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Coxiellosis in animals is caused by the zoonotic pathogen, Coxiella burnetii. Although the disease is of public health importance it remains underdiagnosed and underreported. The cross- sectional study was aimed to estimate the occurrence of the disease in livestock of study area and also to identify the risk factors associated with the disease in animals. Blood, serum, and vaginal swabs samples were collected from 200 ruminants (cattle, sheep, and goats), across various farms in Karnataka, India. These samples were then screened using ELISA and PCR (com1 and IS1111). A questionnaire was administered to the farm owners to collect the risk factor-related information. About 5.26 % cattle, 12.3 % sheep, and 12.5 % goats were positive by ELISA. By PCR, 9.47 % cattle, 9.3 % sheep, and 10 % goats were positive. Overall, the occurrence of 14.73 %, 18.46 % and 17.5 % was estimated in cattle, sheep and goat, respectively. PCR targeting the IS1111 gene detected higher number of samples as positive as compared to the com1 gene PCR. Higher number of vaginal swab samples were detected as positive as compared to blood. History of reproductive disorders (OR: 4.30; 95 %CI:1.95- 9.46), abortion (OR: 30.94; 95 %CI:6.30- 151.84) and repeat breeding (OR:11.36; 95 %CI:4.16- 30.99) were significantly associated with coxiellosis (p < 0.005). Multivariable analysis by logistic regression model analysis suggested retained abortion, repeat breeding and rearing of animal in semi-intensive system as factors significantly associated with the infection. Cultural identification of the PCR positive samples were cultured using embryonated egg propagation and cell culture techniques and positivity was confirmed in six samples. Phylogenetic analysis of the com1 and IS1111 gene revealed clustering based on similar geographic locations. The study estimated the occurrence of the disease in the study area and identified the potential risk factors., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper, (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background & objectives Q fever is an important zoonotic disease affecting humans as well as animals. The objective of this study was to assess the burden of Q fever in individuals with acute febrile illness, particularly those in close contact with animals. Various diagnostic methods were also evaluated in addition to clinical examination analysis and associated risk factors. Methods Individuals presenting with acute febrile illness who had animal exposure were enrolled (n=92) in this study. Serum samples were tested using IgG and IgM phase 2 enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunofluorescence assay (IFA). The PCR targeting the com1 and IS1111 genes was performed on blood samples. PCR amplicons were sequenced and phylogenetically analysed. Demographic data, symptoms, and risk factors were collected through a structured questionnaire. Results Among individuals with acute febrile illness, 34.7 per cent (32 out of 92) were found to be infected with Coxiella burnetii. PCR exhibited the highest sensitivity among the diagnostic methods employed. The most common clinical manifestations included headache, chills, arthralgia, and fatigue. Individuals engaged in daily livestock-rearing activities were found to be at an increased risk of infection. Interpretation & conclusions Q fever is underdiagnosed due to its varied clinical presentations, diagnostic complexities, and lack of awareness. This study underscores the importance of regular screening for Q fever in individuals with acute febrile illness, particularly those with animal exposure. Early diagnosis and increased awareness among healthcare professionals are essential for the timely management and prevention of chronic complications associated with Q fever.

The study comparatively evaluated serological assays, namely, Weil Felix assay, and IgM ELISA with the gold-standard immunofluorescence test (IFAT) for the sensitive and specific serodiagnosis of scrub typhus infection in occupationally exposed groups of humans. A total of 78 serum samples collected from persons affected with various ailments and belonging to different risk groups were screened in the study. Out of the 78 serum samples tested, a total of 17, 26, and 47 samples turned out to be positive by IFAT, IgM ELISA, and Weil Felix test, respectively. The Weil Felix assay could not serve as an ideal test for screening scrub typhus infection owing to its poor sensitivity and specificity in comparison with IFAT. IgM-ELISA could be an initial screening test to detect scrub typhus suspected patient in limited resource settings., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Neurocysticercosis (NCC), one of the most important neuroparasitic diseases in humans, is caused by Cysticercus cellulosae , the metacestode stage of digenetic zoonotic cestode Taenia solium . The present study aims at the detection of anti-cysticercus antibodies in the sera of epileptic patients (n=26) visiting a tertiary care hospital in Nagpur, Maharashtra state, India, by an in-house developed indirect IgG-ELISA and enzyme-linked immunoelectro transfer blot (EITB) assay using different antigens (namely, Whole Cyst Antigen (WCA), Cystic Fluid Antigen (CFA), Scolex Antigen (SA), Excretory-Secretory Antigen (ESA) and Membrane-Body Antigen (MBA)) prepared from T. solium metacestodes to find out the status of NCC. An attempt has also been made for molecular detection of NCC from blood samples of those patients by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assay targeted at large subunit rRNA gene of T. solium . The IgG ELISA level of anti-cysticercus antibodies against WCA, CFA, SA, ESA and MBA antigens were as follows: 19.23 %, 23.07 %, 38.46 %, 30.76 % and 15.38 %. The seroreactivity to CFA, SA and ESA was found in equal proportions in patients with ring-enhancing lesions. In the EITB assay, the lower and medium molecular weight protein bands of SA and ESA were immunodominant compared to the higher WCA and CFA peptides. PCR positivity could be observed in 34.6 % (9/26) of the patients under study. It is the first report of detecting NCC among epileptic patients of the Nagpur region of Maharashtra state in India using serological and molecular tools., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest The authors state no conflict of interest., (© 2023 K. Satyaprakash et al., published by Sciendo.)

Background: Porcine cysticercosis, caused by metacestodes of Taenia solium is an important neglected zoonosis. We evaluated the presence of anti-cysticercal antibodies and T. solium specific DNA in pig sera and blood samples respectively collected from Maharashtra, India., Methods: A total of three antigens (Scolex Antigen (SA), Membrane Body Antigen (MBA) and Excretory-Secretory Antigen (ESA)) were prepared from metacestodes of T. solium and employed in an in-house developed indirect-IgG ELISA for serological screening of 1000 porcine sera samples at Department of Veterinary Public Health, Nagpur Veterinary College, Maharashtra, India. The ELISA positive sera samples were subjected to EITB Assay for detection of immunodominant peptides. An effort has been made for molecular detection of porcine cysticercosis by PCR assay targeting large subunit rRNA gene of T. solium from blood samples of the corresponding ELISA-positive pigs., Results: The overall seroprevalence of porcine cysticercosis employing SA, MBA and ESA was 12.6%, 8.7% and 12.5% respectively. The lower and medium molecular weight peptides were the most frequently recognised in EITB assay. The numbers of bands recognised in EITB assay were observed to be proportionate with the corresponding ELISA O.D. values. An amplification product of 286 bp was observed in 22.98% (20/87), 30.35% (30/99) and 17.14% (12/70) of the sero-positive samples against SA, ESA and MBA respectively., Conclusion: EITB still remains the gold standard serodiagnosis test for cysticercosis. The inclusion of a greater number of positive samples and purification of antigens may improve the diagnostic efficacy of the tests., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Satyaprakash et al. Published by Tehran University of Medical Sciences.)

The current study established a research mapping of the vaccine design using bibliometric indicators and network visualization. For an analysis of the result, the study retrieved a total of 5379 documents from Scopus from 1983 to 2021. The study used the VOS Viewer and the RStudio tools for data visualization. The findings revealed that there has been significant growth in literature on vaccine design in the last two decades; in the last ten years, the year with the most publications were 2020, with 477 publications, and the highest had a total of 14,145 citations. D.R. Burton was ranked as the most prolific author, with 86 publications and 18,449 total citations and was observed as the most frequently published author in the domain. The National Institute of Health (NIH) was the most productive organization in the domain, with 266 publications. The document entitled "Genome analysis of multiple pathogenic isolates of Streptococcus agalactiae" received a total of 1398 citations, and was the most cited document in the field of vaccine design. In network visualization, an analysis of the co-occurrence of keywords showed that "vaccine" and "vaccine design" occurred the most, which was 761 and 335 times, respectively. The study also observed that there were five clusters of author collaboration with a maximum of 18 authors and a minimum of two authors. The findings of the study will aid scholarly coalitions in the domains of medicine and health, information science and bibliometric professionals to carry out further research in the area of vaccine design.

Aim: To estimate prevalence and causes of avoidable blindness among people ≥50 years and to assess willingness to pay (WTP) for cataract surgery in tribal region of south Gujarat, India., Methods: A cross-sectional population based survey was conducted with 44 randomly selected clusters each having 50 people aged ≥50 years selected by probability proportional to size of sampling. Adults identified with cataract causing visual loss (<6/18) in any eye were interviewed to assess their WTP for surgery., Results: Total of 2137 examined out of 2200 people enumerated (response rate 97.1%). The prevalence of blindness (Presenting Visual Acuity (PVA)<3/60 in better eye) was 2.23% (95% CI: 2.95%-1.51%). Cataract was main cause of blindness (67.3%) followed by corneal scarring (8.2%). Major barrier to cataract surgery cited by bilaterally blind people was lack of escort to the surgical facility (34.3%). Cataract surgical coverage (CSC) was 84.9% (eyes) and 92% (persons). Of the 492 people interviewed to assess WTP for their surgery, only 36.4% people were willing to pay., Conclusion: The tribal population has a high poverty profile in India. Within this group, cataract remains the main treatable cause of blindness despite a high CSC. Assessment of barriers suggested that a well-coordinated outreach programme with free transport facilities to the surgical facility is required along with strategies to improve accessibility and prioritising cataract blind in the community. One-third of people were willing to pay for their surgeries implying that cross subsidization or tier system could be feasible for eye care programme sustainability.

Background & Objectives: Issues such as emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, food security, biosafety and biosecurity are associated with changes in land use, population growth, urbanization, global travel and trade and climate change. As a result, a trans-disciplinary approach among human, animal and environmental health disciplines gained support. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) decided to establish a National Institute of One Health at Nagpur, Maharashtra, India. In this context, two collaborative research projects, funded by the ICAR and ICMR were initiated to conduct the epidemiological surveillance of selected zoonotic diseases in Central India., Methods: Disease surveillance and molecular detection employing standard techniques like enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immuno-fluroscent assay (IFA), standard tube agglutination test (STAT) , Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were undertaken based on the disease to be screened., Results: In animals, the seropositivities for listeriosis (7.66%) and brucellosis (11.69%) were recorded. The occurrence of tuberculosis (3.8%) and leptospirosis (6.33%) was detected by PCR. Through cross-sectional studies from suspected human population with associated risk factors for zoonotic diseases, the seropositivity of brucellosis (1.83-11%), listeriosis (1.01-10.18 %), leptospirosis (8.14-12.67%) and scrub typhus (1.78-20.34%) was recorded. The investigations on scrub typhus indicated bimodal pattern during the months of pre-monsoon and post-monsoon season with a peak in post-monsoon in human cases. Ornithonyssus bacoti mites were identified from the rodents as a vector harbouring Orientia tsutsugamushi. The bovine tuberculosis was detected in 1.43 per cent human cases employing molecular assay., Interpretation & Conclusions: The data indicated the occurrence of important zoonotic diseases adversely affecting the livestock health and human wellbeing. The scientific collaboration between veterinary and medical faculties has set an example for effective implementation of One Health (OH) programme for the establishment of National Institute of OH., Competing Interests: None

Objective: Periodontitis is an oral disease categorized by disturbance of periodontal tissue and the creation of periodontal pockets. Thymol (TH) loaded microsponge in situ gelling systems was formulated for local action in the periodontal cavity for the management of periodontitis., Methods: Solvent evaporation technique was utilized for the preparation of microsponges. A Fractional Factorial Design (FFD) was used to screen the high risk variables impacting the characteristics of the (TH) microsponges and further optimized using Box-Behnken design. The optimized microsponges were then characterized by DSC, SEM, antimicrobial activity, in-vitro release, and then incorporated in the in situ gelling system. A ligature model was used to induce periodontitis in Sprague Dawley rats., Results: The microsponges showed good characteristics, such as particle size, entrapment efficiency, and mucoadhesiveness of 45 μm, 92.99 ± 0.2%, 96 ± 0.26%, respectively. SEM revealed the spherical morphology of the microsponges with sustained release of TH for 10h and antimicrobial activity against S. mutans and C. albicans . Treatment with Thymol Loaded in situ Gel (THLMG) showed a decrease in gingival inflammation and tooth mobility as well as in serum biochemical parameters like serum Creactive proteins, leucocyte count, alkaline phosphatase, and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase, when compared to disease group. The histopathological study of the periodontium confirmed a significant reduction of inflammation and alveolar bone destruction ( p <0.05) in rats., Conclusion: THLMG decreased the infiltration of inflammatory cells and prevented osteoclastogenesis and osteoblast apoptosis, which further favored a decrease in inflammation and alveolar bone loss in periodontitis. Thus, THLMG could be a better alternative to synthetic antimicrobials and antibiotics to treat periodontitis., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Aim: To study the association of opportunistic infection due to Myroides odoratimimus in piglets immunocompromised by porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) infection., Methods and Results: The clinical samples (n = 101) were analysed bacteriologically. The isolates were identified by their phenotypes and MALDI TOF-MS analysis as Myroides species. The phylogram constructed based on nucleotide sequences of the 16S rRNA gene showed identity (~99%) with the M. odoratimimus isolates. The minimum inhibitory concentration values for antibiotics revealed M. odoratimimus to be resistant against carbapenem, cephalosporins, aminoglycosides and fluoroquinolones. The presence of PCV2 in affected tissue samples was confirmed by amplification of the 565 bp region of ORF2 of the PCV2 genome. The topology of the phylogenetic tree grouped the PCV2 with cluster-2d., Conclusions: PCV2 being immunosuppressive in nature might have impaired the immunity thereby increasing the susceptibility of immunocompromised piglets to opportunistic pathogens such as M. odoratimimus leading to disease severity and high mortality. The M. odoratimimus isolates were found to be multidrug resistant and evidenced for uncertain clinical relevance and hence could act as hidden source of public health hazard., Significance and Impact of the Study: Myroides odoratimimus is a rarely reported human pathogen. We reported the incidence of infection due to seemingly rare isolates of M. odoratimimus causing an outbreak of pneumonia in piglets. This appears, to the best of authors' knowledge, to be the first outbreak due to Myroides recorded in animal clinical cases described in the literature., (© 2019 The Society for Applied Microbiology.)

Orientia tsutsugamushi, the causative agent of scrub typhus, is an obligate intracytosolic bacterium transmitted among humans and small mammals by some species of larval trombiculid mites (chiggers). It has been recognized as a pathogen of major public health concern in the Asia-Pacific region. As disease is considered as a neglected, there exists a gap in our knowledge of the disease with regard to the sporadic epidemiologic data in endemic areas. The purpose of the study was to find out the vector as well as pathogen distribution in rodents present in the scrub typhus-reported areas in central India. We studied the seasonal variations of occurrence in O. tsutsugamushi in rodents and mites by molecular detection targeting the 56-kDa and 47-kDa genes. Rodent and mite samples were collected during December 2015 to July 2017. A total of 127 samples from rodents, seven pools of mites, and four pools of fleas were collected and processed for DNA isolation. Nested PCRs targeting the 56-kDa and 47-kDa surface antigen genes were performed. In addition, quantification of bacterial load was done by qPCR targeting the 47-kDa gene. During the pre-monsoon season, O. tsutsugamushi was detected in 12% and 10% samples employing the 56-kDa and 47-kDa nested PCRs, respectively, whereas, during post-monsoon season, the respective detection rates were 13.33% and 26.66%. This study predicted a bimodal pattern during the months of pre-monsoon and post-monsoon season with a peak in post-monsoon. Thus, the impact of season on the perpetuation of O. tsutsugamushi in the host was observed.

Porcine cysticercosis, caused by metacestodes of Taenia solium is an important emerging zoonotic disease with public health and economic significance. Pigs acquire the disease through consumption of Taenia solium eggs excreted by human tapeworm carriers. The present study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of porcine cysticercosis in Nagpur and Mumbai region of Maharashtra, India by P/M examination of carcasses followed by histopathology of affected organs in infected animals and molecular identification of cysts for confirmation. Out of 1000 pigs examined during slaughter, three pigs were found to be heavily affected with T. solium cysts giving a prevalence of 0.3%. Histological section of brain in infected animals revealed marked vascular congestion of meninges, mild neuronal degeneration, perivascular cuffing and gliosis while the liver showed the infiltration of mononuclear cell, predominantly eosinophils throughout the parenchyma. Some degree of calcification was observed in the cysts lodged in liver while calcification was not evident in case of cysts lodged in brain, tongue, diaphragm and skeletal muscle. Molecular identification by PCR using two sets of oligonucleotide primers against LSU rRNA gene and Mt-Cox1 gene of T. solium confirms the cysts to be that of T. solium. The molecular diagnostics methods have been considered for validation in conjunction with P/M inspections, parasitological and histopathological examinations. The study confirms the presence of porcine cysticercosis in the two regions and demands proper sanitary measures to minimize the risk of infection from zoonoses and food safety point of view.

Aim: The study was undertaken to isolate infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) from clinical cases in broiler and cockerel flocks of Maharashtra state, India, and its molecular epidemiological investigation., Materials and Methods: The morbid bursal tissues were collected from flocks suspected for IBD. The samples were subjected for virus adaptation in primary chicken embryo fibroblast (CEF) cells followed by confirmation by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for partial VP 2 sequence and phylogenetic analysis., Results: The isolation of IBDV from field samples took seven blind passages for adaptation in CEF. The cytopathic effects included rounding, aggregation, vacuolation, and detachment of the cells. The RT-PCR showed amplification of 627 bp amplicon specific to the primers for VP 2 gene fragment which confirmed successful adaptation and isolation of IBDV using CEF. The nucleotide and deduced amino acids based on phylogeny clustered the current isolate in a distinct clade with classical virulent and antigenic variants. It showed divergence from very virulent (vv) and vaccine strains of Indian origin. The isolate showed unique amino acid substitution at A329V as compared to all other IBDVs. The variation in key amino acids was reported at A222, I242, Q249, Q253, A256, T270, N279, T284, I286, L294, N299, and V329. It shared conserved amino acids at position A222, I242, and Q253 as reported in vvIBDV isolates. However, the amino acids reported at position T270, N279, T284, L294, and N299 are conserved in classic, antigenic variant and attenuated strains of IBDV. The amino acids at positions N279 and T284 indicated that the isolate has key amino acids for cell culture replication., Conclusion: The IBDV field isolate does not reveal the full nucleotide sequence signature of vvIBDV as well as vaccine strains. Hence, we can conclude that it might not belong to vvIBDVs of Indian origin and the vaccine strain used in the region. This may be suggestive of the evolution of the IBDV in the field due to the coexistence of circulating field strains and live attenuated hot strains, resulting into morbidity and mortality, warranting the need for safer protective vaccines, and implementation of stringent biosecurity measures to minimize loss to farmers.

Two Listeria-like isolates obtained from mangrove swamps in Goa, India were characterized using polyphasic combinations of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and whole-genome sequence (WGS)-based approaches. The isolates presented as short, non-spore-forming, Gram-positive rods, that were non-motile, oxidase-negative, catalase-positive and exhibited α-haemolysis on 5 % sheep- and horse-blood agar plates. The 16S rRNA gene sequences exhibited 93.7-99.7 % nucleotide identity to other Listeria species and had less than 92 % nucleotide identity to species of closely related genera, indicating that the isolates are de facto members of the genus Listeria. Their overall fatty acid composition resembled that of other Listeria species, with quantitative differences in iso C15 : 0, anteiso C15 : 0, iso C16 : 0, C16 : 0, iso C17 : 0 and anteiso C17 : 0 fatty acid profiles. Phylogeny based on 406 core coding DNA sequences grouped these two isolates in a monophyletic clade within the genus Listeria. WGS-based average nucleotide identity and in silico DNA-DNA hybridization values were lower than the recommended cut-off values of 95 and 70 %, respectively, to the other Listeria species, indicating that they are founding members of a novel Listeria species. We suggest the name Listeriagoaensis sp. nov. be created and the type strain is ILCC801 T (=KCTC 33909;=DSM 29886;=MCC 3285).

Coxiella burnetii is one of the most contagious pathogen associated with Q fever in humans, while, ruminants act as important source of infection for humans. In the present cross sectional study, a total of 464 samples were collected from 218 goats comprising of 218 sera, 218 blood and 28 milk from various parts of Chhattisgarh and Odisha region, India. Besides, environmental (33; soil- 4, faecal- 10, feed-6, drainage water- 6, drinking water- 7) and rodent (38) samples were also collected from the premises of the animals. Human sera samples (93) were collected from same sampling area comprised of workers at an organized dairy farm (43), and farmers (50). The samples were subjected to PCR targeting the trans and com1 genes and detection of antibodies using commercial ELISA kits. An overall 14.22% (95% CI: 10.2-19.47%) of the goat samples were positive using either PCR or ELISA. While, by using PCR and ELISA, 11.93% (26/218) and 9.63% (21/218) of the samples were positive for C. burnetii. A higher seropositivity (46.24%; 95% CI: 36.46-56.32%) was observed for antibodies against C. burnetii in samples collected from humans. None of the human, environmental and rodent samples were positive for C. burnetii using PCR. This seems to be the first cross sectional study to focus the hidden threat of coxiellosis among goat population and associated risk factors in India., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Leclercia adecarboxylata, a Gram-negative bacillus of family Enterobacteriaceae, is an uncommonly identified pathogen isolated from environmental and clinical specimens. Most of the human infections are polymicrobial and commonly occur in immunocompromised hosts, although nosocomial infections in immunocompetent hosts have been documented. Here, we describe the case of isolation of Leclercia species as polymicrobial infection from bovine suffering from respiratory distress in Chhattisgarh state of India. The isolates were identified by their phenotypes, 16S rDNA sequencing and MALDI-TOF-MS. The isolate was found to be resistant to aminoglycosides and fluoroquinolone antibiotics and intermediate resistant to cephalosporins and evidenced for uncertain clinical relevance and could act as hidden source of public health hazard., Significance and Impact of the Study: Leclercia adecarboxylata is a rarely reported human pathogen. We report here the case from bovine suffering from respiratory distress; the sample yielded Leclercia species as polymicrobial culture. The isolate was found to be multidrug resistant and evidenced for uncertain clinical relevance and could act as hidden source of public health hazard. The limited literature available on this organism is reviewed, and the potential implications of findings are discussed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of isolation and characterization of multidrug-resistant Leclercia species from animal clinical case from India., (© 2017 The Society for Applied Microbiology.)

Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease worldwide distributed and having the economic as well as public health importance. The prevalence of brucellosis among sheep flock having history of abortions was studied. A total of 229 samples comprising of 157 blood and 72 clinical samples (vaginal swabs) were collected from 157 animals. Clinical samples were processed for the isolation of Brucella melitensis. Serum samples (n = 157) were tested by Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT) and i-ELISA. A total of 68 (43.31%) and 104 (66.24%) samples were positive by RBPT and ELISA, respectively. Brucella isolates (n = 2) were recovered from clinical samples. Both isolates demonstrated amplification for bcsp 31 and IS711 genes. On AMOS PCR, both the isolates amplified at 731 bp, i.e., belongs to B. melitensis species. The incidence of B. melitensis in a migratory flock warns the thorough testing and culling of Brucella-infected sheep from the flock on a continuous basis; otherwise, such incidence will be routine and poor farmers will be at a loss.

Orientia tsutsugamushi, the causative agent of scrub typhus in humans, is an obligate intracytosolic bacterium transmitted among animals and to humans by some species of larval trombiculid mites (chiggers) and is hosted mainly by rodents. In this study, we attempted detection of O. tsutsugamushi from blood and tissue samples of rodents trapped from different locations in Central India using PCR targeting the 56 kDa outer membrane protein gene and the 47 kDa high temperature transmembrane protein gene. A total of 59 rodent samples comprising 38 of blood collected from domestic and public surroundings and 21 of tissue from agricultural farm were included in this study. The 56 kDa outer membrane protein gene was detected from 10 of 59 samples by PCR, and the 47 kDa protein gene was detected from 4 of 59 samples by nested-PCR. Mites collected from the rodents were identified as Ornithonyssus bacoti, and one of five pooled samples was found to be positive for O. tsutsugamushi using PCR targeting 56 kDa outer membrane protein gene. Thus, perpetuation of O. tsutsugamushi among rodents and mites was detected constituting a potential public health concern.

The present study for the first time evaluates the serodiagnostic efficacy of two recombinant antigens namely, listeriolysin O (rLLO) and phosphatidyl-inositol phospholipase C (rPI-PLC). Indirect ELISA with the above recombinant antigens was used on samples collected from bovines (n=106), goats (n=138) and pigs (n=92) having either a history of abortion, emaciation and/or apparently healthy animals. Isolation of Listeria was attempted from the blood samples using USDA-FSIS method. On screening of test sera by rLLO-based ELISA, antibodies against anti-listeriolysin O (ALLO) were observed in goats (22.46%), bovines (15.10%) and pigs (16.31%). As advocated, after adsorption of positive serum samples with streptolysin O (SLO), the seropositivity for ALLO was marginally reduced (p>0.05) in goats (21.73%) and bovines (10.38%), whereas, in pigs the reduction (5.43%) was significant (p<0.05). On the contrary, rPI-PLC-based ELISA revealed higher non-specific seropositivity for antilisterial antibodies in goats (45.65%), bovines (31.13%) and pigs (8.69%). Further, on comparing the seropositivity with isolation rate, of the 16 animals that were culturally-positive for L. monocytogenes, 15 showed ALLO positivity in unadsorbed as well as SLO-adsorbed sera by rLLO-based ELISA, however, rPI-PLC-based ELISA could detect seropositivity in only 5 animals. Moreover, rPI-PLC-based ELISA also showed seropositivity in those animals (7/30) that were culturally positive for other Listeria spp. In conclusion, rLLO can serve as a better antigen than rPI-PLC in ELISA for the serodiagnosis of listeriosis in animals; however, prior adsorption of test sera with SLO is required to avoid false positive results., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Dermatologists should be aware that autoantibody formation may occur after the initiation of biologic therapy. This phenomenon has been referred to as immunogenicity and biologic fatigue. Because of this, patients may experience loss of clinical efficacy to a particular drug. To combat this phenomenon, low-dose immunomodulators may be used in hopes of preventing autoantibodies. We review the current literature and provide a basic treatment algorithm for patients with moderate to severe psoriasis.

Aim: To determine the prevalence, antibiogram and pathogenicity of Salmonella spp. in the common food animals slaughtered for consumption purpose at government approved slaughter houses located in and around Nagpur region during a period of 2010-2012., Materials and Methods: A total of 400 samples comprising 50 each of blood and meat from each slaughtered male cattle, buffaloes, pigs and goats were collected. Isolation was done by pre-enrichment in buffered peptone water and enrichment in Rappaport-Vassiliadis broth with subsequent selective plating onto xylose lysine deoxycholate agar. Presumptive Salmonella colonies were biochemically confirmed and analyzed for pathogenicity by hemolysin production and Congo red dye binding assay (CRDA). An antibiotic sensitivity test was performed to assess the antibiotic resistance pattern of the isolates., Results: A total of 10 isolates of Salmonella spp. from meat (3 from cattle, 1 from buffaloes and 6 from pigs) with an overall prevalence of 5% among food animals was recorded. No isolation was reported from any blood samples. Pathogenicity assays revealed 100% and 80% positivity for CRDA and hemolytic activity, respectively. Antimicrobial sensitivity test showed multi-drug resistance. The overall resistance of 50% was noted for trimethoprim followed by ampicillin (20%). A maximum sensitivity (80%) was reported to gentamycin followed by 40% each to ampicillin and trimethoprim, 30% to amikacin and 10% to kanamycin., Conclusion: The presence of multidrug resistant and potentially pathogenic Salmonella spp. in slaughtered food animals in Nagpur region can be a matter of concern for public health.

Introduction: Microcystic adnexal carcinoma (MAC) is a rare malignant cutaneous neoplasm presenting as a slow-growing, indurated nodule, papule or plaque. Clinically, the lesion can blend into the surrounding skin, obscuring borders and consequently delaying diagnosis histologically. Surgical and histologic techniques that emphasize examination of all margins may optimize management through early diagnosis and prevention of recurrences., Objective: This review aims to assess the current surgical and histology techniques that result in lower rates of tumor recurrence and, consequently, better clinical outcomes., Methods: A literature search of the PubMed database was conducted to identify studies examining wide local excision (WLE), Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS), radiotherapy (RT) and chemotherapy in the treatment of MAC., Results: WLE had a high likelihood of positive margins and local recurrence. MMS was found to have the lowest recurrence rates. Definitive RT could be considered for elderly patients or those who are poor surgical candidates, as large surgical defects may be required to obtain free margins with either WLE or MMS. Chemotherapy was found to be ineffective., Conclusion: Complete margin evaluation with MMS permits complete tumor removal with subsequently low recurrence rate.

Background: Herbal medicines are used by thousands of patients all over the world. However, they can often cause adverse effects. Turmeric, made from the root of Curcuma, longa, is a yellow spice used throughout South Asia for its flavor as well as for its medicinal properties. Curcumin is the main ingredient in turmeric. It is known for downregulating the expression of various proinflammatory cytokines and has been studied for its antiinflammatory mechanism. However, it has also been reported to cause contact dermatitis. Kumkum, a turmeric-based powder applied by Hindu women on their foreheads, has also been found as an allergen., Objective: The authors have reviewed the anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin and reports of contact dermatitis to understand the possible harmful effects of this commonly used spice, while also examining its beneficial role in dermatologic conditions. They aim to increase awareness regarding this common herb and its prevalent use not only in South Asia, but also in North America., Methods: A thorough literature search of the PubMed database was conducted to identify studies that examined the antiinflammatory role of curcumin and its role in contact dermatitis., Results: Eleven studies demonstrate that although curcumin does have antiinflammatory properties, it is an allergen., Conclusion: Curcumin has many valuable properties that can be exploited to treat dermatologic conditions. However, patients and dermatologists must be keen of possible allergic reactions. Further studies are needed to completely understand this widely used herb and its efficacy in dermatology.

Aeromonads are ubiquitous foodborne pathogens with a global distribution. Animal-origin foods and contaminated animals are the main sources of Aeromonas infection to humans. So far little is known about the occurrence of Aeromonas spp. in food-producing animals in India. The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence and seroprevalence of Aeromonas species from 50 each of meat, blood, and sera samples collected from cattle, buffaloes, goats, and pigs slaughtered in and around Nagpur, Central India. Alkaline peptone water and ampicillin dextrin agar were used to isolate Aeromonas spp. An indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was standardized by use of whole-cell antigen (WC) and outer membrane protein (OMP) of Aeromonas hydrophila (MTCC 646). Aeromonads were isolated from 44 (22%) of the meat samples, and 1 (0.5%) from the blood samples. Seroprevalence by indirect ELISA-based WC antigen was estimated as 68% in cattle, 44% in buffaloes, 60% in goats, and 30% in pigs. OMP-based ELISA yielded a seroprevalence of 56%, 48%, 52%, and 22% in cattle, buffaloes, goats, and pigs, respectively. The results revealed that OMP-based ELISA and WC-based ELISA were in agreement with one another. Isolation along with high seropositivity demonstrates the presence of foodborne Aeromonas spp. in the Nagpur city of Central India.

Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC-102) is one of the most commonly used excipient in the pharmaceutical industry. For this research purpose, authors have developed a different technique to determine the end point for MCC-102 using water and isopropyl alcohol 70% (IPA) as granulating agent. Wet and dry granules obtained were characterized for their flow properties using the powder rheometer and thermal analysis. Powder rheometer was used to measure basic flowability energy (BFE), specific energy (SE), percentage compressibility, permeability and aeration. Thermal analysis includes effusivity and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements. BFE and SE results showed water granules requires high energy as compared to IPA granules. Permeability and compressibility results suggest IPA forms more porous granules and have better compressibility as compared to water granules. Hardness data reveals interesting phenomena in which as the amount of water increases, hardness decreases and vice-versa for IPA. Optimal granules were obtained in the range of 45-55% w/w. DSC data supported the formation of optimal granules. Empirical measurements like angle of repose did not reveal any significant differences between powder flow among various granules. In this paper, with the help of thermal effusivity and powder rheology we were able to differentiate between various powder flows and determine the optimal range for granule formation.

The kinetics of antibody production against phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC) and the isolation pattern of Listeria monocytogenes from bacteriological samples were studied following oral infection of buffalo calves with 3 x 10(9) cells each of pathogenic L. monocytogenes. Antibodies to PI-PLC appeared by 4-8 days post infection (PI), with a peak between days 7 and 16 PI, when tested by indirect plate-ELISA. Subsequently, antibody titres in all the animals declined and became undetectable on days 26-35 PI onwards until the study concluded on day 211 PI. Dot-ELISA could detect the antibodies to PI-PLC 1-2 days earlier and at higher titres as compared to plate-ELISA. L. monocytogenes could be recovered from faeces, nasal swabs and haemocultures from days 2 to 33, days 2 to 21 and days 11 to 17 PI, respectively. Antibodies to PI-PLC were detected during the course of active infection but their titres declined sharply once animals became culturally negative. Sonicated antigen elicited the highest delayed-type hypersensitivity response, followed by PI-PLC and listeriolysin O.

The isolation of pathogenic Listeria spp. in bacteriological samples, and anti-phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (anti-PIPLC) antibodies in sera of buffaloes were studied. Isolation of the pathogen was attempted from the samples by selective enrichment in University of Vermont Medium and plating onto Dominguez-Rodriguez isolation agar. Pathogenicity of the isolates was tested by Christie, Atkins, Munch Petersen test and mice incoulation test. Listeria spp. and L. monocytogenes were isolated from 8.8 and 2.4%, and 4.8 and 1.6% of 125 each meat and blood samples, respectively. Out of the 125 samples each of feacal, nasal and vaginal swabs from buffaloes 8 and 4%, 13.6 and 2.4%, and 6.4 and 2.4% were positive for Listeria spp. and L. monocytogenes, respectively. L. ivanovii was confirmed from 0.8% vaginal sample. A total of 125 serum samples were tested by phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PIPLC) based indirect ELISA of which 4.0% turned out to be seropositive.

Listeriosis is an important bacterial zoonosis caused by the intracellular pathogen Listeria monocytogenes. The disease has been reported in animals from the Indian subcontinent, usually in the form of sporadic cases but occasionally as outbreaks. Cases of listeriosis arise mainly from the ingestion of contaminated food. Listeriosis has been reported to cause encephalitis, abortion, mastitis, repeat breeding and endometriosis in animals. Listeric infections occur in children and women with a poor obstetric history. The epidemiological aspects and pathogenesis of listeriosis in animals and humans are not yet fully understood. This review offers comprehensive information on experimental studies and field cases in animals and on cases of human listeriosis. There are also sections on isolation from foods, diagnosis and treatment in humans and animals.

The occurrence of Listeria monocytogenes in meat and milk samples, and antilisteriolysin O (ALLO) antibodies in sera of buffaloes were studied. Isolation of the pathogen was attempted from the samples by selective enrichment in University of Vermont Medium and plating onto Dominguez-Rodriguez isolation agar. The pathogenicity of the isolates was tested by Christie, Atkins, Munch Petersen test and mouse inoculation test. Of 167 meat samples 2.4 and 10.17% were positive for L. monocytogenes and Listeria sp., respectively. Of the 64 milk samples 6.25 and 26.13% were positive for L. monocytogenes and Listeria sp., respectively. A total of 284 serum samples were tested by listeriolysin O (LLO)-based indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay of which 25.35% were found to be seropositive. The culture positivity for L. monocytogenes and detection of ALLO did not show any agreement (kappa = 0.035). The prevalence of pathogenic L. monocytogenes in milk and meat and the occurrence of anti-LLO antibodies is of concern from the public health point of view.

The kinetics of antibody production against listeriolysin O (ALLO) and the recovery pattern of Listeria monocytogenes from bacteriological samples were studied following oral infection of buffalo calves with 3 x 10(9) cells each of pathogenic L. monocytogenes. Antibodies to LLO appeared by 7-10 days post infection (PI), with a shallow peak between days 16 and 36 PI, when tested by indirect plate-ELISA. The titres of ALLO in all the animals then declined slowly but remained detectable up to day 70 PI. In dot-ELISA, ALLO could be detected by days 5 to 7 PI, and with higher titres than with the plate-ELISA. The pathogen was recovered at low rates as ALLO first appeared but was absent in the faecal, nasal and blood cultures as production of ALLO peaked.