14 research outputs found
Identification of Zoophilic Dermatophytes Using MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry
Dermatophytoses represent a major health burden in animals and man. Zoophilic
dermatophytes usually show a high specificity to their original animal host but a
zoonotic transmission is increasingly recorded. In humans, these infections elicit highly
inflammatory skin lesions requiring prolonged therapy even in the immunocompetent
patient. The correct identification of the causative agent is often crucial to initiate a
targeted and effective therapy. To that end, matrix assisted laser desorption ionization
time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) represents a promising tool. The
objective of this study was to evaluate the reliability of species identification of zoophilic
dermatophytes using MALDI-TOF MS. The investigation of isolates from veterinary clinical
samples suspicious of dermatophytoses suggests a good MALDI-TOF MS based
identification of the most common zoophilic dermatophyte Microsporum canis.
Trichophyton (T.) spp. usually achieved scores only around the cutoff value for secure
species identification because of a small number of reference spectra. Moreover, these
results need to be interpreted with caution due to the close taxonomic relationship of
dermatophytes being reflected in very similar spectra. In our study, the analysis of 50
clinical samples of hedgehogs revealed no correct identification using the provided
databases, nor for zoophilic neither for geophilic causative agents. After DNA
sequencing, adaptation of sample processing and an individual extension of the inhouse
database, acceptable identification scores were achieved (T. erinacei and
Arthroderma spp., respectively). A score-oriented distance dendrogram revealed
clustering of geophilic isolates of four different species of the genus Arthroderma and
underlined the close relationship of the important zoophilic agents T. erinacei, T.
verrucosum and T. benhamiae by forming a subclade within a larger cluster including
different dermatophytes. Taken together, MALDI-TOF MS proofed suitable for the
identification of zoophilic dermatophytes provided fresh cultures are used and the
reference library was previously extended with spectra of laboratory-relevant species.
Performing independent molecular methods, such as sequencing, is strongly
recommended to substantiate the findings from morphologic and MALDI-TOF MS
analyses, especially for uncommon causative agents
Treatment options, complications and longâterm outcomes for limb fractures in pet rabbits
Background
Limb fractures represent the most common orthopaedic disease in pet rabbits. However, only a few studies have evaluated therapeutic details of limb fractures. There are no data available for longâterm outcomes of limb fracture treatment.
Methods
The medical records of six institutions were reviewed retrospectively to identify cases of traumatic limb bone fractures in pet rabbits between 1999 and 2020. The medical records (n = 387) were analysed for details of fracture prevalence, aetiology, therapy protocols, treatment complications, outcome and longâterm effects. In addition to the retrospective data evaluation, 13 rabbits were reâevaluated in person in recent clinical analyses, including orthopaedic examination, radiography and computedâtomographic imaging. Details of longâterm effects of fracture treatment were requested over the telephone for a further 232 animals using a standardised questionnaire.
Results
Long bone fractures accounted for the majority of all fractures (296/387; 76.5%). Hindlimb fractures (301/387; 77.7%) were more common than forelimb fractures (86/387; 22.2%), and tibial fractures and combined fractures of the tibia and fibula (119/387; 30.8%) were observed most frequently. Most fracture treatments were based on osteosynthesis procedures (243/328; 74.1%). Treatment complications occurred in 130 out of 328 (39.6%) cases. A high bodyweight (p = 0.047) and an older age (p = 0.01) were found to be significant risk factors for the emergence of therapy complications. Overall, 75.4% of animals (175/232) had a satisfactory longâterm outcome. Limb posture anomalies were evaluated in 61 cases (26.3%).
Limitations
The multiâcentre approach led to the inclusion of various institutions, veterinarians, treatment protocols and rabbit populations that might have influenced the results. The medical records were reviewed retrospectively, so there were some data that were lacking or could not be collected in a standardised manner. Furthermore, rabbit owners' evaluation of longâterm outcomes might be prone to error, despite the use of a standardised interview questionnaire.
Conclusion
Limb fractures are a common orthopaedic issue in pet rabbits. The patient's bodyweight and age are significant risk factors for the emergence of complications during the fracture treatment process. Longâterm orthopaedic effects, such as abnormal limb posture and permanent lameness of the affected limb, were observed regularly
Evidence for West Nile Virus and Usutu Virus Infections in Wild and Resident Birds in Germany, 2017 and 2018
Wild birds play an important role as reservoir hosts and vectors for zoonotic arboviruses and foster their spread. Usutu virus (USUV) has been circulating endemically in Germany since 2011, while West Nile virus (WNV) was first diagnosed in several bird species and horses in 2018. In 2017 and 2018, we screened 1709 live wild and zoo birds with real-time polymerase chain reaction and serological assays. Moreover, organ samples from bird carcasses submitted in 2017 were investigated. Overall, 57 blood samples of the live birds (2017 and 2018), and 100 organ samples of dead birds (2017) were positive for USUV-RNA, while no WNV-RNA-positive sample was found. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the first detection of USUV lineage Europe 2 in Germany and the spread of USUV lineages Europe 3 and Africa 3 towards Northern Germany. USUV antibody prevalence rates were high in Eastern Germany in both years. On the contrary, in Northern Germany, high seroprevalence rates were first detected in 2018, with the first emergence of USUV in this region. Interestingly, high WNV-specific neutralizing antibody titers were observed in resident and short-distance migratory birds in Eastern Germany in 2018, indicating the first signs of a local WNV circulation
Identification of Zoophilic Dermatophytes Using MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry
Dermatophytoses represent a major health burden in animals and man. Zoophilic
dermatophytes usually show a high specificity to their original animal host but a
zoonotic transmission is increasingly recorded. In humans, these infections elicit highly
inflammatory skin lesions requiring prolonged therapy even in the immunocompetent
patient. The correct identification of the causative agent is often crucial to initiate a
targeted and effective therapy. To that end, matrix assisted laser desorption ionization
time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) represents a promising tool. The
objective of this study was to evaluate the reliability of species identification of zoophilic
dermatophytes using MALDI-TOF MS. The investigation of isolates from veterinary clinical
samples suspicious of dermatophytoses suggests a good MALDI-TOF MS based
identification of the most common zoophilic dermatophyte Microsporum canis.
Trichophyton (T.) spp. usually achieved scores only around the cutoff value for secure
species identification because of a small number of reference spectra. Moreover, these
results need to be interpreted with caution due to the close taxonomic relationship of
dermatophytes being reflected in very similar spectra. In our study, the analysis of 50
clinical samples of hedgehogs revealed no correct identification using the provided
databases, nor for zoophilic neither for geophilic causative agents. After DNA
sequencing, adaptation of sample processing and an individual extension of the inhouse
database, acceptable identification scores were achieved (T. erinacei and
Arthroderma spp., respectively). A score-oriented distance dendrogram revealed
clustering of geophilic isolates of four different species of the genus Arthroderma and
underlined the close relationship of the important zoophilic agents T. erinacei, T.
verrucosum and T. benhamiae by forming a subclade within a larger cluster including
different dermatophytes. Taken together, MALDI-TOF MS proofed suitable for the
identification of zoophilic dermatophytes provided fresh cultures are used and the
reference library was previously extended with spectra of laboratory-relevant species.
Performing independent molecular methods, such as sequencing, is strongly
recommended to substantiate the findings from morphologic and MALDI-TOF MS
analyses, especially for uncommon causative agents
Identification of Zoophilic Dermatophytes Using MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry
Dermatophytoses represent a major health burden in animals and man. Zoophilic
dermatophytes usually show a high specificity to their original animal host but a
zoonotic transmission is increasingly recorded. In humans, these infections elicit highly
inflammatory skin lesions requiring prolonged therapy even in the immunocompetent
patient. The correct identification of the causative agent is often crucial to initiate a
targeted and effective therapy. To that end, matrix assisted laser desorption ionization
time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) represents a promising tool. The
objective of this study was to evaluate the reliability of species identification of zoophilic
dermatophytes using MALDI-TOF MS. The investigation of isolates from veterinary clinical
samples suspicious of dermatophytoses suggests a good MALDI-TOF MS based
identification of the most common zoophilic dermatophyte Microsporum canis.
Trichophyton (T.) spp. usually achieved scores only around the cutoff value for secure
species identification because of a small number of reference spectra. Moreover, these
results need to be interpreted with caution due to the close taxonomic relationship of
dermatophytes being reflected in very similar spectra. In our study, the analysis of 50
clinical samples of hedgehogs revealed no correct identification using the provided
databases, nor for zoophilic neither for geophilic causative agents. After DNA
sequencing, adaptation of sample processing and an individual extension of the inhouse
database, acceptable identification scores were achieved (T. erinacei and
Arthroderma spp., respectively). A score-oriented distance dendrogram revealed
clustering of geophilic isolates of four different species of the genus Arthroderma and
underlined the close relationship of the important zoophilic agents T. erinacei, T.
verrucosum and T. benhamiae by forming a subclade within a larger cluster including
different dermatophytes. Taken together, MALDI-TOF MS proofed suitable for the
identification of zoophilic dermatophytes provided fresh cultures are used and the
reference library was previously extended with spectra of laboratory-relevant species.
Performing independent molecular methods, such as sequencing, is strongly
recommended to substantiate the findings from morphologic and MALDI-TOF MS
analyses, especially for uncommon causative agents
Impact of gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms on the quality of life in pregnant women
Objective Pregnant women often suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD symptoms are known to influence the quality of life; however, there is a lack of data in pregnant women. The aim of this study was to establish the impact of GERD symptoms on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) during pregnancy. Participants and methods A prospective longitudinal cohort study to investigate the impact of GERD symptoms on the HRQOL was carried out in 510 pregnant women and 330 nonpregnant women as controls. Two validated questionnaires, the Reflux Disease Questionnaire and the Quality of Life in Reflux and Dyspepsia Questionnaire, were used. Results The study showed a significant negative impact on HRQOL in pregnant women with GERD symptoms. All five areas, emotional distress, sleep disturbance, vitality, food/drink problems, and physical/social functioning, were significantly reduced, but the most significant impact was on sleep (Quality of Life in Reflux and Dyspepsia Questionnaire score - 35%). Overall, quality of life in women with GERD worsened throughout pregnancy. Conclusion GERD is frequently seen in pregnant women and has a negative impact on HRQOL, especially in late pregnancy. Therefore, there is a need for adequate therapy of GERD in pregnant women and HRQOL could be an adequate monitoring tool in this population. Copyright (C) 2017 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved
West Nile Virus and Usutu Virus Monitoring of Wild Birds in Germany
By systematically setting up a unique nation-wide wild bird surveillance network, we monitored migratory and resident birds for zoonotic arthropod-borne virus infections, such as the flaviviruses West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV). More than 1900 wild bird blood samples, from 20 orders and 136 different bird species, were collected between 2014 and 2016. Samples were investigated by WNV and USUV-specific real-time polymerase chain reactions as well as by differentiating virus neutralization tests. Dead bird surveillance data, obtained from organ investigations in 2016, were also included. WNV-specific RNA was not detected, whereas four wild bird blood samples tested positive for USUV-specific RNA. Additionally, 73 USUV-positive birds were detected in the 2016 dead bird surveillance. WNV neutralizing antibodies were predominantly found in long-distance, partial and short-distance migrants, while USUV neutralizing antibodies were mainly detected in resident wild bird species, preferentially with low seroprevalences. To date, WNV-specific RNA has neither been detected in wild birds, nor in mosquitoes, thus, we conclude that WNV is not yet present in Germany. Continued wild bird and mosquito monitoring studies are essential to detect the incursion of zoonotic viruses and to allow risk assessments for zoonotic pathogens
Sphingosine 1-phosphate phosphatase 2 is induced during inflammatory responses.
Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) levels in cells and, consequently, its bioactivity as a signalling molecule are controlled by the action of enzymes responsible for its synthesis and degradation. In the present report, we examined alterations in expression patterns of enzymes involved in S1P-metabolism (sphingosine kinases including their splice variants, sphingosine 1-phosphate phosphatases, and sphingosine 1-phosphate lyase) under certain inflammatory conditions. We found that sphingosine kinase type 1 (SPHK1) mRNA could be triggered in a cell type-specific manner; individual SPHK1 splice variants were induced with similar kinetics. Remarkably, expression and activity of S1P phosphatase 2 (SPP2) was found to be highly upregulated by inflammatory stimuli in a variety of cells (e.g., neutrophils, endothelial cells). Bandshift analysis using oligonucleotides spanning predicted NFkappaB sites within the SPP2 promoter and silencing of NFkappaB/RelA via RelA-directed siRNA demonstrated that SPP2 is an NFkappaB-dependent gene. Silencing of SPP2 expression in endothelial cells, in turn, led to a marked reduction of TNF-alpha-induced IL-1beta mRNA and protein and to a partial reduction of induced IL-8, suggesting a pro-inflammatory role of SPP2. Notably, up-regulation of SPP2 was detected in samples of lesional skin of patients with psoriasis, an inflammatory skin disease. This study provides detailed insights into the regulation of SPP2 gene expression and suggests that SPP2 might be a novel player in pro-inflammatory signalling