20 results on '"Tanya J. Kerr"'
Search Results
2. Novel molecular transport medium used in combination with Xpert MTB/RIF ultra provides rapid detection of Mycobacterium bovis in African buffaloes
- Author
-
Katrin Smith, Tanya J. Kerr, Robin M. Warren, Michele A. Miller, David Cooper, Charlene Clarke, Samantha Goldswain, Léanie Kleynhans, Christopher Helm, Paul D. van Helden, and Wynand J. Goosen
- Subjects
0301 basic medicine ,Buffaloes ,Molecular biology ,Science ,030106 microbiology ,Sample processing ,Negative control ,Rapid detection ,Article ,Microbiology ,03 medical and health sciences ,Molecular Transport ,Bovine tuberculosis ,Animals ,Tuberculosis ,Mycobacterium bovis ,Multidisciplinary ,biology ,Mycobacterial culture ,Translational research ,biology.organism_classification ,030104 developmental biology ,Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex ,Medicine - Abstract
Mycobacterium bovis is the causative agent of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in wildlife. Confirmation of M. bovis infection relies on mycobacterial culture, which is time-consuming. Collection and transportation of infectious material also pose a human health risk. PrimeStore Molecular Transport Medium (MTM) has been shown to effectively inactivate infectious organisms, making it a safe method for handling infectious samples. This study investigated an in-field sampling technique for rapid, safe detection of M. bovis in buffalo tissues. Potentially infected tissues from bTB test-positive buffaloes were swabbed at post-mortem examination and stored in PrimeStore MTM at ambient temperature until Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra testing was performed. Additionally, tissue samples were frozen and transported before homogenisation for culture and Ultra testing. Oral swabs were collected from M. bovis-unexposed buffaloes as a negative control cohort. Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) DNA was detected by Ultra in 13/16 tissue swabs and 9/16 matched tissue homogenates from culture-confirmed M. bovis-positive buffalo tissues. MTBC DNA was not detected in swabs from M. bovis-unexposed animals, showing the potentially high specificity of Ultra with PrimeStore swabs. PrimeStore MTM sample processing, in combination with the Ultra assay, has the potential to provide a safe, rapid post-mortem screening test for M. bovis in buffaloes.
- Published
- 2021
3. Diagnosis of Mycobacterium bovis infection in free‐ranging common hippopotamus ( Hippopotamus amphibius )
- Author
-
Tanya J. Kerr, Robin M. Warren, Oonagh Pretorius, Konstantin P. Lyashchenko, Peter Buss, Paul D. van Helden, Lin-Mari de Klerk-Lorist, Michele A. Miller, Wynand J. Goosen, Léanie Kleynhans, and Rachiel Gumbo
- Subjects
Mycobacterium bovis ,General Veterinary ,General Immunology and Microbiology ,biology ,Free ranging ,Wildlife ,Cattle Diseases ,Zoology ,General Medicine ,biology.organism_classification ,Hippopotamus amphibius ,Serology ,Interspecies transmission ,Seroepidemiologic Studies ,biology.animal ,Hippopotamus ,Animals ,Tuberculosis ,Seroprevalence ,Cattle ,Tuberculosis, Bovine ,Ecosystem ,Artiodactyla ,Retrospective Studies - Abstract
Bovine tuberculosis (bTB), caused by Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) infection, is a multi-host disease which negatively affects the wildlife industry, with adverse consequences for conservation, ecotourism, and game/wildlife sales. Although interspecies transmission has been reported between some wildlife hosts, the risk of spread in complex ecosystems is largely unknown. As a controlled disease, tools for accurate detection of M. bovis infection are crucial for effective surveillance and management, especially in wildlife populations. There are, however, limited species-specific diagnostic tests available for wildlife. Hippopotamuses are rarely tested for M. bovis infection, and infection has not previously been confirmed in these species. In this study, blood and tissue samples collected from common hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) residing in a bTB-endemic area, the Greater Kruger Protected area (GKPA), were retrospectively screened to determine whether there was evidence for interspecies transmission of M. bovis, and identify tools for M. bovis detection in this species. Using the multi-species DPP® VetTB serological assay, a bTB seroprevalence of 8% was found in hippopotamus from GKPA. In addition, the first confirmed case of M. bovis infection in a free-ranging common hippopotamus is reported, based on the isolation in mycobacterial culture, genetic speciation and detection of DNA in tissue samples. Importantly, the M. bovis spoligotype (SB0121) isolated from this common hippopotamus is shared with other M. bovis-infected hosts in GKPA, suggesting interspecies transmission. These results support the hypothesis that M. bovis infection may be under recognized in hippopotamus. Further investigation is needed to determine the risk of interspecies transmission of M. bovis to common hippopotamus in bTB-endemic ecosystems and evaluate serological and other diagnostic tools in this species.
- Published
- 2021
4. The Seroepidemiology of a Neglected Zoonotic and Livestock Pathogen in Free-Ranging Bovids: Leptospirosis in African Buffaloes (Syncerus caffer)
- Author
-
Tanya J. Kerr, Wynand J. Goosen, Michele A. Miller, Andrew Potts, and Mark Moseley
- Subjects
Microbiology (medical) ,Serotype ,Veterinary medicine ,spillover ,animal diseases ,Biology ,Leptospira ,parasitic diseases ,medicine ,disease ecology ,Immunology and Allergy ,Seroprevalence ,leptospirosis ,One Health ,Molecular Biology ,General Immunology and Microbiology ,Zoonotic Infection ,business.industry ,Zoonosis ,Microscopic Agglutination Typing ,zoonosis ,medicine.disease ,biology.organism_classification ,Leptospirosis ,Africa ,Infectious Diseases ,Herd ,Medicine ,Livestock ,business - Abstract
Multi-host pathogens are challenging to control and are responsible for some of the most important diseases of humans, livestock, and wildlife. Leptospira spp. are some of the most common multi-host pathogens and represent an important cause of zoonotic infections and livestock productivity loss in the developing world, where contact with wildlife species is common. Although there is increasing evidence that cattle in Africa harbour a broad diversity of Leptospira genotypes and serovars, little is known about the epidemiology of these pathogens in wild bovids, such as African buffaloes (Syncerus caffer). Using microscopic agglutination testing (MAT) on serum samples collected from free-ranging buffaloes (n = 98) captured in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park (HiP), South Africa, we demonstrated an overall seroprevalence of 21% with seropositivity almost exclusively limited to serovar Tarassovi (serogroup Tarassovi). Moreover, we found no evidence of seropositivity in unweaned calves and showed temporal- or herd-specific variation in exposure risk, and increased probability of seropositivity (OR = 5.44, 95% CI = 1.4–27) in female buffaloes. Together, these findings demonstrate that free-ranging African buffaloes are exposed to Leptospira spp. infections, providing insights into the epidemiology of an emerging Leptospira serovar in herds with an absence of any disease control and minimal management.
- Published
- 2021
5. Mycobacterium bovis Infection in Free-Ranging African Elephants
- Author
-
Louis van Schalkwyk, Wynand J. Goosen, Michele A. Miller, Tebogo Manamela, Léanie Kleynhans, Candice R. de Waal, Paul D. van Helden, Robin M. Warren, Elizabeth M. Streicher, Peter Buss, Guy Hausler, Tanya J. Kerr, and Leana Rossouw
- Subjects
Microbiology (medical) ,Epidemiology ,Elephants ,Wildlife ,Zoology ,lcsh:Medicine ,Animals, Wild ,Loxodonta africana ,Biology ,lcsh:Infectious and parasitic diseases ,African elephant ,South Africa ,biology.animal ,Bovine tuberculosis ,Research Letter ,Animals ,Tuberculosis ,lcsh:RC109-216 ,bacteria ,Mycobacterium bovis ,Free ranging ,endemic bovine tuberculosis ,National park ,Captive elephants ,lcsh:R ,biology.organism_classification ,tuberculosis and other mycobacteria ,Mycobacterium bovis Infection in Free-Ranging African Elephants ,Infectious Diseases ,Kruger National Park ,GeneXpert Ultra - Abstract
Mycobacterium bovis infection in wildlife species occurs worldwide. However, few cases of M. bovis infection in captive elephants have been reported. We describe 2 incidental cases of bovine tuberculosis in free-ranging African elephants (Loxodonta africana) from a tuberculosis-endemic national park in South Africa and the epidemiologic implications of these infections.
- Published
- 2021
6. SEROLOGICAL EVIDENCE OF COXIELLA BURNETII INFECTION IN THE WHITE RHINOCEROS (CERATOTHERIUM SIMUM) IN SOUTH AFRICA
- Author
-
Kyle A. Donnelly, Tanya J. Kerr, Charles Van Niekerk, Scott B. Citino, Peter Buss, Léanie Kleynhans, Michele A. Miller, and Douw Grobler
- Subjects
medicine.medical_specialty ,Veterinary medicine ,General Veterinary ,biology ,National park ,Ceratotherium simum ,Public health ,Antibody titer ,Rhinoceros ,General Medicine ,Abortion ,Coxiella burnetii ,biology.organism_classification ,Herd ,medicine ,Animal Science and Zoology - Abstract
Coxiellosis, or Query (Q) fever, a disease caused by the intracellular bacteria Coxiella burnetii, was recently described in a managed breeding herd of white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) in the southeastern United States. Clinical disease often results in abortion and could represent a conservation challenge for this species. In addition to the reproductive and herd management consequences, coxiellosis is also a zoonotic disease. Infection or clinical disease in any free-ranging rhinoceros species in a national park setting has not been previously described. In this study, evidence of prior infection was measured by immunofluorescent antibody titers in 89 serum samples collected from white rhinoceros within private reserves and a national park in South Africa. Total seropositivity was 48/89 (53.9% [95% CI, 43.6-63.9%]). Animals on private reserves had a seropositivity of 21/51 (41.1% [95% CI, 27.1-55.2%]), and national park rhinoceros had a higher rate of seropositivity at 71.0% [95% CI, 55.9-86.2%] (27/38; P= 0.004). Adults had a higher seropositivity compared with subadults (P= 0.03). There was no difference in seropositivity between sexes (P > 0.05). Results demonstrate that South African white rhinoceros populations are exposed to Coxiella, which could result in underrecognized reproductive consequences. Further studies should investigate potential implications for public health and conservation management of this species.
- Published
- 2021
7. Use of PrimeStore® Molecular Transport Medium and Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra for Rapid Detection of Mycobacterium Bovis in African buffaloes (Syncerus Caffer)
- Author
-
Tanya J. Kerr, Michele A. Miller, Charlene Clarke, Samantha Goldswain, Katrin Smith, Paul D. van Helden, Wynand J. Goosen, Christopher Helm, Robin M. Warren, David Cooper, and Léanie Kleynhans
- Subjects
Mycobacterium bovis ,biology ,Molecular Transport ,biology.organism_classification ,Rapid detection ,Microbiology - Abstract
Mycobacterium bovis is the causative agent of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in wildlife. Confirmation of M. bovis infection relies on mycobacterial culture, which is time-consuming. Collection and transportation of infectious material also pose a human health risk. PrimeStore® Molecular Transport Medium (MTM) has been shown to effectively inactivate infectious organisms, making it a safe method for handling infectious samples. This study investigated an in-field sampling technique for rapid, safe detection of M. bovis in buffalo tissues. Potentially infected tissues from bTB test-positive buffaloes were swabbed at post-mortem examination and stored in PrimeStore® MTM at ambient temperature until Xpert® MTB/RIF Ultra testing was performed. Additionally, tissue samples were frozen and transported before homogenisation for culture and Ultra testing. Oral swabs were collected from M. bovis-unexposed buffaloes as a negative control cohort. Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) DNA was detected by Ultra in 13/16 tissue swabs and 9/16 matched tissue homogenates from culture-confirmed M. bovis-positive buffalo tissues. MTBC DNA was not detected in swabs from M. bovis-unexposed animals, showing the potentially high specificity of Ultra with PrimeStore® swabs. PrimeStore® MTM sample processing, in combination with the Ultra assay, has the potential to provide a safe, rapid post-mortem screening test for M. bovis in buffaloes.
- Published
- 2021
8. Use of blood matrices and alternative biological fluids for antibody detection in animal tuberculosis
- Author
-
Rubyat Elahi, Tanya J. Kerr, Alina Sikar-Gang, Mitchell V. Palmer, Konstantin P. Lyashchenko, Javan Esfandiari, Eduard O. Roos, W. Ray Waters, Paul Lambotte, Michele A. Miller, Archana A. Sridhara, Tyler C. Thacker, Ashley Johnathan-Lee, and Rena Greenwald
- Subjects
Saliva ,Swine ,Immunology ,Immunologic Tests ,Serology ,Antigen ,medicine ,Animals ,Whole blood ,Swine Diseases ,Mycobacterium bovis ,General Veterinary ,biology ,medicine.diagnostic_test ,Plant Extracts ,biology.organism_classification ,Antibodies, Bacterial ,Immunoassay ,Immunoglobulin G ,biology.protein ,Cattle ,Lymph ,Antibody ,Tuberculosis, Bovine - Abstract
Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) control programs can be improved by implementation of advanced ante-mortem testing algorithms. Serodiagnostic methods using traditional blood or blood-derived specimens may benefit from the use of less invasive alternative biological fluids, provided those mirror systemic antibody responses. In the present study, we used Dual Path Platform (DPP) and Multiantigen Print Immunoassay (MAPIA) to compare antibody levels in ten sample types including whole blood (fresh and hemolyzed), plasma (fresh and leftover from Bovigam testing), serum, saliva, broncho-alveolar lavage, urine, diaphragm extract, and bile collected from cattle aerosol-infected with Mycobacterium bovis. High correlation (r = 0.97-0.99) in measurements of IgG antibodies to MPB70/MPB83 fusion antigen by DPP assay was found between all blood-derived specimens, supporting matrix equivalency. Broncho-alveolar lavage and diaphragm extract yielded positive results in all the infected animals tested, showing high correlation with matching serum data (r = 0.94 and r = 0.95, respectively) and suggesting their potential use in antibody assays. Characterized by MAPIA, the antigen reactivity patterns obtained with paired sera and alternative specimens were nearly identical, with slight differences in intensity. Antibodies were also found by DPP assay in saliva, urine, and bile from some of the infected animals, but the titers were relatively low, thus reducing the diagnostic value of such specimens. The proposed approach was evaluated in a pilot field study on warthogs diagnosed with M. bovis infection. Relative levels of antibody in tissue fluid obtained from lymph nodes or lungs were consistent with those detected in sera and detectable in all infected warthogs. The findings support the diagnostic utility of non-traditional biological fluids and tissue samples when used as alternative test specimens in serologic assays for bTB.
- Published
- 2020
9. Optimisation of the tuberculin skin test for detection of Mycobacterium bovis in African buffaloes (Syncerus caffer)
- Author
-
Alicia J. McCall, Charlene Clarke, Warren A. McCall, Candice R. de Waal, Tanya J. Kerr, Katrin Smith, Sven D.C. Parsons, David Cooper, Emma Rambert, Robin M. Warren, Debbie Cooke, Léanie Kleynhans, Samantha Goldswain, Michele A. Miller, Netanya Bernitz, Wynand J. Goosen, and Paul D. van Helden
- Subjects
Veterinary medicine ,Buffaloes ,040301 veterinary sciences ,030231 tropical medicine ,Tuberculin ,0403 veterinary science ,03 medical and health sciences ,South Africa ,0302 clinical medicine ,Food Animals ,Screening method ,Bovine tuberculosis ,Medicine ,Animals ,Tuberculosis ,Tuberculin test ,Mycobacterium bovis ,biology ,Comparative test ,business.industry ,Tuberculin Test ,04 agricultural and veterinary sciences ,Skin test ,biology.organism_classification ,Animal Science and Zoology ,business - Abstract
Effective screening methods are critical for preventing the spread of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) among livestock and wildlife species. The tuberculin skin test (TST) remains the primary test for bTB globally, although performance is suboptimal. African buffaloes (Syncerus caffer) are a maintenance host of Mycobacterium bovis in South Africa, tested using the single intradermal tuberculin test (SITT) or comparative test (SICTT). The interpretation of these tests has been based on cattle thresholds due to the lack of species-specific cut-off values for African buffaloes. Therefore, the aims of this study were to calculate buffalo-specific thresholds for different TST criteria (SITT, SICTT, and SICTT72h that calculates the differential change at 72 h only) and compare performance using these cut-off values. The results confirm that 3 mm best discriminates M. bovis-infected from unexposed control buffaloes with sensitivities of 69 % (95 % CI 60-78; SITT and SICTT) and 76 % (95 % CI 65-83; SICTT72h), and specificities of 86 % (95 % CI 80-90; SITT), 96 % (95 % CI 92-98; SICTT72h) and 97 % (95 % CI 93-99; SICTT), respectively. A comparison between TST criteria using buffalo-specific thresholds demonstrates that the comparative TST performs better than the SITT, although sensitivity remains suboptimal. Therefore, further research and the addition of ancillary tests, such as cytokine release assays, are necessary to improve M. bovis detection in African buffaloes.
- Published
- 2020
10. Review of Diagnostic Tests for Detection of
- Author
-
Konstantin P. Lyashchenko, Sven D.C. Parsons, Charlene Clarke, Katrin Smith, Robin M. Warren, Michele A. Miller, Taschnica T Sylvester, David Cooper, Candice R. de Waal, Anzaan Dippenaar, Wynand J. Goosen, Christina Meiring, Paul D. van Helden, Léanie Kleynhans, Tanya J. Kerr, Peter Buss, Samantha Goldswain, Rachiel Gumbo, Eduard O. Roos, Netanya Bernitz, Roxanne L. Higgitt, and Josephine Chileshe
- Subjects
0301 basic medicine ,Tuberculosis ,040301 veterinary sciences ,Wildlife ,Zoology ,Review ,Disease ,immunological assays ,direct detection of mycobacteria ,0403 veterinary science ,03 medical and health sciences ,diagnostics ,Bovine tuberculosis ,medicine ,South African wildlife ,bovine tuberculosis ,Mycobacterium bovis ,gene expression assays ,lcsh:Veterinary medicine ,biology ,General Veterinary ,business.industry ,Diagnostic test ,04 agricultural and veterinary sciences ,medicine.disease ,biology.organism_classification ,cytokine release assays ,030104 developmental biology ,lcsh:SF600-1100 ,Veterinary Science ,Livestock ,Identification (biology) ,business - Abstract
Wildlife tuberculosis is a major economic and conservation concern globally. Bovine tuberculosis (bTB), caused byMycobacterium bovis(M. bovis), is the most common form of wildlife tuberculosis. In South Africa, to date,M. bovisinfection has been detected in 24 mammalian wildlife species. The identification ofM. bovisinfection in wildlife species is essential to limit the spread and to control the disease in these populations, sympatric wildlife species and neighboring livestock. The detection ofM. bovis-infected individuals is challenging as only severely diseased animals show clinical disease manifestations and diagnostic tools to identify infection are limited. The emergence of novel reagents and technologies to identifyM. bovisinfection in wildlife species are instrumental in improving the diagnosis and control of bTB. This review provides an update on the diagnostic tools to detectM. bovisinfection in South African wildlife but may be a useful guide for other wildlife species.
- Published
- 2020
11. Implications of Interspecies Transmission and Diagnosis of Mycobacterium bovis Infection in Free-Ranging Common Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius)
- Author
-
Paul D. van Helden, Léanie Kleynhans, Michele A. Miller, Peter Buss, Oonagh Pretorius, Tanya J. Kerr, Wynand J. Goosen, Robin M. Warren, Rachiel Gumbo, Lin-Mari deKlerk-Lorist, and Konstantin P. Lyashchenko
- Subjects
Interspecies transmission ,Mycobacterium bovis ,biology ,Free ranging ,biology.animal ,Hippopotamus ,Wildlife ,Zoology ,Diagnostic tools ,biology.organism_classification ,Hippopotamus amphibius ,Serology - Abstract
Bovine tuberculosis (bTB), caused by Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) infection, is a multi-host disease which negatively affects the wildlife industry, with adverse consequences for conservation, ecotourism, and game/wildlife sales. Although interspecies transmission has been reported between some wildlife hosts, the risk of spread in complex ecosystems is largely unknown. As a controlled disease, tools for accurate detection of M. bovis infection is crucial for effective surveillance and management, especially in wildlife populations. There are however, limited species-specific diagnostic tests available for wildlife. Hippopotamuses are rarely tested for M. bovis infection and infection has not previously been confirmed in these species. In this study, blood and tissue samples collected from common hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) residing in a bTB endemic area, the Greater Kruger Protected area (GKPA), were retrospectively screened to determine whether there was evidence for interspecies transmission of M. bovis, and to identify tools for M. bovis detection in this species. Using the multi-species DPP® VetTB serological assay, a bTB seroprevelance of 8% was found in hippopotamus from GKPA. In addition, the first confirmed case of M. bovis infection in a free-ranging common hippopotamus is reported, based on the isolation in mycobacterial culture, genetic speciation, and detection of DNA in tissue samples. Importantly, the M. bovis spoligotype (SB0121) isolated from this common hippopotamus is shared with other M. bovis-infected hosts in GKPA, suggesting interspecies transmission. These results support the hypothesis that M. bovis infection may be under recognized in hippopotamus. Further investigation is needed to determine the risk of interspecies transmission of M. bovis to common hippopotamus in bTB endemic ecosystems and evaluate serological and other diagnostic tools in this species.
- Published
- 2020
12. Cytokine biomarker discovery in the white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum)
- Author
-
Robin M. Warren, Tanya J. Kerr, Paul D. van Helden, Peter Buss, Sven D.C. Parsons, Michele A. Miller, Josephine Chileshe, and Craig J. Kinnear
- Subjects
040301 veterinary sciences ,Immunology ,Rhinoceros ,Pilot Projects ,Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ,0403 veterinary science ,03 medical and health sciences ,Immune system ,Antigen ,Gene expression ,medicine ,Animals ,Tuberculosis ,Interferon gamma ,Biomarker discovery ,Perissodactyla ,030304 developmental biology ,0303 health sciences ,Mycobacterium bovis ,General Veterinary ,biology ,Ceratotherium simum ,Gene Expression Profiling ,04 agricultural and veterinary sciences ,Sequence Analysis, DNA ,biology.organism_classification ,Virology ,Cytokines ,Biomarkers ,medicine.drug - Abstract
Bovine tuberculosis (bTB), caused by Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) infection, disrupts conservation programs of threatened species such as the white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum). Interferon gamma release assays have been developed for the diagnosis of M. bovis infection in rhinoceros, however, the discovery of additional diagnostic biomarkers might improve the accuracy of case detection. The aim of this pilot study was therefore to evaluate a novel unbiased approach to candidate biomarker discovery and preliminary validation. Whole blood samples from twelve white rhinoceros were incubated in Nil and TB antigen tubes of the QuantiFERON® TB Gold (In-Tube) system after which RNA was extracted and reverse transcribed. Using the equine RT2 profiler PCR array, relative gene expression analysis of samples from two immune sensitized rhinoceros identified CCL4, CCL8, IL23A, LTA, NODAL, TNF, CSF3, CXCL10 and GPI as upregulated in response to antigen stimulation. Novel gene expression assays (GEAs) were designed for selected candidates, i.e. CCL4, CXCL10 and IFNG, and analysis of QFT-processed samples showed the CXCL10 GEA could distinguish between five M. bovis-infected and five uninfected rhinoceros. These findings confirm the value of the equine RT2 profiler PCR array as a useful tool for screening biomarkers for the diagnosis of M. bovis infection in rhinoceros.
- Published
- 2020
13. The VetMAXTM M. tuberculosis Complex PCR Kit detects MTBC DNA in antemortem and postmortem samples from white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum), African elephants (Loxodonta africana) and African buffaloes (Syncerus caffer)
- Author
-
Wynand J. Goosen, Tanya J. Kerr, Bjorn Schroder, Sven D.C. Parsons, Michele A. Miller, Peter Buss, Paul D. van Helden, David Cooper, Léanie Kleynhans, and Robin M. Warren
- Subjects
Tuberculosis ,Buffaloes ,Elephants ,Rhinoceros ,Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ,law.invention ,Mycobacterium tuberculosis ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,African buffaloes ,law ,medicine ,Animals ,Polymerase chain reaction ,Perissodactyla ,Mycobacterium bovis ,lcsh:Veterinary medicine ,General Veterinary ,biology ,Ceratotherium simum ,Methodology Article ,African elephants ,General Medicine ,VetMAX™ MTBC detection kit qPCR, white rhinoceros ,DNA ,biology.organism_classification ,medicine.disease ,Virology ,PCR ,Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex ,chemistry ,lcsh:SF600-1100 - Abstract
Background Bovine tuberculosis and tuberculosis are chronic infectious diseases caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex members, Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, respectively. Infection with M. bovis and M. tuberculosis have significant implications for wildlife species management, public health, veterinary disease control, and conservation endeavours. Results Here we describe the first use of the VetMAX™ Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) DNA quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) detection kit for African wildlife samples. DNA was extracted from tissues harvested from 48 African buffaloes and MTBC DNA was detected (test-positive) in all 26 M. bovis culture-confirmed animals with an additional 12 PCR-positive results in culture-negative buffaloes (originating from an exposed population). Of six MTBC-infected African rhinoceros tested, MTBC DNA was detected in antemortem and postmortem samples from five animals. The PCR was also able to detect MTBC DNA in samples from two African elephants confirmed to have M. bovis and M. tuberculosis infections (one each). Culture-confirmed uninfected rhinoceros and elephants’ samples tested negative in the PCR assay. Conclusions These results suggest this new detection kit is a sensitive screening test for the detection of MTBC-infected African buffaloes, African elephants and white rhinoceros.
- Published
- 2020
14. Viruses as indicators of contemporary host dispersal and phylogeography: an example of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIVPle) in free-ranging African lion (Panthera leo)
- Author
-
Sonja Matthee, Danny Govender, Gerard Tromp, Conrad A. Matthee, Tanya J. Kerr, and Susan Engelbrecht
- Subjects
0106 biological sciences ,0301 basic medicine ,education.field_of_study ,Feline immunodeficiency virus ,biology ,Phylogenetic tree ,National park ,Population ,biology.organism_classification ,010603 evolutionary biology ,01 natural sciences ,03 medical and health sciences ,Phylogeography ,030104 developmental biology ,Phylogenetics ,Evolutionary biology ,biology.animal ,Biological dispersal ,Panthera ,education ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics - Abstract
Measuring contemporary dispersal in highly mobile terrestrial species is challenging, especially when species are characterized by low levels of population differentiation. Directly transmitted viruses can be used as a surrogate for traditional methods of tracking host movement. Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a species-specific lentivirus, which has an exceptionally high mutation rate and circulates naturally in wild felids. Using samples derived from 35 lion (Panthera leo) prides, we tested the prediction that FIV in lions (FIVP le ) can be used to track the dispersal of individuals between prides. As FIVP le subtypes are geographically structured throughout Africa, we predicted that this marker could be used to detect phylogeographic structure of lions at smaller spatial scales. Phylogenetic analyses of FIVP le pol-RT sequences showed that core pride members (females and subadults) shared evolutionary close viral lineages which differed from neighbouring core prides, whereas sequences from sexually mature males associated with the same pride were always the most divergent. In six instances, natal pride associations of divergent male lions could be inferred, on the assumption that FIVP le infections are acquired during early life stages. Congruence between the genetic pattern of FIV and pride structure suggests that vertical transmission plays an important role in lion FIV dynamics. At a fine spatial scale, significant viral geographic structuring was also detected between lions occurring north of the Olifants River within the Kruger National Park (KNP) and those occupying the southern and central regions. This pattern was further supported by phylogenetic analyses and the confinement of FIVP le subtype E to the northern region of KNP. The study provides new insights into the use of retroviral sequences to predict host dispersal and fine-scale contemporary geographic structure in a social felid species.
- Published
- 2018
15. Evaluating the Diversity of the Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV): A Leopard Perspective
- Author
-
Conrad A. Matthee, Tanya J. Kerr, Sonja Matthee, Danny Govender, and Susan Engelbrecht
- Subjects
0301 basic medicine ,Feline immunodeficiency virus ,Ecology ,biology ,Phylogenetic tree ,National park ,viruses ,Home range ,Zoology ,Leopard ,Geographic variation ,Feline immunodeficiency virus FIV ,biology.organism_classification ,Virology ,03 medical and health sciences ,030104 developmental biology ,biology.animal ,Animal Science and Zoology ,Panthera - Abstract
To obtain more insights into the prevalence and diversity of species-specific Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) strains in naturally occurring felid species, 26 leopards (Panthera pardus) from the Kruger National Park (KNP), South Africa, were sampled. Prevalence was determined using a PCR protocol designed to target a 577 bp fragment in the pol-RT gene. Overall prevalence of FIVPpa was estimated at 73%, with no difference in prevalence between male and female leopards. Consistent with previous FIV studies on other felid species, prevalence appears to increase with age (adult = 84%; subadult = 43%). Phylogenetic analyses of these novel sequences were conducted against a revised FIV pol-RT species-specific reference dataset using both Bayesian and maximum likelihood methods. Within FIVPpa two distinct evolutionary groupings are present, which suggests the possibility of geographic variation within FIVPpa and the possibility of distinct subtypes, similar to what has been found in lions (Panthera leo) and domestic cats (Felis catus). The larger FIVPpa dataset provides newinsights into the epidemiology of this under-studied FIV strain and with such high prevalence rates, further studies should focus on immunological and clinical consequences of FIV in wild felids.
- Published
- 2017
16. Novel Techniques for Detection of Mycobacterium bovis Infection in a Cheetah
- Author
-
Tanya J. Kerr, Rachiel Gumbo, Wynand J. Goosen, Peter Rogers, Robert D. Last, and Michele A. Miller
- Subjects
Microbiology (medical) ,CXCL9 gene expression assay ,Epidemiology ,030231 tropical medicine ,detection ,lcsh:Medicine ,Biology ,lcsh:Infectious and parasitic diseases ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,biology.animal ,Bovine tuberculosis ,Research Letter ,Acinonyx jubatus ,lcsh:RC109-216 ,030212 general & internal medicine ,bovine tuberculosis ,cheetah ,bacteria ,novel techniques ,Mycobacterium bovis ,lcsh:R ,Diagnostic test ,Novel Techniques for Detection of Mycobacterium bovis Infection in a Cheetah ,biology.organism_classification ,Virology ,tuberculosis and other mycobacteria ,zoonoses ,Infectious Diseases - Abstract
In South Africa, bovine tuberculosis threatens some of Africa's most iconic wildlife species, including the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus). The lack of antemortem diagnostic tests for this species strongly hinders conservation efforts. We report use of antemortem and postmortem diagnostic assays to detect Mycobacterium bovis infection in a cheetah.
- Published
- 2020
17. The Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra assay detects Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex DNA in white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) and African elephants (Loxodonta africana)
- Author
-
David H. Persing, Sven D.C. Parsons, Michele A. Miller, Wynand J. Goosen, Robin M. Warren, Léanie Kleynhans, Paul D. van Helden, Peter Buss, and Tanya J. Kerr
- Subjects
0301 basic medicine ,DNA, Bacterial ,Tuberculosis ,Molecular biology ,Elephants ,lcsh:Medicine ,Rhinoceros ,Diseases ,Sensitivity and Specificity ,Article ,Microbiology ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Medical research ,Limit of Detection ,medicine ,Animals ,Humans ,lcsh:Science ,Inhibitory effect ,Antibiotics, Antitubercular ,Perissodactyla ,Multidisciplinary ,biology ,Molecular medicine ,Ceratotherium simum ,Diagnostic Tests, Routine ,lcsh:R ,Sputum ,Reproducibility of Results ,Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex DNA ,Mycobacterium tuberculosis ,biology.organism_classification ,medicine.disease ,Mycobacterium bovis ,White (mutation) ,030104 developmental biology ,Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex ,lcsh:Q ,Biological Assay ,Culture negative ,Rifampin ,Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid ,030217 neurology & neurosurgery - Abstract
The study describes the novel use of the Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra assay for detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) DNA in samples from white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) and African elephants (Loxodonta africana). Culture negative respiratory sample matrices were spiked to determine if the Ultra could detect MTBC DNA in rhinoceros and elephant samples. Rhinoceros bronchial alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was found to have an inhibitory effect on the Ultra. In this study, the limit of detection (LOD) of M. tuberculosis H37Rv in all spiked animal samples were 2 CFU/ml compared to 15.6 CFU/ml for humans, while the LOD for M. bovis SB0121 was 30 CFU/ml compared to 143.4 CFU/ml for M. bovis BCG in humans. Screening was performed on stored tissue and respiratory samples from known MTBC-infected animals and MTBC DNA was detected in 92% of samples collected from six rhinoceros and two elephants. Conversely, 83% of culture-negative tissue and respiratory samples from uninfected animals tested negative on the Ultra. In conclusion, the Ultra assay appears to be a sensitive and rapid diagnostic test for the detection of MTBC DNA from tissue and respiratory samples collected from African elephants and rhinoceros. Furthermore, the Ultra assay could provide a new tool for the detection of MTBC in various sample types from other wildlife species.
- Published
- 2019
18. Test Characteristics of Assays to Detect Mycobacterium bovis Infection in High-Prevalence African Buffalo (Syncerus caffer) Herds
- Author
-
Sven D.C. Parsons, Michele A. Miller, Tanya J. Kerr, Paul D. van Helden, David Cooper, Netanya Bernitz, Robin M. Warren, and Candice R. de Waal
- Subjects
Mycobacterium bovis ,High prevalence ,Ecology ,biology ,040301 veterinary sciences ,Infection prevalence ,030231 tropical medicine ,Mycobacterial culture ,04 agricultural and veterinary sciences ,biology.organism_classification ,Virology ,0403 veterinary science ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,medicine ,Herd ,Interferon gamma ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics ,medicine.drug - Abstract
A herd of African buffaloes (Syncerus caffer) was tested for Mycobacterium bovis infection using three cytokine release assays. All animals were subsequently euthanized and mycobacterial culture determined the infection prevalence (52%) and diagnostic characteristics. Sensitivities were lower than previously reported and results provide new insight into the practical utility of these assays.
- Published
- 2020
19. Impact of Mycobacterium bovis-induced pathology on interpretation of QuantiFERON®-TB Gold assay results in African buffaloes (Syncerus caffer)
- Author
-
Michele A. Miller, Paul D. van Helden, Netanya Bernitz, Roxanne L. Higgitt, Candice R. de Waal, Tanya J. Kerr, Sven D.C. Parsons, Charlene Clarke, Robin M. Warren, David Cooper, and Wynand J. Goosen
- Subjects
Buffaloes ,QUANTIFERON-TB GOLD ,medicine.medical_treatment ,Immunology ,Biology ,Sensitivity and Specificity ,Microbiology ,Interferon-gamma ,Interferon ,parasitic diseases ,Bovine tuberculosis ,medicine ,Animals ,Interferon gamma ,Whole blood ,Mycobacterium bovis ,General Veterinary ,biology.organism_classification ,Chemokine CXCL10 ,Cytokine ,Biomarker (medicine) ,Cattle ,Reagent Kits, Diagnostic ,Tuberculosis, Bovine ,Interferon-gamma Release Tests ,medicine.drug - Abstract
The cytokine interferon gamma-inducible protein 10 (IP-10) is a sensitive biomarker of Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) infection in African buffaloes (Syncerus caffer). However, elevated levels of IP-10 in QuantiFERON®-TB Gold (QFT) unstimulated whole blood compromises the utility of this biomarker. In this study, IP-10 and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) concentrations in whole blood samples from M. bovis culture-confirmed buffaloes with varying degrees of pathological changes (n = 72) and uninfected controls (n = 70) were measured in the IP-10 release assay (IPRA) and IFN-γ release assay (IGRA), respectively. Findings suggest that concentrations of both cytokines in QFT Nil tubes were higher in infected buffaloes with macroscopic pathological changes consistent with bovine tuberculosis compared to uninfected controls, and IGRA values increased with more severe pathological changes in infected buffaloes (p 0.05). Finally, in culture-confirmed buffaloes with IPRA-negative and IGRA-positive test results, most animals were also those with the most advanced pathology. We conclude that IP-10 and IFN-γ concentrations measured in QFT Nil tubes may provide insight into the presence of M. bovis pathology in infected buffaloes. Furthermore, this study highlights the value in evaluating cytokine production in both antigen-stimulated and unstimulated samples when interpreting cytokine release assay results.
- Published
- 2019
20. Seroprevalence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex in Free-Ranging African Elephants (Loxodonta africana) in Kruger National Park, South Africa
- Author
-
Konstantin P. Lyashchenko, Candice R. de Waal, Tanya J. Kerr, Peter Buss, Jennifer Hofmeyr, and Michele A. Miller
- Subjects
education.field_of_study ,Tuberculosis ,Ecology ,biology ,040301 veterinary sciences ,National park ,030231 tropical medicine ,Population ,04 agricultural and veterinary sciences ,biology.organism_classification ,medicine.disease ,Serology ,0403 veterinary science ,Mycobacterium tuberculosis ,African elephant ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex ,biology.animal ,medicine ,Seroprevalence ,education ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics ,Demography - Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) is a pathogenic disease that affects a range of wildlife species, including African elephants (Loxodonta africana). The recent discovery of fatal disease caused by infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis in a bull elephant in the Kruger National Park (KNP), which is a bovine TB endemic area, emphasizes the importance this disease could have on both wild and captive elephant populations globally. Elephants with culture-confirmed TB have previously been shown to produce strong antibody-responses before the mycobacteria can be isolated. Therefore, we used two serologic assays that detect TB antibodies to retrospectively screen a cohort of 222 free-ranging African elephants sampled between 2004 and 2018 in KNP. The estimated TB seroprevalence for this free-roaming elephant population was between 6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 2-12%) and 9% (95% CI, 6-15%) based on the two tests. Overall, males had a higher TB seroprevalence than females, and adults (≥25 yr) had a higher TB seroprevalence than younger elephants (≤24 yr) on both rapid tests. The relatively high TB seroprevalence that we found highlighted the value of conducting retrospective studies in free-ranging wildlife populations in order to better understand the potential risk of disease.
- Published
- 2019
Catalog
Discovery Service for Jio Institute Digital Library
For full access to our library's resources, please sign in.