Re-emerging Zoonosis Research Articles

Prevalence of brucellosis in livestock keepers and domestic ruminants in Baringo County, Kenya.

Brucellosis is widely distributed in more than 170 countries around the world, where it poses a huge threat to animal husbandry and human health. Brucellosis is a worldwide re-emerging zoonotic disease that poses serious public health problems in many developing countries including Kenya. However, prevalence of brucellosis has not been determined in Baringo County, Kenya, yet there is a continuous movement of cattle resulting from trade and grazing, thus predisposing many herds to brucellosis infection. We investigated the sero-prevalence of brucellosis in humans and domestic ruminants: sheep, goats, cattle and camels among livestock keeping communities in Baringo County, Kenya. In addition, we analyzed the seropositive samples for molecular detection of Brucella species. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey using quantitative data collection methods. The diagnosis was carried out using a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (c-ELISA) and the real-time PCR assays. The sero-prevalence of brucellosis among human blood samples was 0.6% (n = 4/640) in Baringo County. About 22.30% (n = 143/640) of animal blood samples examined tested positive for Brucella genus-specific ELISA test. Cattle had a high prevalence of 22.88% (n = 93/322) followed by camels 20.00% (n = 21/105), goats 15.48% (n = 24/155) and subsequently sheep at 8.62% (n = 5/58). Overall, 7.5% (n = 6/80) of the seropositive samples amplified with the genus-specific primers. Brucella melitensis was detected in one out of the six genus positive samples, while none amplified with the B. abortus target. Even though there was high prevalence of brucellosis among livestock in Baringo County, the highest prevalence was invariably noted in cattle, followed by camels, goats and sheep, respectively. Livestock keepers had low prevalence of brucellosis. This implies that there was low risk of transmission of brucellosis between livestock keepers and their livestock.

BRUCELLOSIS KNOWLEDGE, AWARENESS AND PRACTICES AMONG MILITARY DAIRY FARM WORKERS IN BANGLADESH

Background: Brucellosis is an ancient re-emerging bacterial zoonotic disease caused by species of the Brucella genus, affects a wide range of domesticated and adult wildlife, and plays a significant economic impact on the public health and the livestock sector. Improvement of knowledge, attitudes and practices among dairy farm workers could have a significant impact on reduction of zoonotic brucellosis in daily farming. Objectives: This study aimed at assessing workers’ knowledge about brucellosis and practices relevant to its transmission on military dairy farms in Bangladesh. Materials and Methods: From March to August 2020 a cross-sectional study was conducted among the dairy workers (n = 715) in eight military dairy farms from different regions in Bangladesh. A standardized questionnaire was used to collect information of participants’ knowledge, awareness and practices on brucellosis. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with knowledge, awareness and practices. Results: All participants were male and 33.4% of them were in the age group 25 to 34 years. Only 0.3% of the participants knew that brucellosis is a zoonosis and was familiar with its symptoms. Among them, 61% of the participants stated that fever is the most noticeable clinical sign of brucellosis. None of the workers and their families consumed raw milk and products there. While handling fetal membranes and dead fetuses 74.8% of the workers used hand gloves, 94% of participants washed hands after contact with animals and 95.5% also washed hands before and after milking. Dairy farm workers aged between 18 to 24 years and > 44 years were 9.9% (95% CI: 2.9; 33.6) and 5.8 times (95% CI: 1.6; 20.5) more likely to have adequate knowledge of brucellosis than 25 and 44 years old. The odds awareness were 1.8 times (95% CI: 1.1; 2.8) higher among dairy farm workers aged between 18 to 24 years than those aged between 25 to 34 years. Dairy farm workers aged between 18 to 24 years and > 44 years were 2.1 (95% CI: 1.3; 3.4) and 2.9 times (95% CI: 1.8; 4.9) more likely to perform appropriate practice than those aged between 25 to 34 years. In addition, animal attendant performed 8.9 times (95% CI: 2.2; 36.1) more appropriate practices than milkmen. Conclusions: The knowledge of the workers about brucellosis in these eight military dairy farms was considered moderate. Awareness programs are necessary to improve and foster preventive practices.

BRUCELLOSIS KNOWLEDGE, AWARENESS AND PRACTICES AMONG MILITARY DAIRY FARM WORKERS IN BANGLADESH

Background: Brucellosis is an ancient re-emerging bacterial zoonotic disease caused by species of the Brucella genus, affects a wide range of domesticated and adult wildlife, and plays a significant economic impact on the public health and the livestock sector. Improvement of knowledge, attitudes and practices among dairy farm workers could have a significant impact on reduction of zoonotic brucellosis in daily farming. Objectives: This study aimed at assessing workers’ knowledge about brucellosis and practices relevant to its transmission on military dairy farms in Bangladesh. Materials and Methods: From March to August 2020 a cross-sectional study was conducted among the dairy workers (n = 715) in eight military dairy farms from different regions in Bangladesh. A standardized questionnaire was used to collect information of participants’ knowledge, awareness and practices on brucellosis. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with knowledge, awareness and practices. Results: All participants were male and 33.4% of them were in the age group 25 to 34 years. Only 0.3% of the participants knew that brucellosis is a zoonosis and was familiar with its symptoms. Among them, 61% of the participants stated that fever is the most noticeable clinical sign of brucellosis. None of the workers and their families consumed raw milk and products there. While handling fetal membranes and dead fetuses 74.8% of the workers used hand gloves, 94% of participants washed hands after contact with animals and 95.5% also washed hands before and after milking. Dairy farm workers aged between 18 to 24 years and > 44 years were 9.9% (95% CI: 2.9; 33.6) and 5.8 times (95% CI: 1.6; 20.5) more likely to have adequate knowledge of brucellosis than 25 and 44 years old. The odds awareness were 1.8 times (95% CI: 1.1; 2.8) higher among dairy farm workers aged between 18 to 24 years than those aged between 25 to 34 years. Dairy farm workers aged between 18 to 24 years and > 44 years were 2.1 (95% CI: 1.3; 3.4) and 2.9 times (95% CI: 1.8; 4.9) more likely to perform appropriate practice than those aged between 25 to 34 years. In addition, animal attendant performed 8.9 times (95% CI: 2.2; 36.1) more appropriate practices than milkmen. Conclusions: The knowledge of the workers about brucellosis in these eight military dairy farms was considered moderate. Awareness programs are necessary to improve and foster preventive practices.

Risk factors and prevalence of porcine cysticercosis and epilepsy survey among human in Ibadan, Oyo state

Taenia solium cysticercosis is a re-emerging zoonotic disease in the developing world and had been diagnosed in nonendemic regions following the migration of carriers. It is a neglected tropical disease and the leading cause of epilepsy. This work aimed to study the prevalence, risk factors of porcine cysticercosis, suitable management practice, and epilepsy survey in humans at Ibadan, Oyo state. This study was conducted from September 2018 to July 2019. 240 faecal samples collected from pigs were analysed with ethyl acetate sedimentation method. Questionnaires were administered to determine associated risk factors and occurrences of epilepsy. Faecal sample screening from the study shows a prevalence of 3.3%. Risk factors include management practice, access to clean drinking water and toilet facilities. The χ2 test of significance was significant for risk factors such as; management practice (p-value =0002), provision of water (p-value= 0.039), and toilet facilities (pvalue= 0.000). It is recommended that farmers provide clean drinking water for their pigs and keep them away from human settlement.

Unique Posttranslational Modification Sites of Acetylation, Citrullination, Glutarylation, and Phosphorylation Are Found to Be Specific to the Proteins Partitioned in the Triton X-114 Fractions of Leptospira.

Posttranslational modifications (PTMs) are decisive factors in the structure, function, and localization of proteins in prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. However, prokaryotic organisms lack subcellular organelles, and protein localization based on subcellular locations like cytoplasm, inner membrane, periplasm, and outer membrane can be accounted for functional characterization. We have identified 131 acetylated, 1182 citrullinated, 72 glutarylated, 5 palmitoylated, and 139 phosphorylated proteins from Triton X-114 fractionated proteins of Leptospira, the pathogen of re-emerging zoonotic disease leptospirosis. In total, 74.7% of proteins were found exclusively in different Triton X-114 fractions. Additionally, 21.9% of proteins in multiple fractions had one or more PTM specific to different Triton X-114 fractions. Altogether, 96.6% of proteins showed exclusiveness to different Triton X-114 fractions either due to the presence of the entire protein or with a specific PTM type or position. Further, the PTM distribution within Triton X-114 fractions showed higher acetylation in aqueous, glutarylation in detergent, phosphorylation in pellet, and citrullination in wash fractions representing cytoplasmic, outer membrane, inner membrane, and extracellular locations, respectively. Identification of PTMs in proteins with respect to the subcellular localization will help to characterize candidate proteins before developing novel drugs and vaccines rationally to combat leptospirosis.

Sequencing-Based Genotyping of Pakistani Burkholderia mallei Strains: A Useful Way for Investigating Glanders Outbreaks

Burkholderia (B.) mallei is a host-adapted equine pathogen that causes glanders, a re-emerging zoonotic disease, which is endemic in Pakistan and other developing countries and seriously impacts the global equine movement. Due to globalization, the geographical restriction of diseases vanishes and the lack of awareness of and experience with eradicated diseases in industrialized countries also promotes the re-introduction of infections in these regions. Owing to the high equine population, the Pakistani province Punjab is a potential hotspot where several glanders outbreaks have been seen over last two decades. For determining the genomic diversity of B. mallei in this and other equine-populated prefectures, the genomes of 19 B. mallei strains isolated between 1999 and 2020 in different locations were sequenced and their genotypes were determined. Particularly, for genetically highly homogenous pathogens like B. mallei genotyping techniques require a high discriminatory power for enabling differentiation on the strain level. Thus, core-genome single nucleotide polymorphism (cgSNP) analysis was applied for distinguishing the highly similar strains. Furthermore, a whole-genome sequence-based core genome multi locus sequence typing (cgMLST) scheme, specific to B. mallei, was developed and additionally applied to the data. It was found that B. mallei genotypes in Pakistan persisted over time and space and genotype clusters preferred connection with a time point rather than the place of isolation, probably due to frequent equine movement, which promotes the spread of glanders. The cgMLST approach proved to work in accord with SNP typing and may help to investigate future glanders outbreaks.

Threat of cercarial dermatitis in Hungary: A first report of Trichobilharzia franki from the mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) and European ear snail (Radix auricularia) using molecular methods.

Cercarial dermatitis in humans is a re-emerging zoonotic disease caused by infectious larvae of avian blood flukes within the Schistosomatidae family. Upon water contact, these avian schistosome larvae directly penetrate human skin and cause irritation. Between September 2018 and September 2020, carcasses of 94 mallards (Anas platyrhynchos), two green-winged teals (Anas crecca) along with one ferruginous duck (Aythya nyroca) were examined. Birds were collected within 12 regions of Hungary, representative of 9 different counties. Inspecting both morphological characters and molecular data, the cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) and large subunit ribosomal DNA (LSU rDNA) sequences, Bilharziella polonica and Dendritobilharzia pulverulenta were each identified. Most importantly, Trichobilharzia franki was found for the first time in Hungary and in 5 dispersed counties in conjunction with of 3 counties where other avian schistosomes were found. Of note, these avian blood flukes were predominately encountered in wild mallards (∼50%) and not in birds reared for hunting (∼1%). In total, 245 European ear snails (Radix auricularia), a known intermediate host of Trichobilharzia spp., were collected from an urban pond in Eger, Hungary. Five snails (∼2%) consistently shed numerous furcocercariae of T. franki that were confirmed by molecular methods. Our findings help to pinpoint a contemporary life cycle of this avian schistosome within an urban environment, a location regularly visited by various wild waterfowl and the possible species of avian schistosomes responsible for cercarial dermatitis in Hungary. Taken as a whole, we demonstrate the actual and potential risk zone for cercarial dermatitis, particularly with reference to R. auricularia distributions, within Hungary and across Central Europe.

Scrub Typhus: An Emerging Etiology among Undiagnosed Febrile Cases in Western Part of Uttar Pradesh, India

Scrub typhus is a re-emerging zoonotic rickettsial disease and is prevalent in many parts of India. Scrub typhus in Uttar Pradesh is virtually unknown but has shown emergence in recent reports. In this context, a prospective study was planned to analyze the prevalence and clinic-epidemiological parameters of scrub typhus in febrile patients present in JNMC hospital. Patients of >15 years with undiagnosed acute febrile illness of more than 5 days with or without acute respiratory failure and acute renal failure (ARF) were included in the study. Clinical profile was recorded through predesigned proforma. Blood samples were collected and serological tests were performed. PCR was performed on whole blood samples of positive patients. Total 414 patients, who were negative for other common febrile etiologies, i.e.: malaria, dengue, enteric fever were included in the study. Out of 414 patients, 112 (27%) were found positive for scrub typhus by ELISA and micro-immunofluorescence (MIF). PCR was negative in all cases. Slight male predominance (52.6%) was observed. Significant number of positive cases 90(80.3%) were between 18-46 years of age (P value <0.05). Majority of cases appeared during winter season Respiratory involvement was significant in positive cases (P value <0.05). Among the gastro-intestinal symptoms, diarrhea and vomiting were also significant (P value <0.005). All the patients responded to the treatment. No complications and mortality was observed. Scrub typhus should be considered in undiagnosed febrile patients coming from rural and agricultural background with respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms. Serology is reliable in the diagnosis of scrub typhus as molecular testing is costly, labor intensive and not helpful.

Leptospira in Slaughtered Fattening Pigs in Southern Italy: Serological Survey and Molecular Typing.

Simple SummaryIn this study, serological and molecular assays in 55 pigs in Sicily were conducted in order to investigate Leptospira spp. prevalence and to carry out strain characterization. A seropositivity rate of 16.4% was determined; 3.64% of kidney samples tested positive for pathogenic Leptospiral DNA. Obtained data showed that Leptospira infection is common among pigs in southern Italy, confirming the importance of Leptospiral infection in pigs and reaffirming the potential role of these animals as a source of infection for humans (occupational risk) and other animals. Our study delivers a comprehensive overview based on up-to-date data to deepen the knowledge of swine leptospiral infections, characterize new potential emerging strains, and reinforce control measures able to reduce the infection risk in swine herds.Leptospirosis is a re-emerging zoonosis of worldwide significance; a wide spectrum of wild and domestic animal species act as natural or accidental hosts. Swine can act as maintenance or accidental hosts of pathogenic Leptospira spp. This study aimed at investigation of Leptospira spp. prevalence and diversity in slaughtered pigs in southern Italy (Sicily). In total, 55 samples of kidneys and blood were collected. Microscopic agglutination test and real-time PCR were performed to detect pathogenic and intermediately pathogenic Leptospira. Partial rpoB gene sequencing and multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) were performed to characterize Leptospira species. The analysis showed a seropositivity rate of 16.4%, with Australis representing the most frequently identified serogroup (63.64%); Pomona and Sejroe were detected with a prevalence of 27.27% and 9.09%, respectively. Pathogenic Leptospiral DNA was detected in 2 kidney samples (3.64%). Leptospira were identified through MLST as L. borgpetersenii serovar Tarassovi (serogroup Tarassovi). Obtained data confirmed the presence of Leptospira infection among pigs in southern Italy, suggesting that management of these animals may be considered an occupational risk for humans.

Occupational Risk Factors for Seropositive Leptospirosis among Town Service Workers in Northeastern Malaysia

Leptospirosis is speculated to be one of the most prevalent re-emerging zoonotic diseases to date, and town service workers are continuously exposed to occupational hazards that may increase their risk of infection. This study aimed to determine the occupational risk factors for leptospirosis among town service workers in northeastern Malaysia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among town service workers from four municipal councils. All sera samples were tested for the presence of anti-leptospiral antibodies using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) followed by a microscopic agglutination test (MAT). We found that 82 serum samples from 321 respondents were positive in the MAT (seroprevalence rate of 25.5%). Multiple logistic regression analysis identified overtime work (adj. OR 2.13; 95% CI 1.19, 3.84), contact with animals while working (adj. OR 2.09; 95% CI 1.06, 4.11), sighting of rats at the worksite (adj. OR 2.17; 95% CI 1.11, 4.25) and living less than 200 m from a river (adj. OR 1.84; 95% CI 1.03, 3.28) as risk factors for leptospiral infection. Whereas age (adj. OR 0.95; 95% CI 0.93, 0.98), wearing boots while working (adj. OR 0.44; 95% CI 0.25, 0.80) and washing hands with soap after work (adj. OR 0.20; 95% CI 0.10, 0.42) were recognised as protective factors. In conclusion, an association was observed between leptospirosis seropositivity among town service workers and the occupational factors. Prevention and control strategies for leptospirosis will require more focus on curbing the possible sources of leptospirosis transmission and maintaining safe work practices in high-risk working environments.

Human Monkeypox Outbreak in Non-Endemic Countries: The Need for Global Health Action

Monkeypox (MPX) is a re-emerging zoonotic disease caused by the MPX virus (MPXV), a member of the orthopoxvirus genus of the poxviridae family. Before 2022, local transmission of MPX was essentially limited to the rainforest regions of Central and West Africa where the disease is known to be endemic1. The MPXV is a large DNA virus that is very stable and more efficient than many RNA viruses at detecting and repairing mutations. This makes the virus less prone to higher transmissibility unlike RNA viruses such as SARS-CoV-22. Prior to the 2022 outbreak, two distinct clades of the MPXV were recognized: the Congo Basin (Central African) and the West African clades, otherwise known as Clades I and II in the newly proposed nomenclature. The Congo Basin clade is associated with a higher transmission rate and higher case fatality rate (CFR) of about 11% compared to the West African clade with an estimated CFR of 1%2. The first case of MPX in the ongoing 2022 epidemic among non-endemic countries was reported in the United Kingdom (UK) by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) on 7 May 2022, in a returning traveler from Nigeria. Subsequent cases discovered one week later in London were unrelated to the index case and had no travel links to endemic regions in Africa3. Since then, the World Health Organization (WHO) has reported more than 64,300 cases outside Africa in over 90 countries across Europe, the Americas and the West Pacific Regions4. On 23 July 2022, the WHO declared MPX a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). A newly discovered Clade IIb among the circulating strains of MPXV in non-endemic countries has been reported to have similarities with the West African clade but with higher transmissibility1. The WHO projects detection of more cases as surveillance is enhanced to involve more non-endemic countries4. This is surprisingly occurring at a time several countries are lifting COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns with increased international travels.

Prevalência e fatores associados à infecção por Dirofilaria immitis em cães no Sertão Paraibano, Nordeste do Brasil

ABSTRACT: Dirofilaria immitis is a heart and large vessel parasite that mainly affects domestic dogs and has shown a re-emerging zoonosis in recent years. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence, associated factors, and geographic areas of D. immitis in dogs in the city of Sousa, Paraíba, Northeast Brazil. A total of 320 dogs were selected and evaluated, 160 domiciled and 160 wandering, from the 32 districts of the city. Clinical examination, blood collection, and epidemiological data retrieval were performed for each animal. The sanitation conditions of the environment were visually observed at the time of evaluation. Three methods were used to investigate the morphometric diagnosis of microfilariae: capillary blood smear (ESC), peripheral blood smear (ESP), and modified Knott test. The data were subjected to univariate and multivariate statistics for the observation of risk factors and qualitative assessment of the examinations. Of the 17.5% (56/320) of animals testing positive for D. immitis, 25% (40/160) were wandering and 10% (16/160) were domiciled dogs. Positive dogs were found in 24 of the 32 neighborhoods evaluated, with Angelim and Doutor Zezé having the highest percentages of 1.56% (5/320) each. Only the categories of cardiac alterations (OR 6.231 [1,539-25,236]) and stray dogs (OR 2.463 [1,281-4,735]) demonstrated potential risk factors for infection. Of the 56 positive animals, 28 were positive in the three tests, and another 28 showed variance between methods and/or between prepared slides. No other filaridae were observed. The city of Sousa is considered to have a significant prevalence of infection by D. immitis, and forms of control and prophylaxis are required to reduce the risks of transmission to animals, as well as to humans.

Tularaemia: A Re-Emerging Infectious Zoonotic Disease of Public Health Significance

Tularaemia: A Re-Emerging Infectious Zoonotic Disease of Public Health Significance

Surface proteomics and label-free quantification of Leptospira interrogans serovar Pomona.

Leptospirosis is a re-emerging zoonosis with a global distribution. Surface-exposed outer membrane proteins (SE-OMPs) are crucial for bacterial–host interactions. SE-OMPs locate and expose their epitope on cell surface where is easily accessed by host molecules. This study aimed to screen for surface-exposed proteins and their abundance profile of pathogenic Leptospira interrogans serovar Pomona. Two complementary approaches, surface biotinylation and surface proteolytic shaving, followed by liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) were employed to identify SE-OMPs of intact leptospires. For quantitative comparison, in-depth label-free analysis of SE-OMPs obtained from each method was performed using MaxQuant. The total number of proteins identified was 1,001 and 238 for surface biotinylation and proteinase K shaving, respectively. Among these, 39 were previously known SE-OMPs and 68 were predicted to be localized on the leptospiral surface. Based on MaxQuant analysis for relative quantification, six known SE-OMPs including EF- Tu, LipL21, LipL41, LipL46, Loa22, and OmpL36, and one predicted SE-OMPs, LipL71 were found in the 20 most abundant proteins, in which LipL41 was the highest abundant SE-OMP. Moreover, uncharacterized LIC14011 protein (LIP3228 ortholog in serovar Pomona) was identified as a novel predicted surface βb-OMP. High-abundance leptospiral SE-OMPs identified in this study may play roles in virulence and infection and are potential targets for development of vaccine or diagnostic tests for leptospirosis.

Norfloxacin suppresses Leptospira-induced inflammation through inhibiting p65 and ERK phosphorylation and NLRP3 inflammasome activation

Leptospirosis is a worldwide re-emerging zoonosis caused by pathogenic Leptospira. Inflammatory storms induced by Leptospira are the reason to induce immunoparalysis and organ failures. Antibiotics are still the current mainstream treatment for leptospirosis. In addition to their antibacterial action, the immunomodulatory function of antibiotics has been paid more and more attention. In this study, the role of norfloxacin on Leptospira-induced inflammation was investigated. Treatment with norfloxacin down-regulated Leptospira-induced IL-1β and TNF-α both in vivo and vitro models. Further study showed that norfloxacin inhibited Leptospira-induced phosphorylation of p65 and ERK. Norfloxacin also inhibited the Leptospira-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation with the increased level of Na/K–ATPase Pump β1 subunit and decreased level of Kcnk6. These results indicated that norfloxacin suppressed Leptospira-induced inflammation through inhibiting p65 and ERK phosphorylation and NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Norfloxacin may be a potential candidate for suppressing inflammatory storms caused by Leptospira.

Scabies in wildlife animals, pets and humans: a re-emerging zoonosis?

Abstract Background Scabies or sarcoptic mange is an infestation of the skin caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei. Transmission from animals to humans occurs through close contact. The most common symptoms are papules, erythema, excoriations, hyperkeratosis, and hypotrichosis. In the province of Ferrara (Emilia Romagna, Italy) mange is endemic in wild animals, mostly in foxes, which can act as vectors for domestic animals and humans. Methods From 2012 to 2020, 564 foxes were surveyed within the Wildlife Health Surveillance Re-gional Program, including microscopic examination in cases of skin lesions referable to scabies. In 2018, a domestic dog (10-year border collie, male), frequenting an uncultivated area colonized by foxes and located in the outskirts of Ferrara, showed scabby lesions mainly on the nose, around the eyes and on the back. Results 11 out of 564 foxes resulted positive (1,95%), 6 cases out of 38 being in 2018 (15,8%). The parasite was detected by skin biopsy and direct microscopic examination in the domestic dog. The parasite was transmitted by the dog to the owner and the other two family members. Conclusions The increased density of dogs and foxes in the Ferrara province, and the attitude of foxes to live near to human settlements, increase the risk of contacts between foxes, domestic animals and humans, even though stray dogs are uncommon. This case illustrates the interdependencies between animal health, human health and environment, a synergy that can enable exacerbation of diseases of zoonotic origin as highlighted by the One Health concept. It is therefore important to increase the investigation on paths as well as vectors of diseases and to find collaborative, multi-sectorial and transversal approaches to ensure quality health outcomes. The control of the disease requires an appropriate monitoring of dogs' health being skin lesions in both, humans and animals, very similar to allergic dermatitis, which can delay the proper diagnosis of the disease. Key messages Sarcoptic mange is a zoonosis still present in Emilia Romagna, Italy. The One Health approach is key to control the cycle of the zoonotic sarcoptic mange.

Tracking brucellosis–a re-emerging disease

Brucellosis caused by members of the genus Brucella is of major concern for animal and public health and is recognized as a re-emerging zoonotic disease. Brucellosis causes flu-like symptoms like fever, sweats, weakness, pain in muscles, joint and back, with some symptoms persisting for longer time periods. Infections occur through consumption of unpasteurized dairy products or undercooked meat, inhalation, and contact with animals. Human-to-human transmission is rare. Surveillance of this disease in animals and humans and prevention of infection risks factors are the most effective strategies to prevent brucellosis. With the progress in sequencing technologies, whole genome sequencing (WGS) has become an effective tool in surveillance, tracking of pathogens and in outbreak investigation. WGS allows identification of the source of infection and to elucidation of transmission chains, which enables authorities to implement timely and appropriate interventions.

Leptospirosis at human-animal-environment interfaces in Latin-America: drivers, prevention, and control measures

Leptospirosis is one of the main re-emerging zoonotic diseases with a worldwide distribution, mainly in regions with hot or tropical climates. It is caused by the spirochetal bacteria of the genus Leptospira, which, in their pathogenic life forms, causes asymptomatic to severe infections in humans and animals. Animal-to-human transmission occurs most frequently in occupationally exposed groups and in travelers. However, leptospirosis also represents a disease associated with poverty and low sanitation environments, in rural and urban communities, in close contact with companion animals and livestock. A search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Google scholar databases using query terms related to Leptospira/leptospirosis, reported during 1990-2020. This review focuses on the description of biologic and socioenvironmental drivers that influence the occurrence of the disease in humans. Leptospirosis is found at the human-animal-environment interfaces, and represents a challenge for public and animal health, and food production; hence, improving the strategies for prevention control and surveillance in Latin-American countries is critical, as one of the regions most affected by the disease.

Gut microbiota involved in leptospiral infections.

Leptospirosis is a re-emerging zoonotic disease worldwide. Intestinal bleeding is a common but neglected symptom in severe leptospirosis. The regulatory mechanism of the gut microbiota on leptospirosis is still unclear. In this study, we found that Leptospira interrogans infection changed the composition of the gut microbiota in mice. Weight loss and an increased leptospiral load in organs were observed in the gut microbiota-depleted mice compared with those in the control mice. Moreover, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) to the microbiota-depleted mice reversed these effects. The phagocytosis response and inflammatory response in bone marrow-derived macrophages and thioglycolate-induced peritoneal macrophages were diminished in the microbiota-depleted mice after infection. However, the phagocytosis response and inflammatory response in resident peritoneal macrophage were not affected in the microbiota-depleted mice after infection. The diminished macrophage disappearance reaction (bacterial entry into the peritoneum acutely induced macrophage adherence to form local clots and out of the fluid phase) led to an increased leptospiral load in the peritoneal cavity in the microbiota-depleted mice. In addition, the impaired capacity of macrophages to clear leptospires increased leptospiral dissemination in Leptospira-infected microbiota-depleted mice. Our study identified the microbiota as an endogenous defense against L. interrogans infection. Modulating the structure and function of the gut microbiota may provide new individualized preventative strategies for the control of leptospirosis and related spirochetal infections.

Local-scale diversity of Yersinia pestis: A case study from Ambohitromby, Ankazobe District, Madagascar.

Plague is a re-emerging zoonotic disease and a major public health concern in several portions of the world, especially in Madagascar. We report on the presence of different subtypes of Yersinia pestis co-occurring in the same locality. After confirmation of a human plague case in Ambohitromby Commune (Ankazobe District) via isolation of Y. pestis, we undertook small mammal trapping to identify the circulation of Y. pestis amongst rodents in this locality; blood samples were collected from rodents for seroprevalence analysis. Of the 60 individuals of Rattus rattus captured, one yielded an isolate of Y. pestis, 13 others were positive for F1 antigen of Y. pestis using a rapid diagnostic test, and 4 were PCR positive targeting the caf1 and pla genes; 28/60 (46.7%) of the captured R. rattus were seropositive for Y. pestis. Whole-genome SNP analyses revealed that the two isolates obtained from the human case, and the R. rattus belonged to two different subtypes of Y. pestis (s05 and s13, respectively) that were circulating concurrently in Ambohitromby in 2016. Three Y. pestis subtypes (s03, s05 and s13) have now been isolated from Ambohitromby. Subtype s05 had been persisting there for >10years but one or both of the other subtypes may have been introduced from the Central Highlands region as they were not observed in previous years (s13) or only observed once previously (s03). High seroprevalence against Y. pestis in R. rattus suggests that a portion of the local murine population may have acquired resistance to Y. pestis. Future research should focus on genomically characterizing Y. pestis strains circulating in Ankazobe District and other plague-endemic regions of Madagascar to better understand the overall phylogeography of Y. pestis.