PARASITIC INFECTIONS IN WILD BIRDS OF THE FAMILY PSITTACIDAE: THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ZOONOSIS AND THE ONE HEALTH

Fish substitutions which may increase human health risks from zoonotic seafood borne parasites: A review

Zoonotic parasitic diseases are considered a global threat to public health. In this sense, canines and felines may be infected by different cosmopolitan parasites, with playgrounds serving as an important focus of infection for humans, as well as domestic or wild animals. Knowledge of the epidemiological situation of parasites in animal reservoirs integrated into the environment, identifying the spread pathways, is a key element for an effective response to this threat. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the frequency of intestinal parasites with zoonotic potential in 120 playgrounds in the Malaga province (Spain). Samples were processed and analysed following standard parasitological procedures. Some 36.7% of playgrounds were parasite-positive with one or more zoonotic parasites. The most common parasites recovered were nematodes (60.0%), followed by protozoan species (33.3%) and cestodes (6.7%). In the parasite-positive playgrounds, Toxocara spp. (17.0 ± 3.5%) and Giardia duodenalis (17.0 ± 3.4%) were the most predominant parasites. In addition, 34.1% of playgrounds were infected with multiple parasites. Our results show a high presence of parasitic forms with zoonotic potential in playgrounds in Malaga, Spain. Due to the close contact between pets and humans in playgrounds, the potential zoonotic risk may increase if prevention and control measures are not designed.

Parasitic zoonoses are widespread throughout the world and commonly are associated with foodborne infections and insect bites, but they receive little media attention and many are neglected tropical diseases. Comprehending the complex population biology and transmission ecology of multihost parasites is one of the major challenges of biomedical sciences for this century. This chapter will review zoonotic parasites, which rarely infect humans but are increasingly recognized in Asia and affecting tourists such as sarcocystic species, and newly recognized zoonoses in humans previously considered strictly animal pathogens. Sarcocystosis causes myositis in humans and two species can be acquired from eating undercooked meat: Sarcocystis hominis, from beef, and Sarcocystis suihominis, from pork. A species from reptilian host, Sarcocystis nesbitti, can be acquired from ingesting feces-contaminated water or food from endemic areas. Other emerging zoonotic parasites including the raccoon roundworm, Baylisascaris procyonis, Onchocerca lupi, Dirofilaria species, and Trypanosoma evansi, are also reviewed in this chapter. B. procyonis is widespread in raccoons but infects a wide range of vertebrates and has been increasingly recognized to cause infections in humans for more than a decade, predominantly young children. This parasite can cause severe visceral larva migrans with grievous neurological disturbance and ocular disease and it is endemic in North America. O. lupi is a filarial nematode that infects the scleral conjunctival tissue of dogs, wolves, and cats, and canine cases have been on the increase in the USA and Europe. The first human case of O. lupi was reported in Europe in 2001 and the first case in the USA in 2013. Unlike the cases reported in other countries, the American experience have not had subconjunctival nodules but present with more invasive disease, such as spinal, orbital, and subdermal nodules. Trypanosoma are major zoonotic parasites recognized to cause substantial disease burden in sub-Saharan Africa [sleeping sickness] and Latin America [Chagas disease], but other less known animal species can occasionally cause human disease [T. lewisi, T. congolense, and T. evansi]. T. evansi was first reported to cause human infection in India in 2005 and more recently in Vietnam, with nonspecific febrile illness. However, a high burden of disease is present in bovids and horses [approaching 30%] in central and southern Vietnam and possibly in other parts of Asia, and human infections may be more common than recognized and have the potential to cause larger burden of human infections. Dirofilariasis is also considered an emerging parasitic zoonosis in Europe. Dirofilariasis is caused by the dog heartworm, D. immitis, transmitted by mosquitoes and produces pulmonary nodules in humans or by D. repens which can cause subcutaneous nodules or ocular lesions. Global surveillance should be implemented to monitor these emerging and novel parasitic zoonoses.

Background: Toxocariasis is a common but often neglected parasitic zoonosis, transmitted mainly through contact with contaminated animals or soil. Despite its public health significance, awareness remains limited, particularly in Afghanistan. We aimed to assess the awareness and practices related to pet ownership and the risk of Toxocara infection among medical students and faculty members at two major private medical universities in Kabul. Methods: This cross-sectional study surveyed 347 medical students and faculty members at Ghalib University and Cheragh Medical Educational Institute in Kabul between Oct and Dec 2023. A semi-structured questionnaire assessed sociodemographic factors, behaviors related to animal contact, and knowledge of zoonotic parasites, with a focus on Toxocara. Associations between pet ownership and knowledge or practices were examined using chi-square tests. Results: Overall, 38.8% of participants reported owning pets. While 41.5% indicated high knowledge of zoonotic parasites, only 8.1% could name Toxocara specifically. Veterinary visits were common among pet owners. Pet ownership was significantly associated with sex, frequency of contact with stray animals, daily interactions with animals, knowledge of parasitic zoonoses, and awareness of the clinical spectrum (P<0.05). Hygiene practices after animal contact did not differ significantly between groups, although handwashing with water alone was most commonly reported. Knowledge regarding transmission routes, the ability to name parasites in general, zoonotic parasites, and Toxocara was similarly limited among both pet owners and non-owners. Conclusion: Substantial gaps in knowledge about parasitic zoonoses, including Toxocara, were identified. Pet ownership influenced certain behaviors but did not consistently predict higher awareness. These findings underscore the need for targeted educational interventions to strengthen understanding and promote preventive measures among future healthcare professionals.

Dogs play valuable roles in human society. In addition to serving as pets and companions, dogs have also been important in hunting and, in recent times, as therapy animals. In India, the number of pet dogs is estimated to be around 5 million. The stray dog population in India is estimated to be 19 million and still increasing, due to ineffective control measures. Stray dogs pose substantial risks to public health due to injury and transmission of zoonoses such as rabies. Both pet and stray dogs may act as reservoirs of zoonotic parasites in India, which has a climate conducive to the environmental survival and transmission of many zoonotic parasites. At present, visceral larva migrans, cutaneous larva migrans and echinococcosis are the most important parasitic zoonoses in India. Leishmaniosis, dirofilariosis, Brugia malayi infection and giardiosis are potentially significant emerging parasitic zoonoses, and theleziosis, gnathostomiosis and dipylidiosis occur sporadically. Because of their biomedical and public health significance, and the lack of literature and compiled data on parasitic zoonoses of dogs in India, the authors provide a concise review on this topic along with potential control strategies.

The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has rapidly spread across the world from its origin in Wuhan, China in late 2019. The resultant disease (COVID-19) has placed an enormous burden on healthcare systems because of the high transmission rates, prevalence of severe disease and mortality [1]. The risk of viral transmission to healthcare workers has been a concern since the start of the outbreak and the first person to raise concerns about the illness to the international community was Dr Li Wen-Liang, an ophthalmologist in Wuhan who sadly died of the disease that he likely contracted whilst at work [2].

Zoonoses of people and their pets: a US perspective on significant pet-associated parasitic diseases

Parasitic zoonoses, which are rising in the wake of climate change, impact the interface of human and animal health. In this perspective paper, a historical analysis is presented regarding the role veterinarians have played from the 1990s to 2022 in addressing parasitic infections. Utilizing a thematic analysis of popular veterinary science articles and a discussion of the peer-reviewed literature, a need is demonstrated for both veterinarians and physicians to contribute to the education of clients/patients, as well as the general public, about zoonotic parasites and prevention practices. In order to mitigate parasitic zoonoses via improved health communication and education, it is critical for veterinarians to be aware of public perceptions and misconceptions about parasites, to augment their professional training on best practices for communicating about parasites, and to advocate for the vital role of veterinarians in integrated, One Health-centric conversations. While broad-scale campaigns directed at disease education and prevention are often delivered by public health agencies and non-profit organizations, the explicit pleas in the Veterinarian’s Oath to promote public health and benefit society serve as tangible reminders of the opportunities for veterinary professionals to communicate and educate about parasitic zoonoses.

Ancylostoma ceylanicum, A. caninum, and Giardia lamblia assemblage A are common intestinal parasites of dogs and cats; they can also infect humans, causing parasitic zoonoses. In this study, a multiplex PCR method was developed for simultaneous identification and detection of those three zoonotic parasites. Three pairs of specific primers were designed based on ITS sequence of A. ceylanicum and A. caninum and TPI gene of G. lamblia available in the GenBank. The multiplex PCR reaction system was established by optimizing the reaction condition, and a series of tests on the sensitivity, specificity, and clinical application were also conducted. Results showed that three target fragments were amplified specifically; the detection limit was 10 eggs for both A. ceylanicum and A. caninum, 72 pg DNA for G. lamblia. Of 112 clinical fecal samples, 34.8% and 17.8% samples were positive for A. caninum and A. ceylanicum, respectively, while only 2.7% samples were positive for G. lamblia assemblage A. It is concluded that the established multiplex PCR assay is a convenient, rapid, cost-effective, and high-efficiency method for molecular detection and epidemiological investigation of three zoonotic parasites.

Zoonotic parasites encompass both animals and human and are among one of the leading causes of parasitic infections, especially in resource-poor and developing countries. Poor economic conditions, improper water supply and sanitation and personal habits such as close proximity with pets and animals and consumption of raw and undercooked meats, fishes, etc. are the factors that contribute to increased prevalence of parasitic zoonosis in a community. These zoonotic parasites mostly remain asymptomatic in humans but can be life-threatening for many individuals, those who are HIV infected or immunocompromised. Earliest detection of these parasites in humans through various diagnostic approaches is the key to prevent and control the fatalities, disabilities as well as spread of such parasitic zoonosis. This chapter describes different diagnostic approaches for diagnosis of zoonotic parasitic infections.KeywordsParasitic diseasesZoonosisDiagnosis

Old problems on a new playing field: Helminth zoonoses transmitted among dogs, wildlife, and people in a changing northern climate

IntroductionZoonotic enteric parasites are ubiquitous and remain a public health threat to humans due to our close relationship with domestic animals and wildlife, inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene practices and diet. While most communities are now sedentary, nomadic and pastoral populations still exist and experience unique exposure risks for acquiring zoonotic enteric parasites. Through this systematic review we sought to summarize published research regarding pathogens present in nomadic populations and to identify the risk factors for their infection.MethodsUsing systematic review guidelines set forth by PRISMA, research articles were identified, screened and summarized based on exclusion criteria for the documented presence of zoonotic enteric parasites within nomadic or pastoral human populations. A total of 54 articles published between 1956 and 2016 were reviewed to determine the pathogens and exposure risks associated with the global transhumance lifestyle.ResultsThe included articles reported more than twenty different zoonotic enteric parasite species and illustrated several risk factors for nomadic and pastoralist populations to acquire infection including; a) animal contact, b) food preparation and diet, and c) household characteristics. The most common parasite studied was Echinococcosis spp. and contact with dogs was recognized as a leading risk factor for zoonotic enteric parasites followed by contact with livestock and/or wildlife, water, sanitation, and hygiene barriers, home slaughter of animals, environmental water exposures, household member age and sex, and consumption of unwashed produce or raw, unprocessed, or undercooked milk or meat.ConclusionNomadic and pastoral communities are at risk of infection with a variety of zoonotic enteric parasites due to their living environment, cultural and dietary traditions, and close relationship to animals. Global health efforts aimed at reducing the transmission of these animal-to-human pathogens must incorporate a One Health approach to support water, sanitation, and hygiene development, provide education on safe food handling and preparation, and improve the health of domestic animals associated with these groups, particularly dogs.

Schistosomiasis is a zoonotic parasitic disease with a very complex transmission cycle. Its transmission concerns freshwater snails and 40 species of mammals that act as reservoir hosts. Research and treatment of schistosomiasis in animals, both domestic and wild animals is still very little. There are three species of Schistosoma which are zoonotic diseases of S. mansoni, S japonicum and S mekongi. Schistosoma is found in China, Japan, the Philippines, Indonesia, Africa, the Middle East, South America, the Caribbean islands and countries along the Mekong River. In China the contribution of humans to the transmission of schistosomiasis has been greatly reduced after several decades of elimination of schistosomiasis. In Indonesia, schistosomiasis is only found in the Lindu plateau in Sigi, Napu and Bada districts in Poso District, Central Sulawesi. Schistosoma infects mammals, namely: cattle, buffalo, horses, dogs, pigs, ferrets, deer and various types of mice. Schistosomiasis eradication program in Central Sulawesi involving all sectors including the livestock sector. As long as there is an intermediate animal reservoir and snail, reinfection will occur continuously. Because of its complex zoonotic schistososmiasis transmission becomes a major barrier problem for the elimination of schistosomiasis. Community empowerment is very important, because without public awareness of parasitic diseases that threaten them, the parasitic disease eradication program will not work well.

Medical professionalism in the new millennium: a physician charter.

Because of the worldwide popularization of Japanese cuisine, the traditional Japanese fish dishes sushi and sashimi that are served in Japanese restaurants and sushi bars have been suspected of causing fishborne parasitic zoonoses, especially anisakiasis. In addition, an array of freshwater and brackish-water fish and wild animal meats, which are important sources of infection with zoonotic parasites, are served as sushi and sashimi in rural areas of Japan. Such fishborne and foodborne parasitic zoonoses are also endemic in many Asian countries that have related traditional cooking styles. Despite the recent increase in the number of travelers to areas where these zoonoses are endemic, travelers and even infectious disease specialists are unaware of the risk of infection associated with eating exotic ethnic dishes. The aim of this review is to provide practical background information regarding representative fishborne and foodborne parasitic zoonoses endemic in Asian countries.