Human cystic echinococcosis:epidemiologic,zoonotic,clinical,diagnostic and therapeutic aspects

This review represents an updated scenario on the transmission cycle,epidemiology,clinical features and pathogenicity,diagnosis and treatment,and prevention and control measures of a cestode parasite Echincoccus granulosus(E.granulosus) infection causing cystic echinococcosis (CE) in humans.Human CE is a serious life-threatening neglected zoonotic disease that occurs in both developing and developed countries,and is recognized as a major public health problem. The life cycle of E.granulosus involves a definitive host(dogs and other canids) for the adult E.granulosus that resides in the intestine,and an intermediate host(sheep and other herbivores) for the tissue-invading metacestode(larval) stage.Humans are only incidentally infected;since the completion of the life cycle of E.granulosus depends on carnivores feeding on herbivores bearing hydatid cysts with viable protoscoleces,humans represent usually the dead end for the parasite.On ingestion of E.granulosus eggs,hydatid cysts are formed mostly in liver and lungs, and occasionally in other organs of human body,which are considered as uncommon sites of localization of hydatid cysts.The diagnosis of extrahepatic echinococcal disease is more accurate today because of the availability of new imaging techniques,and the current treatments include surgery and percutaneous drainage,and chemotherapy(albendazole and mebendazole).But.the wild animals that involve in sylvatic cycle may overlap and interact with the domestic sheepdog cycle,and thus complicating the control efforts.The updated facts and phenomena regarding human and animal CE presented herein are due to the web search of SCI and non-SCI journals.

Zoonotic origins of human coronavirus 2019(HCoV-19/SARS-CoV-2):why is this work important?

The ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by infection with human coronavirus 2019 (HCoV-19/SARS-CoV-2/2019-nCoV), is a global threat to the human population. Here, we briefly summarize the available data for the zoonotic origins of HCoV-19, with reference to the other two epidemics of highly virulent coronaviruses, SARSCoV and MERS-CoV, which cause severe pneumonia in humans. We propose to intensify future efforts for tracing the origins of HCoV-19, which is a very important scientific question for the control and prevention of the pandemic.

Forecasting the number of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis cases in south of Fars province, Iran using seasonal ARIMA time series method

Objective: To predict the trend of cutaneous leishmaniasis and assess the relationship between the disease trend and weather variables in south of Fars province using Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average(SARIMA) model,Methods: The trend of cutaneous leishmaniasis was predicted using Mini tab software and SARIMA model,Besides,information about the disease and weather conditions was collected monthly based on time series design during January 2010 to March 2016,Moreover,various SARIMA models were assessed and the best one was selected,Then,the model's fitness was evaluated based on normality of the residuals' distribution,correspondence between the fitted and real amounts,and calculation of Akaike Information Criteria(AIC) and Bayesian Information Criteria(BIC),Results: The study results indicated that SARIMA model(4,1,4)(0,1,0)(12) in general and SARIMA model(4,1,4)(0,1,1)(12) in below and above 15 years age groups could appropriately predict the disease trend in the study area,Moreover,temperature with a three-month delay(lag3) increased the disease trend,rainfall with a four-month delay(lag4) decreased the disease trend,and rainfall with a nine-month delay(lag9) increased the disease trend,Conclusions: Based on the results,leishmaniasis follows a descending trend in the study area in case drought condition continues,SARIMA models can suitably measure the disease trend,and the disease follows a seasonal trend.

The 2019 novel coronavirus disease(COVID-19) pandemic: A zoonotic prospective

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2),a novel coronavirus(CoV),has recently emerged as a significant pathogen for humans and the cause for the recent outbreak of the 2019 novel coronavirus disease(COVID-19)throughout the globe.For developing any preventive measure,an understanding of the zoonotic pattern for this virus is a necessity.We should have a clear knowledge of its reservoir host,its distribution pattern and spreading routes.Information about zoonotic reservoirs and its transmission among them can help to understand the COVID-19 outbreaks.In this article,we discuss about the bats as the zoonotic reservoir of several CoV strains,co-existence of bats and CoV/viruses,the sequence similarity of SARS-CoV-2 with bat SARS-like CoV,the probable source of the origin of SARS-CoV-2 strain and COVID-19 outbreak,intermediate host of CoVs and SARS-CoV-2,human to human transmission and the possibility to maintain the zoonotic barriers.Our knowledge about the zoonotic reservoir of SARS-CoV-2 and its transmission ability may help develop the preventive measures and control for the future outbreak of CoV.

Quantification of Zoonotic Bacterial Pathogens within Commercial Poultry Processing Water Samples Using Droplet Digital PCR

Raw poultry and poultry products are a significant source of zoonotic bacterial pathogen transmission;thus the sensitive detection of major zoonotic pathogens (Salmonella spp., Campylobacter jejuni, and Listeria monocytogenes) is a vital food safety issue. Recently, third generation PCR technology, known as droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) has been developed to be more accurate and sensitive to detect genetic targets than current quantification methods, but this technology has not been tested within an industrial setting. There is an on-going study within our laboratory is investigating the effects of sampling times and sampling methods on the cultural and molecular (via qPCR) quantification of dominant zoonotic pathogens within a poultry processing facility. This presents a unique opportunity to compare the quantification resulted from this emerging, third generation technology to traditional quantification methods currently employed by the poultry industry. The results show that ddPCR detected pathogen-specific genes from more pathogen:sampling time combinations than either the qPCR or culturing methods from the final scalder and chiller tanks at three stages of processing (Start, Mid, and End). In fact, both ddPCR and qPCR substantially outperformed culture methods commonly used in poultry processing food safety-related studies, with Salmonella recovered only from the Mid and End sampling times from the scalder tank. While neither C. jejuni nor L. monocytogenes were recovered culturally, ddPCR was able to detect their respective genes commonly throughout the processing day in both the scalder and chiller water samples. Additionally, the use of unfiltered processing water provided significantly greater detection of bacterial and pathogen-specific gene abundances than did an analysis of larger volumes of filtered water. Considering the ddPCR-derived concentrations of the bacterial pathogens were consistent with what was previously found culturally in commercial poultry processing operations, ddPCR represented a significant advancement in poultry processing zoonotic pathogen quantification.

A survey of zoonotic diseases in trade cattle slaughtered at Tanga city abattoir:a cause of public health concern

Objective:To estimate the prevalence of hydatidosis,cysticercosis,tuberculosis,leptospirosis,brucellosis and toxoplasmosis in slaughtered bovine stock(aged≥3 years)at Tanga city abattoir,Tanzania.Methods:Prevalence estimation of the five zoonotic diseases was undertaken through an active abattoir and sero-survey was carried out in Tanga city,during the period of January 2002and March 2004.Serum samples collected from a sub-sample(n=51)of the slaughter stock were serologically screened for antibodies against brucellosis,leptospirosis and toxoplasmosis using Rose Bengal plate test,microscopic agglutination test(for 5 serovars of Leptospira interrogans)and Eiken latex agglutination test,respectively.The same animals were tested for tuberculosis using the single intradermal tuberculin test.Results:Post mortem examination of 12 444 slaughter cattle(10 790 short horn zebu and 1 654 graded)over a period of twenty two months,showed a prevalence of 1.56%(194)for hydatidosis,1.49%(185)for cysticercosis and 0.32%(40)for tuberculosis.In all three zoonoses,a statistically significant difference in infection rates was noted between the short horn zebu and graded breeds(P<0.05).The overall seroprevalences of animals with brucellosis,toxoplasmosis and leptospirosis antibodies were found to be 12%,12%and 51%,respectively.The most common leptospiral antibodies detected were those against antigens of serovars Leptospira hardjo(29%),Leptospira tarassovi(18%),Leptospira bataviae(4%)and Leptospira pomona(0%).With regard to tuberculosis,10%(n=5)of the animals tested were classified as non-specific reactors or inconclusive.Conclusions:The study findings suggest that brucellosis,toxoplasmosis and leptospirosis are prevalent in Tanga and provide definitive evidence of slaughtered stock exposure to these zoonotic agents with concurrent public health consequences.

Identifying the research gap of zoonotic disease in displacement:a systematic review

Background:Outbreaks of zoonotic diseases that transmit between animals and humans,against a backdrop of increasing levels of forced migration,present a major challenge to global public health.This review provides an overview of the currently available evidence of how displacement may affect zoonotic disease and pathogen transmission,with the aim to better understand how to protect health and resilience of displaced and host populations.Methods:A systematic review was conducted aligned with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses(PRISMA)reporting guidelines.Between December 2019-February 2020,PubMed,Web of Science,PLoS,ProQuest,Science Direct and JSTOR were searched for literature.Studies were included based on a focus on zoonotic disease risks in displacement and/or humanitarian emergencies,and relevance in terms of livestock dependency of the displaced populations.Evidence was synthesised in form of a table and thematic analysis.Results:Of all records,78 papers were selected for inclusion.Among the included studies,the majority were based on secondary data,including literature reviews(n=43)and case studies(n=5),while the majority of papers covered wide geographical areas such as the Global South(n=17)and Africa(n=20).The review shows significant gaps in the literature,which is specifically lacking primary data on zoonotic diseases in displacement.Risk factors for the transmission of zoonoses in displacement are based on generic infectious disease risks,which include the loss of health services,increased population density,changes in environment,reduced quality of living conditions and socio-economic factors.Regardless of the presence of these disease drivers during forced migration however,there is little evidence of large-scale zoonotic disease outbreaks linked directly to livestock in displacement.Conclusion:Due to the lack of primary research,the complex interlinkages of factors affecting zoonotic pathogen transmission in displacement remain unclear.While the presence of animals may increase the burden of zoonotic pathogens,maintaining access to livestock may improve livelihoods,nutrition and mental health,with the potential to reduce people’s vulnerability to disease.Further primary interdisciplinary and multi-sectoral research is urgently required to address the evidence gaps identified in this review to support policy and program development.

Molecular characterization of sandflies and Leishmania detection in main vector of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in Abarkouh district of Yazd province,Iran

Ohjective:To assess molecular characterization,distribution,seasonal activities of sandfly species and Leishmania parasites infecting them for this zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis focus.Methods:The collections were carried out in 2009-2011 using CDC traps,Sticky Papers and manual aspirator in and around the villages in Abarkouh district.Individual sandflies were characterized by PCR amplification and sequencing of fragments of their mitochondrial cytochrome b gene.Leishmania parasite infections within sandflies were performed by targeting Cyt b,ITS-rDNA,k-DNA and microsatellite genes.Results:The PCR assays detected only Leishmania major(L.major).All infections(30)were found in the abundant and widespread vector Phlebolomus papalasi(P.papatasi).Small numbers of other sandfly species were also screened for infections,but none was found.Sergentomyia sinloni and P.papalasi were the predominant members in all locations of this district and in all habitats throughout the trapping season.Only five other sandfly species were found,namely Phlebolomus ansari,Phlebotomus caucasicus,Phlebotomus sergenti,Sergentomyia dentata and Sergentomyia merviney.Conclusions:In the current survey,the only infections detected are of L.major in females of P.papatasi(30 out of190).The rates of infection of P.papalasi by L.major are not significantly different in compare with other locations in Iran with no diversity of parasite strains.Zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis may have emerged only recently in Abarkouh district,and the reason may well be the instability of the transmission cycles there.

Preliminary study on investigation of zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis in endemic foci of Ethiopia by detecting Leishmania infections in rodents

Objective:To investigate the zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis(ZVL) by identification of the most probable reservoir hosts using parasite isolation and analysis of a possible transmission dynamics of the disease in extra-domestic agricultural fields and rural villages.Methods:Rodents were collected from selected study sites in kala-azar endemic areas based on information for localities of kala-azar cases for screening of Leshmania infections using parasitological,serological and polymerase chain reaction(PCR) from March.2013 to January,2014.Ketamine(Clorketam Veterinary) was used to anaesthesize the rodents according the prescribed dosage(average 2 mg/kg for intra-venous route).The blood obtained using sterile needle was dropped into sterile filter paper and allowed to air dry before sealing in plastic bags.The tissues from liver,spleen and skin were macerated in Locke's solution before transferring them into NNN medium.Blood and touch smears of liver,spleen,skin and bone marrow were prepared for fixing using methanol and staining by Giemsa stain for microscopy.These tissues were also ascd for DNA extractions and PCR amplification of Leishmania infection.Results:A total of 335 rodents(13 species) were analyzed by sampling internal organs.The infection rate by PCR was 11.1%(6/54) for Arvicanthis nilothicas compared to 17.6%(3/17) and 12.5%(2/16) for Acomys cahirinus and Tarera(C) robustus respectively.Almost all the infections were found from bone marrow samples(8/48 or 16.7%) compared with 1/91(1.1%) liver,2/87(2.2%) spleen and 0/87(0%) skin.In all study sites with past human VL cases,rodents and proved vectors shared similar habitats.Conclusions:Leishmania donovani might circulate among different species of rodents in kala-azar endemic lowlands and valleys of Ethiopia by Phlebotamus orientalis and Phlebotomus martini.Detailed studies to substantiate the preliminary data on the possible role of these rodents arc urgently needed.

Genomic characterization of velogenic avian orthoavulavirus 1 isolates from poultry workers: Implications to emergence and its zoonotic potential towards public health

Objective:To carry out the genetic characterization and evolutionary analysis of three avian orthoavulavirus 1(AOAV-1)isolates from poultry workers with respiratory symptoms.Methods:Using Illumina Mi Seq,whole-genome sequencing was carried out to assess the evolutionary dynamics of three AOAV-1 isolates.A phylogenetic and comparative analysis of all coding genes was done using bioinformatics tools.Results:Phylogenetic analysis and genetic distance estimation suggested a close relationship among human-and avian-originated velogenic strains of genotypeⅩⅢ,sub-genotypeⅩⅢ.2.1.Several substitutions in the significant structural and biological motifs were exclusively identified in the human-originated strains.Conclusions:To our knowledge,this is the first report of a velogenic AOAV-1 isolate from natural infection of the human upper respiratory tract.Our findings highlight the evolution and zoonotic potential of velogenic AOAV-1 in a disease endemic setting.

Epizootic, Endemic and Pandemic Zoonotic Viral Infections

More than 60% human infectious diseases have zoonotic origin. Cross species transmission of pathogens is a continuous, dynamic process that occurs throughout the world, giving rise to epizootic (temporary, limited infection), endemic (on-going infection limited to a defined geographic region) and pandemic viral infections (infection spreading to every part of the world) like the current COVID-19 pandemic, which depends on the existing conditions on the ground. In Nov 2021, sudden mortality of numerous migrating demoiselle cranes was reported from their resting site near Jodhpur, Rajasthan. The symptomatic cranes became gradually weak and were unable to fly. They eventually fell dead which caused concern locally, given the current prevailing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic situation the world over. By the end of Dec 2021, the number of cranes with mortality and morbidity reduced, making it a temporary “epizootic infection”. Molecular diagnosis carried out at a specialized laboratory identified the etiological agent to be the highly pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus H5N1 (HPAIV), which has been responsible for morbidity of avian species from different parts of the world. There was no report of spreading the H5N1 AIV infection from the infected migratory cranes to nearby chicken farms or pig farms for now. In the absence of vaccines against the highly pathogenic H5N1 AIVs, and the inherent ability of influenza viruses, both avian AIV and human IAVs to constantly mutate its envelope gene or the surface antigens, resulting from the error-prone nature of the viral RNA Polymerase enzyme are the roadblocks for development of a universal, broad-spectrum influenza vaccine. Even when such a universal vaccine against H5N1 is available, vaccinating a large number of wild migratory cranes would be difficult. However, it is possible and indeed necessary to vaccinate chickens in poultry farms and pigs in farms that raise pigs for human consumption.

Nipah Virus: A Zoonotic Virus Transmitted from Bats and Pigs, Causing an Epidemic in Southeast Asia

Nipah Virus (NiV), a member of the Paramyxoviridae family, is one of the most infectious zoonotic viruses in Southeast Asia. First recorded in Malaysia in 1998, the NiV outbreak infected hundreds of people, with an almost 50% death rate. The virus is transmitted through direct contact with contaminated subjects and infecting the human respiratory system. Ephrin B2 and B3, the surface glycoproteins on the host cell, have been the primary and the most effective route for viral entrance. Binding with viral surface G protein, the F protein triggers, enabling viral-host fusion. Until now, NiV vaccines are not yet available in the public market, however, preventions such as avoiding direct contact and masking are advised.

Modern technologies and solutions to enhance surveillance and response systems for emerging zoonotic diseases

Background Zoonotic diseases originating in animals pose a significant threat to global public health.Recent outbreaks,such as coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19),have caused widespread illness,death,and socioeconomic disruptions worldwide.To cope with these diseases effectively,it is crucial to strengthen surveillance capabilities and establish rapid response systems.Aim The aim of this review is to examine the modern technologies and solutions that have the potential to enhance zoonotic disease surveillance and outbreak responses and provide valuable insights into how cutting-edge innovations could be leveraged to prevent,detect,and control emerging zoonotic disease outbreaks.Herein,we discuss advanced tools including big data analytics,artificial intelligence,the Internet of Things,geographic information systems,remote sensing,molecular diagnostics,point-of-care testing,telemedicine,digital contact tracing,and early warning systems.Results These technologies enable real-time monitoring,the prediction of outbreak risks,early anomaly detection,rapid diagnosis,and targeted interventions during outbreaks.When integrated through collaborative partnerships,these strategies can significantly improve the speed and effectiveness of zoonotic disease control.However,several challenges persist,particularly in resource-limited settings,such as infrastructure limitations,costs,data integration and training requirements,and ethical implementation.Conclusion With strategic planning and coordinated efforts,modern technologies and solutions offer immense potential to bolster surveillance and outbreak responses,and serve as a critical resource against emerging zoonotic disease threats worldwide.

Synergistic integration of climate change and zoonotic diseases by artificial intelligence:a holistic approach for sustainable solutions

Artificial intelligence(AI)is a rapidly evolving field that can impel research in communicable diseases with respect to climate projections,ecological indicators and environmental impact,at the same time revealing new,previously overlooked events.A number of zoonotic and vector-borne diseases already show signs of expanding their northern geographical ranges and appropriate risk assessment and decision support are urgently needed.The deployment of AI-enabled monitoring systems tracking animal populations and environmental changes is of immense potential in the study of transmission under different climate scenarios.In addition,AI's capability to identify new treatments should not only accelerate drug and vaccine discovery but also help predicting their effectiveness,while its contribution to genetic pathogen speciation would assist the evaluation of spillover risks with regard to viral infections from animals to human.Close collaboration between AI experts,epidemiologists and other stakeholders is not only crucial for responding to challenges interconnected with a variety of variables effectively,but also necessary to warrant responsible AI use.Despite its wider successful implementation in many fields,AI should be seen as a complement to,rather than a replacement of,traditional public health measures.

Innovative applications of artificial intelligence in zoonotic disease management

Zoonotic diseases, transmitted between humans and animals, pose a substantial threat to global public health. In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative tool in the fight against diseases. This comprehensive review discusses the innovative applications of AI in the management of zoonotic diseases, including disease prediction, early diagnosis, drug development, and future prospects. AI-driven predictive models leverage extensive datasets to predict disease outbreaks and transmission patterns, thereby facilitating proactive public health responses. Early diagnosis benefits from AI-powered diagnostic tools that expedite pathogen identification and containment. Furthermore, AI technologies have accelerated drug discovery by identifying potential drug targets and optimizing candidate drugs. This review addresses these advancements, while also examining the promising future of AI in zoonotic disease control. We emphasize the pivotal role of AI in revolutionizing our approach to managing zoonotic diseases and highlight its potential to safeguard the health of both humans and animals on a global scale.

Synergistic integration of climate change and zoonotic diseases by artificial intelligence:a holistic approach for sustainable solutions

Artificial intelligence(AI)is a rapidly evolving field that can impel research in communicable diseases with respect to climate projections,ecological indicators and environmental impact,at the same time revealing new,previously overlooked events.A number of zoonotic and vector-borne diseases already show signs of expanding their northern geographical ranges and appropriate risk assessment and decision support are urgently needed.The deployment of AI-enabled monitoring systems tracking animal populations and environmental changes is of immense potential in the study of transmission under different climate scenarios.In addition,AI's capability to identify new treatments should not only accelerate drug and vaccine discovery but also help predicting their effectiveness,while its contribution to genetic pathogen speciation would assist the evaluation of spillover risks with regard to viral infections from animals to human.Close collaboration between AI experts,epidemiologists and other stakeholders is not only crucial for responding to challenges interconnected with a variety of variables effectively,but also necessary to warrant responsible AI use.Despite its wider successful implementation in many fields,AI should be seen as a complement to,rather than a replacement of,traditional public health measures.

Modern technologies and solutions to enhance surveillance and response systems for emerging zoonotic diseases

Background:Zoonotic diseases originating in animals pose a significant threat to global public health.Recent outbreaks,such as coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19),have caused widespread illness,death,and socioeconomic disruptions worldwide.To cope with these diseases effectively,it is crucial to strengthen surveillance capabilities and establish rapid response systems.Aim:The aim of this review is to examine the modern technologies and solutions that have the potential to enhance zoonotic disease surveillance and outbreak responses and provide valuable insights into how cuttingedge innovations could be leveraged to prevent,detect,and control emerging zoonotic disease outbreaks.Herein,we discuss advanced tools including big data analytics,artificial intelligence,the Internet of Things,geographic information systems,remote sensing,molecular diagnostics,point-of-care testing,telemedicine,digital contact tracing,and early warning systems.Results:These technologies enable real-time monitoring,the prediction of outbreak risks,early anomaly detection,rapid diagnosis,and targeted interventions during outbreaks.When integrated through collaborative partnerships,these strategies can significantly improve the speed and effectiveness of zoonotic disease control.However,several challenges persist,particularly in resource-limited settings,such as infrastructure limitations,costs,data integration and training requirements,and ethical implementation.Conclusion:With strategic planning and coordinated efforts,modern technologies and solutions offer immense potential to bolster surveillance and outbreak responses,and serve as a critical resource against emerging zoonotic disease threats worldwide.

Impact of COVID-19-related nonpharmaceutical interventions on diarrheal diseases and zoonotic Salmonella

Non-pharmaceutical interventions(NPIs)have been proven effective in reducing the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19),but their broader impact on gastrointestinal disorders remains poorly studied.Here,we report an observational analysis and retrospective study that compares the incidence of acute diarrheal diseases in Hangzhou,Zhejiang,China,between 2019 and 2020,with an examination of the antimicrobial resistance and genetic spectrum of non-typhoidal Salmonella(NTS)from 2015 to 2022,before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.Our findings underscore that NPIs related to COVID-19 effectively reduced the incidence of acute diarrhea,with a substantial decrease in most enteric pathogens.Notably,NTS exhibited an unexpected surge.Further genomic investigations of NTS isolates revealed an overall reduction in antimicrobial-resistant(AMR),disinfection-tolerant,and virulent capabilities,but with marked variations detected between human and animal isolates.Additional genome-based analysis confirmed a decrease in the scale of zoonotic transmission in response to NPIs,suggesting particular NTS types may contribute to human infections via alternative pathways.The collective findings manifested that COVID-19-related NPIs had a mixed impact on NTS infections,which may inform AMR NTS mitigation policy.

Establishment of an indicator framework for the transmission risk of the mountain-type zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis based on the Delphi-entropy weight method

Background: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is one of the most important neglected tropical diseases. Although VL was controlled in several regions of China during the last century, the mountain-type zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis (MT-ZVL) has reemerged in the hilly areas of China in recent decades. The purpose of this study was to construct an indicator framework for assessing the risk of the MT-ZVL in China, and to provide guidance for preventing disease.Methods: Based on a literature review and expert interview, a 3-level indicator framework was initially established in November 2021, and 28 experts were selected to perform two rounds of consultation using the Delphi method. The comprehensive weight of the tertiary indicators was determined by the Delphi and the entropy weight methods.Results: Two rounds of Delphi consultation were conducted. Four primary indicators, 11 secondary indicators, and 35 tertiary indicators were identified. The Delphi-entropy weight method was performed to calculate the comprehensive weight of the tertiary indicators. The normalized weights of the primary indicators were 0.268, 0.261, 0.242, and 0.229, respectively, for biological factors, interventions, environmental factors, and social factors. The normalized weights of the top four secondary indicators were 0.122, 0.120, 0.098, and 0.096, respectively, for climatic features, geographical features, sandflies, and dogs. Among the tertiary indicators, the top four normalized comprehensive weights were the population density of sandflies (0.076), topography (0.057), the population density of dogs, including tethering (0.056), and use of bed nets or other protective measures (0.056).Conclusions: An indicator framework of transmission risk assessment for MT-ZVL was established using the Delphientropy weight method. The framework provides a practical tool to evaluate transmission risk in endemic areas.

Zoonotic parasites carried by invasive alien species in China

Background:The invasive alien species may lead to great environmental and economic crisis due to its strong capability of occupying the biological niche of native species and altering the ecosystem of the invaded area.However,its potential to serve as the vectors of some specific zoonotic pathogens,especially parasites,has been neglected.Thus,the damage that it may cause has been hugely underestimated in this aspect,which is actually an important public health problem.This paper aims to discuss the current status of zoonotic parasites carried by invasive alien species in China.Main body:This review summarizes the reported zoonotic parasites carried by invasive alien species in China based on the Database of Invasive Alien Species in China.We summarize their prevalence,threat to human health,related reported cases,and the roles of invasive alien species in the life cycle of these parasites,and the invasion history of some invasive alien species.Furthermore,we sum up the current state of prevention and control of invasive alien species in China,and discuss about the urgency and several feasible strategies for the prevention and control of these zoonoses under the background of booming international communications and inevitable globalization.Conclusions:Information of the zoonotic parasites carried by invasive alien species neither in China or worldwide,especially related case reports,is limited due to a long-time neglection and lack of monitoring.The underestimation of their damage requires more attention to the monitoring and control and compulsory measures should be taken to control the invasive alien species carrying zoonotic parasites.