Serological survey of leptospiral antibodies in cattle in Zimbabwe

A total of 2,382 sera from 92 herds widely distributed throughout Zimbabwe were screened using the Microscopic Agglutination Test against representatives of 18 serogroups of Leptospira interrogans and one representative of Leptospira biflexa. The prevalence of leptospiral titres at a serum dilution of 1:100 was 27%, the most common titres being to antigens from the Sejroe and Tarassovi serogroups. Significantly different proportions of titres were shown among the three farming systems and among the eight provinces of Zimbabwe.     

Serological survey for antibodies against selected infectious agents among fallow deer (Dama dama) in central Italy

Sera were collected from 224 fallow deer (Dama dama) in reserves in central Italy. Samples were tested for antibodies against Chlamydia spp., Brucella spp. and Coxiella spp. with the complement fixation (CF) test. Indirect immunofluorescence was used to test for antibodies against Borrelia spp. and agglutination tests were conducted for Leptospira interrogans antibodies. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests were used to detect antibodies against bovine herpesvirus-1 (BHV-1) and bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV). All samples were negative for antibodies against Brucella spp., L. interrogans, Coxiella spp. and BHV-1. Four samples (1.8%) had antibodies against Chlamydia spp., nine (4%) against Borrelia spp. and 10 (4.5%) against BVDV. These results indicate that fallow deer in central Italy have a low rate of exposure to pathogens typical of domestic livestock.     

A survey of new zealand cattle sera for antibodies to infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus

Abstract

Extract

Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) virus has been associated with respiratory infection (Webster and Manktelow, 1959 Webster, R. C. and Manktelow, B. W. 1959. Some; observations on bovine rhinotracheitis in New Zealand. N.Z. vet. J., 7: 143–148. [Taylor &; Francis Online] , [Google Scholar]) and genital infections (Manktelow and Hansen, 1961 Manketlow, B. W. and Hansen, N. F. 1961. The isolation of a cytopathic agent resembling the virus of infectious bovine rhinotracheitis from an outbreak of pustular vulvovaginitis in cattle. N.Z. vet. J., 9: 136–140.  [Google Scholar]) in New Zealand. The possible role of IBR virus in abortion has been reviewed by Durham (1974 Durham, P. J. K. 1974. Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virusand its role in bovine abortion. N.Z. vet. J., 22: 175–179. [Taylor &; Francis Online] , [Google Scholar]).     

Serological survey of Babesia bovis and Babesia bigemina in cattle in South Africa

A total of 719 serum samples collected from clinically healthy cattle from eight provinces located in different districts of South Africa were examined by the indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the standard indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) to determine the serological prevalence of Babesia bovis and Babesia bigemina. The results showed that 35.3% and 39.7% of cattle were positive for B. bovis and 30% and 36.5% were positive for B. bigemina antibodies on ELISA and IFAT, respectively. Mixed infections were detected in 18.2% and 26.3% of the samples using ELISA and IFAT, respectively. Consequently, the ELISAs with recombinant B. bovis spherical body protein-4 (BbSBP-4) and B. bigemina C-terminal rhoptry-associated protein-1 (BbigRAP-1/CT) were proven to be highly reliable in the serological diagnoses of bovine babesiosis in South African cattle, as evidenced by the significant concordance rates when the results were compared to those of IFAT. Moreover, the serological prevalence was significantly different among the tested provinces, in which the ranges exhibited between 15% and 73% for B. bovis infection and between 13% and 54% for B. bigemina infection. High sero-positive rates were present in Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal provinces, while the lowest rate was in the North West province. Our data provide important information regarding the current seroprevalence of bovine babesiosis in South Africa, which might be beneficial in developing rational strategies for disease control and management.     

Serological survey for Ehrlichia canis in urban dogs from the major population centres of northern Australia

OBJECTIVE: To detect evidence of Ehrlichia canis infection of dogs from the major population centres of northern Australia, if present. DESIGN: Serological investigation for E. canis. PROCEDURE: The sera of 316 domestic dogs, collected from the northern Australian population centres of Townsville, Cairns, Darwin, Kununurra and Broome from May 1997 to August 1999, were investigated for evidence of infection with E. canis. Samples were tested for antibodies to E. canis using an indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) test. The buffy coats from blood of dogs whose serum reacted in the IFA test were subsequently tested with a nested PCR to detect E. canis DNA. When available, blood from these dogs was injected into suckling mice, which were then examined for clinical disease and tested for the presence of E. canis antibodies. RESULTS: Of the 316 samples tested seven reacted in the IFA test for E. canis. None of the dogs from which these samples were obtained exhibited clinical signs of acute or chronic ehrlichiosis. The six positive samples available for testing were negative when tested with the nested PCR. Suckling mice inoculated with blood from three of the dogs whose serum was positive by IFA test showed no signs of clinical disease nor did their give positive reactions in the IFA test. CONCLUSIONS: No evidence of E. canis infection was confirmed in any of the dogs examined. Northern Australia would appear to remain free of this obligate parasite.     

Serological survey for antibodies to Encephalitozoon cuniculi in rabbits in Taiwan

Encephalitozoon cuniculi (E. cuniculi) is a microsporidian parasite commonly found in rabbits that can infect humans, causing encephalitozoonosis. Our laboratory recently confirmed the first case of encephalitozoonosis in a rabbit in Taiwan; the prevalence of encephalitozoonosis is not well documented, even when many clinics suspect pet rabbits as being infected. This study surveys the seropositivity of E. cuniculi using carbon immunoassay (CIA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Serological examination of 171 rabbits using CIA and ELISA showed that 63.2% (108/171) and 67.8% (116/171) were seropositive against E. cuniculi, respectively. Thirteen of the 14 rabbits (92.9%) with neurological symptoms were seropositive. Except for gender, health status and location had a significant effect on E. cuniculi seropositivity (p<0.05). Adult rabbits aged older than 4 months exhibited significantly higher seropositivity for E. cuniculi than young rabbits (p<0.05). In conclusion, this study shows that E. cuniculi is present and widespread among healthy rabbits in Taiwan. Therefore, the fields of veterinary and human medicine in Taiwan should be aware of this zoonotic issue and the resulting public health concern of encephalitozoonosis.     

Serological survey for antibodies to Encephalitozoon cuniculi in pet rabbits in Italy

Pet rabbits (n = 125) from Southern Italy were submitted to a serological screening for Encephalitozoon cuniculi, using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and a carbon immunoassay (CIA). Seventy-eight examined rabbits showed clinical signs suggestive of encephalitozoonosis (head tilt, ataxia, paralysis, cataracts, uveitis, polyuria and polydipsia), whereas 47 were healthy rabbits. Antibodies anti-E. cuniculi were found in 84/125 (67.2%) sera analysed. The results of the chi-squared test showed that sex and health status had no significant effect (P > 0.05) on E. cuniculi seropositivity; however, rabbits older than 4 months had a seropositivity for E. cuniculi significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that of rabbits aged up to 4 months. The results of the present survey reinforce the assumption that rabbit may be indicated as the main reservoir of E. cuniculi; therefore, routine screening examinations in pet rabbits are strongly advised considering the zoonotic potential of this parasite.     

Helminth parasites of beef cattle in the east kimberley and victoria river districts of northern Australia

Summary An investigation into the helminth species present in cattle in the East Kimberley and Victoria River Districts of Northern Australia was conducted over a 2-year period based on bi-monthly total and differential worm counts in weaner cattle as well as on apost mortem survey of adult cattle sent for slaughter.The most important species found in young cattle wereHaemonchus placei andCooperia spp. Only small numbers ofBunostomum phlebotomum, Nematodirus spathiger, Oesophagostomum radiatum andMoniezia benedini were present.Calicophoron calicophorum and nodules ofOnchocerca spp. andOe. radiatum were recorded in adult cattle. Seasonal fluctuations in helminth parasite burdens are discussed in relation to temperature and rainfall and the results are interpreted in relation to the effects of helminthosis on present and future beef production in this area.

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Parásitos Helmintos En El Ganado De Carne De Kimberley Oriental Y Rio Victoria, Distritos Del Nordeste De Australia

Resumen Se realizó una investigación parasitológica sobre las especies de helmintos prevalentes en el ganado de carne de los Distritos de Kimberley Oriental y Río Victoria en el nordeste de Australia. El estudio tuvo una duración de dos años ye se basó en conteos bimensuales totales y diferenciales de parásitos en animales jóvenes, y adultos enviados al matadero.Las especies más importantes encontradas en animales jóvenes fueronHaemonchus placei yCooperia spp. De menor importancia fueronBunostomun phlebotomum, Nematodirus spathiger, Oesophagostomum radiatum yMoniezia benedini. En ganado adulto se encontróCalicophoron calicophorum y nodulos deOnchocerca spp. yOesophagostomum radiatum. Se discuten las fluctuaciones estacionales parasitarias con relación a la temperatura y el régimen de lluvias, asi como la interpretación de los resultados con relación a los efectos de la helmintiasis en el presente y futuro de la producción de carne en el área.

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Helminthes Du Bétail Du Boucherie Dans Les Districts D'east Kimberley Et De Victoria River, Dans L'australie Du Nord

Résumé Une enquête sur les différentes espèces d'helminthes hébergées par le bétail dans les districts d'East Kimberley et de Victoria River, a été conduite pendant deux années sur la base du décompte une fois tous les deux mois total et différentiel des vers trouvés tant sur du bétail sevré que chez des animaux adultes autopsiés à cet effet aux abattoirs.Les espèces les plus importantes trouvées chez les jeunes animaux ont étéHaemonchus placei etCooperia spp. alors queBunostomum phlebotomum, Nematodirus spathiger, Oesophagostomum radiatum etMoniezia benedini n'ont été trouvé qu'en faible nombre.Calicophoron calicophorum et des nodules d'Onchocerca spp. etO. radiatum ont été trouvés chez le bétail adulte.Les fluctuations saisonnières de ces helminthes parasites sont discutées en relation avec la température et la pluviosité et les résultats interpretés en relation avec les répercussions que peuvent avoir ces verminoses sur le présent et l'avenir de la production de viande dans cette région.

     

A serological survey for infectious bursal disease virus antibodies in free-range village chickens in northern Tanzania

A study of infectious bursal disease (IBD) or 'Gumboro disease' seroprevalence rates in healthy, non-vaccinated indigenous scavenging chickens in northern Tanzania was conducted in November and December 2009 on 362 chickens raised in a traditional management system. Individual bird and flock-level information was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire, and serum samples were screened for IBD virus (IBDV) antibodies using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The study revealed high rates of IBDV antibodies, yielding an overall seropositive rate of 58.8 % and with at least one positive bird detected in 82.8 % (74/90) of flocks. Univariate logistic regression analysis revealed that seropositivity to IBDV varied significantly (chi2 = 16.1, P < 0.001) between the study sites. The flock seroprevalence was found to vary from 37.5 % to 91 % between districts and from 75 % to 90 % between regions. The results of this study showed that IBD is an endemic and widely distributed disease in northern Tanzania.     

Serologic survey for leptospirosis in Arizona beef cattle in 1981

Sera from 1,215 beef cattle in Arizona were evaluated by leptospiral microscopic agglutination test in 1981. Over 25% had agglutinins to greater than or equal to 1 of 5 serovars of Leptospira interrogans used as antigens (canicola, grippotyphosa, hardjo, icterohaemorrhagiae, and pomona) at a titer of greater than or equal to 1:100, and 8.2% had titers of greater than or equal to 1:400 to greater than or equal to 1 serovars. The most common serovar to which reactions were detected was hardjo; agglutinins were detected at titers of greater than or equal to 1:100 in 14.3% and of greater than or equal to 1:400 in 5.5%. Cross reactions were rare at serum dilutions greater than or equal to 1:100 (2%) and extremely rare at greater than or equal to 1:400 (0.7%). Because vaccination with leptospiral bacterins is seldom practiced in Arizona beef cattle, a titer of greater than or equal to 1:100 may be useful in estimating incidence and prevalence of the disease and as an aid to diagnosis of leptospirosis.     

Serological surveillance for antibodies against different avian infectious agents on turkey flocks naturally infected with turkey rhinotracheitis

Turkey Rhinotracheitis (TRT) in the state of Baden-Württemberg, Germany appears to have become endemic affecting all farms and every new restocking. In 5 meat turkey flocks, serological surveillance for antibodies to TRT-, IB- and IBD-viruses, as well as to Pasteurella multocida were carried out using ELISA tests. Furthermore, sera were examined for the presence of antibodies to avian adenovirus (CELO virus), reo- and paramyxo-viruses 1 and 3. The birds were bled at 4 week intervals starting at the first day of age through the 20th week. Serological data indicated that in all turkey flocks surveyed after natural exposure to infection, there was a significant increase to TRT antibody levels which was usually accompanied with an increase in the number of positive sera to adenovirus. In addition, no antibodies to IB- and IBD-viruses as well as to Pasteurella multocida could be detected in any of the examined sera. The results related to reo- and paramyxo-viruses 1 and 3 will also be discussed.     

Serological evidence of Coxiella burnetii infection in beef cattle in Queensland

Background Queensland has the highest incidence of Q fever in Australia. The aim of this study was to undertake a cross‐sectional seroprevalence survey of Coxiella burnetii, the causative agent of Q fever, in beef cattle in Queensland. Methods Serum samples were tested by ELISA for both phase II and phase I antigens of the organism using an Australian isolate. Blood samples were collected at an abattoir that processes beef cattle originating from northern and north‐western Queensland, in addition to blood samples taken from beef cattle across Queensland as part of a second survey. Results Seropositivity was 16.8% (95% confidence interval 16.7–16.8%). Conclusion Evidence of C. burnetii infection in beef cattle has public health implications for occupational exposure of primary producers and veterinarians and for the proximity of beef cattle properties to residential areas in regional Queensland. This study is the first known investigation of C. burnetii seroprevalence in beef cattle in Queensland and the first known use of an Australian C. burnetii isolate for screening using both phase II and phase I antigens.     

Serological survey for antibodies to Leptospira in dogs and raccoons in Washington State

A high number of reported canine leptospirosis cases occurred in Washington State from 2004 to 2006. This prompted a serosurvey of healthy dogs from around the state to determine the distribution of exposure risk and to provide insight into serovar epidemiology in the region. In addition, a convenience sample of sera from injured raccoons was also tested, and clinical serological data from the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory were examined. The proportion of dogs with an antibody titre (>or=1:100) to any serovar was 27/158 (17.1%, 95% CI 11.6-23.9), and that proportion among raccoons was 22/115 (19.1%, 95% CI 12.4-27.5) suggesting that the potential for exposure in Washington state is not uncommon. The most frequently detected serovars in healthy dogs were Autumnalis, Icterohemorrhagiae and Canicola, in clinical canine samples Autumnalis, Bratislava and Pomona were more frequent and in sick or injured raccoons Autumnalis, and Pomona were most frequently detected. Clinical canine serology demonstrated a late summer-fall seasonality that was consistent with other reports. An outbreak of canine leptospirosis occurred during 2004-2006 and was located primarily in western Washington counties, as were three reported human cases in 2005. Canine leptospirosis surveillance is an important tool for detecting human risk of exposure and may provide insights into which serovars are currently of clinical importance.