Karla Georges

University of the West Indies, St. Augustine | UWI ·  School of Veterinary Medicine

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001455.].

Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is an opportunistic pathogen that is frequently isolated from canines. It is of escalating interest because of its increasing antimicrobial resistance and zoonotic potential. Although many published articles are available that describe isolates obtained from diseased dogs and humans, this study focused on isolates ob...

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of global genomic surveillance to monitor the emergence and spread of SARS-CoV-2 variants and inform public health decision-making. Until December 2020 there was minimal capacity for viral genomic surveillance in most Caribbean countries. To overcome this constraint, the COVID-19: Infectious disease...

This study was conducted to determine the phylogenies of Salmonella strains isolated from cross-sectional studies conducted at the hatcheries, broiler farms, processing plants, and retail outlets (broiler production chain) in Trinidad and Tobago over four years (2016-2019). Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was used to characterize Salmonella isolates....

Objective: To identify and characterize the gross and histological lesions associated with air pollution in the lungs of dogs from various locations in Trinidad. Animals: 56 fresh lungs were obtained from already euthanized adult dogs collected from different locations in Trinidad at the Trinidad and Tobago Society for the Prevention of Cruelty...

The extensive and indiscriminate use of antibiotics is known to contribute to antimicro-bial resistance. Unfortunately, there are no public records of antimicrobial use (frequency or dosage) administered to animals in two major CARICOM (Caribbean Community) countries: Trinidad and Tobago, and Jamaica. Surveillance would promote amendments and discu...

Salmonella enterica is an important foodborne pathogen worldwide. We used long and short-read sequencing to close genomes of eight multidrug-resistant (MDR) S. enterica strains, belonging to serovars Infantis (2), Albany, Oranienburg, I 4,[5],12:i:-, Javiana, Schwarzengrund, and Kentucky from broiler chicken farms and processing plants in Trinidad...

This cross-sectional study determined the serovars, antimicrobial resistance genes, and virulence factors of Salmonella isolated from hatcheries, broiler farms, processing plants, and retail outlets in Trinidad and Tobago. Salmonella in silico serotyping detected 23 different serovars where Kentucky 20.5% (30/146), Javiana 19.2% (28/146), Infantis...

Background Ticks are important vectors of many pathogens that have contributed to the morbidity and mortality of humans and domestic animals worldwide. Wildlife species have also been implicated as reservoir hosts of a variety of tick-borne pathogens. The objective of this study was to determine which tick-transmitted pathogens were present in the...

This study compared two methods to detect cases of canine ehrlichiosis in a field setting. One method was a polymerase chain reaction for the 16S rRNA gene followed by reverse line blot hybridisation with genera and species-specific probes for Anaplasma/Ehrlichia. The second method was an autologous cell culture of peripheral leucocytes isolated fr...

This cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the occurrence, risk factors, and characteristics of Salmonella isolates recovered from imported fertile broiler hatching eggs, hatcheries, and broiler farms in Trinidad and Tobago. Standard methods were used to isolate and characterize Salmonella isolates from two broiler hatcheries and 27 broi...

The close contact between humans and their dogs can lead to the commingling of staphylococci and the exchange of mobile genetic elements encoding antimicrobial resistance. The objectives of this study were to determine the species distribution and antimicrobial resistance patterns of staphylococci colonizing canine pets and their owners in Trinidad...

Salmonella enterica is a highly important foodborne pathogen worldwide. We report the complete genome sequence of a sequence type 14 Salmonella enterica serotype Senftenberg strain carrying the mcr-9 gene in a plasmid isolated from broken chicken eggshells in Trinidad and Tobago, obtained by using a combination of long-and short-read sequencing.

Salmonella enterica contamination of poultry is a major route of transmission to 19 humans. We have closed genomes of eight relevant multi-drug resistance (MDR) Salmonella strains 20 belonging to different serotypes and report multiple antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes from 21 those strains collected in processing plants and retail markets in Tr...

Salmonella enterica is a highly important foodborne pathogen worldwide. We report the complete genome sequence of a sequence type 14 Salmonella enterica serotype Senftenberg strain carrying the mcr-9 gene in a plasmid isolated from broken chicken eggshells in Trinidad and Tobago, obtained by using a combination of long- and short-read sequencing.

Salmonella enterica is an important foodborne pathogen worldwide. We used long and short read sequencing to close genomes of eight multidrug resistant (MDR) Salmonella enterica strains, belonging to serovars Infantis (2), Albany, Oranienburg, I 4,[5],12:i:-, Javiana, Schwarzengrund, and Kentucky from broiler chicken farms and processing plants in T...

This cross-sectional study determined the prevalence, characteristics, and risk factors for contamination of chicken with Salmonella at four operating broiler processing plants in Trinidad. Standard methods were used to isolate and characterize the Salmonella isolates. The overall prevalence of Salmonella at the four processing plants was 27.0% (10...

Since the announcement by the World Health Organization (WHO) of an outbreak of a contagious respiratory viral pneumonia in Wuhan, China, in December 2019 (later named as COVID-19), several research works have been carried out to unstitch the therapeutic options and combat the disease using various aproaches and modalities. These works are currentl...

Backyard chickens in rural communities of developing countries provide a potential means for the production of resilient, integrated small poultry farming systems. Despite this, they are often affiliated with the transmission of the economically important Newcastle disease virus (NDV). Presently, in Trinidad, information gaps exist regarding the ba...

The study determined the genetic relatedness of Salmonella serotypes isolated from poultry caeca at the outlets cottage processors in Trinidad by pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Of a total of 1503 caecal samples tested 91 (6.1%) yielded Salmonella spp. Ten serotypes were detected in the 91 Salmonella isolates which were digested by Xbal an...

The study determined the genetic relatedness of Salmonella serotypes isolated from poultry ceca at the outlets cottage processors in Trinidad by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Of a total of 1503 cecal samples tested 91 (6.1%) yielded Salmonella spp. Ten serotypes were detected in the 91 Salmonella isolates which were digested by Xbal and...

The study used PCR to determine the molecular basis of the antibiotic resistance and virulence profiles of isolates of Salmonella by targeting genes encoding for carriage and persistence in the poultry. Of a total 1,503 cecal samples collected from poultry, 91 (6.1%) were positive for Salmonella. Ten different serotypes were detected from Salmonell...

ARTICLE INFO A clear understanding of the pulmonary morphology of domestic animals is essential for the recognition and investigation of any anatomical variations. The right and left lungs of small ruminants and dog are separated into distinct lobes by inter lobar fissures. The right lung in these animals typically divides into 5 and 4 lobes, respe...

Gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infestations are a major constraint to sheep production in the West Indies (WI). Intensive and semi‐intensive management systems are most commonly employed. These islands display tropical weather patterns with wet and dry seasons. Semi‐intensive farming combined with increased rainfall during the wet season has been...

Background: Honey is a versatile and complex substance consisting of bioactive chemicals which vary according to many bee and environmental factors. The aim of this study was to assess the physical and antimicrobial properties of five honey samples obtained from three species of bees; two stingless bees, Frieseomelitta nigra and Melipona favosa an...

Introduction This paper describes an update to research conducted between 2000 and 2004 to describe the use of ethnoveterinary products among horse owners in Trinidad and British Columbia, Canada. The racehorse industry in Trinidad has seen a major decline as many breeding farms have shut down. Methods Previous respondents were contacted and horse...

Background: The Advanced Trauma Operative Management (ATOM) course which is aimed at improving penetrating trauma management skills is very challenging to conduct. We assessed the feasibility and potential impact of ATOM training in Trinidad and Tobago through the University of Toronto Global surgery initiative and its potential for improving penet...

Objectives To determine the effects of time after sampling on CO-oximetry measurements of equine blood samples and the effects of adding ascorbic acid (AscAc) and methylene blue (MetBlue) to samples with methemoglobinemia. Design Experimental study. Setting University teaching hospital. Animals Thirty healthy adult horses assigned to 5 groups....

Ticks and the pathogens they transmit can cause high morbidity and mortality in domestic animals. As part of a larger study to determine the tick‐borne pathogens infesting domestic animals and wildlife, the aim of this study was to survey the tick species infesting the canine and cattle populations in Trinidad, Tobago and St. Lucia. A total of 1,99...

The brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) is prevalent on canids in Trinidad. It is directly (by causing anaemia) and indirectly (by acting as a vector of tick‐borne pathogens) responsible for morbidity and mortalities in the canine population. The most commonly used commercial acaricides available to pet owners in Trinidad are amitraz and fipr...

The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and zonal distribution of Salmonella serotypes in poultry and to determine the antimicrobial resistance profile of Salmonella isolates. A total of 1,503 cecal samples of poultry were randomly collected from 33 pluck shops across Trinidad. Isolation and identification of Salmonella followed standa...

Ticks are vectors of a wide variety of pathogens that are implicated in mild to severe disease in humans and other animals. Nonetheless, the full range of tick-borne pathogens is unknown. Viruses, in particular, have been neglected in discovery efforts targeting tick-borne agents. High throughput sequencing was used to characterize the virome of 63...

The agents of equine piroplasmosis, Theileria equi and Babesia caballi, are endemic in Trinidad, West Indies. While transmission is mainly by ixodid ticks, transplacental transmission of T. equi has also been reported. This disease has contributed to foetal losses as well as morbidity and mortality of neonatal foals and adult horses. Previous 18S r...

This study determined the frequency of resistance of 135 isolates of Salmonella, including 15 serotypes recovered from chickens purchased from retail outlets (cottage processors and supermarkets) across Trinidad. Resistance to 16 antimicrobial agents was determined by using the disk diffusion method. Resistance among the isolates was related to the...

BACKGROUND:This cross-sectional study determined the prevalence of Salmonella spp. and their serotypes on dressed chicken sold at retail outlets in Trinidad. The study also investigated the risk factors for contamination of dressed carcasses by Salmonella spp. at cottage poultry processor outlets where chickens are slaughtered and processed for sal...

A Scoping Review of the literature about antibiotic resistance in the Caribbean Community Member States and a description of the design of a Community of Practice with the objective of stimulating antibiotic resistance related discussion, research and targeted intervention development.

Questionnaire administered at pluck shops. (DOCX)

Sanitation score sheet for cottage poultry processor outlets. (DOCX)

A five-year old mixed breed bitch was presented to the veterinary clinic in lateral recumbency with a history of anorexia and muscle hyperaesthesia. Examination of the blood smear of this animal revealed the presence of Hepatozoon spp. gamonts in the neutrophils and monocytes with a parasitaemia level of approximately 2%. Complete blood count (CBC)...

Equine piroplasmosis caused by Theileria equi and Babesia caballi is endemic in Trinidad and Tobago. Transmission occurs by ticks of the family Ixodidae. T. equi can also be transmitted transplacentally; however transplacental transmission of B. caballi is unknown. This study aims to investigate transplacental transmission of equine piroplasmosis f...

Equine piroplasmosis caused by Theileria equi and Babesia caballi is endemic in Trinidad, West Indies. Transmission occurs mainly by ticks of the genus Ixodidae. T. equi can also be transmitted transplacentally, however transplacental transmission of Babesia caballi is unknown. In countries where equine piroplasmosis is endemic transplacental trans...

Congenital and acquired Theileria equi infection in foals I. Corradini, C. Sant, I. Pargass, C. Rahamut-Ali, K.C. Georges Veterinary Teaching Hospital, School of veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, EWMSC, Mt. Hope, Trinidad & Tobago. Transplacental transmission of Theileria equi...

Background Three species of feline haemoplasma are recognised: Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf), ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ (CMhm) and ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis (CMt). This study compared a reverse line blot hybridization (RLB) assay for simultaneous detection of Mhf, CMhm with three separate quantitative real-time polymerase chain rea...

The bacteriological quality of ice cream sold to consumers in Trinidad was evaluated and factors that may contribute to its contamination were assessed. The cross-sectional study was conducted on ice cream sold by supermarkets and street vendors across Trinidad. The frequency of Salmonella spp., Listeria spp., Escherichia coli and staphylococci, as...

One hundred and seven dairy cattle (Group 1, 74 animals ≥ 20 months, and Group 2, 33 animals ≤ 20 months) from a model cattle farm at the University Field Station, in Trinidad, were tested for the presence of antibodies to the gp51 Bovine Leukaemia Virus (BLV) antigens using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results were compar...

Equine piroplasmosis due to Theileria equi and Babesia caballi is endemic in Trinidad. A case of equine piroplasmosis due to T. equi was diagnosed in a thoroughbred foal at 10h post-partum. A high parasitaemia (63%) of piroplasms was observed in a Wright-Giemsa(®) stained thin blood smear from the foal. In addition, the 18S rRNA gene for Babesia/Th...

Two canine haemoplasma species have been recognised to date; Mycoplasma haemocanis (Mhc), which has been associated with anaemia in splenectomised or immunocompromised dogs, and “Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum” (CMhp), recently described in an anaemic splenectomised dog undergoing chemotherapy. The study aim was to develop quantitative real-ti...

Arthropod-borne diseases are important causes of morbidity and mortality of companion animals in Trinidad. As clinical signs are vague, more sensitive methods to diagnose these diseases based on the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by reverse line blot hybridization (RLB) of amplified products are being developed. An RLB of 14 oligonucleoti...

To estimate the prevalence of dog bites to primary school children between the ages of 8-12 years using a semi-structured interview process. With the increase in the pet population and popularity of dangerous breeds of dog and a high stray dog population combined with a dearth of information on the risk of dog attacks to children in Trinidad, a sem...

This paper presents the findings of an exploratory study on ethnoveterinary medicines used for backyard pigs and backyard chickens in Trinidad and Tobago. Research data was collected from 1995 to September 2000. Six plants are used for backyard pigs. Crushed leaves of immortelle (Erythrina pallida, E. micropteryx) are used to remove dead piglets fr...

This paper investigates the commonalities in ethnoveterinary medicine used for horses between Trinidad (West Indies) and British Columbia (Canada). These research areas are part of a common market in pharmaceuticals and are both involved in the North American racing circuit. There has been very little research conducted on medicinal plants used for...

A survey of the microbial quality of table eggs sold in Trinidad was conducted. For 23 poultry layer farms each visited twice approximately 1 month apart, 25 pooled eggs constituted a composite sample, for 14 shopping malls each visited twice approximately 1 month apart, six pooled eggs made a composite sample and for a total of 102 other retailers...

The prevalence of antimicrobial residues in pooled table eggs from layer farms, shopping malls, and supermarkets in Trinidad was determined. A total of 23 layer farms and 14 shopping malls were sampled twice, 1 month apart, whereas 102 supermarkets were each sampled once. For each farm, 25 eggs were randomly collected and pooled to constitute a com...

A reverse line blot hybridisation (RLB) of 21 oligonucleotides with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplified regions of 16S rRNA (Ehrlichia/Anaplasma group) or 18S rRNA (Babesia/Theileria group) genes of haemoparasites detected Theileria annulata, T. buffeli/orientalis, Babesia bovis, B. bigemina, B. divergens, Ehrlichia bovis, Anaplasma marginale...

Ethnomedicines are used by hunters for themselves and their hunting dogs in Trinidad. Plants are used for snakebites, scorpion stings, for injuries and mange of dogs and to facilitate hunting success. Plants used include Piper hispidum, Pithecelobium unguis-cati, Bauhinia excisa, Bauhinia cumanensis, Cecropia peltata, Aframomum melegueta, Aristoloc...

This paper documents ethnoveterinary medicines used to treat dogs in Trinidad and Tobago. In 1995, a 4-stage process was used to conduct the research and document the ethnoveterinary practices. Twenty-eight ethnoveterinary respondents were identified using the school-essay method, which is a modified rapid rural appraisal (RRA) technique. Semi-stru...