Transmission Routes Research Articles

The landscape of the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland emerging from epidemiological and genomic data

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected all aspects of our lives. Through real-time monitoring and rapid vaccine implementation, we succeeded in suppressing the spread of the disease and mitigating its consequences. Finally, conclusions can be summarized and drawn. Here, we use the example of Poland, which was seriously affected by the pandemic. Compared to other countries, Poland has not achieved impressive results in either testing or vaccination, which may explain its high mortality (case fatality rate, CFR 1.94%). Through retrospective analysis of data collected by the COVID-19 Data Portal Poland, we found significant regional differences in the number of tests performed, number of cases detected, number of COVID-19-related deaths, and vaccination rates. The Masovian, Greater Poland, and Pomeranian voivodeships, the country’s leaders in vaccination, reported high case numbers but low death rates. In contrast, the voivodeships in the eastern and southern parts of Poland (Subcarpathian, Podlaskie, Lublin, Opole), which documented low vaccination levels and low case numbers, had higher COVID-19-related mortality rates. The strong negative correlation between the CFR and the percentage of the population that was vaccinated in Poland supports the validity of vaccination. To gain insight into virus evolution, we sequenced more than 500 genomes and analyzed nearly 80 thousand SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences deposited in GISAID by Polish diagnostic centers. We showed that the SARS-CoV-2 variant distribution over time in Poland reflected that in Europe. Haplotype network analysis allowed us to follow the virus transmission routes and identify potential superspreaders in each pandemic wave.

Infectivity and pathogenesis characterization of getah virus (GETV) strain via different inoculation routes in mice

In recent years, the epidemiological profile of Getah virus (GETV) has become increasingly serious, posing a huge threat to animal and public health in China. GETV can cause multi-species infection, including horses, pigs, rats, cattle, kangaroos, reptiles and birds. However, there were few reports on the efficiency of the virus entering the host via routes of different systems. In the present study, a GETV strain (SC201807) was obtained from a piglet's blood in 2018 in Sichuan, China. First, we established a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) SYBR assay specific to GETV. Then, we evaluated the infection efficiency of different routes using mouse animal model. 108 male mice were randomly divided into four groups as follows: intramuscular, intraoral and intranasal infection routes, and negative control. All mice in the experimental group were inoculated with 4 × 102.85 TCID50 GETV virus. Tissue tropism experiments show that GETV has a wide range of tissue distribution, and intramuscular infection is the first to infect all tissues of the body, and suggest that oral infection may be a new GETV transmission route. Histopathological examination results showed that intramuscular injection of GETV mainly caused different degrees of pathological damage to the tissues, and could rapidly induce a large amount of inflammatory regulatory factors such as IL-6 and TNF-α. Our data may help us to evaluate the risk of transmission of Porcine Getah virus and provide an experimental basis for the prevention and control of Porcine Getah virus.

Analysis of health knowledge awareness and influencing factors of permanent residents in Songshan Lake Science and Technology Industrial Park, Dongguan City

Objective: To understand the health knowledge awareness and influencing factors of permanent residents in Songshan Lake Science and Technology Industrial Park, Dongguan City, and to provide a data basis for the development of health education and public health services in the region. Methods: A multi-stage stratified sampling method was used to select 1,000 permanent residents from 13 residential areas in the region as survey subjects. Basic demographic information and health knowledge awareness were obtained through questionnaires, and statistical analysis was conducted on the data. Results: The health knowledge awareness rate of permanent residents in the region is relatively low, with the highest rate being the dangers of smoking in pregnant women, with the correct answer rate reaching 87.1%. Correct use of antibiotics, transmission routes of AIDS, salt intake standards and hypertension diagnostic standards have correct answer rates between 40% and 55%. The three knowledge points of risk factors for hypertension, diabetes and cerebrovascular disease had the lowest correct answers. Respondents with higher education levels know more health knowledge. Conclusion:The awareness rate of health knowledge is very low, which is not suitable for the current economic development and population quality. Health education and publicity should be strengthened for groups with low awareness and knowledge content.

Emerging Challenges of Mpox Transmission: An In-depth Scoping Review and Evidence Mapping on Breastfeeding Practices in South America.

In 2022, a marked escalation in Monkeypox (Mpox) cases was observed in nonendemic regions, notably South America, despite the virus being traditionally endemic to Central and West Africa. This unexpected shift necessitated a deeper exploration of the novel transmission dynamics, including breastfeeding, given the emerging evidence of potential horizontal and vertical Mpox transmission during mother-infant interactions. The study aimed to critically evaluate existing evidence on potential horizontal and vertical Mpox transmission related to breastfeeding and to assess guidelines in South American countries regarding Mpox prevention during breastfeeding. A scoping review and evidence mapping were conducted, adhering to the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guideline. Data extraction involved identifying primary studies evaluating breastfeeding as a transmission route. Additionally, official documents from South American Health Ministries detailing guidelines or policies on breastfeeding in the context of maternal Mpox infection were reviewed. Three of 215 studies were found relevant; 2 were case reports, and 1 was a laboratory study. Available evidence suggests that contamination could likely occur horizontally through skin-to-skin contact. Six South American countries had issued guidelines on breastfeeding during Mpox infection, but the guidance varied and was not consistent across the region. The study emphasizes the need for clear and consistent guidelines on breastfeeding during Mpox outbreaks, particularly in South America. Collaborative strategies and regular research updates will be essential in addressing the ongoing public health challenge.

Effective intervention of brucellosis prevention in developing countries: A dynamic modelling study

ObjectiveBrucellosis has a considerable impact on human health and the economy in developing countries. In China, the biggest developing country, brucellosis shifted spread of the epidemic from northern to southern regions. Understanding the transmission characteristic of brucellosis on Hunan province, located in central China, is of great significance for successful control. MethodsWe developed a multi-population and multi-route dynamic model (MPMRDM), which is an animal-human-environment coupled model. The model is an extension of the SEIR model, taking into account direct transmission and indirect transmission. We used the model to explore the spread of brucellosis and evaluate the effectiveness of various intervention strategies. ResultsThe animal-to-animal transmission rate was the highest at 5.14 × 10−8, while the environment-to-person transmission rate was the lowest at 9.49 × 10−12. The mean R0 was 1.51. The most effective intervention was taking personal protection, followed by shortening the infection period. Shortening the infection period combined with personal protection is the most effective two-combined intervention strategy. After any comprehensive intervention strategy was implemented, TAR dropped by 90% or more. ConclusionThe results demonstrate that animal transmission route is essential for controlling human brucellosis. Strengthening personal protection, early detection, and early treatment can effectively control the trend of brucellosis. These results can provide an important reference for optimizing brucellosis intervention plans.

Neurological Manifestations and Risk Factors of HTLV-1 Infection in the Middle East Region and Iran: A Comprehensive Review of 137 Articles of the Last 23 Years

Background & Objectives: The Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) retrovirus is prevalent in some regions, such as Iran. This comprehensive literature review explores the symptoms and risk factors associated with HTLV-1 infection Middle East Region and Iran. Materials & Methods: This narrative review used PubMed, Scopus, Embase, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar as searching engines using terms HTLV-1, neurological disorders, pathogenesis, transmission, diagnosis, treatment, and epidemiology for articles published between 2000 and 2023. In total, 137 articles were eligible. Results: Breastfeeding, unsafe sexual contact, and contaminated blood products are main HTLV -1 transmission routes. Brazil, Ecuador, and the Dominican Republic are countries with a high percentage of HTLV-1 infection, with estimates ranging from 1% to 13.9% in Brazil, up to 57% in Ecuador, and 1% to 5% in the Dominican Republic and it is endemic in Iran, Japan, the Caribbean, South America, and Africa. While numerous patients are asymptomatic, the virus can cause HTLV1 -associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) and peripheral neuropathy. Tax viral proteins cause nervous system inflammation and HAM/TSP. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) may decipher spinal cord shrinkage and white matter lesions in affected patients. Immunodeficiency conditions, blood transfusion, and risky sexual behavior increase infection rate. The neurological symptoms are initiated with sensory -motor impairments. The main symptoms are limb weakness, bladder/bowel dysfunction, and cognitive impairment. Conclusion: HTLV-1 infection is highly prevalent in Japan, Africa, the Caribbean, Central and South America, and Iran (especially in northeastern regions like Neyshabur). By understanding the pathogenesis and epidemiology of HTLV-1, proper strategies and targeted treatments can be developed for associated disorders like HAM/TSP. International collaboration is essential in addressing health concerns related to HTLV -1 infection.

Environmental monitoring of a freezing tunnel and its close surroundings in the potato processing industry: Insights into Listeria monocytogenes contamination, cleaning and disinfection efficacy, and transmission risks

Produce is a known vehicle for Listeria monocytogenes, with the number of produce-related outbreaks increasing. Consumers occasionally misuse frozen vegetables as ready-to-eat instead of ready-to-cook, raising the possibility of L. monocytogenes contamination. Environmental monitoring studies focusing on the freezing step in frozen produce are relatively scarce, yet essential, as this step could cause post-contamination. In this study, conducted between February 2021 and December 2021, a total of 607 samples were collected and analyzed for the presence of L. monocytogenes and surrounding microflora (sulfite-reducing Clostridia, Escherichia coli, coliforms, Pseudomonas spp., lactic acid bacteria, thermophiles, and anaerobic spores). These samples were taken after heat treatment, within and around a freezing tunnel in a frozen potato processing facility. Overall, 33.7% (n = 486) of the fixed infrastructure (food contact surfaces, non-food contact surfaces, and surroundings) and 48.8% (n = 121) of the mobile elements (e.g., staff, cleaning utensils, and transport trolleys) tested positive for L. monocytogenes. The cleaning and disinfection (C&D) could reduce L. monocytogenes to undetectable levels, but its execution proved inconsistent. C&D reduced the positive samples by 26.2% (n = 122) inside the freezing tunnel and by 30.9% (n = 184) outside the freezing tunnel. The main areas of concern proved to be the conveyor belt area for post-contamination risk and the staff as a transmission vehicle with cell counts up to 4.8 log CFU normalized over a surface of 50 cm2. During production, L. monocytogenes positive samples increased in the production environment outside the freezing tunnel going from 27.7% (n = 65) to 46.7% (n = 76) on the fixed elements and from 31.8% (n = 22) to 75.0% (n = 24) on mobile elements. Areas prone to L. monocytogenes contamination contained higher cell counts of coliforms, sulfite-reducing Clostridia, and lactic acid bacteria. Monitoring the presence of L. monocytogenes assists in enhancing the overall hygiene within the processing plant by discovering hard-to-reach places susceptible to contamination, potential transmission routes, and the verification of the C&D procedure. It demonstrates how environmental monitoring can contribute to the overall hygiene of the frozen produce industry.

Epidemiology and Transmission of Foot and Mouth Disease among Small Ruminants – A Review

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral infection that affects cloven-hoofed animals, including small ruminants such as sheep and goats. FMD causes severe economic losses due to reduced productivity, trade restrictions, and control measures. The epidemiology and transmission of FMD among small ruminants are influenced by various factors, such as the virus strain, the host species, the environmental conditions, and the animal management practices. This paper reviews the current knowledge on the epidemiology and transmission of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) among small ruminants. It also examines the global distribution and prevalence of FMD in small ruminants, the clinical signs and lesions of FMD in small ruminants, the role of small ruminants in the maintenance and spread of FMD, the transmission routes and risk factors of FMD in small ruminants, and the implications of FMD in small ruminants for disease control and eradication. The paper also identifies the knowledge gaps and research priorities for improving the understanding and management of FMD in small ruminants.

Optimal control and cost effectiveness analysis of a Zika–Malaria co-infection model

Malaria and Zika, are two significant public health concerns, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. The co-infection of Malaria and Zika can occur due to overlapping geographical distributions of their respective vectors, namely Anopheles mosquitoes for Malaria and Aedes mosquitoes for Zika. These mosquitoes serve as intermediate hosts for the parasites and viruses, respectively. The proposed mathematical models capture the complex interactions between the human population and the mosquito population to provide insights into the transmission dynamics. The primary transmission route to humans is through the bite of infected mosquitoes for both diseases. Moreover, Zika virus can be also transmitted sexually and vertically. The models provide a valuable tool for evaluating the impact of different interventions on the transmission dynamics of Malaria and Zika co-infection such as prevention schemes against co-infection with Malaria and Zika, prompt Malaria treatment, and effective mosquito control measures. Using Pontryagin’s maximum principle, the model determines the most effective strategies for reducing Malaria and Zika co-infection over time. By combining modeling with cost-effectiveness analysis and targeted interventions, it is possible to develop evidence-based approaches that reduce disease transmission, protect vulnerable populations, and make efficient use of available resources.

Covert RNA viruses in medflies differ in their mode of transmission and tissue tropism.

The presence of RNA viruses in insects has been extensively covered. However, the study of host-virus interaction has focused on viruses that cause detrimental effects to the host. In this manuscript, we uncovered which tissues are infected with covert RNA viruses in the agricultural pest Ceratitis capitata, and which is the preferred transmission route of these viruses. Our results showed that vertical and horizontal transmission can occur simultaneously, although each virus is transmitted more efficiently following one of these routes. Additionally, our results indicated an association between the tropism of the RNA virus and the preferred route of transmission. Overall, these results set the basis for understanding how viruses are established and maintained in medfly populations.

Survival among people with HIV and their families in Denmark 1995–2021: a nationwide population-based cohort study

Survival among people with HIV (PWH) has vastly improved globally over the last few decades but remains lower than among the general population. We aimed to estimate time trends of survival among PWH and their families from 1995 to2021. We conducted a registry-based, nationwide, population-based, matched cohort study. We included all Danish-born PWH from 1995 to 2021 who had been on antiretroviral therapy for 90 days, did not report intravenous drug use, and were not co-infected with hepatitis C (n=4168). We matched population controls from the general population 10:1 to PWH by date of birth and sex (n=41,680). For family cohorts, we identified siblings, mothers, and fathers of PWH and population controls. From Kaplan-Meier tables with age as time scale, we estimated survival from age 25. We compared PWH with population controls and families of PWH with families of population controls to calculate mortality rate ratios adjusted for sex, age, comorbidities, and education (aMRR). The median age of death among PWH increased from 27.5 years in 1995-1997 to 73.9 years (2010-2014), but thereafter survival increased only marginally. From 2015 to 2021, mortality was increased among PWH (aMRR 1.87 (95% CI: 1.65-2.11)) and siblings (aMRR: 1.25 (95% CI: 1.07-1.47)), mothers (aMRR: 1.30 (95% CI: 1.17-1.43)), and fathers (aMRR: 1.15 (95% CI: 1.03-1.29)) of PWH compared to their respective control cohorts. Mortality among siblings of PWH who reported heterosexual route of HIV transmission (aMRR: 1.51 (95% CI: 1.16-1.96)) was higher than for siblings of PWH who reported men who have sex with men as route of HIV transmission (aMRR 1.19 (95% CI: 0.98-1.46)). Survival among PWH improved substantially until 2010, after which it increased only marginally. This may partly be due to social and behavioural factors as PWH families also had higher mortality. Preben and Anna Simonsen's Foundation and Independent Research Fund Denmark.

Overall Summery of Gulf Country Employees from Bangladesh, Preliminary Evaluation for Abnormal Kidney Liver and Virally Infected Individuals Using Low-cost Tests Like CBC Parameters

Hepatitis B Viruses antigen (HBsAg), Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Syphilis is a major public concern because of shared route of transmission. Alanine transaminase (ALT) and Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) and Bilirubin is measured for abnormal liver function test and Abnormal Kidney function is measured by creatinine. The complete blood count (CBC) is the most common examination used to monitor overall health in clinical practice as well as cheap in Bangladesh. Radiological Image could have cheap but HBsAg, HCV, HIV and Syphilis test is cost effective. The main aim to this study is to determine the viral positive, abnormal Kidney, Liver function patient’s detection by doing cheap CBC test parameters. In this study, we have calculated normal patients CBC parameter and same HBsAg, HCV and syphilis patients, abnormal kidney and liver functions patients CBC parameters have been assembled. We also find out the relation with radiological image of chest X-ray for viral positive patients. The result of the study indicated that all CBC parameter of positive HBsAg, HCV and syphilis, abnormal kidney and liver patients approximately same. But only Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) and Platelet number have significant value. Abnormal Kidney and liver patients have high MPV 11.94x10^3 and HCV, HBsAg positive patients 9.9x10^3 whereas normal patients value is 9.7x10^3. This study proves that there is significant effect for MPV value with normal and viral infected patients. This finding could have used early detection for overseas health checkup.

Hepatitis B Risk Factors are Frequently Present in Children at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre in Karachi.

Infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) poses a serious threat to global public health. More than 300 million instances of chronic hepatitis are brought on by it, which is the primary cause of liver disease. This study was conducted to determine the risk factors of HBV in children at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan. This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Gastroenterology, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan from January 2019 to April 2022. A total of 134 children aged below 16 years with HBV were recruited in this study. Demographic information was recorded. Screening for HBV was done in all patients. Investigations including liver biochemistry, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), and HBV DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were conducted in the hospital along with a complete blood count and ultrasound whole abdomen. All information was collected on a predesigned proforma and evaluated using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS), version 25.0, software. The mean age of patients was 11.02 ± 2.19 years. There were 57.46% males. The frequent risk factor was vertical transmission in 47% of children followed by blood transfusion in 23.9% of children, horizontal transmission in 13.4% of children, and prior history of surgical or dental intervention in 17.2% of children. In this study, vertical transmission was the most common route of transmission of HBV. Additionally, 11% of family members were HBV positive. None had concomitant hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HDV infection. All pregnant females should be screened. Children on chronic blood transfusion therapy should be screened annually. Additionally, birth-dose HBV vaccination should be implemented as a key step in HBV prevention among Pakistani children. Butt N, Kamani L, Khemani H. Hepatitis B Risk Factors are Frequently Present in Children at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre in Karachi. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2024;14(1):16-19.

Barcoded SARS-CoV-2 viruses define the impact of time and route of transmission on the transmission bottleneck in a Syrian hamster model.

The transmission bottleneck, defined as the number of viruses that transmit from one host to infect another, is an important determinant of the rate of virus evolution and the level of immunity required to protect against virus transmission. Despite its importance, SARS-CoV-2's transmission bottleneck remains poorly characterized, in part due to a lack of quantitative measurement tools. To address this, we adapted a SARS-CoV-2 reverse genetics system to generate a pool of >200 isogenic SARS-CoV-2 viruses harboring specific 6-nucleotide barcodes inserted in ORF10, a non-translated ORF. We directly inoculated donor Syrian hamsters intranasally with this barcoded virus pool and exposed a paired naïve contact hamster to each donor. Following exposure, the nasal turbinates, trachea, and lungs were collected, viral titers were measured, and the number of barcodes in each tissue were enumerated to quantify the transmission bottleneck. The duration and route (airborne, direct contact, and fomite) of exposure were varied to assess their impact on the transmission bottleneck. In airborne-exposed hamsters, the transmission bottleneck increased with longer exposure durations. We found that direct contact exposure produced the largest transmission bottleneck (average 27 BCs), followed by airborne exposure (average 16 BCs) then fomite exposure (average 8 BCs). Interestingly, we detected unique BCs in both the upper and lower respiratory tract of contact animals from all routes of exposure, suggesting that SARS-CoV-2 can directly infect hamster lungs. Altogether, these findings highlight the utility of barcoded viruses as tools to rigorously study virus transmission. In the future, barcoded SARS-CoV-2 will strengthen studies of immune factors that influence virus transmission.

Seroprevalence study in humans and molecular detection in Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus in Thailand

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) is an emerging tick-borne virus with a mortality rate of up to 30%. First identified in China in 2009, it was later reported in other Asian countries, including Thailand in 2020. SFTSV has been detected in several tick species, including Rhipicephalus sanguineus, known for infesting dogs. We conducted a seroprevalence study of SFTSV in Bangkok and Nong Khai, Thailand, by analyzing 1162 human samples collected between 2019 and 2023. The testing method relied on IgG detection using ELISA and confirmed though a virus seroneutralization test. The results indicated that out of the participants, 12 (1.1%) tested positive for anti-SFTSV IgG antibodies; however, none exhibited positive results in the seroneutralization assay. Additionally, molecular detection of SFTSV, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), Coxiella spp., Bartonella spp., and Rickettsia spp. was performed on 433 Rh. sanguineus ticks collected from 49 dogs in 2023 in Chachoengsao Province, Thailand. No evidence of these pathogens was found in ticks. These findings highlight the importance of exploring viral cross-reactivity. Furthermore, it is important to conduct additional studies to isolate SFTSV from animals and ticks in order to identify the potential transmission routes contributing to human and animal infections in Thailand.

Restricted and epitaxial growth of MnO2-x nano-flowers in/out carbon nanofibers for long-term cycling stability supercapacitor electrodes

Carbon nanofibers (CFs) have been widely applied as electrodes for energy storage devices owing to the features of increased contact area between electrodes and electrolyte, and shortened transmission route of electrons. However, the poor electrochemical activity and severe waste of space hinder their further application as supercapacitors electrodes. In this work, MnO2−x nanoflowers restricted and epitaxial growth in/out carbon nanofibers (MnO2/MnO@CF) were prepared as excellent electrode materials for supercapacitors. With the synergistic effect of uniquely designed structure and the introduction of MnO and MnO2 nanoflowers, the prepared interconnected MnO2/MnO@CF electrodes demonstrated satisfactory electrochemical performance. Furthermore, the MnO2/MnO@CF//activated carbon (AC) asymmetric supercapacitor offered an outstanding long-term cycle stability. Besides, kinetic analysis of MnO2/MnO@CF-90 was conducted and the diffusion-dominated storage mechanism was well-revealed. This concept of “internal and external simultaneous decoration” with different valence states of manganese oxides was proven to improve the electrochemical performance of carbon nanofibers, which could be generalized to the preparation and performance improvement of other fiber-based electrodes.

Dermatologic manifestations of zoonotic diseases transmitted by dogs: "Spot" could give you spots.

The bond between humans and dogs is precious and has been treasured since ancient times. Dog ownership is linked to numerous health benefits, such as increased physical activity and social functioning and decreased depression and cardiovascular events. However, dogs can transmit zoonotic diseases to humans, many of which present with cutaneous findings. This review summarizes the dermatologic manifestations, transmission routes, diagnosis, and treatment of zoonotic diseases transmitted by dogs, including vector-borne, bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections. This review emphasizes the significance of clinicians obtaining a comprehensive exposure history when patients exhibit a rash of unknown origin. Such an approach can provide valuable epidemiological clues related to diagnosing a zoonotic disease transmitted by a pet dog. Furthermore, identifying the dog as an infection source and subsequent veterinary treatment can help prevent recurrent infections in dermatologic patients.

Transmission from seed to seedling and elimination of alfalfa viruses.

Viral diseases have become a vital factor limiting the development of the alfalfa (Medicago sativa) industry. Six viruses infecting alfalfa with a high incidence rate are Alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV), Medicago sativa alphapartitivirus 1 (MsAPV1), Medicago sativa alphapartitivirus 2 (MsAPV2), Medicago sativa deltapartitivirus 1 (MsDPV1), Medicago sativa amalgavirus 1 (MsAV1), and Cnidium vein yellowing virus 1 (CnVYV1). The purpose of this study was to develop preventive measures against these viruses by investigating their transmission through alfalfa seeds. In this study, we investigated the transmission rate of alfalfa viruses from seed to seedling by PCR, determined the location of viruses in seed by dissecting seed embryos and seed coat, tracked the changes of viruses in seedlings, and finally discover effective elimination measures for alfalfa viruses from 16 measures. Our results demonstrated that all these six viruses could be transmitted from alfalfa seeds to seedlings with the transmission rate ranging from 44.44% to 88.89%. For AMV, MsAPV2, and MsAV1, the viral load was significantly higher in the seed coats than in the seed embryos; however, it did not show significant differences between these two parts of the seeds for MsAPV1, MsDPV1, and CnVYV1. Dynamic accumulation analysis of AMV and MsAPV2 indicated that the viral load in plants increased continuously in the early growth stage, making it important to inactivate these viruses prior to their seed-to-seedling transmission. Sixteen treatments including physical, chemical, and combinations of physical and chemical measures were compared in terms of their elimination efficiency on AMV and MsAPV2 and impacts on seed germination. The results showed that soaking alfalfa seeds in sterile distilled water for 2h + 2% NaClO for 1h or 2% NaClO for 1h were more promisingly applicable because it could significantly reduce AMV and MsAPV2 particles in both seeds and seedlings. Our data revealed a route of virus transmission in alfalfa and shed light on the discovery of a highly efficient method for the management of alfalfa viral diseases.

Modeling the impact of non-human host predation on the transmission of Chagas disease

In addition to the traditional transmission route via the biting-and-defecating process, non-human host predation of triatomines is recognized as another significant avenue for Chagas disease transmission. In this paper, we develop an eco-epidemiological model to investigate the impact of predation on the disease’s spread. Two critical thresholds, Rvp (the basic reproduction number of triatomines) and R0p (the basic reproduction number of the Chagas parasite), are derived to delineate the model’s dynamics. Through the construction of appropriate Lyapunov functions and the application of the Bendixson–Dulac theorem, the global asymptotic stabilities of the equilibria are fully established. The vector-free equilibrium E0 is globally stable when Rvp<1. E1, the disease-free equilibrium, is globally stable when Rvp>1 and R0p<1, while the endemic equilibrium E∗ is globally stable when both Rvp>1 and R0p>1. Numerical simulations highlight that the degree of host predation on triatomines, influenced by non-human hosts activities, can variably increase or decrease the Chagas disease transmission risk. Specifically, low or high levels of host predation can reduce R0p to below unity, while intermediate levels may increase the infected host populations, albeit with a reduction in R0p. These findings highlight the role played by non-human hosts and offer crucial insights for the prevention and control of Chagas disease.

Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infections in Shanghai, China: Surveillance from 2014 to 2023.

Soil-transmitted helminthiasis remains a notable health problem in developing countries. In 1990 in Shanghai, a city in eastern China, 47% of the population was affected. Due to a series of comprehensive approaches, the prevalence decreased to 0.5% in 2009. We collected 10-year surveillance data to assess the epidemic situation of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections in Shanghai. Stool samples and questionnaires from participants were collected. The Kato-Katz technique was used to detect infections with Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm (Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus), and Trichuris trichiura. From 2014 to 2023, a total of 77,685 participants were screened for parasitic infections, and the overall prevalence of STH infections decreased from 0.1% to 0% in Shanghai. Of 77,685 participants, 25 (0.03%) were positive for intestinal helminths, with the most common parasite being A. lumbricoides (72.0%). Generally, elderly participants from rural areas with lower education levels were more likely to be infected with STHs. A total of 2,914 questionnaires were collected, and most respondents (72.6%) had good knowledge about the transmission routes of STHs. However, 12.3% of participants did not know the damage to health caused by STHs, and 19.3% had no idea of how to prevent infection. These data demonstrate the current state of STH infections in Shanghai. The results suggest that various comprehensive measures should be encouraged, continuously implemented, and strengthened accordingly so that STH elimination can be integrated into the Healthy China initiative by 2030.