Acute febrile illness is associated with Rickettsia spp infection in dogs

BACKGROUND: Rickettsia conorii is transmitted by Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks and causes Mediterranean Spotted Fever (MSF) in humans. Although dogs are considered the natural host of the vector, the clinical and epidemiological significance of R. conorii infection in dogs remains unclear. The aim of this prospective study was to investigate whether Rickettsia infection causes febrile illness in dogs living in areas endemic for human MSF. METHODS: Dogs from southern Italy with acute fever (n = 99) were compared with case–control dogs with normal body temperatures (n = 72). Serology and real-time PCR were performed for Rickettsia spp., Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum/A. platys and Leishmania infantum. Conventional PCR was performed for Babesia spp. and Hepatozoon spp. Acute and convalescent antibodies to R. conorii, E. canis and A. phagocytophilum were determined. RESULTS: The seroprevalence rates at first visit for R. conorii, E. canis, A. phagocytophilum and L. infantum were 44.8%, 48.5%, 37.8% and 17.6%, respectively. The seroconversion rates for R. conorii, E. canis and A. phagocytophilum were 20.7%, 14.3% and 8.8%, respectively. The molecular positive rates at first visit for Rickettsia spp., E. canis, A. phagocytophilum, A. platys, L. infantum, Babesia spp. and Hepatozoon spp. were 1.8%, 4.1%, 0%, 2.3%, 11.1%, 2.3% and 0.6%, respectively. Positive PCR for E. canis (7%), Rickettsia spp. (3%), Babesia spp. (4.0%) and Hepatozoon spp. (1.0%) were found only in febrile dogs. The DNA sequences obtained from Rickettsia and Babesia PCRs positive samples were 100% identical to the R. conorii and Babesia vogeli sequences in GenBank®, respectively. Febrile illness was statistically associated with acute and convalescent positive R. conorii antibodies, seroconversion to R. conorii, E. canis positive PCR, and positivity to any tick pathogen PCRs. Fourteen febrile dogs (31.8%) were diagnosed with Rickettsia spp. infection based on seroconversion and/or PCR while only six afebrile dogs (12.5%) seroconverted (P = 0.0248). The most common clinical findings of dogs with Rickettsia infection diagnosed by seroconversion and/or PCR were fever, myalgia, lameness, elevation of C-reactive protein, thrombocytopenia and hypoalbuminemia. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates acute febrile illness associated with Rickettsia infection in dogs living in endemic areas of human MSF based on seroconversion alone or in combination with PCR

Small-bowel necrosis complicating a cytomegalovirus-induced superior mesenteric vein thrombosis in an immunocompetent patient: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Superior mesenteric venous thrombosis as a result of acute cytomegalovirus infection is rare, with only a few cases reported in the literature.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>We present the case of a 40-year-old Caucasian man who was admitted to our hospital with a 5-day history of fever. His serological test and pp65 antigen detection of cytomegalovirus were positive, suggesting acute infection. On the sixth day after his admission, the patient complained of acute, progressive abdominal pain. Abdominal computed tomography revealed acute superior mesenteric venous thrombosis. An emergency laparotomy showed diffuse edema and ischemic lesions of the small bowel and its associated mesentery with a 50-cm-long segmental infarction of the proximal jejunum. An extensive enterectomy of about 100 cm of jejunum that included the necrotic segment was performed, followed by an end-to-end anastomosis. Anti-coagulation therapy was administered pre-operatively in the form of small-fractionated heparin and continued postoperatively. The patient had an uneventful recovery and was discharged on the 11th postoperative day.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Acute cytomegalovirus infection can contribute to the occurrence of mesenteric venous thrombosis in immunocompetent patients. It is important for physicians and internists to be aware of the possible thrombotic complications of cytomegalovirus infection. A high level of clinical suspicion is essential to successfully treat a potentially lethal condition such as superior mesenteric venous thrombosis.</p

Warmer Weather Linked to Tick Attack and Emergence of Severe Rickettsioses

The impact of climate on the vector behaviour of the worldwide dog tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus is a cause of concern. This tick is a vector for life-threatening organisms including Rickettsia rickettsii, the agent of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, R. conorii, the agent of Mediterranean spotted fever, and the ubiquitous emerging pathogen R. massiliae. A focus of spotted fever was investigated in France in May 2007. Blood and tissue samples from two patients were tested. An entomological survey was organised with the study of climatic conditions. An experimental model was designed to test the affinity of Rh. sanguineus for biting humans in variable temperature conditions. Serological and/or molecular tools confirmed that one patient was infected by R. conorii, whereas the other was infected by R. massiliae. Dense populations of Rh. sanguineus were found. They were infected with new genotypes of clonal populations of either R. conorii (24/133; 18%) or R. massiliae (13/133; 10%). April 2007 was the warmest since 1950, with summer-like temperatures. We show herein that the human affinity of Rh. sanguineus was increased in warmer temperatures. In addition to the originality of theses cases (ophthalmic involvements, the second reported case of R. massiliae infection), we provide evidence that this cluster of cases was related to a warming-mediated increase in the aggressiveness of Rh. sanguineus, leading to increased human attacks. From a global perspective, we predict that as a result of globalisation and warming, more pathogens transmitted by the brown dog tick may emerge in the future

Cobertura vacinal em crianças de até dois anos de idade beneficiárias do Programa Bolsa Família, Brasil

Objective: Evaluate the vaccinal coverage in agreement with the Brazilian National Immunization Program, among children benefiting from the Bolsa Familia Program, Brazil, according to the family's socioeconomic level and maternal characteristics. Methods: 3242 children were assessed between August/2018 and April/2019, of which 3008 were reassessed between September/2019 and January/2020. Multilevel models (level 3, state; level 2: municipality, level 1, children) were employed. Results: Coverage was 2.5 times higher in the first (61.0% – 95%CI 59.3;62.6%) than in the second follow-up (24.8% – 95%CI 22.8;25.9%) (p&lt;0.001). In the first follow-up, coverage was higher in children in the richest quintile (67.9%) and whose mothers had ≥9 years of schooling (63.3%). There were no differences in the second follow-up. The highest coverage occurred between 0.5-2.5 months (93.5%) and 12.5-15.5 months (34.4%), respectively in the first and second follow-ups. Conclusion: The coverage of adequate vaccination was low, both in the first and second year of life.Objetivo: Avaliar a cobertura vacinal, conforme o calendário do Programa Nacional de Imunizações, entre crianças beneficiárias do Programa Bolsa Família, Brasil, segundo nível socioeconômico da família e características maternas. Métodos: Foram avaliadas 3.242 crianças menores de 12 meses de vida entre agosto/2018 e abril/2019, sendo 3.008 delas reavaliadas entre setembro/2019 e janeiro/2020. As análises foram realizadas utilizando-se modelos multiníveis (nível 3, Unidade da Federação; nível 2, município; nível 1, crianças). Resultados: A cobertura vacinal foi 2,5 vezes maior no primeiro (61,0% – IC95% 59,3;62,6%), comparado ao segundo acompanhamento (24,8% – IC95% 22,8;25,9%) (p&lt;0,001). No primeiro acompanhamento, a cobertura foi maior no quintil mais rico (67,9%) e nas crianças cujas mães tinham ≥9 anos de escolaridade (63,3%). No segundo acompanhamento, não houve diferenças. As maiores coberturas ocorreram entre 0,5-2,5 (93,5%) e 12,5-15,5 meses (34,4%), respectivamente primeiro e segundo acompanhamentos. Conclusão: Encontrou-se baixa cobertura, tanto no primeiro quanto no segundo ano de vida

II existe un site d'interaction de la lipase avec la colipase dans la région C terminale (336-449) de l'enzyme du pancréas chez le porc

International audienc

II existe un site d'interaction de la lipase avec la colipase dans la région C terminale (336-449) de l'enzyme du pancréas chez le porc

International audienc