Risk Of Transmission Research Articles

A Dynamic System to Control the Entry of Non-Authorized Visitors and Detect Superspreader Farms in Strongly Interconnected Systems.

This study explores the critical challenges the livestock sector faces, particularly those related to biosecurity, animal welfare, and antibiotic use restrictions. It highlights the need to implement advanced information and communication technologies to enhance operational sustainability and decision-making. We introduce the Biorisk® External platform, a cloud-based visit control system designed to optimize biosecurity management by accurately tracking visitor activity through QR codes and GPS geolocation. During a 6-month study period from July to December 2023, we analyzed visits to 142 different swine production sites and 30 vehicle movement patterns. The analysis revealed trends in visitation patterns and compliance with biosecurity SOPs. The software categorized visits as authorized (A), not authorized with access (NAWA), and not authorized without access (NAWOA), providing a framework to assess biosecurity risks. Additionally, network analysis identified interconnected farms, which were classified as 'superspreaders', highlighting their considerable risk of disease transmission. This study advocates for the integration of digital systems in livestock operations to improve biosecurity measures, facilitate real-time data input, and support informed decision-making. By enhancing biosecurity protocols through technology, the livestock industry can better safeguard animal health, increase operational efficiency, and reduce potential economic losses associated with disease outbreaks.

From Proteomics to Diagnosis: Biomarker Discovery in Tuberculosis Research.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a leading cause of death from a single infectious disease worldwide. Early and accurate diagnosis is advantageous for timely detection and prompt treatment, thereby reducing the risk of disease transmission, which is essential for effective TB control. Biomarkers provide a valuable resource for TB diagnosis. Proteomic technologies have emerged as a powerful tool in biomarker discovery. In this perspective, we explore how proteomic technologies contribute to the discovery of TB diagnostic biomarkers. We also address the challenges and discuss prospective methods to augment the performance of biomarkers in diagnosing TB.

Safety and security of household water purifiers against pathogenic microbial contamination and bio-risk evaluation of their microbial community structures

Household water filters, particularly point-of-use systems, are crucial to ensure safe drinking water consumption by eliminating microbial contaminants. This study evaluated the efficacy of three types of water purifiers (ultrafiltration [UF], nanofiltration [NF], and reverse osmosis [RO]) against microbial contamination. In our experiments, Escherichia coli and bacteriophage MS2 were used as two microbial indicators in daily household settings to track the spatial and temporal profiles of their behavior from the filter inlets to in-UF, NF, and RO water purifiers, and then to effluents. The results showed that both NF and RO water purifiers removed 100 % of the indicator organisms. The UF water purifier achieved 100 % removal of E. coli, but the removal of MS2 phage was poor. The presence of coexisting ions and natural organic matter in tap water can significantly affect the behavior of MS2 phages during the water treatment process. Their presence reduces the charge repulsion effect of the UF membrane on the MS2 phage as well as promotes the migration of the MS2 phage on the post-activated carbon cartridge that was placed in the last unit of the water purifier system, which could increase the pathogen transmission risks in drinking water supplies. The bacterial community structures of the cartridge materials and cartridge effluents from each unit were analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, which revealed distinct microbial profiles of the different purifiers. Environmental conditions such as pH, nutrient availability, materials, and operational parameters can affect the composition of bacterial communities. Scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) was used to examine the surface morphology of the membranes after they were exposed to water contaminants, which demonstrated that the inherent differences in the membrane structure influenced the retention of pollutants and microorganisms on the surfaces. In summary, this study demonstrates that both NF and RO water purifiers can significantly reduce the presence of various enteric and opportunistic pathogenic bacteria in drinking water, leading to safer potable water, whereas UF water purifiers may have certain risks owing to their UF membranes and post-activated carbon. In addition, secondary microbial contamination may be introduced by the post-activated carbon units of water purifiers, especially after long-term usage. Therefore, we concluded that addressing the secondary microbial pollution caused by post-activated carbon after prolonged use and long-term shutdown is essential for maintaining the safety and quality of drinking water.

Infant feeding knowledge among women living with HIV and their interaction with healthcare providers in a high-income setting: a longitudinal mixed methods study

BackgroundRecent changes in the infant feeding guidelines for women living with HIV from high-income countries recommend a more supportive approach focusing on shared decision-making. Limited information is available on the infant feeding knowledge of women living with HIV and how healthcare providers engage with them in this context. This multicenter, longitudinal, mixed methods study aims to get a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of infant feeding knowledge among women living with HIV of Nordic and non-Nordic origin living in Nordic countries, and their interaction with healthcare providers regarding infant feeding planning.MethodsPregnant women living with HIV in Denmark, Finland, and Sweden were recruited in 2019–2020. The Positive Attitudes Concerning Infant Feeding (PACIFY) questionnaire was completed in the 3rd trimester (T1), three (T2), and six (T3) months postpartum. Women who completed the quantitative survey were also invited to participate in qualitative semi-structured interviews at T1 and T3. Results from the survey and interviews were brought together through merging to assess for concordance, complementarity, expansion, or discordance between the datasets and to draw meta-inferences.ResultsIn total, 44 women living with HIV completed the survey, of whom 31 also participated in the interviews. The merged analyses identified two overarching domains: Knowledge about breastfeeding in the U = U era and Communications with healthcare providers. The women expressed confusion about breastfeeding in the context of undetectable equals untransmittable (U = U). Women of Nordic origin were more unsure about whether breastfeeding was possible in the context of U = U than women of non-Nordic origin. Increased postpartum monitoring with monthly testing of the mother was not seen as a barrier to breastfeeding, but concerns were found regarding infant testing and infant ART exposure. Infant feeding discussions with healthcare providers were welcome but could also question whether breastfeeding was feasible, and many participants highlighted a need for more information.ConclusionsHealthcare providers caring for women living with HIV must have up-to-date knowledge of HIV transmission risks during breastfeeding and engage in shared decision-making to optimally support infant feeding choices.

Prevalence, incidence, and residual risk for human immunodeficiency virus among blood donors from 2003 to 2022 in Guangzhou, China.

China's significant population affected by HIV poses a substantial threat to blood transfusion safety. Despite advancements in blood testing techniques, a residual risk of HIV transmission persists. Accurately assessing HIV epidemic and the residual risk is vital for monitoring blood supply safety and evaluating the effectiveness of new screening tests. We conducted a retrospective analysis of HIV detection results among voluntary blood donors from 2003 to 2022. The study included data on HIV-confirmed positive donors, HIV prevalence, infection risk factors, and an incidence-window period mathematical model to estimate the residual risk of HIV. Between 2003 and 2022, HIV prevalence among blood donors in Guangzhou showed a peak-shaped trend, initially increasing before declining. The overall HIV prevalence was 18.9 infections per 100,000 donations. Male donors had a significantly higher prevalence compared with female donors. Donors aged 26-35 years had the highest prevalence. Ethnic minority donors had a higher prevalence compared with Han donors. Repeat donors had a lower prevalence compared with first-time donors. Donors from other provinces had a higher prevalence compared with local donors. During the period of 2003 to 2022, the residual risk of HIV in Guangzhou steadily decreased, reaching a notable 1 in 526,316 donations in the past two years. The HIV epidemic among blood donors in Guangzhou remains severe, but the residual risk of HIV is decreasing. Novel detection methods have proven advantageous in reducing this residual risk. Implementing additional effective measures is imperative to ensure blood safety and curb the spread of HIV.

Endemic maintenance of human-related hepatitis E virus strains in synurbic wild boars, Barcelona Metropolitan Area, Spain

Hepatitis E virus (HEV), shared by humans, domestic animals, and wildlife, is an emerging global public health threat. Because wild boars are a major reservoir of HEV, the new zoonotic interfaces resulting from wild boar population increase and synurbization significantly contribute to increasing the risk of zoonotic transmission of HEV.This study characterizes HEV strains of synurbic wild boars and assesses their relationship with sympatric human and domestic swine HEV strains. We analyzed the faeces of 312 synurbic wild boars collected from 2016 to 2021 in the Barcelona Metropolitan Area (BMA), where there is a high density of wild boars, and found 7 HEV-positive samples among those collected between 2019 and 2020. The molecular analysis of these isolates, along with 6 additional wild boar HEV isolates from a previous study, allowed us to establish a close phylogenetic relationship between these HEV strains and human HEV isolates from sympatric blood donors and domestic pigs from Catalonia. HEV-positive wild boar samples belonged to piglet, juvenile and yearling individuals, but not adults, indicating the endemic maintenance of HEV in the wild boar population of the BMA by naïve young individuals. All wild boar HEV isolates in this study classified within HEV genotype 3.The results show, for the first time, a close molecular similarity between the HEV strains endemically maintained by the synurbic wild boars in the BMA and citizens from the same area and period. The data could also indicate that HEV infection presents a seasonal and interannual variability in wild boars of BMA. Further investigation is required to unveil the HEV transmission routes between synurbic wild boars and sympatric citizens. These findings can serve in other synurbic wildlife-human interfaces throughout the world.

Multi-scenario surveillance of respiratory viruses in aerosols with sub-single-copy spatial resolution

Highly sensitive airborne virus monitoring is critical for preventing and containing epidemics. However, the detection of airborne viruses at ultra-low concentrations remains challenging due to the lack of ultra-sensitive methods and easy-to-deployment equipment. Here, we present an integrated microfluidic cartridge that can accurately detect SARS-COV-2, Influenza A, B, and respiratory syncytial virus with a sensitivity of 10 copies/mL. When integrated with a high-flow aerosol sampler, our microdevice can achieve a sub-single-copy spatial resolution of 0.83 copies/m3 for airborne virus surveillance with an air flow rate of 400 L/min and a sampling time of 30 minutes. We then designed a series of virus-in-aerosols monitoring systems (RIAMs), including versions of a multi-site sampling RIAMs (M-RIAMs), a stationary real-time RIAMs (S-RIAMs), and a roaming real-time RIAMs (R-RIAMs) for different application scenarios. Using M-RIAMs, we performed a comprehensive evaluation of 210 environmental samples from COVID-19 patient wards, including 30 aerosol samples. The highest positive detection rate of aerosol samples (60%) proved the aerosol-based SARS-CoV-2 monitoring represents an effective method for spatial risk assessment. The detection of 78 aerosol samples in real-world settings via S-RIAMs confirmed its reliability for ultra-sensitive and continuous airborne virus monitoring. Therefore, RIAMs shows the potential as an effective solution for mitigating the risk of airborne virus transmission.

How long do bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses retain their replication capacity on inanimate surfaces? A systematic review examining environmental resilience versus healthcare-associated infection risk by "fomite-borne risk assessment".

SUMMARYIn healthcare settings, contaminated surfaces play an important role in the transmission of nosocomial pathogens potentially resulting in healthcare-associated infections (HAI). Pathogens can be transmitted directly from frequent hand-touch surfaces close to patients or indirectly by staff and visitors. HAI risk depends on exposure, extent of contamination, infectious dose (ID), virulence, hygiene practices, and patient vulnerability. This review attempts to close a gap in previous reviews on persistence/tenacity by only including articles (n = 171) providing quantitative data on re-cultivable pathogens from fomites for a better translation into clinical settings. We have therefore introduced the new term "replication capacity" (RC). The RC is affected by the degree of contamination, surface material, temperature, relative humidity, protein load, organic soil, UV-light (sunlight) exposure, and pH value. In general, investigations into surface RC are mainly performed in vitro using reference strains with high inocula. In vitro data from studies on 14 Gram-positive, 26 Gram-negative bacteria, 18 fungi, 4 protozoa, and 37 viruses. It should be regarded as a worst-case scenario indicating the upper bounds of risks when using such data for clinical decision-making. Information on RC after surface contamination could be seen as an opportunity to choose the most appropriate infection prevention and control (IPC) strategies. To help with decision-making, pathogens characterized by an increased nosocomial risk for transmission from inanimate surfaces ("fomite-borne") are presented and discussed in this systematic review. Thus, the review offers a theoretical basis to support local risk assessments and IPC recommendations.

The Impact of Exposure Dosage and Host Genetics on the Shedding Kinetics of Flavobacterium psychrophilum in Rainbow Trout.

Flavobacterium psychrophilum, the causative agent of bacterial cold water disease (BCWD), is one of the leading pathogens in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) aquaculture. To date, there is little knowledge of the transmission kinetics of F. psychrophilum over the course of infection. In particular, how transmission is affected by host genotype and pathogen exposure dosage are not well studied. In order to fill in these knowledge gaps, we exposed two divergently selected lines of rainbow trout (ARS-Fp-R and ARS-Fp-S) to a range of dosages of F. psychrophilum (strain CSF117-10). We then measured mortality and bacterial shedding to estimate transmission risk at multiple time points since initial infection. As dosage increased, the number of fish shedding and the amount of bacteria shed increased ranging from 0% to 100% and 103 to 108 cells fish-1 h-1, respectively. In addition, we found that disease resistance (survival) was not correlated with transmission risk blocking, in that 67% of fish which shed bacteria experienced no clinical disease. In general, fish mortality began on Day 3, peaked between Days 5-7 and was higher in the ARS-Fp-R line. Results from this study could be used to develop epidemiological models and improve disease management, particularly in the context of aquaculture and selective breeding.

Analysis of the zoonotic tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) in raw milk and dairy products in mountain pastures of the Lombardy region, Italy.

Over the last few decades, tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) has become a growing public health problem in Europe. The tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is a zoonotic virus that affects the central nervous system (CNS). TBEV has been detected in 27 European countries, and the rise in TBE cases is mainly due to environmental and ecological factors, and factors that increase the risk of human exposure to infected ticks. The infection via the alimentary route is the second most common means of TBEV transmission to humans. Raw milk from infected goats, sheep, or cows has been identified as a source of human food-borne infections. This study aims to gather new information on the prevalence of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) in raw goat's and cow's milk and related raw products in the Lombard Alps (Italy). This is important due to the close proximity of Lombardy to the Triveneto region, where TBE is endemic, and southern Switzerland, where numerous TBEV-positive mammals have been found. Throughout 2023, a passive monitoring plan was implemented on samples delivered for TBEV analyses from the Alpine pastures. In total, 248 specimens including raw milk, raw milk cheese, and butter were tested. This is the first monitoring of food at risk of TBEV transmission in a non-endemic region with evidence of TBEV circulation. Despite testing a wide range of dairy products, no sample tested positive for RNA-TBEV by real-time RT-PCR. Preliminary results suggest that raw milk and raw dairy products do not pose a significant risk of TBEV transmission to humans in the territory of Lombardy.

An overview of the challenges and methods for defining the wildlife-disease interface in the context of disease spread modelling, including concepts of infectious diseases epidemiology

ABSTRACT The wildlife-domestic interface is a key concept helping us to understand how diseases affect both wild and domestic animal populations, yet how to define and measure it remains a challenge. One tool which can contribute to our understanding of the wildlife-domestic interface is disease spread modelling. This can provide insight into how diseases spread within and between populations, and guide decision-making for disease control, response and surveillance programs. Specifically, quantitative estimation of contact rates permits such disease spread models to be developed and used confidently. Here we present a case study of the potential spread of rabies (an exotic disease in Australia) within the wild dog-domestic dog (Canis familiaris) ecosystem of northern Australia to illustrate the concept of the wildlife-domestic interface and disease transmission. We summarise a decade of research conducted to understand one such interface, the wild-domestic dog interface at one site in northern Australia, for the purposes of exploring the impact of one specific disease, rabies. Over a period of 10 years, free-roaming domestic dogs and wild dogs in the Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) of Cape York, Queensland were studied. Key findings included identification of a small but important group of domestic dogs which regularly roam in bushland areas; peri-urban wild dog activity, particularly in the dry season, likely driven by the availability of food sources; and the potential for interaction between hunting dogs and wild dogs in remote areas, particularly during the wet season. These observations can be used to inform disease spread models and identify strategies to mitigate the risks of disease transmission. However, the collection and incorporation of data into such models needs more consideration regarding what information is usable (such as contact rates) and the best ways to collect it. The scarcity of such models incorporating the wildlife-domestic interface suggests that integrated epidemiological-ecological studies are needed to fill this gap.

Assessment of PPMV-1 Genotype VI Virulence in Pigeons and Chickens and Protective Effectiveness of Paramyxovirus Vaccines in Pigeons.

Pigeon paramyxovirus serotype 1 (PPMV-1), an antigenic and host variant of avian paramyxovirus Newcastle disease virus (NDV), primarily originating from racing pigeons, has become a global panzootic. Egypt uses both inactivated PPMV-1 and conventional NDV vaccines to protect pigeons from disease and mortality. However, the impact of prevalent strains and the effectiveness of available vaccines in pigeons in Egypt are unclear. This study investigates the virulence of PPMV-1 (Pigeon/Egypt/Sharkia-19/2015/KX580988) and evaluates available paramyxovirus vaccines in protecting pigeons against a PPMV-1 challenge. Ten-day-old specific-pathogen-free (SPF) embryonated chicken eggs infected with this strain exhibited a mean death time (MDT) of 86.4 ± 5.88 h. The intracerebral pathogenicity index (ICPI) in day-old chickens was 0.8, while pigeons experienced an ICPI of 0.96 and an intravenous pathogenicity index (IVPI) of 2.11. These findings classify the strain as virulent and velogenic. Experimental infection of pigeons with this PPMV-1 strain at 106 EID50/0.1 mL resulted in a 62.5% mortality rate, displaying nervous and enteric distress. The virus caused extensive lesions in visceral organs, with strong immunohistochemistry signals in all examined organs, indicating the systemic spread of the virus concurrent to its neurotropic and viscerotropic tropism. Furthermore, vaccination using an inactivated PPMV-1 and live NDV LaSota vaccine regimen protected 100% of pigeons against mortality, while with a single NDV LaSota vaccine, it was 62.5%. The PPMV alone or combined with NDV LaSota induced protective levels of haemagglutination inhibition (HI) antibody titres and reduced virus shedding from buccal and cloacal cavities. Based on generalised linear gamma model analysis, both PPMV-1 and NDV LaSota are antigenically comparable by HI. These findings suggest that using both inactivated PPMV-1 (G-VI) and live attenuated NDV (LaSota) vaccines is an effective prophylactic regimen for preventing and controlling PPMV-1 and NDV in pigeons, thereby reducing the risk of interspecies transmission.

Seroprevalence of human papilloma virus 6, 11, 16 and 18 among pregnant women in Mwanza-Tanzania

IntroductionHigh-risk human-papilloma viruses 16 and 18 (HR-HPV 16 and HR-HPV-18) are well known to be associated with carcinoma of the cervix, head and neck, penis, and anus. Low-risk human papillomaviruses 6 and 11 (LR-HPV 6 and LR 11) infection has been associated with anogenital warts, oral papilloma, and laryngeal papillomatosis in children. HPV infection during pregnancy (HR-HPV and LR-HPV) increases the risk of vertical transmission from infected pregnant women to unborn children. The burden of HR-HPV type 16 and 18 and LR-HPV 6 and 11 is not well documented among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics (ANC). This study determined the seroprevalence and distributions of HR-HPV 16, 18, and LR –HPV 6, 11 antibodies among pregnant women attending ANC at Bugando Medical Centre (BMC) in Mwanza, Tanzania.MethodologyA cross-sectional study involving 255 pregnant women enrolled in obstetrics and gynecology outpatient clinics was conducted between November 2020 and March 2021 at Bugando Medical Centre (BMC) in Mwanza. A structured pre-tested questionnaire was used to obtain patients’ information. Sandwich Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) was used to detect HPV 6, 11, 16 and 18 specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) from sera. Stata version 15v1 was used for the descriptive data analysis.ResultsThe median age was 27(IQR: 22–31) years. The overall HPV seropositivity for any of the four serotypes was 63.9% (165/255), 95% CI: 58.0-69.7, whereby 37.6%(97/255), 32.2%( 83/255), 15.5% (40/255) and 27.1% (70) were positive for HPV 6, 11, 16 and 18 respectively. Eight participants (3.1%) were positive for all 4 genotypes.ConclusionAbout two-thirds of pregnant women had antibodies against HPV 6, 11 16, and 18 indicating previous HPV exposure. Vaccination programs should be emphasized to reduce the HPV-related manifestations in this population.

Molecular xenomonitoring reveals Anopheles funestus and An. rivulorum as the primary vectors of lymphatic filariasis in coastal Kenya

BackgroundLymphatic filariasis (LF) is an infectious neglected tropical disease caused by mosquito-borne nematodes such as Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, and Brugia timori. Globally, LF affects 51 million people, with approximately 863 million at risk in 47 countries. In Kenya, filariasis is endemic along the entire coastal strip, and more recently, at the Kenya–Ugandan border. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends mass drug administration to reduce disease transmission and morbidity. Monitoring the effectiveness of such interventions relies on robust surveillance, achieved through microscopic examination of microfilariae in nighttime blood, detection of circulating filarial antigens (CFA), and molecular xenomonitoring. We focused on molecular xenomonitoring along the Kenyan coast due to its noninvasive nature and the opportunity to identify new vectors.MethodsIn 2022, mosquitoes were collected from Kilifi, Kwale, and Taita-Taveta counties located within the LF endemic region in Kenya. Subsequently, genomic deoxyribonucleic acid (gDNA) was extracted from these mosquitoes for speciation and analysis of Wuchereria bancrofti infection rates. The impact of sociodemographic and household attributes on infection rates was assessed using generalized estimating equations.ResultsA total of 18,121 mosquitoes belonging to Culicinae (63.0%, n = 11,414) and Anophelinae (37.0%, n = 6707) subfamilies were collected. Morphological identification revealed that Anopheline mosquitoes were dominated by An. funestus (45.4%, n = 3045) and An. gambiae (42.8%, n = 2873). Wuchereria bancrofti infection rates were highest in Kilifi (35.4%; 95% CI 28.0–43.3%, n = 57/161) and lowest in Taita Taveta (5.3%; 95% CI 3.3–8.0%, n = 22/412). The major vectors incriminated are An. rivulorum, An. funestus sensu stricto, and An. arabiensis. Mosquitoes of the An. funestus complex were significantly associated with LF transmission (OR 18.0; 95% CI 1.80–180; p = 0.014). Additionally, a higher risk of transmission was observed outdoors (OR 1.74; 95% CI 1.08–2.82; p = 0.024) and in homesteads that owned livestock (OR 2.00; 95% CI 1.09–3.66; p = 0.025).ConclusionsIn this study, we identified An. funestus s.l. sibling species, An. rivulorum and An. funestus s.s., as the primary vectors of lymphatic filariasis along the Kenyan coast. These findings also highlight that a significant portion of disease transmission potentially occurs outdoors where indoor-based vector control tools, including long-lasting insecticidal nets and indoor residual spray, may not be effective. Therefore, control measures targeting outdoor resting mosquitoes such as zooprophylaxis, larval source management, and attractive sugar baits may have potential for LF transmission reduction.Graphical

Spatial and Temporal Dynamics of the Canine Population and Contamination by Canine Feces on an Urban Beach

Objective: The objective of this study was to analyze the spatio-temporal distribution of dogs and feces using the visual census method. The research aimed to quantify the presence of dogs and the number of feces observed in these environments. Method: The visual census was conducted every fifteen days over the course of one year along the Mar Grosso beach shoreline, which was divided into areas and sectors. The data were subsequently tabulated, and statistical analysis was performed using the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test. Research Results and Discussions: The highest number of feces and stray dogs were found in the urban sector during the summer. Regarding the areas observed and feces, the area with the highest number of feces was A3 in the urban sector during the summer. As for the number of stray, domiciled, and off-leash dogs, they were more frequently observed in the summer, with stray dogs predominantly in A2 (beach sector), and domiciled and off-leash dogs in A3 and A2, respectively, in the urban sector. Research Implications: The results identify hotspots of feces and dogs along the study area, providing valuable information that can assist in decision-making and the implementation of public policies aimed at controlling animals on beaches and protecting the environment, thereby reducing the risk of disease transmission to the population frequenting these locations. Originality/Value: This study contributes to evidence-based policy implementation to promote environmental health, public health, and animal welfare in coastal areas.

Cutting-Edge Challenges in Communication Technology and Computer Network Security

The rapid development of communication technology and computer networks has brought a lot of convenience to production and life, but it also increases the security problem. Information security has become one of the severe challenges faced by people in the digital age. Currently, the security problems facing the field of communication technology and computer networks in China mainly include the evolution of offensive technology, the risk of large-scale data transmission, the potential vulnerabilities introduced by emerging technology, and the dilemma of user identity verification. This paper analyzes the frontier challenges of communication technology and computer network security, and puts forward corresponding solutions, hoping to provide ideas for coping with the security challenges of communication technology and computer networks.

COVID-19 and Reproductive Function: A Detailed Review of Fertility Outcomes, Sperm Alterations, and Vertical Transmission Concerns

Background:The global COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, raises concerns about its effects on reproductive health. Emerging evidence suggests potential impacts on male and female fertility, including hormonal changes, immune responses, and organ damage, though the virus’s direct influence on reproductive tissues and vertical transmission remains unclear. Objective:This review summarizes current evidence on COVID-19’s effects on male and female reproductive health, focusing on sperm count, fertility, and vertical transmission. Methods:A comprehensive literature review was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Peer-reviewed studies were included based on their relevance to reproductive outcomes, sperm count, hormonal changes, and vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Results:Most studies found no direct evidence of SARS-CoV-2 in male or female reproductive tissues. However, a temporary decline in sperm count and quality has been reported in men recovering from COVID-19. Hormonal fluctuations, particularly increased luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, were observed in some male patients. In females, the presence of ACE2 receptors in reproductive organs suggests a potential risk, but no conclusive evidence of impaired fertility has been found. Vertical transmission remains uncertain, with isolated cases reporting elevated IgM antibodies in newborns. Conclusion:Although direct evidence of SARS-CoV-2 impacting fertility is limited, temporary reproductive disruptions in males, including reduced sperm count, have been noted. The risk of vertical transmission remains unclear. Further research is essential to determine COVID-19’s long-term reproductive effects.

GIS-Enhanced Survey of Potential Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus Artificial Oviposition Containers Distributed across Communities in Trinidad, West Indies.

Dengue and other arboviruses remain a global threat, and enhanced efforts to control the mosquitoes that transmit them are urgently needed. A survey of potential manmade Aedes aegypti (L.) and Aedes albopictus (Skuse) oviposition containers was performed in four communities near the end of the typical dry season in 2018 in Trinidad, West Indies. The purpose was to conduct individual premise surveys and use GIS mapping to visualize premises within communities that had Aedes-positive containers, as this information could be used for the prioritization of mosquito control efforts in potential high risk areas as the wet season progressed. Accessible premises were surveyed following standard inspection protocols used by the Insect Vector Control Division (IVCD), Ministry of Health (MOH). The results indicated that two of the four locations would be at high risk for arbovirus transmission going into the wet season. The GIS mapping of premises with Aedes-positive containers facilitated the identification of potential hot spots for arbovirus transmission risk within communities that should be prioritized for enhanced monitoring and vector control efforts, emphasizing the need to increase community participation in standard surveys by IVCD.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Household Transmission during the Omicron Era in Massachusetts: A Prospective, Case-Ascertained Study using Genomic Epidemiology

Abstract Background Households are a major setting for SARS-CoV-2 infections, but there remains a lack of knowledge regarding the dynamics of viral transmission, particularly in the setting of pre-existing SARS-CoV-2 immunity and evolving variants. Methods We conducted a prospective, case-ascertained household transmission study in the greater Boston area in March-July 2022. Anterior nasal swabs, along with clinical and demographic data, were collected for 14 days. Nasal swabs were tested for SARS-CoV-2 by PCR. Whole genome sequencing was performed on high-titer samples. Results We enrolled 33 households in a primary analysis set, with a median age of participants of 25 years old (range 2-66), 98% of whom had received at least 2 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine. 58% of households had a secondary case during follow up and the secondary attack rate (SAR) for contacts was 39%. We further examined a strict analysis set of 21 households that had only 1 PCR-positive case at baseline, finding an SAR of 22.5%. Genomic epidemiology further determined that there were multiple sources of infection for household contacts, including the index case and outside introductions. When limiting estimates to only highly probable transmissions given epidemiologic and genomic data, the SAR was 18.4%. Conclusions Household contacts of a person newly diagnosed with COVID-19 are at high risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection in the following 2 weeks. This is, however, not only due to infection from the household index case, but also because the presence of an infected household member implies increased SARS-CoV-2 community transmission.

Do reusables pose greater infectious risks than disposables for consumer goods? A systematic literature review

Increased concern over climate change and the emergence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus resulted in a clash of political directives around reusable and disposable food serviceware. Decreasing single-use items will likely reduce consumption and environmental emissions; however, improper cleaning of reusable items could result in greater risks of disease transmission. We sought to assess the risks of reusable and disposable food serviceware and document disinfection protocols by conducting a systematic literature review of articles that assessed materials or products that could be fomites to specific food-borne pathogens. After initial screening, the study team extracted data from 122 articles. The most common pathogens studied were E. coli (25% of included studies), general bacteria (24%), and Norovirus (16%). Thirteen studies (8%) focused on SARS-CoV-2. A majority of studies analyzed plastics (27%), stainless steel (22%), or porous surfaces such as paper and cardboard (12%). Forty seven of the studies (35%) were conducted in a food service setting, and 40 studies (30%) tested disinfection techniques. Despite a large body of related literature, there is very little evidence suggesting that either reusable or disposable food serviceware is safer for minimizing infectious risks. Pathogens can survive on various fomites, though greater surface porosity and higher humidity levels increase viability of most pathogens. There appear to be no major differences in pathogen viability on various fomites. There is a paucity of research that can specifically aid in developing policy or guidelines for appropriate use of reusable food serviceware. Though given recent studies on SARS-CoV-2, banning reusable bags and food serviceware is an inappropriate response to this particular pathogen, which is rarely spread through surface contact. Further research is needed that explicitly studies pathogen viability, transmission risks, and appropriate disinfection techniques for disposable and reusable food serviceware in order to devise effective sustainability policies.