Risk Of Zoonotic Transmission Research Articles

Occurrence and identification of lungworms in Iranian wild boars

This study represents the first investigation into the occurrence and identification of Metastrongylus spp. in wild boars (Sus scrofa) in Iran, utilizing both molecular and morphological methods. Thirteen wild boars from Kerman Province were examined, with 92.3% found to be infected with at least one species of Metastrongylus. Mixed infections were observed in 38.46% of the animals. Morphological and molecular analyses confirmed the presence of M. pudendotectus and M. salmi, with prevalence rates of 76.9% and 53.9%, respectively. Histopathological examination revealed transverse and longitudinal sections of Metastrongylus parasites within the airways, causing partial to complete obstruction, interstitial pneumonia, and inflammatory responses. The study also highlights the public health significance of these parasites. The higher prevalence observed compared to earlier studies suggests changes in environmental conditions, host dynamics, or agricultural practices as possible factors, warranting further investigation. The findings underscore the need for comprehensive surveillance and control measures to mitigate the risk of zoonotic transmission, particularly in regions with significant wild and domestic swine populations. This study contributes to the understanding of Metastrongylus spp. distribution and their pathological impact, emphasizing the ecological importance of wild boars and the necessity for continued monitoring and research to prevent and control infections in both animal and human populations.

Seroreactivity against Leptospira spp. differs between community cats and privately-owned cats in Hong Kong

Leptospirosis is a bacterial zoonotic disease of major One Health significance and public health impact globally, with a wide host range including mammals, cetaceans and herpetofauna. This study aimed to determine Leptospira seroprevalence, risk factors for seroreactivity and prevalence of urinary Leptospira shedding among domestic cats in Hong Kong.Microagglutination testing of 22 Leptospira serovars from 20 serogroups was performed on 738 sera from outdoor free-roaming “community” cats (n = 391) and privately-owned (n = 347) cats. Urine from 268 community cats was tested for pathogenic Leptospira DNA by qPCR targeting lipL32. Potential risk factors associated with exposure were assessed using logistic regression.Overall Leptospira seroprevalence was 9.35%. Of 14 serogroups detected, Javanica (4.3%), Djasiman (2.3%) and Australis (1.5%) were most common. Seroreactivity was significantly higher among community (13.3%) than privately-owned cats (4.9%; OR 2.98 [95% CI 1.68–5.25], P < 0.001), especially to Javanica (7.65% of community cats versus 0.58% of privately-owned cats (P < 0.001). Antibody titres to all serogroups ranged from 1:100 to 1:6400 (median 1:200) and were highest for Javanica (median 1:800).Leptospira DNA was detected in urine from 12/268 community cats (4.48%; median load 6.42 × 102 copies/mL urine; range 1.40 × 101–9.63 × 104). One in three seroreactive community cats with paired urine and blood samples had leptospiruria. After adjusting for source, none of breed, sex, neuter status, age, district rodent infestation rate, serum alanine transaminase or creatinine values were associated with seroreactivity.Cats in Hong Kong are exposed to a diversity of Leptospira serogroups and can shed Leptospira silently in urine. The higher seroprevalence among outdoor free-roaming community cats highlights the importance of environmental drivers in leptospirosis transmission and risks of exposure for sympatric human populations. Gloves should be worn when handling feline urine to minimise the risk of zoonotic transmission from subclinically infected cats.

Advancements in Research on Duck Tembusu Virus Infections.

Duck Tembusu Virus (DTMUV) is a pathogen of the Flaviviridae family that causes infections in poultry, leading to significant economic losses in the duck farming industry in recent years. Ducks infected with this virus exhibit clinical symptoms such as decreased egg production and neurological disorders, along with serious consequences such as ovarian hemorrhage, organ enlargement, and necrosis. Variations in morbidity and mortality rates exist across different age groups of ducks. It is worth noting that DTMUV is not limited to ducks alone; it can also spread to other poultry such as chickens and geese, and antibodies related to DTMUV have even been found in duck farm workers, suggesting a potential risk of zoonotic transmission. This article provides a detailed overview of DTMUV research, delving into its genomic characteristics, vaccines, and the interplay with host immune responses. These in-depth research findings contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the virus's transmission mechanism and pathogenic process, offering crucial scientific support for epidemic prevention and control.

Molecular surveillance of Helicobacter species with high prevalence from two streams with various wastewater pollution in Taiwan

Helicobacter species are potential zoonotic pathogens classified as either enterohepatic or gastric. Helicobacter infection can be transmitted through wastewater from households and livestock and through water from irrigation and streams. In this study, the distribution and source of Helicobacter species in the Donggang and Yenshui rivers, two natural water bodies with different characteristics, were analyzed. A total of 44 water samples were collected over the four seasons. The samples were subjected to Helicobacter 16 s rRNA gene PCR, followed by sequencing and comparison for identification and analysis. The detection rate of Helicobacter species in both rivers was 79.55%, with H. kayseriensis (10/35, 28.57%) being the most common species. Analysis of the environment around the sampling sites showed a high detection rate in the livestock-rich area, and the results of BLAST for species identification and comparison indicated feces as the contamination source. The area around the Donggang River was developed for animal husbandry, led to a high detection rate of Helicobacter species. Many Helicobacter species were identified to have a risk of zoonotic transmission, especially if the stream is used as a source of drinking, agricultural, or even aquacultural water. The high presence of Helicobacter species in natural water bodies suggests that wastewater treatment is an effective strategy to control pathogen spread. Therefore, investigation and monitoring of pathogens in wastewater are highly important. However, methods for the isolation and culture of Helicobacter species in natural waters have yet to be developed. Hence, future research should focus on developing such methods.

Visual attention is not attuned to non-human animal targets’ pathogenicity: an evolutionary mismatch perspective

A considerable amount of research has revealed that there exists an evolutionary mismatch between ancestral environments and conditions following the rise of agriculture regarding the contact between humans and animal reservoirs of infectious diseases. Based on this evolutionary mismatch framework, we examined whether visual attention exhibits adaptive attunement toward animal targets’ pathogenicity. Consistent with our predictions, faces bearing heuristic infection cues held attention to a greater extent than did animal vectors of zoonotic infectious diseases. Moreover, the results indicated that attention showed a specialized vigilance toward processing facial cues connoting the presence of infectious diseases, whereas it was allocated comparably between animal disease vectors and disease-irrelevant animals. On the other hand, the pathogen salience manipulation employed to amplify the participants’ contextual-level anti-pathogen motives did not moderate the selective allocation of attentional resources. The fact that visual attention seems poorly equipped to detect and encode animals’ zoonotic transmission risk supports the idea that our evolved disease avoidance mechanisms might have limited effectiveness in combating global outbreaks originating from zoonotic emerging infectious diseases.

Seasonal Patterns of Mpox Index Cases, Africa, 1970-2021.

Across 133 confirmed mpox zoonotic index cases reported during 1970-2021 in Africa, cases occurred year-round near the equator, where climate is consistent. However, in tropical regions of the northern hemisphere under a dry/wet season cycle, cases occurred seasonally. Our findings further support the seasonality of mpox zoonotic transmission risk.

Some Specific Biological Risks of SARS-CoV-2 Infected Syrian Hamsters at Animal Biosafety Level - Lab 3

The emergence of novel severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has prompted extensive research to identify its pathogenesis, transmission, and reservoir entry in animals. Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) are being identified as an ideal animal model for the study of SARS-CoV-2 infection due to their susceptibility and respiratory symptoms similar to that observed in humans. This study focused on the specific biological risks associated with the use of infected Syrian hamsters in animal biosafety level 3 (ABSL-3) laboratories. The professional and psychological training of professionals working with laboratory animals should be a priority. Biological safety requires the involvement of all parties from technical staff to top management. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown a limitation in experimental studies when obtaining the right strain of mice proved difficult. A rare experimental model of Syrian hamsters started to be used in the work, which Syrian hamsters have several distinctive characteristics associated with increased aggressiveness of females, leading to a requirement to keep them isolated and some technical difficulties during manipulations in the biological safety cabinet. Therefore, a risk-based approach must be introduced to reduce the additional risks to workers to an acceptable level. This includes enhanced accuracy in the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), rigorously following biosecurity protocols, and monitoring staff health to detect potential risk of zoonotic transmission. The implementation of international standards and regulations on biological safety and biosecurity is of paramount importance.

Risk of Zoonotic Transmission of COVID-19 during Eid-Ul-Fitr in Pakistan

Eid-ul-Fitr is an auspicious festival that is expected to celebrate by millions of Muslims across the world including Pakistan by the end of April. The Delta variant of COVID-19 is way more harmful than any other variants. The spread of virus still remains very high in large festival gatherings like Eid ul Fitr instead of strictly following SOPs. The mass migration of people across the country during festival is of main concern that leads to increase spread of virus. It is imperative that government officials along with community leaders, religious scholars and health authorities should take part in mitigating risks of virus transmission with serious measures. As general public is not much aware of the COVID-19 complications, it becomes significant to educate illiterate people through various approaches like to give them awareness about virus, its symptoms, preventive measures and significance of vaccination. Communication in their local language that is easily comprehendible and in persuasive way greatly impacts the public and empowers them to adapt healthy behavior that helps to mitigate the risk of virus transmission.

Brachyspira in dogs: risk factors of shedding in central Germany and longitudinal study of an infected kennel

BackgroundBrachyspira (B.) pilosicoli is a zoonotic pathogen, able to infect different animal species such as pigs, poultry, and rodents, causing intestinal spirochetosis. An association of gastrointestinal clinical signs, such as diarrhea, with the isolation of B. pilosicoli from fecal samples or rectal swabs has not been proven in dogs. Other Brachyspira species commonly isolated from dogs, such as “B. canis” and “B. pulli”, are considered commensals. This study investigated the occurrence of different Brachyspira species in rectal swabs and fecal samples in an independent canine cohort in central Germany. These included samples from shelter dogs, hunting dogs, and dogs presenting at regional small animal practices with various clinical signs. Data about the dogs, including potential risk factors for Brachyspira isolation, were obtained using a standardized questionnaire. The study also longitudinally investigated a colony of Beagle dogs for Brachyspira over 5 years.ResultsThe rate of Brachyspira spp. isolation was 11% and included different Brachyspira species (“B. canis”, “B. pulli”, and B. pilosicoli). “B. canis” was detected in 18 dogs, whereas B. pilosicoli was only isolated from 1 dog in the independent cohort (not including the Beagle colony). Risk factors for shedding Brachyspira and “B. canis” were being less than 1 year of age and shelter origin. Gastrointestinal signs were not associated with the shedding of Brachyspira. B. pilosicoli and “B. canis” were isolated from several dogs of the same Beagle colony in 2017 and again in 2022, while Brachyspira was not isolated at multiple sampling time points in 2021.ConclusionsShedding of B. pilosicoli in dogs appears to be uncommon in central Germany, suggesting a low risk of zoonotic transmission from dogs. Commensal status of “B. canis” and “B. pulli” is supported by the results of this study. Findings from the longitudinal investigation of the Beagle colony agree with an asymptomatic long-term colonization of dogs with “B. canis” and B. pilosicoli and suggest that introducing new animals in a pack can trigger an increased shedding of B. pilosicoli.

Epidemiological investigation of Entamoeba in wild rhesus macaques in China: A novel ribosomal lineage and genetic differentiation of Entamoeba nuttalli

Wild rhesus macaques are a potential source of zoonotic parasites for humans, and Entamoeba spp. are common intestinal parasites. To investigate the prevalence of Entamoeba in wild rhesus macaques in China and explore the genetic differentiation of the potentially pathogenic species Entamoeba nuttalli, a total of 276 fecal samples from five populations at high altitudes (HAG, 2,800–4,100 m above sea level) and four populations at low altitudes (LAG, 5–1,000 m above sea level) were collected. PCR methods based on the ssrRNA gene were used to detect Entamoeba infection. Genotyping of E. nuttalli was performed based on six tRNA-linked short tandem repeat (STR) loci for further genetic analyses. The results revealed that Entamoeba infection (69.2%) was common in wild rhesus macaques in China, especially in LAG which had a significantly higher prevalence rate than that in HAG (P < 0.001). Three zoonotic species were identified: Entamoeba chattoni (60.9%) was the most prevalent species and distributed in all the populations, followed by Entamoeba coli (33.3%) and Entamoeba nuttalli (17.4%). In addition, a novel Entamoeba ribosomal lineage named RL13 (22.8%) was identified, and phylogenetic analysis revealed a close genetic relationship between RL13 and Entamoeba. hartmanni. Genotyping of E. nuttalli obtained 24 genotypes from five populations and further analysis showed E. nuttalli had a high degree of genetic differentiation (FST > 0.25, Nm < 1) between the host populations. The result of analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed that observed genetic differences mainly originate from differences among populations (FST = 0.91). Meanwhile, the phylogenetic tree showed that these genotypes of E. nuttalli were clustered according to geographical populations, indicating a significant phylogeographic distribution pattern. Considering the potential pathogenicity of E. nuttalli, attention should be paid to its risk of zoonotic transmission.

Development of an indirect ELISA for the serodiagnosis of canine infection by Onchocercalupi

Onchocercalupi is a zoonotic filarioid parasite of dogs and cats with widespread distribution. A specific non-invasive diagnostic assay for the detection of O.lupi infections remains unavailable. This study aimed to assess the accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity of an ELISA test designed using nine peptides from two O.lupi proteins. Sera (n = 54) collected from O.lupi infected dogs from endemic areas (Portugal and USA), alongside sera from dogs positive for Dirofilariaimmitis, D.repens, Cercopithifilariabainae, and Acanthocheilonemareconditum (n = 53) from a non-endemic area for O.lupi, as well as from helminth-free dogs (n = 60), were tested. The checkerboard titration method was applied for the optimization of peptide concentrations and conjugate anti-dog dilutions. Sensitivity, specificity, and optimal cut-off values were calculated using ROC curve analysis. All peptides reacted against sera of O.lupi, with no correlation between optic density (OD) values and microfilariae (mfs) loads. Sensitivity and specificity values ranging from 85.45 to 100%, and 88.89% to 100%, respectively, were recorded for all peptides examined, with 100% specificity and sensitivity observed for peptides 40_3, 40_5, 130_3, 120_3 and 40_1, 130_5, respectively. The maximum cut-off value was observed for peptides 40_5 (0.765) and 40_3 (0.708). Testing of sera from dogs positive for other filarioids resulted in lower OD values (up to 1.565) for peptides 40_3 and 40_5 when compared with O.lupi (up to 2.929). The availability of this assay will be of value in epidemiological studies of canine O.lupi infection in both endemic and non-endemic areas, and in assessing the risk for zoonotic transmission.

Research Advances on Swine Acute Diarrhea Syndrome Coronavirus

Swine acute diarrhea syndrome coronavirus (SADS-CoV) is a virulent pathogen that causes acute diarrhea in piglets. The virus was first discovered in Guangdong Province, China, in 2017 and has since emerged in Jiangxi, Fujian, and Guangxi Provinces. The outbreak exhibited a localized and sporadic pattern, with no discernable temporal continuity. The virus can infect human progenitor cells and demonstrates considerable potential for cross-species transmission, representing a potential risk for zoonotic transmission. Therefore, continuous surveillance of and comprehensive research on SADS-CoV are imperative. This review provides an overview of the temporal and evolutionary features of SADS-CoV outbreaks, focusing on the structural characteristics of the virus, which serve as the basis for discussing its potential for interspecies transmission. Additionally, the review summarizes virus–host interactions, including the effects on host cells, as well as apoptotic and autophagic behaviors, and discusses prevention and treatment modalities for this viral infection.

Zoonotic linkage and environmental contamination of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in dairy farms: A one health perspective

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a ubiquitous public health challenge, with its prevalence in human, animal, and environmental interfaces posing significant concerns. This study aimed to characterize and detect the zoonotic linkages of MRSA within the cow-environment-human interfaces in dairy farms to address the One Health perspective. A comprehensive investigation, involving 636 samples (an equal number of raw milk and cow nasal swab samples, along with varying numbers of human nasal swab and environmental samples), revealed an overall MRSA prevalence of 13.4% (n = 271/636). Notably, environmental samples exhibited the highest prevalence (19.3%), emphasizing the potential role of farm surroundings in MRSA transmission, while the lowest prevalence was found in raw milk at 11.8% (n = 31/263). The prevalence in cow nasal swabs and human nasal swabs was 13.3% (n = 35/263) and 15.1% (n = 8/53), respectively. Multiplex PCR analysis revealed the presence of different Staphylococcal enterotoxin (SEa, SEb, SEc, and SEd), and exfoliative toxin-producing genes (Eta, Etb) within the MRSA isolates underlining their potential to induce public health threats. All MRSA isolates exhibited complete resistance to Oxacillin (100%) and Amoxicillin (100%), while the highest sensitivity was observed for Vancomycin (85.8%). Furthermore, these MRSA strains demonstrated varying degrees of resistance to other commonly used antimicrobial drugs, including Cefoxitin (75.3%), Ceftarolin (71.2%), Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim (63.5%), Ciprofloxacin (60%), and Gentamicin (49.5%). Detection of MRSA in cow, human, and environmental samples within the same farm vicinity highlights the risk of zoonotic transmission of MRSA from cows to humans through environmental interfaces. Phylogenetic analysis of the mecA gene in MRSA isolates from all sources within the same farm revealed a high similarity index (>84%) among them suggesting a shared evolutionary origin. Moreover, the MRSA isolates from milk samples showed a close evolutionary relationship with isolates from Kenya and Brazil, while the isolates from humans and the environment displayed noticeable resemblance to isolates from several Asian countries. The findings emphasize the importance of collaborative efforts under the One Health framework to address this multifaceted issue and ensure the safety of our food supply and public health.

Influenza A virus antibodies in horses and pigs in Nigeria: The need for One Health approach

Influenza A viruses are a great threat to human health because of their heterogeneity in its host range and the propensity of reassortment to novel viruses with pandemic potential. There is risk of zoonotic transmission of influenza A between humans and livestock due to close interactions. Due to the paucity of data on influenza A viruses among domesticated animals, we investigated the presence of nucleocapsid of influenza A virus antibodies using ID screen® influenza A antibody competitive multi-species enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. A total of 184 pigs were sampled from Benue state, and 92 horses were sampled from three local government areas of Kaduna state, Nigeria. Of the animals sampled, an estimated 25% (95% CI: 18.92, 31.90) of pigs and 93.48% (95% CI: 86.34, 97.57) of horses tested positive for influenza A virus IgG. The results indicate exposure of domestic animals to influenza A virus, thereby raising concern of potential epidemics in both animals and humans. There is need for increased surveillance in both domestic animals and humans who are in close interaction.

Kinship analysis of mecA gene of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolated from milk and risk factors from the farmers in Blitar, Indonesia.

There are numerous reports of subclinical mastitis cases in Blitar, which is consistent with the region's high milk production and dairy cattle population. Staphylococcus aureus, which is often the cause of mastitis cases, is widely known because of its multidrug-resistant properties and resistance to β-lactam antibiotic class, especially the methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strains. This study aimed to molecular detection and sequence analysis of the mecA gene in milk and farmer's hand swabs to show that dairy cattle are reservoirs of MRSA strains. A total of 113 milk samples and 39 farmers' hand swab samples were collected from a dairy farm for the isolation of S. aureus using Mannitol salt agar. The recovered isolates were further characterized using standard microbiological techniques. Isolates confirmed as S. aureus were tested for sensitivity to antibiotics. Oxacillin Resistance Screening Agar Base testing was used to confirm the presence of MRSA, whereas the mecA gene was detected by polymerase chain reaction and sequencing. A total of 101 samples were confirmed to be S. aureus. There were 2 S. aureus isolates that were multidrug-resistant and 14 S. aureus isolates that were MRSA. The mecA gene was detected in 4/14 (28.6%) phenotypically identified MRSA isolates. Kinship analysis showed identical results between mecA from milk and farmers' hand swabs. No visible nucleotide variation was observed in the two mecA sequences of isolates from Blitar, East Java. The spread of MRSA is a serious problem because the risk of zoonotic transmission can occur not only to people who are close to livestock in the workplace, such as dairy farm workers but also to the wider community through the food chain.

Seropositivity, Comparison Between the Efficiency of Serological Tests and Risk Factors of Brucella Infection in Small Ruminants with History of Abortion in the Afar Region of North-Eastern Ethiopia.

Brucellosis is one of the most important reproductive diseases that cause abortion and breeding failure in small ruminants in Ethiopia. Therefore, our objective was to detect the seropositivity and risk factors of Brucella infection in small ruminants with history of abortion using modified RBPT, cELISA, and CFT in the Amibara district of the Afar Region, Ethiopia. Sera were collected from 226 animals (195 goats and 31ewes) and assessed for seropositivity of Brucella infection using modified RBPT, CFT, and competitive ELISA. The overall seroprevalence was 12.0% (27 out of 226), 7.5% (17 out of 226), and 26.5% (60 out of 226) by mRBPT, CFT, and cELISA, respectively. Out of 27 sera that were reactive by mRBPT, 17 (63.0%) were also reactive by (CFT). Out of the 17 sera that were reactive by CFT and mRBPT, 14 (82.4%) were reactive by cELISA. Out of the 29 sera that were non-reactive by both mRBPT and CFT, 10 (34.5%) were found reactive by cELISA. Out of the 226 sera that were tested by both mRBPT and cELISA, 20 (8.9%) were reactive by both tests, while 159 (70.4%) were non-reactive by both tests. The percentage of test agreement (79.2%) between mRBPT and cELISA was poor (k=0.353). High seropositivity for Brucella infection was significantly associated with the presence of retained placenta in the studied animals (adjusted OR=2.2, 95% CI, 1.1-4.4, P=0.030) as detected by cELISA. The current study revealed that a cELISA-based seroepidemiological survey increases the likelihood of detecting individuals with brucellosis and provides reliable evidence for mRBPT. Furthermore, there was a significant association between seropositivity for Brucella infection and retained placenta. These findings emphasize the necessity for proactive measures to reduce the economic impact of brucellosis and mitigate the risk of zoonotic transmission.

Generation and Characterization of Monoclonal Antibodies against Swine Acute Diarrhea Syndrome Coronavirus Spike Protein

Swine acute diarrhea syndrome coronavirus (SADS-CoV), a member of the family Coronaviridae and the genus Alphacoronavirus, primarily affects piglets under 7 days old, causing symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration. It has the potential to infect human primary and passaged cells in vitro, indicating a potential risk of zoonotic transmission. In this study, we successfully generated and purified six monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) specifically targeting the spike protein of SADS-CoV, whose epitope were demonstrated specificity to the S1A or S1B region by immunofluorescence assay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Three of these mAbs were capable of neutralizing SADS-CoV infection on HeLa-R19 and A549. Furthermore, we observed that SADS-CoV induced the agglutination of erythrocytes from both humans and rats, and the hemagglutination inhibition capacity and antigen–antibody binding capacity of the antibodies were assessed. Our study reveals that mAbs specifically targeting the S1A domain demonstrated notable efficacy in suppressing the hemagglutination phenomenon induced by SADS-CoV. This finding represents the first instance of narrowing down the protein region responsible for SADS-CoV-mediated hemagglutination to the S1A domain, and reveals that the cell attachment domains S1A and S1B are the main targets of neutralizing antibodies.

Zoonotic transmission risk of Acinetobacter baumannii from Alaskan wildlife

Abstract Introduction/Objective Acinetobacter baumannii is a multi-drug resistant gram-negative bacterium often isolated in water and soil. A challenge in both human and veterinary nosocomial infections, Acinetobacter is adaptable, forming biofilms and carbapenem resistance (CRAB). As an opportunistic infection, Acinetobacter is an emerging pathogen especially in immunocompromised individuals which include marginalized housing insecure populations. Anchorage dedicates large areas for urban park environments providing high impact of human and moose wildlife interaction. Previous studies link zoonotic transmission of bacteria through direct fecal contact or water contamination. The significant number of vulnerable unsheltered individuals in Anchorage using public green belts presents a potential risk for Acinetobacter baumannii colonization. Methods/Case Report To assess environmental Acinetobacter exposure from urban wildlife, we ground collected 150 moose fecal samples between 2019-2022. Samples were placed into support medium, cultured onto MacConkey agar and incubated at 37C. Biochemical identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing were performed using MicroScan™ (Beckman/Coulter Brea, CA) conventional panels with antimicrobial interpretation along clinical laboratory standards (CLSI). Results (if a Case Study enter NA) Acinetobacter baumannii was isolated in moose feces, with proportion of positive samples increasing annually: 7.5% (2019), 12.5% (2020), and 14.2% (2021). Antimicrobial analysis found 100% of samples resistant to cefpodoxime, cefazolin, ceftriaxone, cefuroxime, ampicillin, and ampicillin-sulbactam, with 72% resistant to ertapenem and imipenem. Aztreonam resistance was 22%, cefepime 17%, with only 5% resistant to ciprofloxacin. Conclusion The increasing colonization of moose feces with multi-drug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii potentially poses a significant public health risk in Anchorage, Alaska. With moose inhabiting areas used by the vulnerable homeless and outdoor enthusiasts, there exists a high risk for exposure potential towards opportunistic infection, and colonization. The multi-drug resistance pattern on observed on several of A. baumannii isolates suggests the possibility of CRAB. As one of the five pathogens listed as an urgent threat by the CDC, it is imperative to study potential sources of carbapenem resistant A. baumannii, including environmental exposure. Finding moose fecal samples positive for A. baumannii indicates a need for continued surveillance and risk assessment for community acquired infection.

Evidence of the Zoonotic Transmission of Cryptosporidium among Children and Pets.

We investigated the zoonotic transmission of Cryptosporidium among the children (n = 188), dogs (n = 133), and cats (n = 55) living in 188 households. Fecal samples were examined using ELISA and confirmed via nested PCR. Coproantigens oocysts were detected in 3.7% of children, 8.3% of dogs, and 5.5% of cats. We found strong evidence of two cases of the zoonotic transmission of Cryptosporidium canis between children and dogs. Furthermore, four children and their respective pets (one dog and three cats) were infected with Cryptosporidium parvum, but we cannot exclude the hypotheses that the oocysts were transmitted from children to animals or that both hosts were infected by a shared source, such as contaminated water or food. The presence of an infected animal elevated the risk of zoonotic transmission by 129.7-fold (95% CI: 13.92-1209.68). Furthermore, sharing a bed with pets was identified as a risk factor for infection in children (OR: 9.9, 95% CI: 1.37-71.2). In conclusion, the zoonotic transmission of Cryptosporidium among children and pets cohabiting in the same household may be quite common, especially when infected animals lie or sleep on children's beds. These findings unequivocally highlight the public health concern surrounding C. canis.

Epidemiological features of Leishmania infantum in dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) suggest a latent risk of visceral leishmaniasis in the metropolitan area of Bucaramanga, Santander, Eastern Colombia.

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a disease caused by species of the Leishmania donovani complex that is mainly transmitted through the urban cycle involving dogs as the primary reservoir. In Colombia, the incidence of VL is increasing, along with the spread of potential vectors. This study aims to investigate the eco-epidemiological factors associated with Leishmania spp. infection in dogs from the Metropolitan Area of Bucaramanga (MAB), Santander, eastern Colombia, which is a region at risk for VL. We conducted molecular and serological surveillance of Leishmania spp. in 207 dogs from MAB to determine the epidemiological factors associated with infection. Subsequently, we carried out a molecular and serological analysis of phlebotomine and humans, respectively, in areas with a higher prevalence of infection, aiming to describe the main features associated with the transmission cycle. Out of the 207 dogs tested, 37 (17.8%, 95% CI=12.6-23.1%) were positive for the presence of Leishmania antibodies by the IFAT test, and only 9 (4.3%, 95% CI=1.55-7.15%) were positive for L. infantum by PCR. Multivariate analyses indicated that canine shelters and dogs with clinical signs commonly associated with canine VL had a higher prevalence of infection (P<0.05). In the entomological survey, 69 blood-fed female phlebotomine of the genus Lutzomyia were captured in canine shelters, among them, 55% were identified as Lutzomyia camposi, 29% as Lu. ovallesi, 7% as Lu. dubitans, 6% as Lu. torvida, and 3% as Lu. cayennensis. The identified meal sources of the phlebotomine included human, pig, avian, cattle, and porcupine (Coendou quichua) blood. However, no phlebotomine positive for Leishmania spp. were detected by molecular analyses. Finally, 14 humans who had frequent contact with L. infantum-positive dogs were analyzed through rK39 test, but none tested was positive for IgG/IgM antibodies. The molecular and serological analyses indicate the circulation of L. infantum in dogs from MAB, with canine shelters having the highest prevalence of infection. The entomological survey of canine shelters showed a significant diversity of phlebotomine without potential vectors of L. infantum, suggesting the presence of infection in dogs from these areas could take place in other locations or through other transmission routes. The circulation of L. infantum in multiple dogs from MAB suggests a latent risk of zoonotic transmission of VL in these cities.