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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.
Evaluation of the usefulness of processing fluid to detect antibodies against PRRSV and PCV2 and the consequences of sample pooling
Kompleksowy przegląd wirusowych, bakteryjnych i pasożytniczych patogenów wywołujących biegunki prosiąt ssących
Grass awn in the urinary bladder of a 5-months old mixed-breed dog – a case report
Grass awn foreign body-related disease is common in dogs throughout Poland, typically affecting the ears and subcutaneous tissue, but the presence of grass awns in the urinary bladder is a rare pathology in veterinary medicine. The diagnosis of foreign bodies in the urinary tract is challenging because their signs overlap with those of urinary tract infections. Hence, patients with grass awns in the urethra or urinary bladder can easily be misdiagnosed and mistreated. It is worth considering the potential presence of a plant foreign body in the urinary tract in the case of sudden hematuria and abdominal discomfort, especially in the spring and summer. Quick diagnosis and surgery treatment are essential to protect the patient from severe complications. The purpose of this report is to present the diagnosis and treatment of a dog with hematuria and abdominal discomfort which was diagnosed with a foreign body (a grass awn) in the urinary bladder.
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.
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.
Seroprevalence of Neospora caninum in pet cats, dogs and rabbits from urban areas of Poland
AbstractBackgroundNeospora caninum(N. caninum) has a broad intermediate host range and might cause multisystemic lesions in various species of animals. Dogs are both intermediate and definitive hosts of the parasite and play a crucial role in the horizontal transmission of this protozoan to other animals. Cats and rabbits could be sensitive to infection withN. caninum, however, clinical symptoms and the exact route of infection in these species are unknown. The epidemiology ofN. caninumin cats and rabbits has been barely researched, and there is no published record of the seroprevalence ofN. caninuminfection in these species in Poland. Thus, the present study aimed to determine the frequency of seroreagents forN. caninumwithin pet dogs, cats and rabbits from urban areas of Poland and to identify possible risk factors for these animals.ResultsIn total, serum samples from 184 cats (Felis catus), 203 dogs (Canis familiaris) and 70 rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) were used in the study. The seroprevalence of anti-N. caninumantibodies in dogs and cats reached 1.0% (2/203; 95% CI: 0.3–3.5) and 3.3% (6/184; 95% CI: 1.5–6.9), respectively. No significant differences in seroprevalence regarding age group, gender, symptoms or sampling location were found. All 70 samples from pet rabbits were negative for anti-N. caninumantibodies.ConclusionsThe seroprevalence rates ofN. caninumin dogs and cats in the present study were low, however, our results confirmedN. caninumcirculates among dog and cat populations in Poland, and neosporosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of neuro-muscular disorders in these species. This is the first serological survey ofN. caninumin European pet cats and rabbits. The role of pet rabbits inN. caninumepidemiology and circulation in Poland is marginal.
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.
No evidence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection among pet cats and dogs, and low seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus among pet rabbits in Poland
AbstractThe seroprevalence of Paslahepevirus balayani genotype 3 (hepatitis E virus genotype 3 – HEV-3; Hepeviridae family, genus Paslahepevirus) in pet cats, dogs and rabbits was evaluated. Samples from cats and dogs were collected from three veterinary practices from various parts of Poland: Poznan (wielkopolskie voivodeship), Przemysl (podkarpackie voivodeship) and Lublin (lubelskie voivodeship). Samples from rabbits were collected in Poznan. In total, serum samples from 90 cats, 82 dogs and 71 rabbits were selected and tested for specific anti-HEV-3 immunoglobulin (IgG) antibodies using a commercial ELISA test. Pathogen seroprevalence among rabbits was calculated at a 95% confidence interval (CI) for each gender, age (up to 12 months, 1–3 years, 4–7 years and over 8 years), symptoms group (healthy, gastrointestinal disorders, other disorders) and compared with a chi-squared test. No anti-HEV-3 IgG antibodies were detected in any of the samples from cats and dogs. Anti-HEV-3 IgG antibodies were detected in 2.82% of the serum samples from rabbits (2/71; 95% CI: 0.78–9.70). No significant correlations between seropositivity and gender, age, and symptoms (p > 0.05) were observed in rabbits. Our findings indicate that pet rabbits in Poland are exposed to HEV-3, develop humoral response due to infection and might constitute a source for HEV-3 transmission to humans.