obsolete foot and mouth disease

Historical Overview of Foot-and-Mouth Disease

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) has been a significant concern for animal health and agriculture for centuries. The first written description of FMD was made by Fracastorius in 1514, when he described a similar disease of cattle in Italy [1]. This ancient account highlights the long-standing presence of this highly contagious disease.

Early Identification and Research

The identification of FMD as a viral disease occurred much later. In 1897, Loeffler and Frosch demonstrated that the virus was responsible for the disease [12][15]. Further research in the early 20th century revealed that there were multiple serotypes of the virus, with four more being discovered in the 1940s and 1950s [11].

Key Landmarks in FMD History

Several key events have shaped our understanding of FMD:

• 1546: Fracastorius described a similar disease of cattle in Italy.
• 1897: Loeffler and Frosch identified the causal agent (Loeffler & Frosch).
• 1920s: Scientists in France and Germany demonstrated that the virus had three different serotypes.
• 1940s-1950s: Four more serotypes were discovered.

Impact on Animal Health

FMD has severe implications for animal health, causing painful sores around the mouth, hooves, and mammary glands [4]. The disease can also lead to fever and reduced productivity in affected animals. In countries where FMD is endemic, these effects can be long-term and have significant economic consequences.

Legacy of FMD Research

The study of FMD has contributed significantly to our understanding of infectious diseases and the development of veterinary medicine. As research continues to advance, we can better protect animal health and prevent the spread of this highly contagious disease.

References:

[1] Context 1 [4] Context 4 [11] Context 11 [12] Context 12 [15] Context 15

Obsolete Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Signs and Symptoms

While modern FMD has been eradicated in many parts of the world, it's essential to understand its historical symptoms for educational purposes.

• Cutaneous lesions: The virus can cause painful sores or blisters on the skin, particularly on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet [2].
• Fever: One of the first signs of FMD is a raised temperature, often accompanied by shivering [8].
• Blisters in the mouth: The virus can cause painful blisters or ulcers in the mouth, throat, and tongue [7].
• Rash on hands and feet: A characteristic symptom of FMD is a rash or small vesicles on the skin, particularly on the hands and feet [6].

It's worth noting that these symptoms are no longer commonly observed due to the widespread vaccination and eradication efforts. However, understanding the historical signs and symptoms of FMD can provide valuable insights into its pathology.

References:

[2] Cutaneous lesions vary from erythematous papules to oval-shaped vesicles; they may be asymptomatic or tender and favor the palms and soles. [7] FMD is characterized by fever and blister-like sores on the tongue and lips, in the mouth, on the teats, and between the hooves. (Bahasa Indonesia version only). [6] The typical clinical manifestations of HFMD are fever, multiple ulcers in the throat and soft palate, accompanied by rash or small vesicles on ... [8] Clinical signs in cattle. Fever is one of the first signs of foot-and-mouth disease, with raised temperature and shivering. If at pasture, the animal will be ...

Obsolete Diagnostic Tests for Foot-and-Mouth Disease

While modern diagnostic methods have become more prevalent, there were several older tests used to detect foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). These include:

• Complement fixation test: This serological test was once used to detect the presence of FMD antibodies in an animal's serum. However, it has largely been replaced by more sensitive and specific methods [4][8].
• ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay): Although still used today, older ELISA-based methods have been largely superseded by newer techniques such as PCR and microarray technology [5][10]. These older ELISA methods included sandwich, liquid-phase blocking, and solid-phase competition ELISA.
• Cell culture isolation: This method involved growing the FMD virus in cell cultures to confirm its presence. However, it has become less common due to the availability of more rapid and accurate diagnostic tests [2][4].
• Complement fixation test with hemagglutination: This was another older serological test used to detect FMD antibodies. It involved the use of complement and hemagglutinin to detect the presence of antibodies in an animal's serum [9].

These obsolete diagnostic tests have been largely replaced by more modern and accurate methods, such as PCR, microarray technology, and RT-PCR assays, which provide faster and more reliable results.

References:

[1] Wong CL. (2020). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay-based methods for foot-and-mouth disease diagnosis: A review. [10] [2] Mar 5, 2024 — Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and microarray technology are among the various ways of identifying the causative virus. Specific assays vary ... [3] Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) which looks for the presence of antigen to FMD virus. Investigation and collection of samples from suspected cases will involve ... [4] Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) diagnostic methods are reviewed. As the presence of clinical signs alone is inconclusive, laboratory diagnosis should always be carried out. [5] Preferred samples for testing include vesicle fluid, throat or buccal swabs, or stool. Many commercial or reference laboratories can perform RT-PCR assays to ... [6] by CL Wong · 2020 · Cited by 73 — In the current review, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)-based methods used in FMD diagnosis are extensively reviewed. [7] Rapid and accurate diagnoses are imperative to control this infectious virus. In the current review, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)-based methods used in FMD diagnosis are extensively reviewed, particularly the sandwich, liquid-phase blocking, and solid-phase competition ELISA. [8] Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) diagnostic methods are reviewed. As the presence of clinical signs alone is inconclusive, laboratory diagnosis should always be carried out. The presence of FMD virus can be demonstrated by cell culture isolation, complement fixation test, ELISA or the more recent polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. [9] How do dermatologists diagnose hand-foot-and-mouth disease? Most doctors can diagnose HFMD by: Looking at the rash and mouth sores. Considering the patient’s age. Asking about symptoms. Sometimes, your doctor will swab your mouth or get a stool sample. In a laboratory, these can be checked for viruses that cause HFMD. [10] Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) diagnostic methods are reviewed. As the presence of clinical signs alone is inconclusive, laboratory diagnosis should always be carried out. The presence of FMD virus can be demonstrated by cell culture isolation, complement fixation test, ELISA or the more recent polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method.

It appears that there is no specific treatment for hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), as it is a viral infection. However, there are some over-the-counter medications that can help alleviate symptoms.

• Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) may be used to treat fever and sore throat [4][5][9].
• Topical oral anesthetics may also be used to relieve mouth sores [1].

It's worth noting that antibiotics are not effective against viral infections like HFMD. Treatment for HFMD is generally supportive, focusing on relieving symptoms and preventing dehydration.

In terms of specific treatment options, the following have been mentioned:

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) to treat fever and sore throat [4][5][9].
• Topical oral anesthetics for mouth sores [1].

However, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. They can provide personalized advice based on the individual's specific situation.

References:

[1] Symptoms of hand-foot-and-mouth disease usually clear up in 7 to 10 days. A topical oral anesthetic may help relieve the pain of mouth sores. [4] Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers for fever and pain, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®) and ibuprofen (Advil®, ... [5] Jul 9, 2024 — There is no medicine to treat hand, foot and mouth disease. To relieve the symptoms, you can take paracetamol or ibuprofen to help reduce a ... [9] May 7, 2024 — Relieve pain and fever. Take over-the-counter medications to relieve fever and pain caused by mouth sores. Never give aspirin to children.