Browsing by Author "Checkley, Sylvia"

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    Antimicrobial Resistant Escherichia coli in Alberta's Rural Well Water
    (2017) Meyer, Kelsey; Checkley, Sylvia; DeVinney, Rebekah; Liljebjelke, Karen
    The consumption of rural well water (RWW) contaminated with antimicrobial resistant (AMR) Escherichia coli has been linked to human carriage of resistance. Our objective was to determine whether AMR and extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) producing E.coli are present in Alberta’s RWW. Resistant isolates were detected with an agar screen on (up to) 20 isolates from each sample, and AMR was measured with NARMS Sensititre(TM) panels. Disk diffusion assays detected ESBL-producing E.coli, and spatial clusters of AMR E.coli were assessed using ArcGIS (version 10.4.1) and SaTScan(TM) (version 9.4.4). Among 1129 samples, 22% contained AMR E.coli including four ESBL-producers. Resistance to three or more classes of antimicrobials was observed in 48% of AMR E.coli isolates, and a significant cluster of AMR E.coli was detected between Calgary and Lethbridge (p<0.05). Our results suggest AMR and ESBL-producing E.coli are present in Alberta’s rural well water, posing a risk to human and animal health.
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    Characterization of incidental lesions and common causes of morbidity and mortality among free-ranging Leporidae in Canada.
    (2023-09-18) Hunter, Summer T.; Rothenburger, Jamie; Checkley, Sylvia; Weese, J. Scott; Cork, Susan
    Wildlife disease surveillance is an important tool for the discovery and mitigation of disease outbreaks. Research into wildlife disease often focuses on charismatic megafauna, but many small and common species play a vital role in their ecosystem and have regular contact with humans. Leporids are common throughout Canada, are an important prey species, and frequently interact with humans through lawns, gardens, domestic animals, and harvesting activities. However, little is known about their diseases, risks to humans and overall health, particularly in an urban setting. The objectives of this thesis were to investigate major causes of morbidity and mortality as well as common incidental lesions and pathogens amongst leporids in Canada. I conducted a retrospective analysis of 569 cases of deceased leporids submitted to the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative between 1990 and 2019. Trauma (215/467; 46.0%), specifically vehicle collisions (51/215; 23.7%), was the most common cause of mortality. Moderate to good body condition, male sex, and no incidental findings were associated with an increased odds of trauma related mortality. Incidental lesions were common amongst all categories of mortality. Zoonotic pathogens observed included Francisella tularensis, Pasteurella spp. and Toxoplasma gondii. I also completed autopsies on 140 presumed road-killed urban leporids collected from within Calgary, Alberta, Canada. There were 29 (20.7%) cases of non-trauma related mortalities, which included one case of Tularemia. The majority of non- trauma related mortalities were classified as open diagnosis (21/140; 15%). Incidental lesions were observed in 37.9% of cases and included nephroblastoma (11/140; 6%), Taenia spp. cysts (20/140; 14%), idiopathic splenomegaly (7/140; 5%), and idiopathic interstitial nephritis (11/140; 8%). Again, moderate to good body condition and a lack of incidental lesions or pathogens were associated with an increased odds of trauma related mortality. Overall, this thesis illustrates that Canadian leporids are competent hosts for a variety of zoonotic pathogens but are themselves vulnerable to human related mortality, particularly if they are in apparent good health. The results from this thesis can be used by the public, human health care professionals, veterinarians, and wildlife biologists to make informed decisions on interacting with and conserving free-ranging leporid populations in Canada.
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    Echinococcus multilocularis Infections in Domestic Dogs
    (2021-06-03) Toews, Emilie Anne Wylie; Massolo, Alessandro; Musiani, Marco; Checkley, Sylvia; Visscher, Darcy
    Echinococcus multilocularis, a parasitic helminth of the northern hemisphere, normally cycles through definitive (coyotes, foxes, wolves, raccoon dogs) and intermediate hosts (rodents and some lagomorphs). In urban areas, domestic dogs can also become hosts for this parasite, maintaining the E. multilocularis population in areas with less wild canids. Occasionally, this zoonotic parasite infects humans, resulting in alveolar echinococcosis, which is often lethal. Echinococcus multilocularis has been well-studied in wild definitive hosts throughout its known global distribution, but further investigation into the prevalence of this parasite in dogs is needed. I conducted a literature review and meta-analysis estimating the true prevalence and risk factors associated with E. multilocularis infections in dogs globally. Then, I attempted to fill gaps in the literature by investigating E. multilocularis in dogs living near several parks in Calgary, Alberta. Using qPCR on fecal samples collected in 2012, I determined the true prevalence of E. multilocularis in Calgary dogs. Associated risk factors were assessed using dog behaviour questionnaires submitted by owners. While intestinal E. multilocularis has not previously been found in dog population studies in Canada, I found the prevalence in Calgary in 2012 to be similar to Europe and Asia. Some risk factors for infection were confirmed but more work is warranted. Therefore, I also conducted a pilot study directed at Calgary vet clinics to provide an updated estimate of intestinal E. multilocularis presence and also, for the first time, alveolar echinococcosis prevalence in dogs. This study design and dog behaviour questionnaire are suitable for assessing risk factors for both types of infections and is intended to be applied to a larger future study. Understanding the role of dogs in both the maintenance of the E. multilocularis lifecycle and the transmission of the infection to humans is paramount as urbanization drives humans and their pets closer to wildlife populations.
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    Environmental Risk Mapping for Contamination of Drinking Water Wells Post Flood in Southern Alberta
    (2014-08-26) Eccles, Kristin; Bertazzon, Stefania; Checkley, Sylvia
    The objective of this research was to determine if there were more cases of contamination in 2013 than in previous years. To determine private groundwater wells in the Calgary Health Zone were impacted by the flood in June 2013, and finally determine what environmental variables influence contamination during a flooding event. The analysis utilizes, test results of total coliform and E.coli of private water wells were obtained though Alberta Health Services’ Provincial Laboratory (ProvLab) for the period of June 19th to September 30th, 2013. The analysis was completed using ArcGIS 10.2 and R 3.0.2. The results of the regression indicate that total coliform contamination was not impacted by the flood, however, E.coli contamination was impacted by floodways, flood fringe, farms, and intermittent water (sloughs).
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    Factors Associated with Antimicrobial Resistant Enterococci in North American Beef Cattle: A Scoping Review Protocol
    (2021-07-05) Strong, Kayla; Marasco, Kaitlin; Invik, Jesse; Ganshorn, Heather; Reid-Smith, Richard; Waldner, Cheryl; Otto, Simon; Chapman, Brennan; Checkley, Sylvia
    Introduction: Enterococcus spp. is a commensal gram-positive bacterium routinely found in humans and bovines' intestinal tracts; however, it can lead to infection when found outside the intestinal tract.1 There is increasing difficulty in treating Enterococcal infections due to a rise in resistance, particularly multidrug resistance.2 The rise of antimicrobial resistance is a One Health problem resulting from antimicrobial use in human health, animal health, and the environment.3 This research focuses on the connection between animal and human health, and considers the epidemiology of antimicrobial resistance within the North American beef cattle production system. The research will identify factors associated with antimicrobial resistance in Enterococcus spp. from cow-calf operations up to but not including human beef consumption. This project is a component of the broader iAM.AMR initiative. Objectives: The primary objective is to identify what factors increase or decrease the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in Enterococcus spp. within the North American Beef Cattle Industry, from cow-calf operations to the retail setting. The results will populate a component of an integrated assessment model as a component of the Integrated Assessment Model on Antimicrobial Resistance (iAM.AMR) project, built using Analytica software (Educational Professional license, Lumina) Methods: A double-blinded scoping review following PRISMA guidelines will examine five databases (MEDLINE, BIOSIS Previews, the Web of Science Science Citation Index and Emerging Sources Citation Index, Embase, and CAB Abstracts). The search will consider Enterococcus spp., Antimicrobials, Resistance, beef cattle, and search term variants. Articles identified will be screened at three primary stages: bibliography, title and abstract, and full text. The authors will exclude articles published before 1984 (Enterococcus spp. was designated a species in 1984), journals specific to a livestock species that is not beef cattle, and non-English articles. Articles that are solely In vitro, specific to fermented meat, opinion-based, or not applicable to the North American context will also be excluded. Articles will be included if there is an intervention identified and the AMR impact of the intervention measured. Article information will be charted in an excel spreadsheet. Following the charting process, authors will identify articles to be included in the iAM.AMR Collection of Epidemiologically Derived Associations with Resistance (CEDARS) database. These articles must have an extractable "factor" associated with AMR Enterococcus spp, presented as an odds ratio or prevalence comparison (in text or graph) specific to an "intervention" and "control." The study must use non-selective media and have the total (N) provided for the intervention and control. Relevant data will be collected and coded into an Access (V2103, Microsoft) database. Meta-analysis will occur if two articles examine the same factor and are comparable in the research design and study population.
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    Food security, gender roles, and information exchange in the shrimp farming industry of Sri Lanka
    (2015-02-09) Wu, Jessica Pingsi; Checkley, Sylvia
    Ensuring household food security is an ongoing global concern. In Sri Lanka, years of civil war and natural disasters have posed a challenge in terms of decreasing poverty. One of the pathways out of poverty and improved food security is through smallholder aquaculture. With underutilized aquatic resources, the country is well placed to further develop aquaculture in the country including shrimp farming. Prior to expanding shrimp farming in the country, more information was needed about the current state of shrimp farming and the potential of this livelihood to provide an equitable pathway to food security. A cross-sectional survey of smallholder shrimp farmers (n = 225) was used to examine the socio-demographics, household food security, gender roles, sustainability of practices, and social networks of information exchange within the industry. Two provinces, the North Western Province (NWP) and Eastern Province (EP), were targeted as having established shrimp farms and the opportunity for expansion in the EP. Results demonstrated that the industry was male dominated and that farmers represented different demographics than the general Sri Lankan population. Women in the NWP participated in more on-farm activities compared to women in the EP. The majority of shrimp farmers were food secure and had a higher socioeconomic status than the general population. Men and women within the same household also perceived food insecurity differently. Farmers primarily utilized other farmers for information on shrimp production. Although the relationship is complex, the number of contacts a farmer had was associated with sustainable practices. A qualitative study of female shrimp farm owners revealed that few women own shrimp farms and a few of these women have experienced discrimination as women in the industry. Results indicate that a one-size-fits all intervention would not be appropriate in Sri Lanka as there are differences in farmers in the NWP and the EP, and certain groups of people may be more interested in shrimp farming. Courses and extension services should be available in both Sinhala and Tamil. Increasing women’s participation in shrimp farming should only be considered in light of cultural gender roles and motivations of women to work in shrimp farming.
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    Identifying Research Gaps for the Role of the Environment in Transmission of Antimicrobial-Resistant Escherichia coli in Cow-Calf Operations in North America: A Scoping Review Protocol
    (2021-06-30) Mangat, Priyanka; Le, Stephanie; Ganshorn, Heather; Checkley, Sylvia; Liljebjelke, Karen
    Escherichia coli (E.coli) is a gram negative rod-shaped bacteria which is found in the intestines of people, animals and in the environment. E.coli is also found in food and untreated water. Antimicrobial use in animal production against bacteria such as E. coli is essential for maintaining animal health. However, increased antimicrobial use poses the risk of contributing to the problem of antimicrobial resistance. Antimicrobial resistance occurs when microorganisms selectively develop mechanisms to protect themselves from the effects of antimicrobial compounds. Antimicrobial resistance is a One Health concern as it impacts animal, human and ecosystem health. In North America, the term cow-calf production refers to cattle raised exclusively or largely on pasture, having a grass- or hay-based diet, and which may consume a low amount of concentrate diet, producing an annual crop of calves. The calves are intended for beef production and are usually backgrounded on pasture or backgrounding lots and then finished with a high concentrate diet in feedlots. Although this literature review is not restricted to North America, information retrieved will be discussed in relation to cow-calf operations in North America. For the purpose of this scoping review, the term “environment” will refer to environmental features such as: manure, wildlife, soil, insects, and water sources. By including these search terms, the scoping review will identify environmental reservoirs that have been shown to impact the transmission of antimicrobial-resistant E. coli in cow-calf operations. Our aim is to conduct a scoping review of the evidence regarding the role of the environment in the transmission and maintenance of antimicrobial-resistant E. coli within cow-calf operations. This study will identify gaps in knowledge regarding the reservoirs and transmission of antimicrobial-resistant E. coli in cow-calf operations (2). Because the mechanisms of maintenance and transmission of antimicrobial resistance in the environment are obscure, this scoping review will aid in determining the quantity and nature of information that presently exists in this field, and aid in identifying directions for future research (3). The review will be conducted between July 1, 2021 and August 31, 2021.
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    Protocol for 'Tick Surveillance Systems in North America: A Scoping Review'
    (2021-07) Romney, Elise; Cork, Susan; Envik, Akaysha; Ganshorn, Heather; Couloigner, Isabelle; Checkley, Sylvia
    Introduction: Tick surveillance is important to detect new ticks or changes in tick occurrence and distribution within a region. This facilitates communication of and response to changes in tick distribution. Tick surveillance systems also provide a framework from which to assess tick-borne disease carriage. This information can be used to launch further investigation and inform risk assessments and mitigation strategies for tick-borne disease in people and animals. For example, many tick surveillance systems focus on blacklegged ticks, like Ixodes scapularis, that can carry Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease. Lyme disease can cause clinical signs such as erythema migrans, meningitis, cranial neuropathy, arthritis, carditis (1 ) in people and some animal species like dogs and horses. White-footed mice and other small mammals are important natural reservoirs of the bacteria while deer and other mammals can carry the ticks (2,3). Hard ticks (Family: Ixodidae) are found in an increasingly broad range of environments as climate change apparently makes it possible for them to survive in regions where they had not previously been found (4). Lyme disease, and other tick-borne diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Anaplasmosis, are a One Health problem, at the interface between human health, animal health, and the environment. Objectives: The primary objective of this scoping review is to describe the characteristics of tick surveillance systems from 1960 onward. This research will focus on reviewing published and grey literature and then describing the characteristics of tick surveillance systems, including location, year, type of surveillance, and method of data collection. Methods: This scoping review will be carried out following PRISMA guidelines for scoping reviews. Databases used include MEDLINE, CAB Abstracts, BIOSIS Previews and the Web of Science Core Collection. ProQuest Dissertations will be searched for relevant dissertations. The articles will be screened at the title and abstract, and full text levels by two reviewers blinded to each other's assessment. Articles published prior to 1960 will be excluded, and only articles that describe surveillance systems will be included. Government websites will also be searched for information about tick surveillance programs, globally.
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    Total Coliform and Escherichia coli Positivity in Rural Well Water in Alberta, Canada: Spatiotemporal Analysis and Risk Factor Assessment
    (2015-07-24) Invik, Jesse; Checkley, Sylvia
    Water quality and waterborne outbreaks are public health issues of concern in Canada and worldwide. In Alberta, Canada, testing of rural drinking water wells is largely voluntary. The purpose of this research was to describe microbial water quality (i.e., Escherichia coli and total coliform contamination) of rural well water spatiotemporally and produce a relative risk map of the province as well as model associations between environmental risk factors and well water E. coli and total coliform contamination. Overall frequency of occurrence of total coliforms and E. coli-positive wells in the study was 14.6 and 1.5%, respectively. A relative risk map of the province identified several areas of higher relative risk in both Northern and Southern Alberta. A number of significant environmental risk factors were associated with increased E. coli and total coliform contamination, including precipitation, sand, density of large animals, and soil hydraulic conductivity.