European Journal of Public Health最新文献

The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of zoonotic bacteria, including Coxiella burnetii, Bartonella spp., Rickettsia spp., Brucella spp., Borrelia spp., and Ehrlichia spp., among small mammalian in Iran. We examined 618 small mammals collected between 2016 and 2020 from different parts of Iran. We extracted DNA from spleen samples and used quantitative real-time PCR to identify specific genes. We found 559 (90.45%) samples infected with at least one of the analyzed pathogens. Among the studied specimens, 86.08% tested positive for Bartonella spp., 2.42% for Ehrlichia spp., 0.80% for Borrelia spp., 0.64% for C. burnetii, 0.48% for Brucella spp., and 0% for Rickettsia spp. Bartonella krasnovii (25.81%) and Bartonella taylorii (25.81%) were the most prevalent among the Bartonella species. This study identified a rodent infected with Brucella abortus. Among the Borrelia-positive samples, four out of five were identified as Borrelia duttonii. Among the positive cases in the Ehrlichia genus, Ehrlichia canis, Candidatus Ehrlichia shimanensis, and Neoehrlichia mikurensis were identified. Meriones persicus was the most prevalent captured rodent with 315 specimens (51.22%). Our study revealed that a large proportion of the small mammals analyzed were infected with one or more of the targeted pathogens. M. persicus exhibited significant infection rates with C. burnetii, Bartonella spp., Ehrlichia spp., Brucella spp., and Borrelia spp. This suggests that this rodent species could serve as a crucial reservoir for zoonotic pathogens in Iran.

Dengue fever is considered as an emerging disease in Afghanistan. Since the first outbreak was reported in 2019, other outbreaks have been reported in the following years. The current study aims to describe the epidemiological features and clinical manifestations of suspected and confirmed cases of dengue fever detected by the National Disease Surveillance and Response (NDSR) Department of the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) during 2021 and 2022 to prevent further spread and minimize its impact on the country's health system and on the limited number of health workers. Through a retrospective analysis of historical data related to suspected dengue fever cases in Afghanistan detected by the National Disease Surveillance and Response Department during 2021 and 2022, several variables were identified, including demographic characteristics, clinical features, clinical management, the outcome of infection, laboratory data, and epidemiological factors. All statistical analyses were developed using Microsoft 365 (Excel). The mean age of the 1977 reported suspected dengue fever cases was 30.4 ± 14.9 years, with males 70.7%. The epidemic curve showed a steep rise in cases in 2022, starting from week 39, with a peak reached in week 45, which was higher than that observed in 2021. The majority of cases (97.9%) were reported from Nangarhar Province, east of the country. Regarding symptoms, fever, headache, and muscle pain were expressed in nearly all cases. The reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was positive in 379 cases out of 497 cases (76.3%). For the management of cases, 97.6% received antipyretics. Less than 5% of cases were admitted to health care units, with death reported in only two cases (case fatality rate of 0.1%). The number of suspected cases of dengue fever reported in Afghanistan was increasing. The trends for 2021 and 2022 followed almost the same pattern, with a higher peak in 2022. Understanding the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of dengue fever cases is fundamental for preparedness for upcoming seasons.

Rift Valley Fever is endemic in Sudan, with a notable outbreak declared in 2019, affecting multiple states. In this study, we examine the Red Sea State, Sudan's experience in applying the One Health approach, to contain Red-Sea RVF outbreak. A retrospective analysis of national and sub-national data and a review of literature were conducted to assess the application of One Health response and to derive lessons learned. The analysis revealed a total of 576 human cases and two deaths, with a case fatality rate of 0.35%, from 25 September 2019 to 25 January 2020. Most cases (99%) were from the Red Sea and River Nile States, and only six sporadic cases were from other five states. The Red Sea State reported 322 human and 74 animal cases, including 74 abortions and 12 animal deaths. Triggers and risk factors include floods, uncontrolled movement of animal, close contact with animals, poor disposal, and unsafe burial practices for animals. One Health approach was utilized all through the defeat of outbreak. A multi-sectoral response plan was implemented, leading to the declaration of the end of the outbreak in 2020 which was reviewed and lessons were derived. One Health approach provided a coordinated action between health, veterinary, and environmental authorities at national and subnational levels. Synergistic efforts have minimized risk of RVF spreading among human and animal. The experience was leveraged to strengthen response approaches for zoonotic diseases. Structural and capacity gaps and financial constraints were identified as implementation challenges.

Aedes albopictus is a widely recognized carrier of various pathogens. Its resilient characteristics enable it to easily spread across diverse climates. The microbiota in the midgut of mosquitoes plays a crucial role in the interactions between the host and pathogens and can either enhance or reduce the ability of the insect to transmit diseases. Hence, determining the microorganisms present in the mosquito's digestive system could be a promising approach to developing an effective method of controlling them. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate the microbial compositions in the midguts of Ae. albopictus mosquitoes collected from the fields of Sistan and Baluchestan Province. The midguts of 60 female mosquitoes were dissected, and their related bacteria were determined using the culture-dependent method. Different colonies were differentiated using the biochemical tests followed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The isolated bacteria were identified as belonging to the Asaia, Delftia, Serratia, Aeromonas, Paracoccus, and Planomicrobium genera based on biochemical and molecular analysis. The findings obtained in this study were largely consistent with earlier studies conducted on mosquitoes gathered from different regions throughout the world. Overall, the findings could enhance our understanding of the microbial diversity in Ae. albopictus and aid in the identification of a potent and widespread bacterium for the development of a paratransgenesis tool to combat Aedes-borne infectious diseases.

Despite global initiatives to eliminate dog-mediated human rabies by 2030, the Arabian Peninsula faces challenges due to insufficient data. This review addresses the current rabies situation and knowledge gaps in the region and proposes One Health interventions. Employing a mixed-method approach combining scoping and systematic review, the study commenced with a Delphi discussion to identify knowledge gaps and set objectives. The literature search encompassed published articles and grey literature. The spatial and temporal distribution of rabies was analysed, alongside quantitative meta-analyses to assess prevalence. Rabies virus gene sequences from the NCBI database were examined for reservoir hosts and evolutionary patterns. The final Delphi discussion with experts focused on addressing knowledge gaps and formulating One Health interventions. The first reported human rabies case in this region occurred in Saudi Arabia in 1980. Yemen reported the highest number of cases (439), followed by Iraq (249), Saudi Arabia (91), Jordan (14), and Oman (9). Fox bites accounted for the most cases (47.4%), followed by dog (36.8%) and wild animal (15.8%) bites. The virus was detected in at least 21 animal species. Phylogenetic analysis detected a single strain with two clades, with foxes being the primary virus reservoir. However, the experts expressed scepticism about the accuracy of rabies reports in scientific literature. To achieve the 2030 goal of eliminating dog-mediated human rabies, a stepwise approach towards rabies elimination assessment is crucial in the region. Enhanced surveillance, awareness campaigns, and access to post exposure prophylaxis are essential to address the disease burden.

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is an important zoonotic pathogen. The aim of this paper is to report one polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-positive case of MERS-CoV in a 27-year-old man who was involved in a nationwide longitudinal surveillance study of certain zoonotic diseases in Jordan including MERS-CoV. Whole-blood and nasal swab samples were collected from the man and five camels in the vicinity of his living area. The samples were subjected to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and real-time reverse-transcription PCR (RT-PCR) to detect MERS-CoV-specific antibodies and MERS-CoV genetic material, respectively. Genomic sequencing and phylogenetic analysis were also performed to detect similarities with known strains of the virus in the region. In January 2021, an ongoing surveillance study detected a MERS-CoV-positive nasal swab sample from an asymptomatic male and camels using RT-PCR. Phylogenetically, the MERS-CoV isolated in this case belonged to clade B and is clustered with other strains originating in the Arabian Peninsula. The case report represents the first PCR-positive case of MERS-CoV in an asymptomatic individual in Jordan, indicating active circulation of the virus within the population.

Preventing local transmission of malaria from imported cases is crucial for achieving and maintaining malaria elimination. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiological characteristics of imported malaria cases and assess the distribution of malaria vectors in Qatar. Data from January 2016 to December 2022 on imported malaria, including demographic and epidemiological characteristics, travel-related information, and diagnostic results, were collected and analysed using descriptive statistics. Field surveys conducted in 2021-22 collected mosquitoes using various traps across Qatar. The collected samples underwent morphological and molecular characterization at Qatar University. A total of 2693 cases were reported, with a mean incidence of 13.5/100 000 population, decreasing from 18.8/100 000 in 2016 to 5.5/100 000 in 2020. Most cases were Plasmodium vivax (57.4%) followed by P. falciparum (40.4%). The median age was 32.9 ± 12.5 years, primarily males (86.7%), expatriates (99.6%) and notified during the hot months (July to September). Cases were mainly imported from the Eastern Mediterranean Region followed by the African and South-East Asia Region with no deaths and indigenous cases. Anopheles stephensi was identified as a widely distributed species, but none carried the Plasmodium pathogen. Despite no reports of local transmission, the presence of An. stephensi and favourable environmental conditions pose a risk in Qatar. Strengthening surveillance for imported malaria and reviewing epidemic protocols are necessary. Conventional field studies are imperative to address knowledge gaps in Anopheles mosquito ecology and biting habits in Qatar, accurately assessing the risk of local malaria transmission to support Qatar's malaria-free status.

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is an acute tick-borne disease with a case fatality rate of up to 40% in humans, posing a significant health threat. This study investigates the 2022-23 CCHF outbreaks in Iraq, the highest recorded to date, and analyzes potential factors at the human-animal-environmental interface. Data from the Iraqi government, the World Health Organization, and the World Bank were used to analyze CCHF trends and affecting factors. This included epidemiological reports, clinical data, tick infestation and seroprevalence studies, and climate data. Descriptive and statistical analyses examined case trends, geographic and demographic characteristics, clinical manifestations, risk factors, seasonal patterns, and influencing factors. A sudden rise in CCHF cases began in southern Iraq in April 2022 and expanded across all governorates, with a shift toward urban areas. Higher incidence was observed among males, aged 25-44, and those involved in slaughtering. The most common clinical manifestation was fever (97%), followed by hemorrhagic symptoms (54%). Bleeding from the gums or mouth and subcutaneous bleeding were more frequent in patients with fatal outcomes. Seasonal patterns showed peaks during spring and fall, correlating with tick activity and potentially exacerbated by climate change. Tick infestation and seroprevalence studies indicated a high prevalence of Hyalomma ticks and CCHF seropositivity among domestic animals in southern Iraq (60%), consistent with the distribution of CCHF human cases. Iraq's ongoing CCHF outbreak demands multidisciplinary One Health strategies. The Iraqi government has adopted such a control strategy, contributing to regional and global efforts to enhance pandemic preparedness.