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Coman A, Maftei DN, Krueger WS, Heil GL, Friary JA, Chereches RM, Sirlincan E, Bria P, Dragnea C, Kasler I, Gray GC. Corrigendum to "Serological evidence for avian H9N2 influenza virus infections among Romanian agriculture workers" [J. Infect. Public Health 6 (2013) 438-447]. J Infect Public Health 2018; 11:902. [PMID: 30385014 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2018.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandru Coman
- Center for Health Policy and Public Health, Institute for Social Research, Faculty of Political, Administrative and Communication Sciences, Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Daniel N Maftei
- Center for Health Policy and Public Health, Institute for Social Research, Faculty of Political, Administrative and Communication Sciences, Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Whitney S Krueger
- College of Public Health and Health Professions, and Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Gary L Heil
- College of Public Health and Health Professions, and Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - John A Friary
- College of Public Health and Health Professions, and Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Razvan M Chereches
- Center for Health Policy and Public Health, Institute for Social Research, Faculty of Political, Administrative and Communication Sciences, Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Emanuela Sirlincan
- Center for Health Policy and Public Health, Institute for Social Research, Faculty of Political, Administrative and Communication Sciences, Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Paul Bria
- Center for Health Policy and Public Health, Institute for Social Research, Faculty of Political, Administrative and Communication Sciences, Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Claudiu Dragnea
- Center for Health Policy and Public Health, Institute for Social Research, Faculty of Political, Administrative and Communication Sciences, Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Iosif Kasler
- Center for Health Policy and Public Health, Institute for Social Research, Faculty of Political, Administrative and Communication Sciences, Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Gregory C Gray
- College of Public Health and Health Professions, and Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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Khuntirat B, Yoon IK, Chittaganpitch M, Krueger WS, Supawat K, Blair PJ, Putnam SD, Gibbons RV, Buddhari D, Sawanpanyalert P, Heil GL, Friary JA, Gray GC. High rate of A(H1N1)pdm09 infections among rural Thai villagers, 2009-2010. PLoS One 2014; 9:e106751. [PMID: 25188434 PMCID: PMC4154756 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0106751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2014] [Accepted: 08/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pandemic influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 emerged in Thailand in 2009. A prospective longitudinal adult cohort and household transmission study of influenza-like illness (ILI) was ongoing in rural Thailand at the time of emergence. Symptomatic and subclinical A(H1N1)pdm09 infection rates in the cohort and among household members were evaluated. Methods A cohort of 800 Thai adults underwent active community-based surveillance for ILI from 2008–2010. Acute respiratory samples from ILI episodes were tested for A(H1N1)pdm09 by qRT-PCR; acute and 60-day convalescent blood samples were tested by A(H1N1)pdm09 hemagglutination inhibition assay (HI). Enrollment, 12-month and 24-month follow-up blood samples were tested for A(H1N1)pdm09 seroconversion by HI. Household members of influenza A-infected cohort subjects with ILI were enrolled in household transmission investigations in which day 0 and 60 blood samples and acute respiratory samples were tested by either qRT-PCR or HI for A(H1N1)pdm09. Seroconversion between annual blood samples without A(H1N1)pdm09-positive ILI was considered as subclinical infection. Results The 2-yr cumulative incidence of A(H1N1)pdm09 infection in the cohort in 2009/2010 was 10.8% (84/781) with an annual incidence of 1.2% in 2009 and 9.7% in 2010; 83.3% of infections were subclinical (50% in 2009 and 85.9% in 2010). The 2-yr cumulative incidence was lowest (5%) in adults born ≤1957. The A(H1N1)pdm09 secondary attack rate among household contacts was 47.2% (17/36); 47.1% of these infections were subclinical. The highest A(H1N1)pdm09 secondary attack rate among household contacts (70.6%, 12/17) occurred among children born between 1990 and 2003. Conclusion Subclinical A(H1N1)pdm09 infections in Thai adults occurred frequently and accounted for a greater proportion of all A(H1N1)pdm09 infections than previously estimated. The role of subclinical infections in A(H1N1)pdm09 transmission has important implications in formulating strategies to predict and prevent the spread of A(H1N1)pdm09 and other influenza virus strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjawan Khuntirat
- Department of Virology, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - In-Kyu Yoon
- Department of Virology, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Whitney S. Krueger
- College of Public Health and Health Professions and Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Krongkaew Supawat
- National Institute of Health, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | | | - Shannon D. Putnam
- Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Robert V. Gibbons
- Department of Virology, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Darunee Buddhari
- Department of Virology, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Gary L. Heil
- College of Public Health and Health Professions and Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - John A. Friary
- College of Public Health and Health Professions and Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Gregory C. Gray
- College of Public Health and Health Professions and Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Khuntirat BP, Yoon IK, Blair PJ, Krueger WS, Chittaganpitch M, Putnam SD, Supawat K, Gibbons RV, Pattamadilok S, Sawanpanyalert P, Heil GL, Friary JA, Capuano AW, Gray GC. Evidence for subclinical avian influenza virus infections among rural Thai villagers. Clin Infect Dis 2014; 53:e107-16. [PMID: 21921216 DOI: 10.1093/cid/cir525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Regions of Thailand reported sporadic outbreaks of A/H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) among poultry between 2004 and 2008. Kamphaeng Phet Province, in north-central Thailand had over 50 HPAI poultry outbreaks in 2004 alone, and 1 confirmed and 2 likely other human HPAI infections between 2004 and 2006. METHODS In 2008, we enrolled a cohort of 800 rural Thai adults living in 8 sites within Kamphaeng Phet Province in a prospective study of zoonotic influenza transmission. We studied participants' sera with serologic assays against 16 avian, 2 swine, and 8 human influenza viruses. RESULTS Among participants (mean age 49.6 years and 58% female) 65% reported lifetime poultry exposure of at least 30 consecutive minutes. Enrollees had elevated antibodies by microneutralization assay against 3 avian viruses: A/Hong Kong/1073/1999(H9N2), A/Thailand/676/2005(H5N1), and A/Thailand/384/2006(H5N1). Bivariate risk factor modeling demonstrated that male gender, lack of an indoor water source, and tobacco use were associated with elevated titers against avian H9N2 virus. Multivariate modeling suggested that increasing age, lack of an indoor water source, and chronic breathing problems were associated with infection with 1 or both HPAI H5N1 strains. Poultry exposure was not associated with positive serologic findings. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that people in rural central Thailand may have experienced subclinical avian influenza infections as a result of yet unidentified environmental exposures. Lack of an indoor water source may play a role in transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjawan P Khuntirat
- Department of Virology, US Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok, Thailand
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Coman A, Maftei DN, Krueger WS, Heil GL, Friary JA, Chereches RM, Sirlincan E, Bria P, Dragnea C, Kasler I, Gray GC. Serological evidence for avian H9N2 influenza virus infections among Romanian agriculture workers. J Infect Public Health 2013; 6:438-47. [PMID: 23999337 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2013.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2013] [Revised: 05/22/2013] [Accepted: 05/24/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, wild birds have introduced multiple highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus infections in Romanian poultry. In 2005 HPAI infections were widespread among domestic poultry and anecdotal reports suggested domestic pigs may also have been exposed. We sought to examine evidence for zoonotic influenza infections among Romanian agriculture workers. Between 2009 and 2010, 363 adult participants were enrolled in a cross-sectional, seroepidemiological study. Confined animal feeding operation (CAFO) swine workers in Tulcea and small, traditional backyard farmers in Cluj-Napoca were enrolled, as well as a non-animal exposed control group from Cluj-Napoca. Enrollment sera were examined for serological evidence of previous infection with 9 avian and 3 human influenza virus strains. Serologic assays showed no evidence of previous infection with 7 low pathogenic avian influenza viruses or with HPAI H5N1. However, 33 participants (9.1%) had elevated microneutralization antibody titers against avian-like A/Hong Kong/1073/1999(H9N2), 5 with titers ≥ 1:80 whom all reported exposure to poultry. Moderate poultry exposure was significantly associated with elevated titers after controlling for the subjects' age (adjusted OR = 3.6; 95% CI, 1.1-12.1). There was no evidence that previous infection with human H3N2 or H2N2 viruses were confounding the H9N2 seroreactivity. These data suggest that H9N2 virus may have circulated in Romanian poultry and occasionally infected man.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandru Coman
- Center for Health Policy and Public Health, Institute for Social Research, Faculty of Political, Administrative and Communication Sciences, Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Okoye J, Eze D, Krueger WS, Heil GL, Friary JA, Gray GC. Serologic evidence of avian influenza virus infections among Nigerian agricultural workers. J Med Virol 2013; 85:670-6. [DOI: 10.1002/jmv.23520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Blair PJ, Putnam SD, Krueger WS, Chum C, Wierzba TF, Heil GL, Yasuda CY, Williams M, Kasper MR, Friary JA, Capuano AW, Saphonn V, Peiris M, Shao H, Perez DR, Gray GC. Evidence for avian H9N2 influenza virus infections among rural villagers in Cambodia. J Infect Public Health 2013; 6:69-79. [PMID: 23537819 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2012.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2012] [Revised: 11/30/2012] [Accepted: 11/30/2012] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Southeast Asia remains a critical region for the emergence of novel and/or zoonotic influenza, underscoring the importance of extensive sampling in rural areas where early transmission is most likely to occur. METHODS In 2008, 800 adult participants from eight sites were enrolled in a prospective population-based study of avian influenza (AI) virus transmission where highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus had been reported in humans and poultry from 2006 to 2008. From their enrollment sera and questionnaires, we report risk factor findings for serologic evidence of previous infection with 18 AI virus strains. RESULTS Serologic assays revealed no evidence of previous infection with 13 different low-pathogenic AI viruses or with HPAI avian-like A/Cambodia/R0404050/2007(H5N1). However, 21 participants had elevated antibodies against avian-like A/Hong Kong/1073/1999(H9N2), validated with a monoclonal antibody blocking ELISA assay specific for avian H9. CONCLUSIONS Although cross-reaction from antibodies against human influenza viruses cannot be completely excluded, the study data suggest that a number of participants were previously infected with the avian-like A/Hong Kong/1073/1999(H9N2) virus, likely due to as yet unidentified environmental exposures. Prospective data from this cohort will help us better understand the serology of zoonotic influenza infection in a rural cohort in SE Asia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J Blair
- Naval Medical Research Unit #2/National Institute of Public Health, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
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Gray GC, Bender JB, Bridges CB, Daly RF, Krueger WS, Male MJ, Heil GL, Friary JA, Derby RB, Cox NJ. Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus among healthy show pigs, United States. Emerg Infect Dis 2013; 18:1519-21. [PMID: 22932697 PMCID: PMC3437725 DOI: 10.3201/eid1809.120431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Because animals can transmit some diseases to people, it is wise to be cautious around animals that carry these diseases. But how do you know which animals are carrying disease? Sometimes they appear perfectly healthy. A study of 57 apparently healthy show pigs at a 2009 US state fair found that almost 20% were carrying influenza virus and at least 4 were carrying the 2009 pandemic virus. Of concern is the possibility that different types of influenza virus—pandemic, swine, avian—could combine in pigs and emerge as new viruses that then spread to humans. Swine workers, veterinarians, and other persons with pig contact may be at high risk for infection with pig influenza and should receive seasonal influenza vaccines, use personal protective equipment when working with healthy pigs, and limit their contact with sick pigs. Regular monitoring of influenza virus among pigs and testing of sick persons who have been exposed to pigs are needed. Within 5 months after the earliest detection of human influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus, we found molecular and culture evidence of the virus in healthy US show pigs. The mixing of humans and pigs at swine shows possibly could further the geographic and cross-species spread of influenza A viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory C Gray
- Department of Environmental and Global Health, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Box 100188, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA. .edu
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Yondon M, Heil GL, Burks JP, Zayat B, Waltzek TB, Jamiyan BO, McKenzie PP, Krueger WS, Friary JA, Gray GC. Isolation and characterization of H3N8 equine influenza A virus associated with the 2011 epizootic in Mongolia. Influenza Other Respir Viruses 2013; 7:659-65. [PMID: 23289427 PMCID: PMC3626732 DOI: 10.1111/irv.12069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/15/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Equine influenza virus (EIV) epizootics affect 2·1 million Mongolian horses approximately every 10 years and critically impact economy and nomadic livelihood of Mongolia. Objectives An active surveillance program was established in 2011 to monitor influenza viruses circulating among Mongolian horses. Methods Nasal swabs were collected from horses in free‐ranging horse herds in Töv, Khentii, and Dundgovi aimags (provinces) from January to September 2011. Real‐time reversetranscriptase–polymerase chain reaction (rRT‐PCR) was used to determine the presence of influenza A virus. Influenza A‐positive specimens were cultured to amplify virus; viral RNA was extracted, and gene segments were amplified and sequenced by Sanger sequencing. Results A total of 745 horses were swabbed; most horses were without clinical signs of illness. In July 2011, reports of influenza‐like illnesses emerged among horses in Mongolia's capital, and subsequently, surveillance efforts were adjusted to swab horses associated with the epizootic. Thirty‐four specimens of rRT‐PCR influenza‐positive virus were collected in May, June, August, and September. Three specimens yielded detectable virus. Gene sequence studies suggested that all three isolates were identical H3N8 viruses. Phylogenetic analyses indicated the strain was very similar to other H3N8 EIVs circulating in central Asia between 2007 and 2008. Conclusions As large Mongolian equine herds often seem to suffer from EIV epizootics, it seems prudent to continue such routine equine influenza surveillance. Doing so will provide an early warning system, should novel viruses emerge, help in assessing if EIV is crossing over to infect humans and provide data to assess the likely effectiveness of current EIV vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myagmarsukh Yondon
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Department of Veterinary & Animal Breeding, Government of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
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Barr KL, Messenger AM, Anderson BD, Friary JA, Heil GL, Reece K, Gray GC. Recovery of live virus after storage at ambient temperature using ViveST™. J Clin Virol 2012; 56:57-61. [PMID: 23046621 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2012.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2012] [Revised: 09/11/2012] [Accepted: 09/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A major impediment to performing virological field studies in developing nations is the lack of ultra-low freezers as well as the expense and difficulty of shipping frozen samples. A commercially available product, ViveST™, was developed to preserve nucleic acids at ambient temperature for use in specimen storage and transportation. However, its applications as a viral storage, transport and recovery device have not been evaluated. OBJECTIVE To examine the ability of ViveST to preserve live virus following storage at ambient temperature. STUDY DESIGN A panel of six viruses was stored at ambient temperature (~22°C) in ViveST with fetal bovine serum (FBS), or ViveST with minimal essential media (MEM) and compared with virus stored in universal transport media (M4RT), MEM, and FBS alone. Stored viruses included: human adenovirus (14p), dengue virus 2 (16608), echovirus 3 (Morrisey), human rhinovirus 15 (1734), Coxsackie virus B5 (Faulkner), and herpes simplex virus 1 (HF). After 7 days storage at ambient temperature, virus recovery was measured via titration using viral plaque assays or focus-forming unit assays. RESULTS Viral titer studies indicate that ViveST with either FBS or M4RT preserved/recovered 5 different viruses for 1 week at ambient temperature. MEM preserved 4 viruses while FBS and ViveST with MEM preserved 3 viruses each. Statistical analyses indicate that M4RT and ViveST with FBS preserved significantly more virus than the other treatments. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that ViveST with either FBS or M4RT may be useful in field specimen collection scenarios where ultra-cold storage is not available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelli L Barr
- College of Public Health and Health Professions and The Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States.
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Anderson BD, Barr KL, Heil GL, Friary JA, Gray GC. A comparison of viral fitness and virulence between emergent adenovirus 14p1 and prototype adenovirus 14p strains. J Clin Virol 2012; 54:265-8. [PMID: 22484030 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2012.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2011] [Revised: 03/06/2012] [Accepted: 03/08/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidemiological studies from the last decade have suggested that the morbidity and mortality associated with a newly emergent strain of human adenovirus (HAdV-14p1) is greater than other, more prevalent, adenovirus strains. Recent molecular analysis identified very minor genetic differences in HAdV-14p1 compared to prototype HAdV-14p. No studies have evaluated how these differences may affect virulence. OBJECTIVE To compare HAdV-14p1 and HAdV-14p strains for competitive fitness and virulence. STUDY DESIGN We performed in vitro and molecular assays to evaluate growth kinetics, cellular infectivity, cytotoxicity, and plaque morphology of the two strains. RESULTS Growth kinetic data showed no viral replication at 30°C and minimal differences at 37°C for both strains. Cellular infectivity data showed propagation capabilities for both strains in a diverse array of cell lines, with human lung and kidney cells having the highest propagation potential. Cytotoxicity data indicated cellular distress differences induced by both strains of virus in the first 12h, but similar distress levels between 12 and 48 h. Plaque morphology assays showed some differences in average plaque diameter. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that the increase in morbidity and mortality observed in recent HAdV-14p1 infections is not due to viral growth or cellular infectivity differences from the prototypic HAdV-14 strain. While there were some statistically important differences detected between strains in cytotoxicity and plaque morphology assays, it seems more likely that other factors, such as environmental stressors, co-infections, or individual host response are likely contributing to the increase in morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin D Anderson
- College of Public Health and Health Professions, and Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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Levy JK, Friary JA, Miller LA, Tucker SJ, Fagerstone KA. Long-term fertility control in female cats with GonaCon™, a GnRH immunocontraceptive. Theriogenology 2011; 76:1517-25. [PMID: 21835455 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2011] [Revised: 06/13/2011] [Accepted: 06/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The uncontrolled reproduction of free-roaming feral cats contributes to overpopulation and associated concerns regarding their welfare and impact on public health and the environment. Nonsurgical fertility control that could be administered to feral cats in the field would be a powerful tool for cat population control. The objective was to test the efficacy and duration of activity of a single-dose GnRH immunocontraceptive vaccine (GonaCon™) on the fertility of adult female laboratory cats. Vaccinated cats (n = 15) received a single injection of vaccine containing a GnRH-KLH conjugate (200 μg) emulsified in a mycobacterial and oil adjuvant on study Day 0. Sham-treated cats (n = 5) received a single injection containing all vaccine components except the GnRH-KLH conjugate. A breeding trial started on study Day 120. Vaccinated cats had a longer time to conception (median 39.7 mo) compared to sham-treated cats (4.4 mo; P < 0.001). A total of 93% of vaccinated cats remained infertile for the first year following vaccination, whereas 73, 53, and 40% were infertile for 2, 3, and 4 y, respectively. At study termination (5 y after a single GnRH vaccine was administered), four cats (27%) remained infertile. The GnRH antibody titers declined more rapidly in short-term responding cats with < 2 y of infertility (n = 4), compared to long-term responding cats that experienced fertility control for >2 y (n = 11) (P < 0.05). Non-painful but persistent late-onset granulomatous injection site masses appeared 2 y after initial vaccination in five cats. We concluded that GnRH immunocontraception is an ideal candidate for further development for feral cat control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie K Levy
- Maddie's Shelter Medicine Program, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA.
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Gray GC, Ferguson DD, Lowther PE, Heil GL, Friary JA. A national study of US bird banders for evidence of avian influenza virus infections. J Clin Virol 2011; 51:132-5. [PMID: 21530384 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2011.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2011] [Revised: 03/22/2011] [Accepted: 03/26/2011] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previously we have found that Midwestern US wildlife biologists, poultry farmers, veterinarians, and duck hunters have had evidence of avian influenza virus infections (AIVs). OBJECTIVES We sought to evaluate a national sample of US bird banders for previous evidence of AIV infection. STUDY DESIGN Controlled, cross-sectional serological survey. RESULTS In 2009 and 2010 we enrolled 157 registered bird banders from 40 US states and compared their enrollment data and serological results with 78 adult age-group matched controls from Iowa. On average, the bird banders had 15 years of wild bird exposure, banded 20 days per year, worked chiefly in 1 of the 4 North American flyways, and banded 300 individual birds of 5 different species per season. While handling birds, only 15% of banders reported wearing gloves. Three bird banders and 1 control had evidence of previous infection (1 AIV each) with A/BWTE/Ohio/07/495762-6(H7N3), A/Ty/MN/38391-6/95(H9N2) or A/CK/NJ/7290-2/95(H11N3) by microneutralization assay. There was no evidence of previous infection with a representative sample of H4, H5, H6, H8, or H10 AIVs. Participants were followed for influenza-like-illness for a median of 7 months and 4 (3 bird banders) submitted self-collected eye, nasal, and throat influenza-like-illness swab specimens, 1 of which collected in November of 2009, yielded a pandemic H1N1 influenza A virus. CONCLUSION Despite reports of conjunctivitis and upper respiratory symptoms while bird banding, we found sparse evidence that US bird banders had infections with AIVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory C Gray
- Emerging Pathogens Institute and College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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Fischer SM, Quest CM, Dubovi EJ, Davis RD, Tucker SJ, Friary JA, Crawford PC, Ricke TA, Levy JK. Response of feral cats to vaccination at the time of neutering. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2007; 230:52-8. [PMID: 17199493 DOI: 10.2460/javma.230.1.52] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether administration of inactivated virus or modified-live virus (MLV) vaccines to feral cats at the time of neutering induces protective serum antiviral antibody titers. DESIGN Prospective study. ANIMALS 61 feral cats included in a trap-neuter-return program in Florida. PROCEDURES Each cat received vaccines against feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), feline herpes virus (FHV), feline calicivirus (FCV), FeLV, and rabies virus (RV). Immediately on completion of surgery, vaccines that contained inactivated RV and FeLV antigens and either MLV or inactivated FPV, FHV, and FCV antigens were administered. Titers of antiviral antibodies (except those against FeLV) were assessed in serum samples obtained immediately prior to surgery and approximately 10 weeks later. RESULTS Prior to vaccination, some of the cats had protective serum antibody titers against FPV (33%), FHV (21%), FCV (64%), and RV (3%). Following vaccination, the overall proportion of cats with protective serum antiviral antibody titers increased (FPV [90%], FHV [56%], FCV [93%], and RV [98%]). With the exception of the FHV vaccine, there were no differences in the proportions of cats protected with inactivated virus versus MLV vaccines. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggest that exposure to FPV, FHV, and FCV is common among feral cats and that a high proportion of cats are susceptible to RV infection. Feral cats appeared to have an excellent immune response following vaccination at the time of neutering. Incorporation of vaccination into trap-neuter-return programs is likely to protect the health of individual cats and possibly reduce the disease burden in the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Fischer
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
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