Identification of Oocyst-Driven Infections in Humans and Animals through Stage-Specific Serology-Current Status and Future Perspectives.

The apicomplexan zoonotic parasite has three infective stages: sporozoites in sporulated oocysts, which are shed in unsporulated form into the environment by infected felids; tissue cysts containing bradyzoites, and fast replicating tachyzoites that are responsible for acute toxoplasmosis. The contribution of oocysts to infections in both humans and animals is understudied despite being highly relevant. Only a few diagnostic antigens have been described to be capable of discriminating which parasite stage has caused an infection.

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis E Virus in Moose (), Reindeer (), Red Deer (), Roe Deer (), and Muskoxen () from Norway.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV), a major cause of viral hepatitis worldwide, is considered an emerging foodborne zoonosis in Europe. Pigs () and wild boars () are recognized as important HEV reservoirs. Additionally, HEV infection and exposure have been described in cervids.

infection in two captive Patagonian maras.

infection was diagnosed in 2 captive Patagonian maras (). One animal developed fatal systemic toxoplasmosis and had concurrent localized bacterial and fungal infections; its daughter remained clinically healthy. Microscopic findings included acute, coagulative necrosis, lymphohistiocytic inflammatory infiltrates, and extra- and intracellular parasites in the liver, myocardium, urinary bladder, and adrenal glands of the diseased animal.

Detection of serum neutralizing antibodies to Simbu sero-group viruses in cattle in Tanzania.

Background: Orthobunyaviruses belonging to the Simbu sero-group occur worldwide, including the newly recognized Schmallenberg virus (SBV) in Europe. These viruses cause congenital malformations and reproductive losses in ruminants. Information on the presence of these viruses in Africa is scarce and the origin of SBV is unknown.

First isolation, identification, phenotypic and genotypic characterization of Brucella abortus biovar 3 from dairy cattle in Tanzania.

Background: Brucellosis is a disease of worldwide public health and economic importance. Successful control is based on knowledge of epidemiology and strains present in an area. In developing countries, most investigations are based on serological assays.

Cross-border transport of rescue dogs may spread rabies in Europe.

Harmonisation of regulations in the European Union and the European Economic Area, as of January 1, 2012, has led to an increase in the number of rescue dogs imported to Norway from Eastern European countries, in particular Romania. Today the only requirements for dogs entering Norway are rabies vaccination and prophylactic Echinococcus multilocularis treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the antibody levels to rabies virus in vaccinated rescue dogs and to examine if the dogs had sufficient antibody response according to the recommended titre ≥0.

A geographic cluster of malignant catarrhal fever in moose (Alces alces) in Norway.

Three cases of lethal sheep-associated malignant catarrhal fever (SA-MCF) in free-ranging moose (Alces alces) were diagnosed in Lesja, Norway, December 2008-February 2010. The diagnosis was based on PCR identification of ovine herpesvirus 2 (OvHV-2) DNA (n = 3) and typical histopathologic lesions (n = 1). To study the possibility of subclinical or latent MCF virus (MCFV) infection in this moose population and in red deer (Cervus elaphus), we examined clinically normal animals sampled during hunting in Lesja 2010 by serology and PCR.

Malignant catarrhal fever virus identified in free-ranging musk ox (Ovibos moschatus) in Norway.

To study the epizootiology of malignant catarrhal fever viruses (MCFV), serum and spleen samples collected in 2004-2011 from a free-ranging musk ox (Ovibos moschatus) population in Dovrefjell, Norway, were examined. Sera were tested for antibodies against MCFV by competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and spleen samples were examined by a consensus polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for herpesviral DNA and sequencing identification. The study included 101 musk oxen, of which 61 were examined with both tests.

The prevalence and spatial clustering of Neospora caninum in dairy herds in Norway.

The aims of this study were to estimate the national herd prevalence and the general spatial distribution of Neospora caninum infection in Norwegian dairy cattle. Bulk milk samples from 1657 randomly selected dairy herds were analysed by iscom ELISA for the presence of N. caninum specific antibodies.

Natural killer cells act as early responders in an experimental infection with Neospora caninum in calves.

The intracellular protozoan parasite Neospora caninum is a cause of abortion and congenital disease in cattle worldwide. We have previously shown that natural killer (NK) cells produce IFN-gamma in response to N. caninum tachyzoites in vitro.

The protozoan Neospora caninum directly triggers bovine NK cells to produce gamma interferon and to kill infected fibroblasts.

Natural killer (NK) cells are considered to be key players in the early innate responses to protozoan infections, primarily indirectly by producing gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) in response to cytokines, like interleukin 12 (IL-12). We demonstrate that live, as well as heat-inactivated, tachyzoites of Neospora caninum, a Toxoplasma-like protozoan, directly trigger production of IFN-gamma from purified, IL-2-activated bovine NK cells. This response occurred independently of IL-12 but was increased by the addition of the cytokine.