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Paul T, Hoque MA, Dey T, Sutradhar BC, Mannan A, Sarker D, Mohsin MAS, Baillie S. Establishing the Most Important Clinical Skills for New Graduate Veterinarians by Comparing Published Lists with Regional Stakeholder Expectations: A Bangladesh Experience. J Vet Med Educ 2023:e20220114. [PMID: 36867664 DOI: 10.3138/jvme-2022-0114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Veterinary clinical skills training is evolving rapidly around the world and there is increasing interest in Bangladesh in opening clinical skills laboratories and using models in teaching. The first clinical skills laboratory was opened at Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University in 2019. The current study aimed to identify the most important clinical skills for veterinarians in Bangladesh to inform the further development of clinical skills laboratories and ensure resources are deployed effectively and efficiently. Lists of clinical skills were collated from the literature, national and international accreditation standards, and regional syllabi. The list was refined through local consultation, focused on farm and pet animals, and was disseminated via an online survey to veterinarians and final-year students who were asked to rate the level of importance of each skill for a new graduate. The survey was completed by 215 veterinarians and 115 students. A ranked list was generated with injection techniques, animal handling, clinical examination, and basic surgical skills among the most important. Some techniques requiring specific equipment and some advanced surgical procedures were considered less important. As a result of the study, the most important clinical skills for a new graduate in Bangladesh have been identified for the first time. The results will inform the development of models, the use of clinical skills laboratories, and the design of clinical skills courses for veterinary training. Our approach of drawing upon existing lists followed by local stakeholders consultation is recommended to others to ensure clinical skills teaching is regionally relevant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomby Paul
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Zakir Hossain Road, Khulshi, Chattogram 4225, Bangladesh
| | - Md Ahasanul Hoque
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Zakir Hossain Road, Khulshi, Chattogram 4225, Bangladesh
| | - Tuli Dey
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Zakir Hossain Road, Khulshi, Chattogram 4225, Bangladesh
| | - Bibek Chandra Sutradhar
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Zakir Hossain Road, Khulshi, Chattogram 4225, Bangladesh
| | - Abdul Mannan
- Teaching and Training Pet Hospital and Research Center, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Purbachal New Town, Road # 114, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Debashish Sarker
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University; Khulshi 4225, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Md Abu Shoieb Mohsin
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Zakir Hossain Road, Khulshi, Chattogram 4225, Bangladesh
| | - Sarah Baillie
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, Bristol BS40 5DU UK
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Diakou A, Sofroniou D, Paoletti B, Tamvakis A, Kolencik S, Dimzas D, Morelli S, Grillini M, Traversa D. Ticks, Fleas, and Harboured Pathogens from Dogs and Cats in Cyprus. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11121403. [PMID: 36558737 PMCID: PMC9786688 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11121403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Ticks and fleas are blood-sucking ectoparasites that cause irritation and anaemia to their hosts and act as vectors of pathogens (vector-borne pathogens, VBPs) of relevance for animal and human health. In the present study, tick and flea species in dogs and cats from Cyprus were recorded and VBPs were detected in the collected specimens. Ectoparasites were collected from 220 animals (161 dogs and 59 cats), and a questionnaire including demographic, clinical, and other information was filled out for each animal. The ectoparasites were morphologically identified and the detection of VBPs was performed by PCR-coupled sequencing. Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato was found on 108 dogs and 13 cats, and Ixodes gibbosus on 2 dogs. Ctenocephalides felis was the predominant flea species (on 62 dogs and 45 cats), while one dog and one cat were infested by Ctenocephalides canis and Echidnophaga gallinacea, respectively. The VBPs in ticks were Anaplasma platys, Rickettsia massiliae, Rickettsia conorii, Rickettsia felis, Hepatozoon felis and Hepatozoon canis, while Rickettsia felis, Rickettsia sp., Bartonella koehlerae, Bartonella clarridgeiae, and Bartonella henselae were recorded in fleas. Statistical analysis (chi-square test and multiple univariate generalized linear model) showed that animals up to 6 months of age were less likely to be infested with ticks than older animals, but more likely to be infested with fleas. Ticks were more prevalent in sheltered than in owned animals, while the odds ratio of flea presence was higher in owned animals than those living in shelters. The present study is the first investigation on the occurrence of ticks and fleas in dogs and cats from Cyprus, showing the presence of different VBPs in these important ectoparasites. The results point out the importance of systematic ectoparasite control in dogs and cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Diakou
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Correspondence:
| | | | - Barbara Paoletti
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Teaching Veterinary Hospital, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Androniki Tamvakis
- Laboratory of Ecology and System Dynamics, Department of Marine Sciences, University of the Aegean, 81100 Mytilene, Greece
| | | | - Dimitris Dimzas
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Simone Morelli
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Teaching Veterinary Hospital, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Marika Grillini
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padua, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Donato Traversa
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Teaching Veterinary Hospital, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
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Rudzińska M, Kowalewska B, Kurpas M, Szostakowska B. Rare Occurrence of Blastocystis in Pet Animals and Their Owners in the Pomeranian Voivodeship in Poland in the Light of Literature Data. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11112975. [PMID: 35683363 PMCID: PMC9181306 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11112975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [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] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis is an intestinal microeukaryote with ambiguous pathogenicity, commonly detected in human feces worldwide. It comprises at least 28 genetically diverse subtypes (STs), 12 of which also occur in a wide range of animal species, giving rise to suspicion of zoonotic transmission. To investigate this, we conducted a molecular study of 145 stool samples of pet animals, and 67 of their owners, living in an urban area in Poland. Blastocystis was detected in only three (2.1%) animal samples (of two bearded agamas and a leopard gecko), while all dogs, cats, and pet rodents were Blastocystis-negative. Blastocystis was also present in three (4.5%) owners of animals, but they were cat owners, not reptile owners, and the subtypes identified in them differed significantly from those of reptiles. Additionally, the frequency of Blastocystis in different groups of dogs (depending on how they were kept) was analyzed. This work is the first to find Blastocystis in pet reptiles, and we encourage further investigation of Blastocystis in this poorly examined group of animals, as well as continued study on the transmission of this microorganism between humans and animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Rudzińska
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Epidemiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland; (M.R.); (B.K.)
| | - Beata Kowalewska
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Epidemiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland; (M.R.); (B.K.)
| | - Monika Kurpas
- Department of Immunobiology and Environmental Microbiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland;
| | - Beata Szostakowska
- Department of Tropical Parasitology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-58-349-19-44
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Vilibic-Cavlek T, Stevanovic V, Brlek-Gorski D, Ferencak I, Ferenc T, Ujevic-Bosnjak M, Tabain I, Janev-Holcer N, Perkovic I, Anticevic M, Bekavac B, Kaic B, Mrzljak A, Ganjto M, Zmak L, Mauric Maljkovic M, Jelicic P, Bucic L, Barbic L. Emerging Trends in the Epidemiology of COVID-19: The Croatian 'One Health' Perspective. Viruses 2021; 13:2354. [PMID: 34960623 PMCID: PMC8707935 DOI: 10.3390/v13122354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
During the four pandemic waves, a total of 560,504 cases and 10,178 deaths due to COVID-19 were reported in Croatia. The Alpha variant, dominant from March 2021 (>50% of positive samples), was rapidly replaced by Delta variants (>90%) by August 2021. Several seroprevalence studies were conducted in different populations (general population, children/adolescents, professional athletes, healthcare workers, veterinarians) and in immunocompromised patients (hemodialysis patients, liver/kidney transplant recipients). After the first pandemic wave, seroprevalence rates of neutralizing (NT) antibodies were reported to be 0.2-5.5%. Significantly higher seropositivity was detected during/after the second wave, 2.6-18.7%. Two studies conducted in pet animals (February-June 2020/July-December 2020) reported SARS-CoV-2 NT antibodies in 0.76% of cats and 0.31-14.69% of dogs, respectively. SARS-CoV-2 NT antibodies were not detected in wildlife. Environmental samples taken in the households of COVID-19 patients showed high-touch personal objects as most frequently contaminated (17.3%), followed by surfaces in patients' rooms (14.6%), kitchens (13.3%) and bathrooms (8.3%). SARS-CoV-2 RNA was also detected in 96.8% affluent water samples, while all effluent water samples tested negative. Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in humans, animals and the environment suggests that the 'One Health' approach is critical to controlling COVID-19 and future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Vilibic-Cavlek
- Department of Virology, Croatian Institute of Public Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (I.F.); (I.T.)
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Vladimir Stevanovic
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Diana Brlek-Gorski
- Environmental Health Department, Croatian Institute of Public Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (D.B.-G.); (M.U.-B.); (N.J.-H.); (I.P.); (M.A.); (B.B.); (P.J.); (L.B.)
| | - Ivana Ferencak
- Department of Virology, Croatian Institute of Public Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (I.F.); (I.T.)
| | - Thomas Ferenc
- Clinical Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Merkur University Hospital, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Magdalena Ujevic-Bosnjak
- Environmental Health Department, Croatian Institute of Public Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (D.B.-G.); (M.U.-B.); (N.J.-H.); (I.P.); (M.A.); (B.B.); (P.J.); (L.B.)
| | - Irena Tabain
- Department of Virology, Croatian Institute of Public Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (I.F.); (I.T.)
| | - Natasa Janev-Holcer
- Environmental Health Department, Croatian Institute of Public Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (D.B.-G.); (M.U.-B.); (N.J.-H.); (I.P.); (M.A.); (B.B.); (P.J.); (L.B.)
- Department of Social Medicine and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Ivana Perkovic
- Environmental Health Department, Croatian Institute of Public Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (D.B.-G.); (M.U.-B.); (N.J.-H.); (I.P.); (M.A.); (B.B.); (P.J.); (L.B.)
| | - Mario Anticevic
- Environmental Health Department, Croatian Institute of Public Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (D.B.-G.); (M.U.-B.); (N.J.-H.); (I.P.); (M.A.); (B.B.); (P.J.); (L.B.)
| | - Barbara Bekavac
- Environmental Health Department, Croatian Institute of Public Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (D.B.-G.); (M.U.-B.); (N.J.-H.); (I.P.); (M.A.); (B.B.); (P.J.); (L.B.)
| | - Bernard Kaic
- Department of Epidemiology, Croatian Institute of Public Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Anna Mrzljak
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Center Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marin Ganjto
- Zagreb Wastewater-Management and Operation Ltd., 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Ljiljana Zmak
- Department for Tuberculosis, Croatian Institute of Public Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Maja Mauric Maljkovic
- Department for Animal Breeding and Livestock Production, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Pavle Jelicic
- Environmental Health Department, Croatian Institute of Public Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (D.B.-G.); (M.U.-B.); (N.J.-H.); (I.P.); (M.A.); (B.B.); (P.J.); (L.B.)
| | - Lovro Bucic
- Environmental Health Department, Croatian Institute of Public Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (D.B.-G.); (M.U.-B.); (N.J.-H.); (I.P.); (M.A.); (B.B.); (P.J.); (L.B.)
| | - Ljubo Barbic
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
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Yamada S, Anzawa K, Mochizuki T. Molecular epidemiology of Microsporum canis isolated from Japanese cats, dogs and pet owners by multilocus microsatellite typing fragment analysis. Jpn J Infect Dis 2021; 75:105-113. [PMID: 34334533 DOI: 10.7883/yoken.jjid.2020.809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Multilocus microsatellite typing (MLMT) was performed on 93 strains of Microsporum canis isolated between 2012 and 2017 from 75 cats, eight dogs and 10 pet owners. These strains were derived from two major reservoirs: commercial breeding facilities and pet shops (PS), and stray cats and pet cats that went outdoors and came in contact with stray cats (Outdoor). Six microsatellite markers were used for genotyping. These 93 strains included 22 genotypes, 11 previously detected in Japan and 11 new genotypes. Strains belonging to the previously reported genotypes P and A were distributed widely throughout Japan. Genotype P was the most frequent, accounting for 37 (39.8%) of the 93 strains, most derived from Outdoor sources. Genotype A was the second most frequent, being present in 11 (11.8%) of the 93 strains, most derived from the PS reservoir. All new genotypes were detected in isolates from cats, with many of these derived from the Outdoor reservoir. The consistency of infection was shown in 18 of 19 familial cases. These findings indicate that genotypes differ in strains derived from PS and Outdoor reservoirs and that genotyping by MLMT is useful for tracking the routes of spread and transmission of M. canis in Japan.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kazushi Anzawa
- Department of Dermatology, Kanazawa Medical University, JAPAN
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Nocera FP, Ambrosio M, Fiorito F, Cortese L, De Martino L. On Gram-Positive- and Gram-Negative-Bacteria-Associated Canine and Feline Skin Infections: A 4-Year Retrospective Study of the University Veterinary Microbiology Diagnostic Laboratory of Naples, Italy. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11061603. [PMID: 34072316 PMCID: PMC8227065 DOI: 10.3390/ani11061603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [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] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Pet animals’ bacterial skin infections represent the main reason for presentation in small animal practice and are generally secondary complications of other pathological conditions. Pyoderma and otitis externa are generally caused by Staphylococcus spp., and particularly Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is often isolated from dogs and cats suffering from skin disorders. However, also Gram-negative bacteria, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli, can be responsible for both otitis externa and pyoderma. Since multi-drug-resistant bacterial strains have become a relevant threat in veterinary medicine, this study aimed to identify the bacteria most frequently associated with the most common clinical cases of skin infections in dogs and cats attending the University Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Naples in the period from January 2016 to December 2019. Moreover, their antibiotic resistance profiles were evaluated, highlighting an increasing spread of multi-drug-resistant strains. It is worth noting that this spread may also concern humans because of their close contact with pets. Thus, it not only is of veterinary significance but also has zoonotic importance, with pets acting as reservoirs for humans, especially pet owners and veterinarians. Abstract A 4-year retrospective study (2016–2019) of selected routine bacteriological examinations of the veterinary microbiology laboratory of the University Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Naples (Italy) was carried out. A total of 189 bacteriological samples were collected from 171 dogs and 18 cats suffering from skin infections. In dogs, the most common cutaneous infection was otitis externa, while pyoderma was found to be prevalent in cats. The number of recorded Gram-positive strains over the study period did not vary considerably from year to year and was always significantly higher (p-value = 0.0007) in comparison with Gram-negative bacterial isolations. In dogs, Staphylococcus pseudintermedius was the most common identified Gram-positive bacterium (65%), while Pseudomonas aeruginosa (36%) was the one among the isolated Gram-negative bacteria. In cats, coagulase-negative staphylococci were the most predominant isolated bacteria (47%). The phenotypic profiles of antibiotic resistance showed that most of the strains were resistant to amoxicillin–clavulanate, penicillin, clindamycin, and trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole. Several multi-drug-resistant strains (35%) were detected in canine isolates. An updating of antibiotic resistance profiles of the main Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria principally associated with skin infections of pet animals is necessary to improve stewardship programs of veterinary hospitals and clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Laura Cortese
- Correspondence: (L.C.); (L.D.M.); Tel.: +39-081-253-6005 (L.C.); +39-081-253-6180 (L.D.M.)
| | - Luisa De Martino
- Correspondence: (L.C.); (L.D.M.); Tel.: +39-081-253-6005 (L.C.); +39-081-253-6180 (L.D.M.)
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Elnageh HR, Hiblu MA, Abbassi MS, Abouzeed YM, Ahmed MO. Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Staphylococcus species isolated from cats and dogs. Open Vet J 2020; 10:452-456. [PMID: 33614441 PMCID: PMC7830183 DOI: 10.4314/ovj.v10i4.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Methicillin-resistant staphylococci (MRS) are an emerging global problem with serious public health concern. Aims: This study investigated the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of commensal Staphylococcus species isolated from healthy and clinical cats and dogs. Methods: Nasal swab samples were collected from animals and processed using selective and semi-selective mediums. Presumptive isolates were subjected to biochemical testing and analyzed using the Phoenix automated identification and susceptibility testing system. PCRs protocols were used to screen for mecA and pvl genes. Results: In total, 151 pets (103 cats and 48 dogs) were enrolled, of which 14 dogs (29%) and 24 cats (23%) were colonized with various Staphylococcus species mainly originated from healthy animals. A total of 38 staphylococci isolates were collected and distributed between 24 coagulase-negative and 14 coagulase-positive staphylococci. Only 13 staphylococci strains were identified as MRS, out of which only five isolates expressed that the mecA gene exclusively originated from healthy pets. Conclusion: This is the first study reporting the prevalence and colonization status of staphylococci species and MRS strains isolated from cats and dogs in Libya. The study reports important information of medical and clinical importance on antimicrobial and multidrug resistance of different staphylococci strains, particularly the coagulase negative species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiam R Elnageh
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tripoli, Tripoli, Libya
| | - Murad A Hiblu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tripoli, Tripoli, Libya
| | - Mohamed Salah Abbassi
- University of Tunis El Manar, Institute of Veterinary Research of Tunisia, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Yousef M Abouzeed
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tripoli, Tripoli, Libya
| | - Mohamed O Ahmed
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tripoli, Tripoli, Libya
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Abstract
Accumulating behavioral and neurophysiological studies support the idea of infantile (cute) faces as highly biologically relevant stimuli rapidly and unconsciously capturing attention and eliciting positive/affectionate behaviors, including willingness to care. It has been hypothesized that the presence of infantile physical and behavioral features in companion (or pet) animals (i.e., dogs and cats) might form the basis of our attraction to these species. Preliminary evidence has indeed shown that the human attentional bias toward the baby schema may extend to animal facial configurations. In this review, the role of facial cues, specifically of infantile traits and facial signals (i.e., eyes gaze) as emotional and communicative signals is highlighted and discussed as regulating the human-animal bond, similarly to what can be observed in the adult-infant interaction context. Particular emphasis is given to the neuroendocrine regulation of the social bond between humans and animals through oxytocin secretion. Instead of considering companion animals as mere baby substitutes for their owners, in this review we highlight the central role of cats and dogs in human lives. Specifically, we consider the ability of companion animals to bond with humans as fulfilling the need for attention and emotional intimacy, thus serving similar psychological and adaptive functions as human-human friendships. In this context, facial cuteness is viewed not just as a releaser of care/parental behavior, but, more in general, as a trait motivating social engagement. To conclude, the impact of this information for applied disciplines is briefly described, particularly in consideration of the increasing evidence of the beneficial effects of contacts with animals for human health and wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Borgi
- Section of Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences, Istituto Superiore di Sanità Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Cirulli
- Section of Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences, Istituto Superiore di Sanità Rome, Italy
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Borgi M, Cogliati-Dezza I, Brelsford V, Meints K, Cirulli F. Baby schema in human and animal faces induces cuteness perception and gaze allocation in children. Front Psychol 2014; 5:411. [PMID: 24847305 PMCID: PMC4019884 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2014.00411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [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] [Received: 03/13/2014] [Accepted: 04/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The baby schema concept was originally proposed as a set of infantile traits with high appeal for humans, subsequently shown to elicit caretaking behavior and to affect cuteness perception and attentional processes. However, it is unclear whether the response to the baby schema may be extended to the human-animal bond context. Moreover, questions remain as to whether the cute response is constant and persistent or whether it changes with development. In the present study we parametrically manipulated the baby schema in images of humans, dogs, and cats. We analyzed responses of 3-6 year-old children, using both explicit (i.e., cuteness ratings) and implicit (i.e., eye gaze patterns) measures. By means of eye-tracking, we assessed children's preferential attention to images varying only for the degree of baby schema and explored participants' fixation patterns during a cuteness task. For comparative purposes, cuteness ratings were also obtained in a sample of adults. Overall our results show that the response to an infantile facial configuration emerges early during development. In children, the baby schema affects both cuteness perception and gaze allocation to infantile stimuli and to specific facial features, an effect not simply limited to human faces. In line with previous research, results confirm human positive appraisal toward animals and inform both educational and therapeutic interventions involving pets, helping to minimize risk factors (e.g., dog bites).
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Borgi
- Section of Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences, Istituto Superiore di Sanità Rome, Italy
| | - Irene Cogliati-Dezza
- Section of Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences, Istituto Superiore di Sanità Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Francesca Cirulli
- Section of Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences, Istituto Superiore di Sanità Rome, Italy
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Wang Y, Wang X, Schwarz S, Zhang R, Lei L, Liu X, Lin D, Shen J. IMP-45-producing multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa of canine origin. J Antimicrob Chemother 2014; 69:2579-81. [PMID: 24777897 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dku133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Detection Technology for Animal-Derived Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, P. R. China
| | - Xin Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Detection Technology for Animal-Derived Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, P. R. China
| | - Stefan Schwarz
- Institute of Farm Animal Genetics, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), Höltystr. 10, 31535 Neustadt-Mariensee, Germany
| | - Rongmin Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Detection Technology for Animal-Derived Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, P. R. China
| | - Lei Lei
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Detection Technology for Animal-Derived Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoyu Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Detection Technology for Animal-Derived Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, P. R. China
| | - Degui Lin
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, P. R. China
| | - Jianzhong Shen
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Detection Technology for Animal-Derived Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, P. R. China
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