Microbes and companion animals
10 November 2009 publication
The lead articles of the November 2009 issue of Microbiology Today are on Toxoplasma gondii; prebiotics for pets; viruses in coldwater ornamental fish; questioning the safety of our home for cats and dogs; decline in global amphibian biodiversity; and zoonotic transmission of viruses.
The SGM Council and other companion animals - Robin Weiss
Retiring SGM President, Professor Robin Weiss looks back on his term of office.
A century of Toxoplasma gondii research - Fiona Henriquez and Craig Roberts
Cats are the source of the parasite Toxoplasma gondii which infects many people but only causes disease in an unlucky few. Fiona Henriquez and Craig Roberts describe the history of research into this important organism and the direction of future investigations which hopefully will lead to the discovery of a treatment for the infection.
Prebiotics for pets - Bob Rastall
The popularity of functional foods is growing with health-conscious people, with many products available on the supermarket shelves. Prebiotics and probiotics may well improve gut function in humans, and Bob Rastall explores the potential benefits of including these compounds in the diet of cats and dogs.
Viruses in coldwater ornamental fish - Keith Way
Coldwater and tropical fish are the third most popular pet in the UK after cats and dogs. Over 3 million homeowners have a pond in their garden and many of these are stocked with fish, some of which, like koi carp, are very expensive. As Keith Way describes, a whole host of viruses are in the environment just waiting to infect them with harmful diseases.
Are our homes microbiologically safe for cats and dogs? - Charles Penn
Charles Penn questions if the animals we keep in our homes are at risk of infection from living with us, rather than the other way round. Whilst much research has been done into human zoonoses, only a few investigations have been carried out into the transmission of pathogens from people to pets. New molecular techniques may enable scientists to be better informed about this in the future.
Disease-driven declines in global amphibian biodiversity - Matthew Fisher
Amphibians such as frogs and toads are being driven to extinction by an aquatic fungus. This microbe, commonly called Bd, is spreading rapidly around the world and contributing to the decline in the biodiversity of the animals. Matthew Fisher believes that if control measures are not implemented, one-third of amphibian species could disappear.
The significance of zoonotic transmission of viruses in human disease - Ulrich Desselberger
Currently a swine ‘flu pandemic is sweeping the globe. This and other human influenza viruses contain genes of animal influenza viruses, particularly birds. Ulrich Desselberger describes how animals are real or potential reservoirs of viruses which can be transmitted to humans and cause a wide range of diseases.
Comment: One piece of the ‘one medicine agenda’: redevelopment of the Institute for Animal Health - Keith Gull
The ‘one medicine agenda’ emphasizes the complex inter-relationships between human and animal health, and the importance of co-operation between medics and vets in improving public health and the precetion and treatment of disease affecting both humans and animals. Keith Gull explains how the long-awaited redevelopment of the Institute for Animal Health will help to foster the integration of studies in human and medical veterinary science.
Schoolzone
Microbiology can be promoted in schools in many ways. In this issue we cover the practical projects that SGM funds in schools via sponsorship of Nuffield bursaries, some workshops the Society put on in the East Midlands, the forthcoming MiSAC competition and a range of new resources to support microbiology education in secondary schools.
Gradline
In this bumper feature, early-career microbiologists and students describe how SGM grants and activities have benefitted both their personal development and their careers. These include vacation studentships, as well as travel grants and research visit grants.
Going Public
Novels about medical science, a ‘bad bugs’ book club, an animated film on ocean acidification produced by school students, an outreach activity on the transmission of influenza virus and a television play about penicillin – all are different ways of promoting microbiology to the world covered in this edition of Going Public.
