Mapping occurrence of Taenia solium taeniosis/cysticercosis and areas at risk of porcine cysticercosis in Central America and the Caribbean basin

Background: This study aimed to map the occurrence of Taenia solium taeniosis/cysticercosis at national level within Central America and the Caribbean basin, and to map the distribution of porcine cysticercosis at first-level administrative subdivision level (department level) and the porcine population at risk. This zoonotic parasite is believed to be widely endemic across most of Latin America. However, there is little information readily available for Central America and the Caribbean basin. Taenia solium has been ranked the most important foodborne parasitic hazard globally and within endemic areas is a common cause of preventable epilepsy. Methods: We conducted a structured literature search in PubMed, supplemented and crossed-referenced with relevant academic databases, grey literature, and active searches in identified literature, to identify all records of T. solium presence in Central America and the Caribbean basin between 1986 and April 2017. To retrieve grey literature, government entities, researchers and relevant institutions across the region were contacted in an attempt to cover all countries and territories. Identified records containing data on porcine cysticercosis were geo-referenced to identify department level distribution and compared to modelled distributions of pigs reared under extensive production systems. Results: We identified 51 records of T. solium at the national level, covering 13 countries and an additional three countries were included based on World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) reports, giving a total of 16 countries out of 41 with evidence of the parasite's presence. Screening records for porcine cysticercosis data at the departmental level confirmed porcine cysticercosis presence in 11 departments across six countries (Colombia, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and Venezuela). Conclusions: When comparing these results to areas where pigs were kept in extensive production systems and areas where no information on porcine cysticercosis exists, it is apparent that porcine cysticercosis is likely to be underreported, and that a substantial part of the regional pig population could be at risk of contracting porcine cysticercosis. More detailed information on the distribution of T. solium and accurate burden estimations are urgently needed to grasp the true extent of this zoonotic parasite and the public health and agricultural problems it potentially poses

Patterns and predictors of antimicrobial resistance among Staphylococcus spp. from canine clinical cases presented at a veterinary academic hospital in South Africa

Background Antimicrobial resistance in staphylococci, often associated with treatment failure, is increasingly reported in veterinary medicine. The aim of this study was to investigate patterns and predictors of antimicrobial resistance among Staphylococcus spp. isolates from canine samples submitted to the bacteriology laboratory at the University of Pretoria academic veterinary hospital between 2007 and 2012. Retrospective data of 334 Staphylococcus isolates were used to calculate the proportion of samples resistant to 15 antimicrobial agents. The Cochran-Armitage trend test was used to investigate temporal trends and logistic regression models were used to investigate predictors of antimicrobial resistance in Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius. Results Results show that 98.2% (55/56) of the S. aureus isolates were resistant to at least one drug while 42.9% were multidrug resistant. Seventy-seven percent (214/278) of the S. pseudintermedius isolates were resistant to at least one drug and 25.9% (72/278) were multidrug resistant. Resistance to lincospectin was more common among S. aureus(64.3%) than S. pseudintermedius (38.9%). Similarly, resistance to clindamycin was higher in S. aureus (51.8%) than S. pseudintermedius (31.7%) isolates. There was a significant (p = 0.005) increase in S. aureus resistance to enrofloxacin over the study period. Similarly, S. pseudintermedius exhibited significant increasing temporal trend in resistance to trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole (p = 0.004), clindamycin (p = 0.022) and orbifloxacin (p = 0.042). However, there was a significant decreasing temporal trend in the proportion of isolates resistant to doxycycline (p = 0.041), tylosin (p = 0.008), kanamycin (p = 0.017) and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (p = 0.032). Conclusions High levels of multidrug resistance and the increasing levels of resistance to sulphonamides, lincosamides and fluoroquinolones among Staphylococcus spp. isolates in this study are concerning. Future studies will need to investigate local drivers of antimicrobial resistance to better guide control efforts to address the problem

Community Engagement newsletter, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Autumn, 2012

The 5th Annual Donkey Workshop at Onderstepoort, University of Pretoria, from 2 to 3 March 2012, funded by the Donkey Sanctuary, UK / Dr Nicole du Toit -- Rust de Winter excursion / Dr Fortune Sithole -- History and origin of the Makapanstad CVC / Dr Debbie PleanerOriginally published as HTML file, converted to PDF with Adobe Acrobat 9 Pro Version 9.0.0.The 5th Annual Donkey Workshop at Onderstepoort, University of Pretoria, from 2 to 3 March 2012, funded by the Donkey Sanctuary, UK / Nicole du Toit -- Rust de Winter Excursion / Fortune Sithole -- History and origin of the Makapanstad CVC / Debbie Pleaner.ab2012mn201

Burden and predictors of Staphylococcus aureus and S.pseudintermedius infections among dogs presented at an academic veterinary hospital in SouthAfrica (2007-2012)

BACKGROUND. Staphylococci are commensals of the mucosal surface and skin of humans and animals, but have been implicated in infections such as otitis externa, pyoderma, urinary tract infections and post-surgical complications. Laboratory records provide useful information to help investigate these infections. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the burdens of these infections and use multinomial regression to examine the associations between various Staphylococcus infections and demographic and temporal factors among dogs admitted to an academic veterinary hospital in South Africa. METHODS. Records of 1,497 clinical canine samples submitted to the bacteriology laboratory at a veterinary academic hospital between 2007 and 2012 were included in this study. Proportions of staphylococcal positive samples were calculated, and a multinomial logistic regression model was used to identify predictors of staphylococcal infections. RESULTS. Twenty-seven percent of the samples tested positive for Staphylococcus spp. The species of Staphylococcus identified were S. pseudintermedius (19.0%), S. aureus (3.8%), S. epidermidis (0.7%) and S. felis (0.1%). The remaining 2.87% consisted of unspeciated Staphylococcus. Distribution of the species by age of dog showed that S. pseudintermedius was the most common (25.6%) in dogs aged 2 4 years while S. aureus was most frequent (6.3%) in dogs aged 5 6 years. S. pseudintermedius (34.1%) and S. aureus (35.1%) were the most frequently isolated species from skin samples. The results of the multivariable multinomial logistic regression model identified specimen, year and age of the dog as significant predictors of the risk of infection with Staphylococcus. There >8 years of age. Similarly, dogs between 2 8 years of age were significantly more likely to test positive for S. pseudintermedius than those >8 years of age. In addition, dogs 2 4 years of age (RRR D 1.83; 1.09 3.06) were significantly more likely to test positive for S. pseudintermedius compared to those <2 years of age. The risk of infection with S. pseudintermedius or S. aureus was significantly higher in ear canal and skin specimens compared to other specimens. CONCLUSIONS. The findings suggest that S. pseudintermedius and S. aureus were the most commonly isolated species from dogs presented at the study hospital. Age of the dog and the location of infection were significant predictors of infection with both Staphylococcus species investigated. Significant increasing temporal trend was observed for S. pseudintermedius but not S. aureus. This information is useful for guiding clinical decisions as well as future research.https://peerj.comam2017Paraclinical Science

Investigating the contributing factors to postmortem pH changes in springbok, eland, red hartebeest and kudu edible offal

CITATION: Magwedere, K., et al. 2013. Investigating the contributing factors to postmortem pH changes in springbok, eland, red hartebeest and kudu edible offal. Journal of the South African Veterinary Association / Tydkrif van die Suid-Afrikaanse Veterinere, 84(1): 1-7, doi: 10.4102/jsava.v84i1.919.The original publication is available at http://www.jsava.co.zaThe objective of the study was to assess pH measurements between offal organs of different species and the association between pH taken 4 h post-slaughter and different predictor variables in the liver and lungs. A linear regression analysis was conducted on selected variables to identify the main predictors and their interactions affecting the pH of meat 4 h post-slaughter. In an increasing order of magnitude during winter, the pH achieved at 16 h – 36 h post-slaughter in springbok heart, liver, spleen, kidney and lungs was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than pH 6.0. The pH attained in springbok carcasses was (p < 0.05) below 6.0, whilst no significant differences were observed from the regulatory reference (pH 6.0) in the heart. There was a positive association between the pH of game meat 4 h post-slaughter and liver congestion. The pH of game meat 4 h post-slaughter increased by 0.11 units (p < 0.05) per millilitre increase in liver congestion and decreased by 0.04 units (p < 0.05) per minute increase in the shooting-to-bleeding interval, irrespective of the species. The lack of a statistically significant association between some selected variables and pH changes in this study suggested that either the factors may have a small effect which is only detectable with large data-sets and/or the effect may be modified by other unidentified factors. As some of the offal organs had final pH readings above 6.0, alternative measures are required to inactivate certain endogenous pathogens in edible wild game offal sourced from endemic areas.http://www.jsava.co.za/index.php/jsava/article/view/919Publisher's versio

Language endangerment and language documentation in Africa

Non peer reviewe

Thoracic radiographic findings for dogs with cardiac tamponade attributable to pericardial effusion

Objective—To determine the prevalence of various radiographic findings for dogs with cardiac tamponade (CT) attributable to pericardial effusion (PE) and to determine the sensitivity and specificity of such findings for identification of affected dogs. Design—Retrospective, randomized, blinded, controlled study. Animals—50 dogs with CT attributable to PE and 23 control dogs (10 healthy dogs and 13 dogs with cardiac diseases other than CT). Procedures—Thoracic radiographic images of dogs were evaluated by an observer who was unaware of the dogs' medical histories. For each dog, a vertebral heart score, globoid appearance of the cardiac silhouette, and convexity of the dorsocaudal aspect of the cardiac silhouette were determined. Results—The sensitivity and specificity of enlargement of the cardiac silhouette (vertebral heart score, ≥ 10.7) for identification of dogs with CT attributable to PE were 77.6% and 47.8%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of a globoid appearance of the cardiac silhouette for identification dogs with CT were 41.9% and 40.0%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of a convex appearance of the dorsocaudal aspect of the cardiac silhouette for identification of dogs with CT were 57.1% and 35.0%, respectively. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results of this study indicated none of the evaluated radiographic variables was highly (> 90%) sensitive or specific for identification of dogs with CT attributable to PE. Thoracic radiographic findings should not be considered reliable for identification of dogs with CT attributable to PE. The characteristic radiographic sign of PE in dogs typically is defined as an enlarged cardiac silhouette with a globoid shape.1,2 This radiographic finding is attributed to stretching of the pericardium via accumulation of PE fluid. However, the prevalence of such a radiographic finding for dogs with CT attributable to PE and the sensitivity and specificity of such findings for identification of dogs with that problem have not been reported. Pericardial effusion may not be identified in dogs with CT when the characteristic radiographic signs are not detected. Dogs for which PE is not suspected via radiography may not receive appropriate treatments, even when hemodynamically important PE (ie, PE that causes CT) is present and urgent intervention is required. The objective of the study reported here was to determine the prevalence of various radiographic findings for dogs with CT attributable to PE and to determine the sensitivity and specificity of such findings for identification of affected dogs. The hypothesis was that > 90% of dogs with CT attributable to PE would have an enlarged cardiac silhouette with a globoid shape and convexity of the dorsocaudal aspect of the cardiac silhouette, as determined via evaluation of thoracic radiographic images

The Effects of Music during a Physical Examination Skills Practice: A Pilot Study

Some veterinary students experience elevated stress, anxiety, and depression resulting in disease and psychological changes. Elevated arousal, negative moods, and lack of interest can negatively affect performance and learning. Psychoacoustic music promotes calming effects using simple and slow piano sounds and can positively impact well-being and functioning. This pilot study assessed the effects of music on blood pressure, pulse, arousal, and mood during a canine physical examination laboratory. In an AB/BA crossover study, 17 students were randomly allocated to practice physical examination skills while listening to Through a Dog’s Ear, Volume 1. Psychological and physiologic data were collected. Nonparametric methods were used to test for significant differences in psychological and physiologic data and a linear mixed models approach was used to test for physiological differences. There were no significant baseline differences between the music and no music groups for DASS-21 depression, anxiety, or stress scores; however, there were significant time differences between pretest and posttest on arousal and mood as measured by the Profile of Mood Sates (POMS) Depression, Fatigue–Inertia, and Tension Anxiety subscales. Linear mixed models revealed no significant treatment effect on the pulse and diastolic blood pressure; however, there was a significant systolic blood pressure treatment effect. Future indications include repeating the study with a larger sample to examine longitudinal psychological and physiological benefits

Burden and predictors of Staphylococcus aureus and S. pseudintermedius infections among dogs presented at an academic veterinary hospital in South Africa (2007–2012)

Background Staphylococci are commensals of the mucosal surface and skin of humans and animals, but have been implicated in infections such as otitis externa, pyoderma, urinary tract infections and post-surgical complications. Laboratory records provide useful information to help investigate these infections. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the burdens of these infections and use multinomial regression to examine the associations between various Staphylococcus infections and demographic and temporal factors among dogs admitted to an academic veterinary hospital in South Africa. Methods Records of 1,497 clinical canine samples submitted to the bacteriology laboratory at a veterinary academic hospital between 2007 and 2012 were included in this study. Proportions of staphylococcal positive samples were calculated, and a multinomial logistic regression model was used to identify predictors of staphylococcal infections. Results Twenty-seven percent of the samples tested positive for Staphylococcusspp. The species of Staphylococcus identified were S. pseudintermedius(19.0%), S. aureus (3.8%), S. epidermidis (0.7%) and S. felis (0.1%). The remaining 2.87% consisted of unspeciated Staphylococcus. Distribution of the species by age of dog showed that S. pseudintermedius was the most common (25.6%) in dogs aged 2–4 years while S. aureus was most frequent (6.3%) in dogs aged 5–6 years. S. pseudintermedius (34.1%) and S. aureus(35.1%) were the most frequently isolated species from skin samples. The results of the multivariable multinomial logistic regression model identified specimen, year and age of the dog as significant predictors of the risk of infection with Staphylococcus. There was a significant temporal increase (RRR = 1.17; 95% CI [1.06–1.29]) in the likelihood of a dog testing positive for S. pseudintermedius compared to testing negative. Dogs ≤ 8 years of age were significantly more likely to test positive for S. aureus than those \u3e8 years of age. Similarly, dogs between 2–8 years of age were significantly more likely to test positive for S. pseudintermedius than those \u3e8 years of age. In addition, dogs 2–4 years of age (RRR = 1.83; 1.09–3.06) were significantly more likely to test positive for S. pseudintermedius compared to those S. pseudintermedius or S. aureus was significantly higher in ear canal and skin specimens compared to other specimens. Conclusions The findings suggest that S. pseudintermedius and S. aureus were the most commonly isolated species from dogs presented at the study hospital. Age of the dog and the location of infection were significant predictors of infection with both Staphylococcus species investigated. Significant increasing temporal trend was observed for S. pseudintermedius but not S. aureus. This information is useful for guiding clinical decisions as well as future research

Orf in South Africa: Endemic but neglected

A survey amongst sheep and goat producers and veterinarians was undertaken to collect epidemiological data on orf in South Africa. Previous epidemiological studies on the presence of the disease in the country have not been documented and this report is the first descriptive epidemiological study of orf in South Africa. A seven-month investigation, realised by direct and indirect interviews and field observation, enabled us to outline incidence and risk factors of this disease and to better understand how the local farmers in rural areas relate to it. The results may contribute to better management of the disease in rural areas. By means of molecular analyses the phylogenetic relationships between field isolates from different areas have been identified. The findings gave a first important contribution to the general assessment of the economic impact of orf virus infections and the extent of the risk to human health