RESUMEN

Anaplasma is an intracellular alphaproteobacteria that infects diverse blood cell types in animal hosts including small ruminants. Epidemiological and risk factors information on zoonotic anaplasmosis with respect to anaplasmosis in sheep and goats are scarce. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to estimate the prevalence, risk factors of anaplasmosis and phylogenetic investigation of A. capra in sheep and goats from Faisalabad district, Pakistan. Briefly, 384 blood samples were randomly collected from sheep and goats of Faisalabad district, Pakistan, during January to May 2022. The samples were processed for the detection of Anaplasma targeting 16S rRNA gene using PCR. The data regarding disease determinants were collected using a predesigned questionnaire. Out of 384 samples, 131 samples were found positive for Anaplasma spp. with a prevalence rate of 34.11%. The results indicated a significantly higher prevalence of anaplasmosis in goats (41.88%) compared to sheep (22.00%). In addition, the chi square indicated that housing type, tick infestation, gender, tick control practices, age, mix farming, and hygiene were significantly associated with the occurrence of disease. The analysis of multivariate logistic regression expressed gender as the significant risk factor (p = 0.0001, OR = 1.757, CI = 1.305-2.366). The acquired sequences revealed four novel isolates of A. capra (Genbank accession numbers ON834323, ON838209, ON838210, and ON838211). The phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene of A. capra revealed three distinct clusters with 99-100% homology with other isolates from different countries. Our isolates showed higher similarity with isolates from China (KM206273, KP314237, MT799937), Pakistan (ON238129, ON238130, ON238131), Angola (MT898988), India (MZ558066), Iran (MW692362), and Turkey (MT632469) isolated from human, sheep, ticks, goats, cattle, Gaddi goat, Persian Onager (Equus hemionus onager), and Turkish goats, respectively. In conclusion, A. capra is endemic in Punjab, Pakistan, there is a need to conduct large scale surveillance studies to assess the status of this pathogen at human-animal interface as well as to develop effective preventive and control strategies to reduce the economic losses associated with anaplasmosis in small ruminants.

Asunto(s)

Anaplasma , Anaplasmosis , Enfermedades de las Cabras , Cabras , Filogenia , ARN Ribosómico 16S , Enfermedades de las Ovejas , Animales , Pakistán/epidemiología , Anaplasmosis/epidemiología , Anaplasmosis/microbiología , Cabras/microbiología , Ovinos , Anaplasma/genética , Anaplasma/aislamiento & purificación , Enfermedades de las Ovejas/epidemiología , Enfermedades de las Ovejas/microbiología , ARN Ribosómico 16S/genética , Enfermedades de las Cabras/epidemiología , Enfermedades de las Cabras/microbiología , Masculino , Femenino , Prevalencia , Factores de Riesgo , Zoonosis/epidemiología , Zoonosis/microbiología , Humanos

RESUMEN

In the Reserva Ecológica del Pedregal of San Ángel, located in the south of Mexico City, Mexico, free-roaming dogs and cats coexist with 148 bird, 33 of mammal, 23 of reptile and seven amphibian species, that represent a remnant of the original fauna of the Mexican Plateau. The negative impact that dogs and cats have on local fauna is unobjectionable, however, the role that these introduced vertebrates play as potential transmitters of infectious diseases for native fauna and humans, is much less understood. Information about parasitic infections in native and introduced animals in this location is scarce. In order to ameliorate this lack of information, the objective of this study is to characterize the helminth fauna of the free-ranging dogs and cats of the ecological reserve. Between 2018 and 2023, 36 Felis silvestris catus and 7 Canis lupus familiaris were studied from the helminthological perspective. Endoparasites were obtained from the digestive tract and were identified to the species level using morphological and molecular evidence. Hosts were parasitized by eight species of helminths: in cats the cestodes Hydatigera taeniaeformis, Mesocestoides sp., Taenia rileyi and the nematode Toxocara cati were recorded, while in dogs, the cestode Taenia pisiformis and the nematodes Ancylostoma caninum, and Uncinaria stenocephala were found. The only species shared between cats and dogs was the cestode Dipylidium caninum. These free-ranging animals act as definitive hosts of 5 species known to have zoonotic potential; their presence in the area may generate a public and animal health problem if programs of dog and cat population control are not continued.

Asunto(s)

Enfermedades de los Gatos , Enfermedades de los Perros , Helmintiasis Animal , Helmintos , Zoonosis , Animales , Perros/parasitología , Gatos/parasitología , México/epidemiología , Helmintos/aislamiento & purificación , Enfermedades de los Gatos/parasitología , Enfermedades de los Gatos/epidemiología , Enfermedades de los Perros/parasitología , Enfermedades de los Perros/epidemiología , Zoonosis/parasitología , Zoonosis/epidemiología , Helmintiasis Animal/epidemiología , Helmintiasis Animal/parasitología , Humanos , Masculino , Femenino

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: HEV is endemic in several Middle Eastern countries including Saudi Arabia, which hosts the annual pilgrimage for Muslims from around the world. One of the Hajj rituals is the sacrifice of animals, including camels, cows, goats, and sheep. HEV Zoonosis is established in swine and other suspected species, including deer, rabbits, dromedary, and Bactrian camels. HEV was identified in small, domesticized animals like goats, cows, sheep, and horses. We previously investigated HEV seroprevalence in Camels. This study aimed to evaluate HEV seroprevalence in other highly consumed ruminants in Saudi Arabia, namely cows, sheep, and goats. METHODS: Sera from cows (n = 47), goats (n = 56), and sheep (n = 67) were analyzed for the presence of HEV-IgG by using in-house developed ELISA assays. RESULTS: The highest seroprevalence was found in sheep (62.7%), followed by cows (38.3%), and then goats (14.3%), with a p-value of < 0.001. No other demographic characteristics of the animals were significantly correlated with the HEV seroprevalence. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides baseline data as the first study on the seroprevalence of HEV in ruminant animals in Saudi Arabia. The high seroprevalence found in sheep and cows must be further investigated for the potential zoonotic HEV transmission to humans. Further studies are needed to investigate the active viremia in these animal species through nucleic acid detection and sequencing to provide data on the circulating HEV genotypes among the targeted animal species. The detection of HEV in different animal products, such as milk, liver, and others, also remains an important study area to consider.

Asunto(s)

Cabras , Virus de la Hepatitis E , Hepatitis E , Rumiantes , Animales , Virus de la Hepatitis E/genética , Virus de la Hepatitis E/inmunología , Virus de la Hepatitis E/aislamiento & purificación , Hepatitis E/epidemiología , Hepatitis E/veterinaria , Hepatitis E/virología , Estudios Seroepidemiológicos , Cabras/virología , Ovinos , Arabia Saudita/epidemiología , Bovinos , Rumiantes/virología , Femenino , Ensayo de Inmunoadsorción Enzimática , Inmunoglobulina G/sangre , Zoonosis/virología , Zoonosis/epidemiología , Zoonosis/diagnóstico , Anticuerpos Antihepatitis/sangre , Enfermedades de las Cabras/virología , Enfermedades de las Cabras/epidemiología , Enfermedades de las Cabras/diagnóstico , Enfermedades de las Cabras/sangre , Masculino

RESUMEN

Borna disease virus 1 (BoDV-1) is the causative agent of Borna disease, a fatal neurologic disorder of domestic mammals and humans, resulting from spill-over infection from its natural reservoir host, the bicolored white-toothed shrew (Crocidura leucodon). The known BoDV-1-endemic area is remarkably restricted to parts of Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. To gain comprehensive data on its occurrence, we analysed diagnostic material from suspected BoDV-1-induced encephalitis cases based on clinical and/or histopathological diagnosis. BoDV-1 infection was confirmed by RT-qPCR in 207 domestic mammals, 28 humans and seven wild shrews. Thereby, this study markedly raises the number of published laboratory-confirmed human BoDV-1 infections and provides a first comprehensive summary. Generation of 136 new BoDV-1 genome sequences from animals and humans facilitated an in-depth phylogeographic analysis, allowing for the definition of risk areas for zoonotic BoDV-1 transmission and facilitating the assessment of geographical infection sources. Consistent with the low mobility of its reservoir host, BoDV-1 sequences showed a remarkable geographic association, with individual phylogenetic clades occupying distinct areas. The closest genetic relatives of most human-derived BoDV-1 sequences were located at distances of less than 40 km, indicating that spill-over transmission from the natural reservoir usually occurs in the patient´s home region.

Asunto(s)

Enfermedad de Borna , Virus de la Enfermedad de Borna , Epidemiología Molecular , Filogenia , Filogeografía , Musarañas , Animales , Virus de la Enfermedad de Borna/genética , Virus de la Enfermedad de Borna/fisiología , Humanos , Enfermedad de Borna/epidemiología , Enfermedad de Borna/virología , Musarañas/virología , Femenino , Masculino , Alemania/epidemiología , Reservorios de Enfermedades/virología , Genoma Viral/genética , Austria/epidemiología , Zoonosis/epidemiología , Zoonosis/virología , Zoonosis/transmisión , Suiza/epidemiología , Adulto , Persona de Mediana Edad

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Zoonotic sporotrichosis caused by Sporothrix brasiliensis has become the main subcutaneous mycosis in Brazil. Minas Gerais (MG) is located in southeast Brazil and since 2015 has experienced an epidemic of zoonotic sporotrichosis. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to reconstruct the epidemiological scenario of sporotrichosis from S. brasiliensis in recent epizooty in the Metropolitan Region of Belo Horizonte (MRBH), MG. METHODS: A total of 95 Sporothrix spp. isolates (Sporothirx brasiliensis n = 74, S. schenckii n = 11 and S. globosa n = 10) were subjected to Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) genotyping and mating-type analysis to determine genetic diversity and population structure. Of these, 46 S. brasiliensis isolates were recovered from animals (cats n = 41 and dogs n = 5) from MRBH. RESULTS: Our study describes the high interspecific differentiation power of AFLP-based genotyping between the main phylogenetic Sporothrix groups. S. brasiliensis presents high genetic variability and pronounced population structure with geographically focused outbreaks in Brazil. The genetic groups include older genotypes from the prolonged epidemic in Southeast (Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo), South (Rio Grande do Sul), Northeast (Pernambuco) and new genotypes from the MRBH. Furthermore, we provide evidence of heterothallism mating strategy in pathogenic Sporothrix species. Genotypes originating in Rio de Janeiro and Pernambuco carry the predominant MAT1-2 idiomorph as opposed to genotypes from Rio Grande do Sul, which have the MAT1-1 idiomorph. We observed an overwhelming occurrence of MAT1-1 among MRBH isolates. CONCLUSION: Our study provides clear evidence of the predominance of a genetic group profile circulating in animals in Minas Gerais, independent of that disseminated from Rio de Janeiro. Our data can help us understand the genetic population processes that drive the evolution of this fungus in Minas Gerais and contribute to future mitigation actions for this ongoing epidemic.

Asunto(s)

Análisis del Polimorfismo de Longitud de Fragmentos Amplificados , Enfermedades de los Gatos , Epidemias , Variación Genética , Genotipo , Sporothrix , Esporotricosis , Esporotricosis/epidemiología , Esporotricosis/microbiología , Brasil/epidemiología , Sporothrix/genética , Sporothrix/clasificación , Sporothrix/aislamiento & purificación , Animales , Gatos , Perros , Enfermedades de los Gatos/microbiología , Enfermedades de los Gatos/epidemiología , Zoonosis/epidemiología , Zoonosis/microbiología , Filogenia , Enfermedades de los Perros/epidemiología , Enfermedades de los Perros/microbiología , Humanos

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: Monkeypox is a viral zoonotic disease endemic to West and Central Africa; it has been reported in more countries during the last decade than in the previous 40 years. In 2022 a multinational outbreak occurred. This change in the epidemiology of the virus may represent an evolutionary adaptation. The purpose of this study is to analyze the molecular aspects of Monkeypox virus (MPXV) disease that may explain the latter's change in epidemiology during the 2022 outbreak. METHODS: From July 2022 through December 2022, the period of the outbreak, a narrative review was conducted on the available literature, with a total of 271 articles published in the MEDLINE/PubMed and LILACS databases being examined. The chosen articles were organized using the search and reference manager Mendeley Desktop 1.19.4. Duplicates and articles that did not meet the study's objective were eliminated, resulting in the selection of 49 articles for the present review. DISCUSSION: MPXV resurgence poses challenges due to waning immunity and changing epidemiological patterns. Recent outbreaks show different transmission routes, affecting new demographics. Genomic evolution, vaccination history, and potential new animal reservoirs complicate containment efforts. Continued surveillance and vaccination are crucial for control. CONCLUSIONS: It seems possible that MPXV has (re-)emerged to occupy the ecological niche left by the smallpox virus. Mutations of the apolipoprotein B mRNA editing enzyme, catalytic subunit 3G motif, in MPXV clade IIb since 2017 may explain the epidemiological change that has occurred in recent years. This pattern could be due to sustained transmission in a new host or a new route of infection.

Asunto(s)

Brotes de Enfermedades , Monkeypox virus , Mpox , Mpox/epidemiología , Mpox/virología , Humanos , Monkeypox virus/genética , Animales , Zoonosis/epidemiología , Zoonosis/virología

RESUMEN

While more and more health-related data is being produced and published every day, few of it is being prepared in a way that would be beneficial for daily use outside the scientific realm. Interactive visualizations that can slice and condense enormous amounts of multi-dimensional data into easy-to-digest portions are a promising tool that has been under-utilized for health-related topics. Here we present two case studies for how interactive maps can be utilized to make raw health data accessible to different target audiences: i) the European Notifiable Diseases Interactive Geovisualization (ENDIG) which aims to communicate the implementation status of disease surveillance systems across the European Union to public health experts and decision makers, and ii) the Zoonotic Infection Risk in Twente-Achterhoek Map (ZIRTA map), which aims to communicate information about zoonotic diseases and their regional occurrence to general practitioners and other healthcare providers tasked with diagnosing infectious diseases on a daily basis. With these two examples, we demonstrate that relatively straight-forward interactive visualization approaches that are already widely used elsewhere can be of benefit for the realm of public health.

Asunto(s)

Zoonosis , Humanos , Zoonosis/epidemiología , Animales , Análisis Espacio-Temporal , Salud Pública , Personal de Salud , Unión Europea , Mapeo Geográfico , Vigilancia de la Población/métodos , Difusión de la Información , Sistemas de Información Geográfica

RESUMEN

Introduction: brucellosis is a global neglected zoonotic disease affecting mainly livestock, causing communicable and zoonotic infections. This study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence and determine epidemiological risk factors associated with Brucella infection in sheep and goats in Al Jufrah central district of Libya. Methods: sera samples from 555 animals (goats (n=320) and sheep (n=235)) sheep) were obtained and subjected to the Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) then further confirmed by a validated Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Collected data was analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Results: in total, 2.7% were ELISA seropositive for brucellosis with the highest seropositivity rate among the studied animals from Sokna with 5.8% (n=13/225) followed by 0.7% (n=2/285) in Waddan and 0% (n=0/45) in Houn. Only location was identified as a significant risk and no significant differences were identified between seropositivity and the age studied groups, species of animals, gender, and size of farms (p-value>0.05). Conclusion: the present study provides important information on the epidemiological status of Brucella infection in an important region in North Africa. Prevention control systems adopting "One Health" concept, and regional and international collaboration are important to control brucellosis and other zoonotic and transboundary diseases.

Asunto(s)

Brucelosis , Ensayo de Inmunoadsorción Enzimática , Enfermedades de las Cabras , Cabras , Enfermedades de las Ovejas , Zoonosis , Animales , Brucelosis/epidemiología , Estudios Seroepidemiológicos , Libia/epidemiología , Enfermedades de las Cabras/epidemiología , Enfermedades de las Cabras/microbiología , Ovinos , Femenino , Masculino , Enfermedades de las Ovejas/epidemiología , Enfermedades de las Ovejas/microbiología , Factores de Riesgo , Zoonosis/epidemiología , Brucella/aislamiento & purificación , Brucella/inmunología

RESUMEN

Leishmaniosis by Leishmania infantum is a zoonotic vector-borne disease transmitted to humans and dogs by the bite of female sand-flies. The domestic dog is the main reservoir and infected dogs may show or not clinical symptoms. The prevalence of infection in dogs varies according to the population studied, the geographic area, and the diagnostics employed. This study aims to estimate the global prevalence, subgrouping per continent, country, diagnostic test and selected risk factors. Cross-sectional studies (n=150; from 1990 to 2020) estimating the prevalence of the infection by Leishmania infantum were extracted from four electronic databases. The pooled global prevalence obtained by random-effects meta-analysis was 15.2 % (95 %CI 13.6-16.9), mostly in rural (19.5 %) and owned dogs (16.5 %). Prevalence varied if the diagnosis was made by western blot (WB, 32.9 %), cellular immunity tests (27.5 %), ELISA (17 %), PCR (16.9 %), IFAT (15.9 %), rapid tests and direct agglutination test (DAT, 11.5 %), cytology/immunohistochemistry (13.1 %), culture (8.6 %). A small studies bias (P<0.005) in the overall prevalence meta-analysis, due to the impact of small-size studies on the overall results was found. Moreover, a continent-related bias was found regarding rapid test, DAT (P=0.021), and WB (P<0.001), as these assays are mainly used in South American studies. A study period bias (P=0.033) and a publication year bias (P=0.002) were detected for PCR, as the test was not employed before the year 2000. In conclusion, a high prevalence of canine leishmaniosis worldwide and high heterogeneity among studies were found.

Asunto(s)

Enfermedades de los Perros , Leishmania infantum , Leishmaniasis Visceral , Animales , Perros , Enfermedades de los Perros/epidemiología , Enfermedades de los Perros/parasitología , Prevalencia , Leishmaniasis Visceral/epidemiología , Leishmaniasis Visceral/veterinaria , Factores de Riesgo , Estudios Transversales , Leishmaniasis/epidemiología , Leishmaniasis/veterinaria , Salud Global , Zoonosis/epidemiología , Zoonosis/parasitología , Humanos

RESUMEN

This comprehensive review articulates critical insights into the nexus of environmental stressors and their health impacts across diverse species, underscoring significant findings that reveal profound effects on both wildlife and human health systems. Central to our examination is the role of pollutants, climate variables, and pathogens in contributing to complex disease dynamics and physiological disruptions, with particular emphasis on immune and endocrine functions. This research brings to light emerging evidence on the severe implications of environmental pressures on a variety of taxa, including predatory mammals, raptorial birds, seabirds, fish, and humans, which are pivotal as indicators of broader ecosystem health and stability. We delve into the nuanced interplay between environmental degradation and zoonotic diseases, highlighting novel intersections that pose significant risks to biodiversity and human populations. The review critically evaluates current methodologies and advances in understanding the morphological, histopathological, and biochemical responses of these organisms to environmental stressors. We discuss the implications of our findings for conservation strategies, advocating for a more integrated approach that incorporates the dynamics of zoonoses and pollution control. This synthesis not only contributes to the academic discourse but also aims to influence policy by aligning with the Global Goals for Sustainable Development. It underscores the urgent need for sustainable interactions between humans and their environments, which are critical for preserving biodiversity and ensuring global health security. By presenting a detailed analysis of the interdependencies between environmental stressors and biological health, this review highlights significant gaps in current research and provides a foundation for future studies aimed at mitigating these pressing issues. Our study is significant as it proposes integrative and actionable strategies to address the challenges at the intersection of environmental change and public health, marking a crucial step forward in planetary health science.

Asunto(s)

Zoonosis , Animales , Humanos , Zoonosis/epidemiología , Animales Salvajes , Biodiversidad , Ecosistema , Contaminantes Ambientales/toxicidad , Conservación de los Recursos Naturales , Salud Global , Estrés Fisiológico , Contaminación Ambiental/efectos adversos , Monitoreo del Ambiente

RESUMEN

The re-emergence of human mpox with the multi-country outbreak and a recent report of borealpox (previously Alaskapox) resulting in one death has heightened awareness of the significance of the Poxviridae family and their zoonotic potential. This review examines various poxviruses affecting humans, with discussion of less commonly encountered Poxviridae members, including pathogenesis, epidemiology, and diagnostic methods. Poxvirus treatment is beyond the intended scope of this review and will not be discussed.

Asunto(s)

Infecciones por Poxviridae , Poxviridae , Humanos , Infecciones por Poxviridae/virología , Infecciones por Poxviridae/epidemiología , Infecciones por Poxviridae/diagnóstico , Poxviridae/genética , Poxviridae/clasificación , Animales , Brotes de Enfermedades , Zoonosis Virales/epidemiología , Zoonosis Virales/virología , Zoonosis/virología , Zoonosis/epidemiología

RESUMEN

Filoviruses are negative-sense single-stranded RNA viruses often associated with severe and highly lethal hemorrhagic fever in humans and nonhuman primates, with case fatality rates as high as 90%. Of the known filoviruses, Ebola virus (EBOV), the prototype of the genus Orthoebolavirus, has been a major public health concern as it frequently causes outbreaks and was associated with an unprecedented outbreak in several Western African countries in 2013-2016, affecting 28,610 people, 11,308 of whom died. Thereafter, filovirus research mostly focused on EBOV, paying less attention to other equally deadly orthoebolaviruses (Sudan, Bundibugyo, and Taï Forest viruses) and orthomarburgviruses (Marburg and Ravn viruses). Some of these filoviruses have emerged in nonendemic areas, as exemplified by four Marburg disease outbreaks recorded in Guinea, Ghana, Tanzania, and Equatorial Guinea between 2021 and 2023. Similarly, the Sudan virus has reemerged in Uganda 10 years after the last recorded outbreak. Moreover, several novel bat-derived filoviruses have been discovered in the last 15 years (Lloviu virus, Bombali virus, Menglà virus, and Dehong virus), most of which are poorly characterized but may display a wide host range. These novel viruses have the potential to cause outbreaks in humans. Several gaps are yet to be addressed regarding known and emerging filoviruses. These gaps include the virus ecology and pathogenicity, mechanisms of zoonotic transmission, host range and susceptibility, and the development of specific medical countermeasures. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on non-Ebola filoviruses (Bombali virus, Bundibugyo virus, Reston virus, Sudan virus, Tai Forest virus, Marburg virus, Ravn virus, Lloviu virus, Menglà virus, and Dehong virus) and suggest some strategies to accelerate specific countermeasure development.

Asunto(s)

Brotes de Enfermedades , Infecciones por Filoviridae , Filoviridae , Salud Global , Humanos , Animales , Filoviridae/patogenicidad , Infecciones por Filoviridae/epidemiología , Infecciones por Filoviridae/virología , Ebolavirus/fisiología , Ebolavirus/patogenicidad , Fiebre Hemorrágica Ebola/epidemiología , Fiebre Hemorrágica Ebola/virología , Fiebre Hemorrágica Ebola/transmisión , Zoonosis/epidemiología , Zoonosis/virología

RESUMEN

Reducing spillover of zoonotic pathogens is an appealing approach to preventing human disease and minimizing the risk of future epidemics and pandemics. Although the immediate human health benefit of reducing spillover is clear, over time, spillover reduction could lead to counterintuitive negative consequences for human health. Here, we use mathematical models and computer simulations to explore the conditions under which unanticipated consequences of spillover reduction can occur in systems where the severity of disease increases with age at infection. Our results demonstrate that, because the average age at infection increases as spillover is reduced, programs that reduce spillover can actually increase population-level disease burden if the clinical severity of infection increases sufficiently rapidly with age. If, however, immunity wanes over time and reinfection is possible, our results reveal that negative health impacts of spillover reduction become substantially less likely. When our model is parameterized using published data on Lassa virus in West Africa, it predicts that negative health outcomes are possible, but likely to be restricted to a small subset of populations where spillover is unusually intense. Together, our results suggest that adverse consequences of spillover reduction programs are unlikely but that the public health gains observed immediately after spillover reduction may fade over time as the age structure of immunity gradually re-equilibrates to a reduced force of infection.

Asunto(s)

Simulación por Computador , Zoonosis , Humanos , Animales , Zoonosis/transmisión , Zoonosis/epidemiología , Zoonosis/prevención & control , Zoonosis/virología , Biología Computacional , Salud Pública , Fiebre de Lassa/epidemiología , Fiebre de Lassa/prevención & control , Fiebre de Lassa/transmisión , Brotes de Enfermedades/prevención & control , Brotes de Enfermedades/estadística & datos numéricos , Medición de Riesgo , África Occidental/epidemiología

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Male Genital Schistosomiasis (MGS) remains an often-overlooked chronic sequela of urogenital schistosomiasis in endemic areas of sub-Saharan Africa. As part of a 2-year longitudinal study on Hybridization of UroGenital Schistosomiasis (HUGS) in Malawi, a MGS sub-study was conducted to assess whether hybrid schistosomes were incriminated. METHODS: During recruitment, demographic, health and socio-economic data were collected through individual questionnaire interviews in Mthawira community from Nsanje District along Shire River and Samama community from Mangochi District along Lake Malawi shoreline. Urine and semen samples were collected and analysed to determine the identity of schistosome infection. Urine filtration and microscopy, direct microscopy of semen and its sediments (after centrifugation) were performed. Thereafter, the sediments were examined by molecular DNA analysis with a novel two-tube real-time PCR assay. The participants were also screened for Human papilloma virus (HPV) and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). RESULTS: Twenty-two men were recruited for the sub-study, 8 in Nsanje District and 14 in Mangochi District, with a median age of 22.0 years. By microscopy, ten (45.7%) participants had Schistosoma ova in their urine, 11 (50.0%) in semen while 16 (72.7%) were positive by real-time PCR. One participant had both S. haematobium and S. mattheei ova in his semen, three showed symptoms, and one had a mixed infection of S. mansoni and possible S. haematobium-S. mattheei hybrid. Twelve men had detectable high-risk HPV serotypes 16, 18 and others while six had Trichomonas vaginalis and other STIs. CONCLUSION: Zoonotic and hybrid schistosomes can cause MGS similar to human schistosomes, which can be co-infected with HPV and STIs, thereby posing a new challenge in diagnosis, management and control measures in resource poor settings. Increased awareness of these infections among local communities and primary healthcare workers and improvement of disease management are needed and advocated.

Asunto(s)

Esquistosomiasis Urinaria , Humanos , Masculino , Malaui/epidemiología , Animales , Adulto , Esquistosomiasis Urinaria/epidemiología , Esquistosomiasis Urinaria/orina , Adulto Joven , Estudios Longitudinales , Schistosoma/aislamiento & purificación , Schistosoma/genética , Adolescente , Zoonosis/parasitología , Zoonosis/epidemiología , Semen/virología , Semen/parasitología , Schistosoma haematobium/aislamiento & purificación , Schistosoma haematobium/genética , Persona de Mediana Edad

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Coxiella burnetii, the causative agent of Q fever, and Rift Valley fever virus are two under-researched zoonotic pathogens in Ethiopia. Potential outbreaks of these diseases, in light of the high dependency of nomadic pastoralists on their livestock, poses a risk to both human and animal health in addition to risking the pastoralists livelihoods. Our study aimed to determine the seroprevalence and associated risk factors for Q fever and Rift Valley fever in pastoral communities in the Afar region of north-eastern Ethiopia. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: This cross-sectional study screened pastoralists (n = 323) and their livestock (n = 1377) for IgG antibodies to Coxiella burnetii and Rift Valley fever virus. A seroprevalence for Q fever of 25.0% (95%CI 18.6-32.6) was found in pastoralists and 34.3% (95%CI 27.9-41.3) in livestock overall; with 51.9% in goats (95%CI 44.9-58.8), 39.9% in sheep (95%CI 24.6-51.2), 16.3% in camels (95%CI 10.4-24.6) and 8.8% in cattle (95%CI 5.0-15.0). For Rift Valley fever the seroprevalence in pastoralists was 6.1% (95%CI 3.3-11.0) and 3.9% (95%CI 2.6-5.7) in livestock overall; cattle had the highest seroprevalence (8.3%, 95%CI 3.3-19.2), followed by goats (2.7%; 95%CI 1.4-5.1), sheep (2.5%; 95%CI 1.0-5.9) and camels (1.8%; 95%CI 0.4-6.9). Human Q fever seropositivity was found to be associated with goat abortions (OR = 2.11, 95%CI 1.18-3.78, p = 0.011), while Rift Valley fever seropositivity in livestock was found to be associated with cattle abortions (OR = 2.52, 95%CI 1.05-6.08, p = 0.039). CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: This study provides evidence for a notable exposure to both Q fever and Rift Valley fever in pastoralists and livestock in Afar. The outbreak potential of these pathogens warrants ongoing integrated human and animal surveillance requiring close collaboration of the human and animal health sectors with community representatives following a One Health approach.

Asunto(s)

Coxiella burnetii , Cabras , Ganado , Fiebre Q , Fiebre del Valle del Rift , Virus de la Fiebre del Valle del Rift , Animales , Fiebre del Valle del Rift/epidemiología , Estudios Seroepidemiológicos , Etiopía/epidemiología , Humanos , Fiebre Q/epidemiología , Fiebre Q/veterinaria , Factores de Riesgo , Estudios Transversales , Ganado/virología , Femenino , Ovinos , Virus de la Fiebre del Valle del Rift/inmunología , Adulto , Masculino , Bovinos , Coxiella burnetii/inmunología , Persona de Mediana Edad , Adulto Joven , Anticuerpos Antibacterianos/sangre , Zoonosis/epidemiología , Adolescente , Salud Única , Anticuerpos Antivirales/sangre , Camelus/virología , Inmunoglobulina G/sangre , Enfermedades de los Bovinos/epidemiología , Enfermedades de los Bovinos/virología

RESUMEN

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease whose transmission is linked to multiple factors involving the interface between animals, humans, and the environment. This disease is of great importance for public health, as it profoundly affects the health aspects of the population and animals. Considering the importance of non-human primates in this epidemiological chain, the objective of this research was to conduct a systematic literature review with meta-analysis, providing information on leptospirosis in non-human primates (NHPs) and an update on the infection situation in Brazil and other countries. Thus, a search was performed in five databases, initially finding 3332 studies, of which 32 met the eligibility criteria and were used for the systematic review. According to them, the most prevalent serogroup in non-human primates was Icterohaemorrhagiae, which is adapted to rodents as primary hosts. A wide distribution of the infection was found in the regions of both wild and captive animals. Through meta-analysis, the seroprevalence rate of leptospirosis in non-human primates was 27.21% (CI 17.97-38.95%). Cochran's Q test (p < 0.01) identified heterogeneity between studies, classified as high by the Higgins and Thompson test (I2 = 92.4%). Therefore, seroepidemiological and Leptospira isolation studies in non-human primates are important to investigate and monitor the suspected impact of these species as maintainers or transmitters of the pathogen to humans and other wild and domestic animals, in addition to demonstrating the need for standardization related to control and prevention measures.

Asunto(s)

Leptospirosis , Primates , Animales , Leptospirosis/epidemiología , Leptospirosis/veterinaria , Leptospirosis/microbiología , Estudios Seroepidemiológicos , Primates/microbiología , Leptospira/inmunología , Leptospira/aislamiento & purificación , Enfermedades de los Monos/epidemiología , Enfermedades de los Monos/microbiología , Zoonosis/epidemiología , Zoonosis/microbiología

RESUMEN

Toxoplasma gondii, a ubiquitous zoonotic parasite infecting warm-blooded animals, poses a significant health threat to workers with occupational animal exposure (WOEA) due to their frequent contact with potential reservoirs. Existing data on T. gondii seroprevalence in the WOEA exhibits substantial global variation. This systematic review and meta-analysis, adhering to PRISMA guidelines, aimed to quantify the global seroprevalence of T. gondii infection among WOEA over the past five decades (1972-2023). We identified 66 eligible studies through a comprehensive search strategy encompassing English publications, with a total sample size of 15,279. A random-effects model with the Freeman-Tukey transformation in STATA v16.0 accounted for the high heterogeneity observed. We estimated the pooled global seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in WOEA at 41% (95% CI: 36-47%). Subgroup analyses revealed significant variations by gender: males (63%) vs. females (37%) (p < 0.05), occupation: non-livestock workers (54%), livestock workers (47%), slaughterhouse workers (44%), and veterinary personnel (27%) (p < 0.05). Geographic trends showed the highest prevalence in Africa (51%), followed by South America (49%), Europe (47%), Australia (43%), Asia (36%), and North America (23%; p < 0.05). Lower prevalence was observed in high-income (39%) and upper-middle-income (38%) countries compared to lower-middle-income (44%) and low-income (48%) countries (p < 0.05). This analysis underscores the high global seroprevalence of T. gondii in the WOEA, highlighting the need for targeted interventions in this high-risk population.

Asunto(s)

Exposición Profesional , Toxoplasma , Toxoplasmosis , Animales , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Salud Global/estadística & datos numéricos , Enfermedades Profesionales/sangre , Enfermedades Profesionales/epidemiología , Enfermedades Profesionales/inmunología , Enfermedades Profesionales/parasitología , Prevalencia , Estudios Seroepidemiológicos , Toxoplasma/inmunología , Toxoplasma/aislamiento & purificación , Toxoplasmosis/sangre , Toxoplasmosis/epidemiología , Toxoplasmosis/inmunología , Toxoplasmosis/transmisión , Zoonosis/sangre , Zoonosis/epidemiología , Zoonosis/inmunología , Zoonosis/transmisión

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: A significant portion of South Korea's population, approximately a quarter, owns pets, with dogs being the most popular choice among them. However, studies analyzing the fecal organism communities of dogs in South Korea are lacking, and limited efforts have been exerted to identify pathogens with potential zoonotic implications. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate potential pathogens using metabarcoding analysis and evaluate the risk of zoonotic diseases in dog feces in Seoul, South Korea. METHODOLOGY: Fecal samples were collected from both pet and stray dogs in the Mapo district of Seoul. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was utilized, employing 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing to identify prokaryotic pathogens, and 18S rRNA amplicon sequencing for eukaryotic pathogens. The data obtained from the QIIME2 pipeline were subjected to various statistical analyses to identify different putative pathogens and their compositions. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Significant variations in microbiota composition were found between stray and pet dogs, and putative prokaryotic and eukaryotic pathogens were identified. The most prevalent putative bacterial pathogens were Fusobacterium, Helicobacter, and Campylobacter. The most prevalent putative eukaryotic pathogens were Giardia, Pentatrichomonas, and Cystoisospora. Interestingly, Campylobacter, Giardia, and Pentatrichomonas were found to be significantly more prevalent in stray dogs than in pet dogs. The variation in the prevalence of potential pathogens in dog feces could be attributed to environmental factors, including dietary variances and interactions with wildlife, particularly in stray dogs. These factors likely contributed to the observed differences in pathogen occurrence between stray and pet dogs. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: This study offers valuable insights into the zoonotic risks associated with dog populations residing in diverse environments. By identifying and characterizing putative pathogens in dog feces, this research provides essential information on the impact of habitat on dog-associated pathogens, highlighting the importance of public health planning and zoonotic risk management.

Asunto(s)

Código de Barras del ADN Taxonómico , Enfermedades de los Perros , Heces , Mascotas , Zoonosis , Animales , Perros , Heces/microbiología , Zoonosis/microbiología , Zoonosis/epidemiología , Zoonosis/transmisión , Enfermedades de los Perros/epidemiología , Enfermedades de los Perros/microbiología , Mascotas/microbiología , Bacterias/aislamiento & purificación , Bacterias/clasificación , Bacterias/genética , ARN Ribosómico 16S/genética , Humanos , Seúl/epidemiología , Secuenciación de Nucleótidos de Alto Rendimiento , República de Corea/epidemiología , ARN Ribosómico 18S/genética

RESUMEN

Mansonella ozzardi, a filarioid parasite, causes human mansonellosis in the Americas. We identified raccoons (Procyon lotor) as wildlife reservoirs of M. ozzardi in Costa Rica. Noting the sympatry of free-ranging raccoons and humans, we conclude that mansonellosis is a considerable public health risk in the region.

Asunto(s)

Mansonella , Mansoneliasis , Mapaches , Zoonosis , Animales , Costa Rica/epidemiología , Mapaches/parasitología , Zoonosis/parasitología , Zoonosis/epidemiología , Mansoneliasis/epidemiología , Mansoneliasis/diagnóstico , Mansoneliasis/parasitología , Mansonella/aislamiento & purificación , Humanos , Reservorios de Enfermedades/parasitología , Reservorios de Enfermedades/veterinaria , Animales Salvajes/parasitología , Historia del Siglo XXI

RESUMEN

This is the introductory paper to the special issue "Merging ecology and control of vectors as a strategy to reduce zoonotic risks: an introduction to the Special Issue".

Asunto(s)

Vectores de Enfermedades , Zoonosis , Animales , Zoonosis/transmisión , Zoonosis/prevención & control , Zoonosis/epidemiología , Humanos , Ecología