1
|
Kumar DN, Baider Z, Elad D, Blum SE, Shtenberg G. Botulinum Neurotoxin C Dual Detection through Immunological Recognition and Endopeptidase Activity Using Porous Silicon Interferometers. Anal Chem 2022; 94:5927-5936. [PMID: 35385264 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c00255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are the most potent toxins known in nature produced by Clostridium botulinum strains, which can cause life-threatening diseases in both humans and animals. The latter is of serious environmental and economic concern, resulting in high mortality, production losses, and rejection of contaminated animal feed. The available in vivo mouse assay is inadequate for real-time and on-site assessment of outbreaks. Herein, we present a reflective-based approach for the detection of BoNT/C while estimating its activity. Two adjacent porous Si Fabry-Pérot interferometers are simultaneously utilized to quantify minute BoNT/C concentrations by a competitive immunoassay and to assess their endopeptidase activity. The reflectivity signals of each interferometer are amplified by biochemical reaction products infiltration into the scaffold or by peptide fragments detachment from the nanostructure. The optical assay is highly sensitive in compliance with the in vivo approach by presenting a detection limit of 4.24 pg mL-1. The specificity and selectivity of the designed platform are cross-validated against BoNT/B and BoNT/D, also relevant to animal health. Finally, the analytical performances of both interferometers for real-life scenarios are confirmed using actual toxins while depicting excellent compliance to complex media analysis. Overall, the presented sensing scheme offers an efficient, rapid, and label-free approach for potential biodiagnostic elucidation of botulism outbreaks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D Nanda Kumar
- Institute of Agricultural Engineering, ARO, Volcani Institute, Rishon LeZion 7505101, Israel
| | - Zina Baider
- Botulism National Reference Laboratory, Department of Bacteriology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Bet Dagan 50200, Israel
| | - Daniel Elad
- Botulism National Reference Laboratory, Department of Bacteriology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Bet Dagan 50200, Israel
| | - Shlomo E Blum
- Botulism National Reference Laboratory, Department of Bacteriology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Bet Dagan 50200, Israel
| | - Giorgi Shtenberg
- Institute of Agricultural Engineering, ARO, Volcani Institute, Rishon LeZion 7505101, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Holland CT, Nott JK. Multiple cranial nerve motor deficits, resembling polyneuritis cranialis, in a cat with hyperthyroidism. Aust Vet J 2021; 100:146-149. [PMID: 34954820 DOI: 10.1111/avj.13140] [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: 07/11/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
A 14 plus-year-old (exact age unknown) neutered female domestic shorthair cat presented with a 6-day history of rapidly evolving difficulty in eating, dropped jaw, protrusion of the tongue, sialosis, change in voice (meow softer and higher pitched) and mild variable pelvic limb weakness. Salient clinical features were a left thyroid nodule, 2/6 systolic cardiac murmur, poor body condition, hypertension, bilateral retinal haemorrhages and an increased total thyroid hormone level consistent with a diagnosis of hyperthyroidism (HT). Neurological examination disclosed mild generalised weakness, bilateral visual deficits attributable to a hypertensive retinopathy and multiple cranial nerve (CN) motor deficits that included; mandibular paresis (CN V), bilateral external ophthalmoparesis (CNs III, IV, VI), bilateral facial paresis (CN VII), dysphagia (CNs IX, X), dysphonia (CN XI) and symmetrical paresis of the tongue (CN XII). Treatment with carbimazole, and subsequently, a modified extracapsular bilateral thyroidectomy resulted in a rapid improvement in neurological signs over 13 days and complete resolution by 100 days post thyroidectomy. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first description of multiple CN motor deficits in a cat with HT and resembles polyneuritis crainialis that has recently been described in human patients with this disorder. It is suggested the underlying pathogenesis is a thyrotoxic polyneuropathy selectively affecting CN motor function, that HT needs to be considered in cats that might present with such signs and that resolution can occur with successful treatment of the HT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C T Holland
- Merewether Veterinary Hospital, Merewether, New South Wales, 2291, Australia
| | - J K Nott
- Brunker Road Veterinary Centre, Adamstown, New South Wales, 2289, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Botulinum Neurotoxin-C Detection Using Nanostructured Porous Silicon Interferometer. CHEMOSENSORS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/chemosensors9080228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNT) are the most potent toxins, which are produced by Clostridium bacteria and cause the life-threatening disease of botulism in all vertebrates. Specifically, animal botulism represents a serious environmental and economic concern in animal production due to the high mortality rates observed during outbreaks. Despite the availability of vaccines against BoNT, there are still many outbreaks of botulism worldwide. Alternative assays capable of replacing the conventional in vivo assay in terms of rapid and sensitive quantification, and the applicability for on-site analysis, have long been perused. Herein, we present a simple, highly sensitive and label-free optical biosensor for real-time detection of BoNT serotype C using a porous silicon Fabry–Pérot interferometer. A competitive immunoassay coupled to a biochemical cascade reaction was adapted for optical signal amplification. The resulting insoluble precipitates accumulated within the nanostructure changed the reflectivity spectra by alternating the averaged refractive index. The augmented optical performance allowed for a linear response within the range of 10 to 10,000 pg mL−1 while presenting a detection limit of 4.8 pg mL−1. The practical aspect of the developed assay was verified using field BoNT holotoxins to exemplify the potential use of the developed optical approach for rapid bio-diagnosis of BoNT. The specificity and selectivity of the assay were successfully validated using an adjacent holotoxin relevant for farm animals (BoNT serotype D). Overall, this work sets the foundation for implementing a miniaturized interferometer for routine on-site botulism diagnosis, thus significantly reducing the need for animal experimentation and shortening analysis turnaround for early evidence-based therapy.
Collapse
|
4
|
A Case Report of a Botulism Outbreak in Beef Cattle Due to the Contamination of Wheat by a Roaming Cat Carcass: From the Suspicion to the Management of the Outbreak. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:ani9121025. [PMID: 31775272 PMCID: PMC6941160 DOI: 10.3390/ani9121025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This study presents in detail a botulism outbreak in a beef cattle farm where the source of contamination was identified as a carcass of a roaming cat that had contaminated stored feed and initiated the botulism outbreak. In this case report, we present how the diagnosis was performed by describing the clinical signs and the analyses that were conducted; how the source of contamination was identified by analyzing samples collected on the farm, and finally, how the outbreak was managed so as to prevent recurrence of the disease and persistence of the contamination in the farm. Abstract We report a botulism outbreak in Charolais cattle fed with wheat flour contaminated by Clostridium botulinum type C and the management of the outbreak at each step from the clinical suspicion to the cleaning and disinfection operations. Diagnosis was based on typical suggestive clinical signs and detection of C. botulinum type C using real-time PCR in samples collected from three young affected bulls. All young exposed bulls and cows (18 animals) eventually died, but three young bulls and one cow were recovering when it was decided to euthanize them. C. botulinum type C was detected in the liver of these four animals. Analysis of the ration components demonstrated that wheat flour, wheat, and the mill used to make flour were positive for C. botulinum type C. A dead cat positive for C. botulinum type C was discovered in the silo where wheat grain was stored and was considered the source of contamination. The cat’s entire body was found mummified, well preserved, and not rotting in the silo. Specific measures, in particular, vaccination of the rest of the herd and cleaning and disinfection operations, were implemented to prevent any recurrence of the outbreak. The presence of wild animal carcasses in feed harboring anaerobic conditions like silage, in particular during harvesting, are known to be at risk for the initiation of a botulism outbreak. This outbreak is a reminder that the presence of an animal carcass in feed, regardless of the kind of feed and whenever the contamination occurs, either during harvesting or storage, is sufficient to induce a botulism outbreak.
Collapse
|
5
|
Shnaiderman-Torban A, Elad D, Kelmer G, Avni G, Shalit U, Steinman A. An outbreak of equine botulism type D in Israel. EQUINE VET EDUC 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/eve.12725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. Shnaiderman-Torban
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine; The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment; The Hebrew University of Jerusalem; Rehovot Israel
| | - D. Elad
- Department of Bacteriology; Kimron Veterinary Institute; Bet Dagan Israel
| | - G. Kelmer
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine; The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment; The Hebrew University of Jerusalem; Rehovot Israel
| | - G. Avni
- Medisoos Equine Veterinary Clinic; Magal Israel
| | - U. Shalit
- Medisoos Equine Veterinary Clinic; Magal Israel
| | - A. Steinman
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine; The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment; The Hebrew University of Jerusalem; Rehovot Israel
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Diagnosis and Treatment of Lower Motor Neuron Disease in Australian Dogs and Cats. J Vet Med 2018; 2018:1018230. [PMID: 30159335 PMCID: PMC6106963 DOI: 10.1155/2018/1018230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Diseases presenting with lower motor neuron (LMN) signs are frequently seen in small animal veterinary practice in Australia. In addition to the most common causes of LMN disease seen world-wide, such as idiopathic polyradiculoneuritis and myasthenia gravis, there are several conditions presenting with LMN signs that are peculiar to the continent of Australia. These include snake envenomation by tiger (Notechis spp.), brown (Pseudonaja spp.), and black snakes (Pseudechis spp.), tick paralysis associated with Ixodes holocyclus and Ixodes coronatus, and tetrodotoxins from marine animals such as puffer fish (Tetraodontidae spp.) and blue-ring octopus (Hapalochlaena spp.). The wide range of differential diagnoses along with the number of etiological-specific treatments (e.g., antivenin, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors) and highly variable prognoses underscores the importance of a complete physical exam and comprehensive history to aid in rapid and accurate diagnosis of LMN disease in Australian dogs and cats. The purpose of this review is to discuss diagnosis and treatment of LMN diseases seen in dogs and cats in Australia.
Collapse
|
7
|
de la Fe C, Rodríguez JM, Ramírez GA, Hervás J, Gil J, Poveda JB. Sudden Death Associated with Clostridium sordellii in Captive Lions (Panthera leo). Vet Pathol 2016; 43:370-4. [PMID: 16672587 DOI: 10.1354/vp.43-3-370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In the spring of 2003, a series of sudden deaths in a group of adult lions ( Panthera leo) with a previous history of depression, inanition, and lethargy, was investigated. Five animals died within 24 to 36 hours after onset of signs of disease. Serologic screening for viral disease detection was negative, evidence of parasites was not detected, and results of a complete blood count and serum biochemical analysis were within reference intervals in all lions. The most relevant lesions observed were multiple areas of necrosis and hemorrhage in the intestinal outer muscular layer, and cellulitis with an intense bloody edema in the mesenteric and the pericardial fat tissue. On the basis of the fulminant course of the disease, the gross and histologic findings, and the isolation and identification of Clostridium sordellii, a diagnosis of infectious myositis and cellulitis associated with acute clostridiosis was made. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of sudden death associated with C. sordellii in felines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C de la Fe
- Unidad de Epidemiología y Medicina Preventiva, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Trasmontaña s/n, 35416 Arucas (Spain).
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Current status and future directions of botulinum neurotoxins for targeting pain processing. Toxins (Basel) 2015; 7:4519-63. [PMID: 26556371 PMCID: PMC4663519 DOI: 10.3390/toxins7114519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2015] [Revised: 09/29/2015] [Accepted: 10/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Current evidence suggests that botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) A1 and B1, given locally into peripheral tissues such as skin, muscles, and joints, alter nociceptive processing otherwise initiated by inflammation or nerve injury in animal models and humans. Recent data indicate that such locally delivered BoNTs exert not only local action on sensory afferent terminals but undergo transport to central afferent cell bodies (dorsal root ganglia) and spinal dorsal horn terminals, where they cleave SNAREs and block transmitter release. Increasing evidence supports the possibility of a trans-synaptic movement to alter postsynaptic function in neuronal and possibly non-neuronal (glial) cells. The vast majority of these studies have been conducted on BoNT/A1 and BoNT/B1, the only two pharmaceutically developed variants. However, now over 40 different subtypes of botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) have been identified. By combining our existing and rapidly growing understanding of BoNT/A1 and /B1 in altering nociceptive processing with explorations of the specific characteristics of the various toxins from this family, we may be able to discover or design novel, effective, and long-lasting pain therapeutics. This review will focus on our current understanding of the molecular mechanisms whereby BoNTs alter pain processing, and future directions in the development of these agents as pain therapeutics.
Collapse
|
9
|
Shimshoni JA, Mulder PPJ, Bouznach A, Edery N, Pasval I, Barel S, Abd-El Khaliq M, Perl S. Heliotropium europaeum poisoning in cattle and analysis of its pyrrolizidine alkaloid profile. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2015; 63:1664-1672. [PMID: 25591008 DOI: 10.1021/jf5052199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are carcinogenic and genotoxic phytochemicals found exclusively in angiosperms. The ingestion of PA-containing plants often results in acute and chronic toxicities in man and livestock, targeting mainly the liver. During February 2014, a herd of 15-18-month-old mixed-breed beef cattle (n = 73) from the Galilee region in Israel was accidently fed hay contaminated with 12% Heliotropium europaeum (average total PA intake was 33 mg PA/kg body weight/d). After 42 d of feed ingestion, sudden death occurred over a time period of 63 d with a mortality rate of 33%. Necropsy and histopathological examination revealed fibrotic livers and moderate ascites, as well as various degrees of hyperplasia and fibrosis of bile duct epithelial cells. Elevated γ-glutamyl-transferase and alkaline phosphatase levels were indicative of severe liver damage. Comprehensive PA profile determination of the contaminated hay and of native H. europaeum by LC-MS/MS revealed the presence of 30 PAs and PA-N-oxides, including several newly reported PAs and PA-N-oxides of the rinderine and heliosupine class. Heliotrine- and lasiocarpine-type PAs constituted 80% and 18% of the total PAs, respectively, with the N-oxides being the most abundant form (92%). The PA profile of the contaminated hay showed very strong resemblance to that of H. europaeum.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Avi Shimshoni
- Department of Toxicology and ‡Department of Pathology, Kimron Veterinary Institute , Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Abstract
Flaccid nonambulatory tetraparesis or tetraplegia is an infrequent neurologic presentation; it is characteristic of neuromuscular disease (lower motor neuron [LMN] disease) rather than spinal cord disease. Paresis beginning in the pelvic limbs and progressing to the thoracic limbs resulting in flaccid tetraparesis or tetraplegia within 24 to 72 hours is a common presentation of peripheral nerve or neuromuscular junction disease. Complete body flaccidity develops with severe decrease or complete loss of spinal reflexes in pelvic and thoracic limbs. Animals with acute generalized LMN tetraparesis commonly show severe motor dysfunction in all limbs and severe generalized weakness in all muscles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sònia Añor
- Facultat de Veterinària, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary School, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona 08193, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Uriarte A, Thibaud JL, Blot S. Botulism in 2 urban dogs. THE CANADIAN VETERINARY JOURNAL = LA REVUE VETERINAIRE CANADIENNE 2010; 51:1139-1142. [PMID: 21197207 PMCID: PMC2942055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Two dogs from the same owner were referred for ascending weakness and paresis of 2 to 3 days duration. Electromyography and electroneurography determined that there were normal F-waves, decreased compound action potential, and decreased activity on repetitive nerve stimulation. These findings were valuable in diagnosing botulism in the dogs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ane Uriarte
- Unité de Neurologie, École Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Maisons-Alfort, France.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Steinman A, Kachtan I, Levi O, Shpigel NY. Seroprevalence of antibotulinum neurotoxin type C antibodies in horses in Israel. Equine Vet J 2010; 39:232-5. [PMID: 17520974 DOI: 10.2746/042516407x158368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY Clostridium botulinum type C is prevalent in Israel and outbreaks recorded in many species, other than horses. Association between levels of anti-BoNT/C antibodies and equine grass sickness (EGS) have been demonstrated but seroprevalence of anti-BoNT/C antibodies in horses has not been reported nor has EGS been reported in Israel. OBJECTIVES To determine the seroprevalence of specific anti-BoNT/C antibodies in horses in Israel and to determine whether age, breed and gender, or geographical region of farms are potential risk factors for exposure to BoNT/C. HYPOTHESIS Anti-BoNT/C antibodies are prevalent among horses in Israel and farm and horse-level variables are associated with increased risk for exposure. METHODS Serum samples from 198 horses were collected and the levels of specific anti-BoNT/C antibodies were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). For each categorical variable indicator variables were created and the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for the outcome variable were calculated using a univariable and multivariable logistic regression models. RESULTS A total of 61 (30.8%) horses were ELISA positive for anti-BoNT/C IgG antibodies. The farm and its geographical region were associated significantly with seropositivity, horse-level variables, such as gender and breed, were also associated with seropositivity. Quarter Horse and Warmblood mares placed in the southern region of Israel had the highest odds to be tested positive for anti-BoNT/C IgG antibodies. CONCLUSIONS AND POTENTIAL RELEVANCE Several farm and various horse-level risk factors for exposure to BoNT/C, found in this study, could be correlated to previously reported risk factors of EGS. Studies are required to determine the predisposing factors that cause EGS, which is apparently not present in Israel.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Steinman
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Quality Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, POB 12, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Steinman A, Chaffer M, Elad D, Shpigel NY. Quantitative analysis of levels of serum immunoglobulin G against botulinum neurotoxin type D and association with protection in natural outbreaks of cattle botulism. CLINICAL AND VACCINE IMMUNOLOGY : CVI 2006; 13:862-8. [PMID: 16893985 PMCID: PMC1539108 DOI: 10.1128/cvi.00046-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The recent outbreaks of cattle botulism in vaccinated Israeli dairy cattle prompted us to determine vaccine efficacy and reasons for vaccine failure. Analysis of clinical signs, feeding practice, vaccination history, and epidemic curves enabled us to define a study population in two outbreaks, where high doses of Clostridium botulinum neurotoxin type D (BoNT/D) were evenly consumed by the affected animal groups. Attack rates among unvaccinated 6- to 24-month-old heifers were 96% (55/57) and 85% (53/62). The attack rates in vaccinated parity 1, 2, and >or=3 cows were 40.4% (21/52), 14.3% (4/28), and 5.6% (3/54), respectively. Vaccine efficacies for these cow groups were 52.5%, 83.2%, and 93.4%, respectively. In younger, unvaccinated 2- to 6-month-old calves, presumably protected by maternal antibodies, the attack rate was 24% (17/71). These differences correlated with significant differences in levels of specific anti-BoNT/D antibody in serum by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The ELISA performance for predicting protection was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic analysis and was found to be highly significant, with an area under the curve of 0.941 (standard error, 0.034; 95% confidence interval, 0.875 to 1.008; P < 0.000). No animals with serum ELISA unit levels above 0.33 were affected in these exposed groups. At this cutoff level, the specificity of the ELISA was 100%, sensitivity was 67%, and accuracy was 92%. We concluded that botulinum toxoids can confer adequate protection against natural exposure to lethal doses of BoNT/D; however, the vaccination protocols should be optimized. Our in-house ELISA system will enable us to optimize vaccination protocols in the animal population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Steinman
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Quality Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O. Box 12, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Chaffer M, Baum M, Grinberg K, Molad T, Elad D. Application of PCR for Detection of Clostridium botulinum Type D in Bovine Samples. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 53:45-7. [PMID: 16460356 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0450.2006.00912.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Diagnosis of botulism in cows is obtained by detecting the neurotoxin and/or Clostridium botulinum in the suspected animal. The standard method for detecting the toxin is the mouse bioassay. However, in recent years, the use of mice has become very costly and inconvenient in some facilities, and public pressure has been increasing to find alternatives to live animal bioassays. In this manuscript, we describe the use of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) procedures in the diagnosis field cases of bovine type D botulism. Bovine samples from clinical cases diagnosed as C. botulinum type D according by clinical symptoms and bioassay resulted in expected PCR product ( approximately 497 bp) similar to the C. botulinum type D NCTC 8265 strain while the gene product was confirmed by sequence data.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Chaffer
- National Botulism Reference Center, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|