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1.
Endocrine ; 43(2): 447-51, 2013 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23325363

ABSTRACT

Evidence has emerged supporting a link between high glycaemic index (GI) diets and type 2 diabetes (T2D). The aim of this study was to determine if dietary GI influences the development of hyperglycaemia in C57BL/6 mice to more closely reflect T2D. Male C57BL/6 mice (n=30) were randomly divided into 3 dietary groups consisting of either standard rodent chow (4.8 % fat, 20 % protein), or a high fat (HF) diet (21-23 % fat, 19 % protein) with low GI (15.4 % starch; HF-LG) or high GI (50.5 % dextrose; HF-HG) ad libitum for 10 weeks. Body weight, blood glucose, glucose tolerance, and circulating cholesterol and triglyceride levels were measured for the duration of the study. We found that increasing the GI of a moderately HF diet induces severe hyperglycaemia and insulin resistance in C57BL/6 mice, reflective of criteria for diagnosis of T2D, whilst littermates consuming an equivalent low GI diet maintain glucose homeostasis. This study demonstrates the significant contribution of both dietary carbohydrate and fat composition in the aetiopathogenesis of T2D.


Subject(s)
Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/etiology , Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/physiopathology , Diet, High-Fat/adverse effects , Dietary Carbohydrates/adverse effects , Glycemic Index/physiology , Hyperglycemia/etiology , Hyperglycemia/physiopathology , Animals , Blood Glucose/metabolism , Body Weight/physiology , Cholesterol/blood , Disease Models, Animal , Eating/physiology , Insulin Resistance/physiology , Male , Mice , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Triglycerides/blood , Weight Gain/physiology
2.
Epidemiol Infect ; 141(5): 1034-8, 2013 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22882795

ABSTRACT

The aims of this study were to define the basic epidemiology of serologically confirmed acute Q fever in patients tested via the Townsville Hospital laboratory from 2000 to 2010 and to determine the impact of geographical location and seasonality on the incidence of acute cases in the Townsville region. Seven Statistical Local Areas (SLA) were identified as having an incidence higher than the average Queensland incidence over the study period. The SLA with the highest incidence was Woodstock-Ross with 24.9 cases/100,000. A clear seasonal peak was found, with the greatest number of cases observed in May, 3 months following the peak in rainfall in February. We hypothesize that an increase in wildlife numbers and drier conditions seen immediately following the wet season is the reason for the seasonal peak of human acute Q fever cases in Townsville.


Subject(s)
Q Fever/epidemiology , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Demography , Female , Humans , Incidence , Male , Middle Aged , Queensland/epidemiology , Rain , Retrospective Studies , Risk Factors , Young Adult
3.
Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis ; 13(1): 12-6, 2013 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23199271

ABSTRACT

Wild animals and the tick species that feed on them form the natural transmission cycle and reservoir of Coxiella burnetii. The objective of this study was to determine whether C. burnetii was present in the blood of host animals and their ticks in northern Queensland, Australia. Three genomic targets were detected using real-time PCR assays-the Coxiella-specific outer membrane protein coding gene (Com1), the multicopy insertion element (IS1111), and the isocitrate dehydrogenase gene (Icd). Quantification of the single-copy targets identified a range of 1.48×10(1) to 4.10×10(3) C. burnetii genome equivalents per microliter in the ticks tested. The detection of Coxiella based on the presence of the genomic targets indicated the occurrence of C. burnetii in both the ticks and whole blood of a variety of native Australian marsupials and confirms these animals are capable of acting as reservoirs of Q fever in northern Queensland.


Subject(s)
Coxiella burnetii/isolation & purification , DNA, Bacterial/blood , Marsupialia/microbiology , Q Fever/microbiology , Ticks/microbiology , Animals , Animals, Wild , Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins/genetics , Bacterial Proteins/genetics , Coxiella burnetii/genetics , Coxiella burnetii/immunology , DNA Transposable Elements/genetics , DNA, Bacterial/genetics , Disease Reservoirs/microbiology , Humans , Isocitrate Dehydrogenase/genetics , Marsupialia/parasitology , Q Fever/epidemiology , Q Fever/transmission , Queensland/epidemiology , Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction , Sequence Analysis, DNA , Species Specificity , Zoonoses
4.
Aust Vet J ; 90(11): 438-41, 2012 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23106324

ABSTRACT

There is little information relating to infection control procedures in Australian veterinary practices. This review summarises the findings of international studies in the area of zoonoses and infection control, and discusses potential reasons for the apparent complacency about these issues in veterinary practice. It is the authors' opinion that legislative changes governing veterinary practice in Australia should be implemented. The curricula in veterinary schools should also emphasise infection control. These measures would significantly improve safety issues associated with the control of zoonoses in veterinary practice.


Subject(s)
Infection Control , Occupational Health , Veterinary Medicine/standards , Zoonoses , Animals , Australia , Humans , Hygiene , Risk Factors
5.
Epidemiol Infect ; 140(7): 1304-8, 2012 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21892986

ABSTRACT

The state of Queensland has the highest incidence of Q fever in Australia. In recent years, there has been an increase in human cases where no contacts with the typical reservoir animals or occupations were reported. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of Coxiella burnetii in Australian native animals and introduced animals in northern and southeastern Queensland. Australian native marsupials sampled included the brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) and common northern bandicoot (Isoodon macrourus). Introduced species sampled included dingoes (Canis lupus dingo), cats (Felis catus), foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and pigs (Sus scrofa). Serum samples were tested by ELISA for both phase II and phase I antigens of the organism using an Australian isolate. The serological evidence of C. burnetii infection demonstrated in these species has public health implications due to their increasing movement into residential areas in regional Queensland. This study is the first known investigation of C. burnetii seroprevalence in these species in northern Queensland.


Subject(s)
Antibodies, Bacterial/blood , Coxiella burnetii/immunology , Q Fever/veterinary , Animals , Antigens, Bacterial , Cats , Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay , Foxes , Marsupialia , Q Fever/diagnosis , Q Fever/epidemiology , Queensland/epidemiology , Seroepidemiologic Studies , Serologic Tests , Swine
6.
Aust Vet J ; 89(10): 385-7, 2011 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21933165

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE Investigate the seroprevalence of the causative agent of Q fever, Coxiella burnetii in domestic dogs in the Townsville region, North Queensland, Australia. METHOD Blood samples were collected from dogs attending veterinary clinics for routine procedures. RESULTS An overall seropositivity of 21.8% (95% confidence interval (CI) 21.6-22.1%) was observed. A retrospective study of samples collected in the same region during 1984-85 was also performed, with an overall seropositivity of 16.0% (95% CI 15.9-16.2). CONCLUSION Evidence of C. burnetii infection in domestic dogs may have public health implications for dog owners, as well as veterinarians because of occupational exposure. This study is the first known investigation of C. burnetii seroprevalence in dogs in Queensland.


Subject(s)
Antibodies, Bacterial/blood , Dog Diseases/epidemiology , Q Fever/veterinary , Animals , Coxiella burnetii/immunology , Dogs , Female , Male , Public Health , Q Fever/epidemiology , Queensland/epidemiology , Seroepidemiologic Studies
7.
Aust Vet J ; 89(7): 260-4, 2011 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21696375

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Queensland has the highest incidence of Q fever in Australia. The aim of this study was to undertake a cross-sectional seroprevalence survey of Coxiella burnetii, the causative agent of Q fever, in beef cattle in Queensland. METHODS: Serum samples were tested by ELISA for both phase II and phase I antigens of the organism using an Australian isolate. Blood samples were collected at an abattoir that processes beef cattle originating from northern and north-western Queensland, in addition to blood samples taken from beef cattle across Queensland as part of a second survey. RESULTS: Seropositivity was 16.8% (95% confidence interval 16.7-16.8%). CONCLUSION: Evidence of C. burnetii infection in beef cattle has public health implications for occupational exposure of primary producers and veterinarians and for the proximity of beef cattle properties to residential areas in regional Queensland. This study is the first known investigation of C. burnetii seroprevalence in beef cattle in Queensland and the first known use of an Australian C. burnetii isolate for screening using both phase II and phase I antigens.


Subject(s)
Antibodies, Bacterial/blood , Cattle Diseases/epidemiology , Coxiella burnetii/immunology , Public Health , Q Fever/veterinary , Animals , Cattle , Cattle Diseases/blood , Cattle Diseases/transmission , Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay/veterinary , Female , Humans , Male , Occupational Exposure , Q Fever/blood , Q Fever/epidemiology , Q Fever/transmission , Queensland/epidemiology , Seroepidemiologic Studies , Zoonoses
8.
J Immunol Methods ; 355(1-2): 80-5, 2010 Apr 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20206182

ABSTRACT

We currently use a rat model in our investigations into human rheumatic heart disease (RHD). This model traditionally involves footpad immunization with antigen emulsified in complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). Trials to find an alternative adjuvant to CFA which produced a Th1 type response in the rats resulting in carditis were unsuccessful. However, hock immunization was found to produce the desired valvular pathology without the adverse inflammatory side-effects associated with CFA. We therefore consider the hock an ideal site for immunization, particularly when using CFA.


Subject(s)
Autoimmune Diseases/immunology , Disease Models, Animal , Heart Valve Diseases/immunology , Myocarditis/immunology , Rheumatic Heart Disease/immunology , Th1 Cells/immunology , Animals , Autoimmune Diseases/chemically induced , Female , Freund's Adjuvant/adverse effects , Freund's Adjuvant/pharmacology , Heart Valve Diseases/chemically induced , Humans , Immunization , Myocarditis/chemically induced , Rats , Rats, Inbred Lew , Rheumatic Heart Disease/chemically induced
9.
Epidemiol Infect ; 136(7): 965-71, 2008 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-17714600

ABSTRACT

The distribution of Burkholderia pseudomallei was determined in soil collected from a rural district in Papua New Guinea (PNG) where melioidosis had recently been described, predominately affecting children. In 274 samples, 2.6% tested culture-positive for B. pseudomallei. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis using SpeI digests and rapid polymorphic DNA PCR with five primers demonstrated a single clone amongst clinical isolates and isolates cultured from the environment that was commonly used by children from whom the clinical isolates were derived. We concluded that individuals in this region most probably acquired the organism through close contact with the environment at these sites. Burkholderia thailandensis, a closely related Burkholderia sp. was isolated from 5.5% of samples tested, an observation similar to that of melioidosis-endemic areas in Thailand. This is the first report of an environmental reservoir for melioidosis in PNG and confirms the Balimo district in PNG as melioidosis endemic.


Subject(s)
Burkholderia pseudomallei/classification , Burkholderia pseudomallei/isolation & purification , Melioidosis/epidemiology , Child , Cluster Analysis , DNA Fingerprinting , DNA, Bacterial/genetics , Electrophoresis, Gel, Pulsed-Field , Genotype , Humans , Melioidosis/microbiology , Molecular Epidemiology , Papua New Guinea/epidemiology , Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length , Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA Technique , Rural Population , Soil Microbiology
10.
Lett Appl Microbiol ; 45(5): 558-63, 2007 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-17908227

ABSTRACT

AIMS: The study aimed to provide characterization of a potential new species of Coxiella, identified following a series of outbreaks of disease in Australian native freshwater crayfish. METHODS AND RESULTS: PCR primers designed for amplification of Coxiella burnetii genes including 16S rDNA, com1 and sodB were used to amplify homologues in the Coxiella-like crayfish pathogen. Products were then cloned and sequenced. The organism demonstrated a high degree of sequence homology in the highly conserved 16S rDNA (96%) and sodB (99%) genes, as well as the Coxiella sp. specific com1 (100%) gene. Regions flanking the sodB coding sequence demonstrated homology to C. burnetii antioxidant AhpC/Tsa family protein and dihydrodipicolinate reductase gene. CONCLUSIONS: The degree of homology between the genes selected and flanking regions suggested the two organisms were sufficiently closely related to belong to the same genus. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study provided evidence for a potential new species in the currently monospecific genus Coxiella, with the only described member being C. burnetii, a category B biological warfare agent.


Subject(s)
Astacoidea/microbiology , Coxiella/classification , Coxiella/isolation & purification , Animals , Coxiella/genetics , DNA, Ribosomal/analysis , Phylogeny , RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
11.
Intern Med J ; 37(9): 644-6, 2007 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-17714204

ABSTRACT

This study reviewed the epidemiological features, management and outcomes of patients with Q fever treated at a tertiary facility in North Queensland during the period from July 1994 to January 2006. Twenty-seven patients were identified. Our findings were consistent with the observations about Q fever that have been made in other regions of Australia. A diagnosis of Q fever should be considered in patients with a non-specific febrile illness.


Subject(s)
Academic Medical Centers/trends , Q Fever/epidemiology , Adult , Aged , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Queensland/epidemiology
12.
Clin Microbiol Infect ; 10(6): 585-7, 2004 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-15191392

ABSTRACT

Melioidosis is an emerging tropical infection caused by the intracellular bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei, and is associated with high mortality rates. Previous studies investigating the prevalence of melioidosis have based conclusions on serological evidence. However, cell-mediated immunity is more relevant for protection against an intracellular pathogen such as B. pseudomallei. This is the first demonstration that exposure to B. pseudomallei may lead to the formation of specific antibodies and the development of cell-mediated immunity in a healthy individual.


Subject(s)
Burkholderia pseudomallei/immunology , Immunity, Cellular , Melioidosis/epidemiology , Melioidosis/immunology , Adult , Aged , Antibodies, Bacterial/blood , Female , Humans , Leukocytes, Mononuclear/immunology , Lymphocyte Activation , Male , Melioidosis/microbiology , Middle Aged , Northern Territory/epidemiology
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