RESUMEN

Human rabies transmitted by dogs still kills thousands of people each year worldwide. Dog bites are common in the city of Beni (Democratic Republic of Congo), which shows low rabies vaccination coverage. This study aimed to determine the factors associated with the rabies vaccination status of dogs. A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in the town of Beni among dog owners, during a household survey selected using a multistage sampling. The information sought concerned the knowledge and characteristics of the dog owners as well as the vaccination status of these dogs. Logistic regression was used to investigate associations between the vaccination status of the dogs and the main independent factors. Rabies vaccination coverage in Beni was 26% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 22% - 30%). The main factors associated with the rabies vaccination status of the dog were primary education level of household head (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]:4.8; 95% CI: 1.2- 19.8); university education level of household head (aOR: 5.9; 95% CI: 1.6-22); perceived rabies severity (aOR: 44. 4; 95% CI: 10.4-188), having more than one dog in the household (aOR: 2.6; 95% CI: 1.6-4.3); age range 7-12 months (aOR: 0.2; 95% CI: 0.1-0.6) and confined dog breeding (aOR: 3.9; 95% CI: 1.1-14.9). The low vaccination coverage in Beni requires mass vaccination campaigns against canine rabies targeting the dog owners with low education levels, those raising more than one dog, with stray dogs or dogs less than 12 months old.

Asunto(s)

Enfermedades de los Perros , Vacunas Antirrábicas , Rabia , Perros , Animales , Rabia/prevención & control , Rabia/veterinaria , Rabia/epidemiología , Enfermedades de los Perros/prevención & control , Enfermedades de los Perros/epidemiología , Estudios Transversales , Vacunas Antirrábicas/administración & dosificación , Masculino , Femenino , Humanos , República Democrática del Congo/epidemiología , Vacunación/veterinaria , Vacunación/estadística & datos numéricos , Adulto , Persona de Mediana Edad , Composición Familiar , Conocimientos, Actitudes y Práctica en Salud , Cobertura de Vacunación/estadística & datos numéricos

RESUMEN

Rabies is a neglected disease primarily related to dog-mediated transmission to humans. Accurate dog demographic and dynamic data are essential for effectively planning and evaluating population management strategies when designing interventions to prevent rabies. However, in Thailand, longitudinal survey data regarding dog population size are scarce. A school-based participatory research (SBPR) approach was conducted to survey owned dogs for one year in four high-risk provinces (Chiang Rai, Surin, Chonburi, and Songkhla) of Thailand, aiming to understand dog population dynamics and raise awareness about rabies. 'Pupify' mobile application was developed to collect data on dog population and observe the long-term population dynamics in this study. At the end of the data collection period, telephone interviews were conducted to gain insight into contextual perceptions and awareness regarding both animal and human rabies, as well as the social responsibility of dog owners in disease prevention and control. Among 303 high school students who registered in our study, 218 students reported at least one update of their dog information throughout the one-year period. Of 322 owned dogs from our survey, the updates of dog status over one year showed approximately 7.5 newborns per 100-dog-year, while deaths and missing dogs were 6.2 and 2.7 per 100-dog-year, respectively. The male to female ratio was approximately 1.8:1. Twenty-three students (10%) voluntarily participated and were interviewed in the qualitative study. The levels of rabies awareness and precautions among high-school students were relatively low. The high dropout rate of the survey was due to discontinuity in communication between the researcher and the students over the year. In conclusion, this study focused on using the SBPR approach via mobile application to collect data informing dog population dynamics and raising awareness regarding rabies in Thailand Other engaging platforms (e.g. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and other popular applications) is necessary to enhance communication and engagement, thereby sustaining and maintaining data collection. Further health education on rabies vaccination and animal-care practices via social media platforms would be highly beneficial. For sustainable disease control, engaging communities to raise awareness of rabies and increase dog owners' understanding of their responsibilities should be encouraged.

Asunto(s)

Enfermedades de los Perros , Conocimientos, Actitudes y Práctica en Salud , Dinámica Poblacional , Rabia , Perros , Rabia/prevención & control , Rabia/epidemiología , Rabia/veterinaria , Animales , Tailandia/epidemiología , Humanos , Masculino , Femenino , Enfermedades de los Perros/prevención & control , Enfermedades de los Perros/epidemiología , Enfermedades de los Perros/virología , Instituciones Académicas , Adolescente , Investigación Participativa Basada en la Comunidad , Estudiantes/psicología , Encuestas y Cuestionarios

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Rabies is an incessant public health threat in China. The Ministry of Health implemented the Central Payment for Rabies Prevention and Control Project to assist with rabies prevention and control in a few representative provinces in 2006. METHODS: Data on human rabies cases reported by the National Infectious Disease Reporting Information Management System and national surveillance sites from 2006 to 2022 were collected, and statistical and multivariate analyses were then used to assess the effectiveness of current prevention and control efforts. RESULTS: During 2006-2022, a total of 2025 human rabies cases were collected by the national surveillance sites, with incidence rates far above the national average, but the incidence rate was consistent with the national trend. Human rabies cases demonstrated a dual peak distribution in terms of exposure and onset dates, with the peak exposure dates falling mostly in the spring and summer and the peak onset dates occurring mostly in the summer and autumn. Three danger categories are shown by the geographical distribution: high, medium and low. Dogs had a high infection rate (86.93%), with own domesticated dogs accounting for the majority of infections. The rates of post-exposure prophylaxis are not constant. The median incubation period was 71 days. CONCLUSIONS: Various measures and policies implemented by the government have played a key role in reducing the incidence of rabies. To effectively prevent and control the resurgence of epidemics and halt the spread of the virus among host animals, it is imperative to prioritize and implement a robust dog management system, accelerate research and development of animal vaccines and improve the level of post-exposure prophylaxis.

Asunto(s)

Rabia , Rabia/epidemiología , Rabia/prevención & control , Rabia/veterinaria , China/epidemiología , Humanos , Animales , Perros , Incidencia , Masculino , Femenino , Adolescente , Niño , Adulto , Persona de Mediana Edad , Estaciones del Año , Preescolar , Adulto Joven , Enfermedades de los Perros/epidemiología , Enfermedades de los Perros/virología , Enfermedades de los Perros/prevención & control , Lactante , Anciano , Profilaxis Posexposición , Vacunas Antirrábicas/administración & dosificación

RESUMEN

During the period 2013-2023, 917 cases of rabies among animals were registered in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Out of these, the number of cases in farm animals amounted to 515, in wild animals to 50 and in pets to 352. Data on rabies cases were obtained from the Committee for Veterinary Control and Supervision of Kazakhstan, as well as during expeditionary trips. This research was carried out to demonstrate the use of modern information and communication technologies, geospatial analysis technologies in particular, to identify and visualize spatio-temporal patterns of rabies emergence among different animal species in Kazakhstan. We also aimed to predict an expected number of cases next year based on time series analysis. Applying the 'space-time cube' technique to a time series representingcases from the three categories of animals at the district-level demonstrated a decreasing trend of incidence in most of the country over the study period. We estimated the expected number of rabies cases for 2024 using a random forest model based on the space-time cube in Arc-GIS. This type of model imposes only a few assumptions on the data and is useful when dealing with time series including complicated trends. The forecast showed that in most districts of Kazakhstan, a total of no more than one case of rabies should beexpected, with the exception of certain areas in the North and the East of the country, where the number of cases could reach three. The results of this research may be useful to the veterinary service in mapping the current epidemiological situation and in planning targeted vaccination campaigns among different categories of animals.

Asunto(s)

Rabia , Análisis Espacio-Temporal , Rabia/epidemiología , Rabia/veterinaria , Kazajstán/epidemiología , Animales , Animales Salvajes/virología , Animales Domésticos/virología , Sistemas de Información Geográfica , Incidencia , Perros

RESUMEN

The rabies virus (RABV) is the exclusive lyssavirus affecting both wild and domestic mammalian hosts in the Americas, including humans. Additionally, the Americas stand out as the sole region where bat rabies occurs. While carnivore rabies is being increasingly managed across the region, bats are emerging as significant reservoirs of RABV infection for humans and domestic animals. Knowledge of the bat species maintaining rabies and comprehending cross-species transmission (CST) and host shift processes are pivotal for directing surveillance as well as ecological research involving wildlife reservoir hosts. Prior research indicates that bat RABV CST is influenced by host genetic similarity and geographic overlap, reflecting host adaptation. In this study, we compiled and analyzed a comprehensive nucleoprotein gene dataset representing bat-borne RABV diversity in Argentina and the broader Americas using Bayesian phylogenetics. We examined the association between host genus and geography, finding both factors shaping the global phylogenetic structure. Utilizing a phylogeographic approach, we inferred CST and identified key bat hosts driving transmission. Consistent with CST determinants, we observed monophyletic/paraphyletic clustering of most bat genera in the RABV phylogeny, with stronger CST evidence between host genera of the same family. We further discuss Myotis as a potential ancestral spreader of much of RABV diversity.

Asunto(s)

Quirópteros , Filogenia , Filogeografía , Virus de la Rabia , Rabia , Quirópteros/virología , Rabia/transmisión , Rabia/epidemiología , Rabia/virología , Rabia/veterinaria , Animales , Virus de la Rabia/genética , Virus de la Rabia/clasificación , Virus de la Rabia/aislamiento & purificación , Américas/epidemiología , Reservorios de Enfermedades/virología , Teorema de Bayes , Humanos , Argentina/epidemiología

RESUMEN

Despite continuous efforts of veterinary services to control rabies in dogs since 1982, rabies remains a cause of death in Tunisia, with more than five reported human cases in 2022. As little is known on the determinants of transmission of rabies in dogs, better understand which factors contribute to its spatial heterogeneity in Tunisia is critical for developing bespoke mitigation activities. In this context, we developed Bayesian Poisson mixed-effect spatio-temporal model upon all cases of rabid dogs reported in each delegation during the period from 2019 to 2021. The best fitting model highlighted the association between the risk of rabies and the mean average monthly temperature, the density of markets and the density of dogs in delegations. Interestingly, no relationship was found between intensity of vaccination in dogs and the risk of rabies. Our results provided insights into the spatio-temporal dynamics of dog rabies transmission and highlighted specific geographic locations where the risk of infection was high despite correction for associated explanatory variables. Such an improved understanding represent key information to design bespoke, cost-efficient, rabies prevention and control strategies to support veterinary services activities and policymaking.

Asunto(s)

Enfermedades de los Perros , Rabia , Análisis Espacio-Temporal , Rabia/epidemiología , Rabia/veterinaria , Rabia/transmisión , Rabia/prevención & control , Perros , Animales , Enfermedades de los Perros/epidemiología , Enfermedades de los Perros/virología , Enfermedades de los Perros/transmisión , Túnez/epidemiología , Teorema de Bayes , Vacunas Antirrábicas/administración & dosificación , Vacunación/veterinaria , Vacunación/estadística & datos numéricos , Humanos , Factores de Riesgo

RESUMEN

Rabies, a viral disease that causes lethal encephalitis, kills ≈59,000 persons worldwide annually, despite availability of effective countermeasures. Rabies is endemic in Kenya and is mainly transmitted to humans through bites from rabid domestic dogs. We analyzed 164 brain stems collected from rabid animals in western and eastern Kenya and evaluated the phylogenetic relationships of rabies virus (RABV) from the 2 regions. We also analyzed RABV genomes for potential amino acid changes in the vaccine antigenic sites of nucleoprotein and glycoprotein compared with RABV vaccine strains commonly used in Kenya. We found that RABV genomes from eastern Kenya overwhelmingly clustered with the Africa-1b subclade and RABV from western Kenya clustered with Africa-1a. We noted minimal amino acid variances between the wild and vaccine virus strains. These data confirm minimal viral migration between the 2 regions and that rabies endemicity is the result of limited vaccine coverage rather than limited efficacy.

Asunto(s)

Genoma Viral , Filogenia , Vacunas Antirrábicas , Virus de la Rabia , Rabia , Virus de la Rabia/genética , Virus de la Rabia/inmunología , Virus de la Rabia/clasificación , Animales , Kenia/epidemiología , Rabia/epidemiología , Rabia/veterinaria , Rabia/virología , Rabia/prevención & control , Vacunas Antirrábicas/inmunología , Vacunas Antirrábicas/administración & dosificación , Perros , Alineación de Secuencia , Humanos , Filogeografía

RESUMEN

This report describes the occurrence of the rabies virus in two species of wild animals in the urban area of Montes Claros (MOC), Minas Gerais State, Brazil, in May 2023. The virus has been detected in frugivorous chiropterans (Artibeus sp) and marmosets (Callithrix penicillata). This is the first notified case of the rabies virus in the species C. penicillata in the urban area of MOC. Our findings show that the rabies virus is circulating in the urban area of MOC; therefore, permanent preventive measures must be adopted to avoid infection of other animals and humans.

Asunto(s)

Callithrix , Virus de la Rabia , Rabia , Animales , Virus de la Rabia/aislamiento & purificación , Brasil/epidemiología , Callithrix/virología , Rabia/veterinaria , Rabia/epidemiología , Quirópteros/virología , Animales Salvajes/virología

RESUMEN

With the successful control of rabies transmitted by dogs in Brazil, wild animals have played a relevant epidemiological role in the transmission of rabies virus (RABV). Bats, non-human primates and wild canines are the main wild animals that transmit RABV in the country. It is worth highlighting the possibility of synanthropic action of these species, when they become adapted to urban areas, causing infections in domestic animals and eventually in humans. This work aimed to evaluate the circulation of RABV in the Pedra Branca Forest, an Atlantic Forest area, located in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Southeast Brazil. Saliva and blood samples were obtained from 60 individuals of eight species of bats, captured with mist nets, and 13 individuals of callitrichid primates, captured with tomahawk traps. Saliva samples were subjected to Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR), targeting the RABV N gene, with all samples being negative. Blood samples of all animals were submitted to the Rapid Fluorescent Focus Inhibition Test (RFFIT) to detect neutralizing antibodies (Ab) for RABV. Six bat samples (8%) were seropositive for RABV with antibody titers greater than or equal to 0.1 IU/mL. The detection of Ab but not viral RNA indicates exposure rather than current RABV transmission in the analyzed populations. The results presented here reinforce the importance of serological studies in wildlife to access RABV circulation in a region.

Asunto(s)

Animales Salvajes , Anticuerpos Antivirales , Quirópteros , Bosques , Virus de la Rabia , Rabia , Animales , Virus de la Rabia/genética , Virus de la Rabia/aislamiento & purificación , Virus de la Rabia/inmunología , Brasil/epidemiología , Rabia/veterinaria , Rabia/epidemiología , Rabia/virología , Rabia/transmisión , Quirópteros/virología , Animales Salvajes/virología , Anticuerpos Antivirales/sangre , Saliva/virología , Mamíferos/virología

RESUMEN

Veterinary and human medicine are focused on the issue of emerging and re-emerging diseases, which are especially represented by zoonosis that could be a threat for public health. Zoonotic risk may come from pets: some canine and/or feline viral, bacterial, parasitic, protozoal or mycotic diseases can be transmitted directly to humans. There are several strategies to prevent the transmission of such zoonosis, and among them vaccination plays an important role. Through a survey carried out in Northern Italy aimed to collect information regarding owners' knowledge and perception of the zoonotic risks associated with three zoonoses (rabies, leptospirosis, and dermatophytosis), it was demonstrated that dog owners tend to adhere more consistently to their pets' vaccination schedules and are more receptive to changes in vaccination scheduling compared to cat owners. This study also suggests that cat owners predominantly visit veterinarians for vaccination purposes, whereas dog owners seek veterinary services for a variety of reasons. The survey highlighted the ongoing need to enhance owners' understanding of zoonoses affecting their pets and also the protective role of vaccines. Veterinarians should undertake the responsibility of educating, reassuring, and informing pet owners about the significance of vaccines for their pets and for public health.

Asunto(s)

Enfermedades de los Gatos , Enfermedades de los Perros , Conocimientos, Actitudes y Práctica en Salud , Mascotas , Rabia , Vacunación , Zoonosis , Animales , Italia/epidemiología , Humanos , Gatos , Perros , Zoonosis/prevención & control , Zoonosis/transmisión , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Enfermedades de los Perros/epidemiología , Enfermedades de los Perros/prevención & control , Enfermedades de los Perros/transmisión , Enfermedades de los Gatos/epidemiología , Enfermedades de los Gatos/prevención & control , Enfermedades de los Gatos/transmisión , Enfermedades de los Gatos/parasitología , Rabia/prevención & control , Rabia/transmisión , Rabia/epidemiología , Rabia/veterinaria , Vacunación/veterinaria , Leptospirosis/epidemiología , Leptospirosis/prevención & control , Leptospirosis/veterinaria , Leptospirosis/transmisión , Masculino , Femenino , Adulto , Persona de Mediana Edad , Propiedad , Salud Pública

RESUMEN

Annually, Sierra Leone records an estimated 301 human fatalities due to rabies. Canine vaccination is crucial for rabies prevention and control efforts. However, considerable variability exists in vaccination rates. Reasons for this variation remain unclear. We conducted a cross-sectional study across 2,558 dog-owning households (HHs) to provide insights into factors influencing canine vaccination for targeted prevention and control towards elimination by 2030. First, we described dog ownership practices, then built a probabilistic model to understand factors associated with dog vaccination, and finally used a spatial scan statistic to identify spatial clusters where vaccination rates were low. Our results indicated that only 14% (358/2,558) of participating HHs had fully vaccinated their dogs against rabies. The probability of dog vaccination increased when comparing civil servants to private workers/artisans, with an Odds Ratio(OR) of 1.14 (95% credible interval (Crl) of 0.82-1.56), residing in locations with a veterinary establishment vs. none (OR = 6.43, 95% Crl (4.97-8.35), providing care to dogs vs. allowing dogs to roam freely (OR = 2.38, 95% Crl(1.80-3.17) and owning a single dog vs multiple dogs (OR = 1.20, 95 Crl (0.92-1.56). Conversely, there was a decrease in the estimated probability of vaccination when comparing dog owners located in rural vs. urban areas (OR = 0.58, CrI 95% (0.43-0.78). Latent understanding, a measure of overall understanding of rabies virus, which we estimated using participant education levels and responses to questions about rabies epidemiology, was also an important predictor of vaccination probability (OR = 1.44, 95% Crl (1.04-2.07). The spatial analysis identified high-risk clusters for low vaccination in the cities of Moyamba, with a radius of 40 km, a relative risk (RR) of 1.10, and Bo, with a radius of 19.9 km with RR of 1.11. These data do not support Sierra Leone reaching the 2030 goal of human rabies elimination caused by dogs. Our study highlights a critical need for public outreach and education, improved vaccination rates, increased accessibility to veterinary services, and targeted interventions in Bo and Moyamba to support rabies prevention and control efforts.

Asunto(s)

Enfermedades de los Perros , Composición Familiar , Vacunas Antirrábicas , Rabia , Vacunación , Perros , Animales , Sierra Leona/epidemiología , Rabia/prevención & control , Rabia/epidemiología , Rabia/veterinaria , Estudios Transversales , Enfermedades de los Perros/prevención & control , Enfermedades de los Perros/epidemiología , Vacunas Antirrábicas/administración & dosificación , Vacunas Antirrábicas/inmunología , Humanos , Vacunación/estadística & datos numéricos , Vacunación/veterinaria , Masculino , Propiedad/estadística & datos numéricos , Femenino

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Travellers visiting rabies-endemic countries are at risk of rabies infection. Assessing travellers' knowledge and risk perception of rabies and risk behaviour during travel can help identify knowledge gaps and improve pre-travel risk education. METHODS: Cohort study in Dutch adult travellers, using two surveys: one before travel to assess knowledge and perception of rabies, and one after return to identify risk behaviour during travel. RESULTS: The pre-travel and post-travel survey were completed by 301 and 276 participants, respectively. 222 participants had travelled to a high-risk rabies-endemic country. 21.6 % of the participants scored their rabies knowledge as poor. Some participants were unaware cats or bats can transmit rabies (26.6 % and 13.6 %, respectively), or that post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is required for certain exposures such as skin abrasions without bleeding or licks on damaged skin (35.5 % and 18.9 %, respectively), while 27.9 % of participants did not know PEP needs to be administered within one day. 115 participants (51.8 %) reported any form of contact with any animal during travel. Two participants reported animal exposure, of which one took adequate PEP measures. Risk factors for animal contact abroad were regularly touching cats or dogs at home or abroad, longer travel duration, having pets during childhood and being an animal lover. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-travel rabies risk education currently does not meet travellers' needs, which is reflected in knowledge gaps and engagement in risk behaviour during travel. During pre-travel health advice, avoiding animal contact abroad should be emphasized, and additional education is required about indications for PEP.

Asunto(s)

Conocimientos, Actitudes y Práctica en Salud , Rabia , Viaje , Rabia/prevención & control , Rabia/epidemiología , Humanos , Masculino , Adulto , Femenino , Animales , Países Bajos , Viaje/estadística & datos numéricos , Estudios de Cohortes , Persona de Mediana Edad , Gatos , Asunción de Riesgos , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Factores de Riesgo , Adulto Joven , Profilaxis Posexposición , Anciano , Vacunas Antirrábicas/administración & dosificación , Adolescente , Mordeduras y Picaduras

RESUMEN

Mass vaccinations are crucial public health interventions for curbing infectious diseases. Canine rabies control relies on mass dog vaccination campaigns (MDVCs) that are held annually across the globe. Dog owners must bring their pets to fixed vaccination sites, but sometimes target coverage is not achieved due to low participation. Travel distance to vaccination sites is an important barrier to participation. We aimed to increase MDVC participation in silico by optimally placing fixed-point vaccination locations. We quantified participation probability based on walking distance to the nearest vaccination site using regression models fit to participation data collected over 4 years. We used computational recursive interchange techniques to optimally place fixed-point vaccination sites and compared predicted participation with these optimally placed vaccination sites to actual locations used in previous campaigns. Algorithms that minimized average walking distance or maximized expected participation provided the best solutions. Optimal vaccination placement is expected to increase participation by 7% and improve spatial evenness of coverage, resulting in fewer under-vaccinated pockets. However, unevenness in workload across sites remained. Our data-driven algorithm optimally places limited resources to increase overall vaccination participation and equity. Field evaluations are essential to assess effectiveness and evaluate potentially longer waiting queues resulting from increased participation.

Asunto(s)

Enfermedades de los Perros , Rabia , Zoonosis , Animales , Rabia/prevención & control , Rabia/veterinaria , Rabia/epidemiología , Zoonosis/prevención & control , Zoonosis/epidemiología , Humanos , Perros , Enfermedades de los Perros/prevención & control , Enfermedades de los Perros/epidemiología , Vacunas Antirrábicas/administración & dosificación , Vacunas Antirrábicas/inmunología , Vacunación , Vacunación Masiva/métodos , Vacunación Masiva/estadística & datos numéricos , Algoritmos , Epidemias/prevención & control

RESUMEN

Bats are the second most diverse order of mammals and play a central role in ecosystem dynamics. They are also important reservoirs of potentially zoonotic microorganisms, of which rabies virus is the most lethal among the bat-transmitted zoonotic pathogens. Importantly, recent outbreaks of human rabies have been reported from the Brazilian Amazon. Here we present a survey of bat species and rabies virus (RABV) circulation in a bat assemblage in the Marajó region, northern Brazil. Using data from mist-net captures and bioacoustic sampling, 56 bat species were recorded along the Jacundá River basin over a 10-day expedition in November 2022. For the investigation of RABV, we used the direct fluorescent antibody test (DFAT) and the rapid fluorescent focus inhibition test (RFFIT). In total, 159 bat individuals from 22 species were investigated for RABV. Five adults of the common vampire bat, Desmodus rotundus, showed RABV-specific antibodies in serum samples. Additionally, we report on local residents with injuries caused by D. rotundus bites and the occurrence of colonies of non-hematophagous bats from different species roosting inside human residences. This scenario raises concerns about the risks of new cases of human rabies and other zoonotic diseases associated with bats in the region and highlights the need for epidemiological surveillance and mitigation measures to prevent outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases.

Asunto(s)

Anticuerpos Antivirales , Quirópteros , Brotes de Enfermedades , Virus de la Rabia , Rabia , Zoonosis , Quirópteros/virología , Animales , Brasil/epidemiología , Virus de la Rabia/inmunología , Virus de la Rabia/aislamiento & purificación , Virus de la Rabia/clasificación , Rabia/epidemiología , Rabia/veterinaria , Rabia/virología , Humanos , Zoonosis/epidemiología , Zoonosis/virología , Anticuerpos Antivirales/sangre , Femenino , Masculino , Adulto , Persona de Mediana Edad , Adolescente

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Dog bites pose a significant public health concern in India, necessitating an understanding of their epidemiological profile and spatial distribution. Adopting the One Health approach, which considers the interconnection of human, animal, and environmental health, is vital for developing effective interventions. OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to assess the epidemiological profile and geospatial trends of dog bite cases in an urban area, focusing on the age and gender distribution of victims, severity of bites, and spatial distribution of cases to inform prevention strategies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective secondary data analysis was conducted on dog bite cases reported in 2022 at a tertiary care hospital in Mumbai. The epidemiological profile, including age, gender, and severity of bites, was examined. Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS) was utilized for spatial distribution analysis, identifying hotspots within the urban area. RESULTS: Of the 3350 cases, 70.7% were below 40 years old, 81.6% were male, and 78.18% had Category III bites indicating severe injuries. Most cases (74%) were caused by stray dogs. QGIS analysis revealed five hotspots within the urban area. CONCLUSION: The study highlights the predominance of dog bites among younger males and the severity of injuries. Spatial analysis identified specific hotspots, underscoring the need for targeted interventions. Implementing a comprehensive surveillance system incorporating GIS technology and adopting a One Health approach can enhance the control and prevention of dog bite cases and reduce the risk of rabies outbreaks.

Asunto(s)

Mordeduras y Picaduras , Análisis Espacial , Centros de Atención Terciaria , Perros , Animales , Humanos , Mordeduras y Picaduras/epidemiología , Masculino , Femenino , Adulto , India/epidemiología , Estudios Retrospectivos , Adolescente , Adulto Joven , Niño , Persona de Mediana Edad , Preescolar , Sistemas de Información Geográfica , Vacunas Antirrábicas/administración & dosificación , Rabia/epidemiología , Rabia/prevención & control , Lactante , Anciano , Distribución por Edad , Distribución por Sexo

RESUMEN

A factor constraining the elimination of dog-mediated human rabies is limited information on the size and spatial distribution of free-roaming dog populations (FRDPs). The aim of this study was to develop a statistical model to predict the size of free-roaming dog populations and the spatial distribution of free-roaming dogs in urban areas of Nepal, based on real-world dog census data from the Himalayan Animal Rescue Trust (HART) and Animal Nepal. Candidate explanatory variables included proximity to roads, building density, specific building types, human population density and normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI). A multivariable Poisson point process model was developed to estimate dog population size in four study locations in urban Nepal, with building density and distance from nearest retail food establishment or lodgings as explanatory variables. The proposed model accurately predicted, within a 95 % confidence interval, the surveyed FRDP size and spatial distribution for all four study locations. This model is proposed for further testing and refinement in other locations as a decision-support tool alongside observational dog population size estimates, to inform dog health and public health initiatives including rabies elimination efforts to support the 'zero by 30' global mission.

Asunto(s)

Enfermedades de los Perros , Densidad de Población , Rabia , Animales , Perros , Nepal/epidemiología , Rabia/epidemiología , Rabia/veterinaria , Rabia/prevención & control , Enfermedades de los Perros/epidemiología , Humanos , Población Urbana/estadística & datos numéricos , Análisis Espacial , Modelos Estadísticos

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: The incidence of rabies exposure is high and increasing in China, leading to an urgent demand of rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) clinics for the injured. However, the spatial accessibility and inequality of rabies-exposed patients to rabies PEP clinics is less known in China. METHODS: Based on rabies exposure data, PEP clinic data, and resident travel origin-destination (OD) matrix data in Guangzhou City, China, we first described the incidence of rabies exposure in Guangzhou from 2020 to 2022. Then, the Gaussian two-step floating catchment area method (2SFCA) was used to analyze the spatial accessibility of rabies-exposed patients to rabies PEP clinics in Guangzhou, and the Gini coefficient and Moran's I statistics were utilized to evaluate the inequality and clustering of accessibility scores. RESULTS: From 2020 to 2022, a total of 524,160 cases of rabies exposure were reported in Guangzhou, and the incidence showed a significant increasing trend, with an average annual incidence of 932.0/100,000. Spatial accessibility analysis revealed that the overall spatial accessibility scores for three scenarios (threshold of driving duration [d0] = 30 min, 45 min, and 60 min) were 0.30 (95% CI: 0.07, 0.87), 0.28 (95% CI: 0.11, 0.53) and 0.28 (95% CI: 0.14, 0.44), respectively. Conghua, Huangpu, Zengcheng and Nansha districts had the higher accessibility scores, while Haizhu, Liwan, and Yuexiu districts exhibited lower spatial accessibility scores. The Gini coefficient and Moran's I statistics showed that there were certain inequality and clustering in the accessibility to rabies PEP clinics in Guangzhou. CONCLUSIONS: This study clarifies the heterogeneity of spatial accessibility to rabies PEP clinics, and provide valuable insights for resource allocation to achieve the WHO target of zero human dog-mediated rabies deaths by 2030.

Asunto(s)

Accesibilidad a los Servicios de Salud , Profilaxis Posexposición , Rabia , Humanos , Rabia/prevención & control , Rabia/epidemiología , China/epidemiología , Profilaxis Posexposición/estadística & datos numéricos , Profilaxis Posexposición/métodos , Incidencia , Análisis Espacial , Disparidades en Atención de Salud/estadística & datos numéricos , Animales

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Rabies, caused by the rhabdovirus, is a fatal zoonotic disease with over 59,000 annual deaths globally. Asia and Africa account for 95%, with India leading, followed by China. In Pakistan, where it's endemic, over 50,000 cases are reported yearly. Controlling rabid dog populations through vaccination is crucial in curbing mortality. This research aimed to evaluate healthcare professionals' knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning rabies in Peshawar, Pakistan. METHODS: The study was conducted at different tertiary care hospitals in Peshawar, Pakistan from 16 August 2021 to 15 February 2022. Cross-sectional research was conducted to gather data from a total of 100 healthcare workers representing different sections within the healthcare field, including Medical Officers, House Officers, Faculty Staff, Nurses, and Paramedics. Data on knowledge, attitudes, and practices about rabies were collected using a standardized questionnaire. The data analysis included using descriptive statistics and chi-square testing to ascertain potential correlations. RESULTS: Among the healthcare professionals, 68 (68%) were males, and 32 (32%) were females. Profession-wise, the included professionals were Nurses 31 (31%), Medical Officers 27 (27%), House officers 26 (26%), paramedical staff 13 (13%), and faculty staff 3 (3%). 91 (91%) and 9 (9%) healthcare professionals responded that dogs and cats are responsible for rabies transmission, respectively. Moreover, 82 (82%) individuals responded that animal bite plays a vital role in the transmission of rabies, whilst 76 (76%) individuals responded that rabies transferred from human to human. 82 (82%) individuals replied that the anti-rabies vaccine (ARV) is the treatment of choice for rabies. Furthermore, 78 (78%) individuals responded that ARV is safe in pregnancy and lactation. Moreover, after being asked about the perception of the health care professionals about the failure in controlling rabies, their responses were unavailability of ARV/RIG 41 (41%), lack of control of stray dogs 34 (34%), lack of awareness 20 (20%). The study revealed statistically significant correlations between healthcare occupations and variables: knowledge of animals responsible for transmitting rabies (p = 0.024) and awareness of human-to-human transmission (p = 0.007). Significant disparities were noted in understanding rabies transmission through contaminated water (p = 0.002). There were variations in attitudes and practices seen across different positions, particularly about views about home treatments (p = 0.033) and the perceived effectiveness of cleansing bite wounds (p = 0.010). Disparities in perceptions of rabies treatment and the accessibility of anti-rabies vaccines and immunoglobulin were observed, with variations based on individual roles. CONCLUSION: The present research elucidates variations in rabies knowledge, attitudes, and practices among healthcare workers, specifically concerning their respective roles. Tailored training programs and standardized practices play a crucial role in mitigating these discrepancies, fostering a greater understanding of rabies, and enhancing the quality of patient treatment. It is recommended that future studies undertake an assessment of the efficacy of therapies and advocate for the adoption of collaborative One Health strategies in the realm of rabies management.

Asunto(s)

Conocimientos, Actitudes y Práctica en Salud , Personal de Salud , Rabia , Centros de Atención Terciaria , Rabia/prevención & control , Rabia/epidemiología , Humanos , Estudios Transversales , Pakistán/epidemiología , Femenino , Masculino , Personal de Salud/psicología , Adulto , Animales , Perros , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Persona de Mediana Edad , Enfermedades de los Perros/prevención & control , Vacunas Antirrábicas/administración & dosificación , Vacunas Antirrábicas/inmunología , Actitud del Personal de Salud , Adulto Joven

RESUMEN

Seroprevalence of lyssaviruses in certain bat species has been proven in the Republic of Croatia, but there have been no confirmed positive bat brain isolates or human fatalities associated with bat injuries/bites. The study included a retrospective analysis of bat injuries/bites, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and geographic distribution of bat injuries in persons examined at the Zagreb Antirabies Clinic, the Croatian Reference Centre for Rabies. In the period 1995-2020, we examined a total of 21,910 patients due to animal injuries, of which 71 cases were bat-related (0.32%). Of the above number of patients, 4574 received rabies PEP (20.87%). However, for bat injuries, the proportion of patients receiving PEP was significantly higher: 66 out of 71 patients (92.95%). Of these, 33 received only the rabies vaccine, while the other 33 patients received the vaccine with human rabies immunoglobulin (HRIG). In five cases, PEP was not administered, as there was no indication for treatment. Thirty-five of the injured patients were biologists or biology students (49.29%). The bat species was confirmed in only one of the exposure cases. This was a serotine bat (Eptesicus serotinus), a known carrier of Lyssavirus hamburg. The results showed that the bat bites were rather sporadic compared to other human injuries caused by animal bites. All bat injuries should be treated as if they were caused by a rabid animal, and according to WHO recommendations. People who come into contact with bats should be strongly advised to be vaccinated against rabies. Entering bat habitats should be done with caution and in accordance with current recommendations, and nationwide surveillance should be carried out by competent institutions and in close collaboration between bat experts, epidemiologists and rabies experts.

Asunto(s)

Mordeduras y Picaduras , Quirópteros , Profilaxis Posexposición , Vacunas Antirrábicas , Rabia , Rabia/epidemiología , Rabia/prevención & control , Quirópteros/virología , Humanos , Animales , Croacia/epidemiología , Femenino , Mordeduras y Picaduras/epidemiología , Adulto , Masculino , Estudios Retrospectivos , Persona de Mediana Edad , Adulto Joven , Vacunas Antirrábicas/inmunología , Vacunas Antirrábicas/administración & dosificación , Adolescente , Niño , Virus de la Rabia/inmunología , Virus de la Rabia/genética , Anciano , Preescolar , Estudios Seroepidemiológicos , Lyssavirus/inmunología , Lyssavirus/genética

RESUMEN

Rabies is a fatal and zoonotic disease that remains endemic in Iran. In this article, rabies in a striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena) in Qazvin Province, Iran, was found when being hunted for using the genitals for traditional thoughts of the people. The fluorescent antibody technique confirmed rabies infection in the brain sample, and vaccination was done for injured hunter.

Asunto(s)

Rabia , Animales , Irán/epidemiología , Rabia/veterinaria , Rabia/epidemiología , Hyaenidae/virología , Masculino , Femenino