Molecular Investigation of Small Ruminant Abortions Using a 10-Plex HRM-qPCR Technique: A Novel Approach in Routine Diagnostics.

The objective of this study was to apply and preliminarily evaluate a High-Resolution Melting (HRM) analysis technique coupled with qPCR, that allows the simultaneous detection of 10 different ruminant abortogenic pathogens, for investigating abortions in sheep and goats throughout Greece. A total of 264 ovine and caprine vaginal swabs were obtained the week following the abortion from aborted females and analyzed using a commercially available kit (ID Gene™ Ruminant Abortion Multiplex HRM, Innovative Diagnostics). Results indicated a high prevalence of and spp.

Phenotypic Investigation and Detection of Biofilm-Associated Genes in Isolates, Obtained from Companion Animals.

Bacteria of the genus , especially (), have emerged as pathogens of companion animals during the last two decades and are commonly associated with hospitalization and multidrug resistance. A critical factor for the distribution of relevant strains in healthcare facilities, including veterinary facilities, is their adherence to both biotic and abiotic surfaces and the production of biofilms. A group of 41 isolates obtained from canine and feline clinical samples in Greece was subjected to phenotypic investigation of their ability to produce biofilms using the tissue culture plate (TCP) method.

Phenotypic Investigation of Florfenicol Resistance and Molecular Detection of R Gene in Canine and Feline MDR Enterobacterales.

Florfenicol is a promising antibiotic for use in companion animals, especially as an alternative agent for infections caused by MDR bacteria. However, the emergence of resistant strains could hinder this potential. In this study, florfenicol resistance was investigated in a total of 246 MDR Enterobacterales obtained from canine and feline clinical samples in Greece over a two-year period (October 2020 to December 2022); a total of 44 (17,9%) florfenicol-resistant strains were recognized and further investigated.

Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci as an Etiologic Agent of Ovine Mastitis, with a Focus on Subclinical Forms.

The objective of this review is to investigate the distribution and the characteristics of coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CoNS) implicated in ovine mastitis, and especially in subclinical cases, in order to provide a global perspective of the current research data and analyze specific critical aspects of the issue. PRISMA guidelines were implemented in the search of the last 20 years of the related literature in two databases. In total, 139 studies were included in this review.

Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profiles of Strains, Isolated from Clinical Cases of Companion Animals in Greece.

() Complex bacteria are troublesome nosocomial pathogens in human medicine, especially during the last 30 years. Recent research in veterinary medicine also supports its emergence as an animal pathogen. However, relevant data are limited.

Building the National Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Network in Animals in Greece: A "One Health" Approach.

It is widely accepted that, in order to prevent and control antimicrobial resistance (AMR), surveillance systems across human, animal and environmental sectors need to be integrated, in a One Health approach. Currently, in Europe, there are surveillance networks established only for the human and food sector and, until now, there has been no organized effort to monitor AMR in bacterial pathogens derived from diseased animals in Europe. Since 2017, efforts to fill this gap have taken place by the European Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance network in a veterinary medicine (EARS-Vet) initiative, included in the EU Joint Action on AMR and Healthcare-Associated Infections (EU-JAMRAI).

Fosfomycin Resistance in Bacteria Isolated from Companion Animals (Dogs and Cats).

Fosfomycin is an old antibacterial agent, which is currently used mainly in human medicine, in uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs). The purpose of this review is to investigate the presence and the characteristics of Fosfomycin resistance in bacteria isolated from canine or feline samples, estimate the possible causes of the dissemination of associated strains in pets, and underline the requirements of prospective relevant studies. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) guidelines were used for the search of current literature in two databases.

Current Data on Occurrence in Vectors, Human and Animal Hosts in Europe: A Scoping Review.

Rickettsia felis is an emerging pathogen with increasing reports of human cases and detection in arthropod and animal host species worldwide. In this scoping review we record the newest data reported for R. felis in Europe: the vector and host species found to be infected, and the geographical distribution and prevalence of R.

Preliminary Results on the Comparative Evaluation of Alkaline Phosphatase Commercial Tests Efficiency in Non-Cow Milk Pasteurization.

The demand for non-cow milk and the products derived from it, is constantly increasing; thus, correct and effective pasteurization becomes necessary. Typical practices for evaluating milk pasteurization are mainly based on the thermal inactivation of an endogenous enzyme, alkaline phosphatase (ALP). The ALP tests, originally designed and applied to pasteurized cow milk, are often used to control pasteurization in non-cow milk, without sufficient data on their suitability; EFSA calls on the scientific world for collecting more information on the subject.

Development of a Multiplex Bead Assay to Detect Serological Responses to Species in Domestic Pigs and Wild Boar with the Potential to Overcome Cross-Reactivity with O:9.

The aim of this study was to develop a multiplex bead assay using a rLPS antigen, a smooth antigen, and a O:9 antigen that not only discriminates -infected from -uninfected pigs and wild boar, but also overcomes the cross reactivity with O:9. Sera from 126 domestic pigs were tested: 29 pigs were infected, 80 were non-infected and 17 were confirmed to be false positive serological reactors (FPSR). Sera from 49 wild boar were tested: 18 were positive and 31 were negative.

Association of Melatonin Administration in Pregnant Ewes with Growth, Redox Status and Immunity of Their Offspring.

In this study, the effects of melatonin treatment on growth, redox status and immunity in prenatally stressed newborn lambs were evaluated. Thirty-seven newborn lambs were allocated into two groups (melatonin-MEL and control-CON), based on whether their mothers were treated with melatonin implants or not, respectively. All pregnant ewes were exposed to heat stress.

Colistin Resistant Genes Prevalence in Livestock Animals (Swine, Bovine, Poultry) from a Multinational Perspective. A Systematic Review.

The objective of this review is to collect and present the results of relevant studies on an international level, on the subject of colistin resistance due to genes prevalence in livestock animals. After a literature search, and using PRISMA guidelines principles, a total of 40 swine, 16 bovine and 31 poultry studies were collected concerning -1 gene; five swine, three bovine and three poultry studies referred to -2 gene; eight swine, one bovine, two poultry studies were about -3 gene; six swine, one bovine and one poultry manuscript studied -4 gene; five swine manuscripts studied -5 gene; one swine manuscript was about -6, -7, -8, -9 genes and one poultry study about -10 gene was found. Information about colistin resistance in bacteria derived from animals and animal product foods is still considered limited and that should be continually enhanced; most of the information about clinical isolates are relative to enteropathogens and spp.

Risk and Environmental Factors Associated with the Presence of Canine Parvovirus Type 2 in Diarrheic Dogs from Thessaly, Central Greece.

Canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) primarily infects dogs, which are the main host reservoir, causing severe gastrointestinal disease associated with immunosuppression. The present study was conducted in Thessaly, Greece and aimed to identify risk and environmental factors associated with CPV-2 infection in diarrheic dogs. Fecal samples were collected from 116 dogs presenting diarrhea and were tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the presence of CPV-2 DNA.

Development of a Multiplex Bead Assay for Simultaneous Serodiagnosis of Antibodies against , , and in Wild Boar.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of a multiplex bead assay for the simultaneous detection of antibodies against , , and . Sera from Eurasian wild boar of known serological status for TB (64 seropositive, 106 seronegative), (30 seropositive, 39 seronegative), and (21 seropositive, 97 seronegative) were used for the development and evaluation of the assay. Magnetic beads coated with recombinant MPB83 antigen (TB), a whole-cell 1330 antigen, and an E/S antigen were used for the detection of specific antibodies using Bio-Rad Bio-Plex technology.

Antimicrobial practices among small animal veterinarians in Greece: a survey.

Background: The inappropriate use of antibiotics is a major issue in clinical practice in Greece with serious implications for public health and animal health. The purpose of the present study was to provide a first insight into the use of antibiotics by small animal practitioners in Greece and assess their compliance with general rules for the rational use of antibiotics. This is the first survey of its kind in Greece.

European Brown hare (Lepus europaeus) as a source of emerging and re-emerging pathogens of Public Health importance: A review.

European brown hare (Lepus europaeus, EBH) is probably the most important game animal in Europe throughout its historical distribution. The decline in its populations across its geographic range in Europe have been attributed to factors such as reproductive rate and the ability for adaptation, climate, feed availability, predators, anthropogenic factors and diseases. Apart from common diseases of hares with a high impact on their mortality such as European Brown hare Syndrome, EBH has been involved in the epidemiology of pathogens with zoonotic potential.

Investigation of the Role of the European Brown Hare in the Epidemiology of Bacterial Zoonotic Pathogens: A Serological and Molecular Survey in Greece.

The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of spp, spp, , and in European Brown hares () hunter harvested during 2-year hunting periods in northern and central Greece. Serum samples were examined for the presence of IgG antibodies by using an immune fluorescence test and/or an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. PCR was used to detect spp DNA in blood samples and spp, , and in liver samples.

Phylogenetic Analysis of Bird-Virulent West Nile Virus Strain, Greece.

We report the full polyprotein genomic sequence of a West Nile virus strain isolated from Eurasian magpies dying with neurologic signs in Greece. Our findings demonstrate the local genetic evolution of the West Nile virus strain responsible for a human disease outbreak in the country that began in 2010.

Serological and molecular investigation of selected parasitic pathogens in European brown hare (Lepus europaeus) in Greece: inferring the ecological niche of Toxoplasma gondii and Leishmania infantum in hares.

The occurrence of infection or exposure to Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, and Leishmania infantum was investigated in European brown hares (Lepus europaeus, EBH) hunter-harvested over two consecutive hunting seasons in northern and central Greece. Geographical information system was used along with the ecological niche model to define the geographical distribution of seropositive hares relative to environmental parameters and to identify high-risk areas for hare exposure. Molecular analysis showed that 3.

Mammals and habitat disturbance: the case of brown hare and wildfire.

Ecosystem disturbances, such as wildfires, are driving forces that determine ecology and conservation measures. Species respond differentially to wildfires, having diverse post-fire population evolution. This study reports, for first time, the responses of brown hare ( Pallas, 1778) to wildfires.

Use of wild bird surveillance, human case data and GIS spatial analysis for predicting spatial distributions of West Nile virus in Greece.

West Nile Virus (WNV) is the causative agent of a vector-borne, zoonotic disease with a worldwide distribution. Recent expansion and introduction of WNV into new areas, including southern Europe, has been associated with severe disease in humans and equids, and has increased concerns regarding the need to prevent and control future WNV outbreaks. Since 2010, 524 confirmed human cases of the disease have been reported in Greece with greater than 10% mortality.

West Nile virus state of the art report of MALWEST Project.

During the last three years Greece is experiencing the emergence of West Nile virus (WNV) epidemics. Within this framework, an integrated surveillance and control programme (MALWEST project) with thirteen associate partners was launched aiming to investigate the disease and suggest appropriate interventions. One out of seven work packages of the project is dedicated to the State of the Art report for WNV.

Polarisation of major histocompatibility complex II host genotype with pathogenesis of European Brown Hare syndrome virus.

A study was conducted in order to determine the occurrence of European Brown Hare Syndrome virus (EBHSV) in Denmark and possible relation between disease pathogenesis and Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) host genotype. Liver samples were examined from 170 brown hares (hunted, found sick or dead), collected between 2004 and 2009. Macroscopical and histopathological findings consistent with EBHS were detected in 24 (14.

Serological and molecular investigation into the role of wild birds in the epidemiology of West Nile virus in Greece.

Background: A West Nile virus (WNV) disease outbreak occurred in 2010 in northern Greece with a total of 262 laboratory-confirmed human cases and 35 deaths. A serological and molecular surveillance was conducted on samples of hunter-harvested wild birds prior to and during the outbreak.

Findings: Serum and tissue samples from 295 resident and migratory wild birds, hunter-harvested during the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 hunting seasons at the epicenter of the outbreak in northern Greece, were tested for the presence of WNV-specific antibodies by immunofluorescence assay and virus neutralization test.