In the context of a serosurvey conducted on the Anaplasma marginale prevalence in Swiss cattle, we suspected that a serological cross-reactivity between A. marginale and A. phagocytophilum might exist. In the present study we demonstrate that cattle, sheep and horses experimentally infected with A. phagocytophilum not only develop antibodies to A. phagocytophilum (detected by immunofluorescent-antibody assay) but also to A. marginale (detected by a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). Conversely, calves experimentally infected with A. marginale also developed antibodies to A. phagocytophilum using the same serological tests. The identity of 63% determined in silico within a 209-amino-acid sequence of major surface protein 5 of an isolate of A. marginale and one of A. phagocytophilum supported the observed immunological cross-reactivity. These observations have important consequences for the serotesting of both, A. marginale and A. phagocytophilum infection of several animal species. In view of these new findings, tests that have been considered specific for either infection must be interpreted carefully.
Following a request from the European Commission, a scientific opinion was prepared by EFSA's Animal Health and Welfare Panel to determine the magnitude, distribution, impact and significance of infection and disease in domestic ruminants and humans, risk factors for the maintenance (in domestic ruminant populations) and spillover (from these populations to humans) of Coxiella burnetii (the causative agent of Q fever), and control options in domestic ruminant populations. A range of approaches were used, including an assessment of monitoring/surveillance data, the development of a simple conceptual model, a critical review of available literature, and several country case studies. Control options for C. burnetii infection in small ruminants were qualitatively assessed. Infection is endemic in domestic ruminants in most, if not all, EU member states, however, disease is rare and impact is limited. In the EU, Q fever is a zoonotic disease with limited public health impact, except under certain epidemiological circumstances and for particular risk groups. Human cases are often associated with proximity to small ruminants (particularly at parturition or during abortions) and dry, windy weather. Currently, there is no clear evidence of an association between bacterial genotypes/isolates and virulence. A number of longer-term options to control C. burnetii infection in domestic ruminants were identified; these should be considered in those situations where the public health risk is considered unacceptable. Some additional options were not considered sustainable for long-term control, but may have a role in the face of an outbreak. Persistent environmental contamination may confound animal-based control efforts. Vaccination should be considered a longterm control option, noting that effectiveness may not be observed in the short-term. Antibiotic treatment of animals is not recommended. There is no conclusive evidence that the consumption of milk and milk products containing C. burnetii has resulted in clinical Q fever in humans. (ECDC) and the EFSA staff members Ana Afonso, Milen Georgiev and Jane Richardson for the support provided to this EFSA scientific output. Thank you also for the valuable information made available by the Zoonoses task force, the EFSA Animal Health and Welfare network, Prof. S. Martinov and I. Yordanov.This opinion was the result of a fruitful collaboration with ECDC in relation to public health aspects. The BIOHAZ Panel wishes to thank the EFSA staff member Bart Goossens for the support provided to Chapter 4 of this EFSA scientific output. Q fever 2 EFSA Journal 2010; 8 (5):1595 SUMMARYThe recent developments in the EU, especially the increase in confirmed human cases of Q fever in the Netherlands, call for special consideration as regards the risks posed by Q fever for humans and animals. The European Commission requested further scientific advice and risk assessment, as regards Q fever in animals. The mandate posed three questions:to assess the significance of the occurrence of Q fever in the ...
SUMMARYKnowledge on the relative importance of alternative sources of human campylobacteriosis is important in order to implement effective disease prevention measures. The objective of this study was to assess the relative importance of three key exposure pathways (travelling abroad, poultry meat, pet contact) for different patient age groups in Switzerland. With a stochastic exposure model data on Campylobacter incidence for the years 2002-2007 were linked with data for the three exposure pathways and the results of a case-control study. Mean values for the population attributable fractions (PAF) over all age groups and years were 27 % (95 % CI 17-39) for poultry consumption, 27% (95 % CI 22-32) for travelling abroad, 8 % (95 % CI 6-9) for pet contact and 39 % (95 % CI 25-50) for other risk factors. This model provided robust results when using data available for Switzerland, but the uncertainties remained high. The output of the model could be improved if more accurate input data are available to estimate the infection rate per exposure. In particular, the relatively high proportion of cases attributed to 'other risk factors ' requires further attention.
Antimicrobial resistance has been recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of the top three threats to human health. Any use of antibiotics in animals will ultimately also affect humans, and vice-versa. The importance of the appropriate monitoring of its usage and resistance has been repeatedly emphasized, as well as the need for global policies in this respect. Under the auspices of the EU research project EFFORT, the mapping of antimicrobial usage and resistance monitoring programs in ten European countries was performed, with a critical comparison with international and European guidelines/policies. Regarding the monitoring of resistance, we did not find important differences between countries. However, the current resistance monitoring systems are focused on food animal species (and fecal samples), ignoring, for example, companion animals. The scenario is different considering the monitoring of antibiotics use. In the recent years, there has been a significant effort to harmonize methodologies. Despite this, the reporting of antimicrobials use is still voluntary. A need for stronger policies was identified.
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