Potential Disease Transmission Research Articles

Autologous platelet-rich plasma as a potential new approach in the endometrial response during in vitro fertilization cycle: A pilot study

Autologous platelet-rich plasma as a potential new approach in the endometrial response during <i>in vitro</i> fertilization cycle: A pilot study

Impact of climate change on temperature variations and extrinsic incubation period of malaria parasites in Chennai, India: implications for its disease transmission potential.

The global temperature has significantly risen in the past century. Studies have indicated that higher temperature intensifies malaria transmission in tropical and temperate countries. Temperature fluctuations will have a potential impact on parasite development in the vector Anopheles mosquito. Year-long microclimate temperatures were recorded from a malaria-endemic area, Chennai, India, from September 2021 to August 2022. HOBO data loggers were placed in different vector resting sites including indoor and outdoor roof types. Downloaded temperatures were categorised by season, and the mean temperature was compared with data from the same study area recorded from November 2012 to October 2013. The extrinsic incubation period for Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax was calculated from longitudinal temperatures recorded during both periods. Vector surveillance was also carried out in the area during the summer season. In general, temperature and daily temperature range (DTR) have increased significantly compared to the 2012-2013 data, especially the DTR of indoor asbestos structures, from 4.30℃ to 12.62℃ in 2021-2022, unlike the marginal increase observed in thatched and concrete structures. Likewise, the average DTR of outdoor asbestos structures increased from 5.02℃ (2012-2013) to 8.76℃ (2021-2022) although the increase was marginal in thatched structures and, surprisingly, showed no such changes in concrete structures. The key finding of the extrinsic incubation period (EIP) is that a decreasing trend was observed in 2021-2022 compared to 2012-2013, mainly in indoor asbestos structures from 7.01 to 6.35days, which negatively correlated with the current observation of an increase in temperature. Vector surveillance undertaken in the summer season revealed the presence of Anopheles breeding in various habitats. Anopheles stephensi could be collected using CDC light traps along with other mosquito species. The microclimate temperature has increased significantly over the years, and mosquitoes are gradually adapting to this rising temperature. Temperature negatively correlates with the extrinsic incubation period of the parasite. As the temperature increases, the development of the parasite in An. stephensi will be faster because of a decrease in EIP, thus requiring relatively fewer days, posing a risk for disease transmission and a hindrance to malaria elimination efforts.

Interactions of common species of family Hippoboscidae in Slovakia with their avian and mammalian hosts: their diversity and potential for disease transmission

The hippoboscids play important roles in ecosystem functioning and can serve as indicators of biodiversity and ecosystem health. These bloodsucking ectoparasites are important from a public health perspective, as they can serve as vectors of various endoparasitic pathogens in animals and humans, although our understanding is still limited in this case. The current study provides information on the host species and distribution, which can contribute to the understanding of the ecology and epidemiology of these important arthropods with a potential impact on both animal and human health. We present an ecological parasite-host interaction network of louse flies and deer keds (Diptera: Hippoboscidae) collected from various sites in Slovakia from this time. A total of 123 new samples of eight hippoboscid fly species were captured on 17 species, including 15 birds and two mammals. New host-parasite interactions were recorded for the first time.

Prevalence of pathogens important to human and companion animal health in an urban unowned cat population

Context The deleterious impacts of cat predation on wildlife have been well documented. Additionally, unowned cats may act as reservoirs of disease important to public and companion animal health and their proclivity for roaming and fighting enables effective disease transmission. Urban environments support the highest human populations and companion animal densities, increasing the potential for disease transmission from unowned cats to people and pets. However, there is little data on the prevalence of pathogens in unowned cat populations. Aims This aim of this research was to establish baseline prevalence data for priority pathogens in an urban population of unowned cats. Methods One hundred unowned cat cadavers were collected from the Brisbane City Council region, Queensland, Australia. Blood and additional organ or tissue samples were collected post-mortem. Diagnostic methods for pathogen detection included use of real-time polymerase-chain reaction, commercially available rapid enzyme-linked-immunosorbent assay, lavage and faecal flotation. Key results Pathogen carriage was found in 79% (95% CI 71, 87%) of sampled cats. In total, 62% (95% CI 52, 72%) of cats showed evidence of co-carriage of two or more pathogenic organisms. The overall prevalence found for pathogens and parasites investigated were: Toxoplasma gondii, 7% (95% CI 2, 12%); Coxiella burnetii, 0.0% (95% CI 0, 0%); feline immunodeficiency virus, 12% (95% CI 6, 18%); feline leukaemia virus, 0.0% (95% CI 0, 0%); and gastrointestinal parasites, 76.8% (95% CI 68, 85%). Conclusions This study reports contemporary prevalence data for these pathogens that have not previously been available for unowned cats of south-east Queensland. High rates of gastrointestinal parasitism observed throughout the study population prompt concerns of a general increase in pathogenic prevalence, especially in comparison with that of owned domestic cats, as per previously published literature. The presence of signs of fighting is an important risk factor for increased likelihood of infection. Implications Data produced from this study contribute to informing cat management efforts throughout urban regions. Continued and expanded investigations, considering prevalence and risk factors of pathogens important to human and companion animal health, are recommended for the south-east Queensland area and beyond.

Uterine tubal ligation via mini-laparotomy in South American coatis (Nasua nasua)

Population management is becoming critically important for species that inhabit urban areas, particularly due to the public health risks they pose. The South American coatis (Nasua nasua), recognized as synanthropic species in Brazil, have raised increasing concerns due to their cohabitation with humans, especially in recreational settings such as parks, where the potential for zoonotic disease transmission is heightened. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a minimally invasive sterilization method for female South American coatis, employing tubal ligation via mini-laparotomy. A total of nine females were selected for this procedure, which was performed in both an ecological park and a zoo setting. The techniques employed involved either the application of titanium hemostatic clips (n = 2) or a nylon suture (n = 7). The results demonstrated that the nylon suture technique was not only quicker (12.7 ± 1.7 vs. 47.5 ± 2.5 min) and more cost-effective but also maintained effective contraception. There were no recorded instances of pregnancy among the sterilized females, whether they were later exposed to males in captivity or recaptured in the wild. Furthermore, the procedure did not alter the social dynamics or sexual behaviors of the coatis upon their return to their natural habitat. The methods used in this study were proven to be safe, enabling quick recovery and showing no post-surgical complications, highlighting their viability for managing populations of synanthropic species in urban environments.

Vectors, Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices in Relation to Malaria Transmission in Bauchi State, Nigeria

ABSTRACT Background &amp; objectives: Malaria remains a major public health concern in Nigeria and the vectors (Anopheles species) can only be controlled effectively by having good knowledge of its composition and potential for disease transmission. This work aimed at surveying the indoor malaria vectors, Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) in relation to the disease transmission in Toro LGA, Bauchi State, Nigeria. Methods: Mosquitoes were collected by Pyrethrum Spray Catch (PSC) between October and December 2019 and were morphologically identified using standard keys. Blood samples were also collected from individuals who slept in the rooms where PSC was conducted. Thick and thin blood smears were made for malaria parasite examination. Questionnaires were administered to 120 participants for the KAP studies. Results: Ninety-seven (97) Anopheles mosquitoes were collected and identified as Anopheles gambiae 76(78.35%), An. funestus 20(20.62%) and An. coustani 1(1.03%). The overall malaria prevalence was 15.8%. The KAP studies revealed that measures and treatment-seeking behaviours against malaria varied significantly (P&lt;0.05) among the respondents. Sleeping under net 55(45.8%) and use of insecticides 24(20.0%) were some of the preventive measures highlighted while treatment-seeking behaviours included visit to pharmacy 74(61.7%) and use of local herbs 11(9.2%). Interpretation &amp; conclusion: This work revealed that An. gambiae and An. funestus are predominant malaria vectors in the area. The KAP information demonstrated fair knowledge about the disease by the respondents. Therefore, public enlightenment about malaria prevention, control and treatment is recommended to address the few but highly negative impact knowledge gaps about malaria.

Wings geo-morphometrical differences based on geographic distance of Aedes aegypti from Southeast Aceh District Sumatra and Sleman District Java

Aedes aegypti is a mosquito species that is the main vector of dengue, zika, and chikungunya infection. Indonesia is a tropical country with great potential for transmission of Mosquito-Borne Disease. Geo-morphometric analysis is an approach method to evaluate the correlation between shape and the environmental variables that affect to mosquitoes, and to identify variations in mosquito populations by geographical conditions and various types of habitats. The purpose of this study was to determine the geomorphometric differences in the Ae. aegypti population from Southeast Aceh District and Sleman District Yogyakarta as well as examining the environmental conditions and factors that might be affecting wings geomorphometry variations. Eggs collection was carried out with ovitraps at both sampling locations. Eggs were hatched till the mature state, at the age of 3rd days, wings preparation is carried out. Digitization and analysis were performed using GM analysis program (Xyom.io). Significant differences (α; p<0.001) were shown in the size and shape of the wings and the distance of mahalanobis of the Ae. aegypti from Southeast Aceh and Sleman District. The results revealed that mosquitoes from the two districts are not closely related.

How much natural ventilation rate can suppress COVID-19 transmission in occupancy zones?

Previous research has emphasized the importance of efficient ventilation in suppressing COVID-19 transmission in indoor spaces, yet suitable ventilation rates have not been suggested. This study investigated the impacts of mechanical, natural, single-sided, cross-ventilation, and three mask types (homemade, surgical, N95) on COVID-19 spread across eight common indoor settings. Viral exposure was quantified using a mass balance calculation of inhaled viral particles, accounting for initial viral load, removal via ventilation, and mask filtration efficiency. Results demonstrated that natural cross-ventilation significantly reduced viral load, decreasing from 10,000 to 0 viruses over 15 minutes in a 100 m2 space by providing ~1325 m3/h of outdoor air via two 0.6 m2 openings at 1.5 m/s wind speed. In contrast, single-sided ventilation only halved viral load at best. Natural cross-ventilation with masks effectively suppressed airborne viruses, lowering potential infections and disease transmission. The study recommends suitable ventilation rates to reduce COVID-19 infection risks in indoor spaces.

Epidemiological study of animal bite cases attending a tertiary care hospital in Tripura: North-East India

Background: This research article presents an epidemiological study in Tripura, North-east India, investigating animal bite cases at a tertiary care hospital. Animal bites pose significant public health concerns, including potential zoonotic disease transmission. The study aims to assess animal bite incidence, envenoming, and treatment-seeking behaviours among victims. Data from individuals over one year old will reveal the burden of animal bites on healthcare facilities, guiding effective prevention and management strategies for this pressing health issue. Methods: A cross-sectional study at AGMC and GBP Hospital, Tripura, assessed animal bite patterns referred to the ARV centre (2018–2021). Included animal-related bites and excluded incomplete data. Collected age, gender, socio-economic status, biting animal, and bite category. Staff ensured nationwide surveillance. Categorised subjects by age. Results: The cross-sectional study investigated animal bite patterns at AGMC and GBP Hospital, Agartala, Tripura, from 2018 to 2021. Analysis revealed male adults (20-39 years, 41.7%) were most affected, predominantly by dogs (57.58%). The APL category showed the highest frequency (70.79%). Missing category bites decreased, while third category bites increased over time. The winter months had higher frequencies of animal bites. Continued surveillance and targeted interventions are vital for effective prevention. Conclusions: This study highlights male adults (20–39 years old) as being most affected, predominantly by dog bites. The APL category showed higher susceptibility. Continued surveillance and targeted interventions are crucial for effective prevention.

1993. Donor-Derived Transmission of Candida species: 10-year Analysis from the OPTN ad hoc Disease Transmission Advisory Committee (DTAC)

Abstract Background Solid organ transplantation (SOT) is lifesaving, but donor-derived infections can be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Candida species are common colonizers in deceased donors managed in the intensive care environment, and transmission to the recipient through transplantation is a described phenomenon. We sought to characterize Candida transmission events in the US SOT population. Methods Cases referred to Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) Disease Transmission Advisory Committee (DTAC) between 2012 and 2022 as potential donor disease transmission events (PDDTE) were adjudicated by DTAC based on consensus definitions. We included all recipients from any donor in which ≥1 proven or probable (P/P) or possible transmission of Candida occurred. Results Forty deceased donors were identified (characteristics, Table 1). 124 SOT recipients received organs from these donors including 60 kidney, 27 liver, 15 heart, 14 lung, and 8 multivisceral or other. DTAC adjudications of recipients included 8 proven, 16 probable, 24 possible, 1 unlikely, 51 excluded, and 24 intervention without disease transmission (IWDT). Growth of Candida in culture occurred in 24 of 40 donors and 63 of 124 recipients. Recipients were frequently bacteremic and had Candida growth at site of explanted kidney (Table 2). Mycotic aneurysm, bleed or hematoma occurred in 22 SOT recipients, 10 of which were P/P. Allograft explant was performed in 14 recipients (13 kidney and 1 other), 7 of which were P/P. Within 45 days of PDDTE reports, death occurred in 17 SOT recipients (1 proven, 7 possible, 7 excluded, 1 unlikely, 1 unknown). Only 6 of the 17 recipients who died received antifungal therapy. Seven deaths occurred in the 49 mate recipients of the 24 P/P transmissions, though lack of culture results did not support escalating adjudications beyond possible. Conclusion Donor-derived Candida infections occur with significant associated morbidity, including graft loss, and mortality, especially in kidney recipients. Opportunity exists to further identify risks, improve communication across transplant centers, initiate appropriate antifungal therapy, and improve management of mycotic aneurysm due to candidiasis. Disclosures Jason D. Goldman, MD, MPH, Adaptive Biotechnologies: Collaborative services agreements|Eli Lilly: Advisor/Consultant|Eli Lilly: Grant/Research Support|Eli Lilly: Honoraria|Gilead Sciences: Advisor/Consultant|Gilead Sciences: Grant/Research Support|Gilead Sciences: Honoraria|GSK: Advisor/Consultant|Karius, Inc.: Advisor/Consultant|Merck: Grant/Research Support|Monogram Biosciences / Labcorp: Collaborative services agreements|Regeneron: Grant/Research Support Anil J. Trindade, MD, CareDx, Inc.: Advisor/Consultant|CareDx, Inc.: Grant/Research Support|Veloxis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Grant/Research Support Ricardo M. La Hoz, MD, Takeda: Advisor/Consultant Lara A. Danziger-Isakov, MD, MPH, Aicuris: Contracted Clinical Research|Ansun Biopharma: Contracted Clinical Research|Astellas: Contracted Clinical Research|GSK: Advisor/Consultant|Merck: Advisor/Consultant|Merck: Contracted Clinical Research|Pfizer: Contracted Clinical Research|Roche Diagnostics: Advisor/Consultant|Takeda: Advisor/Consultant|Takeda: Contracted Clinical Research

Bag-mask ventilation by low- or untrained rescuers during adult and pediatric resuscitation: a randomized cross-over manikin study

AimBag-mask ventilation (BMV) is often applied during advanced cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Lay rescuers usually apply mouth-to-mouth ventilation, which is contraindicated in case of potential disease transmission (e.g., during the COVID-19 pandemic). This study evaluates the influence of rescuers' before BMV training in following the correct BMV procedures during adult and infant CPR.MethodsMedical students (n = 112) were enrolled in a randomized cross-over manikin study: 60 first-year students (53.6%) (untrained, without any prior knowledge of CPR) and 52 fourth-year students (46.4%) (BLS-trained, with three consecutive years of basic CPR training), excluding Basic Life Support (BLS) certificate holders or lifeguards. Student-formed duos (i.e., two students from the same year working together) received a 15-min just-in-time onsite training in full CPR cycle using BMV and were tested during five cycles of 2-person CPR following the European Resuscitation Council (ERC) guidelines with the inclusion of BMV. Tidal volumes of 300–600 ml (adults) and 20–60 ml (infants) were considered as correct ventilations.ResultsFrom the initial 56 duos, 17 (30.4%) were excluded after applying incorrect numbers of ventilation or uninterpretable values. In adult CPR, comparing BLS-trained rescuers to untrained ones in correctly administrating ventilations using BMV after a 15-min just-in-time onsite training revealed no statistically significant difference [first years: 63.0% (n = 136 out of 216 ventilations); fourth years: 59.5% (n = 119 out of 200 ventilations); with a proportional difference of −3.5% (−12.8; 5.9)]. In infant CPR, a significant difference was observed in effective ventilations [first years: 55.5% (n = 120 out of 216 ventilations); fourth years: 72.3% (n = 133 out of 184 ventilations); with a proportional difference of 16.8 (7.25; 26.21)].ConclusionTwo-person BMV is a complex skill to perform both in adults and children, requiring sufficient and regular training. Lay rescuers receiving a 15-min just-in-time onsite BMV training could perform decent BMV in an adult CPR setting. BMV during infant CPR requires more extensive prior training and should not be entrusted to lay rescuers, even after a 15-min just-in-time onsite training.

Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of Mpox Cases in Serbia in 2022

Abstract Introduction Mpox viral infection, previously known as an endemic zoonosis typical for West and South Africa, appeared in the Republic of Serbia in early summer among young and middle-aged men, particularly Belgrade's citizens. The aim of this study is to evaluate the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of Mpox cases registered in Serbia in 2022. Methods We conducted a national observational study using the national surveillance anonymized data of people who met case definition criteria on Mpox infection and confirmation by the polymerase chain reaction method. Clinical data were collected by standardized case investigation form used for epidemiological and clinical evaluation of cases. Results A total of 43 cases reported from the 17th of June to the 5th of October 2022 were men, aged between 20 and 54 (median age, 35 years), 74,4% living in Belgrade. Three-quarters of cases reported sex with other men as a potential disease transmission route. Out of the total, 15 (34,9%) Mpox cases had HIV co-infection. HIV-positive patients were older than negative cases (p = 0,023). The mean incubation period among patients who reported exposition to a probable or confirmed case was 9,3 (2-22) days. The most common systemic symptoms were fever (86%) and lymphadenopathy (44,2%). Three patients with common symptoms of fever were hospitalized. All cases presented a rash, mostly in pustule form (90,7%). The dominant localization of the skin lesions was the anogenital region (62,5%), whereas 9,3% of the patient's lower extremities were affected. Conclusions In Serbia, the outbreak of Mpox infection affected young and middle-aged men, mainly situated in the capital of Serbia. The disease had a polymorphic presentation, including a characteristical rash of the anogenital region implying the main transmission route. Key messages • Health promotion and community engagement regarding Mpox are very important in large urban settings. • Risk communication should be prioritized to promote safe sexual practices in vulnerable populations.

SARS-CoV-2 surface contamination in metro-Atlanta grocery stores.

While the COVID-19 pandemic has had a detrimental impact on many businesses worldwide, essential businesses, such as grocery stores, continued to operate despite potential disease transmission. Although the principal mode by which people are infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is through exposure to respiratory droplets and very small particles carrying infectious virus, contaminated surfaces might play a role in transmission. We collected swab samples from frequently touched surfaces, including grocery carts, touchscreen monitors, credit card keypads, pharmacy counters, self-service food utensils, and refrigerator and freezer handles, in two metro-Atlanta grocery stores over the course of two sampling events in March 2021. Of the 260 swab samples collected, 6 (2.3%) samples were positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA by reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Positive samples were collected from pharmacy (12.0% [3/25] samples), refrigerator/freezer aisles (2.5% [1/39] samples), and self-service food court (5.0% [2/40] samples) areas. Table/counter edge and underside surfaces represented 33% (2/6) of positive samples. These data suggest that risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 from frequently touched surfaces in grocery store settings is likely low; however, more frequent cleaning of surfaces in pharmacy and self-service food courts might be warranted.

Strong breeding colony fidelity in northern gannets following high pathogenicity avian influenza virus (HPAIV) outbreak

High pathogenicity avian influenza virus (HPAIV) caused the worst seabird mass-mortalities in Europe across 2021–2022. The northern gannet (Morus bassanus) was one of the most affected species, with tens of thousands of casualties in the northeast Atlantic between April–September 2022. Disease outbreaks can modify the movement ecology of animals by diminishing spatial consistency, thereby increasing the potential for disease transmission. To detect potential changes in movement behaviour, we GPS-tracked breeding adults following the initial HPAIV outbreak, at three of the largest northern gannet breeding colonies where major mortality of adults and chicks occurred (Bass Rock, Scotland, UK; Grassholm, Wales, UK; Rouzic, Brittany, France). We also gathered background epidemiological information and northern gannet colony dynamics during the outbreak. Our data indicate that HPAIV killed at least 50 % of northern gannets, and suggest the presence of HPAIV H5N1 antibodies in juveniles. GPS-tracked adult northern gannets remained faithful to their breeding sites despite the HPAIV outbreak and did not prospect other breeding colonies. They performed regular foraging trips at sea, similar to their behaviour before the outbreak. Comparison with GPS-tracking data gathered in 2019, i.e. before the HPAIV outbreak, suggested lower foraging effort in birds which survived HPAIV in 2022, potentially as a consequence of reduced intra- and interspecific food competition. Breeding colony fidelity of surviving adult northern gannets following HPAIV mass-mortalities indicates limited capacity for viral spread during our study. This may contrast with the behaviour of adults during the initial disease outbreak, and with that of younger individuals.

A “safety cap” for improving hospital sanitation and reducing potential disease transmission

BackgroundDuring endotracheal intubation, extubation, tracheotomy, and tracheotomy tube replacement, the splashed airway secretions of patients will increase the risk of transmission of SARS-CoV‐2 and many other potential viral and bacterial diseases, such as influenza virus, adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, rhinovirus, Middle East respiratory coronavirus syndrome (MERS-CoV), Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a barrier between patients and medical workers to reduce the risk of operators’ infection with potentially pathogenic microorganisms.MethodsWe designed a “safety cap” that can be connected to the opening of an endotracheal tube or tracheotomy tube to reduce the diffusion area of respiratory secretions during the process of endotracheal intubation, extubation and tracheotomy tube replace, so as to reduce the infection risk of medical workers.ResultsThrough a series of hydrodynamic simulation analysis and experiments, we demonstrated that the use of “safety cap” can substantially limit the spatter of airway secretions, so as to improve the hospital sanitation.ConclusionThe “safety cap” can effectively limit the dissemination of patients’ respiratory secretions, thus reducing the risk of potential diseases transmission and may have certain application prospects.

Bighorn sheep associations: understanding tradeoffs of sociality and implications for disease transmission.

Sociality directly influences mating success, survival rates, and disease, but ultimately likely evolved for its fitness benefits in a challenging environment. The tradeoffs between the costs and benefits of sociality can operate at multiple scales, resulting in different interpretations of animal behavior. We investigated the influence of intrinsic (e.g., relatedness, age) and extrinsic factors (e.g., land cover type, season) on direct contact (simultaneous GPS locations ≤ 25 m) rates of bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) at multiple scales near the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park. During 2002-2012, male and female bighorn were equipped with GPS collars. Indirect contact (GPS locations ≤ 25 m regardless of time) networks identified two major breaks whereas direct contact networks identified an additional barrier in the population, all of which corresponded with prior disease exposure metrics. More direct contacts occurred between same-sex dyads than female-male dyads and between bighorn groups with overlapping summer home ranges. Direct contacts occurred most often during the winter-spring season when bighorn traveled at low speeds and when an adequate number of bighorn were collared in the area. Direct contact probabilities for all dyad types were inversely related to habitat quality, and differences in contact probability were driven by variables related to survival such as terrain ruggedness, distance to escape terrain, and canopy cover. We provide evidence that probabilities of association are higher when there is greater predation risk and that contact analysis provides valuable information for understanding fitness tradeoffs of sociality and disease transmission potential.

Hybridization in Canids-A Case Study of Pampas Fox (Lycalopex gymnocercus) and Domestic Dog (Canis lupus familiaris) Hybrid.

Hybridization between species with different evolutionary trajectories can be a powerful threat to wildlife conservation. Anthropogenic activities, such as agriculture and livestock, have led to the degradation and loss of natural habitats for wildlife. Consequently, the incidence of interspecific hybridization between wild and domestic species has increased, although cases involving species of different genera are rare. In Vacaria, a Southern city in Brazil, a female canid with a strange phenotype, which had characteristics between the phenotype of the domestic dog (Canis familiaris) and that of the pampas fox (Lycalopex gymnocercus), was found. Our analysis suggests that the animal is a hybrid between a domestic dog and a pampas fox, but future studies are necessary to investigate additional cases of this hybridization in nature. This finding worries for the conservation of wild canids in South America, especially concerning Lycalopex species. Hybridization with the domestic dog may have harmful effects on pampas fox populations due to the potential for introgression and disease transmission by the domestic dog. Therefore, future studies to explore the consequences of hybridization on genetics, ecology, and behavior of wild populations will be essential to improve the conservation of this species.

Parasitic Contamination of Commonly Consumed Fresh Fruits Sold At Tiko and Limbe Municipality Markets, South West Region of Cameroon

The disease transmission potential and safety of fruits sold in the cities of Limbe and Tiko, Cameroon, for consumption was assessed with respect to their contamination by ova and cysts of parasites. In sub- aharan-Africa, protozoan parasites and soil transmitted helminths are the leading intestinal parasites causing significant morbidity and mortality. This explains the frequency and high prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in this region affecting nearly all inhabitants at some point of their lives. Fresh fruits are one of the main components of a healthy diet. A total of 424 different fruit types were randomly collected with 210 samples in the rainy season and 214 samples in the dry season from both towns for parasitological examination using normal saline sedimentation and zinc sulphate flotation techniques. The results showed that out of the 424 samples examined, 97 were contaminated with parasites giving an overall contamination rate of 22.9%. The rainy season had a higher contamination rate 29.5% than the dry season 16.4%. Among the fruits, mangoes, plum, pear, pawpaw were the most frequently contaminated and apples and watermelon were the least contaminated. The protozoans detected include E. histolytica/E. dispar (29.4%) being the most frequent, followed by E. coli (11.8%), Giardia lamblia, (6.1%) and Isospora belli (2.4%) being the least. The helminthic parasites detected included Ascaris lumbricoides (12.4%) being the most prevalent while the others were E. vermicularis (8.8%), T. trichuria(5.9%), Trichostrongyloides specie(5.9%), Taenia specie, F. buski, Ancylostoma specie, F. hepatica and O. sinensis 2.9% each. Fruits are still a means by which parasites are transmitted in the population considering the vast variety detected on different fruits and the high contamination rate. Therefore, emphasis should be put on educating the population about the importance of washing their fruits thoroughly and more than once before consumption. Vendors should also be educated on the proper means to display fruits for purchase by consumers and limit the touching of fruits by different consumers before purchase.

Mineral licks as a potential nidus for parasite transmission

Discrete landscape features can concentrate animals in time and space, leading to non-random interspecific encounters. These encounters have implications for predator-prey interactions, habitat selection, intraspecific competition, and transmission of parasites and other pathogens. The lifecycle of the parasitic nematode Parelaphostrongylus tenuis requires an intermediate host of a terrestrial gastropod. Natural hosts of P. tenuis are white-tailed deer, and an aberrant host of conservation concern is moose, which are susceptible to high levels of mortality as a naive host to the parasite. Intermediate hosts become infected when P. tenuis larvae are shed in deer feces, then consumed or enter the gastropod through the foot. Incidental (or perhaps intentional) ingestion of infected gastropod intermediate hosts by aberrant or dead-end hosts often results in mortality of that animal. We present photographic evidence depicting a potential mechanism for transmission from infected white-tailed deer to moose, heretofore not examined in the literature. We deployed remote cameras at mineral licks around Grand Portage Indian Reservation in northeastern Minnesota, USA. We observed white-tailed deer defecating at mineral lick sites and geophagous moose at the same sites. We hypothesize that mineral licks may act as a nidus for P. tenuis transmission between deer and moose in this system and call for further research into the potential role of mineral licks in parasite transmission.The Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa is a federally recognized Indian tribe in extreme northeastern Minnesota, USA, and proudly exercises its rights to food sovereignty through subsistence hunting and fishing. Mooz (Moose) are a primary subsistence food used by the Anishinaabeg (people) of Grand Portage Band historically and presently. Management for and research on maintaining this moose population as a vital subsistence species thus sets the context for this paper examining potential for disease transmission between white-tailed deer and moose through shared use of mineral licks.

Lake Sinai virus is a diverse, globally distributed but not emerging multi-strain honeybee virus.

Domesticated honeybees and wild bees are some of the most important beneficial insects for human and environmental health, but infectious diseases pose a serious risk to these pollinators, particularly following the emergence of the ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor as a viral vector. The acquisition of this novel viral vector from the Asian honeybee Apis ceranae has fundamentally changed viral epidemiology in its new host, the western honeybee A. mellifera. While the recently discovered Lake Sinai Viruses (LSV) have been associated with weak honeybee colonies, they have not been associated with vector-borne transmission. By combining a large-scale multi-year survey of LSV in Chinese A. mellifera and A. cerana honeybee colonies with globally available LSV-sequence data, we investigate the global epidemiology of this virus. We find that globally distributed LSV is a highly diverse multi-strain virus, which is predominantly associated with the western honeybee A. mellifera. In contrast to the vector-borne deformed wing virus, LSV is not an emerging disease. Instead, demographic reconstruction and strong global and local population structure indicates that it is a highly variable multi-strain virus in a stable association with its main host, the western honeybee. Prevalence patterns in China suggest a potential role for migratory beekeeping in the spread of this pathogen, demonstrating the potential for disease transmission with the man-made transport of beneficial insects.