Zoonotic Infection Research Articles

Antimicrobial Resistance Profile of Foodborne Salmonella spp. and E. coli Isolates from Rodents and Shrews in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a pressing global public health issue that affects both human and animal health. Small mammals, such as rodents and shrews, represent a significant reservoir of zoonotic infections. However, there is limited documented research specifically addressing Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. resistant strains from small mammals. Purpose: This study was conducted to examin the occurrence of AMR E. coli and Salmonella spp. and their associated resistance genes in rodents and shrews. Methods: A total of 148 fecal samples from rodents and shrews were examined for E. coli and Salmonella spp. using culture methods and biochemical tests. Fifty isolates were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing using the disk diffusion method on Muller-Hinton agar. Genotypic analysis by PCR was used to confirm the bacterial strains and their resistance pattern genes. Results: Two bacteria were confirmed in 57 (38.5%) of the fecal samples. Specifically, E. coli and Salmonella spp. were identified in 54 (36.5%) and 3 (2%) fecal samples, respectively. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed significant resistance in Rattus rattus. Molecular analysis confirmed that Salmonella spp. carry a larger proportion of resistance genes than E. coli. Specific resistance genes, including Sul1 and Sul2, were identified, constituting 15.4% of the total resistance genes. The prevalence of β-lactamase genes was remarkable, with a higher occurrence in Salmonella spp. Conclusion: In terms of human health, the implications of rodents and shrews serving as carriers and transmitters of various pathogens were highlighted. Given the possibility of unexpected zoonoses arising from the bacteria found in this study, these findings contribute to the understanding AMR in the context of bacterial infections in animals and humans.

An insight into the epidemiology of foodborne zoonotic fascioliasis in small ruminants in northwestern region of Bangladesh.

Fascioliasis is one of the most common foodborne zoonotic infection of ruminants in Bangladesh. To estimate the prevalence and associated risk factors of fascioliasis and extent of liver damage, 825 livers of sheep and goats were randomly inspected during onsite slaughterhouse visiting in Naogaon, Natore, Rajshahi and Joypurhat districts. The overall prevalence of fascioliasis was 25.09% and significantly (P = 0.008) higher in goats (26.11%) than sheep (24.00%). During gross inspection, Fasciola infected livers were increased in size, fibrosed, fatty, multiple white or reddish necrotic foci on the parietal surface, hard to cut, calcified, and numerous mature and immature flukes were also observed. In histoarchitecture, inflammatory cell infiltration in the hepatic parenchyma and periportal area, fibrous connective tissue proliferation around necrotic area, hyperplastic bile duct, congestion, and primary biliary cirrhosis were seen in acute and chronic fascioliasis. Epidemiological investigations revealed that fascioliasis was higher in goats than sheep. Age, sex, BCS and season were found to have statistically significant associations with fascioliasis in goats. In case of sheep, age (OR = 5.8671; 95% CI: 2.9482-11.6757, P < 0.0001), sex (OR = 3.7317; 95% CI: 1.9052-7.3094, p < 0.0001), BCS (OR = 6.0346; 95% CI: 1.7986-20.2472, p < .0001), and season (OR = 8.2308; 95% CI: 3.9922-16.9693, p = < .0001) were also found to have statistically significant associations with fascioliasis. Results of the study can help for molecular epidemiology of fascioliasis in small ruminants to plan fluke control programs for safe food production.

Metalloenzyme Inhibitors against Zoonotic Infections: Focus on Leishmania and Schistosoma.

The term "zoonosis" denotes diseases transmissible among vertebrate animals and humans. These diseases constitute a significant public health challenge, comprising 61% of human pathogens and causing an estimated 2.7 million deaths annually. Zoonoses not only affect human health but also impact animal welfare and economic stability, particularly in low- and middle-income nations. Leishmaniasis and schistosomiasis are two important neglected tropical diseases with a high prevalence in tropical and subtropical areas, imposing significant burdens on affected regions. Schistosomiasis, particularly rampant in sub-Saharan Africa, lacks alternative treatments to praziquantel, prompting concerns regarding parasite resistance. Similarly, leishmaniasis poses challenges with unsatisfactory treatments, urging the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Effective prevention demands a One Health approach, integrating diverse disciplines to enhance diagnostics and develop safer drugs. Metalloenzymes, involved in parasite biology and critical in different biological pathways, emerged in the last few years as useful drug targets for the treatment of human diseases. Herein we have reviewed recent reports on the discovery of inhibitors of metalloenzymes associated with zoonotic diseases like histone deacetylases (HDACs), carbonic anhydrase (CA), arginase, and heme-dependent enzymes.

Prediction of edapho-climatic parameters in the incidence of Campylobacter spp. in northwestern Mexico.

Campylobacter spp. is one of the main causes of enteric zoonotic infections worldwide. In Mexico, although a commonly detected pathogen in both children and adults, there is limited surveillance and few studies. The northern part of Mexico stands out for an unnoticed outbreak of Campylobacter jejuni due to contaminated drinking water, which caused an abrupt increase in Guillain-Barré syndrome in the local population. Although it is suggested that its distribution in nature is related to edaphic and climatic factors, this relationship is scarcely known. To understand abiotic factors driving the occurrence and prevalence of Campylobacter spp. in three municipalities from three states in northwestern Mexico (Chihuahua, Sonora, and Baja California), we used the kriging interpolation method of unsampled areas and the correspondence analysis of 23 environmental variables. Of the three municipalities evaluated, Janos in Chihuahua (CHIH), has the highest number of geographic areas classified as high and medium incidence, followed by Santa Cruz, Sonora (SON) and Mexicali, Baja California (BC). Mexicali (BC) edaphic variables limit the potential incidence of the bacterium, mainly due to the lack of soil moisture and its difficulty of surviving on dry surfaces, related to electrical conductivity and salinity. Janos (CHIH) presents limitations in terms of soil water availability, although its presence is more heterogeneous (2 to 8 months). Santa Cruz (SON) has the highest soil water availability (4 to 5 months), and presents pH, texture and low percentage of salinity conditions for the potential incidence of Campylobacter spp. Mexicali (BC) reports a temperature in the warmest month of up to 43°C, which could influence the presence of thermophilic species. The annual precipitation is another limiting factor for the potential incidence of Campylobacter spp. since it does not exceed 509.5 mm, contributing to Janos (CHIH) as the municipality with the highest potential incidence of this bacterium.

Current treatment options for leptospirosis: a mini-review.

Leptospirosis, one of the most common global zoonotic infections, significantly impacts global human health, infecting more than a million people and causing approximately 60,000 deaths annually. This mini-review explores effective treatment strategies for leptospirosis, considering its epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and current therapeutic approaches. Emphasis is placed on antibiotic therapy, including recommendations for mild and severe cases, as well as the role of probiotics in modulating the gut microbiota. Furthermore, novel treatment options, such as bacteriophages and newly synthesized/natural compounds, are discussed, and the findings are expected to provide insights into promising approaches for combating leptospirosis.

Development and evaluation of a multiplex real-time RT-PCR assay for simultaneous detection of H5, H7, and H9 subtype avian influenza viruses

H5, H7 and H9 are the major subtypes of avian influenza virus (AIV) that cause economic losses in the poultry industry and sporadic zoonotic infection. Early detection of AIV is essential for preventing disease spread. Therefore, molecular diagnosis and subtyping of AIV via real-time RT-PCR (rRT-PCR) is preferred over other classical diagnostic methods, such as egg inoculation, RT-PCR and HI test, due to its high sensitivity, specificity and convenience. The singleplex rRT-PCRs for the Matrix, H5 and H7 gene used for the national surveillance program in Korea have been developed in 2017; however, these methods were not designed for multiplexing, and does not reflect the sequences of currently circulating strains completely. In this study, the multiplex H5/7/9 rRT-PCR assay was developed with sets of primers and probe updated or newly designed to simultaneously detect the H5, H7 and H9 genes. Multiplex H5/7/9 rRT-PCR showed 100% specificity without cross-reactivity with other subtypes of AIVs and avian disease-causing viruses or bacteria, and the limit of detection was 1–10 EID50/0.1 ml (50% egg infectious dose). Artificial mixed infections with the three different subtypes could be detected accurately with high analytical sensitivity even under highly biased relative molecular ratios by balancing the reactivities of each subtype by modifying the concentration of the primers and probes. The multiplex H5/7/9 rRT-PCR assay developed in this study could be a useful tool for large-scale surveillance programs for viral detection as well as subtyping due to its high specificity, sensitivity and robustness in discriminating viruses in mixed infections, and this approach would greatly decrease the time, cost, effort and chance of cross-contamination compared to the conventional method of testing three subtypes by different singleplex rRT-PCR methods in parallel or in series.

IDENTIFICATION OF SALMONELLA TYPHIMURIUM AND SALMONELLA ENTERITIDIS IN THE IMPORTED FROZEN POULTRY

Salmonellosis, a zoonotic illness caused by Salmonella spp., is mostly transmitted to humans through the consumption of raw animal products, particularly poultry meat. Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium and Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis are the predominant strains responsible for human infection. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of S. Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium infection in frozen imported poultry using a triplex PCR technique. A total of 110 samples were chosen using the cluster sampling technique from the Ibrahim Khalil border throughout the summer and autumn of 2023. Following the cultivation of the meat samples in enrichment and selective media, suspicious colonies were obtained. Subsequently, DNA extraction was conducted, and the Salmonella isolates were identified using triplex PCR. Three (3) sets of primer pairs were utilised to target the invA gene for the Salmonella genus, the prot6 gene for the S. enteritidis serovar, and the fliC gene for the S. typhimurium serovar. The prevalence of Salmonella infection in frozen poultry meat was 12% (13 out of 110 samples). Among the contaminated samples, 38% (5 out of 13) were recognised as S. enteritidis and 30% (4 out of 13) were recognised as S. typhimurium. The findings of this finding suggest that frozen poultry meat pose a significant danger for zoonotic infections caused by S. typhimurium. and S. enteritidis.

Investigation of the Diversity of Fauna and Larval Habitat Characteristics of Culex Mosquitoes, the Potential Arboviruses Vectors in South East of Iran

Introduction: Arboviruses have been a persistent public health challenge in Iran for the past 50 years. Culex mosquitoes are the main vectors of these viruses. Different aspects of these vectors, including their phenotypic characteristics, insecticide resistance, and the potential for infection transmission, were regularly reported from different parts of the world. The present study aimed to determine the fauna and prevalence of the Culex larval stage in four sites in Kerman province, Iran from March to September 2019. Method: In total, 450 samples of Culex mosquito larvae were collected and identified using valid taxonomic keys. Physical and biological characteristics data of the larval habitats, including water situation, sunlight situation, and habitat kind, were recorded. Results: Two Culex species, Culiseta longiareolata and Culex quinquefasciatus, were detected with prevalence rates of 88.8% and 11.2%, respectively. The recorded temperatures in larval habitats ranged from 16 to 28 ◦C. Kerman City, Iran exhibited the highest prevalence of detected Culex mosquito larvae among the studied areas. Moreover, Rayen City and Sirjan City in Iran had the lowest and highest temperature rates, respectively. The temporary habitats were the most prevalent sites for larvae collection. Conclusion: This study provided a snapshot of the predominant Culex mosquito fauna in Kerman, serving as a foundation for future molecular studies, identification of insecticide-resistant fauna, and exploration of the potential for initial transmission and continuation of zoonotic infections.

A tale of endurance: bats, viruses and immune dynamics.

The emergence of highly zoonotic viral infections has propelled bat research forward. The viral outbreaks including Hendra virus, Nipah virus, Marburg virus, Ebola virus, Rabies virus, Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus, SARS-CoV and the latest SARS-CoV-2 have been epidemiologically linked to various bat species. Bats possess unique immunological characteristics that allow them to serve as a potential viral reservoir. Bats are also known to protect themselves against viruses and maintain their immunity. Therefore, there is a need for in-depth understanding into bat-virus biology to unravel the major factors contributing to the coexistence and spread of viruses.

Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Parasites of Dogs among Four Communities in Ondo West LGA

Dogs have close contact with humans, which represents a serious potential source of direct transmission of parasites to man. Gastrointestinal parasites are a major impediment to dog health worldwide through direct and indirect losses. Most dogs are sub-clinically infected and continuously shed infective helminth eggs in their faeces, contaminating the environment and increasing health risks to man. In developing countries like Nigeria, the risks of zoonotic infection from dogs are high, owing to the lack of prevalence studies to determine their existence in the environment. The aim of this research is to determine the prevalence and extent of gastrointestinal parasites in healthy dogs, survey the types of gastrointestinal infestation in dogs kept by owners in the study area, determine the effect of sex, types and location of dogs in the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites and prevalence of gastrointestinal parasite in Ondo city. A total number of 122 samples were examined. 30 were positive with 15 protozoan species, namely: Ancylostoma caninum, Capillaria boehmi, coccidia, oocyst, cyistoisospora canis, Dipylidium caninum, Toxocara canis, Trichuris vulpis, Toxascaris leonina, Paragonimus kellicotti, Physaloptera sp, Uncinaria sp, Sarcocystis spp, Taeniasp, Spirocerci lupi and Eimeria sp with Capillaria sp having the highest prevalence and Paragominus sp (3.3%) with the least prevalence. Out of the four sample sites, Ajue had the highest prevalence with (35%), Laje (28%), Ondo Town (20%) and Bagbe with the least prevalence of (20%). From the breeds examined, the local breeds had the highest prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites (40.8%), cross-breeds (15.2%) and exotic breeds had the least prevalence (12.5%). Based on their age group, puppies less than 1 year had a high prevalence of infection at (25%), while the adult had a prevalence rate of (23.8%). In relation to the sex of the dogs, the prevalence rate was higher in males (25%) than in females (24%). This study indicates possible means of zoonotic infections if dogs are not properly cared for or treated, especially young puppies who have been around for less than one year.

In silico analysis of the action of saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids against Echinococcus granulosus fatty-acid-binding protein 1

Background The zoonotic infection caused by tapeworms Echinococcus is a neglected tropical disease in poor regions with limited access to suitable sanitary conditions. Hydatid cysts produced by Echinococcus granulosus use fatty-acid-binding proteins (FABP) to obtain the fatty acids and cholesterol necessary for their survival from the host. In this work, we analyzed the behaviour of saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids against EgFABP1. Methods We used computational biology and chemistry techniques and binding free energy estimations by molecular mechanics generalized Born surface area (MM/GBSA). Results This research has enabled us to clarify the EgFABP1 isoforms identified in the database, suggesting their potential involvement in diverse cellular activities of Echinococcus granulosus. Conversely, examining the global and local chemical reactivity of 14 fatty acids revealed that liposolubility is contingent upon the degree of unsaturation in the FAs. Additionally, FAs exhibited acceptable levels of oral absorption and bioavailability. The binding of EgFABP1 with FAs analyzed by molecular dynamics simulation showed us that these are highly stable, where the best affinity was with docosahexaenoic acid. Conclusions Our results suggest that the action of fatty acids could play an interesting role in detecting early Echinococcus granulosus.

Epidemiology, Clinical and Laboratory Findings of Pediatric Leptospirosis in Southeastern Turkey

Background: Leptospirosis is a significant zoonotic infection caused by Leptospira spirochetes, which are distributed globally. Infection typically occurs through exposure to water or soil contaminated by the urine of mammals, including dogs, cattle, pigs, or rodents. Objectives: The objective of this study was to elucidate the epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory characteristics of leptospirosis cases in Turkey. Methods: In a retrospective review, we analyzed the clinical and laboratory data of all individuals under 18 years diagnosed with leptospirosis at a secondary care center in Southeast Turkey from the beginning of 2020 to the end of 2022. Results: Over the two-year period, 36 confirmed cases of leptospirosis in individuals under 18 were identified. All patients had been engaged in activities at wells in cornfields, assisting their families with irrigation or related to well operations. Of these patients, 3 (8%) resided in urban areas, while 33 (92%) lived in rural settings. None required intensive care, and there were no fatalities reported. The most common symptoms at presentation were fatigue (83%), fever (75%), and nausea/vomiting (75%). Laboratory tests revealed that all patients had positive C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, with a significant portion (61%) showing highly positive results (CRP &gt; 100). Conclusions: In conclusion, leptospirosis should be considered by clinicians when evaluating patients, especially those with risk factors like occupational exposure. Prompt testing for the disease is advisable under these circumstances.

Detection of Leishmania infantum Antibodies in Stray Dogs from Nonendemic Areas in Bulgaria.

Background: Leishmaniasis is a zoonotic protozoan infection which is endemic in parts of Europe. Dogs are commonly affected by Leishmania infantum and are regarded as the main reservoir for humans' infection. Sporadic human cases are reported annually, mainly from the endemic south part of Bulgaria. However, no recent data on canine leishmaniasis geographical distribution in Bulgaria have been published. The aim of this study was to investigate the current seroprevalence rate of L. infantum in stray dogs from areas where this infection was not previously reported. Results: The estimated overall seroprevalence rate was 8.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.6-14.0) with no significant difference between the two examined districts [χ2 (1, N = 90) = 0.32, p = 0.69]. In Sofia, the seropositivity was 7.2% (95% CI: 0.9-13.5) and in Sofia (stolitsa) 11.0% (95% CI: 0-23.0). No association between sex and serological status [χ2 (1, N = 90) = 1.83, p = 0.27] and age and seropositivity [χ2 (2, N = 90) = 1.98, p = 0.52] was detected. High levels of antibodies (fourfold increase from the assay's cut-off) were observed in half of the positive dogs.

Unveiling zoonotic threats: molecular identification of Brugia sp. infection in a lion.

Brugia malayi and B. pahangi, potential zoonotic pathogens transmitted by mosquitoes, are believed to primarily infect dogs and cats as reservoir hosts. Although previous studies have indicated nematode infections in lions, particularly in zoo environments where human contact with these reservoirs is possible, limited documentation exists regarding Brugia sp. infections in lions in Thailand. This study aims to investigate a case of Brugia infection in a lion from a zoo in Thailand. The blood sample was collected and examined from a female lion, using staining methods to morphologically identify microfilaria at the genus level. Subsequently, the PCR was employed targeting specific genes, including mitochondrial 12S rDNA, 18S rDNA, cytochrome oxidase I (COI) and Wolbachia surface protein (wsp), to confirm the species of the filarial nematode parasite. The genetic sequencing results revealed a high similarity (99-100%) to B. malayi for the 12S rDNA, 18S rDNA, COI and wsp genes. Phylogenetic analysis based on nucleotide sequences from the 12S rDNA, 18S rDNA, COI and wsp genes showed that the sequences from this study belong to different clusters. This marks the inaugural documentation of molecular identification of Brugia infection in a lion, signifying that lions could function as reservoirs for this parasite and present a potential public health risk in the region. Our research underscores the effectiveness of molecular techniques and phylogenetic analysis in discerning and comprehending the evolution of filarial parasites. Additionally, it emphasizes the significance of these methods in enhancing the diagnosis, control, and prevention of zoonotic filarial nematode infections.

Detection of virus-specific T cells via ELISpot corroborates early diagnosis in human Borna disease virus 1 (BoDV-1) encephalitis

BackgroundWithin endemic regions in southern and eastern Germany, Borna disease virus 1 (BoDV-1) causes rare zoonotic spill-over infections in humans, leading to encephalitis with a high case-fatality risk. So far, intra-vitam diagnosis has mainly been based on RT-qPCR from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serology, both being associated with diagnostic challenges. Whilst low RNA copy numbers in CSF limit the sensitivity of RT-qPCR from this material, seroconversion often occurs late during the course of the disease.Case presentationHere, we report the new case of a 40 − 50 year-old patient in whom the detection of virus-specific T cells via ELISpot corroborated the diagnosis of BoDV-1 infection. The patient showed a typical course of the disease with prodromal symptoms like fever and headaches 2.5 weeks prior to hospital admission, required mechanical ventilation from day three after hospitalisation and remained in deep coma until death ten days after admission.ResultsInfection was first detected by positive RT-qPCR from a CSF sample drawn four days after admission (viral load 890 copies/mL). A positive ELISpot result was obtained from peripheral blood collected on day seven, when virus-specific IgG antibodies were not detectable in serum, possibly due to previous immune adsorption for suspected autoimmune-mediated encephalitis.ConclusionThis case demonstrates that BoDV-1 ELISpot serves as additional diagnostic tool even in the first week after hospitalisation of patients with BoDV-1 encephalitis.

Ancylostoma ceylanicum and other zoonotic canine hookworms: neglected public and animal health risks in the Asia–Pacific region

AbstractZoonotic hookworm infections remain a significant public health problem, causing nearly 500 million cases globally and approximately four million disability-adjusted life years lost annually. More than one-fifth of these cases are attributed to Ancylostoma ceylanicum, an emerging zoonotic health issue in the Asia-Pacific region. This review presents key research gaps regarding the epidemiology, diagnosis, control, prevention and elimination of A. ceylanicum and other canine zoonotic hookworms as neglected health threats. A. ceylanicum is the second most prevalent human hookworm in the region; it is the most common hookworm among dogs and cats-reservoirs of zoonotic infections. Previous population genetic and phylogenetic analyses revealed that A. ceylanicum has three possible transmission dynamics: zoonotic, animal-only, and human-only pathways. The actual burden of zoonotic ancylostomiasis in most endemic countries remains unknown due to the use of parasitological techniques (e.g., Kato-Katz thick smear and floatation techniques) that have reduced diagnostic performance and do not allow accurate species identification in helminth surveys. The emergence of benzimidazole resistance in soil-transmitted helminths (STHs), including hookworms, is a concern due to the protracted implementation of mass drug administration (MDA). Resistance is conferred by single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that occur in the β-tubulin isotype 1 gene. These mutations have been reported in drug-resistant A. caninum but have not been found in A. ceylanicum in the field. A. ceylanicum remains understudied in the Asia-Pacific region. The zoonotic nature of the parasite warrants investigation of its occurrence in human and animal reservoir hosts to understand the dynamics of zoonotic transmission in different endemic foci. The detection of benzimidazole resistance-associated SNPs in zoonotic hookworms from Asia-Pacific countries has yet to be thoroughly explored. Considering the high level of hookworm endemicity in the region, the circulation of resistant isolates between humans and animals potentially presents a significant One Health threat that can undermine current MDA and proposed animal deworming-based control efforts.

Long-term Elevation of Complement Factors in Cerebrospinal Fluid of Patients With Borna Disease Virus 1 Encephalitis.

Borna disease virus 1 (BoDV-1) causes rare but severe zoonotic infections in humans, presenting as encephalitis. The case-fatality risk is very high and no effective countermeasures have been established so far. An immunopathology is presumed, while data on immune responses in humans are limited. Evidence of a role of the complement system in various neurological disorders and in viral infections of the central nervous system is increasing and specific inhibitors are available as therapeutic options. In this study, we investigated factors of the complement system in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with BoDV-1 infections (n = 17) in comparison to noninflammatory control CSF samples (n = 11), using a bead-based multiplex assay. In addition, immunohistochemistry was performed using postmortem brain tissue samples. We found an intrathecal elevation of complement factors of all complement pathways and an active cascade during human BoDV-1 infections. The increase of certain complement factors such as C1q was persistent, and C3 complement deposits were detected in postmortem brain sections. Intrathecal complement levels were negatively correlated with survival. Further investigations are warranted to clarify whether targeting the complement cascade by specific inhibitors might be beneficial for patients suffering from severe BoDV-1 encephalitis.

Abundant Intra-Subtype Reassortment Revealed in H13N8 Influenza Viruses.

Influenza A viruses (IAVs) pose a serious threat to global health. On the one hand, these viruses cause seasonal flu outbreaks in humans. On the other hand, they are a zoonotic infection that has the potential to cause a pandemic. The most important natural reservoir of IAVs are waterfowl. In this study, we investigated the occurrence of IAV in birds in the Republic of Buryatia (region in Russia). In 2020, a total of 3018 fecal samples were collected from wild migratory birds near Lake Baikal. Of these samples, 11 were found to be positive for the H13N8 subtype and whole-genome sequencing was performed on them. All samples contained the same virus with the designation A/Unknown/Buryatia/Arangatui-1/2020. To our knowledge, virus A/Unknown/Buryatia/Arangatui-1/2020 is the first representative of the H13N8 subtype collected on the territory of Russia, the sequence of which is available in the GenBank database. An analysis of reassortments based on the genome sequences of other known viruses has shown that A/Unknown/Buryatia/Arangatui-1/2020 arose as a result of reassortment. In addition, a reassortment most likely occurred several decades ago between the ancestors of the viruses recently collected in China, the Netherlands, the United States and Chile. The presence of such reassortment emphasizes the ongoing evolution of the H13N8 viruses distributed in Europe, North and East Asia, North and South America and Australia. This study underscores the importance of the continued surveillance and research of less-studied influenza subtypes.

Should tularemia be considered a particularly dangerous infection?

Tularemia is a widespread bacterial zoonotic infection in the world, the causative agent of it in our country is classified as pathogenicity group 2, which corresponds to group 3 according to the international classification for laboratory services. F. tularensis is considered a potential agent of category A bioterrorism. The review presents current information about the causative agent of tularemia, the features of the clinical course of the infection and the incidence rate associated with its different subtypes. The possibilities of treatment and prevention of the disease are highlighted. The material is presented from the point of view of whether the infection meets the criteria for a particularly dangerous disease. The species includes 4 subspecies, of which only one, present only in some states of the United States and probably the evolutionarily oldest, is assessed as highly virulent. The subspecies most widespread on the European continent is classified as moderately virulent and causes diseases that do not meet the criteria for a particularly dangerous disease in terms of severe and mortality rate. There is a list of drugs that are quite effective against the causative agent of tularemia, provided they are prescribed in a timely manner. The incidence of tularemia in countries where it is registered does not exceed sporadic levels. However, a feature of the pathogen is plasticity in the external environment which determines the long-term preservation of the epizootic potential of natural foci. In some years large outbreaks of infection occur, often in the absence of visible risk factors. The possibilities of specific and nonspecific prevention are limited and can reduce the risk of infection of the population only with a timely, quick and adequate response to changing situations. In various countries work is underway to create vaccines on different technological platforms, but currently only Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan use the live attenuated vaccine. Although by wild strains is not a particularly dangerous disease, it requires close surveillance.

Re-evaluation of certain aspects of the EFSA Scientific Opinion of April 2010 on risk assessment of parasites in fishery products, based on new scientific data. Part 1: ToRs1-3.

Surveillance data published since 2010, although limited, showed that there is no evidence of zoonotic parasite infection in market quality Atlantic salmon, marine rainbow trout, gilthead seabream, turbot, meagre, Atlantic halibut, common carp and European catfish. No studies were found for greater amberjack, brown trout, African catfish, European eel and pikeperch. Anisakis pegreffii, A. simplex (s. s.) and Cryptocotyle lingua were found in European seabass, Atlantic bluefin tuna and/or cod, and Pseudamphistomum truncatum and Paracoenogonimus ovatus in tench, produced in open offshore cages or flow-through ponds or tanks. It is almost certain that fish produced in closed recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) or flow-through facilities with filtered water intake and exclusively fed heat-treated feed are free of zoonotic parasites. Since the last EFSA opinion, the UV-press and artificial digestion methods have been developed into ISO standards to detect parasites in fish, while new UV-scanning, optical, molecular and OMICs technologies and methodologies have been developed for the detection, visualisation, isolation and/or identification of zoonotic parasites in fish. Freezing and heating continue to be the most efficient methods to kill parasites in fishery products. High-pressure processing may be suitable for some specific products. Pulsed electric field is a promising technology although further development is needed. Ultrasound treatments were not effective. Traditional dry salting of anchovies successfully inactivated Anisakis. Studies on other traditional processes - air-drying and double salting (brine salting plus dry salting) - suggest that anisakids are successfully inactivated, but more data covering these and other parasites in more fish species and products is required to determine if these processes are always effective. Marinade combinations with anchovies have not effectively inactivated anisakids. Natural products, essential oils and plant extracts, may kill parasites but safety and organoleptic data are lacking. Advanced processing techniques for intelligent gutting and trimming are being developed to remove parasites from fish.