Seroprevalence of the novel swine acute diarrhea syndrome coronavirus in China assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

The endemic outbreak of SADS-CoV has resulted in economic losses and potentially threatened the safety of China's pig industry. The molecular epidemiology of SADS-CoV in pig herds has been investigated in many provinces in China. However, there are no data over a long-time span, and there is a lack of extensive serological surveys to assess the prevalence of SADS-CoV in Chinese swine herds since the discovery of SADS-CoV. In this study, an indirect anti-SADS-CoV IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) based on the SADS-CoV S1 protein was established to investigate the seroprevalence of SADS-CoV in Chinese swine herds. Cross-reactivity assays, indirect immunofluorescence, and western blotting assays showed that the developed ELISA had excellent SADS-CoV specificity. In total, 12,978 pig serum samples from 29 provinces/municipalities/autonomous regions in China were tested from 2022 to 2023. The results showed that the general seroprevalence of SADS-CoV in China was 59.97%, with seroprevalence ranging from 16.7% to 77.12% in different provinces and from 42.61% to 68.45% in different months. SADS-CoV is widely prevalent in China, and its seroprevalence was higher in Northeast China, North China, and Central China than in other regions. Among the four seasons, the prevalence of SADS-CoV was the highest in spring and the lowest in autumn. The results of this study provide the general seroprevalence profile of SADS-CoV in China, facilitating the understanding of the prevalence of SADS-CoV in pigs. More importantly, this study is beneficial in formulating preventive and control measures for SADS-CoV and may provide directions for vaccine development.

Pigs in southern Italy are exposed to three ruminant pathogens: an analysis of seroprevalence and risk factors analysis study.

BACKGROUND: Pigs are susceptible to several ruminant pathogens, including Coxiella burnetti, Schmallenberg virus (SBV) and bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV). These pathogens have already been described in the pig population, although the dynamics of the infection and the impact on pig farms are currently unclear. The aim of this work was to evaluate the presence of these infections in the pig population of the Campania region, southern Italy, and to evaluate the risk factors associated with a greater risk of exposure. RESULTS: A total of 414 serum samples belonging to 32 herds were tested for the presence of antibodies against SBV, Coxiella, and BVD using commercial multispecies ELISA kits. SBV (5.3%) was the most prevalent pathogen, followed by Coxiella (4.1%) and BVD (3%). The risk factors included in the study (age, sex, province, farming system, ruminant density and major ruminant species) had no influence on the probability of being exposed to BVD and Coxiella, except for the location, in fact more pigs seropositive to Coxiella were found in the province of Caserta. However, the univariate analysis highlighted the influence of age, location, and sex on exposure to SBV. The subsequent multivariate analysis statistically confirmed the importance of these factors. The presence of neutralizing antibodies for SBV and BVDV, or antibodies directed towards a specific phase of infection for Coxiella was further confirmed with virus-neutralization assays and phase-specific ELISAs in a large proportion of positive samples. The presence of high neutralizing antibody titers (especially for SBV) could indicate recent exposures. Twelve of the 17 positive samples tested positive for antibodies against Coxiella phase I or II antigens, indicating the presence of both acute and chronic infections (one animal tested positive for both phases antibodies). CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicates a non-negligible exposure of pigs from southern Italy to the above pathogens. Further studies are necessary to fully understand the dynamics of these infections in pigs, the impact on productivity, and the public health consequences in the case of Coxiella.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii, risk factors and knowledge about toxoplasmosis in undergraduate students from Lima, Peru.

Toxoplasma gondii is the causative agent of toxoplasmosis, a zoonotic disease of worldwide distribution. The aim of this study was to assess the seroprevalence of T. gondii in undergraduate students from Lima, Peru, and to identify the risk factors linked to the infection. For this, serum samples of 100 undergraduate students of the Faculty of Biological Sciences were tested for T. gondii antibodies with a commercially available ELISA. The seroprevalence of T. gondii in these subjects was 7 %. Only the age of students showed a statistical association with T. gondii seropositivity. The level of awareness regarding toxoplasmosis was also investigated. In the sample, 71 % of the students are aware of toxoplasmosis and 64 % that a parasite is the cause of the infection. Most know it is transmitted through undercooked meat (57 %), but are unaware of contaminated vegetables (40 %), organ transplants (17 %), blood transfusions (32 %), and soil contact (39 %). In the epidemiological context it will be valuable to verify toxoplasmosis awareness in other population groups and other regions in Peru.

Seroprevalence and placental transfer of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in unvaccinated pregnant women.

PURPOSE: Pregnant women are at risk of severe SARS-CoV-2 infection, potentially leading to obstetric and neonatal complications. Placental transfer of antibodies directed to SARS-CoV-2 may be protective against neonatal COVID-19, but this remains to be studied. We aimed to determine the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in a population of unvaccinated pregnant women and to determine the placental transfer of these antibodies. METHODOLOGY: A total of 1197 unvaccinated women with mostly unknown pre-study SARS-CoV-2 infection status, were tested at delivery for SARS-CoV-2 spike protein IgG antibodies during the first year of the pandemic. Umbilical cord samples were collected and assessed for seropositivity if the mother was seropositive. Maternal characteristics, pregnancy and neonatal outcomes and data on SARS-CoV-2 infection were extracted from medical records. RESULTS: Specific IgG were detected in 258 women (21.6%). A significant placental transfer to the newborn was observed in 81.3% of cases. The earlier in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters that the mother had contracted the disease and the more symptomatic she was, the greater the likelihood of transplacental transfer of IgG to her newborn. CONCLUSION: Approximately one in five women had detectable anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike protein IgG antibodies at delivery during the first year of the pandemic, and these antibodies were significantly transferred to their fetuses. This research provides further evidence to better understand the dynamics of the placental transfer of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies from mothers to their newborns, which is necessary to improve vaccination strategies.

Epidemiological study of hepatitis E virus infection among students and workers in Hebei Province of China.

AIMS: Hepatitis E caused by the hepatitis E virus (HEV) is prevalent worldwide. In China, considerable shifts in the epidemiology of hepatitis E have been observed over the last two decades, with ongoing changes in the prevalence of HEV. METHODS: This study, in conjunction with the health examinations for students and workers, aims to estimate the seroprevalence and assess the risk factors of HEV infection in general population in Hebei province, China. Epidemiological information was collected using a specific questionnaire and blood samples were collected from each participant during the process of health examination. Anti-HEV IgG and IgM in sera were tested using the Wantai ELISA assay kits. Logistic regression modelling was used to identify associated risk factors. RESULTS: The average positive rate of anti-HEV IgG in students (6-25 years) was 3.4%. One (0.2%) student was anti-HEV IgM positive, while also testing positive for IgG. The HEV seroprevalence was not related to students' gender, school, or family residence. In occupational populations, the overall seropositivity rate was 13.3% for anti-HEV IgG and 0.67% for IgM. HEV seropositivity increased significantly with age, ranging from 3.8% to 18.6% in age groups, and differed significantly among four occupation groups: farmers (17.6%), food supply workers (18.0%), other non-farm workers (14.7%) and healthcare workers (5.9%) (p = 0.002). Multivariable logistic analysis confirmed the significant correlations of seroprevalence with age and occupation. CONCLUSIONS: The study found a low seroprevalence of HEV in children and young adults in Hebei Province, China. Advanced age correlates with higher seroprevalence in occupational populations, indicating an accumulation of HEV infection over time. Seroprevalence varied significantly among different occupation groups, suggesting the important role of occupational exposure for HEV infection.

Influenza D virus infection in China, 2022-2023.

Influenza D virus (IDV) plays an important role in the bovine respiratory disease (BRD) complex. Its potential for the zoonotic transmission is of particular concern. In China, IDV has previously been identified in agricultural animals by molecular surveys with no live virus isolates reported. In this study, live IDVs were successfully isolated from cattle in China, which prompted us to further investigate the national prevalence, antigenic property, and infection biology of the virus. IDV RNA was detected in 11.1% (51/460) of cattle throughout the country in 2022-2023. Moreover, we conducted the first IDV serosurveillance in China, revealing a high seroprevalence (91.4%, 393/430) of IDV in cattle during the 2022-2023 winter season. Notably, all the 16 provinces from which cattle originated possessed seropositive animals, and 3 of them displayed the 100% IDV-seropositivity rate. In contrast, a very low seroprevalence of IDV was observed in pigs (3%, 3/100) and goats (1%, 1/100) during the same period of investigation. Furthermore, besides D/Yama2019 lineage-like IDVs, we discovered the D/660 lineage-like IDV in Chinese cattle, which has not been detected to date in Asia. Finally, the Chinese IDVs replicated robustly in diverse cell lines but less efficiently in the swine cell line. Considering the nationwide distribution, high seroprevalence, and appreciably genetic diversity, further studies are required to fully evaluate the risk of Chinese IDVs for both animal and human health in China, which can be evidently facilitated by IDV isolates reported in this study.

Global seroprevalence and prevalence of infection of influenza in dogs (Canis familiaris): A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Influenza in dogs holds considerable public health significance due to their close companionship with humans, yet several facets of this phenomenon remain largely unexplored. This study undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies to gauge the global seroprevalence of influenza in dogs. We also assessed whether pet dogs exhibited a higher seroprevalence of influenza compared to non-pet dogs, explored seasonal variations in seroprevalence, scrutinised the design and reporting standards of existing studies, and elucidated the geographical distribution of canine influenza virus (cIV). A comprehensive analysis of 97 studies spanning 27 countries revealed that seroprevalence of various influenza strains in dogs consistently registered below 10% and exhibited relative stability over the past decade. Significantly, we noted that seroprevalence of human influenza virus was notably higher in pet dogs compared to their non-pet counterparts, whereas seroprevalence of other influenza strains remained relatively uniform among both categories of dogs. Seasonal variations in seroprevalence of cIV were not observed. In summary, our findings indicated the global circulation of cIV strains H3N2 and H3N8, with other strains primarily confined to China. Given the lack of reported cases of the transmission of cIV from dogs to humans, our findings suggest a higher risk of reverse zoonosis than zoonosis. Finally, we strongly advocate for standardised reporting guidelines to underpin future canine influenza research endeavours.

Seroprevalence and co-infection of HBV, HCV, and HIV among patients visiting selected hospitals in Anyigba, Kogi State.

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) remain a public health challenge globally. This study determined the prevalence and coinfection of HBV, HCV, and HIV among patients visiting Maria Goretti Hospital, Grimard Catholic Hospital, and Good News Hospital Anyigba, Kogi State. In a cross-sectional study, sera samples collected from 400 consenting patients were screened for HBV, HCV, and HIV using commercial immunodiagnostic test kits. Of the 400 subjects, 12 (3.0%), 4 (1.0%), and 16 (4.0%) were infected with HBV, HCV, and HIV, respectively. One participant was co-infected with HCV and HIV, while none was simultaneously infected with HBV and HIV. Participants aged 11-20 years had higher hepatitis B-surface antigenemia, while ages 21-30 years and 31-40 years had higher prevalence of HCV and HIV, respectively. Contrary to HBV and HCV positivity, HIV seropositivity was significantly predicted by the ages of exposure (p = 0.002). Males and females were equally infected with HBV (3.0% each), while more males than females were infected with HCV (1.5%) and HIV (4.6%). However, the difference between the occurrence of viral infections and patients' sex was not significant (p > 0.05). The single participants were more predisposed to HBV while the married subjects had more HCV and HIV mono-infection. However, neither the occurrence of HBV nor HCV or HIV was significantly predicted by the marital status of the individuals (p > 0.05). Subjects with no formal education had a higher positivity rate of HCV and HIV compared to other levels of education, while the tertiary level of education had higher exposure to HBsAg. Occupationally, students were more predisposed to HBV and HCV, while the unemployed participants were more predisposed to HIV. However, neither education nor the occupation of participants was significantly related to any of the viral infections (p > 0.05). Lack of knowledge of disease prevention significantly influenced the occurrence of HBV (p = 0.02), HCV (p = 0.04), and HIV (p = 0.04). Conclusively, the status of HBV, HCV, and HIV infection is low compared with findings of previous epidemiological studies in the area. However, the continuous circulation of the three viral infections and the high disease occurrence in the poorly informed participants suggest the need for increased public health education about infection control and prevention strategies in the area.

Development of a New Multispecies Protein A-Based ELISA for Serodiagnosis of Hepatitis E Infection with Validation in Domestic Swine.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infects roughly 20 million people worldwide, causing self-limiting acute hepatic disease that can evolve into a chronic course. HEV-3, HEV-4, and HEV-7 genotypes are zoonotic and transmitted to humans by consuming raw or undercooked meat. Here, we developed an indirect ELISA based on the recombinant HEV-3 capsid and performed a seroprevalence study on domestic swine in northeastern Brazil. Our in-house ELISA was initially validated using a subset of 79 sera characterized by concordant results for two distinct commercial ELISA kits. Our ELISA exhibited excellent sensitivity (94%) and specificity (100%), with an area under the curve of 0.99 Further testing, including 212 swine sera, revealed a seroprevalence of 57.5% (95% confidence interval, 50.6-64.3%). Our findings indicate that the novel ELISA test could accurately detect specific anti-HEV antibodies in domestic pigs and should be further validated in humans and other mammals.

Screening and Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Among Unvaccinated Blood Donors in Chongqing, China.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the rate of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibody among unvaccinated voluntary blood donors in Chongqing, and to provide evidence for epidemic surveillance. METHODS: A total of 10,208 voluntary blood donors from January 5 to January 20, 2021, in the Chongqing area were collected, and the SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin (Ig) G and IgM antibodies were detected by chemiluminescence, and the differences of antibody-positive rate in different gender, age, ABO blood group, and different risk areas were analyzed. RESULTS: Among 10208 blood donors, 10 were found to be positive for SARS-COV-2 IgG antibody, giving a positivity rate of SARS-COV-2 IgG at 0.10%, and 29 were positive for SARS-CoV-2 IgM antibody, with a positivity rate of SARS-CoV-2 IgM at 0.28%. There was no statistical difference in the positive rate of antibody among different genders, ages, and ABO blood types, but it was related to the number of confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in each city. CONCLUSIONS: The SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence rate in Chongqing was low and correlated with the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases.

Seroprevalence of Measles (Rubeola) Antibodies in Childhood Cancer Survivors.

Background: Measles is reemerging as a public health threat, raising important questions about disease vulnerability among childhood cancer survivors. This secondary analysis assessed the seroprevalence of anti-measles immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies as a marker of immune status in survivors of childhood cancer and associated demographic/treatment variables. Method: Participants were childhood cancer survivors who were free of active disease, having routine blood studies drawn, and could provide documentation of having received two doses of measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine before their cancer diagnosis. Patient record review documented demographic and treatment variables. Antimeasles (rubeola) IgG antibody seroprevalence was assessed by enzyme immunoassay for vaccine-specific antibodies. Results: Of 270 survivors evaluated, 110 (42%) were female, 196 (75%) were White, and 159 (61%) were leukemia/lymphoma survivors. Of these 262, 110 (42%) had negative measles seroprevalence, suggesting loss of immunity. Conclusion: Measles antibody surveillance and the need for reimmunization for survivors of childhood cancer survivors outside the transplant setting remains controversial. Our analysis indicates that a substantial proportion of survivors lose vaccine-related immunity to measles. Pediatric oncology nurses play important roles in educating cancer survivors regarding their risk of measles infection, evaluating the need for reimmunization, correcting misinformation about vaccine safety and effectiveness, and working to optimize community herd-based immunity.

Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Toxoplasma gondii Infection of Cattle and Goats in Farms of Hunan Province, China.

Background: Toxoplasmosis is one of the most widespread foodborne parasitic zoonoses caused by the obligate intracellular protozoan Toxoplasma gondii. Although a number of studies have reported on the seroprevalence and risk factors of T. gondii infection in ruminants in China, information about T. gondii infection in cattle in Hunan province of China is not available. Material and Methods: Sera of 985 cattle and 1147 goats were examined for the presence of specific antibodies against T. gondii using the indirect hemagglutination test. Some risk factors related to the presence of cats, herd size, gender, age, and geographical origin were determined using a binary logistic regression. Results: Specific IgG against T. gondii were detected in 8.3% (82/985) and 13.3% (153/1147) of the cattle and goats, respectively. Based on statistical analysis, the presence of cats and gender were considered important risk factors for T. gondii infection in cattle and goats in the farms in this study (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Our results provide a baseline for future prevention and control of T. gondii infection in cattle and goats in Hunan province, subtropical China. This is the first report of T. gondii seroprevalence in cattle in Hunan province, China.

Seroprevalence of Japanese encephalitis virus in pig populations of Tamil Nadu, India: Exploring the tropical endemic link of virus.

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is a major cause of encephalitis in Southeast Asia. Tamil Nadu, a state located in the southern part of India, contributes substantially to the national burden of human JE cases every year. However, limited information is available on the epidemiology of JE in pig populations of Tamil Nadu. A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess JEV prevalence in pig populations of Tamil Nadu. A total of 710 pigs reared in 118 farms across 10 districts of Tamil Nadu were sampled using multistage cluster random sampling. Serum samples were analyzed for their JEV status using Immunoglobulin M (IgM) and Immunoglobulin G (IgG) Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). At the animal-level, the apparent JEV seroprevalence was 60.4% (95% CI: 56.8% - 64.0%) and the true seroprevalence was 50.1% (95% CI: 47.0% - 53.2%). The herd-level apparent seroprevalence was 94.1% (95% CI: 88.1% - 97.5%) and the true seroprevalence was 93.3% (95% CI: 89.5% - 96.2%). The intensity of JEV circulation was high in all the districts, with seroprevalence ranging between 43% and 100%. Pigs across all age categories were seropositive and a high overall seroprevalence of 95.2% (95% CI: 76.2% - 99.9%) was recorded in pigs older than 12 months. JEV seropositivity was recorded in all the seasons but the prevalence peaked in the monsoon (67.9%, 95% CI: 61.1% - 74.2%) followed by winter (65.1%, 95%CI: 57.4% - 72.2%) and summer (53.3%, 95% CI: 47.8% - 58.8%) seasons. The results indicate that JEV is endemic in pigs populations of the state and a one health approach is essential with collaborative actions from animal and public health authorities to control JE in Tamil Nadu, India.

Seroepidemiology of bovine alphaherpesvirus 1 (BoAHV-1) in commercial and smallholder dairy herds in north Shewa, central highlands of Ethiopia.

Bovine alphaherpesvirus 1 (BoAHV-1) is the most important respiratory and reproductive disease-causing pathogen in dairy cattle. Despite BoAHV-1 has become widespread and a major challenge to the dairy industry, little is known about its epidemiology in dairy herds in Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2022 to May 2023 to determine the seroprevalence and potential risk factors associated with BoAHV-1 seropositivity in dairy herds in North Shewa, the central highlands of Ethiopia. A total of 511 blood samples were collected from randomly selected cattle herds (n = 142) and examined antibodies against BoAHV-1 using ELISA test. A retrospective survey was also done to gather information related to reproductive disorders. The overall seroprevalence of BoAHV-1 was 61.84% (95% CI: 57.53-65.97) at the animal level and 85.21% (95% CI: 78.28-90.21) at the herd level. Multivariable logistic analysis revealed that the risk of being BoAHV-1 seropositive was nine times higher in cows older than six years (OR = 9.16; 95% CI: 3.09-27.16; P = 0.000), five times higher (OR = 4.51; 95% CI: 1.23-16.53; P = 0.019) in cows with a history of abortion, three times higher (OR = 2.75; 95% CI: 1.72-4.22; P = 0.029) in cows with a history of retained fetal membrane, and three times higher (OR = 2.83; 1.86-9.31; P = 0.03) in animals with clinical signs of ocular and/or nasal discharge. This study demonstrates a significant circulating of BoAHV-1 in the dairy cattle population in study districts. Thus, a comprehensive approach that includes strict farm biosecurity and vaccination should be practiced for effective BoAHV-1 control and prevention and to promote the growing dairy industry in the central highlands of Ethiopia.

Anti-rubella seroprevalence assessment in an adult sample population in Italy.

Introduction: Despite global immunization efforts, rubella remains a public health concern, particularly in high- and middle-income countries. This study focused on rubella seroprevalence in the province of Florence, Italy, aiming to identify susceptibility clusters, especially among women in their childbearing age. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between April 2018 and December 2019, enrolling 430 adult subjects (age over 18 years). Serum samples were collected, and anti-rubella antibodies were quantified using the ELISA test. Data were analyzed descriptively and compared by sex, nationality, and age groups using statistical tests. Results: The overall rubella seroprevalence was high (92.3%), with no significant differences between genders or nationalities. Among childbearing-age females (18-49 years), the highest seroprevalence was observed in the 30-39 age group (94.1%). However, susceptibility clusters exceeding the 5% threshold set by WHO were identified, especially in females aged 40-49 years (7.0%). Conclusions: Despite high overall seroprevalence, the study identified pockets of susceptibility, even in childbearing age women. Continuous monitoring, targeted immunization strategies, and public health interventions are recommended to maintain rubella elimination, emphasizing the importance of sustained vaccination efforts to protect vulnerable populations.

An investigation into Toxoplasma gondii at the human-livestock-wildlife interface, South Africa.

Interface areas shared by humans, domestic and wild animals may serve as high transmission contexts for Toxoplasma gondii. However, knowledge about the epidemiology of T. gondii in such areas is currently limited. The present study assessed the seroprevalence of T. gondii in different hosts from Mpumalanga, South Africa. Furthermore, we investigated the local knowledge and related practices about T. gondii by conducting a questionnaire study in the community. Blood samples were obtained and analysed for T. gondii antibodies using a commercial multispecies latex agglutination kit. The seroprevalence detected in humans (n = 160; patients showing signs of acute febrile illness), cats (n = 9), chickens (n = 336) and goats (n = 358) was 8.8%, 0.0%, 4.2% and 11.2%, respectively. Seroprevalence in impalas (n = 97), kudus (n = 55), wild dogs (n = 54), wildebeests (n = 43), warthogs (n = 97) and zebras (n = 68) was calculated at 5.2%, 7.3%, 100.0%, 20.9%, 13.4% and 9.1%, respectively. The questionnaire revealed that 63.0% of household owners were subsistence farmers, and 35.9% were pet owners. A high level of female participation was found (75.3%) when compared to male participation (24.7%). The results show a low circulation of T. gondii in the domestic cycle and suggest the presence of possible bridges between the wildlife cycle and the surrounding domestic cycle.Contribution: The study contributes to identifying transmission patterns and risk factors of T. gondii within human and animal populations. This topic fits within the scope of the journal presenting original research in veterinary science, with the focus on wild and domestic populations on the African continent on a topic of universal importance.

Seroprevalence of Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus in Wild Pigs (Sus scrofa) in 17 States in the USA.

Wild pigs (Sus scrofa) are among the most detrimental invasive species in the USA. They are damaging to crops and agriculture, pose a public health risk as reservoirs of zoonotic pathogens, and may also spread disease to livestock. One pathogen identified in wild pigs is bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), a virus that causes an economically important disease of cattle (Bos taurus and Bos indicus). We sought to determine the BVDV seroprevalence in wild pigs in 17 states across the US and to determine whether age category, sex, or location were associated with a positive antibody titer. Serum samples from 945 wild pigs were collected from 17 US states. Virus neutralization assays were performed to determine antibody titers against BVDV-1b and BVDV-2a. Total BVDV seroprevalence for the study area was 5.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.11-8.89). Seroprevalence across all evaluated states was determined to be 4.4% (95% CI, 2.48-6.82) for BVDV-1b and 3.6% (95% CI, 1.54-5.60) for BVDV-2a. The seroprevalence for individual states varied from 0% to 16.7%. There was no statistical difference in median antibody titer for BVDV-1b or BVDV-2a by sex or age category. State seroprevalences for both BVDV-1b and BVDV-2a were associated with wild pig population estimates for those states.

Seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection among schoolchildren in southern Taiwan-A 20-year longitudinal follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori infection is primarily acquired in childhood and can lead to peptic ulcer diseases and gastric cancer. The prevalence of H. pylori infection varies widely in different countries. The aim of this study was to explore the change of pediatric H. pylori seroprevalence in the past two decades and to investigate the risk factors for pediatric H. pylori seropositivity in southern Taiwan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study enrolled children aged 7-12 years in Tainan City in 2018 and compared the result with our previous data in 1998, 2005, and 2010. Parents of the participants were invited to fill out questionnaires, including information of personal history, family history of peptic ulcer diseases, annual household income, and source of drinking water. Blood samples were analyzed for anti-H. pylori IgG by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: A total of 391, 629, 618, and 488 elementary school students in Tainan City were enrolled in 1998, 2005, 2010, and 2018, respectively. There was a significant decline in H. pylori seroprevalence from 9.2% in 1998, 7.8% in 2005, 6.2% in 2010 to 4.7% in 2018 (p < 0.001). Neither gender difference nor age difference was found in H. pylori seropositivity in each year of enrollment. Low household income was significantly associated with pediatric H. pylori seropositivity. CONCLUSIONS: The seroprevalence of H. pylori infection among elementary schoolchildren has remarkably declined in southern Taiwan in the past two decades. Low household income was a risk factor for pediatric H. pylori seropositivity.

Histoplasma seropositivity and environmental risk factors for exposure in a general population in Upper River Region, The Gambia: A cross-sectional study.

Robust surveillance of Histoplasma species is warranted in endemic regions, including investigation of community-level transmission dynamics. This cross-sectional study explored anti-Histoplasma antibody seroprevalence and risk factors for exposure in a general population in Upper River Region (URR), The Gambia. Study participants were recruited (December 2022-March 2023) by random household sampling across 12 Enumeration Areas (EAs) of URR. A questionnaire and clinical examination were performed; exploring demographic, clinical and environmental risk factors for Histoplasma exposure. One venous blood sample per participant was subject to IMMY Latex Agglutination Histoplasma test to determine presence of a recent IgM response to Histoplasma. Seropositivity risk factors were explored by multi-level, multivariable logistic regression analysis. The study population (n = 298) aged 5-83 years, demonstrated a positively skewed age distribution and comprised 55.4% females. An apparent seroprevalence of 18.8% (n = 56/298, 95% CI 14.5-23.7%) was measured using the LAT. A multivariable model demonstrated increased odds of Histoplasma seropositivity amongst female participants (OR = 2.41 95% CI 1.14-5.10); and participants reporting involvement in animal manure management (OR = 4.21 95% CI 1.38-12.90), and management of domestic animals inside the compound at night during the dry season (OR = 10.72 95% CI 2.02-56.83). Increasing age (OR = 0.96 95% CI 0.93-0.98) was associated with decreased odds of seropositivity. Clustering at EA level was responsible for 17.2% of seropositivity variance. The study indicates frequent recent Histoplasma exposure and presents plausible demographic and environmental risk factors for seropositivity. Histoplasma spp. characterisation at this human-animal-environment interface is warranted, to determine public health implications of environmental reservoirs in The Gambia. The study was supported by Wellcome Trust (206,638/Z/17/Z to CES) and a University of Liverpool-funded PhD studentship (to TRC).

Seroprevalence of brucellosis antibodies and associated risk factors among the hospitalized patient, Aleppo, Syria: a hospital-based cross-sectional study.

Introduction and importance: Brucellosis is one of the most common infectious diseases in the world, especially in developing countries. Recent reports show that Syria is among the top ten countries where brucellosis is most prevalent. The purpose of this study is to estimate the seroprevalence of brucellosis antibodies among the hospitalized patients, in one of the largest hospitals in northern Syria. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the hospitalized patients. The authors used a questionnaire to collect sociodemographic and brucellosis-related data from the patients. The authors also collected blood samples from these patients to be screened for brucellosis antibodies using Wright Coombs Agglutination and 2-mercaptoethanol tests, during the period from November 2021 and March 2022. Results: Among the 776 patients who were recruited in the study, the seroprevalence of brucellosis antibodies was 13.1% (n=776). The highest prevalence was among the female sex (16.7%, n=298), middle aged group 12-40 years (24.1%, n=116), and patients with history of brucellosis (30.1%, n=53). Among the positive samples, the findings of 2-mercaptoethanol tests show that (14.7%, n=102) were positive (presence of IgG Antibodies), and (75.5%, n=102) were negative. Conclusion: This study is the first to describe the epidemiology of brucellosis in northern Syria. It clearly shows high rates of positivity, which reflects immense challenges facing the public health sector in Syria. The best next step in light of this crisis is to raise awareness among population about brucellosis and its risk factor.