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The popularity and maintenance of the Iranian gray squirrel have been increasing in the last decade. However, due to the special conditions of keeping and the exotic nature of this animal, the possibility of transmission of pathogenic objects such as bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections and the transmission of many common diseases between humans and animals are raised in a case study of a collar infestation. The female squirrel was observed to be 65 days old and morphological examinations revealed the possibility of infestation with Hoploleura sciuricola lice. Previously, there were no reports of infestation with this louse in Iran. To accurately determine the sex and species of this louse, two pairs of primers designed from the mitochondrial gene (COX-I) that had protected regions in the genus of this louse were used, which led to the confirmation of the identity of the infestation and the first report of the existence of this louse in Iran was confirmed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brucellosis is a bacterial disease in humans and animals caused by a group of organisms in the genus Brucella. It is highly contagious and one of the most important zoonosis in the world. The disease remains endemic in Nigeria and its actual incidence and prevalence are unknown due to poor surveillance and inadequate disease reporting system. A comprehensive review of the literature published online was carried out on manuscripts published as far back as 1976 to 2021, A computerized search of existing literature was conducted using the Google search engine, PubMed electronic database and Commonwealth Agricultural Bureaux (CAB) abstracts to identify and review relevant publications on brucellosis in animals and humans in Nigeria using the following search terms: brucellosis, malta fever, undulant fever, febrile fever, Gibraltar fever, gastric fever, remittent fever, Mediterranean fever, bangs disease and contagious bovine/ovine abortion. Our review showed that brucellosis is widely distributed in Nigeria amongst human and animal hosts. Undulant fever is the most commonly reported syndrome in humans, while abortion is the most prevalent symptom documented in animals. Serological techniques like rose-Bengal/card test (RBT), standard agglutination tests (SAT), complement fixation test (CFT), indirect enzyme immunoassays (ELISA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are often used to determine the prevalence of brucellosis in human and animal hosts. Losses enumerated in the literature include those due to abortions, diminished milk production and contamination of milk, mastitis, animal culls and condemnation of infected animals due to breeding failure and inability to participate in the international animal export trade. In humans, brucellosis reduced work capacity through the sickness of the affected people and can be acquired from animals. There is need for a drastic public health interventions and control measures on brucellosis in the livestock industry in Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Although chloramphenicol is currently banned from use in livestock, other phenicols, such as florfenicol and thiamphenicol, have been used for the treatment of bacterial infections in domestic cattle in Korea. This study compares the characteristics of chloramphenicol-resistant Enterococcus faecalis isolated from the bulk tank milk of four major dairy companies in Korea. Although the distribution of multidrug resistance patterns showed no significant differences between the four companies, 85 chloramphenicol-resistant Enterococcus faecalis isolates showed a significantly high number of resistances against five or six antimicrobial classes (37.6%, respectively) (p < 0.05). When analyzing the distribution of phenicol resistance genes, 31 (36.5%) isolates only carried the catA gene, and two (6.3%) isolates from company A only carried the cfr gene. No isolates carried the catB or fexA genes. Regarding the distribution of other resistance genes, both the tetL and tetM (45.9%), ermB (82.4%), and both aac(60 0)-Ie-aph(20 0)-la and ant(60)-Ia genes (30.6%) showed a high prevalence, and the optrA and poxtA genes were observed separately, each in only two (2.4%) isolates. Our results confirm that the dissemination of chloramphenicol-resistant Enterococcus faecalis and some antimicrobial resistance genes show significant differences between dairy companies. Therefore, our results support that each dairy company should undertake effective surveillance programs to better understand and minimize the emergence of resistance on a multidisciplinary level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During a 2018 antimicrobial resistance surveillance of Escherichia coli isolates from diarrheal calves in Xinjiang Province, China, an unexpectedly high prevalence (48.5%) of fosfomycin resistance was observed. This study aimed to reveal the determinants of fosfomycin resistance and the underlying transmission mechanism. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) screening showed that all fosfomycin-resistant E. coli carried the fosA3 gene. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and southern blot hybridization revealed that the 16 fosA3-positive isolates belonged to four different PFGE patterns (i.e., A, B, C, D). The fosA3 genes of 11 clonally related strains (pattern D) were located on the chromosome, while others were carried by plasmids. Whole-genome and long-read sequencing indicated that the pattern D strains were E. coli O101:H9-ST10, and the pattern C, B, and A strains were O101:H9-ST167, O8:H30-ST1431, and O101:H9 with unknown ST, respectively. Among the pattern C strains, the blaCTX-M-14 gene was colocalized with the fosA3 gene on the F18:A-:B1 plasmids. Interestingly, phylogenetic analysis based on core genome single nucleotide polymorphisms (cgSNPs) showed that the O101:H9-ST10 strains were closely related to a Australian-isolated Chroicocephalus-origin E. coli O101:H9-ST10 strain producing CTX-M-14 and FosA3, with a difference of only 11 SNPs. These results indicate possible international dissemination of the high-risk E. coli clone O101:H9-ST10 by migratory birds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The anaerobic bacterium Cutibacterium acnes has been increasingly linked to the development of degenerative disc disease (DDD), although causality is yet to be conclusively proven. To better study how this organism could contribute to the aetiology of DDD, improved animal models that are more reflective of human disc anatomy, biology and mechanical properties are required. Against this background, our proof-of concept study aimed to be the first demonstration that C. acnes could be safely administered percutaneously into sheep intervertebral discs (IVDs) for in vivo study. Following our protocol, two sheep were successfully injected with a strain of C. acnes (8.3 x 106 CFU/disc) previously recovered from a human degenerative disc. No adverse reactions were noted, and at one-month post inoculation all triplicate infected discs in our first animal grew C. acnes, albeit at a reduced load (5.12 × 104 to 6.67 × 104 CFU/disc). At six months, no growth was detected in discs from our second animal indicating bacterial clearance. This pilot study has demonstrated the feasibility of safe percutaneous injection of C. acnes into sheep IVDs under fluoroscopic guidance. The design of follow-up sheep studies to investigate the potential of C. acnes to drive pathological changes within infected discs should now be pursued. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pyometra is defined as chronic purulent inflammation of the uterus that causes changes in hematological and biochemical parameters. The disease is characterized with bacterial infection and pus accumulation in the uterus. Transabdominal B-mode ultrasonography provides easy and certain diagnosis of this disease. The hemodynamic changes in pyometra are evaluated by Doppler ultrasonography. The aim of the study is to determine the changes in hematological parameters and Doppler indices in bitches with pyometra, diestrus healthy bitches and evaluate the relationship between hematological parameters and hemodynamic indices within the both groups. Materials, Methods & Results: A total number of 27 bitches were enrolled in the study. The healthy diestrus bitches (group H; n = 7) aged 6.2 ± 1.14 years, weighted 14.57 ± 3.75 kg. The bitches with pyometra (group PYO; n = 20) aged 9.1 ± 0.62 years and weighted 17.65 ± 2.60 kg. Before all bitches had ovariohisterectomy, hematological analyses were performed. Transabdominal ultrasonography (USG) was performed with a 6.6 MHz convex transducer. The widest cross-sectional uterine diameter (UD), wall thickness of uterine horns (UWT) and presence of luminal content were evaluated. Diameter of the uterine artery (DUA) was measured on a mapped color image using the USG software program. The examination was carried out with pulsed-wave Doppler USG to characterize the waveform of the uterine artery (UA). Anechogenic areas in uterine lumen, increase in UD and UWT were observed in group PYO. All cases in group PYO had luminal content in both uterine horns ranging from 1.2 to 5.6 cm. The DUAs were measured in group H and in group PYO as 1.75 ± 0.03 mm, 1.94 ± 0.08 mm; respectively (P < 0.05). The PI and RI values of group PYO were lower than group H (P < 0.001). Hematological analysis results showed that RBC, HGB, HCT levels in group PYO were lower than group H (P < 0.001). However, WBC, NEU, LYM, MONO levels in group PYO were higher than group H. Hemodynamic indices were positively correlated with RBC, HGB, HCT, whereas they were inversely correlated with NEU, WBC, UD and UWT. Also, PI value was negatively correlated with MONO. Discussion: Cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH) is a predisposing factor for development of the pyometra in bitches. Besides, naturally occurring CEH and pyometra can arise independently from each other. The enlarged uterine body exhibits the development of intense exudative processes due to the higher proliferative stimulation in uterine infections. Uterine infections were associated with increase in uterine blood flow. Elevated uterine blood flow, vasodilatation and angiogenesis arise during inflammatory response. The inflammatory process leads to a diminution in hemodynamic indices of uterine arteries. Total blood count parameters are affected from the presence of pyometra. Elevated levels of leukocytes in bitches with pyometra are associated with worsening prognosis. Erythrocyte diapedesis into the lumen of the uterus, toxic depression of erythropoiesis in the bone marrow can cause anemia. In conclusion, hematological parameters were strongly correlated with hemodynamic indices in this study. Reduced RBC, HGB and HCT levels, decreased PI and RI values and elevated levels of UD, UWT, DUA were observed in group PYO. To our knowledge, this was the first study that observed the increase in DUA during pyometra in bitches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mastitis is an inflammatory disease of the mammary gland, mostly associated with bacterial infections. It is responsible for great economic losses due to decreased milk yield, discarded milk, milk composition alterations and treatment costs, besides it impairs the animal health and welfare. The rumination time is an important behavioral marker and its assessment can be used as an early diagnosis tool, which can improve cure rate. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the sensitivity of behavior monitoring system collars in the diagnosis of mastitis and the average rumination time (RT) of Holstein cows during the healthy period and affected by the disease. Materials, Methods & Results: The study was conducted on a commercial property located in the municipality of Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The RT data from 39 multiparous Holstein cows with an average milk yield of 38.4 L/ day was collected. RT monitoring was performed using C-Tech1 collars combined with CowMed® software, which assess behavior data from the animals and emits warning signals when it finds abnormalities in any parameter. In order to verify whether the animals were determined correlated with diseases, the sensitivity of the data was evaluated, when the system had given the alert to animals considered ill, they underwent to a further clinical evaluation performed by a veterinarian to confirm the diagnosis. From the diagnosis, the cows were divided into subclinical mastitis (SM) and clinical mastitis (CM) groups. SM was detected by the California Mastitis Test (CMT) and cows that were graded 1 (++), 2 (++) or 3 (+++) without the presence of any other clinical sign were assigned to the SM group. CM was assessed by observation of abnormalities in milk such as changes in color and consistency, as well as the presence of lumps, clots or blood; and clinical examination of the udder was performed for detection of hot, hard, swollen or painful quarters. Thereafter, variations in the mean RT between the healthy (15 days) and sick periods (days when there was an alert) were evaluated. For the identification of the etiological agents involved in the cases of CM, microbiological cultures were performed on Accumast® plates with milk samples, which were incubated at a temperature of 37°C and the diagnosis of the pathogens were performed after16 hours of incubation. During the study, 57 cases of mastitis were observed, 42 were SM and 15 were CM. The sensitivity of the system, which is the ability to detect positive cases of the disease, was 73.8% for SM and 73.3% for MC. The RT of the animals were compared individually during the healthy period with the sick period and it was observed that SM reduced the RT by 5.33% whereas MC reduced the RT by 14.9%. Discussion: The maximum RT values were lower during the disease period in relation to the period in which the animals were healthy, for both SM and CM, which is due to the fact that the disease is responsible for causing inappetence in animals, among other clinical signs, therefore, reducing feed consumption. The lowest variation in RT, between the healthy and sick period, was observed in cases of SM, which was already expected, since the clinical form tends to cause more discomfort to the animals. As for the main etiological agents involved in the clinical condition, Streptococcus agalactiae and S. uberis were detected. In view of the above, the evaluation of the mean RT of multiparous dairy cows was efficient in the predictive diagnosis of SM and CM up to two days before the onset of the disease. In addition, the variability of this result demonstrated that animals with subclinical cases presented less fluctuation in RT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through this study 122 individual fecal samples were collected from dogs, with different ages, sexes, and breeding management (stray and pet house hold). Some dogs were with healthy appearances while others were suffered from diarrhea, anorexia, depression, dehydration. Infection was investigated by light microscope after flotation technique by using Sheather's sugar solution. if the sample gives positive to oocyst (H. heydorni or other relative group), were mixed with potassium dichromate solution a rate of 2.5% for the stimulation of sporulation. DNA extraction was done using 2% sarcosyl, pronase E followed by phenol/chloroform extraction then precipitation attempt using ethanol. DNA amplification was attempt using H. heydorni primers JS4 and JS5 n microscope examination give 78 sample positives to the presence of oocyst, while polymerase chain reaction showed total percentage of infection with H. heydorni was 34.6% (27 case give positive reaction to PCR). Dogs less than 6 months of age show high infective rate 17.9%, dogs which suffer from gastrointestinal tract troubles (diarrhea, anorexia and dehydration) gave high infective rate 24.4%. Stray dogs gave high prevalence of infection to H. heydorni 25.6% when compared with pet house hold dogs which recorded 9% percentage of infection. This study is the first recorded H. heydorni in dogs in Mosul city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To determine the pharmacokinetics of levofloxacin following oral administration of a generic levofloxacin tablet and IV administration to dogs and whether the achieved plasma levofloxacin concentration would be sufficient to treat susceptible bacterial infections. ANIMALS: 6 healthy adult Beagles. PROCEDURES: Levofloxacin was administered orally as a generic 250-mg tablet (mean dose, 23.7 mg/kg) or IV as a solution (15 mg/kg) to each dog in a crossover study design, with treatments separated by a minimum 2-day washout period. Blood samples were collected at various points for measurement of plasma levofloxacin concentration via high-pressure liquid chromatography. Pharmacokinetic analysis was performed with compartmental modeling. RESULTS: After oral administration of the levofloxacin tablet, mean (coefficient of variation) peak plasma concentration was 15.5 μg/mL (23.8%), mean elimination half-life was 5.84 hours (20.0%), and mean bioavailability was 104% (29.0%). After IV administration, mean elimination half-life (coefficient of variation) was 6.23 hours (14.7%), systemic clearance was 145.0 mL/kg/h (22.2%), and volume of distribution was 1.19 L/kg (17.1%). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In these dogs, levofloxacin was well absorbed when administered orally, and a dose of approximately 25 mg/kg was sufficient to reach pharmacokineticpharmacodynamic targets for treating infections with susceptible Enterobacteriaceae (ie, ≤ 0.5 μg/mL) or Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ie, ≤ I μg/mL) according to clinical breakpoints established by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to compare the pharmacokinetics and relative bioavailability of tilmicosin enteric granules and premix after oral administration at a dose of 40 mg/kg in pigs. Three kinds of different respiratory pathogens were selected for determination of minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) to tilmicosin. Eight healthy pigs were assigned to a two‐period, randomized crossover design. A modified rapid, sensitive HPLC method was used for determining the concentrations of tilmicosin in plasma. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by using WinNonlin 5.2 software. The MIC90 of tilmicosin against Haemophilus parasuis, Actinbacillus pleuropneumoniae, and Pasteurella multocida were all 8 μg/ml. These results indicated that these common pig respiratory bacteria are sensitive to tilmicosin. The main parameters of time to reach maximum plasma concentration (Tmax), elimination half‐life (t1/2β), mean residence time (MRT), and apparent volume of distribution (VF) were 2.03 ± 0.37 hr, 29.31 ± 5.56 hr, 25.22 ± 2.57 hr, 4.06 ± 1.04 L/kg, and 3.05 ± 0.08 hr, 17.06 ± 1.77 hr, 15.55 ± 1.37 hr, 2.95 ± 0.62 L/kg after the orally administrated tilmicosin enteric granules and premix. The relative bioavailability of tilmicosin enteric granules to premix was 114.97 ± 7.19%, according to the AUC0‐t values. These results demonstrated that tilmicosin enteric granules produced faster tilmicosin absorption, slower elimination, larger tissue distribution, and higher bioavailability compared to the tilmicosin premix. The present study results manifest that tilmicosin enteric granules can be used as a therapeutic alternative to premix in clinical treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

B. melitensis is considered the most virulent of the Brucella species, and a need exists for an improved laboratory animal model of infection that mimics natural transmission and disease. Guinea pigs are highly susceptible to infection with Brucella spp. and develop a disease syndrome that mimics natural disease after aerosol inoculation. Intratracheal inoculation is a targeted means of generating aerosols that offer advantages over aerosol chamber delivery. To establish this delivery method, female, Hartley guinea pigs were infected via intratracheal inoculation with PBS or 16M B. melitensis at low dose (101 to 103) or high dose (106 to 108) and monitored for 30 days for signs of disease. Guinea pigs in the high dose groups developed fever between 12–17 days post-inoculation. Bacteria were recovered from the spleen, liver, lymph nodes, lung, and uterus at 30-days post-inoculation and demonstrated dose dependent mean increases in colonization and pathologic changes consistent with human brucellosis. To study the kinetics of extrapulmonary dissemination, guinea pigs were inoculated with 107 CFU and euthanized at 2-hours post inoculation and at weekly intervals for 3 weeks. 5.8x105 to 4.2x106 CFU were recovered from the lung 2 hours post-inoculation indicating intratracheal inoculation is an efficient means of infecting guinea pigs. Starting at 1-week post inoculation bacteria were recovered from the aforementioned organs with time dependent mean increases in colonization. This data demonstrates that guinea pigs develop a disease syndrome that models the human manifestation of brucellosis, which makes the guinea pig a valuable model for pathogenesis studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excretion of the human bacterial pathogen Campylobacter jejuni by naturally infected dairy cows was investigated by monitoring 18 and 17 cows on two different commercial farms fortnightly for up to 12 months. C. jejuni was enumerated in the collected faeces by a most probable number technique and genotyped by enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC) sequences. On both farms, C. jejuni excretion was highly variable among the studied cows, with excretion patterns ranging from chronic to sporadic. Chronic excretion of C. jejuni was associated with long-term predominance of a given genotype, co-excretion of a few genotypes, or succession over time of dominant genotypes. Sporadic excretion was with re-excretion of the same C. jejuni genotype when there was less than 1.5 months between C. jejuni-positive samples. Overall, the results showed the complexity of C. jejuni excretion pattern by dairy cows with an animal and farm specificity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Digital dermatitis (DD) is an infectious bacterial disease affecting cattle feet. Footbaths are a common herd-level control method for DD; however, variations in product, concentration, and frequency of use complicate comparisons between protocols. The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate all walk-through footbath protocols reported that determined efficacy for prevention and treatment of DD lesions in dairy cattle. An extensive literature search was conducted, including electronic databases and gray literature updated until March 2018. Studies identified included all liquid walk-through footbath protocols that were compared to other footbath protocols or no footbath. Only studies with treatment or prevention of DD lesions as an outcome were included. Literature search and subsequent screening identified 14 publications with 24 treatment comparisons and 24 prevention comparisons. Studies included mostly had low and/or unclear risks of bias. Descriptive analyses were performed according to prevention and treatment outcomes, with case and success definitions summarized as odds ratios (OR). A subsequent network meta-analysis was conducted of 11 studies, comparing 17 protocol comparisons for the prevention outcome and 10 studies comparing 19 protocol comparisons for the treatment outcome, using semi-informative priors in a Bayesian statistical framework. Results of a random effects Bayesian network meta-analysis indicated only 5% copper sulfate used at least 4 times/wk was superior to both no footbath (OR: 5.26; 95% CrI: 1.27–28.8) and a water placebo (OR: 9.47; 95% CrI: 1.03–85.8) in treatment of DD. No other protocol was associated with a reduction in DD, and there were no differences in pair-wise comparisons between any active treatments. Unfortunately, for both outcomes (treatment and prevention), small sample sizes (adjusted for clustering) limited the power to detect substantial differences between protocol effects. Thus, despite widespread use of footbaths, limited strength of evidence for use remains and standardized protocols with large sample sizes are needed to further investigate effectiveness of footbath protocols for control of DD. This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genus Brachyspira, as Gram negative anaerobic bacteria, colonize in dogs intestine. The aim of the current study was to determine the prevalence of Brachyspira spp. for the first time in Iran and rapid identification of Brachyspira spp. in dogs by a new designment of a species-specific primer set for B. canis. One hundred fifty-one fecal samples were obtained from dogs by rectal swab. Twenty dogs suffered from diarrhea and 131 of them were healthy. In 9.27% (14/151) of samples, spirochaetes were detected on primary cultures by weak hemolysis and positive Gram staining and then Brachyspira genus was confirmed by NADH oxidase (nox) gene via polymerase chain reaction. Among 14 isolates, twelve isolates were B. canis, one isolate was B. intermedia and another one was non-typeable. From 12 B. canis, only eight isolates were detected by designed specific primers. Ten Brachyspira spp. were isolated from dogs ≤ 1 year old (10/67, 14.92%) and 4 isolates were from > 1 year old dogs (4/84, 4.76%). The isolation rates from healthy and diarrheic dogs were (12/131, 9.16%) and (2/20, 10.00%), respectively. A statistically significant association was observed between the presence of Brachyspira spp. and the age under one year. Based on our findings, the nox gene in B. canis might have more sequence variability compared to other Brachyspira spp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is a severe tick‐borne rickettsial illness. In the south‐western United States and Mexico, RMSF displays unique epidemiologic and ecologic characteristics, including Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (brown dog tick) as the primary vector. Expansion and spread of the disease from hyperendemic regions of Arizona or Mexico to new areas is a key public health concern. Dogs are thought to play an important role in the emergence and circulation of R. rickettsii in these regions and are often one of earliest indicators of RMSF presence. A canine serosurvey was conducted in 2015 among owned and stray dogs at rabies clinic and animal shelters in three southern Arizona counties where RMSF had not previously been identified. Of the 217 dogs sampled, 11 (5.1%) tested positive for spotted fever group rickettsia (SFGR) IgG antibodies, with seropositivity ranging from 2.9% to 12.2% across the three counties. Large dogs were significantly more likely than small dogs to have positive titres reactive with R. rickettsii; no additional statistically significant relationships were observed between seropositivity of canine age, sex, neuter or ownership status. In addition, 17 (7.8%) dogs had ticks attached at the time of sampling, and stray dogs were significantly more likely to have ticks present than owned dogs (p < 0.001). All 57 ticks collected were identified as Rh. sanguineus s.l., and four (7%) had DNA evidence of genera‐wide Rickettsia species. The results of this project demonstrated canine seroprevalence levels lower than those previously reported from dogs in highly endemic areas, indicating a low risk of SFGR transmission to humans in the southern Arizona border region at this time. Continued surveillance is critical to identify SFGR emergence in new geographic regions and to inform prevention efforts for humans and dogs in those areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Fungal and bacterial pathogens infect a diverse range of hosts including various plant and animal species. Fungal and bacterial diseases, especially of plants and aquatic animals, such as fish, lead to significant damage to crops and aquaculture, respectively, worldwide. The present study was conducted to isolate and characterize potent Bacillus strains with significant antagonistic activity against the major plant and fish pathogenic fungi and bacteria. We randomly collected 22 isolates of Bacillus from the soil, rhizosphere, and sediment from different parts of Bangladesh. Initial characterization, based on in vitro antagonistic activity on the culture plate, resulted in the selection of four gram-positive Bacillus sp. isolates. Among these, the isolate BC01, obtained from soil demonstrated the highest broad-spectrum anti-bacterial and anti-fungal activities. We confirmed the genus of BC01 to be Bacillus by morphological and biochemical tests as well as using molecular data analysis tools, including the study of 16s rDNA, phylogenetic relationship, and evolutionary divergence scores. The isolate significantly inhibited the mycelial growth of the plant pathogen, Penicillium digitatum and fish pathogen, Aphanomyces invadans in vitro. The anti-bacterial effect of the isolate was also evaluated against Pseudomonas spp. and Xanthomonas spp., the two deadliest plant pathogens, and Aeromonas veronii , Pseudomonas fluorescens , and Streptococcus iniae , three major fish pathogens that are primarily responsible for global aquaculture loss. The results of the present study could pave the way for developing potent drugs to combat microbial infection of plants and fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social insects have evolved enormous capacities to collectively build nests and defend their colonies against both predators and pathogens. The latter is achieved by a combination of individual immune responses and sophisticated collective behavioral and organizational disease defenses, that is, social immunity. We investigated how the presence or absence of these social defense lines affects individual‐level immunity in ant queens after bacterial infection. To this end, we injected queens of the ant Linepithema humile with a mix of gram+ and gram− bacteria or a control solution, reared them either with workers or alone and analyzed their gene expression patterns at 2, 4, 8, and 12 hr post‐injection, using RNA‐seq. This allowed us to test for the effect of bacterial infection, social context, as well as the interaction between the two over the course of infection and raising of an immune response. We found that social isolation per se affected queen gene expression for metabolism genes, but not for immune genes. When infected, queens reared with and without workers up‐regulated similar numbers of innate immune genes revealing activation of Toll and Imd signaling pathways and melanization. Interestingly, however, they mostly regulated different genes along the pathways and showed a different pattern of overall gene up‐regulation or down‐regulation. Hence, we can conclude that the absence of workers does not compromise the onset of an individual immune response by the queens, but that the social environment impacts the route of the individual innate immune responses. Social insects have a combination of individual immune responses and sophisticated collective behavioral and organizational disease defenses, that is, social immunity. We investigated how the presence or absence of these social defense lines affects individual‐level immunity in ant queens after bacterial infection. We found that the absence of workers does not compromise the onset of an individual immune response by the queens, but that the social environment impacts the route of the individual innate immune responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mice in buildings are a hygiene hazard because they harbour several zoonoses and animal diseases. The aim of this study was to gather information on specific bacteria in house mice caught in the urban environment. Mice caught in snap traps during pest control activities were collected in and around the city of Utrecht, the Netherlands, during May‐June 2014, October‐November 2015 and September‐November 2016. The gut contents were analysed for ESBL/AmpC‐producing Enterobacteriaceae, Salmonella spp., and Clostridium difficile and the buccal cavities were swabbed for methicillin‐resistant S. aureus (MRSA). In total, 109 house mice (Mus musculus) and 22 wood mice (Apodemus sylvaticus) were examined. One mouse was found positive for Enterobacter spp. Salmonella spp. and MRSA were not found. Of n = 80 mice, 35·0% carried C. difficile (ribotypes in descending order of frequency: 014/020, 258, 002, 005, 013, 056, 081 and two unknown ribotypes). In conclusion, mouse droppings are a hazard for transmission of C. difficile to humans and their environment. Significance and Impact of the Study: This study shows that mice in buildings can carry Clostridium difficile ribotypes that are associated with clinical disease in humans. Whether the mice are the source or whether they picked up these bacteria from the human environment has not been investigated. Either way, mouse droppings in the indoor environment are a hazard for transmission of C. difficile to humans. Significance and Impact of the Study: This study shows that mice in buildings can carry Clostridium difficile ribotypes that are associated with clinical disease in humans. Whether the mice are the source or whether they picked up these bacteria from the human environment has not been investigated. Either way, mouse droppings in the indoor environment are a hazard for transmission of C. difficile to humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Outbreaks of plague, a flea‐vectored bacterial disease, occur periodically in prairie dog populations in the western United States. In order to understand the conditions that are conducive to plague outbreaks and potentially predict spatial and temporal variations in risk, it is important to understand the factors associated with flea abundance and distribution that may lead to plague outbreaks. We collected and identified 20,041 fleas from 6,542 individual prairie dogs of four different species over a 4‐year period along a latitudinal gradient from Texas to Montana. We assessed local climate and other factors associated with flea prevalence and abundance, as well as the incidence of plague outbreaks. Oropsylla hirsuta, a prairie dog specialist flea, and Pulex simulans, a generalist flea species, were the most common fleas found on our pairs. High elevation pairs in Wyoming and Utah had distinct flea communities compared with the rest of the study pairs. The incidence of prairie dogs with Yersinia pestis detections in fleas was low (n = 64 prairie dogs with positive fleas out of 5,024 samples from 4,218 individual prairie dogs). The results of our regression models indicate that many factors are associated with the presence of fleas. In general, flea abundance (number of fleas on hosts) is higher during plague outbreaks, lower when prairie dogs are more abundant, and reaches peak levels when climate and weather variables are at intermediate levels. Changing climate conditions will likely affect aspects of both flea and host communities, including population densities and species composition, which may lead to changes in plague dynamics. Our results support the hypothesis that local conditions, including host, vector, and environmental factors, influence the likelihood of plague outbreaks, and that predicting changes to plague dynamics under climate change scenarios will have to consider both host and vector responses to local factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BRDC causes pneumonia of cattle, due to which high morbidity and mortality, decreasing food intake and daily growth, and quality of carcasses is significantly reduced. Preventive application of cattle vaccination and treatment of diseased animals with therapeutic agents, with the aforementioned losses, leads to the fact that BRDC is the most expensive cattle disease worldwide. Given the complex etiology (the influence of more viral and bacterial agents), it is characteristic that if viral agents cause disease, the morbidity level is high and the mortality rate is lower. Cattle affected by bacterial infections have a sporadic morbidity and a higher mortality rate. There are a number of predisposing factors originating from the environment or hosts that have a negative impact on the health status of cattle. So, there are a number of challenges that must be solved in the future, with the aim of developing new technologies that would contribute to increasing animal resistance, eliminating risk factors and reducing exposure to pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work aimed to investigate the genetic diversity of Bartonella in mammals and ectoparasites in Pantanal wetland, Brazil. For this purpose, 31 Nasua nasua, 78 Cerdocyon thous, 7 Leopardus pardalis, 110 wild rodents, 30 marsupials, and 42 dogs were sampled. DNA samples were submitted to a quantitative real-time PCR assay (qPCR). Positive samples in qPCR were submitted to conventional PCR assays targeting other five protein-coding genes. Thirty-five wild rodents and three Polygenis (P.) bohlsi bohlsi flea pools showed positive results in qPCR for Bartonella spp. Thirty-seven out of 38 positive samples in qPCR were also positive in cPCR assays based on ftsZ gene, nine in nuoG-cPCR, and six in gltA-cPCR. Concatenated phylogenetic analyses showed that two main genotypes circulate in rodents and ectoparasites in the studied region. While one of them was closely related to Bartonella spp. previously detected in Cricetidae rodents from North America and Brazil, the other one was related to Bartonella alsatica, Bartonella pachyuromydis, Bartonella birtlesii, Bartonella acomydis, Bartonella silvatica, and Bartonella callosciuri. These results showed that at least two Bartonella genotypes circulate among wild rodents. Additionally, the present study suggests that Polygenis (P.) bohlsi bohlsi fleas could act as possible Bartonella vectors among rodents in Pantanal wetland, Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Haemorrhagic septicaemia (HS) is a globally renowned disease that affects cattle and buffaloes. Its effects on the reproductive system have not been previously studied. The present study evaluated the pathological responses in pre-pubertal female buffaloes infected with immunogens; lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and outer membrane protein (OMP) derived from P. multocida type B:2. Fifteen healthy pre-pubertal female buffaloes were divided into 5 equal groups. Buffaloes in groups 1 and 2 were intravenously and orally inoculated with P. multocida LPS, while those in groups 3 and 4 were subcutaneously and orally inoculated with P. multocida OMP. Buffaloes in group 5 were inoculated with sterile phosphate buffered saline (negative control). During the post infection period, all buffaloes were examined for clinical signs throughout 21 days and surviving animals were euthanised for postmortem evaluation. Histopathological evaluation of buffaloes inoculated intravenously with LPS showed a significantly higher occurrence (P<0.05) of necrosis and degeneration in the uterine horn and supramammary glands . Following inoculation with OMP, haemorrhage and congestion was significantly higher (P<0.05) in the ovaries, cervix, vagina, mammary and supra-mammary glands of buffaloes inoculated subcutaneously, while necrosis and degeneration and inflammatory cell infiltration in different organs was also significantly increased in the same group. The findings showed that both P. multocida bacterial LPS and OMP affected the uterine horn, ovaries, cervix, mammary gland and supramammary lymph nodes of buffalo calves inoculated either intravenously or subcutaneously, as compared to those inoculated orally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of various pathogenic agents affecting gastro-intestinal tract of neonatal goat kids was studied. Intestinal tissue samples of 142 necropsied kids died due to enteritis, pneumo-enteritis, tapeworm's infestations and septicemia were collected for detection of toxinotypes of Clostridium perfringens, enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC), Group-A rotavirus (GARV) and bovine coronavirus (BCV). C. perfringens toxinotyping was done by multiplex PCR using primers for cpa, cpb, cpb2, etx and iap gene. Further, identification of EPEC was done using SYBR green based real-time PCR assay targeting bfpA gene. Detection of GARV and BCV was done by one-step RT-PCR (osRTPCR). The incidence of C. perfringens was 16.20% (47.83% toxinotype A and 52.17% toxinotype D), with b2- toxin present in 30.43% of the samples. Incidence of EPEC in 0-1 and 1-3 month diarrhoeic kids was 36.62% and 25.35%, respectively. For viral aetiology, 11.97% were positive for GARV and 9.86% positive for BCV. Mixed infection of C. perfringens and EPEC was seen in 12.68% cases, while it was 2.11% for C. perfringens + GARV and 1.40% for C. perfringens + BCV. Similarly, the mixed occurrence of EPEC+GARV was 10.56% and that of EPEC+BCV was 7.04%. The combined infection of EPEC+GARV+BCV was 0.70%. The results suggested that C. perfringens type A and type D are the common toxinotypes affecting neonatal goat kids, with β2 toxin being an additional potential virulence factor. SYBR green based real-time PCR assay can be used as quick lab-based technique for efficient screening of EPEC from enteritis affected kids.Group-A rotavirus and bovine coronavirus appeared to be instrumental in causing mixed infection enteritis in kids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Campylobacter is regarded as a leading cause of human bacterial gastroenteritis in the United States. We report on a case of laboratory‐confirmed Campylobacter jejuni infection in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania among members of a household living with a laboratory‐confirmed but non‐speciated Campylobacter‐infected puppy. We describe an outbreak of likely dog‐associated campylobacteriosis, the risk factors, potential routes of exposure and the clinical features in the exposed family members, which began shortly after exposure to the recently purchased dog. We also provide public health recommendations to prevent Campylobacter infections in veterinary care providers, pet owners and those planning to adopt pets in the future. Finally, this report underscores the importance of the One Health approach when public health responders, human and animal healthcare providers and clinical diagnostic laboratories are tasked with developing effective strategies when investigating, detecting and responding to zoonoses (diseases shared between animals and humans). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short, non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level and play a key role in the control of innate and adaptive immune responses. For a subclinical infection such as bovine streptococcal mastitis, early detection is a great challenge, and miRNA profiling could potentially assist in the diagnosis and contribute to the understanding of the pathogenicity and defense mechanisms. We have examined the miRNA repertoire and the transcript level of six key immune genes [tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-10 (IL-10) and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1)] during the early phase response of bovine immature macrophages to in vitro infection with live Streptococcus agalactiae. Next generation sequencing of small RNA libraries from 20 cultures of blood monocyte-derived macrophages exposed to either one of two sequence types of S. agalactiae (ST103 or ST12) for 6 h in vitro and unchallenged controls was performed. Results: Analyzes of over 356 million high quality sequence reads, revealed differential expression of 17 and 44 miRNAs (P < 0.05) in macrophages infected with ST103 and ST12, respectively, versus unchallenged control cultures. We also identified the expression of 31 potentially novel bovine miRNAs. Pathway analysis of the differentially regulated miRNAs and their predicted target genes in the macrophages infected with ST12 revealed significant enrichment for inflammatory response and apoptosis, while significant enrichment for integrin and GABA signaling were found in ST103 infected macrophages. Furthermore, both bacterial strains regulated miRNAs involved in the alternative activation of macrophages. The transcript levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10 were significantly up-regulated by both bacterial strains, however the expression of TGFβ1 was significantly down-regulated only by ST12. Conclusions: Our study identified pathogen-induced differential regulation of miRNAs controlling inflammation and polarization in bovine macrophages. This implies that miRNAs have potential to serve as biomarkers for early detection of bacterial infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Rhodococcus equi is a well‐recognized Gram‐positive intracellular facultative bacterium that is opportunistic in nature, which causes pyogranulomatous infections in humans and multiple host animals. The pathogenicity of the microorganism has been attributed to the presence of plasmid‐encoded virulence‐associated proteins (Vap). To date, three host‐associated virulence plasmid types of R. equi have been identified as follows: the circular pVAPA and pVAPB, related, respectively, to equine and porcine isolates, and a recently described linear pVAPN plasmid associated with bovine strains, although these three types are found in human isolates. Recent phylogenomic studies support the evidence that human R. equi infection is zoonotically acquired. Nevertheless, data regarding distribution and prevalence of the host‐adapted virulence plasmid types of R. equi isolated from meat animals are scarce or unnoticed. Here, the three host‐associated virulence plasmid types (pVAPA, pVAPB, and pVAPN) were investigated in 154 R. equi isolates recovered from lymph nodes of cattle with lymphadenitis (n = 31), faeces of cattle without enteric signs (n = 49), as well as different clinical specimens from human patients (n = 74). The analysis of virulence profile of 74 R. equi from humans revealed six (8.1%) isolates pVAPB (type 8), two (2.7%) pVAPN, and one (1.3%) pVAPB (type 11), all of which were from lung samples from people living with HIV/AIDS. From the lymph node samples of cattle, 41.9% (13 of 31) isolates revealed pVAPN type, whereas all isolates from faecal samples were negative for three host‐associated types. Here, recently described bovine‐associated pVAPN type was detected in R. equi isolates recovered from the lungs of people living with HIV/AIDS and lymph nodes from slaughtered cattle intended for human consumption; a finding that represents a public health concern, mainly in countries where undercooked or raw meat are traditionally consumed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previously, seventeen 2-phenoxy-benzo[ g ][1,2,4]triazolo[1,5- a ]quinazoline derivatives were prepared and characterized by physicochemical and spectral means. This study was conducted to evaluate their activities in vitro against five Gram-negative and five Gram-positive of clinically pathogenic bacterial strains and ten fungal strains. The antimicrobial activity was assessed, and the minimum inhibitory concentration values of the tested compounds were determined in μg ml −1 , using the diffusion agar technique. The bacterial strains used were Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Proteus mirabilis (ATCC 7002), Klebsiella oxytoca (ATCC 700324), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 10145), Enterobacter cloacae (ATCC 13047D-5), Bacillus subtilis (NRRL B-543), Enterococcus faecalis (RCMB 0100154-2), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 29213), Staphylococcus epidermidis (ATCC 12228), and Streptococcus pyogenes (RCMB 0100174-2). Aspergillus fumigatus (RCMB 02568), Syncephalastrum racemosum (IMI 21178), Geotricum candidum (IMI 329542), Candida albicans (ATCC 10231), Aspergillus niger (IMI 130783), Cryptococcus neoformans (NRRL Y-1518), Candida tropicalis (RCMB 05239), Penicillium expansum (IMI 146655), Microsporum canis (RCMB 0834), and Trichophyton mentagrophytes (RCMB 0925) were used as the fungal strains. Ampicillin and gentamicin were used as reference antibacterial drugs and amphotericin B was used as the reference antifungal drug. The antimicrobial studies revealed that the tested compounds 6 – 8 , 11 , 12 , and 14 – 16 showed the highest activities against the bacterial and fungal strains. The current study showed that some benzo[ g ]traizoloquinazolines displayed remarkable antimicrobial activity and could be used as template for further design of potent antimicrobial agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disposition of antimicrobials is known to be altered during disease conditions and fever is one of the common manifestations of bacterial infections in animals. The disposition of lincomycin (10 mg/kg, IV) during Echerichia coli endotoxin-induced fever in goats followed two compartment open model and drug was detected in plasma up to 8 h. The high AUC (39.5±6.21 mg.h/mL) indicated good antibacterial activity of lincomycin in goats. The volume of distribution and total body clearance were 3.35±0.45 L/kg and 0.28±0.03 L/h/kg, respectively. The long elimination half life 9.93± 2.83 h indicated persistence of drug for longer period in body. Lincomycin, is suggested to be repeated at 24 h interval for organisms sensitive to lincomycin having MIC up to 0.6 μg/mL for the treatment of bacterial infections manifested with fever in goats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to characterise bacteria in the genus Bergeyella isolated from the nasal passages of healthy piglets. Nasal swabs from 3 to 4 week-old piglets from eight commercial domestic pig farms and one wild boar farm were cultured under aerobic conditions. Twenty-nine Bergeyella spp. isolates were identified by partial 16S rRNA gene sequencing and 11 genotypes were discriminated by enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC)-PCR. Bergeyella zoohelcum and Bergeyella porcorum were identified within the 11 genotypes. Bergeyella spp. isolates exhibited resistance to serum complement and phagocytosis, poor capacity to form biofilms and were able to adhere to epithelial cells. Maneval staining was consistent with the presence of a capsule. Multiple drug resistance (resistance to three or more classes of antimicrobial agents) was present in 9/11 genotypes, including one genotype isolated from wild boar with no history of antimicrobial use. In conclusion, Bergeyella spp. isolates from the nasal cavities of piglets showed some in vitro features indicative of a potential for virulence. Further studies are necessary to identify the role of Bergeyella spp. in disease and within the nasal microbiota of pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Mycobacteriosis caused by non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) is a rising concern in human medicine both in immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients. In cats, mycobacteriosis caused by NTM is considered mostly to be a focal or dermal infection, with disseminated disease mostly caused by Mycobacterium avium . We describe three cases of disseminated mycobacteriosis in cats, caused by Mycobacterium malmoense , Mycobacterium branderi/shimoidei and M. avium , with no identified underlying immunosuppression. In all cases, extracellular mycobacteria were seen in the pulmonary epithelium, intestinal lumen and glomerular tufts, which could affect the shedding of the organism. The present study highlights the importance of mycobacteriosis as a differential even in immunocompetent animals. Considering the close relationship of owners and pets and the potential presence of free mycobacteria in secretions, cats should be considered as a possible environmental reservoir for mycobacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study evaluated the diagnosis of subclinical endometritis (SCE) at the time of oestrus in relation to uterine bacterial contamination and fertility in buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis). Normal cyclic healthy buffaloes (115) presented for insemination at spontaneous oestrus were diagnosed (by endometrial cytology) for SCE and divided into control (<5% PMN) and SCE (≥5% PMNs) groups. The prevalence of 22.61% for SCE was recorded. Significantly higher proportion of buffaloes were infected in SCE (65.4 vs 21.3%) than in control group. The seven different bacteria (Staphylococcus spp., Bacillus spp., Proteus spp., Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., Streptococcus spp. and Pseudomonas spp.) in both the groups with T. pyogenes only in SCE group were isolated. The presence of SCE as well as bacteria recorded a detrimental effect on fertility, with significantly lower conception rate (23.08 vs 37.08%) in SCE and tendency for higher number of services per conception in buffaloes with infected uteri, compared to their healthy counterparts. A differential trend for antibiotic sensitivity to the bacterial isolates was recorded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brucellosis in animals is a serious global health concern mainly due to its zoonotic nature and association with heavy economic losses. Brucellosis has been reported randomly from different parts of Pakistan; however, the prevalence of brucellosis in animals and humans in Bannu District, as well as overall epidemiological data of the country, is missing. The present study reports on the occurrence of brucellosis in domestic animals and its crosscirculation among occupationally exposed human population in Bannu District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. A total of 223 (animals=100, animal handlers=73, veterinary staff=50) serum samples were collected and subjected to serum plate agglutination test (SPAT), Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT) and direct polymerase chain reaction (PCR) specific for Brucella melitensis and B. bovis. Results indicated overall prevalence of 27% (27/100) by SPAT, 10% (10/100) by RBPT and 11% (11/100) by PCR. Prevalence in animal handlers was 24.6% (18/73) by SPAT, 6.84% (5/73) by RBPT and 12.3% (12.3% (9/73) by PCR, while prevalence in veterinary professionals was 30% (15/50) by SPAT, 4% (2/50) by RBPT and 18% (9/50) by PCR. Age, sex, introduction of new animals, contact with infected animals, breeding methods, and hygienic conditions were statistically significantly (p < 0.05) associated with the occurrence of brucellosis. Taken together, brucellosis is a persistent public health threat in Bannu District of Pakistan. Therefore, proper control management and mass education are imperative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bovine actinobacillosis is typically characterized by pyogranulomatous glossitis (wooden tongue). The involvement of other tissues, generally the skin or lymph nodes, has been regarded as atypical or cutaneous. We describe herein 2 outbreaks of actinobacillosis affecting primarily the lymph nodes of the head and neck. The disease affected 40 of 540 lactating cows in a dairy herd, and 5 of 335 two-y-old steers in a beef herd. Multiple or single, occasionally ulcerated nodules were observed in the region of the mandible, neck, and shoulder, including the parotid, submandibular, retropharyngeal, and prescapular lymph nodes. The histologic lesions were multifocal pyogranulomatous lymphadenitis, dermatitis, and cellulitis with Splendore–Hoeppli material. One steer had an exophytic pyogranuloma in the gingiva and another died because of ruminal tympany secondary to oropharyngeal and esophageal obstruction by a pyogranulomatous mass. Actinobacillus lignieresii was isolated from the lesions and identified by amplification, sequencing, and analysis of the 16S ribosomal (r)DNA gene. Seven of 8 cows recovered after treatment with sodium iodide. Lymphatic actinobacillosis is a frequent disease in Uruguay, southern Brazil, and Argentina. Morbidity is 1–50%; mortality is <1%. A. lignieresii apparently penetrates the intact oral and pharyngeal mucosa, infecting primarily the regional lymph nodes. Later, lesions may extend to the subcutaneous tissue and the skin, causing ulceration. Affected cattle with draining pyogranulomas contaminate the environment, favoring disease transmission, and should be treated with sodium iodide or antibiotics and isolated from the herd in order to control the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In Colombia, human leptospirosis (HL) is a disease that has had a mandatory notification rule since 2007. Humans usually acquire the infection through water contaminated with animal urine that comes into direct contact with cutaneous lesions, eyes or mucous membranes. Objectives: To analyze the spatiotemporal variability in the occurrence of HL cases in Colombia between 2007 and 2016, and its relation with the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle and the consequent anomalies in rainfall in spatiotemporal clusters. Methods: An ecological study of the HL cases, aggregated by municipality, and reported between 2007 and 2016, is presented. Findings: During the period of study, 9928 cases of HL were reported, and 58.9% of the municipalities reported at least one case of leptospirosis. Six spatiotemporal clusters were identified-five were in the Andean region and one was in the Caribbean region. The assessment of the ENSO cycle and rainfall anomalies suggests the importance of La Niña episodes, and excess rainfall periods in the occurrence of cases of HL. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate the importance of the ENSO cycle, rainfall periods and periods with excess rainfall in the occurrence of cases and outbreaks of HL in Colombia, and suggest the importance of the topography of valleys and flood zones as zones in which the risk of infection is elevated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]