Potential Public Health Threat Research Articles

Assessment of prevalence, antibiotic resistance, and virulence profiles of biofilm-forming Enterococcus faecalis isolated from raw seafood in Bangladesh

Enterococcus faecalis are often resistant to different classes of antibiotics, harbor virulence determinants, and produce biofilm. The presence of E. faecalis in raw seafood exhibits serious public health significance. This study aimed to identify antibiotic resistance patterns and virulence factors in biofilm-forming E. faecalis strains extracted from seafood in Bangladesh. A total of 150 samples of raw seafood, comprising 50 shrimps, 25 crabs, and 75 fish, were collected and subjected to culturing, biochemical, and PCR assays to detect E. faecalis. The biofilm-forming abilities of the isolates were determined by Congo Red agar (CRA) plate and Crystal Violet Micro-titer Plate (CVMP) tests. Antibiotic resistance profiles were evaluated using the disk diffusion method. Virulence genes of the isolates were detected by PCR assay. The occurrence of E. faecalis was 29.3 % (44/150), which was higher in crabs and fish (36 %) than in shrimps (16 %). In CRA and CVMP tests, biofilm-forming abilities were observed in 88.64 % of the isolates, whereas 11 (25 %) and 28 (63.6 %) were strong- and intermediate-biofilm formers, respectively. All the isolates contained at least two virulence genes, including pil and ace (97.7 %), sprE (95.5 %), gelE (90.9 %), fsrB (79.6 %), agg (70.5 %), fsrA (68.2 %), and fsrC (61.4 %). All the isolates were phenotypically resistant to penicillin, followed by ampicillin and rifampicin (86.4 %), erythromycin (13.7 %), and tetracycline, vancomycin, norfloxacin, and linezolid (2.3 %). Resistant gene blaTEM was found in 61.4 % of the isolates. Moreover, the study found that E. faecalis strains with strong biofilm-forming capabilities had significantly higher levels of virulence genes and antibiotic resistance (p < 0.05) compared to those with intermediate and/or no biofilm-forming abilities. To the best of our knowledge, this research represents the first instance in Bangladesh of assessing antibiotic resistance and identifying virulence genes in biofilm-forming E. faecalis strains isolated from seafood samples. Our study revealed that seafood is a carrier of antibiotic-resistant, virulent, and biofilm-forming E. faecalis, demonstrating a potential public health threat.

Resurrected microorganisms: a plethora of resting bacteria underway for human interaction

Glaciers, which form due to the accumulation of snow, play a crucial role in providing freshwater resources, supporting river systems, and maintaining ecosystem stability. Pakistan is habitat to over 5000 glaciers, primarily located in the Hindukash, Himalaya, and Karakoram mountain ranges. Understanding the microbial communities thriving in these extreme environments becomes of utmost importance. These glaciers offer a unique perspective on extremophile adaptation, as they harbor microorganisms that are capable of surviving and thriving under harsh conditions. Glacial melting poses a significant threat to ancient microbiomes, potentially leading to the resurgence of epidemics and exposure of life to paleomicrobiota. Mostly glacial microbiome is evenly distributed and shows similar diversity. With the threat of resurrection of ages old microbiome and its incorporation into the waters have raised a major concern for revival of epidemics and exposure of life with paleanmicrobiota again. This has led the scientist to deeply observe the bacterial flora embedded in the cryonite holes of glaciers. This study aims to investigate the bacterial diversity within various glaciers of Pakistan using metagenomic techniques. Kamri, Burzil, Siachin, Baltoro, Shigar Basin, Biafo and Panama Glaciers designated from G1 to G7 respectively were chosen from Pakistan. Through rigorous physicochemical analyses, distinct characteristics among glaciers are revealed, including variations in temperature, depth, electrical conductivity, pH levels, and nutrient concentrations. The exploration of alpha diversity, employing metrics such as Chao1, Shannon, Simpson, and Inverse Simpson indices, offers valuable insights into the richness, evenness, and dominance of species within different samples. Beta diversity was calculated by using R software. The vegan package was used for NMSD, cluster and PCoA analysis based on Bray–Curtis distance. PCA analysis was done by using prcomp package from R software. Based on OTU abundance and environmental factor data, DCA analysis was done to determine the linear model from the gradient value (RDA) and the unimodal model (CCA). results were compiled by drawing cluster dendrogram which predicts the patterns of similarity and dissimilarity between different samples. Notably, phyla Proteobacteria emerge as the dominant phylum, accompanied by Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes. The dendrogram shows five clusters, with close similarity between G1 and G4, glacier samples G3 and G8, and G2 and G7. Seasonal variations in glacier physicochemical properties were also observed, with summer samples having shallower depths, lower temperatures, and slightly acidic pH. In contrast, winter samples have higher electrical conductivity and sulfur content. Ultimately, this research provides a foundational framework for comprehending glacier ecosystems, their resident microbial communities, and their broader ecological significance. The study highlights the potential public health risks linked to the release of ancient microorganisms due to climate change, emphasizing the need for comprehensive monitoring and research to mitigate potential public health threats.

Analysis of genetic signatures of virulence and resistance in foodborne Staphylococcus aureus isolates from Algeria

Staphylococcus aureus, a frequent commensal of the human microbiota, also frequently associated with various infections. This study aimed to genetically characterize foodborne methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA) in Oran, Algeria. From a total of 474 food matrices, 30 MRSA strains were isolated and characterized using whole genome sequencing (WGS) and bioinformatics. The genomes were assessed for antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes, sequence and spa types and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) to establish their relationship. The prevalence of S. aureus was 34.38% with MRSA accounting for 18.40%. MRSA strains showed high resistance to penicillinG, ampicillin and tetracycline. However, inconsistencies were noted between phenotypic and genotypic resistance for methicillin, aminoglycosides, and phenicolates, with mecA gene identified in three isolates. The isolates revealed eight different sequence types (predominantly ST97 and ST45) and eleven spa types (mainly t230 and t8503), correlating with SNP clusters except for isolates belonging to ST7200.86.66% of isolates harboured at least one enterotoxin gene underscores their potential public health threat. This investigation highlights the genetic heterogeneity among S. aureus regarding virulence and antimicrobial resistance, shedding light into food safety in Algeria and the ease of using WGS approach to rapidly characterize bacterial pathogens in community environments.

Antibacterial Susceptibility Pattern of Bacteria Isolated from Ready-to-Eat Lettuce and Gurasa Sold within Kaduna State University (Main Campus), Kaduna State

Study’s Novelty/Excerpt This study evaluates the antibacterial susceptibility of pathogens isolated from ready-to-eat lettuce and gurasa sold at Kaduna State University, identifying significant health risks associated with these popular foods. The research reveals a high prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus spp, Salmonella spp, and Klebsiella spp, with S. aureus and E. coli being the most common isolates. The findings highlight the urgent need for improved food safety measures and antibiotic resistance management to mitigate potential public health threats. Full Abstract The consumption of ready-to-eat lettuce and gurasa has gained acceptance due to its appealing taste and nutritional value. However, these foods can serve as a vehicle for transmission of pathogens. This study was carried out to assess the antibacterial susceptibility pattern of pathogens isolated from lettuce and gurasa sold at Kaduna State University. Samples were collected from five vendors of gurasa and lettuce. Standard microbiological methods were carried out using a pour plate and a modified Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method to determine the antibacterial susceptibility pattern. The isolates obtained were examined for morphological and biochemical characteristics. Escherichia coli, Bacillus spp, Salmonella spp, Staphylococcus aureus, and Klebsiella spp. were isolated and identified. Staphylococcus aureus was the most prevalent bacterium in this study, having 27.7% in lettuce and 38.4% in gurasa, and Escherichia coli, having 16.6% in lettuce and 30.7% in gurasa. There was no significant difference (P ˃ 0.05) in the total colony counts of bacteria among the samples. Lettuce had the least bacteria count (1.48 x 106 CFU/g), while gurasa had the highest (1.55 x 106 CFU/g). Antimicrobial sensitivity test results showed that 10 S. aureus isolates were resistant to Rocephin (100%), 7 E. coli isolates were resistant to Septrin, Amoxicillin, and Augmentin (100%), 6 Klebsiella spp isolates were resistant to Amoxicillin and Augmentin(100%), 5 Salmonella spp isolates were resistant to Septrin, Amoxicillin and Augmentin (100%) and 3 Bacillus spp were resistant to Rocephin (100%). The high bacterial resistance to antibiotics is of great concern as infections with these organisms could be lethal.

Association Between Biofilm Formation and Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase Production in Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolated from Fresh Fruits and Vegetables.

The presence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in fresh fruits and vegetables is a growing public health concern. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between biofilm formation and extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) production in K. pneumoniae strains obtained from fresh fruits and vegetables. Out of 120 samples analysed, 94 samples (78%) were found to be positive for K. pneumoniae. Among the K. pneumoniae strains isolated, 74.5% were from vegetables, whereas the remaining (25.5%) were from fresh fruits. K. pneumoniae isolates were resistant to at least three different classes of antibiotics, with ceftazidime (90%) and cefotaxime (70%) showing the highest resistance rates. While the high occurrence of ESBL-producing and biofilm-forming K. pneumoniae strains were detected in vegetables (73.5% and 73.7%, respectively), considerable amounts of the same were also found in fresh fruits (26.5% and 26.3%, respectively). The results further showed a statistically significant (P < 0.001) association between biofilm formation and ESBL production in K. pneumoniae strains isolated from fresh fruits and vegetables. Furthermore, the majority (81%) of the ESBL-producing strains harbored the blaCTX-M gene, while a smaller proportion of strains carried the blaTEM gene (30%), blaSHV gene (11%) or blaOXA (8%). This study highlights the potential public health threat posed by K. pneumoniae in fresh fruits and vegetables and emphasizes the need for strict surveillance and control measures.

Sequence analysis and molecular characterization of low pathogenic avian influenza H9N2 virus isolated from chickens in Sabah.

Low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) subtype H9N2 is a causative agent that has raised increasing concern about its impact on poultry and potential public health threats. Even though H9N2 is endemic in Peninsular Malaysia, it was first reported in Sabah in August 2022, after an outbreak associated with high mortality in broiler chickens. In the present study, based on the hemagglutinin (HA) gene, we report the genetic variations and phylogenetic analysis of a H9N2 virus isolated from broiler chickens in Sabah. The sequence analysis of the HA gene revealed a 98% similarity to the H9N2 virus recently isolated from China in 2018. The amino acids in the HA cleavage site displayed a characteristic LPAI motif (PARSSR/ GLF). Notably, at position 226, the isolate had amino acid Leucine (L) demonstrating its ability to bind to the receptor of mammals, resulting in the potential risk of transmission to humans. In addition, the H9N2 isolate harboured seven potential N-glycosylation sites. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that the isolate belonged to clade h9.4.2.5 in the Y280 lineage, similar to previously reported in Malaysia. However, we observed that the isolate in this study falls in a different cluster compared with previous Malaysian isolates, suggesting different source of H9N2 introduction into the country. This prompts us to propose continuous and thorough surveillance of poultry across the country and the necessity of implementing farm biosecurity to minimize economic losses and potential threats to public health.

Sero-epidemiological study of brucellosis in cattle under pastoral/agro-pastoral and mixed crop-livestock systems in South Omo, southern Ethiopia

BackgroundIn the pastoral/agro-pastoral communities in Ethiopia, like in South Omo, brucellosis constitutes a serious health threat for livestock and the public. The public health risk is especially high in these communities, as their way of life is highly linked with their herds. ObjectiveThe study was conducted to estimate the seroprevalence and identify potential risk factors of cattle brucellosis in South Omo zone in southern Ethiopia. MethodsA total of 614 traditionally managed local zebu female cattle, above six months old, were bled and data on hypothesized risk factors were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. The preliminary screening of the sera for Brucella antibodies was done using Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and positive sera were further subjected to complement fixation test (CFT). ResultsThe overall animal level seroprevalence of brucellosis was 2.8 % (95 % CI: 1.72–4.41) while herd level prevalence was 11.3 % (95 % CI: 6.5–19.0). Among the risk factors considered, seroprevalence was associated with herd size, new animal introduction, district, history of occurrence of abortion, and retained fetal membranes (RFM), at both individual- and herd-level (p < 0.05). Higher seroprevalence of brucellosis was observed in cows than heifers and in animals older than 4 years (p < 0.05). Brucella seroprevalence was higher in herds in lowland areas than those in mid-altitude and highlands (p < 0.05). ConclusionThe individual and herd level prevalence observed in our study indicates endemicity of brucellosis and the potential public health threat it poses in pastoral and agro-pastoral areas of southern Ethiopia. The results of the study also suggest that the disease might be responsible for significant losses in cattle productivity due to impaired reproductive performance.

Prediction of potential public health risk of the recent multicountry monkeypox outbreak: An update after the end declaration of global public health emergency.

A double-stranded DNA virus called monkeypox virus (MPV) belonging to the Poxviridae family and Orthopoxvirus genus causes monkeypox (mpox) infection. This virus used to infect only Central, East, and West Africa. However, it has spread to an extent outside Africa recently. The range of MPV outbreaks was so high that on July 23, 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). About a year later, the WHO notified the end of a global public health emergency for mpox on May 11, 2023. Here, we aimed to assess the current pathogenicity and potential risk of MPV causing public health emergencies. We searched information from published articles available in PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect. We used monkeypox, mpox, monkeypox outbreak, and monkeypox virus as keywords during the literature search. Many new variants of MPV have emerged throughout the world that created PHEIC for mpox. Considering the low lethality and transmission rate, mpox is no longer a global public health threat. In addition, the availability of therapeutic and preventive measures helped the healthcare authorities fight the mpox infection in an efficient manner. In this review, we have portrayed the history and evolution of mpox from past to present and an idea of its future outcomes. Also, we have discussed the symptoms related to mpox and approved antiviral treatment strategies to fight off the infection in this piece. This review also emphasized the preventive guidelines set by the WHO for patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers to control the outbreak of mpox infection. We believe this article would give an idea about the potential public health threats of the recent multi-country monkeypox outbreak to the healthcare authorities for taking measures accordingly.

Molecular detection of enterotoxins in multidrug resistant Aeromonas from ready to eat foods in North Western Himalayas: Public health significance

Aeromonas spp. are normal inhabitants of aquatic environments and are emerging foodborne bacterial pathogens. Aeromonas spp. contamination is frequent in ready-to-eat (RTE) seafood and can also occur in products prepared from milk or meat. The study determined the enterotoxin and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of Aeromonas spp. isolates recovered from RTE milk products (n = 105), RTE meat/fish products (n = 40) and drinking water (n = 60) samples collected from tourist places in Himachal Pradesh, India, in northwestern Himalayas. 7.3 % (16/220) samples were found contaminated with Aeromonas spp. These isolates were identified as A. hydrophila (31.3 %), A. schubertii (25.0 %), A. sobria (25.0 %) and A. veronii (18.8 %). Aeromonas spp. contamination was significantly higher (14.3 %, 15/105, p = 0.0001) in RTE milk products. The contamination levels for water samples were 1.7 % whereas none of the tested RTE meat or fish products yielded Aeromonas spp. Among RTE milk products, contamination was significantly higher in paneer (South Asian soft cheese) (26.1 %, p = 0.0027) and cream (25.0 %, p = 0.046) based RTE foods. All isolates carried alt (361 bp), encoding a cytotonic heat-labile enterotoxin. Ampicillin resistance was 100 % and high levels (>30 %) of resistance were recorded for amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, amikacin, cefotaxime and ceftazidime. Six (37.5 %) isolates were multi drug resistant (MDR), showing resistance to aminoglycosides, cephams and penicillins. Isolation of alt carrying MDR isolates from RTE foods indicates that Aeromonas spp. can be potential foodborne public health threat in northwestern Himalayas.

Filoviridae: insights into immune responses to Ebola virus

Ebola virus (EBOV) is a zoonotic virus comprising of six known different species, designated within the family Filoviridae and genus Ebolavirus. The first recorded outbreak of an EBOV disease (EVD) was in Yambuku, Zaire EBOV (ZEBOV) in 1976, followed by the Sudan EBOV (SUDV) later that year. Outbreaks have been increasing throughout the 21st century, and mortality rates can reach up to 90%. Such extraordinary virulence is evidenced by a few pathogens, similar to the Marburg virus (MARV) that originated in Uganda and was first detected in Germany in 1967. The virulent nature of filovirus disease has established these related viruses as a formidable global concern. There are currently four types of Ebolaviridae species known to infect humans, with two more recently identified in other animals that are genomically different concerning cellular pathogenesis or aetiology of disease. Recent advances in understanding the pathogenesis of filovirus disease infections have been remarkable, yet the immunological response to filovirus infection remains unknown. Scientific analysis of cellular mechanisms can provide insight into virulence factors utilised by other pathogenic viruses that also cause febrile illness with occasional haemorrhagic fever in humans. In this review, a brief summary of EBOV protein structure and functional cellular effects is covered. The role of innate and adaptive immune cells known since 1976 is considered with the relevance and implications of immunological proteins measured by cluster of differentiation (CD) molecule, alongside cytokine, chemokine, and other biologically relevant pathways, and through genetic research. A thorough understanding of immunological correlates affecting host responses to EBOV will facilitate clinical and applied research knowledge, contributing to protection against potential public health threats.

Predominance of the Blastocystis subtype ST5 among free-living sympatric rodents within pig farms in China suggests a novel transmission route from farms

Blastocystis is a parasitic protist that can infect humans and various domestic and wild animals. However, there is limited research on the prevalence of this parasite among rodents, particularly those living in pig farm settings. Therefore, to investigate the occurrence, molecular characterization, and zoonotic potential of Blastocystis among rodents within pig farm environments, we conducted an investigation of 227 rodents and shrews from 34 pig farms located in Henan, Shaanxi, and Shanxi provinces of China using nested PCR of the SSU rRNA gene of Blastocystis. The potential transmission and public health implications were also assessed from a One Health perspective. Blastocystis was detected in 86 (37.9%) fecal samples. The highest infection rate was observed among Ruttus norvegicus (73.7%, 42/58), followed by Ruttus tanezumi (30.1%, 41/136), and Mus musculus (12.0%, 3/25). However, it was not detected among individuals with Apodemus agrarius (n = 1) and Crocidura shantungensis (n = 7). Five known zoonotic Blastocystis subtypes (ST1–ST5) were identified, with ST4 (51.2%, 44/86) and ST5 (40.7%, 35/86) being the predominant ones, followed by ST1 (3.5%, 3/86), ST3 (3.5%, 3/86), and ST2 (1.2%, 1/86). ST4 was prevalent among R. norvegicus (83.3%, 35/42), while ST5 dominated R. tanezumi (70.7%, 29/41). Furthermore, ST5 exhibited the widest distribution at pig farm level, accounting for 65.0% (13/20) of Blastocystis-positive pig farms. This investigation presents the first documented Blastocystis infection in R. tanezumi and M. musculus, highlighting the predominant presence of the zoonotic ST5 subtype in rodents for the first time. The results demonstrate that sympatric rodents can serve as natural reservoirs for Blastocystis and play a role in its transmission. These findings provide information on the dynamics of rodent transmission and emphasize the potential public health threat posed by zoonotic Blastocystis subtypes spillover from pig farms.

Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Cryptosporidium bat genotype XXI and bat genotype XXII in fruit bats (Rousettus leschenaultii) inhabiting a tropical park in Hainan Province, China

Bats stand as one of the most diverse groups in the animal kingdom and are key players in the global transmission of emerging pathogens. However, their role in transmitting Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Cryptosporidium spp. remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence and genetic diversity of the two pathogens in fruit bats (Rousettus leschenaultii) in Hainan, China. Ten fresh fecal specimens of fruit bats were collected from Wanlvyuan Gardens, Haikou, China. The fecal samples were tested for E. bieneusi and Cryptosporidium spp. using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) analysis and sequencing the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and partial small subunit of ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene, respectively. Genetic heterogeneity across Cryptosporidium spp. isolates was assessed by sequencing 4 microsatellite/minisatellite loci (MS1, MS2, MS3, and MS16). The findings showed that out of the ten specimens analyzed, 2 (20 %) and seven (70.0 %) were tested positive for E. bieneusi and Cryptosporidium spp., respectively. DNA sequence analysis revealed the presence of two novel Cryptosporidium genotypes with 94.4 to 98.6 % sequence similarity to C. andersoni, named as Cryptosporidium bat-genotype-XXI and bat-genotype-XXII. Three novel sequences of MS1, MS2 and MS16 loci identified here had 95.4 to 96.9 % similarity to the known sequences, which were deposited in the GenBank. Two genotypes of E. bieneusi were identified, including a novel genotype named HNB-I and a zoonotic genotype PigEbITS7. The discovery of these novel sequences provides meaningful data for epidemiological studies of the both pathogens. Meanwhile our results are also presented that the fruit bats infected with E. bieneusi, but not with Cryptosporidium, should be considered potential public health threats.

Multiple-Drug Resistant Shiga Toxin-Producing E. coli in Raw Milk of Dairy Bovine.

Raw milk may contain pathogenic microorganisms harmful to humans, e.g., multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli non-O157:H7, which can cause severe colitis, hemolytic uremia, and meningitis in children. No studies are available on the prevalence of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC O157:H7) in sick or healthy dairy animals in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province of Pakistan. This study aimed to isolate, characterize, and detect antibiotic resistance in STEC non-O157:H7 from unpasteurized milk of dairy bovines in this province. We collected raw milk samples (n = 800) from dairy farms, street vendors, and milk shops from different parts of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province. E. coli was isolated from these samples followed by latex agglutination tests for serotyping. The detection of STEC was conducted phenotypically and confirmed by the detection of virulence genes genotypically. An antibiogram of STEC isolates was performed against 12 antibiotics using the disc diffusion method. A total of 321 (40.12%) samples were found to be positive for E. coli in this study. These samples were processed for the presence of four virulence genes (Stx1, Stx2, ehxA, eae). Forty samples (5.0%) were STEC-positive. Of these, 38%, 25%, 19%, and 18% were positive for Stx1, Stx2, ehxA, and eae, respectively. Genotypically, we found that 1.37% of STEC isolates produced extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) and contained the blaCTX M gene. Resistance to various antibiotics ranged from 18% to 77%. This study highlights the risk of virulent and multidrug-resistant STEC non-O157:H7 in raw milk and the need for proper quality surveillance and assurance plans to mitigate the potential public health threat.

Antibiotic pollution and associated antimicrobial resistance in the environment

The widespread and injudicious usage of antibiotics to contain pathogenic microbial infections, coupled with inadequate treatment of wastes containing non-metabolized antibiotics and their residues is resulting in rising environmental antibiotic concentrations, leading to ‘antibiotic pollution’. Antibiotic pollution is an emerging global challenge as it is proving a major driver for antibiotic- or antimicrobial-resistance (ABR/ AMR) with escalating ramifications worldwide, precipitating a surge in human morbidity. The extensive administration of antibiotics across domains such as human healthcare settings, agriculture, and aquaculture farming endangers the presence of antibiotics in diverse matrices including water, soil, and air. As a result, this dissemination significantly leads to the development of antibiotic resistance in the profuse sectors of the environment further provoking consequential health implications at different trophic levels. Owing to its significance, and to mitigate antibiotic pollution and its subsequential AMR, governmental guidelines and regulations are implemented across the globe to cultivate public awareness as concerted efforts for addressing this global predicament. Given the insufficient attention to the growing antibiotic pollution issues, prompt efforts must be taken to contemplate current circumstances and the rigor of the ongoing research. In this review, we endeavor to elucidate the escalation of antibiotic concentration and antibiotic-driven AMR in water, air, and soil environments with potential public health threats. Further, it focuses on various strategies and interventions to attenuate antibiotic pollution and mitigate its adverse impacts on the healthcare infrastructure, highlighting the success stories, challenges, and future directions.

A pilot study on the pulmonary anthracosis in stray dogs of Kathmandu Valley, Nepal: A potential public health threat for future.

Kathmandu is a densely populated metropolitan city in Nepal. In recent years, however, the metropolis has been ranked as one of the most polluted cities worldwide. Both humans and animals are susceptible to various respiratory diseases due to chronic exposure to polluted air. Due to the relative similarities in the anatomical structure and physiological functions of the respiratory system between humans and dogs, polluted environments may lead to respiratory illness in similar ways in both species living in the valley. On the basis of information on the air quality in the valley, this study was conceived to assess pulmonary illness in street dogs to discern the health hazards caused by polluted air. A total of 76 dogs with clinical signs of tachypnea, dyspnea, sneezing, coughing, mucopurulent discharge, moderate hyperthermia, and anorexia admitted from July 2020 to November 2020 in Animal Nepal for treatment were included in this study. Among them, 24 animals responded to treatment, and 52 dogs died during their stay in the hospital. The 52 dead animals were necropsied, and the lesions that resembled pulmonary anthracosis were further studied grossly and histologically in a blinded fashion by trained veterinary pathologists. Significant morphological alterations were observed in the lungs and associated lymph nodes of 25 animals, indicating pulmonary anthracosis. Gross morphological changes included multiple black foci with hemorrhage, congestion, nodular, and emphysema on the parietal and visceral surfaces of the lungs. The alveolar septa and visceral pleura exhibited deposition of black particles. Congestion, emphysema, and inflammatory exudates were also detected in the lung tissues and lymph nodes. The clinical, gross, and microscopic findings accurately resembled those of pulmonary anthracosis. This life-threatening condition in stray canines may be caused by a critical level of air pollution from different sources and carbon emissions from vehicles. To protect animals and humans living in the Kathmandu Valley, concerned government and non-government agencies should work toward reducing air pollution levels as soon as possible.

Genomic Characterization of a Bataï Orthobunyavirus, Previously Classified as Ilesha Virus, from Field-Caught Mosquitoes in Senegal, Bandia 1969.

Bataï virus (BATV), belonging to the Orthobunyavirus genus, is an emerging mosquito-borne virus with documented cases in Asia, Europe, and Africa. It causes various symptoms in humans and ruminants. Another related virus is Ilesha virus (ILEV), which causes a range of diseases in humans and is mainly found in African countries. This study aimed to genetically identify and characterize a BATV strain previously misclassified as ILEV in Senegal. The strain was reactivated and subjected to whole genome sequencing using an Illumina-based approach. Genetic analyses and phylogeny were performed to assess the evolutionary relationships. Genomic analyses revealed a close similarity between the Senegal strain and the BATV strains UgMP-6830 from Uganda. The genetic distances indicated high homology. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the Senegal strain's clustering with BATV. This study corrects the misclassification, confirming the presence of BATV in West Africa. This research represents the first evidence of BATV circulation in West Africa, underscoring the importance of genomic approaches in virus classification. Retrospective sequencing is crucial for reevaluating strains and identifying potential public health threats among neglected viruses.

Wild sympatric rodents inhabiting pig farm environments may facilitate the spillover of Enterocytozoon bieneusi from pig farms.

Enterocytozoon bieneusi is a zoonotic pathogen prevalent in mammalian and avian hosts across the globe. Wild small mammals, being abundant worldwide, serve as important sources of zoonotic disease transmission to humans. Here, 227 fecal samples were collected from five rodent and shrew species on 34 pig farms in China to investigate the prevalence and molecular characterization of E. bieneusi. The overall prevalence of E. bieneusi was 17.18% (39/227), with a distribution of 23.53% (32/136) in Rattus tanezumi, 8.62% (5/58) in Rattus norvegicus, and 8.00% (2/25) in Mus musculus. Eight E. bieneusi genotypes were identified, comprising four known genotypes: D (n=8), EbpC (n=8), PigEBITS7 (n=9), and EbpA (n=2), and four novel genotypes: CHPR1 (n=7), CHPR2 (n=1), CHPR3 (n=2), and CHPR4 (n=2). This study is the first to report E. bieneusi in rodents from pig farms in Henan, Shaanxi, and Shanxi Provinces in China. The host range of genotype EbpC was expanded with its first detection in M. musculus and R. tanezumi. All identified E. bieneusi genotypes belong to group 1, raising concerns about these sympatric rodents being reservoirs of zoonotic transmission. Moreover, the widespread distribution of genotype EbpC suggests potential cross-species transmission between sympatric rodents and domestic pigs. Our findings highlight the potential role of sympatric rodents in facilitating the spillover of E. bieneusi from pig farms, which could pose a potential public health threat.

(Invited) the Removal of Bisphenols from Wastewaters with Atmospheric Pressure Plasma

Bisphenols represent one of the most recognised harmful contaminants found in environment as a result of their extensive use for the industrial production of polycarbonate, epoxy resins, and thermal paper. They are known for their ability to act as endocrine disruptors, as well as for their potential to cause genotoxicity and cytotoxicity. 1. Although the awareness of their toxicity is high and the use of some of their representatives already limited or restricted in EU 2, they still represent a potential threat for public health. Due to their insufficient elimination with standard water treatment methods, the effluent from the wastewater treatment plants continues to be the major source of bisphenol environmental contamination. Thus, it is necessary to develop a new more efficient method.Cold atmospheric pressure plasma (CAP) is a promising technology with tremendous potential in removal of various hazardous contaminants from wastewater 3. Essentially, plasma is the fourth state of matter, created by introducing gas into a strong electrical field resulting in ionisation, dissociation, and excitation of gaseous molecules. CAP, which is produced by using air and electricity, is a source of high concentration of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS). This property makes it a highly promising, cost-effective, and environmentally-friendly method for decontamination 4.To demonstrate its potential, we investigated the application of air CAP for the removal of bisphenol A (BPA) and bisphenol S (BPS) from aqueous systems. Plasma was generated with surface barrier discharge systems, using different exposure times and discharge operating powers, which led to the formation of different plasma chemistries. Additionally, radical scavenger methanol was used to simulate environmental conditions. The highest degradation efficacies were observed at longest exposure time (480 s) and at high discharge power and was significantly affected by the presence of methanol. Moreover, radical scavenger influenced the formation of CAP generated RONS in liquid as well, resulting in lower concentrations of ˙OH, H2O2, and NO2 -. With non-target approach, we were able to identify 11 BPA and 5 BPS transformation products (TPs) and propose transformation pathways of both compounds. The toxicological examination performed with in vitro HepG2 cell model demonstrated that the mixture of transformation products formed during CAP treatment is less toxic than BPA and BPS. According to these results it was suggested that CAP is an effective and safe method for degradation of bisphenols. The European Parliament and the Council. Regulation (EU) 2020. Official Journal of the European Union.2018/840/EC. Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2018/840 of 5 June 2018 Establishing a Watch List of Substances for Union-Wide Monitoring in the Field of Water Policy. J. Eur. Union 2018, L 141 (March 2015), 9–12.Sanito, R. C.; You, S. J.; Wang, Y. F. Degradation of Contaminants in Plasma Technology: An Overview. Hazard. Mater. 2022, 424 (PA), 127390.Dickenson A.; Morabit Y.; Hasan M. I.; Walsh J. L. Directional mass transport in an atmospheric pressure surface barrier discharge. Scientific Reports 2017, 7, 14003.

Novel Ozark Orthohantavirus in Hispid Cotton Rats (Sigmodon hispidus), Arkansas, USA.

We report a novel orthohantavirus, putatively named Ozark orthohantavirus, in hispid cotton rats captured within the Ozark Plateau in Arkansas, USA. This virus phylogenetically clusters with other orthohantaviruses that cause severe human disease. Continued orthohantavirus surveillance and virus sequencing are needed to address the potential public health threat of this virus.

Wastewater from healthcare centers in Burkina Faso is a source of ESBL, AmpC-β-lactamase and carbapenemase-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae

BackgroundExtended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL), plasmid-mediated AmpC-β-lactamase and carbapenemase-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae have spread into the environment worldwide posing a potential public health threat. However, the prevalence data for low- and middle-income countries are still scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of ESBL, AmpC-β-lactamase and carbapenemase-producing and multidrug-resistant E. coli and K. pneumoniae in wastewaters from healthcare centers in Burkina Faso.ResultsEighty-four (84) wastewater samples were collected from five healthcare centers and plated on selective ESBL ChromAgar. E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates were identified using API20E. ESBL-producing bacteria were detected in 97.6% of the samples and their average concentration per hospital ranged from 1.10 × 105 to 5.23 × 106 CFU/mL. Out of 170 putative ESBL-producing isolates (64% of them were E. coli) and 51 putative AmpC-β-lactamase-producing isolates, 95% and 45% were confirmed, respectively. Carbapenemase production was detected in 10 isolates, of which 6 were NDM producers, 3 were OXA-48 producers and 1 was NDM and OXA-48 producer. All isolates were multidrug resistant and, moreover, all of them were resistant to all tested β-lactams. Resistance to ESBL inhibitors was also common, up to 66% in E. coli and 62% in K. pneumoniae. Amikacin, fosfomycin and nitrofurantoin were the antibiotics to which the least resistance was detected.ConclusionsThis study showed that wastewater from healthcare centers constitutes a reservoir of multidrug-resistant bacteria in Burkina Faso, including carbapenemase producers. Untreated healthcare wastewater entering the environment exposes people and animals to infections caused by these multi-resistant bacteria, which are difficult to treat, especially in the resource-poor settings.