Filters
Field study on the utility of fluid obtained from testicles as a sample for detecting antibodies to selected swine pathogens
Abstract Processing fluid is a promising alternative to blood for monitoring porcine diseases, although certain aspects of its routine use remain unclear. This study evaluated serum from females and males, along with corresponding testicular only processing fluid, for antibodies against Actionbacillus pleuropneumonie, hepatitis E virus, porcine epidemic diarrhea virus, influenza A virus, Erysipetothrix rhusiopathie and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, using commercial ELISAs (ID Screen APP, Hepatitis E, PEDV, Influenza A from ID Vet, France; Civtest suis SE/MR from Hipra, Spain; and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae from Idexx, USA). Differences in the proportion of positive results across sample types were analysed to assess the utility of testis-derived processing fluid for litter-level health monitoring. ROC analysis was used to establish optimal cut-offs for processing fluid, followed by evaluation of diagnostic performance using both manufacturer-recommended and ROC-derived thresholds. A pooling simulation was also performed. Results indicate that processing fluid collected exclusively from testes can detect antibodies against selected pathogens effectively. Some ELISA kits validated for serum may be applicable to processing fluid, provided that appropriate cut-off values are determined for this sample type. However, pooling processing fluid samples may reduce sensitivity and increase the risk of false-negative results. These findings highlight the potential of testis-derived processing fluid for large-scale serological surveillance while underscoring the need for test-specific validation.
Kompleksowy przegląd wirusowych, bakteryjnych i pasożytniczych patogenów wywołujących biegunki prosiąt ssących
First detection of atypical porcine pestivirus in piglets affected by congenital tremor in Poland
Nieinwazyjne strategie w monitorowaniu stanu zdrowia zwierząt. Badania nad przydatnością alternatywnych matryc w diagnostyce, epidemiologii i ocenie statusu immunologicznego na modelu świni domowej (Sus scrofa domestica)
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 usefulness of processing fluid to detect antibodies against PRRSV and PCV2 and the consequences of sample pooling
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.
A Literature Review of Selected Bacterial Diseases in Alpacas and Llamas—Epidemiology, Clinical Signs and Diagnostics
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.
Outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b virus in cats, Poland, June to July 2023
Background Over a 3-week period in late June/early July 2023, Poland experienced an outbreak caused by highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) virus in cats. Aim This study aimed to characterise the identified virus and investigate possible sources of infection. Methods We performed next generation sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of detected viruses in cats. Results We sampled 46 cats, and 25 tested positive for avian influenza virus. The identified viruses belong to clade 2.3.4.4b, genotype CH (H5N1 A/Eurasian wigeon/Netherlands/3/2022-like). In Poland, this genotype was responsible for several poultry outbreaks between December 2022 and January 2023 and has been identified only sporadically since February 2023. Viruses from cats were very similar to each other, indicating one common source of infection. In addition, the most closely related virus was detected in a dead white stork in early June. Influenza A(H5N1) viruses from cats possessed two amino acid substitutions in the PB2 protein (526R and 627K) which are two molecular markers of virus adaptation in mammals. The virus detected in the white stork presented one of those mutations (627K), which suggests that the virus that had spilled over to cats was already partially adapted to mammalian species. Conclusion The scale of HPAI H5N1 virus infection in cats in Poland is worrying. One of the possible sources seems to be poultry meat, but to date no such meat has been identified with certainty. Surveillance should be stepped up on poultry, but also on certain species of farmed mammals kept close to infected poultry farms.
Whole genome characteristics of hedgehog coronaviruses from Poland and analysis of the evolution of the Spike protein for its interspecies transmission potential
Abstract Background The hedgehogs have been recently identified as possible reservoir of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus like (MERS-CoV-like). These viruses were classified as a distinct Betacoronavirus erinacei (BCoV-Eri) species within the MerBCoV-Eriirus subgenus. As coronaviruses are known for their ability to jump between different hosts, including humans, this can pose a particular threat to people in direct contact with hedgehogs, such as those working at animal asylums. Our previous studies have shown the presence of BCoV-Eri strains in animals collected in the wildlife rehabilitation centre. This study aimed to investigate the presence of CoV in subsequent hedgehogs collected from the urban area of Poland and their molecular characteristics. Results Monitoring for the presence of coronavirus infection in hedgehogs revealed five positive individuals. The presence of BCoV-Eri was found in a total of 20% of animals tested. Our analyses revealed no correlation between CoVs positivity and animal health conditions but a higher probability of such infection in juveniles and females. The whole genome of two Polish Hedgehog coronavirus 1 strains were sequenced and compared with available counterparts from European and Asian countries. Phylogenetic analysis showed that both CoV strains formed common cluster with other similar MerBCoV-Eriirus, but they were also found to be genetically variable and most changes in the S protein were identified. Our analysis revealed that some S protein sites of the Hedgehog coronavirus 1 strains evolved under positive selection pressure and of five such sites, three are in the S1 region while the other two in the S2 region of the Spike. Conclusions BCoV-Eri is to some extent prevalent in wildlife asylums in Poland. Given that the S protein of BCoVs-Eri is highly variable and that some sites of this protein evolve under positive selection pressure, these strains could potentially acquire a favourable feature for cross-species transmission. Consequently, the threat to humans working in such asylums is particularly high. Adequate biosecurity safeguards, but also human awareness of such risks, are therefore essential.
Immune status of piglets during the first week of life: Current knowledge, significance and assessment – a review
Abstract The immune system of neonate piglets differs from adult pigs in structure and competence. Although piglets are born immunocompetent, they are genuinely immunologically defenseless. To survive in the environment, piglets need passive protection provided by sow’s colostrum and milk when constantly exposed to numerous pathogens. Early assessment of piglets’ immune status may enable rapid intervention in case of detection of any deficiencies or disorders. Moreover, awareness of the piglets’ immunocompetence and the level of maternally-derived antibodies (MDA) may allow the creation of a proper vaccine schedule. Hence, extending knowledge of prenatal ontogeny of the porcine immune system, the immune status of neonate piglets’ and the immunological components of porcine colostrum is crucial. Since animal welfare has become a more critical element of animal production, new, non-invasive sampling methodologies are highly desirable for the evaluation of piglets’ immune status.
