International Society of Fish and Shellfish Immunology’s Post

📢 Call for Reading 👉 Title: Comparative Analysis of the Exo-Erythrocytic Development of Five Lineages of #Haemoproteus majoris, a Common #Haemosporidian #Parasite of European Passeriform #Birds 🔗 Link: https://lnkd.in/gQj73frt 🎯 Article Views: 1074; Citations: 4 Haemoproteus parasites (Apicomplexa, Haemosporida) are widespread pathogens of birds, with a rich genetic (about 1900 lineages) and morphospecies (178 species) diversity. Nonetheless, their life cycles are poorly understood. The exo-erythrocytic stages of three Haemoproteus majoris (widespread generalist parasite) lineages have been previously reported, each in a different bird species. We aimed to further study and compare the development of five H. majoris lineages—hCCF5, hCWT4, hPARUS1, hPHSIB1, and hWW2—in a wider selection of natural avian hosts. A total of 42 individuals belonging to 14 bird species were sampled. Morphospecies and parasitemia were determined by microscopy of blood films, lineages by DNA-barcoding a 478 bp section of the cytochrome b gene, and exo-erythrocytic stages by histology and chromogenic in situ hybridization. The lineage hCWT4 was morphologically characterized as H. majoris for the first time. All lineage infections exclusively featured megalomeronts. The exo-erythrocytic stages found in all examined bird species were similar, particularly for the lineages hCCF5, hPARUS1, and hPHSIB1. Megalomeronts of the lineages hWW2 and hCWT4 were more similar to each other than to the former three lineages. The kidneys and gizzard were most often affected, followed by lungs and intestines; the site of development showed variation depending on the lineage. #OpenAccess

ANOSPP Project The primary aim of the ANOSPP project is to improve our understanding of Anopheles species diversity, population structure, and malaria transmission across Africa. We will achieve this in collaboration with partners working in malaria-endemic countries. 500,000 Anopheles mosquitoes collected from 100 locations across Africa over the next five years will undergo targeted sequencing with the ANOSPP amplicon panel. The sequencing data that results from each individual mosquito reveals its species, population structure, and whether Plasmodium parasites are present – key information for vector control endeavours. While the project’s focus is on African species, an important secondary goal is to complete a “reference index” for the entire Anopheles genus – this complete index is fundamental to the utility of ANOSPP. This requires mosquitoes or DNA extracts from at least 10 expertly identified individuals for every Anopheles species on the planet. For any expertly identified sample contributing to the reference index, we will also sequence COI and/or ITS2. All data are returned to partners and made openly available. https://buff.ly/3wLdPMp #funding #investing #fintech #technology #sustainability #growth #cybersecurity #environment #food #automation #automotive #recycling #nutrition #medicine #robotics #farming #augmentedreality #neuroscience #grants #ukgrants #startupgrants #businessgrants #ukgovernmentgrant #sme #smegrant #businessfunding #smefunding #technologygrant #innovationgrant #capti #captiinnovation #gamechanging #gamechanginginnovation #disruptiveinnovation #smartgrant #ai #manufacturing #sustainable #innovation #telecoms #semiconductors #business #IUK #InnovateUK #SmartGrant #InnovateUKfunding

🔬 Exciting News for Scientists! 🔬 Introducing: Nature Springer’s Borrelia burgdorferi: Methods and Protocols. Methods in Molecular Biology. Editor Leona Gilbert. https://lnkd.in/gcVN_DDB 📚 From cell and molecular biologists to statisticians and clinical researchers, these methods cater to all fields. Explore techniques for in vitro, in vivo, in situ, de novo, and clinical studies of Borrelia burgdorferi. Let's advance our understanding of infectious diseases! 💪🌍 Chapter 4 Revealed. 🔬 ELISA Construction for Anti-Borrelia Detection 🔬 The latest research dives deep into the world of zoonotic diseases with a spotlight on Lyme disease caused by Borrelia. We're excited to share innovative methods from the team, including Julia Bland, Caitlin McGowan, Emma Bush, and Vett Lloyd, on conducting serological surveillance in non-model animals like wildlife and agricultural livestock. Understanding the spread of Lyme disease is critical for human health, our environment, and the animals we share it with. Wild animals are reservoirs for these diseases, and our agricultural companions are economically significant and an integral part of our ecosystem deserving of welfare. But there's a hitch – getting blood samples from these animals is no easy feat. Plus, the lack of validated serological tools adds another layer of complexity. 🐎🐄 This chapter outlines step-by-step procedures to construct an ELISA that detects anti-Borrelia antibodies, focusing on horses and cows. Researchers tackle the unique challenges faced with non-model animals, including obtaining sera, establishing controls without controlled infections, and ensuring the test is optimized and validated. Stay tuned for insights on how this approach can enhance our serological arsenal and provide a clearer picture of zoonotic disease spread in animal populations. #Science #BorreliaBurgdorferi #ResearchMethods #InfectiousDiseases #LymeDisease #ScienceDiscoveries #TickbornePathogen #TickborneDisease #ScienceAdvances #TickBorneDiseases #Epidemiology #VeterinaryScience #OneHealth #Tickplex @tez_ted

🔬 Exciting News for Scientists! 🔬 Introducing: Nature Springer’s Borrelia burgdorferi: Methods and Protocols. Methods in Molecular Biology. Editor Leona Gilbert. https://lnkd.in/dyW8d6V6 📚 From cell and molecular biologists to statisticians and clinical researchers, these methods cater to all fields. Explore techniques for in vitro, in vivo, in situ, de novo, and clinical studies of Borrelia burgdorferi. Let's advance our understanding of infectious diseases! 💪🌍 Chapter 4 Revealed. 🔬 ELISA Construction for Anti-Borrelia Detection 🔬 The latest research dives deep into the world of zoonotic diseases with a spotlight on Lyme disease caused by Borrelia. We're excited to share innovative methods from the team, including Julia Bland, Caitlin McGowan, Emma Bush, and Vett Lloyd, on conducting serological surveillance in non-model animals like wildlife and agricultural livestock. Understanding the spread of Lyme disease is critical for human health, our environment, and the animals we share it with. Wild animals are reservoirs for these diseases, and our agricultural companions are economically significant and an integral part of our ecosystem deserving of welfare. But there's a hitch – getting blood samples from these animals is no easy feat. Plus, the lack of validated serological tools adds another layer of complexity. 🐎🐄 This chapter outlines step-by-step procedures to construct an ELISA that detects anti-Borrelia antibodies, focusing on horses and cows. Researchers tackle the unique challenges faced with non-model animals, including obtaining sera, establishing controls without controlled infections, and ensuring the test is optimized and validated. Stay tuned for insights on how this approach can enhance our serological arsenal and provide a clearer picture of zoonotic disease spread in animal populations. #Science #BorreliaBurgdorferi #ResearchMethods #InfectiousDiseases #LymeDisease #ScienceDiscoveries #TickbornePathogen #TickborneDisease #ScienceAdvances #TickBorneDiseases #Epidemiology #VeterinaryScience #OneHealth #Tickplex @tez_ted

🔬 Exciting News for Scientists! 🔬 Introducing: Nature Springer’s Borrelia burgdorferi: Methods and Protocols. Methods in Molecular Biology. Editor Leona Gilbert. https://lnkd.in/dyW8d6V6 📚 From cell and molecular biologists to statisticians and clinical researchers, these methods cater to all fields. Explore techniques for in vitro, in vivo, in situ, de novo, and clinical studies of Borrelia burgdorferi. Let's advance our understanding of infectious diseases! 💪🌍 Chapter 4 Revealed. 🔬 ELISA Construction for Anti-Borrelia Detection 🔬 The latest research dives deep into the world of zoonotic diseases with a spotlight on Lyme disease caused by Borrelia. We're excited to share innovative methods from the team, including Julia Bland, Caitlin McGowan, Emma Bush, and Vett Lloyd, on conducting serological surveillance in non-model animals like wildlife and agricultural livestock. Understanding the spread of Lyme disease is critical for human health, our environment, and the animals we share it with. Wild animals are reservoirs for these diseases, and our agricultural companions are economically significant and an integral part of our ecosystem deserving of welfare. But there's a hitch – getting blood samples from these animals is no easy feat. Plus, the lack of validated serological tools adds another layer of complexity. 🐎🐄 This chapter outlines step-by-step procedures to construct an ELISA that detects anti-Borrelia antibodies, focusing on horses and cows. Researchers tackle the unique challenges faced with non-model animals, including obtaining sera, establishing controls without controlled infections, and ensuring the test is optimized and validated. Stay tuned for insights on how this approach can enhance our serological arsenal and provide a clearer picture of zoonotic disease spread in animal populations. #Science #BorreliaBurgdorferi #ResearchMethods #InfectiousDiseases #LymeDisease #ScienceDiscoveries #TickbornePathogen #TickborneDisease #ScienceAdvances #TickBorneDiseases #Epidemiology #VeterinaryScience #OneHealth #Tickplex @tez_ted

🎉 Excited to share my latest publication: "Genetic background of walking ability and its relationship with leg defects, mortality, and performance traits in turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo)"! 🦃📚 This study delves into the genetic basis of walking ability and its connections with performance traits in purebred turkey populations. Here are some highlights from our research: 🔍 Study Overview: • Data Span: 2010-2023 • Sample Size: Over 192,019 female and 235,461 male turkeys • Genomic Analysis: 46,427 turkeys using a 65K SNP panel 📊 Key Findings: • Heritability: Walking ability is moderately heritable (0.23 ± 0.01) • Genetic Correlations: Ranging from -0.02 to -0.78, with leg defects showing the strongest negative correlation • GWAS Results: Identified SNPs associated with walking ability 🔬 Genomic Insights: • Female Line: • 31 SNPs associated with walking ability • Overlapping with 116 genes linked to locomotion and bone disorders • Key genes: CSRP2, DDX1, RHBDL1, SEZ6L, CTSK • Male Line: • 66 markers associated • Overlapping with 281 genes related to cell growth and myostatin development • Key genes: RB1CC1, TNNI1, MSTN, FN1, SIK3, PADI2, ERBB4, B3GNT2, BACE1 📈 Conclusion: • Walking ability can be enhanced through targeted genetic selection, benefiting both animal welfare and productivity. Read more about how these genetic insights can drive improvements in turkey breeding and welfare! https://lnkd.in/gPQBvXvC #Genetics #PoultryScience #AnimalWelfare #Research #Turkeys #GenomicSelection

The success of conservation targets often hinges on community or individual efforts 🧑🤝 🧑Utilising epidemiological models, we can predict adoption rates and guide the scaling of these actions 📈🌎 The Catalyzing Conservation Group (https://lnkd.in/gnREpaMQ) led by Morena Mills at Imperial College London are exploring ways to scale different conservation actions worldwide. Dr Matt Clark (https://lnkd.in/gxB6bqkQ) conducted an analysis using #Epidemiological models to understand how social learning and independent learning of conservation actions change over time. These models predict cumulative adoption with an average error of 15.9% and net adoption with a 19.6% error, proving their efficacy in forecasting and adapting to real-world conservation challenges. When applied early, they can forecast final adoption rates under consistent conditions. These insights are crucial for adaptively managing conservation efforts. One casestudy we modelled was #ConservationCovenants in Australia. Although these models demonstrated a lower fit compared to other actions, they still provide important insights, especially on the impact of institutional capacity on annual adoption rates. By understanding scaling dynamics, we can improve resource allocation and identify the institutional capacity needed to achieve anticipated adoption rates. Find the paper here ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gyGaAPU6 Or the media release here ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gx95H_z2 Special thanks to the brilliant team: Matt Clark, Morena Mills, Thomas Pienkowski, Arundhati Jagadish, Stefan Gelcich, Hugh Govan, Robin Naidoo, Cristina Romero de Diego and Rebecca Weeks

Exciting news on wildlife health! 🦌 Mysterious hoof disease struck SW Washington elk in the early 2000s, peaking by 2008. In 2022, we identified novel Treponemes linked to this disease. In 2023, we reproduced the disease in elk. Now, the interdisciplinary team between #TTUVetMed and #WSUVetMed has made groundbreaking advancements by constructing genomes of multiple novel Treponema spp. from hoof lesions. Our hybrid clinical NGS and bioinformatics approach can be applied to discover novel pathogens in other infectious diseases in humans and animals. Read more: 🦠 https://lnkd.in/giKypASE 🦠 https://lnkd.in/gjUw6gKk 🦠https://lnkd.in/gwykTEVT #TTU #WSU #GoRaiders #GoCougs #DevendraShahLab #PathogenDiscovery #WildLifeHealth #Treponema #Elk

For over twenty years, my research group has monitored antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and clonal lineages of the S. aureus complex from the straw-coloured fruit bat (Eidolon helvum) in Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, South West Nigeria. I am pleased to inform you of a publication (in collaboration with Professor Christian Happi’s research group at Redeemers University, Ede, Nigeria) on the non-aureus staphylococci and mammaliicocci in the Staphylococcaceae family from the Hipposideros (insectivorous) bats in OAU, South West Nigeria. All the isolates demonstrated resistance to clindamycin, and the M. sciuri and S. gallinarum isolates exhibited resistance to fusidic acid. Whole-genome sequencing revealed that the M. sciuri and S. gallinarum isolates were mecA-positive. Multi-locus sequence typing identified two new M. sciuri sequence types (STs) 233 and ST234, closely related to lineages (ST57, ST60, and ST65) associated with mastitis. Including migratory animals in AMR surveillance may provide insights into the development and spread of antibiotic resistance gene determinants. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/dsQeNyAG.