Vector borne and zoonotic diseases最新文献

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.

Background: Strains of Sindbis virus (SINV) are rarely detected and isolated from human blood samples as the viremia is low and short in Pogosta disease patients. Materials and Methods: To optimize SINV RNA detection in patient samples, a sensitive and specific SINV-RT-qPCR method was developed and validated. Results: The new SINV-RT-qPCR method was determined to be more sensitive than a previously used method. The assay was used to screen 882 serum samples from 846 patients suspected of Pogosta disease in Finland in 2023-2024. One sample was detected to be SINV-RNA-positive and was further subjected to virus isolation with whole genome sequencing. The sequence analysis suggested the strain to be closely related to those detected in Finland in 2005 and 2018, Germany in 2012 and 2016, and Sweden in 2009. Conclusions: The new optimized SINV RNA detection method is a useful tool for the detection of viremic samples for further studies.

Background: Intracellular bacteria such as Rickettsia spp., Borrelia spp., Coxiella spp., and Bartonella spp. cause febrile illnesses similar to malaria and arboviruses, leading to under-reporting in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods: Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses guidelines, we included studies on these bacteria in humans, animals, and vectors in West Africa (2000-2023). Case reports, editorials, studies on other pathogens, and coinfections were excluded. Data was retrieved from African Journals Online, Google Scholar, and PubMed (last search: December 31, 2023). The risk of bias was assessed using an adapted Cochrane RoB 2.0 tool. Data were analyzed using Excel 2016 and QGIS. A random-effects model estimated prevalence, with subgroup analysis based on country, detection method, period, and host type. Heterogeneity was measured via the I² index (>50% indicating moderate heterogeneity). Publication bias was assessed by stratifying studies by risk of bias. Results: Out of 27 articles included, 10 covered studies on Rickettsia spp., 5 Borrelia spp., 6 Coxiella spp., 3 Bartonella spp., and 3 both Rickettsia spp. and Coxiella spp. Among them, 10 studies focused on vectors, 5 on animals, 5 on humans, and 7 on One Health. The prevalence of Rickettsia spp. was the highest in humans, 19.46%, 95% confidence interval: [19.42-19.50]. Bartonella spp. had the highest prevalence in animals, 82.57%, 95% CI: [82.46-82.69], and vectors 37.62%, 95% CI: [37.53-37.71]. Prevalence increased significantly post 2010 (81.4%). PCR-based detection showed a higher prevalence (63%). In the risk-of-bias analysis, the quality of the studies, which were included, did not affect the results and overall validity of findings. Conclusion: Intracellular bacteria spread widely among humans, animals, and vectors. One Health approach is essential for managing zoonotic bacterial diseases in Africa. Variation in prevalence underlines the need for methodological standardization and future research should focus on harmonizing methods by integrating molecular methods.

Backgrounds: Leishmaniasis is one of the neglected tropical diseases, distributed across 89 countries in both the Old and New Worlds. Among the 54 identified Leishmania species, 21 are known to be pathogenic to humans. Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is primarily caused by L. major and L. tropica, while visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in Iran is caused by L. infantum. Accurate detection and species identification of Leishmania spp. are crucial for more effective treatment, epidemiology, and control strategies for the disease. Among the molecular targets recently used for detecting Leishmania species, the heat-shock protein 70 (Hsp70) gene has proven to be highly suitable. Methods: This study aimed to establish and evaluate a SYBR Green real-time PCR targeting the Hsp70 gene to identify and differentiate three Leishmania species: L. major, L. tropica, and L. infantum in clinical specimens. A total of 219 microscopic smears, consisting of both positive and negative leishmaniasis cases diagnosed by microscopy, were subjected to DNA extraction and the Hsp70 real-time PCR assay designed in this study. Results: Based on the analysis of the melting temperature (T_m) of the amplified Hsp70 target, 115 microscopy-positive smears were identified, comprising 70.4% L. major, 23.5% L. tropica, and 6.1% L. infantum. All results were confirmed using a commercial diagnostic kit. Sanger sequencing of selected positive amplicons unequivocally confirmed the accuracy of this method in identifying and distinguishing the three Leishmania species. Conclusions: The Hsp70 real-time PCR can be considered an effective method for detecting and identifying Leishmania species from microscopic slides prepared from CL and VL cases in different regions of Iran.

Rodents are associated with the spread of deadly zoonotic and emerging infectious diseases. Their widespread distribution is strongly linked to their ability to thrive in human-altered environments with access to food and shelter. Thus, humans are exposed to zoonotic agents that can spread and infect them directly and indirectly. We sourced published literature on ectoparasites associated with Rattus rattus, R. norvegicus, and Mus musculus from various academic databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. The relevant literature was screened and selected in R statistical software using the packages ''metagear'' and ''revtool.'' We reviewed and analyzed a total of 53 articles published between 1994 and 2024. The literature review covered studies from 29 countries, represented by six continents, namely, Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania, and South America, with the majority of the studies from Asia. R. rattus had the most published studies. Our literature review identified 87 species of zoonotic ectoparasites, with Xenopsylla cheopis, Polyplax spinulosa, and Laelaps echidninus being the most reported across all host species. Mites were the most reported ectoparasites (40.83%), followed by fleas (25%), ticks (20%), and lice (14.17%). Most of these ectoparasites were reported from R. rattus, with the highest number of documented ectoparasites. Investigating the prevalence, distribution, and potential risks of alien invasive rodents and their ectoparasites is paramount for public health and improving integrated pest management control strategies.