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Grypa i inne choroby wirusowe świń w świetle doniesień XIV Sympozjum Europejskiego Stowarzyszenia Zarządzania Zdrowiem Świń
Kompleksowy przegląd wirusowych, bakteryjnych i pasożytniczych patogenów wywołujących biegunki prosiąt ssących
Serological and molecular screening for zoonotic pathogens among wild hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) from urban areas of Poland
Abstract Introduction Wild European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) can carry various pathogens potentially harmful to humans. This study was conducted to determine the occurrence of selected zoonotic pathogens in European hedgehogs from urban areas of central-western Poland. Material and Methods Sixty-nine samples (43 of sera and 26 spleens) were collected from 54 hedgehogs brought to the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in Poznań, Poland, between June 2020 and September 2023. Antibodies against Coxiella burnetii, hepatitis E virus genotype 3, Toxoplasma gondii and Trichinella spp. in serum samples were determined using commercial ELISA tests. A PCR was used to evaluate the prevalence of Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., Borrelia spp., Rickettsia spp. and Leptospira spp. genetic material in spleens. Results The genetic material of Anaplasma phagocytophilum was found in 18 out of 26 spleens (69.23%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 50.01–83.50), and the genetic material of Rickettsia helvetica in 4 out of these 26 (15.38 %; 95% CI: 6.15–33.53). All Rickettsia-positive spleens were also positive for Anaplasma spp. None of the other pathogens or antibodies against them were detected. Conclusion This study provides valuable insights into the prevalence of some zoonotic pathogens in urban hedgehog populations and their potential impact on public health and urban biodiversity.
Viral co-infections of the porcine respiratory tract: Insight into the local cytokine response
Infections of the porcine respiratory tract are frequently multifactorial, with more than one pathogen involved. They have a significant impact on the efficiency of pig production. One example of such a mixed infection is the porcine respiratory disease complex (PRDC). PRDC can be caused by various viral or bacterial agents. The main viral agents associated with PRDC and considered the primary pathogens are porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), swine influenza virus (SIV), and porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2). PRRSV, SIV, and PCV2 are known as inducers of inflammatory cytokines. Cytokines play an important role in all aspects of immune responses, but their uncontrolled release in virus-induced diseases may aggravate the course of the disease and the severity of pathological lesions. Although data regarding the kinetics of the local cytokine response in porcine lungs during mono-infection with these pathogens are abundant, their impact on each other during simultaneous infection in different combinations is not thoroughly understood. This paper aims to present the available data on interactions between SIV, PRRSV, and PCV2 in mixed infections of the porcine respiratory tract and the influence of co-infections on local cytokine profiles in the lungs.
Detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in companion animals in Poland during the post-pandemic period (2022–2025)
Tolerance of Biopronil Spot on after repeated single- or multiple-dose topical treatments in dogs
Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in domestic cats, dogs and rabbits from Poland
AbstractThe seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in domestic cats, dogs and rabbits was evaluated. Samples from cats and dogs were collected from five veterinary practices from various parts of Poland - Poznan (wielkopolskie voivodeship), Przemysl (podkarpackie voivodeship), Kluczbork (opolskie voivodeship), Lublin (lubelskie voivodeship) and Deblin (lubelskie voivodeship). Moreover, the samples from rabbits were collected in Poznan. In total, serum samples from 193 cats, 204 dogs and 71 rabbits were randomly selected and tested for specific antibodies against T. gondii using a commercial ELISA test. Pathogen seroprevalence among cats and dogs was calculated at a 95% confidence interval (CI) for each sex and age category (up to 12 months, 1–3 years, 4–7 years and over 8 years) and compared with a chi-squared test. The highest seroprevalence of T. gondii was noted in cats − 49.74% (96/193; 95% CI: 42.76–56.73). In dogs, it reached 28.92% (59/204; 95% CI: 23.13–35.49). Only 1 rabbit (3-year-old male) was seropositive, and the seroprevalence in rabbits was 1.41% (1/71; 95% CI: 0.25–7.56). A statistically significant correlation between seropositivity and age (p < 0.05) was observed in cats and dogs. No statistically significant difference in seroprevalence concerning gender or location was found in cats and dogs. Our findings indicate that cat and dog serum samples had a high frequency of anti-T. gondii antibodies, while rabbit serum samples had low frequency and that these species are exposed to T. gondii in Poland and develop humoral response due to infection.
Evaluation of the utility of testicular-only processing fluid for porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus diagnostics and the effect of sample pooling on the test results
Abstract Introduction The testicular-only processing fluid (TOPF) obtained from piglet testicles after castration could be an alternative sample for porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) laboratory diagnosis. If this matrix were proved useful, testing it would spare piglets the stress of blood drawing and eliminate some labour required to take blood samples. The aim of the study was to evaluate the utility of TOPF for this diagnostic purpose. Material and Methods Serum-and-TOPF pairs from male piglets and sera from female piglets were tested using commercial ELISA and real-time RT-PCR kits. For the pooling simulation, 10 μL aliquots of TOPF separated into low-, moderately and highly positive were mixed with appropriate volumes of negative TOPF samples. This simulated pools of 5, 10, 20, 40 and 80 samples containing 1 positive for serological analyses and pools of 10, 20, 40, 80, 160 and 320 samples containing 1 positive in molecular analyses. Results The percentages of anti-porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) antibodies were statistically significantly different (P-value < 0.05) between boar sera (69.55%) and TOPF (54.49%), as well as between gilt sera (74.52%) and TOPF. However, after adjusting the cut-off value, no significant differences were noted. The RNA of PRRSV was detected in 21.26% of male sera, 15.23% of TOPFs and 17.00% of female sera. Pooled sample testing revealed discrepancies in positive results associated with the pool size and original sample positivity strength. Conclusion TOPF samples can be a valuable matrix for laboratory PRRS diagnosis in piglets. However, it is important to be aware of the potential for false-negative results.
The first serological survey of C. Burnetii in domestic animals in Poland
Abstract Background • Q fever, known as coxiellosis in animals, represents a global zoonotic threat caused by the intracellular bacterium Coxiella burnetii (C. burnetii). The disease affects many animal species, including those considered significant reservoirs, such as cattle, sheep and goats. Transmission of the pathogen to other domestic animals, including companion animals, and then to humans has also been observed, highlighting the importance of understanding the epidemiology and prevalence of C. burnetii among companion animals. The present study aimed to determine the frequency of seroreagents for C. burnetii within pet dogs, cats and rabbits from urban Poland areas and identify possible risk factors for these animals. Results • In total, serum samples from 491 dogs, 427 cats and 93 rabbits were used in the study. The seroprevalence of anti-C. burnetii antibodies in dogs and cats reached 0.61% (3/491; 95% CI: 0.21–1.78) and 0.23% (1/427; 95% CI: 0.04–1.31), respectively. No significant differences in seroprevalence across species and different subpopulations (age group, gender, exhibited symptoms, or sampling location) were found. All 93 samples from rabbits were negative for anti-C.burnetii antibodies. Conclusions • The seroprevalence rates of C. burnetii in dogs and cats were low; however, our results confirm that pet dogs and cats in Poland can be exposed to C. burnetii and may exhibit serological reactions. It has been reported that people who come into contact with secretions and excretions from the reproductive systems of dogs and cats (such as breeders, veterinarians, and veterinary clinic staff) may be at risk of contracting C. burnetii. Based on the findings, it is advised to be particularly cautious, especially when assisting with dogs and cats giving birth. Coxiellosis should be considered a potential cause of reproductive disorders in these animals. The results indicate that rabbits are probably less important in the circulation of the C. burnetii in the present study. This is the first serological survey of C. burnetii in pet dogs, cats and rabbits in Poland.
Effect of Vaccination Against E. coli, C. perfringens Type A/C on Piglet Productive and Clinical Parameters Under Field Conditions
Background: One of the main strategies to control neonatal porcine diarrhoea (NPD) is through vaccination of the sows. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of two commercial vaccination schemes under field conditions on a farm where a C. perfringens type A cpb2-positive strain was implicated in NPD. Methods: This study was performed in a farrow-to-wean herd with 5500 sows, already using an E. coli and C. perfringens vaccine but still suffering NPD. Where the presence of a C. perfringens type A cpb2-positive strain was confirmed, Enteroporc Coli AC® (Ceva) was administrated to the sows in group A according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Sows in group B were vaccinated using two other combined commercial vaccines. In each group, piglets from 10 litters were ear-tagged and individually weighed at birth and at 8 and 22 days of age. The incidence of diarrhoea, general piglet body condition, and antimicrobial treatment were recorded within 10 consecutive days after birth. Results: A total of 234 piglets (119 in group A and 115 in group B) were included. The mean weight gain of piglets from birth to 22 days of age was significantly higher in group A (4.99 kg) than in group B (4.66 kg) (p = 0.039). The rest of the recorded parameters such as the presence of diarrhoea, the piglet’s body condition score, and the number of days with antimicrobial treatment did not differ significantly between groups. Conclusions: This study confirmed the efficiency of the Enteroporc Coli AC® vaccine in reducing clinical symptoms of diarrhoea in piglets, which was comparable with the other vaccines used in the study. The positive effect on piglets’ productive performance during the lactation phase was observed.
Testicular processing fluid as a useful matrix for the detection of porcine circovirus type 2 DNA and virus-specific antibodies
Introduction Testicular processing fluid (PF) obtained during boar castration may serve as a diagnostic matrix for monitoring porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) presence. Methods Anti- PCV2 antibodies in PF were detected using an indirect ELISA, and PCV2 DNA was detected by real-time PCR (qPCR), and the effects of sample pooling were evaluated. Paired sera and PF from boars and sera from gilts were tested with commercial ELISA and qPCR kits. PF-specific cut-offs were set by ROC (ELISA OD; qPCR Ct). Pooling was simulated by diluting positive PF samples with negative PF samples at predefined ratios. Results With manufacturers’ cut-offs, seropositivity was 89.94% (male sera), 87.43% (PF), and 92.81% (gilt sera); differences were observed only between gilt sera and PF. Using the ROC PF cut-off (OD ≥ 0.23), 88.82% PF were positive, and matrices did not differ; diagnostic agreement metrics for PF improved. In qPCR, positivity was 13.02% (boar sera), 16.90% (PF), and 9.36% (gilt sera). A ROC-specific PCR cut-off (Ct < 36.50) improved specificity, predictive values, and agreement without affecting sensitivity; serum and PF Ct values were moderately correlated ( ρ = 0.53). Pooling reduced detection of weak positives (most notably in qPCR) while high-positive PF remained detectable at higher dilutions. Discussion and conclusion These results demonstrate that PF provides a reliable, cost effective alternative to serum for PCV2 surveillance and monitoring when matrix-specific cut-offs are used; however, excessive pooling may lead to false-negative results. This approach may facilitate large-scale herd monitoring while reducing the need for invasive sampling.
Hepatitis E Virus in Livestock—Update on Its Epidemiology and Risk of Infection to Humans
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a public health problem worldwide and an important food pathogen known for its zoonotic potential. Increasing numbers of infection cases with human HEV are caused by the zoonotic transmission of genotypes 3 and 4, mainly by consuming contaminated, undercooked or raw porcine meat. Pigs are the main reservoir of HEV. However, it should be noted that other animal species, such as cattle, sheep, goats, and rabbits, may also be a source of infection for humans. Due to the detection of HEV RNA in the milk and tissues of cattle, the consumption of infected uncooked milk and meat or offal from these species also poses a potential risk of zoonotic HEV infections. Poultry infected by avian HEV may also develop symptomatic disease, although avian HEV is not considered a zoonotic pathogen. HEV infection has a worldwide distribution with different prevalence rates depending on the affected animal species, sampling region, or breeding system.
Novel Porcine Circoviruses in View of Lessons Learned from Porcine Circovirus Type 2-Epidemiology and Threat to Pigs and Other Species
Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) plays a key role in PCV2-associated disease (PCVAD) etiology and has yielded significant losses in the pig husbandry in the last 20 years. However, the impact of two recently described species of porcine circoviruses, PCV3 and PCV4, on the pork industry remains unknown. The presence of PCV3 has been associated with several clinical presentations in pigs. Reproductive failure and multisystemic inflammation have been reported most consistently. The clinical symptoms, anatomopathological changes and interaction with other pathogens during PCV3 infection in pigs indicate that PCV3 might be pathogenic for these animals and can cause economic losses in the swine industry similar to PCV2, which makes PCV3 worth including in the differential list as a cause of clinical disorders in reproductive swine herds. Moreover, subsequent studies indicate interspecies transmission and worldwide spreading of PCV3. To date, research related to PCV3 and PCV4 vaccine design is at early stage, and numerous aspects regarding immune response and virus characteristics remain unknown.
