One health outlook最新文献

Background: Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS) is a zoonotic disease caused by hantaviruses, remains a significant public health challenge in China. Despite a decline in national incidence, persistent regional outbreaks highlight a need to understand how scientific research corresponds to these evolving epidemiological patterns to better inform public health strategies.

Objective: We aimed to identify the spatiotemporal correlations between HFRS incidence and research publication output in China, identifying trends and disparities to inform future research priorities.

Methods: We conducted a bibliometric and spatial analysis of 3,304 Chinese articles from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and 556 English articles from Web of Science (WOS) from 1981 to 2023. Provincial HFRS incidence data were correlated with publication output using Spearman's correlation and the Geographical Detector model across distinct analytical phases.

Results: HFRS incidence declined nationally but remained concentrated in specific regions. Domestic publications (CNKI) peaked during Phase 2 (1992-2006; 120-226/year), while international publications (WOS) surged in Phase 3 (2007-2023). A strong and consistent spatial correlation was found between HFRS incidence and CNKI publication output (q > 0.49). In contrast, the correlation with WOS publications only became significance in Phase 3 (q = 0.271). Thematic analyses revealed differing research priorities: CNKI publications emphasized clinical and epidemiological research, while WOS focused more on epidemiological and mechanistic research. Collaboration networks became increasingly international in Phase 3, with Beijing and Shaanxi emerging as central hubs.

Conclusion: This study reveals a strong spatial correspondence between research output and disease incidence in high-incidence province. However, it also underscores significant research gaps in some highly affected yet under-resourced regions. The diverging thematic focus and collaboration patterns between domestic and international publications reflect the evolution of China's research ecosystem. Integrating bibliometric with epidemiological analysis provides a robust, evidence-based framework to help guide equitable resource allocation and foster collaborations that address the persistent challenges of HFRS.

Background: The anthrax virulence determinants, protective antigens (pag) and poly-D-γ-glutamate capsule (cap) genes have only been reported in 'cereus' group of Bacillus spp reflecting their genetic similarity. Human exposure to these virulence genes, which is through the uptake of the bacterial spores, can have serious public health implications. The study was designed to investigate the presence and burden of anthrax toxins-producing Bacillus spp. and human exposure in the largest abattoir in Lagos, Nigeria.

Methods: Soil samples collected from 3 abattoir-associated sites and blood drawn from abattoir workers and related persons were all processed in biosafety containment (BSL 3) following standard procedures. The identification of the Bacillus spp was done by combination of phenotypic and 16 S rRNA sequencing. The virulence genes were PCR detected following standard protocols. The clear human plasma was used for qualitative measurement of pag immunoglobulin G (PA-IgG) in indirect ELISA. Descriptive analysis and Chi-square test were used to describe the characteristics/distribution of Bacillus spp and relationship between exposure and risk factors.

Results: In total, forty-five soil and 89 human blood samples were collected and analyzed. Bacillus isolates (n = 26), belonging to 8 different spp were recovered from the soil samples. The pag and cap genes were concurrently amplified in three (3) strains of B. aerius (PQ269640, PQ269658, PQ269665) out of the seven isolated across the 3 sites while B. anthracis (n = 4) isolated from two sites amplified only the cap gene. All the B. cereus isolated in this study did not harbour any of the genes. Eighteen (20.2%) of the plasma samples were positive for the anthrax IgG (O.D. ≥ 0.23), male: female (8:1). The positive participants were mainly within the age bracket 30 yrs and ≥ 60 years and were significantly different from the negative (p = 0.01) while the dealing in, living with animals, previous handling of sick/dead animals have no significant differences between the PA- IgG positive and negative.

Conclusion: The non-cereus B. aerius (PQ269640, PQ269658, PQ269665) recovered from the soil harboured the anthrax virulence genes (pag, cap) and there was past exposure of abattoir workers, cattle dealers to anthrax toxins.

Background: Brucellosis remains a significant public health and economic challenge in Egypt despite long-standing control efforts. This paper outlines the national strategy for brucellosis control, detailing its legal framework, diagnostic protocols, surveillance mechanisms, vaccination programs, and biosecurity measures.

Main body: Egypt employs a dual approach of test-and-slaughter and selective vaccination, supported by serological and pathological diagnostics. Surveillance combines passive reporting, risk-based monitoring, and active outbreak investigation. While progress has been achieved, particularly in establishing brucellosis-free dairy compartments, eradication remains elusive due to inconsistent compliance, limited animal registration, inadequate compensation, and cultural barriers. Challenges also include insufficient epidemiological data, especially in small ruminants, and weak coordination between veterinary and public health sectors. Global comparisons highlight the importance of ecosystem-based and One Health approaches.

Conclusion: This review identifies critical gaps in surveillance, control coverage, and stakeholder engagement. It calls for integrated policy reforms, investment in diagnostic and monitoring infrastructure, enhanced public awareness, and regional cooperation to accelerate Egypt's path toward brucellosis elimination.

Background: This article presents and evaluates the One Health interventions implemented after a rabies outbreak in indigenous Maxakali children living in the Pradinho Village in the municipality of Bertópolis, Minas Gerais, Brazil, which occurred between April and May 2022, in the third month and in the first year after the event.

Methods: This was an evaluation study conducted using official documents. The One Health approaches implemented in response to the outbreak were assessed from the perspective of continuity and self-sustainability, in order to conjecture the tactical and strategic operational measures adopted. The One Health interventions were assessed based on the analysis of qualitative and quantitative data from observations and records of environmental, observational, and animal and human behavior samples. The coordination mechanisms between the Rabies Working Group of the Ministry of Health, composed of the National, State and District Strategic Information Centers for Health Surveillance, the Field Epidemiology Training Program, the Special Secretariat for Indigenous Health, the State Secretariat of Health of Minas Gerais, the Agricultural Institute of Minas Gerais, the Municipal Secretariats of Health and Environment of Bertópolis, hospitals in the region and the Fire Department of Minas Gerais were assessed.

Results: Training activities were carried out for health team professionals; a post-exposure prophylaxis scheme was implemented for susceptible contacts and a pre-exposure prophylaxis scheme was implemented by the vaccination team for all village residents; the animal anti-rabies vaccine was administered to 100% of the canine and feline population in Aldeia Pradinho, within a focal and perifocal radius of 3 to 5 km from the outbreak site. Approximately 100 households were inspected and natural and artificial roosts of sanguivorous bats were identified. An epidemiological survey was carried out in the region to verify attacks by sanguivorous bats on cattle and horses. The evaluation of the operational approaches in the 3rd month showed high efficacy, but after 1 year they were considered of low to medium efficacy. Evaluations of the tactical and strategic approaches after 1 year were considered of low efficacy due to the lack of self-sustainability.

Conclusions: One Health interventions were useful in addressing health challenges and consolidating partnerships. Although not all strategic response actions have proven to be self-sustainable after a year of this rabies outbreak that affected indigenous Maxakali children, gains were observed in terms of trust, community engagement, and intersectoral collaboration.

Chlamydia species, a group of obligate intracellular Gram-negative bacteria, affect humans, livestock, companion animals, and wildlife, with infections ranging from asymptomatic to severe depending on host species and strain. Diagnosis can be difficult due to mild lesions or co-infections. Because Chlamydiaceae infect multiple hosts, a One Health approach, integrating human, animal, and environmental health is essential for effective control and prevention. C. trachomatis remains endemic in many regions, while Chlamydia pneumoniae is implicated in community-acquired pneumonia. C. abortus threatens livestock and people in pastoralist communities. Other species, including C. caviae, C. felis, C. muridarum, C. pecorum, and C. psittaci, cause high morbidity in animals, and many are zoonotic, posing risks to humans through cross-species transmission. Closely related Chlamydia-like bacteria also pose emerging threats in both human and animal populations. In Africa, diverse ecosystems facilitate frequent cross-species contacts that can drive disease emergence. Rapid urbanization, population growth, and widespread poverty increase transmission, while political instability and food insecurity reduce public health responses. As the continent faces a disproportionate burden of emerging and re-emerging infections, strengthening surveillance and targeted interventions is crucial. This review examines current knowledge on the transmission dynamics and public health implications of Chlamydiaceae species in African settings.

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global public health problem due to misuse/overuse of antimicrobials. The interplay between humans, animals, and the environment requires a One Health approach for effective AMR control. We focused this research on antimicrobial use in food-producing animals (bovine, caprine, equine, ovine, and swine) to assess the compliance of Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries (members, partners, and candidates) with international guidelines: Codex Alimentarius: Code of Practice to Minimize and Contain Foodborne Antimicrobial Resistance, and the Terrestrial Animal Health Code.

Methods: For this systematic review (PROSPERO CRD42024535461), between February 1 and June 30 of 2024, guidelines were searched on: governmental websites associated with health and veterinary sectors, veterinary organizations specified by the government or included in the country's National Action Plan for AMR, and the global repository of available guidelines for responsible use of antimicrobials in animal health. Three researchers performed data extraction and AGREE II appraisal was conducted by two researchers.

Results: Of the 49 OECD countries, 37 presented guidelines (n = 82) for responsible antimicrobial use in the analyzed species, with bovine and swine being the most represented. The highest number of published guidelines was observed between 2017-2020. The number of clinical and non-clinical guidelines were 43 and 37, respectively, emphasizing the need for veterinarian-directed recommendations.

Conclusions: The AMR challenge, the interdependence of countries, and the trade of animal-derived products should encourage national initiatives to develop and implement guidelines for the judicious use of antimicrobials in animal production. Due to OECD countries' disparities in terms of culture, internal policies, attitudes and perceptions about AMR, and financial resources, this process needs to be gradual and tailored for each case. Therefore, communication and collaboration between countries and stakeholders are essential.

Rabies is a fatal and neglected zoonotic disease that remains endemic in Bangladesh. Most human cases result from dog bites, and it is not uncommon for livestock to be bitten by dogs. This report presents the first known clinically diagnosed human rabies case in Bangladesh associated with exposure to infected livestock. The case involved a 65-year-old male farmer from rural Bangladesh who died of clinically diagnosed rabies after a minor, unrecognized exposure to a bull calf suspected of having rabies. The man suffered very little hand injuries while feeding the calf, which had been showing progressive neurological symptoms consistent with rabies. Despite medical advice, he did not receive post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), largely due to negligence. Thirty-four days after the exposure, the man began to exhibit early symptoms of rabies, including limb weakness, neck and back pain, anxiety, and early signs of hydrophobia. The illness quickly progressed to the classic features of furious rabies, such as severe hydrophobia, aerophobia, confusion, and agitation. He died 41 days after the initial exposure. This case triggered fear and panic in the local community, reflecting a broader lack of awareness about rabies, particularly its transmission from non-traditional hosts like livestock. The incident highlights the severe consequences of inadequate awareness and delayed or missed PEP following potential rabies exposure. It emphasizes the urgent need to raise public awareness about all possible transmission routes, ensure timely access to PEP for both humans and animals, stray dog vaccination and strengthen public-veterinary health collaboration in Bangladesh.

Background: Urbanization and intensifying interactions between humans, animals, and the environment present complex challenges for One Health, particularly in regions like Central Nigeria. This study investigates the dynamics of human-animal-environment interfaces within a Nigerian abattoir during the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, focusing on zoonotic transmission pathways and multispecies interactions.

Methods: We employed a mixed-methods approach, combining ethnographic observations, semi-structured interviews, and biological sampling of livestock, dogs, and small mammals. Virological analyses included RT-qPCR for SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection and ELISA for antibody identification. Fieldwork spanned rainy and dry seasons in 2022 to capture seasonal variations in human-animal interactions.

Results: The abattoir compound is centre of life of multiple species, involving humans, livestock, synanthropic mammals, and domestic animals, and as such, serves as a dynamic hub for their interactions. Seasonal changes influence interaction intensity, with higher densities during the rainy season. While SARS-CoV-2 RNA was not detected in animal samples, antibodies were identified in cattle, goats, sheep, dogs, and shrews, with higher occurrence in the rainy season. These findings suggest prior exposure of the animals to SARS-CoV-2, underscoring the influence of environmental and human behavioural factors on zoonotic transmission risks.

Conclusions: This One Health study demonstrates the value of integrating ethnographic insights with serological data, and highlights the abattoir compound as a critical site for zoonotic pathogen circulation. Findings emphasize the need for targeted interdisciplinary surveillance and mitigation strategies in high-density, multispecies environments to address zoonotic disease risks and enhance health resilience across species.

Background: Zoonotic diseases such as brucellosis, Rift Valley fever, anthrax, rabies and bovine tuberculosis are highly prevalent among pastoralist communities in low-and middle-income countries.

Methods: This study adopts a One Health approach, employing a range of participatory methods including informal observations, "go-along interviews," narrative-, and key informant- interviews, to explore the cultural, behavioral, and structural drivers of zoonotic disease transmission among pastoralist communities in East Africa. We unpack how the physical environment, socio-economic systems, health systems, community influence and cultural competence as well as individual pastoralists' unique characteristics, behaviors and lifestyles can be leveraged for effective public health interventions that reduce zoonotic risks and improve health outcomes for both humans and livestock.

Results: We present data from 214 purposively selected participants, including 19 key informants, 68 in-depth interviews, 20 focus group discussions, and 22 direct ethnographic observations. Traditional knowledge and beliefs, risky cultural dietary practices such as consumption of raw milk, meat and blood, unprotected parturition assistance, unsafe disposal of carcasses and aborted fetuses were common and carried increased risk of zoonotic transmission. Women and children handled and milked small ruminants while adult men and morans (young warriors) were mostly involved with cattle, camels and slaughtering; hence exposing them to zoonotic pathogens disproportionately. There were piles of manure made up of animal excreta and secretions that were potentially highly contaminated with saprophytes and soil-borne zoonotic pathogens.

Discussion: While livestock play a significant and indispensable role in the daily livelihoods of pastoralist communities, close association of pastoralists with livestock coupled with their unique cultural and behavioral practices increases their risk of exposure to deadly zoonotic diseases. Although, most of these practices are environmentally and culturally adaptive, their risk for transmission is often overlooked. The study also highlights inadequate sanitary practices, poor disposal of animal carcasses and placentae and the absence of veterinary oversight in the production, distribution and consumption of livestock products.

Conclusions: Our study provides a holistic understanding of the subjective perspectives and nuanced insights underlying the emergence and persistence of zoonotic diseases within pastoralist communities. It also underscores the need for culturally sensitive One Health interventions that address these practices and enhance community awareness of zoonotic disease risks and prevention strategies which are often overlooked by conventional epidemiological studies.

Background: Addressing the barriers to outbreak reporting is critical to prevent future outbreaks from becoming epidemics or pandemics. As most emerging infectious diseases are zoonotic in origin, this requires understanding the barriers affecting both the human and animal health sectors. However, previous reviews of outbreak reporting barriers have only looked at barriers with respect to humans or animals independently. Therefore, we undertook a One Health approach to holistically understand the impact of outbreak reporting barriers across the human health, animal health, and environmental sectors.

Methods: We conducted a scoping review of the peer-reviewed and grey literature to identify barriers and facilitators for outbreak reporting affecting human health, animal health, and the environment. We selected studies that identified discrete barriers or facilitators at the subnational, national, and international levels using quantitative research, qualitative research, mixed methods, or reviews. We extracted information on publication information, barriers, and facilitators, and we thematically summarised our findings.

Results: Among 5,177 records examined, we selected 151 matched parameters for data abstraction and analysis. The most employed methodology was qualitative (56 studies), and the East Asia and Pacific (43 studies) and Sub-Saharan Africa (40 studies) regions were the most studied. Only 45 studies evaluated outbreak reporting with respect to a specific disease. Identified outbreak reporting barriers and facilitators fell under three major themes: technical; economic, political, and bureaucratic; and behavioural and social. We found substantial evidence for technical barriers to outbreak reporting across all regions and sectors and resistance to reporting among agricultural producers. However, evidence for additional barriers, particularly barriers to environmental reporting, is more limited.

Conclusions: This study affirms the importance of building countries' technical capacity to report outbreaks. However, it also indicates the need to sensitize reporters and government officials on the importance of outbreak reporting. A comprehensive understanding of the full breadth of outbreak reporting barriers and facilitators across human health, animal health, and the environment otherwise remains incomplete, with critical implications for ongoing and future outbreaks. Future studies should endeavour to fill these gaps in the evidence base as part of an integrated One Health strategy to improve the outbreak reporting process.