• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.56 no.3
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• pp.287-290
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• 2018

Anaplasmosis is a tick-borne, non-contagious, zoonotic disease caused by Anaplasma spp., which include Anaplasma marginale, A. centrale, A. phagocytophilum, A. platys, A. ovis, and A. bovis. Recently, in Korea, the prevalence of Anaplasma spp. has been investigated in some animals, such as dogs, horses, goats, cats, and Korean water deer. In cattle, A. marginale is the most virulent species and regarded as the typical type of species. However, data on the seroprevalence of Anaplasma spp. in cattle in Korea during the last decade is limited. This study was designed to investigate the seroprevalence of bovine anaplasmosis in Korea. From 2010 to 2013, blood samples were collected from 568 cattle. Forty animals (7.0%) tested seropositive for Anaplasma spp. by cELISA. Despite that current bovine anaplasmosis seropositivity rate in the Gyeongsangbuk-do is lower than those in tropical countries, anaplasmosis needs to be regarded as a concerning disease. The identification of the specific Anaplasma species infecting cattle in this province requires additional molecular studies. Moreover, further monitoring and control programs for bovine anaplasmosis is required, and the information from this study will be beneficial to develop these programs.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.53-63
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• 1998

Total of 1085 swine sera (1996-1997) from nation-wide were tested for the presence of antibodies to influenza A virus. Fifty nine percent of the tested sera showed seropositive by HI test. Positive sera consisted of 24--- of H3, 15--- of H1, and 20--- of the sample had both antibodies, respectively. Sera collected from various region represented 7~27--- seropositivity to H1N1, 15~25--- to H3N2, respectively. Swine influenza field isolate from nasal swab was characterized antigenically and genetically to elucidate its relatedness with other known strains of influenza A virus. The study was focused on the HA gene which is related to pathogenecity and antigenic variability of the influenza virus. By RT-PCR using influenza A/H1N1 specific primers, influenza virus H1N1 specific DNA fragment was amplified from A/Swine/Iowa/15/30(H1N1), US field isolate but not in H3N2 strain. PCR products were sequenced by dideoxy chain termination method to determine nucleotide homology with other strains of influenza A virus. The US field isolate and A/Swine/Indiana/1726/88 strain had 97--- of nucleotide homology and 98--- of amino acid homology. Based on the results obtained from this experiment, the field isolate was genetically related to A/Swine/Indiana/1726/88 and had higher homology with A/Swine/Indiana/1726/88 than with classical swine influenza virus, A/Swine/Iowa/15/30. The field isolate had no amino acid changes at the antigenic site compare to that of the A/Swine/Indiana/1726/88. The proteolytic enzyme cleavage site between HA1 and HA2 had no alteration and the amino acid arginine was intact. There is no evidence has been found that the field isolate has genetic shift or genetic drift which might altered antigenic determinant.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Service
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.239-246
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• 2016

The prevalence of Coxiella burnetii in native Korean goats in Jeonbuk province was investigated using ELISA (sera) and PCR (vaginal mucus). A total of 798 blood samples from 189 farms were collected in 2013 and 2015. Seroprevalence was 13.6% in 2013 and 15.7% in 2015. Tracking survey of six seropositive farms on the prevalence of C. burnetii was conducted. 137 (41.4%) out of 331 goats were seropositive and 47 (17.6%) out of 267 goats were positive in PCR. The higher seropositivity observed in adult goats and female goats significantly, the seroprevalence of C. burnetii was higher as age increased (<1 y=13.2%~${\geq}5$ y=100%)(P<0.05) and female goats (44.8%) was higher than male goats (24.1%) on the seroprevalence (P<0.05). 21 (7.9%) goats positive in PCR was seronegative. The prevalence of C. burnetii in native Korean goats in slaughter house was 30.0% in ELISA and 11.5% in PCR. Significantly, female goats (62.8%) was higher than male goats (12.3%) on the seroprevalence (P<0.05). Based on these data, C. burnetii was easily exposed in domestic animals: native Korean goats-related areas such as farms and slaughter house.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.53 no.2
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• pp.169-175
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• 2015

The relationship between anti-Plasmodium vivax circumsporozoite protein (CSP) antibody levels and the prevalence of malaria in epidemic areas of South Korea was evaluated. Blood samples were collected from inhabitants of Gimpo-si (city), Paju-si, and Yeoncheon-gun (county) in Gyeonggi-do (province), as well as Cheorwon-gun in Gangwon-do from November to December 2004. Microscopic examinations were used to identify malaria parasites. ELISA was used to quantitate anti-circumsporozoite protein (CSP) antibodies against P. vivax. A total of 1,774 blood samples were collected. The overall CSP-ELISA-positive rate was 7.7% (n=139). The annual parasite incidences (APIs) in these areas gradually decreased from 2004 to 2005 (1.09 and 0.80, respectively). The positive rate in Gimpo (10.4%, 44/425) was the highest identified by CSP-ELISA. The highest API was found in Yeoncheon, followed by Cheorwon, Paju, and Gimpo in both years. The positive rates of CSP-ELISA were closely related to the APIs in the study areas. These results suggest that seroepidemiological studies based on CSP may be helpful in estimating the malaria prevalence in certain areas. In addition, this assay can be used to establish and evaluate malaria control and eradication programs in affected areas.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.53 no.2
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• pp.163-167
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• 2015

This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence and to identify risk factors associated with Neospora spp. infection in horses in Jordan. Management related data were collected from each farm and individual horses. Sera from 227 horses from 5 of 6 climatic regions in Jordan were analyzed for the presence of antibodies to Neospora spp. by ELISA kit. The study was performed during spring of 2010. The association between seropositivity and risk factors was analyzed. A total of 7 (3%) of 227 sera had antibodies for Neospora spp. There was a significant regional difference (P=0.018) between the 5 climatic regions. Positive cases were located in Amman and Irbid, while the other regions (Zarqa, Jordan Valley, and Wadi Mousa) had zero prevalence. The use of anthelmintics at least once a year resulted in a significant reduction of the seroprevalence to Neospora spp. (1.6% vs 9.8%). However, this might be a phenomenon by chance and a better hygiene since owners can invest in anthelmintics. Other risk factors such as age, gender, breed, usage, body condition score, grazing, presence of other animals mixed with the horses in the same property, and a history of previous diseases were not significantly associated with the seroprevalence to Neospora spp. infection. This is the first study to report on the presence of Neospora seropositive horses in Jordan. Further studies are warranted to better understand the role of certain risk factors in the transmission of Neospora spp. among horse population and to determine which Neospora spp. are responsible for the infection.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.38.1-38.12
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• 2023

Background: Poor disease management and irregular vector control could predispose sheltered animals to disease such as feline Bartonella infection, a vector-borne zoonotic disease primarily caused by Bartonella henselae. Objectives: This study investigated the status of Bartonella infection in cats from eight (n = 8) shelters by molecular and serological approaches, profiling the CD4:CD8 ratio and the risk factors associated with Bartonella infection in shelter cats. Methods: Bartonella deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was detected through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting 16S-23S rRNA internal transcribed spacer gene, followed by DNA sequencing. Bartonella IgM and IgG antibody titre, CD4 and CD8 profiles were detected using indirect immunofluorescence assay and flow cytometric analysis, respectively. Results: B. henselae was detected through PCR and sequencing in 1.0% (1/101) oral swab and 2.0% (1/50) cat fleas, while another 3/50 cat fleas carried B. clarridgeiae. Only 18/101 cats were seronegative against B. henselae, whereas 30.7% (31/101) cats were positive for both IgM and IgG, 8% (18/101) cats had IgM, and 33.7% (34/101) cats had IgG antibody only. None of the eight shelters sampled had Bartonella antibody-free cats. Although abnormal CD4:CD8 ratio was observed in 48/83 seropositive cats, flea infestation was the only significant risk factor observed in this study. Conclusions: The present study provides the first comparison on the Bartonella spp. antigen, antibody status and CD4:CD8 ratio among shelter cats. The high B. henselae seropositivity among shelter cats presumably due to significant flea infestation triggers an alarm of whether the infection could go undetectable and its potential transmission to humans.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.57.1-57.12
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• 2024

Importance: Sheep and goat pox (SGP) virus infection is a highly fatal viral infection of small ruminants that causes major production losses in sheep and goats in Ethiopia while also limiting international trade. Objective: This study aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of SGP infection and assess related risk variables. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to August 2023 on 384 serum samples taken from sheep and goats. A serum neutralization test was conducted to detect the presence of antibodies against the SGP virus in Wolaita Sodo Regional Laboratory. Results: The overall seroprevalence rate of SGP was 4.95%. Factors such as sheep (8.26%), female sheep and goats (7.45%), older sheep and goats (8.33%), larger flock size of sheep and goats (10.47%), poorly conditioned sheep and goats (31.58%), sheep and goats with a tick on their skin (10.38%), and animals that had not been vaccinated (5.17%) were found to have higher seroprevalence. Furthermore, the seropositivity in sheep was five times greater than in goats (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 4.73; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.39-15.99). Additionally, large-sized flocks of sheep and goats were more likely to be seropositive to pox disease than small-sized flocks (AOR, 6.73; 95% CI, 1.58-28.67). Conclusions and Relevance: Thus, the study revealed the prevalence of SGP in the Wolaita zone. Additional research should be conducted to estimate the extent of the disease at the regional level, and management measures should be implemented to reduce the economic losses associated with this condition.

• Clinical and Experimental Vaccine Research
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.54-62
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• 2024

Purpose: Accidental vaccination with a live attenuated low-virulence strain of Miyagi (LOM) vaccine led to the reemergence of classical swine fever virus (CSFV) in Jeju province, South Korea in 2014. To control the continual outbreaks of LOM-derived CSFV, the provincial government launched a provincial mass vaccination project using a CSF-E2 subunit vaccine. We conducted this study to assess the herd immunity level and outcomes of E2 vaccine-based immunization in breeding and growing herds on Jeju Island during 2020-2021. Materials and Methods: A large-scale vaccination trial using the Bayovac CSF-E2 vaccine investigated its efficacy in breeding and growing herds under farm application conditions (10 CSFV-affected and three CSFV-naïve swine farms). Results: The level of herd immunity in each farm was classified into three (S1-S3) and six (G1-G6) profiles in breeding and growing herds, respectively. Immunity monitoring revealed a remarkable improvement in the herd immunity status in all farms. The majority (10/13) of farms, including CSFV-free farms, showed the S1G1 immunity profile in 2021, indicating the appropriate implementation of the advised vaccination regime. Moreover, there were significant decreases in E^rns seropositivity from 100% to 50% and 25.9% to 4.3% at farm and pig levels, respectively. In particular, all farms were confirmed as CSFV free in the growing-finishing herds. Conclusion: Our large-scale trial demonstrated the effectiveness of the E2 subunit vaccine in establishing herd immunity stabilization and eliminating CSFV circulation in the affected farms and highlighted the need for a provincial vaccination policy to regain the CSF-free status on Jeju Island.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.175-184
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• 1996

Purpose : This study was intended to measure seropositivities and the levels of mumps- and rubella-specific IgG of MMR vaccinees over 17 months of age in Korea. Materials and Methods : From June 1994 to April 1995 we obtained sera from visitors of well baby clinic and patients in Korea University Hospital, who were MMR vaccinees over 17 months of age and had no evidence of immunodeficiency. These 275 study population include 145 males and 130 females. Mumps- and rubella-specific IgG antibody levels were measured by ELISA. Cut-off values for seropositivity were 20 GU(Gamma Unit) in mumps and 0.17 in rubella. Results : 1) As age increased, seropositivities of mumps-specific IgG increased significantly, being 69.0% in 1.5~2 year, 75.0% in 3~4 year, 76.0% in 5~6 year, 90.0% in 7 year, 100% in 8 year, 96.9% in 9 year, 97.4% in 10 year, 97.4% in 11 year, and 96.6% in 12 year of age(p<0.001). 2) As age increased, the levels of mumps-specific IgG antibody(mean${\pm}$standard deviation, GU) increased significantly, being $64.9{\pm}66.5$ in 1.5-2 year, $117.7{\pm}126.4$ in 3~4 year, $152.3{\pm}147.1$ in 5~6 year, $194.3{\pm}168.2$ in 7 year, $258.1{\pm}190.6$ in 8 year, $193.1{\pm}130.1$ in 9 year, $225.7{\pm}119.6$ in 10 year, $220.7{\pm}114.3$ in 11 year, and $222.3{\pm}127.1$ in 12 year of age(p<0.001). There was positive correlation between age and mumps-specific antibody level (r=0.3282, p<0.001). 3) As age increased, seropositivities of rubella-specific IgG decreased significantly, being 72.4% in 1.5~2 year, 75% in 3~4 year, 72% in 5~6 year, 60% in 7 year, 44.4% in 8 year, 40.6% in 9 year, 28.2% in 10 year, 23.1% in 11 year, and 17.2% in 12 year of age(p<0.001). 4) As age increased, rubella-specific IgG decreased significantly, being $0.462{\pm}0.356$ in 1.5~2year, $0.438{\pm}0.306$ in 3~4 year, $0.287{\pm}0.179$ in 5~6 year, $0.204{\pm}0.139$ in 7 year, $0.189{\pm}0.153$ in 8 year, $0.124{\pm}0.121$ in 9 year, $0.093{\pm}0.114$ in 10 year, $0.104{\pm}0.135$ in 11 year, and $0.080{\pm}0.001$ in 12 year of age(p<0.001). There was negative correlation between age and rubella-specific IgG titer (r=-0.551, p<0.001). Conclusions : Eventhough seropositivities and the level of mumps-specific IgG increased as age increased, they are not enough to prevent mumps infection in 1.5 to 6 years of age. Seropositivities and the level of rubella-specific IgG decreased as age increased. Appropriate change in vaccine schedule may be needed to decrease the risks of mumps and rubella infection.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.125-133
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• 2017

Purpose: After the introduction of Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine in 1995 in Korea, it was included in the national immunization program in 2013. In the post-Hib vaccine era, some studies in other countries reported that invasive Hib disease affects adults, especially the elderly and immunocompromised persons, more often than it affects children. To evaluate disease susceptibility, quantitative and qualitative analysis of anti-polyribosylribitol phosphate (PRP) antibodies were carried out in Korean adults aged 20 to 85 years. Methods: Sera were collected from 39 healthy adults (20 to 50 years of age) and from 30 elderly adults (75 to 85 years of age) who did not have immune-compromising conditions. The concentration of anti-PRP immunoglobulin G (IgG) and serum bactericidal indices (SBIs) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and serum bactericidal assay. Results: Geometric mean concentrations of anti-PRP IgG and geometric mean SBIs were $0.88{\mu}g/mL$ (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.17 to 3.85) and 354 (95% CI, 50 to 2,499) in young adults and $1.67{\mu}g/mL$ (95% CI, 0.53 to 5.24) and 449 (95% CI, 146 to 1,376) in elderly adults, respectively. When the threshold of seropositivity for anti-PRP IgG was applied as 0.15 or $1.0{\mu}g/mL$, which is the protective antibody level in children, seropositive rates were 87.2% or 53.8% in young adults and 100% or 60% in elderly adults. The seropositivity rates of the SBI ($SBI{\geq}4$) were 82.1% and 100% in the groups, respectively. Conclusions: Most subjects in the adult and elderly adult groups display immunity to Hib based on quantitative and qualitative antibody levels, but not all. Because high immunization and low Hib circulation rates may reduce the natural Hib immunity in the population, monitoring Hib immunity as well as disease are needed continuously.