 
November 2009 - Microbes and companion animals
Humans and animals have lived together for thousands of years. Many people find it rewarding to keep pets, whether they be cats, dogs, birds, fish or reptiles, but the micro-organisms that inhabit their bodies are often no respecter of species. Infections of animal origin are a big problem worldwide, and many emerging diseases have come from animal sources. In this issue of Microbiology Today we explore some of the microbiological hazards to which humans become exposed from their companion animals. We also check out the impact of microbes on animal health and survival, including the risks of transferring pathogens to them from people.
The SGM Council and other companion animals
Retiring SGM President, Professor Robin Weiss looks back on his term of office.
A century of Toxoplasma gondii research
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
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
BlahColdwater 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 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
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
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
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.
Hot off the Press
highlights some new developments in microbiological research published in
the Society's journals - Microbiology, Journal of General Virology, International
Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology and Journal of Medical Microbiology.
Topics covered include:
- Salmonella comes out of its shell
- Did SARS come from raccoon dogs?
- All over the wqorld - and beyond
- Sense and respond
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