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}
Sheila Ortega, Ana M. Figueiredo, Barbara Moroni, Nadia Abarca, Alejandro Dashti, Pamela C. Köster, Begoña Bailo, David Cano-Terriza, Moisés Gonzálvez, Manena Fayos, Álvaro Oleaga, Carlos Martínez-Carrasco, Roser Velarde, Rita T. Torres, Eduardo Ferreira, Dário Hipólito, Tânia Barros, Ana Lino, Serena Robetto, Luca Rossi, Gemma J. Muñoz-de-Mier, Gabriel Ávalos, Rafael Calero-Bernal, David González-Barrio, Sergio Sánchez, Ignacio García-Bocanegra, David Carmena
Introduction
Intestinal microeukaryote parasites are major contributors to the burden of diarrhoea in humans and domestic animals, but their epidemiology in wildlife is not fully understood. We investigated the frequency, genetic diversity and zoonotic potential of protists of animal and public health significance in free-ranging grey wolf (Canis lupus) populations in south-western Europe.
Methods
Individually formed faecal samples collected from necropsied wolves or scat trails in Italy (n = 47), Portugal (n = 43) and Spain (n = 225) during the period 2011–2023 were retrospectively analysed using molecular (PCR and Sanger sequencing) methods. Complementary epidemiological data were gathered when available.
Results
Giardia duodenalis was the most frequent microeukaryote found (40.3%, 127/315; 95% CI: 34.9–46.0), followed by Cryptosporidium spp. (3.5%, 11/315; 95% CI: 1.8–6.2), Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon spp. (1.6%, 5/315; 95% CI: 0.5–3.7 each). Blastocystis was not identified in any of the faecal samples analysed. Sequence analyses confirmed the presence of canine-adapted assemblage D within G. duodenalis (n = 7). Three Cryptosporidium species were identified, namely canine-adapted C. canis (n = 9), zoonotic C. parvum (n = 1) and primarily anthroponotic C.hominis (n = 1). Genotyping tools enabled the identification of subtype family XXe2 within C. canis. Among microsporidia, the canine-adapted genotype PtEb IX was identified within E. bieneusi. Two samples were confirmed as Enc. intestinalis and three more as Enc. cuniculi genotype IV. This is the first record of Enc. intestinalis and Enc. cuniculi in the grey wolf globally.
Conclusions
Silent carriage of intestinal microeukaryotes seems common in free-ranging grey wolves in southwestern Europe. Wolves can contribute to environmental contamination through the transmission stages (cysts, oocysts, spores) of species/genotypes potentially infective to humans. Individuals in close contact with wolf carcasses or their faecal material may be at potential risk of infection by microeukaryotic pathogens.
{"title":"Free-Ranging Wolves (Canis lupus) are Natural Reservoirs of Intestinal Microeukaryotes of Public Health Significance in Southwestern Europe","authors":"Sheila Ortega, Ana M. Figueiredo, Barbara Moroni, Nadia Abarca, Alejandro Dashti, Pamela C. Köster, Begoña Bailo, David Cano-Terriza, Moisés Gonzálvez, Manena Fayos, Álvaro Oleaga, Carlos Martínez-Carrasco, Roser Velarde, Rita T. Torres, Eduardo Ferreira, Dário Hipólito, Tânia Barros, Ana Lino, Serena Robetto, Luca Rossi, Gemma J. Muñoz-de-Mier, Gabriel Ávalos, Rafael Calero-Bernal, David González-Barrio, Sergio Sánchez, Ignacio García-Bocanegra, David Carmena","doi":"10.1111/zph.13202","DOIUrl":"10.1111/zph.13202","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Intestinal microeukaryote parasites are major contributors to the burden of diarrhoea in humans and domestic animals, but their epidemiology in wildlife is not fully understood. We investigated the frequency, genetic diversity and zoonotic potential of protists of animal and public health significance in free-ranging grey wolf (<i>Canis lupus</i>) populations in south-western Europe.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Individually formed faecal samples collected from necropsied wolves or scat trails in Italy (<i>n</i> = 47), Portugal (<i>n</i> = 43) and Spain (<i>n</i> = 225) during the period 2011–2023 were retrospectively analysed using molecular (PCR and Sanger sequencing) methods. Complementary epidemiological data were gathered when available.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>\u0000 <i>Giardia duodenalis</i> was the most frequent microeukaryote found (40.3%, 127/315; 95% CI: 34.9–46.0), followed by <i>Cryptosporidium</i> spp. (3.5%, 11/315; 95% CI: 1.8–6.2), <i>Enterocytozoon bieneusi</i> and <i>Encephalitozoon</i> spp. (1.6%, 5/315; 95% CI: 0.5–3.7 each). <i>Blastocystis</i> was not identified in any of the faecal samples analysed. Sequence analyses confirmed the presence of canine-adapted assemblage D within <i>G. duodenalis</i> (<i>n</i> = 7). Three <i>Cryptosporidium</i> species were identified, namely canine-adapted <i>C. canis</i> (<i>n</i> = 9), zoonotic <i>C. parvum</i> (<i>n</i> = 1) and primarily anthroponotic <i>C.hominis</i> (<i>n</i> = 1). Genotyping tools enabled the identification of subtype family XXe2 within <i>C. canis</i>. Among microsporidia, the canine-adapted genotype PtEb IX was identified within <i>E. bieneusi</i>. Two samples were confirmed as <i>Enc. intestinalis</i> and three more as <i>Enc. cuniculi</i> genotype IV. This is the first record of <i>Enc. intestinalis</i> and <i>Enc. cuniculi</i> in the grey wolf globally.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Silent carriage of intestinal microeukaryotes seems common in free-ranging grey wolves in southwestern Europe. Wolves can contribute to environmental contamination through the transmission stages (cysts, oocysts, spores) of species/genotypes potentially infective to humans. Individuals in close contact with wolf carcasses or their faecal material may be at potential risk of infection by microeukaryotic pathogens.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":24025,"journal":{"name":"Zoonoses and Public Health","volume":"72 3","pages":"269-283"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-12-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142795323","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}
W. A. Pamudi Maldam Dewasmika, D. R. Anuruddhika Dissanayake, N. G. Dulanjalee Anuruddhika Kumari Neelawala, B. G. Nilanthi Dissanayake, D. V. Pahan Prasada, Veithehi Rajeevan Francis, Sophie Octavia, Ruiting Lan
Aims
Extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) is an important human and animal pathogen. In particular, the ST131 of ExPEC is a widely distributed clone, resistant to extended-spectrum cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones. We investigated the occurrence of ST131 among ExPEC from humans and dogs in Sri Lanka and determined its antimicrobial resistance.
Methods
A total of 215 ExPEC isolates were collected from humans (n = 179) and dogs (n = 36) from two different cities in Sri Lanka. Antimicrobial resistance was tested by the disk diffusion method, and the presence of resistance-encoding genes (blaTEM, blaSHV and blaCTX-M) and ST131 clades/subclades was tested by PCR.
Results
The majority of the isolates were (61.8%) ST131, with 55.8% in ST131-clade C. Of the clade C isolates, 44.3%, 27.8%, 15.7% and 6.7% were in clades C2, C other, C1-non-M27 and C1-M27, respectively. Approximately 11% of the ST131 isolates were carbapenem resistant. ExPEC from dogs showed comparable resistance rates to human isolates except for resistance to amoxicillin-clavulanate and amikacin.
Conclusion
We observed a high occurrence of ST131 and its clade C, with more than 11% exhibiting resistance to carbapenems in Sri Lanka. Furthermore, ST131-C1-M27, with high resistance to both quinolones and extended-spectrum cephalosporins, was also present. Our results emphasise the importance of the One Health approach in the monitoring of antimicrobial-resistant E. coli in different regions of Sri Lanka to gain a better understanding of their prevalence over time, contributing to effective antimicrobial stewardship.
{"title":"High Occurrence of ST131 Among Extraintestinal Pathogenic Escherichia coli in Humans and Dogs in Sri Lanka","authors":"W. A. Pamudi Maldam Dewasmika, D. R. Anuruddhika Dissanayake, N. G. Dulanjalee Anuruddhika Kumari Neelawala, B. G. Nilanthi Dissanayake, D. V. Pahan Prasada, Veithehi Rajeevan Francis, Sophie Octavia, Ruiting Lan","doi":"10.1111/zph.13199","DOIUrl":"10.1111/zph.13199","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Aims</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Extraintestinal pathogenic <i>Escherichia coli</i> (ExPEC) is an important human and animal pathogen. In particular, the ST131 of ExPEC is a widely distributed clone, resistant to extended-spectrum cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones. We investigated the occurrence of ST131 among ExPEC from humans and dogs in Sri Lanka and determined its antimicrobial resistance.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A total of 215 ExPEC isolates were collected from humans (<i>n</i> = 179) and dogs (<i>n</i> = 36) from two different cities in Sri Lanka. Antimicrobial resistance was tested by the disk diffusion method, and the presence of resistance-encoding genes (<i>bla</i><sub>TEM</sub>, <i>bla</i><sub>SHV</sub> and <i>bla</i><sub>CTX-M</sub>) and ST131 clades/subclades was tested by PCR.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The majority of the isolates were (61.8%) ST131, with 55.8% in ST131-clade C. Of the clade C isolates, 44.3%, 27.8%, 15.7% and 6.7% were in clades C2, C other, C1-non-M27 and C1-M27, respectively. Approximately 11% of the ST131 isolates were carbapenem resistant. ExPEC from dogs showed comparable resistance rates to human isolates except for resistance to amoxicillin-clavulanate and amikacin.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We observed a high occurrence of ST131 and its clade C, with more than 11% exhibiting resistance to carbapenems in Sri Lanka. Furthermore, ST131-C1-M27, with high resistance to both quinolones and extended-spectrum cephalosporins, was also present. Our results emphasise the importance of the One Health approach in the monitoring of antimicrobial-resistant <i>E. coli</i> in different regions of Sri Lanka to gain a better understanding of their prevalence over time, contributing to effective antimicrobial stewardship.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":24025,"journal":{"name":"Zoonoses and Public Health","volume":"72 2","pages":"200-206"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-12-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142787330","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}
Mohammad Javad Boozhmehrani, Mohammad Hossein Feiz-Haddad, Mehdi Tavalla, Mohammad Nouri, Seyed Morteza Ghoreishi
Introduction
Toxoplasma gondii is a parasitic protozoan capable of infecting warm-blooded animals, including humans, and is the causative agent of toxoplasmosis. Wild boars (Sus scrofa) serve as reservoirs for zoonotic pathogens like T. gondii, which can cause disease in humans if transmitted. This study aimed to assess the seroprevalence and molecular prevalence of T. gondii in wild boars in Khuzestan Province, Iran.
Methods
Seroprevalence of T. gondii antibodies was assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), employing a commercial kit (Calbiotech), whereas molecular detection was carried out through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the B1 gene of T. gondii on tissue samples (tongue, muscle, diaphragm and heart). Thirty wild boars were sampled from the regions of Shush, Shushtar, Dezful and Abadan, and both blood and tissue samples were analysed.
Results
In this study, the seroprevalence of T. gondii antibodies was found to be 83.3% (25/30) among wild boar serum samples using ELISA. Molecular detection through PCR identified T. gondii DNA in 46.7% (14/30) of tissue samples, with the highest detection rates in tongue tissues (64%), followed by muscle (21%) and diaphragm (14%). No positive results were found in heart samples, and no animal had multiple tissues testing positive. All PCR-positive cases corresponded with positive ELISA results, and a statistically significant difference was observed in parasite prevalence across different tissues (p = 0.002).
Conclusion
Although consumption of wild boar meat is banned in Iran, illegal hunting and consumption remain a concern. The high prevalence of T. gondii in wild boars poses a potential risk for transmission through the illegal consumption of undercooked or raw meat. This study highlights the need for public health interventions to control the illegal trade of wild boar meat and reduce the risk of toxoplasmosis transmission. Further research is recommended to investigate T. gondii distribution in other tissues, including the brain, and to better understand the parasite's epidemiology in this region.
{"title":"Seroprevalence and Molecular Detection of Toxoplasma gondii in Wild Boars (Sus scrofa) in Khuzestan Province, Iran","authors":"Mohammad Javad Boozhmehrani, Mohammad Hossein Feiz-Haddad, Mehdi Tavalla, Mohammad Nouri, Seyed Morteza Ghoreishi","doi":"10.1111/zph.13195","DOIUrl":"10.1111/zph.13195","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p><i>Toxoplasma gondii</i> is a parasitic protozoan capable of infecting warm-blooded animals, including humans, and is the causative agent of toxoplasmosis. Wild boars (<i>Sus scrofa</i>) serve as reservoirs for zoonotic pathogens like <i>T. gondii</i>, which can cause disease in humans if transmitted. This study aimed to assess the seroprevalence and molecular prevalence of <i>T. gondii</i> in wild boars in Khuzestan Province, Iran.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Seroprevalence of <i>T. gondii</i> antibodies was assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), employing a commercial kit (Calbiotech), whereas molecular detection was carried out through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the <i>B1</i> gene of <i>T. gondii</i> on tissue samples (tongue, muscle, diaphragm and heart). Thirty wild boars were sampled from the regions of Shush, Shushtar, Dezful and Abadan, and both blood and tissue samples were analysed.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>In this study, the seroprevalence of <i>T. gondii</i> antibodies was found to be 83.3% (25/30) among wild boar serum samples using ELISA. Molecular detection through PCR identified <i>T. gondii</i> DNA in 46.7% (14/30) of tissue samples, with the highest detection rates in tongue tissues (64%), followed by muscle (21%) and diaphragm (14%). No positive results were found in heart samples, and no animal had multiple tissues testing positive. All PCR-positive cases corresponded with positive ELISA results, and a statistically significant difference was observed in parasite prevalence across different tissues (<i>p</i> = 0.002).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Although consumption of wild boar meat is banned in Iran, illegal hunting and consumption remain a concern. The high prevalence of <i>T. gondii</i> in wild boars poses a potential risk for transmission through the illegal consumption of undercooked or raw meat. This study highlights the need for public health interventions to control the illegal trade of wild boar meat and reduce the risk of toxoplasmosis transmission. Further research is recommended to investigate <i>T. gondii</i> distribution in other tissues, including the brain, and to better understand the parasite's epidemiology in this region.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":24025,"journal":{"name":"Zoonoses and Public Health","volume":"72 2","pages":"166-173"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-12-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142772868","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}
Christian O. Odinga, Lian F. Thomas, Evalyne Wambugu, Adam W. Ferguson, Eric M. Fèvre, Andy Gibson, James M. Hassell, Dishon M. Muloi, Suzan Murray, Andrea Surmat, Peter M. Mwai, Rosie Woodroffe, Dedan Ngatia, Peter M. Gathura, John Waitumbi, Katherine E. L. Worsley-Tonks
Rabies vaccination in domestic dog populations has increased globally in a bid to protect human health. Surveillance efforts, however, are inconsistent in endemic regions such as in sub-Saharan Africa, due to fragmented reporting and limited diagnostic capacity for suspected cases, limiting successful monitoring and evaluation of vaccination campaigns. Here, we conducted a pilot study aiming to strengthen rabies surveillance by combining community-based surveillance with field-based diagnostic testing in pastoral and agro-pastoral communities in central Kenya; communities which are frequently marginalised from health systems. During the 6-month pilot study, there were 14 alerts of suspected rabid dogs in the community, of which eight were tested and five diagnostically confirmed as rabid. Two positive samples processed successfully for whole genome sequencing indicated that the rabies variant circulating in central Kenya during the study period belonged to the Africa 1b subclade, which is similar to variants identified in eastern Kenya and Tanzania, suggesting regional transmission. This pilot study indicates that rabies continues to circulate in the region and that community-based surveillance, when combined with enhanced diagnostic testing, can help alleviate underreporting and guide vaccination campaigns.
{"title":"Integrated Community-Based Reporting and Field Diagnostics for Improved Rabies Surveillance in Rural Laikipia, Kenya","authors":"Christian O. Odinga, Lian F. Thomas, Evalyne Wambugu, Adam W. Ferguson, Eric M. Fèvre, Andy Gibson, James M. Hassell, Dishon M. Muloi, Suzan Murray, Andrea Surmat, Peter M. Mwai, Rosie Woodroffe, Dedan Ngatia, Peter M. Gathura, John Waitumbi, Katherine E. L. Worsley-Tonks","doi":"10.1111/zph.13193","DOIUrl":"10.1111/zph.13193","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Rabies vaccination in domestic dog populations has increased globally in a bid to protect human health. Surveillance efforts, however, are inconsistent in endemic regions such as in sub-Saharan Africa, due to fragmented reporting and limited diagnostic capacity for suspected cases, limiting successful monitoring and evaluation of vaccination campaigns. Here, we conducted a pilot study aiming to strengthen rabies surveillance by combining community-based surveillance with field-based diagnostic testing in pastoral and agro-pastoral communities in central Kenya; communities which are frequently marginalised from health systems. During the 6-month pilot study, there were 14 alerts of suspected rabid dogs in the community, of which eight were tested and five diagnostically confirmed as rabid. Two positive samples processed successfully for whole genome sequencing indicated that the rabies variant circulating in central Kenya during the study period belonged to the Africa 1b subclade, which is similar to variants identified in eastern Kenya and Tanzania, suggesting regional transmission. This pilot study indicates that rabies continues to circulate in the region and that community-based surveillance, when combined with enhanced diagnostic testing, can help alleviate underreporting and guide vaccination campaigns.</p>","PeriodicalId":24025,"journal":{"name":"Zoonoses and Public Health","volume":"72 2","pages":"194-199"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-12-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11772914/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142772866","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}
Virginie Van Leeuw, Pieter Depoorter, Axel Mauroy, Olivier Beck, Herman Claeys, Nick De Regge, Valérie De Waele, Paul De Winter, Jean-François Heymans, Jozef Hooyberghs, Philippe Houdart, Cyrelle Houtsaeger, Annick Linden, Marcella Mori, Hans Nauwynck, Anna Parys, Javiera Rebolledo Romero, Chantal Rettigner, Lieze Rouffaer, Jorgen Stassijns, Mieke Steensels, Steven Van Gucht, Kristien Van Reeth, Katie Vermeersch, Muriel Vervaeke, Claude Saegerman, Jeroen Dewulf
Aims
The world experienced a huge number of outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in birds, which could represent one of the largest registered epidemics of infectious disease in food-producing animals. Therefore, mammals, including humans, are continuously exposed to HPAI viruses leading to sporadic and sometimes unusual mammal infections. The aim of this paper is to assess the risk of crossing the avian/mammalian species barrier by the currently circulating HPAI viruses, focusing on the epidemiological situation of Belgium, a representative country for Western Europe.
Methods and Results
Information on transmission pathways and species susceptibility, based on the experimental and epidemiological data, was reviewed and weighted to assess the risk of mammal infection with HPAI A(H5N1) viruses of the circulating clade 2.3.4.4b. This risk is defined as the likelihood of mammal infection by birds crossed by the clinical consequences of this infection for this animal. From the Belgian perspective, it is concluded that this risk remains ‘low’ to ‘moderate’ for captive/domestic mammal species. However, this risk was categorised as ‘high’ for certain species, i.e. mammals that have the opportunity to have frequent direct or indirect close contacts with infected (dead) birds, such as wild felids, wild mustelids, foxes and wild marine carnivore mammals. For some mammal species, the uncertainty associated with the assessment remains high due to an ever-changing situation.
Conclusions
The longer the virus will continue to circulate in wildlife/the environment the stronger the probability of contact between infected birds and mammals will become. This will increase the related risk of viral adaptation for efficient transmission between mammal, posing concerns for public health. Regular reassessments based on the field and experimental data are therefore necessary to implement and adapt risk-based mitigation measures. This will require continuous monitoring of avian influenza viruses in both birds and mammals as well as sharing of sequence data.
{"title":"Susceptibility of Mammals to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza: A Qualitative Risk Assessment From the Belgian Perspective","authors":"Virginie Van Leeuw, Pieter Depoorter, Axel Mauroy, Olivier Beck, Herman Claeys, Nick De Regge, Valérie De Waele, Paul De Winter, Jean-François Heymans, Jozef Hooyberghs, Philippe Houdart, Cyrelle Houtsaeger, Annick Linden, Marcella Mori, Hans Nauwynck, Anna Parys, Javiera Rebolledo Romero, Chantal Rettigner, Lieze Rouffaer, Jorgen Stassijns, Mieke Steensels, Steven Van Gucht, Kristien Van Reeth, Katie Vermeersch, Muriel Vervaeke, Claude Saegerman, Jeroen Dewulf","doi":"10.1111/zph.13194","DOIUrl":"10.1111/zph.13194","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Aims</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The world experienced a huge number of outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in birds, which could represent one of the largest registered epidemics of infectious disease in food-producing animals. Therefore, mammals, including humans, are continuously exposed to HPAI viruses leading to sporadic and sometimes unusual mammal infections. The aim of this paper is to assess the risk of crossing the avian/mammalian species barrier by the currently circulating HPAI viruses, focusing on the epidemiological situation of Belgium, a representative country for Western Europe.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods and Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Information on transmission pathways and species susceptibility, based on the experimental and epidemiological data, was reviewed and weighted to assess the risk of mammal infection with HPAI A(H5N1) viruses of the circulating clade 2.3.4.4b. This risk is defined as the likelihood of mammal infection by birds crossed by the clinical consequences of this infection for this animal. From the Belgian perspective, it is concluded that this risk remains ‘low’ to ‘moderate’ for captive/domestic mammal species. However, this risk was categorised as ‘high’ for certain species, i.e. mammals that have the opportunity to have frequent direct or indirect close contacts with infected (dead) birds, such as wild felids, wild mustelids, foxes and wild marine carnivore mammals. For some mammal species, the uncertainty associated with the assessment remains high due to an ever-changing situation.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The longer the virus will continue to circulate in wildlife/the environment the stronger the probability of contact between infected birds and mammals will become. This will increase the related risk of viral adaptation for efficient transmission between mammal, posing concerns for public health. Regular reassessments based on the field and experimental data are therefore necessary to implement and adapt risk-based mitigation measures. This will require continuous monitoring of avian influenza viruses in both birds and mammals as well as sharing of sequence data.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":24025,"journal":{"name":"Zoonoses and Public Health","volume":"72 2","pages":"150-165"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-11-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142751070","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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