Nipah virus: Preventing the next outbreak

Nipah is a deadly viral infection which has come to the news highlight recently,due to its fresh onslaught in Southern India.As the world continues to recover from coronavirus disease 2019,the World Health Organization has identified a list of high-priority pathogens with the potential to cause future pandemics.Among them is the Nipah virus(NiV),which poses a significant threat.Even a small out-break could trigger widespread panic among the public.The emergence and re-emergence of NiV among other zoonotic infections is a stern reminder of the im-portance of One health concept.

Food-borne parasitic zoonosis: Distribution of trichinosis in Thailand

Trichinosis is among the most common food-borne parasitic zoonoses in Thailand and many outbreaks are reported each year. This paper investigates the distribution of the disease in regions of north, north-east, central and south Thailand. Between the earliest recorded of outbreak of trichinosis in Mae Hong Son Province in 1962 and 2006, there have been 135 outbreaks involving 7340 patients and 97 deaths in Thailand. The highest number of cases, 557, was recorded in 1983. Most infected patients were in the 35-44 year age group, and the disease occurred more frequently in men than women during 1962-2003, with no significant sex difference during 2004-2006. Outbreaks were most common in the northern areas, especially in rural areas where raw and under-cooked pork and/or wild animals are eaten. Human infections occur annually in northern Thailand during communal feasts celebrating the Thai New Year. Trichinosis causes have been reported every year, supporting the need for planning education programs.

Immunological reactive rate to Zika virus in canine sera:A report from a tropical area and concern on pet,zoonosis and reservoir host

This letter to editor discusses and describes Zika virus IgG seropositivity rate in canine sera from endemic area.This is the first world report and it raises an urgent concern on pet,zoonosis and reservoir host regarding Zika virus.

A General Model of Zoonosis Where the Diseases Can Only Be Transmitted from Animals to Humans

Zoonosis is an important factor affecting human economic development and population mortality. This paper introduces a general model of zoonosis, in which the diseases can only be transmitted from animals to humans, such as rabies, brucellosis and so on. The basic reproduction number R0 is derived. And then the global stability of the disease-free equilibrium and endemic equilibrium models is analyzed by using the method of comparison principle and Lyapunov function. Next, a numerical analysis is performed to elaborate the consistency of theoretical and numerical results and to prove the practical significance of zoonosis research. The numerical results show that our models are applicable to zoonosis with animal size larger than or smaller than population size. Finally, in order to see the most important factor for the epidemic of zoonosis a sensitive analysis is analyzed.

Zoonosis Due to <i>Bruella suis</i>with Special Reference to Infection in Dogs (Carnivores): A Brief Review

Brucella suis (B. suis) is the major cause of porcine brucellosis. Zoonosis due to B. suis infection associated with transmission by various animal species is reported. Recently an increase in brucellosis associated with feral swine transmitted B. suis infection in humans and hunting dogs is emerging. Reports on B. suis infection in carnivores including dogs is scant. This report gives a brief review of B. suis zoonosis with particular reference to B. suis infection in dogs (carnivores).

Classical bovine spongiform encephalopathy and chronic wasting disease:two sides of the prion coin

Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies(TSEs)are a group of progressive and ultimately fatal neurologic diseases of man and animals,all resulting from the propagated misfolding of the host's normal cellular prion protein.These diseases can be spontaneous,heritable,anthropogenic/iatrogenic,or in some cases horizontally transmissible,and include such notable TSEs as bovine spongiform encephalopathy(BSE)of cattle and chronic wasting disease(CWD)of cervids.Although they are both unequivocally protein misfolding disorders,they differ markedly in their pathogenesis,transmissibility,and zoonotic potential.While the BSE epidemic has largely abated over the past three decades following global feed bans on ruminant meat and bone meal,CWD,which is readily transmitted through various forms of excreta,has rapidly expanded from its original endemic zone to encompass much of North America,along with recently identified foci in Scandinavia.Most importantly,although the classical form of BSE has proven transmissible to humans consuming contaminated beef or beef products,so far there have been no conclusive reports on the zoonotic transmission of cWD to humans.The underlying basis for these differences-whether host or agent directed-are not well understood,though may be due to inherent differences in the three-dimensional structure of the misfolded BSE or CWD prion proteins or the expression levels and tissue distribution of respective cellular prion proteins.With the uncontrolled geographic spread of CWD,it is imperative that we improve our understanding of the factors governing prion disease pathogenesis,transmission,and zoonotic potential.

Preventing the Re-emergence of Deadly Nipah Virus

The Indo-Bangladesh region frequently suffers from periodic Nipah virus(NiV)outbreaks.NiV is a zoonotic agent that can be transmitted from animals to humans and also from humans to humans.NiV infections may cause deadly neurological dysfunctions with a fatality rate of up to 75%.Various methods have been developed to diagnose NiV infections at different stages of the disease,but there is currently no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine available.NiV outbreaks are mostly endemic;however,the high susceptibility of the human population,high mutation rates of the viral RNA genome and the possibility of human-to-human transmission in this era of globalization enable NiV to potentially cause a pandemic.To prevent serious consequences of NiV outbreaks,international deliberation on risk assessment,investigation of the molecular and genetic aspects of NiV,pertinent measures of surveillance and framing of general guidelines for its management should be integrated.This review underlines the basic information available in the literature and its application for further research to reach a solution for mitigation of such catastrophic infections.

A Case Report on Cutaneous Larva Migrans (CLM)

Cutaneous larva migrans (CLM) is a zoonotic hookworm infection of dogs and cats commonly found in low-income countries in the tropical and subtropical regions and travellers to these regions. It is caused by invasion of the skin by the parasitic larvae of hookworms which, after entry, move under the skin causing an inflammatory reaction resulting in a single or multiple tracks. Patients commonly present with a progressive, itchy, erythematous serpiginous skin rash, affecting the feet, although it can affect any other parts of the body. The diagnosis is mainly clinical, based on history and physical examination. Treatment of this condition can effectively be achieved with either albendazole or ivermectin. We present a case of a 7-year-old boy who was diagnosed with CLM after presenting to the hospital with a history of a progressive itchy rash with tracks on the left foot. Although CLM is a self-limiting disease, it causes a lot of suffering and, therefore, it is of public concern. There is a need to increase awareness of this disease among health workers, and to implement and promote preventive measures against the disease since the cause is known.

Intra-Domiciliary Transmission of Chagas’ Disease in Rural Areas of Yucatan Mexico

With the objective to describe the relationship between T. cruzi infection in humans and sinantropic reservoir and vectors in the rural conditions a study was performed in municipalities of the Yucatan state in Mexico. Blood samples from humans, dogs and opossum were taken from the households. Vectors were also collected and the infection and infestation indexes were calculated. Serum samples were evaluated by indirect hemagglutination (IH) and indirect immunofluorescence (IFI) to determine IgG antibodies against Trypanosoma cruzi. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was also performed in the samples taken from humans and reservoirs. Blood smears were performed in reservoirs. Sampled humans underwent to an electrocardiographic study to identify functional and conduction alterations of the heart. Household building characteristics were noted. A total of 367 blood samples were collected from people. The presence of IgG antibodies was 16.6% and 71.0% at PCR. Electrocardiographic studies revealed that 31% of patients seropositive to T. cruzi have a medical condition. 20.0% of dogs were seropositive and 68.5 positive to PCR. At the direct detection 13.6% resulted positive. In opossum 29.1% were seropositive and 72.9% positive to PCR. A total of 269 triatomineos were captured and 52.7% were infected with T. cruzi. The infection and infestation index were 52.4% and 60.8% respectively. The presence of adult vectors and their nymph’s were more frequently found in households made with wattle roofs (45.2 and 73.9 % respectively) than other kind of building materials. Electrocardiographic abnormalities found in positive persons were: Incomplete right bundle branch block (55%), tachycardia (35%), old myocardial infarction (5%) and incomplete block of the left bundle (5%). This work highlights the importance of comprehensive studies on the transmission of T. cruzi in the Yucatan where the link between human infection in synanthropic reservoirs and vectors is established. This information is important to design programs for the epidemiological surveillance and control to break the chain of transmission of the disease.

Hepatitis E: Discovery, global impact, control and cure

Hepatitis E was identified as an epidemic of non-A, non-B hepatitis from Kashmir, India in 1978. Hepatitis E virus(HEV), the etiological agent is the sole member of family Hepeviridae. The virus has marked heterogeneity and infects many animals like bats, camel, chicken, deer, boar, mongoose, pigs, rats, rabbit and cutthroat trout. Hepatitis E is a disease with a major global impact and has two distinct epidemiological patterns. Hepatitis E is an imperative health issue in developing nations, transmitted through sullied water and happens most every now in young adults. The disease is particularly severe during pregnancy and in people with underlying liver cirrhosis. Autochthonous hepatitis E is increasingly recognized in developed countries. The virus infects domestic pigs, wild boar and Sika deer in these countries. HEV infections in humans occur by eating the undercooked game flesh, raw liver from supermarkets and Figatelli sausages. Blood transfusion-associated HEV infections occur in many countries and screening of donors for HEV RNA is under consideration. Hepatitis E causes a number of extrahepatic diseases, including a wide spectrum of neurological syndromes. HEV genotype 3 causes prolonged viremia, chronic hepatitis, liver fibrosis and cirrhosis in organ transplant patients. The virus is amenable to ribavirin monotherapy and most patients clear the virus in a few weeks. Hepatitis E vaccine-239, marketed in China, has shown high efficacy with sustained protection for over four years.

Emerging and re-emerging human infectious diseases:A systematic review of the role of wild animals with a focus on public health impact

Infectious diseases continue to impose unpredictable burdens on global health and economies, a subject that requires constant research and updates. In this sense, the objective of the present article was to review studies on the role of wild animals as reservoirs and/or dispersers of etiological agents of human infectious diseases in order to compile data on the main wild animals and etiological agents involved in zoonotic outbreaks. A systematic review was carried out using PRISMA guidelines, using the PubMed, Scopus and SciELO platforms as data banks. The descriptors used were "zoonosis", "human infectious diseases" and "wild animals". The results show that wild animals(mainly bats, birds and primates) play an important role in the dissemination of etiological agents(mainly viruses, as a new coronavirus called 2019 Novel Coronavirus) in extensive geographic regions. Moreover, these wild animal organisms can act as the site for essential biotic synergy among several pathogenic microorganisms, promoting a higher rate of adaptation, mutation and even genetic recombination, with consequent stimulation of new strains and subtypes, inducing new infectious agents with unknown virulent potential. In conclusion, the monitoring of these diseases and adequate preparation for possible epidemics and pandemics are fundamental conditions for the mitigation of their future impact. The zoonotic threat of these etiological agents and the impact on public health can be enormous as shown by the ongoing epidemic of 2019 novel coronavirus(2019-nCoV) infections.

Open reading frame 3 protein of hepatitis E virus:Multi-function protein with endless potential

Hepatitis E virus (HEV), a fecal-orally transmitted foodborne viral pathogen,causes acute hepatitis in humans and is responsible for hepatitis E outbreaksworldwide. Since the identification of HEV as a zoonotic agent, this virus has beenisolated from a variety of hosts with an ever-expanding host range. HEV-openreading frame (ORF) 3, the smallest ORF in HEV genomes, initially had beenperceived as an unremarkable HEV accessory protein. However, as novel HEVORF3function has been discovered that is related to the existence of a putativethird virion structural form, referred to as “quasi-enveloped” HEV particles, HEVis challenging the conventional virion structure-based classification scheme,which assigns all viruses to two groups, “enveloped” or “non-enveloped”. In thisreview, we systematically describe recent progress that has identified multiplepathogenic roles of HEV-ORF3, including roles in HEV virion release, biogenesisof quasi-enveloped virus, regulation of the host innate immune response, andinterference with host signaling pathways. In addition, implications of HEVORF3-associated quasi-enveloped virions are discussed to guide futuredevelopment of improved vaccines against zoonotic HEV infection.

Epidemiological patterns of animal bites in Abadeh district of central Iran from 2012 to 2018: A cross-sectional study

Objectives:To investigate the epidemiology of animal bites and associated factors in Abadeh district(central Iran)from 2012 to 2018.Methods:In this cross-sectional study,1407 individuals with animal bites who were referred to the Abadeh Rabies Treatment Center were investigated by using the census method from 2012 to 2018.The variables included the victim's demographic information(age,gender,occupation),the type of biting animals(dog,cat,and other animals),the domesticated and wild animals,the time of biting based on year and month,the residence location(urban or rural),the treatment status,and the anatomical location of the wounds.Results:The annual incidence rate of animal bites was 189.62 per 100000 population.Totally 83.4%of the victims were male.The average age was(33.66±18.97)years and individuals in the age range of 36-50 years were greater at risk.Most of the animal bites were from dogs(77.8%).About two thirds(62.1%)of the bites were from household animals.A total of 57.1%of individuals lived in urban areas.Most victims were engaged in farming and animal husbandry.The highest prevalence of animal bites(37.4%)happened in the summer.None of the patients had any clinical signs of rabies.Conclusions:To reduce the incidence of animal bites,high-risk groups including farmers and ranchers should be educated about bite prevention,and it should be ensured that they are managed correctly.

Rabies in a postpandemic world:resilient reservoirs,redoubtable riposte,recurrent roadblocks,and resolute recidivism

Rabies is an ancient disease.Two centuries since Pasteur,fundamental progress occurred in virology,vaccinology,and diagnostics—and an understanding of pathobiology and epizootiology of rabies in testament to One Health—before common terminological coinage.Prevention,control,selective elimination,and even the unthinkable—occasional treatment—of this zoonosis dawned by the twenty-first century.However,in contrast to smallpox and rinderpest,eradication is a wishful misnomer applied to rabies,particularly post-COVID-19 pandemic.Reasons are minion.Polyhostality encompasses bats and mesocarnivores,but other mammals represent a diverse spectrum of potential hosts.While rabies virus is the classical member of the genus,other species of lyssaviruses also cause the disease.Some reservoirs remain cryptic.Although global,this viral encephalitis is untreatable and often ignored.As with other neglected diseases,laboratory-based surveillance falls short of the notifiable ideal,especially in lower-and middleincome countries.Calculation of actual burden defaults to a flux within broad health economic models.Competing priorities,lack of defined,long-term international donors,and shrinking local champions challenge human prophylaxis and mass dog vaccination toward targets of 2030 for even canine rabies impacts.For prevention,all licensed vaccines are delivered to the individual,whether parenteral or oral–essentially‘one and done’.Exploiting mammalian social behaviors,future‘spreadable vaccines’might increase the proportion of immunized hosts per unit effort.However,the release of replication-competent,genetically modified organisms selectively engineered to spread intentionally throughout a population raises significant biological,ethical,and regulatory issues in need of broader,transdisciplinary discourse.How this rather curious idea will evolve toward actual unconventional prevention,control,or elimination in the near term remains debatable.In the interim,more precise terminology and realistic expectations serve as the norm for diverse,collective constituents to maintain progress in the field.

Evaluating the efficacy of an attenuated Streptococcus equi ssp. zooepidemicus vaccine produced by multi-gene deletion in pathogenicity island SeseCisland_4

Streptococcus equi ssp. zooepidemicus(SEZ) is a pathogen associated with a wild range of animal species. Frequent outbreaks have occurred in recent years in pigs, horses, goats and dogs which is liable to infect humans. There is a lack of efficient vaccines against this disease and the occurrence of antibiotic resistance may render drug therapies ineffective. In this study, gene deletion mutant(ΔSEZ) in pathogenicity islands SeseCisland_4 was constructed. The mutant ΔSEZ had a 52-fold decrease in 50% lethal dose(LD_(50)) and had less capacity to adhere epithelial cells. Importantly, immunization of mice with attenuated vaccine ΔSEZ at the dose of 10~2 colony-forming units(CFU) mL^(–1) elicited a significant humoral antibody response, with an antibody titer of 1:12 800. Therefore, 10~2 CFU mL^(–1) might be used as the appropriate immune dose for the attenuated vaccine ΔSEZ, which provided mice with efficient protection against virulent SEZ. In addition, the hyperimmune sera against 10~2 CFU m L–1 attenuated vaccine ΔSEZ could confer significant protection against virulent SEZ infection in the passive immunization experiment and exhibited efficient bactericidal activity in the whole blood assay. Meanwhile, no viable bacteria was detected in blood when mice were immunized with ΔSEZ at the dose of 10~2 CFU mL^(–1) via hypodermic injection. Thereafter, the mutant ΔSEZ at the dose of 10~2 CFU mL^(–1) could confer significant protection in mice and had less negative effects on host, which could be an effective attenuated vaccine candidate for the prevention of SEZ.

Diversity of Primate Lentiviruses Rebooted

Highlight: The present report reveals for the first time natural lentiviral infection of wild Indian NHPs, rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) and langurs (Semnopithecus entellus) by SIVs that are phylogenetically diverse from all known SIVs, including “SIVmac”, which infects captive rhesus monkeys. The novel SIVs are intriguingly homologous to HIV-1, based on serology and partial lentiviral genomic sequence analyses. Diverse lenti-viruses infect human and nonhuman primates (NHPs). There are more than 45 different “species-specific” simian immunodeficiency viruses (SIVs) that infect their cognate NHP hosts in natural habitats in Africa. Indian NHPs are not known to be infected by SIVs in the wild. Conventionally SIVs are named after their natural hosts, except for SIVmac, which infects captive rather than wild rhesus macaques. SIVmac is therefore a misnomer. It is a genetic variant of the African SIVsmm, which infects wild African sooty mangabey monkeys. SIVsmm is the progenitor of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-2), while SIVcpz that infects wild chimpanzees is the progenitor of HIV-1. Although natural infections cannot be easily studied in wild NHP populations, we have previously reported co-infection of wild Indian NHPs by other retroviruses: simian retroviruses (SRVs) and Simian Foamy viruses (SFV). Apart from zoonosis, transmission of pathogens from humans to animals: anthroponosis, has also been reported in literature.

Cow’s milk-induced gastrointestinal disorders:From infancy to adulthood

Milk is related to many gastrointestinal disorders from the cradle to the grave due to the many milk ingredients that can trigger gastrointestinal discomfort and disorders.Cow’s milk protein allergy(CMPA)is the most common food allergy,especially in infancy and childhood,which may persist into adulthood.There are three main types of CMPA;immunoglobulin E(IgE)-mediated CMPA,non-IgEmediated CMPA,and mixed type.CMPA appears before the first birthday in almost all cases.Symptoms may start even during the neonatal period and can be severe enough to simulate neonatal sepsis.CMPA(often non-IgE mediated)can present with symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux,eosinophilic esophagitis,hemorrhagic gastritis,food protein-induced protein-losing enteropathy,and food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome.Most CMPAs are benign and outgrown during childhood.CMPA is not as common in adults as in children,but when present,it is usually severe with a protracted course.Lactose intolerance is a prevalent condition characterized by the development of many symptoms related to the consumption of foods containing lactose.Lactose intolerance has four typical types:Developmental,congenital,primary,and secondary.Lactose intolerance and CMPA may be the underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms for many functional gastrointestinal disorders in children and adults.They are also common in inflammatory bowel diseases.Milk consumption may have preventive or promoter effects on cancer development.Milk may also become a source of microbial infection in humans,causing a wide array of diseases,and may help increase the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance.This editorial summarizes the common milk-related disorders and their symptoms from childhood to adulthood.

Brucellosis as the Cause of Pediatric Fever of Unknown Origin

Brucellosis is the most common zoonotic infection that causes diseases in humans and is continuously a gross public health issue worldwide. Generally, physical examinations are normal or only minimally abnormal and the diagnosis is made on the basis of the history and serologic studies. Disease can be mild and self-limited or fulminant with severe complications. Here is reported a case of a seven years old boy hospitalized for Fever of Unknown Origin. He had no clues on medical history and physical examination. No changes were found on laboratory parameters;normal blood count and normal inflammatory indicators resulted. After a careful investigation, the diagnose of Brucellosis was concluded. Persistent or prolonged fever may be the only presenting symptom in children. The growing phenomena of international tourism and migration have directed interest in Brucellosis as it is increasingly recorded in non-endemic countries.

Management of pancreatic fluid collections： A comprehensivereview of the literature

Hepatitis E virus （HEV） infection is a common causeof acute clinical hepatitis worldwide. HEV is an RNAcontainingvirus and the only member of the genusHepevirus in the family Hepeviridae . Human HEV isclassified into four genotypes widely distributed acrossthe world. The virus is mainly transmitted via the fecaloralroute, and water-borne epidemics have becomecharacteristic of hepatitis E in developing countries,including those in Latin America. The zoonoticpotential of HEV is broadly recognized. Thus, thereis an urgent need to re-evaluate virus transmissionscenarios and to enforce epidemiological surveillancesystems. Additionally, it is known that HEV infections,initially defined as self-limiting, can also take chroniccourses in immunocompromised patients. Moreover,we recently reported a high seroprevalence of HEV insamples from cirrhotic patients with no other etiologicalagents present, suggesting the potential role of HEVin the development of chronic liver illness. In thisreview, HEV genomic variability, transmission, chronicinfectious course, zoonotic potential and treatmentare discussed. Focus is placed on the impact of HEVinfection in Latin America, to support the developmentof specific control strategies and the handling of thisimportant and typically imperceptible viral infection.