Gordon Brestrich, Joanna Diesing, Nils Kossack, James H. Stark, Andreas Pilz, Holly Yu, Jochen Suess
Aim
Lyme borreliosis (LB) is the most common tick-borne disease in Germany; however, data on the economic burden of LB are limited. In this study, we aim to report healthcare costs, healthcare resource utilisation (HCRU) and diagnostic consumption associated with LB by clinical manifestation.
Method
Using specific case definitions, patients with localised disease (erythema migrans [EM]) or disseminated disease (Lyme arthritis [LA], Lyme neuroborreliosis [LNB] and other rarer manifestations [OTH]) were identified from a claims database in 2016 and followed up for 3 years (2016–2019). After propensity score matching, excess costs and HCRU were calculated as the differences between each LB cohort and the matched control cohort.
Results
On a per-patient basis, the excess all-cause healthcare cost was €130 for EM during Quarter 1 of Year 1, and €1539 for LA, €3248 for LNB and €4137 for OTH during Year 1. Only for OTH, additional €1860 was observed in Year 2. No increase in costs was observed in Year 3. When extrapolated to all German patients with statutory health insurance, LB was associated with €64.5 million in excess costs. Although disseminated manifestations only accounted for 7.8% of all LB cases, they were responsible for 66% of overall costs. In addition, LB patients consumed healthcare resources of 1.4 million excess outpatient visits, 13,000 excess hospitalisations, 96,000 ELISAs and 65,000 Western blots.
Conclusion
This study shows the substantial economic burden of LB to the German healthcare system.
{"title":"Excess Healthcare Costs and Resource Utilisation of Lyme Borreliosis in Germany: A Propensity Score–Matched Cohort Study","authors":"Gordon Brestrich, Joanna Diesing, Nils Kossack, James H. Stark, Andreas Pilz, Holly Yu, Jochen Suess","doi":"10.1111/zph.13180","DOIUrl":"10.1111/zph.13180","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Aim</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Lyme borreliosis (LB) is the most common tick-borne disease in Germany; however, data on the economic burden of LB are limited. In this study, we aim to report healthcare costs, healthcare resource utilisation (HCRU) and diagnostic consumption associated with LB by clinical manifestation.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Method</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Using specific case definitions, patients with localised disease (erythema migrans [EM]) or disseminated disease (Lyme arthritis [LA], Lyme neuroborreliosis [LNB] and other rarer manifestations [OTH]) were identified from a claims database in 2016 and followed up for 3 years (2016–2019). After propensity score matching, excess costs and HCRU were calculated as the differences between each LB cohort and the matched control cohort.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>On a per-patient basis, the excess all-cause healthcare cost was €130 for EM during Quarter 1 of Year 1, and €1539 for LA, €3248 for LNB and €4137 for OTH during Year 1. Only for OTH, additional €1860 was observed in Year 2. No increase in costs was observed in Year 3. When extrapolated to all German patients with statutory health insurance, LB was associated with €64.5 million in excess costs. Although disseminated manifestations only accounted for 7.8% of all LB cases, they were responsible for 66% of overall costs. In addition, LB patients consumed healthcare resources of 1.4 million excess outpatient visits, 13,000 excess hospitalisations, 96,000 ELISAs and 65,000 Western blots.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This study shows the substantial economic burden of LB to the German healthcare system.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":24025,"journal":{"name":"Zoonoses and Public Health","volume":"72 1","pages":"23-31"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-09-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11695699/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142141174","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a serious and acute central nervous system infection caused by the tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV). In recent years, TBE has emerged as a growing public health threat, with cases reported across Europe, the Russian Far East, Japan and China. This study aims to assess the prevalence of TBEV infection and examine behaviours associated with an increased risk of infection among individuals who visited the Heilongjiang Red Cross Sengong General Hospital due to tick bites from 2020 to 2023.
Methods and Results
We collected blood samples and administered survey questionnaires from tick-bitten people. A total of 457 samples were screened using Nested PCR, and the detected TBEV prevalence rate was 29.54% (135/457). The symptoms of redness and swelling at the site of tick bite (42.57%), fever (28.71%) and headache (10.89%) were identified in the TBEV-positive individuals when they visited the hospital by the physician. Phylogenetic analysis of the partial E gene of TBEV revealed that the predominant strains in the region are highly virulent Far Eastern subtype. However, they do not cluster with the three established evolutionary clades of the Far Eastern type. Questionnaires data analysis identified age and first tick bite as important factors associated with TBEV infection.
Conclusions
This study provides basic information on the epidemiology of TBEV in Heilongjiang Province in recent years and identifies that the most related risk factor of infecting TBEV is tick exposure. Further research is needed to develop effective prevention and control measures.
{"title":"The Prevalence of Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus Infection Among Humans in Heilongjiang Province of China in 2020–2023","authors":"Denghui Chen, Yaxian Lu, Wei Wang, Yu Zhang, Tianlu Liu, Hetong Liu, Lu Zhang, Xiaohong Peng, Shouxu Lv, Zedong Wang, Wenzhong Wu, Zhijun Hou","doi":"10.1111/zph.13178","DOIUrl":"10.1111/zph.13178","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background and Aims</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a serious and acute central nervous system infection caused by the tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV). In recent years, TBE has emerged as a growing public health threat, with cases reported across Europe, the Russian Far East, Japan and China. This study aims to assess the prevalence of TBEV infection and examine behaviours associated with an increased risk of infection among individuals who visited the Heilongjiang Red Cross Sengong General Hospital due to tick bites from 2020 to 2023.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods and Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We collected blood samples and administered survey questionnaires from tick-bitten people. A total of 457 samples were screened using Nested PCR, and the detected TBEV prevalence rate was 29.54% (135/457). The symptoms of redness and swelling at the site of tick bite (42.57%), fever (28.71%) and headache (10.89%) were identified in the TBEV-positive individuals when they visited the hospital by the physician. Phylogenetic analysis of the partial E gene of TBEV revealed that the predominant strains in the region are highly virulent Far Eastern subtype. However, they do not cluster with the three established evolutionary clades of the Far Eastern type. Questionnaires data analysis identified age and first tick bite as important factors associated with TBEV infection.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This study provides basic information on the epidemiology of TBEV in Heilongjiang Province in recent years and identifies that the most related risk factor of infecting TBEV is tick exposure. Further research is needed to develop effective prevention and control measures.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":24025,"journal":{"name":"Zoonoses and Public Health","volume":"71 8","pages":"955-961"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-08-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142018843","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
In pursuit of enhancing prevention efforts for the notably high endemic Opisthorchis viverrini infection in lower Mekong sub-region countries, particularly Thailand and Laos, this cross-sectional study investigated the transmission potential of O. viverrini and other intestinal helminths along the Thailand-Laos border in seven Thai villages.
Methods and Results
Human and pet faecal samples, Bithynia snails and cyprinid fish were analysed for helminth infections. Additionally, a questionnaire survey assessed relevant risk factors among the human population. Two groups of helminth infections were detected in humans: foodborne infections (FBIs) including O. viverrini, minute intestinal flukes (MIFs), and Taenia spp., and soil-transmitted infections (STIs) including hookworm and Strongyloides stercoralis, with prevalence rates of 7.4%, 0.5%, 2.5%, 0.5%, 2.5% and 3%, respectively. Smoking was identified as a risk factor for O. viverrini infection [adjusted odds ratios (ORa) = 3.12, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.33–7.30, p = 0.009] and FBIs (ORa = 2.47, 95% CI: 1.14–5.33, p = 0.022), while male was a risk factor for FBIs (ORa = 2.62, 95% CI: 1.16–5.94, p = 0.021). In dogs, hookworm, Toxocara spp., Spirometra mansoni, Trichuris vulpis and Hymenolepis diminuta were identified with prevalence rates of 35.6%, 8.1%, 8.1%, 1.2% and 1.2%, respectively. In cats, hookworm, Toxocara spp., S. mansoni, Strongyloides spp., Platynosomum fastosum, MIFs and H. diminuta were identified with prevalence rates of 50%, 17.9%, 10.7%, 7.1%, 3.6%, 3.6% and 3.6%, respectively. Bithynia snails showed 2% virgulate and 0.7% unknown cercariae infections, while among 19 cyprinid fish species, only unknown metacercariae were found.
Conclusions
Our findings underscore the necessity of an integrated approach following the One Health concept to effectively combat these parasitic diseases while addressing human, animal and environmental health.
{"title":"Unveiling the Transmission Potential of Opisthorchis viverrini and Intestinal Helminths Along the Thailand-Laos Border in Thailand","authors":"Veerachai Thitapakorn, Teva Phanaksri, Siraphatsorn Yusuk, Montinee Pholhelm, Opal Pitaksakulrat, Jutharat Kulsantiwong, Thanakrit Sathavornmanee, Anthicha Kunjantarachot, Thittinan Rojthongpond, Yanwadee Chitkoolsamphan, Sattrachai Prasopdee","doi":"10.1111/zph.13177","DOIUrl":"10.1111/zph.13177","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Aims</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>In pursuit of enhancing prevention efforts for the notably high endemic <i>Opisthorchis viverrini</i> infection in lower Mekong sub-region countries, particularly Thailand and Laos, this cross-sectional study investigated the transmission potential of <i>O. viverrini</i> and other intestinal helminths along the Thailand-Laos border in seven Thai villages.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods and Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Human and pet faecal samples, <i>Bithynia</i> snails and cyprinid fish were analysed for helminth infections. Additionally, a questionnaire survey assessed relevant risk factors among the human population. Two groups of helminth infections were detected in humans: foodborne infections (FBIs) including <i>O. viverrini</i>, minute intestinal flukes (MIFs), and <i>Taenia</i> spp., and soil-transmitted infections (STIs) including hookworm and <i>Strongyloides stercoralis</i>, with prevalence rates of 7.4%, 0.5%, 2.5%, 0.5%, 2.5% and 3%, respectively. Smoking was identified as a risk factor for <i>O. viverrini</i> infection [adjusted odds ratios (ORa) = 3.12, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.33–7.30, <i>p</i> = 0.009] and FBIs (ORa = 2.47, 95% CI: 1.14–5.33, <i>p</i> = 0.022), while male was a risk factor for FBIs (ORa = 2.62, 95% CI: 1.16–5.94, <i>p</i> = 0.021). In dogs, hookworm, <i>Toxocara</i> spp., <i>Spirometra mansoni</i>, <i>Trichuris vulpis</i> and <i>Hymenolepis diminuta</i> were identified with prevalence rates of 35.6%, 8.1%, 8.1%, 1.2% and 1.2%, respectively. In cats, hookworm, <i>Toxocara</i> spp., <i>S. mansoni</i>, <i>Strongyloides</i> spp., <i>Platynosomum fastosum</i>, MIFs and <i>H. diminuta</i> were identified with prevalence rates of 50%, 17.9%, 10.7%, 7.1%, 3.6%, 3.6% and 3.6%, respectively. <i>Bithynia</i> snails showed 2% virgulate and 0.7% unknown cercariae infections, while among 19 cyprinid fish species, only unknown metacercariae were found.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Our findings underscore the necessity of an integrated approach following the One Health concept to effectively combat these parasitic diseases while addressing human, animal and environmental health.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":24025,"journal":{"name":"Zoonoses and Public Health","volume":"71 8","pages":"942-954"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-08-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142005479","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ruixuan Dong, Ruying Fang, Xin Yang, Yifan Sun, Yinsheng Zhang, Sen Li
Background
Lyme disease is a tick-borne zoonotic disease caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and is prevalent in northeastern Asia, particularly in the forested area of Northeastern China. However, a lack of systematic data on the spatial distribution of B. burgdorferi in this region hinders the prediction of its transmission risk across the landscape.
Methods
To provide an updated overview and establish a comprehensive spatial distribution database, we conducted a systematic review of literature published between 2000 and 2022. We collected and compiled relevant data on B. burgdorferi in Northeastern China and its neighbouring regions, outlining its distribution in ticks, wild animals, livestock and humans. Spatial analysis was performed to identify spatial clusters of tick positivity and host infection rates.
Results
From a total of 1823 literature, we selected 110 references to compile 626 detection records of B. burgdorferi, including 288 in ticks, 109 in wildlife, 111 in livestock and domestic animals and 100 in humans. The average detection rate of B. burgdorferi in ticks was approximately 20%, with wildlife, livestock and domestic animal host positivity rates below 50% and human seroprevalence rates varying from 0.94% to 44.18%.
Conclusions
The study identified the presence of 17 tick species and ten genotypes of B. burgdorferi in the region, indicating a broad distribution. Notably, B. burgdorferi exhibited notable clustering, particularly in the central and eastern areas of Jilin Province, warranting further investigation.
{"title":"An Updated Review on the Spatial Distribution of Borrelia burgdorferi Sensu Lato Across Ticks, Animals and Humans in Northeastern China and Adjacent Regions","authors":"Ruixuan Dong, Ruying Fang, Xin Yang, Yifan Sun, Yinsheng Zhang, Sen Li","doi":"10.1111/zph.13176","DOIUrl":"10.1111/zph.13176","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Lyme disease is a tick-borne zoonotic disease caused by <i>Borrelia burgdorferi</i> sensu lato and is prevalent in northeastern Asia, particularly in the forested area of Northeastern China. However, a lack of systematic data on the spatial distribution of <i>B. burgdorferi</i> in this region hinders the prediction of its transmission risk across the landscape.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>To provide an updated overview and establish a comprehensive spatial distribution database, we conducted a systematic review of literature published between 2000 and 2022. We collected and compiled relevant data on <i>B. burgdorferi</i> in Northeastern China and its neighbouring regions, outlining its distribution in ticks, wild animals, livestock and humans. Spatial analysis was performed to identify spatial clusters of tick positivity and host infection rates.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>From a total of 1823 literature, we selected 110 references to compile 626 detection records of <i>B. burgdorferi</i>, including 288 in ticks, 109 in wildlife, 111 in livestock and domestic animals and 100 in humans. The average detection rate of <i>B. burgdorferi</i> in ticks was approximately 20%, with wildlife, livestock and domestic animal host positivity rates below 50% and human seroprevalence rates varying from 0.94% to 44.18%.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The study identified the presence of 17 tick species and ten genotypes of <i>B. burgdorferi</i> in the region, indicating a broad distribution. Notably, <i>B. burgdorferi</i> exhibited notable clustering, particularly in the central and eastern areas of Jilin Province, warranting further investigation.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":24025,"journal":{"name":"Zoonoses and Public Health","volume":"71 7","pages":"763-778"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-08-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141989070","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Gustavo Mayr de Lima Carvalho, Felipe Dutra-Rêgo, José Dilermando Andrade-Filho
Introduction
Leishmaniasis stands out as a public health problem in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, especially in the Midwest region. However, the entomological aspects in several municipalities remain unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the sand fly fauna in Bambuí, encompassing ecological dynamics and molecular detection of Leishmania.
Methods
Monthly collections were conducted using CDC light traps from September 2018 to August 2020 across 16 selected points with urban and rural characteristics, chosen based on the coverage area of the Municipal Health Department and the occurrence of canine and human visceral leishmaniasis (VL) cases. Ecological indices of the sand fly population (Chao1, Shannon, Simpson and Pielou) were assessed, and sand fly abundance was correlated to climatic variables (humidity, temperature and rainfall).
Results
A total of 8838 specimens representing 17 species within nine genera were collected (estimated species richness by Chao 1 estimator = 17; SE ± 1.8). Predominantly, Lutzomyia longipalpis, Nyssomyia whitmani and Evandromyia cortelezzii constituted approximately 98% of all captured sand flies. While species richness and diversity displayed variations throughout the study, a positive correlation emerged between temperature (p < 0.0001; r = 0.7767), monthly rainfall (p < 0.0001; r = 0.7810) and sand fly abundance. Molecular analysis revealed Leishmania DNA in 2.05% of female sand flies, with the presence of Leishmania infantum in Lu. longipalpis and both Le. infantum and Leishmania braziliensis in Ev. cortelezzii.
Conclusions
The entomological data, coupled with the occurrence of autochthonous cases of canine visceral leishmaniasis, offer valuable insights for evidence-based strategies to prevent leishmaniasis in Bambuí.
{"title":"Ecology and molecular analysis of sand flies in Bambuí, Minas Gerais, Brazil: Implications for leishmaniasis surveillance","authors":"Gustavo Mayr de Lima Carvalho, Felipe Dutra-Rêgo, José Dilermando Andrade-Filho","doi":"10.1111/zph.13173","DOIUrl":"10.1111/zph.13173","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Leishmaniasis stands out as a public health problem in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, especially in the Midwest region. However, the entomological aspects in several municipalities remain unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the sand fly fauna in Bambuí, encompassing ecological dynamics and molecular detection of <i>Leishmania</i>.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Monthly collections were conducted using CDC light traps from September 2018 to August 2020 across 16 selected points with urban and rural characteristics, chosen based on the coverage area of the Municipal Health Department and the occurrence of canine and human visceral leishmaniasis (VL) cases. Ecological indices of the sand fly population (<i>Chao1</i>, Shannon, Simpson and Pielou) were assessed, and sand fly abundance was correlated to climatic variables (humidity, temperature and rainfall).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A total of 8838 specimens representing 17 species within nine genera were collected (estimated species richness by Chao 1 estimator = 17; SE ± 1.8). Predominantly, <i>Lutzomyia longipalpis</i>, <i>Nyssomyia whitmani</i> and <i>Evandromyia cortelezzii</i> constituted approximately 98% of all captured sand flies. While species richness and diversity displayed variations throughout the study, a positive correlation emerged between temperature (<i>p</i> < 0.0001; <i>r</i> = 0.7767), monthly rainfall (<i>p</i> < 0.0001; <i>r</i> = 0.7810) and sand fly abundance. Molecular analysis revealed <i>Leishmania</i> DNA in 2.05% of female sand flies, with the presence of <i>Leishmania infantum</i> in <i>Lu. longipalpis</i> and both <i>Le. infantum</i> and <i>Leishmania braziliensis</i> in <i>Ev. cortelezzii</i>.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The entomological data, coupled with the occurrence of autochthonous cases of canine visceral leishmaniasis, offer valuable insights for evidence-based strategies to prevent leishmaniasis in Bambuí.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":24025,"journal":{"name":"Zoonoses and Public Health","volume":"71 8","pages":"925-932"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-07-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141793701","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Kiki Streng, Renate W. Hakze-van der Honing, Heather Graham, Sophie van Oort, Pauline A. de Best, Ayat Abourashed, Wim H. M. van der Poel
Aims
Zoonotic arboviruses (arthropod-borne) of the Orthoflavivirus genus, such as West Nile virus (WNV), Usutu virus (USUV) and Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), are emerging in Northwestern Europe and pose a threat to both human and animal health. In the Netherlands, passive symptomatic surveillance (notification of clinical cases) in horses is one of the main pillars for the early detection of WNV. For such passive surveillance to work properly, horse owners and veterinarians need to recognize symptoms and report suspected cases to the authorities. Currently, little is known about the seroprevalence of orthoflaviviruses in domestic animals in the Netherlands. Therefore, this study aims at identifying the seroprevalence of WNV and USUV in horses and dogs in the Netherlands. Additionally, this study seeks to evaluate the knowledge and perceptions of Dutch horse owners towards mosquito-borne viruses.
Methods and Results
A cross-sectional serosurvey in horses and dogs was conducted between May 2021 and May 2022. Serum samples were screened using an ELISA and doubtful and positive samples were confirmed by Virus Neutralization Tests for WNV, USUV and TBEV. A validated questionnaire, the MosquitoWise survey, was used to assess the knowledge and perceptions of Dutch horse owners towards mosquito-borne viruses between July and October 2022. The serosurvey revealed a low seroprevalence for WNV in horses and no WNV-positive dogs were found. Similarly, a low USUV seroprevalence was found in dogs. The MosquitoWise survey revealed a high knowledge level for horse owners and high awareness of WNV vaccination but a more limited intent to vaccinate.
Conclusions
The low seroprevalences of WNV and USUV indicate many dogs and horses remain susceptible, offering opportunities for trend analysis and surveillance. However, despite multiple recent detections of WNV, USUV, and TBEV in humans, the role of dogs and horses in early detection of human cases is debatable. High awareness among horse owners and the absence of detected equine WNV cases highlight this uncertainty. Continued surveillance is crucial for detecting increased virus circulation and protecting both animal and human health.
{"title":"Orthoflavivirus surveillance in the Netherlands: Insights from a serosurvey in horses & dogs and a questionnaire among horse owners","authors":"Kiki Streng, Renate W. Hakze-van der Honing, Heather Graham, Sophie van Oort, Pauline A. de Best, Ayat Abourashed, Wim H. M. van der Poel","doi":"10.1111/zph.13171","DOIUrl":"10.1111/zph.13171","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Aims</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Zoonotic arboviruses (<i>ar</i>thropod-<i>bo</i>rne) of the <i>Orthoflavivirus</i> genus, such as West Nile virus (WNV), Usutu virus (USUV) and Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), are emerging in Northwestern Europe and pose a threat to both human and animal health. In the Netherlands, passive symptomatic surveillance (notification of clinical cases) in horses is one of the main pillars for the early detection of WNV. For such passive surveillance to work properly, horse owners and veterinarians need to recognize symptoms and report suspected cases to the authorities. Currently, little is known about the seroprevalence of orthoflaviviruses in domestic animals in the Netherlands. Therefore, this study aims at identifying the seroprevalence of WNV and USUV in horses and dogs in the Netherlands. Additionally, this study seeks to evaluate the knowledge and perceptions of Dutch horse owners towards mosquito-borne viruses.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods and Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A cross-sectional serosurvey in horses and dogs was conducted between May 2021 and May 2022. Serum samples were screened using an ELISA and doubtful and positive samples were confirmed by Virus Neutralization Tests for WNV, USUV and TBEV. A validated questionnaire, the MosquitoWise survey, was used to assess the knowledge and perceptions of Dutch horse owners towards mosquito-borne viruses between July and October 2022. The serosurvey revealed a low seroprevalence for WNV in horses and no WNV-positive dogs were found. Similarly, a low USUV seroprevalence was found in dogs. The MosquitoWise survey revealed a high knowledge level for horse owners and high awareness of WNV vaccination but a more limited intent to vaccinate.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The low seroprevalences of WNV and USUV indicate many dogs and horses remain susceptible, offering opportunities for trend analysis and surveillance. However, despite multiple recent detections of WNV, USUV, and TBEV in humans, the role of dogs and horses in early detection of human cases is debatable. High awareness among horse owners and the absence of detected equine WNV cases highlight this uncertainty. Continued surveillance is crucial for detecting increased virus circulation and protecting both animal and human health.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":24025,"journal":{"name":"Zoonoses and Public Health","volume":"71 8","pages":"900-910"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-07-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/zph.13171","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141761363","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Annemieke Christine Mulder, Lapo Mughini-Gras, Jan van de Kassteele, Sara Lynn Blanken, Roan Pijnacker, Eelco Franz
Aims
Most human infections with non-typhoid Salmonella (NTS) or Campylobacter are zoonotic in nature and acquired though consumption of contaminated food of mainly animal origin. However, individuals may also acquire salmonellosis or campylobacteriosis through non-foodborne transmission pathways, such as those mediated by the environment. This emphasizes the need to consider both direct and indirect exposure to livestock sources as a possible transmission route for NTS and Campylobacter. Therefore, this study aimed at assessing whether salmonellosis and campylobacteriosis incidence is spatially associated with exposure to livestock (i.e. small ruminants, dairy cows, veal calves, laying hens, broiler chickens and pigs) in the Netherlands for the years 2007–2019 and 2014–2019 respectively.
Methods and Results
Risk factors (population-weighted number of animals) and their population attributable fractions were determined using a Poisson regression model with a log-link function fitted using integrated nested Laplace approximation. The analyses were performed for different hexagonal sizes (90, 50, 25 and 10 km2) and accounted for geographical coverage of the diagnostic laboratory catchment areas. Moreover, serological data were used to look into the possible effects of acquired immunity due to repeated exposure to the pathogen through the environment that would potentially hinder the analyses based on the incidence of reported cases. A linear mixed-effects model was then fitted where the postal code areas were included as a random effect. Livestock was not consistently significantly associated with acquiring salmonellosis or campylobacteriosis in the Netherlands.
Conclusions
Results showed that living in livestock-rich areas in the Netherlands is not a consistently significant, spatially restricted risk factor for acquiring salmonellosis or campylobacteriosis, thereby supporting current knowledge that human infections with Salmonella and Campylobacter are mainly foodborne.
{"title":"Livestock-associated spatial risk factors for human salmonellosis and campylobacteriosis","authors":"Annemieke Christine Mulder, Lapo Mughini-Gras, Jan van de Kassteele, Sara Lynn Blanken, Roan Pijnacker, Eelco Franz","doi":"10.1111/zph.13170","DOIUrl":"10.1111/zph.13170","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Aims</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Most human infections with non-typhoid <i>Salmonella</i> (NTS) or <i>Campylobacter</i> are zoonotic in nature and acquired though consumption of contaminated food of mainly animal origin. However, individuals may also acquire salmonellosis or campylobacteriosis through non-foodborne transmission pathways, such as those mediated by the environment. This emphasizes the need to consider both direct and indirect exposure to livestock sources as a possible transmission route for NTS and <i>Campylobacter</i>. Therefore, this study aimed at assessing whether salmonellosis and campylobacteriosis incidence is spatially associated with exposure to livestock (i.e. small ruminants, dairy cows, veal calves, laying hens, broiler chickens and pigs) in the Netherlands for the years 2007–2019 and 2014–2019 respectively.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods and Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Risk factors (population-weighted number of animals) and their population attributable fractions were determined using a Poisson regression model with a log-link function fitted using integrated nested Laplace approximation. The analyses were performed for different hexagonal sizes (90, 50, 25 and 10 km<sup>2</sup>) and accounted for geographical coverage of the diagnostic laboratory catchment areas. Moreover, serological data were used to look into the possible effects of acquired immunity due to repeated exposure to the pathogen through the environment that would potentially hinder the analyses based on the incidence of reported cases. A linear mixed-effects model was then fitted where the postal code areas were included as a random effect. Livestock was not consistently significantly associated with acquiring salmonellosis or campylobacteriosis in the Netherlands.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Results showed that living in livestock-rich areas in the Netherlands is not a consistently significant, spatially restricted risk factor for acquiring salmonellosis or campylobacteriosis, thereby supporting current knowledge that human infections with <i>Salmonella</i> and <i>Campylobacter</i> are mainly foodborne.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":24025,"journal":{"name":"Zoonoses and Public Health","volume":"71 8","pages":"876-899"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-07-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/zph.13170","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141761362","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Setyo Yudhanto, Jennifer M. Reinhart, Clarissa Pimentel de Souza, Alexandria Gochenauer, William E. Sander, Chien-Che Hung, Carol W. Maddox, Csaba Varga
Aims
Judicious antimicrobial use in companion animal practice is critical for maintaining the effectiveness of antimicrobial agents against bacterial infections and reducing the selection of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. This study aimed to provide insights into companion animal veterinarians' antimicrobial treatment recommendations for common bacterial infections in dogs and cats and describe the factors influencing their prescription choices.
Methods and Results
An online survey using QualtricsXM® software was administered between September and November 2022 to companion animal veterinarians who were Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association members. Descriptive and text analyses were conducted to assess the participants' responses. A total of 78 surveys were included in the analysis. Skin infections were ranked as the most common bacterial infections for which veterinarians prescribed antimicrobial agents, followed by ear, urinary tract, respiratory, and enteric infections. The severity of clinical symptoms and the results of bacterial culture and susceptibility tests were the most influential factors for veterinarians when making antimicrobial prescription choices. Veterinarians were aware of the current antimicrobial prescription guideline recommendations when prescribing antimicrobials empirically to nine hypothetical scenarios of bacterial infections. According to the results of the text analysis that assessed veterinarians' responses to an open-ended question, regarding their challenges when prescribing antimicrobial agents, the pairwise correlation of word frequencies within each response showed the highest correlations between the words ‘owner’ and ‘compliance’, ‘administration’ and ‘route’, ‘cost’ and ‘culture’, and ‘patients’ and ‘acceptance’.
Conclusions
The study results can support animal health stakeholders in the development of antimicrobial stewardship programmes to promote appropriate antimicrobial use and limit the emergence of antimicrobial resistance.
{"title":"Assessing Illinois companion animal veterinarians' antimicrobial prescription practices and the factors that influence their decisions when treating bacterial infections in dogs and cats","authors":"Setyo Yudhanto, Jennifer M. Reinhart, Clarissa Pimentel de Souza, Alexandria Gochenauer, William E. Sander, Chien-Che Hung, Carol W. Maddox, Csaba Varga","doi":"10.1111/zph.13172","DOIUrl":"10.1111/zph.13172","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Aims</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Judicious antimicrobial use in companion animal practice is critical for maintaining the effectiveness of antimicrobial agents against bacterial infections and reducing the selection of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. This study aimed to provide insights into companion animal veterinarians' antimicrobial treatment recommendations for common bacterial infections in dogs and cats and describe the factors influencing their prescription choices.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods and Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>An online survey using QualtricsXM® software was administered between September and November 2022 to companion animal veterinarians who were Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association members. Descriptive and text analyses were conducted to assess the participants' responses. A total of 78 surveys were included in the analysis. Skin infections were ranked as the most common bacterial infections for which veterinarians prescribed antimicrobial agents, followed by ear, urinary tract, respiratory, and enteric infections. The severity of clinical symptoms and the results of bacterial culture and susceptibility tests were the most influential factors for veterinarians when making antimicrobial prescription choices. Veterinarians were aware of the current antimicrobial prescription guideline recommendations when prescribing antimicrobials empirically to nine hypothetical scenarios of bacterial infections. According to the results of the text analysis that assessed veterinarians' responses to an open-ended question, regarding their challenges when prescribing antimicrobial agents, the pairwise correlation of word frequencies within each response showed the highest correlations between the words ‘owner’ and ‘compliance’, ‘administration’ and ‘route’, ‘cost’ and ‘culture’, and ‘patients’ and ‘acceptance’.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The study results can support animal health stakeholders in the development of antimicrobial stewardship programmes to promote appropriate antimicrobial use and limit the emergence of antimicrobial resistance.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":24025,"journal":{"name":"Zoonoses and Public Health","volume":"71 8","pages":"911-924"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-07-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/zph.13172","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141752961","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mariana Tibúrcio Santos, Luiz Fernando de Jesus Nascimento, Ana Andrea Teixeira Barbosa, Maira Pompeu Martins, Gabriel Isaias Lee Tunon, Patrícia Oliveira Meira Santos, Filipe Dantas-Torres, Silvio Santana Dolabella
Introduction
Sporotrichosis is a subcutaneous mycosis caused by different species of thermodimorphic fungi belonging to the genus Sporothrix. These fungi may affect a wide range of warm-blooded animals, including humans, dogs and, mainly, cats.
Methods
In this article, we conducted a narrative literature review about the status of feline and cat-transmitted sporotrichosis in Latin American countries, with emphasis on Brazil.
Results
From a global perspective, Latin America is one of the main foci of human and feline sporotrichosis. In humans, the disease has been reported in several countries, with endemic transmission occurring in Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico and Uruguay. Sporothrix brasiliensis is the most common species identified in human cases in Brazil, whereas Sporothrix schenckii predominates in other countries.
Conclusion
Domestic cats are the main source of infection in the zoonotic transmission cycle of sporotrichosis in Latin America. Cases of feline sporotrichosis have been reported in several countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay and Peru.
{"title":"The rising incidence of feline and cat-transmitted sporotrichosis in Latin America","authors":"Mariana Tibúrcio Santos, Luiz Fernando de Jesus Nascimento, Ana Andrea Teixeira Barbosa, Maira Pompeu Martins, Gabriel Isaias Lee Tunon, Patrícia Oliveira Meira Santos, Filipe Dantas-Torres, Silvio Santana Dolabella","doi":"10.1111/zph.13169","DOIUrl":"10.1111/zph.13169","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Sporotrichosis is a subcutaneous mycosis caused by different species of thermodimorphic fungi belonging to the genus <i>Sporothrix</i>. These fungi may affect a wide range of warm-blooded animals, including humans, dogs and, mainly, cats.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>In this article, we conducted a narrative literature review about the status of feline and cat-transmitted sporotrichosis in Latin American countries, with emphasis on Brazil.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>From a global perspective, Latin America is one of the main foci of human and feline sporotrichosis. In humans, the disease has been reported in several countries, with endemic transmission occurring in Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico and Uruguay. <i>Sporothrix brasiliensis</i> is the most common species identified in human cases in Brazil, whereas <i>Sporothrix schenckii</i> predominates in other countries.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Domestic cats are the main source of infection in the zoonotic transmission cycle of sporotrichosis in Latin America. Cases of feline sporotrichosis have been reported in several countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay and Peru.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":24025,"journal":{"name":"Zoonoses and Public Health","volume":"71 6","pages":"609-619"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-07-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141752992","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Carlos Sacristán, Antonio Rodríguez, Irene Iglesias, Ana de la Torre
Aims
Campylobacteriosis, caused by Campylobacter spp., is one of the most important foodborne zoonotic diseases in the world and a common cause of gastroenteritis. In the European Union, campylobacteriosis is considered the most common zoonotic disease, with over 10,000 cases in 2020 alone. This high occurrence highlights the need of more efficient surveillance methods and identification of key points.
Methods and Results
Herein, we evaluated and identified key points of Campylobacter spp. occurrence along the Spanish food chain during 2015–2020, based on the following variables: product, stage and region. We analysed a dataset provided by the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition using a machine learning algorithm (random forests). Campylobacter presence was influenced by the three selected explanatory variables, especially by product, followed by region and stage. Among the studied products, meat, especially poultry and sheep, presented the highest probability of occurrence of Campylobacter, where the bacterium was present in the initial, intermediate and final stages (e.g., wholesale, retail) of the food chain. The presence in final stages may represent direct consumer exposure to the bacteria.
Conclussions
By using the random forest method, this study contributes to the identification of Campylobacter key points and the evaluation of control efforts in the Spanish food chain.
{"title":"Campylobacter assessment along the Spanish food chain: Identification of key points","authors":"Carlos Sacristán, Antonio Rodríguez, Irene Iglesias, Ana de la Torre","doi":"10.1111/zph.13165","DOIUrl":"10.1111/zph.13165","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Aims</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Campylobacteriosis, caused by <i>Campylobacter</i> spp., is one of the most important foodborne zoonotic diseases in the world and a common cause of gastroenteritis. In the European Union, campylobacteriosis is considered the most common zoonotic disease, with over 10,000 cases in 2020 alone. This high occurrence highlights the need of more efficient surveillance methods and identification of key points.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods and Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Herein, we evaluated and identified key points of <i>Campylobacter</i> spp. occurrence along the Spanish food chain during 2015–2020, based on the following variables: product, stage and region. We analysed a dataset provided by the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition using a machine learning algorithm (random forests). <i>Campylobacter</i> presence was influenced by the three selected explanatory variables, especially by product, followed by region and stage. Among the studied products, meat, especially poultry and sheep, presented the highest probability of occurrence of <i>Campylobacter</i>, where the bacterium was present in the initial, intermediate and final stages (e.g., wholesale, retail) of the food chain. The presence in final stages may represent direct consumer exposure to the bacteria.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclussions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>By using the random forest method, this study contributes to the identification of <i>Campylobacter</i> key points and the evaluation of control efforts in the Spanish food chain.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":24025,"journal":{"name":"Zoonoses and Public Health","volume":"71 6","pages":"755-762"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-07-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/zph.13165","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141564701","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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