Molecular Detection and Characterization of Ehrlichia canis Isolates from Three Geographic Regions in Mexico: A Retrospective Study.

Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME) is the most common tick-borne disease affecting domestic dogs and other wild canids. It has a worldwide distribution and is associated with the presence of the brown dog tick. Few studies have been conducted in Mexico to identify and characterize Ehrlichia canis genetic variability. In the present study, 111 dogs of different sex, breed, and age from three geographic regions in Mexico were included. All of them had a previous history of tick infestation and/or the presence of one or more clinical signs compatible with CME. All dogs were tested by a commercial ELISA and nested PCR assay for the detection of E. canis. In addition, we analyzed the E. canis genetic diversity from the 16S rRNA gene sequences obtained in this study, along with 15 additional sequences described for E. canis in Mexico and obtained from GeneBank. Serological detection by commercial ELISA results showed overall infection rates of 85.58% (95/111), including 73.1% (30/41) in samples from Guerrero state; 75% (15/20) in Morelos; and 100% (50/50) in Chihuahua. On the other hand, molecular detection (nPCR assay) showed 31.5% (35/111) overall infection rate, with 41.4% (17/41) in Guerrero state; 55% (11/20) in Morelos; and 14% (7/50) in Chihuahua. We observed a high 16S rRNA gene sequence conservancy in most of the E. canis isolates in the three geographical areas from Mexico, including those analyzed in this research, suggesting a common geographic origin among isolates.

Possible Association between Selected Tick-Borne Pathogen Prevalence and Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato Infestation in Dogs from Juarez City (Chihuahua), Northwest Mexico-US Border.

Tick-borne bacterial pathogens (TBBPs) show a worldwide distribution and represent a great impact on public health. The brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) is a vector of several pathogens that affect dogs and sometimes humans as well. In addition, TBBPs represent a diagnostic challenge and imply financial resources and medical treatment for long periods of time. In the present study, R. sanguineus s. l. was identified as the main tick species naturally parasitizing dogs that inhabit. Juárez City, Chihuahua, in the Paso del Norte region, Mexico-US Border, representing 99.8% of the cases. Additionally, an end-point PCR was performed to search for whether pathogens in R. sanguineus s. l. can transmit in DNA extracted from ticks and dog blood samples. This is the first molecular detection of Rickettsia rickettsi infecting domestic dogs in Mexico; however, other pathogens were also identified, such as Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma platys in both ticks and dog blood samples, while Anaplasma phagocytophilum was identified only in dog blood samples. Moreover, co-detection in tick pools and co-infection in the analyzed dog blood samples could be found. Similarly, this research showed that dogs were found mostly parasitized by adult female ticks, increasing the possibility of transmission of E. canis.

Molecular Detection of Tick-Borne Pathogens in American Bison (Bison bison) at El Uno Ecological Reserve, Janos, Chihuahua, Mexico.

American bison (Bison bison) is listed as near-threatened and in danger of extinction in Mexico. Recent studies have demonstrated the presence of several emerging pathogens at the Janos Biosphere Reserve (JBR), inhabited by one wild herd of American bison. Blood samples were collected from 26 American bison in the JBR. We tested for the presence of Anaplasma marginale, Babesia bigemina, B. bovis, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, and Rickettsia rickettsii DNA using nested and semi-nested PCR protocols performing duplicates in two different laboratories. Results showed three animals (11.5%) positive for B. burgdorferi s. l., three more (11.5%) for Rickettsia rickettsii, and four (19.2%) for B. bovis. Two individuals were co-infected with B. burgdorferi s. l. and B. bovis. We found no animals positive for A. marginale and B. bigemina. This is the first report in America of R. rickettsii in American bison. American bison has been described as an important reservoir for pathogens of zoonotic and veterinary importance; thus, the presence of tick-borne pathogen DNA in the JBR American bison indicates the importance of continuous wildlife health surveys.

Detection of Antibodies to Lokern, Main Drain, St. Louis Encephalitis, and West Nile Viruses in Vertebrate Animals in Chihuahua, Guerrero, and Michoacán, Mexico.

We conducted serologic surveillance for flaviviruses and orthobunyaviruses in vertebrate animals in Mexico in 2018-2019. Sera were collected from 856 vertebrate animals, including 323 dogs, 223 horses, and 121 cows, from 16 species. The animals were from 3 states: Chihuahua in northwest Mexico (704 animals) and Guerrero and Michoacán on the Pacific Coast (27 and 125 animals, respectively). Sera were assayed by plaque reduction neutralization test using four flaviviruses (dengue type 2, St. Louis encephalitis, West Nile, and Zika viruses) and six orthobunyaviruses from the Bunyamwera (BUN) serogroup (Cache Valley, Lokern, Main Drain, Northway, Potosi, and Tensaw viruses). Antibodies to West Nile virus (WNV) were detected in 154 animals of 9 species, including 89 (39.9%) horses, 3 (21.4%) Indian peafowl, and 41 (12.7%) dogs. Antibodies to St. Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV) were detected in seven animals, including three (0.9%) dogs. Antibodies to Lokern virus (LOKV) were detected in 22 animals: 19 (8.5%) horses, 2 (1.7%) cows, and a dog (0.3%). Antibodies to Main Drain virus (MDV) were detected in three (1.3%) horses. WNV and LOKV activity was detected in all three states, SLEV activity was detected in Chihuahua and Michoacán, and MDV activity was detected in Chihuahua. None of the animals was seropositive for Cache Valley virus, the most common and widely distributed BUN serogroup virus in North America. In conclusion, we provide serologic evidence that select flaviviruses and BUN serogroup viruses infect vertebrate animals in Chihuahua, Guerrero, and Michoacán. We also provide the first evidence of LOKV and MDV activity in Mexico.

Differentiating Dengue from COVID-19: Comparison of Cases in Colombia.

The differentiation between dengue and COVID-19 diagnoses is a challenge in tropical regions because of the similarity of symptoms and limited access to specific diagnostic tests for each disease. The objective of this study was to describe the initial symptoms and laboratory test values of patients who presented to the emergency department with dengue or COVID-19. A cross-sectional study was performed in a single center in Cali, Colombia. The inclusion criteria were patients with a diagnosis of dengue or COVID-19 who were older than 14 years of age. All patients experienced fever or other symptoms for fewer than 10 days. Linear regression was performed to evaluate the differences in the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) between patients diagnosed with COVID-19 and dengue, and was adjusted for sex and age group (≤ 31 and > 31 years). The sample size was calculated to test the hypothesis that the median NLR in COVID-19 patients is higher than that in dengue patients. A P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant for all analyses. A total of 93 patients were included: 70 with dengue and 23 with COVID-19. Dengue patients were younger than COVID-19 patients. There were significant differences between dengue and COVID-19 patients regarding platelet count (P < 0.01), neutrophil count (P < 0.01), NLR (P < 0.01), and abnormal alanine transaminase (ALT) (P = 0.03). The NLR was significantly higher in COVID-19 patients than in dengue patients (P < 0.01). In conclusion, during the first week of symptoms, absolute neutrophil count, NLR, and platelet count could help guide the initial differential approach between dengue and COVID-19. These findings could be useful in geographical areas with a lack of resources.

Insulin-stimulated endoproteolytic TUG cleavage links energy expenditure with glucose uptake.

TUG tethering proteins bind and sequester GLUT4 glucose transporters intracellularly, and insulin stimulates TUG cleavage to translocate GLUT4 to the cell surface and increase glucose uptake. This effect of insulin is independent of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, and its physiological relevance remains uncertain. Here we show that this TUG cleavage pathway regulates both insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in muscle and organism-level energy expenditure. Using mice with muscle-specific Tug (Aspscr1)-knockout and muscle-specific constitutive TUG cleavage, we show that, after GLUT4 release, the TUG C-terminal cleavage product enters the nucleus, binds peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γ and its coactivator PGC-1α and regulates gene expression to promote lipid oxidation and thermogenesis. This pathway acts in muscle and adipose cells to upregulate sarcolipin and uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), respectively. The PPARγ2 Pro12Ala polymorphism, which reduces diabetes risk, enhances TUG binding. The ATE1 arginyltransferase, which mediates a specific protein degradation pathway and controls thermogenesis, regulates the stability of the TUG product. We conclude that insulin-stimulated TUG cleavage coordinates whole-body energy expenditure with glucose uptake, that this mechanism might contribute to the thermic effect of food and that its attenuation could promote obesity.

Demonstrating the presence of Ehrlichia canis DNA from different tissues of dogs with suspected subclinical ehrlichiosis.

BACKGROUND: Nowadays, Ehrlichia canis receives increasing attention because of its great morbidity and mortality in animals. Dogs in the subclinical and chronic phases can be asymptomatic, and serological tests show cross-reactivity and fail to differentiate between current and past infections. Moreover, there could be low parasitaemia, and E. canis might be found only in target organs, hence causing results to be negative by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on blood samples. METHODS: We evaluated by PCR the prevalence of E. canis in blood, liver, spleen, lymph node and bone marrow samples of 59 recently euthanised dogs that had ticks but were clinically healthy. RESULTS: In total, 52.55% of the blood PCRs for E. canis were negative, yet 61.30% yielded positive results from tissue biopsies and were as follows: 63.15% from bone marrow; 52.63% from liver; 47.36% from spleen; and 15.78% from lymph node. In addition, 33% had infection in three tissues (spleen, liver and bone marrow). CONCLUSIONS: Our results show the prevalence of E. canis from tissues of dogs that were negative by blood PCR. Ehrlichia canis DNA in tissue was 30% lower in dogs that tested negative in PCR of blood samples compared to those that were positive. However, it must be taken into account that some dogs with negative results were positive for E. canis in other tissues.

Turning off the tap: Common domestic water conservation actions insufficient to alleviate drought in the United States of America.

Climate change is exacerbating drought and water stress in several global regions, including some parts of the United States. During times of drought in the U.S., municipal governments, private water suppliers and non-profits commonly deploy advocacy campaigns and incentive programs targeting reductions in residential water use through actions including: repairing leaks, shutting off taps, and installing new water-saving appliances. We asked whether these campaigns have the potential to alleviate water stress during drought at the county scale by estimating the potential impact of full adoption of such actions. In 2010, we show that the maximum potential use reductions from these residential actions may only alleviate water stress in 6% (174) of U.S. counties. The potential impact of domestic programs is limited by the relative dominance of agriculture water withdrawal, the primary water user in 50% of U.S. counties. While residential actions do achieve some water demand savings, they are not sufficient to alter water stress in the majority of the continental U.S. We recommend redirecting advocacy efforts and incentives to individual behaviors that can influence agricultural water use.

Factors associated with failure of postoperative nausea and vomiting prophylaxis in a high complexity health center in Cali, Colombia: case-control study / Factores asociados con la falla de la profilaxis de náusea y vómito posoperatorio en un centro de salud de alta complejidad en Cali, Colombia: estudio de casos y controles

Abstract Introduction: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) negatively impact patients undergoing surgical procedures under anesthesia. The scientific evidence on the risk factors for PONV after antiemetic prophylaxis is unsatisfactory, so there is a need to identify the factors associated with the occurrence of PONV. Objective: To identify the factors associated with failed prophylaxis for PONV in patients at Fundación Valle del Lili in 2017. Methods: Case-control study. Patients admitted to the post anesthesia care unit after having undergone surgery under general anesthesia were included. The cases were patients who, despite receiving antiemetic prophylaxis, had PONV, and those who did not develop these symptoms after prophylaxis, were considered the control group. A bivariate analysis was conducted using the Mann-Whitney U test, Fisher's exact test, or x2, according to the type of variable. Finally, crude odds ratios were estimated and subsequently adjusted via a logistic regression. Results: A total of 80 cases and 332 controls were included. The median age for all patients was 47 years. Women represented 61.6% (n = 254). The variables associated with PONV were age (odds ratio [OR] = 0.98, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.96-0.99, P = 0.013), female (OR = 3.02, 95% CI 1.66-5.47, P < 0.001) and the use of desflurane during surgery (OR = 2.82, 95% CI 1.097.30, P < 0.032). Conclusion: Female sex and the use of desflurane during surgery increase the odds of experiencing PONV, regardless of pharmacological antiemetic prophylaxis. Moreover, elderly patients show lower odds of developing this complication.

Resumen Introducción: La náusea y el vómito posoperatorios impactan negativamente en los pacientes sometidos a procedimientos quirúrgicos bajo anestesia. La evidencia científica sobre los factores de riesgo para náusea y vómito posoperatorios después de profilaxis antiemética es insatisfactoria, por lo que es necesario identificar los factores asociados con su presentación. Objetivo: Establecer los factores asociados con la profilaxis fallida de náusea y vómito posoperatorios en pacientes de la Fundación Valle del Lili en el 2017. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio de casos y controles. Se incluyeron los pacientes que ingresaron a la unidad de cuidados posanestésicos luego de haber sido intervenidos quirúrgicamente bajo anestesia general. Los casos fueron los pacientes que a pesar de recibir profilaxis antiemética presentaron náusea y/o vómito posoperatorio, mientras los controles fueron aquellos que no presentaron estos síntomas después de la profilaxis. Se realizó un análisis bivariado con la U de Mann-Whitney, el test exacto de Fisher o X2, según el tipo de variable. Finalmente, se estimaron odds ratios crudos que después fueron ajustados por medio de una regresión logística. Resultados: Se incluyeron 80 casos y 332 controles. La mediana de edad para todos los pacientes fue 47 años. Las mujeres representaron el 61.6% (n = 254). Las variables asociadas con náusea y vómito posoperatorios fueron: edad (OR=0.98, IC 95% 0.96-0.99; p = 0.013), ser mujer (OR = 3.02, IC 95% 1.66-5.47; p < 0.001) y el uso de desflurano durante el procedimiento quirúrgico (OR = 2.82, IC 95% 1.09-7.30; p <0.032). Conclusiones: El sexo femenino y el uso de desflurano durante el procedimiento quirúrgico aumentan la oportunidad de tener náusea y vómito posoperatorios, a pesar de una profilaxis farmacológica antiemética. Por otra parte, en pacientes con edades mayores se observa una disminución de la oportunidad de presentar esta complicación.

Gastroesophageal reflux in anesthetized dogs: a review / Reflujo gastroesofágico en perros anestesiados: revisión de literatura / Refluxo gastroesofágico em cães anestesiados: revisão de literatura

Gastroesophageal reflux can be a catastrophic illness in small animals during anesthesia since its complications can cause serious pathologies, such as esophagitis, esophageal stenosis and aspiration pneumonia. With an incidence from 12 to 78.5% in anesthetized dogs, gastroesophageal reflux is normally silent during anesthesia and will be notices only if regurgitation occurs and stomach acid is present in the nasal or oral cavities. In humans, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a well-defined pathology where the lower esophageal sphincter has a sustained weakness. However, in dogs, gastroesophageal reflux disease as such is not well established, if at all; it has only been described as gastroesophagic reflux, occurring principally in anesthetized animals. There are several factors influencing the presentation of reflux in anesthetized dogs, which may be inherent to the patient (e.g. age, sex, breed, weight, or body condition), medications used prior to and during anesthesia, type of surgery or position of the animal during surgery. The objective of this review is to discuss a series of conditions that could predispose dogs to gastroesophageal reflux during anesthesia and to assist in the prevention and diagnosis of this condition.

El reflujo gastroesofágico durante la anestesia puede ser una entidad catastrófica en la clínica de pequeñas especies, ya que sus complicaciones derivan en entidades realmente graves como esofagitis, estenosis esofágica y neumonía por aspiración. Con una incidencia del 12 al 78.5% en perros anestesiados, el reflujo gastroesofágico durante la anestesia es generalmente silencioso y sólo se observa cuando existe regurgitación y el reflujo pasa a cavidad oral o nasal. En el humano, la enfermedad por reflujo gastroesofágico (ERGE) es una patología bien definida, donde el esfínter esofágico inferior presenta una debilidad sostenida. Sin embargo, en el perro esta enfermedad como tal no está bien establecida, si acaso se describe el reflujo gastroesofágico, que ocurre principalmente en animales anestesiados. Existen diversos factores que influyen en la presentación del reflujo en los perros anestesiados. Estos pueden ser inherentes al paciente (por ejemplo: edad, sexo, raza, peso o condición corporal), a medicamentos utilizados previamente y durante la anestesia, al tipo de cirugía o a la posición del animal durante la cirugía. El objetivo de esta revisión es discutir una guía de las condiciones que predisponen a la aparición de reflujo gastroesofágico durante la anestesia en perros con el fin de facilitar el diagnóstico y la prevención de esta condición.

O refluxo gastroesofágico durante a anestesia pode ser uma entidade catastrófica na clínica de pequenas espécies, já que suas complicações resultam em entidades realmente graves, como esofagite, estenose esofágica e pneumonia por aspiração. O refluxo gastroesofágico em cães anestesiados é geralmente silencioso, com uma incidência de 12 até 78.5% e só é observada quando há regurgitação e o refluxo passa até a cavidade oral ou nasal. Nos humanos, a doença pelo refluxo gastroesofágico (ERGE) é uma patologia bem definida, onde o esfíncter esofágico inferior apresenta uma debilidade continua. Porém, esta doença em cães não está bem estabelecida, pelo qual só se descreve o refluxo gastroesofágico, que ocorre principalmente em animais anestesiados. Existem diversos fatores que influenciam na apresentação do refluxo em cães anestesiados. Estes podem ser inerentes ao paciente (por exemplo: idade, sexo, raça, peso ou condição corporal), a medicamentos utilizados previamente e durante a anestesia, ao tipo de cirurgia ou a posição do animal durante a cirurgia. O objetivo da revisão foi discutir uma guia das condições que predispõem à aparição de refluxo gastroesofágico durante a anestesia em cães com o fim de facilitar o diagnóstico e a prevenção dessa condição.