Zoonotic Diseases

Leishmania infantum is a hemopathogen of importance for the health of domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris), causing canine leishmaniasis (CanL), and it is also the etiological agent of human visceral leishmaniasis (HVL). This parasite was not reported in southern Brazil until the early 2000s, but CanL and HVL were increasingly reported in the last 15 years, mainly in cities bordering Argentina. The present study aimed to detect L. infantum in domestic dogs and to determine the main clinical manifestations in infected animals from Uruguaiana, a city with a high incidence of CanL. Fifty-one dogs suspected of having CanL in the urban perimeter of the city were clinically examined by veterinarians and investigated for the occurrence of L. infantum with two immunoassays (rapid chromatography test and ELISA) and real-time PCR (polymerase chain reaction). Clinical signs were compared in positive and negative L. infantum animals. A total of 31 dogs (60.8%) were infected with L. infantum. The main clinical manifestations associated with CanL dogs were onychogryphosis and peeling (p < 0.05). L. infantum was frequently detected in urban dogs from Uruguaiana, highlighting the concerning situation regarding health in this city. The occurrence of some clinical signs (onychogryphosis/peeling) could help to detect CanL more frequently in the canine population. Full article

Bacterial zoonotic diseases hold significant public health importance due to their substantial contribution to human morbidity and mortality. These infections have been implicated in reducing the fertility rate among couples of reproductive age. Despite the increasing prevalence of infertility and sub-fertility in men, there has been limited investigation into the possible effects of bacterial zoonotic infections on the male reproductive system. The purpose of this review is to describe common bacterial zoonotic diseases and their effects on human reproduction in order to unveil the hidden roles these infections could play in male factor infertility. While there is a dearth of information on this subject from human studies, available evidence from experimental animals suggests that bacterial zoonotic diseases impair male reproductive functions and structures primarily through the activation of the inflammatory response and distortion of the antioxidant system, resulting in the generation of oxidative species. In light of the limited research on bacterial zoonotic diseases and their role in male reproduction, efforts must be directed towards the subject to unravel the underlying pathological mechanisms and reduce the incidence among the human populace, either through preventive or curative measures. Full article

Zoonotic disease surveillance and response simulation exercises are an important tool to assess national infrastructures and mechanisms supporting joint zoonotic disease surveillance and information sharing across sectors. In December 2022, the Jordanian Ministries of Health and Agriculture, supported by the World Health Organization Country Office, conducted a 10-day full-scale simulation exercise in Amman, Jordan, to evaluate the linkage between their electronic surveillance and response systems. An exercise management team designed a realistic fictitious scenario of an outbreak of avian influenza on a poultry farm that subsequently led to human infections. The functions and actions tested included all aspects of outbreak management, from initial reporting to conclusion. Debriefings and an after-action review were conducted after the activities were completed. Gaps in both ministries’ surveillance systems, epidemiological investigations, biosafety and biosecurity, sample collection, sample transport, laboratories, interventions, and coordination were identified. This simulation exercise was a unique exercise focusing on multiple technical and operational capacities that related to the joint response to potential zoonotic disease outbreaks and real-time information sharing between the sectors under the One Health approach. This exercise is a step towards the operationalization of the One Health approach in Jordan, building on the coordination mechanisms already in place. Full article

This study aimed to detect picobirnavirus (PBV) in the fecal samples of wild and domestic animals from 2014 to 2016 in the Amazon biome. Fecal samples from different animals, including birds (n = 41) and mammals (n = 217), were used. The PAGE test showed negativity for PBV. However, 32 samples (12.4%, 32/258) showed positive results in RT-PCR analyses. Among the positive samples, pigs and cats, both with 28.12% (9/32), registered the highest frequencies. In a phylogenetic analysis, eight sequences from positive samples were grouped in the Genogroup 1 of PBV (PBV GI). PBV occurrence was significantly related to cats and pigs but not other mammals or birds, independently of their geographical origin. A nucleotide analysis demonstrated similarity among the feline group but the absence of a defined structure between the clades. PBVs are highly widespread viruses that can affect the most diverse types of hosts in the Amazon biome, including humans. Full article

Two-thirds of human infectious diseases are zoonotic diseases and routine data collections exist for each sector (human, veterinary, environmental). However, these operate separately and the collected data are not integrated across sectors. Publicly available information on these routine data collections in terms of metadata and the information collected is sparse. The aim was to create an inventory of routine data collections in the Federal State of Lower Saxony, Germany. A systematic screening of existing routine data collections from the human and veterinary sectors on zoonotic infectious diseases was carried out on the basis of expert interviews. A standardised template was used to collect relevant metadata on data collections and pathogens they contain. The template was transferred to Research Electronic Data Capture tools. We recorded metadata for 19 veterinary, 16 human and 2 other data collections, and for 69 different zoonotic pathogens. The frequencies of a selection of metadata were analysed descriptively. The data collections, which served different purposes, differed, e.g., in underlying population and sampling strategy, export format and access to the original data. We identified challenges for integrated analyses of data from different collections, which need to be addressed to develop a One Health monitoring and surveillance system. Full article

West Nile virus (WNV) (Flaviviridae, Flavivirus) infection is a mosquito-borne zoonosis able of causing disease and death in humans and animals. Over the past decade, WNV infections have been a significant public health concern in Europe, and Italy has been among the most affected countries since 2008. The 2022 vector season has been characterized by an intense and early circulation of WNV. This report describes cases of co-circulation of WNV L1 and of WNV L2 occurring at the end of the 2022 vector season in Sicily and Tuscany, regions where no strains had ever been sequenced. The phylogenetic analysis of the detected strains confirmed the peculiar WNV scenario that has characterized the Italian West Nile disease (WND) epidemic since its appearance. The circulation observed in Tuscany was in fact a consequence of the spread of endemic strains to new areas while the Sicilian episodes were linked to new introductions of WNV L1 and L2 strains likely from other European countries. Full article

Leptospirosis, also known as Weil’s disease, is a febrile tropical disease of humans and diverse animals. The maintenance hosts of the infectious pathogen, Leptospira spp., are primarily rodents, while other warm-blooded animals and some reptiles are secondary or transient hosts of this pathogen. African giant pouched rats (Cricetomys spp.) have been identified to be important maintenance hosts of pathogenic leptospires in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. This study assessed the seroprevalence of Leptospira spp. in the African giant pouched rats of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA), Tanzania, where there is close human, domestic animal, and wildlife interaction. A total of 50 African giant pouched rats were sampled between July 2020 and December 2021. Blood sera were screened for specific leptospiral antibodies using a microscopic agglutination test (MAT), while urine and kidney tissues were examined for the pathogen and pathogen-specific genes using cultures and polymerase chain reactions (PCR), respectively. The pathogen detection varied from 0% in cultures to 6% via the MAT and 20% via PCR. The Fisher exact test was applied to compare positive cases detected through the diagnostic tests, and showed a significant difference in the indirect and direct detection of Leptospira serovars via the MAT and PCR. We conclude that pathogenic Leptospira serovar are found in the NCA and recommend that the NCA authority raises awareness of the existence of the Leptospira serovar in giant African pouched rats, and possibly other rodents. The NCA should initiate appropriate management strategies, including the guided disposal of household garbage, which is the major attractant of rodents to residential areas. Where necessary, the NCA should carry out limited rodent control and periodic monitoring of the pathogen carrier (rodent) populations. Full article

Lyme disease patient organizations have formed to challenge a health system that is failing Canadians who suffer from a disease that is ambiguous in its symptomology and trajectory. The framework of an embodied health movement illustrates the importance of the illness experience in mobilizing patients to oppose a system that is reliant on restrictive guidelines that deny testing and treatment and to seek alliances with researchers, physicians, and politicians who are sympathetic to their goals. The strategies of Lyme disease patient organizations, the importance of experiential knowledge, and the roles of both adversaries and allies are examined through a “small wins” approach to gauge successes and setbacks within a Canadian context. Full article

Microbial ecology on integrated crop–livestock farms (ICLFs) can impact food safety through pathogen transfer between animals and crops. Recent reports of pathogen-contaminated products sold in local organic retail, roadside, and farmers markets highlight the need for assessment of the ecological patterns of bacterial pathogens. This study investigated the prevalence and antibiotic resistance of the virulent type of diarrheagenic E. coli in ICLFs. Over two years, 2973 samples from ICLFs and markets in Maryland and Washington DC were analyzed. Diarrheagenic E. coli was found in 4.30% (128/2973) of collected samples, with a higher isolation rate in environmental (4.42%, 59/1332) and produce (4.20%, 69/1641) samples. Overall, livestock bedding materials had the highest prevalence (8.51%, 4/47). Post-harvest produce exhibited a lower contamination rate of 1.32% (10/756), whereas pre-harvest produce had a higher incidence with 6.67% contamination (59/885), indicating the presence of E. coli. Alarmingly, 92.30% (72/78) of pathogenic E. coli isolates were resistant to common antibiotics. The findings highlight potential risks associated with integrated farming practices and emphasize the importance of safe harvesting and post-harvesting measures, particularly in the context of the growing popularity of local integrated farming. Implementing precautions at on-farm and market levels is crucial to mitigate the risk of antibiotic-resistant E. coli-related enteric illnesses, safeguarding both consumers and the integrity of integrated farming systems. Full article

Rabies is a highly fatal zoonotic disease that causes an estimated 60,000 human deaths each year, many of which occur in Africa and Asia where the disease is likely underreported. Uncontrolled transmission of rabies presents a major threat to public health in countries such as Mongolia, where 26% of the population lives a pastoralist lifestyle characterized by increased interaction with livestock animals. Here, we report a case of rabies exposure in a six-year-old male after being bitten by a horse in both the head region and the leg. At the suspicion of rabies, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) was initiated, with the patient receiving four doses of PEP vaccine as well as a single treatment of rabies immunoglobulin. The horse was later confirmed to be rabies-positive through rapid antigen testing and RT-PCR. Human rabies exposure from horses is unusual within Mongolia, given that historically over 70% of human rabies cases within the country are attributed to dogs, wolves, or foxes. This case further emphasizes the need for more routine vaccination of domestic animals within Mongolia. Additionally, animal bites, even from animals not frequently associated with rabies, should be treated as possible rabies exposure events. Full article

Migratory and local birds may disperse ticks and their associated pathogens. The aim of this study was to provide information regarding ticks infesting birds in Asturias, a region that accounts for most of the Lyme disease hospitalizations in Spain. From September 2021 to April 2023, trained and experienced bird-banders collected ticks from birds in two estuary and four forest locations. A total of 1698 birds (52 species, 38 genera, and 26 families) were captured. A total of 51 ticks (28 larvae, 20 nymphs, and 3 females) were collected from 43 birds, belonging to three species: Ixodes ricinus (31), Ixodes frontalis (18), and Haemaphysalis concinna (1). The average prevalence of tick infestation was 2.5% and the average tick burden was 1.2 ticks per infested host. The bird species Turdus merula, Parus major, Luscinia svecica, and Anthus pratensis were among the most infested. Anaplasma phagocytophilum was detected in one I. ricinus nymph collected from Phylloscopus collybita. We have not detected Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., Rickettsia spp., Coxiella burnetii, or piroplasmids in any of the 51 analyzed ticks. These results suggest low infestation rate in migratory/estuary birds and a higher rate in forest/sedentary ones. Despite this, the detection of pathogens, although with low prevalence, can pose a risk to public health. Full article

The microbiological contamination of wild boar meat depends on the hygiene practices that hunters apply during its preparation, from the point of collection to its refrigeration. This study assesses Portuguese hunters’ knowledge of hygiene practices when handling wild boar carcasses that can jeopardise meat safety. A general structured survey entitled “Private consumption of game meat and good hygiene practices” was distributed to Portuguese hunters. Of the 206 respondents, 95% use wild boar meat for private consumption without prior inspection or initial examination by a veterinarian. This study also revealed that the vast majority of respondents have several risky practices that can compromise the safety of wild boar meat consumed (evisceration, handling, refrigeration, and transport). It is also evident that there is a lack of knowledge related to recognising lesions compatible with zoonotic infections in the hunted animals. These inappropriate knowledge and practices can pose a risk to hunters (occupational zoonotic health) and consumers (foodborne diseases). To reduce this risk, hunters need to be trained and informed about proper game meat handling practices. Full article

Toxoplasma gondii is a ubiquitous protozoan parasite of public health concern, with severe health consequences among immunocompromised individuals and pregnant mothers. Pigs are intermediate hosts of this zoonotic parasite and consumption of undercooked pork is a risk factor for T. gondii infection. We investigated the seroprevalence and risk factors for T. gondii in pigs in Kenya. A cross-sectional study was conducted at a non-integrated abattoir in Kiambu, Kenya, where 446 blood samples were collected from slaughtered pigs between 5 January and 5 March 2021. For each pig sampled, additional data were collected on the county of origin, farm size, sex and live weight. Serum was harvested from each pig blood sample, and these were subjected to indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay tests to detect the presence of immunoglobin G (IgG) for T. gondii infection. The overall seroprevalence for T. gondii was 34.53% (95% C.I. 30.16–39.17). Risk factors for T. gondii seropositivity in pigs included farm size (p < 0.001) and the live weight of pigs (p = 0.044). The high seroprevalence of T. gondii indicates that consumers of raw and undercooked pork may be at a high risk of infection. It is therefore recommended that strategies for the mitigation of risk of exposure in populations should prioritize public health education for pig farmers, pork handlers and consumers on risk reduction measures along the pork value chains. Full article

Human cases of fatal encephalitis caused by Borna disease virus 1 (BoDV-1) have been increasingly reported. We envisaged the present systematic review in order to provide a comprehensive summary of clinical features associated with BoDV-1 encephalitis. Systematic research of four databases (PubMed, EMBASE, MedRxiv, BioRxiv) was performed during July 2023, and corresponding clinical and epidemiological data were collected and analyzed. A total of 37 BoDV-1 encephalitis cases from 15 different study cases and two countries (Germany, No. 35; France, No. 2) were detected, and their features were summarized (case fatality ratio, 91.9%). Age distribution followed a “U-shaped” distribution, with a first peak in individuals younger than 14 years (18.9%) and the second one in subjects older than 50 years (43.2%). Environmental risk factors were irregularly reported, but 17 out of 37 cases either lived in rural areas or reported repeated outdoor activities (45.9%). Interaction with pets and livestock was reported in eight cases (21.6%), stressing the zoonotic potential of BoDV-1 infections. Moreover, 16.2% of cases were reported among recipients of solid organ transplantations (five kidneys; one liver). Overall survival in children/adolescents vs. adults (≥18 years) was not significantly different (Hazard Ratio 0.878; 95% Confidence Interval from 0.366 to 2.105). Magnetic Resonance Imaging identified the involvement of basal ganglia, mostly of the caudate nucleus (42.4%) and thalamus (33.3%). Cerebrospinal fluid was often characterized by pleocytosis (78.4%). On the other hand, no distinctive clinical features were identified: initial symptoms were specific and included headache, fever, and confusion. In conclusion, BoDV-1 infection can result in fatal encephalitis, whose actual burden still remains unascertained. As the epidemiology of BoDV-1 is similarly elusive, encephalitis cases of unclear cause should be routinely tested for bornaviruses. Full article

Tuberculosis (TB) results from infection with members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) and represents a major global public health concern. We here sought to assess the perceptions of human and animal TB and the prevalence of circulating MTBCs lineages and associated risk factors through a cross-sectional survey of 335 individuals presenting with symptoms of pulmonary or extrapulmonary TB in the Manyara region of Tanzania. After the enrollment of participants, a questionnaire survey was conducted, samples were collected for bacterial culture, and real-time multiplex PCR was performed to differentiate amongst primary animal and human MTBC lineages. The results show poor TB awareness: 31.6% of the participants were not aware of human TB; 82.4% were unaware of animal TB and 95.2% lacked awareness of zoonotic TB (zTB) transmission. A total of 18 recovered specimens (5%; 95% CI: 3–8%) were positive by culture, all of which were typed as M. tuberculosis sensu stricto using a lineage-specific PCR assay. While no single risk factor was significantly associated with MTBC culture positivity, the survey revealed considerable self-reported high-risk practices for contracting zTB. Together, the results show that Manyara residents have poor knowledge of diseases caused by MTBCs and high evidence of risky practices for contracting zTB. Full article

Frequent animal–human interactions in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) pose an increased risk for the transmission of zoonotic diseases. While there are sporadic reports of zoonotic diseases outbreaks in SSA, a synthetic overview is necessary to better understand how the sub-region is impacted by these pathologies. We conducted a systematic review of zoonotic diseases studies conducted in SSA between 2000 and 2022. Quantitative reports including case reports/series from countries spanning West, Central, East, and Southern SSA and that provided empirical data on the occurrence of zoonotic diseases in humans with documented evidence of animal origin were eligible for inclusion. The 55 eligible articles provided 82 reports of zoonotic diseases for a total of 28,934 human cases (pooled attack rate: 54.4 per 1000) and 1182 deaths (pooled fatality rate: 345.4 per 1000). Only 31 (37.8%) of the studies were conducted during ongoing outbreaks. We identified the zoonotic diseases in SSA with the highest attack rates (rickettsiosis, toxoplasmosis, Q-fever) and CFR (Marburg, Ebola, leptospirosis), which should be prioritized for surveillance and response preparedness. Addressing the threat of zoonotic diseases in SSA requires the strengthening of health systems and implementation of a one health approach. Importantly, research should be encouraged during ongoing epidemics to fortify immediate response strategies and work toward preventing future outbreaks. Full article

The U.S. Army Veterinary Services (AVS) provides public health guidance, consultation, and clinical support regarding zoonoses for the Department of Defense (DoD). AVS One Health Division was tasked with developing a surveillance tool for zoonoses of companion animals presenting to DoD veterinary facilities. Such a tool could help monitor the spread of zoonoses between U.S. military Service Members, their family members, and their pets. The primary objective was to prioritize zoonoses of interest for companion animal disease surveillance in the DoD. AVS implemented a semi-quantitative One Health approach to prioritize zoonoses of interest. The prioritization process followed five steps: (1) generate list of zoonoses to be ranked that are applicable to a DoD companion animal disease surveillance system, (2) develop criteria to identify the importance of a zoonoses, (3) develop criteria definition questions, (4) rank criteria, and (5) rank zoonoses. The prioritization process resulted in a ranked list of 14 zoonoses of interest which was presented to AVS leadership with three potential courses of action. Twelve zoonoses were selected for inclusion in DoD Companion Animal Disease Surveillance. The prioritized list of diseases was the first step in developing a DoD companion animal disease surveillance effort. Mirroring such an approach in civilian companion animal populations could fill a critical public health gap. Full article

Globally, zoonoses have serious consequences due to their socioeconomic impacts. Ngorongoro District is home to a diverse range of wildlife and domestic animals, including rodents and dogs, which often coexist in close proximity with humans. The aim of the study was to identify the zoonotic bacteria present in wild rodents, domestic dogs, and humans using metagenomics next-generation sequencing technology. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2022. This study used both Illumina and Oxford Nanopore sequencing technologies to identify bacteria in 530 blood samples collected from humans (n = 200), wild rodents (n = 230), and dogs (n = 100). Several zoonotic airborne/contagious bacteria, including Mycobacterium spp., Mycoplasma spp., Bordetella spp., and Legionella spp., were detected in wild rodents, domestic dogs, and humans. Arthropod-borne zoonotic bacteria such as Bartonella spp., Borrelia spp., and Rickettsia spp. were detected in all three hosts, while Orientia spp. was found in wild rodents and domestic dogs. Yersinia pestis, Streptobacillus spp. and Anaplasma spp. were found only in wild rodents. Other zoonotic bacteria found shared among wild rodents, domestic dogs, and humans are Leptospira spp., Brucella spp., and Salmonella spp. Generally, wild rodents had the highest prevalence of zoonotic bacterial species when compared to domestic dogs and humans. The detection of zoonotic bacteria in rodents, dogs, and humans supports the hypothesis that infections can spread between animals and humans sharing the same environment. Full article