Hypertension in children with congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract.

BACKGROUND: Congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) are the most common cause of childhood chronic kidney disease (CKD). We hypothesized that hypertension varies across CAKUT categories and increases the risk of CKD. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study and included cases with a multicystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK, n = 81), unilateral kidney agenesis (UKA, n = 47), kidney hypoplasia (KH, n = 130), and posterior urethral valves (PUV, n = 75). Hypertension was defined as systolic or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 95th percentile for age, sex and height, and CKD as an estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2, both at 2 consecutive clinic visits at least 3 months apart. RESULTS: Sixty-two (19%) out of 333 cases developed hypertension, with significant difference according to CAKUT type. Patients with smaller kidney size (7.7 vs. 8.3, p = 0.045), kidney anomalies in addition to the primary diagnosis (aCAKUT) (53 vs. 38%, p = 0.03), proteinuria (46 vs. 12%, p < 0.001), and CKD (51 vs. 23%, p < 0.001) were more likely to develop hypertension. When adjusted for kidney size, the diagnoses of PUV (OR 10.9, 95%CI 3.0, 40.5), UKA (OR 6.4, 95%CI 1.6, 24.9) and KH (OR 4.2, 95%CI 1.1, 16.1), and aCAKUT (OR 2.1, 95%CI 1.2, 3.9) were independent risk factors for hypertension. Hypertension increased the risk of developing CKD by twofold (HR 1.9, 95%CI 1.19, 2.94). CONCLUSION: Hypertension is common in children with CAKUT and increases the risk of CKD. These findings will aid in the development of a standardized clinical pathway for the care of hypertensive children with CAKUT.

Noninvasive testing for mycophenolate exposure in children with renal transplant using urinary metabolomics.

BACKGROUND: Despite the common use of mycophenolate in pediatric renal transplantation, lack of effective therapeuic drug monitoring increases uncertainty over optimal drug exposure and risk for adverse reactions. This study aims to develop a novel urine test to estimate MPA exposure based using metabolomics. METHODS: Urine samples obtained on the same day of MPA pharmacokinetic testing from two prospective cohorts of pediatric kidney transplant recipients were assayed for 133 unique metabolites by mass spectrometry. Partial least squares (PLS) discriminate analysis was used to develop a top 10 urinary metabolite classifier that estimates MPA exposure. An independent cohort was used to test pharmacodynamic validity for allograft inflammation (urinary CXCL10 levels) and eGFR ratio (12mo/1mo eGFR) at 1 year. RESULTS: Fifty-two urine samples from separate children (36.5% female, 12.0 ± 5.3 years at transplant) were evaluated at 1.6 ± 2.5 years post-transplant. Using all detected metabolites (n = 90), the classifier exhibited strong association with MPA AUC by principal component regression (r = 0.56, p < .001) and PLS (r = 0.75, p < .001). A practical classifier (top 10 metabolites; r = 0.64, p < .001) retained similar accuracy after cross-validation (LOOCV; r = 0.52, p < .001). When applied to an independent cohort (n = 97 patients, 1053 samples), estimated mean MPA exposure over Year 1 was inversely associated with mean urinary CXCL10:Cr (r = -0.28, 95% CI -0.45, -0.08) and exhibited a trend for association with eGFR ratio (r = 0.35, p = .07), over the same time period. CONCLUSIONS: This urinary metabolite classifier can estimate MPA exposure and correlates with allograft inflammation. Future studies with larger samples are required to validate and evaluate its clinical application.

Correction to: Ruptured PICA aneurysms: presentation and treatment outcomes compared to other posterior circulation aneurysms. A Swiss SOS study.

Incorrect authorgroup and authorname.

Ruptured PICA aneurysms: presentation and treatment outcomes compared to other posterior circulation aneurysms. A Swiss SOS study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Aneurysms of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) are relatively uncommon and evidence is sparse about patients presenting with ruptured PICA aneurysms. We performed an analysis of the Swiss SOS national registry to describe clinical presentation, treatment pattern, and neurological outcome of patients with ruptured PICA aneurysms compared with other ruptured posterior circulation (PC) aneurysms. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of anonymized data from the Swiss SOS registry (Swiss Study on Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage; 2009-2014). Patients with ruptured PC aneurysms were subdivided into a PICA and non-PICA group. Clinical, radiological, and treatment-related variables were identified, and their impact on the neurological outcome was determined in terms of modified Rankin score at discharge and at 1 year of follow-up for the two groups. RESULTS: Data from 1864 aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage patients were reviewed. There were 264 patients with a ruptured PC aneurysm. Seventy-four PICA aneurysms represented 28% of the series; clinical and radiological characteristics at admission were comparable between the PICA and non-PICA group. Surgical treatment was accomplished in 28% of patients in the PICA group and in the 4.8% of patients in the non-PICA group. No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of complications after treatment. Hydrocephalus requiring definitive shunt was needed in 21.6% of PICA patients (p = 0.6); cranial nerve deficit was present in average a quarter of the patients in both PICA and non-PICA group with no statistical difference (p = 0.3). A more favorable outcome (66.2%) was reported in the PICA group at discharge (p < 0.05) but this difference faded over time with a similar neurological outcome at 1-year follow-up (p = 0.09) between both PICA and non-PICA group. The Kaplan-Meyer estimation showed no significant difference in the mortality rate between both groups (p = 0.08). CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, patients with ruptured PICA aneurysms had a favorable neurological outcome in more than two thirds of cases, similar to patients with other ruptured PC aneurysms. Surgical treatment remains a valid option in a third of cases with ruptured PICA aneurysms.

Mixed infection of peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) and other respiratory viruses in dromedary camels in Sudan, an abattoir study.

This study was intended to determine the role played by peste des petits ruminants (PPR) in causing respiratory infections in camels and its association with other respiratory viruses. A total of 474 lung specimens showing pneumonia were collected from clinically healthy camels in slaughterhouses at five different areas in Sudan. Using immunocapture ELISA (IcELISA), 214 specimens (45.1 %) were found to be positive for PPR antigen. The highest prevalence was found in central Sudan (59.9 %) then northern Sudan (56.6 %) and eastern Sudan (26.6 %). Parainfluenza virus 3 (PIV 3), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), bovine herpes virus-1 (BHV-1), bovine viral diarrhea (BVD), and adenovirus were detected in 4.4, 2.9, 2.0, 9.0, and 1.3 % of the specimens, respectively. PPR antigen was found in about 50 % of specimens that showed positive result for other viral antigens. Twenty-five of 28 BVD, 15 of 16 PIV3, 8 of 12 RSV, 4 of 4 adenovirus, and 4 of 5 BHV-1 were found in association with other respiratory antigens. Results revealed the existence of PPRV infection in dromedary camels in Sudan and present evidence for mixed virus infection, suggesting that respiratory infections in camels might be exacerbated by PPRV.

Historical demographic profiles and genetic variation of the East African Butana and Kenana indigenous dairy zebu cattle.

Butana and Kenana breeds from Sudan are part of the East African zebu Bos indicus type of cattle. Unlike other indigenous zebu cattle in Africa, they are unique due to their reputation for high milk production and are regarded as dairy cattle, the only ones of their kind on the African continent. In this study, we sequenced the complete mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) D-loop of 70 animals to understand the maternal genetic variation, demographic profiles and history of the two breeds in relation to the history of cattle pastoralism on the African continent. Only taurine mtDNA sequences were identified. We found very high mtDNA diversity but low level of maternal genetic structure within and between the two breeds. Bayesian coalescent-based analysis revealed different historical and demographic profiles for the two breeds, with an earlier population expansion in the Butana vis a vis the Kenana. The maternal ancestral populations of the two breeds may have diverged prior to their introduction into the African continent, with first the arrival of the ancestral Butana population. We also reveal distinct demographic history between the two breeds with the Butana showing a decline in its effective population size (Ne ) in the recent past ~590 years. Our results provide new insights on the early history of cattle pastoralism in Sudan indicative of a large ancient effective population size.

Multidisciplinary and Coordinated Management of Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures: Current State of the Art.

Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) present a significant health concern, affecting a substantial portion of the older adult population worldwide. This narrative review explores the prevalence, diagnostic challenges and management strategies for OVCFs. Despite the increasing incidence and impact on morbidity and mortality, existing clinical guidelines lack consistency and clear diagnostic and therapeutic recommendations. The review addresses key questions faced by physicians dealing with older adult patients experiencing acute back pain, offering insights into triage, radiological assessments and classification systems. We propose a comprehensive algorithm for clearing OVCF, considering clinical presentation, radiological findings and morphological aspects. Emphasis is placed on the importance of medically treating osteoporosis alongside OVCF management. The review encompasses relevant literature from 1993 to 2023, provides a detailed discussion on triage issues and incorporates a clinically oriented classification system developed by the German Society for Orthopaedics and Trauma. The Material and Methods section outlines the extensive literature search carried out in PUBMED, encompassing clinical and experimental studies, systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The articles retained focused mainly on answering critical questions regarding radiological assessments, imaging modalities and the presence of a specific classification system for OVCFs. The review emphasises that the evaluation and management of OVCFs necessitates a multidisciplinary approach involving spine specialists and bone disease experts. It also addresses the role of conservative versus surgical treatments, with a focus on percutaneous vertebral augmentation. The conclusion summarises the algorithm derived for use in emergency departments and general practice, aiming to streamline OVCF management, reduce unnecessary examinations and ensure optimal patient care. The algorithm recommends primary diagnosis using computed tomography, with magnetic resonance imaging reserved for specific cases. The review advocates a holistic approach, integrating medical and surgical interventions to address the complex challenges posed by OVCFs in ageing populations.

Volume of Enlarged White Matter of Thalamus among Individuals with Depression on Magnetic Resonance Image: A Study of BrainSuite Segmentation.

Background: The thalamus, located in the diencephalon, regulates emotions and memories. If there is a problem in this area of the brain, it can cause an amnestic syndrome characterized by difficulties in remembering and recognizing things. The objective of this study was to identify changes in the volume of the thalamus while contrasting them among individuals with depression. Materials and Methods: The study involved measuring the volumes of the white matter of the thalamus in 79 patients with depression (42 males and 37 females) between 20 and 40 years (24 ± 5.51). This was compared to a control group of 53 individuals (24 ± 4.91) consisting of 29 males and 24 females, who were comparable in terms of sex and age. The measurements were taken employing BrainSuite version 18a. 021 Win 64bit software on a Philips 1.5 Tesla Magnetom Avanto Vision System magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The Magnetization Prepared Rapid Acquisition (MPRA) was utilized to acquire three-dimensional images with T1 weighting. Results: The volume of white matter in the respective right and left thalamus was 5.09 cm3 and 4.58 cm3 (±standard deviation (SD) = 6.43 and 4.74) among individuals with depression. In the control group, the volume of white matter in the right and left thalamus was 3.66 cm3 and 4.16 cm3 (±SD = 3.99 and 5.06), respectively. The P-value is more than 0.05. The average volume of white matter in the right and left thalamus of females with depression and controls was 6.47 cm3 and 6.77 cm3 (with SD of 4.17 and 4.3), and 3.25 cm3 and 3.13 cm3 (with SD of 6.55 and 6.77), respectively. Conclusions: Our data suggest that individuals with depression exhibit an augmentation in the white matter of the thalamus, particularly in female patients where there is an upsurge in white matter volume. Depression appears to be linked to a decrease in volume on the left side of the brain.

A Pediatric Case of Reninoma Presenting with Paraneoplastic SIADH.

INTRODUCTION: A reninoma (juxtaglomerular cell tumour) is a rare cause of secondary hypertension that can present with headaches alongside the triad of severe hypertension, hypokalemia, and metabolic alkalosis. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe a case of a 15-year-old previously healthy girl who presented with headaches and hypertensive urgency who had severe hypokalemia, moderate hyponatremia and elevated aldosterone and renin levels. Abdominal ultrasound and MRI with contrast revealed a unilateral mass localized to the right kidney. Despite treatment of her hypertension, she had persistent hyponatremia with clinical euvolemia which was consistent with the paraneoplastic syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH). She underwent radical nephrectomy which normalized her blood pressure and aldosterone and renin values. The pathology findings were consistent with a reninoma with a mitotic rate of 1-2 mitoses per 10 high power fields. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Hypertension in the pediatric age group requires work-up to rule out secondary causes. The classic triad of hypertension, hypokalemia, and metabolic alkalosis warrants assessment for aldosterone-mediated hypertension which can be a result of a renin-producing tumour. Curative approach requires surgical resection of the tumour. Reninomas may rarely manifest with a paraneoplastic phenomenon including SIADH, as seen in our case. Although reninomas are benign tumours, there are also a few reports of malignant transformation and metastases. Features uncommon in reninomas such as mitotic activity warrant long-term surveillance.

Development of a loop-mediated isothermal amplification method for detection of Theileria lestoquardi.

A loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay was developed for the diagnosis of Theileria lestoquardi infection. The primers were designed based on the clone-5 sequence of T. lestoquardi. The specificity and sensitivity of the assay were established. Analysis of the specificity showed that the selected LAMP primers amplified the target sequence from T. lestoquardi DNA successfully, while no amplification was seen with DNA from Theileria annulata, Theileria ovis, Babesia ovis, Anaplasma ovis, or ovine genomic DNA. The specificity of the LAMP product was further confirmed by restriction digestion and sequencing. The sensitivity of the LAMP assay was analyzed in comparison to PCR resulting in a detection limit of 10 fg/µl of plasmid DNA containing the clone-5 sequence. The suitability for utilizing the LAMP assay in the field for the diagnosis of T. lestoquardi infection was tested on 100 field samples collected in Sudan and compared with results obtained by PCR. The relative specificity and sensitivity of the established LAMP assay was determined to be 92.1% and 87.5%, respectively, indicating that it may be regarded as an alternative molecular diagnostic tool to PCR which could be used for epidemiological surveys on T. lestoquardi infection.

A study on transmission of Peste des petits ruminants virus between dromedary camels and small ruminants.

INTRODUCTION: In recent years Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) disease caused several epidemics in a wide range of susceptible hosts. The ability of the peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) to cross the species barrier necessitates further research, particularly on disease circulation and cross-species transmission between typical and atypical hosts to guide and facilitate the eradication program anticipated by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) in 2030. The aim of this study is to explore the role of dromedary camels as transmitters for PPR. METHODOLOGY: Four experiments were carried out on clinically healthy seronegative camels, sheep and goats. In experiment I, the animals were inoculated with a PPR- positive suspension of camel pneumonic lung homogenate. In the other three experiments either sheep and goats were inoculated and after three days were housed with camels or vice versa. RESULTS: Marked clinical signs suggestive of PPR were seen in sheep and goats while camels showed mild infection. Severe clinical signs of PPR were seen in sheep and goats when kept with inoculated camels. Postmortem examination revealed PPR lesions in all inoculated animals including camels. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that dromedary camels infected with PPRV can transmit the disease to sheep and goats, even when they developed mild clinical signs.

Longitudinal neuropsychological assessment after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage and its relationship with delayed cerebral ischemia: a prospective Swiss multicenter study.

OBJECTIVE: While prior retrospective studies have suggested that delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) is a predictor of neuropsychological deficits after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), all studies to date have shown a high risk of bias. This study was designed to determine the impact of DCI on the longitudinal neuropsychological outcome after aSAH, and importantly, it includes a baseline examination after aSAH but before DCI onset to reduce the risk of bias. METHODS: In a prospective, multicenter study (8 Swiss centers), 112 consecutive alert patients underwent serial neuropsychological assessments (Montreal Cognitive Assessment [MoCA]) before and after the DCI period (first assessment, < 72 hours after aSAH; second, 14 days after aSAH; third, 3 months after aSAH). The authors compared standardized MoCA scores and determined the likelihood for a clinically meaningful decline of ≥ 2 points from baseline in patients with DCI versus those without. RESULTS: The authors screened 519 patients, enrolled 128, and obtained complete data in 112 (87.5%; mean [± SD] age 53.9 ± 13.9 years; 66.1% female; 73% World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies [WFNS] grade I, 17% WFNS grade II, 10% WFNS grades III-V), of whom 30 (26.8%) developed DCI. MoCA z-scores were worse in the DCI group at baseline (-2.6 vs -1.4, p = 0.013) and 14 days (-3.4 vs -0.9, p < 0.001), and 3 months (-0.8 vs 0.0, p = 0.037) after aSAH. Patients with DCI were more likely to experience a decline of ≥ 2 points in MoCA score at 14 days after aSAH (adjusted OR [aOR] 3.02, 95% CI 1.07-8.54; p = 0.037), but the likelihood was similar to that in patients without DCI at 3 months after aSAH (aOR 1.58, 95% CI 0.28-8.89; p = 0.606). CONCLUSIONS: Aneurysmal SAH patients experiencing DCI have worse neuropsychological function before and until 3 months after the DCI period. DCI itself is responsible for a temporary and clinically meaningful decline in neuropsychological function, but its effect on the MoCA score could not be measured at the time of the 3-month follow-up in patients with low-grade aSAH with little or no impairment of consciousness. Whether these findings can be extrapolated to patients with high-grade aSAH remains unclear. Clinical trial registration no.: NCT03032471 (ClinicalTrials.gov).

Asian lineage of peste des petits ruminants virus, Africa.

Interest in peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) has been stimulated by recent changes in its host and geographic distribution. For this study, biological specimens were collected from camels, sheep, and goats clinically suspected of having PPRV infection in Sudan during 2000-2009 and from sheep soon after the first reported outbreaks in Morocco in 2008. Reverse transcription PCR analysis confirmed the wide distribution of PPRV throughout Sudan and spread of the virus in Morocco. Molecular typing of 32 samples positive for PPRV provided strong evidence of the introduction and broad spread of Asian lineage IV. This lineage was defined further by 2 subclusters; one consisted of camel and goat isolates and some of the sheep isolates, while the other contained only sheep isolates, a finding with suggests a genetic bias according to the host. This study provides evidence of the recent spread of PPRV lineage IV in Africa.

First confirmed report of outbreak of malignant ovine theileriosis among goats in Sudan.

An outbreak of malignant ovine theileriosis among goats was confirmed and documented. In this outbreak, 16 out of 22 (72.7%) goats died within 4 days showing clinical signs of malignant ovine theileriosis as well as in the postmortem findings. The goats were reared in a mixed flock with sheep in Atbara Town, Northern Sudan. The infection was detected microscopically and confirmed serologically by IFA test and molecularly by PCR technique using specific primer for Theileria lestoquardi. Hyalomma anatolicum was the most prevalent (dominant) tick species found in the farm. It is recommended to undertake future research on the role of goats on the epidemiology of malignant ovine theileriosis.

Population Genetic Analysis and Sub-Structuring of Theileria annulata in Sudan.

Theileria annulata, which causes tropical theileriosis, is a major impediment to improving cattle production in Sudan. Tropical theileriosis disease is prevalent in the north and central regions of Sudan. Outbreaks of the disease have been observed outside the known endemic areas, in east and west regions of the country, due to changes in tick vector distribution and animal movement. A live schizont attenuated vaccination based on tissue culture technology has been developed to control the disease. The parasite in the field as well as the vaccine strain need to be genotyped before the vaccinations are practiced, in order to be able to monitor any breakthrough or breakdown, if any, after the deployment of the vaccine in the field. Nine microsatellite markers were used to genotype 246 field samples positive for T. annulata DNA and the vaccine strain. North and central populations have a higher multiplicity of infection than east and west populations. The examination of principal components showed two sub-structures with a mix of all four populations in both clusters and the vaccine strain used being aligned with left-lower cluster. Only the north population was in linkage equilibrium, while the other populations were in linkage disequilibrium, and linkage equilibrium was found when all samples were regarded as single population. The genetic identity of the vaccine and field samples was 0.62 with the north population and 0.39 with west population. Overall, genetic investigations of four T. annulata populations in Sudan revealed substantial intermixing, with only two groups exhibiting regional origin independence. In the four geographically distant regions analyzed, there was a high level of genetic variation within each population. The findings show that the live schizont attenuated vaccine, Atbara strain may be acceptable for use in all Sudanese regions where tropical theileriosis occurs.

Experimental transmission of Theileria lestoquardi by developmental stages of Hyalomma anatolicum ticks.

Theileria-free Hyalomma anatolicum larvae were fed on a naturally infected sheep with Theileria lestoquardi. Resulting flat nymphs of the tick were able to transmit T. lestoquardi infection upon feeding to 3/3 susceptible sheep. Adults emerging from the same batch of larvae were also infective to 3/3 susceptible sheep when they had the infection during their larval feeding. Transmission of T. lestoquardi to sheep was confirmed through clinical monitoring, examination of blood and lymph node biopsy smears, serology using indirect immunoflourescent test, and molecular using polymerase chain reaction technique.

The first report on the prevalence of pestivirus infection in camels in Sudan.

The role of pestivirus particularly bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) in causing respiratory infections in camels was studied in four different localities in Sudan. The evaluation was carried out using ELISA, and positive specimens were further tested using direct fluorescent antibody technique (FAT) and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for confirmation. The overall detected seroprevalence of BVD in camel sera was 84.6% with the highest prevalence in Western Sudan (92.5%) and with most of positives showing 2+ and 3+ titer. Out of 186 lung specimens examined for BVDV antigen, 13 were found positive (7%) with the highest prevalence in Central Sudan. All ELISA-positive specimens were positive using FAT and RT-PCR. To our knowledge, this is the first report for the detection of BVDV antigen and antibodies in camels in Sudan.

Carotid-Cavernous Fistula After Transsphenoidal Surgery: A Rare but Challenging Complication.

BACKGROUND: Carotid-cavernous fistula (CCF) is a rare complication after transsphenoidal surgery. METHODS: The aim of this article is to report a case of CCF after the endoscopic resection of a growth hormone secreting pituitary microadenoma, and to discuss and review all the cases of CCF secondary to transsphenoidal procedures described in literature. RESULTS: A patient aged 74 years was operated for a growth hormone pituitary microadenoma through an endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery. During the procedure, a copious bleeding from the left cavernous sinus was managed with hemostatic material. A direct CCF was diagnosed and managed with transvenous and transarterial coiling. A complete exclusion of the fistula was possible, and the patency of the internal carotid artery was maintained. A total of 9 other cases have been reported. A transsphenoidal approach was performed for sellar tumors in 6 cases, and for chronic sinusitis in 2 cases. In 7 cases, intraoperative hemorrhage was reported, which could be controlled in 5 cases. The postoperative diagnosis of CCF was immediate in 5 cases. Patients presented with persistent bleeding after nasal unpacking or later with chemosis and proptosis. Cerebral angiography was the gold standard for the diagnosis. Eight cases were successfully treated through endovascular techniques with no recurrence observed at follow-up (mean of 15 months). No major neurologic complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: CCF should be suspected with every abnormal bleeding after transsphenoidal surgeries, even when the symptoms are mild. Diagnostic arteriography and endovascular treatment represent the mainstay of the management, and an early diagnosis strongly improves the prognosis.

Congenital radioulnar synostosis presenting in adulthood - a case report.

Congenital radioulnar synostosis is a rare developmental skeletal malformation of the upper limb, characterized by the fusion of the proximal ends of the radius and ulna from birth. The failure of prenatal longitudinal segmentation of the adjacent radius and ulna results in a fibrous bony bridge between the radius and ulna. We present a 23-year-old female who presented with pain and restricted mobility of the left elbow joint for 7 years. A plain X-ray was performed for the patient, revealing a diagnosis of congenital radio-ulnar synostosis. Careful evaluation of the anatomical relations and spatial orientation of bony structures is required for the diagnosis and treatment of such cases.

Prevalence of Antibodies to Simbu Serogroup Viruses in Cattle in Sudan.

The Simbu serogroup is one of the serogroups that belong to the Orthobunyavirus genus of the family Peribunyaviridae. Simbu serogroup viruses are transmitted mainly by Culicoides biting midges. Meager information is available on Simbu serogroup virus infection in ruminants in Sudan. Therefore, in this study, serological surveillance of Simbu serogroup viruses in cattle in seven states in Sudan was conducted during the period from May, 2015, to March, 2016, to shed some light on the prevalence of this group of viruses in our country. Using a cross-sectional design, 184 cattle sera were collected and tested by a commercial SBV ELISA kit which enables the detection of antibodies against various Simbu serogroup viruses. The results showed an overall 86.4% prevalence of antibodies to Simbu serogroup viruses in cattle in Sudan. Univariate analysis showed a significant association (p=0.007) between ELISA seropositivity and states where samples were collected. This study suggests that Simbu serogroup virus infection is present in cattle in Sudan. Further epizootiological investigations on Simbu serogroup viruses infection and virus species involved are warranted.