munich, Germany; (R.E.); (M.D.); (R.W.); (S.H.); (K.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-992692-3990
| | - Rosina Ehmann
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology (IMB), 80937 Munich, Germany; (R.E.); (M.D.); (R.W.); (S.H.); (K.S.)
| | - Abderraouf Gritli
- Veterinary Service, General Directorate of Military Health, Ministry of National Defense, Tunis 1000, Tunisia; (A.G.); (M.B.R.); (H.B.Y.)
| | - Mohamed Ben Rhaiem
- Veterinary Service, General Directorate of Military Health, Ministry of National Defense, Tunis 1000, Tunisia; (A.G.); (M.B.R.); (H.B.Y.)
| | - Houcine Ben Yahia
- Veterinary Service, General Directorate of Military Health, Ministry of National Defense, Tunis 1000, Tunisia; (A.G.); (M.B.R.); (H.B.Y.)
| | - Manuel Diehl
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology (IMB), 80937 Munich, Germany; (R.E.); (M.D.); (R.W.); (S.H.); (K.S.)
| | - Roman Wölfel
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology (IMB), 80937 Munich, Germany; (R.E.); (M.D.); (R.W.); (S.H.); (K.S.)
| | - Susann Handrick
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology (IMB), 80937 Munich, Germany; (R.E.); (M.D.); (R.W.); (S.H.); (K.S.)
| | - Mohamed Ben Moussa
- Department of Virology, Military Hospital of Instruction of Tunis, Tunis 1008, Tunisia;
| | - Kilian Stoecker
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology (IMB), 80937 Munich, Germany; (R.E.); (M.D.); (R.W.); (S.H.); (K.S.)
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Bargul JL, Mkwashapi DM, Namagembe I, Nakityo I, Nakimuli A, Byamugisha J, Semakula D, Seeley J, Sewankambo NK. Building community and public engagement in research – the experience of early career researchers in East Africa. AAS Open Res 2022. [DOI: 10.12688/aasopenres.13349.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: In this paper, we explain how three early career researchers actively engaged community members in health research in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda in their research projects, and what was learnt from the experience. The research project in Kenya was on camel trypanosomiasis and the role of camel biting keds (or louse flies) in disease transmission. The project in Tanzania looked at the effect of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and antiretroviral therapy on fertility and ascertained the trends in the use of family planning services amongst women of reproductive age. The focus of the project in Uganda was the implementation of maternal death surveillance and the response policy to determine the cause of maternal deaths and how they might be prevented. Methods: In the three different settings, efforts to ensure local community engagement provided a focus for the researchers to hone their skills in explaining research concepts and working in partnership with community members to co-develop ideas, their research methods and outputs. Results: Involvement of communities in scientific research, which entailed a two-way mutual engagement process, led to (i) generation of new research ideas that shaped the work, (ii) strengthened mutual trust, and (iii) promoted uptake of research findings. Conclusions: Our key findings strongly support the need for considering community engagement as one of the key components in research studies.
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Lado S, Futas J, Plasil M, Loney T, Weidinger P, Camp JV, Kolodziejek J, Kannan DO, Horin P, Nowotny N, Burger PA. Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus Past Infections Are Associated with Two Innate Immune Response Candidate Genes in Dromedaries. Cells 2021; 11:8. [PMID: 35011568 PMCID: PMC8750074 DOI: 10.3390/cells11010008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Dromedaries are an important livestock, used as beasts of burden and for meat and milk production. However, they can act as an intermediate source or vector for transmitting zoonotic viruses to humans, such as the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) or Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV). After several outbreaks of CCHFV in the Arabian Peninsula, recent studies have demonstrated that CCHFV is endemic in dromedaries and camel ticks in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). There is no apparent disease in dromedaries after the bite of infected ticks; in contrast, fever, myalgia, lymphadenopathy, and petechial hemorrhaging are common symptoms in humans, with a case fatality ratio of up to 40%. We used the in-solution hybridization capture of 100 annotated immune genes to genotype 121 dromedaries from the UAE tested for seropositivity to CCHFV. Through univariate linear regression analysis, we identified two candidate genes belonging to the innate immune system: FCAR and CLEC2B. These genes have important functions in the host defense against viral infections and in stimulating natural killer cells, respectively. This study opens doors for future research into immune defense mechanisms in an enzootic host against an important zoonotic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Lado
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1160 Vienna, Austria;
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Jan Futas
- Department of Animal Genetics, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic; (J.F.); (M.P.); (P.H.)
- RG Animal Immunogenomics, CEITEC VETUNI Brno, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Plasil
- Department of Animal Genetics, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic; (J.F.); (M.P.); (P.H.)
- RG Animal Immunogenomics, CEITEC VETUNI Brno, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tom Loney
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai 505055, United Arab Emirates; (T.L.); (N.N.)
| | - Pia Weidinger
- Viral Zoonoses, Emerging and Vector-Borne Infections Group, Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (P.W.); (J.V.C.); (J.K.)
| | - Jeremy V. Camp
- Viral Zoonoses, Emerging and Vector-Borne Infections Group, Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (P.W.); (J.V.C.); (J.K.)
- Center for Virology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Jolanta Kolodziejek
- Viral Zoonoses, Emerging and Vector-Borne Infections Group, Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (P.W.); (J.V.C.); (J.K.)
| | | | - Petr Horin
- Department of Animal Genetics, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic; (J.F.); (M.P.); (P.H.)
- RG Animal Immunogenomics, CEITEC VETUNI Brno, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Norbert Nowotny
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai 505055, United Arab Emirates; (T.L.); (N.N.)
- Viral Zoonoses, Emerging and Vector-Borne Infections Group, Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (P.W.); (J.V.C.); (J.K.)
| | - Pamela A. Burger
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1160 Vienna, Austria;
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24
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Warimwe GM, Francis MJ, Bowden TA, Thumbi SM, Charleston B. Using cross-species vaccination approaches to counter emerging infectious diseases. Nat Rev Immunol 2021; 21:815-822. [PMID: 34140665 PMCID: PMC8211312 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-021-00567-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Since the initial use of vaccination in the eighteenth century, our understanding of human and animal immunology has greatly advanced and a wide range of vaccine technologies and delivery systems have been developed. The COVID-19 pandemic response leveraged these innovations to enable rapid development of candidate vaccines within weeks of the viral genetic sequence being made available. The development of vaccines to tackle emerging infectious diseases is a priority for the World Health Organization and other global entities. More than 70% of emerging infectious diseases are acquired from animals, with some causing illness and death in both humans and the respective animal host. Yet the study of critical host-pathogen interactions and the underlying immune mechanisms to inform the development of vaccines for their control is traditionally done in medical and veterinary immunology 'silos'. In this Perspective, we highlight a 'One Health vaccinology' approach and discuss some key areas of synergy in human and veterinary vaccinology that could be exploited to accelerate the development of effective vaccines against these shared health threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- George M Warimwe
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya.
- The Pirbright Institute, Woking, UK.
| | | | - Thomas A Bowden
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, Division of Structural Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Samuel M Thumbi
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Center for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis, Institute of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
- Paul G. Allen School for Global Animal Health, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
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25
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Chan OSK, Bradley KCF, Grioni A, Lau SKP, Li WT, Magouras I, Naing T, Padula A, To EMW, Tun HM, Tutt C, Woo PCY, Bloch R, Mauroo NF. Veterinary Experiences can Inform One Health Strategies for Animal Coronaviruses. ECOHEALTH 2021; 18:301-314. [PMID: 34542794 PMCID: PMC8450722 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-021-01545-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Olivia S K Chan
- LKS Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health, Patrick Manson Building, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong.
| | - Katriona C F Bradley
- Tai Wai Small Animal and Exotic Hospital, G/F, Lap Wo Building, 69-75 Chik Shun St, Tai Wai, NT, Hong Kong
| | - Alessandro Grioni
- Fauna Conservation Department, Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden, Lam Kam Road, Tai Po, NT, Hong Kong
| | - Susanna K P Lau
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, Room 26, 19/F, Block T, Queen Mary Hospital, 102 Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Wen-Ta Li
- Department of Pathology, Pangolin International Biomedical Consultant Ltd., Keelung, Taiwan
| | - Ioannis Magouras
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Tint Naing
- Soares Avenue Paws and Claws Clinic, G/F No 29 - 33 Soares Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Andrew Padula
- Australian Venom Research Unit, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Esther M W To
- Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, The Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Room 509, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Sham Shui Po, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Hein Min Tun
- LKS Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health, Patrick Manson Building, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Cedric Tutt
- Cape Animal Dentistry Service, 78 Rosmead Avenue, Kenilworth, Cape Town, 7708, South Africa
| | - Patrick C Y Woo
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, Room 26, 19/F, Block T, Queen Mary Hospital, 102 Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Rebecca Bloch
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Nathalie F Mauroo
- Hong Kong Wildlife Health Foundation, GPO Box 12585, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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26
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Corti P, Collado B, Salgado M, Moraga CA, Radic-Schilling S, Tejeda C, Ruiz-Aravena M. Dynamic of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis infection in a domestic-wildlife interface: Domestic sheep and guanaco as reservoir community. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:e161-e174. [PMID: 34347393 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Natural herbivore populations have experienced uninterrupted pressures from direct and evident domestic-wildlife interactions and competition, to indirect or less obvious ones such as pathogen transmission. Thus, pathogen spillover between wild and domestic animals is a constant concern because the domestic-wildlife interface represents the ecological frontier in which pathogen transmission takes place in both directions. In Patagonian steppe communities, extensive sheep ranching and guanaco (Lama guanicoe) populations coexist, and guanaco have shown to be infected by pathogens such as Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) likely transmitted from livestock. MAP causes chronic enteritis and affects mostly domestic ruminants. We evaluated MAP prevalence and pathogen shedding in both species' faeces collected in non-shared and shared sites according to presence/absence of sheep and guanaco along a year, in four different seasons (autumn, winter, and spring 2018, and summer 2019). Our results indicate that MAP circulates in both sheep and guanaco populations with self-sustained transmission; however, both species differ in their levels of competence. We detected higher pathogen shedding in sites occupied by sheep, suggesting that sheep populations may be the main source of infection for susceptible animals due to their large numbers which drive MAP dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo Corti
- Laboratorio de Manejo y Conservación de Vida Silvestre, Instituto de Ciencia Animal y Programa de Investigación Aplicada en Fauna Silvestre, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Bernardita Collado
- Instituto de Medicina Preventiva Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile.,Escuela de Graduados, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Miguel Salgado
- Instituto de Medicina Preventiva Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Claudio A Moraga
- School of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA.,Departamento de Ciencias Agropecuarias y Acuícolas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Magallanes, Punta Arenas, Chile
| | - Sergio Radic-Schilling
- Departamento de Ciencias Agropecuarias y Acuícolas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Magallanes, Punta Arenas, Chile
| | - Carlos Tejeda
- Instituto de Medicina Preventiva Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile.,Escuela de Graduados, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Manuel Ruiz-Aravena
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA
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Molecular Detection of Zoonotic Pathogens in the Blood and Tissues of Camels ( Camelus dromedarius) in Central Desert of Iran. THE YALE JOURNAL OF BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2021; 94:249-258. [PMID: 34211345 PMCID: PMC8223549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) play a major economic role in many countries in Africa and Asia. Although they are resistant to harsh environmental conditions, they are susceptible to a wide range of zoonotic agents. This study aimed to provide an overview on the prevalence of selected zoonotic pathogens in blood and tissues of camels in central Iran. Blood, liver, portal lymph node, and brain were collected from 100 apparently healthy camels at a slaughterhouse in Qom city to assess the presence of DNA of Brucella spp., Trypanosoma spp., Coxiellaburnetii, and Bartonella spp. PCR products were sequenced bidirectionally and phylogenetic analyses were performed. Eleven percent of camels tested positive for Brucellaabortus (3%) and Trypanosomaevansi (8%). Coxiellaburnetii and Bartonella spp. DNA was not detected. Our data demonstrate that camels from Iran contribute to the epidemiology of some zoonotic pathogens. Performing proper control strategies, such as vaccination of camels and humans in contact with them, test-and-slaughter policy, and education of the general population is necessary for minimizing the risk of zoonotic infection.
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28
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Mehmood Q, Irfan M, Olushola Ogunkola I, Jaguga F, Ullah I. Rift valley fever and COVID-19 outbreak in Kenya: A double whammy. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 19:100685. [PMID: 34124326 PMCID: PMC8188300 DOI: 10.1016/j.jemep.2021.100685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Q Mehmood
- King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - M Irfan
- Internal Medicine, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | | | - F Jaguga
- Moi Teaching & Referral Hospital, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - I Ullah
- Kabir Medical College, Gandhara University, Peshawar, Pakistan
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29
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Lado S, Elbers JP, Plasil M, Loney T, Weidinger P, Camp JV, Kolodziejek J, Futas J, Kannan DA, Orozco-terWengel P, Horin P, Nowotny N, Burger PA. Innate and Adaptive Immune Genes Associated with MERS-CoV Infection in Dromedaries. Cells 2021; 10:1291. [PMID: 34070971 PMCID: PMC8224694 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The recent SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has refocused attention to the betacoronaviruses, only eight years after the emergence of another zoonotic betacoronavirus, the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). While the wild source of SARS-CoV-2 may be disputed, for MERS-CoV, dromedaries are considered as source of zoonotic human infections. Testing 100 immune-response genes in 121 dromedaries from United Arab Emirates (UAE) for potential association with present MERS-CoV infection, we identified candidate genes with important functions in the adaptive, MHC-class I (HLA-A-24-like) and II (HLA-DPB1-like), and innate immune response (PTPN4, MAGOHB), and in cilia coating the respiratory tract (DNAH7). Some of these genes previously have been associated with viral replication in SARS-CoV-1/-2 in humans, others have an important role in the movement of bronchial cilia. These results suggest similar host genetic pathways associated with these betacoronaviruses, although further work is required to better understand the MERS-CoV disease dynamics in both dromedaries and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Lado
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (S.L.); (J.P.E.)
| | - Jean P. Elbers
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (S.L.); (J.P.E.)
| | - Martin Plasil
- Department of Animal Genetics, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic; (M.P.); (J.F.); (P.H.)
- RG Animal Immunogenomics, Ceitec Vetuni, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tom Loney
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai 505055, United Arab Emirates; (T.L.); (N.N.)
| | - Pia Weidinger
- Viral Zoonoses, Emerging and Vector-Borne Infections Group, Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (P.W.); (J.V.C.); (J.K.)
| | - Jeremy V. Camp
- Viral Zoonoses, Emerging and Vector-Borne Infections Group, Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (P.W.); (J.V.C.); (J.K.)
- Center for Virology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Jolanta Kolodziejek
- Viral Zoonoses, Emerging and Vector-Borne Infections Group, Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (P.W.); (J.V.C.); (J.K.)
| | - Jan Futas
- Department of Animal Genetics, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic; (M.P.); (J.F.); (P.H.)
- RG Animal Immunogenomics, Ceitec Vetuni, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic
| | | | - Pablo Orozco-terWengel
- The Sir Martin Evans Building, Cardiff School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Museum Ave, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK;
| | - Petr Horin
- Department of Animal Genetics, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic; (M.P.); (J.F.); (P.H.)
- RG Animal Immunogenomics, Ceitec Vetuni, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Norbert Nowotny
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai 505055, United Arab Emirates; (T.L.); (N.N.)
- Viral Zoonoses, Emerging and Vector-Borne Infections Group, Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (P.W.); (J.V.C.); (J.K.)
| | - Pamela A. Burger
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (S.L.); (J.P.E.)
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Temporospatial characterization of the bronchus associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) of the one humped camel (Camelus dromedarius). Trop Anim Health Prod 2021; 53:265. [PMID: 33864535 PMCID: PMC8052547 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-021-02694-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Background Bronchial-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) is responsible for the local immune response of the lung against airborne infections. The structure of this tissue varies according to species and age. Aim The aim of this study was to describe the possible age-related structural variation of the BALT of the one humped camel. Material and methods Fresh specimens from both lungs of 15 clinically healthy male camels (10 months–12 years) were studied with light and electron microscopes. Results The BALT in the camel was variable from few lymphocytes to well-organized lymphoid tissue with a clear germinal center. The BALT of the bronchi is a constant lymphoid tissue in young and adult camels which may be of the large size with clear germinal center in response to repeated immune reaction and involutes in old age. The BALT of the bronchioles may be induced and develops mainly due to an immune reaction and showed great morphological variations and observed in different ages. High endothelial venules were associated with BALT in the bronchi but not with that of the bronchioles. The BALT-associated epithelium was tall pseudostratified columnar ciliated epithelium with goblet cells in the extrapulmonary bronchi changed to pseudostratified columnar ciliated epithelium mucous secreting cells in the intrapulmonary bronchi and simple columnar ciliated to simple cuboidal epithelium with Clara cells without goblet cells or mucous secreting cells in the bronchioles. Conclusions The BALT of the bronchi is a constant lymphoid tissue in young and adult camels and involutes in old age. The BALT of the bronchioles may be induced and develops mainly due to an immune reaction and observed in different ages.
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Abuseir S. Meat-borne parasites in the Arab world: a review in a One Health perspective. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:4153-4166. [PMID: 33856533 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07149-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Meat-borne parasitic zoonoses are generally not well-monitored, and so understanding extent and overall prevalence is problematic. Without sufficient attention, their prevalence can become unexpectedly and unacceptably high. This review sheds light on meat-borne parasites in the Arab world, which includes all the Arab countries situated in the continents of Asia and Africa, with more than 400 million inhabitants distributed in 22 countries. Meat-borne parasites can be divided into two main categories-helminths and protozoa. The main helminths included in this review are Taenia saginata, Taenia solium, Taenia asiatica, Echinococcus spp., Fasciola spp., and Trichinella spiralis, while the meat-borne protozoan parasites are Toxoplasma gondii, Cryptosporidium spp., and Sarcocystis spp. In addition, Linguatula serrata, which belongs to the class Pentastomida, was included. Among those, the genus Taenia is the most frequently reported in the Arab world, particularly T. saginata. Many parasitic infections that are mainly transmitted through pork, although widespread in many parts of the world, are rare in the Arab countries, primarily due to religious proscriptions. The majority of the publications concerning meat-borne parasites were from Egypt, which contains the largest population in the Arab world and the highest population density, in addition to various economic, social, and environmental reasons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameh Abuseir
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, An-Najah National University, P. O. Box 7, Nablus, West Bank, Palestine.
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Muturi M, Akoko J, Nthiwa D, Chege B, Nyamota R, Mutiiria M, Maina J, Thumbi SM, Nyamai M, Kahariri S, Sitawa R, Kimutai J, Kuria W, Mwatondo A, Bett B. Serological evidence of single and mixed infections of Rift Valley fever virus, Brucella spp. and Coxiella burnetii in dromedary camels in Kenya. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009275. [PMID: 33770095 PMCID: PMC7997034 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Camels are increasingly becoming the livestock of choice for pastoralists reeling from effects of climate change in semi-arid and arid parts of Kenya. As the population of camels rises, better understanding of their role in the epidemiology of zoonotic diseases in Kenya is a public health priority. Rift Valley fever (RVF), brucellosis and Q fever are three of the top priority diseases in the country but the involvement of camels in the transmission dynamics of these diseases is poorly understood. We analyzed 120 camel serum samples from northern Kenya to establish seropositivity rates of the three pathogens and to characterize the infecting Brucella species using molecular assays. We found seropositivity of 24.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 16.5–31.8%) for Brucella, 20.8% (95% CI: 13.6–28.1%) and 14.2% (95% CI: 7.9–20.4%) for Coxiella burnetii and Rift valley fever virus respectively. We found 27.5% (95% CI: 19.5–35.5%) of the animals were seropositive for at least one pathogen and 13.3% (95% CI: 7.2–19.4%) were seropositive for at least two pathogens. B. melitensis was the only Brucella spp. detected. The high sero-positivity rates are indicative of the endemicity of these pathogens among camel populations and the possible role the species has in the epidemiology of zoonotic diseases. Considering the strong association between human infection and contact with livestock for most zoonotic infections in Kenya, there is immediate need to conduct further research to determine the role of camels in transmission of these zoonoses to other livestock species and humans. This information will be useful for designing more effective surveillance systems and intervention measures. Dromedary camels are well adapted to the arid and semi-arid environment that makes up about 80% of Kenya’s landmass. As such, camels play an important role in the socio-economic wellbeing and food security of pastoralists in the country. However, the species remains relatively neglected in scientific research, one of the main reasons being camels are mostly found in remote, low-income, arid regions of Africa and Asia. We carried out a study to determine the levels of exposure of camels in northern Kenya to Brucella spp., Coxiella burnetii and Rift Valley fever virus, three priority zoonotic pathogens in the country. We found high levels of exposure to the three pathogens, indicating the important role camels might play in the epidemiology of the zoonotic diseases in humans and other livestock. Based on the study findings, we argue for the immediate need for investments in disease surveillance and control strategies for priority zoonotic disease in camels in Kenya.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathew Muturi
- Zoonotic Disease Unit Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
- International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
- * E-mail:
| | - James Akoko
- International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Daniel Nthiwa
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Embu, Embu, Kenya
| | | | | | | | - Josphat Maina
- Zoonotic Disease Unit Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
- International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - S. M. Thumbi
- Center for Epidemiological and Modelling Analysis, University of Nairobi Institute of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Nairobi, Kenya
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Paul G Allen School for Global Health, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
| | - Mutono Nyamai
- Center for Epidemiological and Modelling Analysis, University of Nairobi Institute of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Nairobi, Kenya
- Paul G Allen School for Global Health, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
| | - Samuel Kahariri
- Kenya Directorate of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Rinah Sitawa
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Joshua Kimutai
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Wilson Kuria
- Kenya Directorate of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Athman Mwatondo
- Zoonotic Disease Unit Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
- International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Bernard Bett
- International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
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El Tigani-Asil ETA, Blanda V, Abdelwahab GE, Hammadi ZMA, Habeeba S, Khalafalla AI, Alhosani MA, La Russa F, Migliore S, Torina A, Loria GR, Al Muhairi SS. Molecular Investigation on Tick-Borne Hemoparasites and Coxiella burnetii in Dromedary Camels ( Camelusdromedarius) in Al Dhafra Region of Abu Dhabi, UAE. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11030666. [PMID: 33801532 PMCID: PMC8000914 DOI: 10.3390/ani11030666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Camels represent an important resource for inhabitants of the most arid regions of the world and their survival is mainly related to environment conditions including the risk of parasitic diseases, which may represent a significant cause of losses in livestock production of these areas. Camels may be parasitized by several hematophagous arthropods, which can be vectors of several diseases including zoonosis. This study aimed to investigate in dromedary camels and their ticks the importance of tick-borne hemoparasites that might be responsible for a recent and obscure morbidity of camels in Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi, UAE. Blood samples and ticks from 93 naturally infected camels belonging to 36 herds, affected by variable acute clinical syndromes lasting from 3 to 5 days, were analyzed through molecular techniques for specific DNA presence of different blood pathogens: Anaplasmamarginale/Anaplasmaovis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Coxiella burnetii,Babesia spp., and Theileria spp. DNA. All the 72 ticks collected belonged to the Hyalomma dromedarii species and were negative for blood pathogens. n = 15 camels (16.1%) were found positive to the following tick-borne hemoparasites: A. phagocytophilum 11 (11.8%), Coxiella burnetii 3 (3.2%), and Babesia/Theileria spp. 2 (2.1%). One singular camel showed coinfection of C. burnetii and A. phagocytophiulm. Genetic profile of C. burnetii showed a high phylogenetic relatedness to European, Asian and African C. burnetii strains. This is the first laboratory investigation on tick-borne pathogens in camels in UAE, and the first report of A. phagocytophilum and C. burnetii. Moreover, since the detected pathogens are recognized pathogens for humans, this study highlights the zoonotic risk for humans working in camel husbandry.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Valeria Blanda
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | | | | | - Shameem Habeeba
- Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), Abu Dhabi Emirate 52150, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Mohamed Ali Alhosani
- Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), Abu Dhabi Emirate 52150, United Arab Emirates
| | - Francesco La Russa
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - Sergio Migliore
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - Alessandra Torina
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - Guido Ruggero Loria
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - Salama Suhail Al Muhairi
- Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), Abu Dhabi Emirate 52150, United Arab Emirates
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Abstract
ABSTRACT Camels are ungulates of the genus Camelus and have been used for centuries in parts of Asia and Africa for transport and sustenance. Handling of camels is not without its dangers, and 4 cases from South Australia are reported with a review of lethal camel-related issues. Case 1 is a 56-year-old man who died of multiple blunt force injuries after he had attempted to move a 7-year-old female dromedary (Camelus dromedarius). Case 2 is a 65-year-old woman who was crushed by 1 or more camels that she had been training. Case 3 is a 1-year-old girl who died of blunt craniocerebral trauma after the car in which she was traveling rolled when the driver swerved to avoid a herd of camels that had strayed onto the road. Case 4 is a 66-year-old woman who died of ischemic and hypertensive cardiac disease exacerbated by physical activity while rounding up camels. Deaths associated with camels involve kicking, stomping, kneeling or sitting on a victim, or biting and shaking and throwing. Lethal mechanisms include hemorrhage from vascular injuries and internal organ disruption, crush asphyxia, and blunt craniospinal injuries. Death may also follow falls from camels or vehicle collisions. Camels also carry a wide range of zoonotic diseases, the most significant of which is Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome. Handling of camels may also exacerbate underlying organic illnesses such as cardiac disease. Those working with camels should be aware that the size, strength, and temperament of these animals may make them dangerous and that they also carry potentially lethal zoonotic diseases.
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Donnik IM, Popov IV, Sereda SV, Popov IV, Chikindas ML, Ermakov AM. Coronavirus Infections of Animals: Future Risks to Humans. BIOL BULL+ 2021; 48:26-37. [PMID: 33679117 PMCID: PMC7917535 DOI: 10.1134/s1062359021010052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Coronaviruses have tremendous evolutionary potential, and three major outbreaks of new human coronavirus infections have occurred in the recent history of humankind. In this paper, the patterns of occurrence of new zoonotic coronavirus infections and the role of bioveterinary control in preventing their potential outbreaks in the future are determined. The possibility of SARS-CoV-2 infection in companion animals is considered. Diverse human activities may trigger various interactions between animal species and their viruses, sometimes causing the emergence of new viral pathogens. In addition, the possibility of using probiotics for the control of viral infections in animals is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- I. M. Donnik
- Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Ig. V. Popov
- Don State Technical University, 344000 Rostov-on-Don, Russia ,Rostov State Medical University, 344022 Rostov-on-Don, Russia
| | - S. V. Sereda
- Don State Technical University, 344000 Rostov-on-Don, Russia
| | - Il. V. Popov
- Rostov State Medical University, 344022 Rostov-on-Don, Russia
| | - M. L. Chikindas
- Don State Technical University, 344000 Rostov-on-Don, Russia ,Health Promoting Naturals Laboratory, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 08901 New Brunswick, NJ USA
| | - A. M. Ermakov
- Don State Technical University, 344000 Rostov-on-Don, Russia
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Haghani M, Varamini P. Temporal evolution, most influential studies and sleeping beauties of the coronavirus literature. Scientometrics 2021; 126:7005-7050. [PMID: 34188334 PMCID: PMC8221746 DOI: 10.1007/s11192-021-04036-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Following the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 disease, within less than 8 months, the 50 years-old scholarly literature of coronaviruses grew to nearly three times larger than its size prior to 2020. Here, temporal evolution of the coronavirus literature over the last 30 years (N = 43,769) is analysed along with its subdomain of SARS-CoV-2 articles (N = 27,460) and the subdomain of reviews and meta-analytic studies (N = 1027). The analyses are conducted through the lenses of co-citation and bibliographic coupling of documents. (1) Of the N = 1204 review and meta-analytical articles of the coronavirus literature, nearly 88% have been published and indexed during the first 8 months of 2020, marking an unprecedented attention to reviews and meta-analyses in this domain, prompted by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. (2) The subset of 2020 SARS-CoV-2 articles is bibliographically distant from the rest of this literature published prior to 2020. Individual articles of the SARS-CoV-2 segment with a bridging role between the two bodies of articles (i.e., before and after 2020) are identifiable. (3) Furthermore, the degree of bibliographic coupling within the 2020 SARS-CoV-2 cluster is much poorer compared to the cluster of articles published prior to 2020. This could, in part, be explained by the higher diversity of topics that are studied in relation to SARS-CoV-2 compared to the literature of coronaviruses published prior to the SARS-CoV-2 disease. (4) The analyses on the subset of SARS-CoV-2 literature identified studies published prior to 2020 that have now proven highly instrumental in the development of various clusters of publications linked to SARS-CoV-2. In particular, the so-called "sleeping beauties" of the coronavirus literature with an awakening in 2020 were identified, i.e., previously published studies of this literature that had remained relatively unnoticed for several years but gained sudden traction in 2020 in the wake of the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak. This work documents the historical development of the literature on coronaviruses as an event-driven literature and as a domain that exhibited, arguably, the most exceptional case of publication burst in the history of science. It also demonstrates how scholarly efforts undertaken during peace time or prior to a disease outbreak could suddenly play a critical role in prevention and mitigation of health disasters caused by new diseases. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11192-021-04036-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milad Haghani
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Pegah Varamini
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Genetic Diversity of Cryptosporidium in Bactrian Camels ( Camelus bactrianus) in Xinjiang, Northwestern China. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9110946. [PMID: 33202835 PMCID: PMC7697964 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9110946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium species are ubiquitous enteric protozoan pathogens of vertebrates distributed worldwide. The purpose of this study was to gain insight into the zoonotic potential and genetic diversity of Cryptosporidium spp. in Bactrian camels in Xinjiang, northwestern China. A total of 476 fecal samples were collected from 16 collection sites in Xinjiang and screened for Cryptosporidium by PCR. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium was 7.6% (36/476). Six Cryptosporidium species, C. andersoni (n = 24), C. parvum (n = 6), C. occultus (n = 2), C. ubiquitum (n = 2), C. hominis (n = 1), and C. bovis (n = 1), were identified based on sequence analysis of the small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene. Sequence analysis of the gp60 gene identified six C. parvum isolates as subtypes, such as If-like-A15G2 (n = 5) and IIdA15G1 (n = 1), two C. ubiquitum isolates, such as subtype XIIa (n = 2), and one C. hominis isolate, such as Ixias IkA19G1 (n = 1). This is the first report of C. parvum, C. hominis, C. ubiquitum, and C. occultus in Bactrian camels in China. These results indicated that the Bactrian camel may be an important reservoir for zoonotic Cryptosporidium spp. and these infections may be a public health threat in this region.
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Occurrence of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Camels in the Tianshan Mountains Pastoral Area in China. J Vet Res 2020; 64:509-515. [PMID: 33367139 PMCID: PMC7734682 DOI: 10.2478/jvetres-2020-0071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Gastrointestinal parasites are some of the most common pathogens which are seriously harmful to the camel’s health. The infection status of gastrointestinal parasites in camels (Camelus bactrianus) in the Tianshan Mountains pastoral area in China is still unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the species and infection intensity of gastrointestinal tract parasites in local camels. Material and Methods A total of 362 fresh faecal samples were collected and examined for parasite eggs using the saturated saline floating and natural sedimentation method. The parasite eggs were subjected to morphological and molecular examination and identification, and the infection rate and mean intensity of the parasites were analysed. Results A total of 15 gastrointestinal tract parasite species’ eggs were identified, with a detection rate of 100%. Ostertagia spp. (100%) and Trichostrongylus spp. (98.1%) were dominant. Camels were often coinfected by 5–14 species. The average number of eggs per gram of faeces was higher for Ostertagia spp. (298), Haemonchus contortus (176) and Nematodirus spp. (138). The number of species of parasites infecting young camels was significantly lower than that of adult camels, but the infection intensity in young camels was significantly higher. Conclusion Gastrointestinal parasites were highly prevalent in camels from the Tianshan Mountains pastoral area in China. This finding provides important epidemiological data for the prevention and control of associated infections in camels.
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Devaux CA, Osman IO, Million M, Raoult D. Coxiella burnetii in Dromedary Camels ( Camelus dromedarius): A Possible Threat for Humans and Livestock in North Africa and the Near and Middle East? Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:558481. [PMID: 33251255 PMCID: PMC7674558 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.558481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The "One Health" concept recognizes that human health is connected to animal health and to the ecosystems. Coxiella burnetii-induced human Q fever is one of the most widespread neglected zoonosis. The main animal reservoirs responsible for C. burnetii transmission to humans are domesticated ruminants, primarily goats, sheep, and cattle. Although studies are still too sparse to draw definitive conclusions, the most recent C. burnetii serosurvey studies conducted in herds and farms in Africa, North Africa, Arabian Peninsula, and Asia highlighted that seroprevalence was strikingly higher in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) than in other ruminants. The C. burnetii seroprevalence in camel herds can reach more than 60% in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Sudan, and 70 to 80% in Algeria and Chad, respectively. The highest seroprevalence was in female camels with a previous history of abortion. Moreover, C. burnetii infection was reported in ticks of the Hyalomma dromedarii and Hyalomma impeltatum species collected on camels. Even if dromedary camels represent <3% of the domesticated ruminants in the countries of the Mediterranean basin Southern coast, these animals play a major socioeconomic role for millions of people who live in the arid zones of Africa, Middle East, and Asia. In Chad and Somalia, camels account for about 7 and 21% of domesticated ruminants, respectively. To meet the growing consumers demand of camel meat and milk (>5 million tons/year of both raw and pasteurized milk according to the Food and Agriculture Organization) sustained by a rapid increase of population (growth rate: 2.26-3.76 per year in North Africa), dromedary camel breeding tends to increase from the Maghreb to the Arabic countries. Because of possible long-term persistence of C. burnetii in camel hump adipocytes, this pathogen could represent a threat for herds and breeding farms and ultimately for public health. Because this review highlights a hyperendemia of C. burnetii in dromedary camels, a proper screening of herds and breeding farms for C. burnetii is urgently needed in countries where camel breeding is on the rise. Moreover, the risk of C. burnetii transmission from camel to human should be further evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian A. Devaux
- Aix-Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- CNRS, Marseille, France
| | - Ikram Omar Osman
- Aix-Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Faculty of Sciences Ben-Ben-M'Sik, University Hassan II, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Matthieu Million
- Aix-Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Didier Raoult
- Aix-Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
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Ngamkala S, Angkawanish T, Nokkaew W, Thongtip N. Serological study on brucellosis in captive elephants ( Elephas maximus) and stray dogs in North Thailand. Vet World 2020; 13:1992-1997. [PMID: 33132616 PMCID: PMC7566264 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2020.1992-1997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: Brucellosis is considered as an important zoonotic disease caused by various strains of Brucella in numerous host species. Although brucellosis has been reported in almost animal species, the relevance of brucellosis infection and diagnostic technique in Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) has been limited. The present serological investigation aimed to investigate the antibody response to Brucella abortus in captive Asian elephants in North Thailand. Moreover, further serological survey was also conducted to detect the antibody response to Brucella canis in stray dogs cohabiting the same area as the elephant herd. Materials and Methods: Serum samples were collected from 40 captive Asian elephants and submitted for serological analysis based on B. abortus antigen using Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT) in combination with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid-tube agglutination test (EDTA-TAT) as a supplementary test and by commercial indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA). In addition, serum samples were also obtained from 16 stray dogs that live nearby the elephant-raising area and were tested using commercial Dot-ELISA based on B. canis antigen. Results: Serological analysis in captive Asian elephants showed 100% seronegative (40/40) from all serological tests response to B. abortus. For stray dogs, 12.5% (2/16) had a low positive reaction response to B. canis. Conclusion: The serological survey for brucellosis in Asian elephant was adapted and applied using RBPT, EDTA-TAT, and iELISA in the present study. For future evaluation, we recommended the use of a combination of serological tests with validation together with comparing by direct detection such as bacterial isolation to provide an appropriate brucellosis surveillance program in Asian elephants. In addition, the surveillance of stray dogs or multispecies habitation should be kept into considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suchanit Ngamkala
- Department of Veterinary Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Taweepoke Angkawanish
- The National Elephant Institute, The Forest Industry Organization, Lampang 52190, Thailand
| | - Weerapun Nokkaew
- Clinic for Wildlife, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mahanakorn University of Technology, Bangkok 10530, Thailand
| | - Nikorn Thongtip
- Department of Large Animal and Wildlife Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand.,Center for Agricultural Biotechnology, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand.,Center of Excellence on Agricultural Biotechnology: (AG-BIO/PERDO-CHE), Bangkok 10900, Thailand
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41
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Ahmed SA, Karanis P. Cryptosporidium and Cryptosporidiosis: The Perspective from the Gulf Countries. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E6824. [PMID: 32962045 PMCID: PMC7558405 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17186824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The present review discusses the burden of cryptosporidiosis in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which is underreported and underestimated. It emphasizes that the Cryptosporidium parasite is infecting inhabitants and expatriates in the Gulf countries. Children under 5 years are a vulnerable group that is particularly affected by this parasitic disease and can act as carriers, who contribute to the epidemiology of the disease most probably via recreational swimming pools. Various risk factors for cryptosporidiosis in the GCC countries are present, including expatriates, predisposing populations to the infection. Water contamination, imported food, animal contact, and air transmission are also discussed in detail, to address their significant role as a source of infection and, thus, their impact on disease epidemiology in the Gulf countries' populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahira A. Ahmed
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt;
| | - Panagiotis Karanis
- Medical Faculty and University Hospital, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany
- Department of Basic and Clinical Sciences, University of Nicosia Medical School, CY-1700 Nicosia 24005, Cyprus
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42
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Tiwari SK, Dicks LMT, Popov IV, Karaseva A, Ermakov AM, Suvorov A, Tagg JR, Weeks R, Chikindas ML. Probiotics at War Against Viruses: What Is Missing From the Picture? Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1877. [PMID: 32973697 PMCID: PMC7468459 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Our world is now facing a multitude of novel infectious diseases. Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics, albeit with increasing difficulty as many of the more common causes of infection have now developed broad spectrum antimicrobial resistance. However, there is now an even greater challenge from both old and new viruses capable of causing respiratory, enteric, and urogenital infections. Reports of viruses resistant to frontline therapeutic drugs are steadily increasing and there is an urgent need to develop novel antiviral agents. Although this all makes sense, it seems rather strange that relatively little attention has been given to the antiviral capabilities of probiotics. Over the years, beneficial strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have been successfully used to treat gastrointestinal, oral, and vaginal infections, and some can also effect a reduction in serum cholesterol levels. Some probiotics prevent gastrointestinal dysbiosis and, by doing so, reduce the risk of developing secondary infections. Other probiotics exhibit anti-tumor and immunomodulating properties, and in some studies, antiviral activities have been reported for probiotic bacteria and/or their metabolites. Unfortunately, the mechanistic basis of the observed beneficial effects of probiotics in countering viral infections is sometimes unclear. Interestingly, in COVID-19 patients, a clear decrease has been observed in cell numbers of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium spp., both of which are common sources of intestinal probiotics. The present review, specifically motivated by the need to implement effective new counters to SARS-CoV-2, focusses attention on viruses capable of co-infecting humans and other animals and specifically explores the potential of probiotic bacteria and their metabolites to intervene with the process of virus infection. The goal is to help to provide a more informed background for the planning of future probiotic-based antiviral research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santosh Kumar Tiwari
- Department of Genetics, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, India,*Correspondence: Santosh Kumar Tiwari,
| | - Leon M. T. Dicks
- Department of Microbiology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Igor V. Popov
- Center for Agro-Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioengineering and Veterinary Medicine, Don State Technical University, Rostov-on-Don, Russia
| | - Alena Karaseva
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Alexey M. Ermakov
- Center for Agro-Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioengineering and Veterinary Medicine, Don State Technical University, Rostov-on-Don, Russia
| | - Alexander Suvorov
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Saint Petersburg, Russia,Saint Petersburg State University, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | | | - Richard Weeks
- Health Promoting Naturals Laboratory, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Brunswick, NJ, United States
| | - Michael L. Chikindas
- Center for Agro-Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioengineering and Veterinary Medicine, Don State Technical University, Rostov-on-Don, Russia,Health Promoting Naturals Laboratory, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Brunswick, NJ, United States
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Bellabidi M, Benaissa MH, Bissati-Bouafia S, Harrat Z, Brahmi K, Kernif T. Coxiella burnetii in camels (Camelus dromedarius) from Algeria: Seroprevalence, molecular characterization, and ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) vectors. Acta Trop 2020; 206:105443. [PMID: 32173315 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Q fever is a widespread zoonotic disease caused by Coxiella burnetii that most commonly infects not only a variety of mammals but also arthropods and in particularly ticks. The aim of this study was to detect C. burnetii infection in camels including ixodid ticks using serological and molecular assays. Between July 2018 to June 2019, blood samples from 184 male and female camels (Camelus dromedarius) were collected from 3 regions of South-East Algeria and serum samples were tested for antibodies against Coxiella burnetii using indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. The positive sera and a total of 60 ticks were tested by quantitative PCR (qPCR) for detection of C. burnetii with primers and probes specific to the transposon-like repetitive region (IS1111 gene). Positive samples were genotyped by amplification and sequencing of partial sequences based on the IS1111 gene. The seroprevalence of antibodies against C. burnetii was 75.5%. Statistical analysis pointed out three potential risk factors associated with Q fever infection: geographic location, age class and season. No positive DNA of camel blood sample was observed. However, five Hyalomma dromedarii, one H. impeltatum and one H. excavatum tick species were detected positive for Coxiella burnetii DNA by qPCR, with an overall prevalence rate of 11.66% (7/60). The revealed Algerian strains by phylogenetic and comparative analysis of the IS1111 nucleotide sequences were clustered with several pathogenic C. burnetii strains isolated from ticks, human, and cattle located in Tunisia, Greece and in some Mediterranean countries, respectively. The study results clearly indicate that camels and their ticks in Algeria may play an important role as a reservoir for C. burnetii and can be considered as a significant source of Q fever transmission to other animal species and humans.
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Veiled Dangers in an Idyllic Setting. Emerg Infect Dis 2020. [PMCID: PMC6986828 DOI: 10.3201/eid2602.ac2602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Sazmand A, Joachim A, Otranto D. Zoonotic parasites of dromedary camels: so important, so ignored. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:610. [PMID: 31881926 PMCID: PMC6935189 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3863-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
With a global population of about 35 million in 47 countries, dromedary camels play a crucial role in the economy of many marginal, desert areas of the world where they survive under harsh conditions. Nonetheless, there is scarce knowledge regarding camels' parasite fauna which can reduce their milk and meat productions. In addition, only scattered information is available about zoonotic parasites transmitted to humans via contamination (e.g. Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, Balantidium coli, Blastocystis spp. and Enterocytozoon bieneusi), as foodborne infections (e.g. Toxoplasma gondii, Trichinella spp. and Linguatula serrata) or by arthropod vectors (Trypanosoma spp.). Herein, we draw attention of the scientific community and health policy-making organizations to the role camels play in the epidemiology of parasitic zoonotic diseases also in the view of an increase in their farming in desert areas worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Sazmand
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, 6517658978 Iran
| | - Anja Joachim
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, 6517658978 Iran
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Str. prov. per Casamassima km 3, 70010 Valenzano, Bari, Italy
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46
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Monaco D, Lacalandra GM. Considerations for the development of a dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius) semen collection centre. Anim Reprod Sci 2019; 212:106239. [PMID: 31864495 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2019.106239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The dromedary camel (DC) is a strategic animal for the exploitation of the desert and unhospitable lands (arid and semiarid areas). These animals are a genetic resource, locally adapted and more resilient to these environs, that may significantly contribute to food security and sustainable development of marginal land areas. Artificial insemination is the least invasive, least expensive technique for improving genetic selection and minimising transmission of venereal disease among animals and herds. Besides semen preservation protocols, specific approaches for the development of DC semen collection centres - biosecurity measures, screening for infectious diseases, management of animals, welfare, nutrition, control of seasonality, training, hygiene of semen collection and processing - have been considered less important aspects. The aim of this research is to describe the aspects related to the development of a DC semen collection centre, summarising the latest studies in the field of welfare, reproduction and diseases, and describing biosecurity and hygiene aspects related to semen collection and handling. Scientific gaps and requirements for maximising the production of good quality and safe-to-use semen doses with minimal risks of disease transmission are also described.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Monaco
- Department of Veterinary Medicine (DiMeV), University of Bari 'Aldo Moro', Italy.
| | - G M Lacalandra
- Department of Veterinary Medicine (DiMeV), University of Bari 'Aldo Moro', Italy
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Criscitiello MF, Kraev I, Lange S. Deiminated proteins in extracellular vesicles and serum of llama (Lama glama)-Novel insights into camelid immunity. Mol Immunol 2019; 117:37-53. [PMID: 31733447 PMCID: PMC7112542 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2019.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 10/05/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Peptidylarginine deiminases (PADs) are phylogenetically conserved calcium-dependent enzymes which post-translationally convert arginine into citrulline in target proteins in an irreversible manner, causing functional and structural changes in target proteins. Protein deimination causes generation of neo-epitopes, affects gene regulation and also allows for protein moonlighting. Furthermore, PADs have been found to be a phylogenetically conserved regulator for extracellular vesicle (EVs) release. EVs are found in most body fluids and participate in cellular communication via transfer of cargo proteins and genetic material. In this study, post-translationally deiminated proteins in serum and serum-EVs are described for the first time in camelids, using the llama (Lama glama L. 1758) as a model animal. We report a poly-dispersed population of llama serum EVs, positive for phylogenetically conserved EV-specific markers and characterised by TEM. In serum, 103 deiminated proteins were overall identified, including key immune and metabolic mediators including complement components, immunoglobulin-based nanobodies, adiponectin and heat shock proteins. In serum, 60 deiminated proteins were identified that were not in EVs, and 25 deiminated proteins were found to be unique to EVs, with 43 shared deiminated protein hits between both serum and EVs. Deiminated histone H3, a marker of neutrophil extracellular trap formation, was also detected in llama serum. PAD homologues were identified in llama serum by Western blotting, via cross reaction with human PAD antibodies, and detected at an expected 70 kDa size. This is the first report of deiminated proteins in serum and EVs of a camelid species, highlighting a hitherto unrecognized post-translational modification in key immune and metabolic proteins in camelids, which may be translatable to and inform a range of human metabolic and inflammatory pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael F Criscitiello
- Comparative Immunogenetics Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA; Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, College of Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
| | - Igor Kraev
- Electron Microscopy Suite, Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Open University, Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA, UK.
| | - Sigrun Lange
- Tissue Architecture and Regeneration Research Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, London W1W 6UW, UK.
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