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We analysed spleen size variations of free-ranging wild boars from the west-central Iberian Peninsula during the hunting season (autumn and winter) in relation to the rut, the gestation effort and the attainment of sexual maturity by males and females. Females had larger spleens than males once they reached their sexual maturity. Individuals shot in winter had larger spleens than those shot in autumn, the start of the rutting period. In contrast to other reports, we found no influence of the reproductive status of adult females on their spleen sizes. Our findings may point to an influence of sex hormones, and possibly also stress hormones, and environmental factors on spleen development, mainly in adult and subadult males. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, the development of nanocomposites was carried out by processing the nanofillers viscogel clay B8 and vanadium oxide with the polycaprolactone (PCL) matrix, through a twin-screw extruder. The evaluation of the nanomaterial obtained by X-ray diffraction technique showed that the addition of nanoparticles caused change in the crystallization process and in the crystallinity index, due to the action of them as a nucleating agent. Evaluation of thermogravimetric analysis, it was observed an increase in the thermal stability of nanocomposites containing clay. Analyzing the SEM micrographs, it was observed that there was a good dispersion and distribution of nanofillers in the matrix. The differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction technique, showed the possibility of nanoparticles are acting as a nucleating agent, in some mixtures there was change in the values of crystallinity index. Through nuclear magnetic resonance analysis, it was evaluated a good homogeneity of the nanofiller in the matrix due to the intermolecular interaction promoting a better dispersion and distribution of the nanoparticle in the polymer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellulose acetate (CA) mats modified with poly(ethylene oxide-b-propylene oxide-b-ethylene oxide) (PEO-b-PPO-b-PEO or EPE) and sol–gel synthesised titanium oxide (TiO2) nanoparticles were successfully fabricated by using electrospinning technique. Under the same preparation conditions, higher spinnability was achieved for EPE triblock copolymers modified mats. All fabricated mats showed a micrometric multilayer structure, which enabled layer-by-layer peeling. The addition of TiO2 nanoparticles facilitated the peeling process. The diameter of the fibres was ~ 3 times lower after the incorporation of sol–gel synthesised TiO2 nanoparticles. TEM images confirmed that under electrospinning conditions the PPO block domains were able to microphase separated from the PEO block/CA phase. Additionally, the introduction of sol–gel synthesised TiO2 nanoparticles led to an inorganic network formation with nanoparticle size equal to ~ 8 nm in diameter. Moreover, the addition of TiO2 nanoparticles increased the hydrophobicity of the mats and their self-cleaning ability, being more effective for TiO2/CA than for TiO2-EPE/CA due to the partial absorption of water by EPE triblock copolymer. Young's modulus of fabricated mats improved drastically with the addition of TiO2 nanoparticles, as well as their physical integrity in polar and nonpolar solvents. Fabricated mats with enhanced spinnability, which maintain CA mat features as well as the properties associated with sol–gel synthesised TiO2 nanoparticles, can find a wide range of applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iberian ibex (Caprapyrenaica) is an ecologically and economically relevant medium-sized emblematic mountain ungulate. Diseases participate in the population dynamics of the species as a regulating agent, but can also threaten the conservation and viability of vulnerable population units. Moreover, Iberian ibex can also be a carrier or even a reservoir of pathogens shared with domestic animals and/or humans, being therefore a concern for livestock and public health. The objective of this review is to compile the currently available knowledge on (1) diseases of Iberian ibex, presented according to their relevance on the health and demography of free-ranging populations; (2) diseases subjected to heath surveillance plans; (3) other diseases reported in the species; and (4) diseases with particular relevance in captive Iberian ibex populations. The systematic review of all the information on diseases affecting the species unveils unpublished reports, scientific communications in meetings, and scientific articles, allowing the first comprehensive compilation of Iberian ibex diseases. This review identifies the gaps in knowledge regarding pathogenesis, immune response, diagnostic methods, treatment, and management of diseases in Iberian ibex, providing a base for future research. Moreover, this challenges wildlife and livestock disease and wildlife population managers to assess the priorities and policies currently implemented in Iberian ibex health surveillance and monitoring and disease management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellulose acetate (CA) was used for the preparation of food packaging film. Glycerol and n-propanol were introduced, as plasticizer and transparent agent, respectively for evaluating the possible changes of the film functional properties on tensile strength and transparency. The transmittance, haze value, tensile strength and flexibility were acquired by using optical and mechanical analyses, respectively. The presence of glycerol improved the functional properties of films by increasing their extensibility, flexibility and elasticity; however transparency of the films deteriorated with the inclusion of plasticizer. Therefore, the addition of n-propanol as transparent agent into the films enhanced the transparency. Moreover, morphological changes and gas barrier property were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and water vapor transmission rate analyses. The results suggest that CA films incorporated with plasticizer and transparent agent have good functional properties in isolating water vapor, mechanical performance and optical properties, demonstrating that the optimal film has a potential in the application for food packaging. High strength transparent cellulose acetate film (CAF) was prepared with glycerol as plasticizer and n-propanol as transparent agent. The addition of glycerol and n-propanol has a significant influence on film mechanical performance, optical properties, water vapor barrier property and physical behavior, such as pore structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extreme weather events, particularly heavy rainfall, are occurring at greater frequency with climate change. Although adverse human health effects from heavy rainfall are often publicized, impacts to free-ranging wildlife populations are less well known. We first summarize documented associations of heavy rainfall on wildlife health. We then report a novel investigation of a salmonellosis outbreak in a colony of black skimmers (Rynchops niger) in Florida, USA. During June–September 2016, heavy rainfall resulted in the discharge of millions of gallons of untreated wastewater into the Tampa Bay system, contaminating the water body, where adult skimmers foraged. At least 48 fledglings died, comprising 39% of the colony's nesting season's offspring. Of eight examined deceased birds from the colony, six had a systemic salmonellosis infection. Isolates were identified as Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium. Their pulsed-field gel electrophoresis patterns were identical to each other and matched those from several human Salmonella sp. infections. Differences among whole-genome sequences were negligible. These findings and the outbreak's epidemic curve suggest propagated transmission occurred within the colony. A multidisciplinary and One Health approach is recommended to mitigate any adverse effects of climate change–driven stochastic events, especially when they place already imperiled wildlife at further risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several billion tons of plastic waste were discarded in landfills, specifically in marine environments. Remediation of plastic waste is vital for ensuring a clean marine environment. Photocatalyst such as titanium oxide (TiO2) is a promising and environmental friendly approach for plastic waste degradation, compared to other waste management methods. In this study, switchable degradation of a cellulose acetate (CA) was carried out through composite preparation with a seawater-activated TiO2 (SA-TiO2) photocatalyst. The successful preparation of CA/SA-TiO2 composite was confirmed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) results. The degradation of CA through SA-TiO2 in marine environments was confirmed by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, size exclusion chromatography, and FE-SEM results. The seawater-activated degradation makes switchable and degradable polymer-photocatalyst composites an efficient and eco-friendly solution for plastic waste remediation in marine environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of deep eutectic solvents (DES) in the synthesis of photochromic transition metal oxide (TMO)-based nanocomposites is gaining attention in recent years. In this study, DES-based on choline chloride and ethylene glycol (1:2) was prepared with the addition of different volume of water as co-solvent for the dissolution and preparation of ternary TMO nanocomposites at different temperatures. TGA showed a corresponding increase in weight loss as the volume of the co-solvent increases with a 10–22% loss in mass of the nanocomposites at > 432 °C. SEM images revealed an aggregated and clustered particle distribution, while the TEM revealed an uneven polyhedral-like shaped morphology. The nanocomposites exhibited fast photochromic response by a change from pale-yellow to light blue coloration after 5 s of irradiation with UV-light. The intensity of the coloration deepens after 180 s of irradiation due to the excitation of electrons from the valence band to the conduction band of the metallic systems via a synergistic electronic transition. The variable oxidation states of the individual metal oxides and their redox property inspired the fast fading in a dark oxygenated environment after 30 min, thus, rendering the material suitable for application in smart windows/glasses and color display devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple solution casting approach was used to obtain transparent and flexible poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) films incorporated with 1 – 4% by weight amorphous magnesium carbonate nanoparticles. Optical transparency was retained in visible wavelengths, while transmittance in the UV-B region was reduced by 22% at 310 nm and 58% at 256 nm with the addition of 4 wt. % nanoparticles. Furthermore, the incorporation of the nanoparticles was shown to provide protection for the films under UV-C irradiation (254 nm wavelength, 5 mW cm−2), with the amount of UV degradation decreasing with increasing concentration of nanoparticles. Films with incorporated nanoparticles were also shown to be able to retain adsorbed moisture much better than neat PMMA films; whereas neat PMMA films did not retain moisture, approximately 50% of the adsorbed moisture was retained in films containing 4 wt. % nanoparticles. These enhanced properties of PMMA are of great interest in applications such as flexible and transparent screens for personal electronic devices that require protection from both UV light and moisture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relevance of wild hosts in the maintenance and transmission of animal tuberculosis may increase as the prevalence in livestock decreases. However, studies on wild mammals in low bovine tuberculosis prevalence scenarios are scarce. The Basque Country is an understudied region from the Atlantic Iberian Peninsula with low bovine tuberculosis prevalence. In this 10-year survey, we searched for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC) infection in wildlife and studied the spatial and temporal distribution of the spoligotypes circulating among these wild species and cohabiting livestock. For these purposes, lymph nodes from 1472 wild mammals were cultured and isolates spoligotyped. Information on domestic tuberculosis cases was obtained from the Spanish Database of Animal Mycobacteriosis. Infection was confirmed in ten wild boar (1.12%; 95% CI 0.61–2.05) and four red deer (2.40%; 95% CI 0.94–6.00). MTC was not isolated from badgers or other wild species. The general spoligotype diversity in the region was high. Five distinct spoligotypes belonging to M. bovis (SB0121, SB0134, SB0881, SB2354, SB1086) and one to M. caprae (SB0415) were detected in wildlife. Wild ungulates harboured most of the M. bovis spoligotypes that were commonly found in cattle, being SB0121 and SB0134 geographically associated between wild boar and cattle. M. caprae SB0415 was also found in both wild species as well as in cattle and goats. Despite the absence of MTC-infected badgers and the overall low prevalence observed in wildlife, potential epidemiological links between cattle and wild boar have been revealed. No competent hosts should be ignored when developing global control strategies aimed at eradicating tuberculosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessing Eurasian wild boar (Sus scrofa) mortality is a key for understanding population dynamics and adjusting hunting harvest and population management. We used radio-tagging and video-trapping to quantify piglet summer mortality in a managed (i.e. fenced and year-round fed) wild boar population from southern Spain. We used two independent tools to assess wild boar mortality, i.e. radio-tracking and video footage. A total of 32 wild boar piglets were captured at selective feeders acting as cage-traps, and all the piglets were equipped with ear-tag transmitters including a mortality sensor. Additionally, 20 camera traps were set up in video mode at wild boar feeders. Videos were visualized calculating the proportion of piglets seen per adult as a second indicator of piglet mortality. The survival analysis of radio-tagged individuals indicated an average survival of 48% after 180 days of capturing. Mortality was particularly pronounced in the first 2 months, i.e. during summer. Video footage evidenced a progressive decline in the piglet-to-adult ratio throughout summer. Between June and September, this ratio declined by 80.5%. Dead piglets were in poor body condition, and respiratory lesions compatible with the porcine respiratory disease complex (PRDC) were observed in 86% of them. Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) was the most prevalent pathogen (61%) in this study, and its prevalence showed an increasing trend depending on the lung lesion score. We postulate that high piglet mortality at early age might represent a disease-mediated density-dependent mechanism limiting wild boar population growth in semi-intensive management regimes, characterized by year-round feeding and fencing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polysaccharides influence concentration and purity of extracted DNA. Here we present rapid and efficient protocol for DNA extraction from samples rich in polysaccharides. The technique has been developed using cultures of Schizophyllum commune and involves a modification of known Cetyltrimethyl Ammonium Bromide (CTAB) protocol. To remove polysaccharides, Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) 8000 was added during DNA precipitation. Genomic DNA obtained with the CTAB-PEG method had high integrity, with average fragment size >30 kb, the concentration higher than 100 ng/μL, and the yield more than 30 μg/g. Presented technique is suitable for DNA extraction from fungi, bacteria, archaea or even mollusks with high polysaccharide content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tuberculosis (TB) in wild boar (Sus scrofa) may be affected by coinfections with other pathogens, such as porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2). Therefore, sanitary measures focused on controlling PCV2 could be useful in reducing the impact of TB in this wild suid. The aim of this study was to explore whether vaccination against PCV2 targeting young animals affects TB prevalence and TB severity in wild boar. The study was conducted on a game estate in mid-western Spain. Seventy animals of ages ranging from 4 to 8 months were captured, individually identified, vaccinated against PCV2 and released, forming a vaccinated group. Not-captured animals cohabiting with the vaccinated wild boar constituted the control group. Animals from both groups were hunted between 2013 and 2016 and a TB diagnosis based on pathological assessment and microbiological culture was made in all of them. The effect of PCV2 vaccination on TB prevalence and severity was explored using generalized lineal models. Whereas TB prevalence was similar in vaccinated and control groups (54.55 vs. 57.78%), vaccinated animals showed less probabilities to develop generalized TB lesions. Furthermore, mean TB severity score was significantly lower in vaccinated animals (1.55 vs. 2.42) suggesting a positive effect of PCV2 vaccination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) causes significant losses to farming economies worldwide. A better understanding on the epidemiology of this disease and the role that the different hosts develop in the maintenance and spread of bTB is vital to control this zoonotic disease. This study reports the spoligotype diversity and temporal evolution of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex (MTBC) isolates obtained from Extremadura (southern Spain). Genotyping data of Mycobacterium bovis ( n = 2102) and Mycobacterium caprae ( n = 96) isolates from cattle and wildlife species, collected between 2008 and 2012, were used in this study. The isolates resulted clustered into 88 spoligotypes which varied largely in frequency and occurrence in the three hosts. The 20 most frequent patterns represented 91.99 % of the isolates, the spoligotype SB0121 being the clearly predominant and most widely dispersed geographically. The major variety of the spoligotype patterns (78 out of 88) was isolated from the cattle, in fact 50 (56.83 %) of the patterns were found only in this species. Within the spoligotypes shared between the cattle and wildlife species, 17 patterns (1747 isolates) were shared with wild boar and Iberian red deer, 10 patterns (308 isolates) were exclusively shared with wild boar, and only one pattern (two isolates) was shared exclusively with Iberian red deer. The significant number of spoligotypes shared between the three hosts (79.49 %) highlights the components of the multi-host system that allows the bTB maintenance in our study area. The greater percentage of isolates shared by the wild boar and cattle (93.50 %) supports the role of wild boar as main maintenance host for bTB in cattle. These results could be extrapolated to areas with a similar epidemiological scenario and could be helpful for other countries where wild reservoirs represent a handicap for the successful eradication of bTB from livestock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Escherichia coli is a commensal bacterium from the human and animal intestinal microbiota; however, some strains may be pathogenic and can cause a wide range of intestinal and extraintestinal diseases. The presence of pathogenic strains in wild animals, such as deer, may constitute a risk for humans and other animals. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the antimicrobial resistance (AMR), serotype, phylogenetic groups and virulence genes (VGs) of 22 E. coli isolates obtained from red deer faeces ( Cervus elaphus). Results showed that most isolates (17/22) were susceptible to the antimicrobials assessed, whereas only five of them were resistant to some of the tested antimicrobials (mainly to β-lactamics, and to trimethoprim/sulphamethoxazole). Regarding the phylogenetic groups, 19 isolates belonged to the B1 group and three to the B2 group. The identified VGs corresponded to stx1 (17/22), stx2 (12/22), estA (12/22), bfpA (6/22), and eae (4/22). Interestingly, hybrid strains containing VGs that belonged to STEC and EPEC ( stx1, stx2, bfpA ( n = 2) and stx1, bfpA ( n = 1)) and to STEC and ETEC ( stx1, estA ( n = 1), stx2, estA ( n = 1), stx1, stx2, bfpA ( n = 6) and eae, stx1, stx2, bfpA ( n = 1)) pathotypes were found. The identified serotypes were O:H21, O70:NM, O91:NM, O5:NM, O:NM, O23:H16, O23:H25, O38:H25, O6:H34, O6:NT and O75:H9. This work represents the first insight of potentially pathogenic E. coli strains in red deer from Mexico, and it establishes the importance of deer strain characterization. Moreover, the high frequency (12/22) of hybrid strains found in this study, along with a presumably pathogenic potential profile, could represent an additional risk for humans and animals, therefore further investigations on this issue would be needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When bovine tuberculosis (bTB) circulates in a multi-host system, it is paramount to characterize the interactions between wildlife and livestock as they may lead to interspecific transmission. To that purpose, we undertook a 1-year survey in 25 farms located in an infected area in the Burgundy region (east central France). We used camera traps deployed on 101 water and food access points located in pastures and farm buildings considered as attractive points for red deer, wild boar, and badgers. For each species, we analyzed the duration of each visit, the number of individuals, their behavior, and the frequency of visits. Wild boar was the most frequent species, with 5.0 visits/100 nights, and their visits occurred most frequently around water sources and in summer. The frequency of visits from red deer was highest at salt licks and in summer. Badger was more frequent in winter and on pasture feed troughs. These results highlight the wide variation in the patterns of contact at the wildlife-cattle interface among the different bTB-susceptible species. Combined with other epidemiological data, these data could be used both to assess the risk of bTB transmission in Burgundy and to implement biosecurity measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interactions of extensively farmed livestock with wild ungulates contribute to the transmission and maintenance of, among other diseases, tuberculosis (TB) at the interface in South Central Spain (SCS), where farming typically occurs close to wildlife habitats. The aim of this paper is to describe (i) the use of extensive farm resources by wildlife and livestock and (ii) the factors involved. Camera traps (CTs) were placed at a priori risk points ( n = 149 points, 2145 CT days) for interspecies interactions: water points, buildings, food points, and acorn fields (which also provide rich pasture), on 11 representative extensive beef cattle ( n = 6) and Iberian pig ( n = 5) farms. The use of extensive farm resources by wild ungulates was frequent and widespread throughout the study area (over 50 % of daily presence per farm of either wild boar Sus scrofa or red deer Cervus elaphus). This presence increased when there was a high abundance of wild ungulates on nearby hunting estates. No direct interactions were detected, and livestock and wild ungulates partitioned resource use temporally, signifying that the interaction was mainly indirect. The wild species that used all farm resources with by far the most frequency was red deer, although its presence decreased markedly when far from woodland edges. The presence of cattle was positively associated with that of wild boar at all the CTs and specifically with red deer at water points and in acorn fields. Pig presence was negatively associated with that of wild boar, suggesting the existence of competence-mediated avoidance. We propose that interactions at the wildlife-livestock interfaces could be reduced by carrying out specific actions adapted to Mediterranean conditions and farm management: removing and segregating access to risky water points, the wise management of grazing in space and time, and protecting food-rich pasture plots and woodland edges by means of fencing, which is particularly interesting as regards attempting to prevent red deer from accessing areas occupied by livestock and vice versa . Biosecurity programs must be farm-specific, and the effectiveness, costs, and practical value of interventions should be adaptively evaluated in the field in future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porcine respiratory disease complex (PRDC) is a multifactorial respiratory syndrome related to the infection with different pathogens. Although most of these pathogens have been detected in the wild boar, the PRDC pneumonic lesions in this species have not been characterized. The aims of this study were to assess the presence of the main swine respiratory pathogens in wild boar populations from mid-western Spain and to describe the pathological features present in the lung from animals infected with PRDC pathogens. A pathological assessment based on five histological parameters was carried out in lung sections from 210 hunted wild boar. The presence of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, Haemophilus parasuis, Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, Pasteurella multocida, Aujeszky's disease virus, and porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) in lungs was assessed by the use of specific PCR assays. Additionally, immunohistochemical techniques were carried out to detect swine influenza virus (SIV) and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) infection in the lungs. Furthermore, the distribution of infected cells with PCV2 and the presence of M. hyopneumoniae throughout the pulmonary parenchyma were evaluated using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization assays in a subset of animals. Wild boar infected with M. hyopneumoniae, H. parasuis, or P. multocida showed the most severe lesions. M. hyopneumoniae, SIV, PCV2, and PRRSV were detected in single or mixed infections. Animals suffering from mixed infections with M. hyopneumoniae together with different viruses showed severe bronchopneumonia associated with interstitial pneumonia, suggesting that interactions between pathogens might increase the severity of pathological outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detection of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in complex sample matrices remains challenging. In an attempt to improve detection, nonselective and selective enrichment broths were compared as follows: (1) trypticase soy broth (TSB) was compared with TSB plus novobiocin, vancomycin, rifampicin, bile salts, and potassium tellurite (TSB-NVRBT) for supporting growth of STEC in pure culture; (2) E. coli broth (EC), TSB, and TSB plus bile salts (mTSB) were compared for enrichment of STEC O26, O45, O103, O104, O111, O121, O145, and O157 (STEC-8) in inoculated cattle fecal samples; (3) EC, TSB, and mTSB were compared for the detection of STEC-8 in inoculated cattle fecal samples. Fecal samples were inoculated with wild-type STEC-8 or nalidixic acid- or rifampicin-resistant derivatives of the same strains at 100, 1000, or 10,000 colony-forming units per gram (CFU/g) of feces. In pure culture, the mean STEC CFU/mL following enrichment in TSB was 1.17 log greater than that in TSB-NVRBT ( P < 0.05). In inoculated fecal samples, EC enrichment yielded growth of STEC-8 (6.42 log CFU/g) that was significantly greater than in TSB (6.23 log CFU/g; P < 0.05), and numerically but not significantly greater than in mTSB (6.37 log CFU/g; P = 0.60). Wild-type STEC strains were detected in 43.8 % (21/48) of the samples enriched in EC and mTSB compared to 27.1 % (13/48) of the samples enriched in TSB ( P = 0.15). Overall, STEC grew significantly better when enriched in EC compared to TSB. Modification of TSB by the addition of bile salts improved the growth and detection of STEC compared to TSB alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Brucellosis is an infectious and contagious disease that profoundly impacts public health. However, in many countries, disease prevention is restricted to the vaccination of calves, and there is no prophylactic strategy for pregnant heifers and cows. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety of the rough strain vaccine against brucellosis in pregnant cattle. Crossbred cows ( N = 96) at three gestational periods (early, mid, or late pregnancy) were randomly allocated into the vaccine treatment group or to the control group. We then compared the percentage of pregnancies reaching full term, live calves 60 days after delivery, and seropositive calves. There was no effect of vaccination in any of the gestational periods on the evaluation endpoints. In conclusion, vaccination against brucellosis with the rough strain is safe for pregnant cattle at all gestational periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) strains in pigs as a possible STEC reservoir in India as well as to characterize the STEC strains and to determine the antimicrobial resistance pattern of the strains. A total of 782 E. coli isolates from clinically healthy ( n = 473) and diarrhoeic piglets (309) belonging to major pig-producing states of India were screened by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for the presence of virulence genes characteristic for STEC, that is, Shiga toxin-producing gene(s) ( stx1, stx2), intimin ( eae), enterohemolysin ( hlyA) and STEC autoagglutinating adhesin (Saa). Overall STEC were detected in 113 (14.4 %) piglets, and the prevalence of E. coli O157 and non-O157 STEC were 4 (0.5 %) and 109 (13.9 %), respectively. None of the O157 STEC isolates carried gene encoding for H7 antigen ( fliCh7). The various combinations of virulence genes present in the strains studied were stx1 in 4.6 %, stx1 in combination with stx2 gene in 5.1 %, stx1 in combination with stx2 and ehxA in 0.6 %, stx1 in combination with stx2 and eae in 0.2 % and stx2 alone in 3.7 %. All STEC isolates were found negative for STEC autoagglutinating adhesin (Saa). The number of STEC isolates which showed resistance to antimicrobials such as ampicillin, tetracycline, streptomycin, lincomycin, nalidixic acid, sulfadiazine, penicillin, gentamicin, kanamycin and ceftriaxone were 100, 99, 98, 97, 95, 94, 92, 88, 85 and 85, respectively. Ninety-seven isolates showed resistance to more than 2 antimicrobials, and 8 resistance groups (R1 to R8) were observed. This study demonstrates that pigs in India harbour both O157 and non-O157 STEC, and this may pose serious public health problems in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a chronic granulomatous disease that primarily affects lung tissue and lymph nodes (LN) in cattle, with economic impact on their productivity. Furthermore, it is potential zoonoses that may cause public health hazard. In this study, we evaluated the presence of bTB in two abattoirs: Cayambe and Pelileo countries located in the Ecuadorian provinces of Pichincha and Tungurahua, respectively. In total, 578 cattle were sampled (Cayambe 271 and Pelileo 307): 1,156 LN and 578 lung tissue samples were collected to apply in vitro culture and nested-PCR, respectively. The results determined a total apparent prevalence of 4.33 %, with 4.06 % at Cayambe's abattoir and 4.56 % at Pelileo's abattoir. Additionally, the Bayesian analysis showed a total true prevalence of 2.51 %, with 89.7 % of sensitivity and 97.6 % of specificity. The risk factors were evaluated by the use of simple logistic regressions with and without the random effect of places of origin. Associations of the origin of cattle in the selected slaughterhouses were found. The results showed an efficient method for the detection of bTB, which could identify a large number of infected animals, and the usefulness of lung tissue samples for early diagnosis of the disease was demonstrated in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to determine that home environmental factors were associated with atopic dermatitis in Japanese elementary school children. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 4,254 children in 12 public elementary schools in Sapporo city in Hokkaido, Japan were examined. Atopic dermatitis was defined using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire. The questionnaires also contained 14 questions about the child's home environment. To obtain multivariate-adjusted ORs for atopic dermatitis in relation to the home environment, we controlled for possible confounders including gender, school grade, parental history of allergies, number of siblings, and whether the child was firstborn. The study participants were then divided into two groups according to gender, and a stratified analysis was performed to obtain adjusted ORs for atopic dermatitis in relation to the home environment. Results: The prevalence of atopic dermatitis in our sample was 16.7 %. Using fully adjusted models, the risk factors for atopic dermatitis were found to be the household use of a non-electric heating system without a ventilation duct to the outside (compared to the use of an electric heating system), having visible mould in the house, having a mouldy odour in the house, and condensation on the windowpanes in the house odds ratios (OR 1.25-1.54). In our stratified analysis, having visible mould and having a mouldy odour in the house were relevantly found to be risk factors for boys (OR 1.28-1.64). However, these associations were not found among girls. Conclusions: To improve children's health, further study is needed to corroborate the findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies on outbreaks of Candida showed an increased incidence of bloodstream infections in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) caused by C. parapsilosis species, highlighting the need for the proper identification and epidemiology of these species. Several systems are available for molecular epidemiological and taxonomic studies of fungal infections: pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) represents the gold standard for typing, but is also one of the most lengthy and expensive, while simple sequence repeats (SSRs) is based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and is, therefore, faster. Only recently, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has been used to identify and type microorganisms involved in nosocomial outbreaks. In our study, 19 strains of C. parapsilosis isolated from the blood cultures of neonates admitted to the University Hospital Federico II were genotyped by the amplification of eight SSR markers and by MALDI-TOF MS. Electrophoretic and spectrometric profile results were compared in order to identify similarities among the isolates and to study microevolutionary changes in the C. parapsilosis population. The discriminatory power and the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) dendrograms generated were compared in order to evaluate the correlation of the groups established by the analysis of the clusters by both methods. Both methods were rapid and effective in highlighting identical strains and studying microevolutionary changes in the population. Our study evidenced that mass spectroscopy is a useful technique not only for the identification but also for monitoring the spread of strains, which is critical to control nosocomial infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the period from January 2002 to December 2003, serum samples were collected from 104 small ruminant flocks consisting of 18 sheep flocks, 27 goat flocks, and 59 mixed flocks containing both sheep and goats in northern Jordan. Only female sheep and goats were sampled. At least five females aged over 2 years per flock per species were sampled and examined for Mycoplasma mycoides subspecies capri using the latex agglutination test. To increase the chances of detecting positive flocks, sick or older ewes were sampled. Specific information was obtained using a questionnaire to identify potential risk factors for M. mycoides subsp. capri seropositivity in small ruminants. The true flock-level seroprevalences of M. mycoides subsp. capri were 34%, 32%, and 38% in small ruminants (sheep and goats), sheep, and goats, respectively. Differences between flock-level seroprevalences in sheep and goats were not significant ( p = 0.7). Multivariable logistic regression analysis of 21 production and health management practices showed four to be associated with M. mycoides subsp. capri seropositivity including flocks which were grazed and fed concentrate supplement (OR = 4.6), improper cleaning of milking utensils (OR = 4.7), buying new animals to replace culled ones (OR = 0.3), and treating against helminths when clinical signs of helminth infections appear (OR = 0.4). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of major virulence factors of enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC; stx1, stx2, eae, Ehly) were determined among isolates from 158 diarrhoeic calves by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Strains positive for virulence factors were subjected to serotype specific PCR assays for O157:H7 and O111 antigens. Additionally, serogroups were determined by three monovalent antisera for O26, O111 and O157 somatic antigens and enterohaemolysin production were also shown phenotypically. Thirteen (8.2%) calves carried strains positive for one or more of the virulence factors tested, and eleven (6.9%) calves harboured the shiga toxin-producing strains ( stx1 or stx2) . stx1 was detected in eight (5%) and stx2 in three (1.9%) calves. eae and Ehly were observed in the same frequency (6.3%) and were detected in parallel. Of the 13 virulence-positive strains, the predominant genotype was ( stx1/ eae/ Ehly) at 53.8%. None of the EHEC in this study belonged to O157:H7 or O111 serotypes, but four strains (30.7%) belonged to the O26 serogroup. The results show the possible role of stx1/ eae in calf diarrhoea and the particular importance of O26 EHEC. Calves can also act as a reservoir for EHEC and in the transmission of the disease to humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract  Biochemical and physiological tests, and 16S rRNA gene sequences, were used to classify nine Actinomycete strains isolated from soil and sand samples in Thailand. These strains were isolated based on their ability to readily degrade mucin glycoproteins. A turbidometric based mucinolytic assay was developed to confirm this. In addition all strains showed significant production of proteases. Phylogenetic analysis of the strains revealed that from the nine isolated Actinomycete strains eight were closely related to Streptomyces species and one was identified as belonging to the genus Kitasatospora. The biochemical and physiological tests performed identified two strain pairs that were similar (with only 3.9% difference observed) and this was in accordance with the phylogenetic results obtained. The remaining strains were distinct from each other, with the soil-isolated strains forming a separate clade to the sand-isolated strains in the inferred phylogenetic trees. The isolated mucinolytic Actinomycete strains will be the subject of further investigations into their proteolytic and glycosidic activity. Mucin degrading enzymes such as these are studied for their potential to be used for the development of a drug delivery system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite being considered an invasive ungulate outside its native range (North Africa), little information exists regarding the role of the aoudad (also called Barbary sheep, Ammotragus lervia) as a pathogen reservoir. Furthermore, in most epidemiological surveys the potential role of coinfections (e.g. a first infection may make the host more immuno-competent or susceptible against a second pathogen) as a risk factor is often neglected. In this study we first performed a serological survey for selected pathogens ( Mycobacterium bovis, M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis, Chlamydophila abortus, bovine viral diarrhoea/border disease viruses (BVDV-BDV), Salmonella spp. , Brucella melitensis and Toxoplasma gondii) on free ( n = 66) and captive ( n = 25) aoudad from south-east Spain. Then, by using Akaike’s information criterion, we evaluated the importance of coinfection in two statistical models that included the effects of population, age, and sex. Our results show that neither free nor captive aoudad had antibodies against Brucella melitensis, Chlamydophila abortus, or BVDV-BDV. However, compared to other wild ungulates in Spain, aoudads have high prevalence of antibodies against M. bovis (free = 49.5%; captive = 8%), very high prevalence of antibodies against M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis (free = 19.4%; captive = 56%), and intermediate prevalence of antibodies against Salmonella spp. (free = 13.4%; captive = 0%) or T. gondii (free = 1.5%; captive = 24%). Although the additive effects of population and age were included in our set of selected models, coinfection was the most influential factor to detect antibodies response against mycobacterials and salmonella infections. The direction of this influence could be exclusion of disease between tuberculosis and paratuberculosis seroreactor animals, or enhanced susceptibility to disease between tuberculosis and salmonella seroreactor animals. In conclusion, we believe that wildlife managers must pay more attention to the potential risk posed by aoudads as hosts (and probably reservoirs) of paratuberculosis and tuberculosis mycobacterials, while epidemiologists should be more aware of coinfection as an important factor in epidemiological surveys, especially in wildlife populations where multiple infections are common. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An Aujeszky’s disease (AD) control and eradication campaign started in Spain in 1995, and as a result, AD virus (ADV) seroprevalences have notably diminished in Spanish domestic pig herds, but eradication has not yet been achieved. Since the presence of ADV in Spanish wild boar populations can impede schemes to eradicate ADV in domestic pig, we conducted analyses of risk factors and investigated associations between the patterns of ADV seroprevalence at the municipal level in the wild boar and the domestic pig, respectively, in south-central Spain. There was a clear influence of individual factors on the risk of wild boar to test positive to ADV. Concerning the domestic pig, higher ADV seroprevalences were observed with increasing numbers of pigs per farm. Indoor pig farms showed higher seroprevalences than open-air farms. Our results show that, at least at the study scale, the level of ADV seroprevalence in domestic pig farms is not influenced by the level of ADV seroprevalence in the coexisting wild boar populations. Also, there was no influence of domestic pigs ADV seroprevalence on the risk of wild boars to test seropositive. Finally, there was no evidence for a statistical association between ADV seroprevalence levels in wild boar and domestic pig at the municipal level in the study region. These findings are of interest for both veterinary and public health authorities. Nevertheless, more effort is needed in order to elucidate the nature of particular ADV outbreaks in domestic pigs in the study region due to possible contacts with wild boars, which will probably require a molecular approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty-eight isolates of Trichoderma belonging to four different species were screened in vitro for their antagonistic ability against Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. dianthi causing carnation wilt. Three different levels of antagonism observed in dual plate assay were further confirmed by cell-free culture filtrate experiments. Isolates showing class I level of antagonism produced maximum lytic enzymes, chitinases and β-1,3-glucanases. Genetic variability of 25 selected isolates was assessed by random amplified polymorphic DNA technique and the amplified products were correlated for their level of antagonism. Unweighed pair-group method with arithmetical averages cluster analysis revealed prominent inter-and intraspecific genetic variation among the isolates. Based on their genetic relationship, the isolates were mainly distributed into 3 major groups representing T. atroviride, T. pseudokoningii and T. harzianum, with 20–35% interspecific dissimilarity. However, the polymorphism shown by the isolates did not correlate to their level of antagonism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Host immunocompetence assessed by spleen size and response to phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) injection may give some indications on the control of parasite infection and on host mediation effect, through immunity, on parasite community structure. We investigated the helminth community and immunocompetence of the white-toothed shrew in a small area to test the relationship between immunocompetence and intensity of helminth infection. At the proximate level and if spleen mass and PHA response reflect the level of immunocompetence, we expected that individuals with a large spleen or a high PHA response should harbour a lower parasite load than individuals with relatively small spleen or low PHA response. In addition, we predicted that the structure of the helminth community should be mediated by the host’s immune defence. Spleen mass was linked to helminth infection. Nematodes and cestodes were negatively associated within hosts. PHA response was not related to total helminth intensity of infection but was negatively related to cestode intensity and positively to nematode intensity. This result suggests either a differential modulating effect on immunity by the two groups of worms or the existence of an antagonistic association between nematodes and cestodes mediated by the immune response of the host. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We estimated genetic variation in two groups of Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) isolates: one of them (isolates T385, T317, T318 and T305) derived from a Spanish source by successive host passages, and the other (isolates T388 and T390), obtained after aphid transmission of a Japanese source. The population structure of these isolates had been characterized by single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis of genes p18 and p20. The nucleotide sequences of representative haplotypes of each isolate and gene were used to estimate genetic diversity within and between isolates and to evaluate genetic differentiation between populations. Phylogenetic analysis of p18 and p20 sequence variants showed two main groups: one them included variants predominant in the severe isolates (T318, T305 and T388), and the other comprised variants present in both mild (T385, T317) and severe isolates. Most sequence variants of isolate T390 were not associated to these groups. In some isolates, within-isolate diversity was higher than diversity with other isolates because their population contained distantly related sequence variants, some of which were genetically close to variants predominant in the second isolate. Isolates T388 and T390 were genetically different for the two genes, as estimated by the F statistic. Furthermore, genetic differentiation between T385 and T317, T318 and T305 increased after each host passage. Our results suggest that aphid transmission and host passage may significantly alter the composition of CTV populations and thus be an important factor in their evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gene encoding a cuticle-degrading serine protease was cloned from three isolates of Lecanicillium psalliotae (syn. Verticillium psalliotae) by 3′ and 5′ RACE (rapid amplification of cDNA ends) method. The gene encodes for 382 amino acids and the protein shares conserved motifs with subtilisin N and peptidase S8. Comparison of translated cDNA sequences of three isolates revealed one amino acid polymorphism at position 230. The deduced protease sequence shared high degree of similarities to other cuticle-degrading proteases from other nematophagous fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pathogen, host and environmental factors must be considered in order to understand the pathogenesis of dermatophilosis. A frequently cited sequence of events involves physical damage to the skin, bacterial multiplication in the epidermis, repeated cycles of invasion by hyphae, infiltration by neutrophils and exudate, regeneration of epidermis and reinvasion. This paper is concerned with pathogen driven mechanisms involved in the origin and development of Dermatophilus congolensis infections. Primary infections of calves under controlled conditions at clipped, cleaned, defatted sites result in characteristic dermatophilosis crusts, illustrating that D. congolensis itself is pathogenic. Calves infected in this way develop protective immune responses to subsequent infections. In contrast first and second infections of calves simultaneously infested with Amblyomma variegatum result in more severe lesions that take significantly longer to heal than lesions on tick free calves. Immunity to D. congolensis is isolate specific, however the antigens that elicit immunity have not been defined, they might include pathogenic or virulence factors. Hyphae are the life-cycle stage most closely associated with the living epidermis. During in vitro growth hyphae secrete antigens and proteolytic enzymes into culture medium. Proteolytic activity has been linked to virulence of D. congolensis. The characteristics of proteases released into culture medium varies between isolates. This raises the possibility that proteases, with as yet undefined functions, act as pathogenic and virulence factors, that they are the targets for protective immune responses and that A. variegatum infestation interferes with host immune responses that normally inhibit their activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Verocytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC) is an important group of emerging food-borne pathogens and represents a major public health concern worldwide. The aim of this work was to analyse faecal samples from hunted wild lagomorphs for the presence of E. coli O157:H7 and non-O157 VTEC. During two hunting seasons, faecal samples from 241 animals were collected, including wild rabbit ( Oryctolagus cuniculus) and hare ( Lepus granatensis) and were examined for VTEC. Overall, VTEC were detected and isolated in four (1.66%) of the 241 animals sampled. E. coli O157:H7 was isolated only from one of 124 (0.81%) wild rabbit faecal samples while non-O157 VTEC were isolated from two of 124 (1.61%) wild rabbit faecal samples and one of 117 (0.85%) hare faecal samples. VTEC isolates obtained in the present study (four in total) belonged to four different O:H serotypes, including two serotypes (O84:H− and O157:H7) previously associated with human infection and in particular with causing the life-threatening haemolytic-uraemic syndrome. Although these results indicate a low prevalence of VTEC infection in free-ranging wild lagomorphs, they may play an important role as a source of exposure to human beings and livestock and as a vehicle for dispersing these pathogens. These findings have implications for the zoonotic risk to hunters, people consuming meat from wild animals and others in contact with wild animal faeces, and also in the development of programmes for controlling VTEC at the farm level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The population of wild boar has rapidly increased over the past decades in many environments. Climate changes, changes in agricultural policy orientation, and, for example, insufficient hunting and predation pressure on the wild boar have made it one of the key species of the 21st century in Europe. Currently, the biggest threat related to the distribution and abundance increasing of wild boar in Europe is their contribution to spreading of African swine fever (ASF) disease. In order to prevent the spread of ASF and its consequences, it is essential to reduce the population of the wild boar to the lowest possible level. The rate of reduction required depends on the initial population size and the population recruitment rate. These are affected, among other factors, by the carrying capacity of the environment, the provision of artificially supplied foods, and feeding at baiting sites, to assist hunting. This study evaluated the reproductive potential of wild boar populations in the Czech Republic, across a range of environmental conditions. The environment significantly affected the physical condition of piglets, yearlings, and adult sows. In lower-quality environments, piglets entered puberty earlier than in higher-quality environments. Pregnancy has been reported in piglets from the age of 7 months. The average litter size was 4.08 for piglets, 5.83 for yearlings, and 7.01 for adult sows. The sex ratio of piglets was affected by the body condition of the mother. The reproductive potential of the current Central European wild boar population is high. This study showed that approximately 95% of females will be impregnated during the non-vegetative season. An average increment of 5 piglets per female, or 3 piglets per wild boar who survived the winter, can be expected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the first case of Mycobacterium bovis infection in a free-living fallow deer (Dama dama) in northwest Italy, the epidemiological analysis (i.e., tracing source and dissemination during outbreaks), and the potential source of infection in a historically animal tuberculosis (aTB)-free area. Gross lung and lymph node lesions were histologically consistent with a severe parasitic bronchopneumonia due to lungworms associated with severe mycobacterial infection. The lesions contained numerous densely packaged, acid-fast bacilli, raising suspicion of an active, open form of aTB. Acid-fast organisms were characterized as M. bovis SB0120-ETR 45533, one of the most common profiles in Italy. Epidemiological investigation into the most recent outbreaks caused by M. bovis SB0120-ETR 45533 within a 50-km radius of where the fallow deer was retrieved disclosed two different situations: one case involving a water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) in 2008 and one involving a donkey in 2016. Analysis of spoligotype and VNTR-type pattern circulating and recorded in northwest Italy from 1999 to 2014 suggested that in the cases of the donkey and the fallow deer, the source of infection was most likely attributable to spillover from outbreaks in domestic species: cattle and water buffalo, respectively. According to the European Commission, aTB status of livestock does not depend on aTB cases in wildlife (Council Directive 64/432/33C of 26 June 1964); nevertheless, the primary aim of aTB eradication should include global monitoring of all susceptible species if the re-emergence of M. bovis from established wildlife reservoir is to be prevented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]