The impact of practically all the everyday stress factors occurring in the first days of the chic... more The impact of practically all the everyday stress factors occurring in the first days of the chick life on the rate of the utilisation of the yolk sac content, on the chicken immune status and on the growth of the animal's body and intestinal masses was investigated. The impact of the stress was investigated during the first five days of chick's life. The chicks were divided into five groups, each comprising 44 birds. The first chick group was exposed to moderate cold (2–3°C below the optimal temperature for the chick age). The second group was exposed to moderate heat (2–3°C above the optimal temperature for the age). The third and fourth group were deprived of feed and drinking water for 12 hours and 24 hour, respectively. The fifth chick group was the control group: the birds in this group had optimal environmental conditions and received feed and drinking water immediately upon entering the trial. Ten chicks were taken every day and weighed. Their blood samples were obta...
Virusi influence tipa A mogu zaraziti brojne vrste ptica i sisavaca, no primarni domacini ovih vi... more Virusi influence tipa A mogu zaraziti brojne vrste ptica i sisavaca, no primarni domacini ovih virusa su ptice iz redova Anseriformes (patke, guske i labudovi) i Charadriiformes (galebovi, curlini, cigre). Ostale vrste koje bivaju zaražene virusima influence A, a to su poglavito kokos, puran, svinja, konj i covjek, smatramo aberantnim domacinima. Razlikovanje primarnih od aberantnih domacina je vrlo važno za razumijevanje ekologije ovih virusa. Velika vecina virusa influence A je potpuno prilagođena upravo vodenim pticama u kojih zaražavanje ne uzrokuje znakove bolesti i takvi virusi su u ovih domacina u evolucijskoj stazi. Nasuprot tome, vrlo intenzivna evolucija u aberantnim domacinima se pripisuje selekcijskom pritisku zbog prilagodbe ovih virusa novom domacinu. Ovakva prilagodba može rezultirati i vrlo visokom virulencijom za novog domacina, a ponekad i za druge vrste. Složena ekologija virusa influence A potpomognuta je i preslagivanjem tj. kombiniranjem segmentiranog virusnog genoma između dva ili vise podtipova ovih virusa. Preslagivanjem nastaju potpuno novi i u pravilu nepredvidivi sojevi koji lako mogu probiti barijeru vrste.
This study describes the introduction and spread of avian influenza A (H5N1) subtype in Croatia. ... more This study describes the introduction and spread of avian influenza A (H5N1) subtype in Croatia. Seventeen isolates were identified during the period from October 2005 to March 2006, all originating from wild birds. The full-length nucleotide sequence analysis of the hemagglutinin (HA) gene of seven representative isolates revealed that three distinct genetic strains involved in the outbreaks, implicating at least three independent introductions of the virus into Croatia during a relatively short period of time. All three genetic strains belonged to clade 2.2 (Qinghai-like viruses) and each strain displayed significant similarity to concurrent H5N1 viruses from other European countries. The dominant strain of the virus was present in all four affected areas and in all three bird species (mute swan, mallard, and black-headed gull), indicating cross-species transmission of the virus. Two other genetic strains were found, together with the dominant strain, only in a marsh at the Adriatic coast during late February and early March 2006, which could be associated with frozen water surfaces in the continental part of Croatia as well as in Eastern Europe in early 2006 and the movement of birds toward warmer areas. This is also the first isolation of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus of H5N1 subtype from apparently healthy black-headed gulls.
Objectives: Birds are the main reservoir for West Nile virus (WNV) while mammals, particularly hu... more Objectives: Birds are the main reservoir for West Nile virus (WNV) while mammals, particularly humans and horses, represent dead end hosts. Infected birds usually do not show symptoms, although few avian species can suffer from severe disease even with lethal outcome. Geese and ducks are particularly sensitive to the disease and develop high viremia and severe symptoms. Mortality in young geese can be as high as 60%. On the other hand, infection in chickens and turkeys usually remain subclinical but with development of high titre antibodies and very low viremia. Hence, chickens can be used as sentinels for seasonal incursions of WNV which is usually introduced by migratory birds and transmitted by mosquitoes. WNV can cause neurological disease and death in humans as well as in horses. The objective of this study was to use chickens and horses as sentinels for early detection of WNV in order to timely conduct appropriate anti-epidemic measures in Croatia. Materials and methods: During a three-year period (2013-2015), a total of 1, 717 serum samples from sentinel outdoor chickens and 8, 131 serum samples from horses were tested for WNV antibodies using IgG ELISA. In addition, 278 serum samples from humans suspected of WNV infection and 1, 778 serum samples from asymptomatic subjects were tested for WNV IgM and IgG antibodies. WNV positive human samples were confirmed using virus neutralization test. Positive horse sera were retested using IgM ELISA in order to confirm current/recent WNV infection. Results & Conclusion: 198 (11.53%) chickens, 665 (8.18%) horses as well as 22 (7.9%) humans suspected of WNV infection and 15 (0.84%) asymptomatic subjects were found to be positive. Of 585 positive horse sera, WNV IgM antibodies were found in 34 (5.81%) samples. A significant correlation in geographical distribution of high WNV seroprevalence in tested animals with human WNV infections was found. In addition, this coincided in regions contiguous to countries where high incidence of human neuroinvasive WNV infection was reported during the investigated period. Coordinated extensive monitoring of WNV infection in poultry and horses throughout Croatia, as an early warning system, enabled timely anti-epidemic measures, primarily thorough disinsection in affected areas. This resulted in prevention of mass occurrence of human neuroinvasive WNV infections as reported in certain neighbouring countries.
Background: Tahyna orthobunyavirus (TAHV) is a neglected mosquito-borne bunyavirus. Although the ... more Background: Tahyna orthobunyavirus (TAHV) is a neglected mosquito-borne bunyavirus. Although the virus is widespread in continental Europe, TAHV infections are rarely reported. We analyzed the prevalence of TAHV in humans and different animal species as well as mosquitoes collected in urban areas of Zagreb and its surroundings in the period from 2020 to 2022. Methods: The study included 32 patients with neuroinvasive disease (NID), 218 asymptomatic individuals, 98 horses, 94 pet animals (dogs and cats), and 4456 Aedes vexans mosquitoes. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and urine samples of patients with NID were tested for the TAHV RNA using a real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Human and animal serum samples were tested for TAHV-neutralizing (NT) antibodies using a virus-neutralization test (VNT). Mosquito pools were tested for TAHV RNA using an RT-qPCR. Results: TAHV NT antibodies were detected in 3/9.4% of patients with NID, 8/3.7% of asymptomatic indivi...
BACKGROUND Data regarding the neuroradiology features of the West Nile virus neuroinvasive diseas... more BACKGROUND Data regarding the neuroradiology features of the West Nile virus neuroinvasive disease (WNV NID) is rather scarce. To contribute to the knowledge of the WNV NID, we present a patient with a combination of encephalitis and acute flaccid paresis, with cauda equina arachnoiditis as the main magnetic resonance (MR) finding. CASE SUMMARY A 72-year-old female patient was admitted due to fever, headache and gait instability. During the first several days she developed somnolence, aphasia, urinary incontinence, constipation, and asymmetric lower extremities weakness. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis indicated encephalitis. Native brain computed tomography and MR were unremarkable, while spinal MR demonstrated cauda equina enhancement without cord lesions. Virology testing revealed WNV IgM and IgG antibodies in serum and cerebrospinal fluid, which confirmed acute WNV NID. The treatment was supportive. After two months only a slight improvement was noticed but cognitive impairment, loss of sphincter control and asymmetric inferior extremities weakness remained. The patient died after a month on chronic rehabilitation. CONCLUSION Cauda equina arachnoiditis is a rare, but possible neuroradiological feature in acute flaccid paresis form of WNV NID.
Najznacajniji arbovirusi pripadaju rodovima Flavivirus, Alphavirus, Phlebovirus i Nairovirus. Na ... more Najznacajniji arbovirusi pripadaju rodovima Flavivirus, Alphavirus, Phlebovirus i Nairovirus. Na podrucju Hrvatske dokazano je prisustvo virusa krpeljnog encefalitisa (KEV), virusa papataci groznice (SFV), virusa dengue (DENV), virusa Zapadnog Nila (VZN) i Usutu virusa (USUV). KEV je rasprostranjen u sjeverozapadnim hrvatskim županijama. Godisnje se prijavljuje oko 50 slucajeva KE s karakteristicnom sezonskom pojavnoscu (73% infekcija zabilježeno je u razdoblju od svibnja do listopada). Infekcije uzrokovane SFV javljaju se na podrucju priobalja. Tijekom 2014. godine, protutijela na SFV sicilijanski tip, SFV napuljski tip i virus Toscana nađena su u 4, 8% ; 6, 4% te 22, 6% osoba s podrucja Istarske, Primorsko-goranske, Splitsko-Dalmatinske i Dubrovacko-neretvanske županije. Protutijela na VZN dokazana su u ljudi, medvjeda i konja. U jesen 2012. godine zabilježeni su prvi klinicki humani slucajevi VZN infekcije. Tijekom tri uzastopne sezone (2012-2014) zabilježeno ukupno 28 slucajeva ...
Arbovirusima pripada vise od 500 virusa, od kojih najveci javnozdravstveni znacaj imaju virusi iz... more Arbovirusima pripada vise od 500 virusa, od kojih najveci javnozdravstveni znacaj imaju virusi iz rodova Flavivirus, Alphavirus, Phlebovirus i Nairovirus. Na podrucju Hrvatske, uz endemski prisutan virus krpeljnog encefalitisa i virus papataci groznice te 2010. godine potvrđene autohtone slucajeve infekcije virusom dengue, posljednjih su godina dokazani i novi arbovirusi. Virus Zapadnog Nila (VZN) danas je jedan od najrasprostranjenijih arbovirusa. Cirkulacija VZN u Hrvatskoj prati se od 1970-ih godina uz sporadican nalaz protutijela u ljudi, medvjeda i konja. U jesen 2012. godine, uz asimptomatske akutne infekcije konja, zabilježeni su prvi humani klinicki slucajevi neuroinvazivne bolesti uzrokovane VZN na podrucju istocne Hrvatske. VZN infekcije u ljudi i konja dokazane su i tijekom sljedecih sezona (2013-2014. godine) u sjeverozapadnim i istocnim hrvatskim županijama. Neuroinvazivna je infekcija dokazana u ukupno 28 bolesnika, a u sest je seroloski potvrđena asimptomatska akutna/...
U radu su opisane temeljne epidemioloske znacajke infekcija Usutu virusom s naglaskom na infekcij... more U radu su opisane temeljne epidemioloske znacajke infekcija Usutu virusom s naglaskom na infekcije ljudi i metode dijagnostike. Prikazani su rezultati pracenja cirkulacije ovog zoonotskog patogena na podrucju Republike Hrvatske kao i dokazane infekcije i klinicke manifestacije u ljudi.
The impact of practically all the everyday stress factors occurring in the first days of the chic... more The impact of practically all the everyday stress factors occurring in the first days of the chick life on the rate of the utilisation of the yolk sac content, on the chicken immune status and on the growth of the animal's body and intestinal masses was investigated. The impact of the stress was investigated during the first five days of chick's life. The chicks were divided into five groups, each comprising 44 birds. The first chick group was exposed to moderate cold (2–3°C below the optimal temperature for the chick age). The second group was exposed to moderate heat (2–3°C above the optimal temperature for the age). The third and fourth group were deprived of feed and drinking water for 12 hours and 24 hour, respectively. The fifth chick group was the control group: the birds in this group had optimal environmental conditions and received feed and drinking water immediately upon entering the trial. Ten chicks were taken every day and weighed. Their blood samples were obta...
Virusi influence tipa A mogu zaraziti brojne vrste ptica i sisavaca, no primarni domacini ovih vi... more Virusi influence tipa A mogu zaraziti brojne vrste ptica i sisavaca, no primarni domacini ovih virusa su ptice iz redova Anseriformes (patke, guske i labudovi) i Charadriiformes (galebovi, curlini, cigre). Ostale vrste koje bivaju zaražene virusima influence A, a to su poglavito kokos, puran, svinja, konj i covjek, smatramo aberantnim domacinima. Razlikovanje primarnih od aberantnih domacina je vrlo važno za razumijevanje ekologije ovih virusa. Velika vecina virusa influence A je potpuno prilagođena upravo vodenim pticama u kojih zaražavanje ne uzrokuje znakove bolesti i takvi virusi su u ovih domacina u evolucijskoj stazi. Nasuprot tome, vrlo intenzivna evolucija u aberantnim domacinima se pripisuje selekcijskom pritisku zbog prilagodbe ovih virusa novom domacinu. Ovakva prilagodba može rezultirati i vrlo visokom virulencijom za novog domacina, a ponekad i za druge vrste. Složena ekologija virusa influence A potpomognuta je i preslagivanjem tj. kombiniranjem segmentiranog virusnog genoma između dva ili vise podtipova ovih virusa. Preslagivanjem nastaju potpuno novi i u pravilu nepredvidivi sojevi koji lako mogu probiti barijeru vrste.
This study describes the introduction and spread of avian influenza A (H5N1) subtype in Croatia. ... more This study describes the introduction and spread of avian influenza A (H5N1) subtype in Croatia. Seventeen isolates were identified during the period from October 2005 to March 2006, all originating from wild birds. The full-length nucleotide sequence analysis of the hemagglutinin (HA) gene of seven representative isolates revealed that three distinct genetic strains involved in the outbreaks, implicating at least three independent introductions of the virus into Croatia during a relatively short period of time. All three genetic strains belonged to clade 2.2 (Qinghai-like viruses) and each strain displayed significant similarity to concurrent H5N1 viruses from other European countries. The dominant strain of the virus was present in all four affected areas and in all three bird species (mute swan, mallard, and black-headed gull), indicating cross-species transmission of the virus. Two other genetic strains were found, together with the dominant strain, only in a marsh at the Adriatic coast during late February and early March 2006, which could be associated with frozen water surfaces in the continental part of Croatia as well as in Eastern Europe in early 2006 and the movement of birds toward warmer areas. This is also the first isolation of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus of H5N1 subtype from apparently healthy black-headed gulls.
Objectives: Birds are the main reservoir for West Nile virus (WNV) while mammals, particularly hu... more Objectives: Birds are the main reservoir for West Nile virus (WNV) while mammals, particularly humans and horses, represent dead end hosts. Infected birds usually do not show symptoms, although few avian species can suffer from severe disease even with lethal outcome. Geese and ducks are particularly sensitive to the disease and develop high viremia and severe symptoms. Mortality in young geese can be as high as 60%. On the other hand, infection in chickens and turkeys usually remain subclinical but with development of high titre antibodies and very low viremia. Hence, chickens can be used as sentinels for seasonal incursions of WNV which is usually introduced by migratory birds and transmitted by mosquitoes. WNV can cause neurological disease and death in humans as well as in horses. The objective of this study was to use chickens and horses as sentinels for early detection of WNV in order to timely conduct appropriate anti-epidemic measures in Croatia. Materials and methods: During a three-year period (2013-2015), a total of 1, 717 serum samples from sentinel outdoor chickens and 8, 131 serum samples from horses were tested for WNV antibodies using IgG ELISA. In addition, 278 serum samples from humans suspected of WNV infection and 1, 778 serum samples from asymptomatic subjects were tested for WNV IgM and IgG antibodies. WNV positive human samples were confirmed using virus neutralization test. Positive horse sera were retested using IgM ELISA in order to confirm current/recent WNV infection. Results & Conclusion: 198 (11.53%) chickens, 665 (8.18%) horses as well as 22 (7.9%) humans suspected of WNV infection and 15 (0.84%) asymptomatic subjects were found to be positive. Of 585 positive horse sera, WNV IgM antibodies were found in 34 (5.81%) samples. A significant correlation in geographical distribution of high WNV seroprevalence in tested animals with human WNV infections was found. In addition, this coincided in regions contiguous to countries where high incidence of human neuroinvasive WNV infection was reported during the investigated period. Coordinated extensive monitoring of WNV infection in poultry and horses throughout Croatia, as an early warning system, enabled timely anti-epidemic measures, primarily thorough disinsection in affected areas. This resulted in prevention of mass occurrence of human neuroinvasive WNV infections as reported in certain neighbouring countries.
Background: Tahyna orthobunyavirus (TAHV) is a neglected mosquito-borne bunyavirus. Although the ... more Background: Tahyna orthobunyavirus (TAHV) is a neglected mosquito-borne bunyavirus. Although the virus is widespread in continental Europe, TAHV infections are rarely reported. We analyzed the prevalence of TAHV in humans and different animal species as well as mosquitoes collected in urban areas of Zagreb and its surroundings in the period from 2020 to 2022. Methods: The study included 32 patients with neuroinvasive disease (NID), 218 asymptomatic individuals, 98 horses, 94 pet animals (dogs and cats), and 4456 Aedes vexans mosquitoes. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and urine samples of patients with NID were tested for the TAHV RNA using a real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Human and animal serum samples were tested for TAHV-neutralizing (NT) antibodies using a virus-neutralization test (VNT). Mosquito pools were tested for TAHV RNA using an RT-qPCR. Results: TAHV NT antibodies were detected in 3/9.4% of patients with NID, 8/3.7% of asymptomatic indivi...
BACKGROUND Data regarding the neuroradiology features of the West Nile virus neuroinvasive diseas... more BACKGROUND Data regarding the neuroradiology features of the West Nile virus neuroinvasive disease (WNV NID) is rather scarce. To contribute to the knowledge of the WNV NID, we present a patient with a combination of encephalitis and acute flaccid paresis, with cauda equina arachnoiditis as the main magnetic resonance (MR) finding. CASE SUMMARY A 72-year-old female patient was admitted due to fever, headache and gait instability. During the first several days she developed somnolence, aphasia, urinary incontinence, constipation, and asymmetric lower extremities weakness. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis indicated encephalitis. Native brain computed tomography and MR were unremarkable, while spinal MR demonstrated cauda equina enhancement without cord lesions. Virology testing revealed WNV IgM and IgG antibodies in serum and cerebrospinal fluid, which confirmed acute WNV NID. The treatment was supportive. After two months only a slight improvement was noticed but cognitive impairment, loss of sphincter control and asymmetric inferior extremities weakness remained. The patient died after a month on chronic rehabilitation. CONCLUSION Cauda equina arachnoiditis is a rare, but possible neuroradiological feature in acute flaccid paresis form of WNV NID.
Najznacajniji arbovirusi pripadaju rodovima Flavivirus, Alphavirus, Phlebovirus i Nairovirus. Na ... more Najznacajniji arbovirusi pripadaju rodovima Flavivirus, Alphavirus, Phlebovirus i Nairovirus. Na podrucju Hrvatske dokazano je prisustvo virusa krpeljnog encefalitisa (KEV), virusa papataci groznice (SFV), virusa dengue (DENV), virusa Zapadnog Nila (VZN) i Usutu virusa (USUV). KEV je rasprostranjen u sjeverozapadnim hrvatskim županijama. Godisnje se prijavljuje oko 50 slucajeva KE s karakteristicnom sezonskom pojavnoscu (73% infekcija zabilježeno je u razdoblju od svibnja do listopada). Infekcije uzrokovane SFV javljaju se na podrucju priobalja. Tijekom 2014. godine, protutijela na SFV sicilijanski tip, SFV napuljski tip i virus Toscana nađena su u 4, 8% ; 6, 4% te 22, 6% osoba s podrucja Istarske, Primorsko-goranske, Splitsko-Dalmatinske i Dubrovacko-neretvanske županije. Protutijela na VZN dokazana su u ljudi, medvjeda i konja. U jesen 2012. godine zabilježeni su prvi klinicki humani slucajevi VZN infekcije. Tijekom tri uzastopne sezone (2012-2014) zabilježeno ukupno 28 slucajeva ...
Arbovirusima pripada vise od 500 virusa, od kojih najveci javnozdravstveni znacaj imaju virusi iz... more Arbovirusima pripada vise od 500 virusa, od kojih najveci javnozdravstveni znacaj imaju virusi iz rodova Flavivirus, Alphavirus, Phlebovirus i Nairovirus. Na podrucju Hrvatske, uz endemski prisutan virus krpeljnog encefalitisa i virus papataci groznice te 2010. godine potvrđene autohtone slucajeve infekcije virusom dengue, posljednjih su godina dokazani i novi arbovirusi. Virus Zapadnog Nila (VZN) danas je jedan od najrasprostranjenijih arbovirusa. Cirkulacija VZN u Hrvatskoj prati se od 1970-ih godina uz sporadican nalaz protutijela u ljudi, medvjeda i konja. U jesen 2012. godine, uz asimptomatske akutne infekcije konja, zabilježeni su prvi humani klinicki slucajevi neuroinvazivne bolesti uzrokovane VZN na podrucju istocne Hrvatske. VZN infekcije u ljudi i konja dokazane su i tijekom sljedecih sezona (2013-2014. godine) u sjeverozapadnim i istocnim hrvatskim županijama. Neuroinvazivna je infekcija dokazana u ukupno 28 bolesnika, a u sest je seroloski potvrđena asimptomatska akutna/...
U radu su opisane temeljne epidemioloske znacajke infekcija Usutu virusom s naglaskom na infekcij... more U radu su opisane temeljne epidemioloske znacajke infekcija Usutu virusom s naglaskom na infekcije ljudi i metode dijagnostike. Prikazani su rezultati pracenja cirkulacije ovog zoonotskog patogena na podrucju Republike Hrvatske kao i dokazane infekcije i klinicke manifestacije u ljudi.
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