Zoonosis In India Research Articles

Prevalence of taeniosis in pig farming community in Andhra Pradesh, India.

Taeniosis is one of the neglected zoonoses in India. Facts on taeniosis, compared to cysticercosis are scanty in India. Hence, this study is aimed to determine the occurrence of taeniosis in human beings in Andhra Pradesh, India. A total of 1380 stool samples were collected from people associated with pig farming and or had the habit of pork eating in certain districts (n = 7) of Andhra Pradesh. Prevalence of human taeniosis was determined using microscopic examination of stool samples and proglottds. The overall prevalence of taeniosis was found to be 0.79%. Morphology of gravid segments revealed lower number of lateral branches indicating T. solium segments. Age and gender of human were not associated with the occurrence of taeniosis. The low prevalence of taeniosis in human indicates good hygiene and sanitation practices in humans, and awareness about the disease and its transmission. Further studies involving more sensitive techniques on stool and serum samples are warranted.

Leptospirosis a Neglected Re-emerging Zoonoses in India: An overview

Leptospirosis a Neglected Re-emerging Zoonoses in India: An overview

Present status of trichinellosis - a neglected zoonosis in India

Trichinellosis is a meat-borne helminthic zoonosis, caused by different species of the genus Trichinella. The disease is cosmopolitan in distribution and affects around 10,000 people annually around the globe. Based on genetic, biochemical and biological variability, 9 valid species (T. britovi, T. murrelli, T. nativa, T. nelsoni, T. papuae, T. patagoniensis, T. pseudospiralis, T. spiralis and T. zimbabwensis) and 3 genotypes (Trichinella T6, T8 and T9) of the parasite have been recognized. These species infect around 100 mammalian species including domestic and wild pigs, horses, game animals and wild carnivores. The infection starts with consumption of raw or undercooked meat or meat products containing encysted muscle larvae of the parasite. Most of the infections or outbreaks have been associated with the consumption of meat or meat products of pigs, wild boars, horses, crocodiles, walruses and dogs. Trichinoscopy is used in the veterinary inspection of pork in slaughterhouses and meat-packing facilities in many countries. It is a rapid process, but low in sensitivity and fails to detect mild infection. The muscle digestion method using HCl-pepsin is more sensitive and thus preferred. Recent outbreak of trichinellosis in Uttarakhand state opened up issues related to rapid diagnosis and lack of consumer awareness regarding safe cooking habits of meat of pig origin. This status report is an attempt to compile the information on Trichinella spp. infection in animals and humans in India at one place to draw the attention of medical and veterinary personnels involved in disease investigation and active research on zoonotic diseases.

Canine parasitic zoonoses in India: status and issues.

Dogs play valuable roles in human society. In addition to serving as pets and companions, dogs have also been important in hunting and, in recent times, as therapy animals. In India, the number of pet dogs is estimated to be around 5 million. The stray dog population in India is estimated to be 19 million and still increasing, due to ineffective control measures. Stray dogs pose substantial risks to public health due to injury and transmission of zoonoses such as rabies. Both pet and stray dogs may act as reservoirs of zoonotic parasites in India, which has a climate conducive to the environmental survival and transmission of many zoonotic parasites. At present, visceral larva migrans, cutaneous larva migrans and echinococcosis are the most important parasitic zoonoses in India. Leishmaniosis, dirofilariosis, Brugia malayi infection and giardiosis are potentially significant emerging parasitic zoonoses, and theleziosis, gnathostomiosis and dipylidiosis occur sporadically. Because of their biomedical and public health significance, and the lack of literature and compiled data on parasitic zoonoses of dogs in India, the authors provide a concise review on this topic along with potential control strategies.

Epidemiological studies on trichinellosis in pigs (Sus scofa) in India.

The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence of trichinellosis in domestic pigs (Sus scrofa) in India. A total of 319 tissue and 279 serum samples were collected from 279 slaughter pigs. The samples were collected from small slaughter shops located in Assam, Chandigarh (Union territory), Punjab and Uttarakhand states of the country. The presence of Trichinella spp. antibodies in serum was determined using a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit and tissue samples were digested using the OIE recommended pepsin-HCl digestion method. The overall seroprevalence of trichinellosis was found to be 2.87%. The age wise seroprevalence was found to be 2.83% in pigs aged more than 6months and 3.12% in pigs <6months of age. The seroprevalence was more in male (3.38%) than female (1.96%) pigs. None of the samples were found positive using pepsin-HCl digestion method. Since none of the samples was found positive for Trichinella, PCR assay could not be employed in the current study. The age, sex and management practices of the animals were not significantly (p>0.05) associated with seroprevalence. The current research confirms that trichinellosis remains a rare zoonosis in India. However, extensive studies must be carried out in wildlife to identify reservoir hosts in the country.

Is ocular dirofilariasis an emerging zoonoses in India? Report of five cases and review of literature

Is ocular dirofilariasis an emerging zoonoses in India? Report of five cases and review of literature

Overview of Emerging Zoonoses in India: Areas of Concern

Zoonotic diseases shared by vertebrates and humans in Nature. An updated literature survey indicated that 816 of 1407 (58%) human pathogens which included viruses with prions (208), bacteria with rickettsia (538), fungi with microsporidia (317), protozoa (57) and helminths (287) were zoonotic, were capable of being transmitted naturally between animals and humans. Of these 77 (37%), 54 (10%), 22 (7%), 14 (25%) and 10 (3%) were emerging or reemerging, respectively. The risk factors precipitating the occurrence of EZD are many and are in a state of continuous evolution and agents relevant to South-East Asia. These include avian influenza, rabies, Japanese encephalitis, leptospirosis, Hanta virus, SARS, Nipah virus, cysticercosis, echinococcosis and schistosomosis. In addition, plague and anthrax are also considered important in India.

Emerging and Re-Emerging Parasitic Zoonoses in India

Emerging and Re-Emerging Parasitic Zoonoses in India

Molecular detection of E. granulosus sheep strain (G1) infections in naturally infected dogs in Punjab (India)

Abstract Echinococcosis is a preventable but neglected zoonosis in India. Although the disease in domestic animals is usually asymptomatic, huge economic losses have been reported due to cystic echinococcosis in livestock in India. The molecular characterization of Echinococcus from dog populations has not been previously carried out in Punjab (India). A total of 237 pet and stray dog faecal samples were collected and examined for the presence of eggs of the Taeniidae family in Punjab (India). A 255 base pair fragment of the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene was amplified and the presence of sheep strain (G1) of E. granulosus has been reported. We detected eggs of the Taeniidae family in 2.11 per cent of the faecal samples. High prevalence was recorded in stray dogs (9.52 %) living near slaughter shops/post mortem areas. The prevalence of E. granulosus sheep strain (G1) using PCR was found to be 0.84 per cent in naturally infected dogs. This is the first study confirming the presence of E. granulosus (G1) sheep strain in dogs in Punjab (India). The results reveal the presence of sheep strain of E. granulosus and demand implementation of Animal Birth Control programme so as to control the stray dog population of the country.

Human hydatidosis: an under discussed occupational zoonosis in India

Abstract Human hydatidosis is an important public health issue in India and many other developing countries. There is lack of data related to occurrence of this disease in certain risk groups. The present study was therefore designed to assess the seroprevalence of human hydatidosis among occupational risk groups in Punjab (India). One hundred and forty nine human serum samples from dog handlers, veterinarians/para veterinarians, dairy farmers, patients with liver disorders, HIV positives and control group (visiting hospital for other problems) were collected and analyzed using a commercially available enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results revealed that 23 (15.43 %) subjects were seropositive for human hydatidosis. High seropositivity were recorded in dog handlers (30 %), followed by the other risk group populations. Relative risk of being infected was found to be 4.80 times high in dog handlers when compared to control group population. Future studies must be planned to determine the significance of these findings and the status of human hydatidosis in India.

An unusual case of double jeopardy

Brucellosis is an underrated and often neglected re-emerging zoonosis in India with palpably ill public health outcomes. In some cases, the diagnosis is not forthright especially when plagued by mixed infection. We bring to light a highly uncommon case of brucellosis coinfection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and review the literature.

Primary pancreatic echinococcosis

Hydatid disease is an endemic and common zoonosis in India. Liver is the most common site of infection. However, extra hepatic primary pancreatic hydatid cyst is rare. We report a case of primary hydatid cyst in the tail of pancreas compressing the adjacent organs in a 43-year-old male who presented with abdominal mass and was diagnosed as pancreatic cyst/splenic cyst by ultrasonography. Computed tomography of abdomen revealed a large cystic lesion in the tail of pancreas suggestive of a pseudocyst of pancreas. The case was managed surgically by splenectomy and distal pancreatectomy with albendazole therapy. Microbiological Investigations of aspirated fluid revealed free hooklets and invaginated scolices of Echinococcus granulosus, which was correlated with histopathological findings.

Climate change, zoonoses and India

Economic trends have shaped our growth and the growth of the livestock sector, but atthe expense of altering natural resources and systems in ways that are not always obvious. Now, however, the reverse is beginning to happen, i.e. environmental trends are beginning to shape our economy and health status. In addition to water, air and food, animals and birds play a pivotal role in the maintenance and transmission of important zoonotic diseases in nature. It is generally considered that the prevalence of vector-borne and waterborne zoonoses is likely to increase in the coming years due to the effects of global warming in India. In recent years, vector-borne diseases have emerged as a serious public health problem in countries of the South-East Asia region, including India. Vector-borne zoonoses now occur in epidemic form almost on an annual basis, causing considerable morbidity and mortality. New reservoir areas of cutaneous leishmaniosis in South India have been recognised, and the role of climate change in its re-emergence warrants further research, as does the role of climate change in the ascendancy of waterborne and foodborne illness. Similarly, climate change that leads to warmer and more humid conditions may increase the risk of transmission of airborne zoonoses, and hot and drier conditions may lead to a decline in the incidence of disease(s). The prevalence of these zoonotic diseases and their vectors and the effect of climate change on important zoonoses in India are discussed in this review.

Zoonotic cases of camelpox infection in India

This study reports the first conclusive evidence of zoonotic camelpox virus (CMLV) infection in humans associated with outbreaks in dromedarian camels ( Camelus dromedaries) in northwest region of India during 2009. CMLV infection is usually restricted to camels and causes localised skin lesions but occasionally leads to generalised form of disease. However, the present outbreak involved camel handlers and attendants with clinical manifestations such as papules, vesicles, ulceration and finally scabs over fingers and hands. In camels, the pock-like lesions were distributed over the hairless parts of the body. On the basis of clinical and epidemiological features coupled with serological tests and molecular characterization of the causative agent, CMLV zoonosis was confirmed in three human cases. Clinical samples such as skin scabs/swabs and blood collected from affected animals and humans were analysed initially, for the presence of CMLV-specific antigen and antibodies by counter immunoelectrophoresis (CIE); serum neutralization test (SNT); plaque-reduction neutralization test (PRNT) and indirect immunoperoxidase test which was later confirmed by amplification of CMLV-specific ankyrin repeat protein (C18L) gene. Virus isolation was successful only from samples collected from camels. Further, sequence analyses based on three full-length envelope protein genes (A27L, H3L and D8L) revealed 95.2–99.8% and 93.1–99.3% homology with other Orthopoxviruses at nucleotide and amino acid levels, respectively. Phylogram of the three genes revealed a close relationship of CMLV with Variola virus (VARV). Considering the emerging and re-emerging nature of the virus, its genetic relatedness to VARV, zoonotic potential and productivity losses in camels; the control measures are imperative in curtailing economic and public health impact of the disease. This is the first instance of laboratory confirmed camelpox zoonosis in India.

Molecular characterization of Indian rabies virus isolates by partial sequencing of nucleoprotein (N) and phosphoprotein (P) genes

Rabies is endemic and an important zoonosis in India. There are very few reports available on molecular epidemiology of rabies virus of Indian origin. In this study to know the dynamics of rabies virus, a total of 41 rabies positive brain samples from dogs, cats, domestic animals, wildlife, and humans from 11 states were subjected to RT-PCR amplification of N gene between nucleotide N521-N1262 (742 bp) and P gene between nucleotide P239-P750 (512 bp). The N gene could be amplified from 30, while P gene from 41 samples, using specific sets of primers. The N gene-based phylogenetic analysis indicated that all Indian virus isolates are genetically closely related with a single cluster under arctic/arctic-like viruses. However, two distinct clusters were realized in P gene-based phylogeny viz., Rabies virus isolates of Punjab and Rabies virus isolates of remaining parts of India (other than Punjab). All the Indian rabies virus isolates were closely related to geography (>95% homology), but not to host species.

‘Zoonoses? Not sure what that is…’ An assessment of knowledge of zoonoses among medical students in India

This study focuses on estimating knowledge of zoonoses among medical students and recent graduates, with an aim of understanding critical gaps in medical education with respect to zoonoses. A semi-structured tool for knowledge assessment, having nine principal domains of knowledge and five domains of practice, was developed and validated. Using this tool, cross-sectional data was collected from 364 medical students and recent graduates and knowledge scores were calculated based on pre-defined guidelines. Out of the 364 respondents, only 10 defined zoonoses accurately (2.8%). Only 33.7% of the respondents in the public college (62 out of 184) and 3.3% in the private college (6 out of 180) could correctly name three common parasitic zoonoses in India. Only 5.5% of respondents (20 out of 361) were able to identify rabies as a disease transmitted by animals other than dogs. Knowledge on all emerging and new infectious diseases was poor. The average knowledge score was 64% in the public medical college and 41.4% in the private medical college. These poor scores imply that, on average, a student knows only 40-60% of what is needed to diagnose, treat and report zoonotic diseases effectively. Considering the changing landscape of infectious diseases, the current medical curriculum needs to be revised to improve understanding of existing zoonoses and also include emerging diseases.

Research Options for Controlling Zoonotic Disease in India, 2010–2015

BackgroundZoonotic infections pose a significant public health challenge for low- and middle-income countries and have traditionally been a neglected area of research. The Roadmap to Combat Zoonoses in India (RCZI) initiative conducted an exercise to systematically identify and prioritize research options needed to control zoonoses in India.Methods and FindingsPriority setting methods developed by the Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative were adapted for the diversity of sectors, disciplines, diseases and populations relevant for zoonoses in India. A multidisciplinary group of experts identified priority zoonotic diseases and knowledge gaps and proposed research options to address key knowledge gaps within the next five years. Each option was scored using predefined criteria by another group of experts. The scores were weighted using relative ranks among the criteria based upon the feedback of a larger reference group. We categorized each research option by type of research, disease targeted, factorials, and level of collaboration required. We analysed the research options by tabulating them along these categories. Seventeen experts generated four universal research themes and 103 specific research options, the majority of which required a high to medium level of collaboration across sectors. Research options designated as pertaining to ‘social, political and economic’ factorials predominated and scored higher than options focussing on ecological, genetic and biological, or environmental factors. Research options related to ‘health policy and systems’ scored highest while those related to ‘research for development of new interventions’ scored the lowest.ConclusionsWe methodically identified research themes and specific research options incorporating perspectives of a diverse group of stakeholders. These outputs reflect the diverse nature of challenges posed by zoonoses and should be acceptable across diseases, disciplines, and sectors. The identified research options capture the need for ‘actionable research’ for advancing the prevention and control of zoonoses in India.

The Importance Of Dirofilariasis In India

Dirofilariasis is an emerging zoonosis in India. Dirofilaria infect many different animals beside dogs and cause infection in humans. Filariasis, caused by filarial nematode (Dirofilaria) are reported world wide and appear to be increasing (Dayal and Neafie 1975). Six out of 40 species of Dirofilaria cause infection in human (Sekar et al 2000; Padmaja et al, 2005). The species infecting human varies with geographical boundaries (Orihel and Eberhard, 1998). Dirofilaria repens causes human dirofilariasis in regions of Europe, Africa, Middle Eastern and Asian countries (Dissanaike et al 1997). Dirofilaria tenuis infection is reported from Southeastern United States. Although most parasitologists believe that Dirofilaria tenuis is restricted in USA, however, Dirofilaria tenuis infection is reported from India (Pacheco and Schofield 1965; Bhatt 2003). Dirofilaria immitis is a common parasite of canine cardiovascular system and recognized as potential human pathogen (Dayal and Neafie 1975; Badhe and Sane, 1989). Dirofilaria immitis causes pulmonary lesions in humans and rarely involved in subcutaneous tissues (Badhe and Sane, 1989).