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Coccidioidomycosis is a fungal disease associated with soil exposure that frequently goes undiagnosed due at least in part to its nonspecific presentation and the lack of clinical suspicion by health care providers. Currently available diagnostics for coccidioidomycosis offer qualitative results that can suffer from low specificity, while semiquantitative assays are labor-intensive and complex and can require multiple days to complete. Furthermore, significant confusion exists regarding the optimal diagnostic algorithms and appropriate usage of available diagnostic tests. This review aims to inform clinical laboratorians and treating clinicians about the current diagnostic landscape, appropriate diagnostic strategies, and future diagnostic directions for coccidioidomycosis, which is expected to become more prevalent due to increased migration into areas of endemicity and climate changes.

OBJECTIVE To compare 2 point-of-care lateral flow assays (LFAs) with immunodiffusion (ID) IgG results for anti-coccidioidal antibody detection in dogs with coccidioidomycosis. A further aim was to compare the quantifiable output of 1 of the LFAs to ID antibody titers. SAMPLE Serum banked from 73 client-owned dogs diagnosed with pulmonary or disseminated coccidioidomycosis. METHODS ID was used to determine antibody presence and titer against a coccidioidal antigen preparation. All sera were subsequently tested on an LFA based on recombinant chitinase 1 (CTS1) and the commercially available sōna LFA. LFA results were analyzed and compared to ID IgG results and clinical diagnosis. RESULTS All assays showed similar sensitivities in detecting anti-coccidioidal antibodies (83.6% to 89.0%). When compared with ID IgG, the CTS1 LFA had a positive percent agreement of 100%, while the sōna LFA had a positive percent agreement of 91.4%. Since the CTS1 LFA is semiquantitative, we were able to compare test line densities with ID titers and found a strong correlation between the 2 assays (Spearman ρ = 0.82). CLINICAL RELEVANCE This is the first side-by-side evaluation of a commercially available LFA (sōna) and a newer more rapid anti-CTS1 antibody LFA using serum from dogs with coccidioidomycosis. Both LFAs tested have similar sensitivity to ID IgG results. The CTS1 LFA can be read after 10 minutes and is semiquantitative, while the sōna LFA is read after 30 minutes, and the results are subject to interpretation. Accurate and fast detection of anti-coccidioidal antibodies allows clinicians to initiate appropriate treatment without diagnostic delay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coccidiomycosis is a potentially life-threatening fungal infection endemic to certain regions of Argentina. The infection is caused by Coccidioides spp. and is primarily diagnosed by Coccidioides antibody (Ab) detection. Access to rapid, highly accurate diagnostic testing is critical to ensure prompt antifungal therapy. The sōna Coccidioides Ab Lateral Flow Assay (LFA) performs faster and requires less laboratory infrastructure and equipment compared with other Ab detection assays, potentially providing a substantial improvement for rapid case screening in coccidioidomycosis-endemic regions; however, validation of this test is needed. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the analytical performance of the sōna Coccidioides Ab (LFA) and compare agreement with anti-Coccidioides Ab detection assays. A total of 103 human sera specimens were tested, including 25 specimens from patients with coccidioidomycosis and 78 from patients without coccidioidomycosis. The sōna Coccidioides Ab Lateral Flow Assay (LFA) was performed with a sensitivity of 88%, and specificity and accuracy of 87%. Furthermore, the Coccidioides Ab LFA had good agreement with other anti-Coccidioides Ab detection assays. Our findings suggest the sōna Coccidioides Ab LFA has satisfactory performance and may be useful for diagnosing coccidioidomycosis in endemic regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Induction methods are many such as intravaginal misoprostol, intracervical Foley catheter, intracervical dinoprostone, etc. Presently, a very limited number of studies are available for comparing all three popular methods intravaginal misoprostol, intracervical Foley catheter, and intracervical dinoprostone. Aims and objectives: Comparison of efficacy of pervaginal misoprostol, intracervical Foley catheter, and intracervical dinoprostone on induction of labor and fetomaternal outcome. Materials and methods: It is a prospective study conducted on 273 patients divided into 3 groups, and each group included 90 study subjects. • Group I - Foley catheter of No. 18 introduced in the cervical canal. The Foley catheter balloon is filled with 50 mL of normal saline. • Group II - Dinoprostone 2.5 mL of 0.5 mg injected into the cervical canal below the internal os under aseptic precautions. • Group III - Tablet misoprostol 25-µg pervaginally put in the posterior fornix. Continuous observation of the patients will be done in all groups. Results: Success of induction was 100% in the Foley catheter, 92.3% in dinoprostone gel, and 90% in the misoprostol group, respectively. Vaginal delivery occurred--83.51% in Foley catheter, 59.34% in dinoprostone gel, and 73.62% in the misoprostol groups, respectively. The mean induction to delivery interval time was 16.78 ± 6.5 hours in the Foley catheter group, 12.87 ± 6.41 hours in the dinoprostone gel group, and 11.16 ± 5.97 in the misoprostol group. Conclusion: Foley catheter is superior to dinoprostone gel and misoprostol in achieving vaginal delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a systemic mycosis caused by fungi of the genus Paracoccidioides. Serological tests are auxiliary in the diagnosis of PCM. However, the lack of standardization is a central problem in serodiagnosis and antibody titration. The objective of this study was to propose a methodology based on Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) for predicting antibody titers in patients with PCM. A total of 118 serum samples from patients with PCM were included, for which antibody titration using double immunodiffusion (DID) was previously performed. Serum samples were analyzed by attenuated total reflection (ATR)-FTIR and a supervised analysis with partial least squares regression (PLS) was used to predict the antibody titers. The PLS model with two latent variables and with the use of one orthogonal signal correction (OSC) showed a determination coefficient (R2) higher than 0.9999 for both the calibration and prediction set. The model was able to predict the antibody titers from patients with PCM with a minimal error. Therefore, modeling with FTIR/ATR and multivariate calibration proved to be a fast and highly accurate method for antibody titration, replacing the need for antigen production and performance of traditional serological tests.

Aim: Early determination of antimicrobial susceptibility of sepsis pathogens is important. In this study, we aimed to compare the standard disc diffusion method with the rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing (RAST) method performed directly from blood culture bottles. Material and Methods: Bacteria isolated from samples that gave a positive signal on the blood culture device between April 2019 and September 2019 were included in the study, and antimicrobial susceptibilities were determined by the standard disc diffusion method and the RAST method. Categorical agreement, small error, large error, very large error, and area of technical uncertainty ratios were recorded. Results: A total of 103 bacteria including 19 S. aureus, 10 Enterococcus spp. and 24 E. coli, 24 K. pneumoniae, 13 P. aeruginosa, and 13 A. baumannii were included in the study. When the RAST method was compared with the standard disc diffusion method, 100% agreement was found between the methods against imipenem, meropenem, gentamicin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole in E. coli isolates at all hours evaluated, and against meropenem in K. pneumoniae isolates at the 6th and 8th hour. For S. aureus and P. aeruginosa isolates, very major errors were found in the RAST results. For A. baumannii isolates, 100% agreement between methods was observed for many antibiotics. Conclusion: It was concluded that the RAST method is a simple and inexpensive test for life-threatening infections such as sepsis. It was also felt that similar studies should be carried out with a large number of isolates, as compliance rates vary depending on the bacteria tested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exotoxins that produce vaccine strains of the anthrax pathogen are the main source of immunogenicity of anti-selective vaccines used in veterinary medicine. The relevance of the study is due to the search for the most suitable vaccine strains of the anthrax pathogen to obtain high production of exotoxin as a factor of the effectiveness of drugs for the implementation of preventive and safety measures in the field of veterinary medicine. In this regard, the purpose of the study was to examine the productive properties of microbes of the Bacillus genus regarding the production of exotoxin under changes in cultivation conditions during incubation. Microbiological and biotechnological methods and comparative statistical analysis are used to examine vaccine strains of the anthrax pathogen. Strains are selected according to the intensity of growth on nutrient media. A biotechnological approach to obtaining a specific anthrax protein is used to analyse the production of exotoxin by vaccine strains of the anthrax pathogen. When cultured on identical nutrient media, the vaccine strains produce different amounts of exotoxin. Virulent (B. anthracis IBM-92 Z), vaccine (B. anthracis K-79 Z, B. anthracis Sterne 34F 2, B. anthracis 55, B. anthracis SB. anthracis Tsenkovsky II) strains, and anthrax cultures (B. cereus 8035, B. anthracoides 67, B. subtilis BKM 17) are examined. In the course of experimental work, it is determined that the production of exotoxin of various anthrax pathogen strains depends on the medium's pH. It is established that with identical pH values of the medium and cultivation conditions, the highest production of exotoxin was shown by the vaccine strain B. anthracis K-79 Z. The titer of a specific anthrax protein was 1:64. Changes in the pH of the medium during the cultivation of strains affect the amount of exotoxin formation -- the main factor in the formation of specific immunity against the anthrax pathogen. The results of the study can be applied by specialists of the veterinary service to select antigen producers in the development of new drugs against anthrax in animals based on exotoxins [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to evaluate analytical performances of radial immunodiffusion (RID) technique for the quantification of milk lactoferrin (LF), and to investigate the main sources of variation of LF concentration in individual milk samples of Holstein Friesian (HF, n = 1516) and Simmental (SI, n = 230) cows. Repeatability (RSDr) and reproducibility (RSDR) of RID method were assessed as relative standard deviation of 15 measurements within the same day and 45 measurements across 3 d, respectively. Sources of variation of milk LF were investigated through a mixed linear model which included the fixed effects of classes of stage of lactation and parity (and their interaction), cow breed, udder health status (UHS, based on somatic cell count and differential somatic cell count), and the random effects of the herd-test day nested within breed and the residual. Method performances were satisfactory in terms of repeatability (RSDr < 9%) and reproducibility (RSDR < 8%), suggesting that the RID can be considered as a consistent cow-side test for the quantification of milk LF. Milk LF was positively associated with somatic cell score (r = 0.40) and negatively with lactose content (r = −0.33). Lower concentration of LF was observed in milk of 'healthy' and 'susceptible' cows (13.03 and 12.87 mg/dL, respectively) compared to 'mastitic' and 'chronic' cows (17.91 and 17.33 mg/dL, respectively). In this light, milk LF has the potential to be a useful biomarker to detect early mastitis. Further research is advisable to deepen the association between milk LF content and observed clinical mastitis. Radial immunodiffusion method for milk lactoferrin quantification is repeatable and reproducible. Somatic cell count is positively associated with milk lactoferrin content. Milk lactoferrin is less concentrated in milk of healthy and susceptible than potentially mastitic and chronic cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundPoint-of-care (POC) Coccidioides antibody assays may provide veterinarians with rapid and accurate diagnostic information.ObjectivesTo determine the agreement of a POC lateral flow assay (LFA), sona Coccidioides (IMMY, Norman, Oklahoma) with the current diagnostic standard, the immunodiffusion assay (agar gel immunodiffusion [AGID]; Coccidioidomycosis Serology Laboratory, University of California, Davis, California).AnimalsForty-eight sera specimens from 48 dogs.MethodsSera specimens were collected from client-owned dogs that had a clinical suspicion for coccidioidomycosis. Animals were classified as Coccidioides antibody-positive (n = 36) based on a positive AGID or Coccidioides antibody-negative (n = 12) based on a negative AGID. The performance of the LFA assay was determined by comparing results to AGID results.ResultsThe LFA assay demonstrated agreement in 32 of 36 Coccidioides antibody-positive specimens and 12 of 12 Coccidioides antibody-negative specimens, resulting in a positive percentage agreement of 88.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 74.7-95.6%) and negative percentage agreement of 100% (95% CI, 75.8-100%) as compared to AGID. A receiver operator characteristic curve was constructed, and the area under the curve was 0.944 (CI, 0.880-1.000).Conclusion and clinical importanceThis LFA is a rapid alternative to the traditional AGID. The LFA provides excellent predictive value for positive results. Positive agreement was lower in dogs with low AGID titers; therefore, confirmatory testing is recommended if a high index of suspicion exists.

Aims Wound infections are one of the most important problems in human life. Continued use of antimicrobial agents against wound infections leads to the appearance of antibioticresistant bacteria strains. Flaxseed has important pharmacological properties against various diseases. This study aimed to determine the antibacterial activity of flaxseed extracts against different bacteria isolated from wound infections. Materials & Methods This experimental study used phytochemical screening for flaxseed extracts. Also, the agar well diffusion method was used to examine the antibacterial activity of aqueous, ethanolic extract, and flaxseed oil (200, 100, 50, and 25mg/ml) against grampositive and gram-negative bacteria. Findings Phytochemical screening for the crude aqueous and ethyl extracts of flaxseeds revealed alkaloids, terpenoids, tannins, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, steroids, phenolic compounds proteins, and carbohydrates. Aqueous extract showed inhibition zones only for Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus faecalis at 50, 100, and 200mg/ml. All the concentrations of the ethanolic extract showed inhibitory effects against all tested bacteria. The maximum antibacterial effect of ethanol extract on aqueous extract was 200mg/ml. Also, 200mg/ml of flaxseed oil had the most powerful inhibitory effects on all tested bacteria. Conclusion Flaxseed ethanolic extract and flaxseed oil have an inhibitory effect against different species of both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria isolated from wound infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Colostral immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration is critical to the attainment of adequate transfer of passive immunity in cattle, however, studies comparing available tools for measurement of colostral IgG concentration in beef cattle are limited. Objectives: To report the agreement between 3 commercially available tests for evaluating IgG concentration in beef colostrum. Animals: Two hundred six beef‐breed cows hospitalized for calving management or dystocia. Methods: Retrospective study to assess IgG of whole colostrum measured stall‐side via turbidimetric immunoassay (TI) and brix refractometry (BRIX), compared to fat separated (FS) analysis via single radial‐immunodiffusion (RID; reference standard), TI‐FS and BRIX‐FS. Test performance was assessed using Passing Bablock regression, Bland‐Altman analysis, and area under the curve to determine optimal thresholds. Results: Correlation between RID and TI‐FS, BRIX‐FS, or BRIX was similar (Spearman's ρ = 0.717, 0.715, 0.716, respectively) but correlation for TI was poor (ρ = 0.586). Regression analysis identified a substantial constant (−214.75 [CI: −272.03 to −178.07]) and proportional (13.24 [CI: 11.81‐15.37]) bias between the RID and TI‐FS which was similar for TI. TI‐FS concentrations of 28.47, 38.75, and 50.62 g/L, BRIX‐FS of ≤21.9%, ≤24.0%, and ≤27.4%, and BRIX of ≤21.3%, ≤23.8%, and ≤26.4% indicated IgG concentrations <50, <100, and <150 g/L, respectively; appropriate cutoffs for TI could not be generated. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Both TI and TI‐FS demonstrated a large constant and proportional bias compared to RID; BRIX and BRIX‐FS were well correlated with RID and remain a reliable method for estimation of colostral IgG concentration in beef cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Attainment of adequate transfer of passive immunity (TPI) is critical to health of calves; however, studies comparing available tools for measurement of TPI in individual beef animals are limited. Objectives: To report agreement between 4 tests evaluating individual TPI status in beef calves. Animals: One hundred ninety‐six beef calves born to cows and heifers presenting for calving management or dystocia. Methods: Retrospective study to assess serum immunoglobulin (IgG) concentrations via turbidimetric immunoassay (TI), gamma‐glutamyl transferase (GGT), serum total protein (TP), and single radial immunodiffusion (RID; reference standard). Test agreement was evaluated using Passing‐Bablok regression, Bland‐Altman analysis, Cohen's kappa, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves with and without covariate adjustment to determine optimal thresholds. Results: Correlation between RID and test results varied: TI, ρ = 0.757; TP, ρ = 0.715; GGT: ρ = 0.413. For the TI compared to RID, regression analysis identified a constant (intercept = −0.51 [CI: −2.63, 3.05]) and proportional (slope = 1.87 [CI: 1.69, 2.08]) bias. Based on ROC, TI concentrations of ≤9.89 and ≤13.76 g/L, and TP concentrations of ≤5.5 and ≤6.0 g/dL, indicated IgG concentrations <18.0 and <25.0 g/L, respectively. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Within this cohort of calves, TI demonstrated the best correlation with RID; however, significant bias was identified which led to frequent underestimation of IgG concentration. Serum total protein demonstrated less correlation with RID but had less misclassification than TI. Both TI and TP demonstrated less correlation for calves that received colostrum replacement prompting clinical awareness of colostrum type when evaluating individual TPI in beef calves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a systemic mycosis caused by fungi of the genus Paracoccidioides. Serological tests are auxiliary in the diagnosis of PCM. However, the lack of standardization is a central problem in serodiagnosis and antibody titration. The objective of this study was to propose a methodology based on Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) for predicting antibody titers in patients with PCM. A total of 118 serum samples from patients with PCM were included, for which antibody titration using double immunodiffusion (DID) was previously performed. Serum samples were analyzed by attenuated total reflection (ATR)-FTIR and a supervised analysis with partial least squares regression (PLS) was used to predict the antibody titers. The PLS model with two latent variables and with the use of one orthogonal signal correction (OSC) showed a determination coefficient (R2) higher than 0.9999 for both the calibration and prediction set. The model was able to predict the antibody titers from patients with PCM with a minimal error. Therefore, modeling with FTIR/ATR and multivariate calibration proved to be a fast and highly accurate method for antibody titration, replacing the need for antigen production and performance of traditional serological tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Biomédica: Revista del Instituto Nacional de Salud is the property of Instituto Nacional de Salud of Colombia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The implementation of animal health improvement and disease prevention activities with respect to bovine leukosis involves a need for timely detection of cattle infected with bovine leukaemia virus (BLV) on livestock farms. That is why early diagnosis using more sensitive and highly accurate methods is of particular importance. The paper presents the results of cattle serum tests for bovine leukosis with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunodiffusion (ID), as well as the comparative assessment of their effectiveness. A total of 440 cattle blood samples were subjected to serological testing with immunodiffusion; 37 (8.4%) of them tested positive for bovine leukaemia virus. The cattle blood samples were submitted from the Kumtorkalinsky (127), Karabudakhkentsky (122), Buynaksky (89) Raions, from Makhachkala (56) and Kaspiysk (46). Seropositivity was 17 (13.4%), 8 (6.6%), 5 (5.6%), 4 (7.1%) and 3 (6.5%), respectively. For the comparative assessment of the diagnostic tests, 100 (5 ID-positive and 95 ID-negative) serum samples were taken and tested with ELISA. As a result, specific antibodies against BLV gp51 antigen were detected in 4 ID-negative serum samples. All ID-positive serum samples also tested positive with ELISA. All in all 9 virus carriers were detected with ELISA, that is 44.4% more than with immunodiffusion. Thus, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay is characterized by a higher sensitivity, as compared with immunodiffusion, and allows for improved detection of infected animals. However, alongside the advantages, this technique has certain disadvantages, one of which is the high price of the diagnostic test kit for anti-BLV antibody detection and the equipment required.

Background: Microbial resistance caused by Acinetobacter baumannii , which leads to various infectious diseases, is projected to result in ten million deaths by 2050. This is mainly due to the production of beta-lactamase enzymes, a significant concern for the World Health Organization. Objectives: This study utilized phenotypic analysis to examine isolates producing metallo-beta-lactamase and carbapenemase and to determine the pattern of antibiotic resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii. Methods: Following the isolation and identification of 372 Acinetobacter baumannii strains from clinical isolates using a variety of biochemical tests, the antibiotic resistance pattern was examined using the disc diffusion method. The production of beta-lactamase and carbapenemase was determined using the combined disc diffusion phenotypic test (CDDT) and the Modified Hodge Test (MHT), respectively. Results: Based on this study, minocycline (7.4%) exhibited the lowest resistance rate, while carbapenems (imipenem and meropenem) showed the highest resistance. All antibiotic groups demonstrated over 80% resistance, suggesting extensive drug resistance in all samples. Furthermore, 325 (94.6%) strains of Acinetobacter baumannii produced metallo-beta-lactamase, 215 (57.7%) strains strongly produced carbapenemase, and 135 (36.1%) strains weakly produced carbapenemase. Conclusions: Due to minimal resistance to colistin, minocycline, and ampicillin-sulbactam, it is advisable to use these drugs either individually or in combination for treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Histoplasma antigen and anti‐Histoplasma antibody detection are used to support the diagnosis of histoplasmosis. There is a paucity of published data on antibody assays. Objectives: Our primary hypothesis was that anti‐Histoplasma immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody detection using enzyme immunoassay (EIA) will be more sensitive as compared to immunodiffusion (ID). Animals: Thirty‐seven cats and 22 dogs with proven or probable histoplasmosis; 157 negative control animals. Methods: Residual stored sera were tested for anti‐Histoplasma antibodies using EIA and ID. Results of urine antigen EIA were reviewed retrospectively. Diagnostic sensitivity was calculated for all three assays and compared between immunoglobulin G (IgG) EIA and ID. The diagnostic sensitivity of urine antigen EIA and IgG EIA, interpreted in parallel, was reported. Results: Sensitivity of IgG EIA was 30/37 (81.1%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 68.5%‐93.4%) in cats and 17/22 (77.3%; 95% CI, 59.8%‐94.8%) in dogs. Diagnostic sensitivity of ID was 0/37 (0%; 95% CI, 0%‐9.5%) in cats and 3/22 (13.6%; 95% CI, 0%‐28.0%) in dogs. Immunoglobulin G EIA was positive in all animals (2 cats and 2 dogs) with histoplasmosis but without detectable antigen in urine. Diagnostic specificity of IgG EIA was 18/19 (94.7%; 95% CI, 74.0%‐99.9%) in cats and 128/138 (92.8%; 95% CI, 87.1%‐96.5%) in dogs. Conclusion and Clinical Importance: Antibody detection by EIA can be used to support the diagnosis of histoplasmosis in cats and dogs. Immunodiffusion has an unacceptably low diagnostic sensitivity and is not recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radial immunodiffusion (RID) is used to quantify IgG concentration in neonatal beef or dairy calf serum; variability has been noted that may affect the precision and accuracy of assay results. We determined the source, range, and homogeneity of variance in the results of a commercial bovine IgG RID assay (Triple J Farm). To estimate the variance in the precipitin ring diameter, we used 6 sera, measured 28 times across 8 plates and 4 lots, and 3 standards with known IgG concentrations, measured 75 times across 69 plates and 5 lots. The source of diameter variance was determined using variance partition coefficients for lot, plate, and repetition. We used 11 different methods to generate standard curves to convert RID precipitin ring diameters to IgG concentrations. The Levene test of homogeneity of variance (α = 0.1) was used to evaluate the equality of variance between the standards or serum precipitin ring diameters and calculated IgG concentrations. Lot and plate contributed minimally to the diameter variance. Precipitin ring diameters had equal variance. Calculated IgG concentrations for serum not requiring dilution had equal variance. A linear equation from aggregated standards, performed within the same day, had greater accuracy for the calculated IgG concentrations of the standards compared to other equation methods. Regardless of standard curve methodology or IgG concentration, variability inherent to the assay limits its clinical usefulness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aspergillosis is a mycosis, most commonly affecting the airways. This mycosis can worsen the clinical condition of patients with concurrent lung diseases. We assayed for the presence of serum anti-A. fumigatus IgG in bronchiectasis patients from a tertiary hospital in south Brazil and evaluated the relationship with clinical outcome. Thirty-one patients with bronchiectasis, without cystic fibrosis, were included. Clinical and epidemiological data were collected from all participants. Positive serological tests were detected in 13% (4/31) of the patients. The mortality rate for the year following the assay was, in the seropositive group, 75% (3/4), whereas in the seronegative group, 15% (4/27). An illustrative case is also shown and discussed. Our study highlights the diagnostic challenge and the possible impact of Aspergillus infection on these patients, indicating the necessity of more and larger investigations in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was designed to identify Enterococcus faecalis from clinical mastitis of cattle and determine their antimicrobial resistance and virulence determinants to evaluate their potential public health significance. A total of 105 composite milk samples (80 from cattle with clinical mastitis and 25 from apparently healthy cattle) were analyzed. E. faecalis were isolated by culturing on enterococcal selective media and identified by PCR and sequencing. Antimicrobial resistance phenotype was elucidated by the disc diffusion method, and MIC was determined by broth microdilution method according to CLSI guidelines. Detection of antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes was done by PCR. E. faecalis were isolated from 11.25% (9/80) of the clinical mastitis and 4% (1/25) of the apparently healthy cattle milk samples. The disc diffusion test revealed 40% isolates as resistant to tetracycline and azithromycin, respectively. Among them, 20% (2/10) of isolates showed resistance to both tetracycline and azithromycin. Tetracycline-resistant isolates showed MIC ranging from ≥64 to >128 μg/ml and carried tetracycline-resistant genes tetK, tetL, and tetM in 25%, 25%, and 50% of the resistant isolates, respectively. On the other hand, all the isolates were sensitive to amoxicillin, ampicillin, bacitracin, chloramphenicol, gentamicin, penicillin, and vancomycin. In addition, the isolates carried at least one of the nine virulence genes screened with pil having the highest frequency, followed by fsrB, fsrC, ace, sprE, gelE, and agg genes. Positive correlations were evident between ace, fsrC, gelE, and sprE genes that are associated with the attachment and biofilm formation in E. faecalis. E. faecalis isolated in this study carried antibiotic resistance and virulence determinants which explain their competence to be potential human pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using 85 sera collected from horses that had been experimentally infected with equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV) and 200 field sera collected from racehorses in Japan, we compared 4 agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID) kits for serologic detection of EIAV antibodies from Idexx, VMRD, IDvet, and the National Engineering Research Center of Veterinary Biologics, China (NECVB). The positive control lines were sufficiently clear in all kits for evaluation to be made, with slight differences in sharpness: NECVB was the sharpest, followed by VMRD, IDvet, and Idexx. The test results for all 285 samples agreed among the 4 kits, with 62 positives and 223 negatives. The sensitivities and specificities of VMRD, IDvet, and NECVB compared with the Idexx kit were 100%, and the kappa coefficient values between the kits were 1.0 for all combinations. We concluded that the testing capacity of these 4 kits was virtually identical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immunodiffusion tests offer a simple yet powerful method for detecting protein antigens, but their long assay times hinder clinical utility. We unveil the complex interplay of parameters governing this process using finite element simulations. By meticulously validating our model against real-world data, we elucidate how initial concentrations and diffusivities of antigen and antibody shape the intensity, size, and formation time of the precipitin ring. Our key innovation lies in employing phase diagram analysis to map the combined effects of these parameters on assay performance. This framework enables rapid in silico parameter estimation, paving the way for the design of novel immunodiffusion assays with drastically reduced assay times. The presented approach holds immense potential for optimizing protein diagnostics for fast and reliable diagnostics. [Display omitted] • Novel rapid assays are urgently required for simple, fast disease diagnostics in remote locations. • Immunodiffusion tests are simple and inexpensive to perform, yet the fundamental physics are still relatively unexplored. • A numerical model is described enabling an understanding of the fundamentals toward developing novel rapid diagnostic tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coccidioidomycosis is a disease caused by the dimorphic fungi Coccidioides spp., which affects humans and a variety of animal species, including domestic dogs. In dogs, accurate diagnosis could provide a substantial improvement on the quality of canine life, as well as an advancement in the mapping of regions endemic for coccidioidomycosis. The purpose of this study was to compare immunodiagnostic assays for anti-Coccidioides antibody (Ab) detection in dogs' serum. Three commercially available immunodiagnostic assays (IMMY®; Norman, OK, USA) were evaluated, including the sōna Coccidioides Ab Lateral Flow Assay (LFA), Coccidioides IDCF immunodiffusion assay (IDCF), and the Clarus Coccidioides Ab Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA). Assays were evaluated using 98 dog serum samples: 29 from dogs with coccidioidomycosis, 15 from dogs diagnosed with histoplasmosis, 10 from dogs diagnosed with blastomycosis, and 44 from dogs without a fungal disease. Using specimens from dogs with coccidioidomycosis, the IDCF had an accuracy of 92% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 85–96%), the EIA had an accuracy of 91% (95% CI = 83–96%), and the LFA displayed an accuracy of 82% (95% CI = 73–89%). Using Kappa analysis, the agreement between LFA and EIA was 0.59 (95% CI = 0.42–0.75), that between LFA and IDCF was 0.64 (95% CI = 0.48–0.79), and that between EIA and IDCF was 0.79 (95% CI = 0.64–0.90). Most cross-reactions were observed in dogs with histoplasmosis. Compared with EIA and IDCF, the LFA requires substantially less laboratory equipment and infrastructure and rapidly produces results, offering a substantial improvement for the initial screening of coccidioidomycosis in dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Agriculturae Serbica is the property of University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Agronomy and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: Wound dressings that inactivate or sequestrate microorganisms, such as those with a hydrophobic, bacteria-binding dialkylcarbamoyl chloride (DACC) surface, can reduce the risk of clinical infections. This 'passive' bioburden control, avoiding bacterial cell wall disruption with associated release of bacterial endotoxins aggravating inflammation, is advantageous in hard-to-heal wounds. Hence, the full scope of DACC dressings, including the potential impact of higher inoculum densities, increased protein load and different pH on antibacterial activity, needs to be evaluated. Method: The Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) L 1902 challenge test was used to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the DACC-coated dressing against several World Health Organization (WHO)-prioritised wound pathogens (e.g., meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus, microorganisms with extended-spectrum beta-lactamases and Acinetobacter baumannii), the effect of repeated bacterial challenge in an adverse wound environment, and antimicrobial performance at wound-related pH. Results: High antibacterial activity of the DACC-coated dressing against the WHO-prioritised bacteria strains by its irreversible binding and inhibition of growth of bound bacteria was confirmed using JIS L 1902. At increased inoculation densities, compared to standard conditions, the DACC-coated dressing still achieved strong-to-significant antibacterial effects. Augmenting the media protein content also affected antibacterial performance; a 0.5–1 log reduction in antibacterial activity was observed upon addition of 10% fetal calf serum. The pH did not influence antibacterial performance. The DACC-coated dressing also sustained antibacterial activity over subsequent reinfection steps. Conclusion: It can be assumed that the DACC-coated dressing exerts beneficial effects in controlling the wound bioburden, reducing the overall demand placed on antibiotics, without using antimicrobial substances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poor visualization of direct agglutination test (DAT) and low sensitivity of agar double immunodiffusion (ADID) test severely hindered their applications in large-scale sample screening. This study aims to develop a facile method of Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) tagged Riemerella anatipestifer (RA) antisera that can improve these drawbacks. Results demonstrated that citrate-reduction method synthesized AuNPs with an average of 5.0 nm takes a strong extinction band with a maximum absorption peak at 518 nm. 1.0 mM MUA can be coupled onto AuNPs under ultrasonic processing. The carboxylated AuNPs can covalently tagged with RA antisera with the activation of EDC/NHS for acquisition of AuNPs/RA antisera immunoprobe. Results of DAT and ADID tests affirmed that visualization and sensitivity (at least one concentration gradient) were effectively improved, respectively. The proposed method may offer a new way for large-scale screening of samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To evaluate the effect of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and 2-mercaptoethanol (2-ME) on antigen-antibody binding when incubated at 100°C, which is the pretreatment temperature required for western blots. Methods Serum that tested positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) plus loading buffer were mixed at a ratio of 4:1 and incubated in a water bath. We then detected HBsAg using double immunodiffusion and ELISA. Results The HBsAg titer was 1:512 in the control group when incubated at 37°C. Incubation with SDS at 100°C reduced the antigen titer to 1:32. The inhibitory effect on HBsAg titer reached 96.9% after incubation at 100°C with SDS and 2-ME. Conclusion We detected strong inhibition of antigens in western blots via SDS and 2-ME. It is likely that false-negative results will be obtained from western blots of antigens with weak resistance to these reagents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salvadora persica (S. persica) contains steam-distillable oil made of 90% Benzylisothiocyanate (BITC). It’s proven to have a wide range of bactericidal activity. The objectives of this study were to develop biodegradable periodontal chips containing S. persica, and BITC in a chitosan base and to evaluate their antibacterial activity against Prevotella intermedia and Eikenella corrodens. Periodontal chips were developed that incorporated S. persica (Miswak) extract and BITC in a chitosan base. Sterile distilled water was used as negative control while chlohexidine was used as positive control. A gel diffusion test was performed to detect the potential antibacterial activity followed by Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) Tests. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to identify the morphology and configuration of Prevotella intermedia and Eikenella corrodens bacteria before and after treatment with chips. The mean inhibition zone for the S. persica chips was found to be 9.0 mm. The MIC and MBC tests demostrated that all the concentrations for the chips succesfully inhibited the growth of the bacteria. Chlohexidine used as positive control also inhibited the bacteria. The negative control of sterile distilled water showed no inhibtion of bacterial growth. SEM showed that all chips produced distinct alterations to the bacterial morphology. E. corrodens and P. intermedia underwent shrinkage and formed irregular shapes. Periodontal chips formulated from S. persica and BITC incorporated into a chitosan base as a target drug delivery method, showed potent antibacterial activity against E. corrodens and P. intermedia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Chinese Journal of Preventive Veterinary Medicine / Zhongguo Yufang Shouyi Xuebao is the property of Chinese Journal of Preventive Veterinary Medicine Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose: This article shows reports of the clinical–epidemiological characteristics and serological screening in patients assisted by a reference center for PCM care, University Hospital Cassiano Antonio Moraes, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Brazil. Methods: The patient's sera with PCM were analyzed by DID test at the beginning and the end treatment. Clinical and demographic data were also collected to characterize the sample. Results: One hundred patients with a suspected diagnosis of PCM were evaluated. Serology by DID test was used as a screen in all patients. The test was positive for 79 patients (72 for Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and 7 for Paracoccidioides lutzii). Serology was negative in 21 sera, although all of them were diagnosed PCM by histopathologic or direct exam. Serological follow-up was performed during the treatment of all patients. After treatment, 58(58%) had negative serology and 33(33%) low levels of antibodies (≤ 1:16). Conclusion: Our results indicate the importance of the DID test for the screening and monitoring of PCM and that the incidence of P. lutzii might be greater than expected in areas where it is not the predominant PCM species. Therefore, this article may contribute to improving the knowledge and clinical management about this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Blastomycosis can cause severe disease with progressive respiratory failure and dissemination even in immunocompetent individuals. We sought to evaluate risk factors for severe disease and mortality using clinical and laboratory data within a large health system in an endemic area. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients diagnosed with blastomycosis at all Mayo Clinic sites from 1 January 2004 through 31 March 2020. Diagnosis was established by culture, histopathology/cytopathology, serology, antigen testing, or PCR. Disease was categorized as mild for patients treated in the outpatient setting, moderate for hospitalized patients who did not require intensive care, and severe for patients admitted to the intensive care unit. Logistic regression was used to evaluate risk factors for severe disease. A Cox proportional hazards model was constructed to evaluate mortality. Findings: We identified 210 patients diagnosed with blastomycosis. Mean age was 51 years (range, 6–84). Most subjects were male (71.0%). Extrapulmonary disease was confirmed in 24.8%. In this cohort, 40.5% of patients had mild disease, 37.6% had moderate disease, and 21.9% had severe disease. Independent risk factors for severe disease were neutrophilia (odds ratio (OR) 3.35 (95% CI 1.53–7.35), p = 0.002) and lymphopenia (OR 3.34 (95% CI 1.59–7.03), p = 0.001). Mortality at 90 days was 11.9%. Median time from diagnosis to death was 23 days (interquartile range 8–31 days). Independent risk factors for mortality were age (OR 1.04 (95% CI 1.01–1.08), p = 0.009), neutrophilia (OR 2.84 (95% CI 1.04–7.76), p = 0.041), and lymphopenia (OR 4.50 (95% CI 1.67–12.11), p = 0.003). Blastomyces immunodiffusion had an overall sensitivity of 39.6% (95% CI 30.1–49.8). Sensitivity was higher among those who were tested 4 weeks or longer after the onset of symptoms. Urine Blastomyces antigen had a significantly higher sensitivity of 80.8% (95% CI 68.1–89.2) compared to serology. There was a trend towards higher antigen concentration in patients with severe disease. The sensitivity of PCR from respiratory specimens was 67.6% (95% CI 50.1–85.5). Conclusion: In this cohort, we did not find an association between pharmacologic immunosuppression and disease severity. Lymphopenia at diagnosis was an independent risk factor for mortality. This simple marker may aid clinicians in determining disease prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The Ouchterlony double immunodiffusion assay is a serological technique used in the detection of antibodies and antigens for diagnostic purposes and also used in immunology laboratory courses as a common teaching assay where students observe the geometrical precipitation line patterns that form in the agarose, elucidating degrees of homology between antigens. In this classical technique, students must wait several hours to days to obtain results when protein antigens and antibodies are used. Furthermore, these proteins degrade over time if not frozen or stored in the refrigerator and are the most expensive consumables of the laboratory exercise. In this study, inexpensive and commonly used inorganic ionic salt solutions that are stable and can be stored at room temperature for several years were used to mimic antigens and antibodies. The precipitation lines started to form in the agarose plates after 15 min and fully developed within an hour, showing different geometrical precipitation patterns and spur formations that could be identified by students as full identity, partial identity, and nonidentity between the simulated (inorganic) antigens. Students conducting this exercise in a combined lecture and laboratory immunology course were able to finish the exercise as well as record and discuss results within class time, and tvhey showed increased interest in the laboratory exercise and had a better understanding of antibody-antigen reactions. Thus, this simulated laboratory experiment is an inexpensive, safe, and fast exercise that allows students to observe precipitations reactions of the Ouchterlony assay within the class session time.

Background The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has one of the highest neonatal death rates (between 14% and 28%) in the world. In the DRC, neonatal sepsis causes 15.6% of this mortality, but data on the bacterial etiology and associated drug susceptibility are lacking. Methods Hemocultures of 150 neonates with possible early-onset neonatal sepsis (pEOS) were obtained at the Hôpital Provincial Général de Référence de Bukavu (Bukavu, DRC). The newborns with pEOS received an empirical first-line antimicrobial treatment (ampicillin, cefotaxime, and gentamicin) based on the synopsis of international guidelines for the management of EOS that are in line with World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations. Isolates were identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ ionization time-of-flight mass spectrophotometry. Antibiotic resistance was assessed using the disk diffusion method. Results Fifty strains were obtained from 48 patients and identified. The 3 most prevalent species were Enterobacter cloacae complex (42%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (18%), and Serratia marcescens (12%). Enterobacter cloacae isolates were resistant to all first-line antibiotics. All K. pneumoniae and S. marcescens isolates were resistant to ampicillin, and the majority of the K. pneumoniae and half of the S. marcescens isolates were resistant to both cefotaxime and gentamicin. All E. cloacae complex strains, 89% of K. pneumoniae , and half of S. marcescens had an extended-spectrum ß-lactamase phenotype. Conclusions The most prevalent pathogens causing EOS in Bukavu were E. cloacae complex, K. pneumoniae , and S. marcescens. Most of these isolates were resistant to the WHO-recommended antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Failure of passive transfer (FPT) has health, welfare and economic implications for calves. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration of 370 dairy calf serum samples from 38 Scottish dairy farms was measured via radial immunodiffusion (RID) to determine FPT prevalence. IgG concentration, total bacteria count (TBC) and total coliform count (TCC) of 252 colostrum samples were also measured. A questionnaire was completed at farm enrollment to investigate risk factors for FPT and poor colostrum quality at farm-level. Multivariable mixed effect logistic and linear regressions were carried out to determine significant risk factors for FPT and colostrum quality. Prevalence of FPT at calf level was determined to be 14.05%. Of 252 colostrum samples, 111 (44.05%) failed to meet Brix thresholds for colostrum quality. Of these 28 and 38 samples also exceeded TBC and TCC thresholds, respectively. Increased time between parturition and colostrum harvesting was numerically (non-significantly) associated with a colostrum Brix result <22%, and increased time spent in a bucket prior to feeding or storing was significantly associated with high TBC (≥100 000 cfu/ml and also ≥10 000 cfu/ml). High TBC values in colostrum were significantly associated with lower serum IgG concentrations. This study highlights associations between colostrum quality and FPT in dairy calves as well as potential risk factors for reduced colostrum quality; recommending some simple steps producers can take to maximise colostrum quality on farm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Analecta Veterinaria is the property of Universidad Nacional de La Plata and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA) is the first line of defense against pathogens that invade mucosal surfaces. It has been reported that the immune system exhibits profound age-related changes. The aim of this study was to investigate the age-dependent changes of salivary IgA among healthy individuals. Materials and Methods: Saliva samples were collected from 120 healthy individuals (aged 11–70 years). The salivary IgA concentrations were measured by the use of a single radial immunodiffusion technique and analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U, Kruskal–Wallis, and Chi-square tests. Results: The mean salivary IgA levels were 81.11 ± 4.50 mg/dl at age 11–20 years, 92.71 ± 13.76 mg/dl at age 21–30 years, 96.50 ± 4.04 mg/dl at age 31–40 years, 104.96 ± 10.15 mg/dl at age 41–50 years, 113.22 ± 7.85 mg/dl at age 51–60 years, and 91.38 ± 4.77 mg/dl at age 61–70 years. There was a significant difference among the mean salivary IgA levels of different age groups (P < 0.001). Conclusion: These results showed that the salivary IgA levels exhibit age-related changes. Oral immunization may be considered to improve oral immunity when the salivary concentrations of IgA begin to decrease during lifetime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Histoplasmosis is a condition generally characterized by constitutional and pulmonary symptoms. Clinical manifestations include vague constitutional and pulmonary symptoms. It is unusual for it to present as a neck mass. In this report, we present the case of a 13-year-old girl admitted because of a growing neck mass. Serum and urine Histoplasma were negative, but complement fixation positivity, Computer Tomography (CT) chest and histological analysis and history of recent travel pointed to the diagnosis of Histoplasma. The objective of this report is to highlight diagnostic testing that can be used to prevent such a case from being undiagnosed.

The systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an unexplained etiological inflammatory disorder and a chronic systematic illness. The aim of the study was the estimation of ANA, ds- DNA, C3, C4, IL-4, IL-10, IL-18, and IL-35 in Systemic Lupus erythematosus patients in Kerbala province. Blood sample (5ml) was collected During the period from 2/October for 31/ December /2018, Using ANA ELISA, Anti-dsDNA ELISA kits, C3, C4 Radial Immunodiffusion Plate, IL-4, IL-10, IL-18 and IL35 ELISA kits, 50 patients diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus by female clinicians aged 10-70 years. Parameter levels were elevated; ANA, anti-dsDNA, IL-4, IL-10, IL-18 and IL-35 measured in SLE patients reflecting severity. Our results were revealed that ANA optimal values were at age group 21-30 yrs, ds-DNA optimal values at age groups 10-20 yrs and 21-30 yrs, C3, C4 increased values were at age group 61-70 yrs. In all age groups IL-4, IL-10 and IL-18 increased while IL-35 values were decreased in all age groups except age group (10-20). In conclusion, this study suggested the critical role of Interleukins (4,10,18 and 35) inactivation and the regulation of immune responses in patients suffering SLE.IL-4 and immunoregulatory IL10 contribute to B cell activation. IL-18 as a biomarker in distinguishing SLE in prognosis early indicator SLE development in lupus nephritis.IL-35 as biomarker detector for SLE activity. These indicators provide us renal disorder impression of SLE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 62 isolates of Riemerella-like organisms, originally isolated from Australian poultry (10 from chickens, 46 from ducks, five from unknown hosts and one vaccine strain), were included in this study. On the basis of two published polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays that are reported to be specific for Riemerella anatipestifer, 51 of the isolates were identified as R. anatipestifer. Forty-six of these isolates had a detailed history and were sourced from ducks, while five were of unknown origin. The 11 remaining isolates failed to yield a positive reaction in either PCR with 10 originating from chickens and one from a duck. Amplification and sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene of these isolates identified the duck isolate as Moraxella lacunta. Phylogenetic analysis of the 10 chicken isolates identified one as R. columbina and the remaining nine isolates as Riemerella-like taxon 2. The 51 Australian R. anatipestifer isolates were assigned by gel diffusion test to serovars 1 (26 isolates), 6 (seven isolates), 8 (five isolates), 9 (two isolates), 13 (one isolate) and 14 (one isolate) while nine isolates gave no reaction to any antiserum. A commercial system was used to perform DNA fingerprinting using rep-PCR analysis, which revealed different clusters with a lack of a clear relationship between the clusters and the serovars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Canine brucellosisis an infectious disease caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella, with world wide distribution and zoonotic impact, and in humans and animals is a neglected disease. In the present study, the sero prevalence of B. canis and B. abortus were determined in a probabilistic sample of housed dogs from the Atlantic Rainforest area of the state of Paraíba, Brazil, and the factors associated with sero positivity. A total of 386 dogs over three months of age were used. For the search for anti-B.canis antibodies the agar gel immune diffusion test (IDGA) was used as a screening and IDGA+2ME as confirmatory test, and to search for anti-B. abortus antibodies the Rose Bengal test (RBT) test was used. Apparent and real prevalences were calculated, and robust Poisson regression was used to identify factors associated with prevalence. The real prevalence fB. Canis was 12.6% and of B. abortus was 22.8%. The factors associated with sero positivity for B. canis were age greater than 10 years (prevalence ratio; PR = 6.38; P = 0.024) and dogs reared in they ard (PR = 5.20; P = 0.035) and for B. abortus was no treplacement of water of animals everyday (PR = 1.48; P = 0.033). It can be concluded that the prevalence of B. canis and B. Abortus in the region is high, which warns to the adopting of control and prevention measures, as well as greater care in the management of animals, especially for elderly dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, we validate and compare the second-generation Miravista Coccidioides IgG and IgM enzyme immunoassays (EIA) (MiraVista Diagnostics [MVD] Ab EIA) to Meridian Diagnostics Coccidioides IgG and IgM EIA (Meridian Ab EIA), immunodiffusion (ID) and complement fixation (CF). We also evaluated whether the addition of Coccidioides antigen testing to anti-Coccidioides antibody testing increased the sensitivity for the diagnosis of currently active coccidioidomycosis. We retrospectively studied 555 patients evaluated at Valleywise Health Medical Center between January 2013 and May 2017 for whom coccidioidomycosis was suspected and samples were submitted to MVD for testing. Specimens were tested for antigen in the MVD antigen enzyme immunoassay (MVD Ag EIA) and for IgG and IgM antibodies with MVD and Meridian Diagnostics EIAs. ID and CF were obtained from medical records. Sensitivity and specificity were 83.0% and 91.1% or MVD Ab EIA, 69.3% and 99.7% for Meridian Ab EIA, 85.4% and 100% for ID and 65.5% and 100% for CF. Combined MVD antigen and antibody detection by EIA and ID resulted in increased sensitivity in disseminated and pulmonary disease (MVD Ag/MVD Ab: 100%, 88.3%; MVD Ag/Meridian Ab: 98.2%, 78.6%; and MVD Ag/ID: 100%, 91.7%). The detection of antibodies by MVD EIA was more sensitive than Meridian EIA or CF but similar to ID. This study supports the use of antigen testing in immunocompromised patients and those with suspected disseminated disease. Furthermore, the addition of antigen detection by EIA to antibody detection resulted in higher sensitivity of all serological tests., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The International Society for Human and Animal Mycology.)

Background: Accurate diagnosis of paracoccidioidomycosis is crucial for improving patient outcomes. Paracoccidioides antibody detection by double immunodiffusion (DID) is a convenient diagnostic tool, but testing performance can vary based on certain factors., Methods: We assessed DID performance using a commercially prepared Paracoccidioides reagents (IMMY, USA), involving 40 serum specimens, including 20 from patients with proven paracoccidioidomycosis and 20 from patients without the disease. The DID test demonstrated a sensitivity of 90% (95% CI=68%-99%) and a specificity of 100% (95% CI=83%-100%)., Conclusions: Our findings suggest that DID using commercial reagents may provide a feasible tool with satisfactory testing performance for anti-Paracoccidioides antibody detection.

The article gives an account of certification performed for a new batch of a Reference standard to be used with the test system for determination of the fractional (antigenic) composition of human serum products by immunoelectrophoresis -industry reference standard (IRS) 42-28-77 - in accordance with existing requirements. A candidate reference standard was represented by a batch of normal human serum intended for diagnostic purposes (more than 500 donors) and a batch of immunoelectrophoresis serum against human serum proteins (antiserum against human serum proteins). In accordance with the certification programme, the fractional (antigenic) composition of the reference standard was determined by immunoelectrophoresis using «KliniTest-EF» buffer and 0.05 M borate buffer solution and the modes stipulated in the general monograph 1.8.2.0002.15 Agar gel immunoelectrophoresis. The reaction between the antiserum against human serum proteins and the normal human serum components of the reference standard produced at least 15 precipitation lines. The study demonstrated that the bromphenol blue dye could be used together with «KliniTest-EF» buffer to assess albumin migration, and the pyronin B dye could be used together with «KliniTest-EF» buffer and 0.05 M borate buffer solution to assess immunoglobulin migration. The study confirmed the applicability of the certified reference standard designed for the test system for determination of the fractional (antigenic) composition of human serum products by immunoelectrophoresis, and set the criteria for its use in the context of human serum products identification (species specificity) testing not only by immunoelectrophoresis, but also by agar-gel immunodiffusion.

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

Meningitis is the most devastating form of coccidioidomycosis. A convenient, rapid diagnostic method could result in early treatment and avoid many meningitis complications. We studied cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples in patients with documented coccidioidal meningitis, and controls, with complement fixation (CF), immunodiffusion (ID) (the “classical” assays), lateral flow assays (LFA; one-strip and two-strip), and two enzyme immunoassays (EIA). The two-strip LFA and EIAs not only enabled separate testing for IgG and IgM antibodies separately, but also could aggregate results for each method. CF with ID or the aggregate use of IgG and IgM tests were considered optimal test uses. LFAs and EIAs were evaluated at 1:21 and 1:441 dilutions of specimens. All assays were compared to true patient status. With 49 patient specimens and 40 controls, this is the largest comparative study of CSF coccidioidal diagnostics. Sensitivity of these tests ranged from 71–95% and specificity 90–100%. IgM assays were less sensitive. Assays at 1:441 were similarly specific but less sensitive, suggesting that serial dilutions of samples could result in assays yielding titers. Agreement of positive results on cases was 87–100%. When kits are available, hospital laboratories in endemic areas can perform testing. LFA assays do not require a laboratory, are simple to use, and give rapid results, potentially even at the bedside. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Control of Brucella ovis infection in sheep flocks in the United States depends on early detection of B. ovis antibodies via serologic testing. We used 2,276 sheep sera and various cutoff values to compare seroprevalence and agreement between 2 ELISAs: the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) B. ovis indirect ELISA and the IDEXX B. ovis ELISA kit. A subset of 295 sera was used to compare agreement and evaluate relative sensitivity and specificity of the 2 ELISAs with an agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID) test kit. There was no significant difference in B. ovis seroprevalence between the ELISAs; however, there was poor agreement between them. When the AGID test was used as the reference test, the IDEXX ELISA with a moderate cutoff value (S/P ratio = 45%) had the highest relative sensitivity of 38.1% and specificity of 92.0%. The NVSL ELISA with a lax cutoff value (S/P ratio = 0.75) had relative sensitivity of 19.1% and specificity of 94.6%. Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that optimal cutoff values for the NVSL and IDEXX ELISAs were 0.091 and 16.5%, respectively. This results in sensitivity and specificity of 85.7% and 31.8% for the NVSL ELISA, and sensitivity and specificity of 81.0% and 53.6% for the IDEXX ELISA, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]