An inactivated whole-virus porcine parvovirus vaccine protects pigs against disease but does not prevent virus shedding even after homologous virus challenge.

Inactivated whole-virus vaccines against porcine parvovirus (PPV) can prevent disease but not infection and virus shedding after heterologous virus challenge. Here, we showed that the same is true for a homologous challenge. Pregnant sows were vaccinated with an experimental inactivated vaccine based on PPV strain 27a. They were challenged on day 40 of gestation with the virulent porcine parvovirus PPV-27a from which the vaccine was prepared (homologous challenge). On day 90 of gestation, the fetuses from vaccinated sows were protected against disease, while the fetuses of the non-vaccinated sows (control group) exhibited signs of parvovirus disease. All gilts, whether vaccinated or not vaccinated, showed a boost of PPV-specific antibodies indicative of virus infection and replication. Low DNA copy numbers, but not infectious virus, could be demonstrated in nasal or rectal swabs of immunized sows, but high copy numbers of challenge virus DNA as well as infectious virus could both be demonstrated in non-vaccinated sows.

Proposal of Vespertiliibacter pulmonis gen. nov., sp. nov. and two genomospecies as new members of the family Pasteurellaceae isolated from European bats.

Five bacterial strains isolated from bats of the family Vespertilionidae were characterized by phenotypic tests and multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) using the 16S rRNA gene and four housekeeping genes (rpoA, rpoB, infB, recN). Phylogenetic analyses of individual and combined datasets indicated that the five strains represent a monophyletic cluster within the family Pasteurellaceae. Comparison of 16S rRNA gene sequences demonstrated a high degree of similarity (98.3-99.9%) among the group of bat-derived strains, while searches in nucleotide databases indicated less than 96% sequence similarity to known members of the Pasteurellaceae. The housekeeping genes rpoA, rpoB, infB and recN provided higher resolution compared with the 16S rRNA gene and subdivided the group according to the bat species from which the strains were isolated. Three strains derived from noctule bats shared 98.6-100% sequence similarity in all four genes investigated, whereas, based on rpoB, infB and recN gene sequences, 91.8-96% similarity was observed with and between the remaining two strains isolated from a serotine bat and a pipistrelle bat, respectively. Genome relatedness as deduced from recN gene sequences correlated well with the results of MLSA and indicated that the five strains represent a new genus. Based on these results, it is proposed to classify the five strains derived from bats within Vespertiliibacter pulmonis gen. nov., sp. nov. (the type species), Vespertiliibacter genomospecies 1 and Vespertiliibacter genomospecies 2. The genus can be distinguished phenotypically from recognized genera of the Pasteurellaceae by at least three characteristics. All strains are nutritionally fastidious and require a chemically defined supplement with NAD for growth. The DNA G+C content of strain E127/08(T) is 38.2 mol%. The type strain of Vespertiliibacter pulmonis gen. nov., sp. nov. is E127/08(T) ( = CCUG 64585(T) = DSM 27238(T)). The reference strains of Vespertiliibacter genomospecies 1 and 2 are E145/08 and E157/08, respectively.

Isolation, preliminary characterization, and full-genome analyses of tick-borne encephalitis virus from Mongolia.

Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) causes one of the most important inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system, namely severe encephalitis in Europe and Asia. Since the 1980s tick-borne encephalitis is known in Mongolia with increasing numbers of human cases reported during the last years. So far, however, data on TBEV strains are still sparse. We herein report the isolation of a TBEV strain from Ixodes persulcatus ticks collected in Mongolia in 2010. Phylogenetic analysis of the E-gene classified this isolate as Siberian subtype of TBEV. The Mongolian TBEV strain showed differences in virus titers, plaque sizes, and growth properties in two human neuronal cell-lines. In addition, the 10,242 nucleotide long open-reading frame and the corresponding polyprotein sequence were revealed. The isolate grouped in the genetic subclade of the Siberian subtype. The strain Zausaev (AF527415) and Vasilchenko (AF069066) had 97 and 94 % identity on the nucleotide level. In summary, we herein describe first detailed data regarding TBEV from Mongolia. Further investigations of TBEV in Mongolia and adjacent areas are needed to understand the intricate dispersal of this virus.

Development of an electronic interface for transfer of antimicrobial administration data in dairy farms.

Surveillance of antimicrobial administration in livestock production is an important factor in global policies to reduce spreading of antimicrobial resistance. In recent years, many studies have been carried out concerning the usage of antimicrobials in animal production and in some countries recording of antimicrobial quantities dispensed to famers is mandatory. On cattle farms, antimicrobial treatments are recorded for fattening calves under 8 months of age and for fattening cattle older than 8 months in Germany and treatment frequencies are then calculated. However, with the entry into force of Regulation (EU) 2019/6 on 01/28/2022, antimicrobial monitoring will gradually be extended to all animal species and age groups. Therefore, an effective, fast and accurate transfer of data on the use of antimicrobials, especially in the field of livestock farming, into corresponding databases is required to determine the treatment frequencies for the individual animal species or types of use. For this purpose, an electronic interface was programmed to transfer the data on antimicrobial use in dairy cattle farms from a herd management software program directly into a database. To test the practicability and effectiveness of this interface, 10 dairy cattle farms from Saxony were initially selected. Based on an in-depth analysis of the treatment frequencies of antimicrobial administration of 7 different age groups of animals after a two-year observation period, the functionality of the electronic interface could be established. The greatest potential for reduction of antimicrobials is in newborn calves, as they represent the age group with the highest treatment frequency.

Diseases in free-ranging bats from Germany.

BACKGROUND: The emergence of important viral diseases and their potential threat to humans has increased the interest in bats as potential reservoir species. Whereas the majority of studies determined the occurrence of specific zoonotic agents in chiropteran species, little is known about actual bat pathogens and impacts of disease on bat mortality. Combined pathological and microbiological investigations in free-ranging bats are sparse and often limited by small sample sizes. In the present study about 500 deceased bats of 19 European species (family Vespertilionidae) were subjected to a post-mortem examination followed by histo-pathological and bacteriological investigations. The bat carcasses originated from different geographical regions in Germany and were collected by bat researchers and bat rehabilitation centers. RESULTS: Pathological examination revealed inflammatory lesions in more than half of the investigated bats. Lung was the predominantly affected organ (40%) irrespective of bat species, sex and age. To a lesser extent non-inflammatory organ tissue changes were observed. Comparative analysis of histo-pathology and bacteriology results identified 22 different bacterial species that were clearly associated with pathological lesions. Besides disease-related mortality, traumatic injuries represented an additional major cause of death. Here, attacks by domestic cats accounted for almost a half of these cases. CONCLUSIONS: The present study shows that free-ranging bats not only serve as a reservoir of infectious agents, they are also vulnerable to various infectious diseases. Some of these microbial agents have zoonotic potential, but there is no evidence that European bats would pose a higher health hazard risk to humans in comparison to other wildlife.

Evaluation of a Point-of-Care Test for Pre-Vaccination Testing to Detect Antibodies against Canine Adenoviruses in Dogs.

(1) Background: Antibody testing is commonly used to assess a dog's immune status. For detection of antibodies against canine adenoviruses (CAVs), one point-of-care (POC) test is available. This study assessed the POC test´s performance. (2) Methods: Sera of 198 privately owned dogs and 40 specific pathogen-free (SPF) dogs were included. The reference standard for detection of anti-CAV antibodies was virus neutralization (VN) using CAV-1 and CAV-2 antigens. Specificity, sensitivity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and overall accuracy (OA) of the POC test were assessed. Specificity was considered most important. (3) Results: Prevalence of CAV-1 neutralizing antibodies (≥10) was 76% (182/238) in all dogs, 92% (182/198) in the subgroup of privately owned dogs, and 0% (0/40) in SPF dogs. Prevalence of CAV-2 neutralizing antibodies (≥10) was 76% (181/238) in all dogs, 91% (181/198) in privately owned dogs, and 0% (0/40) in SPF dogs. Specificity for detection of CAV-1 antibodies was lower (overall dogs, 88%; privately owned dogs, 56%; SPF dogs, 100%) compared with specificity for detection of CAV-2 antibodies (overall dogs, 90%; privately owned dogs, 65%; SPF dogs, 100%). (4) Conclusions: Since false positive results will lead to potentially unprotected dogs not being vaccinated, specificity should be improved to reliably detect anti-CAV antibodies that prevent infectious canine hepatitis in dogs.

Influence of Salmonella specific bacteriophages (O1; S16) on the shedding of naturally occurring Salmonella and an orally applied Salmonella Eastbourne strain in bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps).

This study determined the passage time and phage propagation time of salmonella specific phages, Felix O1 and S16, in 10 bearded dragons, based on re-isolation from cloacal swabs and faecal samples following oral administration, as a possible tool for reducing salmonella shedding. In Study 1, Felix O1 was administered orally for 12 consecutive days. Over 60 days, swabs were taken from the oral cavity and cloaca and qualitative Salmonella detection as well as salmonella quantification from faecal samples were performed. In Study 2, a phage cocktail (Felix O1 and S16) was administered to half of the tested animals. Salmonella (S.) Eastbourne was also given orally to all animals. Oral and cloacal swabs were tested as in Study 1, and faecal samples were collected for phage quantification. Various Salmonella serovars were detectable at the beginning of the study. The numbers of serovars detected declined over the course of the study. S. Kisarawe was most commonly detected. Salmonella titres ranged from 102 to 107  cfu/g faeces. The phages (Felix O1 and S16) were detectable for up to 20 days after the last administration. The initial phage titres ranged from 103 to 107  pfu/ml. The study shows that the phages were able to replicate in the intestine, and were shed for a prolonged period and therefore could contribute to a reduction of Salmonella shedding.

Multidrug-resistant enterobacteria in newborn dairy calves in Germany.

We studied the prevalence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae in dairy calves as part of a routine health check protocol. In addition, data regarding antimicrobial use (AMU), farm hygiene, and farm management were collected in order to identify possible risks for ESBL occurrence. Ten farms participated in the study with a median of 781 milking cows (319-1701). All calves investigated were younger than two weeks with an average age of 6.8 (±3.9) days. The farms were visited and samples were collected twice at an interval of 7-11 months. Faecal samples diluted 1:10, were plated onto BrillianceTM ESBL agar in duplicates. After 24 hours at 37°C, colonies were counted and total colony forming units (cfu)/ml calculated. Bacteria species were identified biochemically. ESBL-production was phenotypically confirmed using the MICRONAUT-S ß-Lactamases system. Additionally, antimicrobial susceptibility was tested using VITEK® 2 technology. Phylotyping of E. coli isolates and screening for bla genes was performed by PCR. ESBL-producing enterobacteria were detected on all farms and 96.5% of calves investigated shed ESBL-positive bacteria. Of all ESBL-producing isolates, the majority were E. coli (92.9%), followed by Enterobacter cloacae (5.1%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae subsp. pneumoniae (2.0%). The majority of E. coli isolates was clearly assigned to phylogroup C (25.0%), followed by phylogroups A (15.2%) and E (14.1%). CTX-M group 1 was most frequently detected (80.4%). E. cloacae contained blaCTX-M and blaTEM or blaSHV. K. pneumoniae harboured blaSHV only. Besides resistance to penicillins and cephalosporins, the majority of isolates was also resistant to one or more antibiotic classes, with a high proportion being resistant against fluoroqinolones. 52.5% of isolates were further characterised as threefold multidrug resistant gram-negative bacteria (3MDR-GNB) according to the German Commission for Hospital Hygiene and Infection Prevention. None of the isolates were 4MDR-GNB, i.e. none revealed carbapenem-resistance. Penicillins were the most frequently administered antibiotics to calves on most farms and were the predominant substance class at herd level on all farms. Overall, the number of calves treated prior to sampling was rather low (11.7%). Analyses of data regarding the farm management identified weaknesses in biosecurity and cleaning and disinfection. Besides beta-lactam antibiotics being the most commonly used antibiotics no other risk factors could be identified. In summary, the prevalence of ESBL-carriers in dairy calves was exceptionally high and should be motivation to develop strategies for the reduction of multidrug-resistant bacteria in farm animals.

Prevalence of Neutralizing Antibodies to Canine Distemper Virus and Response to Vaccination in Client-Owned Adult Healthy Dogs.

Re-vaccinations against canine distemper virus (CDV) are commonly performed in 3-year intervals. The study's aims were to determine anti-CDV antibodies in healthy adult dogs within 28 days of vaccination against CDV, and to evaluate factors associated with the presence of pre-vaccination antibodies and with the antibody response to vaccination. Ninety-seven dogs, not vaccinated within 1 year before enrollment, were vaccinated with a modified live CDV vaccine. A measurement of the antibodies was performed before vaccination (day 0), on day 7, and 28 after the vaccination by virus neutralization. A response to vaccination was defined as a ≥4-fold titer increase by day 28. Fisher's exact test was used to determine factors associated with a lack of antibodies and vaccination response. In total, 94.8% of the dogs (92/97; CI 95%: 88.2-98.1) had antibodies (≥10) prior to vaccination. A response to vaccination was not observed in any dog. Five dogs were considered humoral non-responders; these dogs neither had detectable antibodies before, nor developed antibodies after vaccination. Young age (<2 years) was significantly associated with a lack of pre-vaccination antibodies (p = 0.018; OR: 26.825; 95% CI: 1.216-1763.417). In conclusion, necessity of re-vaccination in adult healthy dogs should be debated and regular vaccinations should be replaced by antibody detection.

Antibody Response to Canine Parvovirus Vaccination in Dogs with Hypothyroidism Treated with Levothyroxine.

(1) Background: No information is available on how dogs with hypothyroidism (HypoT) respond to vaccination. This study measured pre- and post-vaccination anti-canine parvovirus (CPV) antibodies in dogs with HypoT treated with levothyroxine and compared the results to those of healthy dogs. (2) Methods: Six dogs with HypoT and healthy age-matched control dogs (n = 23) were vaccinated against CPV with a modified-live vaccine. Hemagglutination inhibition was used to measure antibodies on days 0, 7, and 28. The comparison of the vaccination response of dogs with HypoT and healthy dogs were performed with univariate analysis. (3) Results: Pre-vaccination antibodies (≥10) were detected in 100% of dogs with HypoT (6/6; 95% CI: 55.7-100) and in 100% of healthy dogs (23/23; 95% CI: 83.1-100.0). A ≥4-fold titer increase was observed in none of the dogs with HypoT and in 4.3% of the healthy dogs (1/23; CI95%: <0.01-22.7). Mild vaccine-associated adverse events (VAAEs) were detected in 33.3% of the dogs with HypoT (2/6; 95% CI: 9.3-70.4) and in 43.5% (10/23; 95% CI: 25.6-63.2) of the healthy dogs. (4) Conclusions: There was neither a significant difference in the dogs' pre-vaccination antibodies (p = 1.000), or vaccination response (p = 0.735), nor in the occurrence of post-vaccination VAAEs (p = 0.798). The vaccination response in dogs with levothyroxine-treated HypoT seems to be similar to that of healthy dogs.

Antibody response to feline herpesvirus-1 vaccination in healthy adult cats.

OBJECTIVES: Vaccination against feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1) is recommended for all cats. However, it is unknown how adult healthy cats with different pre-vaccination antibodies respond to FHV-1 vaccination in the field. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of neutralising antibodies against FHV-1 in healthy adult cats and the response to FHV-1 vaccination within 28 days of vaccination. METHODS: One hundred and ten cats (⩾1 year of age) that had not received a vaccination within the past 12 months were vaccinated with a combined FHV-1 vaccine. Antibodies against FHV-1 were determined before vaccination (day 0), on day 7 and day 28 by serum neutralisation test. Uni- and multivariate statistical analyses were used to determine factors associated with the presence of pre-vaccination antibodies and response to vaccination. RESULTS: Pre-vaccination neutralising antibody titres (⩾10) were present in 40.9% of cats (45/110; 95% confidence interval [CI] 32.2-50.3); titres were generally low (range 10-640). Antibody response to vaccination (⩾four-fold titre increase) was observed in 8.3% (9/109; 95% CI 4.2-15.1). Cats ⩾2 years of age were more likely to have pre-vaccination neutralising antibodies than cats aged between 1 and 2 years (odds ratio [OR] 24.619; P = 0.005). Cats from breeders were more likely to have pre-vaccination neutralising antibodies than privately owned cats (OR 7.070; P = 0.007). Domestic shorthair cats were more likely to have an at least four-fold titre increase vs purebred cats (OR 11.22; P = 0.027). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Many cats have no detectable neutralising antibodies against FHV-1 despite previous vaccinations and fail to develop a ⩾four-fold titre increase after vaccination. This is likely because older cats and cats with a higher FHV-1 exposure risk are more likely to get infected with FHV-1 and thus to have FHV-1 neutralizing antibodies. Purebred cats more often fail to develop a ⩾four-fold titre increase after vaccination.

Surgical hand preparation in an equine hospital: Comparison of general practice with a standardised protocol and characterisation of the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus recovered.

Presurgical hand asepsis is part of the daily routine in veterinary medicine. Nevertheless, basic knowledge seems to be low, even among specialised veterinary surgeons. The major objectives of our study were to assess current habits for presurgical hand preparation (phase 1) among personnel in a veterinary hospital and their effectiveness in reducing bacteria from hands in comparison to a standardised protocol (phase 2). Assessment of individual habits focused on time for hand washing and disinfection, the amount of disinfectant used, and the usage of brushes. The standardised protocol defined hand washing for 1 min with liquid neutral soap without brushing and disinfection for 3 min. All participants (2 surgeons, 8 clinic members, 32 students) used Sterillium®. Total bacterial counts were determined before and after hand washing, after disinfection, and after surgery. Hands were immersed in 100 ml sterile sampling fluid for 1 min and samples were inoculated onto Columbia sheep blood agar using the spread-plate method. Bacterial colonies were manually counted. Glove perforation test was carried out at the end of the surgical procedure. Differences in the reduction of relative bacterial numbers between current habits and the standardised protocol were investigated using Mann-Whitney-Test. The relative increase in bacterial numbers as a function of operation time (≤60 min, >60 min) and glove perforation as well as the interaction of both was investigated by using ANOVA. Forty-six and 41 preparations were carried out during phase 1 and phase 2, respectively. Individual habits differed distinctly with regard to time (up to 8 min) and amount of disinfectant (up to 48 ml) used both between participants and between various applications of a respective participant. Comparison of current habits and the standardised protocol revealed that the duration of hand washing had no significant effect on reducing bacteria. Contrary, the reduction in bacterial numbers after disinfection by the standardised protocol was significantly higher (p<0.001) compared to routine every-day practice. With regard to disinfection efficacy, the standardised protocol completely eliminated individual effects. The mean reduction in phase 1 was 90.72% (LR = 3.23; right hand) and 89.97% (LR = 3.28; left hand) compared to 98.85% (LR = 3.29; right hand) and 98.92% (LR = 3.47; left hand) in phase 2. Eight participants (19%) carried MRSA (spa type t011, CC398) which is well established as a nosocomial pathogen in veterinary clinics. The isolates could further be assigned to a subpopulation which is particularly associated with equine clinics (mainly t011, ST398, gentamicin-resistant). Glove perforation occurred in 54% (surgeons) and 17% (assistants) of gloves, respectively, with a higher number in long-term invasive procedures. Overall, bacterial numbers on hands mainly increased over time, especially when glove perforation occurred. This was most distinct for glove perforations on the left hand and with longer operating times. Our results demonstrate that standardised protocols highly improve the efficacy of hand asepsis measures. Hence, guiding standardised protocols should be prerequisite to ensure state-of-the-art techniques which is essential for a successful infection control intervention.

Diagnostic validation of a rapid and field-applicable PCR-lateral flow test system for point-of-care detection of cyprinid herpesvirus 3 (CyHV-3).

Koi herpesvirus disease (KHVD) is a highly infectious disease leading to outbreaks and mass mortality in captive and free-ranging common carp and koi carp. Outbreaks may result in high morbidity and mortality which can have a severe economic impact along the supply chain. Currently, control and prevention of KHVD relies on avoiding exposure to the virus based on efficient hygiene and biosecurity measures. An early diagnosis of the disease is crucial to prevent its spread and to minimize economic losses. Therefore, an easy-to-handle, sensitive, specific and reliable test prototype for a point-of-care detection of KHV was developed and evaluated in this study. We used a multiplex-endpoint-PCR followed by a specific probe hybridization step. PCR-products/hybridization-products were visualized with a simple and universal lateral flow immunoassay (PCR-LFA). Fifty-four gill tissue samples (KHV-positive n = 33, KHV-negative n = 21) and 46 kidney samples (KHV-positive n = 24, KHV-negative n = 22) were used to determine diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of the PCR-LFA. In addition, the usability of PCR-LFA to detect CyHV-3-DNA in gill swabs taken from 20 perished common carp during a KHVD-outbreak in a commercial carp stock was examined. This assay gave test results within approximately 60 min. It revealed a detection limit of 9 KHV gene copies/µl (95% probability), a diagnostic specificity of 100%, and diagnostic sensitivity of 94.81% if samples were tested in a single test run only. PCR inhibition was noticed when examining gill swab samples without preceding extraction of DNA or sample dilution. Test sensitivity coud be enhanced by examining samples in five replicates. Overall, our PCR-LFA proved to be a specific, easy-to-use and time-saving point-of-care-compatible test for the detection of KHV-DNA. Regarding gill swab samples, further test series using a higher number of clinical samples should be analyzed to confirm the number of replicates and the sample processing necessary to reveal a 100% diagnostic sensitivity.

Antibody Response to Canine Adenovirus-2 Virus Vaccination in Healthy Adult Dogs.

BACKGROUND: Re-vaccination against canine adenovirus (CAV) is performed in ≤3-year-intervals but their necessity is unknown. The study determined anti-CAV antibodies within 28 days of re-vaccination and factors associated with the absence of antibodies and vaccination response. METHODS: Ninety-seven healthy adult dogs (last vaccination ≥12 months) were re-vaccinated with a modified live CAV-2 vaccine. Anti-CAV antibodies were measured before vaccination (day 0), and after re-vaccination (day 7, 28) by virus neutralization. A ≥4-fold titer increase was defined as vaccination response. Fisher's exact test and multivariate regression analysis were performed to determine factors associated with the absence of antibodies and vaccination response. RESULTS: Totally, 87% of dogs (90/97; 95% CI: 85.61-96.70) had anti-CAV antibodies (≥10) before re-vaccination. Vaccination response was observed in 6% of dogs (6/97; 95% CI: 2.60-13.11). Time since last vaccination (>3-5 years, OR = 9.375, p = 0.020; >5 years, OR= 25.000, p = 0.006) was associated with a lack of antibodies. Dogs from urban areas were more likely to respond to vaccination (p = 0.037). CONCLUSION: Many dogs had anti-CAV pre-vaccination antibodies, even those with an incomplete vaccination series. Most dogs did not respond to re-vaccination. Based on this study, dogs should be re-vaccinated every 3 years or antibodies should be determined.

Antibody Response to Canine Parvovirus Vaccination in Dogs with Hyperadrenocorticism Treated with Trilostane.

It is unknown how dogs with hyperadrenocorticism (HAC) respond to vaccination. This study measured antibodies against canine parvovirus (CPV) in dogs with HAC treated with trilostane before and after CPV vaccination, and compared the immune response to that from healthy dogs. Eleven dogs with HAC, and healthy age-matched control dogs (n = 31) received a modified-live CPV vaccine. Antibodies were determined on days 0, 7, and 28 by hemagglutination inhibition. Univariate analysis was used to compare the immune response of dogs with HAC and healthy dogs. Pre-vaccination antibodies (≥10) were detected in 100% of dogs with HAC (11/11; 95% CI: 70.0-100) and in 93.5% of healthy dogs (29/31; 95% CI: 78.3-99.2). No ≥4-fold increase in antibody titer was observed in dogs with HAC while in 22.6% of healthy dogs, a ≥4-fold titer increase was observed (7/31; 95% CI: 11.1-40.1). Mild vaccine-associated adverse events (VAAEs) were detected in 54.5% of dogs with HAC (6/11; 95% CI: 28.0-78.8) and in 29.0% of healthy dogs (9/31; 95% CI: 15.9-46.8). There was neither a significant difference in presence of pre-vaccination antibodies (p = 1.000), or response to vaccination (p = 0.161), nor in the occurrence of VAAEs (p = 0.158). Immune function of dogs with HAC treated with trilostane seems comparable to that of healthy dogs.

Comparison of Four Commercially Available Point-of-Care Tests to Detect Antibodies against Canine Parvovirus in Dogs.

Measuring antibodies to evaluate dogs' immunity against canine parvovirus (CPV) is useful to avoid unnecessary re-vaccinations. The study aimed to evaluate the quality and practicability of four point-of-care (POC) tests for detection of anti-CPV antibodies. The sera of 198 client-owned and 43 specific pathogen-free (SPF) dogs were included; virus neutralization was the reference method. Specificity, sensitivity, positive and negative predictive value (PPV and NPV), and overall accuracy (OA) were calculated. Specificity was considered to be the most important indicator for POC test performance. Differences between specificity and sensitivity of POC tests in the sera of all dogs were determined by McNemar, agreement by Cohen's kappa. Prevalence of anti-CPV antibodies in all dogs was 80% (192/241); in the subgroup of client-owned dogs, it was 97% (192/198); and in the subgroup of SPF dogs, it was 0% (0/43). FASTest® and CanTiCheck® were easiest to perform. Specificity was highest in the CanTiCheck® (overall dogs, 98%; client-owned dogs, 83%; SPF dogs, 100%) and the TiterCHEK® (overall dogs, 96%; client-owned dogs, 67%; SPF dogs, 100%); no significant differences in specificity were observed between the ImmunoComb®, the TiterCHEK®, and the CanTiCheck®. Sensitivity was highest in the FASTest® (overall dogs, 95%; client-owned dogs, 95%) and the CanTiCheck® (overall dogs, 80%; client-owned dogs, 80%); sensitivity of the FASTest® was significantly higher compared to the one of the other three tests (McNemars p-value in each comparison: <0.001). CanTiCheck® would be the POC test of choice when considering specificity and practicability. However, differences in the number of false positive results between CanTiCheck®, TiterCHEK®, and ImmunoComb® were minimal.

Borderline resistance to oxacillin in Staphylococcus aureus after treatment with sub-lethal sodium hypochlorite concentrations.

Surface disinfectants are regularly used in prophylactic and infection control measures. Concern has been raised whether residues of sub-inhibitory disinfectant concentrations may constitute a selective pressure and could contribute to the development of strains which are tolerant and/or resistant to biocides including antibiotics. The current study investigated whether Staphylococcus (S.) aureus ATCC® 29213™ and ATCC® 6538™ would change their growth characteristics and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles after prolonged treatment with sub-inhibitory concentrations of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). NaOCl is a fast-acting disinfectant with a broad-spectrum activity, inexpensive and widely used in healthcare and the food production industry. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for NaOCl was determined by broth macrodilution according to the guidelines for disinfectant efficacy testing provided by the German Veterinary Medical Society. Serial passages after 24 h and 72 h, respectively, in defined sub-inhibitory concentrations of NaOCl resulted in a number of phenotypic variants. Two of these variants, derived from S. aureus ATCC® 29213™, showed elevated MICs of oxacillin and were considered as in vitro-generated borderline oxacillin-resistant S. aureus (BORSA). Transmission electron microscopy revealed a significantly thickened cell wall in these isolates, a phenomenon that has also been described for Listeria monocytogenes after low-level exposure to NaOCl. Whole genome sequencing revealed an early stop codon in the gene coding for the GdpP protein and thereby abolishing the function of this gene. GdpP represents a phosphodiesterase that regulates gene expression, and loss of function of the GdpP protein has been described in association with borderline oxacillin resistance. Our findings suggest that a mutation in the GdpP protein gene and morphological changes of the cell wall were induced by repeated exposure to sub-lethal NaOCl concentrations, and most likely accounted for a BORSA phenotype in two variants derived from S. aureus ATCC® 29213™.

New adenovirus in bats, Germany.

We tested 55 deceased vespertilionid bats of 12 species from southern Germany for virus infections. A new adenovirus was isolated from tissue samples of 2 Pipistrellus pipistrellus bats, which represents the only chiropteran virus isolate found in Europe besides lyssavirus (rabies virus). Evidence was found for adenovirus transmission between bats.

Lethal pneumonia in a captive juvenile chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) due to human-transmitted human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) and infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae.

BACKGROUND: During an outbreak of respiratory disease in captive chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes), gorillas (Gorilla gorilla), Bornean orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus), and red-capped mangabeys (Cercocebus torquatus) also staff members showed non-specific upper respiratory signs. One infant female chimpanzee with severe respiratory symptoms died despite immediate medical treatment and was submitted for necropsy. METHODS: Routine post mortem, histological and bacteriological examinations were conducted. Additionally lung tissue samples form the chimpanzee and swab samples from the staff members and the other primates were examined by PCR. RESULTS: A severe catarrhal to purulent bronchopneumonia and an interstitial pneumonia were found and human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) as well as Streptococcus pneumoniae was detected in lung samples by PCR. Swab samples from one animal keeper revealed the same HRSV sequence as of the chimpanzee. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, it is suggested that the outbreak of respiratory disease within a zoological institution was due to transmission of HRSV between both human and primates.

The use of a salmonella bacteriophage in bearded dragons: application, passage time and reisolation.

OBJECTIVE: This study determined the passage time and phage propagation time of a salmonella specific phage, Felix O1, in bearded dragons, based on reisolation from cloacal swabs and faecal samples following oral administration, as a possible tool for reducing the zoonotic risk of salmonella from pet reptiles. An application scheme for this phage in bearded dragons was developed. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ten healthy bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) were used in the study. The pH tolerance of the phage was tested and drugs were used to evaluate their influence on the gastric pH of the reptiles. After pH adjustment, the phage was administered orally for 12 consecutive days. Over 60 days, swabs were taken from the cloaca and examined for the presence of phages using culture and PCR. Furthermore, faecal samples were collected for phage quantification. RESULTS: Felix O1 displayed no activity at pH below 2.8. A calcium- and magnesium carbonate buffer induced an appropriate gastric pH increase for 30 minutes. Phages were reisolated for up to 24 days (mean shedding: 19 days) after last administration. Titres between 105 and 107 plaque forming units/g faeces were detected. The animals did not show any clinical signs related to phage application. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The study provides first results on oral administration, passage time, and reisolation of a phage in reptiles. It could be shown that the phage was able to replicate in the intestine, and was shed for a prolonged period and therefore could potentially contribute to a reduction of salmonella shedding.