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Infection with Burkholderia pseudomallei, the causative agent of melioidosis, is uncommon in the United States (U.S.), leading to delays in pathogen identification and clinical diagnosis which can often lead to laboratory exposures. The indirect hemagglutination assay (IHA) is the primary serological test for confirming exposure to B. pseudomallei. In the U.S., a titer of ≥1:40 suggests exposure to B. pseudomallei or a closely related species, and a 4-fold rise in IHA titer ≥1:40 with clinically compatible illness is considered diagnostically probable. A retrospective analysis of 160 voluntarily reported laboratory exposure events to B. pseudomallei across 29 U.S. jurisdictions and 5 countries between 2008–2024 was conducted. This analysis included post-exposure management data and IHA results for 855 exposed laboratory personnel who had serological monitoring performed at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Among exposed laboratory personnel, 105 (12%) had a seropositive titer. Of these, ninety-one (87%) laboratory personnel remained seropositive (≥1:40) at their last IHA test. Five (1%) people had a 4-fold rise in titers, though none developed melioidosis. This report underscores the need for prospective studies to evaluate seropositive laboratory personnel and to update risk guidance for laboratory exposures in non-endemic areas.

Although great strides have been achieved, schistosomiasis japonica remains a major public health concern in China. Immunodiagnostics have been widely accepted as the first choice in large-scale screening of Schistosoma japonicum human infections, and indirect hemagglutination test (IHA), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and dipstick dye immunoassay (DDIA) are currently the three most common immunological tests for the diagnosis of S. japonicum human infections in China. This meta-analysis aimed to comprehensively assess the performance of IHA, ELISA, and DDIA for the field diagnosis of S. japonicum human infections. A total of 37 eligible publications were enrolled in the final analysis, including 29 Chinese publications and 8 English publications. No significant heterogeneities were detected among the studies reporting ELISA (I2 = 88%, p < 0.05), IHA (I2 = 95%, p < 0.05), or DDIA (I2 = 84%, p < 0.05). DDIA showed the highest pooled sensitivity (90.8%, 95% CI: 84.6% to 94.7%) and IHA presented the highest pooled specificity for detection of S. japonicum human infections (71.6%, 95% CI: 65.9% to 76.7%). Summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve analysis showed that IHA exhibited the highest area under the SROC curve (AUC) (0.88, 95% CI: 0.85 to 0.9), and ELISA presented the lowest AUC (0.85, 95% CI: 0.82 to 0.88). Deeks’ funnel plots indicated no publication bias. IHA presented the highest sensitivity in medium-endemicity regions and the highest specificity for diagnosis of S. japonicum human infections in low-endemicity regions, and ELISA showed the highest diagnostic sensitivity in high-endemicity regions and the highest specificity in medium-endemicity regions, while DDIA exhibited the highest diagnostic sensitivity in high-endemicity regions and the highest specificity in low-endemicity regions. IHA and DDIA presented a higher efficiency for the diagnosis of S. japonicum human infections in marshland and lake regions than in hilly and mountainous regions, while ELISA showed a comparable diagnostic sensitivity between in marshland and lake regions and hilly and mountainous regions (88.3% vs. 88.6%), and a higher specificity in marshland and lake regions than in hilly and mountainous regions (60% vs. 48%). Our meta-analysis demonstrates a comparable diagnostic accuracy of IHA, ELISA, and DDIA for S. japonicum human infections, and the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of IHA, ELISA, and DDIA vary in types and infection prevalence of endemic regions. DDIA combined with IHA is recommended as a tool for screening chemotherapy targets and seroepidemiological surveys during the stage moving towards schistosomiasis elimination in China. Further studies to examine the effectiveness of combinations of two or three immunological tests for diagnosis of S. japonicum human infections are warranted.

The Yamal Peninsula in the Russian Federation experienced a massive outbreak of anthrax in reindeer ( Rangifer tarandus ) in July–August 2016, with 2,650 (6.46% of the total susceptible population) animals infected, of which 2,350 died (case fatality rate of 88.67%). In our study, we analyzed climatic and epidemiological factors that could have triggered the outbreak. The cancelation of reindeer vaccination against anthrax in 2007 resulted in an increase in population susceptibility. In response to the outbreak, total vaccination of all susceptible animals was resumed. To assess the vaccination effectiveness, we tested 913 samples of blood serum taken from vaccinated reindeer using an antigenic erythrocyte diagnostic kit to detect specific anti-anthrax antibodies via an indirect hemagglutination assay (IHA) 9 months after vaccination. We found that 814 samples had sufficiently high levels of anti-anthrax antibodies to indicate a protection level of 89% (95% confidence interval: 87–91%) of the whole reindeer population. Abnormally high ambient temperature in the summer of 2016 contributed to the thawing of permafrost and viable Bacillus anthracis spores could have become exposed to the surface; the monthly average air temperatures in June, July, and August 2016 were 20–100% higher than those of the previous 30-year period, while the maximum air temperatures were 16–75% higher. Using the projected climate data for 2081–2100 according to the “worst case” RCP8.5 scenario, we demonstrated that the yearly air temperature may average above 0°C across the entire Yamal Peninsula, while the yearly number of days with a mean temperature above 0°C may rise by 49 ± 6 days, which would provide conditions for reactivation of soil anthrax reservoirs. Our results showed that the outbreak of anthrax occurred under conditions of a significant increase in air temperature in the study area, underlined the importance of vaccination for controlling the epidemic process, and demonstrated the effectiveness of monitoring studies using the IHA diagnostic kit for detecting erythrocyte anthrax antigens.

Several immunodiagnostic assays have been commercially presented over the last years as easy diagnostic methods for schistosomiasis using serum or urine samples. The performance of immunochromatographic test (ICT) and indirect hemagglutination assay (IHA) was validated in the identification of active schistosomiasis infection. Detection of circulating cathodic antigen (CCA) of the parasite in urine samples and anti- Schistosoma antibodies in serum using ICT (Urine-CCA Cassette test) and IHA respectively. Proved diagnosis of Schistosoma mansoni infection was defined by the sum of positive results from microscopic examination (Gold standard) and Kato–Katz method. Out of 173 (mean age, 45 ± 10 years; 70 from Giza, 103 from different Egyptian governorates), 9 4 adult patients were infected. Urine-CCA cassette test despite showing high specificity (91.14%) it was of low sensitivity (23.40%). PPVs was 75.86% and NPV was 50.00% and diagnostic accuracy of 54.34%. The IHA showed a sensitivity of 57.45% and specificity of 48.10%. PPVs was 56.84% whereas NPVs was 48.72%. As for diagnostic accuracy, it was 53.18%. Urine-CCA Cassette test had lower sensitivity than expected for detection of circulating antigen and the IHA kit is generally more expensive than microscopic examination and Urine-CCA cassette test with low sensitivity and specificity. On the basis of this diagnostic performance none of the two tested immune-assays can be a sole tool in the principal diagnosis of active schistosomiasis infections.

Toxoplasma gondii infections are prevalent in animals and humans worldwide. In the present investigation, the seroprevalence of T. gondii in goats was investigated in Hunan province, subtropical China between March 2014 and December 2015. A total of 1,028 serum samples collected from 14 administrative regions of Hunan province were evaluated by the indirect hemagglutination test (IHAT) for the detection of specific antibodies. Antibodies to T. gondii were detected in 124 serum samples (12%). The T. gondii seroprevalence ranged from 1.7% to 19% among different regions in subtropical China, and the differences were statistically significant (p < 0.01). The results of the present survey indicated that T. gondii infection is prevalent in goats in Hunan, which poses a potential risk for human infection with T. gondii in this province. Les infections par Toxoplasma gondii sont répandues chez les animaux et les humains dans le monde entier. Dans la présente enquête, la séroprévalence de T. gondii chez les chèvres a été étudiée dans la province du Hunan, en Chine subtropicale, entre mars 2014 et décembre 2015. Un total de 1028 échantillons de sérum prélevés dans 14 régions administratives de la province du Hunan ont été évaluées par le test d’hémagglutination indirecte (IHAT) pour la détection d’anticorps spécifiques. Les anticorps dirigés contre T. gondii ont été détectés dans 124 échantillons de sérum (12 %). La séroprévalence de T. gondii a varié de 1.7 % à 19 % entre les différentes régions en Chine subtropicale, et les différences étaient statistiquement significatives (p < 0.01). Les résultats de la présente étude indiquent que l’infection par T. gondii est très répandue chez les chèvres dans le Hunan, ce qui pose un risque potentiel pour l’infection humaine par T. gondii dans cette province.

The Gram-negative bacteria of the genus Chlamydia cause a wide range of diseases in humans and animals. The seroprevalence of Chlamydia in domestic black-boned sheep and goats in China is unknown. In this survey, a total of 481 serum samples were collected randomly from domestic black-boned sheep and goats from three counties in Yunnan province, southwest China, from July to August 2017. The sera were examined by an indirect hemagglutination assay (IHA). Antibodies to Chlamydia were detected in 100/481 [20.79%, 95% confidence interval (CI), 17.16–24.42] serum samples (IHA titer ≥1:64). The Chlamydia seroprevalence ranged from 12.21% (95% CI, 7.81–16.61) to 30.89% (95% CI, 22.72–39.06) across different regions in Yunnan province, and the differences were statistically significant ( P < 0.01). The seroprevalence in male domestic black-boned sheep and goats (28.64%; 95% CI, 22.36–34.92) was significantly higher than that in the females (15.25%; 95% CI, 11.05–19.45) ( P < 0.01). However, there was no statistically significant difference in Chlamydia seroprevalence in domestic black-boned sheep and goats between ages and species ( P > 0.05). To our knowledge, this is the first report of Chlamydia seroprevalence in domestic black-boned sheep and goats in Yunnan Province, southwest China. These data provide baseline information for future implementation of measures to control Chlamydia infection in these animals.

This study aimed to assess available assay methods for infectious bursal disease (IBD) diagnosis and seromonitoring in local birds. It also sought to know the prevalence of IBD antibodies among local chickens and guinea fowls in Kwara state, North Central Nigeria. Sera were obtained from local chickens and guinea fowls and IBD virus (IBDV) antibodies were assayed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), indirect hemagglutination (IHA) test, and agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID) test. A total of 265 sera were obtained from local birds during dry and wet seasons. ELISA recorded the highest prevalence of 81.1% (215/265) while IHA and AGID detected IBDV antibodies in 183 (69.1%) and 122 (46%) birds, respectively. Significant differences were established for IBD-positive sera based on the assay method used, bird species, and seasons. This study indicated that ELISA is the most sensitive and reliable assay method while AGID is the least. It also showed that there is a high prevalence of IBDV antibodies among local birds which were not vaccinated, and this implies a high IBDV activity among these bird species in the study area. This may have significant epidemiological implications on the spread of the virus to exotic bird reared in the rural areas on a commercial scale. Thus, this study suggests continuous surveillance, awareness campaign, and advocacy for vaccination of indigenous birds against IBD.

Amaç: Kistik ekinokokkoz (KE) Dünya Saǧlık Örgütü tarafından açıklanan ihmal edilmiş tropikal hastalıklardan biridir. Koronavirüs hastalıǧı-2019 pan demişiyle birlikte girilen süreçte bu tür hastalıklarla mücadele daha da zorlaşmıştır. Çalışmamızda pandemi öncesinde ve sürecinde KE indirekt hemaglütinasyon testi (IHA) sayılarını ve sonuçlarını deǧerlendirerek, pandeminin hastalık tanısı üzerindeki etkileri hakkında çıkarımlarda bulunmayı amaçladık. Yöntemler: Ülkemizde ilk olgunun görüldüǧü 11 Mart 2020 tarihinden önceki ve sonraki 30 aylık süreçte IHA test istem sayıları ve pozitiflik oranları geriye dönük olarak deǧerlendirildi. İstatistiksel analizler SPSS versiyon 23 (SPSS, Chicago, IL, ABD) programı kullanılarak yapıldı. Bulgular: Pandemi öncesinde 1444 ve pandemi döneminde 870 hastaya ait sonuç incelenmiştir. Pandemiden önce %18,49, pandemi sürecinde 14,6 olarak saptanan IHA pozitiflik oranlan arasındaki fark istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bulunmuştur (p=0,016). Kadın ve erkeklerde pozitiflik oranları her iki dönemde de istatistiksel olarak benzer saptanmıştır (pönce=0,621, psonra =0,238). IHA pozitiflik oranının en fazla saptandıǧı yaş grubu her iki dönemde de 20-39 olup, yaş gruplarının pozitiflik oranları arasındaki fark istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bulunmuştur (p< 0,001). Sonuç: Pandemi döneminde IHA pozitiflik oranında anlamlı bir azalma görülmüştür. IHA test istem sayısında belirgin bir düşüş gözlenmesine raǧmen, pozitiflik oranlarında artış saptanmaması; bazı hastalarda tanının atlanmış olabileceǧini veya hastaların takiplerinde aksamalar yaşanmış olabileceǧini düşündürmektedir. Sonuç olarak ülkemiz için önemli bir halk saǧlıǧı problemi olan KE mücadelesine başarıyla devam edebilmek adına farkmdalık eǧitimleriyle birlikte erken tanı ve düzenli takiplerin önemi vurgulanmalı; laboratuvar-klinik hekimleri arası iletişim güçlendirilerek testlerin daha etkili kullanılması saǧlanmalıdır.

Amaç: Kistik ekinokkozis (KE), ülkemizde özellikle hayvanlarda çok yaygın olması nedeniyle, hem insan saǧlıǧı hem de hayvancılık yönünden önemli bir zoonozdur. Bu çalışmada hastanemizin mikrobiyoloji laboratuvarma KE şüphesiyle gönderilen hasta serumlarında çalışılan indirekt hemaglütinasyon (IHA) test sonuçlarının geriye dönük olarak deǧerlendirilmesi amaçlanmıştır. Yöntemler: Ocak 2013-Aralık 2020 tarihleri arasında 1,607 hastada anti-E. granulosus immünoglobulin G antikorlarının varlıǧı laboratuvanmızda araştırılmıştır. Hastaların sosyo-demografik özellikleri ve radyolojik veriler hastane otomasyon sisteminden taranarak elde edilmiştir. Bulgular: Yaşlan 1-96 arasında (yaş ortalaması 45,26±19,91) deǧişen toplam 1,607 hastanın 244'ü (%15,18) pozitif, 78'i (%4,86) ara deǧer ve 1,285'i (%79,96) negatif saptanmış olup; 963'ü (%59,9) kadın, 644'ü (%40,l) erkekti. IHA testine göre 1/320 ve üzeri sonuçlar pozitif olarak deǧerlendirilmiştir. Yüz altmış dört olgunun radyolojik verileri ile anti-E. granulosus IgG antikor titreleri karşılaştınldıǧmda; negatif olarak deǧerlendirilen (1/80) 21 hastanın %28,6'smm radyolojik bulgularında karaciǧerde kistik lezyonlar mevcut iken, 1/160 titrede (ara deǧer) 78 hastanın %46,2'sinde ise farklı bölgelerde kistik lezyonlar tespit edilmiştir. Sonuç: Hastalann serolojik sonuçları yorumlanırken, titre deǧerinin yanı sıra hastanın klinik ve radyolojik bulgularının da deǧerlendirmeye dahil edilmesi, mümkünse ELISA gibi diǧer bir serolojik yöntem ile birlikte kullanılmasıyla, KE hastalarının tanı ve tedavisine destek saǧlanabileceǧi deǧerlendirilmektedir.

The survey was to investigate the seroprevalence of T. gondii in Tibetan pigs in Tibet, China. A total 454 serum samples were collected from Tibetan pigs in Nyingchi in 2014 and 2015. Each sample was assayed for T. gondii antibodies by a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits and an indirect hemagglutination test. The results showed that seroprevalence in Tibetan pigs were 25.6% by ELISA. On gender basis, the prevalence was found 25.1% in males and 27.8% in females. By the method of IHA, the seroprevalence in Tibetan pigs were 21.6%, and the prevalence was found 23.1% and 21.4% in males and females, respectively. The results indicates that the Tibetan gigs were exposed to T. gondii in Tibet area, which should arise a public concern of the threat to human and other animals in this unique region of the world.