Article
Immunology
Teresa Cruz-Bustos, Marlies Dolezal, Anna Sophia Feix, Baerbel Ruttkowski, Karin Hummel, Ebrahim Razzazi-Fazeli, Anja Joachim
Summary: In this study, we identified 1,324 proteins in the in vitro developmental stages of C. suis through proteomic analysis. Our analysis revealed metabolic patterns of proteins related to macromolecule metabolism, DNA and RNA processes, and cell invasion in the lifecycle of C. suis. These findings are important for understanding the developmental biology of C. suis and can contribute to the study of other related coccidian parasites.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Steven V. Kubiski, Carmel Witte, Jennifer A. Burchell, Dylan Conradson, Alexandra Zmuda, Alberto Rodriguez Barbon, Jose G. Vilches-Moure, Stephen A. Felt, Bruce A. Rideout
Summary: Isospora infections are common in both wild and captive passerine species. The severity of the disease varies, making it a concern for institutions housing endangered species. The risk of severe isosporiasis due to mixed-species enclosures and non-host-adapted strains needs further research.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Anna Sophia Feix, Teresa Cruz-Bustos, Baerbel Ruttkowski, Anja Joachim
Summary: The research on Cystoisospora suis identified changes in transcription profiles during different time points in the parasite's development and potential proteins involved in sexual development. The study focused on three proteins possibly involved in the sexual development of C. suis, showing potential for in vivo intervention strategies to interrupt parasite development and transmission.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Michael Walden, Mark A. Mitchell
Summary: Coccidia, specifically Isospora amphiboluri, infect the small and large intestines of bearded dragons, with a pre-patent period of 15-22 days. Understanding the pathogenesis of this parasite is crucial for developing effective diagnosis and treatment methods. This study provides valuable information for improving quarantine and treatment protocols for captive bearded dragons.
Article
Parasitology
Anja Joachim, Barbel Ruttkowski
Summary: An in vitro merozoite development assay was developed to evaluate the efficacy of compounds against C. suis, showing that certain compounds have inhibitory effects on the pathogen in vitro.
EXPERIMENTAL PARASITOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Anna Sophia Feix, Teresa Cruz-Bustos, Barbel Ruttkowski, Marlene Moetz, Till Ruemenapf, Anja Joachim
Summary: Coccidia, including Cystoisospora suis, exhibit a characteristic life cycle involving a switch between asexual and sexual development. A novel host cell-free cultivation method allows for the completion of the C. suis life cycle in vitro, providing a new tool for detailed research and potential evaluation of drug or vaccine targets.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Tiago Nunes, Vassilis Skampardonis, Francisco Costa, Maria Antonia da Conceicao, Daniel Sperling
Summary: The prevalence of Cystoisospora suis in Portuguese swine farms is high, indicating a need for revising the control strategies currently applied. Liquid feces samples from younger animals have a higher probability of containing oocysts. Additionally, there is a lack of effective disinfectants against the parasite.
PORCINE HEALTH MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Review
Parasitology
Anna Sophia Feix, Teresa Cruz-Bustos, Baerbel Ruttkowski, Anja Joachim
Summary: The subclass Coccidia is a group of protozoan parasites, including important pathogens such as Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, Eimeria spp., and Cystoisospora spp. Current research on coccidian parasites focuses on cell biology, protein expression and trafficking, host cell invasion, and host-parasite interactions. In vitro cultivation of Coccidia is being developed to meet the requirements of reducing animal experimentation. Three-dimensional cell culture models and organ-on-a-chip models have gained considerable importance in Coccidia research, allowing for the study of parasite-host interactions in more detail. Axenic cultures, where the life cycle of parasites can continue without a host cell environment, provide new avenues for research.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Laurine C. Rijsbergen, Laura L. A. van Dijk, Maarten F. M. Engel, Rory D. de Vries, Rik L. de Swart
Summary: Respiratory tract infections, mainly caused by viruses, are a common cause of morbidity and mortality in humans. In vitro culture models that accurately reflect the human respiratory tract are essential to study virus-host interactions and test novel therapeutic interventions. Recent advances in in vitro models, including primary human airway epithelial cells and human airway organoids, provide new opportunities for research in this field.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Teresa Cruz-Bustos, Anna Sophia Feix, Manolis Lyrakis, Marlies Dolezal, Barbel Ruttkowski, Anja Joachim
Summary: In this study, the transcriptional profiles of different developmental stages of the apicomplexan parasite Cystoisospora suis were analyzed in vitro. The expression of genes encoding proteins involved in gametes biology, oocyst wall biosynthesis, DNA replication, and axonema formation as well as a homologue of a tyrosine-rich protein in Toxoplasma gondii were identified. The inhibition of sexual development in C. suis by specific antiserum was evaluated, providing potential targets for control strategies against C. suis transmission.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Zebang Xu, Xinxin Xu, Bin Yang, Yuling Mi, Jiakun Wang
Summary: Research has shown that it is feasible to establish organoids from single rumen epithelial cells, which is a novel in vitro system that may reduce the use of experimental animals and can be used to study host and pathogen interaction.
VETERINARY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Rongchang Yang, Siobhon Egan, Huimin Gao, Belinda Brice, Bruno P. Berto
Summary: A new coccidian species, Isospora elliotae n. sp., was identified from the Australian magpie Gymnorhina tibicen in Western Australia. Morphological and molecular analysis revealed unique characteristics of the oocysts and identified genetic similarities with other Isospora species.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dominik Wendner, Theresa Schott, Elisabeth Mayer, Klaus Teichmann
Summary: Industrial farming of livestock emphasizes high productivity and performance, but concerns about food and feed safety and sustainability are growing. This study used an in vitro co-culture model of the piglet gut to investigate the effects of two similar phytogenic feed additives. The results showed that these additives have a protective effect on the intestinal epithelial barrier integrity, but the effect varies depending on treatment duration and model compartment.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ting Gao, Yiqing Tan, Yanjun Wang, Fangyan Yuan, Zewen Liu, Keli Yang, Wei Liu, Rui Guo, Chang Li, Yongxiang Tian, Danna Zhou
Summary: Theaflavin (TF1), a compound extracted from black tea, was found to have antibacterial and antihemolytic activity against Streptococcus suis (S. suis). It showed inhibitory effects on S. suis growth, hemolytic activity, and biofilm formation. TF1 also improved the survival rate of S. suis-infected mice and reduced bacterial load and inflammation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Forestry
Abdulrahman A. Alatar, Ahmed A. Qahtan, Eslam M. Abdel-Salam, Mohammad Faisal, Mohamed A. El-Sheikh
Summary: The difficult propagation and extensive grazing exposure of shrub and tree species necessitate finding alternative means of propagation. In vitro micropropagation techniques, such as tissue culture, offer a promising tool for cost-effective and efficient propagation. This study developed a rapid and efficient in vitro multiplication protocol for Maerua crassifolia and demonstrated successful acclimatization and genetic fidelity of the micropropagated plants.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Christine Unterweger, Lukas Schwarz, Martina Jelocnik, Nicole Borel, Rene Brunthaler, Aleksandra Inic-Kanada, Hanna Marti
Article
Microbiology
Lukas Schwarz, Andreas Strauss, Igor Loncaric, Joachim Spergser, Angelika Auer, Till Ruemenapf, Andrea Ladinig
Article
Virology
Alexandra Kiesler, Jakob Plankensteiner, Lukas Schwarz, Christiane Riedel, Kerstin Seitz, Marlene Motz, Andrea Ladinig, Benjamin Lamp, Till Ruemenapf
Summary: A novel pestivirus species, LindaV, was discovered in a piglet-producing farm in Austria in 2015, with a link to severe congenital tremor cases. The seroprevalence of LindaV infections in the domestic pig population of Austria was determined, revealing a certain level of transmission. Future studies are needed to address possible transmission routes and virus reservoir hosts of this emerging porcine virus.
Article
Microbiology
Tanja Bernreiter-Hofer, Lukas Schwarz, Elke Mueller, Adriana Cabal-Rosel, Maciej Korus, Dusan Misic, Katrin Frankenfeld, Kerstin Abraham, Olivia Gruenzweil, Astrid Weiss, Andrea T. Fessler, Franz Allerberger, Stefan Schwarz, Michael P. Szostak, Werner Ruppitsch, Andrea Ladinig, Joachim Spergser, Sascha D. Braun, Stefan Monecke, Ralf Ehricht, Igor Loncaric
Summary: E. coli in pigs often carry multiple drug resistance genes, including mobile colistin resistance genes, which are important for disease management in pigs and human medicine.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Lukas Schwarz, Igor Loncaric, Rene Brunthaler, Christian Knecht, Isabel Hennig-Pauka, Andrea Ladinig
Summary: This case occurred in a small piglet farm in Austria, where the clinical problem was resolved by adapting antimicrobial treatment and implementing proper hygiene measures. Predisposing factors identified for the disease included poor management and hygiene practices.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Lukas Schwarz, Carolin Schoener, Rene Brunthaler, Herbert Weissenboeck, Tanja Bernreiter-Hofer, Barbara Wallner, Andrea Ladinig
Summary: The study found that fatty muscular dystrophy is common in several regions of Austria, mainly affecting the gluteal and lumbal muscles; the disease may be caused by environmental or genetic factors, and to prevent further increase of cases, it is necessary to clarify the cause of the disease and potentially adjust the breeding program for pigs.
PORCINE HEALTH MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Virology
Alexandra Kiesler, Lukas Schwarz, Christiane Riedel, Sandra Hoegler, Rene Brunthaler, Katharina Dimmel, Angelika Auer, Marianne Zaruba, Marlene Moetz, Kerstin Seitz, Andrea Ladinig, Benjamin Lamp, Till Ruemenapf
Summary: This article reports an outbreak of a novel LindaV strain in a farrow-to-finish farm in Carinthia, Austria. The outbreak was characterized by severe CT cases and high preweaning mortality. Inspection and diagnosis revealed the presence of large amounts of virus shedding through feces and saliva from viremic six-week-old nursery pigs. The findings highlight the low prevalence of LindaV in the Austrian pig population and emphasize the need for a better understanding of the persistence and transmission routes of this virus.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Anja Joachim, Christian Winkler, Ursula Ruczizka, Andrea Ladinig, Michaela Koch, Alexander Tichy, Lukas Schwarz
Summary: The study in Austrian pigs revealed that the current diagnostic methods for roundworm infections are insufficient. High sensitivity ELISA serology should be established as the standard procedure to improve detection accuracy of Ascaris suum infections.
PORCINE HEALTH MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Book Review
History & Philosophy Of Science
Hanna Lucia Worliczek
HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY OF THE LIFE SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Moritz Bunger, Rene Renzhammer, Anja Joachim, Barbara Hinney, Rene Brunthaler, Mohamad Al Hossan, Julia Matt, Nora Nedorost, Christiane Weissenbacher-Lang, Lukas Schwarz
Summary: This study highlights the importance of helminth infections in pigs, particularly Trichuris suis, and the potential risk of infection in pigs kept on pasture due to accumulation of infective eggs in the environment.
Article
History & Philosophy Of Science
Hanna Lucia Worliczek
Summary: This essay explores the potential of co-analyzing experimental cultures, regionalization, and disciplinary phenomena in late twentieth century life sciences, focusing on cell biology after 1960.
It reveals the importance of descriptive practices in cell biology, which have historically been undervalued and often intertwined with mechanistic research.
BERICHTE ZUR WISSENSCHAFTSGESCHICHTE
(2022)
Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Isabella Adduci, Floriana Sajovitz, Barbara Hinney, Katharina Lichtmannsperger, Anja Joachim, Thomas Wittek, Shi Yan
Summary: This comprehensive review article summarizes the current control strategies, antigen engineering, and recent advances in anti-Haemonchus vaccine development for Haemonchus contortus, the most pathogenic blood-feeding parasitic nematode in sheep and goats. The review highlights the challenges and achievements in developing protective, efficient, and long-lasting vaccines to control H. contortus infection and discusses the potential of vaccines as an alternative control strategy. Novel developments addressing the challenge of glycosylation of putative vaccine candidates in recombinant form are also discussed.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Lina Sellke, Bianca Patan-Zugaj, Eberhard Ludewig, Robert Cimrman, Kirsti Witter
Summary: This study compared biometric data of the equine hoof collected by the MicroScribe tool with measurements obtained from other methods. The results showed that the MicroScribe tool can be used for hoof measurements, but there might be some inaccuracies in measuring the angles. Additionally, not all hoof conformations could be detected based solely on the measuring results, and diagnosis by a skilled veterinarian is still necessary.
JOURNAL OF EQUINE VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Moritz Stummer, Vicky Frisch, Frauke Glitz, Barbara Hinney, Joachim Spergser, Juergen Kruecken, Irina Diekmann, Katharina Dimmel, Christiane Riedel, Jessika-Maximiliane V. Cavalleri, Till Ruemenapf, Anja Joachim, Manolis Lyrakis, Angelika Auer
Summary: Acute abdominal pain in horses is a significant global health threat, requiring intensive veterinary care and often surgery. Equine coronavirus (ECoV) infections, although rarely considered, can cause colic in horses. A study was conducted to determine the frequency of undetected ECoV infections in horses with acute colic, revealing that 5.7% of colic horses and 2.8% of control horses tested positive for Betacoronaviruses. Furthermore, sequences closely related to bovine coronaviruses (BCoV) were found in three out of six coronavirus-positive horses with colic, indicating a need for further investigation into the pathogenic potential of BCoV in horses.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Matthias Seewald, Christine Gohl, Monika Egerbacher, Stephan Handschuh, Kirsti Witter
Summary: This report presents the successful management of a broken tusk of a juvenile male Asian elephant, including treatment options and morphological analysis 2 years post-surgery. Treatment options included extensive lavage, endodontic therapy, direct pulp capping, or extraction. The fractured tusk was successfully repaired using methods such as lavage and endodontic therapy.
JOURNAL OF VETERINARY DENTISTRY
(2021)