One health outlook最新文献

In 2024, Brazil reached significant milestones in advancing the One Health framework, notably with the establishment of the Interinstitutional Technical Committee for One Health and the launch of the São Paulo Declaration on One Health. These developments mark a crucial step forward in Brazil's strategy to address the interconnected challenges of human, animal, plant, and environmental health. The One Health framework underscores the need for cross-sectoral collaboration, transdisciplinary partnerships, and community-driven engagement, particularly as global issues such as climate change, ecosystem degradation, and health crises become increasingly urgent. The São Paulo Declaration advocates for integrated health surveillance, fostering intersectoral cooperation, and promoting sustainable practices to tackle emerging health threats. It calls for a unified approach to addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, and social vulnerability while prioritizing research, capacity building, and policy integration across all governance levels. This commentary highlights the importance of the São Paulo Declaration in advancing Brazil's One Health strategy and calls for sustained action from academia, governments, and society. These collective efforts are critical to ensuring a resilient and sustainable future, safeguarding the health of humans, animals, and the environment through holistic collaboration.

Countries with the highest potential exposure to viral haemorrhagic fever viruses are also those with low expenditure on health services, limiting the capacity for surveillance and detection of these viruses, and effective treatment and outbreak containment. The COVID-19 pandemic further limited travel and in-person collaborative training opportunities for researchers, laboratory and public health professionals. Digital learning offers the prospect of addressing some of the shortfall in training needs. In this short report, we describe our experiences in the development of effective laboratory training tools using digital learning methods. We describe the teaching methodology, list barriers to successful implementation and offer some potential solutions.

Background: Mosquitoes are well-known vectors for arthropod-borne viruses, yet their role as passive carriers of non-arthropod-borne viruses remains underexplored. Xenosurveillance, a method that utilizes blood-feeding arthropods to sample host and pathogen genetic material, has emerged as a valuable tool in viral ecology. In this study, we investigated the viral landscape of blood-fed mosquitoes from Senegal and report the first detection of Jaagsiekte Sheep Retrovirus (JSRV)-related and Enzootic Nasal Tumor Virus 2 (ENTV-2)-related sequences, alongside endemic arboviruses. Our study aimed to investigate whether mosquitoes can serve as sentinels for detecting both pathogens and host-derived markers in complex ecosystems.

Methods: Mosquitoes were collected between 2016 and 2019 from three ecologically significant regions in Senegal (Louga, Barkedji, and Kedougou). Blood-fed mosquitoes were pooled and subjected to RNA extraction and metagenomic sequencing using Illumina NextSeq550. Sequencing data were analyzed with CZ-ID and BLAST for viral identification. RT-qPCR assays were designed to validate the presence of JSRV-related sequences, targeting conserved regions of the envelope gene and 3' untranslated region. Phylogenetic analysis was conducted using MAFFT and IQ-TREE to compare the detected sequence with global exogenous and endogenous JSRV references.

Results: Sequencing revealed a broad viral diversity across mosquito species, including insect-specific viruses, arboviruses (West Nile, Sindbis, Bagaza, Usutu, Barkedji), and two retroviral sequences. A JSRV-related sequence was confirmed in a pool from Barkedji (2019) and clustered phylogenetically with endogenous JSRV. A nearly complete ENTV-2 genome, closely related to pathogenic Chinese strains, was recovered from the same pool. Other viruses grouped within established African lineages, supporting persistent regional circulation.

Discussion: This study presents the first report of retroviral sequences detected in mosquitoes, alongside the identification of actively circulating arboviruses and insect-specific viruses, highlighting the broader potential of mosquitoes as environmental sentinels. While mosquitoes are not biological vectors for retroviruses, their ability to capture both host-derived retroviral material and pathogenic viral genomes through bloodmeals reinforces the value of xenosurveillance for monitoring livestock-vector-environment interactions. These findings contribute to broader efforts in integrated disease surveillance and underscore the utility of combining metagenomics with molecular diagnostics to detect diverse viral signals in high-risk ecological settings.

Background: "One Health," a concept that highlights the need to bring on board multiple players and actors together to address major health problems, has been proposed to be effective in data gathering to mitigate the menace of antimicrobial drug resistance (AMR). Genomic data on extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli (ESBL-EC) across humans, animals, and the environment are limited in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including Ghana.

Objective: This study determined the prevalence and patterns of AMR in E. coli from diverse sources, and characterized AMR genes, sequence types (STs), and plasmid replicon types in ESBL-EC.

Methodology: In a cross-sectional study, we randomly collected 1500 specimens from healthy humans, cattle, pigs, lettuce, spring onions, pork, beef, and soil samples, between January 2022 - April 2023. E. coli was isolated by routine culture and confirmed by MALDI-TOF MS. E. coli isolates were screened for their susceptibility against 13 antimicrobial agents and ESBL-production. ESBL-EC isolates were whole-genome sequenced (WGS), and in silico analysis was used to determine AMR genes, sequence types (STs), and plasmid replicon types.

Result: Of the 1500 specimens from diverse sources cultured, 140 (9.3%) were positive for E. coli. No E. coli was isolated from lettuce, spring onions, and pork. Fifty (35.7%) E. coli isolates were resistant to three or more of the antimicrobials tested, and 30 (21.4%) were ESBL-EC. The proportion of ESBL-EC identified in healthy humans were 14 (20%), cattle 9 (22.5%), pigs 3 (15%), beef 1 (50%) and soil 3 (37.5%). ESBL-EC isolates were highly resistant to ampicillin (100%), cefuroxime (100%), ciprofloxacin (53.6%), and tetracycline (58.2%). However, all ESBL-EC were susceptible to meropenem. Commonly detected AMR genes were blaTEM-1B (32%), tetA (48%) and sul2 (32%), with majority recovered from healthy human and soil samples. The dominant sequence types found were 12% (3) for ST10, ST 9312, ST 206, and ST 4151. The prevalent plasmid replicon types detected were IncFIB (Apoo1918) (40%) and IncFII (pCoo) (36%).

Conclusion: Within the metropolis surveyed, we identified MDR ESBL-EC harbouring various AMR genes and plasmid replicon types with diverse E. coli sequence types in healthy humans, animals, and the environment. The detection of blaCTX-M-15 in agricultural soil isolate is worrisome, emphasizing the need for a "One Health" approach in combating AMR.

Outbreaks of animal and zoonotic diseases in South Africa are costly and raise concerns about national biosecurity. The interconnectedness of humans, livestock, wildlife and their social and ecological environment necessitates a holistic approach to prevention, preparedness and response to zoonotic and animal diseases. One Health is an increasingly accepted approach in contemporary science and policy spheres, but with limited consideration for economic dimensions. To more fully estimate costs of animal and zoonotic diseases in the country and to explore further scope for applying a One Health economics lens, the Agricultural Research Council of South Africa, in collaboration with partners, held a One Health Economics mini-congress to provide a platform where multidisciplinary stakeholders discussed practical examples, primarily from the Southern African region. Discussions at the mini-congress centred around One Health economics and opportunities, economic insights on prevention and control of Rift Valley fever (RVF), avian influenza and other zoonotic diseases, return on investment for One Health approaches, and insights from the natural resources and animal and human health sectors. Regional and international perspectives on multi-sectoral economic analysis and financing were also shared. Key recommendations from the mini-congress included promoting coordination, co-creation and co-implemented efforts to minimize effects of One Health challenges, and including economic aspects of multi-sectoral engagement to identify and reduce trade-offs and maximize co-benefits of strategies and programmes. Integration of economics in One Health fora, research and collaboration, and promotion of communities of practice and applied training to enhance learning and knowledge exchange were also identified as important.

Background: Anthrax is an infectious zoonotic disease caused by gram-positive, rod-shaped, and spore-forming bacteria known as Bacillus anthracis. It continues to be a disease of public health importance in Uganda, with sporadic outbreaks reported annually in many parts of the country. In November 2023, Kyotera District reported a strange illness, characterized by itching, rash, swelling, and skin lesions which was later confirmed as anthrax. We investigated to assess its magnitude, identify potential exposures, and propose evidence-based control measures.

Methods: A suspected cutaneous anthrax case was an acute onset of skin itching/swelling plus ≥ 2 of: skin reddening, lymphadenopathy, headache, fever or general body weakness. A suspected gastrointestinal anthrax case was an acute onset of ≥ 2 of: abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, mouth lesions or neck swelling. A confirmed anthrax case was a suspected case with Bacillus anthracis PCR-positive results. To identify cases, we reviewed medical records and conducted community active case-finding. We conducted an unmatched case-control study and used logistic regression to identify risk factors of anthrax transmission. Controls were selected at a 1:4 ratio from the same villages as the case-patients.

Results: We identified 63 cases (46 suspected and 17 confirmed); 48 (76%) were male. Of the 63, 55 cases (87%) were cutaneous and 8 (13%) were gastrointestinal, with a mean age of 42 years. Overall attack rate (AR) was 3.1/1,000; males were more affected (AR = 4.5/1,000) than females (AR = 1.5/1,000). Case-fatality rate was 19% (n = 12). Among the 63 cases, 18 (29%) sought care from health facilities; 33 (52%) were managed by traditional healers. The odds of anthrax infection were highest in individuals who both consumed and handled infected meat (OR = 20.9, 95% CI: 8.8-49.8), followed by those who only consumed the meat (OR = 5.81, 95% CI: 2.12-15.9).

Conclusion: The anthrax outbreak in Kyotera District was primarily attributed to the consumption and handling of meat from cattle that had suddenly died. Poor health-seeking behavior and seeking care from traditional healers likely contributed to the high case fatality rate. To prevent future outbreaks, authorities should enforce cattle inspection protocols, expand anthrax vaccination campaigns, and enhance community education on safe meat handling and medical care-seeking practices.

Background: Enhanced availability of veterinary drugs in Ethiopia has led to a growing use of these drugs in food-producing animals. However, the use of drugs in livestock is not commonly supervised by trained veterinarians. In addition, smallholder livestock producers often lack sufficient education and information about antimicrobial use to achieve the intended impact.

Methods: We used Community Conversations to raise awareness and knowledge about antimicrobial use and resistance within rural communities. We used single-sex and mixed-gender discussion groups to explore community members' perceptions and practices regarding antimicrobial use and resistance.

Results: The data revealed knowledge and behavioral patterns in antimicrobial use and resistance, which vary between communities based on gender roles and information sources. Initially, antimicrobial resistance was poorly understood, but gradually, frequent drug use, poor-quality medications, poor regulatory system, and poor veterinary service emerged as key contributors. Although communities recognized the importance of preventive measures to reduce antimicrobial use, knowledge gaps and resource constraints limit their implementation.

Conclusions: Raising awareness and knowledge within rural communities is an effective approach to promoting behavior change about antimicrobial use and resistance. The insights gained from understanding community perceptions and practices can help develop targeted education and training programs for stakeholders involved in the antimicrobial supply chain.

Background: The common hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) is found in aquatic environments throughout sub-Saharan Africa and is known to cause attacks on humans living or working close to water bodies. Victims surviving an attack often suffer from the consequences of severe wound infections caused by the animal's sharp canine teeth.

Objective: Isolation of normal flora bacteria from the oral cavity of common hippopotami (Hippopotamus amphibious) followed by antibiotic susceptibility testing to aid in the identification of a targeted antibiotic treatment regimen for hippopotamus attack victims.

Methods: Oral swabs were collected from 34 free-ranging hippopotami in three reserves within the Greater Kruger National Park Complex in South Africa and cultured for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was conducted using the disc diffusion method (Kirby-Bauer method) and a panel of 16 antibiotic drugs representing 10 antibiotic categories.

Results: Culturing of 50 oral swab samples from 34 hippopotami yielded 188 aerobic isolates belonging to 30 bacterial genera and 41 bacterial species (Gram-negative: 70.7%; Gram-positive: 29.3%) and 16 obligate anaerobic isolates from two genera. Three bacterial species, namely Aeromonas hydrophila, Aeromonas sobria and Shewanella putrefaciens accounted for 52% of the aerobic isolates. The anaerobic isolates were identified as Prevotella melaninogenica and Clostridium spp. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed for 112 aerobic isolates (Gram-negative: 93 (83%); Gram-positive: 19 (17%)) representing all isolated bacterial species. High levels of antibiotic resistance were observed among the Gram-negative species especially to most beta-lactam antibiotics (50.5% to 80.7%). Multidrug resistance was detected in 22.6% of Gram-negative isolates and in 24.1% of all isolates.

Conclusions: This study provides the first investigation of the oral flora bacteria of the common hippopotamus. Among the 32 mostly aerobic bacterial genera the most abundant bacterial species were A. hydrophila, A. sobria and S. putrefaciens. They are typical inhabitants of the aquatic habitat of the hippopotamus and of zoonotic importance as opportunistic human pathogens. The antibiotic susceptibility profiles demonstrated that quinolones, aminoglycosides, and tetracyclines were highly efficacious against these bacterial species which otherwise showed moderate to high levels of resistance to the traditional bite wound treatment with amoxicillin/clavulanate and 1st and 2nd generation cephalosporins.

Background: The spread of antimicrobial resistant pathogens, including extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) producing Enterobacteriaceae is a global health threat and can be addressed only through a One Health approach. We aimed to characterize ESBL producing Escherichia coli isolates from World Health Organization Tricycle surveillance using data from whole genome sequencing (WGS) to decipher the potential dynamics of their circulation at the human, poultry and environment interface.

Methods: WGS was performed on 100 non-duplicate representative ESBL E. coli isolates including 28 isolates from humans, 36 from poultry caeca, and 36 from water samples. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) was determined using Vitek 2 Compact. WGS was performed on Illumina NextSeq 2000 platform and open-source bioinformatics pipelines were used to analyze WGS data for genomic characterization including phylogenetic analysis and in silico multi-locus sequence typing and, serotyping and, ESBL gene detection.

Results: Most isolates were susceptible to imipenem (98%), meropenem (94%) and tigecycline (94%). Six ESBL E. coli isolates from poultry were resistant to colistin (MIC ≥ 4 μg/ml). WGS revealed high genetic diversity representing 56 sequence types (ST) including three novel STs. ST131 (7 isolates) was the most prevalent comprising human and environment isolates, followed by ST2179 (6 isolates, all poultry) and ST155 (5 isolates across the three sectors). All eight recognized E. coli phylogroups were observed, with majority (86%) of the isolates belonging to A, B1, B2 and D phylogroups. Of the100 isolates, 98 carried bla_CTX-M gene, with bla_CTX-M-15 the most prevalent allele (76%). AmpC type ESBL genes were found in four and OXA type β lactamases in six isolates. In our study, bla_NDM-5 was detected in two imipenem resistant isolates from human. Coexistence of more than one β-lactamase genes was seen in 26% isolates.

Conclusion: Our findings indicate high genetic diversity among ESBL E. coli strains from all three sectors and sharing of identical strains and resistance genes within and between sectors. ST131, the globally dominant ESBL E. coli clade is gaining prevalence in Nepal with bla_CTX-M being the most common ESBL gene across the phylogroups and all source groups. Antimicrobial stewardship should be promoted in one health approach to combat antimicrobial resistance.