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Abstract Background Bacteria of the genus Borrelia are agents of disease in both domestic animals and humans and pose a significant public health risk. Borrelia species have complex transmission cycles, often using rodents as vertebrate reservoir hosts. These bacteria are classified into three well-defined monophyletic groups: Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (Bbsl) complex, the relapsing fever (RF) group, and a third group associated with reptiles and echidnas. Moreover, a new group of Borrelia associated with rodents has recently been proposed, as these bacteria form a phylogenetic group separated from the previously mentioned groups. This study aimed to investigate the presence of DNA of Borrelia spirochetes in rodents in specific areas of the Colombian Caribbean. Methods A total of 155 rodent spleen samples were selected from the tissue bank. These samples were obtained in the departments of La Guajira and Córdoba (Northern Colombia). DNA extraction and specific real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting Borrelia 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene were performed, followed by nested PCR (nPCR) on positive samples to obtain larger fragments of the 16S rRNA gene and characterize the flaB gene. Alignments of generated sequences and ortholog sequences downloaded from Genbank were performed in Clustal Omega. A phylogenetic tree was built with the maximum likelihood method in IQTREE. Results Spleen samples from rodents of the genera Heteromys, Mus, Necromys, Olygoryzomys, Proechymis, Rattus, Sigmodon, and Zygodontomys were processed. Overall, 6.5% (4/162) of the animals tested positive for Borrelia by real-time PCR. All quantitative PCR (qPCR)-positive samples were also positive for nPCR targeting the 16S rRNA gene, yielding fragments of 344–408 bp and 603–673 bp from two Sigmodon rodents and two Zygodontomys rodents from La Guajira and Córdoba. All samples were negative for the flaB gene. Only samples from Zygodontomys rodents presented good quality sequences. A BLASTn analysis showed a percentage of identity ranging between 98.16 and 96.06% with Borrelia sp. R57. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that sequences of the present study clustered with species of the recently proposed Borrelia “rodent group.” Conclusions This is the first detection of borreliae of the “rodent group” in South America. Our results reaffirm the occurrence of a group of spirochetes associated with rodents, extending its geographic distribution to the Colombian Caribbean. Graphical abstract

El proyecto se ejecutó en el corregimiento de Leticia, una de las zonas más importantes de Montería en la producción de leche y que se caracteriza por sus malos indicadores, generando esto brechas tecnológicas en comparación con otros sistemas ganaderos. Con la implementación de las escuelas de campo, estrategia de educación no formal, se generó un ambiente de aprendizaje entre productores y técnicos. El objetivo fue determinar el efecto de dicha intervención educativa en buenas prácticas de ordeño, sobre la salud de la ubre y la calidad microbiológica de la leche en fincas de pequeños productores de Montería, Córdoba, Colombia. La recolección de la información de campo se desarrolló en tres fases: pretest, donde se hizo una encuesta y una primera toma de muestras; intervención, donde se efectuó una capacitación mediante escuelas de campo en diferentes protocolos y postest, donde se hizo una evaluación final mediante una encuesta y una segunda toma de muestras para valorar la sanidad de las ubres y la calidad microbiológica; todas estas mediciones se analizaron en un laboratorio certificado. Mediante un estudio analítico, se recolectaron 144 encuestas y 144 muestras de leche cruda en el pretest, de igual manera sucedió en el postest, y los datos fueron procesados mediante estadística descriptiva e inferencial en el software Infostat. Como resultado, las variables células somáticas y mesófilos fueron menores en el postest. El acompañamiento técnico permitió implementar buenas prácticas de ordeño y vincular a pequeños productores con mercados formales de la cadena láctea.

Abstract Background The emergence of highly transmissible SARS-CoV-2 variants has led to surges in cases and the need for global genomic surveillance. While some variants rapidly spread worldwide, other variants only persist nationally. There is a need for more fine-scale analysis to understand transmission dynamics at a country scale. For instance, the Mu variant of interest, also known as lineage B.1.621, was first detected in Colombia and was responsible for a large local wave but only a few sporadic cases elsewhere. Methods To better understand the epidemiology of SARS-Cov-2 variants in Colombia, we used 14,049 complete SARS-CoV-2 genomes from the 32 states of Colombia. We performed Bayesian phylodynamic analyses to estimate the time of variants’ introduction, their respective effective reproductive number, and effective population size, and the impact of disease control measures. Results Here, we detect a total of 188 SARS-CoV-2 Pango lineages circulating in Colombia since the pandemic’s start. We show that the effective reproduction number oscillated drastically throughout the first two years of the pandemic, with Mu showing the highest transmissibility (Re and growth rate estimation). Conclusions Our results reinforce that genomic surveillance programs are essential for countries to make evidence-driven interventions toward the emergence and circulation of novel SARS-CoV-2 variants.

Abstract Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of the current COVID-19 pandemic, has evolved to have a wide range of hosts, including non-human primates, wild and domestic animals. The ACE2 protein has a high level of conservation and is the common receptor invertebrate species for a viral infection to occur; this receptor could give rise to anthroponotic events. This article describes the first event of symptomatic transmission in Latin America from a human to a dog by the B.1.625 lineage of SARS-CoV-2. We found 21 shared mutations in the complete genomes of viral sequences from owners and dogs. Further phylogenetic and molecular analysis showed that 100% co-localization of the clade helps to understand human-animal transmission. Prediction of the Spike protein structure of the sequenced virus and docking analyzes showed that the E484K mutation in the receptor-binding domain (RBD) could contribute to the viral affinity of dACE2. Therefore, close contact between SARS-CoV-2-infected humans and pets should be avoided to prevent the emergence of novel mutations of public health importance from anthroponotic events.

BACKGROUND Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a virus of zoonotic origin that can bind to ACE2 receptors on the cells of many wild and domestic mammals. Studies have shown that the virus can circulate among animals mutate, lead to animal-to-human zoonotic jump, and further onward spread between humans. Infection in pets is unusual, and there are few human-to-pet transmission reports worldwide. OBJECTIVE To describe the SARS-CoV-2 infection in a domestic animal in Córdoba, Colombian Caribbean region. METHODS A cross-sectional molecular surveillance study was carried out, oral and rectal swabs were taken from cats and dogs living with people diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). RESULTS SARS-CoV-2 was found in a cat living with a person with COVID-19. Genome sequencing showed that the B.1.111 lineage caused the infection in the cat. The owner’s sample could not be sequenced. The lineage is predominant in Colombia, and this variant is characterised by the presence of the D614D and Q57H mutation. CONCLUSION The present work is the first report of an infected cat with SARS-CoV-2 with whole-genome sequencing in Colombia. It highlights the importance of detecting SARS-CoV-2 mutations that could promote the transmissibility of this new coronavirus. There is still a significant information gap on human-to-cat-to-human infection; we encourage self-isolation measures between COVID-19 patients and companion animals. The findings of this study give a preliminary view of the current panorama of SARS-CoV-2 infection in animals in Colombia.

Abstract Background Aedes aegypti is the primary vector of dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses in Colombia. Various insecticides, including pyrethroid, organophosphate, and carbamate insecticides; growth regulators; and biological insecticides, such as Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis, have been used to control Ae. aegypti populations. However, organophosphates such as malathion, pirimiphos-methyl, and temephos have been used over the last decade owing to the high resistance to pyrethroids. Methods This study assessed the susceptibility to organophosphates in 14 Ae. aegypti populations from the Córdoba department in northern Colombia. Moreover, possible resistance mechanisms were investigated by determining the activity levels of α-esterases, β-esterases, mixed function oxidases (MFOs), glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), and insensitive acetylcholinesterase (iAChE). Additionally, the Ace-1 gene was sequenced to identify mutations at the target site of action. Results The populations were susceptible to temephos and malathion but resistant to fenitrothion, and in three of them, to pirimiphos-methyl. Alterations in the enzyme activity levels of α-esterases and β-esterases, GST, and iAChE were observed among the populations, with high enzyme activity levels of α and β esterases associated with resistance to fenitrothion. No mutations were identified in the Ace-1 gene. Conclusions These findings are highly relevant for vector control programs in the region, as they allow for adjustments in resistance management strategies and improve the effectiveness of interventions against these arboviruses. Graphical Abstract

Abstract Background Ticks are obligate hematophagous ectoparasites involved in transmitting viruses of public health importance. The objective of this work was to identify the Jingmen tick virus in hard ticks from the Colombian Caribbean, an arbovirus of importance for public health. Methods Ticks were collected in rural areas of Córdoba and Cesar, Colombia. Taxonomic identification of ticks was carried out, and pools of 13 individuals were formed. RNA extraction was performed. Library preparation was performed with the MGIEasy kit, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) with MGI equipment. Bioinformatic analyses and taxonomic assignments were performed using the Galaxy platform, and phylogenetic analyses were done using IQ-TREE2. Results A total of 766 ticks were collected, of which 87.33% (669/766) were Rhipicephalus microplus, 5.4% (42/766) Dermacentor nitens, 4.2% (32/766) Rhipicephalus linnaei, and 3.0% (23/766) Amblyomma dissimile. Complete and partial segments 1, 2, 3, and 4 of Jingmen tick virus (JMTV) were detected in the metatranscriptome of the species R. microplus, D. nitens, and A. dissimile. The JMTVs detected are phylogenetically related to JMTVs detected in Aedes albopictus in France, JMTVs detected in R. microplus in Trinidad and Tobago, JMTVs in R. microplus and A. variegatum in the French Antilles, and JMTVs detected in R. microplus in Colombia. Interestingly, our sequences clustered closely with JMTV detected in humans from Kosovo. Conclusions JMTV was detected in R. microplus, D. nitens, and A. dissimile. JMTV could pose a risk to humans. Therefore, it is vital to establish epidemiological surveillance measures to better understand the possible role of JMTV in tropical diseases. Graphical Abstract

Los ácidos biliares son biomoléculas con esqueleto esteroidal presentes en la bilis animal y humana, sintetizada en el hígado, a partir de la descomposición del colesterol y luego metabolizados por el microbiota intestinal. Se les atribuyen propiedades biológicas, farmacológicas, anticancerígena, antimicrobiana y terapéuticas; también exhiben efectos bacteriostáticos y bactericidas afectando a géneros, como Staphylococcus, Balantidium, Pneumococcus y Enterococcus; sin embargo, hay pocos estudios con actividad antioxidante apreciable. Por lo tanto, se extrajeron e identificaron químicamente los ácidos biliares aislados de la bilis de bovino (Bos), para determinar su potencial antioxidante y bactericida. Los ácidos biliares fueron derivatizados como ésteres metílicos y analizados mediante cromatografía de gases, acoplada a espectrometría de masas. La actividad bactericida se evaluó frente a Staphylococcus aureus y Pseudomona aeruginosa por el método de microdilución, con concentraciones entre 250 - 4000 μg/mL. El potencial antioxidante fue evaluado frente al radical libre 2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidracilo, a una concentración de 100 μg/mL. Los resultados mostraron la presencia de tres ácidos biliares: ácidos cólicos, ácido desoxicólico y ácido 7alfa-hidroxi-3-oxo-colan-24-oico. La inhibición del crecimiento bacteriano se alcanzó, en su totalidad, con los dos microorganismos evaluados, aún a la concentración más baja utilizada (250 μg/mL). La actividad antioxidante de los ácidos biliares frente al radical DPPH fue muy baja, presentándose un potencial de reducción de 8,9 % a la concentración utilizada. Esta investigación permitió contribuir con el estudio de las actividades biológicas y químicas de los ácidos biliares.

Abstract Background The genus Borrelia comprises pathogenic species of bacteria that pose a significant risk to public health. Borrelia spp. are emerging or reemerging infectious agents worldwide with complex transmission cycles, and many species use rodents as vertebrate reservoir hosts. Spirochetes morphologically compatible with Borrelia have been recurrently observed in opossums; however, there is currently a lack of genetic evidence confirming infection or supporting that these marsupials are hosts of Borrelia spirochetes. Methods During 2017, 53 serum samples of Didelphis marsupialis from the municipality of Colosó (department of Sucre, Colombia) were collected and allocated in a serum bank. DNA extracted from the serum samples was submitted to a Borrelia genus-specific real-time PCR targeting the 16S rRNA gene. Positive samples were subsequently derived from semi-nested PCR protocols to obtain large fragments of the 16S rRNA and flaB genes. Obtained amplicons were subjected to Sanger sequencing. One positive sample was randomly selected for next-generation sequencing (NGS). Obtained reads were mapped to genomes of Borrelia spp. and sequences of two genes used in a multilocus sequence typing scheme retrieved for taxonomic assignment and phylogenetic analyses. Results Overall, 18.8% (10/53) of the samples were positive by qPCR. Of them, 80% (8/10) and 60% (6/10) were positive for the 16S rRNA and flaB genes after semi-nested PCRs, respectively. Bioinformatic analysis of one sample sequenced with NGS yielded 22 reads of genus Borrelia with different sizes. Two housekeeping genes, rplB and pyrG, were recovered. Nucleotide pairwise comparisons and phylogenetic analyses of 16S rRNA, flaB, rplB and pyrG genes showed that the Borrelia sp. found in opossums from Colosó corresponded to Borrelia puertoricensis. Conclusions We describe the first molecular evidence to our knowledge of B. puertoricensis in Colombia, specifically in opossums, and the first detection of this spirochete in a vertebrate host since its isolation from Ornithodoros puertoricensis in Panama. This detection is also relevant because of the epidemiological importance of opossums as reservoirs of zoonotic diseases to humans. Graphical abstract

Background/Objectives: Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease that is widely distributed around the world and presents symptoms similar to other febrile illnesses in tropical regions, which complicates clinical diagnosis. This study aimed to evaluate the performance and agreement between serological diagnostic tests for detecting both acute and convalescent human leptospirosis, using the micro agglutination test (MAT) as a reference in an endemic region of the Colombian Caribbean. Methods: A prospective descriptive study was conducted on 275 participants with suspected leptospirosis. Paired serum samples were obtained, and an epidemiological survey was conducted. Using the MAT as the gold standard, we calculated positive and negative predictive values, sensitivity, specificity, and kappa index. A Bayesian latent class model was also used to compare the diagnostic tests. Results: In 223 paired serum samples, the sensitivity values for various stages of the disease ranged between 10.8% to 54.1% in the acute and 6.1% to 66.7% during the convalescent phase compared to the MAT. According to the Bayesian model, sensitivity was 9.5% to 75.3% in the acute phase and 5.7% to 85.3% in the convalescent phase. The Kappa value, an indicator of agreement, was moderate for the IgM ELISA in the acute phase (0.553) and substantial in the convalescent phase (0.692). Conclusions: The MAT was the best confirmatory test in both acute and convalescent phases of leptospirosis. Despite the high specificity of ELISA, 21.62% of participants identified as negative by IgM-ELISA in both phases were subsequently confirmed as positive by the MAT. It is necessary to re-evaluate diagnostic guidelines that do not employ the MAT for confirmation and to enhance the diagnostic and clinical identification of leptospirosis within healthcare institutions and public health laboratories while providing a rapid and reliable test for its implementation.

En la cultura histórica de la primera generación de liberales españoles, las referencias a la Edad Media permitieron legitimar sus propuestas constitucionales. Esto implicó un desprecio del reformismo borbónico del siglo XVIII, al identificarse con el despotismo ministerial y el afrancesamiento de la nación. Sin embargo, a lo largo de la década de 1830 esta percepción se fue transformando, hacia una mirada que veía el reinado de Carlos III como el de una regeneración interrumpida. Los escritos de Andrés Muriel y otros autores permiten estudiar los diversos horizontes de expectativa que se podían visualizar al invocar este reinado. La visión positiva del reformismo borbónico aparece como el correlato del cambio de rumbo de las expectativas revolucionarias.

Objetivo. Determinar la calidad fisicoquímica, microbiológica y recuento de células somáticas de leches crudas que se distribuyen para consumo humano en diferentes barrios de Sincelejo y Corozal (Sucre). Materiales y métodos. Mediante un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal, se tomaron 97 muestras de leche cruda; se determinaron algunos parámetros fisicoquímicos, microbiológicos y recuento de células somáticas. Los datos obtenidos se analizaron de acuerdo a la normatividad vigente en Colombia. Resultados. La mayoría de los parámetros fisicoquímicos de las muestras de leche cruda evaluadas se encontraron dentro de los parámetros normales de la legislación colombina. El recuento estándar en placa y el recuento de células somáticas se encontraron por encima de lo permitido por la legislación. Se demostró la presencia de coliformes totales, coliformes fecales, antibióticos y adulterantes como sacarosa y almidones. Conclusiones. La leche cruda que se distribuye para consumo humano en Sincelejo y Corozal presenta buena calidad fisicoquímica pero deficiente calidad microbiológica; se hace necesario incrementar la vigilancia y exigir al eslabón primario de la cadena láctea la producción de leche de excelente calidad.

Abstract Background The genus Borrelia is composed of two well-defined monophyletic groups, the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex (Bb) and the relapsing fever (RF) group borreliae. Recently, a third group, associated with reptiles and echidnas, has been described. In general, RF group borreliae use rodents as reservoir hosts; although neotropical bats may also be involved as important hosts, with scarce knowledge regarding this association. The objective of this study was to detect the presence of Borrelia spp. DNA in bats from the department of Córdoba in northwest Colombia. Methods During September 2020 and June 2021, 205 bats were captured in six municipalities of Córdoba department, Colombia. Specimens were identified using taxonomic keys and DNA was extracted from spleen samples. A Borrelia-specific real-time PCR was performed for the 16S rRNA gene. Fragments of the 16S rRNA and flaB genes were amplified in the positive samples by conventional PCR. The detected amplicons were sequenced by the Sanger method. Phylogenetic reconstruction was performed in IQ-TREE with maximum likelihood based on the substitution model TPM3+F+I+G4 with bootstrap values deduced from 1000 replicates. Results Overall, 10.2% (21/205) of the samples were found positive by qPCR; of these, 81% (17/21) and 66.6% (14/21) amplified 16S rRNA and flaB genes, respectively. qPCR-positive samples were then subjected to conventional nested and semi-nested PCR to amplify 16S rRNA and flaB gene fragments. Nine positive samples for both genes were sequenced, and seven and six sequences were of good quality for the 16S rRNA and flaB genes, respectively. The DNA of Borrelia spp. was detected in the insectivorous and fruit bats Artibeus lituratus, Carollia perspicillata, Glossophaga soricina, Phyllostomus discolor, and Uroderma sp. The 16S rRNA gene sequences showed 97.66–98.47% identity with “Borrelia sp. clone Omi3,” “Borrelia sp. RT1S,” and Borrelia sp. 2374; the closest identities for the flaB gene were 94.02–98.04% with “Borrelia sp. Macaregua.” For the 16S rRNA gene, the phylogenetic analysis showed a grouping with “Candidatus Borrelia ivorensis” and “Ca. Borrelia africana,” and for the flaB gene showed a grouping with Borrelia sp. Macaregua and Borrelia sp. Potiretama. The pathogenic role of the Borrelia detected in this study is unknown. Conclusions We describe the first molecular evidence of Borrelia spp. in the department of Córdoba, Colombia, highlighting that several bat species harbor Borrelia spirochetes. Graphical Abstract

En la producción zootécnica, la brucelosis y la leptospirosis ocasionan problemas reproductivos y son una limitante en salud y en producción animal. El objetivo fue determinar la presencia de anticuerpos contra Leptospira spp. y Brucella abortus, en una población bufalera, en el municipio de Tierralta, Córdoba. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal, que incluyó un total de 144 búfalos de la raza Murrah, destinados al doble propósito. Para el diagnóstico de Leptospira spp., se implementó la prueba de aglutinación microscópica, con 13 serogrupos, 19 serovares pertenecientes a 5 especies de Leptospira patógenas y para brucelosis Rosa de Bengala y C-Elisa. La seroprevalencia para Leptospira spp. fue del 87,5 %, el serogrupo Mini fue el de mayor frecuencia, pero Grippotyphosa presentó el mayor título. El 16,67 % de los búfalos evaluados presentaron títulos iguales o superiores a 1:800, asociados con infección actual o reciente. La alta seroprevalencia, se puede deber a las características ambientales de la zona, que brinda las condiciones favorables para el crecimiento y el mantenimiento de este patógeno que, sumado al comportamiento de los búfalos de revolcarse, los hace propensos a las infecciones con bacterias del género Leptospira sp., porque a menudo, las fuentes de agua están contaminadas por este patógeno. La seroprevalencia contra B. abortus por Rosa de Bengala y Elisa-C fue del 2,08 %. Todos los títulos determinados corresponden a procesos infecciosos. No hubo signos clínicos de enfermedad y la carencia de registros productivos no permitió determinar el efecto sobre los parámetros reproductivos.

Individual-level sibling interactions in the litter huddle have been studied extensively, especially in the domestic rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). However, little is known about inter-litter differences in pup activity patterns during early postnatal life, in particular regarding the drivers of such variation. In our study on 2-3-day-old rabbit pups, we predicted lower locomotor activity in litters with lower mean body masses on the day of birth (starting body mass) and with lower daily milk intake per pup, possibly constituting a behavioral strategy of pups to cope with associated energetic constraints. For an automatized assessment of pup locomotor activity in the litter huddle, we successfully developed and validated a method based on the quantification of dissimilarities between consecutive frames of video footage. Using this method, we could confirm a U-shaped time course of litter-level locomotor activity, with maximum values shortly before and after the once-daily nursing typical for the rabbit. As predicted, between-litter variation in mean starting body mass and in daily milk intake affected the degree of locomotor activity in the litter huddle, in an interactive way. That is, in litters with heavier starting body masses, pup locomotor activity was greater in pups with an initially higher milk intake, suggesting that only pups with better body condition and a higher energy intake could afford higher levels of activity. This interaction was exclusively apparent during the middle phase of the 24 h inter-nursing interval, when litter activity was low. Shortly before nursing, when pups show higher levels of locomotor behavior in anticipation of the mother's arrival, and shortly after nursing when the pups were more active possibly due to adjustments of their positions in the huddle, activity levels were decoupled from pups' starting body mass and previous milk intake. Our findings highlight the importance of pup body mass and daily energy intake, two parameters known to be related to maternal characteristics, in shaping inter-litter differences in pup locomotor activity., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare no competing interests., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)