Reservoir For Human Infection Research Articles

Leishmania Infection in Wild Lagomorphs and Domestic Dogs in North-East Spain.

Leishmania infantum is a zoonotic protozoan parasite distributed worldwide that is transmitted by phlebotomine sandflies. Dogs are the main reservoir for human infections. However, in recent years, the capacity of lagomorphs to contribute to Leishmania transmission has been confirmed. The present study aimed to assess Leishmania spp. exposure and infection in lagomorphs and sympatric domestic dogs in NE Spain. Sera from European hares, European rabbits, and rural dogs were tested for antibodies against L. infantum using an in-house indirect ELISA. PCR analysis targeting Leishmania spp. was performed in spleens from L. europaeus. Antibodies against Leishmania spp. were detected in all the species analyzed. Total sample prevalence was significantly higher in O. cuniculus (27.9%) than in L. europaeus (2.0%). Results of the PCR were all negative. The present study expands knowledge about Leishmania infections in free-ranging lagomorphs in the Iberian Peninsula, suggesting a more important role of O. cuniculus in the study area. Given the strong correlation between lagomorph densities and human leishmaniasis outbreaks in Spain, the high rabbit and human densities in NE Spain, and the high Leishmania spp. seroprevalence in rabbits, it becomes imperative to establish surveillance programs for lagomorphs in this region.

Improved Antibody Detection for Canine Leptospirosis: ELISAs Modified Using Local Leptospiral Serovar Isolates from Asymptomatic Dogs.

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease of significant concern for human and animal health, with domestic animals, including dogs, acting as reservoirs for human infection. Serology is widely used for leptospirosis diagnosis, even though the standard microscopic agglutination test (MAT) using a panel of serovars lacks specificity and can lead to detection limitations in certain regions. In this study, we aimed to develop an antibody detection tool for dogs using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with a set of local serovar isolates, including Paidjan, Dadas, and Mini, to enhance the accuracy of leptospirosis surveillance in our region. The specificity and sensitivity of various antigen preparations, namely leptospiral whole-cell protein (WCP), total membrane protein (TMP), and outer membrane protein (OMP), were assessed using sera from infected and non-infected dogs, as well as negative puppy sera. Leptospirosis diagnosis was supported using a genus-specific nested polymerase chain reaction test on all collected sera. Protein preparations were validated using SDS-PAGE and Western blotting analysis. In the results, the standard MAT failed to detect antibodies in any of the dogs confirmed as being infected using PCR and isolation, highlighting its limitations. In contrast, the OMP-based ELISAs using local isolates of Leptospira serovars gave positive results with sera from all infected dogs, and negative results with sera from all dogs from non-endemic areas. IgG titres of infected and unvaccinated dogs from endemically affected areas were significantly higher than those in non-endemic regions. Using the OMP-based IgG/ELISAs with the local serovar Dadas resulted in higher specificity and lower sensitivity than when using the WCP- and TMP-based IgG/ELISAs. Agreement analysis revealed fair and moderate concordance between OMP-based IgG/ELISAs and PCR results, whereas slight and fair agreement was observed between OMP-based ELISAs and the MAT. Overall, the modified OMP-based IgG/ELISAs, utilising relevant local serovar isolates from dogs, demonstrated improved accuracy in detecting leptospirosis in the study area, overcoming the limitations of the MAT. This study highlights the importance of identifying and incorporating these local circulating serovar isolates into serological techniques for leptospirosis diagnosis and surveillance.

Understanding and maximising the community impact of seasonal malaria chemoprevention in Burkina Faso (INDIE-SMC): study protocol for a cluster randomised evaluation trial

IntroductionSeasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) involves repeated administrations of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine plus amodiaquine to children below the age of 5 years during the peak transmission season in areas of seasonal malaria transmission....

Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of Escherichia coli isolated from the chicken liver in relation to slaughterhouse conditions

Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) has been identified as a sub-group of extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC). Recent studies indicate APEC as a potential foodborne zoonotic pathogen and a source or reservoir of human extraintestinal infections. The slaughtering and processing of poultry in low-income countries such as Jordan occurs in two distinct ways: in informal facilities known as Natafat and in formal slaughterhouses. This study compared E. coli phenotypes and genotypes according to slaughtering conditions (formal slaughterhouses vs. informal slaughter facilities). Therefore, liver samples (n = 242) were collected from formal (n = 121) and informal slaughter facilities (n = 121). Results revealed a high prevalence (94.2%) of E. coli among all isolates, with 59 (17 formal and 42 informal) isolates considered avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC) based on the virulence-associated genes. The prevalence of resistance among isolates was relatively high, reaching up to 99% against penicillin and 97% against nalidixic acid. However, the prevalence of resistance was the lowest (1.3%) against both meropenem and imipenem. Based on the MIC test findings, colistin resistance was 46.9% (107/228). The mcr −1 gene prevalence was 51.4% (55/107), of which 17.1 % were from formal plants (6/36) and 68.1% from informal facilities (49/72). Interestingly, only one isolate (0.9%) expressed mcr-10. Escherichia coli O157:H7 and associated virulence genes were found more in informal (n = 15 genes) than in formal slaughterhouses (n = 8). Phylogroups B1, C, and A were the most frequent in 228 E. coli isolates, while G, B2, and clade were the least frequent. In conclusion, these findings highlight the importance of implementing biosecurity measures in slaughterhouses to reduce antibiotic-resistant E. coli spread. Furthermore, this study provides valuable insights into the effects of wet market (Natafat) slaughter conditions on increasing bacterial resistance and virulence.

Multidrug resistance in pathogenic Escherichia coli isolates from urinary tract infections in dogs, Spain.

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a pathogen frequently isolated in cases of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in both humans and dogs and evidence exists that dogs are reservoirs for human infections. In addition, E. coli is associated to increasing antimicrobial resistance rates. This study focuses on the analysis of antimicrobial resistance and the presence of selected virulence genes in E. coli isolates from a Spanish dog population suffering from UTI. This collection of isolates showed an extremely high level of phenotypic resistance to 1st-3rd generation cephalosporins, followed by penicillins, fluoroquinolones and amphenicols. Apart from that, 13.46% of them were considered extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producers. An alarmingly high percentage (71.15%) of multidrug resistant isolates were also detected. There was a good correlation between the antimicrobial resistance genes found and the phenotypic resistance expressed. Most of the isolates were classified as extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli, and two others harbored virulence factors related to diarrheagenic pathotypes. A significant relationship between low antibiotic resistance and high virulence factor carriage was found, but the mechanisms behind it are still poorly understood. The detection of high antimicrobial resistance rates to first-choice treatments highlights the need of constant antimicrobial resistance surveillance, as well as continuous revision of therapeutic guidelines for canine UTI to adapt them to changes in antimicrobial resistance patterns.

Prevalence of livestock associated methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (La-mrsa) in domestic livestock of Dharan, Nepal

Introduction: Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection has drawn a lot of attention since studies suggested that animals may act as reservoirs for human infection. Over the past 20 years, MRSA infections have become more prevalent worldwide. MRSA was initially only discovered in humans, but later it was discovered in animals as well. Objectives: The study aimed to determine the prevalence of LA-MRSA in domestic livestock of Dharan, Nepal. Methods: Overall, 320 skin swab samples of cattle (cows) were collected by swabbing the skin of cattle aseptically with a sterile cotton swab and the samples were transported to the laboratory in a cold chain. The samples were streaked in Mannitol salt agar(MSA) containing oxacillin concentration of 6mg/L and incubated at 37°C for 24 hours. Staphylococcus aureus colonies were identified based on cultural characteristics on MSA plates (golden yellow colonies), Gram’s reaction, and positive results for coagulase and catalase test. The purified isolates of MRSA were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility tests and Biofilm formation. Results: MRSA was found to be prevalent in 10% of cattle. Antibiotic-resistant tests reported that MRSA was found to be sensitive to chloramphenicol 12(37.5%) followed by ceftriaxone 12 (37.25%), gentamycin 9(28.12%), cefotaxime 4(12.5%), while 100% of MRSA were resistant to penicillin and vancomycin. The moderate biofilm-forming MRSA was 5(15.625%), followed by 3(9.375%) weak biofilm producers and 24(75%) were negative towards biofilm formation. Conclusion: The prevalence of MRSA (10%) and Vancomycin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (100% VRSA) in cattle shows the need for regular surveillance. Chloramphenicol can be a treatment of choice for MRSA infections. However, emerging VRSA is a serious epidemiological issue that needs to be addressed properly. Therefore, Healthcare organizations must adopt precise criteria to control and prevent MRSA infection..

Investigation of the SARS-CoV-2 post-vaccination antibody response in Canadian farmed mink

Currently, SARS-CoV-2 have been detected in farmed mink in 13 different countries. Due to the high susceptibility and transmissibility among mink, great concerns of mink serving as a reservoir to generate novel variants with unknown virulence and antigenic properties arose. These concerns have consequently resulted in entire mink productions being culled and banned. This study investigates the post-vaccination antibody response in the Canadian farmed mink vaccinated with a commercial Index spike protein-based vaccine, approved for use in cats, and compares the antibody response to that observed post infection in Danish farmed mink. Blood samples were obtained from 50 mink at the Canadian Centre for Fur Animal Research (CCFAR), Dalhousie University (Truro, Canada). The sera were initially analyzed for antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and selected sera was subsequently tested in a virus neutralization tests. The levels of neutralizing antibodies were evaluated for an ancestral D614G strain and a recent circulating SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern (Omicron BA.4). The results revealed that the vaccine induced a strong antibody response in mink by reaching antibody titer levels of up to 1:12800 in the ELISA. Moreover, high levels of neutralizing antibodies were obtained, and despite the great level of genetic differences between the ancestral and Omicron BA.4 strains, the vaccinated mink showed high levels of cross-reacting neutralizing antibodies. Interestingly, the antibody levels towards SARS-CoV-2 in the Canadian vaccinated mink were significantly higher than observed in recently SARS-CoV-2 infected Danish mink and equal to anamnestic responses following re-infection. In conclusion, the vaccine used in the Canadian farmed mink was able to induce a strong and broad-reacting antibody response in mink, which could limit the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in farmed mink and thereby reduce the risk of mink serving as a SARS-CoV-2 reservoir for human infections.

Genome-wide epitope mapping across multiple host species reveals significant diversity in antibody responses to Coxiella burnetii vaccination and infection.

Coxiella burnetii is an important zoonotic bacterial pathogen of global importance, causing the disease Q fever in a wide range of animal hosts. Ruminant livestock, in particular sheep and goats, are considered the main reservoir of human infection. Vaccination is a key control measure, and two commercial vaccines based on formalin-inactivated C. burnetii bacterins are currently available for use in livestock and humans. However, their deployment is limited due to significant reactogenicity in individuals previously sensitized to C. burnetii antigens. Furthermore, these vaccines interfere with available serodiagnostic tests which are also based on C. burnetii bacterin antigens. Defined subunit antigen vaccines offer significant advantages, as they can be engineered to reduce reactogenicity and co-designed with serodiagnostic tests to allow discrimination between vaccinated and infected individuals. This study aimed to investigate the diversity of antibody responses to C. burnetii vaccination and/or infection in cattle, goats, humans, and sheep through genome-wide linear epitope mapping to identify candidate vaccine and diagnostic antigens within the predicted bacterial proteome. Using high-density peptide microarrays, we analyzed the seroreactivity in 156 serum samples from vaccinated and infected individuals to peptides derived from 2,092 open-reading frames in the C. burnetii genome. We found significant diversity in the antibody responses within and between species and across different types of C. burnetii exposure. Through the implementation of three different vaccine candidate selection methods, we identified 493 candidate protein antigens for protein subunit vaccine design or serodiagnostic evaluation, of which 65 have been previously described. This is the first study to investigate multi-species seroreactivity against the entire C. burnetii proteome presented as overlapping linear peptides and provides the basis for the selection of antigen targets for next-generation Q fever vaccines and diagnostic tests.

The characterization and correlation between the phenotypic and genotypic resistance of Campylobacter spp. isolates from commercial broilers and native chickens in the south of Thailand

ABSTRACT Chicken is a major reservoir and source of human infections from zoonotic Campylobacter. In southern Thailand, chicken is the most popular meat consumed; however, little is known about the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of Campylobacter spp. in chicken production systems. We aimed to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of AMR in Campylobacter isolates from commercial broiler and native chicken farms in southern Thailand. A total of 286 Campylobacter isolates (adjusted prevalence: 60.3%, SE ± 0.01) were recovered, of which 268 were identified as Campylobacter jejuni and 18 as Campylobacter coli. The adjusted prevalence of resistance was highest for nalidixic acid (98.6%), followed by ciprofloxacin (97.2%), enrofloxacin (96.4%), tetracycline (74.6%), tylosin (38.3%), and erythromycin (10.6%). Commercial broilers had resistance levels 7–11% higher to quinolones and 35–47% lower to macrolides and tetracycline (all P ≤ 0.025) compared to native chickens. Genotypic resistance analyses revealed high prevalence rates (>86%) for gyrA mutant, efflux pump CmeABC, and point mutation A2075G in the 23S rRNA gene. High homogeneity was observed among isolates within study farms. Commercial broilers exhibited higher homogeneity in AMR patterns than native chickens. The best agreement was observed between tetracycline resistance and tet(O) genes (Kappa: k = 0.811, P < 0.001), while the fair agreement was found for quinolone resistance and gyrA mutant genes (k = 0.260–0.271, P < 0.001). No association was detected between macrolide resistance and point mutations in the 23S rRNA gene. These findings fill knowledge gaps on AMR in Campylobacter in Thailand, emphasizing the need for targeted AMR mitigation strategies in both commercial broilers and native chickens. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS High Campylobacter prevalence in chickens; C. jejuni more prevalent than C. coli. Susceptibility to macrolides but resistance to quinolones/tetracyclines in isolates. Homogeneous resistance patterns within farms; higher in broilers than in native birds. Partial association between phenotypic and genotypic resistance among isolates.

Disentangling the innate immune responses of intestinal epithelial cells and lamina propria cells to Salmonella Typhimurium infection in chickens.

Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (STm) is a major foodborne pathogen and poultry are a key reservoir of human infections. To understand the host responses to early stages of Salmonella infection in poultry, we infected 2D and 3D enteroids, the latter of which contains leukocytes, neurons, and mesenchymal cells that are characteristic of the lamina propria. We infected these enteroids with wild-type (WT STm), a non-invasive mutant lacking the prgH gene (ΔprgH STm), or treated them with STm lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and analyzed the expression of innate immune related genes by qPCR at 4 and 8 h. The localization of the tight junction protein, ZO-1, expression was disrupted in WT STm infected enteroids but not ΔprgH STm or LPS treated enteroids, suggesting a loss of epithelial barrier integrity. The innate immune response to LPS was more pronounced in 2D enteroids compared to 3D enteroids and by 8 hpi, the response in 3D enteroids was almost negligible. However, when STm adhered to or invaded the enteroids, both 2D and 3D enteroids exhibited an upregulation of inflammatory responses. The presence of lamina propria cells in 3D enteroids resulted in the unique expression of genes associated with immune functions involved in regulating inflammation. Moreover, 2D and 3D enteroids showed temporal differences in response to bacterial invasion or adherence. At 8 hpi, innate responses in 3D but not 2D enteroids continued to increase after infection with WT STm, whereas the responses to the non-invasive strain decreased at 8 hpi in both 2D and 3D enteroids. In conclusion, STm infection of chicken enteroids recapitulated several observations from in vivo studies of Salmonella-infected chickens, including altered epithelial barrier integrity based on ZO-1 expression and inflammatory responses. Our findings provide evidence that Salmonella-infected enteroids serve as effective models for investigating host-pathogen interactions and exploring the molecular mechanisms of microbial virulence although the 3D model mimics the host more accurately due to the presence of a lamina propria.

Leptospira infections among rodents and shrews trapped in public markets in Unguja Island, Zanzibar: Untold silent public health threat

Leptospirosis is a zoonosis caused by spirochete bacteria belonging to the genus Leptospira. The disease is recognized as an occupational hazard where rodents and shrews are primary reservoirs of infection for animals and humans. A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2022 to assess the seroprevalence of leptospira infection among rodents and shrews trapped in public markets namely Darajani, Mombasa, Jumbi, Mkokotoni, and Kwerekwe C. The study involved the capture of 210 live rodents and shrews for serum sample collection. The sera were then tested for antibodies against five leptospira serovars using the microscopic agglutination test (MAT). The findings of this study indicated that 16 out of 210 samples were seropositive for leptospira serovars. The overall seroprevalence of leptospira infection was 7.6% (95% CI =4.4-12.1), with a prevalence of 8.0 % (14/174) in rodents and 5.6 % (2/36) in shrews. The range of titers was between 1:20 and 1:160. Rattus rattus were shown to have the highest seroprevalence (5.2%), followed by Rattus norvegicus (1.7%) and Mus spp (1.1%). Samples of rodents and shrews captured from Darajani markets recorded a highest seroprevalence (4.2%). The most prevalent serovars were Sokoine 11 (5.2%), Lora 4 (1.9%), Pomona 2 (1.0%) and Grippotyphosa 1 (0.5%). These findings suggest that market workers, buyers, and sellers are at risk of being infected with leptospira pathogens when they come into contact with urine or contaminated water and soil. Hence, the findings of this study call for awareness creation about leptospiral infection and its association with rodents and shrews in market environments, and the need to control rodents and shrews in marketplaces by relevant government authorities.

Domestic cats are potential reservoirs of multidrug-resistant human enteropathogenic E. coli strains in Bangladesh

Companion animals serve as our best friends, confidants, and family members. Thus, disease and antibiotic resistance gene transmission in pets and humans must be sought out. The study aimed to identify the common pathogenic Escherichia coli (E.coli) in pet cats and the antibiotic resistance patterns and resistant gene distribution. Samples (n = 210) were collected from different veterinary clinics in Bangladesh’s cities of Mymensingh and Dhaka. Pathogenic E. coli was identified using conventional and molecular approaches. The disc diffusion method assessed the resistance profile against 12 antibiotics, and PCR was used to identify the beta-lactam resistance genes. The prevalence of the stx-1 gene was found to be 2.86%, whereas the rfbO157 prevalence was found to be 1.90% in cats. The stx-1 gene (n = 6) was 100% resistant to erythromycin and imipenem, whereas 100% sensitive to chloramphenicol. In turn, the rfbO157 gene (n = 4) exhibited 100% resistance to erythromycin, imipenem, cefixime, and azithromycin. In addtion, we identified genes that exhibit resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics (100% blaTEM, 40% blaCTX-M, 40% blaSHV2). This study found shiga-toxin producing and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing E. coli for the first time in pet cats of Bangladesh. Furthermore, the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profile of the isolated strains refers to the occurrence of multidrug, which concerns cats and their owners. The existence of these genesin non-diarrheic pet animal isolates indicates that domestic pets may serve as a reservoir for human infection. Thus, one health strategy comprising animal and human health sectors, governments, together with stakeholders is needed to confront multidrug-resistant E. coli infections in Bangladesh.

Prevalence, potential risk factors and genetic diversity of Blastocystis in ruminant livestock animals from Penang, Malaysia.

Blastocystis is a unicellular, anaerobic protist inhabiting the intestinal tract of diverse animal hosts, including human. Information regarding Blastocystis in small ruminants, namely goats and sheep, is limited globally; thus, this study was carried out to investigate the distribution and determinants of Blastocystis in ruminant livestock animals from Penang, Malaysia. Fecal samples from 127 cattle, 149 goats, and 100 sheep were examined for Blastocystis by in vitro cultivation using modified Jones' medium, while DNA barcoding was used for subtyping. Overall, 23.1% (87/376) of animals screened were positive for Blastocystis sp. The prevalence of infection was significantly higher in goats than in cattle and sheep, while the female gender, semi-intensive farming system, and the Northeast Penang Island district were identified as potential risk factors for Blastocystis infection. Blastocystis sp. ST5, ST14, and ST25 were identified in cattle; ST5, ST10, ST13, and ST14 in goats; and ST4, ST5, ST14, and ST15 in sheep. ST5 and ST14 were found to be the most abundant and widespread subtypes in the study area. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of ST4 from sheep and ST13 from goats, thus serving as an update to the host range of Blastocystis sp. ST4 and ST13. The isolation of ST4 and ST5 in this study suggests that ruminant livestock animals could serve as reservoirs of human infection.

First description of Blastocystis sp. and Entamoeba sp. infecting zoo animals in the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau area, China.

Protozoan parasites are a well-known threat to human health, particularly for people working at or visiting zoos, and potentially cause zoonotic diseases in humans. Captive wildlife may be potential reservoirs for human infection with protozoan parasites. Therefore, focusing on zoonotic protozoan infections in zoo animals is critical. However, there is no report on this topic in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau region. In this study, a total of 167 and 103 fecal samples were collected from 12 animal species from Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Wildlife Park in winter and summer, respectively, to detection the prevalence of infections and subtype distribution with Entamoeba sp., Cryptosporidium sp., Giardia duodenalis, Enteromicrosporidia bieneusi sp., Blastocystis sp. by PCR assay. The results showed that a total of 21 fecal samples collected in winter, including from 2 white-lipped deer, 8 Sika deer, 6 blue sheep, 2 wolves and 3 bears, were positive for Entamoeba, with a 12.6% (21/167) positive rate. However, 4.9% (5/103) of animals in summer were positive for Entamoeba, including 1 snow leopard, 1 tiger, 1 Tibetan argali and 2 mouflon. Moreover, 1 white-lipped deer and 1 bear were found to be positive for Blastocystis sp., one zoonotic STs (ST10) was identified and found in white-lipped deer. We found no effect on season on Blastocystis sp. and Entamoeba sp. colonization. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first description of Blastocystis sp. and Entamoeba sp. infecting zoo animals in the plateau area. The findings provide the latest data on Entamoeba sp. and Blastocystis sp. in zoo animals in China.

Detection of Plasmodium simium gametocytes in non-human primates from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

BackgroundPlasmodium species of non-human primates (NHP) are of great interest because they can naturally infect humans. Plasmodium simium, a parasite restricted to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, was recently shown to cause a zoonotic outbreak in the state of Rio de Janeiro. The potential of NHP to act as reservoirs of Plasmodium infection presents a challenge for malaria elimination, as NHP will contribute to the persistence of the parasite. The aim of the current study was to identify and quantify gametocytes in NHP naturally-infected by P. simium.MethodsWhole blood samples from 35 NHP were used in quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) assays targeting 18S rRNA, Pss25 and Pss48/45 malaria parasite transcripts. Absolute quantification was performed in positive samples for 18S rRNA and Pss25 targets. Linear regression was used to compare the quantification cycle (Cq) and the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was used to assess the correlation between the copy numbers of 18S rRNA and Pss25 transcripts. The number of gametocytes/µL was calculated by applying a conversion factor of 4.17 Pss25 transcript copies per gametocyte.ResultsOverall, 87.5% of the 26 samples, previously diagnosed as P. simium, were positive for 18S rRNA transcript amplification, of which 13 samples (62%) were positive for Pss25 transcript amplification and 7 samples (54%) were also positive for Pss48/45 transcript. A strong positive correlation was identified between the Cq of the 18S rRNA and Pss25 and between the Pss25 and Pss48/45 transcripts. The 18S rRNA and Pss25 transcripts had an average of 1665.88 and 3.07 copies/µL, respectively. A positive correlation was observed between the copy number of Pss25 and 18S rRNA transcripts. Almost all gametocyte carriers exhibited low numbers of gametocytes (< 1/µL), with only one howler monkey having 5.8 gametocytes/µL.ConclusionsFor the first time, a molecular detection of P. simium gametocytes in the blood of naturally-infected brown howler monkeys (Alouatta guariba clamitans) was reported here, providing evidence that they are likely to be infectious and transmit P. simium infection, and, therefore, may act as a reservoir of malaria infection for humans in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest.

A positive feedback loop controls Toxoplasma chronic differentiation.

Successful infection strategies must balance pathogen amplification and persistence. In the obligate intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii this is accomplished through differentiation into dedicated cyst-forming chronic stages that avoid clearance by the host immune system. The transcription factor BFD1 is both necessary and sufficient for stage conversion; however, its regulation is not understood. In this study we examine five factors that are transcriptionally activated by BFD1. One of these is a cytosolic RNA-binding protein of the CCCH-type zinc-finger family, which we name bradyzoite formation deficient 2 (BFD2). Parasites lacking BFD2 fail to induce BFD1 and are consequently unable to fully differentiate in culture or in mice. BFD2 interacts with the BFD1 transcript under stress, and deletion of BFD2 reduces BFD1 protein levels but not messenger RNA abundance. The reciprocal effects on BFD2 transcription and BFD1 translation outline a positive feedback loop that enforces the chronic-stage gene-expression programme. Thus, our findings help explain how parasites both initiate and commit to chronic differentiation. This work provides new mechanistic insight into the regulation of T. gondii persistence, and can be exploited in the design of strategies to prevent and treat these key reservoirs of human infection.

Pet Rats as the Likely Reservoir for Human Seoul Orthohantavirus Infection.

Seoul orthohantavirus (SEOV) is a rat-associated zoonotic pathogen with an almost worldwide distribution. In 2019, the first autochthonous human case of SEOV-induced hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome was reported in Germany, and a pet rat was identified as the source of the zoonotic infection. To further investigate the SEOV reservoir, additional rats from the patient and another owner, all of which were purchased from the same vendor, were tested. SEOV RNA and anti-SEOV antibodies were found in both of the patient's rats and in two of the three rats belonging to the other owner. The complete coding sequences of the small (S), medium (M), and large (L) segments obtained from one rat per owner exhibited a high sequence similarity to SEOV strains of breeder rat or human origin from the Netherlands, France, the USA, and Great Britain. Serological screening of 490 rats from breeding facilities and 563 wild rats from Germany (2007-2020) as well as 594 wild rats from the Netherlands (2013-2021) revealed 1 and 6 seropositive individuals, respectively. However, SEOV RNA was not detected in any of these animals. Increased surveillance of pet, breeder, and wild rats is needed to identify the origin of the SEOV strain in Europe and to develop measures to prevent transmission to the human population.

First bovine vaccine to prevent human schistosomiasis - a cluster randomised Phase 3 clinical trial

ObjectiveSchistosomiasis is a neglected tropical parasitic disease caused by blood flukes of the genus Schistosoma. Schistosoma japonicum is zoonotic in China, the Philippines, and Indonesia, with bovines acting as major reservoirs of human infection. The primary objective of the trial was to examine the impact of a combination of human mass chemotherapy, snail control through mollusciciding, and SjCTPI bovine vaccination on the rate of human infection. MethodsA 5-year phase IIIa cluster randomized control trial was conducted among 18 schistosomiasis-endemic villages comprising 18,221 residents in Northern Samar, The Philippines. ResultsOverall, bovine vaccination resulted in a statistically significant decrease in human infection (relative risk [RR] = 0.75; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.69 to 0.82) across all trial follow-ups. The best outcome of the trial was when bovine vaccination was combined with snail mollusciciding. This combination resulted in a 31% reduction (RR = 0.69; 95% CI = 0.61 to 0.78) in human infection. ConclusionThis is the first trial to demonstrate the effectiveness of a bovine vaccine for schistosomiasis in reducing human schistosome infection. The trial is registered with Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12619001048178).

Bovine blood derived macrophages are unable to control Coxiella burnetii replication under hypoxic conditions.

Coxiella burnetii is a zoonotic pathogen, infecting humans, livestock, pets, birds and ticks. Domestic ruminants such as cattle, sheep, and goats are the main reservoir and major cause of human infection. Infected ruminants are usually asymptomatic, while in humans infection can cause significant disease. Human and bovine macrophages differ in their permissiveness for C. burnetii strains from different host species and of various genotypes and their subsequent host cell response, but the underlying mechanism(s) at the cellular level are unknown. C. burnetii infected primary human and bovine macrophages under normoxic and hypoxic conditions were analyzed for (i) bacterial replication by CFU counts and immunofluorescence; (ii) immune regulators by westernblot and qRT-PCR; cytokines by ELISA; and metabolites by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Here, we confirmed that peripheral blood-derived human macrophages prevent C. burnetii replication under oxygen-limiting conditions. In contrast, oxygen content had no influence on C. burnetii replication in bovine peripheral blood-derived macrophages. In hypoxic infected bovine macrophages, STAT3 is activated, even though HIF1α is stabilized, which otherwise prevents STAT3 activation in human macrophages. In addition, the TNFα mRNA level is higher in hypoxic than normoxic human macrophages, which correlates with increased secretion of TNFα and control of C. burnetii replication. In contrast, oxygen limitation does not impact TNFα mRNA levels in C. burnetii-infected bovine macrophages and secretion of TNFα is blocked. As TNFα is also involved in the control of C. burnetii replication in bovine macrophages, this cytokine is important for cell autonomous control and its absence is partially responsible for the ability of C. burnetii to replicate in hypoxic bovine macrophages. Further unveiling the molecular basis of macrophage-mediated control of C. burnetii replication might be the first step towards the development of host directed intervention measures to mitigate the health burden of this zoonotic agent.

Validation of an immunochromatographic assay kit based on colored latex particles for the identification of the canine visceral leishmaniasis

Visceral leishmaniasis is a zoonotic infectious disease with a severe impact on humans and animals. Infection is transmitted by phlebotomine sand flies. The dogs are main reservoir for human infection. A rapid and accurate diagnosis of canine visceral leishmaniasis is essential for an efficient surveillance program. The aim of this study was to assess the performance of a rapid immunochromatographic strip test based on functionalized colored particles and a new recombinant antigenic protein, as a visual “in situ” method for the diagnosis of canine visceral leishmaniasis. The results were evaluated using an in-house ELISA assay with the same antigen. Both tests produced concordant results and the immunochromatographic strip test showed good diagnostic sensitivity (98%) and specificity (95%). Finally, meta-analysis was used to compare the sensitivity and specificity of the here developed test with the results of commercial immunochromatographic strip tests obtained from literature.