Vector borne and zoonotic diseases最新文献

Background: Lyme borreliosis (LB) is the most common tick-borne disease in Europe. Incidence is increasing partly due to climate change and changing human behaviors. This review compiled updated national European LB surveillance data to assess recent incidence trends from 2015 to 2023. Methods: Publicly available LB surveillance data sources were identified for 29 European countries. Cases were collected from reports and dashboards. Estimates of population-based incidence were calculated. Countries were categorized based on their case classification criteria and geographic region. Subnational regions were classified as high-incidence areas if they reported ≥10 cases per 100,000 population per year (PPY) over a three-year period. The percentage of people residing in these high-incidence regions was calculated. Results: An average of 132,000 LB cases were reported to surveillance systems annually. Countries that included both erythema migrans and laboratory-confirmed LB cases in their reporting had the highest incidence rates-particularly Estonia, Finland, and Slovenia, exceeding 100 cases per 100,000 PPY. Overall, variation of incidence at the subnational level was observed, showing incidence at the national level can mask subnational differences in rates. Temporary decreases in incidence were observed during 2019-2021, but incidence increased from 2021 to 2023. A minimum of 223 million people, equating to 30% of the entire European population and 51% of those living in a European country with available subnational data, live in an area with high LB incidence. Conclusion: High LB incidence across Europe was observed from 2015 to 2023, particularly in parts of Northern, Eastern, and Western Europe. For nearly 70% of countries with recently published LB surveillance, incidence increased an average of 36% in the last two years of reporting. These findings emphasize the need for continued monitoring of LB across Europe and new public health prevention tools, such as enhanced tick prevention campaigns, improved education among health care providers, and effective vaccines.

Background: This study aims to evaluate the therapeutic effects and potential mechanisms of p-cymene (CM) alone and in combination with quinine (Qu) against Plasmodium berghei-infected mice. Methods: A total of 108 BALB/c mice were randomly divided into nine groups included six infected groups, which received normal saline, Qu (10 mg/kg), CM 5 mg/kg, CM 10 mg/kg, CM (5 mg/kg) + Qu (10 mg/kg), and CM (10 mg/kg) + Qu (10 mg/kg) as well as three noninfected groups, which received normal saline, CM 5 mg/kg, and CM 10 mg/kg. Mice were intraperitoneally infected by 1 × 10⁶ P. berghei malaria-infected erythrocytes. Infected mice were orally treated daily over a period of 4 days. Then parasite growth suppression (PGS), survival rate, the level of oxidant and antioxidant markers, and analysis of immune response-related genes were also evaluated. Results: The highest survival rate of 100% was observed in infected mice treated with a combination of CM and Qu, which also demonstrated a PGR value of 100% (p < 0.001). The combination of CM and Qu resulted in the most significant reductions in tissue concentrations of malondialdehyde and nitric oxide, while upregulating the expression of the superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and interleukin-(IL)10 (>fourfold change) genes resulted in a reduction in the expression level of the tumor necrosis factor (<1.3-fold-change) and IL-1β (<1.4-fold change) genes. The combination of CM and Qu also caused significant modulation of serum levels of liver and kidney markers in malaria-infected mice. Conclusion: The results of this survey indicate that the combination therapy of CM with Qu demonstrates significant effectiveness in treating malaria-infected mice by regulating oxidative stress, enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity, and modulating inflammatory responses. However, to further validate the therapeutic potential of this compound, it is essential to conduct clinical trials that evaluate both its toxicity and therapeutic efficacy.

Background: Camel brucellosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the genus Brucella and has significant economic and public health effects worldwide, particularly in areas where camels play a significant role in the pastoral economy. This review describes the epidemiological aspects of camel brucellosis and its impact on human health. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed using PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases to locate studies on camel brucellosis for recognizing its epidemiological aspects and impact on human health. The search included 274 documents. Results: The disease results in reduced milk output, reproductive failures, arthritis, and financial losses for farmers. The seroprevalence of camel brucellosis across the camel-rearing countries is alarming and ranges between 0.4 and 37.5%. Sudan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are the most affected countries with camel brucellosis. Three species were isolated from diseased camels, including B. abortus, B. melitensis, and B. suis. The potential risk factors of camel brucellosis include age, body condition, gender, physiological status and breed of the camel, herd size, contact with cattle and small ruminants, management, history of abortion, locality, and season. Accurate diagnosis of camel brucellosis is essential for effective management of the disease. Serodiagnosis is still one of the most used techniques for identifying the affected animals. Conclusions: A one health strategy is required from the governments, animal health professionals, and other stakeholders to combat the disease. This strategy includes enhancing veterinary care, increasing public and herders awareness toward the zoonotic importance of the disease as well as value of biosecurity procedures, and putting in place efficient immunization programs aimed at high-risk groups. Due to the socioeconomic impact of camel brucellosis, it is crucial to understand its epidemiology and potential risk factors to implement effective control strategies.

Background: Zika virus (ZIKV) belongs to the Flavivirus genus of the Flaviviridae family. It is an enveloped RNA virus that enters host cells via receptor-mediated endocytosis. The interactions between viral proteins and particular receptors on the host cell surface is the initial step of the virus life cycle, which represents the key targets for antiviral therapeutic. Materials and Methods: This review highlights a variety of cell types infected by ZIKV, including human radial glial cells, endothelial cells, neural progenitor cells, astrocytes, microglia, and Sertoli cells. The cellular molecules involved in the entry process of ZIKV are detailed, and the advances in the development of chemical compounds and neutralizing antibodies targeting the ZIKV entry process are described. Results: The interactions of ZIKV with cellular molecules in various host cells during virus entry are reviewed, as the targets of the development of antiviral therapeutics. Conclusion: The entry of ZIKV into host cells involves complicated mechanisms, which remain to be further explored to facilitate the development of antiviral reagents.

Background: Anaplasmosis, caused by Anaplasma species, poses significant threats to public health and livestock productivity. Understanding the distribution and genetic diversity of these pathogens in tick vectors across China is critical for risk assessment and disease control. Materials and Methods: From April to June 2023, 875 ticks were collected across three Chinese provinces: Jiangxi, Yunnan, and Shaanxi. The collected ticks comprised Rhipicephalus microplus (from Jiangxi and Yunnan) and Haemaphysalis longicornis (from Shaanxi). Pathogen detection was performed using PCR, followed by phylogenetic analysis of the obtained sequences to determine genetic relationships. Results: Anaplasma capra was detected predominantly in R. microplus from Yudu County, Jiangxi (4.95%), and in H. longicornis from Meixian County (3.16%), Long County (5.99%), and Zhenba County (0.83%) in Shaanxi, exhibiting regional genetic variations. The detection rate of Anaplasma marginale was 6.59% in Yudu County, Jiangxi; significantly higher rates were found in Yunnan province: 41.75% in Nanjian County, 40.38% in Weishan County, and 52.04% in Yongsheng County. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that A. marginale isolates from Lijiang (Yongsheng), Yunnan, were highly homologous (99.63%-100%) to those from Yudu County, Jiangxi, while isolates from Dali (Nanjian and Weishan), Yunnan, formed a distinct clade. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate the widespread distribution of A. capra and A. marginale in ticks across the surveyed regions of China, with notable variations in prevalence and genetic characteristics. These pathogens represent potential threats to local residents and livestock. Future research should expand the geographic sampling range to fully understand their distribution patterns and explore effective prevention and control strategies to safeguard public health and safety.

Introduction: Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium Leptospira spp., which is divided into saprophytic and pathogenic. Transmission in zoos can occur due to infected urine in poorly sanitized environments, rodents, and animal accumulation. Aim: This study investigated the presence of antibodies and DNA of Leptospira spp. in nonhuman primates and wild felids from a zoo in western Paraná, Brazil. Materials and Methods: Samples were collected through chemical restraint and venipuncture. Antibody testing was performed by microscopic agglutination test and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: Of the 24 samples analyzed (17 capuchin monkeys and 7 felines), 12.5% presented antibodies for the Butembo serovar, all in primates. No feline showed reaction or DNA amplification. Conclusion: The results highlight the importance of studies on leptospirosis in wild animals in captivity, considering factors such as biome and management of the zoo, which houses rescued species that cannot be reintroduced into the wild.

Background: In Ghana, no research has recorded any positive cases of human babesiosis, despite the presence of Babesia reservoir hosts in many Ghanaian communities. Epidemiological studies have reported active infections in these hosts. Thus, this study explored possible cases of human babesiosis in selected major hospitals in the Greater Accra region and assessed the prevalence of Babesia infections in common reservoirs (dogs, cats, and rodents) from households and veterinary institutions. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved retrieving medical records from three major hospitals in urban (University of Ghana Hospital and Pentecost Hospital) and peri-urban (Shai-Osudoku District Hospital) areas that satisfied the eligibility criteria. Analysis of human babesiosis cases was conducted using appropriate search queries in Microsoft Excel. Genomic DNA was also isolated from 404 blood samples from Babesia reservoir hosts, and DNA analysis was performed using PIRO A1 and PIRO B primers targeting 18S rDNA. Results: These hospitals did not record cases of human babesiosis, although several cases of febrile illnesses and malaria were reported. The blood of 326 animals tested positive for Babesia DNA. Thus, the overall prevalence of Babesia infection in sampled animals was 80.69% (326/404), with infection prevalence varying among the targeted reservoir hosts: 53.07% (173/326) dogs, 3.99% (13/326) cats, and 42.9% (140/326) rodents. Conclusion: Although the hospitals documented no cases of human babesiosis, Babesia transmission was active among reservoir hosts. Therefore, clinicians and laboratory scientists in the Greater Accra region and Ghana should maintain a high index of suspicion of human babesiosis to avoid missing such cases.

A total of 20 horses belonging to the Pasteur Institute of Tunis used for the production of therapeutic serum antiscorpion venom were tested for the presence of antibodies anti-West Nile virus (WNV) during the 2023 outbreak of West Nile disease that affected humans and horses in Tunisia. Of the 20 samples tested in November 2023 by enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay (ELISA), five were positive, leading to a seroprevalence of 25%. Since the number of horses is not substantial, all samples were tested also by virus microneutralization test (MNT) using the Tunisian strain of WNV lineage 1 isolated in 2014 from a pool of field-collected Culex pipiens from Central Tunisia. WNV-neutralizing antibodies were detected in two horses, yielding a seroprevalence of 10%. Of the five horses tested positive by ELISA, only two were positive by MNT. The follow-up of the serological analysis performed in December 2023 and January 2024 did not show any seroconversion in the remaining horses. No clinical cases were reported during the investigation. While molecular blood analysis failed to detect viral RNA, MNT-based seroprevalence provided strong evidence of the circulation of WNV during this outbreak. Taking into account that humans and horses share similar clinical symptoms and antibody responses following WNV infection, equid surveillance could provide an accurate and timely detection of WNV outbreaks.

Background: West Nile Virus (WNV) infection is endemic in Italy, but it has rarely reported in humans in Southern Italy. We report the first human outbreak of WNV infection in the Campania region, Italy. Results: Five confirmed and seven probable cases of WNV were identified from August to September 2024. Predominantly affecting elderly males with comorbidities, all but one patient developed West Nile neuroinvasive disease, presenting with fever and impaired consciousness. Remdesivir was administered off-label in four cases, potentially reducing hospitalization and improving outcomes. Mortality was limited to two cases, attributed to bacterial infections. Conclusions: The outbreak underscores the importance of heightened surveillance in Italy and raises the potential for remdesivir in WNV treatment.

Background: Although recent research has provided better insights into Helicobacter pylori, much remains unknown regarding non-H. pylori Helicobacter species in animals. Pet animals living close to humans may act as a potential reservoir for a diverse Helicobacter species. Hence, this study aimed to investigate Helicobacter spp.'s prevalence among pet animals suffering from gastroenteritis and their zoonotic relevance. Materials and methods: Eighty-seven fecal samples were collected from dogs (53) and cats (34) suffering from gastroenteritis. The DNA was extracted for the molecular detection of Helicobacter spp., H. canis, H. felis, and H. pylori through amplification of Helicobacter 16S rRNA as well as multiplex PCR targeting H. canis Hsp60, H. felis urease, and H. pylori urease C genes in all samples. Sequencing of some selected PCR amplicons and phylogenetic analysis were conducted. Results: The overall prevalence of Helicobacter spp. ws 34.5%, with the following rates: 37.7% and 29.4% among dogs and cats, respectively. H. canis had the highest occurrence rate (20.7%), whereas H. pylori was detected at 11.5%, followed by H. felis at 2.3%. Coinfection with more than one Helicobacter species has been documented. Furthermore, the phylogenetic analysis of three partial H. canis 16S rRNA sequences revealed a high genetic relatedness to strains derived from a diarrheic cat and human bacteremic patients with a history of pet exposure, indicating the public health implications of these sequences. Conclusion: The fecal carriage of diverse Helicobacter spp. among dogs and cats suffering from gastroenteritis, with a predominance of H. canis, highlights a potential risk of zoonotic transmission of such pathogens between pets and human contacts.