Vehicle For Transmission Of Diseases Research Articles

Identification of common human infectious and potentially zoonotic novel genotypes of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in cavernicolous bats in Thailand.

Enterocytozoon bieneusi is a common cause of human microsporidiosis and can infect a variety of animal hosts worldwide. In Thailand, previous studies have shown that this parasite is common in domestic animals. However, information on the prevalence and genotypes of this parasite in other synanthropic wildlife, including bats, remains limited. Several pathogens have been previously detected in bats, suggesting that bats may serve as a reservoir for this parasite. In this study, a total of 105 bat guano samples were collected from six different sites throughout Thailand. Of these, 16 from Chonburi (eastern), Ratchaburi (western), and Chiang Rai (northern) provinces tested positive for E. bieneusi, representing an overall prevalence of 15.2%. Based on ITS1 sequence analysis, 12 genotypes were identified, including two known genotypes (D and type IV) frequently detected in humans and ten novel potentially zoonotic genotypes (TBAT01-TBAT10), all belonging to zoonotic group 1. Lyle's flying fox (Pteropus lylei), commonly found in Southeast Asia, was identified as the host in one sample that was also positive for E. bieneusi. Network analysis of E. bieneusi sequences detected in this study and those previously reported in Thailand also revealed intraspecific divergence and recent population expansion, possibly due to adaptive evolution associated with host range expansion. Our data revealed, for the first time, multiple E. bieneusi genotypes of zoonotic significance circulating in Thai bats and demonstrated that bat guano fertilizer may be a vehicle for disease transmission.

Detection of enteric viruses and SARS-CoV-2 in beach sand

Beach sand harbors a diverse group of microbial organisms that may be of public health concern. Nonetheless, little is known about the presence and distribution of viruses in beach sand. In this study, the first objective was to evaluate the presence of seven viruses (Aichi virus, enterovirus, hepatitis A virus, human adenovirus, norovirus, rotavirus, and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)) in sands collected at public beaches. The second objective was to assess the spatial distribution of enteric viruses in beach sand. To that end, 27 beach sand samples from different beaches in Portugal were collected between November 2018 and August 2020 and analyzed for the presence of viruses. At seven beaches, samples were collected in the supratidal and intertidal zones. Results show that viruses were detected in 89 % (24/27) of the sand samples. Aichi virus was the most prevalent (74 %). Noroviruses were present in 19 % of the samples (norovirus GI – 15 %, norovirus GII – 4 %). Human adenovirus and enterovirus were detected in 48 % and 22 % of the samples, respectively. Hepatitis A virus and rotavirus were not detected. Similarly, SARS-CoV-2 in beach sand collected during the initial stages of the pandemic was also not detected. The detection of three or more viruses occurred in 15 % of the samples. Concentrations of viruses were as high as 7.2 log copies (cp)/g of sand. Enteric viruses were found in higher prevalence in sand collected from the supratidal zone compared to the intertidal zone. Human adenovirus was detected in 43 % of the supratidal and 14 % in the intertidal samples and Aichi virus in 57 % and 86 % of the intertidal and supratidal areas, respectively. Our findings suggest that beach sand can be a reservoir of enteric viruses, suggesting that it might be a vehicle for disease transmission, particularly for children, the elderly, and immunocompromised users.

Microbial antigen in human milk: a natural vaccine?

Microbial antigen in human milk: a natural vaccine?

The geography of COVID-19 and the structure of local economies: The case of Italy.

The aim of this article is to analyze the subnational spread of COVID‐19 in Italy using an economic geography perspective. The striking spatial unevenness of COVID‐19 suggests that the infection has hit economic core locations harder, and this raises questions about whether, and how, the subnational geography of the disease is connected to the economic base of localities. We provide some first evidence consistent with the possibility that the local specialization in geographically concentrated economic activities acts as a vehicle of disease transmission. This could generate a core‐periphery pattern in the spatiality of COVID‐19, which might follow the lines of the local economic landscape and the tradability of its outputs.

Qualidade da água utilizada para consumo humano em áreas rurais, estudo de caso no município de Santa Rosa do Sul-Santa Catarina

Água potável e saneamento seguros são reconhecidos como direitos básicos. A água destinada para consumo humano tem sido frequentemente reconhecida como veículo de transmissão de enfermidades. Muitas epidemias tiveram sua origem na distribuição e abastecimento de águas. Aproximadamente 15% da população brasileira vive na zona rural, são por volta de 29 milhões de pessoas, as quais prioritariamente vivem sem acesso aos serviços de saneamento como água tratada. Segundo dados oriundos da Vigilância Sanitária do Estado de Santa Catarina para a região da AMESC, dos sistemas autônomos de capitação de água (poços, nascentes etc.), 60% indicaram a presença de Coliformes Totais e 34% indicaram a presença de E. Coli. Estes números motivaram a realização do presente trabalho. Neste sentido, buscando avaliar a qualidade da água consumida pelas comunidades rurais, como case, selecionaram-se duas comunidades do munícipio de Santa Rosa do Sul, no sul do estado de Santa Catarina, nas quais foram avaliados um conjunto de propriedades 10 propriedades cada, em conformidade com seu contexto hidrogeológico e subsequente forma de captação de água (nascentes e poços ponteira). Mesmo para o diminuto número de parâmetros avaliados, 90% das amostras obtidas em nascentes não apresentaram condições de potabilidade, predominantemente relacionada a parâmetros microbiológicos. A situação nas captações do tipo ponteira é um pouco melhor, com 30% das amostras em condição de potabilidade. O maior problema neste contexto está associado à presença de alumínio com concentração acima do limite estabelecido para potabilidade.

Aspecto da sazonalidade nos parâmetros físico – químicos da água dos poços, Raposa - Maranhão, Brasil

A água potável é um dos principais meios para preservação da saúde humana, entretanto, a água que não possui o tratamento adequado pode servir como um potencial veículo para transmissão de doenças, pois é capaz de veicular inúmeras enfermidades a partir de falhas no controle de qualidade dos mananciais e reservatórios que fornecem água para população, seja por ingestão ou por contato da pele e mucosas com a água contaminada. O aumento da demanda por água potável e os riscos de contaminação dos poços subterrâneos por se encontrarem próximos a fossas e depósitos inadequados de lixo são alguns dos problemas enfrentados pelo Serviço Autônomo de Água e Esgoto (SAAE) do município de Raposa. Com o auxílio de Análises das Componentes Principais, foram geradas três Componentes Principais (CP) explicando mais de 75% da variância total entre os períodos estudados. Nas CP1, CP2 e CP3 foram enquadradas as variáveis pH, turbidez, condutividade, sólidos totais dissolvidos, teor de nitrato e nitrito relacionadas a variação em períodos sazonais.

Understanding Giardia infections among rural communities using the one health approach

The epidemiology of giardiasis in rural villages in Peninsular Malaysia was examined in the context of the One Health triad that encompasses humans, animals and environment (i.e. river water). A cross-sectional study was carried out among five rural communities in Malaysia to determine the prevalence of Giardia duodenalis in humans, animals and river water. Fecal samples collected from humans and animals were examined by light microscopy. Water was sampled from the rivers adjacent to the target communities and investigated for the occurrence of Giardia cysts. The isolated cysts were further genotyped targeting the glutamate dehydrogenase and triosephosphate isomerase genes. The overall prevalence of G. duodenalis was 6.7% (18/269) and 4.7% (8/169) among humans and animals, respectively. Giardia cysts (mean concentration range: 0.10–5.97 cysts/L) were also found in adjacent rivers at four out of the five villages examined. At Kemensah and Kuala Pangsun, Giardia cysts were isolated from humans [rate: 3.7% each (of 54 each)], animals [rates: 6.3% (of 62) and 11.3% (of 16), respectively] and river water [average concentration of 9 samples each: 0.83±0.81 and 5.97±7.00, respectively]. For both villages at Pos Piah and Paya Lebar, 12.2% (of 98) and 6.1% (of 33) of collected human samples were infected, respectively whilst none of the collected animals samples in these villages were found to be positive. The river water samples of these two villages were also contaminated (average concentration: 0.20±0.35 (of 9) and 0.10±0.19 (of 3), respectively). In conclusion, Giardia cysts were simultaneously observed in the human-animal-environment (i.e., river water) interfaces in at least two of five studied communities highlighting a vital need to improve understanding on the interplay of transmission dynamics, the role of infected humans and animals in contaminating the water sources and the role of water as a vehicle of disease transmission in these communities. Indeed, this study illustrates the One Health approach which is to recognize that the optimal health of humans are interconnected with the well-being of animals and their environment.

Serological and PCR investigation of Yersinia pestis in potential reservoir hosts from a plague outbreak focus in Zambia

BackgroundPlague is a bacterial zoonotic disease, caused by Yersinia pestis. Rodents are the natural hosts with fleas as the vehicle of disease transmission. Domestic and wild dogs and cats have also been identified as possible disease hosts. In Zambia, plague outbreaks have been reported in the Southern and Eastern regions in the last 20 years. Based on these observations, Y. pestis could possibly be endemically present in the area.MethodsTo substantiate such possibility, sera samples were collected from rodents, shrews, dogs and cats for detection of antibodies against Fraction 1 gene (Fra1) of Y. pestis while organs from rodents and shrews, and fleas from both dogs and rodents were collected to investigate plasminogen activator gene (pla gene) of Y. pestis using ELISA and PCR respectively.ResultsA total of 369 blood samples were collected from domestic carnivores, shrews and domestic and peri-domestic rodents while 199 organs were collected from the rodents and shrews. Blood samples were tested for antibodies against Fra1 antigen using ELISA and 3% (5/165) (95% CI 0.99–6.93%) dogs were positive while all cats were negative. Of 199 sera from rodents and shrews, 12.6% (95% CI 8.30–17.98%) were positive for antibodies against Fra1 using anti-rat IgG secondary antibody while using anti-mouse IgG secondary antibody, 17.6% (95% CI 12.57–23.60%) were positive. PCR was run on the organs and 2.5% (95% CI 0.82–5.77%) were positive for plasminogen activator gene of Y. pestis and the amplicons were sequenced and showed 99% identity with Y. pestis reference sequences. All 82 fleas collected from animals subjected to PCR, were negative for pla gene. The specific rat-flea and dog-flea indices were 0.19 and 0.27 respectively, which were lower than the level required to enhance chances of the disease outbreak.ConclusionsWe concluded that plague was still endemic in the area and the disease may infect human beings if contact is enhanced between reservoir hosts and flea vectors. The lower specific rodent-flea Indices and absence of Y. pestis in the potential vectors were considered to be partly responsible for the current absence of plague outbreaks despite its presence in the sylvatic cycle.

Contamination of semiarid potiguar reservoirs by harmful bacteria

Water contamination in the semi-arid section of Northeast Brazil is a current concern for the country’s researchers, since this region is considered one of the poorest in Brazil and the water in these locations is a primary vehicle for disease transmission. We collected physical and chemical data as well as water samples from four semiarid potiguar reservoirs during the dry and rainy seasons of 2013 and 2014. These samples were prepared in a laboratory at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN) and their physical, chemical and microbiological characteristics were evaluated. The procedures of microbial isolation and identification followed the Standard Methods for Examinations of Water and Wastewater. Then Vitek II system (Bio-Merieux®) was used to identify the microbial specimens and we calculated the frequency of specimens’ occurrence. Altogether, 168 bacteria were isolated and identified; 97% were Gram-negative and only 3% were Gram-positive. Within the Gram negatives, 73.2% were identified as belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae family and, in general terms, the most constant genera in the water reservoirs were Vibrio and Aeromonas. Among the Enterobacteriaceae family, the species Escherichia coli, Enterobacter cloacae complex and Klebsiella pneumoniae were the most frequent. There was no statistical difference between the number or morphotype groups found in the periods, p=0.255 and p=0.237, respectively. The analyzed data indicate possible contamination of these water reservoirs by human and/or animal fecal material.

Detection of Microbial Contamination in Some Types of Processed Cheeses available In Local Market.

Background: Cheese has an outstanding nutritional quality, but is also an efficient vehicle for transmission of diseases to humans and is an excellent medium for bacterial growth and an important source of bacterial infection. when consumed all without pasteurization Salmonella spp. are one of the most frequently reported causes of bacterial foodborne worldwide.Objective: This study was carried out to study the microbiological contamination of processed cheese. Material and Methods: A total of 13 samples of processed cheese were randomly collected from supermarkets in Baghdad, IRAQ. Elven grams of cheese were added to 99ml of sterile diluted peptone water in a flask and shaken well to make 10-¹ dilution .Further dilution were made. 0.1 ml was used to incubate culturemedia (selective) incubated at 37C°and 42C° for 24 hours. Colonies were counted. Bactrac 4300 was used to confirm diagnosis of Salmonella spp.Result: Although none of tested samples contained Salmonella spp. Or Staphylococcus aureus or Escherichia coli either other bacteria using conventional method, one sample of them been contaminated by Salmonella spp. using Bactrac 4300 system.Conclusion: It can be concluded that processed cheese contaminated by this pathogen in this area as well in other countries and might constitute a risk for contamination and Bactrac 4300 a new method used for confirmation.

Evaluation of Micro-Pathogens Associated with Nigerian Currency (Naira Notes)

Evaluation of micro-pathogens associated with the Nigerian Currency (Naira note) was examined using the standard microbiological techniques. The bacterial load of the Naira notes ranged from 4.0±0.6x103 cfu/ml to 50.0±0.1x103 cfu/ml which differed significantly (p<0.05) when compared with the control sample which had no bacterial growth. The fungal count of the Naira notes ranged from 3.0±0.9x103 cfu/ml to 23.0±0.1x103 cfu/ml. The following microbial species were isolated with a varying prevalence; Bacillus species 41 (10.3%), Klebsiella species 37 (9.3%), Proteus species 29 (7.3%), Corynebacterium species 28 (7.0%), Staphylococcus epidermidis 24 (6.08%), Staphylococcus saprophyticus 44 (11.0%), Staphylococcus aureus 31 (7.8%), Clostridium species 18 (4.5%), Micrococcus species 16 (4.0%), Escherichiacoli 15 (3.8%), Fusarium species 15 (3.8%), Penicillium species 13 (3.3%), Aspergillusfumigatus 12 (3.0%), Aspergillus flavus 11 (2.8%), Rhizopus species 5 (1.3%), Aspergillus niger 31 (7.8%) and Mucors species 29 (7.3%). The different denominations of the Naira note showed that 20 Naira recorded the highest microbial isolate of 81(20.3%), followed by 10 Naira note 70(17.5%) while the least was 1000 Naira note 18(4.5%). The different denominations of the Naira note showed that 20 Naira had the highest occurrence of bacteria (58) and fungal occurrence of 23, the least was 1000 Naira which recorded the occurrence of 13 and 5 for bacteria and fungi, respectively. The study showed that Naira notes are commonly contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms of public health importance. Therefore, the Nigerian currency (Naira note) should be handled with care so that it will not be a vehicle for disease transmission.

English

&nbsp;Public telephones are handled by many people and can serve as vehicle of disease transmission.&nbsp; Our study involved the microbiological analysis of public telephones. We analysed 60 telephones from the downtown area of Sarajevo and they were all positive for bacterial contamination. The analysis used microbiological, biochemical and serological methods. More Gram-positive than Gram-negative bacteria were isolated, and the most common bacteria were&nbsp;Staphylococcus epidermidis.&nbsp;Beside this, we also found pathogenic and opportunistic bacteria such as&nbsp;Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coliand&nbsp;Pseudomonas aeruginosa.&nbsp;The hygiene of the environmental surfaces and public objects is to be considered as various opportunistic bacterial pathogens were isolated. &nbsp; Key words:&nbsp;Public phones, bacteria, surface, contamination, opportunistic pathogen.&nbsp

Communitywide Outbreak of Cryptosporidiosis in Rural Missouri Associated With Attendance at Child Care Centers

To determine risk factors for infection during a cryptosporidiosis outbreak in a rural Missouri community. Community-based case-control study. Madison County, Missouri. Case patients had laboratory-confirmed Cryptosporidium infection. Controls were randomly selected from the community. Pool water and municipal tap water were analyzed for Cryptosporidium oocysts. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate potential risk factors. Risk factors for cryptosporidiosis infection. In total, 56 case patients (median age, 7.0 years) who developed cryptosporidiosis from July 27 to August 30, 2005, and 76 controls (median age, 8.4 years) participated in this study. The main risk factors for cryptosporidiosis were attending child care center A or B (adjusted odds ratio, 42.11; 95% confidence interval, 4.88-363.57) and using a water park (adjusted odds ratio, 6.02; 95% confidence interval, 1.25-29.01). A pool-based case-control study indicated that the highest risk for infection was associated with eating at the pool (adjusted odds ratio, 7.26; 95% confidence interval, 2.57-20.48). The epidemiologic curve for cases without child care exposure peaked 4 days later than that for the child care-associated cases. Samples of water from the city water plant and the water park tested negative for Cryptosporidium oocysts. Children attending child care center A or B were the likely sources of this cryptosporidiosis outbreak. Recreational pool water probably served as a vehicle for disease transmission in the community. Early recognition of first cases of cryptosporidiosis by health care providers (ie, pediatricians and family physicians) caring for children could play an important role in limiting community outbreaks.

Handling money and serving ready‐to‐eat food

AbstractHandling money and ready‐to‐eat food with the same gloved hands or without hygiene intervention between these activities can introduce the risk of cross‐contamination to foods provided in food service establishments. Accumulated data obtained over the last 20 years on the microbial status and survival of pathogens on coins and currency notes indicates that this could represent a potential cause of sporadic cases of food borne illness. Survival of various microorganisms of concern on money is such that it could serve as a vehicle for transmission of disease and represents an often overlooked enteric disease reservoir. With low infectious doses capable of causing illness noted for a number of different infectious intestinal diseases, failure to adequately sanitize hands, or use food handling tools (tongs, spoons, utensils or bakery/serving papers) between handling money and serving food, could put patrons at risk.

An outbreak of type B hepatitis associated with transfusion of plasma protein fraction.

An outbreak of type B hepatitis followed transfusion with a single lot of plasma protein fraction (PPF) at a 1200-bed hospital in June and July 1973. Of 51 recipients of the product, 31 were available as a study population and 19 (61%) had an illness compatible with hepatitis. Epidemiologic and serologic investigations provided firm evidence that this material was the vehicle for transmission of disease to its recipients. Recipients of four other PPF lots from the same manufacturer were studied. Two of these lots were also associated with extremely high clinical hepatitis attack rates (45% and 55%). The other two lots, which had been prepared from donor plasma contributing to the composition of the initially-studied PPF lot, failed to produced clinical illness, although one of these lots was associated with a high prevalence of hepatitis B seropositivity in recipients. Thus, a broad spectrum of clinical and serologic responses was evident in PPF produced from similar donor plasma and pasteurized in the same bulk container. This study is the first to incriminate heat-treated PPF in transmission of type B hepatitis and suggests the need for further studies of the effect of pasteurization cycles on inactivation of hepatitis B virus.