Clinical Profiles
Formerly JMM profiles the Journal of Medical Microbiology is now publishing ‘Clinical Profiles’ in one of three categories; Pathogen Profile, Antimicrobial Profile and Diagnostic Profile. These articles will provide a brief summary review in each of these areas. The profiles are fully citable and will make an excellent resource for education or reference.
Collection Contents
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JMM Profile: Rift Valley fever: a zoonotic viral haemorrhagic disease
More LessRift Valley fever (RVF) is caused by infection with Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV), a mosquito-borne RNA virus that affects both humans and livestock species. Humans can also acquire infection from contact with infected animals and contaminated bodily fluid. Veterinary vaccines are available for use in livestock, but no vaccines have been approved for humans to date. The virus is currently endemic in most sub-Saharan regions of Africa but numerous incursions into Middle Eastern countries and islands in the Indian Ocean, such as Mayotte (an overseas Department of France), have occurred in the past decade. The risk of further geographical expansion is high and therefore additional investigation is warranted to better understand disease transmission and pathogenic mechanisms to develop threat mitigation strategies.
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JMM Profile: Swine influenza A virus: a neglected virus with pandemic potential
More LessSwine influenza is an acute respiratory disease of swine caused by swine influenza A virus (SwIAV). The ability of SwIAV to spread bidirectionally from animals to humans (zoonotic), and from humans to animals (reverse zoonotic), drives coinfection that can result in gene segment exchange and elevates the risk of generating viruses with pandemic potential. Compared to human-origin influenza A viruses, current data indicate a greater diversity amongst circulating SwIAVs, with three major subtypes (classified by haemagglutinin and neuraminidase) circulating globally in swine (H1N1, H1N2 and H3N2). The lack of protection afforded by human seasonal influenza vaccines against SwIAVs exacerbates the risk associated with reassortment of human, swine and potentially avian viruses. As such, global monitoring of SwIAVs is important for both human and animal health as they represent a true ‘One Health’ challenge with pandemic potential.
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JMM Profile: Staphylococcus epidermidis
More LessStaphylococcus epidermidis is the most abundant commensal bacterium of human skin. Despite protecting us from foreign invaders, S. epidermidis itself exploits human vulnerability when given the opportunity. Such opportunities arise when patients are immunocompromised or when biomedical implants present an opportunity to colonize the surface and form biofilms. S. epidermidis is one of the most frequently isolated organisms from implanted devices and from bloodstream infections. However, S. epidermidis infections are often recalcitrant to antibiotics because of biofilm-associated antibiotic tolerance. Furthermore, the emergence and spread of nearly pan-resistant strains is a considerable health concern. Symptoms can be subclinical, making diagnosis challenging, and treatment with antibiotics is inefficient. For now, infection prevention remains the best strategy available.
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JMM Profile: Brachyspira species: the causative agent of Avian Intestinal Spirochaetosis
More LessThe genus Brachyspira includes nine officially recognised species, several of which are pathogenic to mammals and birds. B. pilosicoli, B. intermedia, and B. alvinipulli are the causative agents of avian intestinal spirochaetosis (AIS), a gastrointestinal disease in poultry caused by the colonisation of the caeca and/ or colo-rectum by Brachyspira . AIS primarily affects layer hens and broiler breeders over the age of 15 weeks. The severity of symptoms can vary but typically presents as reduced growth rates, delayed onset of lay, reduced egg production, faecally stained eggs, and diarrhoea. This disease is estimated to cost the UK laying industry £18 million per annum. Brachyspira colonisation in humans is common in populations from developing countries and HIV-positive patients; however, it is rarely investigated as a human pathogen.
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