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A special issue of Pathogens (ISSN 2076-0817). This special issue belongs to the section "Emerging Pathogens".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 September 2023) | Viewed by 17115

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Prof. Dr. Francesca Mancianti

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Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
Interests: parasitology; mycology; parasitic/fungal zoonoses; parasitic/fungal diseases diagnosis; environmental hygiene
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Valentina Virginia Ebani

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1. Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
2. Interdepartmental Research Center “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health” (NUTRAFOOD), University of Pisa, 56121 Pisa, Italy
3. Centre for Climate Change Impact, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
Interests: zoonosis; bacterial infectious diseases; vector-borne diseases; antibiotic resistance; One Health
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Zoonoses encompass several bacterial, parasitic, and mycotic diseases of domestic and free-living animals. In recent years, we have assisted in the emergence of infectious diseases, which exhibit different etiologies in the possible hosts that range from various animals to humans. Zoonotic agents can remain undetected, being present in an asymptomatic form in animal reservoirs, which enhances the threat for human beings. The One Health approach aims at an optimal outcome in terms of the One Health Triad, namely healthy people and healthy animals in a healthy environment. For this reason, knowledge on the etiology, epidemiology, environmental impact, pathogenic effects, diagnosis, control, and treatment of such diseases is a necessity.

This Special Issue is dedicated to studies covering any aspect of zoonotic agents, with the etiology, epidemiology, pathogenesis diagnosis, control, and treatment of diseases they can induce being of particular interest. Experimental studies as well case reports and review papers are all welcome.

Prof. Dr. Francesca Mancianti
Dr. Valentina Virginia Ebani
Guest Editors

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Keywords

zoonoses
bacteria
fungi
algae
helminths
protozoa
arthropods
bacterial diseases
mycoses
domestic animals
wildlife
exotic animals

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research

4 pages, 173 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Bacterial, Fungal, and Parasitic Zoonoses

by Valentina Virginia Ebani and Francesca Mancianti

Pathogens 2024, 13(1), 5; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pathogens13010005 - 19 Dec 2023

Viewed by 722

Abstract

Zoonoses encompass several bacterial, parasitic, and mycotic diseases of domestic and free-living animals [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bacterial, Fungal and Parasitic Zoonoses)

Research

Jump to: Editorial

12 pages, 337 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evidence of the Zoonotic Transmission of Cryptosporidium among Children and Pets

by Natalia Marinho Dourado Coelho, Willian Marinho Dourado Coelho, Jancarlo Ferreira Gomes, Marcelo Vasconcelos Meireles, Walter Bertequini Nagata, Valéria Marçal Felix de Lima, Thais Rabelo Santos-Doni, Vitória Beatriz Silva, Luiz da Silveira Neto, Alex Akira Nakamura and Katia Denise Saraiva Bresciani

Pathogens 2023, 12(12), 1393; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pathogens12121393 - 27 Nov 2023

Viewed by 926

Abstract

We investigated the zoonotic transmission of Cryptosporidium among the children (n = 188), dogs (n = 133), and cats (n = 55) living in 188 households. Fecal samples were examined using ELISA and confirmed via nested PCR. Coproantigens oocysts were detected in 3.7% of children, 8.3% of dogs, and 5.5% of cats. We found strong evidence of two cases of the zoonotic transmission of Cryptosporidium canis between children and dogs. Furthermore, four children and their respective pets (one dog and three cats) were infected with Cryptosporidium parvum, but we cannot exclude the hypotheses that the oocysts were transmitted from children to animals or that both hosts were infected by a shared source, such as contaminated water or food. The presence of an infected animal elevated the risk of zoonotic transmission by 129.7-fold (95% CI: 13.92–1209.68). Furthermore, sharing a bed with pets was identified as a risk factor for infection in children (OR: 9.9, 95% CI: 1.37–71.2). In conclusion, the zoonotic transmission of Cryptosporidium among children and pets cohabiting in the same household may be quite common, especially when infected animals lie or sleep on children’s beds. These findings unequivocally highlight the public health concern surrounding C. canis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bacterial, Fungal and Parasitic Zoonoses)

11 pages, 1037 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cryptosporidium proventriculi in Captive Cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus)

by Mariele Fernanda da Cruz Panegossi, Giovanni Widmer, Walter Bertequini Nagata, Bruno César Miranda Oliveira, Elis Domingos Ferrari, Jancarlo Ferreira Gomes, Marcelo Vasconcelos Meireles, Alex Akira Nakamura, Thaís Rabelo do Santos-Doni, Luiz da Silveira Neto and Katia Denise Saraiva Bresciani

Pathogens 2023, 12(5), 710; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pathogens12050710 - 13 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1408

Abstract

Cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) are among the most commonly sold psittacines pets. The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. in domestic N. hollandicus and identify risk factors for this infection. We collected fecal samples from 100 domestic cockatiels in the city of Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil. Feces from birds of both genders and older than two months were collected. Owners were asked to complete a questionnaire to identify how they handle and care for their birds. Based on nested PCR targeting the 18S rRNA gene, the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. in the cockatiels sampled was 9.00%, 6.00% based on Malachite green staining, 5.00% based on modified Kinyoun straining, and 7.00% when the Malachite green was combined with Kinyoun. Applying multivariate logistic regression to test the association between Cryptosporidium proventriculi positivity and potential predictors showed that gastrointestinal alterations was a significant predictor (p < 0.01). Amplicons from five samples were sequenced successfully and showed 100% similarity with C. proventriculi. In summary, this study demonstrates the occurrence of C. proventriculi in captive cockatiels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bacterial, Fungal and Parasitic Zoonoses)

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15 pages, 1743 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimization and Application of Real-Time qPCR Assays in Detection and Identification of Chlamydiales in Products of Domestic Ruminant Abortion

by Annelize Jonker and Anita L. Michel

Pathogens 2023, 12(2), 290; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pathogens12020290 - 09 Feb 2023

Viewed by 1684

Abstract

Domestic ruminant abortions due to infectious agents represent an important cause of economic losses in the agricultural industry. This study aimed to optimise and apply qPCR assays for detection of Chlamydiales in domestic ruminant abortion cases. Primers and probes for detection of the order Chlamydiales, Chlamydia abortus, Chlamydia pecorum, Parachlamydia acanthamoeba and Waddlia chondrophila were taken from the literature to create one singleplex and two duplex assays and the assays were optimised. Placentitis and pneumonia are pathological lesions associated with Chlamydiales infection. In a previous study, twenty-five clinical cases had pathological lesions of placentitis or pneumonia. These cases were investigated further by application of the qPCR assays in this study. Chlamydiales were detected in 16 cases. C. abortus, P. acanthamoeba and W. chondrophila were detected in bovine; and C. pecorum and W. chondrophila in ovine and caprine cases. Chlamydiales were detected in three previously inconclusive cases. Identification was improved from genus to species level (C. pecorum). Four cases remained inconclusive. In conclusion, detection of Chlamydiales and differentiation to species level was improved. This study reports the first detection of P. acanthamoeba and W. chondrophila in abortion cases in South Africa, indicating a potentially significant role in abortions in this country. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bacterial, Fungal and Parasitic Zoonoses)

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17 pages, 1952 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Temporal Study of Salmonella enterica Serovars Isolated from Environmental Samples from Ontario Poultry Breeder Flocks between 2009 and 2018

by Carolyn E. Murray, Csaba Varga, Rachel Ouckama and Michele T. Guerin

Pathogens 2023, 12(2), 278; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pathogens12020278 - 08 Feb 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1350

Abstract

This study’s goal was to determine the prevalence, temporal trends, seasonal patterns, and temporal clustering of Salmonella enterica isolated from environmental samples from Ontario’s poultry breeding flocks between 2009 and 2018. Clusters of common serovars and those of human health concern were identified using a scan statistic. The period prevalence of S. enterica was 25.3% in broiler breeders, 6.4% in layer breeders, and 28.6% in turkey breeders. An overall decreasing trend in S. enterica prevalence was identified in broiler breeders (from 27.8% in 2009 to 22.1% in 2018) and layer breeders (from 15.4% to 4.9%), while an increasing trend was identified in turkey breeders (from 12.0% to 24.5%). The most common serovars varied by commodity. Among broiler breeders, S. enterica serovars Kentucky (42.4% of 682 submissions), Heidelberg (19.2%), and Typhimurium (5.4%) were the most common. Salmonella enterica serovars Thompson (20.0% of 195 submissions) and Infantis (16.4%) were most common among layer breeders, and S. enterica serovars Schwarzengrund (23.6% of 1368 submissions), Senftenberg (12.9%), and Heidelberg and Uganda (9.6% each) were most common among turkey breeders. Salmonella enterica ser. Enteritidis prevalence was highest in submissions from broiler breeders (3.7% of 682 broiler breeder submissions). Temporal clusters of S. enterica serovars were identified for all poultry commodities. Seasonal effects varied by commodity, with most peaks occurring in the fall. Our study provides information on the prevalence and temporality of S. enterica serovars within Ontario’s poultry breeder flocks that might guide prevention and control programs at the breeder level. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bacterial, Fungal and Parasitic Zoonoses)

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12 pages, 1015 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Mechanisms Involved in the Fluoroquinolone Resistance of Salmonella enterica Strains Isolated from Humans in Poland, 2018–2019: The Prediction of Antimicrobial Genes by In Silico Whole-Genome Sequencing

by Katarzyna Piekarska, Tomasz Wołkowicz, Katarzyna Zacharczuk, Agata Stepuch and Rafał Gierczyński

Pathogens 2023, 12(2), 193; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pathogens12020193 - 27 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1331

Abstract

Salmonellosis remains the second most common zoonosis in Europe. Resistance to fluoroquinolones (FQs) in Salmonella has been increasing worldwide, with WHO considering FQ-resistant Salmonella spp. as high-priority pathogens. The aim of this study was a retrospective analysis of the molecular mechanisms of FQ resistance, detected among clinical ciprofloxacin-resistant Salmonella enterica belonging to the most common serotypes. The whole genome sequences (WGS) of tested isolates were also analysed for the occurrence of other antimicrobial resistance determinants. Out of a total of 1051 Salmonella collected in the years 2018–2019, 447 strains belonging to the most common serotypes in Poland were selected were screened for FQ resistance using the pefloxacin disc test according to EUCAST recommendations. All pefloxacin-resistant isolates were confirmed as ciprofloxacin-resistant using the E-test. A total of 168 (37.6%) Salmonella enterica, which belonged to seven serotypes, were resistant to ciprofloxacin (mostly Hadar, Virchow and Newport). A hundred randomly selected Salmonella were investigated by WGS. A total of 127 QRDR mutations in GyrA and ParC were identified in 93 isolates. The qnr genes were the only PMQR determinants detected and were found in 19% of the sequenced isolates. Moreover, 19 additional resistance genes (including: bla,_,tet, sul, aad, aac-, ant-, aph-, floR, cmlA) were identified among the FQ-resistant Salmonella tested that confer resistance to clinically important antibiotics such as β-lactams, tetracyclines, sulphonamides, aminoglycosides and phenicol, respectively). In conclusion, FQ resistance of human Salmonella in Poland is rising towards a critical level and needs to be tightly monitored. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bacterial, Fungal and Parasitic Zoonoses)

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18 pages, 1114 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pet Reptiles in Poland as a Potential Source of Transmission of Salmonella

by Marta Dec, Magdalena Zając, Andrzej Puchalski, Klaudiusz Szczepaniak and Renata Urban-Chmiel

Pathogens 2022, 11(10), 1125; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pathogens11101125 - 29 Sep 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1742

Abstract

Reptiles are considered a potential source of Salmonella transmission to humans. The aim of this research was to determine the incidence of Salmonella in pet reptiles in Poland and to examine Salmonella isolates with regard to their biochemical characteristics, serotype, antimicrobial susceptibility, and pathogenic and zoonotic potential. The research material consisted of 67 reptile faeces samples. The taxonomic affiliation of the Salmonella isolates was determined by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, biochemical analyses, and serotyping; whole genome sequencing (WGS) analysis was performed on three isolates whose serotype could not be determined by agglutination. The antimicrobial susceptibility of the Salmonella isolates was determined by the broth dilution method, and in the case of some antimicrobials by the disk diffusion method. The pathogenic and zoonotic potential of the identified serotypes was estimated based on available reports and case studies. The presence of Salmonella was confirmed in 71.6% of faecal samples, with the highest incidence (87.1%) recorded for snakes, followed by lizards (77.8%) and turtles (38.9%). All isolates (n = 51) belonged to the species S. enterica, predominantly to subspecies I (66.7%) and IIIb (25.5%). Among these, 25 serotypes were identified, including 10 that had previously been confirmed to cause reptile-associated salmonellosis (RAS). Salmonella isolates were susceptible to all antimicrobial substances used except streptomycin, to which 9.8% of the strains showed resistance. None of the strains contained corresponding resistance genes. The study demonstrates that pet reptiles kept in Poland are a significant reservoir of Salmonella and contribute to knowledge of the characteristics of reptilian Salmonella strains. Due to the risk of salmonellosis, contact with these animals requires special hygiene rules. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bacterial, Fungal and Parasitic Zoonoses)

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16 pages, 1774 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genome-Wide Searching Single Nucleotide-Polymorphisms (SNPs) and SNPs-Targeting a Multiplex Primer for Identification of Common Salmonella Serotypes

by Md-Mafizur Rahman, Sang-Jin Lim and Yung-Chul Park

Pathogens 2022, 11(10), 1075; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pathogens11101075 - 21 Sep 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1611

Abstract

A rapid and high-quality single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)-based method was developed to improve detection and reduce salmonellosis burden. In this study, whole-genome sequence (WGS) was used to investigate SNPs, the most common genetic marker for identifying bacteria. SNP-sites encompassing 15 sets of primers (666–863 bp) were selected and used to amplify the target Salmonella serovar strains, and the amplified products were sequenced. The prevalent Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovars, including Typhimurium; Enteritidis, Agona, enterica, Typhi, and Abony, were amplified and sequenced. The amplified sequences of six Salmonella serovars with 15 sets of SNP-sites encompassing primers were aligned, explored SNPs, and SNPs-carrying primers (23 sets) were designed to develop a multiplex PCR marker (m-PCR). Each primer exists in at least two SNPs bases at the 3′ end of each primer, such as one was wild, and another was a mismatched base by transition or transversion mutation. Thus, twenty-three sets of SNP primers (242–670 bp), including 13 genes (SBG, dedA, yacG, mrcB, mesJ, metN, rihA/B, modA, hutG, yehX, ybiY, moeB, and sopA), were developed for PCR confirmation of target Salmonella serovar strains. Finally, the SNPs in four genes, including fliA gene (S. Enteritidis), modA (S. Agona and S. enterica), sopA (S. Abony), and mrcB (S. Typhimurium and S. Typhi), were used for detection markers of six target Salmonella serotypes. We developed an m-PCR primer set in which Salmonella serovars were detected in a single reaction. Nevertheless, m-PCR was validated with 21 Salmonella isolates (at least one isolate was taken from one positive animal fecal, and n = 6 reference Salmonella strains) and non-Salmonella bacteria isolates. The SNP-based m-PCR method would identify prevalent Salmonella serotypes, minimize the infection, and control outbreaks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bacterial, Fungal and Parasitic Zoonoses)

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12 pages, 2130 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Emergent and Neglected Equine Filariosis in Egypt: Species Diversity and Host Immune Response

by Faten A. M. Abo-Aziza, Seham H. M. Hendawy, Hend H. A. M. Abdullah, Amira El Namaky, Younes Laidoudi and Oleg Mediannikov

Pathogens 2022, 11(9), 979; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pathogens11090979 - 27 Aug 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1705

Abstract

Equine filariosis (EF) is a neglected vector-borne disease caused by nematode species belonging to the Onchocercidae and Setariidae families. Aside from their zoonotic potential, some species are responsible for serious health problems in equids worldwide, leading to significant economic difficulties. Here, we molecularly investigated equine blood samples (320 horses and 109 donkeys from Egypt) and four adult worms isolated from the peritoneal cavity of 5 out of the 94 slaughtered donkeys. In addition, quantitative enzyme-linked immunoassays (ELISAs) targeting circulating cytokines were used to identify whether the immunological profile of the infected animals is a Th1 (i.e., INF-gamma as indicator) or Th2 (i.e., IL-5 and IL-10 as indicators) response type. Overall, 13.8% and 0.3% of the donkeys and horses, respectively, were scored as positive for filaroid DNA. The 18S phylogeny revealed the occurrence of three different filaroid species, identified here as Mansonella (Tetrapetalonema) sp., Setaria digitata and Dirofilaria repens. Th1 (INF-gamma and IL-5) and Th2 (IL-10) immune response types were identified in equines infected with S. digitata and Mansonella (T.) sp., respectively. These results provide new data on the species diversity of EF in Egypt and extend knowledge of the downregulation of the protective immune response by the potentially zoonotic Mansonella (T) sp. There is an urgent need to implement control measures to preserve equine health and limit the propagation of these vector-borne filaroids in Egypt. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bacterial, Fungal and Parasitic Zoonoses)

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11 pages, 951 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Zoonotic Giardia duodenalis Genotypes and Other Gastrointestinal Parasites in a Badger Population Living in an Anthropized Area of Central Italy

by Michela Maestrini, Federica Berrilli, Alessia Di Rosso, Francesca Coppola, Isabel Guadano Procesi, Alessia Mariacher, Antonio Felicioli and Stefania Perrucci

Pathogens 2022, 11(8), 906; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pathogens11080906 - 11 Aug 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1903

Abstract

The Eurasian badger (Meles meles) is widespread in Italy and occupies different habitats. The occurrence and species of gastrointestinal parasites were evaluated in a free-ranging badger population living in a highly anthropic area in central Italy. A total of 43 fecal samples were examined using the flotation test, the Mini-FLOTAC and Baermann techniques, and a rapid immunoassay for the detection of Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. fecal antigens. Molecular investigations were also performed that aimed at identifying Giardia genotypes. Overall, 37/43 samples (86%) were found positive. Specifically, 48.8% (21 samples) were positive for G.duodenalis, 23.2% (10/43) for Cryptosporidium spp., and 7% (3/43) for coccidian oocysts. Strongyloides sp. nematode larvae were detected in 3/43 samples (7%). Ascarid (1/43, 2.3%), capillariid (1/43, 2.3%), and strongyle-type eggs (76.7%, 33/43) were also identified. Among the 11 readable sequences of samples that were positive for G. duodenalis by end-point PCR (18/21), the zoonotic assemblage A sub-assemblage AII and mixed assemblage A and B were identified. This is the first report of zoonotic G. duodenalis genotypes in the Eurasian badger. Moreover, most of identified parasites have zoonotic potential and/or potential impact on the population health of wild badgers and other wild and domestic animals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bacterial, Fungal and Parasitic Zoonoses)

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9 pages, 262 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Retrospective Study of the Efficacy of Albendazole and Diethylcarbamazine for the Treatment of Human Toxocariasis

by Jean-François Magnaval, Judith Fillaux and Antoine Berry

Pathogens 2022, 11(7), 813; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pathogens11070813 - 20 Jul 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1640

Abstract

In the Department of Parasitology and Mycology of Toulouse University Hospitals, patients presenting with common/covert toxocariasis were treated either with albendazole (39 cases) or with diethylcarbamazine (32 cases). Albendazole (ABZ) was given at 10 mg/kg b/w daily for 14 days, and diethylcarbamazine (DEC) was given at 4 mg/kg b/w daily for 21 days. In both groups, follow-up consultations occurred approximately 48 days after the end of the anthelmintic therapy. ABZ and DEC displayed a similar efficacy on the kinetics of the clinical picture (−64.5% of reduction vs. −72.7%, respectively) and on the levels of blood eosinophilia, serum eosinophil cationic protein and serum total IgE. However, the effect of the medication on the laboratory parameters was moderate. The rate of adverse reactions was similar in both groups (38% for ABZ vs. 31% for DEC), but DEC-treated patients complained of more intense and long-lasting side effects. The DEC group had more major adverse reactions, resulting in the termination of the anthelmintic treatment. The results from this retrospective study bring further arguments for considering ABZ, given at 10 mg/kg daily for 2 weeks, as the drug of choice in the treatment of human toxocariasis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bacterial, Fungal and Parasitic Zoonoses)

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