Chlamydophila psittaci infections in humans during an outbreak of psittacosis from poultry in Germany

In 2005, an outbreak of severe respiratory disease in a mixed poultry flock that was infected with Chlamydophila (C.) psittaci led to dissemination of the infection to at least 100 small poultry farms in 11 districts of Central Germany. At the same time, a total of 24 persons in contact with poultry from one of the flocks reported flu-like symptoms to their physician, thus suggesting zoonotic transmission. Within 3 weeks, seven individuals had to be hospitalized, with three of them requiring intensive care. Analysis of ompA sequences from chlamydial isolates and directly from clinical samples revealed the presence of both genotype A and E/B of C. psittaci at the source of the outbreak and in contact flocks. Genotype A was also detected in the three severely ill patients. The findings of the present study demonstrate the high zoonotic potential of avian chlamydiae. To ensure speedy eradication of psittacosis in poultry flocks and effective treatment of infected humans, fast, sensitive and species-specific detection of the causative agent is essential, as well as close collaboration between regional public health services, attending physicians and the diagnostic laboratories involved.     

Effects of light-emitting diode treatments on Brevicoryne brassicae performance mediated by secondary metabolites in Brussels sprouts

Journal of Plant Diseases and Protection - Although short-wavelength light and especially UV radiation can induce resistance in plants against herbivorous insects, the optimal wavelengths, light...     

Effects of a neem-based insecticide on different immature life stages of the leafminerLiriomyza sativae on tomato

The effects of the commercially available neem insecticide NeemAzal-T/S® (neem) (1% azadirachtin) onLiriomyza sativae (Diptera: Agromyzidae) were studied on tomato in Bangkok, Thailand. Neem emulsions were sprayed on the aerial plant parts at five concentrations (from 0.001% to 0.010% a.i.); different aged residues (0, 1, 3, 5, and 7 days) were tested, in both controlled environment rooms and in greenhouses. Irrespective of the residual age of the application, no significant effects on oviposition or egg hatch were detected. However, neem drastically increased larval mortality at the higher concentrations tested. The L1 and L2 larvae were most susceptible. Irrespective of concentration, larval mortality or inhibition of adult eclosion decreased much faster in greenhouses than in controlled environments with artificial light. Nevertheless, our results suggest that neem has potential to controlL. sativae in netted greenhouses.     

Comparison of techniques to survey populations of cereal aphids (Homoptera: Aphididae) in winter cereals during autumn and spring with special consideration of sample size

Journal of Plant Diseases and Protection - Cereal aphid populations (Homoptera: Aphididae) in winter wheat and winter barley were evaluated in the autumn and early spring of two subsequent...     

Effects of neem on adults of Eretmocerus warrae (Hym., Aphelinidae), a parasitoid of Bemisia tabaci (Horn., Aleyrodidae) in tropical horticulture systems

Journal of Plant Diseases and Protection - Side effects of two commercial neem products, NeemAzal- T/S (1% azadirachtin) as foliar application and NeemAzal- U (17% azadirachtin) as soil application...