Protocol optimization for simultaneous DNA and RNA co-extraction from single hard tick specimens.

Hard ticks are important vectors of DNA- and RNA-based infectious microorganisms, but they also host complex microbial communities in which pathogens and symbionts can interact among each other and with the arthropod host itself. Molecular investigations on ticks and their hosted microorganisms are important for human and animal health. These analyses often imply the use of both DNA and RNA, with prompt preservation of nucleic acids after collection, and safe handling in case of low-level containment.

The seroprevalence of brucellosis and molecular characterization of Brucella species circulating in the beef cattle herds in Albania.

Background: Brucellosis is a ubiquitous zoonotic disease globally. It is endemic among bovines, sheep, and goats in Albania. The national control and eradication programs for brucellosis has been applied on sheep and goat farms as well as large dairy cattle farms, i.

Assessment of an ELISA method to support surveillance of bovine tuberculosis in Albania.

Background: Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is an important bacterial infectious disease in Albania of concern to animal and human health; its prevalence is poorly documented.

Methods: In this longitudinal study, we tested by ELISA 2661 serum samples, from 154 herds, with the aim of establishing the suitability of this approach to screen the bovine population for bTB. In a follow-on survey of 87 animals in three villages, we assessed the usefulness of the Mycobacterium bovis IDEXX ELISA (IDEXX M.