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Marburg virus, previously referred to as Marburg hemorrhagic fever, is a highly severe and frequently fatal illness that affects humans. This study aimed to develop and validate a French questionnaire to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice toward Marburg virus disease (FKAP-MVD). An anonymous online survey was used, which was distributed through various platforms and emails. Data were collected from Burkina Faso, Guinea, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Senegal. To conduct the study, an anonymous online survey was used, which was distributed through various platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, and emails. The survey was uploaded onto a Google form to facilitate data collection. Data were collected from Burkina Faso, Guinea, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Senegal. Of the total sample of 510 participants, 60.0% were male, their mean age was 28.41 ± 6.32 years, 38.0% were married, 86.6% resided in urban areas and 64.1% had a university education. The questionnaire had good internal consistency; Cronbach's alpha was 0.87. The correlation between knowledge and attitude was 0.002, the correlation between knowledge and practice was 0.204, and the correlation between practice and attitude was relatively weak and negative at −0.060. This indicates the divergent validity of the questionnaire. The KMO value of 0.91 indicates a high level of adequacy, suggesting that the data are suitable for factor analysis. The Bartlett test of Sphericity yielded an approximate χ 2 value of 4016.890 with 300 degrees of freedom and a P -value of 0.0001. The confirmatory factor analysis revealed 25 questions in three domains. The normed chi-square value is 1.224. The goodness of Fit Index (GFI) is 0.902, the Comparative Fit Index (CFI) is 0.982, the Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) is 0.033, and the Root Mean Square Residual (RMR) is 0.062. These values indicate a good fit of the model to the data. In general, the developed questionnaire has significant potential to inform public health initiatives and interventions related to MVD. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Consider cutaneous bacillary angiomatosis in mildly immunocompromised patients. • There are uncertainties about the best antibiotic treatment and its duration. • Validation and use of molecular methods can improve diagnosis and therapy outcomes. Cutaneous bacillary angiomatosis (cBA) is a vascular proliferative disorder due to Bartonella henselae or Bartonella quintana that has been mostly described in people living with HIV. Since cBA is considered to be rare in hosts not affected by major immunosuppression, it could be underdiagnosed in this population. Moreover, antimicrobial treatment of cBA has been poorly validated, thus reporting experiences on this clinical entity is important. We reported a challenging and well-characterized case of an Italian 67-year-old gentleman without a history of major immunocompromizing conditions, although he was affected by conditions that can be associated with impaired immune function. The patient reported herein was diagnosed after a long time since the initiation of symptoms and was successfully treated with combined antibiotic therapy including macrolides and quinolones under the guidance of molecular test results. Physicians should consider cBA as a possible manifestation of Bartonella spp. Infection in patients not suffering from major immunocompromizing conditions. Until evidence-based guidelines are available, molecular tests together with severity and extension of the disease can be useful to personalize the type of treatment and its duration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Distribution and administration strategy are critical to successful population immunization efforts. Agent-based modeling (ABM) can reflect the complexity of real-world populations and can experimentally evaluate vaccine strategy and policy. However, ABMs historically have been limited in their time-to-development, long runtime, and difficulty calibrating. Our team had several technical advances in the development of our GradABMs: a novel class of scalable, fast and differentiable simulations. GradABMs can simulate million-size populations in a few seconds on commodity hardware, integrate with deep neural networks and ingest heterogeneous sources. This allows for rapid and real-world sensitivity analyses. Our first epidemiological GradABM (EpiABMv1) enabled simulation interventions over real million-scale populations and was used in vaccine strategy and policy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Literature suggests decisions aided by evidence from these models saved thousands of lives. Our most recent model (EpiABMv2) extends EpiABMv1 to allow improved regional calibration using deep neural networks to incorporate local population data, and in some cases different policy recommendations versus our prior models. This is an important advance for our model to be more effective at vaccine strategy and policy decisions at the local public health level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Refreshers and just-in-time training on PPE donning and doffing within the context of the hierarchy of controls was critical during the COVID-19 pandemic. • Remote learning in the active observer role is a cost effective and highly effective for learning sequencing of existing skill sets and building confidence during uncertain times of a public health crisis. • Customizable components of toolkit were valuable for educators in diverse settings. Infectious disease crisis requires incident specific training and presents unique circumstances for teaching and learning to protect patients and healthcare workers. This toolkit was developed by a team of nurse educators and infection prevention researchers to a) offer training to nurses and nursing students who were frontline healthcare providers during the COVID-19 pandemic on the use of personal protective equipment in the context of the hierarchy of controls and b) evaluate the just-in-time training using simulation methods. Interactive content for online delivery was developed, including briefing, simulation content, and debriefing. Participants were recruited via professional, practice, and academic networks. Instructors and learners were asked to complete an evaluation on satisfaction with learning, self-confidence, and design. Data were collected between May 2020 and September 2023; descriptive quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed. Demographic data from 1,239 participants across 18 countries shows the majority were female (89%), 20-30 years old (81%), nurses (97%), and practiced in academic (48%) settings. Evaluation data from instructors (N = 39) and learners (N=1,159) was positive overall (M = 4.1; M = 4.5, respectively). Simulation for just-in-time training with online video observation during a pandemic offers nurse educators in academia and practice settings a rapid, feasible, and safe method of learning crisis-specific infection prevention and occupational safety practice guidance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an RNA virus causing hepatitis E disease. The virus is of one serotype but has diverse genotypes infecting both humans and animals. Based on evidence from seroprevalence studies, about 2 billion people are estimated to have been infected with HEV globally. HEV, therefore, poses a significant public health and economic challenge worldwide. HEV was discovered in the 1980s and was traced back to the 1955 – 1956 outbreak of hepatitis that occurred in India. Subsequently, several HEV epidemics involving thousands of individuals have occurred nearly annually in different countries in Asia and Africa. Initially, the virus was thought to be only enterically transmitted, and endemic in developing countries. Due to the environmental hygiene and sanitation challenges in those parts of the world. However, recent studies have suggested otherwise with the report of autochthonous cases in industrialised countries with no history of travel to the so-called endemic countries. Thus, suggesting that HEV has a global distribution with endemicity in both developing and industrialised nations. Studies have also revealed that HEV has multiple risk factors, and modes of transmission as well as zoonotic potentials. Additionally, recent findings have shown that HEV leads to severe disease, particularly among pregnant women. In contrast to the previous narration of a strictly mild and self-limiting infection. Studies have likewise demonstrated chronic HEV infection among immunocompromised persons. Consequent to these recent discoveries, this pathogen is considered a re – emerging virus, particularly in the developed nations. However, despite the growing public health challenges of this pathogen, the burden is still underestimated. The underestimation is often attributed to poor awareness among clinicians and a lack of routine checks for the disease in the hospitals. Thus, leading to misdiagnosis and underdiagnosis. Hence, this review provides a concise overview of epidemiology, diagnosis, and prevention of hepatitis E. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) virus serotype 8 (EHDV-8) emerged in Spain in autumn 2022. In this study, we aimed to (1) characterize the clinical and lesional presentation of EHDV infection in European red deer (Cervus elaphus), and (2) study the spatial spread of the virus in wild ruminants in Spain after its introduction, in 2022/2023. We confirmed EHDV infection in two clinically compatible sick red deer by PCR and detection of anti-EHDV specific antibodies. EHDV infection occurred in red deer with hyperacute to acute clinical signs and lesions associated to vascular changes leading to death of the animals. Partial sequences of variable segment 2 (VP2) and segment 5 (NS1) genes of the detected viruses had >99% nucleotide identity with EHDV-8 sequences from Tunisia and Italy. In a cross-sectional serological study of EHDV in 592 wild ruminants, mainly red deer (n=578), in southwestern Spain, we detected anti-EHDV antibodies in 37 of 592 samples (6.3%; 95% confidence interval: 4.3–8.2), all from red deer and from the localities where clinical cases of EHD were confirmed in red deer. We conclude that EHDV-8 infection causes severe EHD in European red deer. The serosurvey revealed a limited spread of EHDV-8 in Spanish wild ruminant populations in the first year of virus detection in Spain. • Epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) emerged in wild ruminants in Spain in 2022. • EHD virus serotype 8 (EHDV-8) causes hyperacute-to-acute disease in red deer. • EHDV-8 infection induces severe congestion, edema and vasculitis in red deer. • EHDV-8 presented a limited spatial spread in wild ruminants in Spain in 2022. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organochlorine compounds (OCs) are persistent organic pollutants linked to damaging the immune and endocrine systems, leading to a greater susceptibility to infectious diseases at high concentrations. Sepetiba Bay, in the Southeastern Brazilian coast, historically presents anthropogenic activities and environmental contamination that could negatively impact resident populations. In this context, this study aimed to investigate the temporal trends in the accumulation of organochlorine compounds over a 12-year database in the Guiana dolphins' (Sotalia guianensis) resident population from Sepetiba Bay, including individuals collected before, during, and after an unusual mortality event triggered by morbillivirus (n = 85). The influence of biological parameters was also evaluated. The OCs concentrations in the blubber ranged from 0.98 to 739 μg/g of ΣPCB; 0.08–130 μg/g of ΣDDT; <0.002–4.56 μg/g of mirex; <0.002–1.84 μg/g of ΣHCH and <0.001–0.16 μg/g of HCB in lipid weight. Increased temporal trends were found for OCs in Guiana dolphins coinciding with periods of large events of dredging in the region. In this way, our findings suggest that the constant high OCs concentrations throughout the years in this Guiana dolphin population are a result of the constant environmental disturbance in the area, such as dredging. These elevated OCs levels, e.g., ΣPCB concentrations found above the known thresholds, may impair the response of the immune system during outbreak periods, which could lead the population to a progressive decline. [Display omitted] • Temporal trends of organochlorine compounds (OCs) over a 12-year in Guiana dolphin. • Sampling period included an unusual mortality event (UME) in Sepetiba Bay. • Variations in OCs level patterns coincided with large dredging events in the area. • Most ΣPCB levels exceeded the estimated thresholds for immunosuppressive effects. • High OCs concentrations due to dredging may impair the immunity during outbreaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Une épidémie correspond à une augmentation brutale de l'incidence d'une maladie, généralement infectieuse, dans un repère spatio-temporel donné. Le terme pandémie est utilisé lorsqu'elle se propage à l'échelle mondiale. Par le passé, l'homme a fait face à plusieurs pandémies en développant des stratégies préventives et thérapeutiques. Les comportements sociétaux et économiques actuels favorisent la progression de maladies anciennes ou émergentes. Le développement de nouvelles approches multidisciplinaires est nécessaire pour lutter contre de futures pandémies. An outbreak means a sudden rise of the incidence of a disease, generally infectious, at a certain place over an extended period of time. The term pandemic is used when an outbreak is spreading on a global scale. By the past, Human has been able to face several pandemics by developing preventive and therapeutic strategies. The new societal and economic behaviour enhance the progression of old and new diseases. The development of new multidisciplinary approaches is necessary to prevent new pandemic episodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study on the occurrence of Dirofilaria immitis and its vectors was carried out in order to assess the prevalence of the disease in dogs in previously non-endemic areas of southern Italy. Blood samples (n = 385) and mosquitoes (n = 1540) were collected in two dog shelters and analysed by Knott's test and duplex real-time PCR, respectively. Dirofilaria immitis was the most prevalent filarioid (44.2%), while Culex pipiens was the most prevalent mosquito species (68.8%). This high prevalence of D. immitis infection confirms this location as one of the most hyperendemic foci of dirofilariosis in Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a common cause of viral hepatitis worldwide. Previously considered a disease of the developing world, it is increasingly recognized that locally acquired HEV infection is common in industrialized countries. The aim was to highlight the changing epidemiology of HEV infection, particularly in the developed world, and inform clinicians of the diverse clinical presentations and extra-hepatic complications associated with the virus. References for this review were identified through searches of MEDLINE/PubMed, and Google Scholar, up to January 2020. Searches were restricted to articles published in English. Hepatitis E virus is an under-recognized, emerging pathogen with important implications for public health in both the developing and developed world. The number of cases reported in resource-rich settings is increasing, in part due to improved case ascertainment but also as a result of increased incidence in some countries. The reasons behind these epidemiological shifts are not currently known. Chronic HEV infection has been reported in immunocompromised patients. A range of extra-hepatic manifestations have also been reported, most notably neurological and renal complications. There is evidence to suggest a causal link with Guillain–Barré syndrome, neuralgic amyotrophy and encephalitis/myelitis. Glomerular disease has been reported in the context of both acute and chronic infection. HEV should be included in non-invasive liver screens and considered in the differentials for patients presenting with alanine aminotransferase elevation, suspected drug-induced liver injury or decompensated liver disease. Any patients with acute neurological injury and deranged liver function should be tested for hepatitis E, and all patients presenting with Guillain–Barré syndrome or neuralgic amyotrophy should be tested regardless of liver enzymes. Immunocompromised patients with persistently raised liver enzymes should be tested with molecular techniques and offered annual routine screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• MERS-CoV was first detected in June 2012 in Saudi Arabia. • On October 16, 2018, 2260 cases and 803 related deaths had been reported in 27 countries. • Although this emerging virus seems unlikely to become endemic in humans, it is still present and has not disappeared rapidly in less than 2 years like the SARS coronavirus. • In this review, we discuss the main findings about the origin, emergence and virological characteristics of this virus, as well as preventive measures, the typical clinical picture, and currently available therapeutic options. Since the first case of human infection by the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in Saudi Arabia in June 2012, more than 2260 cases of confirmed MERS-CoV infection and 803 related deaths have been reported since the 16th of October 2018. The vast majority of these cases (71%) were reported in Saudi Arabia but the epidemic has now spread to 27 countries and has not ceased 6 years later, unlike SARS-CoV that disappeared a little less than 2 years after emerging. Due to the high fatality rate observed in MERS-CoV infected patients (36%), much effort has been put into understanding the origin and pathophysiology of this novel coronavirus to prevent it from becoming endemic in humans. This review focuses in particular on the origin, epidemiology and clinical manifestations of MERS-CoV, as well as the diagnosis and treatment of infected patients. The experience gained over recent years on how to manage the different risks related to this kind of epidemic will be key to being prepared for future outbreaks of communicable disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report Sporothrix brasiliensis infection in three cats from Santiago, Chile. Recently, S. brasiliensis was reported in cats from the southernmost region of Chile located 2,190 km from Santiago. Our findings emphasize the emergence of S. brasiliensis in the Chilean context, reflecting its rapid expansion across South America in recent years. Veterinarians should include S. brasiliensis in the differential diagnosis of skin conditions in cats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nocardiosis is a prevalent disease caused by various cosmopolitan aerobic actinomycetes species within the genus Nocardia , which has been documented across diverse aquatic species. Recently, a distinctive disease manifestation resembling classical nocardiosis emerged among cultured meagre (Argyrosomus regius) along the European coastline adjacent to the North Atlantic Ocean. To identify the causative agent and reproduce the disease, we conducted experiments on specific pathogen-free (SPF) meagre specimens. Employing classical methods, we isolated bacteria from liver granulomas present in multiple diseased specimens. The causative agent was subsequently identified through a combination of differential staining, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry (MS), genus-specific nested PCR, and sequencing of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene, which facilitated the positive identification of Nocardia brasiliensis. The isolated strain was designated as NORBRACAN1 and considered the causative agent. Remarkably, this marks the first report of this species in fish. The pathogenicity of NORBRACAN1 was further elucidated through in vivo experimentation on a cohort of 360 juvenile meagre. The intraperitoneal administration of NORBRACAN1 led to the development of internal microgranulomas without overt external signs or mortalities. Intriguingly, fish exposed to concentrations below 1 × 106 CFU ml−1 remained unaffected by mortality throughout the two-month trial period. Immunofluorescence assay unveiled the presence of viable bacteria within specific granulomas. Furthermore, our study unveiled the existence of five distinct types of microscopic granulomas characterized by necrotic centers and arranged macrophages. The formation of these granulomas was found to be contingent upon the bacterial dosage. In conclusion, our investigation demonstrates the ability of N. brasiliensis to colonize internal organs in marine fish and induce chronic granulomatosis. This research illuminates the potential pathogenesis of nocardiosis in aquatic species, underscoring the importance of N. brasiliensis as a novel causative agent in fish. • This study identifies Nocardia brasiliensis for the first time as the causative agent of nocardiosis in teleost fish. • The study thoroughly characterizes N. brasiliensis , encompassing phenotypic and molecular aspects. • N. brasiliensis infection in fish follows Koch's postulates, affirming its pathogenic role. • N. brasiliensis in fish induces internal microgranulomas but low mortality. • The presence of N. brasiliensis poses a potential new threat to European-farmed meagre (Argyrosomus regius). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ornamental fish trade in Australia has an estimated value of AUD$350 million and involves importation of up to 20 million fish from 26 approved countries each year. Critical reviews indicated that the biosecurity system did not fully manage the risks associated with fish that were sub-clinically infected with diseases such as megalocytiviruses, or the threats posed by emerging diseases. Subsequent reforms have placed a greater emphasis on managing biosecurity risks off-shore at the source, coupled with an on-arrival surveillance system to assess compliance with biosecurity regulation. This presentation at the first global Conference in Aquatic Animal Epidemiology in Oslo, Norway in September 2016, describes the Department of Agriculture Water Resources' current initiatives to address increased risks in real-time while facilitating safe trade. The department is developing an innovative real-time, responsive risk-based surveillance capability to detect systemic failures on the part of the animal health authorities. The program involves a risk-based sampling algorithm on ornamental fish imported into Australia and testing for megalocytiviruses, spring viraemia of carp virus and Aeromonas salmonicida. We present the system and the results from several trials. The information generated by the verification surveillance system will be quantitative and semi-quantitative in nature and will form the basis of the department's response to detect systematic non-compliances by overseas authorities. Evidence collected through the ongoing analysis of surveillance data will become the basis of real-time feedback to overseas authorities for remedial action at source. Delays in resolving non-compliance issues could result in the suspension of off-shore equivalent measures from particular sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Senecavirus A (SVA), which is associated with porcine vesicular disease and high mortality in neonatal piglets, is a small non-enveloped RNA virus and a member of Picornaviridae family. An emerging SVA strain, named SVA CH/FuJ/2017, was isolated from vesicular liquid and vesicular lesion tissue from piglets with vesicular disease in Fujian province, China. In our study, the complete genome sequence of SVA CH/FuJ/2017 strain has been determined. The viral genome was 7285 nt in length. The homology analysis indicated that the gene sequences of polyprotein and VP1 in SVA CH/FuJ/2017 shared highest nucleotide identities with American SVA isolates; and polyprotein showed the highest similarity with American SVA isolates. The phylogenetic analysis based on polyprotein and VP1 nucleotide sequences indicated that SVA CH/FuJ/2017 was closely related to American SVA isolates. The results revealed that the novel SVA strain was closely related to those SVA strains that were isolated in America. Hence, the retrospective study is important for tracing the probable origin of China SVA strains. Highlights • An emerging SVA strain, CH/FuJ/2017, was isolated from a pig herd with vesicular disease. • The phylogenetic analysis based on polyprotein and VP1 nucleotide sequences showed SVA CH/FuJ/2017 was closely related to American SVA isolates. • Our study suggested that it is possible that the spread of SVA might be related to the trade of pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Introduction In Nigeria, dengue fever caused by dengue virus, types 1 and 2 has been diagnosed for many years. Although, seroepidemiological surveys have shown that dengue virus activity is, widespread in the country, there is scanty information on dengue, hemorrhagic fever with little attention paid to dengue fever largely, because it presents as classical dengue fever characterized by fever, myalgia, headache, arthralgia, retro-orbital pain, gastro intestinal, symptoms and skin rash. We are updating the current information of dengue, in Nigeria, as well as DHF which is an emerging disease in the west, African country. Methods PUBMED, Google scholar, cross-reference databases and individual publications not publicly archived were used. All available literature on, dengue from Nigeria were identified. Results Dengue virus 3 and 4 have been recently detected in Nigeria, with the emergence of dengue haemorrhagic fever for the first time. Poor, surveillance, underreporting, and misdiagnosis of the disease as malaria, are major problems. Conclusion Priority must be given to increasing surveillance activity to, detect more dengue haemorrhagic fever cases and determine the magnitude, of the dengue problem. It is important to enhance the capacity of, laboratories to diagnose dengue haemorrhagic fever by providing them with, modern equipment, reagents and new infrastructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After centuries of epidemics and more than a hundred years since the identification of the causative bacterium, very little is known about the plague dynamics in animal reservoirs, vectors and the changing vulnerabilities for humans. The recent plague epidemic in Madagascar in 2017 highlights these gaps existing within the knowledge of the disease dynamics, the factors influencing it, the performance of diagnostic tests and the best recommended treatment. As the eradication of plague will not be possible due to the widespread existence of the bacterium in wildlife, a One Health approach, drawing on animal, human and environmental health disciplines is needed to better control this poverty-related disease. This article focused on the various aspects of the disease for which more tools and better understanding are required to better control the disease in endemic countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryptosporidiosis in raptors and falcons is well-known to be caused by Cryptosporidium baileyi and associated mainly with respiratory pathology. This report presents the diagnosis of an atypical cryptosporidiosis event caused by Cryptosporidium parvum, that to the authors’ knowledge, is a case observed for the first time in falcons. Two falcons (Gyrfalcon x Peregrine hybrids) were presented for annual check without any clinical signs. Hematology, biochemistry, fecal and crop parasitology, radiographic and endoscopic examinations were performed. Endoscopy revealed microcystic formation of the caudal lung field in the two falcons, adhesions and air sac alterations. Sampling and subsequent cytology revealed fungal spores and acid fast stain organisms (identified as Cryptosporidium spp.). Feces and affected lung tissue was further send for Cryptosporidium spp.-DNA detection. Fecal samples and lung tissue tested positive for Cryptosporidium spp. gp60 gene by PCR. By sequence analysis of the gp60 gene locus, diagnosis of C. parvum was confirmed with 100% homology. Despite the fact that falcons didn’t recover after 1 month of therapy, eight months after the initial examination they were clinically healthy and had satisfactory flying performance. No other falcons were observed with C. parvum infections in the facility so far. The possible source, infection route and implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the long lifespan of the liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini , human mobility from prevalent regions to other neighboring areas has the possibility to disperse carriers and complicate the opisthorchiasis problem. To evaluate this, mass screening of the fluke infection was conducted in nine communities of lower Northern Thailand, combined with a questionnaire survey to distinguish the participant’s origin. The liver fluke infection was found in 70 individuals (7.2%) of the examined 971 stool samples from seven communities, with light intensity providing small numbers of eggs in the examined stool. Prevalence in the positive communities varied from 2.1% to 28.7%. As a result of generalized linear mixed models fitting, regional origin and raw-fish eating habits were stably selected as variables affecting the parasite infection while occupation and educational background were secondary ones. Majority of the infected cases (64.3%) were found from the immigrants of northeastern Thailand (the fluke prevalent region), providing 2.28–2.42 times higher infectious risk on average against the local residents. Daily consumption of raw fish averaged a 3.12–3.60 times higher risk compared to those with no raw-fish eating habit. Our findings suggest that people’s origin and moving history deserve further attentions in health promotion programs including education for safe eating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is our ninth annual horizon scan to identify emerging issues that we believe could affect global biological diversity, natural capital and ecosystem services, and conservation efforts. Our diverse and international team, with expertise in horizon scanning, science communication, as well as conservation science, practice, and policy, reviewed 117 potential issues. We identified the 15 that may have the greatest positive or negative effects but are not yet well recognised by the global conservation community. Themes among these topics include new mechanisms driving the emergence and geographic expansion of diseases, innovative biotechnologies, reassessments of global change, and the development of strategic infrastructure to facilitate global economic priorities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strawberry Fusarium wilt is becoming an important disease after methyl bromide banning. In southwestern Spain, this disease was previously detected in a soilless culture system and several years later only one isolation was reported from plant cultivated in soil. This study reports the appearance of new foci of strawberry Fusarium wilt in plants cultivated on soils and evaluates the susceptibility of nine of the most commonly grown cultivars in this zone. Fungal isolates were obtained from diseased strawberry plants in the nineteen new foci showing an increase of incidence and geographic range of this disease. These isolates were morphologically and molecularly characterized as Fusarium oxysporum . Fofra amplicons were not obtained and only eight isolates amplified for Fusarium transcription factor 1 . Pathogenicity of six selected isolates as well as a Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. fragariae culture from Japan were tested using by inoculating cultivar ‘Splendor’. All the Spanish isolates were found to be pathogenic. As a follow-up study, nine strawberry cultivars were inoculated with the Japanese isolate and a mixture of three Spanish isolates. The least susceptible cultivars to the Spanish isolates were ‘Rociera FNM’, ‘San Andreas’, ‘Camarosa’, ‘Sabrina’ and ‘Sabrosa Candonga’. Cultivar susceptibility was different with respect to Japanese isolate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rickettsiales bacteria are important agents of (re)emerging infectious diseases, with ticks playing a key role in their evolution and transmission. We collected 1079 hard ticks belonging to five species ( Ixodes sinensis, Rhipicephalus microplus, Haemaphysalis flava, Haemaphysalis hystricis and Haemaphysalis longicornis ) from cattle and goats in Wuhan city, Hubei province, China. The dominant tick species was H. longicornis (578, 53.57%), followed by R. microplus (354, 32.81%), H. hystricis (62, 5.75%) , H. flava (57, 5.28%), and I. sinensis (28, 2.59%). Rickettsiales bacteria were identified in these ticks by amplifying the Rickettsiales 16S rRNA ( rrs ), citrate synthase ( gltA ), and heat shock protein ( groEL ) genes. The rrs gene of Rickettsiales was positive in 32 (2.97%) ticks, including 2 cases of co-infection, with 4 (0.69%) in H. longicornis , 15 (4.24%) in R. microplus, 7 (12.28%) in H. flava , 1 (1.61%) in H. hystricis, and 5 (17.86%) in I. sinensis ticks. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the presence of six recognized and seven Candidatus species of Rickettsiaceae, Anaplasmataceae and Candidatus Midichloriaceae. Notably, one lineage within both Ehrlichia and Candidatu s Midichloriaceae was distinct from any known Rickettsiales, suggesting the presence of potentially novel species of Rickettsiales bacteria. In sum, these data reveal an extensive diversity of Rickettsiales in ticks from Wuhan, highlighting the need to understand Rickettsiales infection in local animals and humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ancylostoma ( A. ) ceylanicum , one of the most common species of hookworms infecting dogs and cats, also causes patent infections in humans and is now considered to be the second most common hookworm species infecting populations in southeast Asia. A Japanese patient who returned from a visit to Thailand and Lao People's Democratic Republic (PDR) was presented with intermittent watery diarrhea with eosinophilia. Hookworm eggs were found in feces samples, and adult worms were confirmed to be present in the jejunum with capsule endoscopy and double balloon enteroscopy. A diagnosis of A. ceylanicum infection was made based on the morphology of the adult worms along with findings of a PCR-based molecular study using larvae obtained from a fecal sample culture. The infection was considered likely to have been obtained during a 1-month stay in a Laotian village, where the patient had eaten local food, worn sandals on bare feet, and lived as a local native villager, though he had stayed in modern hotels during the visit to Thailand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Migratory waterfowl play an important role in the maintenance and spread of zoonotic diseases worldwide. An example is cercarial dermatitis, caused when larval stages of schistosomes that normally develop in birds penetrate human skin. Members of the genus Trichobilharzia (Schistosomatidae), transmitted mainly by ducks, are considered to be major etiological agents of cercarial dermatitis globally. To better understand the diversity and distribution of Trichobilharzia spp., we surveyed ducks from the United States, eastern Canada, Argentina, South Africa and New Zealand. To aid in species identification of the Trichobilharzia worms recovered, regions of the Cox 1, ND4 and ITS1 were sequenced. Furthermore, we provide molecular phylogenetic evidence for the cosmopolitan distribution and trans-hemispheric gene flow for one species, Trichobilharzia querquedulae , previously thought to be restricted to North America. These new samples from endemic non-migratory duck species indicate that T. querquedulae transmission occurs within each of the regions we sampled and that it is specific to the blue-winged + silver teal duck clade. Prevalence within this host group is >95% across the known range of T. querquedulae , indicating that transmission is common. Genetic divergence is evenly distributed among continents, and no phylogenetic structure associated with geography was observed. The results provide strong support for the global distribution and transmission of T. querquedulae and represent, to our knowledge, the first report of a cosmopolitan schistosome confirmed by genetic data. These data are the first known to support trans-hemispheric genetic exchange in a species responsible for causing cercarial dermatitis, indicating that the epidemiology of this group of poorly known zoonotic parasites is more complex than previously expected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Worldwide, marine and coastal ecosystems are heavily invaded by introduced species and the potential role of parasites in the success and impact of marine invasions has been increasingly recognized. In this review, we link recent theoretical developments in invasion ecology with empirical studies from marine ecosystems in order to provide a conceptual framework for studying the role of parasites and their hosts in marine invasions. Based on an extensive literature search, we identified six mechanisms in which invaders directly or indirectly affect parasite and host populations and communities: I) invaders can lose some or all of their parasites during the invasion process (parasite release or reduction), often causing a competitive advantage over native species; II) invaders can also act as a host for native parasites, which may indirectly amplify the parasite load of native hosts (parasite spillback); III) invaders can also be parasites themselves and be introduced without needing co-introduction of the host (introduction of free-living infective stages); IV) alternatively, parasites may be introduced together with their hosts (parasite co-introduction with host); V) consequently, these co-introduced parasites can sometimes also infect native hosts (parasite spillover); and VI) invasive species may be neither a host nor a parasite, but nevertheless affect native parasite host interactions by interfering with parasite transmission (transmission interference). We discuss the ecological and evolutionary implications of each of these mechanisms and generally note several substantial effects on natural communities and ecosystems via i) mass mortalities of native populations creating strong selection gradients, ii) indirect changes in species interactions within communities and iii) trophic cascading and knock-on effects in food webs that may affect ecosystem function and services. Our review demonstrates a wide range of ecological and evolutionary implications of marine invasions for parasite–host interactions and suggests that parasite-mediated impacts should be integrated in assessing the risks and consequences of biological invasions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an arthritogenic alphavirus that during the last decade has significantly expanded its geographical range and caused large outbreaks of human disease around the world. Although mortality rates associated with CHIKV outbreaks are low, acute and chronic illnesses caused by CHIKV represent a significant burden of disease largely affecting low and middle income countries. This report summarizes the current status of vaccine development for CHIKV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geographical range expansion or host shifts is amongst the various evolutionary forces that underlie numerous emerging diseases caused by fungal pathogens. In this regard, Ceratocystis albifundus , the causal agent of a serious wilt disease of Acacia mearnsii trees in Africa, was recently identified killing cultivated Protea cynaroides in the Western Cape (WC) Province of South Africa. Protea cynaroides is an important native plant in the area and a key component of the Cape Floristic Region. The appearance of this new disease outbreak, together with isolates of C. albifundus from natural ecosystems as well as plantations of nonnative trees, provided an opportunity to consider questions relating to the possible origin and movement of the pathogen in South Africa. Ten microsatellite markers were used to determine the genetic diversity, population structure, and possible gene flow in a collection of 193 C. albifundus isolates. All populations, other than those from the WC, showed high levels of genetic diversity. An intermediate level of gene flow was found amongst populations of the pathogen. The results suggest that a limited number of individuals have recently been introduced into the WC, resulting in a novel disease problem in the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP), a microsporidian parasite, has emerged as a serious pathogen reported to be associated with retarded growth in cultured shrimp in many of the shrimp growing countries in Asia. As a part of ongoing disease surveillance among the farmed shrimp, we have investigated Penaeus (Litopenaeus) vannamei cultured in the south-east coast of India for EHP infection using light and scanning electron microscopy, histopathology, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and in situ hybridisation. Squash preparation of hepatopancreas and white faecal strings showed large number of microsporidian spores. Spores under scanning electron microscope appeared oval and measured 1.7 × 1.0 μm. Histology of infected animals showed severe degeneration of hepatopancreatic tubules. Basophilic inclusions resembling the developmental stages of EHP were found in the epithelial cells and large number of spore aggregations was observed in the tubular lumen. Enlargement of haemal sinuses and encapsulation of hepatopancreatic tubules were also observed in some cases. DNA extracted from hepatopancreas was subjected to PCR amplification using primers targeting microsporidian ssu rRNA gene. The PCR yielded an expected product of ~ 951 bp and the sequences showed 100% identity with the EHP reported from Vietnam, Thailand and China. Further screening of field samples was carried out using nested PCR employing EHP-specific primers. Of the 137 juvenile P. vannamei samples tested, 10 were found to be positive in the first step and 77 in the nested PCR. Overall prevalence of EHP was estimated to be 63.5%. However, only first step PCR-positive samples showed discernible number of spores in the hepatopancreas under a light microscope. Post-larvae of P. vannamei collected from a hatchery were found to be PCR negative for EHP. In situ hybridisation using EHP-specific DIG-labelled probe showed positive signals in infected hepatopancreatic tissue. Animals collected from white faeces syndrome (WFS)-affected pond showed higher prevalence of EHP (96.4%) compared to those from the unaffected pond (39.7%). On the contrary, slow growing animals showed low prevalence (58.5%) compared to normally growing animals (80.8%). Although EHP could be detected from slow-growing as well as WFS-affected animals, the present study could not conclusively elucidate the association of EHP with these clinical signs through experimental infection trials. This report forms the first record of the emergence of EHP infection in cultured SPF P. vannamei in India. Statement of relevance E. hepatopenaei (EHP), a microsporidian parasite, is an emerging pathogen having serious economic consequences to cultured shrimp in Asia. This report forms the first record of the emergence of the parasite in farmed P. vannamei from India, and presents a comprehensive account of the pathogen and its impact on the host. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial wilt of dry beans, caused by Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens ( Cff ), is one of the most severe diseases affecting dry bean production worldwide. In Iran, the disease outbreak was first reported in 2012, which was limited only to some restricted areas of the country. Subsequently, Cff has rapidly spread and established itself across the major dry bean growing areas of Iran, and currently it represents a severe constraint for growers in terms of crop yield and quality. To better understand the spread of the disease and genetic and phenotypic diversity of the pathogen, including host range, we conducted a comprehensive survey across twelve Iranian provinces, where legume crops are widely grown. In addition, we performed isolations and characterizations of the causal agent. Our results showed that, besides previously reported disease outbreaks from East Azerbaijan and Markazi provinces, legumes cultivated across West Azerbaijan, Zanjan, Ghazvin, Alborz, Fars and Lorestan provinces were widely affected by the pathogen. Cff strains with two different colony variants (yellow and orange) were isolated from the infected tissues which were different in terms of pathogenicity and host range. Ten out of eleven different legume species tested were infected by the pathogen and only yellow sweet clover did not show any symptoms. The yellow variant of the pathogen was more aggressive than the orange one on a number of hosts including cowpea, lima bean, broad bean and pea. Unlike the orange variant, the yellow variant of the pathogen caused disease on wild hairy vetch, a major weed in dry bean growing areas of Iran, thereby suggesting the role of weeds as a potential reservoir of the pathogen. It is concluded that, given the seed-borne nature of the pathogen, frequent phenotypic diversity observed, and a wide host range of the strains, an effective management of the disease requires the development and adoption of a number of tools, still poorly available. In particular, there is an immediate need to develop more sensitive and reliable detection methods (e.g. molecular seed screening techniques) that allow detection of the pathogen from seeds, and help reduce the risk of pathogen introduction into a given area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aquatic wildlife is increasingly subjected to emerging diseases often due to perturbations of the existing dynamic balance between hosts and their parasites. Accelerating changes in environmental factors, together with anthropogenic translocation of hosts and parasites, act synergistically to produce hard-to-predict disease outcomes in freshwater and marine systems. These outcomes are further complicated by the intimate links between diseases in wildlife and diseases in humans and domestic animals. Here, we explore the interactions of parasites in aquatic wildlife in terms of their biodiversity, their response to environmental change, their emerging diseases, and the contribution of humans and domestic animals to parasitic disease outcomes. This work highlights the clear need for interdisciplinary approaches to ameliorate disease impacts in aquatic wildlife systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enveloped viruses pose an important health threat because most of the persistent and many emerging viruses are enveloped. In particular, newly emerging viruses create a need to develop broad-spectrum antivirals, which usually are obtained by targeting host cell factors. Persistent viruses have developed efficient strategies to escape host immune control, and treatment options are limited. Targeting host cell factors essential for virus persistence, or immune-based therapies provide alternative approaches. In this review, we therefore focus on recent developments to generate antivirals targeting host cell factors or immune-based therapeutic approaches to fight infections with enveloped viruses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory infection with significant transmission risk once thought to be on the verge of elimination. Outbreaks in Europe have resulted in resurgence; however, experience with measles is limited in the United States. We describe the impact of 2 measles cases presenting to our emergency department in May 2011. Exposure criteria were defined and revised. Guidance documents were developed and distributed. Suspect cases were masked and escorted to negative pressure. Lack of prompt IgM and polymerase chain reaction testing resulted in delayed disease confirmation. Computerized flagging systems were established. Exposed individuals were screened to determine the need for prophylaxis. Investigation costs were calculated. A total of 171 patients and visitors and 94 employees met exposure criteria. Employees had proof of immunity to measles. Of these, 43 patients and visitors returned for prophylaxis. No subsequent transmission occurred. The conservative cost for these investigations was $63,176.39. Multiple challenges were identified. Inexperience with measles can result in significant outbreaks. Although transmission did occur at another facility, it was prevented at our facility because of rapid case recognition, isolation, health care worker immunity, and multidisciplinary response. Discordance between the Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee and public health guidelines for measles control created unnecessary challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Hantavirus causing human disease in South America. [•] Rodents harboring hantavirus in South America. [•] The epidemiologic situation of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome in different countries of South America. [•] Aspects of the physiopathology and clinical presentation of hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome based on studies performed in South America. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Veterinarians are the key professionals at the companion animal–human interface. [•] Veterinarians should consider diseases transmitted by pet-associated ectoparasites. [•] Pet travel, climate change, and new tests contribute to the emergence of vector-borne diseases. [•] Increased vigilance for stealth organisms with zoonotic potential is needed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Ancylostoma ceylanicum is a predominant hookworm of dogs and cats in Asia. [•] Ancylostoma ceylanicum is the second most common hookworm infecting humans in southeastern Asia. [•] The hookworm is capable of producing anaemia as well as acting ‘abnormally’ in humans. [•] Data on its contribution to human disease and morbidity is lacking. [•] A “One Health” approach is required for the control of this zoonosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Recent reports indicate that novel Weissella sp. bacteria have been associated with disease outbreaks in cultured rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) at commercial farms in China and Brazil. In the summer of 2011, a severe disease outbreak displaying similar clinical signs occurred at a commercial rainbow trout farm in western North Carolina. Observed signs included dark skin coloration, lethargic swimming, bilateral exophthalmia, corneal opacity, ocular hemorrhage, occasional corneal rupture, and in some cases cerebral hemorrhage. Mortality was most severe in larger fish approaching market size. Bacteria isolated from moribund fish were identified to the genus level as Weissella sp. by 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis and were 99% identical to the sequences of isolates collected from the Chinese and Brazilian outbreaks. Laboratory-based disease challenge experiments using the isolated pathogen replicated both the disease signs and induction of mortality in exposed healthy rainbow trout. Aqueous vaccine formulations containing formalin-inactivated whole-cell Weissella sp. antigens conferred significant protection against experimental infection when both the vaccine and the pathogen were delivered by injection (relative percent survival [RPS] of 87.5% and 85% at 38 and 72days after vaccination, respectively). The Weissella sp. vaccine was equally effective when combined with a commercially available Yersinia ruckeri vaccine, and this bivalent formulation did not alter the efficacy of the Y. ruckeri component of the vaccine. This is the first identification of this emerging rainbow trout disease, which we have termed Weissellosis, in the United States, and the spread of this pathogen might pose a significant threat to the domestic rainbow trout aquaculture industry. Our results also suggest that a bivalent Weissella/Y. ruckeri vaccine could be used as an effective and economical means for controlling this pathogen. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is increasingly being recognized as a severe sight-threatening ocular infection worldwide. Although contact lens wear is the leading risk factor for AK, Acanthamoeba parasites are also an important cause of keratitis in non-contact lens wearers. Diagnosis of AK is challenging, and the available treatments are lengthy and not fully effective against all strains. The pathogenesis of Acanthamoeba is still under study, and the identification of the key factors involved in this process should be useful for the development of fully effective therapies. This review focuses on recent developments on AK pathogenesis and diagnosis as well as novel strategies for the evaluation of anti-amoebic agents that could be applied in the near future against these pathogens. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To assess the operational experience and knowledge of staff who worked in the West Midlands Flu Response Centre (FRC) during the 'containment' phase of influenza A(H1nl)pdm09. Study design: Evaluation study. Methods: Cross-sectional survey of staff who worked in the West Midlands FRC between 18 May 2009 and 10 July 2009 using an online self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire included sections related to the respondents' FRC experience, knowledge about influenza A(HIN1)pdm09 and the containment phase. Results: This study had a 51% (89/176) response rate. Of the respondents, 59% were female, 4% were of White ethnicity, 55% were clinicians, 46% were aged 25-44 years, and 67% had o previous call centre experience. A significant proportion (P < 0.001) of respondents believed that the FRC had made a positive contribution to the public health management of he containment phase. Nearly all respondents indicated that they were familiar with the terms 'pandemic flu' or 'influenza pandemic' (99%), understood the aim of the containment phase (90%), and knew the severity of the illness caused by the virus (97%). However, specific knowledge was lacking regarding a number of public health interventions, and overall knowledge scores for clinicians and non-clinicians were similar. Conclusion: This study is the first to report on the characteristics of FRC staff during the containment phase of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 pandemic. Although overall, staff evaluation of the West Midlands FRC was very positive, a number of knowledge gaps were identified. This study provides valuable insights which can contribute to preparedness planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Prioritizing research for crop health management is critical in times of rapid agricultural changes. A generic model for plant diseases, EPIRICE, was developed and coupled to a geographic information system (GIS) in order to map simulated potential epidemics in rice globally. EPIRICE encompasses different hierarchy levels of a growing crop canopy: disease-sites on a leaf, whole leaves, tillers, plants, crop stand, world regions, and world. Five widely different diseases were considered, caused by fungi, bacteria, and viruses, which have different disease-site and epidemiological attributes. EPIRICE is a simple Suscept-Exposed-Infectious-Removed (SEIR) model, parameterized using literature data for each of the five diseases, and combined with a few, simplified, characteristics of the growing crop (establishment, growth, senescence). Simulated outputs were tested against published disease progress curves, using visual and statistical, parametric and non-parametric, methods. Despite its simplicity, the model generates potential disease progress curves that concur with the literature. The model was linked to a GIS involving crop establishment date and daily climate data over a 12-year period of time. Successive epidemics were simulated at locations across the world, and their means and variances at each location were analyzed. Using rice as a model crop system, our results provide a proof of concept that it is possible to (1) use the same model (2) at different levels of plant and crop hierarchy, in order to (3) simulate and map potential plant disease epidemics globally. Further developments of this approach are discussed. The study also underscores the dearth of publicly available field data. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Until recently, besnoitiosis has been a neglected disease of domestic animals. Now, a geographic expansion of the causing protozoan parasite Besnoitia besnoiti in livestock has been recognized and the disease in cattle is considered emerging in Europe. Bovine besnoitiosis leads to significant economic losses by a decline in milk production, sterility, transient or permanent infertility of bulls, skin lesions and increase of mortality in affected cattle population. Phylogenetically, the Besnoitia genus is closest related to the well studied and medically important protozoans, Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum. In contrast, discriminative molecular markers to type and subtype large mammalian Besnoitia species (B. besnoiti, B. caprae, B. tarandi, B. bennetti) on a relevant level of species and strains are lacking. Similarly, these cyst-forming parasites may use two hosts to fulfill their life cycle, but this has not been proven for all large mammalian Besnoitia species yet. Most important though, the final hosts and transmission routes of these Besnoitia species remain mysterious. Here, we review aspects of parasite’s pathology, speciation, phylogeny, epidemiology and transmission with a special focus on recent molecular studies of all to date known Besnoitia species. Using an integrated approach, we have tried to highlight some promising directions for future research. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Many viral, bacterial and parasitic pathogens have been associated with tick transmission, including several recently identified pathogens in both humans and domestic animals, especially dogs. The emergence in dogs of these tick-borne infections has a multi factorial origin. Better animal care, better diagnostic tools, and a broader distribution of the vectors in favorable habitats through population migrations including travel with owned pets, translocation or commercial trade of pet dogs, are some of the factors contributing to the emergence and recognition of these new pathogens. The present review focuses on the recent epidemiological studies which support the emergence or re-emergence of tick-borne pathogens in dogs around the world, as well as give some insight on newly recognized potentially tick-borne pathogens, such as Bartonella infections. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV) is one of the most serious pathogens of finfish worldwide in terms of its wide host-range, pathogenicity, disease course, and mortality rates. The disease was first documented in the 1930s in Europe in association with heavy losses in rainbow. Data collected over 50years show that VHSV is a virus of marine origin: its ability to alternate between marine and freshwater environments remains an enigma which requires further investigation. In 2003, VHSV invaded the Laurentian Great Lakes basin causing devastating losses. VHSV is believed to have negative impacts on a number of important Atlantic, Pacific, and Great Lakes fish species. Phylogenetic analysis has offered clues into the geographic and host range of the virus, but sporadic outbreaks of the disease in uncommon locations have imparted unforeseen challenges in delineating the virus’ regional distribution. The virus’ ability to gain access to aquaculture farms has also positioned it as a disease of utmost priority once detected in these settings. Current diagnostic methods, while greatly improved, are hampered by the variability of disease course among susceptible species. In general, VHSV causes severe degeneration in the hematopoietic tissues of affected fish. Based on historical and current data, it is feared that VHSV will continue to mutate, expand to other geographic areas, and infect new host species. As a result, immediate international attention and coordination of efforts are needed. The objective of this review article is to provide an updated synopsis on the current status of VHSV epizootiology and pathogenicity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Copyright of Pratique Medicale et Chirurgicale de l'Animal de Compagnie is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract: Infection with the nematode Angiostrongylus vasorum is an emerging cause of canine disease in Europe and part of North America, yet published data on its epidemiology in endemic areas are lacking. This study tested faecal samples from 897 dogs attending veterinary practices in the southern part of Great Britain, a long standing endemic focus. Among 790 dogs presenting with respiratory or other signs broadly suggestive of angiostrongylosis, 16% tested positive on a single Baermann''s examination, compared with 2% of healthy dogs in the same catchment areas. Risk factors for positive tests included age (higher risk in younger dogs), season (more cases earlier in the calendar year), and worming history (lower risk if given milbemycin oxime in the past 12 weeks). Sex, neutering status and breed were not significant in terms of risk of testing positive. The most common clinical signs in infected dogs were respiratory, along with non-specific signs such as lethargy and exercise intolerance, while bleeding, neurological and gastrointestinal signs were also recorded. Around half the dogs sampled that showed signs of extra-pulmonary disease also had respiratory signs. Direct faecal smears and Baermann''s tests read after one hour detected 56% and 83% of diagnosed cases respectively. The data confirm that A. vasorum is commonly associated with disease in endemic areas, which manifests with a broad range of signs at primary care level. Information on risk factors is useful in diagnosis and control, and forms a basis for further epidemiological investigation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Copyright of IBS, Immuno-analyse & Biologie Specialisee is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract: Angiostrongylus vasorum is an emerging parasite that is currently distributed through Western Europe and parts of South America. An isolated population is also present in Newfoundland, Canada. This presents a risk of onward spread into North America, but its origin is unknown. To ascertain the phylogeographic relationships and genetic diversity of A. vasorum within the western Palaearctic and eastern Nearctic ecozones, a total of 143 adult and larval nematode specimens were collected from foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) in Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Portugal and the United Kingdom, and a coyote (Canis latrans) in Canada. DNA was extracted and the second internal transcribed spacer and two mitochondrial loci were amplified and sequenced. Multiple haplotypes (n =35) based on combined mitochondrial sequences (1078bp) of the partial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI), large subunit ribosomal RNA (rrnL) and the complete nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide dehydrogenase 3 (NADH3) sequences, were observed throughout the Palaearctic countries sampled; however, only a single haplotype was observed for the Canadian A. vasorum population. The likely origin of A. vasorum in Newfoundland is therefore inferred to be within the western Palaearctic. There was no evidence of genetic segregation of parasites in dogs, foxes and coyotes, supporting the hypothesis that transmission occurs between wild and domestic canids. The transmission dynamics and population structure of this nematode are further discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Evolution of bacteria towards resistance to antimicrobial agents, including multidrug resistance, is unavoidable because it represents a particular aspect of the general evolution of bacteria that is unstoppable. Therefore, the only means of dealing with this situation is to delay the emergence and subsequent dissemination of resistant bacteria or resistance genes. In this review, we will consider the biochemical mechanisms and the genetics that bacteria use to offset antibiotic selective pressure. The data provided are mainly, if not exclusively, taken from the work carried out in the laboratory, although there are numerous other examples in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The geographic range of Angiostrongylus vasorum is expanding, leading to increased disease. Although observed cases of canine pulmonary angiostrongylosis have been dutifully reported in the literature, the state of biological knowledge remains too poor to predict future patterns of spread with any confidence. Nevertheless, there is an urgent need to identify areas that are likely to be suitable for parasite establishment. Preliminary attempts to do this using a climatic envelope approach suggest that several new areas are open to colonisation, even without invoking climate change. The risk of parasite importation into these areas should be mitigated, e.g. by restricting movement of dogs unless tested or treated for A. vasorum, and monitored by focused surveillance of definitive and intermediate hosts. These efforts will benefit from newly developed diagnostic tests. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

It is generally accepted that the planet is undergoing climatic changes, and ‘climate change’ has become the scapegoat for many catastrophes, including infectious disease outbreaks, as acknowledged by Randolph and Ergonul, who state ‘Climate change is the current ubiquitous explanation for increased incidence of infections of many sorts’ ( Future Virology 2008; 3: 303–306). However, as these authors argue, this is a highly simplistic view and, indeed, there is a complex network of factors that are responsible for disease emergence and re-emergence. In this short review, the role that climate change could play in the emergence of bunyavirus disease is considered, using a few selected examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]