Aeromonas dhakensis: A Zoonotic Bacterium of Increasing Importance in Aquaculture.

Aeromonas dhakensis is increasingly recognised to be an important pathogen responsible for disease losses in warm-water aquaculture and, similar to several other Aeromonas species, it can infect humans. Knowledge of A. dhakensis is accumulating, but this species remains relatively under-investigated compared to its close relative, Aeromonas hydrophila. The significance of A. dhakensis may have been overlooked in disease events of aquatic animals due to issues with reliable identification. Critical to appreciating the importance of this pathogen is the application of dependable molecular tools that enable accurate identification and discrimination from A. hydrophila and other motile aeromonads. This review aims to synthesise the key literature on A. dhakensis, particularly with relevance to aquaculture, including knowledge of the bacterium derived from disease case studies in aquatic hosts. Identification methods and strain phylogeny are discussed, with accurate detection important for prompt diagnosis and for distinguishing strains with heightened virulence. Increasing evidence suggests that A. dhakensis may be more virulent than A. hydrophila and correct identification is required to determine the zoonotic risks posed, which includes concerns for antibiotic-resistant strains. This review provides an impetus to improve species identification in the future and screen strain collections of presumptive Aeromonas spp. retrospectively to reveal the true prevalence and impact of A. dhakensis in aquaculture, the environment, and healthcare settings.

Accelerated microbial identification "directly" from positive blood cultures using MALDI-TOF MS: Local clinical laboratory challenges.

Rapid identification of microbial pathogens "directly" from positive blood cultures (PBCs) is critical for prompt initiation of empirical antibiotic therapy and clinical outcomes. Towards higher microbial identification rates, we modified a published initial serum separator tubes-based MALDI-TOF-MS protocol, for blood culture specimens received at a non-hospital based standalone diagnostic laboratory, Bangalore, India: (a) "Initial" protocol #1: From 28 PBCs, identification= 39% (Gram-negative= 43%: Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Gram-positive: 36%: Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus haemolyticus); mis-identification= 14%; non-identification= 47%. (b) "Modified" protocol #2: Quality controls (ATCC colonies spiked in negative blood cultures) From 7 analysis, identification= 100% (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Klebsiella oxytoca, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus); From 7 PBCs, identification= 57%; mis-identification= 14%; non-identification= 29%. Microbial preparations of highest quality and quantity for proteomic analysis and separate spectra matching reference databases for colonies and PBCs are needed for best clinical utility.

Fatal complications associated with caesarean section in the bitch: post-mortem investigation of 17 cases.

This case series describes the post-mortem findings in 17 bitches (Canis lupus familiaris) with a recent (<7 days) history of caesarean section, most (94%) of which had undergone conservative caesarean section with preservation of the uterus. Brachycephalic breeds accounted for 71% of all cases, with the French Bulldog (35%, n = 6), English Bulldog (18%, n = 3) and Boston Terrier (12%, n = 2) overrepresented. Eleven animals (65%) died between 4 and 48 h after surgery, whereas six (35%) died during the procedure. The most common cause of death was septicaemia (41%, n = 7) associated with Streptococcus canis (29%, n = 5) and/or Escherichia coli (24%, n = 4). Other causes of death included brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)-associated respiratory failure (24%, n = 4), haemorrhagic shock (18%, n = 3), inconclusive (12%, n = 2) and gastric dilatation and volvulus (6%, n = 1). Histopathological changes were seen in the uterus of 10 cases and included marked inflammation (60%, n = 6), marked haemorrhage (20%, n = 2) or both (20%, n = 2). Metritis was often characterized by fibrinonecrotic, neutrophilic to mixed inflammation, consistent with acute infection. However, prominent lymphohistiocytic infiltrates in two cases suggested that infection had been present prior to surgery. Peritonitis, myositis and panniculitis commonly (35%, n = 6) surrounded the incision sites. The presence of inflammation and bacterial colonies within multiple surgical sites suggested iatrogenic implantation of bacteria, potentially from the uterine lumen. Bacterial culture and isolation, as well as tape measurements for evaluation of conformational BOAS risk factors where applicable, are recommended as part of the routine post-mortem work-up for bitches that die shortly after caesarean section.

Spatial and temporal analysis of haemorrhagic septicaemia outbreaks in India over three decades (1987-2016).

Haemorrhagic septicaemia (HS) is an economically important disease affecting cattle and buffaloes and the livelihoods of small-holder farmers that depend upon them. The disease is caused by Gram-negative bacterium, Pasteurella multocida, and is considered to be endemic in many states of India with more than 25,000 outbreaks in the past three decades. Currently, there is no national policy for control of HS in India. In this study, we analysed thirty year (1987-2016) monthly data on HS outbreaks using different statistical and mathematical methods to identify spatial variability and temporal patterns (seasonality, periodicity). There was zonal variation in the trend and seasonality of HS outbreaks. Overall, South zone reported maximum proportion of the outbreaks (70.2%), followed by East zone (7.2%), Central zone (6.4%), North zone (5.6%), West zone (5.5%) and North-East zone (4.9%). Annual state level analysis indicated that the reporting of HS outbreaks started at different years independently and there was no apparent transmission between the states. The results of the current study are useful for the policy makers to design national control programme on HS in India and implement state specific strategies. Further, our study and strategies could aid in implementation of similar approaches in HS endemic tropical countries around the world.

The first report of Listeria monocytogenes detected in pinnipeds.

The aim of this study was to describe the pathology in seals from which Listeria monocytogenes was isolated and investigate if the lesions' nature and severity were related to the phylogeny of isolates. L. monocytogenes was isolated from 13 of 50 (26%) dead grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) pups, six (12%) in systemic distribution, on the Isle of May, Scotland. Similar fatal L. monocytogenes-associated infections were found in a grey seal pup from Carnoustie, Scotland, and a juvenile harbour seal (Phoca vitulina) in the Netherlands. Whole genome sequencing of 15 of the L. monocytogenes isolates identified 13 multilocus sequence types belonging to the L. monocytogenes lineages I and II, but with scant phenotypic and genotypic antimicrobial resistance and limited variation in virulence factors. The phylogenetic diversity present suggests there are multiple sources of L. monocytogenes, even for seal pups born in the same colony and breeding season. This is the first description of L. monocytogenes isolated from, and detected in lesions in, pinnipeds and indicates that infection can be systemic and fatal. Therefore, listeriosis may be an emerging or overlooked disease in seals with infection originating from contamination of the marine environment.

The Characterisation of Lactococcus garvieae Isolated in an Outbreak of Septicaemic Disease in Farmed Sea Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax, Linnaues 1758) in Italy.

In aquaculture, Lactococcus garvieae is a common fish pathogen that can cause significant economic losses in several fresh and saltwater species. Despite the extensive range of hosts, L. garvieae infection in sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) has rarely been reported. During the summer of 2023, an outbreak occurred in an inland farm in the Gulf of Follonica (Tuscany, Italy). Fish of various sizes were affected, showing apathy, inappetence, erratic swimming and eye lesions, while the mortality was low (2-3% per month). Anatomopathological examinations suggested a septicaemic infection characterised by melanosis, diffuse redness (skin and fins), paleness (gills and internal organs), haemorrhages and splenomegaly. Seventy swabs from the viscera of 14 subjects were collected and colonies similar to Streptococcus spp. grew from all the samples. Lactococcus garvieae was identified via the biochemical tests, API20STREP, MALDI-TOF, 16S rDNA and whole genome sequencing. Genetical characterisation revealed remarkable differences between this isolate and the strains previously isolated in Italian fish farms. Feed treatments with flumequine and erythromycin were ineffective. Considering the limited effects of antimicrobials, preventive measures, such as vaccination and biosecurity, should be implemented.

Retrospective database analysis for clinical diagnoses commonly associated with pneumococcal diseases in the Malaysian healthcare system over a 3-year period (2013-2015).

BACKGROUND: Pneumococcal disease caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae is an important cause of morbidity and mortality across all ages, particularly in younger children and older adults. Here, we describe pneumococcal disease hospitalizations at Ministry of Health (MoH) facilities in Malaysia between 2013 and 2015. METHODS: This was a retrospective databases analysis. Tabular data from the Malaysian Health Data Warehouse (MyHDW) were used to identify microbiologically confirmed, pneumococcal disease hospitalizations and deaths during hospitalization, using hospital-assigned ICD-10 codes (i.e., classified as meningitis, pneumonia, or non-meningitis non-pneumonia). Case counts, mortality counts, and case fatality rates were reported by patient age group and by Malaysian geographic region. RESULTS: A total of 683 pneumococcal disease hospitalizations were identified from the analysis: 53 pneumococcal meningitis hospitalizations (5 deaths and 48 discharges), 413 pneumococcal pneumonia hospitalizations (24 deaths and 389 discharges), and 205 non-meningitis non-pneumonia pneumococcal disease hospitalizations (58 deaths and 147 discharges). Most hospitalizations occurred in children aged < 2 years. Crude mortality was highest among children aged < 2 years (for all three disease categories), among adults aged ≥ 65 years (for pneumococcal pneumonia), or among adults aged 65-85 years (for non-meningitis non-pneumonia pneumococcal disease). The case fatality rate, all ages included, was 5.8% for pneumococcal pneumonia, 9.1% for pneumococcal meningitis, and 28.3% for non-meningitis non-pneumonia pneumococcal disease. CONCLUSIONS: Our study is the first to document pneumococcal disease hospitalizations and deaths during hospitalization in Malaysia. Although this database analysis likely underestimated case counts, and the true disease burden could be even greater, the study demonstrates a substantial burden of pneumococcal disease. Public health measures, including vaccination, would significantly contribute to the prevention of hospitalizations and deaths associated with pneumococcal disease in Malaysia.

Chitosan nanoparticles-based in vivo delivery of miR-155 modulates the Viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus-induced antiviral immune responses in zebrafish (Danio rerio).

Viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus (VHSV) is one of the highly pathogenic virus, which causes viral haemorrhagic septicaemia disease in both marine and freshwater fish. Micro RNA-155 (miRNA-155) is a multifunctional small non-coding RNA and it involves regulation of immune responses during viral infection. In this study, dre-miR-155 mimics were encapsulated into chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs). Resulted encapsulated product (miR-155-CNPs) was investigated for its immunomodulation role in zebrafish during experimentally challenged VHSV infection. Successful encapsulation of dre-miR-155 mimics into CNPs was confirmed through average nanoparticle (NPs) size (341.45 ± 10.00 nm), increased encapsulation efficiency percentage (98.80%), bound dre-miR-155 with chitosan, sustained release in vitro (up to 40%), and the integrity of RNA. Overexpressed miR-155 was observed in gills, muscle, and kidney tissues (5.42, 19.62, and 140.72-folds, respectively) after intraperitoneal delivery of miR-155-CNPs into zebrafish upon VHSV infection (miR-155-CNPs + VHSV). The miR-155-CNPs + VHSV infected fish had the highest cumulative survival (85%), which was associated with low viral copy numbers. The miR-155-overexpressing fish showed significantly decreased expression of ifnγ, irf2bpl, irf9, socs1a, il10, and caspase3, compared to that of the miR-155 inhibitor + VHSV infected fish group. In contrast, il1ß, tnfα, il6, cd8a, and p53 expressions were upregulated in miR-155-overexpressed zebrafish compared to that of the control. The overall findings indicate the successful delivery of dre-miR-155 through miR-155-CNPs that enabled restriction of VHSV infection in zebrafish presumably by modulating immune gene expression.

Identification and characterisation of emerging fish pathogens Aeromonas veronii and Aeromonas hydrophila isolated from naturally infected Channa punctata.

Naturally infected Channa punctata exhibiting bacterial septicemic syndrome including ulcerations along with mortality records were collected from a fish farm in Assam during winter season (early November 2020 to early January 2021). The moribund fishes were subjected for bacterial isolation followed by identification of the bacteria. Two dominant emerging bacterial pathogens were identified as Aeromonas veronii (isolate ZooGURD-01) and Aeromonas hydrophila (isolate ZooGURD-05) by standard biochemical characterization and 16S rRNA and rpo B gene amplification. Re-infection experiments of both the bacterial isolates in healthy disease-free C. punctata showed similar symptoms to that of natural infection thus confirming their virulence. The LD50 calculated during challenge test for both the isolates ZooGURD-01 and ZooGURD-05 found to be pathogenic at 2.6 × 104 and 1.6 × 104 CFU/fish respectively. Further PCR amplification of specific virulent genes (aerolysin, hemolysin and enterotoxin) confirmed pathogenicity for both isolates. Histopathological examinations of liver and kidney in re-infection experiments showed prominent changes supporting bacterial septicaemia. Antibiotic sensitivity pattern showed that the isolates ZooGURD-01 and ZooGURD-05 were sensitive to 22 and 19 out of 25 antimicrobials respectively. The present study was the first report on the mortality of farmed C. punctata associated with natural infection caused by A. veronii and A. hydrophila with no record of pathogenicity of A. veronii in C. punctata.

A case of Elizabethkingia meningoseptica septicemia. / 脑膜脓毒性伊丽莎白金菌败血症一例.

A 82-year-old man was admitted to hospital with fever, unresponsiveness, elevated hypersensitive C-reactive protein and neutrophile granulocyte. Ceftriaxone was administrated by intravenous dripping in the emergency room, but the effect was not satisfactory. Following his admission to the ward, cefoperazone sulbactam were given. Elizabethkingia meningoseptica was identified by blood culture and further confirmed by 16S rRNA sequencing. The lumbar puncture showed that cerebrospinal fluid pressure was 80 mmH2O (1 mmH2O=0.0098 kPa) and biochemical results were normal. After 11 days of cefoperazone sulbactam treatment, the patient was discharged with negative blood culture. The hypersensitive C-reactive protein and neutrophile granulocyte had also declined. The patient received levofloxacin tablets for anti-infection treatment for 14 d after discharge. No signs of infection were observed in three months' following up.

Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus - a case report of sudden death in a German sow farm.

A farm in North-West Germany experienced a high morbidity and mortality in their sow herd. Sows showed fever, lethargy, oedema, mucosal discharge and dyspnoea. Necropsy revealed a severe fibrinous and purulent polyserositis. Haematological and histological examinations confirmed septicaemia. Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus was isolated in high yields from major organs. Sequence typing of this isolate (21/455) revealed a new sequence type showing a significantly higher proliferation rate in comparison to two other isolates. Other infectious agents (influenza A virus, Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus, Porcine Circovirus 2, african swine fever virus, classical swine fever virus, Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae) were excluded by routine diagnostic examinations. A climate check revealed an insufficient air supply in the area for the gestating sows. This case describes the first disease outbreak in swine due to S. zooepidemicus in Germany.

Tiptoe Walking in the Presence of Superimposed Aeromonas With Dengue Infection.

The rise in limb salvage surgeries has led to an increase in post-traumatic equinus contractures, resulting in secondary causes of tiptoe walking. There is notable evidence linking superimposed bacteremia to heightened risks of morbidity and mortality in dengue patients, particularly when the immune system is compromised, leading to documented cases of Aeromonas-induced necrotizing fasciitis with myonecrosis. A case report from August 2019 involves a five-year-old boy admitted for dengue fever, which progressed to severe bilateral leg necrotizing fasciitis caused by concurrent Aeromonas infection. The child further underwent urgent surgical debridement and post-operatively was diagnosed with necrotizing fascio-myositis of the bilateral leg. Despite urgent surgical intervention, the patient developed long-term complications of persistent equinus contractures in both legs, necessitating subsequent surgical Achilles tendon lengthening. This case underscores the potential fatality of superimposed Aeromonas septicaemia in dengue patients and emphasizes the need for vigilant monitoring and intervention in serious soft tissue infections in growing children and adolescents.

Pan Drug-Resistant Salmonella Serovar Typhi Septicaemia In A Child: A Case Report.

Typhoid fever, caused by Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi, is a common cause of febrile illness, especially in lower middle-income countries. The only known reservoirs of this infection are humans, and it is prevalent in areas with limited availability of clean drinking water and sanitary conditions. Lately, extensively drug-resistant Salmonella ser. Typhi (XDR S. Typhi) has emerged as one of Pakistan's most challenging public health concerns. Here, we report a case of relapsed typhoid fever in a child, in whom the isolate was found to be resistant to meropenem and azithromycin.

Genomic characterization and comparative genomic analysis of HS-associated Pasteurella multocida serotype B:2 strains from Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: Haemorrhagic septicaemia (HS) is a highly fatal and predominant disease in livestock, particularly cattle and buffalo in the tropical regions of the world. Pasteurella multocida (P. multocida), serotypes B:2 and E:2, are reported to be the main causes of HS wherein serotype B:2 is more common in Asian countries including Pakistan and costs heavy financial losses every year. As yet, very little molecular and genomic information related to the HS-associated serotypes of P. multocida isolated from Pakistan is available. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the characteristics of novel bovine isolates of P. multocida serotype B:2 at the genomic level and perform comparative genomic analysis of various P. multocida strains from Pakistan to better understand the genetic basis of pathogenesis and virulence. RESULTS: To understand the genomic variability and pathogenomics, we characterized three HS-associated P. multocida serotype B:2 strains isolated from the Faisalabad (PM1), Peshawar (PM2) and Okara (PM3) districts of Punjab, Pakistan. Together with the other nine publicly available Pakistani-origin P. multocida strains and a reference strain Pm70, a comparative genomic analysis was performed. The sequenced strains were characterized as serotype B and belong to ST-122. The strains contain no plasmids; however, each strain contains at least two complete prophages. The pan-genome analysis revealed a higher number of core genes indicating a close resemblance to the studied genomes and very few genes (1%) of the core genome serve as a part of virulence, disease, and defense mechanisms. We further identified that studied P. multocida B:2 strains harbor common antibiotic resistance genes, specifically PBP3 and EF-Tu. Remarkably, the distribution of virulence factors revealed that OmpH and plpE were not present in any P. multocida B:2 strains while the presence of these antigens was reported uniformly in all serotypes of P. multocida. CONCLUSION: This study's findings indicate the absence of OmpH and PlpE in the analyzed P. multocida B:2 strains, which are known surface antigens and provide protective immunity against P. multocida infection. The availability of additional genomic data on P. multocida B:2 strains from Pakistan will facilitate the development of localized therapeutic agents and rapid diagnostic tools specifically targeting HS-associated P. multocida B:2 strains.

Determinants and Outcomes for Neonatal Septicaemia at the Federal Medical Centre Bida, North Central Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Neonatal septicaemia (NNS) occurs during the first 28 days of life and is characterized by systemic bacterial infection proven by blood culture. It is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in neonates. Determinants of NNS vary between locations forming the basis for this study. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and the predisposing factors to neonatal septicaemia among neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of Federal Medical Centre, Bida (FMC Bida). METHODS: This was a one-year prospective observational study, 167 neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of FMC Bida, were selected by purposive sampling method to participate in the study from 13th May, 2015 to 30th April, 2016. A structured questionnaire was filled out by consenting parents and blood samples were collected for laboratory analysis. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 20 (2016). The data were summarized using frequency distributions, means, standard deviation, charts and tables while statistical significance was determined using the chisquare test and Fisher's exact test at a 5% level of significance as well as Odd's Ratio (OR) as appropriate. RESULTS: Of the 167 neonates recruited, 97(58.1%) were males, 70(41.9%) were females and a male: female ratio of 1.4:1. Outborns were 100 (60%), inborns were 67(40%). Mean age was 4.3 ± 1.5 days and the mean weight of 2589 ± 743.9g. The overall prevalence of neonatal sepsis was 2.33% while the blood culture's positive rate was 9.58%. Risk factors identified in the neonates in this study were prolonged rupture of membranes (PROM), chorioamnionitis, meconium-stained liquor, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, being an outborn, having a low birth weight, inability to cry at birth and prematurity but, PROM was the only risk factor significantly associated with septicaemia (OR 5.4; 95% CI 2.2-13.5) while Escherichia coli was the leading bacterial isolate. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, prolonged rupture of membrane was mostly responsible for neonatal septicaemia in this study.

CONTEXTE: La septicémie néonatale (SN) survient au cours des 28premiers jours de vie et se caractérise par une infection bactérienne systémique prouvée par hémoculture. C'est l'une des principales causes de morbidité et de mortalité chez les nouveau-nés. Les déterminants de la NNS varient d'un endroit à l'autre, ce qui constitue la base de cette étude. OBJECTIF: Déterminer la prévalence et les facteurs prédisposant à la septicémie néonatale parmi les nouveau-nés admis dans l'unité de soins intensifs néonatals (USIN) du Centre médical fédéral de Bida (CMF Bida). MÉTHODES: Il s'agissait d'une étude observationnelle prospective d'un an, 167 nouveau-nés admis à l'unité de soins intensifs néonatals (USIN) du FMC Bida, ont été sélectionnés par la méthode d'échantillonnage à dessein pour participer à l'étude du 13 mai 2015 au 30 avril 2016. Un questionnaire structuré a été rempli par les parents consentants et des échantillons de sang ont été prélevés pour des analyses de laboratoire. Les données ont été analysées à l'aide de SPSS version 20 (2016). Les données ont été résumées à l'aide des distributions de fréquence, des moyennes, de l'écart-type, des graphiques et des tableaux, tandis que la signification statistique a été déterminée à l'aide du test du chi-carré et du test exact de Fisher à un niveau de signification de 5 %, ainsi que du rapport d'Odd (OR), le cas échéant. RÉSULTATS: Sur les 167 nouveau-nés recrutés, 97 (58,1 %) étaient des garçons, 70 (41,9 %) étaient des filles, soit un rapport hommes/femmes de 1,4:1. Les nouveau-nés étaient au nombre de 100 (60 %) et les nouveau-nés au nombre de 67 (40 %). L'âge moyen était de 4,3 ± 1,5 jours et le poids moyen de 2589 ± 743,9g. La prévalence globale de la septicémie néonatale était de 2,33 %, tandis que le taux d'hémoculture positive était de 9,58 %. Les facteurs de risque identifiés chez les nouveaunés de cette étude étaient la rupture prolongée des membranes (RPM), la chorioamnionite, la liqueur méconiale, les pertes vaginales nauséabondes, la naissance d'un enfant, le faible poids de naissance, l'incapacité à pleurer à la naissance et la prématurité, mais la RPM était le seul facteur de risque significativement associé à la septicémie (OR 5,4 ; 95% CI 2,2-13,5) tandis qu'Escherichia coli était l'isolat bactérien principal. CONCLUSION: En conclusion, la rupture prolongée des membranes était principalement responsable de la septicémie néonatale dans cette étude. Mots-clés: Nouveau-nés, Septicémie, Facteurs de risque.

The aquaculture disease network model (AquaNet-Mod): A simulation model to evaluate disease spread and controls for the salmonid industry in England and Wales.

Infectious disease causes significant mortality in wild and farmed systems, threatening biodiversity, conservation and animal welfare, as well as food security. To mitigate impacts and inform policy, tools such as mathematical models and computer simulations are valuable for predicting the potential spread and impact of disease. This paper describes the development of the Aquaculture Disease Network Model, AquaNet-Mod, and demonstrates its application to evaluating disease epidemics and the efficacy of control, using a Viral Haemorrhagic Septicaemia (VHS) case study. AquaNet-Mod is a data-driven, stochastic, state-transition model. Disease spread can occur via four different mechanisms, i) live fish movement, ii) river based, iii) short distance mechanical and iv) distance independent mechanical. Sites transit between three disease states: susceptible, clinically infected and subclinically infected. Disease spread can be interrupted by the application of disease mitigation measures and controls such as contact tracing, culling, fallowing and surveillance. Results from a VHS case study highlight the potential for VHS to spread to 96% of sites over a 10 year time horizon if no disease controls are applied. Epidemiological impact is significantly reduced when live fish movement restrictions are placed on the most connected sites and further still, when disease controls, representative of current disease control policy in England and Wales, are applied. The importance of specific disease control measures, particularly contact tracing and disease detection rate, are also highlighted. The merit of this model for evaluation of disease spread and the efficacy of controls, in the context of policy, along with potential for further application and development of the model, for example to include economic parameters, is discussed.

In vitro modelling of the influence of alternative feeds (Hermetia illucens, Arthrospira platensis) on the resistance of different rainbow trout populations (Oncorhynchus mykiss) against the viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus and Yersinia ruckeri.

Replacing fishmeal, a finite resource with high market demand, in the diet of carnivorous rainbow trout with proteins from alternative sources may be a challenge for these fish. Therefore, this study investigated whether replacing fishmeal with protein derived from Hermetia illucens or Arthrospira platensis could promote disease susceptibility in local trout populations with different growth performance. This was assessed in vitro by measuring susceptibility to infection with the viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus (VHSV) or the bacterium Yersinia ruckeri. Analysis of fin tissue explants and primary cell cultures from scales from the three trout populations infected in vitro with VHSV and gill explants infected with Y. ruckeri showed no significant differences in virus replication or bacterial counts. Evaluation of the virucidal or bactericidal effect of skin mucus showed a significant reduction in viral load and bacterial count for all samples with mucus addition, but no significant difference was observed between the experimental groups. This study documents no apparent impairment of innate immune mechanisms in the skin and gills of trout after feeding a diet replacing fishmeal with Arthrospira or Hermetia proteins. This underlines the potential of these alternative protein sources for the further development of sustainable trout aquaculture.

Haemophilus influenzae septicaemia and urinary tract infection associated with nefrocalcinosis: case report.

Haemophilus influenzae is an uncommon uropathogen with fastidious growth requirements, which must be taken into consideration in the diagnostic process. We present a rare case of urosepsis with H. influenzae in a young patient with nefrocalcinosis.

Pseudomonas putida bacteremia secondary to a soft tissue wound: A case report.

Pseudomonas putida is an uncommon cause of bacteremia, that usually seeds from multiple sources including soft tissues. Immunocompromised states predispose patients to fulminant infections, and sometimes death. Broad-spectrum antibiotics, such as fourth-generation cephalosporins, are usually indicated for treatment. Herein, we present a 71-year-old gentleman with fever and left leg swelling, found to have P. putida bacteremia. Intravenous (IV) ceftazidime was initiated, yielding clearance of blood cultures and clinical improvement.