Zoonotic Infection Research Articles

Features of the epidemiological surveillance system of rabies and monkeypox in the Republic of Cameroon

The prevention and control of zoonotic infections remain a problem in most countries. However, this problem has become particularly relevant in recent decades, when the occurrence and pandemic spread of zoonotic diseases have become more frequent. All spheres of the national economy that ensure the fight against infections of this group (healthcare systems, veterinary medicine, and ecology) are trying to jointly find appropriate solutions to ensure antiepidemic protection of the population by taking adequate measures to prevent and combat infectious zoonoses. According to the World Health Organization, the spread of zoonotic infections is observed on all continents, particularly in Asia and Africa. The epidemiological significance of zoonoses depends on their effects on the population (morbidity and mortality), their ability to overcome interspecific barriers, and the individual characteristics of pathogens. It is also influenced by factors such as geographical location, climate, population density, economic growth rates, and development level of private and industrial livestock and poultry farming. The epidemiological surveillance systems in Cameroon are compared with the surveillance system in Russia and with the standards set by international organizations such as the World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. The emergence and spread of current zoonotic infections in the Republic of Cameroon are presented. The study showed the geographical, social, administrative, economic, and health characteristics of Cameroon, which may influence the emergence and spread of infectious zoonosis in the country. Zoonotic diseases have only begun to receive special attention in Cameroon’s health system in 2014–2016, following an outbreak of monkeypox (mpox) in Cameroon. Moreover, the study described the epidemiological surveillance system and a classification of epidemic events monitored by the Cameroon Disease, Epidemic and Pandemic Control Authority. In general, the surveillance system for human and animal zoonoses in Cameroon was designed to ensure a rapid response during an epidemic. However, some shortcomings exist, such as low data for some zoonotic diseases and insufficient or virtually nonexistent surveillance in some regions of the country. To intensify the fight against the epidemic spread of these zoonotic infections, the capacity of health workers and technical means for detection and monitoring must be improved. The update of the national vaccination schedule should consider diseases such as rabies, given its endemic nature in the country; this may be possible through the establishment of a service or office responsible for surveillance, detection, and response to infectious zoonotic diseases.

Brucellosis Seropositivity Using Three Serological Tests and Associated Risk Factors in Abattoir Workers in Gauteng Province, South Africa.

Abattoir workers are liable to zoonotic infections from animals and animal products, primarily to diseases with asymptomatic and chronic clinical manifestations in animals, such as brucellosis. No published reports exist on the seroprevalence of brucellosis in abattoir workers in South Africa. Therefore, this cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the occurrence and risk factors for Brucella exposure in abattoir workers in Gauteng Province. A total of 103 abattoir workers and managers from 6 abattoirs, where brucellosis-positive slaughtered cattle and sheep were previously detected, were interviewed and tested with serological assays using the Rose Bengal test (RBT), BrucellaCapt, and IgG-ELISA. A pre-tested questionnaire was administered to consenting respondents to obtain information on risk factors for brucellosis. Of the 103 respondents tested, the distribution of female and male workers was 16 (15.5%) and 87 (84.5%), respectively. The seroprevalence for exposure to brucellosis was 21/103 (20.4%, 95%CI: 13.1-29.5) using a combination of RBT, BrucellaCapt, or IgG-ELISA. For test-specific results, seroprevalences by RBT, BrucellaCapt, and IgG-ELISA were 13/103 (12.6%, 95%CI: 6.9-20.6), 9/103 (8.74%, 95%CI: 4.1-15.9), and 18/103 (17.5%, 95%CI: 10.7-26.2), respectively. Low-throughput abattoirs were identified as associated risks, as 29.3% of workers were seropositive compared with 12.7% of workers in high-throughput abattoirs, which highlights that direct contact at abattoirs poses higher risk to workers than indirect and direct contact outside abattoirs. This study confirms the occurrence of Brucella spp. antibodies among abattoir workers in South Africa, possibly due to occupational exposure to Brucella spp., and highlights the occupational hazard to workers. Furthermore, findings underscore that abattoir facilities can serve as points for active and passive surveillance for indicators of diseases of public health importance. We recommend periodic implementation of brucellosis testing of abattoir workers country-wide to establish baseline data for informing appropriate preventive practices and reducing the potential burden of infection rates among these high-risk workers.

Improving occupational health surveillance for enteric infections.

Enteric pathogens with a livestock reservoir pose a unique risk to people in occupations with regular contact with animals. However, public health surveillance of occupational exposures is inadequate, with surveillance for occupation typically focusing on the risk of transmission and the need for worker exclusion, rather than workplace exposures. To improve surveillance for occupational zoonoses, the Colorado Integrated Food Safety Center of Excellence convened a group of subject matter experts who developed a set of variables on occupation, industry, and exposures, which were integrated into Colorado's surveillance system in 2017. We evaluated the quality and completeness of these new occupational fields for interviewed cases with laboratory-confirmed zoonotic infections and compared occupations to cases with a non-zoonotic infection (Shigella) and to employment data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. From March 2017 through December 2019, 3668 domestically acquired, laboratory-confirmed sporadic infections of Campylobacter, Cryptosporidium, Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli, and non-typhoidal Salmonella among individuals ≥14 years of age were interviewed by public health. We found asking explicitly about occupational exposure risks and focusing on animal exposures, improved data quality and accuracy. Of the cases who stated that they were employed, 262 (13%) reported working in an occupation with regular animal exposure, and 254 (14%) reported an industry with regular animal exposure. Cases with an animal exposure occupation were more likely to be male and live in a rural or frontier county compared to other occupations. All occupations with regular animal contact were reported at a higher frequency than among Shigella cases or the general population. Public health efforts, both in occupational health and communicable disease sectors, should be made to improve surveillance for enteric zoonoses and identify opportunities for prevention strategies.

Intestinal parasites infecting captive non-human primates in Italy.

Non-human primates (NHPs) living in captive conditions are susceptible to intestinal parasites that can contribute to mortality and morbidity, and cause zoonotic infections. Thus, parasite surveys on NHP populations under human care are relevant as part of the evaluation of NHPs welfare and in the zoonotic disease risk assessment, as well as in the exploration of parasite transmission pathways, according to the One-Health concept. This study aimed to identify intestinal parasites infecting NHPs living in two wildlife recovery centers and in a zoological garden, in Italy. Ninety-three fecal samples from Macaca tonkeana, Macaca fascicularis, Sapajus apella, Chlorocebus aethiops, Macaca fuscata, Macaca sylvanus, and Cebus capucinus were collected at Piano dell'Abatino Park (Lazio), and fecal smears and flotation were performed in order to identify parasites according to morphological keys. Additionally, one carcass of M. fuscata from the Bioparco Zoological Garden of Rome (Lazio) and one of M. fascicularis from the Center for the Recovery of Exotic and Maremma Wild Animals (Tuscany) were necropsied and intestinal adult nematodes were collected and characterized at morphological and molecular level, using the mitochondrial cox1 and rrnL markers. Protozoans (Entamoeba coli, Iodamoeba bütschlii, Dientamoeba fragilis-like, Giardia sp.), chromists (Balantidium/Buxtonella sp.) and nematodes (Capillaria sp., Trichuris sp., strongyliform larvae and Oesophagostomum sp.) were found through fecal smears and flotation. The collected adult nematodes from dead NHPs were morphologically identified as whipworms (genus Trichuris). Phylogenetic analyses grouped Trichuris specimens into the Trichuris trichiura complex of species, with specimens from M. fuscata clustering into a host-specific branch, and whipworms from M. fascicularis clustering within a clade formed by Trichuris infecting several primate species, including humans. The results here collected revealed the presence of potentially zoonotic parasites circulating in captive primates in Italy, providing useful information for the formulation of management and care plans for captive NHPs, and for the elaboration of safety measures for visitors and animal keepers.

Perspective: Connecting the dots between domestic livestock ownership and child linear growth in low- and middle-income countries.

Child stunting due to linear growth faltering remains a pervasive issue in low- and middle-income countries. Two schools of thought have existed pertaining to the role of domestic livestock ownership (DLO) in child linear growth. On one hand, it is argued that DLO leads to greater income and financial security, resulting in better child-raising conditions, including greater animal-source food (ASF) consumption, having protective effects towards child stunting. On the other hand, researchers argue that DLO contributes to faecal contamination and transmission of zoonotic enteric infections from animals to children, thus having destructive effects on child growth. Reviews of this association have revealed ambiguous findings. In this perspective, we argue that measuring the association between exposures to domesticated animals and child stunting is difficult and the ambiguous associations revealed are a result of confounding and differences in the management of DLO. We also argue that the increasingly prominent area of research of environmental enteric dysfunction, a sub-clinical condition of the small intestine thought to be due to frequent faecal pathogen exposure and associated with stunting, will be a useful tool to measure the potential destructive effects of DLO on child growth. We present our argument andidentify challenges and considerations and directions for future research.

Analysis of the Causes and Conditions for the Formation of a High Incidence of Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI) in the Population of the Altai Krai (Part 1. Features of Long-Term and Intra-Annual Dynamics of ARI Incidence in 2011–2021)

Relevance. The Altai Krai (AK) is among the least prosperous subjects of the Russian Federation in terms of the incidence of acute respiratory infections (ARI).Aim: to analyze the causes and conditions for the formation of a high incidence of ARI among the population of the Altai Krai based on an assessment of the long-term and intra-annual dynamics of the epidemic process in 2011–2021.Materials and methods. In the course of a retrospective epidemiological study according to the annual forms No. 2 of the state statistical observation (SOS) for 2011-2021 a comparative analysis of the incidence of ARI and community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in various groups of the population of the AK, the Siberian federal district (SFD) and the population of the Russian Federation as a whole was carried out. Data for 2020–2021 («covid» period) was analyzed separately in comparison with the precovid period of 2011–2019. The intra-annual dynamics of the incidence of ARI and CAP in the AK were studied using the method of trend-seasonal decomposition according to the monthly forms No. 2 of the SOS.Results and discussion. It is established that in 2011–2021. the epidemic process of ARI in the AK was characterized by a higher level and rate of increase in the incidence of all population groups (adults and children, urban and rural) compared to the all-Russian and average for the Siberian Federal District; a higher proportion of children in the overall structure of ARI cases, despite the fact that the proportion of the child population did not exceed (or was even less) than in other regions; no decrease in the incidence of ARI in children in the period 2020–2021; the presence of a trend towards an increase in the incidence of ARI in both urban and rural residents in the pre-covid period; higher incidence in the rural population in 2011–2019 compared to the whole of the Russian Federation or the Siberian Federal District. A less pronounced role of the seasonal component in the registration of CAP was revealed, in comparison with ARI. In some years, an increase in the registration of CAP was observed in the spring-summer period. For 2020-2021 there was a close coincidence of the curves of the intra-annual dynamics of the registered incidence of ARI and COVID-19 among the general population, CAP and COVID-19.Conclusion. The obtained results indicate the need to study the possible impact of environmental factors, as well as the shortcomings of the etiological interpretation and differential diagnosis of some natural focal and zoonotic infections that occur with fever and respiratory symptoms on the formation of a high incidence of ARI in the Altai Territory.

Fabrication of label-free immunoprobe for monkeypox A29 detection using one-step electrodeposited molybdenum oxide-graphene quantum rods

Monkeypox is a zoonotic viral infection caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV), which belongs to the Poxviridae family of the Orthopoxvirus (OPXV) genus. Monkeypox is transmitted from animals to humans and humans to humans; therefore, the accurate and early detection of MPXV is crucial for reducing mortality. A novel graphene-based material, graphene quantum rods (GQRs) was synthesized and confirmed using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). In this study, molybdenum oxide was electrodeposited and one-pot electrodeposition of MoO3-GQRs composite on carbon fiber paper (CFP) enabled by an antibody (Ab A29)/MoO3-GQRs immunoprobe was developed for the early diagnosis of MPXV protein (A29P). Several studies were conducted to analyze the MoO3-GQRs composite, and the prepared Ab A29/MoO3-GQRs immunoprobe selectively bound to the A29P antigen that was measured using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) analysis and impedance spectroscopy. The antigen–antibody interaction was analyzed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. DPV analysis showed a wide linear range of detection from 0.5 nM to 1000 nM, a detection limit of 0.52 nM, and a sensitivity of 4.51 µA in PBS. The prepared immunoprobe was used to analyze A29P in serum samples without reducing electrode sensitivity. This system is promising for the clinical analysis of A29P antigen and offers several advantages, including cost-effectiveness, ease of use, accuracy, and high sensitivity.

Evaluation of the antibacterial effect of Epigallocatechin gallate on the major pathogens of canine periodontal disease and therapeutic effects on periodontal disease mice.

Periodontal disease (PD) is a prevalent oral affliction in canines, with limited therapeutic options available. The potential transmission of oral bacteria from canines to humans through inter-species contact poses a risk of zoonotic infection. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), the principal catechin in green tea polyphenols, exhibits antibacterial properties effective against human PD. Given the clinical parallels between canine and human PD, this study explores the feasibility of employing EGCG as a therapeutic agent for canine PD. Initially, a survey and statistical analysis of bacterial infection data related to canine PD in China were conducted. Subsequently, the primary pathogenic bacteria of canine PD were isolated and cultivated, and the in vitro antibacterial efficacy of EGCG was assessed. Furthermore, verify the therapeutic effect of EGCG on a mouse PD model in vivo. The high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing identified Porphyromonas, Fusobacterium, Treponema, Moraxella, and Capnocytophaga as the genera that distinguishing PD from healthy canines' gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples in China. The anaerobic culture and drug susceptibility testing isolated a total of 92 clinical strains, representing 22 species, from 72 canine GCF samples, including Porphyromonas gulae, Prevotella intermedia, Porphyromonas macacae, etc. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranging of EGCG was from 0.019 to 1.25 mg/mL. Following a 7 days oral mucosal administration of medium-dose EGCG (0.625 mg/mL), the abundance of periodontal microorganisms in PD mice significantly decreased. This intervention ameliorated alveolar bone loss, reducing the average cementoenamel junction to the alveolar bone crest (CEJ-ABC) distance from 0.306 mm ± 0.050 mm to 0.161 mm ± 0.026 mm. Additionally, EGCG (0.3125 mg/mL) markedly down-regulated the expression of inflammatory factor IL-6 in the serum of PD mice. Our research demonstrates the significant antibacterial effects of EGCG against the prevalent bacterium P. gulae in canine PD. Moreover, EGCG exhibits anti-inflammatory properties and proves effective in addressing bone loss in a PD mouse model. These findings collectively suggest the therapeutic potential of EGCG in the treatment of canine PD. The outcomes of this study contribute valuable data, laying the foundation for further exploration and screening of alternative antibiotic drugs to advance the management of canine PD.

Human and animal exposure to newly discovered sand fly viruses, China.

The Hedi virus (HEDV) and Wuxiang virus (WUXV) are newly discovered Bunyaviruses transmitted by sandflies. The geographical distribution of isolation of these two viruses continues to expand and it has been reported that WUXV causes neurological symptoms and even death in suckling mice. However, little is known about the prevalence of the two viruses in mammalian infections. In order to understand the infection status of HEDV and WUXV in humans and animals from regions where the viruses have been isolated, this study used Western blotting to detect the positive rates of HEDV and WUXV IgG antibodies in serum samples from febrile patients, dogs, and chickens in the forementioned regions. The results showed that of the 29 human serum samples, 17.24% (5/29) tested positive for HEDV, while 68.96% (20/29) were positive for WUXV. In the 31 dog serum samples, 87.10% (27/31) were positive for HEDV and 70.97% (22/31) were positive for WUXV, while in the 36 chicken serum samples, 47.22% (17/36) were positive for HEDV, and 52.78% (19/36) were positive for WUXV. These findings suggest there are widespread infections of HEDV and WUXV in mammals (dogs, chickens) and humans from the regions where these viruses have been isolated. Moreover, the positive rate of HEDV infections was higher in local animals compared to that measured in human specimens. This is the first seroepidemiological study of these two sandfly-transmitted viruses. The findings of the study have practical implications for vector-borne viral infections and related zoonotic infections in China, as well as providing an important reference for studies on the relationship between sandfly-transmitted viruses and zoonotic infections outside of China.

Molecular identification and genotyping of hepatitis E virus from Southern Punjab, Pakistan.

Hepatitis E is a global health concern. Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is endemic in Pakistan. HEV has four genotypes: HEV-1 through HEV-4. The genotypes HEV-1 and HEV-2 are associated with infection in humans, especially in countries with poor sanitation. The genotypes HEV-3 and HEV-4 are zoonotic and human infection takes place by consuming undercooked meat or being in contact with animals. The present study was designed to ascertain the presence of HEV in the Southern Punjab region of Pakistan. First, blood samples (n = 50) were collected from patients suspected of infection with the hepatitis E virus from the Multan District. The serum was separated and the samples were initially screened using an HEV IgM-ELISA. Second, the ELISA-positive samples were subjected to PCR and were genetically characterized. For PCR, the RNA extraction and complementary DNA synthesis were done using commercial kits. The HEV ORF2 (Open Reading Frame-2, capsid protein) was amplified using nested PCR targeting a 348bp segment. The PCR amplicons were sequenced and an evolutionary tree was constructed using MEGA X software. A protein model was built employing the SWISS Model after protein translation using ExPASy online tool. The positivity rate of anti-HEV antibodies in serum samples was found as56% (28/50). All Pakistani HEV showed homology with genotype 1 and shared common evolutionary origin and ancestry with HEV isolates of genotype 1 of London (MH504163), France (MN401238), and Japan (LC314158). Sequence analysis of motif regions assessment and protein structure revealed that the sequences had a similarity with the reference sequence. These data suggest that genotype 1 of HEV is circulating in Pakistan. This finding could be used for the diagnosis and control of HEV in the specific geographic region focusing on its prevalent genotype.

Zoonotic Bacterial Infections Triggering Cytokine Storm Syndrome.

Zoonotic infections can result in life-threatening complications that can manifest with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH)/cytokine storm syndrome (CSS). Bacteria constitute the largest group of zoonotic infection-related HLH cases. The growing list of zoonotic bacterial infections associated with HLH/CSS include Brucella spp., Rickettsia spp., Ehrlichia, Coxiella burnetii, Mycobacterium spp., and Bartonella spp. Patients most commonly present with fever, cytopenias, hepatosplenomegaly, myalgias, and less frequently with rash, jaundice, and lymphadenopathy.

Prevalence and risk factors associated with zoonotic gastrointestinal helminths transmitted by cats in Jabodetabek, Indonesia.

Intestinal helminth infections in cats are often neglected major zoonoses spread from pets to humans worldwide. This study evaluated the prevalence and identified risk factors associated with zoonotic gastrointestinal helminth infections in different cat populations in the most populous megapolitan areas of Indonesia: Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, and Bekasi (Jabodetabek). Fecal samples from the shelter (stray) and household (owned) cats were analyzed using sugar flotation techniques. Intestinal helminth eggs were detected microscopically based on structural and morphometric characteristics. Risk factors for the occurrence of helminth infection were identified through statistical analysis of cat ownership, breed, migrant status, management practices, caging, feed type, and deworming medications used. Human cases of worm larvae infestation identified during the interviews were reported. Analysis of 354 fecal samples revealed that 37.9% (134/354) of examined cats were infected with Toxocara sp., 22.6% (80/354) with Ancylostoma sp., 25.4% (90/354) with Uncinaria sp., 3.1% (11/354) with Strongyloides sp., 2% (7/354) with Diphyllobothrium sp., and 0.6% (2/354) with Dipylidium sp. Infection with roundworms and hookworms was associated with a variety of factors, including introduction of new animals, management practices, cage cleanliness, feed type, use of deworming medication, routine deworming, and contact with other animals. A human case of cutaneous larva migrans was due to hookworm (Ancylostoma sp./Uncinaria sp.) infection. The prevalence of important zoonotic gastrointestinal nematodes (hookworms and roundworms) is high in cats in Jabodetabek, Indonesia. To reduce the risk of transmission to other animals or humans, adequate measures to control, manage, and prevent zoonotic helminth infections are required. This study presents important baseline information that provides a basis for future epidemiologic studies and the development of strategies to manage zoonotic gastrointestinal helminths in cats in the region.

Brucellosis: A Neglected Tropical Diseases

Brucellosis is among the top neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) as recorded by the World Health Organization (WHO). It is referred to as neglected because it is poorly attended to when it comes to its prevention and control over a long period of time. Brucellosis is a zoonotic infection caused by the bacterial genus Brucella which include B. melitensis, B. abortus, B. suis, B. canis. Animals with brucellosis are usually with a history of spontaneous abortion or infertility which invariably leads to low productivity. Brucella is transmitted from animals (cattle, dogs, swine, camels and goats) to humans through direct contact or indirect contact (ingestion of infected food products, or inhalation of aerosols). This disease has been reported as an important cause of fever of unknown origin particularly among occupationally exposed individuals. This disease is often easily misdiagnosed as other febrile syndromes such as malaria and typhoid fever. This has therefore resulted in mistreatments and underreporting. Brucellosis can be diagnosed through culturing, serological techniques, and most importantly through molecular techniques. This will enable adequate and correct treatment in order to avoid economic loss through trial-and-error approach to treatment. The road towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals, (SDGs) number 3 in the areas of good health and well-being should focus more on detection, treatment, and elimination of NTDs.

Exploring glutathione transferase and Cathepsin L-like proteinase for designing of epitopes-based vaccine against Fasciola hepatica by immunoinformatics and biophysics studies.

Fasciolosis is a zoonotic infection and is considered a developing deserted tropical illness threatening ruminant productivity and causing financial losses. Herein, we applied immunoinformatics and biophysics studies to develop an epitopes vaccine against Fasciola hepatica using glutathione transferase and Cathepsin L-like proteinase as possible vaccine candidates. Using the selected proteins, B- and T-cell epitopes were predicted. After epitopes prediction, the epitopes were clarified over immunoinformatics screening, and only five epitopes, EFGRWQQEKCTIDLD, RRNIWEKNVKHIQEH, FKAKYLTEMSRASDI, TDMTFEEFKAKYLTE, and YTAVEGQCR were selected for vaccine construction; selected epitopes were linked with the help of a GPGPG linker and attached with an adjuvant through another linker, EAAAK linker. Cholera toxin B subunit was used as an adjuvant. The ExPASy ProtParam tool server predicted 234 amino acids, 25.86257 kDa molecular weight, 8.54 theoretical pI, 36.86 instability index, and -0.424 grand average of hydropathicity. Molecular docking analysis predicted that the vaccine could activate the immune system against F. hepatica. We calculated negative binding energy values. A biophysics study, likely molecular docking molecular dynamic simulation, further validated the docking results. In molecular dynamic simulation analysis, the top hit docked compounds with the lowest binding energy values were subjected to MD simulation; the simulation analysis showed that the vaccine and immune cell receptors are stable and can activate the immune system. MMGBSA of -146.27 net energy (kcal/mol) was calculated for the vaccine-TLR2 complex, while vaccine-TLR4 of -148.11 net energy (kcal/mol) was estimated. Furthermore, the C-ImmSim bioinformatics tool predicted that the vaccine construct can activate the immune system against F. hepatica, eradicate the infection caused by F. hepatica, and reduce financial losses that need to be spent while protecting against infections of F. hepatica. The computational immune simulation unveils that the vaccine model can activate the immune system against F. hepatica; hence, the experimental scientist can validate the finding accomplished through computational approaches.

The buzz around the zoonotic infection, Buruli ulcer

The buzz around the zoonotic infection, Buruli ulcer

Orf, a Human Parapoxvirus Infection.

Despite being common worldwide, parapoxvirus infections are regarded as neglected zoonoses because their incidence is either unknown or grossly overestimated. In ruminants all throughout the world, parapoxvirus produces oral lesions and infectious pustular dermatitis. The pathogen is typically spread directly via items contaminated with parapoxvirus and indirectly via a near contact with dermatological lesions that contain the virus on affected animals. Animals infected with the parapoxvirus typically exhibit no clinical symptoms, and the mode of parapoxvirus transmission is occasionally unclear. For accurate etiological diagnosis and appropriate therapy of patients affected by zoonotic infections, the significance of adopting a "One Health" approach and cross-sector collaboration between human and veterinary medicine should be emphasized. The causative pathogen of ecthyma contagiosum in general people is the orf virus, which mostly infects various animals, either pets or wildlife species. The illness primarily affects minute wild ruminants, sheep, cattle, deer, and goats, and it can spread to people through contact with infected animals or contaminated meats anywhere in the world. Taxonomically speaking, the virus belongs to the parapoxvirus genus. Thus pathogen can be detected from crusts for a very long period (several months to several years), and the virus is found to be resistant to inactivation with a hot or dry atmosphere. In immunocompetent individuals, the lesions often go away on their own with a period as long 2 months. Nevertheless, it necessitates the applying of diverse strategies, such as antiviral, immunological modulator, or modest surgical excisions in immunosuppressed patients. The interaction of the virus with various host populations aids in the development of a defense mechanism against the immune system. The parapoxvirus illness in humans is covered in this chapter. The orf illness, a significant known human parapoxvirus infection, is given specific attention.

Getting around the roundworms: Identifying knowledge gaps and research priorities for the ascarids.

The ascarids are a large group of parasitic nematodes that infect a wide range of animal species. In humans, they cause neglected diseases of poverty; many animal parasites also cause zoonotic infections in people. Control measures include hygiene and anthelmintic treatments, but they are not always appropriate or effective and this creates a continuing need to search for better ways to reduce the human, welfare and economic costs of these infections. To this end, Le Studium Institute of Advanced Studies organized a two-day conference to identify major gaps in our understanding of ascarid parasites with a view to setting research priorities that would allow for improved control. The participants identified several key areas for future focus, comprising of advances in genomic analysis and the use of model organisms, especially Caenorhabditis elegans, a more thorough appreciation of the complexity of host-parasite (and parasite-parasite) communications, a search for novel anthelmintic drugs and the development of effective vaccines. The participants agreed to try and maintain informal links in the future that could form the basis for collaborative projects, and to co-operate to organize future meetings and workshops to promote ascarid research.

Rat-Bite Fever due to the genus <i>Streptobacillus</i>

<p>Rat-bite fever (RBF) is a zoonotic infection and systemic febrile illness transmitted to humans by <italic>Rattus</italic> spp. contacts following a scratch, bite, or touching excrement, such as urine, feces, and oral secretions. Infection with members of the genus <italic>Streptobacillus</italic> is the most common cause of this infectious disease. In this review article, we updated the knowledge on the RBF caused by the genus <italic>Streptobacillus</italic> based on the isolation and identification methods, virulence factors, clinical signs, differential diagnoses, antibiogram, treatment, geographical distribution, and epidemiology. Moreover, the present paper's comprehensive analysis of over 200 infection cases attributed to this genus, spanning from 1915 to 2023, sheds light on its epidemiology and provides valuable insights for the future.</p>

A scoping review on the association between early childhood caries and life on land: The Sustainable Development Goal 15.

The Sustainable Development Goal 15 (SDG15) deals with protecting, restoring, and promoting the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably managing forests, halting and reversing land degradation, combating desertification and halting biodiversity loss. The purpose of this scoping review was to map the current evidence on the association between SDG 15 and Early Childhood Caries (ECC). This scoping review was reported in accordance with the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. Formal literature searches were conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus in March 2023 using key search terms. Studies with the criteria (in English, with full text available, addressing component of life on land, focusing on dental caries in humans, with results that can be extrapolated to control ECC in children less than 6 years of age) were included. Retrieved papers were summarised and a conceptual framework developed regarding the postulated link between SDG15 and ECC. Two publications met the inclusion criteria. Both publications were ecological studies relating environmental findings to aggregated health data at the area level. One study concluded that the eco-hydrogeological environment was associated with human health, including caries. The other reported that excessive calcium was associated with the presence of compounds increasing groundwater acidity that had an impact on human health, including caries. The two ecological studies were linked to SDG 15.1. It is also plausible that SDG 15.2 and SDG 15.3 may reduce the risk for food insecurity, unemployment, gender inequality, zoonotic infections, conflict and migration; while SDG 15.4 may improve access to medicinal plants such as anticariogenic chewing sticks and reduction in the consumption of cariogenic diets. There are currently no studies to support an association between ECC and SDG15 although there are multiple plausible pathways for such an association that can be explored. There is also the possibility of synergistic actions between the elements of soil, water and air in ways that differentially affect the risk of ECC. Studies on the direct link between the SDG15 and ECC are needed. These studies will require the use of innovative research approaches.

Seroprevalence of brucellosis in sheep and goats from Al Jufrah district in Libya.

brucellosis is a global neglected zoonotic disease affecting mainly livestock, causing communicable and zoonotic infections. This study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence and determine epidemiological risk factors associated with Brucella infection in sheep and goats in Al Jufrah central district of Libya. sera samples from 555 animals (goats (n=320) and sheep (n=235)) sheep) were obtained and subjected to the Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) then further confirmed by a validated Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Collected data was analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). in total, 2.7% were ELISA seropositive for brucellosis with the highest seropositivity rate among the studied animals from Sokna with 5.8% (n=13/225) followed by 0.7% (n=2/285) in Waddan and 0% (n=0/45) in Houn. Only location was identified as a significant risk and no significant differences were identified between seropositivity and the age studied groups, species of animals, gender, and size of farms (p-value>0.05). the present study provides important information on the epidemiological status of Brucella infection in an important region in North Africa. Prevention control systems adopting "One Health" concept, and regional and international collaboration are important to control brucellosis and other zoonotic and transboundary diseases.