Syed Jamal | University of Malakand (original) (raw)

Papers by Syed Jamal

Research paper thumbnail of Sero-epidemiology of bluetongue in ruminants raised on private holdings in North-Western Pakistan

Acta veterinaria Hungarica, Jun 19, 2024

Research paper thumbnail of Prevalence and risk factors of bluetongue in small and large ruminants maintained on Government farms in North-western Pakistan

Research in Veterinary Science

This study reports prevalence of antibodies against bluetongue virus (BTV) in animals kept on Gov... more This study reports prevalence of antibodies against bluetongue virus (BTV) in animals kept on Government farms/research stations in North-western Pakistan and its association with different risk factors. In total, 1257 blood samples were collected, at random, from animals on 12 separate Government farms/research stations. The prevalence of antibodies against BTV was evaluated using a competitive ELISA. Mixed effects univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were applied to ascertain different risk factors associated with the prevalence of the infection using farm as random effect variable. The overall weighted seroprevalence was recorded as 52%. In univariate analysis, a significant association between sero-conversion to BTV infection and species (P < 0.0001), sex (P < 0.0001), herd size (P = 0.0295) and age of animal (P < 0.0001) was recorded. In multivariate mixed effects logistic regression analysis, prevalence of the infection was found to be 7 (95% CI =2–28) times higher in goats and buffalo than in sheep. Prevalence of the infection was found to be 2.5 (95% CI =1.7–3.3) times higher in female than male animals. However, no significant association was found between sero-conversion of BTV and herd size in multivariate mixed effects logistic regression. Age was found to be a risk factor for the seroconversion; odds of sero-conversion to BTV increased by 1.29, 1.4, 1.32 and 1.6 times per year increase in age of sheep, goats, buffalo and cattle, respectively. Prevalence of bluetongue was found higher in animals maintained on Government owned farms than that in individual holdings, as previously reported in Pakistan.

Research paper thumbnail of Field Evaluation of a Safe, Easy, and Low-Cost Protocol for Shipment of Samples from Suspected Cases of Foot-and-Mouth Disease to Diagnostic Laboratories

Identification and characterization of the foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) strains circulatin... more Identification and characterization of the foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) strains circulating in endemic countries and their dynamics are essential elements of the global FMD control strategy. Characterization of FMDV is usually performed in reference laboratories (RL). However, shipping of FMD samples to RL is a challenge due to the cost and biosafety requirements of transportation, resulting in a lack of knowledge about the strains circulating in some endemic areas. In order to simplify this step and to encourage sample submission to RL, we have previously developed a low-cost protocol for the shipment of FMD samples based on the use of lateral flow devices (LFDs) combined with a simple virus inactivation step using 0.2% citric acid. The present study aimed to evaluate this inactivation protocol in the field. For this purpose, 60 suspected FMD clinical samples were collected in Nigeria, Pakistan, and Turkey, three countries where FMD is endemic. Sample treatment, testing on LFDs, and virus inactivation steps were performed in the field when possible. The effectiveness of the virus inactivation was confirmed at the RL. After RNA extraction from the 60 inactivated LFDs, all were confirmed as FMDV positive by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The serotype was identified by conventional RT-PCR for 86% of the samples. The topotype and/or lineage was successfully determined for 60% of the samples by Sanger sequencing and sequence analyses. After chemical transfection of RNA extracted from inactivated LFDs, into permissive cells, infectious virus was rescued from 15% of the samples. Implementation of this user-friendly protocol can substantially reduce shipping costs, which should increase the submission of field samples and therefore improve knowledge of the circulating FMDV strains.

Research paper thumbnail of Field Evaluation of a Safe, Easy, and Low-Cost Protocol for Shipment of Samples from Suspected Cases of Foot-and-Mouth Disease to Diagnostic Laboratories

Transboundary and Emerging Diseases

Identification and characterization of the foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) strains circulatin... more Identification and characterization of the foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) strains circulating in endemic countries and their dynamics are essential elements of the global FMD control strategy. Characterization of FMDV is usually performed in reference laboratories (RL). However, shipping of FMD samples to RL is a challenge due to the cost and biosafety requirements of transportation, resulting in a lack of knowledge about the strains circulating in some endemic areas. In order to simplify this step and to encourage sample submission to RL, we have previously developed a low-cost protocol for the shipment of FMD samples based on the use of lateral flow devices (LFDs) combined with a simple virus inactivation step using 0.2% citric acid. The present study aimed to evaluate this inactivation protocol in the field. For this purpose, 60 suspected FMD clinical samples were collected in Nigeria, Pakistan, and Turkey, three countries where FMD is endemic. Sample treatment, testing on L...

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluation of Sandwich Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay and Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction for the Diagnosis of Foot-and-Mouth Disease

Intervirology, 2021

Background: Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is an infectious and highly contagious disease of cloven... more Background: Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is an infectious and highly contagious disease of cloven-hoofed domestic and wild animals, causing heavy economic losses to the livestock industry. Rapid and reliable diagnosis of the disease is essential for the implementation of effective control measures. This study compared sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (S-ELISA) and conventional reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for the diagnosis of FMD. Methods: A total of 60 epithelial samples from suspected cases of FMD were tested using both S-ELISA and RT-PCR assays. The level of agreement between the assays was assessed by calculating the Kappa value. Results: S-ELISA detected 38 (63%) samples positive for FMD virus (FMDV). Being predominant, serotype O was detected in 22 (57.9%) of the total samples tested positive, whereas 9 (23.7%) and 7 (18.4%) samples were found positive for serotypes A and Asia-1, respectively. RT-PCR detected viral genome in 51 (85%) of th...

Research paper thumbnail of Foot‐and‐mouth disease viruses of the O/ME‐SA/Ind‐2001e sublineage in Pakistan

Transboundary and Emerging Diseases, 2021

The presence of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) of the O/ME-SA/Ind-2001e sublineage within Pa... more The presence of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) of the O/ME-SA/Ind-2001e sublineage within Pakistan was initially detected in two samples collected during 2019. Analysis of further serotype O FMDVs responsible for disease outbreaks in 2019-2020 in the country has now identified the spread of this sublineage to 10 districts within two separate provinces in North-Eastern and North-Western Pakistan. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that these viruses are closely related to those circulating in Bhutan, Nepal and India. The VP1 coding sequences of these viruses from Pakistan belong to three distinct clusters, which may indicate multiple introductions of this virus sublineage, although the routes of introduction are unknown. Vaccine matching studies against O1 Manisa, O 3039 and O TUR/5/2009 support the suitability of existing vaccine strains to control current field outbreaks, but further studies are warranted to monitor the spread and evolution of the O/ME-SA/Ind-2001e sublineage in the region.

Research paper thumbnail of Evidence for multiple recombination events within foot‐and‐mouth disease viruses circulating in West Eurasia

Transboundary and Emerging Diseases, 2019

Research paper thumbnail of Rescue of Foot-and-Mouth Disease Viruses That Are Pathogenic for Cattle from Preserved Viral RNA Samples

Research paper thumbnail of Molecular characterization of serotype Asia-1 foot-and-mouth disease viruses in Pakistan and Afghanistan; emergence of a new genetic Group and evidence for a novel recombinant virus

Infection, Genetics and Evolution, 2011

Research paper thumbnail of Genetic diversity of foot-and-mouth disease virus serotype O in Pakistan and Afghanistan, 1997–2009

Infection, Genetics and Evolution, 2011

Research paper thumbnail of Molecular epidemiology, evolution and phylogeny of foot-and-mouth disease virus

Infection, genetics and evolution : journal of molecular epidemiology and evolutionary genetics in infectious diseases, 2018

Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) is responsible for one of the most economically important inf... more Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) is responsible for one of the most economically important infectious diseases of livestock. The virus spreads very easily and continues to affect many countries (mainly in Africa and Asia). The risks associated with the introduction of FMDV result in major barriers to trade in animals and their products. Seven antigenically distinct forms of the virus are known, called serotypes, but serotype C has not been detected anywhere for many years and may now be extinct. The serotypes have been further divided into topotypes (except for serotype Asia-1 viruses, which comprise a single topotype), genotypes, lineages and sub-lineages, which are usually restricted to specific geographical regions. However, sometimes, trans-regional spread of some strains occurs. Due to the error-prone replication of the RNA genome, the virus continuously evolves and new strains frequently arise (e.g. with modified antigenicity). Using nucleotide sequencing technologies, this...

Research paper thumbnail of Brothers no longer sisters: case study of pseudohermaphrodites

Research paper thumbnail of The Relation Antibody and Protection after Foot-and-Mouth Disease Vaccination Cannot be Standardized

Research paper thumbnail of Development and Characterization of Probe-Based Real Time Quantitative RT-PCR Assays for Detection and Serotyping of Foot-And-Mouth Disease Viruses Circulating in West Eurasia

PLOS ONE, 2015

Rapid and accurate diagnosis of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and virus serotyping are of paramoun... more Rapid and accurate diagnosis of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and virus serotyping are of paramount importance for control of this disease in endemic areas where vaccination is practiced. Ideally this virus characterization should be achieved without the need for virus amplification in cell culture. Due to the heterogeneity of FMD viruses (FMDVs) in different parts of the world, region specific diagnostic tests are required. In this study, hydrolysable probe-based real time reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assays were developed for specific detection and serotyping of the FMDVs currently circulating in West Eurasia. These assays were evaluated, in parallel with pan-FMDV diagnostic assays and earlier serotype-specific assays, using field samples originating from Pakistan and Afghanistan containing FMD viruses belonging to different sublineages of O-PanAsia, A-Iran05 and Asia-1 (Group-II and Group-VII (Sindh-08)). In addition, field samples from Iran and Bulgaria, containing FMDVs belonging to the O-PanAsiaANT-10 sublineage were also tested. Each of the three primer/probe sets was designed to be specific for just one of the serotypes O, A and Asia-1 of FMDV and detected the RNA from the target viruses with cycle threshold (CT) values comparable with those obtained with the serotype-independent pan-FMDV diagnostic assays. No cross-reactivity was observed in these assays between the heterotypic viruses circulating in the region. The assays reported here have higher diagnostic sensitivity (100% each for serotypes O and Asia-1, and 92% [95% CI = 81.4-100%] for serotype A positive samples) and specificity (100% each for serotypes O, A and Asia-1 positive samples) for the viruses currently circulating in West Eurasia compared to the serotyping assays reported earlier. Comparisons of the sequences of the primers and probes used in these assays and the corresponding regions of the circulating viruses provided explanations for the poor recognition of some of the viruses by the earlier assays. These new assays should help in the early detection and typing of serotype O, A and Asia-1 FMDVs circulating in West Eurasia to enable improved disease control.

Research paper thumbnail of The immune response of guinea pigs and buffalo calves to the locally prepared Brucella abortus strain 19 vaccine

Revue scientifique et technique (International Office of Epizootics)

Brucella abortus vaccine was prepared from strain 19 imported from Germany. The vaccine induced a... more Brucella abortus vaccine was prepared from strain 19 imported from Germany. The vaccine induced a good immune response in guinea pigs as evidenced by a serological titre of 328 international units (IU)/ml 10 days post-vaccination. Vaccinated guinea pigs also withstood an experimental challenge of 5,000 colony-forming units of a locally isolated virulent B. abortus strain. This vaccine, containing 7 x 10(10) viable organisms, induced a significant immune response in 8 to 10.5 month old female buffalo calves. Significant serum agglutination test (SAT) titres were seen on day 7 following vaccination. The highest SAT titres were observed on day 14 post-vaccination and the titres started declining thereafter. The rate of decrease was slow from day 14 to day 49 post-vaccination; however, a rapid decrease in titres was seen from day 49 to day 91 post-vaccination. Negligible SAT titres were observed on day 91 post-vaccination. Specific immunoglobulin G titres, as measured by 2-mercaptoethan...

Research paper thumbnail of A syndromic form of autosomal recessive microcephaly (Jawad Syndrome) maps to chromosome 18 p11.22-q11.2

Research paper thumbnail of European Pharmacopoeia test for FMD vaccine: The influence of adjuvant, culture, serotype, valency and method of potency trial on dose response curve

Research paper thumbnail of Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus Serotype O Phylodynamics: Genetic Variability Associated with Epidemiological Factors in Pakistan

Transboundary and Emerging Diseases

One of the most challenging aspects of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) control is the high genetic v... more One of the most challenging aspects of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) control is the high genetic variability of the FMD virus (FMDV). In endemic settings such as the Indian subcontinent, this variability has resulted in the emergence of pandemic strains that have spread widely and caused devastating outbreaks in disease-free areas. In countries trying to control and eradicate FMD using vaccination strategies, the constantly evolving and wide diversity of field FMDV strains is an obstacle for identifying vaccine strains that are successful in conferring protection against infection with field viruses. Consequently, quantitative knowledge on the factors that are associated with variability of the FMDV is prerequisite for preventing and controlling FMD in the Indian subcontinent. A hierarchical linear model was used to assess the association between time, space, host species and the genetic variability of serotype O FMDV using viruses collected in Pakistan from 2005 to 2011. Significant...

Research paper thumbnail of Brothers No Longer Sisters: Case Study of Pseudohermaphrodites

Journal of Medical Sciences(Faisalabad), 2001

Research paper thumbnail of Peste des Petits Ruminants Outbreak in Small Ruminants of Northern Areas of Pakistan

Research Journal of Veterinary Sciences, 2008

Abstract: Following is a detailed description of an outbreak from district Chitral, Northern area... more Abstract: Following is a detailed description of an outbreak from district Chitral, Northern areas of Pakistan causing heavy mortality in small ruminants but the major affected specie were the goats. Earlier history, major clinical signs and laboratory confirmation proved this ...

Research paper thumbnail of Sero-epidemiology of bluetongue in ruminants raised on private holdings in North-Western Pakistan

Acta veterinaria Hungarica, Jun 19, 2024

Research paper thumbnail of Prevalence and risk factors of bluetongue in small and large ruminants maintained on Government farms in North-western Pakistan

Research in Veterinary Science

This study reports prevalence of antibodies against bluetongue virus (BTV) in animals kept on Gov... more This study reports prevalence of antibodies against bluetongue virus (BTV) in animals kept on Government farms/research stations in North-western Pakistan and its association with different risk factors. In total, 1257 blood samples were collected, at random, from animals on 12 separate Government farms/research stations. The prevalence of antibodies against BTV was evaluated using a competitive ELISA. Mixed effects univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were applied to ascertain different risk factors associated with the prevalence of the infection using farm as random effect variable. The overall weighted seroprevalence was recorded as 52%. In univariate analysis, a significant association between sero-conversion to BTV infection and species (P < 0.0001), sex (P < 0.0001), herd size (P = 0.0295) and age of animal (P < 0.0001) was recorded. In multivariate mixed effects logistic regression analysis, prevalence of the infection was found to be 7 (95% CI =2–28) times higher in goats and buffalo than in sheep. Prevalence of the infection was found to be 2.5 (95% CI =1.7–3.3) times higher in female than male animals. However, no significant association was found between sero-conversion of BTV and herd size in multivariate mixed effects logistic regression. Age was found to be a risk factor for the seroconversion; odds of sero-conversion to BTV increased by 1.29, 1.4, 1.32 and 1.6 times per year increase in age of sheep, goats, buffalo and cattle, respectively. Prevalence of bluetongue was found higher in animals maintained on Government owned farms than that in individual holdings, as previously reported in Pakistan.

Research paper thumbnail of Field Evaluation of a Safe, Easy, and Low-Cost Protocol for Shipment of Samples from Suspected Cases of Foot-and-Mouth Disease to Diagnostic Laboratories

Identification and characterization of the foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) strains circulatin... more Identification and characterization of the foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) strains circulating in endemic countries and their dynamics are essential elements of the global FMD control strategy. Characterization of FMDV is usually performed in reference laboratories (RL). However, shipping of FMD samples to RL is a challenge due to the cost and biosafety requirements of transportation, resulting in a lack of knowledge about the strains circulating in some endemic areas. In order to simplify this step and to encourage sample submission to RL, we have previously developed a low-cost protocol for the shipment of FMD samples based on the use of lateral flow devices (LFDs) combined with a simple virus inactivation step using 0.2% citric acid. The present study aimed to evaluate this inactivation protocol in the field. For this purpose, 60 suspected FMD clinical samples were collected in Nigeria, Pakistan, and Turkey, three countries where FMD is endemic. Sample treatment, testing on LFDs, and virus inactivation steps were performed in the field when possible. The effectiveness of the virus inactivation was confirmed at the RL. After RNA extraction from the 60 inactivated LFDs, all were confirmed as FMDV positive by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The serotype was identified by conventional RT-PCR for 86% of the samples. The topotype and/or lineage was successfully determined for 60% of the samples by Sanger sequencing and sequence analyses. After chemical transfection of RNA extracted from inactivated LFDs, into permissive cells, infectious virus was rescued from 15% of the samples. Implementation of this user-friendly protocol can substantially reduce shipping costs, which should increase the submission of field samples and therefore improve knowledge of the circulating FMDV strains.

Research paper thumbnail of Field Evaluation of a Safe, Easy, and Low-Cost Protocol for Shipment of Samples from Suspected Cases of Foot-and-Mouth Disease to Diagnostic Laboratories

Transboundary and Emerging Diseases

Identification and characterization of the foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) strains circulatin... more Identification and characterization of the foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) strains circulating in endemic countries and their dynamics are essential elements of the global FMD control strategy. Characterization of FMDV is usually performed in reference laboratories (RL). However, shipping of FMD samples to RL is a challenge due to the cost and biosafety requirements of transportation, resulting in a lack of knowledge about the strains circulating in some endemic areas. In order to simplify this step and to encourage sample submission to RL, we have previously developed a low-cost protocol for the shipment of FMD samples based on the use of lateral flow devices (LFDs) combined with a simple virus inactivation step using 0.2% citric acid. The present study aimed to evaluate this inactivation protocol in the field. For this purpose, 60 suspected FMD clinical samples were collected in Nigeria, Pakistan, and Turkey, three countries where FMD is endemic. Sample treatment, testing on L...

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluation of Sandwich Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay and Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction for the Diagnosis of Foot-and-Mouth Disease

Intervirology, 2021

Background: Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is an infectious and highly contagious disease of cloven... more Background: Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is an infectious and highly contagious disease of cloven-hoofed domestic and wild animals, causing heavy economic losses to the livestock industry. Rapid and reliable diagnosis of the disease is essential for the implementation of effective control measures. This study compared sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (S-ELISA) and conventional reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for the diagnosis of FMD. Methods: A total of 60 epithelial samples from suspected cases of FMD were tested using both S-ELISA and RT-PCR assays. The level of agreement between the assays was assessed by calculating the Kappa value. Results: S-ELISA detected 38 (63%) samples positive for FMD virus (FMDV). Being predominant, serotype O was detected in 22 (57.9%) of the total samples tested positive, whereas 9 (23.7%) and 7 (18.4%) samples were found positive for serotypes A and Asia-1, respectively. RT-PCR detected viral genome in 51 (85%) of th...

Research paper thumbnail of Foot‐and‐mouth disease viruses of the O/ME‐SA/Ind‐2001e sublineage in Pakistan

Transboundary and Emerging Diseases, 2021

The presence of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) of the O/ME-SA/Ind-2001e sublineage within Pa... more The presence of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) of the O/ME-SA/Ind-2001e sublineage within Pakistan was initially detected in two samples collected during 2019. Analysis of further serotype O FMDVs responsible for disease outbreaks in 2019-2020 in the country has now identified the spread of this sublineage to 10 districts within two separate provinces in North-Eastern and North-Western Pakistan. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that these viruses are closely related to those circulating in Bhutan, Nepal and India. The VP1 coding sequences of these viruses from Pakistan belong to three distinct clusters, which may indicate multiple introductions of this virus sublineage, although the routes of introduction are unknown. Vaccine matching studies against O1 Manisa, O 3039 and O TUR/5/2009 support the suitability of existing vaccine strains to control current field outbreaks, but further studies are warranted to monitor the spread and evolution of the O/ME-SA/Ind-2001e sublineage in the region.

Research paper thumbnail of Evidence for multiple recombination events within foot‐and‐mouth disease viruses circulating in West Eurasia

Transboundary and Emerging Diseases, 2019

Research paper thumbnail of Rescue of Foot-and-Mouth Disease Viruses That Are Pathogenic for Cattle from Preserved Viral RNA Samples

Research paper thumbnail of Molecular characterization of serotype Asia-1 foot-and-mouth disease viruses in Pakistan and Afghanistan; emergence of a new genetic Group and evidence for a novel recombinant virus

Infection, Genetics and Evolution, 2011

Research paper thumbnail of Genetic diversity of foot-and-mouth disease virus serotype O in Pakistan and Afghanistan, 1997–2009

Infection, Genetics and Evolution, 2011

Research paper thumbnail of Molecular epidemiology, evolution and phylogeny of foot-and-mouth disease virus

Infection, genetics and evolution : journal of molecular epidemiology and evolutionary genetics in infectious diseases, 2018

Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) is responsible for one of the most economically important inf... more Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) is responsible for one of the most economically important infectious diseases of livestock. The virus spreads very easily and continues to affect many countries (mainly in Africa and Asia). The risks associated with the introduction of FMDV result in major barriers to trade in animals and their products. Seven antigenically distinct forms of the virus are known, called serotypes, but serotype C has not been detected anywhere for many years and may now be extinct. The serotypes have been further divided into topotypes (except for serotype Asia-1 viruses, which comprise a single topotype), genotypes, lineages and sub-lineages, which are usually restricted to specific geographical regions. However, sometimes, trans-regional spread of some strains occurs. Due to the error-prone replication of the RNA genome, the virus continuously evolves and new strains frequently arise (e.g. with modified antigenicity). Using nucleotide sequencing technologies, this...

Research paper thumbnail of Brothers no longer sisters: case study of pseudohermaphrodites

Research paper thumbnail of The Relation Antibody and Protection after Foot-and-Mouth Disease Vaccination Cannot be Standardized

Research paper thumbnail of Development and Characterization of Probe-Based Real Time Quantitative RT-PCR Assays for Detection and Serotyping of Foot-And-Mouth Disease Viruses Circulating in West Eurasia

PLOS ONE, 2015

Rapid and accurate diagnosis of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and virus serotyping are of paramoun... more Rapid and accurate diagnosis of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and virus serotyping are of paramount importance for control of this disease in endemic areas where vaccination is practiced. Ideally this virus characterization should be achieved without the need for virus amplification in cell culture. Due to the heterogeneity of FMD viruses (FMDVs) in different parts of the world, region specific diagnostic tests are required. In this study, hydrolysable probe-based real time reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assays were developed for specific detection and serotyping of the FMDVs currently circulating in West Eurasia. These assays were evaluated, in parallel with pan-FMDV diagnostic assays and earlier serotype-specific assays, using field samples originating from Pakistan and Afghanistan containing FMD viruses belonging to different sublineages of O-PanAsia, A-Iran05 and Asia-1 (Group-II and Group-VII (Sindh-08)). In addition, field samples from Iran and Bulgaria, containing FMDVs belonging to the O-PanAsiaANT-10 sublineage were also tested. Each of the three primer/probe sets was designed to be specific for just one of the serotypes O, A and Asia-1 of FMDV and detected the RNA from the target viruses with cycle threshold (CT) values comparable with those obtained with the serotype-independent pan-FMDV diagnostic assays. No cross-reactivity was observed in these assays between the heterotypic viruses circulating in the region. The assays reported here have higher diagnostic sensitivity (100% each for serotypes O and Asia-1, and 92% [95% CI = 81.4-100%] for serotype A positive samples) and specificity (100% each for serotypes O, A and Asia-1 positive samples) for the viruses currently circulating in West Eurasia compared to the serotyping assays reported earlier. Comparisons of the sequences of the primers and probes used in these assays and the corresponding regions of the circulating viruses provided explanations for the poor recognition of some of the viruses by the earlier assays. These new assays should help in the early detection and typing of serotype O, A and Asia-1 FMDVs circulating in West Eurasia to enable improved disease control.

Research paper thumbnail of The immune response of guinea pigs and buffalo calves to the locally prepared Brucella abortus strain 19 vaccine

Revue scientifique et technique (International Office of Epizootics)

Brucella abortus vaccine was prepared from strain 19 imported from Germany. The vaccine induced a... more Brucella abortus vaccine was prepared from strain 19 imported from Germany. The vaccine induced a good immune response in guinea pigs as evidenced by a serological titre of 328 international units (IU)/ml 10 days post-vaccination. Vaccinated guinea pigs also withstood an experimental challenge of 5,000 colony-forming units of a locally isolated virulent B. abortus strain. This vaccine, containing 7 x 10(10) viable organisms, induced a significant immune response in 8 to 10.5 month old female buffalo calves. Significant serum agglutination test (SAT) titres were seen on day 7 following vaccination. The highest SAT titres were observed on day 14 post-vaccination and the titres started declining thereafter. The rate of decrease was slow from day 14 to day 49 post-vaccination; however, a rapid decrease in titres was seen from day 49 to day 91 post-vaccination. Negligible SAT titres were observed on day 91 post-vaccination. Specific immunoglobulin G titres, as measured by 2-mercaptoethan...

Research paper thumbnail of A syndromic form of autosomal recessive microcephaly (Jawad Syndrome) maps to chromosome 18 p11.22-q11.2

Research paper thumbnail of European Pharmacopoeia test for FMD vaccine: The influence of adjuvant, culture, serotype, valency and method of potency trial on dose response curve

Research paper thumbnail of Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus Serotype O Phylodynamics: Genetic Variability Associated with Epidemiological Factors in Pakistan

Transboundary and Emerging Diseases

One of the most challenging aspects of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) control is the high genetic v... more One of the most challenging aspects of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) control is the high genetic variability of the FMD virus (FMDV). In endemic settings such as the Indian subcontinent, this variability has resulted in the emergence of pandemic strains that have spread widely and caused devastating outbreaks in disease-free areas. In countries trying to control and eradicate FMD using vaccination strategies, the constantly evolving and wide diversity of field FMDV strains is an obstacle for identifying vaccine strains that are successful in conferring protection against infection with field viruses. Consequently, quantitative knowledge on the factors that are associated with variability of the FMDV is prerequisite for preventing and controlling FMD in the Indian subcontinent. A hierarchical linear model was used to assess the association between time, space, host species and the genetic variability of serotype O FMDV using viruses collected in Pakistan from 2005 to 2011. Significant...

Research paper thumbnail of Brothers No Longer Sisters: Case Study of Pseudohermaphrodites

Journal of Medical Sciences(Faisalabad), 2001

Research paper thumbnail of Peste des Petits Ruminants Outbreak in Small Ruminants of Northern Areas of Pakistan

Research Journal of Veterinary Sciences, 2008

Abstract: Following is a detailed description of an outbreak from district Chitral, Northern area... more Abstract: Following is a detailed description of an outbreak from district Chitral, Northern areas of Pakistan causing heavy mortality in small ruminants but the major affected specie were the goats. Earlier history, major clinical signs and laboratory confirmation proved this ...