Salmonellosis in the COVID-19 Pandemic Era

Relevance. In 2020, there was a unique situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the anti-epidemic measures introduced in this regard. To date, the question of how these methods affect the spread of other infectious diseases, including salmonellosis, has not been studied. Target. To assess the impact of anti-epidemic measures during the COVID-19 pandemic on the epidemic process of salmonella infection in St. Petersburg. Materials and methods. Reporting form No. 2 of Rospotrebnadzor «Information on infectious and parasitic diseases» for 2018–2020 and data from the State report «On the state of sanitary and epidemiological well-being of the population in St. Petersburg in 2019», «On the state of sanitary and epidemiological well-being of the population in St. Petersburg in 2020». Data processing was carried out using Microsoft Excel (Microsoft®, USA), Statistica for Windows (StatSoft®, USA) with the determination of the level of significance (p), the calculation of confidence intervals (95% CI) was carried out in the EpiTools application. Results. The incidence of salmonellosis in 2020 was significantly lower than in the previous 2 years 28.86 (95% CI 27.45–30.34) per 100 ths population, and in 2019 and 2018 – 49.8 (95% CI 47.9–51.7) and 39.21 (95% CI 37.6– 40.9) per 100 ths of the population respectively. When analyzing the incidence of salmonellosis in 1995 to 2020, it was revealed that in 2020 the incidence rate was the lowest over the past 25 years and below the multi-year average (37 per 100 ths population) in St. Petersburg by 22%. A decrease in the incidence of salmonellosis was observed in 2020 and in the Russian Federation as a whole compared to 2019, the indicator increased 1.6 times and amounted to 14.71 per 100 ths rubles. population (multi-year average – 29.1). In 2020, there was a change in the intra-annual incidence of salmonellosis. While the peak incidence of salmonellosis persisted in the autumn period (September–October), in 2020 there was no characteristic rise in the spring period, as was observed in 2018 and 2019, which may be due to the spring lockdown (p = 0.03). The decrease in the incidence of salmonellosis was due to a significant decrease in the incidence among adults, while this was not observed in other age groups. In 2018–2020, diseases in the population were caused by 61 serotypes of Salmonella: in 2018 – 33, in 2019 – 32, and in 2020 – 39 serotypes. During the pandemic, the decrease in the incidence of salmonellosis was due to the decrease in the incidence caused by S. Enteritis, which in 2020 amounted to 19.91 (95% CI 18.73-21.14) per 100 thousand population, while in 2019 – 39, 01 (95% CI 37.4–40.7) and in 2018 – 31.24 (95% CI 29.8–32.8) per 100 ths population. At the same time, the decrease in the incidence rate was a decrease in the incidence rate among adults, while in other age groups no changes in the incidence rate were observed. The incidence due to other salmonella serotypes did not change. There were no significant differences in the incidence of salmonellosis by sex and age. Conclusion. The measures introduced during the pandemic in 2020 led to a decrease in the incidence of salmonellosis in St. Petersburg by reducing the incidence of salmonellosis caused by S. Enteritidis among adults. © Lubimova AV, et al.

Molecular investigation of Campylobacter spp. and Salmonella infection in children with community acquired diarrhea

Introduction : Acute gastroenteritis is a typical disorder that accounts for 8-12% of pediatric outpatient visits. Campylobacter and Salmonella infections account for about 8.4% and 11% of global diarrhea cases. Due to the importance of these bacteria in pediatric diseases, the aim of this study was to determine the infectious rate of Salmonella and Campylobacter species and also the frequency of the gene encoding Cytholethal distending toxin in children with community-acquired diarrhea. Materials and Methods: Stool samples of children under 5 years of age with diarrhea were collected. The samples were related to children referred to hospitals in Hamadan, Ardabil, Bandar Abbas and two hospitals in Tehran. DNA was extracted from the samples using a DNA extraction kit from stool. The presence of Campylobacter in the studied samples was detected by polymerase chain reaction using specific primers. A control stool sample was spiked with 10-fold dilution of C. jejuni suspension for LOD (detection limit determination) measurement. Results: In this study, PCR results showed a LOD of 100 CFU per gram in the spiked feces sample. Accordingly, out of 144 fecal samples of children with acute diarrhea, one case was positive for Campylobacter jejuni;this sample was also positive for the presence of cdtB gene. Presence of Salmonella was confirmed in two samples of the patients (1.4%). Conclusion: Low prevalence of Campylobacter and Salmonella was detected in symptomatic children under 5 years of age during the Covid-19 pandemic. Examination of these samples for viruses and other microbial agents can clarify the etiology of diarrhea in children referred to the hospitals.

Coinfection in the cases of feline panleukopenia: a literature review

Coinfection caused by bacteria, parasites, or viruses complicates almost all feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) infections. Pathogens that colonize the gastrointestinal tract, Clostridium perfingens, Clostridium piliforme, Cryptosporidium spp, Giardia spp, Tritrichomonas fetus, canine parvovirus type 2,Salmonella sp., feline coronavirus, feline bocavirus, and feline astrovirus were isolated in the presence of FPV infection. Complex mechanisms between viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and hosts contribute to the pathogenesis and severity of coinfection. Prompt and accurate diagnosis, vaccination precautions, and appropriate treatment play important roles in reducing morbidity and mortality. This article outlines the etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment that can help veterinarians and pet owners improve their knowledge of managing the diseases.

Salmonellosis in Australia in 2020: possible impacts of COVID-19 related public health measures.

BACKGROUND: More than seventy per cent of salmonellosis in Australia is thought to be due to contaminated food. Rates of salmonellosis vary across the Australian states and territories, with the highest rates in the Northern Territory. In 2020, to control coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), Australia implemented public health measures including border closures, physical distancing and hygiene advice. This study analyses salmonellosis notification rates in 2020 and considers possible impacts of COVID-19 measures. METHODS: Monthly and annual salmonellosis notifications per 100,000 population, for each of Australia's eight states and territories for the years 2015 to 2020, were extracted from Australia's publicly accessible National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System. For each jurisdiction, the salmonellosis rate each month in 2020 was compared with the previous 5-year median rate for that calendar month. The possible impacts of COVID-19 public health measures on salmonellosis notifications in the respective states and territories were examined. RESULTS: The annual Australian salmonellosis notification rate was 27% lower in 2020 than the previous 5-year median. The reduction in salmonellosis rate varied throughout Australia. States and territories with more stringent, more frequent or longer COVID-19 public health measures had generally greater salmonellosis rate reductions. However, Tasmania had a 50% deeper reduction in salmonellosis rate than did the Northern Territory, despite similar restriction levels. CONCLUSIONS: Salmonellosis notifications decreased in Australia during the global COVID-19 pandemic. The reduction in notifications corresponded with the implementation of public health measures. Persistence of high rates in the Northern Territory could indicate the overarching importance of demographic and environmental factors.

Incidence of acute intestinal infections in Saint Petersburg during COVID-19 pandemic.

The results of a study of modern epidemiological and characteristics of acute intestinal infections against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic are presented. The article reflects current trends in the frequency of detection of acute intestinal infections of viral and bacterial etiology, in particular, the growing prevalence of norovirus infection is shown. Particular attention is paid to the increase in the incidence of salmonellosis and campylobacteriosis. An increase in the incidence of salmonellosis in 2019 by 25.7% is shown, which is higher than the average long-term incidence rate by 28.1%. Age features of the incidence of viral and bacterial intestinal infections among children have been established. Given the widespread use of antibiotics or other drugs that change the intestinal microbial landscape (cytostatics, chemotherapy drugs), as well as a significant increase in the number of hospitalizations of patients, there is a high risk of developing antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Undoubted attention requires the problem of registration, diagnosis of clostridium infections, which make it difficult to obtain data on the prevalence of infection caused by Clostridium difficile in the Russian Federation and St. Petersburg. The article discusses in detail the possibilities for further improvement of measures to prevent the transmission of acute intestinal infections.Copyright © 2022 Authors. All rights reserved.

Incidence of acute intestinal infections in Saint Petersburg during COVID-19 pandemic

The results of a study of modern epidemiological and characteristics of acute intestinal infections against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic are presented. The article reflects current trends in the frequency of detection of acute intestinal infections of viral and bacterial etiology, in particular, the growing prevalence of norovirus infection is shown. Particular attention is paid to the increase in the incidence of salmonellosis and campylobacteriosis. An increase in the incidence of salmonellosis in 2019 by 25.7% is shown, which is higher than the average long-term incidence rate by 28.1%. Age features of the incidence of viral and bacterial intestinal infections among children have been established. Given the widespread use of antibiotics or other drugs that change the intestinal microbial landscape (cytostatics, chemotherapy drugs), as well as a significant increase in the number of hospitalizations of patients, there is a high risk of developing antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Undoubted attention requires the problem of registration, diagnosis of clostridium infections, which make it difficult to obtain data on the prevalence of infection caused by Clostridium difficile in the Russian Federation and St. Petersburg. The article discusses in detail the possibilities for further improvement of measures to prevent the transmission of acute intestinal infections. © 2022 Authors. All rights reserved.

Incidence of acute intestinal infections in Saint Petersburg during COVID-19 pandemic.

The results of a study of modern epidemiological and characteristics of acute intestinal infections against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic are presented. The article reflects current trends in the frequency of detection of acute intestinal infections of viral and bacterial etiology, in particular, the growing prevalence of norovirus infection is shown. Particular attention is paid to the increase in the incidence of salmonellosis and campylobacteriosis. An increase in the incidence of salmonellosis in 2019 by 25.7% is shown, which is higher than the average long-term incidence rate by 28.1%. Age features of the incidence of viral and bacterial intestinal infections among children have been established. Given the widespread use of antibiotics or other drugs that change the intestinal microbial landscape (cytostatics, chemotherapy drugs), as well as a significant increase in the number of hospitalizations of patients, there is a high risk of developing antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Undoubted attention requires the problem of registration, diagnosis of clostridium infections, which make it difficult to obtain data on the prevalence of infection caused by Clostridium difficile in the Russian Federation and St. Petersburg. The article discusses in detail the possibilities for further improvement of measures to prevent the transmission of acute intestinal infections.Copyright © 2022 Authors. All rights reserved.

Isolation and Antibiotic Susceptibility Profile of Salmonella spp. from Patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Thailand

Objective: The impact of COVID-19 on the number and antibiogram profile of Salmonella was studied between January 2018 and December 2021. The present time period included years before the COVID-19 pandemic, which are 2018 and 2019, and during the pandemic, which are 2020 and 2021. Material(s) and Method(s): Salmonella infections were classified into eight distinct serogroups using slide agglutination with specific antisera (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and I). The susceptibility to antimicrobial agents were evaluated by the standard disk diffusion method. Result(s): Four hundred fifty-one isolates were detected (139 in 2018, 119 in 2019, 102 in 2021, and 91 in 2021). Salmonella infection decreased by 25.2% from 258 isolates in 2018 and 2019 to 193 in 2020 and 2021. When comparing Salmonella infections in different age groups (0 to 10, 11 to 20, 21 to 30, 31 to 40, 41 to 50, 51 to 60, 61 to 70, and older than 70 years), before and during COVID-19, statistical significance was noted only in patients aged 11 to 20 (p=0.016). For clinical specimens (stool, blood, urine, pus, etc.), statistical significance was found only in blood specimens (p=0.036). The four most predominant Salmonella serogroups were B (31.1%), C (30.6%), E (15.7%), and D (11.4%). S. Typhi was present in 2.1% (4/193) of Salmonella isolates during COVID-19. The findings of a susceptibility test using the disk diffusion method for four commonly used drugs in treatment of severe salmonellosis as ampicillin, cefotaxime, ciprofloxacin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, before and during COVID-19 demonstrated statistical significance only in Salmonella serogroup D (p=0.028). Overall, drug susceptibility of Salmonella serogroup B, C, D, and E was ampicillin (range 15.1% to 55.9%), cefotaxime (range 66.7% to 100%), ciprofloxacin (range 18.8% to 59.1%), and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (range 70.0% to 93.8%). Conclusion(s): The present study results suggested the importance of monitoring the prevalence of Salmonella at a hospital in Bangkok. The antibiogram of susceptibility helps provide guidelines for clinician to consider empirical treatment.Copyright © 2023 JOURNAL OF THE MEDICAL ASSOCIATION OF THAILAND.

Possession of exotic animals and zoonotic diseases: an approach from the Mexican context

The possession of exotic animals as pets is a social practice that has become more visible in Mexico in recent years, so it is interesting to understand its environmental and social implications and those related to human health. The present study aims to identify the main species of exotic animals kept as pets and the zoonotic diseases reported in these species. We analyzed official figures of seizures of exotic fauna in Mexico and reviewed specialized literature on zoonotic diseases documented in Mexico in these species. We identified zoonoses in species of fauna that can be acquired legally and illegally in the country, reported in environments in which animals coexist with other species and are in direct contact with people, which represents an important factor in the spread and propensity of this type of disease. We conclude that the sanitary regulation of wildlife markets, the monitoring and studying microorganisms associated with wildlife are valuable strategies to prevent the emergence of zoonoses.

Ulcerative Colitis: Rapid Evidence Review

Ulcerative colitis is a relapsing and remitting inflammatory bowel disease of the large intestine. Risk factors include recent Salmonella or Campylobacter infection and a family history of ulcerative colitis. Diagnosis is suspected based on symptoms of urgency, tenesmus, and hematochezia and is confirmed with endoscopic findings of continuous inflammation from the rectum to more proximal colon, depending on the extent of disease. Fecal calprotectin may be used to assess disease activity and relapse. Medications available to treat the inflammation include 5-aminosalicylic acid, corticosteroids, tumor necrosis factor-alpha antibodies, anti-integrin antibodies, anti-interleukin-12 and -23 antibodies, and Janus kinase inhibitors. Choice of medication and method of delivery depend on the location and severity of mucosal inflammation. Other treatments such as fecal microbiota transplantation are considered experimental, and complementary therapies such as probiotics and curcumin have mixed data. Surgical treatment may be needed for fulminant or refractory disease. Increased risk of colorectal cancer and use of immunosuppressive therapies affect the preventive care needs for these patients. (Am Fam Physician. 2022;105(4):406-411. Copyright © 2022 American Academy of Family Physicians.)Copyright © 2022 American Academy of Family Physicians. All rights reserved.

Salmonellosis in Poland in 2020.

AIM: The aim of the study is to assess the epidemiological situation of salmonellosis in Poland in 2020 compared with previous years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The epidemiological situation was assessed on the basis of data provided to the Department of Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases and Surveillance of the NIPH NIH-NRI by sanitary-epidemiological stations through the EpiBaza System and the Registry of Epidemic Outbreaks System (ROE), as well as on the basis of data published in the annual bulletin "Infectious Diseases and Poisoning in Poland in 2020" (NIPH NIH-NRI, GIS, Warsaw, 2021) and from information received from laboratories of sanitary-epidemiological stations and data from the Demographic Research Department of the Statistics Poland. RESULTS: In Poland in 2020, in the sanitary-epidemiological surveillance registered a total of 5,470 cases of salmonellosis, 5,302 cases of intestinal salmonellosis, and the remaining 168 cases of extra-intestinal salmonellosis. The incidence per 100,000 population was 14.3 for total salmonellosis, 13.8 for intestinal salmonellosis and 0.44 for extra-intestinal salmonellosis. Sanitary-epidemiological stations registered 5,349 confirmed cases and 121 probable cases of salmonellosis. Due to intestinal salmonellosis, 63.9% of all patients were hospitalized, while for extra-intestinal salmonellosis 153 patients or 91.1% of cases, were hospitalized. The increase in the number of salmonellosis cases in 2020 started in June, while the peak of the incidence was in August. Among the voivodeships, the highest incidence of salmonellosis was registered in the Podkarpackie voivodeship 33.3/100,000 population, the lowest in Zachodniopomorskie 6.1/100,000 population. Cases in the 0-4 age group accounted for 45.2% of all salmonellosis cases in 2020. Among extra-intestinal salmonellosis, 63.1% were people aged 60+. Sanitary-epidemiological stations registered 131 food poisoning outbreaks caused by Salmonella bacilli in the ROE system, 108 of these outbreaks were caused by the Enteritidis serotype. In 2020, the most common serotypes were S. Enteritidis 70% of all recorded salmonellosis, S. Typhimurium 1.9%, and S. Infantis 0.54%. There were 9 deaths due to Salmonella infection. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic and the associated restrictions introduced in the country, as well as increased hygiene through more frequent washing and disinfection of hands, could have contributed to a reduction of almost 69% in the number of salmonellosis cases registered in 2020, in Poland, compared to 2019. This is a 82% decrease in relation to 2018. There was also a decrease in the number of food poisoning outbreaks caused by Salmonella bacilli, while at the same time their percentage in the total number of outbreaks increased. On the one hand, the implemented restrictions could have had an impact on the decrease in the number of cases and outbreaks, on the other hand, worse access to medical care and diagnostics, most likely deepened the underestimation of these cases in the country observed for years, and distorted the real picture of the situation.

A Confusing Final Diagnosis in the Differential Diagnosis of SARS-Cov-2 Associated Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children: Salmonellosis

Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) is a severe clinical condition associated with the SARS-CoV-2 infection characterized by an increased inflammatory response. MIS-C shares common features with other pediatric inflammatory and infectious conditions including bacterial infections. Salmonella infections should be kept in mind as a causative agent of bacterial gastroenteritis in the differential diagnosis of patients with suspected MIS-C to avoid misdiagnosis. In this report, a case series of pediatric patients with a final diagnosis of salmonellosis were presented, although a primarily diagnosis of MIS-C at admission was considered due to symptoms and findings together with strong laboratory or epidemiological evidence for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Copyright © 2022 Ankara Pediatric Hematology Oncology Training and Research Hospital. All rights reserved.

Cross antigenicity of Salmonella typhi and novel coronavirus antibody in second wave of COVID-19 pandemic

During second wave of COVID-19 pandemic, increase in incidence of typhoid was observed in different cities of Pakistan. Rapid diagnostic tests for COVID-19 and typhoid are less sensitive and confirmatory tests are required to diagnose the infection. Moreover, COVID-19 IgM mimic Salmonella typhi IgM and have same clinical presentations as typhoid. Muzaffargarh is a district of province Punjab. Being a hotspot for COVID-19, it also has high prevalence of Typhoid. Therefore, in this study we aim to evaluate the cross antigenicity of COVID-19 IgM with Salmonella typhi IgM. 593 patients were enrolled in study with informed consent. Blood samples were collected from patients and laboratory biomarkers were analyzed. Data was recorded and statistical analysis was done. Among study participants, 64% were males while 36% were females. All the laboratory biomarkers were elevated in all the patients. Different age groups didn't exhibit difference in all laboratory biomarkers except ferritin. Significant difference was observed in creatinine, LDH and ferritin levels in male and female patients. It can be concluded that all age groups are under same risk. However, disease severity is higher in male population.

Prevalence of concurrent infections in broiler population of district Chakwal, Pakistan

Broiler population is one of the most important segments of livestock due to its significant contribution in white meat production. Infectious disease outbreaks adversely influence the production potential and consequently cause economic losses. Epidemiological data regarding magnitude of these disease outbreaks is of fundamental importance for planning of a comprehensive control strategy. With retrospective design, this study was conducted from January 2013 through December 2017 in order to assess the disease burden on broilers reared in different open type poultry houses. Out of total 658 commercial farms with capacity of 4221800 broilers, across Chakwal, a representative sample of 70 farms with capacity of 448000 broilers was randomly selected for collection and analysis of disease data. Five years' data of these randomly selected farms revealed highest (44.64%) crude morbidity during monsoon season followed by 23.92%, 22.12% and 17.49% for winter, spring and post-monsoon seasons respectively. The highest (14.90%) prevalence was recorded for new castle disease followed by infectious bursal disease (11.79%), pullorum disease (11.17%), colibacillosis (8.71%), infectious bronchitis (7.87%), inclusion body hepatitis (7.79%), chronic respiratory disease (7.67%), necrotic enteritis (6.48%), coccidiosis (6.09%), mycotoxicosis (5.43%), fowl cholera (4.74%), infectious coryza (4.41%), fowl typhoid (4.22%), omphalitis (3.71%) and hydropericardium syndrome (0.05%). Maximum share in crude morbidity was contributed by bacterial diseases with highest proportional morbidity of 48.68% followed by viral (40.32%), parasitic (5.80%) and fungal (5.20%) diseases. This epidemiological data represents true picture of study population and is a valuable tool for planning of prevention strategy and research priorities.

Research status and trend of zoonosis and zoonotic microorganisms based on pubmed database retrieval

Objective: To gather information on the research status and the hot spots of zoonosis and zoonotic microorganisms worldwide, and to provide references for the prevention and control of zoonotic diseases in China. Method: COOC 12.6 and Citespace 5.8 R1 software were used to carry out frequency statistics, co-occurrence analysis, cluster analysis, timeline analysis and burst analysis on the keywords associated with zoonosis and zoonotic microorganisms in PubMed database. Result: According to the keywords frequency statistics and co-occurrence analysis results from the year of 2001 to 2021 in pubMed database, the zoonosis and zoonotic microorganisms arousing high international attentions were classified into the following three categories: the first category was commonly observed zoonotic microorganisms such as Brucella, hepatitis E virus, Streptococcus, Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Salmonella, to which continuous public attentions were still needed to be paid;the second category was the zoonotic microorganisms worldwide concerned in recent years such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and influenza A virus, which were worthy of more in-depth research to control the spread of these diseases as soon as possible;the third category was the zoonosis that had massively prevailed in specific regions abroad such as Q fever and middle east respiratory syndrome (MERS), and these diseases were expected to be noticed in terms of imported risks to avoid their outbreaks in China. In addition to the above mentioned zoonosis and zoonotic microorganisms, some keywords associated with detection and diagnosis such as phylogeny and PCR were also of high interests. The cluster analysis generated a total of 10 clusters, in which the tick-borne infectious disease cluster suggested the role of ticks in the transmission of zoonotic diseases;the results of timeline and burst analysis demonstrated that among the zoonotic microorganisms, the attentions being paid to influenza A virus and SARS-CoV-2 were gradually increasing. At the same time, the detection technology of zoonotic microorganisms was evolving from specific sequence detection to whole genome sequencing. These fields were likely to be the research direction and trend in the future.

Official Feed Control - Annual Report 2020

On behalf of the Federal Office for Agriculture (FOAG), Agroscope monitors the production and distribution of food for livestock and pets. The main purpose of its activity is to prevent harmful substances and undesirable products from being fed to animals and reaching consumers' plates through foodstuffs of animal origin. Controls also help to protect owners of animals against fraud and to preserve animal health and the environment. Official Food Control enforcement activities for animals have also been disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic and inspections had to be completely suspended. However, it was possible to resume them after a short period, although in a limited way, by applying the necessary hygiene and precautionary measures. In order to protect the inspectors and employees of the companies inspected, controls have been suspended for fifteen days in March, and then were resumed until the end of the year, but by being announced and by favouring the taking of samples. In this way it was possible to minimize contact with people and counter the spread of the virus by respecting the prescribed protection measures. The integration carried out at the end of 2019 of all the data relating to inspections, companies and products in a new laboratory information management system (LIMS) proved to be successful, although many optimizations and improvements had to be made. Due to increased data security and integration into a interdisciplinary system, production companies of animal feed thus benefited from more shipments, inspection report improved and there were more user-friendly presentation of test results in the product control report. Inspection reports were all able to be sent quickly and those of the checks of products were able to be sent following the analyses and necessary repetitions, thus guaranteeing a return of information in a timely manner. As in previous years, we also observed an increase of more than the average of new registrations/approvals companies in the animal feed sector. While 2019 can be considered a calm year in terms of feed safety, Salmonella was detected in eight animal feeds in 2020, representing 4 separate cases. In one sample, an overrun of the maximum value of coccidiostats according to appendix 10 of OLALA was detected. In 4 other samples, the authorizations issued for the addition of coccidiostats according to animal species had expired. GMOs were detected in two food samples for production animals, one of which was authorized but was not been declared. The second case concerns the contamination of undesirable seeds without germination power in linseed. In addition, GMOs exceeding the tolerance threshold have been detected in three bird feed mixtures and in another ambrosia seed mixture. These products were withdrawn from the market immediately. A total of 1,217 feed samples for livestock and for pets were analysed. 814 were compliant or had minor reporting errors. With a compliance rate of 66.9%, there was a slight improvement compared to the previous year (approx. 65%). With regard to nonconformities, it can be seen that minor non-conformities have decreased compared to last year (5.8%, previous year 12.4%). On the other hand, major non-conformities increased, from 2.6% in 2019 to 4.7% in 2020. Average non-compliances remained at the same level as the previous year, at around 23%.

Bacterial, fungal and viral zoonoses of pets

Today, pets are the source of numerous infectious diseases that can be transmitted to humans, as a result of their increasingly frequent contact. The most important viruses with zoonotic potential include rabies and influenza viruses as well as rotaviruses and noroviruses. However, the importance of individual viruses varies depending on the climate and infectious disease control systems in certain countries. Dogs, cats, and other increasingly popular types of pets can transmit bacterial zoonotic agents to humans in various ways. In addition to known pathogens such as the bacteria causing leptospirosis, salmonellosis, campylobacteriosis, or brucellosis, the bacteria Pasteurella multocida and Bartonella henselae transmitted by bites or scratches are also significant in human pathology. There has been a significant increase in the prevalence of methicillin-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus in isolates originating from pets and the transmission of these strains between humans and animals requires special attention. Furthermore, fungi causing diseases such as sporotrichosis or dermatophytosis are linked to long-term and persistent infections in humans. The epidemiological situation caused by SARS-CoV-2, and the assumption of an interspecies jump of this virus from animals to humans, including its documented presence in domestic cats, dogs, tigers, and martens, have raised the question of the possibility of virus transmission from pets to humans. However, the current pandemic is caused exclusively by SARS-CoV-2 transmission in the human population, and these animals are not a source of infection for humans. A significant number of zoonoses originating from pets is a threat to public health, thus requiring the "One Health" approach through close cooperation between human and veterinary medicine to develop and implement effective health measures for both humans and animals. As part of responsible ownership, pet owners must be informed by veterinarians about measures to prevent infectious diseases and certain risks that are related to keeping certain species of animals.

Ulcerative Colitis: Rapid Evidence Review

Ulcerative colitis is a relapsing and remitting inflammatory bowel disease of the large intestine. Risk factors include recent Salmonella or Campylobacter infection and a family history of ulcerative colitis. Diagnosis is suspected based on symptoms of urgency, tenesmus, and hematochezia and is confirmed with endoscopic findings of continuous inflammation from the rectum to more proximal colon, depending on the extent of disease. Fecal calprotectin may be used to assess disease activity and relapse. Medications available to treat the inflammation include 5-aminosalicylic acid, corticosteroids, tumor necrosis factor-alpha antibodies, anti-integrin antibodies, anti-interleukin-12 and -23 antibodies, and Janus kinase inhibitors. Choice of medication and method of delivery depend on the location and severity of mucosal inflammation. Other treatments such as fecal microbiota transplantation are considered experimental, and complementary therapies such as probiotics and curcumin have mixed data. Surgical treatment may be needed for fulminant or refractory disease. Increased risk of colorectal cancer and use of immunosuppressive therapies affect the preventive care needs for these patients.

Zanubrutinib in patients with B-cell malignancies intolerant to ibrutinib and/or acalabrutinib

Introduction: Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor (BTKi) therapy is remarkably effective in a number of B-cell malignancies;however, its continuous use is limited by adverse events (AE) leading to discontinuation. Zanubrutinib is a potent and selective BTKi with the potential to be a safe and effective therapy after intolerance to previous BTKi therapy. Here, we report preliminary results of a phase 2 study of zanubrutinib in patients with B-cell malignancies intolerant to ibrutinib and/or acalabrutinib based on a median follow-up of 6 months. Methods: Patients meeting protocol criteria for intolerance to ibrutinib, acalabrutinib, or both (without documented progressive disease on ibrutinib or acalabrutinib) were given zanubrutinib monotherapy (160mg twice daily or 320mg once daily at investigator's discretion). Recurrence of adverse events that led to intolerance to prior BTKi and additional safety measures were assessed based on the Common Terminology Criteria for AEs v5.0. Investigators determined responses using disease status at study entry as baseline and standard established disease response criteria. Results: As of 1 March 2021 (cutoff), 64 patients (n=48 chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma, n=10 Waldenström macroglobulinemia, n=3 mantle cell lymphoma, n=3 marginal zone lymphoma) were enrolled, received ≥1 dose of zanubrutinib, and were analyzed for safety. The median age was 71 y (range, 49-91);the median duration of treatment was 5.9 months (range, 0.6-16.6). The median number of prior regimens was 2 (range, 1-12). Regarding prior BTKi, 55 patients had received ibrutinib monotherapy, eight had received ibrutinib combination therapy, and seven had received acalabrutinib monotherapy. The median number of ibrutinib- or acalabrutinib-intolerant adverse events per patient was 2 (range, 1-5). Most ibrutinib- (75%) and acalabrutinib-intolerant events (75%) did not recur with zanubrutinib (Table 1). A majority (90%) of the recurrent ibrutinib-intolerant events were less severe with zanubrutinib than with ibrutinib. Ibrutinib intolerance events present in >1 patient that did not recur on zanubrutinib were alanine aminotransferase increased, aspartate transaminase increased, neutropenia, and pain in extremity. The ibrutinib-intolerant events that recurred were diarrhea, dizziness, insomnia, nausea, constipation, myalgia, stomatitis, arthralgia, headache, muscle spasm, rash, atrial fibrillation, fatigue, hemorrhage, and hypertension. One-third of the recurrent acalabrutinibintolerant events were less severe with zanubrutinib than with acalabrutinib. The acalabrutinib-intolerant events that recurred were myalgia and arthralgia. Two events of arthralgia that induced acalabrutinib intolerance did not recur with zanubrutinib. No ibrutinib- or acalabrutinib-intolerant events recurred at a higher severity while patients were on zanubrutinib. At cutoff, 57 patients remained on treatment;one withdrew consent due to zanubrutinib-unrelated grade 3 syncope. Grade ≥3 adverse events were reported in 14 patients (21.9%), serious adverse events in five patients (7.8%;pain in jaw;COVID-19 pneumonia;anemia;febrile neutropenia and salmonella infection [occurred in the same patient]), adverse events requiring dose interruptions in 15 patients (23.4%), and adverse events leading to dose reduction in three patients (4.7%). Adverse events led to zanubrutinib discontinuation for three patients (4.7%). One death was reported (COVID-19 pneumonia). Among efficacy evaluable patients (n=48), the disease control rate was 89.6% and the overall response rate was 50.0%. Conclusions: In patients with B-cell malignancies intolerant to ibrutinib and/or acalabrutinib, zanubrutinib therapy was effective and controlled patient's disease or induced responses to therapy, and was well-tolerated;most adverse events that led to discontinuation of previous BTKi therapy did not recur while patients were on zanubrutinib.