Florence Ayral, Julie Botman, Marine Le Guyader, Eve Ramery, Philippe Gourlay
Background
Leptospirosis is a widespread zoonosis caused by bacteria in the genus Leptospira. Basic epidemiological information is crucial to mitigating disease risk but is lacking for leptospirosis; notably, the hosts responsible for maintaining Leptospira remain largely unknown. Frequently observed near human habitations, hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) are taken to wildlife rescue centres when found sick or injured. Thus, they may pose a risk to human and animal health if they carry pathogenic Leptospira.
Aims
This study aimed to describe Leptospira carriage in a hedgehog population and the potential clinical impacts of the infection.
Material and Method
We investigated Leptospira carriage frequency and diversity in urine samples from 69 hedgehogs at a wildlife rescue centre, between April and June 2022. We used quantitative PCR, typing of the 16S rRNA and lfb1 genes, variable number tandem repeat and multispacer sequence typing to characterise Leptospira DNA. An analysis of urinary biochemical parameters was conducted to assess renal function.
Results
We detected Leptospira DNA in 25 (35%) of the urine samples, of which 21 were successfully typed. The latter analysis revealed a limited degree of genetic diversity. L. interrogans (n = 19) predominated, and the only genotype detected was related to the Australis serogroup (n = 17). We also noted the presence of L. borgpetersenii (n = 1) and L. kirschneri (n = 1). There was no relationship between infection status and urinalysis parameters.
Conclusion
These results suggest hedgehogs may act as long-term shedders of Leptospira in natural ecosystems.
{"title":"Chronic Carriage of Leptospira interrogans Genotype Associated With the Australis Serogroup by Naturally-Infected Hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) at a Wildlife Health Centre in Northwestern France","authors":"Florence Ayral, Julie Botman, Marine Le Guyader, Eve Ramery, Philippe Gourlay","doi":"10.1111/zph.13206","DOIUrl":"10.1111/zph.13206","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Leptospirosis is a widespread zoonosis caused by bacteria in the genus <i>Leptospira.</i> Basic epidemiological information is crucial to mitigating disease risk but is lacking for leptospirosis; notably, the hosts responsible for maintaining <i>Leptospira</i> remain largely unknown. Frequently observed near human habitations, hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) are taken to wildlife rescue centres when found sick or injured. Thus, they may pose a risk to human and animal health if they carry pathogenic <i>Leptospira</i>.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Aims</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This study aimed to describe <i>Leptospira</i> carriage in a hedgehog population and the potential clinical impacts of the infection.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Material and Method</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We investigated <i>Leptospira</i> carriage frequency and diversity in urine samples from 69 hedgehogs at a wildlife rescue centre, between April and June 2022. We used quantitative PCR, typing of the <i>16S rRNA</i> and <i>lfb1</i> genes, variable number tandem repeat and multispacer sequence typing to characterise <i>Leptospira</i> DNA. An analysis of urinary biochemical parameters was conducted to assess renal function.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We detected <i>Leptospira</i> DNA in 25 (35%) of the urine samples, of which 21 were successfully typed. The latter analysis revealed a limited degree of genetic diversity. <i>L. interrogan</i>s (<i>n</i> = 19) predominated, and the only genotype detected was related to the Australis serogroup (<i>n</i> = 17). We also noted the presence of <i>L. borgpetersenii</i> (<i>n</i> = 1) and <i>L. kirschneri</i> (<i>n</i> = 1). There was no relationship between infection status and urinalysis parameters.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>These results suggest hedgehogs may act as long-term shedders of <i>Leptospira</i> in natural ecosystems.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":24025,"journal":{"name":"Zoonoses and Public Health","volume":"72 3","pages":"324-329"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/zph.13206","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142967012","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}
Qiyu He, Jingyi Shu, Zhaochao Liang, Manyu Li, Shuangshuang Li, Tianxu Liu, Xinyue Yang, Qinghui Lu, Ling Wang, Lin Wang
Introduction
Laboratory animals are widely used in biomedical research. Surveillance of naturally occurring virus in laboratory animals is important to fully understand the results of animal experiment, control laboratory-acquired infections among research personnel and manage viral transmission within laboratory animal populations. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of multiple RNA viruses in laboratory animals commonly used in China.
Methods
We screened viral RNA for five different potentially zoonotic RNA viruses (astrovirus, coronavirus, hepevirus, hepatovirus and picornavirus) that can be transmitted via the faecal-oral route in 759 faecal samples collected from nine commonly used laboratory animals (mice, rats, monkeys, rabbits, pigs, dogs, ferrets, goats and tree shrews) in China. Viral RNA was screened by broad-spectrum reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using primers annealing in genome-conserved regions. The laboratory mice and rats used in this study were specific-pathogen-free. The other laboratory animals were conventional animals.
Results
At least one selected virus was detected in each of the nine sampled laboratory animal types, except tree shrews. The total positive rates of viral RNA for astroviruses, coronaviruses, hepeviruses and picornaviruses in the selected laboratory animals were 4.3%, 7.6%, 8.0% and 1.1%, respectively. Among these, the positivity rates for hepevirus RNA in laboratory ferrets (41.3%) and rabbits (17.8%), astrovirus RNA in laboratory pigs (75.0%) and coronavirus RNA in laboratory ferrets (45.7%) were relatively high. Viral RNA for hepatovirus was negative in all selected laboratory animals. Co-infection with multiple viruses has also been observed in laboratory dogs, pigs, ferrets and rabbits.
Conclusions
Our findings highlight the need for the surveillance of natural viral infections in laboratory animals.
{"title":"Prevalence of Multiple RNA Virus Infections in Nine Types of Commonly Used Laboratory Animals in China","authors":"Qiyu He, Jingyi Shu, Zhaochao Liang, Manyu Li, Shuangshuang Li, Tianxu Liu, Xinyue Yang, Qinghui Lu, Ling Wang, Lin Wang","doi":"10.1111/zph.13207","DOIUrl":"10.1111/zph.13207","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Laboratory animals are widely used in biomedical research. Surveillance of naturally occurring virus in laboratory animals is important to fully understand the results of animal experiment, control laboratory-acquired infections among research personnel and manage viral transmission within laboratory animal populations. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of multiple RNA viruses in laboratory animals commonly used in China.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We screened viral RNA for five different potentially zoonotic RNA viruses (astrovirus, coronavirus, hepevirus, hepatovirus and picornavirus) that can be transmitted via the faecal-oral route in 759 faecal samples collected from nine commonly used laboratory animals (mice, rats, monkeys, rabbits, pigs, dogs, ferrets, goats and tree shrews) in China. Viral RNA was screened by broad-spectrum reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using primers annealing in genome-conserved regions. The laboratory mice and rats used in this study were specific-pathogen-free. The other laboratory animals were conventional animals.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>At least one selected virus was detected in each of the nine sampled laboratory animal types, except tree shrews. The total positive rates of viral RNA for astroviruses, coronaviruses, hepeviruses and picornaviruses in the selected laboratory animals were 4.3%, 7.6%, 8.0% and 1.1%, respectively. Among these, the positivity rates for hepevirus RNA in laboratory ferrets (41.3%) and rabbits (17.8%), astrovirus RNA in laboratory pigs (75.0%) and coronavirus RNA in laboratory ferrets (45.7%) were relatively high. Viral RNA for hepatovirus was negative in all selected laboratory animals. Co-infection with multiple viruses has also been observed in laboratory dogs, pigs, ferrets and rabbits.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Our findings highlight the need for the surveillance of natural viral infections in laboratory animals.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":24025,"journal":{"name":"Zoonoses and Public Health","volume":"72 3","pages":"301-312"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-01-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142956008","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}
Kevin S. Kuchinski, John Tyson, Tracy Lee, Susan Detmer, Yohannes Berhane, Theresa Burns, Natalie A. Prystajecky, Chelsea G. Himsworth
Introduction
In December 2021, influenza A viruses (IAV) were detected in a population of farmed mink in British Columbia, Canada. Circulation of IAVs in farmed mink populations has raised public health concerns due to similarities between mustelid and human respiratory physiology, potentially facilitating spillover of zoonotic influenzas from livestock.
Methods
Oropharyngeal specimens were collected from mink as part of a surveillance program for SARS-CoV-2. Diagnostic RT-qPCR testing was performed using a multiplex assay targeting SARS-CoV-2, IAV, influenza B virus and respiratory syncytial virus. Whole viral genome sequencing was conducted on IAV-positive specimens, followed by phylogenetic analysis with other animal and human IAV genome sequences from large global databases.
Results
IAVs were detected in 17 of 65 mink by RT-qPCR. Based on genomic sequencing and phylogenetic analysis, these IAVs were subtyped as H3N2s that originated from reassortment of swine H3N2 (clade 1990.4 h), human seasonal H1N1 (pdm09) and swine H1N2 (clade 1A.1.1.3). This reassortant has been subsequently observed in swine in several Midwest American states, as well as in swine and turkeys in Ontario, suggesting its spillover into farmed mink in British Columbia was incidental to its broader dissemination in North American swine populations.
Conclusions
These detections reaffirm the need for extensive genomic surveillance of IAVs in swine populations to monitor reassortments that might become public health concerns. They also highlight the need for closer surveillance of IAVs in mink to preserve animal health, protect agricultural interests, and monitor potential zoonotic threats.
{"title":"Detection of a Reassortant Swine- and Human-Origin H3N2 Influenza A Virus in Farmed Mink in British Columbia, Canada","authors":"Kevin S. Kuchinski, John Tyson, Tracy Lee, Susan Detmer, Yohannes Berhane, Theresa Burns, Natalie A. Prystajecky, Chelsea G. Himsworth","doi":"10.1111/zph.13205","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/zph.13205","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>In December 2021, influenza A viruses (IAV) were detected in a population of farmed mink in British Columbia, Canada. Circulation of IAVs in farmed mink populations has raised public health concerns due to similarities between mustelid and human respiratory physiology, potentially facilitating spillover of zoonotic influenzas from livestock.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Oropharyngeal specimens were collected from mink as part of a surveillance program for SARS-CoV-2. Diagnostic RT-qPCR testing was performed using a multiplex assay targeting SARS-CoV-2, IAV, influenza B virus and respiratory syncytial virus. Whole viral genome sequencing was conducted on IAV-positive specimens, followed by phylogenetic analysis with other animal and human IAV genome sequences from large global databases.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>IAVs were detected in 17 of 65 mink by RT-qPCR. Based on genomic sequencing and phylogenetic analysis, these IAVs were subtyped as H3N2s that originated from reassortment of swine H3N2 (clade 1990.4 h), human seasonal H1N1 (pdm09) and swine H1N2 (clade 1A.1.1.3). This reassortant has been subsequently observed in swine in several Midwest American states, as well as in swine and turkeys in Ontario, suggesting its spillover into farmed mink in British Columbia was incidental to its broader dissemination in North American swine populations.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>These detections reaffirm the need for extensive genomic surveillance of IAVs in swine populations to monitor reassortments that might become public health concerns. They also highlight the need for closer surveillance of IAVs in mink to preserve animal health, protect agricultural interests, and monitor potential zoonotic threats.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":24025,"journal":{"name":"Zoonoses and Public Health","volume":"72 3","pages":"293-300"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-12-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/zph.13205","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143762361","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}
Laura Ávila-Vargas, Diego Soler-Tovar, Quan Dong, Luis E. Escobar
Background
In Latin America, there is a high incidence of vampire bat-transmitted rabies in cattle causing increased mortality of livestock, which heavily impacts the agricultural sector. Anticoagulants-based control methods for the common vampire bat (Desmodus rotundus) have been employed continuously since the 1970s with various methods of application, presentations, doses and active ingredients. Studies from half a century ago still serve as a reference for the current use of anticoagulants for bat-borne rabies control in Latin America. The objective of this study was to structurally and bibliometrically review literature on the use of anticoagulants for the control of D. rotundus as a means of rabies control.
Materials & Methods
Scientific literature on the use of anticoagulant products for D. rotundus control was obtained, reviewed and analysed. Articles were retrieved from Scopus and Web of Science databases. Research articles from 1971 to 2021 in Spanish, English and Portuguese were included in the review. Results were visualised using RStudio, Bibliometrix and VOSviewer.
Results
The body of literature indicates effectiveness of up to 100% in the use of anticoagulants to induce bat mortality. The effectiveness of anticoagulants for rabies control, however, remains uncertain. No evidence was found to support or refute the use of anticoagulants for rabies control.
Discussion
Instead, literature suggests that disturbing bat colonies increases rabies prevalence. This finding suggests that anticoagulants may have the opposite intended effect on rabies control and highlights the importance of further research on the practical methods for bat-borne rabies prevention.
Conclusion
Field experimental studies that include control groups over areas and periods that account for D. rotundus ecology are needed to determine the effectiveness of anticoagulants for rabies control in livestock. In conclusion, the use of anticoagulants for rabies control is questionable.
背景：在拉丁美洲，牛中吸血蝙蝠传播的狂犬病发病率很高，导致牲畜死亡率增加，严重影响农业部门。自20世纪70年代以来，以抗凝血剂为基础的普通吸血蝙蝠（圆齿蝠）控制方法一直在使用，其应用方法、表现形式、剂量和有效成分各不相同。半个世纪前的研究仍可作为拉丁美洲目前使用抗凝血剂控制蝙蝠传播狂犬病的参考。本研究的目的是从结构和文献计量学的角度回顾有关使用抗凝剂控制圆形弧菌作为狂犬病控制手段的文献。材料与方法：查阅有关使用抗凝产品防治圆锥虫的科学文献，对其进行回顾和分析。文章从Scopus和Web of Science数据库中检索。从1971年到2021年，西班牙语、英语和葡萄牙语的研究文章被纳入了回顾。使用RStudio、Bibliometrix和VOSviewer对结果进行可视化。结果：大量文献表明，使用抗凝血剂诱导蝙蝠死亡的有效性高达100%。然而，抗凝剂对狂犬病控制的有效性仍不确定。没有证据支持或反对使用抗凝剂控制狂犬病。讨论：相反，文献表明打扰蝙蝠群落会增加狂犬病的流行。这一发现表明，抗凝剂可能对狂犬病控制产生相反的效果，并强调了进一步研究蝙蝠传播的狂犬病预防实用方法的重要性。结论：为了确定抗凝血剂对家畜狂犬病控制的有效性，需要进行现场实验研究，包括在考虑圆形田鼠生态的地区和时期的对照组。总之，使用抗凝血剂控制狂犬病是值得怀疑的。
{"title":"Anticoagulants for the Control of the Common Vampire Bat (Desmodus rotundus)","authors":"Laura Ávila-Vargas, Diego Soler-Tovar, Quan Dong, Luis E. Escobar","doi":"10.1111/zph.13196","DOIUrl":"10.1111/zph.13196","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>In Latin America, there is a high incidence of vampire bat-transmitted rabies in cattle causing increased mortality of livestock, which heavily impacts the agricultural sector. Anticoagulants-based control methods for the common vampire bat (<i>Desmodus rotundus</i>) have been employed continuously since the 1970s with various methods of application, presentations, doses and active ingredients. Studies from half a century ago still serve as a reference for the current use of anticoagulants for bat-borne rabies control in Latin America. The objective of this study was to structurally and bibliometrically review literature on the use of anticoagulants for the control of <i>D. rotundus</i> as a means of rabies control.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Materials & Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Scientific literature on the use of anticoagulant products for <i>D. rotundus</i> control was obtained, reviewed and analysed. Articles were retrieved from Scopus and Web of Science databases. Research articles from 1971 to 2021 in Spanish, English and Portuguese were included in the review. Results were visualised using RStudio, Bibliometrix and VOSviewer.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The body of literature indicates effectiveness of up to 100% in the use of anticoagulants to induce bat mortality. The effectiveness of anticoagulants for rabies control, however, remains uncertain. No evidence was found to support or refute the use of anticoagulants for rabies control.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Discussion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Instead, literature suggests that disturbing bat colonies increases rabies prevalence. This finding suggests that anticoagulants may have the opposite intended effect on rabies control and highlights the importance of further research on the practical methods for bat-borne rabies prevention.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Field experimental studies that include control groups over areas and periods that account for <i>D. rotundus</i> ecology are needed to determine the effectiveness of anticoagulants for rabies control in livestock. In conclusion, the use of anticoagulants for rabies control is questionable.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":24025,"journal":{"name":"Zoonoses and Public Health","volume":"72 2","pages":"101-116"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-12-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11772909/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142878183","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}
Sabrina Castro-Scholten, Javier Caballero-Gómez, Daniel Bravo-Barriga, Francisco Llorente, David Cano-Terriza, Miguel Ángel Jiménez-Clavero, Débora Jiménez-Martín, Leonor Camacho-Sillero, Ignacio García-Bocanegra
Background
West Nile virus (WNV) is the most widely distributed mosquito-borne flavivirus. Over the past decade, its spread across Europe has raised significant concerns for both public and animal health. Although WNV exposure has been evidenced in various wild mammal species in Spain, no seroepidemiological studies have been conducted on this flavivirus in wild lagomorphs so far.
Aim
This study aimed to assess WNV exposure in European wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and Iberian hare (Lepus granatensis) populations inhabiting Spanish Mediterranean ecosystems.
Methods
Sera from 540 wild lagomorphs (399 European wild rabbit and 141 Iberian hares), from 106 hunting grounds distributed throughout Andalusia (southern Spain), were collected between the 2018/2019 and 2022/2023 hunting seasons.
Results
Antibodies against flavivirus were detected by blocking enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (bELISA) in 5.0% (27/540; 95% CI: 3.2–6.8) of the wild lagomorphs. Exposure to WNV was confirmed in 4.8% (19/394; 95% CI: 2.7–6.9) of wild rabbits and 0.7% (1/141; 95% CI: 0.0–2.1) of Iberian hares by virus microneutralisation test. Anti-WNV antibodies were found in wild lagomorphs sampled from three (2.8%) hunting grounds located in western Andalusia during the seasons 2020–2021 and 2021–2022. Remarkably, this spatiotemporal distribution overlaps with the largest outbreak of WNV in Spain. Antibodies against Usutu virus and Bagaza virus were not detected in the wild lagomorph populations analysed.
Conclusions
This study constitutes the first report of WNV exposure in wild rabbit in Spain and in Iberian hare worldwide. While these species seem not play a primary role in the epidemiology of the virus, they could serve as sentinel for monitoring WNV in Iberian Mediterranean ecosystems.
{"title":"Exposure to West Nile Virus in Wild Lagomorphs in Spanish Mediterranean Ecosystems","authors":"Sabrina Castro-Scholten, Javier Caballero-Gómez, Daniel Bravo-Barriga, Francisco Llorente, David Cano-Terriza, Miguel Ángel Jiménez-Clavero, Débora Jiménez-Martín, Leonor Camacho-Sillero, Ignacio García-Bocanegra","doi":"10.1111/zph.13200","DOIUrl":"10.1111/zph.13200","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>West Nile virus (WNV) is the most widely distributed mosquito-borne flavivirus. Over the past decade, its spread across Europe has raised significant concerns for both public and animal health. Although WNV exposure has been evidenced in various wild mammal species in Spain, no seroepidemiological studies have been conducted on this flavivirus in wild lagomorphs so far.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Aim</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This study aimed to assess WNV exposure in European wild rabbit (<i>Oryctolagus cuniculus</i>) and Iberian hare (<i>Lepus granatensis</i>) populations inhabiting Spanish Mediterranean ecosystems.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Sera from 540 wild lagomorphs (399 European wild rabbit and 141 Iberian hares), from 106 hunting grounds distributed throughout Andalusia (southern Spain), were collected between the 2018/2019 and 2022/2023 hunting seasons.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Antibodies against flavivirus were detected by blocking enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (bELISA) in 5.0% (27/540; 95% CI: 3.2–6.8) of the wild lagomorphs. Exposure to WNV was confirmed in 4.8% (19/394; 95% CI: 2.7–6.9) of wild rabbits and 0.7% (1/141; 95% CI: 0.0–2.1) of Iberian hares by virus microneutralisation test. Anti-WNV antibodies were found in wild lagomorphs sampled from three (2.8%) hunting grounds located in western Andalusia during the seasons 2020–2021 and 2021–2022. Remarkably, this spatiotemporal distribution overlaps with the largest outbreak of WNV in Spain. Antibodies against Usutu virus and Bagaza virus were not detected in the wild lagomorph populations analysed.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This study constitutes the first report of WNV exposure in wild rabbit in Spain and in Iberian hare worldwide. While these species seem not play a primary role in the epidemiology of the virus, they could serve as sentinel for monitoring WNV in Iberian Mediterranean ecosystems.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":24025,"journal":{"name":"Zoonoses and Public Health","volume":"72 2","pages":"207-214"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-12-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11772907/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142855808","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}
Carlos Ramiro Silva-Ramos, Paloma Lemaitre G, Julián A. Mejorano-Fonseca, J. Manuel Matiz-González, Hector J. Aricapa-Giraldo, Juan C. Agudelo, Jorge E. Pérez Cárdenas, Marylin Hidalgo
Introduction
Leptospira spp. is a bacterial genus which includes pathogenic species that causes leptospirosis. Several animal species can harbour, shed and disseminate the bacteria through their urine. Although the circulation of Leptospira among homeless dogs may be common, the presence of Leptospira among household dogs is more important since they can act as important sources of infection for their owners due to the closer contact with humans.
Aim
The aim of the present study was to detect the presence of Leptospira spp. among household dogs from 15 municipalities of the Caldas department.
Methods
Between November 2015 and January 2017, an active household dog sampling was performed in 15 municipalities of Caldas department. Dog blood samples were tested through conventional PCR targeting a fragment of the Leptospira rrs and LipL32 genes. All obtained amplicons were purified and bi-directionally sequenced. Obtained sequences were assembled and edited for subsequent phylogenetic analysis.
Results
A total of 196 dogs were sampled from 15 municipalities of Caldas department, of which 180 were screened for Leptospira spp. Ten (5.6%) dog blood samples from seven municipalities were successfully amplified for the Leptospira rrs gene. Two Leptospira rrs good-quality sequences were obtained which had a closer relationship with Leptospira interrogans and Leptospira santarosai.
Conclusion
We confirm the presence of Leptospira spp. closely related with L. interrogans and L. santarosai among household dogs from seven municipalities of Caldas department. These results highlight the need to improve the care of household dogs in Caldas department since they could eventually become important sources of infection of leptospirosis.
{"title":"Molecular Evidence of Leptospira spp. Infection Among Household Dogs From 15 Municipalities of the Department of Caldas, Colombia","authors":"Carlos Ramiro Silva-Ramos, Paloma Lemaitre G, Julián A. Mejorano-Fonseca, J. Manuel Matiz-González, Hector J. Aricapa-Giraldo, Juan C. Agudelo, Jorge E. Pérez Cárdenas, Marylin Hidalgo","doi":"10.1111/zph.13204","DOIUrl":"10.1111/zph.13204","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p><i>Leptospira</i> spp. is a bacterial genus which includes pathogenic species that causes leptospirosis. Several animal species can harbour, shed and disseminate the bacteria through their urine. Although the circulation of <i>Leptospira</i> among homeless dogs may be common, the presence of <i>Leptospira</i> among household dogs is more important since they can act as important sources of infection for their owners due to the closer contact with humans.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Aim</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The aim of the present study was to detect the presence of <i>Leptospira</i> spp. among household dogs from 15 municipalities of the Caldas department.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Between November 2015 and January 2017, an active household dog sampling was performed in 15 municipalities of Caldas department. Dog blood samples were tested through conventional PCR targeting a fragment of the <i>Leptospira rrs</i> and <i>LipL32</i> genes. All obtained amplicons were purified and bi-directionally sequenced. Obtained sequences were assembled and edited for subsequent phylogenetic analysis.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A total of 196 dogs were sampled from 15 municipalities of Caldas department, of which 180 were screened for <i>Leptospira</i> spp. Ten (5.6%) dog blood samples from seven municipalities were successfully amplified for the <i>Leptospira rrs</i> gene. Two <i>Leptospira rrs</i> good-quality sequences were obtained which had a closer relationship with <i>Leptospira interrogans</i> and <i>Leptospira santarosai</i>.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We confirm the presence of <i>Leptospira</i> spp. closely related with <i>L. interrogans</i> and <i>L. santarosai</i> among household dogs from seven municipalities of Caldas department. These results highlight the need to improve the care of household dogs in Caldas department since they could eventually become important sources of infection of leptospirosis.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":24025,"journal":{"name":"Zoonoses and Public Health","volume":"72 2","pages":"215-222"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-12-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142808067","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}
Danilo Alves de França, Sara Zúquete, Mariana Louro, Maíra Guimarães Kersul, Benedito Donizete Menozzi, Felipe Fornazari, Gabriela Santos-Gomes, Isabel Pereira da Fonseca, Helio Langoni
Aims
Leishmaniasis is an endemic disease in several regions of Brazil, a tropical country that presents specific environmental conditions that contribute to the development of phlebotomine vectors. This study aimed to detect Leishmania species in naturally infected bats from 17 municipalities in the São Paulo state.
Methods and Results
Spleen and liver samples from 203 bats were analysed by real-time PCR and confirmed by conventional PCR followed by gene sequencing. Leishmania DNA was amplified by real-time PCR in 6.4% of the bats and by conventional PCR followed by sequencing in 3.4% of the bats. Positive samples were characterised and included in GenBank. Leishmania species were confirmed in M. molossus , M. nigricans and E. glaucinus bats. Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis and L. infantum (syn. L. chagasi) were identified. This is the first detection of Leishmania spp. in bats in the studied areas. All the positive bats came from urban areas. Insectivorous bats were statistically more positive. There was similarity between our sequences and those of a human isolate and a phlebotomine from the region.
Conclusions
This result points to bats as important possible reservoir of Leishmania in Brazil and guides the country's health authorities towards epidemiological surveillance, control and prevention actions in endemic areas.
{"title":"Detection of Leishmania infantum and Leishmania amazonensis in Bats From Endemic and Non-endemic Areas of São Paulo State, Brazil","authors":"Danilo Alves de França, Sara Zúquete, Mariana Louro, Maíra Guimarães Kersul, Benedito Donizete Menozzi, Felipe Fornazari, Gabriela Santos-Gomes, Isabel Pereira da Fonseca, Helio Langoni","doi":"10.1111/zph.13201","DOIUrl":"10.1111/zph.13201","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Aims</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Leishmaniasis is an endemic disease in several regions of Brazil, a tropical country that presents specific environmental conditions that contribute to the development of phlebotomine vectors. This study aimed to detect <i>Leishmania</i> species in naturally infected bats from 17 municipalities in the São Paulo state.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods and Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Spleen and liver samples from 203 bats were analysed by real-time PCR and confirmed by conventional PCR followed by gene sequencing. <i>Leishmania</i> DNA was amplified by real-time PCR in 6.4% of the bats and by conventional PCR followed by sequencing in 3.4% of the bats. Positive samples were characterised and included in GenBank. <i>Leishmania</i> species were confirmed in \u0000 <i>M. molossus</i>\u0000 , \u0000 <i>M. nigricans</i>\u0000 and \u0000 <i>E. glaucinus</i>\u0000 bats. <i>Leishmania</i> (<i>Leishmania</i>) <i>amazonensis</i> and <i>L. infantum</i> (syn. <i>L. chagasi</i>) were identified. This is the first detection of <i>Leishmania</i> spp. in bats in the studied areas. All the positive bats came from urban areas. Insectivorous bats were statistically more positive. There was similarity between our sequences and those of a human isolate and a phlebotomine from the region.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This result points to bats as important possible reservoir of <i>Leishmania</i> in Brazil and guides the country's health authorities towards epidemiological surveillance, control and prevention actions in endemic areas.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":24025,"journal":{"name":"Zoonoses and Public Health","volume":"72 3","pages":"259-268"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-12-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142795321","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}
Mukesh Thakur, Stanzin Dolker, Lenrik K. Wangmo, Avijit Ghosh, Nikhil Dhankhar, Vinaya K. Singh, Malay Shukla, Anandhan Rameshkumar, Manisha Biswal, Dhriti Banerjee, Bheem Dutt Joshi, Lalit K. Sharma
Introduction
Urban rodents are reservoirs of zoonotic pathogens, including Bartonella spp., which are transmitted by ectoparasites such as fleas. Zoonotic diseases caused by Bartonella often go undocumented due to confusing or subtle clinical symptoms, lack of awareness and poor diagnosis. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and diversity of Bartonella spp. by screening free-ranging rodents and their ectoparasites in the unique ecological settings of Alipore Railway Station, Kolkata, India. The station's high passenger traffic and proximity to food stalls create favourable conditions for rodents and fleas to thrive, increasing the risk of zoonotic transmission.
Methods
Rodents and fleas were identified by morphological features and DNA sequencing. Detection of Bartonella was carried out by DNA sequencing of citrate synthase (gltA) gene. Phylogenetic relationships among the obtained sequences were inferred through phylogenetic tree and haplotype network analyses. Q-PCR testing from human samples from the surrounding area was performed to confirm the zoonotic transfer potential.
Results
Of 60 rodents, identified as Bandicota indica 28 (46.7%) and Bandicota bengalensis 32 (53.3%), and 110 fleas ( Xenopsylla cheopis ) were collected. The prevalence of Bartonella infection varied across three different hosts, that is, 32/60 rodents (53.33%), 87/110 fleas (79.1%) and 4/25 human (16%). Phylogenetic analysis revealed four distinct Bartonella lineages comprising 11 novel haplotypes (H1–H11), with haplotype H4 shared between rodents, fleas and humans, indicating active and cross species transmission of Bartonella spp. Haplotype H10, identified as B. rochalimae , was a phylogenetically diverged lineage exclusively found in fleas, suggesting a potentially novel lineage.
Conclusions
The results highlight the significant public health risks posed by Bartonella spp. in densely populated urban areas, particularly in environments like railway stations where human–rodent interactions are frequent. This study underscores the necessity of integrated pest management and surveillance strategies, using molecular tools such as Q-PCR, to mitigate the risk of zoonotic disease transmission in urban settings.
{"title":"Zoonotic Surveillance of Bartonella spp.: Exploring the Public Health Risks in Human Settlements","authors":"Mukesh Thakur, Stanzin Dolker, Lenrik K. Wangmo, Avijit Ghosh, Nikhil Dhankhar, Vinaya K. Singh, Malay Shukla, Anandhan Rameshkumar, Manisha Biswal, Dhriti Banerjee, Bheem Dutt Joshi, Lalit K. Sharma","doi":"10.1111/zph.13203","DOIUrl":"10.1111/zph.13203","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Urban rodents are reservoirs of zoonotic pathogens, including <i>Bartonella</i> spp., which are transmitted by ectoparasites such as fleas. Zoonotic diseases caused by <i>Bartonella</i> often go undocumented due to confusing or subtle clinical symptoms, lack of awareness and poor diagnosis. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and diversity of <i>Bartonella</i> spp. by screening free-ranging rodents and their ectoparasites in the unique ecological settings of Alipore Railway Station, Kolkata, India. The station's high passenger traffic and proximity to food stalls create favourable conditions for rodents and fleas to thrive, increasing the risk of zoonotic transmission.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Rodents and fleas were identified by morphological features and DNA sequencing. Detection of <i>Bartonella</i> was carried out by DNA sequencing of citrate synthase (<i>gltA</i>) gene. Phylogenetic relationships among the obtained sequences were inferred through phylogenetic tree and haplotype network analyses. Q-PCR testing from human samples from the surrounding area was performed to confirm the zoonotic transfer potential.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Of 60 rodents, identified as \u0000 <i>Bandicota indica</i>\u0000 28 (46.7%) and \u0000 <i>Bandicota bengalensis</i>\u0000 32 (53.3%), and 110 fleas (\u0000 <i>Xenopsylla cheopis</i>\u0000 ) were collected. The prevalence of <i>Bartonella</i> infection varied across three different hosts, that is, 32/60 rodents (53.33%), 87/110 fleas (79.1%) and 4/25 human (16%). Phylogenetic analysis revealed four distinct <i>Bartonella</i> lineages comprising 11 novel haplotypes (H1–H11), with haplotype H4 shared between rodents, fleas and humans, indicating active and cross species transmission of <i>Bartonella</i> spp. Haplotype H10, identified as \u0000 <i>B. rochalimae</i>\u0000 , was a phylogenetically diverged lineage exclusively found in fleas, suggesting a potentially novel lineage.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The results highlight the significant public health risks posed by <i>Bartonella</i> spp. in densely populated urban areas, particularly in environments like railway stations where human–rodent interactions are frequent. This study underscores the necessity of integrated pest management and surveillance strategies, using molecular tools such as Q-PCR, to mitigate the risk of zoonotic disease transmission in urban settings.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":24025,"journal":{"name":"Zoonoses and Public Health","volume":"72 3","pages":"284-292"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-12-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142795324","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}
Matthieu Fritz, Eric Elguero, Pierre Becquart, Daphné De Riols de Fonclare, Déborah Garcia, Stephanie Beurlet, Solène Denolly, Bertrand Boson, Serge G. Rosolen, François-Loïc Cosset, Alexandra Briend-Marchal, Vincent Legros, Eric M. Leroy
Introduction
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has the potential to infect various animals, including domestic pets like dogs and cats. Many studies have documented infection in companion animals by molecular and serological methods. However, only a few have compared seroprevalence in cats and dogs from the general population, and these studies were limited by small sample sizes and collections over short periods. Our aim was to obtain a more accurate evaluation of seroprevalence in companion animals in France and to determine whether cats and dogs differ in their exposure to SARS-CoV-2.
Methods
We conducted an extensive serological survey of SARS-CoV-2, collecting blood samples from 2036 cats and 3577 dogs during routine veterinary medical examinations across different regions of metropolitan France from October 2020 to June 2021. This period encompassed the peaks and onset of two waves, as well as the emergence of the first variants. A microsphere immunoassay targeting the receptor-binding domain and trimeric spike protein was used to detect anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. A subset of 308 seropositive samples was tested for the presence of neutralising antibodies.
Results
We determined an overall seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies of 7.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.4%–7.8%) among the sampled pets. Cats exhibited a significantly higher seroprevalence (9.3%; 95% CI: 8.1%–10.1%) compared to dogs (5.9%; 95% CI: 5.2%–6.8%). Among the subset of seropositive samples, 81 (26.3%; 95% CI: 21.5%–31.6%) displayed neutralizing antibodies. Furthermore, seroprevalence in both species was lower in older animals and was not associated with sex. Finally, unlike cats, seroprevalence in dogs was found to be correlated with the date of sampling.
Conclusions
The large sample size enhances the reliability and statistical robustness of our estimates regarding pet exposure to SARS-CoV-2. This study on SARS-CoV-2 reaffirms the crucial importance of adopting a One Health approach incorporating domestic animals when managing an epidemic caused by a zoonotic virus.
{"title":"A Large-Scale Serological Survey in Pets From October 2020 Through June 2021 in France Shows Significantly Higher Exposure to SARS-CoV-2 in Cats Compared to Dogs","authors":"Matthieu Fritz, Eric Elguero, Pierre Becquart, Daphné De Riols de Fonclare, Déborah Garcia, Stephanie Beurlet, Solène Denolly, Bertrand Boson, Serge G. Rosolen, François-Loïc Cosset, Alexandra Briend-Marchal, Vincent Legros, Eric M. Leroy","doi":"10.1111/zph.13198","DOIUrl":"10.1111/zph.13198","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has the potential to infect various animals, including domestic pets like dogs and cats. Many studies have documented infection in companion animals by molecular and serological methods. However, only a few have compared seroprevalence in cats and dogs from the general population, and these studies were limited by small sample sizes and collections over short periods. Our aim was to obtain a more accurate evaluation of seroprevalence in companion animals in France and to determine whether cats and dogs differ in their exposure to SARS-CoV-2.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We conducted an extensive serological survey of SARS-CoV-2, collecting blood samples from 2036 cats and 3577 dogs during routine veterinary medical examinations across different regions of metropolitan France from October 2020 to June 2021. This period encompassed the peaks and onset of two waves, as well as the emergence of the first variants. A microsphere immunoassay targeting the receptor-binding domain and trimeric spike protein was used to detect anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. A subset of 308 seropositive samples was tested for the presence of neutralising antibodies.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We determined an overall seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies of 7.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.4%–7.8%) among the sampled pets. Cats exhibited a significantly higher seroprevalence (9.3%; 95% CI: 8.1%–10.1%) compared to dogs (5.9%; 95% CI: 5.2%–6.8%). Among the subset of seropositive samples, 81 (26.3%; 95% CI: 21.5%–31.6%) displayed neutralizing antibodies. Furthermore, seroprevalence in both species was lower in older animals and was not associated with sex. Finally, unlike cats, seroprevalence in dogs was found to be correlated with the date of sampling.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The large sample size enhances the reliability and statistical robustness of our estimates regarding pet exposure to SARS-CoV-2. This study on SARS-CoV-2 reaffirms the crucial importance of adopting a One Health approach incorporating domestic animals when managing an epidemic caused by a zoonotic virus.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":24025,"journal":{"name":"Zoonoses and Public Health","volume":"72 2","pages":"184-193"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-12-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11772911/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142795320","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}
Ina Hoxha, Betim Xhekaj, Genc Halimi, Michiel Wijnveld, Margarida Ruivo, Driton Çaushi, Albana Matoshi, Adelheid G. Obwaller, Bernhard Jäger, Martin Weiler, Julia Walochnik, Kurtesh Sherifi, Edwin Kniha
Introduction
Ixodes ricinus, the castor bean tick, is the most prevalent tick species in Europe. It favours habitats such as shrubs, deciduous and mixed forests, but can also be found in urban environments. Due to its high vector competence, it is of enormous veterinary as well as medical importance, transmitting tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) virus, Borrelia burgdorferi s. l., the causative agent of lyme borreliosis, Rickettsia spp. and Anaplasma phagocytophilum amongst many other pathogens. In Kosovo, I. ricinus is the predominant species and a few studies, mostly based on human and animal seroprevalences, indicate the circulation of tick-borne pathogens. However, data on pathogens in I. ricinus are scarce in Kosovo, particularly in urban settings. This study aimed to provide first insights into the circulation of tic-kborne pathogens in I. ricinus from urban and peri-urban areas in Kosovo.
Methods
Urban and peri-urban areas were sampled by flagging 150 m transects. In total, 197 ticks were morphologicaly identified as I. ricinus, and consequently DNA and RNA were isolated. All individuals were screened for the presence of tick-borne pathogens by using reverse line blotting (RLB) hybridisation.
Results
DNA of nine different pathogens from four genera including Borrelia spp., Rickettsia spp., Anaplasma spp. and Babesia spp. was detected in 60 (33.5%) specimens. The most frequently detected pathogens were Rickettsia spp. (16.2%), followed by Borrelia spp. (11.7%). Altogether, 54 single infections, 11 double infections and 1 triple infection were observed.
Conclusions
We provide first data on genotyping of B. burgdorferi sensu lato as well as the detection of Anaplasma, Babesia and Rickettsia from I. ricinus in this country. The data underline that particularly recreational (peri-)urban areas could facilitate the spillover of zoonotic tick-borne pathogens to humans in Kosovo and provide baseline data for future surveys.
{"title":"Zoonotic Tick-Borne Pathogens in Ixodes ricinus Complex (Acari: Ixodidae) From Urban and Peri-Urban Areas of Kosovo","authors":"Ina Hoxha, Betim Xhekaj, Genc Halimi, Michiel Wijnveld, Margarida Ruivo, Driton Çaushi, Albana Matoshi, Adelheid G. Obwaller, Bernhard Jäger, Martin Weiler, Julia Walochnik, Kurtesh Sherifi, Edwin Kniha","doi":"10.1111/zph.13197","DOIUrl":"10.1111/zph.13197","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p><i>Ixodes ricinus</i>, the castor bean tick, is the most prevalent tick species in Europe. It favours habitats such as shrubs, deciduous and mixed forests, but can also be found in urban environments. Due to its high vector competence, it is of enormous veterinary as well as medical importance, transmitting tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) virus, <i>Borrelia burgdorferi</i> s. l., the causative agent of lyme borreliosis, <i>Rickettsia</i> spp. and <i>Anaplasma phagocytophilum</i> amongst many other pathogens. In Kosovo, <i>I. ricinus</i> is the predominant species and a few studies, mostly based on human and animal seroprevalences, indicate the circulation of tick-borne pathogens. However, data on pathogens in <i>I. ricinus</i> are scarce in Kosovo, particularly in urban settings. This study aimed to provide first insights into the circulation of tic-kborne pathogens in <i>I. ricinus</i> from urban and peri-urban areas in Kosovo.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Urban and peri-urban areas were sampled by flagging 150 m transects. In total, 197 ticks were morphologicaly identified as <i>I. ricinus</i>, and consequently DNA and RNA were isolated. All individuals were screened for the presence of tick-borne pathogens by using reverse line blotting (RLB) hybridisation.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>DNA of nine different pathogens from four genera including <i>Borrelia</i> spp., <i>Rickettsia</i> spp., <i>Anaplasma</i> spp. and <i>Babesia</i> spp. was detected in 60 (33.5%) specimens. The most frequently detected pathogens were <i>Rickettsia</i> spp. (16.2%), followed by <i>Borrelia</i> spp. (11.7%). Altogether, 54 single infections, 11 double infections and 1 triple infection were observed.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We provide first data on genotyping of <i>B. burgdorferi</i> sensu lato as well as the detection of <i>Anaplasma</i>, <i>Babesia</i> and <i>Rickettsia</i> from <i>I. ricinus</i> in this country. The data underline that particularly recreational (peri-)urban areas could facilitate the spillover of zoonotic tick-borne pathogens to humans in Kosovo and provide baseline data for future surveys.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":24025,"journal":{"name":"Zoonoses and Public Health","volume":"72 2","pages":"174-183"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-12-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11772905/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142795325","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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