Zoonoses and Public Health最新文献

Introduction

Leishmaniosis is a sand fly-borne zoonosis mainly caused by Leishmania infantum in Europe. Exposure to this protozoan has been widely reported in many domestic and wild species. However, epidemiological surveys evaluating the circulation of L. infantum in zoo-kept animals remain limited.

This large-scale study aims to evaluate the seroprevalence of L. infantum in zoo-kept species in Spain as well as alterations in serum protein levels in L. infantum-seropositive individuals, to identify potential risk factors associated with L. infantum exposure, and to assess the dynamics of seropositivity in animals longitudinally sampled during the study period.

Methods

Between 2007 and 2023, serum samples from 429 zoo-kept animals belonging to 72 species were collected in nine zoos in Spain using convenience sampling. Additionally, 29 of these individuals from six of the tested zoos were also longitudinally sampled.

Results

Anti-L. infantum antibodies were detected in 22 (5.1%; 95% CI: 3.0–7.2) of the 429 animals using an in-house ELISA, as well as in 13.9% (10/72) and 66.7% (6/9) of the species and zoos tested, respectively. Serum protein electrophoresis analyses revealed that polyclonal gammopathy was the most common alteration in L. infantum-seropositive individuals. Three animals longitudinally surveyed seroconverted throughout the study period. The multivariate analysis identified the family Canidae as a risk factor for L. infantum exposure.

Conclusions

Our results indicate a moderate, widespread and endemic circulation of L. infantum in zoo-kept animals from Spain, which may be of animal health, conservation, and public health concern. Surveillance programs and control measures should be implemented in zoos to minimise the exposure of these species to Leishmania spp., particularly in hotspot areas.

Introduction

Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome is a zoonotic disease caused by hantavirus and transmitted through rodent vectors. China accounts for approximately 90% of global hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome cases.

Methods

In this study, data of cases were obtained from the Chinese Information System for Disease Control and Prevention. Surveillance data of rodent hosts was derived from the designated surveillance sites across the country.

Results

During the study period, 204,039 HFRS cases were reported, with 1,801 deaths and a case fatality rate of 0.88%. Average annual reductions of –4.26% (95% CI, –7.13% to –1.78%, p < 0.001) in incidence rate and –5.39% (95% CI, –8.02% to –3.60%, p < 0.001) in case fatality rate were observed. A concerning upward trend was observed in both the proportion and incidence rate among individuals aged 60–69 years. The proportion increased from 7.70% in 2004 to 18.91% in 2020, with incidence rates reaching 10.35/1,000,000 in 2020. The primary disease cluster has shifted from Heilongjiang to Guanzhong Plain. Higher hantavirus carrying rates were observed in Heilongjiang, Yunnan, and Shaanxi provinces.

Conclusions

The incidence rate of HFRS has been steadily decreasing in China, accompanied by changes in demographic and geographic distributions. In light of shifting epidemiological patterns, the current Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) strategy should be reconfigured to encompass individuals aged 10–70 years. Given the observed changes in disease clusters and high hantavirus prevalence, enhanced rodent host surveillance is essential. Surveillance scope and frequency should be dynamically adjusted in response to prevailing epidemiological trends to facilitate early intervention. Prevention strategies should precisely target high-risk populations and hotspots while enhancing the integrated application of the One Health approach.

Introduction

Rabies remains a significant public health concern in Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), with domestic dogs serving as the primary reservoir host and transmission vector. Despite the endemic presence of rabies virus (RABV) within Lao PDR, molecular data on the current circulation of this virus within the country are limited.

Methods

In this study, we generated 94 new whole-genome sequences of animal RABV isolates collected between 2017 and 2023 in Lao PDR using the Nanopore technology. We then performed phylogenetic analyses by inferring maximum-likelihood trees on the five concatenated rabies genes and on nucleoprotein and glycoprotein genes.

Results

Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the Lao isolates predominantly cluster in three endemic phylogenetic groups of the Southeast Asian 3 (SEA3) subclade within the Asian clade. Additionally, we report the detection of RABV isolates related to the SEA1b subclade in Lao PDR.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight the complex and dynamic patterns of RABV transmission, likely influenced by transboundary dog movement, and underscore the importance of continuous molecular surveillance at the regional and national levels.

Introduction

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant threat to both humans and animals. Zoonotic bacteria, such as Campylobacter, contribute to human infections and the spread of AMR, particularly through livestock, pets and wildlife. We investigated the prevalence, distribution and EUCAST ECOFF-based wild-type (WT) vs. non-wild-type (NWT) phenotypes in Campylobacter spp. isolated from different animal species in northwestern Italy, between 2014 and 2023.

Methods

Stool samples from owned dogs, livestock, wildlife and synanthropic birds were collected for Campylobacter isolation. Preputial lavages were additionally collected from bovines for C. fetus. Samples underwent isolation, identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing using microdilution. Antimicrobial susceptibility was interpreted based on EUCAST epidemiological cut-off values (ECOFFs).

Results

Campylobacter jejuni was widely spread, accounting for 77.1% of all isolates (n = 384). The occurrence of C. coli and C. upsaliensis was mainly identified in swine and owned dogs, respectively. Overall, 38.0% (95% CI = 32.1–44.2) of the isolates demonstrated NWT susceptibility to at least one antimicrobial, and 23.8% exhibited NWT susceptibility to ≥ 3 antimicrobial classes. Non-wild-type patterns to fluoroquinolones and tetracyclines were the most common observed, especially among livestock isolates. The occurrence of NWT phenotypes varied by Campylobacter species and the animal source. C. coli showed a 2.85-fold increase in the risk of exhibiting an NWT phenotype compared to C. jejuni (95% CI = 2.24–3.62), and isolates from livestock displayed a higher probability of being NWT to fluoroquinolones (prevalence risk ratio = 5.49; 95% CI = 3.44–8.77) and tetracyclines (PR = 2.76; 95% CI = 1.58–4.83).

Conclusions

This study provides evidence of NWT Campylobacter isolates based on EUCAST epidemiological cut-off values (ECOFFs) in both wild and domestic animal hosts in northwestern Italy. The high frequency of NWT isolates, particularly of fluoroquinolones and tetracyclines in livestock-associated isolates, aligns with concerns regarding antimicrobial use in the animal production sector. The detection of NWT isolates in wild animals suggests potential environmental dissemination and interspecies transmission.

Introduction

Trophic interactions between populations of birds are assumed to facilitate the transmission of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV). However, evidence from the field is lacking to support the hypothesis of trophic AIV transmission.

Methods

We compared the timing of predatory versus prey wild bird HPAIV cases reported in Denmark (primarily via passive surveillance) between 2016 and 2023. We classified the species reported as ‘predator’ (case) or ‘prey’ (control). Spatial clusters of predator reports were identified using the scan statistic. Logistic regression models were fit.

Results

Predator species were found more likely to be reported as HPAIV cases in winter (odds ratio (OR) 5.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.4–13.8), spring (14.1, 5.8–34.5) and summer (10.2, 2.1–49.6) than in autumn. Controlling for temporal (year of report) and spatial clustering, the estimated risk of predator reports increased in winter (12.1, 3.7–39.2) and spring (OR 21.5, 5.8–79.6) compared to autumn.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that predator species become infected later during the transmission season than prey species, which has implications for the design of HPAIV surveillance systems. For example, in active surveillance resources could be more focused on prey species in autumn, and predator species in winter and spring. Likewise, in passive surveillance public messaging could reflect this species shift. The sensitivity of surveillance might further be increased by considering potential seasonal changes in the spatial distribution of species affected by HPAIV.

Introduction

Despite international efforts to monitor antimicrobial (AAM) use, gaps persist, especially in Colombia's livestock sector. Therefore, this study aims to assign Defined Daily Doses (DDDCo) and Defined Course Doses (DCDCo) for cattle in Colombia.

Methods

A systematic search was performed from the online veterinary products registry database to identify veterinary products containing at least one AAM, marketed in Colombia for use in cattle, between 2023 and 2024. The monograph was retrieved from the label, and standard weights were applied to compute doses if required. DDDCo and DCDCo were assigned by calculating an average of daily and course doses, respectively. Overall, 856 records containing at least one AAM were listed as active for the market.

Results

A total of 321 injectable parenteral medications and 32 oral parenteral products were identified. For non-systemic use, the medications included 89 intramammary, 14 intrauterine, and 38 topical formulations. DDDCo and DCDCo values were assigned successfully for each AAM identified by route of administration.

Conclusions

This study systematically assigned DDD and DCD to quantify antibiotic use in Colombian cattle, highlighting 90% comparability with Canada and Europe but noting differences in administration routes, drug combinations, and cattle weight assumptions.

Introduction

Campylobacteriosis is considered the most common bacterial cause of human gastroenteritis worldwide, with food being one of the main sources of infection. The occurrence of human campylobacteriosis, however, may differ between geographical areas and other factors. Our study aims to identify possible sources of Campylobacter infection in the Northern region of Portugal.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted, including all laboratory-confirmed campylobacteriosis cases notified through the Portuguese epidemiological surveillance system (SINAVE) between 2015 and 2017. We analysed socio-demographic and exposure variables, including contact with other ill individuals, contact with animals, consumption of suspect food items, consumption of non-controlled water and travelling.

Results

A total of 683 confirmed campylobacteriosis cases were reported between 2015 and 2017 in the Northern region of Portugal, corresponding to a notification rate of 6.3 per 100,000 population. The median age was 2 years old (IQR 0.96–4.6); 58.3% were male. Close contact with animals was the most common exposure (50.2%), followed by consumption of non-controlled water (26.1%), suspect food consumption (13.8%) and contact with ill individuals (8.8%). Campylobacteriosis cases from the Tâmega e Sousa subregion were more frequently exposed to non-controlled water (46.0% vs. 26.1%) than in the rest of the Northern region.

Conclusion

Contact with animals and exposure to non-controlled water were the main suspected sources of the campylobacteriosis cases notified in Northern Portugal in 2015–2017. Exposure to non-controlled water was predominant in the Tâmega e Sousa subregion, a socio-economically deprived area with lower access to public supply water per capita. Prevention and control interventions to reduce the burden of human campylobacteriosis should be implemented following a One Health approach with local stakeholders.

Introduction

Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic parasite of significant public health concern, particularly in regions where consumption of undercooked meat is common. Despite the importance of sheep as a potential source of human infection, understanding of T. gondii seroprevalence and tissue distribution in sheep in the Red Sea State in Sudan remains limited.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the seroprevalence and tissue distribution of T. gondii in sheep slaughtered for human consumption in Port Sudan and Tokar localities between February and August 2010. Serum samples were analysed using the Latex Agglutination Test (LAT) for initial screening due to its simplicity and cost-effectiveness, and IgG-captured ELISA to confirm LAT doubtful results, while tissue samples from systematically selected seropositive animals were examined using real-time PCR targeting the 529 bp repeat element to assess tissue distribution patterns.

Results

A total of 700 sheep were tested for anti-T. gondii antibodies. The overall seroprevalence was 45.4% (318/700, 95% CI 41.8–49.1) by LAT, with 64% (57/89) of LAT-doubtful samples testing positive by IgG-captured ELISA. Multivariate analysis identified Etbawi eco-type (OR = 2.38, 95% CI 1.54–3.68, p = 0.001) and age > 2 years (OR = 2.45, 95% CI 1.17–5.14, p = 0.018) as significant risk factors. Real-time PCR detected T. gondii DNA in 16% (16/100) of tissue samples from seropositive sheep, with the highest positivity observed in brain (40%) samples. Notably, T. gondii DNA was detected exclusively in brain tissue in Port Sudan, while in Tokar, it was found in skeletal muscles, liver and diaphragm.

Conclusions

The high seroprevalence and molecular detection of T. gondii in edible tissues highlight a significant public health risk in the Red Sea State, particularly given local practices of consuming raw or undercooked meat. These findings emphasise the need for improved meat inspection and implementation of One Health approaches (e.g., integrated veterinary-public health surveillance systems) to reduce T. gondii transmission from sheep to humans despite the data being collected more than a decade ago.

Introduction

Pigeon paramyxovirus type 1 (PPMV-1) is an antigenic variant of Avian Orthoavulavirus 1 (AOAV-1) (Newcastle disease virus) with a global distribution that causes lethal infections in pigeon and dove species. AOAV-1's infecting humans normally cause mild, self-limiting conjunctivitis, but since 2003, PPMV-1 has been associated with an increased number of severe and lethal respiratory and neurological infections in immunocompromised persons in the Netherlands, the USA, France, China and Australia.

Methods

PPMV-1's isolated from free-living pigeons and doves across South Africa from 2012 to 2024 were sequenced using conventional or next generation technologies. Maximum likelihood and time-scaled phylogenetic analyses were conducted. Cases of human infections with AOAV-1 were reviewed, and where the genotypes were not previously assigned, the sequence data were re-analysed for classification purposes.

Results

PPMV-1 sub-genotype VI.2.1.1.2.1, present in South Africa since at least 2005, continued to circulate in 2021. Sub-genotype VI.2.1.1.2.2, that is widely distributed across Europe, Asia and Australia, was identified in South Africa for the first time, with introduction estimated around September 2017 (95% HPD January 2016–June 2019). Previously unclassified viruses causing lethal human infections in the Netherlands (2003), the USA (2007) and France (2021) were identified as sub-genotypes VI.2.1.1.2.2, VI.2.1.1.1 and XXI.1.1, respectively.

Conclusions

Five recorded AOAV-1-associated human fatalities since 1953 were all caused by PPMV-1. Three out of the five human fatalities, plus one seriously ill survivor, were associated with sub-genotype VI.2.1.1.2.2 viruses, and sub-genotypes VI.2.1.1.1 and XXI.1.1 each caused one human death. PPMV-1's, found widely in pigeons and doves, pose a serious health risk to immunocompromised persons.