Zoonotic Infection Research Articles

Question of agent of camel balantidiosis solved: Molecular identity, taxonomic solution and epidemiological considerations

Domestic camels (Camelus bactrianus, the Bactrian camel; and Camelus dromedarius, the dromedary) are pseudo-ruminant herbivores kept as livestock in rural, inhospitable regions (cold deserts and dry steppes of Asia, arid to semi-arid regions of Africa, western and central Asia). Their close contact with humans makes them a potential reservoir for zoonotic parasite infections, as has been suggested for human balantidiasis. However, there is confusion about the ciliate species that infects camels: Infundibulorium cameli was originally described in dromedaries, but this name has almost never been used and most authors identified their findings as Balantioides coli and, to a lesser extent, Buxtonella sulcata, a cattle ciliate. To clarify the taxonomic status of the parasite and the corresponding zoonotic significance for camels, we performed morphological characterization of cysts and genetic analysis (SSU-rDNA and ITS markers) of B. coli-like isolates from Bactrian camels from Bulgaria and from dromedaries from Spain and the United Arab Emirates. Our results indicate that the camel ciliate is not B. coli, nor is it B. sulcata, but is a different species that should be placed in the same genus as the latter. Thus, camels are not a reservoir for human balantidiasis. Although the correct genus name would be Infundibulorium according to the principle of priority, this would lead to confusion since this name has almost fallen into disuse since its initial description, but Buxtonella is almost universally used by researchers and veterinarians for the cattle ciliate. We therefore propose to apply the reversal of precedence and use Buxtonella as the valid genus name. Consequently, we propose Buxtonella cameli n.comb. as the name for the camel ciliate.

1H, 13C and 15N backbone and side-chain resonance assignments of ∆∆BmSA1, the surface antigen of Babesia microti.

Human babesiosis is a vector-borne zoonotic infection caused mostly by the Apicomplexan parasite Babesia microti, distributed worldwide. The infection can result in severe symptoms such as hemolytic anemia, especially in immunodeficient patients. Also, asymptomatic patients continue transmission as unscreened blood donors, and represent a risk for Public Health. Early host-parasite interactions are mediated by BmSA1, the major surface antigen of Babesia microti, crucial for invasion and immune escape. Hence, a structural and functional characterization of the BmSA1 protein constitutes a first strategic milestone toward the development of innovative tools to control infection. Knowledge of the 3D structure of such an important antigen is crucial for the development of vaccines or new diagnostic tests. Here, we report the 1H, 15N and 13C NMR resonance assignment of ∆∆BmSA1, a truncated recombinant version of BmSA1 without the N-terminal signal peptide and the hydrophobic C-terminal GPI-anchor. Secondary structure prediction using CSI.3 and TALOS-N demonstrates a high content of alpha-helical structure. This preliminary study provides foundations for further structural characterization of BMSA1.

Seroprevalence of <i>Toxoplasma gondii</i> infection in pregnant women attending selected general hospitals in Yobe State, Nigeria

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite which affects warm blooded animals including humans and causes toxoplasmosis. It is an endemic zoonotic disease which can be transmitted by consuming undercooked meat or contaminated foods, its primary host is the domesticated cats. The parasite causes wide range of diseases which is unapparent and asymptomatic in immune- competent individuals but leads to serious health problems in immunosuppressed individuals and pregnant women. It is the main cause of congenital toxoplasmosis in pregnant women. This study was carried out to detect the presence of T. gondii in pregnant women attending selected general hospitals in Yobe State. A total of 360 samples were obtained from 3 senatorial district which are Gashua, Potiskum and Gaidam general hospitals with 120 samples each from each district. Gashua recorded the highest prevalence of 18.3% while Potiskum and Gaidem recorded 15.0% and 5.0% respectively with an overall prevalence of 12.77%. It showed a statistical significance at p≤ 0.05 using Toxoplasma elisa IgM capture kit. The mean differential and white blood cell count recorded from pregnant women in the study was relatively low as participants from Gaidam hospital recorded the lowest mean value at 2.50x 109 cells/L while participants from Gashua hospital recorded 4.00x 109 cells/L and pregnant women from Pokiskum hospital recorded 3.30x 109cell/L. In conclusion, this zoonotic infection obtained from domesticated cats can be identified to cause congenital toxoplasmosis which can be fatal to the foetus.

Zoonotic infections in outpatient practice in the Northern region

The Arkhangelsk Region is a territory with a high number of rodents, as well as arthropods — carriers of some pathogens of zoonotic infections. With climate warming, there is an expansion of the ranges of blood-sucking arthropods and their natural hosts. The preservation of the pathogen in nature and its transmission are possible with the participation of blood-sucking arthropods and rodents. Insufficient doctors» awareness of zoonotic infections, a variety of clinical manifestations, a low percentage of bacteriological detection of pathogens of zoonotic infections, and a late humoral response make it more difficult to identify these patients and cause the frequency of misdiagnosis. In the Arkhangelsk Region, the incidence rates for zoonotic infections exceed those in Russia as a whole.

Severe Mpox Infection of the Eye and Periocular Region.

Mpox is an emerging zoonotic infection with potentially severe ocular and periocular consequences, particularly in immunocompromised patients. This report summarizes 2 cases of fulminant mpox presenting in patients with AIDS. In the first case, confluent lesions resulted in orbital compartment syndrome and total eyelid necrosis. In the second case, eyelid involvement was accompanied by corneal melt and perforation. Despite aggressive medical and surgical treatment, both patients developed permanent loss of vision and ultimately expired.

The recent Nipah virus outbreak in Bangladesh could be a threat for global public health: A brief report.

The Nipah virus is a zoonotic infection that can potentially be transmitted from person to person as well as through ingesting contaminated food. It has a high fatality rate, and no treatment or cure at present. Several nations in South Asia have reported Nipah virus outbreaks occurred during a particular season of the year. Since it was first found in Bangladesh in 2001, there have been a total of 335 people infected with it, and 237 of those people have passed away as a result of their infection. With increased public awareness, community engagement, and preventative measures, this potentially fatal virus has been suppressed. Yet, following a pandemic and a considerable increase in the health burden, the transmission rate continuously increased over a few years, indicating that there is a growing possibility to become a global public health concern. Without effective vaccines and reliable treatment options, its capacity for human-to-human transmission and potential to spread throughout the area could result in a disastrous public health emergency worldwide.

Monitoring of the Mosquito Vector of Dangerous Arboviruses Using the ZikaMap Web Portal

Background: The active spread of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, epidemiologically important vectors for the transmission of dangerous arboviruses, on the Black Sea coast of the Krasnodar Region necessitates prompt analysis of the results of their monitoring using modern geographic information systems. Objective: To analyze the results of practical application of the ZikaMap web portal for tracing migration of tiger mosquitoes along the Black Sea coast of the Krasnodar Region in 2016–2022. Materials and methods: We used Aedes albopictus migration monitoring data for 2016–2022 from the ZikaMap web portal. Mosquito counts were taken in Novorossiysk, Anapa and Tuapse districts, and Sochi with the total of 476 objects and 2,366 stationary points examined. Results and discussion: Tiger mosquitoes were found on the territory of epidemically significant objects four times (in the years 2018–2019 and in 2021) and once (in 2017) at a distance of 500 m from them (within the flight range of the Aedes mosquito). Immediately after that, emergency local disinfestation treatment was carried out. The highest abundance of Ae. albopictus (both in absolute numbers and catch per trap per hour) during the entire study period was registered in the Central District of Sochi, with a decrease observed since 2020. Results of the annual comparative cartographic analysis for 2016–2022 indicate the expansion of the boundaries of the Ae. albopictus habitat on the territory of the Black Sea coast of the Krasnodar Region 122 km northwards and 83 km westwards. Conclusion: It is expedient to continue developing real-time geographic information technologies in order to optimize approaches to monitoring and assessment of the current epidemic potential of natural foci of vector-borne and zoonotic infections and to improve the efficiency of response to potential worsening of the epidemic situation.

Seroprevalence of Echinococcus IgG antibodies in a tertiary care center: a 5-year study and literature review

Abstract Background: Cystic echinococcosis (CE), also known as hydatid disease, is a global zoonotic infection resulting from the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus tapeworms. This condition manifests as single or multiple cystic growths in various bodily organs such as the liver, lungs, kidneys, etc. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on all sample records within the microbiology laboratory register or microbiology database of the parasitology section, spanning from January 2017 to December 2021. The objective was to ascertain the seroprevalence of echinococcosis. Through enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay, 200 samples were examined to detect the presence of anti-hydatid immunoglobulin G (IgG). Results: Among the individuals tested for CE IgG antibodies, a greater seroprevalence was evident in female patients (42.7%) compared to males (32.5%). In 2017, the observed seroprevalence stood at 36%; in 2021, it escalated to 55.5%. It signifies a noteworthy surge of 20% in seropositivity over the last 5 years. Conclusion: The study’s findings highlight a substantial correlation between age, gender, and the prevalence of CE in northern India. Furthermore, the research revealed a progressive incline in seropositivity rates among patients from North India.

Dermatophytosis in Bovine, Recent Clinical analysis, Treatment, and updated zoonotic infection: A Review Article

Dermatophytosis is a worldwide disease caused by pathogenic keratinolytic fungi known as dermatophytes inside the cutaneous layer of both cattle and human skin. are divided into three categories: Microsporum species, Epidermophyton species, and Trichophyton species. Infected animals develop skin lesions with a thick, grey-white crust that rises above the skin approximately 3cm in diameter or more. The back, head, and perineum are the only places where lesions are localized; otherwise, the body is covered with them, with severe cases coalescing. Trichophyton verrucosum has the greatest prevalence in bovines. Many have also reviewed new herbal extract that has been employed as a substitute therapy for fungus activity (fungicide or fungistatic) in several non-filamentous and filamentous fungi species typically identified in veterinary clinical practice. This review aims to understand the acquired and innate responses briefly, and discovered the recent technique in the detection of fungi, with treatment by chemical, extract herbal plant, and incidence by chief causal fungal species, and the final method that increases the risk of zoonotic infections between bovine and human.

Pasteurella multocida Submandibular Gland Abscess and Sepsis: Case Report and Case Report

<em>Pasteurella multocida</em>, a gram-negative coccobacillus, part of the normal oral flora of many domestic and wild mammals, has been described a widespread veterinary pathogen and has the potential to cause zoonotic infections in humans resulting from injuries caused by household or wild pets.

Laboratory associated zoonotic parasitic infections: a review of main agents and biosecurity measures

Laboratory workers are exposed to the risk of acquiring infections due to the manipulation of infectious materials. The biological hazard for researchers is seven times higher when compared with hospital and public health laboratory workers. Despite the implementation of standardized practices to control infections, multiple cases of Laboratory Associated Infections (LAIs) usually go unreported. There has been a lack of comprehensive epidemiological data regarding the situation of LAIs for parasitic zoonosis and besides, the available sources are not completely updated. Since most accounts of laboratory infections are organism-specific, this study has focused on common pathogenic/zoonotic species handled at parasitological laboratories and summarising the standard biosecurity protocols for the infectious agents. The main characteristics of Cryptosporidium spp., Entamoeba spp, Giardia duodenalis, Toxoplasma gondii, Leishmania spp., Echinococcus spp., Schistosoma spp., Toxocara canis, Ancylostoma caninum, Strongyloides stercoralis are considered in this review in order to assess the potential risk of developing occupational infections in the workplace along with stating prevention and prophylactic measures for each species. It was concluded that the LAIs from these agents can be prevented by using personal protective measures and good laboratory practices. However, further studies are necessary to better understand the environmental resistance of cysts, oocysts and eggs, with a view to select the most suitable disinfection methods. Furthermore, it is fundamental to constantly update epidemiological data of infection acquired by laboratory workers, to develop accurate risk indicators.

Occurrence of digenean parasites in freshwater snails in the Murrumbidgee catchment area, Australia

Freshwater snails are important hosts in the life cycles of many medically important parasites, particularly for digenetic trematodes such as liver flukes and schistosomes. The current study was conducted to determine the infection of freshwater snails with parasites that can potentially be transmitted to humans within the Murrumbidgee catchment area which is an area of widespread intensive aquaculture in Australia. A total of 116 freshwater snails, belonging to three species (Isidorella hainesii, Glyptophysa novaehollandica and Bullastra lessoni), were examined for the presence of parasites in both man-made and natural environments. The analysis of sequence data, including the internal transcribed spacers (ITS) of nuclear ribosomal DNA, small subunit (18S) ribosomal DNA, and large subunit (28S) ribosomal DNA, indicated that the collected parasites belonged to two distinct genera, namely Clinostomum and Echinostoma. It is noteworthy that species of both of these digenean parasites have the potential to be zoonotic. Cercariae of both Clinostomum and Echinostoma were observed in snails collected from aquaculture settings. It is important to highlight that infectious stages of Clinostomum has been previously detected in edible fish within Australia. This information raises concerns regarding the potential transmission of these parasites to humans through the consumption of contaminated fish. These findings emphasize the importance of monitoring and controlling the presence of Clinostomum and Echinostoma in aquaculture environments to minimise the risk of zoonotic infections and ensure food safety. Further research and surveillance are needed to better understand the prevalence, transmission dynamics, and potential public health implications associated with these parasites in the context of aquaculture in Australia.

Can the current monkeypox affect the heart? A systematic review of case series and case report

BackgroundMonkeypox is a zoonotic viral infection first reported in May 2022. Monkeypox cases present with prodromal symptoms, rash, and/or systemic complications. This study systematically reviews the monkeypox cases presented with any cardiac complications.MethodsA systematic literature search was done to locate papers that discuss any cardiac complications associated with monkeypox; then, data were analyzed qualitatively.ResultsNine articles, including the 13 cases that reported cardiac complications of the disease, were included in the review. Five cases previously had sex with men, and two cases had unprotected intercourse, which reveals the importance of the sexual route in disease transmission. All cases have a wide spectrum of cardiac complications, such as acute myocarditis, pericarditis, pericardial effusion, and myopericarditis.ConclusionThis study clarifies the potential for cardiac complications in monkeypox cases and provides avenues for future research to determine the underlying mechanism. Also, we found that the cases with pericarditis were treated with colchicine, and those with myocarditis were treated with supportive care or cardioprotective treatment (Bisoprolol and Ramipril). Furthermore, Tecovirimat is used as an antiviral drug for 14 days.

Seroprevalence, and molecular detection of Brucella abortus in cattle tissues from an abattoir in Namibia

ABSTRACT Brucellosis is a worldwide zoonosis that is endemic in Namibia. This study estimated seroprevalence of brucellosis, and determined the presence of Brucella infection in slaughtered cattle using the genus-specific 16-23S rRNA interspacer PCR (ITS-PCR), and the species-specific AMOS-PCR. Between December 2018 and May 2019, sera (n = 304), pooled lymph nodes (n = 304), and individual spleen (n = 304) were collected from slaughtered cattle from 52 farms. Sera were tested for anti-Brucella antibodies using the Rose Bengal test (RBT), and the complement fixation test (CFT). Seroprevalence was 2.3% (7/304) (RBT) and 1.6% (5/304) (CFT). Prevalence of positive herds was 9.6% (5/52). Lymph node (n = 200) and spleen (n = 200) samples from seronegative cattle tested negative for Brucella spp. DNA on ITS-PCR, but Brucella spp. DNA was detected in lymph nodes (85.7%, 6/7) and spleen (85.7%, 6/7) from RBT positive cattle. ITS-PCR confirmed isolates from lymph node (51.4%, 4/7) and spleen (85.7%, 6/7) as Brucella spp.; while AMOS-PCR and Brucella abortus species specific (BaSS) PCR confirmed the isolates as Brucella abortus, and field strains, respectively. Provision of adequate protective gear, and the promotion of brucellosis awareness among abattoir workers is recommended to prevent zoonotic infection.

Primary hydatid cyst of muscle-a rare cause of mass in the shoulder: a case report

Hydatid cyst also called as cystic echinococcosis is a parasitic zoonotic infection caused by Echinococcus granulosus. Humans get infected by this parasite by consumption of contaminated food with dog faeces or by direct contact with animal and it particularly affecting liver and lung. However, cases of primary muscle hydatid are about 5%. In India, reported cases of primary muscle hydatids are very rare. In this case report, we presented an exceptional rare case of unusual primary hydatid cyst localized in infraspinatous muscle of scapular region.

BI01 Disseminated Nannizziopsis fungal infection in a kidney transplant recipient: iguanas, immunosuppression or international travel?

Abstract Transplant waiting list demographics are changing profoundly in some parts of the UK, partly due to trends in global migration. This has significant implications for the spectrum of post-transplant skin malignancies and skin infections presenting to dermatologists. We present a kidney transplant recipient born in Nigeria who developed disseminated infection with Nannizziopsis spp., an emerging pathogenic fungus in humans and reptiles. A 64-year-old man from Nigeria who received a kidney transplant 10 months earlier was referred to our 2-week-wait skin cancer clinic with a 4-cm tender, ulcerated nodule on his left thigh that had been present for 2 months. He was being investigated for possible pulmonary Aspergillus infection and also had a fluctuant subcutaneous mass over the right tibia with suspected osteomyelitis. On examination, he had a similar plaque on his right hand, fluctuant subcutaneous nodules of his left flank and left upper arm, a 20-cm fluctuant swelling over his right tibia and a 2-cm plaque of his hard palate. Skin biopsy from the left flank and thigh showed suppurative granulomatous inflammation and fungal hyphae in the dermis and macrophages with septation and 45° branching. β-D-Glucan was positive and molecular identification revealed Nannizziopsis spp. Magnetic resonance imaging of the head did not show evidence of central nervous system infection. He was treated with intravenous amphotericin B for 2 months and subsequent oral posaconazole with resolution of skin and lung infection. Nannizziopsis is a genus of fungi that usually infects reptiles such as iguanas, geckos and chameleons, snakes, turtles and crocodiles. It causes cutaneous and musculoskeletal granulomatous infections which can be rapidly fatal. Fewer than 20 human cases have been reported, mostly related to travel to West Africa. Almost all infections are in immunocompromised individuals and species of Nannizziopsis reported to affect humans are generally different from those identified in animals. Our patient denied contact with reptiles, but he had travelled to Nigeria before his transplant where he probably acquired a latent infection that reactivated post-transplant. This case illustrates the importance of biopsy and culture of atypical skin lesions, particularly in immunocompromised patients. With the rising global migration and travel, such infections are likely to be seen more frequently in the UK, and both residential and travel history may be relevant. Finally, zoonotic infections are increasing globally as interspecies barriers break down. Although there is not enough evidence to caution against ownership of exotic pets in immunocompromised individuals, animal sources of rare infections should always be considered in this patient group.

Comparison of Conventional Machine Learning and Deep Neural Network Algorithms in the Prediction of Monkey-Pox

Smallpox syndrome, or monkeypox, is an uncommon zoonotic viral infection brought on by the monkeypox virus, which belongs to the genus Orthopoxvirus and family Poxviridae. Injury-related mortality in primates ranges from 1 to 10%. Data mining is a method for analyzing data. Deep neural networks and traditional machine learning methods are used in data analysis. The Python programming language is used during the comparison procedure of this research algorithm to generate values for accuracy, f1 score, precision, recall, ROC, and AUC. The test results demonstrate that using sigmoid activation function parameters, the deep neural network algorithm's accuracy is 70.08%, F1 score is 79.18%, precision is 68.59%, recall is 62.65%, and AUC is 62.65%. Compared to conventional machine learning algorithms, the adagrad optimizer has a higher value with a learning rate of 0.01 and 0.2 dropouts. The conventional machine learning model algorithm has the best xgboost, F1 score, precision, recall, and AUC scores compared to other approaches: 64.40%, 64.45%, and 78.14%. According to these numbers, the average fairness disparity between deep neural network algorithms and traditional machine learning is 5.68%, F1 score is 13.79%, precision is 4.14%, recall is 1.75%, and AUC is 1.75%.

Development and Application of a Nanobody-Based Competitive ELISA for Detecting Antibodies against Hepatitis E Virus from Humans and Domestic Animals.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a zoonotic pathogen that is widespread worldwide. At present, most enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits only detect antibodies against human HEV. In this study, a nanobody-horseradish peroxidase (HRP) fusion protein-based competitive ELISA (cELISA) with more convenience and spectral characteristics for HEV antibody detection was developed and used to detect HEV IgG in various species. First, 6 anti-swine HEV capsid protein nanobodies were screened using phage display technology from an immunized Bactrian camel. Then, HEV-Nb67-HRP fusions were expressed and used as a probe for developing a cELISA. The cutoff value of the cELISA was 17.8%, and there was no cross-reaction with other anti-swine virus antibodies, suggesting that the cELISA had good specificity. The intra-assay and interassay coefficients of variation (CVs) were 1.33 to 5.06% and 1.52 to 6.84%, respectively. The cELISA and Western blot showed a higher coincidence rate (97.14%, kappa value = 0.927) than cELISA and indirect ELISA (95.00%, kappa value = 0.876) in clinical swine serum samples. Finally, the seroprevalence of HEV IgG in humans, pigs, rabbits, cows, and goats was 30.67%, 19.26%, 8.75%, 27.59%, and 18.08%, respectively, suggesting that cELISA may have a broader scale for mammalian HEV antibody detection. These results suggest that the newly developed cELISA was rapid, low-cost, reliable, and useful for the serological evaluation of current HEV. IMPORTANCE HEV is thought to be a zoonotic infection and is widespread worldwide; it is beneficial to establish a more convenient and spectral method for HEV antibody detection. In this study, a convenient, time-saving, reproducible, highly sensitive, specific, and novel nanobody-based cELISA was developed and can be used to detect IgG antibodies against mammalian HEV. It provides a new technique for serological evaluation and ELISA-based diagnosis of HEV infection.

Slaughter Facilities in East Africa as a Focus for One Health

Abstract While studying the transmission of zoonotic infection in western Kenya, and surveying animals at slaughter to gain insights into disease prevalence, we developed a community-requested programme to understand the occupational risks to which slaughter facility workers are exposed. This led to a series of linked investigations focused on human and animal health centred on the slaughter facility, and a number of public health interventions targeting workers. Here, we summarize the different aspects of this work and the importance of engaging with different sections of the community. We illustrate how the work has integrated an understanding of the slaughter facility microenvironment, human and animal health, and pathogen surveillance within the food system. Information © The Authors 2023

False Positive Rose Bengal Test in COVID-19 Patients with Abnormal T3 And T4 Levels

Brucellosis is a zoonotic infection that is quite frequent. Fever, weakness, sweating, especially at night, and joint discomfort are indications of brucellosis. COVID-19 symptoms are similar to those of brucellosis, which may cause a delay in identifying the latter. Objectives: The study aims to investigate patients with COVID-19 who test positive for Rose Bengal and who suffer from high fever, persistent joint pain, and fatigue, as well as abnormal levels of T4 and T3 hormone determination. 19 was detected in 90 patients (45 males and 45 females) between July 1 and September 20, 2020. The patients' ages ranged from 20 to 63 years. Laboratory tests were 2019-nCoV IgG/IgM COMBO test card, T4, T3, Rose Bengal Plate Test, C-reactive protein test (CRP), and total white blood cell count (WBCs). COVID-19 was detected in 90 patients (45 males and 45 females) between July 1 and September 20, 2020. All patients suffered from fewer white blood cells (less than 4000 cells\ cm3). The level of CRP protein was slightly higher in men than in women during the first week of infection, 40 (88.88%) and 35 (77.77%), respectively. At the same time, the T3 and T4 hormone levels in both sexes were less than expected in most patients. The levels of CRP protein in most patients at the beginning of infection were high (13.7-97 mg/L in both sexes. Five days after contracting COVID-19, a Rose Bengal test was performed on all patients. The highest incidence of brucellosis in COVID-19 patients was in the age groups 21-30 (38.18%) and 31-40 (34.54%), respectively. Doctors worldwide are concentrating on the COVID-19 epidemic. However, they must pay close attention to one crucial point: distinguishing COVID-19 from brucellosis to receive the proper therapy and recover quickly without any drug-related complications. Keywords: COVID-19, brucellosis, Brucella abortus and SARS-CoV-2