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.

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.

Unmanned aerial vehicles:potential tools for use in zoonosis control

Unmanned aerial vehicles(UAVs)have become useful tools to extend human abilities and capacities.Currently UAVs are being used for the surveillance of environmental factors related to the transmission of infectious diseases.They have also been used for delivering therapeutic drugs and life-saving supplies to patients or isolated persons in extreme conditions.There have been very few applications of UAVs for disease surveillance,control and prevention to date.However,we foresee many uses for these machines in the fight against zoonotic disease.The control of zoonoses has been a big challenge as these diseases are naturally maintained in animal populations.Among 868 reported zoonoses,echinococcosis(hydatid disease)is one of the most severe public health problems and listed as one of 17 neglected tropical diseases targeted for control by the World Health Organization.Infected dogs(domestic or stray)play the most important role as definitive hosts in maintaining the transmission of echinococcosis.However,the actual contribution of wild canines to transmission has received little attention as yet,but should certainly not be ignored.This paper summarizes the history of development and application of UAVs,with an emphasis on their potential use for zoonosis control.As an example,we outline a pilot trial of echinococcosis control in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau region,in which UAVs were used to deliver baits with praziquantel for wildlife deworming.The data suggested that this is a cost-effective and efficient approach to the control of zoonotic diseases transmitted among wild animal populations.

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.

Monkeypox outbreak: a novel threat after COVID-19?

Dear Editor,Monkeypox is a zoonosis caused by monkeypox virus (MPXV)infection first reported in Central and West Africa[1]. The first outbreak of monkeypox outside of Africa was reported in2003[2].Afterthat,Israel,theUnitedKingdom(UK),Singapore, and other countries have reported monkeypox cases among travelers back from Nigeria since 2018[3].

Healthier Food of Animal Origin and Prevention of Campylobacteriosis

Campylobacter species belong to the most important foodborne bacteria which cause gastroenteritis in humans in both developed and developing countries. Applied hygienic measures result only partially efficient, as demonstrated by the high number of reported cases in the human population. Alternative strategies to prevent the disease though a direct action at primary production level have been explored. Preliminary data showed that cattle and pigs fed with bamboo and olive by-products, respectively, were free from Campylobacter, suggesting potential sustainable prevention strategy. In addition, biochemical analysis showed high levels of unsaturated fatty acids in red meat and meat products, adequate for the application of health claims in line with EU food law.

Seroprevalence of Brucellosis Disease and Lumpy Skin Disease on Cattles at Svay Rieng and Prey Veng Province, Cambodia

LSD (Lumpy Skin Disease) is a poxviral disease with significant morbidity in cattle and belongs to the family Poxviridae and the genus Capripoxvirus and is transmitted by hematophagous arthropod vectors. Despite the typically low mortality rate, economic costs arise from deterioration in health, decreased milk production, miscarriages, infertility and harmed hides. Brucellosis disease is one of the most common contagious and communicable zoonotic diseases with high rates of morbidity and lifetime sterility. Serological tests with ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays) indicate exposure to Brucella and LSD in cattle. To identify the presence of those diseases, the research was conducted in two provinces, Svay Rieng and Prey Veng, in Cambodia, starting from July 2021 to January 2022. In the study, the 2018 Thusfield method was adopted, and two cattle were selected from 216 households in the two provinces (112 in Svay Rieng and 104 in Prey Veng). However, not all the families had two cattle, so the total sample size was 300 cattle (227 in Svay Rieng and 73 in Prey Veng). As a result, there was only one brucellosis disease case in Svay Rieng Province, while that disease was not found at all in Prey Veng. Meanwhile, LSD was higher in Prey Veng (80% of the tested cattle) than in Svay Rieng (69%). Among all of the tested cattle, 66.7% had the highest BS (Body Score = 4). The finding suggests that LSD was prevalent in the studied areas, which may cause economic losses. Thus, preventive measures should be taken properly to tackle this issue. Although Brucellosis was a rare case in the studied areas, it may spread faster, causing abortion in cattle and women. Biosecurity is needed to ensure a strict control over this 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.