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Current Research on Infectious Diseases of Domestic Animals in a...
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Current Research on Infectious Diseases of Domestic Animals in a One Health Perspective

A special issue of Pathogens (ISSN 2076-0817).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 October 2022) | Viewed by 49134

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Alfonso Zecconi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences—One Health Unit, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
Interests: epidemiology; mastitis epidemiology and control; mammary gland immunity; S. aureus epidemiology; pathogenesis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

One Health is a well-known strategy for promoting and developing interdisciplinary collaboration and communication in all aspects of health in human, animal, and environmental domains. This approach is of great importance in response to pandemic threats such as the current deadly COVID-19 pandemic. This is only the latest of several examples of the challenges represented by pathogens of animal origin on the health of the entire word (i.e., influenza virus, SARS). Analogously, the rapid increase of the health problems due to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is clearly linked to a circle that includes the therapeutic management of human and domestic animal diseases, the spread of AMR to bacteria into the environment, and then the reoccurrence in both humans and animals. Moreover, the developments of “-omics” techniques has significantly increased our capability to investigate all the aspects of infectious diseases in a more detailed and holistic way. This context supports the importance of the current research on the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and control of infectious diseases of domestic animals both to reduce their frequency worldwide and to decrease the potential challenges to human health.

Therefore, Pathogens will launch a Special Issue devoted both to original research and review articles on all aspects of infectious diseases of domestic animals (i.e., epidemiology, diagnosis, control, etc.)  with a special, but not exclusive, interest in the ones that could be transmitted to humans or that have common features with human diseases. Studies related to AMR (resistance genes, resistance patterns, etc.) linked to infectious disease control will be also within the scope of this Special Issue.

The purpose of this Special Issue is to update our knowledge on all aspects of the current research on infectious diseases of domestic animals from a One Health perspective in order to increase the multidisciplinary cooperation and communication in the area of infectious diseases.

Prof. Zecconi Alfonso
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Pathogens is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • infectious diseases
  • domestic animals
  • antimicrobial resistance
  • One Health
  • epidemiology

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Published Papers (15 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review, Other

3 pages, 181 KiB  
Editorial
Current Research on Infectious Diseases of Domestic Animals from a One Health Perspective
by Alfonso Zecconi
Pathogens 2023, 12(5), 724; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pathogens12050724 - 17 May 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 861
Abstract
One Health is a well-known strategy for promoting and developing interdisciplinary collaboration across all aspects of health in human, animal, and environmental domains [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Research on Infectious Diseases of Domestic Animals in a One Health Perspective)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review, Other

9 pages, 290 KiB  
Article
Coxiella burnetii in Dogs and Cats from Portugal: Serological and Molecular Analysis
by Sofia Anastácio, Samuel Anjos, Suzi Neves, Tiago Neves, Pedro Esteves, Hélder Craveiro, Bruno Madeira, Maria dos Anjos Pires, Sérgio Sousa, Gabriela da Silva and Hugo Vilhena
Pathogens 2022, 11(12), 1525; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pathogens11121525 - 13 Dec 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1635
Abstract
Dogs and cats are potential sources of infection for some zoonotic diseases such as Q fever, caused by Coxiella burnetii, a multiple host pathogen. Q fever outbreaks in dogs and cats have been related with parturition and abortion events, and ticks have [...] Read more.
Dogs and cats are potential sources of infection for some zoonotic diseases such as Q fever, caused by Coxiella burnetii, a multiple host pathogen. Q fever outbreaks in dogs and cats have been related with parturition and abortion events, and ticks have a potential role in the transmission of this pathogen. This study aimed to screen for C. burnetii in dogs and cats, and in ticks collected from infested animals. An observational descriptive study was conducted in Portugal at two time points nine years apart, 2012 and 2021. Sera obtained from dogs and cats (total n = 294) were tested for C. burnetii antibodies using a commercial ELISA adapted for multi-species detection. C. burnetii DNA was screened by qPCR assay targeting IS1111 in uterine samples and in ticks. A decrease in the exposure to C. burnetii was observed in cats from 17.2% (95% CI: 5.8–35.8%) in 2012 to 0.0% in 2021, and in dogs from 12.6% (95% CI: 7.7–19.0%) in 2012 to 1.7% (95% CI: 0.3–9.1%) in 2021 (p < 0.05). Overall, and despite differences in the samples, rural habitat seems to favour the exposure to C. burnetii. The DNA of C. burnetii was not detected in ticks. The low seropositivity observed in 2021 and the absence of C. burnetii DNA in the tested samples, suggest that dogs and cats from Portugal are not often exposed to the pathogen. Nevertheless, the monitoring of C. burnetii infection in companion animals is an important tool to prevent human outbreaks, considering the zoonotic potential for owners and veterinarians contacting infected animals, mainly dogs and cats from rural areas which often come into contact with livestock. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Research on Infectious Diseases of Domestic Animals in a One Health Perspective)
7 pages, 727 KiB  
Communication
Seroprevalence of Influenza A Virus in Dromedaries in North-Western Nigeria
by Andrew M. Adamu, Morgan Furlong, Samson Ogunlade, Alex A. Adikwu, Annabel S. Anyang, Arhyel Malgwi, Adeiza M. Abdulrahman, Nma A. Bida, Olajide A. Owolodun and Oyelola A. Adegboye
Pathogens 2022, 11(12), 1476; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pathogens11121476 - 05 Dec 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1865
Abstract
Although influenza A virus is endemic in wild waterfowl, domestic poultry, swine, humans, bats, cetaceans, dogs, and horses, there is a paucity of data on the potential role of camels in zoonotic transmission of the virus. To estimate the seroprevalence of the influenza [...] Read more.
Although influenza A virus is endemic in wild waterfowl, domestic poultry, swine, humans, bats, cetaceans, dogs, and horses, there is a paucity of data on the potential role of camels in zoonotic transmission of the virus. To estimate the seroprevalence of the influenza A virus in camel populations, four local government areas of Nigeria that share an international border with the Niger Republic were selected. Blood samples from 184 one-hump camels (dromedaries) were collected and tested for influenza IgG antigen by ELISA. Each camel’s demographic variable, such as age, gender, location, production system, and usage, was recorded. The overall seroprevalence rate of influenza virus IgG in this study was 10.33% (95%CI: 6.33–15.66%). In the bivariate model, there was no significant difference in gender, age, site location and production system, except for usage. There was a significantly lower seroprevalence rate among camels used for labour (odds ratio (OR) = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.10–0.97) than those used for meat consumption; however, not after adjusting for other variables in the model. Increase surveillance through early detection, prediction, and risk assessment of pathogens in animal reservoirs and environmental contamination as One Health strategies to reduce potential human spillover is recommended. Molecular epidemiology studies could better elucidate the role of camels in the dynamics of disease transmission pathways. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Research on Infectious Diseases of Domestic Animals in a One Health Perspective)
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9 pages, 772 KiB  
Article
Balantioides coli Fecal Excretion in Hunted Wild Cervids (Cervus elaphus and Dama dama) from Portugal
by João Mega, Sérgio Santos-Silva, Ana Loureiro, Josman D. Palmeira, Rita T. Torres, Antonio Rivero-Juarez, David Carmena and João Mesquita
Pathogens 2022, 11(11), 1242; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pathogens11111242 - 27 Oct 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2041
Abstract
Balantioides coli is a zoonotic enteric protozoan parasite of public veterinary health relevance and a concern in animal production and food safety. While wild cervids are recognized reservoirs for several zoonotic pathogens, little is known about the occurrence of B. coli in deer [...] Read more.
Balantioides coli is a zoonotic enteric protozoan parasite of public veterinary health relevance and a concern in animal production and food safety. While wild cervids are recognized reservoirs for several zoonotic pathogens, little is known about the occurrence of B. coli in deer species, especially in Europe. To fill this gap, a total of 130 fecal samples from legally hunted red deer (Cervus elaphus, n = 95) and fallow deer (Dama dama, n = 35) were passively collected during two hunting seasons (October to February; 2018–2019 and 2019–2020) in Portugal. After assessment by PCR assay targeting the complete ITS1–5.8s-rRNA–ITS2 region and the 3’ end of the ssu-rRNA gene of the parasite, a prevalence of 4.2% (4/95, 95% CI: 0.2–8.3) in red deer and of 5.7% (2/35, 95% CI: 0.0–13.4) in fallow deer was found. Sequence and phylogenetic analyses allowed the identification of B. coli genetic variants A (in two red deer) and B (in two red deer and two fallow deer). This is the first molecular-based description of B. coli in European deer species, whose population have increased in density and geographical range in recent years. Continued monitoring of wild ungulates as potential vectors of parasitic infection diseases of zoonotic nature is crucial to safeguard public health and food safety. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Research on Infectious Diseases of Domestic Animals in a One Health Perspective)
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8 pages, 288 KiB  
Communication
Hemotropic Mycoplasma and Bartonella Species Diversity in Free-Roaming Canine and Feline from Luanda, Angola
by João R. Mesquita, Ana C. Oliveira, Frederico Neves, Jose R. Mendoza, Maria F. Luz, Inês Crespo, Thays F. dos Santos, Sérgio Santos-Silva, Hugo Vilhena and Patrícia F. Barradas
Pathogens 2021, 10(6), 735; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pathogens10060735 - 10 Jun 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2670
Abstract
Free-roaming dogs and cats represent potential reservoirs for zoonotic vector-borne pathogens shedding to the human population. Given the health impact of these pathogens, we searched free-roaming dogs and cats included in an animal population control program from Luanda, Angola, for Bartonella and hemotropic [...] Read more.
Free-roaming dogs and cats represent potential reservoirs for zoonotic vector-borne pathogens shedding to the human population. Given the health impact of these pathogens, we searched free-roaming dogs and cats included in an animal population control program from Luanda, Angola, for Bartonella and hemotropic mycoplasma infection. We report the detection of Bartonella henselae (2/66; 3%), Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum (5/66; 7.5%) and Mycoplasma haemofelis (1/66; 1.5%) in cats. One dog was found positive for Mycoplasma haemocanis (1/20; 5%). This is the first report of Bartonella henselae infections in stray cats and of hemotropic mycoplasmas in cats and dogs from Angola. Despite the relatively small sample size, our results sustain the hypothesis of uncontrolled circulation of these agents in highly mobile synanthropic animal populations of Luanda. Population and vector control could contribute to reducing the likelihood for animal-to-animal and animal-to-human transmission. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Research on Infectious Diseases of Domestic Animals in a One Health Perspective)
22 pages, 8257 KiB  
Article
Strong Inhibitory Activity and Action Modes of Synthetic Maslinic Acid Derivative on Highly Pathogenic Coronaviruses: COVID-19 Drug Candidate
by Raya Soltane, Amani Chrouda, Ahmed Mostafa, Ahmed A. Al-Karmalawy, Karim Chouaïb, Abdelwaheb dhahri, Rami Adel Pashameah, Ahlam Alasiri, Omnia Kutkat, Mahmoud Shehata, Hichem Ben Jannet, Jawhar Gharbi and Mohamed A. Ali
Pathogens 2021, 10(5), 623; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pathogens10050623 - 19 May 2021
Cited by 44 | Viewed by 3920
Abstract
In late December 2019, a novel coronavirus, namely severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), escaped the animal–human interface and emerged as an ongoing global pandemic with severe flu-like illness, commonly known as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In this study, a molecular docking [...] Read more.
In late December 2019, a novel coronavirus, namely severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), escaped the animal–human interface and emerged as an ongoing global pandemic with severe flu-like illness, commonly known as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In this study, a molecular docking study was carried out for seventeen (17) structural analogues prepared from natural maslinic and oleanolic acids, screened against SARS-CoV-2 main protease. Furthermore, we experimentally validated the virtual data by measuring the half-maximal cytotoxic and inhibitory concentrations of each compound. Interestingly, the chlorinated isoxazole linked maslinic acid (compound 17) showed promising antiviral activity at micromolar non-toxic concentrations. Thoughtfully, we showed that compound 17 mainly impairs the viral replication of SARS-CoV-2. Furthermore, a very promising SAR study for the examined compounds was concluded, which could be used by medicinal chemists in the near future for the design and synthesis of potential anti-SARS-CoV-2 candidates. Our results could be very promising for performing further additional in vitro and in vivo studies on the tested compound (17) before further licensing for COVID-19 treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Research on Infectious Diseases of Domestic Animals in a One Health Perspective)
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17 pages, 12166 KiB  
Article
Molecular Detection of Selected Pathogens with Zoonotic Potential in Deer Keds (Lipoptena fortisetosa)
by Remigiusz Gałęcki, Jerzy Jaroszewski, Tadeusz Bakuła, Eloiza M. Galon and Xuenan Xuan
Pathogens 2021, 10(3), 324; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pathogens10030324 - 10 Mar 2021
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2860
Abstract
Deer keds are obligatory hematophagous ectoparasites of birds and mammals. Cervids serve as specific hosts for these insects. However, ked infestations have been observed in non-specific hosts, including humans, companion animals, and livestock. Lipoptena fortisetosa is a weakly studied ectoparasite, but there is [...] Read more.
Deer keds are obligatory hematophagous ectoparasites of birds and mammals. Cervids serve as specific hosts for these insects. However, ked infestations have been observed in non-specific hosts, including humans, companion animals, and livestock. Lipoptena fortisetosa is a weakly studied ectoparasite, but there is evidence to indicate that it continues to spread across Europe. The existing knowledge on deer keds’ impact on wildlife is superficial, and their veterinary importance is enigmatic. Lipoptena fortisetosa is a species with vectorial capacity, but potential pathogen transmission has not been assessed. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of selected pathogens in L. fortisetosa collected from cervids and host-seeking individuals in the environment. Out of 500 acquired samples, 307 (61.4%) had genetic material from at least one tested pathogen. Our research suggests that L. fortisetosa may be a potential vector of several pathogens, including A. phagocytophilum, Babesia spp., Bartonella spp., Borellia spp., Coxiella-like endosymbionts, Francisiella tularensis, Mycoplasma spp., Rickettsia spp., and Theileria spp.; however, further, more extensive investigations are required to confirm this. The results of the study indicate that keds can be used as biological markers for investigating the prevalence of vector-borne diseases in the population of free-ranging cervids. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Research on Infectious Diseases of Domestic Animals in a One Health Perspective)
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14 pages, 2461 KiB  
Article
Hematological Features in Sheep with IgG and IgM Antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato
by Labrini V. Athanasiou, Victoria M. Spanou, Eleni G. Katsogiannou and Panagiotis D. Katsoulos
Pathogens 2021, 10(2), 164; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pathogens10020164 - 04 Feb 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2176
Abstract
Exposure of sheep to Borreliaburgdorferi sensulato (s.I.) complex, the causative agent of Lyme borreliosis (LB), has been reported in tick-abundant areas worldwide, while no data have been reported in Greece. The aim of the study was to identify the [...] Read more.
Exposure of sheep to Borreliaburgdorferi sensulato (s.I.) complex, the causative agent of Lyme borreliosis (LB), has been reported in tick-abundant areas worldwide, while no data have been reported in Greece. The aim of the study was to identify the hematological alterations in sheep with seropositivity against Borrelia burgdorferi (s.I.). Blood samples were obtained from 318 tick infested sheep for blood analysis and serological determination of IgG and IgM antibodies against B. burgdorferi by indirect immunofluorescence antibody (IFA) assay after exclusion of endo-ectoparasites and other tick-borne infections. A total number of 162 sheep met the inclusion criteria, allocated in four groups based on the presence or absence of IgG and/or IgM; sheep found negative for IgM and IgG (Group A), positive for IgM (Group B), positive for both IgM and IgG (Group C) and positive for IgG (Group D). Anemia, thrombocytopenia and normal or decreased leukocyte count, mainly due to lymphopenia were the main hematological features observed in seropositive sheep. The presence of these features raises the suspicion of Borrelia infection in tick infested sheep. The seropositivity of 23.58% in sheep raises concerns of Borrelia circulation, especially in rural areas and potential risk of transmission to humans. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Research on Infectious Diseases of Domestic Animals in a One Health Perspective)
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Graphical abstract

15 pages, 2156 KiB  
Article
Immunoinformatic-Based Prediction of Candidate Epitopes for the Diagnosis and Control of Paratuberculosis (Johne’s Disease)
by Bruno Tilocca, Alessio Soggiu, Viviana Greco, Cristian Piras, Norma Arrigoni, Matteo Ricchi, Domenico Britti, Andrea Urbani and Paola Roncada
Pathogens 2020, 9(9), 705; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pathogens9090705 - 27 Aug 2020
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2800
Abstract
Paratuberculosis is an infectious disease of ruminants caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP). MAP is an intracellular pathogen with a possible zoonotic potential since it has been successfully isolated from the intestine and blood of Crohn’s disease patients.Since no cure is available, [...] Read more.
Paratuberculosis is an infectious disease of ruminants caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP). MAP is an intracellular pathogen with a possible zoonotic potential since it has been successfully isolated from the intestine and blood of Crohn’s disease patients.Since no cure is available, after the detection of the disease, animal culling is the sole applicable containment strategy. However, the difficult detection of the disease in its subclinical form, facilitates its spread raising the need for the development of effective diagnosis and vaccination strategies. The prompt identification and isolation of the infected animals in the subclinical stage would prevent the spread of the infection.In the present study, an immunoinformatic approach has been used to investigate the immunogenic properties of 10 MAP proteins. These proteins were chosen according to a previously published immunoproteomics approach. For each previously-described immunoreactive protein, we predicted the epitopes capable of eliciting an immune response by binding both B-cells and/or class I MHC antigens. The retrieved peptide sequences were analyzed for their specificity and cross-reactivity. The final aim is to employ the discovered peptides sequences as a filtered library useful for early-stage diagnosis and/or to be used in novel multi-subunit or recombinant vaccine formulations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Research on Infectious Diseases of Domestic Animals in a One Health Perspective)
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16 pages, 2594 KiB  
Article
Continuous Reassortment of Clade 2.3.4.4 H5N6 Highly Pathogenetic Avian Influenza Viruses Demonstrating High Risk to Public Health
by Huanan Li, Qian Li, Bo Li, Yang Guo, Jinchao Xing, Qiang Xu, Lele Liu, Jiahao Zhang, Wenbao Qi, Weixin Jia and Ming Liao
Pathogens 2020, 9(8), 670; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pathogens9080670 - 18 Aug 2020
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3254
Abstract
Since it firstly emerged in China in 2013, clade 2.3.4.4 H5N6 highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) has rapidly replaced predominant H5N1 to become the dominant H5 subtype in China, especially in ducks. Not only endemic in China, it also crossed the geographical [...] Read more.
Since it firstly emerged in China in 2013, clade 2.3.4.4 H5N6 highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) has rapidly replaced predominant H5N1 to become the dominant H5 subtype in China, especially in ducks. Not only endemic in China, it also crossed the geographical barrier and emerged in South Korea, Japan, and Europe. Here, we analyzed the genetic properties of the clade 2.3.4.4 H5N6 HPAIVs with full genome sequences available online together with our own isolates. Phylogenetic analysis showed that clade 2.3.4.4 H5N6 HPAIVs continuously reassorted with local H5, H6, and H7N9/H9N2. Species analysis reveals that aquatic poultry and migratory birds became the dominant hosts of H5N6. Adaption to aquatic poultry might help clade 2.3.4.4 H5N6 better adapt to migratory birds, thus enabling it to become endemic in China. Besides, migratory birds might help clade 2.3.4.4 H5N6 transmit all over the world. Clade 2.3.4.4 H5N6 HPAIVs also showed a preference for α2,6-SA receptors when compared to other avian origin influenza viruses. Experiments in vitro and in vivo revealed that clade 2.3.4.4 H5N6 HPAIVs exhibited high replication efficiency in both avian and mammal cells, and it also showed high pathogenicity in both mice and chickens, demonstrating high risk to public health. Considering all the factors together, adaption to aquatic poultry and migratory birds helps clade 2.3.4.4 H5N6 overcome the geographical isolation, and it has potential to be the next influenza pandemic in the world, making it worthy of our attention. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Research on Infectious Diseases of Domestic Animals in a One Health Perspective)
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Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research, Other

25 pages, 709 KiB  
Review
Extraintestinal Pathogenic Escherichia coli: Virulence Factors and Antibiotic Resistance
by Valerio M. Sora, Gabriele Meroni, Piera A. Martino, Alessio Soggiu, Luigi Bonizzi and Alfonso Zecconi
Pathogens 2021, 10(11), 1355; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pathogens10111355 - 20 Oct 2021
Cited by 31 | Viewed by 8331
Abstract
The One Health approach emphasizes the importance of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as a major concern both in public health and in food animal production systems. As a general classification, E. coli can be distinguished based on the ability to cause infection of the [...] Read more.
The One Health approach emphasizes the importance of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as a major concern both in public health and in food animal production systems. As a general classification, E. coli can be distinguished based on the ability to cause infection of the gastrointestinal system (IPEC) or outside of it (ExPEC). Among the different pathogens, E. coli are becoming of great importance, and it has been suggested that ExPEC may harbor resistance genes that may be transferred to pathogenic or opportunistic bacteria. ExPEC strains are versatile bacteria that can cause urinary tract, bloodstream, prostate, and other infections at non-intestinal sites. In this context of rapidly increasing multidrug-resistance worldwide and a diminishingly effective antimicrobial arsenal to tackle resistant strains. ExPEC infections are now a serious public health threat worldwide. However, the clinical and economic impact of these infections and their optimal management are challenging, and consequently, there is an increasing awareness of the importance of ExPECs amongst healthcare professionals and the general public alike. This review aims to describe pathotype characteristics of ExPEC to increase our knowledge of these bacteria and, consequently, to increase our chances to control them and reduce the risk for AMR, following a One Health approach. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Research on Infectious Diseases of Domestic Animals in a One Health Perspective)
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21 pages, 1861 KiB  
Review
Bluetongue and Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease in the United States of America at the Wildlife–Livestock Interface
by Nelda A. Rivera, Csaba Varga, Mark G. Ruder, Sheena J. Dorak, Alfred L. Roca, Jan E. Novakofski and Nohra E. Mateus-Pinilla
Pathogens 2021, 10(8), 915; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pathogens10080915 - 21 Jul 2021
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 6028
Abstract
Bluetongue (BT) and epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) cases have increased worldwide, causing significant economic loss to ruminant livestock production and detrimental effects to susceptible wildlife populations. In recent decades, hemorrhagic disease cases have been reported over expanding geographic areas in the United States. [...] Read more.
Bluetongue (BT) and epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) cases have increased worldwide, causing significant economic loss to ruminant livestock production and detrimental effects to susceptible wildlife populations. In recent decades, hemorrhagic disease cases have been reported over expanding geographic areas in the United States. Effective BT and EHD prevention and control strategies for livestock and monitoring of these diseases in wildlife populations depend on an accurate understanding of the distribution of BT and EHD viruses in domestic and wild ruminants and their vectors, the Culicoides biting midges that transmit them. However, national maps showing the distribution of BT and EHD viruses and the presence of Culicoides vectors are incomplete or not available at all. Thus, efforts to accurately describe the potential risk of these viruses on ruminant populations are obstructed by the lack of systematic and routine surveillance of their hosts and vectors. In this review, we: (1) outline animal health impacts of BT and EHD in the USA; (2) describe current knowledge of the distribution and abundance of BT and EHD and their vectors in the USA; and (3) highlight the importance of disease (BT and EHD) and vector surveillance for ruminant populations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Research on Infectious Diseases of Domestic Animals in a One Health Perspective)
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12 pages, 251 KiB  
Review
Airborne Coronaviruses: Observations from Veterinary Experience
by Paolo Pozzi, Alessio Soggiu, Luigi Bonizzi, Nati Elkin and Alfonso Zecconi
Pathogens 2021, 10(5), 628; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pathogens10050628 - 19 May 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2688
Abstract
The virus responsible for the pandemic that has affected 152 countries worldwide is a new strain of coronavirus (CoV), which belongs to a family of viruses widespread in many animal species, including birds, and mammals including humans. Indeed, CoVs are known in veterinary [...] Read more.
The virus responsible for the pandemic that has affected 152 countries worldwide is a new strain of coronavirus (CoV), which belongs to a family of viruses widespread in many animal species, including birds, and mammals including humans. Indeed, CoVs are known in veterinary medicine affecting several species, and causing respiratory and/or enteric, systemic diseases and reproductive disease in poultry. Animal diseases caused by CoV may be considered from the following different perspectives: livestock and poultry CoVs cause mainly “population disease”; while in companion animals they are a source of mainly “individual/single subject disease”. Therefore, respiratory CoV diseases in high-density, large populations of livestock or poultry may be a suitable example for the current SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 pandemic. In this review we describe some strategies applied in veterinary medicine to control CoV and discuss if they may help to develop practical and useful strategies to control the SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 pandemic. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Research on Infectious Diseases of Domestic Animals in a One Health Perspective)
14 pages, 1790 KiB  
Review
Urine-Based Molecular Diagnostic Tests for Leishmaniasis Infection in Human and Canine Populations: A Meta-Analysis
by Styliani A. Pappa, Panagiota I. Kontou, Pantelis G. Bagos and Georgia G. Braliou
Pathogens 2021, 10(3), 269; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pathogens10030269 - 27 Feb 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2243
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease affecting humans and domesticated animals with high mortality in endemic countries. The pleiotropy of symptoms and the complicated gold-standard methods make the need for non-invasive, highly sensitive diagnostic tests imperative. Individual studies on molecular-based Leishmania diagnosis in [...] Read more.
Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease affecting humans and domesticated animals with high mortality in endemic countries. The pleiotropy of symptoms and the complicated gold-standard methods make the need for non-invasive, highly sensitive diagnostic tests imperative. Individual studies on molecular-based Leishmania diagnosis in urine show high discrepancy; thus, a data-evidenced comparison of various techniques is necessary. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis using the bivariate method of diagnostic methods to pool sensitivities and specificities. We investigated the impact of DNA-extraction method, PCR type, amplified locus, host species, leishmaniasis form, and geographical region. The pooled sensitivity was 69.2%. Tests performed with the kit-based DNA extraction method and qPCR outweighed in sensitivity the phenol-chloroform-based and PCR methods, while their combination showed a sensitivity of 79.3%. Amplified locus, human or canine as host and cutaneous or visceral leishmaniasis revealed similar sensitivities. Tests in European and Middle Eastern countries performed better than tests in other regions (sensitivity 81.7% vs. 43.7%). A combination of kit-based DNA extraction and qPCR could be a safer choice for molecular diagnosis for Leishmania infection in urine samples in European–Middle Eastern countries. For the rest of the world, more studies are needed to better characterize the endemic parasite species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Research on Infectious Diseases of Domestic Animals in a One Health Perspective)
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20 pages, 2024 KiB  
Systematic Review
Mobile Colistin Resistance (mcr) Genes in Cats and Dogs and Their Zoonotic Transmission Risks
by Afaf Hamame, Bernard Davoust, Zineb Cherak, Jean-Marc Rolain and Seydina M. Diene
Pathogens 2022, 11(6), 698; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pathogens11060698 - 17 Jun 2022
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3335
Abstract
Background: Pets, especially cats and dogs, represent a great potential for zoonotic transmission, leading to major health problems. The purpose of this systematic review was to present the latest developments concerning colistin resistance through mcr genes in pets. The current study also [...] Read more.
Background: Pets, especially cats and dogs, represent a great potential for zoonotic transmission, leading to major health problems. The purpose of this systematic review was to present the latest developments concerning colistin resistance through mcr genes in pets. The current study also highlights the health risks of the transmission of colistin resistance between pets and humans. Methods: We conducted a systematic review on mcr-positive bacteria in pets and studies reporting their zoonotic transmission to humans. Bibliographic research queries were performed on the following databases: Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Microsoft Academic, and Web of Science. Articles of interest were selected using the PRISMA guideline principles. Results: The analyzed articles from the investigated databases described the presence of mcr gene variants in pets including mcr-1, mcr-2, mcr-3, mcr-4, mcr-5, mcr-8, mcr-9, and mcr-10. Among these articles, four studies reported potential zoonotic transmission of mcr genes between pets and humans. The epidemiological analysis revealed that dogs and cats can be colonized by mcr genes that are beginning to spread in different countries worldwide. Overall, reported articles on this subject highlight the high risk of zoonotic transmission of colistin resistance genes between pets and their owners. Conclusions: This review demonstrated the spread of mcr genes in pets and their transmission to humans, indicating the need for further measures to control this significant threat to public health. Therefore, we suggest here some strategies against this threat such as avoiding zoonotic transmission. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Research on Infectious Diseases of Domestic Animals in a One Health Perspective)
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