Adeline Huneau-Salaün, Sophie Le Bouquin, Marianne Chemaly
Introduction
Salmonellosis is the second leading foodborne illness in the European Union. Eggs are still an important source of Salmonella despite an EU-harmonised control programme in laying hen flocks. The objective of our study was to identify the characteristics related to poultry house (location, type of housing system) and sampling (sampler, type and number of samples, date) associated with the detection of Salmonella target serovars (STS) in France (S. enteritidis, S. typhimurium, three monophasic variants of S. typhimurium and S. Kentucky).
Methods
For the first time since the implementation of the EU target prevalence in 2010, we compiled the results of bacteriological detection of Salmonella in French laying hen flocks (108,718 sampling events carried out in 4744 poultry houses). The risk of STS detection was modelled using a mixed logistic regression model taking into account repeated sampling at the poultry house level.
Results
An STS was isolated from 737 sampling events (0.68%). Caged flocks had a higher risk (odds ratio (OR) = 1.6, 95% confidence interval [1.2–2.0]) of testing positive compared with on-floor, organic or free-range flocks. The risk of detecting STS was higher when sampling was carried out by the competent authority (CA) (OR = 2.62, [2.2–3.1]) relative to food business operators (FBO), in relation to the risk-based sampling strategy used by the CA. A higher risk of STS detection was associated with taking six samples or more per sampling (OR = 2.8 [2.0–4.0]). A spatial gradient of risk was also described, running from the north-west to the south-east regions of France, in addition to seasonal (third quarter of the year: 2.8 [2.2–3.5], fourth quarter: 2.4 [1.9–3.0], relative to the first quarter) and annual effects (2016: 1.7 [1.2–2.5], 2020: 2.1 [1.5–2.9], 2021: 2.0 [1.4–2.8], relative to 2013).
Conclusions
Our findings are of interest for improving sampling protocols for Salmonella detection in laying hen farms.
{"title":"Salmonella Control Programme in France: Factors Influencing the Detection of Salmonella in Laying Hen Flocks From 2013 to 2021","authors":"Adeline Huneau-Salaün, Sophie Le Bouquin, Marianne Chemaly","doi":"10.1111/zph.70001","DOIUrl":"10.1111/zph.70001","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Salmonellosis is the second leading foodborne illness in the European Union. Eggs are still an important source of <i>Salmonella</i> despite an EU-harmonised control programme in laying hen flocks. The objective of our study was to identify the characteristics related to poultry house (location, type of housing system) and sampling (sampler, type and number of samples, date) associated with the detection of <i>Salmonella</i> target serovars (STS) in France (<i>S. enteritidis</i>, <i>S. typhimurium</i>, three monophasic variants of <i>S. typhimurium</i> and <i>S</i>. Kentucky).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>For the first time since the implementation of the EU target prevalence in 2010, we compiled the results of bacteriological detection of <i>Salmonella</i> in French laying hen flocks (108,718 sampling events carried out in 4744 poultry houses). The risk of STS detection was modelled using a mixed logistic regression model taking into account repeated sampling at the poultry house level.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>An STS was isolated from 737 sampling events (0.68%). Caged flocks had a higher risk (odds ratio (OR) = 1.6, 95% confidence interval [1.2–2.0]) of testing positive compared with on-floor, organic or free-range flocks. The risk of detecting STS was higher when sampling was carried out by the competent authority (CA) (OR = 2.62, [2.2–3.1]) relative to food business operators (FBO), in relation to the risk-based sampling strategy used by the CA. A higher risk of STS detection was associated with taking six samples or more per sampling (OR = 2.8 [2.0–4.0]). A spatial gradient of risk was also described, running from the north-west to the south-east regions of France, in addition to seasonal (third quarter of the year: 2.8 [2.2–3.5], fourth quarter: 2.4 [1.9–3.0], relative to the first quarter) and annual effects (2016: 1.7 [1.2–2.5], 2020: 2.1 [1.5–2.9], 2021: 2.0 [1.4–2.8], relative to 2013).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Our findings are of interest for improving sampling protocols for <i>Salmonella</i> detection in laying hen farms.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":24025,"journal":{"name":"Zoonoses and Public Health","volume":"72 7","pages":"628-636"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-07-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/zph.70001","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144650739","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}
Human brucellosis (HB) has re-emerged as a critical public health threat in China, necessitating robust forecasting tools for early intervention. This study evaluates the seasonal autoregressive fractionally integrated moving average (SARFIMA) model's performance in predicting HB epidemics, comparing it with the widely used seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA).
Methods
Monthly HB morbidity data from January 2012 to May 2023 in Henan were collected retrospectively and divided into training (January 2012 to December 2021) and testing (January 2022 to May 2023) segments to evaluate the predictive ability of SARFIMA, comparing it with the seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA). Sensitivity and secondary analyses were also conducted using HB incidence data in different periods in Henan and mainland China to confirm the predictive robustness.
Results
HB incidence exhibited marked seasonality (peaks: May–June; troughs: December–January) and surged post-2018 (annual increase: 34.9%). The analysis identified distinct SARIMA and SARFIMA configurations for different prediction horizons in Henan. 17-step forecasts required autoregressive components with seasonal differencing, while 5-step predictions benefited from moving average terms. The SARFIMA models consistently exhibited fractional differencing parameters (0.329–0.487), indicating persistent temporal dependencies in the data structure. Although the SARFIMA produced smaller forecast errors than the best SARIMA in both horizons, the forecast errors were still large, and the prediction intervals of the SARFIMA were wider than those of the SARIMA. Further cross-validation and secondary analysis also showed that SARFIMA outperformed SARIMA in assessing HB epidemics.
Conclusions
SARFIMA marginally improves HB forecasting accuracy over SARIMA by addressing long-range dependence, but prediction reliability remains limited. Hybrid models integrating environmental/livestock data are recommended. Escalating HB incidence underscores urgent needs for livestock vaccination, public education on unpasteurized dairy risks, and real-time surveillance to mitigate zoonotic transmission in high-risk regions.
{"title":"Use of a Seasonal Autoregressive Fractionally Integrated Moving Average Model for the Time Series Analysis of Human Brucellosis","authors":"Yongbin Wang, Yifang Liang, Chenlu Xue, Bingjie Zhang, Peiping Zhou, Yanyan Li, Xinxiao Li, Chunjie Xu","doi":"10.1111/zph.13229","DOIUrl":"10.1111/zph.13229","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Human brucellosis (HB) has re-emerged as a critical public health threat in China, necessitating robust forecasting tools for early intervention. This study evaluates the seasonal autoregressive fractionally integrated moving average (SARFIMA) model's performance in predicting HB epidemics, comparing it with the widely used seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Monthly HB morbidity data from January 2012 to May 2023 in Henan were collected retrospectively and divided into training (January 2012 to December 2021) and testing (January 2022 to May 2023) segments to evaluate the predictive ability of SARFIMA, comparing it with the seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA). Sensitivity and secondary analyses were also conducted using HB incidence data in different periods in Henan and mainland China to confirm the predictive robustness.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>HB incidence exhibited marked seasonality (peaks: May–June; troughs: December–January) and surged post-2018 (annual increase: 34.9%). The analysis identified distinct SARIMA and SARFIMA configurations for different prediction horizons in Henan. 17-step forecasts required autoregressive components with seasonal differencing, while 5-step predictions benefited from moving average terms. The SARFIMA models consistently exhibited fractional differencing parameters (0.329–0.487), indicating persistent temporal dependencies in the data structure. Although the SARFIMA produced smaller forecast errors than the best SARIMA in both horizons, the forecast errors were still large, and the prediction intervals of the SARFIMA were wider than those of the SARIMA. Further cross-validation and secondary analysis also showed that SARFIMA outperformed SARIMA in assessing HB epidemics.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>SARFIMA marginally improves HB forecasting accuracy over SARIMA by addressing long-range dependence, but prediction reliability remains limited. Hybrid models integrating environmental/livestock data are recommended. Escalating HB incidence underscores urgent needs for livestock vaccination, public education on unpasteurized dairy risks, and real-time surveillance to mitigate zoonotic transmission in high-risk regions.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":24025,"journal":{"name":"Zoonoses and Public Health","volume":"72 6","pages":"534-543"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-06-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144486214","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}
Patience John, Csaba Varga, Martin Cooke, Shannon E. Majowicz
Introduction
Campylobacter spp. and non-typhoidal Salmonella spp. (NTS) are major causes of enteric diseases in Ontario, Canada and worldwide. Although low socioeconomic status is generally associated with poor health outcomes, its relationship with enteric diseases in Ontario is not well known. We investigated area-level socioeconomic risk factors for reported enteric infections caused by Campylobacter spp. and NTS, commonly transmitted by food in Ontario, Canada, between 2015 and 2017.
Methods
Using negative binomial regression models, we examined the association between age- and sex-adjusted incidence rates (IRs) of laboratory-confirmed cases of Campylobacter spp. and NTS (aggregated to the forward sortation area [FSA] level), and FSA-level socioeconomic factors (median household income; percent population with bachelor's degree or higher; unemployment rate; and percent visible minorities, Indigenous peoples [as defined by Statistics Canada], total immigrants, recent immigrants and lone-parent families), adjusting for the population of the FSA from the 2016 Census.
Results
After controlling for the other variables in the final multivariable models, an increase in the percentage of the population with a bachelor's degree or higher and in the percentage of total immigrants in an FSA significantly increased the IRs of Campylobacter infections, while an increase in the median income and the percentage of total immigrants in an FSA increased the IRs of NTS infections.
Conclusions
Results from our study may inform public health interventions to reduce the rate of infections, for example, via food safety supports relevant to communities with larger numbers of Canadian immigrants. Further individual-level investigations of the socioeconomic factors identified in this study are needed. Also, future studies should assess the mechanisms through which socioeconomic risk factors affect infection rates in different communities.
{"title":"Socioeconomic Determinants of Campylobacter spp. and Non-Typhoidal Salmonella spp. Infections in Ontario, Canada, 2015–2017: An Ecological Study","authors":"Patience John, Csaba Varga, Martin Cooke, Shannon E. Majowicz","doi":"10.1111/zph.70000","DOIUrl":"10.1111/zph.70000","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>\u0000 <i>Campylobacter</i> spp. and non-typhoidal <i>Salmonella</i> spp. (NTS) are major causes of enteric diseases in Ontario, Canada and worldwide. Although low socioeconomic status is generally associated with poor health outcomes, its relationship with enteric diseases in Ontario is not well known. We investigated area-level socioeconomic risk factors for reported enteric infections caused by <i>Campylobacter</i> spp. and NTS, commonly transmitted by food in Ontario, Canada, between 2015 and 2017.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Using negative binomial regression models, we examined the association between age- and sex-adjusted incidence rates (IRs) of laboratory-confirmed cases of <i>Campylobacter</i> spp. and NTS (aggregated to the forward sortation area [FSA] level), and FSA-level socioeconomic factors (median household income; percent population with bachelor's degree or higher; unemployment rate; and percent visible minorities, Indigenous peoples [as defined by Statistics Canada], total immigrants, recent immigrants and lone-parent families), adjusting for the population of the FSA from the 2016 Census.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>After controlling for the other variables in the final multivariable models, an increase in the percentage of the population with a bachelor's degree or higher and in the percentage of total immigrants in an FSA significantly increased the IRs of <i>Campylobacter</i> infections, while an increase in the median income and the percentage of total immigrants in an FSA increased the IRs of NTS infections.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Results from our study may inform public health interventions to reduce the rate of infections, for example, via food safety supports relevant to communities with larger numbers of Canadian immigrants. Further individual-level investigations of the socioeconomic factors identified in this study are needed. Also, future studies should assess the mechanisms through which socioeconomic risk factors affect infection rates in different communities.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":24025,"journal":{"name":"Zoonoses and Public Health","volume":"72 6","pages":"523-533"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-06-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/zph.70000","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144340481","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}
Emma C. Hobbs, Bridgette McNamara, Sarah Hayman, Kim Blasdell, Eugene Athan, Daniel P. O'Brien, Michael Muleme
Zoonotic diseases inflict substantial burdens on human and animal populations worldwide, and many of these infections are bacterial. An Australian study investigating environmental risk factors for Buruli ulcer in humans detected the causative agent, Mycobacterium ulcerans , in the faeces of wild foxes, a novel finding that suggests foxes may be implicated in the transmission of this zoonotic bacterium. The aim of this scoping review was to systematically search and examine the global data for reports implicating foxes in the transmission of zoonotic bacteria to humans. A pre-tested search strategy was implemented in five bibliographic databases (PubMed, Embase, CAB Abstracts, Cochrane Trials, Google Scholar). Eligible studies presented primary research data about zoonotic bacterial diseases that were confirmed or presumed to have been transmitted via foxes (excluding exclusively blood- or vector-borne bacteria), with no restrictions on geographical setting or publication year. The final dataset included ten primary research articles, with varying study designs, settings, populations and testing methods. The described bacterial zoonoses were anthrax, cutaneous diphtheria, leptospirosis, faecal coliforms including E. coli , tularaemia, yersiniosis, and Buruli ulcer (the study that was the impetus for this scoping review). Fox-human bacterial transmission was confirmed in one human case and considered likely to have occurred in certain high-risk groups in another. The likelihood of fox-human transmission having occurred in the remaining studies was possible (n = 5) or unlikely (n = 3). Identified and hypothesised drivers of fox-human transmission included accidental and occupational factors. Published reports of fox-human transmission of zoonotic bacteria are few, and generally indicative of relatively low risk. However, foxes can transmit zoonotic pathogens including bacteria to humans in a variety of settings, and human-fox encounters are likely to increase with ongoing anthropogenic activities. Further research and public education campaigns would help increase knowledge and awareness of fox-associated zoonoses.
{"title":"The Role of Foxes in Transmitting Zoonotic Bacteria to Humans: A Scoping Review","authors":"Emma C. Hobbs, Bridgette McNamara, Sarah Hayman, Kim Blasdell, Eugene Athan, Daniel P. O'Brien, Michael Muleme","doi":"10.1111/zph.13230","DOIUrl":"10.1111/zph.13230","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Zoonotic diseases inflict substantial burdens on human and animal populations worldwide, and many of these infections are bacterial. An Australian study investigating environmental risk factors for Buruli ulcer in humans detected the causative agent, \u0000 <i>Mycobacterium ulcerans</i>\u0000 , in the faeces of wild foxes, a novel finding that suggests foxes may be implicated in the transmission of this zoonotic bacterium. The aim of this scoping review was to systematically search and examine the global data for reports implicating foxes in the transmission of zoonotic bacteria to humans. A pre-tested search strategy was implemented in five bibliographic databases (PubMed, Embase, CAB Abstracts, Cochrane Trials, Google Scholar). Eligible studies presented primary research data about zoonotic bacterial diseases that were confirmed or presumed to have been transmitted via foxes (excluding exclusively blood- or vector-borne bacteria), with no restrictions on geographical setting or publication year. The final dataset included ten primary research articles, with varying study designs, settings, populations and testing methods. The described bacterial zoonoses were anthrax, cutaneous diphtheria, leptospirosis, faecal coliforms including \u0000 <i>E. coli</i>\u0000 , tularaemia, yersiniosis, and Buruli ulcer (the study that was the impetus for this scoping review). Fox-human bacterial transmission was confirmed in one human case and considered likely to have occurred in certain high-risk groups in another. The likelihood of fox-human transmission having occurred in the remaining studies was possible (<i>n</i> = 5) or unlikely (<i>n</i> = 3). Identified and hypothesised drivers of fox-human transmission included accidental and occupational factors. Published reports of fox-human transmission of zoonotic bacteria are few, and generally indicative of relatively low risk. However, foxes can transmit zoonotic pathogens including bacteria to humans in a variety of settings, and human-fox encounters are likely to increase with ongoing anthropogenic activities. Further research and public education campaigns would help increase knowledge and awareness of fox-associated zoonoses.</p>","PeriodicalId":24025,"journal":{"name":"Zoonoses and Public Health","volume":"72 6","pages":"485-500"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-06-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/zph.13230","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144295066","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}
Neuroangiostrongyliasis, caused by Angiostrongylus cantonensis , is a globally emerging zoonosis, with Spain being the only endemic country in Europe. Human infection occurs through ingestion of gastropods or paratenic hosts carrying third-stage larvae, often leading to eosinophilic meningoencephalitis. Alternative routes such as the ingestion of gastropod mucus or contaminated water have been proposed as potential routes of infection. Young children, particularly those under 5 years old, are at higher risk of neurological complications. This study aimed to assess the risk of neuroangiostrongyliasis transmission in preschool children at an endemic site in Mallorca through a micro-epidemiological approach.
Methods
Gastropods from an area where an infected rat was detected were identified and screened for A. cantonensis , with parasitic loads quantified via qPCR. Positive samples were digested to confirm the presence of L3. The distribution of infected gastropods was mapped and analysed for spatial clustering. Teacher surveys were conducted to assess exposure risks within the school.
Results
Overall prevalence in gastropods was 7.38%, with only slugs testing positive, showing a higher prevalence (28.2%). Milax nigricans, Deroceras reticulatum and D. panormitanum were confirmed as intermediate hosts, with D. panormitanum representing a new global host record. L3 larvae were observed in the three slug species. Larval loads ranged from 1 to 20,000 L3s. Infected slugs exhibited a clustered distribution near the positive rat location. Despite the limited epidemiological surveillance, teacher surveys revealed that children place gastropods in their mouths during outdoor activities.
Conclusions
Multiple risk factors for neuroangiostrongyliasis were identified in an endemic area of Mallorca. Enhanced surveillance, improved diagnostics, treatment protocols and public health interventions are needed to prevent paediatric infections in Spain.
{"title":"Neuroangiostrongyliasis Infection Risk Near Preschool Centres in Mallorca, Spain: A Pilot Micro-Epidemiological Study","authors":"Sebastià Jaume-Ramis, Phoebe Rivory, Irene Serra Velázquez, Jan Šlapeta, Claudia Paredes-Esquivel","doi":"10.1111/zph.13228","DOIUrl":"10.1111/zph.13228","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Neuroangiostrongyliasis, caused by \u0000 <i>Angiostrongylus cantonensis</i>\u0000 , is a globally emerging zoonosis, with Spain being the only endemic country in Europe. Human infection occurs through ingestion of gastropods or paratenic hosts carrying third-stage larvae, often leading to eosinophilic meningoencephalitis. Alternative routes such as the ingestion of gastropod mucus or contaminated water have been proposed as potential routes of infection. Young children, particularly those under 5 years old, are at higher risk of neurological complications. This study aimed to assess the risk of neuroangiostrongyliasis transmission in preschool children at an endemic site in Mallorca through a micro-epidemiological approach.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Gastropods from an area where an infected rat was detected were identified and screened for \u0000 <i>A. cantonensis</i>\u0000 , with parasitic loads quantified via qPCR. Positive samples were digested to confirm the presence of L3. The distribution of infected gastropods was mapped and analysed for spatial clustering. Teacher surveys were conducted to assess exposure risks within the school.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Overall prevalence in gastropods was 7.38%, with only slugs testing positive, showing a higher prevalence (28.2%). <i>Milax nigricans</i>, \u0000 <i>Deroceras reticulatum</i>\u0000 and \u0000 <i>D. panormitanum</i>\u0000 were confirmed as intermediate hosts, with <i>D</i>. <i>panormitanum</i> representing a new global host record. L3 larvae were observed in the three slug species. Larval loads ranged from 1 to 20,000 L3s. Infected slugs exhibited a clustered distribution near the positive rat location. Despite the limited epidemiological surveillance, teacher surveys revealed that children place gastropods in their mouths during outdoor activities.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Multiple risk factors for neuroangiostrongyliasis were identified in an endemic area of Mallorca. Enhanced surveillance, improved diagnostics, treatment protocols and public health interventions are needed to prevent paediatric infections in Spain.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":24025,"journal":{"name":"Zoonoses and Public Health","volume":"72 6","pages":"515-522"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-06-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/zph.13228","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144209671","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}
Jhih-Rong Liao, Tsung-Yu Ho, Kuei-Min Liao, Wu-Chun Tu, Ying-Hsi Lin
Introduction
Ticks are important vectors of zoonotic diseases, yet their biodiversity and pathogen associations remain understudied in many regions. This study aims to provide a comprehensive survey of tick species and associated pathogens in Taiwanese wildlife to assess their ecological roles and public health implications.
Methods
We conducted a nationwide survey across Taiwan and its affiliated islands, collecting ticks from wildlife hosts and their environments. Morphological and molecular techniques were used to identify tick species and detect tick-borne pathogens, focusing on Rickettsia spp., Ehrlichia spp. and Anaplasma spp. Bayesian phylogenetic analyses were performed to confirm pathogen identities and explore genetic relationships.
Results
We identified 12 tick species and 6 pathogens, including a potential novel Rickettsia species. Haemaphysalis mageshimaensis and Haemaphysalis longicornis were the most abundant, with H. longicornis recorded in Taiwan for the first time. Molecular analysis revealed widespread Rickettsia spp. infections, with detection rates reaching 100% in New Taipei City, Changhua and Yilan, and 83.33% in Lienchiang. No pathogens were detected in counties such as Yunlin, Chiayi and Tainan. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the presence of Rickettsia tamurae , Rickettsia massiliae and Candidatus Rickettsia jingxinensis, as well as a potential novel species closely related to R. conorii subsp. raoultii.
Conclusions
This study highlights the diversity of ticks and tick-borne pathogens in Taiwanese wildlife, underscoring the importance of ongoing surveillance. The first record of H. longicornis and the identification of a novel Rickettsia species demonstrate the urgent need for research on their ecological and zoonotic impact.
{"title":"Comprehensive Survey of Tick Infestations and Pathogen Detection in Taiwanese Wildlife: Uncovering Public Health Risks","authors":"Jhih-Rong Liao, Tsung-Yu Ho, Kuei-Min Liao, Wu-Chun Tu, Ying-Hsi Lin","doi":"10.1111/zph.13227","DOIUrl":"10.1111/zph.13227","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Ticks are important vectors of zoonotic diseases, yet their biodiversity and pathogen associations remain understudied in many regions. This study aims to provide a comprehensive survey of tick species and associated pathogens in Taiwanese wildlife to assess their ecological roles and public health implications.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We conducted a nationwide survey across Taiwan and its affiliated islands, collecting ticks from wildlife hosts and their environments. Morphological and molecular techniques were used to identify tick species and detect tick-borne pathogens, focusing on <i>Rickettsia</i> spp., <i>Ehrlichia</i> spp. and <i>Anaplasma</i> spp. Bayesian phylogenetic analyses were performed to confirm pathogen identities and explore genetic relationships.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We identified 12 tick species and 6 pathogens, including a potential novel Rickettsia species. \u0000 <i>Haemaphysalis mageshimaensis</i>\u0000 and \u0000 <i>Haemaphysalis longicornis</i>\u0000 were the most abundant, with \u0000 <i>H. longicornis</i>\u0000 recorded in Taiwan for the first time. Molecular analysis revealed widespread <i>Rickettsia</i> spp. infections, with detection rates reaching 100% in New Taipei City, Changhua and Yilan, and 83.33% in Lienchiang. No pathogens were detected in counties such as Yunlin, Chiayi and Tainan. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the presence of \u0000 <i>Rickettsia tamurae</i>\u0000 , \u0000 <i>Rickettsia massiliae</i>\u0000 and <i>Candidatus Rickettsia jingxinensis</i>, as well as a potential novel species closely related to \u0000 <i>R. conorii</i>\u0000 subsp. <i>raoultii</i>.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This study highlights the diversity of ticks and tick-borne pathogens in Taiwanese wildlife, underscoring the importance of ongoing surveillance. The first record of \u0000 <i>H. longicornis</i>\u0000 and the identification of a novel <i>Rickettsia</i> species demonstrate the urgent need for research on their ecological and zoonotic impact.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":24025,"journal":{"name":"Zoonoses and Public Health","volume":"72 6","pages":"501-514"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-06-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144209670","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}
Alistair Antonopoulos, Alessio Giannelli, Eric R. Morgan, Johannes Charlier
Introduction
Toxocariasis is a neglected zoonosis caused by ascarid nematodes of canids and felids. It is a global problem, affecting individuals in high, low, and middle-income countries. The burden of disease has previously been estimated at > 90,000 DALYs lost per year due to toxocariasis, and $2.5 billion annually in economic impact. Transmission of toxocariasis depends on interactions and contact between humans and the definitive animal hosts, mediated by environmental contamination with long-lived parasite eggs. This can complicate control measures, requiring the adoption of a One Health approach. Within this context, dynamic models of transmission can have an important role to play in improving our understanding of disease transmission and can serve as effective tools to aid in the development of control strategies.
Methods
In this study, we develop a modified dynamic compartmental model for the zoonotic transmission of toxocariasis from dogs and cats. We further incorporate stochasticity into the model to account for existing uncertainties related to the proportion of seroprevalent individuals who exhibit symptoms of the infection.
Results
We initially use the model to estimate region-specific transmission rates from dogs and cats to humans by iterative model fitting to existing estimates of seroprevalence across a selection of countries. We then examined the performance of the model in estimating the number of human exposures and symptomatic cases of toxocariasis and found a good level of concordance between the model predictions and estimates from previous work. Finally, we use the model to estimate the potential disease burden and economic impact across a range of countries, with the potential for more realistic estimates in countries that may have underestimates for seroprevalence.
Conclusions
We described the first zoonotic transmission model of toxocariasis, which can serve as a foundational tool for testing public veterinary health interventions to reduce the burden of toxocariasis. This model represents an important first step to improving One Health control for this disease.
{"title":"Development of a Dynamic Stochastic Compartmental Model of Zoonotic Toxocariasis Transmission","authors":"Alistair Antonopoulos, Alessio Giannelli, Eric R. Morgan, Johannes Charlier","doi":"10.1111/zph.13226","DOIUrl":"10.1111/zph.13226","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Toxocariasis is a neglected zoonosis caused by ascarid nematodes of canids and felids. It is a global problem, affecting individuals in high, low, and middle-income countries. The burden of disease has previously been estimated at > 90,000 DALYs lost per year due to toxocariasis, and $2.5 billion annually in economic impact. Transmission of toxocariasis depends on interactions and contact between humans and the definitive animal hosts, mediated by environmental contamination with long-lived parasite eggs. This can complicate control measures, requiring the adoption of a One Health approach. Within this context, dynamic models of transmission can have an important role to play in improving our understanding of disease transmission and can serve as effective tools to aid in the development of control strategies.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>In this study, we develop a modified dynamic compartmental model for the zoonotic transmission of toxocariasis from dogs and cats. We further incorporate stochasticity into the model to account for existing uncertainties related to the proportion of seroprevalent individuals who exhibit symptoms of the infection.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We initially use the model to estimate region-specific transmission rates from dogs and cats to humans by iterative model fitting to existing estimates of seroprevalence across a selection of countries. We then examined the performance of the model in estimating the number of human exposures and symptomatic cases of toxocariasis and found a good level of concordance between the model predictions and estimates from previous work. Finally, we use the model to estimate the potential disease burden and economic impact across a range of countries, with the potential for more realistic estimates in countries that may have underestimates for seroprevalence.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We described the first zoonotic transmission model of toxocariasis, which can serve as a foundational tool for testing public veterinary health interventions to reduce the burden of toxocariasis. This model represents an important first step to improving One Health control for this disease.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":24025,"journal":{"name":"Zoonoses and Public Health","volume":"72 5","pages":"465-477"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144192347","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}
Catherine R. Belanger, Maureen E. C. Anderson, J. Scott Weese, Kelsey L. Spence, Katie M. Clow
Introduction
Vaccinating dogs against rabies virus is essential for protecting animal and public health. Most dogs imported into Canada must have a valid rabies vaccination certificate but do not require serological testing to confirm response to vaccination. The objective of this study was to determine the proportion of dogs with rabies antibody titres below 0.5 IU/mL in a sample of imported dogs with rabies certificates, compared to rabies antibody titres in nonimported dogs in Ontario, Canada.
Methods
Serum was collected from a convenience sample of dogs imported via rescues to Ontario, within a month of arrival and before revaccination with rabies in Canada. Rabies antibody titres were measured using the rapid fluorescent foci inhibition test (RFFIT) at Kansas State University's Rabies Laboratory. Univariable logistic analysis examined demographic, vaccine and country of origin factors associated with achieving a titre of at least 0.5 IU/mL. Rabies antibody titres from nonimported dogs were obtained from the University of Guelph's Animal Health Laboratory records. Dogs tested between 2013 and 2023, using either the RFFIT or fluorescent antibody virus neutralisation (FAVN) test, were included.
Results
From October 2021 to November 2022, serum was collected from 67 dogs arriving mainly from Egypt (n = 46). In total, 48% (32/67) of these dogs had titres below 0.5 IU/mL, and this included 19 dogs that had no measurable titre. No examined factors were significantly associated with the outcome. Of the 65 nonimported dogs, 14% (9/65) had titres below 0.5 IU/mL.
Conclusions
Rabies titres of many imported dogs were below the international standard for transboundary movement. A high proportion of dogs with unmeasurable antibodies suggests some had not been effectively vaccinated. Veterinarians should be aware of this gap and consider revaccinating imported dogs to protect both animal and public health, and to meet legal requirements of their jurisdiction. Rescues and owners should be informed that documentation does not always guarantee imported dogs have adequately responded to vaccination and to seek veterinary advice.
{"title":"Comparing Rabies Antibody Titres in Imported Dogs to a Population of Dogs in Ontario, Canada","authors":"Catherine R. Belanger, Maureen E. C. Anderson, J. Scott Weese, Kelsey L. Spence, Katie M. Clow","doi":"10.1111/zph.13225","DOIUrl":"10.1111/zph.13225","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Vaccinating dogs against rabies virus is essential for protecting animal and public health. Most dogs imported into Canada must have a valid rabies vaccination certificate but do not require serological testing to confirm response to vaccination. The objective of this study was to determine the proportion of dogs with rabies antibody titres below 0.5 IU/mL in a sample of imported dogs with rabies certificates, compared to rabies antibody titres in nonimported dogs in Ontario, Canada.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Serum was collected from a convenience sample of dogs imported via rescues to Ontario, within a month of arrival and before revaccination with rabies in Canada. Rabies antibody titres were measured using the rapid fluorescent foci inhibition test (RFFIT) at Kansas State University's Rabies Laboratory. Univariable logistic analysis examined demographic, vaccine and country of origin factors associated with achieving a titre of at least 0.5 IU/mL. Rabies antibody titres from nonimported dogs were obtained from the University of Guelph's Animal Health Laboratory records. Dogs tested between 2013 and 2023, using either the RFFIT or fluorescent antibody virus neutralisation (FAVN) test, were included.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>From October 2021 to November 2022, serum was collected from 67 dogs arriving mainly from Egypt (<i>n</i> = 46). In total, 48% (32/67) of these dogs had titres below 0.5 IU/mL, and this included 19 dogs that had no measurable titre. No examined factors were significantly associated with the outcome. Of the 65 nonimported dogs, 14% (9/65) had titres below 0.5 IU/mL.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Rabies titres of many imported dogs were below the international standard for transboundary movement. A high proportion of dogs with unmeasurable antibodies suggests some had not been effectively vaccinated. Veterinarians should be aware of this gap and consider revaccinating imported dogs to protect both animal and public health, and to meet legal requirements of their jurisdiction. Rescues and owners should be informed that documentation does not always guarantee imported dogs have adequately responded to vaccination and to seek veterinary advice.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":24025,"journal":{"name":"Zoonoses and Public Health","volume":"72 7","pages":"620-627"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-05-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/zph.13225","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144049204","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}
Chavin Leelapsawas, Rungtip Chuanchuen, Parinya Sroithongkham, Vincent Perreten, Pattrarat Chanchaithong
Introduction
Carbapenemase-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CP-Pa) has emerged as a significant clinical and public health concern due to its ability to limit treatment options with last-resort antimicrobials. This study aims to characterise novel class 1 integron (Int1) structures containing blaVIM-2 and blaIMP-1 in high-risk CP-Pa sequence type (ST) 235 and ST654 strains from dogs and cats and illustrate the genetic relatedness between CP-Pa strains from animal and human origins.
Methods and Results
Of the four CP-Pa strains, whole-genome sequencing and analysis revealed that three strains belonged to ST235/O11/exoU+/exoS-, with two strains harbouring blaVIM-2, and one strain harbouring blaIMP-1. The remaining strain was characterised as ST654/O4/exoU-/exoS+ and harboured blaVIM-2. Core-genome single nucleotide polymorphism-based phylogeny illustrated genetic relationships between animal and human high-risk CP-Pa ST235/O11 and ST654/O4 strains within the same STs. Three novel Int1 gene cassette arrays were identified in the canine and feline CP-Pa strains in this study. The novel ~6.2-kb blaVIM-2-containing Int1[Pae-CUVET21-397] and Int1[Pae-CUVET23-830] (intI1-aadB-blaVIM-2-aadB-cmlA6-qacE∆1-folP) formed a complex Int1 located in an integrative and conjugative element of two feline CP-Pa ST235 strains. The canine CP-Pa ST235 strain CUVET20-956 contained a novel ~5.8-kb blaIMP-1-containing Int1[Pae-CUVET20-956] (intI1-blaIMP-1-aacA4-aacA4-IS1595-qacE∆1-sul1). The CP-Pa ST654 strain CUVET18-860 contained In1206 encoding blaVIM-2 and a novel ~5.9-kb Int1[Pae-CUVET18-860] (∆intI1-blaVEB-1-aadB-qnrVC1-aacA4-blaOXA-10-aadA1-dfrA14) encoding multidrug resistance (MDR). Additionally, In51-containing Tn6162 inserted in genomic island 1 was identified in all CP-Pa ST235 strains.
Conclusions
The novel Int1s encoding metallo-β-lactamases and MDR in canine and feline CP-Pa play a crucial role in the development of resistance to multiple antimicrobials and last-resort carbapenems in P. aeruginosa ST235 and ST654 strains of veterinary and public health importance, posing possible zoonotic and anthroponotic transmission of the high-
{"title":"Novel Class 1 Integron Structures in High-Risk Metallo-β-Lactamase-Producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa ST235 and ST654 From Companion Animals","authors":"Chavin Leelapsawas, Rungtip Chuanchuen, Parinya Sroithongkham, Vincent Perreten, Pattrarat Chanchaithong","doi":"10.1111/zph.13224","DOIUrl":"10.1111/zph.13224","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Carbapenemase-producing <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> (CP-<i>Pa</i>) has emerged as a significant clinical and public health concern due to its ability to limit treatment options with last-resort antimicrobials. This study aims to characterise novel class 1 integron (Int1) structures containing <i>bla</i><sub>VIM-2</sub> and <i>bla</i><sub>IMP-1</sub> in high-risk CP-<i>Pa</i> sequence type (ST) 235 and ST654 strains from dogs and cats and illustrate the genetic relatedness between CP-<i>Pa</i> strains from animal and human origins.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods and Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Of the four CP-<i>Pa</i> strains, whole-genome sequencing and analysis revealed that three strains belonged to ST235/O11/<i>exoU+</i>/<i>exoS-</i>, with two strains harbouring <i>bla</i><sub>VIM-2</sub>, and one strain harbouring <i>bla</i><sub>IMP-1</sub>. The remaining strain was characterised as ST654/O4/<i>exoU-</i>/<i>exoS+</i> and harboured <i>bla</i><sub>VIM-2</sub>. Core-genome single nucleotide polymorphism-based phylogeny illustrated genetic relationships between animal and human high-risk CP-<i>Pa</i> ST235/O11 and ST654/O4 strains within the same STs. Three novel Int1 gene cassette arrays were identified in the canine and feline CP-<i>Pa</i> strains in this study. The novel ~6.2-kb <i>bla</i><sub>VIM-2</sub>-containing Int1[Pae-CUVET21-397] and Int1[Pae-CUVET23-830] (<i>intI1</i>-<i>aadB</i>-<i>bla</i><sub>VIM-2</sub>-<i>aadB</i>-<i>cmlA6</i>-<i>qacE</i>∆<i>1</i>-<i>folP</i>) formed a complex Int1 located in an integrative and conjugative element of two feline CP-<i>Pa</i> ST235 strains. The canine CP-<i>Pa</i> ST235 strain CUVET20-956 contained a novel ~5.8-kb <i>bla</i><sub>IMP-1</sub>-containing Int1[Pae-CUVET20-956] (<i>intI1</i>-<i>bla</i><sub>IMP-1</sub>-<i>aacA4</i>-<i>aacA4</i>-IS<i>1595</i>-<i>qacE</i>∆<i>1</i>-<i>sul1</i>). The CP-<i>Pa</i> ST654 strain CUVET18-860 contained In<i>1206</i> encoding <i>bla</i><sub>VIM-2</sub> and a novel ~5.9-kb Int1[Pae-CUVET18-860] (∆<i>intI1</i>-<i>bla</i><sub>VEB-1</sub>-<i>aadB</i>-<i>qnrVC1</i>-<i>aacA4</i>-<i>bla</i><sub>OXA-10</sub>-<i>aadA1</i>-<i>dfrA14</i>) encoding multidrug resistance (MDR). Additionally, In<i>51</i>-containing Tn<i>6162</i> inserted in genomic island 1 was identified in all CP-<i>Pa</i> ST235 strains.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The novel Int1s encoding metallo-β-lactamases and MDR in canine and feline CP-<i>Pa</i> play a crucial role in the development of resistance to multiple antimicrobials and last-resort carbapenems in <i>P. aeruginosa</i> ST235 and ST654 strains of veterinary and public health importance, posing possible zoonotic and anthroponotic transmission of the high-","PeriodicalId":24025,"journal":{"name":"Zoonoses and Public Health","volume":"72 5","pages":"453-464"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144001870","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}
Heidi Janssens, Lies Delameillieure, Stijn Jonckheere, Freya Van Houtte, Philip Meuleman, Tom Geens
Introduction
Autochthonous hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in industrialised countries is a zoonosis. Pigs are recognised as the principal reservoir. Consequently, workers in the pig sector may be a high-risk occupational group for HEV infection. The current study aims to investigate whether workers exposed to pigs or pork have a higher seroprevalence of HEV IgG in comparison to a control group.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 92 individuals occupationally exposed to pigs or pork and 217 control subjects outside the pig sector. Socio-demographic variables, information about occupation, and a number of relevant confounding variables (such as eating habits, and history of blood transfusions) were gathered by a questionnaire. Serum samples were tested for anti-HEV IgG antibodies using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
Results
Our study revealed a significantly higher seroprevalence of HEV antibodies in pig workers (32.6%) compared to the control group (9.2%) (p < 0.001). The relation between occupational exposure and HEV seropositivity remained significant in the multiple logistic regression analysis, in which the odds were adjusted for age, gender, and eating habits.
Conclusions
The results from this first HEV IgG serology study in the pig sector in Belgium demonstrate that workers in this sector have a higher risk for HEV infection compared to a population not occupationally exposed to pigs and pork. These findings underscore the need for targeted occupational health interventions, including improved hygiene practices and informing employees with risk profiles, to mitigate the risk of HEV infection among pig workers.
{"title":"Higher Hepatitis E Seroprevalence in Workers in the Pig Sector in Flanders, Belgium: Results From a Seroprevalence Case-Control Study","authors":"Heidi Janssens, Lies Delameillieure, Stijn Jonckheere, Freya Van Houtte, Philip Meuleman, Tom Geens","doi":"10.1111/zph.13223","DOIUrl":"10.1111/zph.13223","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Autochthonous hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in industrialised countries is a zoonosis. Pigs are recognised as the principal reservoir. Consequently, workers in the pig sector may be a high-risk occupational group for HEV infection. The current study aims to investigate whether workers exposed to pigs or pork have a higher seroprevalence of HEV IgG in comparison to a control group.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 92 individuals occupationally exposed to pigs or pork and 217 control subjects outside the pig sector. Socio-demographic variables, information about occupation, and a number of relevant confounding variables (such as eating habits, and history of blood transfusions) were gathered by a questionnaire. Serum samples were tested for anti-HEV IgG antibodies using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Our study revealed a significantly higher seroprevalence of HEV antibodies in pig workers (32.6%) compared to the control group (9.2%) (<i>p</i> < 0.001). The relation between occupational exposure and HEV seropositivity remained significant in the multiple logistic regression analysis, in which the odds were adjusted for age, gender, and eating habits.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The results from this first HEV IgG serology study in the pig sector in Belgium demonstrate that workers in this sector have a higher risk for HEV infection compared to a population not occupationally exposed to pigs and pork. These findings underscore the need for targeted occupational health interventions, including improved hygiene practices and informing employees with risk profiles, to mitigate the risk of HEV infection among pig workers.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":24025,"journal":{"name":"Zoonoses and Public Health","volume":"72 5","pages":"442-452"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144021423","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}
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