Biomedical subjects

A Stefancíková

Publications and source records attributed to A Stefancíková.

16 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2003

Immunoglobulin G antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi in game animals and small mammals in eastern Slovakia.

In a survey of game animals and small mammals, the sera of 185 animals were examined for the presence of immunoglobulin G antibodies to the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, which causes Lyme borreliosis. These animals comprised 59 fallow deer (Dama dama), 56 mouflons (Ovis musimon) and 70 small mammals of six different species. The sera of the fallow deer and the mouflons were examined by indirect haemagglutination assay. The sera of the small mammals were examined by modified enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, which is available in a commercial kit. The sera of the 59 fallow deer demonstrated positivity of 40.77% (titres 1:40-1:80). The 56 mouflons demonstrated seropositivity of 17.8% (1:40-1:80). The sera of the small mammals were highly positive in the yellow-necked field mouse (Apodemus flavicollis) at 42.1% (titres 1:200-1:1,600), followed by the bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus) at 14.3% (1:400-1:800), the common vole (Microtus arvalis) at 12.5% (1:200) and the black-striped field mouse (A. agrarius) at 10.0% (1:200-1:400-800). The authors also report the rate of infestation of these small mammals by the tick Ixodes ricinus, as these mammal species are potential reservoirs for this vector. The study focuses on the relationship between the possibility of infestation by I. ricinus and the reservoir competence of the different species under study, as well as the possible spread of disease. The detected rate of seroprevalence indicates that all the investigated animals have had contact with infected ticks.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

Serological evidence for Borrelia burgdorferi infection associated with clinical signs in dairy cattle in Slovakia.

In the course of epizootological research on Lyme borreliosis in domestic and farm animals, the serological evidence for the occurrence of this zoonosis in cattle was screened. An ELISA showed that 25.2% of cattle from seven geographical areas in Slovakia were positive for anti-Borrelia IgG antibodies. In particular localities, the seroprevalence ranged from 0.6% to 34.3%. Of 33 cases with clinical signs, 20 ELISA-positive samples were also confirmed in Western blots. The most frequent clinical signs were lameness and swollen joints, but most of the cases were asymptomatic. The occurrence of Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies and suspected clinical signs in cattle of Slovak regions indicates that veterinarians should pay attention to this disease in their clinical practice and include it within the differential diagnosis.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Trichinellosis in the Slovak Republic.

The occurrence of trichinellosis in farm or wildlife animals in some areas pose the permanent risk of infection in humans. In Slovakia, where only the sylvatic trichinellosis exists, the humans trichinellosis is sporadic. The most common cause of infection is wild boar meat. Unusual local eating customs may also favour an outbreak of disease in humans. The outbreak of trichinellosis in Slovakia in 1998, when 336 people were affected, was of the same kind. Trichinella britovi was the agent of the infection.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

Epidemiological survey of human borreliosis diagnosed in Eastern Slovakia.

439 sera of patients from eastern Slovakia suspected of Lyme borreliosis were examined for anti-Borrelia IgG and IgM antibodies by ELISA (Ezygnost, Dade Behring, Germany). Out of the total number of 64 sera, e.g. in 14.6% found anti-Borrelia antibodies were. Among seropositive patients, 54.7% were women and 45.3% men. The highest incidence of the disease was diagnosed in the group of women aged 55-64 and men aged 45-54. Out of 29 positive sera of men, 55.2% had IgG antibodies, 27.6% IgM antibodies and 17.2% both types of antibodies. Out of 35 positive sera of women, 48.6% had IgG antibodies, 40.0% IgM antibodies and 11.4% both types of antibodies. Erythema Chronicum Migrans--ECM (31.3%) and arthritis (25.0%) prevailed among clinical symptoms, in contrast with only 7.8% of neurological cases. In men, arthritis most frequently occurred (27.6%), while in women erythema migrans forms (37.1%). Other manifestations of the disease appeared in 13 patients (20.3%), and 10 patients (15.6%) had no record of clinical manifestations. As shown by patients' records, 32.8% reported attachment of tick, 20.3% insect bites and 29.7% were not aware of being bitten by vectors. Seasonal dynamics of diagnosed cases reached three peaks with the highest numbers in February, May and October.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2000

Occurrence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto, Borrelia garinii and Borrelia afzelii in the Ixodes ricinus ticks from Eastern Slovakia.

A total of 2816 unfed adults nymphs of Ixodes ricinus ticks were collected from vegetation in Kosice (Eastern Slovakia) from 1994 to 1997. Prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi s. l. in I. ricinus ticks, detected by dark field microscopy, varied and depended upon the year and the habitat of the collected ticks. The lowest prevalence was observed in 1994 (4.8%). During 1995 it increased to 17.2% and during the next two years decreased to 15.5% and 14.2%. The rate of infection varied from 2.1 to 23.3% within 10 examined habitats of the Kosice area. A different value of relative density of ticks was observed in various habitats. It ranged from 9-212 ticks per collecting hour within one flagged area (600 m2) which is 1.5-35.5 ticks per 100 m2. Eight isolates were obtained from the infected ticks. Electrophoresis and immunoblotting with 6 monoclonal antibodies were used for the identification of Borrelia strains. Three tick isolates were identified as B. burgdorferi s. s. and the other three isolates were found to be B. garinii. One strain reacted as a mixed culture of B. burgdorferi s. s., and B. garinii. The strain originated from the Vihorlat Mountains habitat and was detected by PCR-SSCP as B. burgdorferi s. s. with a small amount of B. afzelii. The obtained results emphasize the epidemiological importance not only of B. garinii and B. afzelii but also of B. burgdorferi s. s. in Central Europe.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Potential foci of Lyme borreliosis in towns.

In 1997 the presence of ticks Ixodes ricinus infected with the agent of Lyme borreliosis was detected on the vegetation of Kosice urban agglomeration. The density of ticks on the vegetation of pericentral area islands of forest stands and neglected gardens was 2.4 times lower than that observed in a peripheral park forest. Only sporadical findings of ticks were reported from the industrial central part of town with remnants of uncultivated vegetation. Central parks and housing estates were actually tick-free. Borrelia-infected ticks, from 12.8 to 15% were found in the park forest and pericentral areas. The results indicate potential risks for humans and domestic animals coming in contact with borrelia-infected ticks, also in the territory of large towns.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Lung nematodes of chamois, Rupicapra rupicapra tatrica, from the Tatra National Park, Slovakia.

A larvoscopic examination of faeces collected from localities inhibited by chamois in the Tatra National Park (TANAP) in 1997 demonstrated the presence of the lung nematodes Muellerius spp. (likely to be M. tenuispiculatus and M. capillaris) and Neostrongylus linearis. The overall prevalence of lung nematodes in chamois herds in TANAP was 48.4% with prevalences of 45.6% and 11.9% for Muellerius spp. and N. linearis, respectively. No significant differences in lung nematode prevalences were observed in the biotopes of TANAP with prevalence values of 44.9% being recorded in the High Tatras and 58.5% in the Belianske Tatras. Individual species were in equal proportion in both biotopes, although N. linearis was significantly less prevalent (11.2-13.8%). The prevalence of lung nematodes in the High Tatras varied from 25.0 to 84.2% within individual localities, while in the Belianske Tatras it was more proportionate (50.0-85.7%). In the High Tatras, the prevalence of lung nematodes in the chamois herds peaked during August, declining to its lowest in October. A similar prevalence was also recorded for Muellerius species, while the minimum prevalence of N. linearis was found in July. In the Belianske Tatras, the prevalence of lung nematodes including both species of Muellerius peaked in July and gradually decreased until October. On the other hand, N. linearis was most prevalent in October. The mean L1 count per gram faeces was low (7.6 +/- 13.2 larvae g-1).

Animals↗

PubMed1998

Development and morphological variability of Echinococcus granulosus.

Characteristics are presented of Echinococcus granulosus strobila from dogs experimentally infected with protoscolices from a single cyst isolated from the liver of a domestic pig in a central Slovakian district. Adult cestodes are characterized mainly by 28-32 hooks highly variable in shape and size; 26-51 testes situated mostly throughout the proglottis (1 or 3 rows behind the vitelline gland); a lobate ovary; the shape of the uterus, which in 10% of proglottides is more or less spherical, in 62% is saccular with lateral sacculations of variable size, in 27% is saccular without lateral sacculations and in 1% is more or less tubular or strongly ramified; and an intermediately rapid rate of development lasting until between 40 and 44 days p.i. The present report analyzes the high degree of variability of the clone studied, referring to the knowledge on the characteristics of the pig, sheep, and cattle strains of E. granulosus and E. multilocularis species, with which some taxonomic characters of the clone representatives overlap.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

[IgG antibodies to Borrelia in dogs in the area of Kosice].

An ELISA investigation showed that 26.9% of dogs in Kosice region were positive for anti-borrelia IgG antibodies. A significantly higher seroprevalence was detected only in hunting dogs (40.0%) compared with service dogs (11.8%; p < 0.05). An analysis of seroprevalence by age showed a significant difference only between dogs in the categories 1-3 years (37.8%) and under 1 year of age (8.3%; p < 0.05). In other age groups no significant differences in seroprevalence were observed. No significant difference in seroprevalence was detected between sex either. A high correlation was determined to exist between the seroprevalence and the number of engorged ticks (R = 0.8) and the frequency of the exposure of dogs to the tick-infested wooded areas with the focal occurrence of boreliae (R = 1). The analysis of results suggests that seroprevalence of Lyme borreliosis in dogs of the Kosice region is not negligible. The breed, age and sex do not influence the seroprevalence of the disease. The decisive role is, however, played by the time of the exposure of dogs to the environment infested by Borrelia-contaminated ticks.

Animals↗

PubMed1994

Lung nematodes of chamois in the Low Tatra National Park, Slovakia.

Chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra tatrica) in the Low Tatra National Park are largely infected with the lungworms Muellerius capillaris and M. tenuispiculatus and sporadically with Dictyocaulus viviparus. The mean number of first stage larvae (L1) per gram of faeces collected at chamois stands over the years 1981-1988 varied between 28.2 (+/- 11.9) and 61.6 (+/- 35.9). The degree of infection in chamois herds was significantly higher in the spring and autumn months, except for the spring of 1981, than in the summer season. The mean number of L1 per gram found in the dissected chamois (lung and intestinal content) varied between 64.53 (+/- 32.7) and 97.5 (+/- 36.4).

Analysis of Variance↗

PubMed1993

Prevalence of echinococcosis in pigs and sheep in the Slovak Republic.

The prevalence of echinococcosis in slaughtered animals has been monitored in the Slovak Republic between 1971 and 1990. In pigs, the prevalence dropped almost constantly from 3.85% to 0.13%, by as much as 15% per year. The dynamics of prevalence in sheep differs substantially from that in pigs. Significant 12 year, 6 year and 3 year periodicities predominate over a nonsignificant and slight decrease of prevalence by only 1% per year. Therefore, the prevalence fluctuates in the period of observations between 0.49 and 3.72%. No significant correlations or cross-correlations have been found between the prevalences in the two groups of animals.

Animals↗

PubMed1993

A seroepidemiological study of human Toxocara infection in the Slovak Republic.

Sera of 908 blood donors, average age 35 years, living in towns and villages of the Slovak Republic were tested for Toxocara canis antibodies using an ELISA-IgG test. The seroprevalence in the healthy population was estimated at 13.65%. Antibodies were predominantly demonstrated in the sera from persons living in rural communities (17.09%) compared to the sera investigated from urban communities (11.82%). Women had a significantly higher seropositivity than men. The serological response in 2703 sera from patients suspected of toxocarosis was compared with their clinical manifestation, sex and age. Toxocara antibodies were found in 27.41% of suspected patients. Although the seroprevalence in adults was significantly higher among women than men, in children, boys had a higher seroprevalence than girls. The main clinical manifestations were leucocytosis and eosinophilia (46%), ocular disorders (36%), lung, liver and neurological disorders (26%). The most severe forms of this disease were observed in 2 to 5-year-old children with geophagy.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1993

[Diagnosis of echinococcosis in the population of Slovakia].

Serologically diagnosed cases of echinococcosis in man occurring over the years 1970-1990 are reported. In the given period 292 serum samples were examined obtained from patients clinically suspected of echinococcosis, either with or without indication of localization in different organs. Of the total of 22 serologically positive patients echinococcal cysts were found in the liver in 17 patients (77.27%), in the lungs in three (13.63%) and in two patients the localization was not established. The patients with positive serological finding were within the age range of 33 to 68 years, with the exception of one 11-year-old boy. The value of serological examination of echinococcosis in the subjects involved in our study is highlighted by the findings in those patients who underwent surgery. Both the positive and the negative serological results were confirmed by the surgical findings of the presence or absence of echinococcus. (Tab. 3, Ref. 22.)

Adult↗

PubMed1993

[Serodiagnosis of larval toxocariasis in Slovakia].

The results of serological examinations performed over the years 1986 to 1990 in patients suspected of larval toxocariasis, coming from different Institutes of National Health in Slovakia, are reported. Seropositivity was within the range from 9.38 to 23.56%. The five-year average was 17.72%, with a predominance of seropositivity in the country. Age-related analysis of the series of patients did not show any significant difference of seropositivity in children and adults (18.00 and 17.21% respectively). Higher seropositivity rates were found in boys (20.73%) compared to girls (14.69%). This was found to be reversed in adults, where women had higher seropositivity rates than men (20.61 and 12.08% respectively). The ocular for of larval toxocariasis showed a higher prevalence in adults. (Tab. 4, Fig. 1, Ref. 18.)

Adolescent↗

PubMed1991

Experimental Trichinella spiralis infection in sheep.

During susceptibility studies of non-specific hosts, three merino sheep were infected with 3000, 5000 or 7000 Trichinella spiralis larvae by gavage. Clinical, physiological and serological parameters were assessed during the experiment. On the 152nd day p.i., animals were necropsied and, using artificial digestion methods, numbers of Trichinella larvae in muscle tissues were determined. The most infected parts were masseters with 3122 larvae g-1 muscle, 5526 larvae g-1 muscle and 4058 larvae g-1 muscle and diaphragms with 2778 larvae g-1 muscle, 2725 larvae g-1 muscle and 2320 larvae g-1 muscle, for the 3000, 5000 and 7000 infection levels, respectively. A positive correlation between infective rate and circulating antibodies was observed using ELISA and latex agglutination (LA) test methods. Trichinella larvae from sheep applied by gavage to ICR mice developed to the muscle stage. No significant changes were found in the clinical and physiological parameters of infected animals. Our results confirm the high susceptibility of merino sheep to T. spiralis infection.

Animals↗

PubMed1989

[Helminthozoonoses in Slovakia 1981-1987].

The incidence of helminthozoonoses in the Slovak Socialist Republic over the years 1981--1987 was assessed on the basis of reports submitted by health and veterinary organizations. The incidence of taeniases exhibited a decreasing trend over the period studied. The occurrence rate of cysticercosis in slaughter cattle was irregularly increasing from 0.65% to 0.90%. Echinococcosis in humans was established only sporadically (4 cases). In animals its extensity was decreasing and dropped to 0.22% in slaughter pigs and to 0.70% in sheep and goats. Trichinosis showed an endemic occurrence (13 cases). Larval toxocariasis increased from 6 to 129 seropositive cases. Hymenolepiasis was diagnosed only in the East Slovakian Region (0.06 to 1.46 cases per 100,000 inhabitants). (Fig. 5, Ref. 3.)

Animals↗