The ferritins: molecular properties, iron storage function and cellular regulation☆

▪ Abstract The ability of pathogens to obtain iron from transferrins, ferritin, hemoglobin, and other iron-containing proteins of their host is central to whether they live or die. To combat invading bacteria, animals go into an iron-withholding mode and also use a protein (Nramp1) to generate reactive oxygen species in an attempt to kill the pathogens. Some invading bacteria respond by producing specific iron chelators—siderophores—that remove the iron from the host sources. Other bacteria rely on direct contact with host iron proteins, either abstracting the iron at their surface or, as with heme, taking it up into the cytoplasm. The expression of a large number of genes (>40 in some cases) is directly controlled by the prevailing intracellular concentration of Fe(II) via its complexing to a regulatory protein (the Fur protein or equivalent). In this way, the biochemistry of the bacterial cell can accommodate the challenges from the host. Agents that interfere with bacterial iron metabolism may prove ex...

Iron metabolism in pathogenic bacteria.

Lateral flow (immuno)assays are currently used for qualitative, semiquantitative and to some extent quantitative monitoring in resource-poor or non-laboratory environments. Applications include tests on pathogens, drugs, hormones and metabolites in biomedical, phytosanitary, veterinary, feed/food and environmental settings. We describe principles of current formats, applications, limitations and perspectives for quantitative monitoring. We illustrate the potentials and limitations of analysis with lateral flow (immuno)assays using a literature survey and a SWOT analysis (acronym for “strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats”). Articles referred to in this survey were searched for on MEDLINE, Scopus and in references of reviewed papers. Search terms included “immunochromatography”, “sol particle immunoassay”, “lateral flow immunoassay” and “dipstick assay”.

https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007%2Fs00216-008-2287-2.pdf

Lateral flow (immuno)assay: its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. A literature survey.

VERY few veterinary surgeons have thought fit to write a book on diseases of poultry. Mr. Ernest Gray has done justice to the subject and is to be congratulated on his effort. A book of this size, written by one with specialized knowledge, will add to the value of any library or private bookshelf. Diseases of Poultry Their Aetiology, Diagnosis, Treatment and Control; with a Section on the Normal Anatomy and Physiology of the Fowl. By Ernest Gray. (Lockwood's Agricultural and Horticultural Handbooks.) Pp. x + 198 + 16 plates. (London: Crosby Lockwood and Son, Ltd., 1940.) 9s. 6d. net.

Diseases of Poultry

The most recent version of the OIE Manual of Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines for Terrestrial Animals (the Terrestrial Manual) is online: http://www.oie.int/en/international...

OIE Manual of Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines for Terrestrial Animals

Diagnosis of brucellosis by serology.

Aim To describe and discuss the merits of various direct and indirect methods applied in vitro (mainly on blood or milk) or in vivo (allergic test) for the diagnosis of brucellosis in animals. Methods The recent literature on brucellosis diagnostic tests was reviewed. These diagnostic tests are applied with different goals, such as national screening, confirmatory diagnosis, certification, and international trade. The valida tion of such diagnostic tests is still an issue, particularly in wildlife. The choice of the testing strategy depends on the prevailing brucellosis epidemiological situation and the

/pdf/diagnosis-of-brucellosis-in-livestock-and-wildlife-3h7hbi5anz.pdf

Diagnosis of Brucellosis in Livestock and Wildlife

Here we present a review of most of the currently used polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based methods for identification of Brucella bacteria in biological samples. We focused in particular on methods using single-pair primers, multiplex primers, real-time PCRs, PCRs for marine Brucella, and PCRs for molecular biotyping. These methods are becoming very important tools for the identification of Brucella, at the species level and recently also at the biovar level. These techniques require minimum biological containment and can provide results in a very short time. In addition, genetic fingerprinting of isolates aid in epidemiological studies of the disease and its control. PCR-based methods are more useful and practical than conventional methods used to identify Brucella spp., and new methods for Brucella spp identification and typing are still being developed. However, the sensitivity, specificity, and issues of quality control and quality assurance using these methods must be fully validated on clinical samples before PCR can be used in routine laboratory testing for brucellosis.

/pdf/review-of-detection-of-brucella-spp-by-polymerase-chain-3sbnygkclr.pdf

Review of detection of Brucella spp. by polymerase chain reaction.

Brucellosis is an important zoonosis and a significant cause of reproductive losses in animals. Abortion, placentitis, epididymitis, and orchitis are the most common clinical manifestations in animals. In humans, brucellosis is a debilitating and chronic disease, which may affect a variety of organs. Clinical diagnosis of brucellosis is not easily achieved. Laboratory testing is therefore very important for a correct identification of the disease in humans and for the detection and confirmation in animals. Definitive diagnosis is normally done by isolation and identification of the causative agent. While definitive, isolation is time-consuming, must be performed by highly skilled personnel, and it is hazardous. For these reasons, serological tests are normally preferred. Brucellosis serology have advanced considerably in the last decades with very sensitive and specific new tests available. Modern genetic characterization of Brucellae using molecular DNA technology have been developed. Several PCR-based assays have been proposed, from the rapid recognition of genus to differential identification of species and strains. This review describes bacteriological, serological, and molecular methods used for the diagnosis of human and animal brucellosis.

/pdf/diagnosis-of-brucellosis-4oy5egm7ut.pdf

Klaus Nielsen

Papers

Diagnosis of brucellosis by serology.

Diagnosis of Brucellosis in Livestock and Wildlife

Review of detection of Brucella spp. by polymerase chain reaction.

Diagnosis of Brucellosis

A homogeneous fluorescence polarization assay for detection of antibody to Brucella abortus