Zoonotic Outbreaks Research Articles

The origin and evolution of emerged swine acute diarrhea syndrome coronavirus with zoonotic potential.

Swine acute diarrhea syndrome coronavirus (SADS-CoV) is a newly discovered alphacoronavirus with zoonotic potential that causes diarrhea and vomiting mainly in piglets. Having emerged suddenly in 2017, the prevailing opinion is that the virus originated from HKU2, an alphacoronavirus whose primary host is bats, and at some unknown point achieved interspecies transmission via some intermediate. Here, we further explore the evolutionary history and possible cross-species transmission event for SADS-CoV. Coevolutionary analysis demonstrated that HKU2 may have achieved host switch via SADS-related (SADSr)-CoV, which was isolated from the genus Rhinolophus in 2017. SADS-CoV, HKU2 and SADSr-CoV share similar codon usage patterns and showed a lower tendency to use CpG, which may reflect a method of immune escape. The analyses of virus-host coevolution and recombination support SADSr-CoV is the direct source of SADS-CoV that may have undergone recombination events during its formation. Structure-based spike glycoprotein variance analysis revealed a more nuanced evolutionary pathway to receptor recognition for host switch. We did not find a possible positive selection site, and the dN/dS of the S gene was only 0.29, which indicates that the current SADS-CoV is slowly evolving. These results provide new insights that may help predict future cross-species transmission, and possibly surveil future zoonotic outbreaks and associated public health emergencies. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

CryoEM of Viral Ribonucleoproteins and Nucleocapsids of Single-Stranded RNA Viruses

Single-stranded RNA viruses (ssRNAv) are characterized by their biological diversity and great adaptability to different hosts; traits which make them a major threat to human health due to their potential to cause zoonotic outbreaks. A detailed understanding of the mechanisms involved in viral proliferation is essential to address the challenges posed by these pathogens. Key to these processes are ribonucleoproteins (RNPs), the genome-containing RNA-protein complexes whose function is to carry out viral transcription and replication. Structural determination of RNPs can provide crucial information on the molecular mechanisms of these processes, paving the way for the development of new, more effective strategies to control and prevent the spread of ssRNAv diseases. In this scenario, cryogenic electron microscopy (cryoEM), relying on the technical and methodological revolution it has undergone in recent years, can provide invaluable help in elucidating how these macromolecular complexes are organized, packaged within the virion, or the functional implications of these structures. In this review, we summarize some of the most prominent achievements by cryoEM in the study of RNP and nucleocapsid structures in lipid-enveloped ssRNAv.

Making Food Safer in Palestine: A One Health Approach to Antimicrobial Resistance

A One Health and transdisciplinary perspective, considering human-animal-environmental interfaces, is central to food safety as it embeds food production systems in their environmental, socio-economic, and public health context. Compared to frameworks that solely concentrate on specific aspects of food safety, integrated One Health approaches add value to improve human, animal, and environmental health. According to the World Health Organization, preventative measures that have been implemented to lower the prevalence of Campylobacter in live poultry have been linked to a corresponding drop in human cases. This highlights the importance of cross-sectoral cooperation and demonstrates how the complex socio-ecological system interacts. One Health pays particular attention to the interaction of food security, human health, and environmental sustainability rather than removing food systems from their context. This case study tries to find a critical methodology to foster food safety by better understanding the zoonotic foodborne illnesses transmission and their resistance to antimicrobials in socio-ecological systems like in Palestine. This project recommends urgently building a national surveillance system in Palestine to efficiently and sustainably monitor and manage zoonotic disease outbreaks, the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and other health threats. It is essential to regularly gather and assess samples from humans, animals, foods, and the environment to check for zoonotic pathogens and their levels of antimicrobial resistance.© The Authors 2023

The Changing Epidemiology of Central Nervous System Infection: Can Radiologists Keep Up?

Diagnostic radiologists can increase their clinical value by supplementing image pattern recognition with knowledge of epidemiology and geographic distribution of central nervous system (CNS) infections and their causative organisms. This article reviews the changing global disease patterns, as well as zoonotic outbreaks of henipaviruses, coronaviruses, and other emerging, reemerging, and vector-borne organisms; case examples highlight typical imaging features of CNS infections and their mimics. Technical advances in neuroimaging help to enhance the value of radiologists to the multidisciplinary team and the responses to future pandemic preparation.

Propagating Visions of a Forest Reservoir: A Supposed Zoonotic Outbreak in the Brong-Ahafo Region of Ghana

ABSTRACT When examined closely, the backgrounds of some of the most widely cited origin stories for zoonotic disease outbreaks have been found to be irreconcilable with empirical data. Stated simply, these explanatory landscapes do not appear to have existed. Here, I present a detailed case study of one such fictional landscape, that of a monkey-filled forest which was identified as the source of a suspected zoonotic outbreak in the Brong-Ahafo Region of Ghana in 2010. Taking my approach from cultural epidemiology, I elucidate the mechanisms by which this fictional landscape was constructed and transmitted among the professionals involved in the response.

The relationship of land tenure, land use and land cover changes in Lake Victoria basin

Water basins characterise both physical and social environmental aspects such as land tenure. As such, the basins extend beyond spatial units of physical resources and human relations analysis to policy research and reform units. The comprehensive view of water basins in research goes along with an observed increase in anthropogenic-driven changes, such as land use and land cover changes, and cases of ineffective remedial measures to the adverse change, such as through applying integrated watershed management approaches. The human-induced land cover changes affect the water basin’s biodiversity, for instance, contributing to an increase in zoonotic disease outbreaks like coronaviruses. The Lake Victoria basin exhibits similar patterns of change and effects due to, among other factors, land tenure, whose contribution is less known empirically. Therefore, this paper integrates satellite imagery and catchment survey data to examine the relationship between land tenure and land uses and land cover changes in the Lake Victoria basin of Eastern Africa.Additionally, explore the contextual character and role of three land tenure systems of Customary, Native freehold and Mailo found in the Uganda country segment of the basin in explaining the outcomes. The aim is to provide information that, among other benefits, improves water basin management and governance. The results indicate a statistically significant relationship exists between the perceived extent of land use and land cover change; drivers of change; the extent of adopting sustainable land-use practices, and the prevailing land tenure. Though with different tenure systems, the three case study water catchments experienced adverse land use and cover changes. The changes mainly affected land tenure indicative land use and cover classes, prominently on the Customary, Mailo, and Native freehold land tenure systems. However, marginal differences occur among the land tenure systems, as the systems feature both de jure and de facto systems and an orientation towards customary tenure characters. The situation likely explains the observed closeness in perceptions regarding the role and relationship between land tenure and land use and cover changes, tenure systems character, perceived drivers of change and eventual outcomes, including the sustainable land use practices adoption. In addition to explaining the land use and cover change, land tenure is an essential tool for restoration and sustainable basin development and sustainability. We, thus, recommend land tenure responsiveness in water basin management approaches for sustainable societal development.

The risk of adverse cardiovascular complications following covid-19 vaccination

The current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has urged the scientific community internationally to find answers in terms of therapeutics and vaccines to control SARS-CoV-2. SARS-CoV-2 is the 7th member of the human coronavirus (CoV) family to be implicated in this zoonotic outbreak. With the global popularity of immunization against COVID-19, reports of vaccine-related adverse events are rapidly growing. Local pain at the injection site is the most prevalent occurrence, as are unusual symptoms such as fever, headache, myalgia, and overall discomfort. Those with COVID-19 and pre-existing cardiovascular disorders (CVDs) are at an increased likelihood of severe morbidity and fatality, and the condition has been related to a number of both direct and indirect CVDs outcomes. As a result of acute coronary syndrome, COVID-19 produces CVDs such as arrhythmias, cardiac arrest, cardiogenic shock, myocarditis, stress-cardiomyopathy, and acute myocardial damage (AMD). Because of underlying chronic comorbidities or impaired immune systems, older persons and adolescents should be particularly cautious about vaccine-related CVDs.

The Knowledge about the Potential Health Risks of Illegal Bushmeat Activities among Local Communities Adjacent to Western Nyerere National Park, Tanzania

Establishing knowledge of local communities regarding the potential health risks of illegal bushmeat hunting and its related practices is among the essential means to developing effective conservation and public health programs. To reveal the understanding of the local people regarding the potential health risks of bushmeat consumption and handling of wildlife products, we used a semi-structured questionnaire to survey 261 households in eight villages located adjacent to the western part of Nyerere National Park. Also, we interviewed eight key informants, including conservation personnel and veterinary officers, in the study area. The proportion of local people who were unaware that handling of wildlife products and bushmeat consumption were risky behaviours towards acquiring zoonotic diseases was slightly higher (57%) than the proportion of respondents who were aware of the likely risks of zoonotic diseases from the practices. After all, the majority (83%) of local people admitted having come into contact with wildlife products, while over 70% reported having consumed bushmeat. We found that local communities living closer to the park boundaries (<15 km) have a higher likelihood of contacting wildlife products, and that community members who have lived in the area for more than ten years have experienced more contact with wildlife products than immigrants. Moreover, the age of inhabitants and length of stay were found to be the most significant factors in determining the likelihood of bushmeat consumption. Most people seemed to prefer bushmeat to domestic meat, arguing that bushmeat is far more flavorful, tender, not tainted with chemicals, and has less fat, making it safer. Our study demonstrated that local communities participate in risky practices without contemplating the health consequences that could emerge should a zoonotic disease outbreak occur. Among other strategies, we recommended conservation and public health institutions to increase awareness campaigns on the possible health risks of zoonotic diseases associated with wildlife.

Endemic, emerging and re-emerging zoonotic diseases: The way forward!

Endemic, emerging and re-emerging zoonotic diseases: The way forward!

Genomic analysis of Chlamydia psittaci from a multistate zoonotic outbreak in two chicken processing plants.

Four Chlamydia psittaci isolates were recovered from clinical specimens from ill workers during a multistate outbreak at two chicken processing plants. Whole genome sequencing analyses revealed high similarity to C. psittaci genotype D. The isolates differed from each other by only two single nucleotide polymorphisms, indicating a common source.

Sporothrix brasiliensis infectando felinos no nordeste do Brasil: novas áreas emergentes no estado da Paraíba

ABSTRACT: Sporotrichosis is a subcutaneous mycosis caused by fungus of the Sporothrix complex, and in Brazil the main species reported is Sporothrix brasiliensis, of which the diseased cat is the transmitter. Although, its occurrence has increased in the state of Paraíba, Brazil, since 2016, data on the disease in this state are limited. Therefore, this research aimed to identify molecularly isolates of Sporothrix spp. from domestic cats from cities in Paraíba, and in this way to expand the understanding of the disease in the state. Thirty-nine samples were analyzed, obtained from skin lesions of domestic felines, from the following cities in Paraíba: João Pessoa, Pilões, Patos, Areia, Bananeiras and Guarabira. Cytological analysis was performed to screen the samples, followed by fungal culture, and the molecular characterization of the isolates was performed, using the species-specific Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) or partial sequencing of the calmodulin gene. All isolates were identified as S. brasiliensis. The sequencing showed 100% similarity to the S. brasiliensis CBS 120339 strain. In view of this, it is concluded that in the study areas the species involved in cases of feline sporotrichosis is S. brasiliensis, its presence in Paraíba demonstrated the spread of the agent in regions distant from the epicenters in Brazil, alerting to the possible occurrence of zoonotic outbreaks similar to those found in the South and Southeast regions of the country. In addition, it highlights the emerging role of felines in the transmission of sporotrichosis in new endemic areas of Brazil.

Anthropozoonotic transmission of Monkeypox: Are our canine companions at risk?

Monkeypox is the latest zoonotic outbreak spreading in its majority throughout the Western region of the globe. The latest statistics and reports indicate that Spain, France, Germany, Portugal and the Netherlands are the country’s worst effected with a total of 7083, 3897, 3570, 845 and 1221 cases respectively. The WHO has also reported numerous cases extending into the Balkans and Turkey. The current global Monkeypox outbreak is becoming more concerning as the total number of cases globally has surpassed 35000, and the incident rates are accelerating with a 20% growth in cases being noted on a weekly basis. This global increase in cases intern enhances exposure of the virus to a larger portion of the populous; the exposure of the virus is not only intensified in humans but also their household pets and animals.

Cross-Clade Memory Immunity in Adults Following SARS-CoV-1 Infection in 2003

Knowledge of the longevity and breath of immune response to coronavirus infection is crucial for the development of next-generation vaccines to control the COVID-19 pandemic. To determine the profile of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among persons infected with the closely related virus, SARS-CoV-1, in 2003 (SARS03 survivors) and to characterize their antibody response soon after the first and second doses of COVID-19 vaccines. This prospective cohort study examined SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among SARS03 survivors compared with sex- and age-matched infection-naive controls. Participants received the COVID-19 vaccines between March 1 and September 30, 2021. One of the 2 COVID-19 vaccines (inactivated [CoronaVac] or messenger RNA [BNT162b2]) available in Hong Kong. Two doses were given according to the recommended schedule. The vaccine type administered was known to both participants and observers. SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were measured prevaccination, 7 days after the first dose, and 14 days after the second dose. Eighteen SARS03 adult survivors (15 women and 3 men; median age, 46.5 [IQR, 40.0-54.3] years) underwent prevaccination serologic examination. The vast majority retained a detectable level of antibodies that cross-reacted with SARS-CoV-2 (16 of 18 [88.9%] with nucleocapsid protein antibodies and 17 of 18 [94.4%] with receptor-binding domain of spike protein antibodies); a substantial proportion (11 of 18 [61.1%]) had detectable cross-neutralizing antibodies. Twelve SARS03 adult survivors (10 women and 2 men) underwent postvaccination serologic examination. At 7 days after the first dose of vaccine, SARS03 survivors mounted significantly higher levels of neutralizing antibodies compared with controls (median inhibition: 89.5% [IQR, 77.1%-93.7%] vs 13.9% [IQR, 11.8%-16.1%] for BNT162b2; 64.9% [IQR, 60.8%-69.5%] vs 13.4% [IQR, 9.5%-16.8%] for CoronaVac; P < .001 for both). At 14 days after the second dose, SARS03 survivors generated a broader antibody response with significantly higher levels of neutralizing antibodies against variants of concern compared with controls (eg, median inhibition against Omicron variant, 52.1% [IQR, 35.8%-66.0%] vs 14.7% [IQR, 2.5%-20.7%]; P < .001). The findings of this prospective cohort study suggest that infection with SARS-CoV-1 was associated with detectable levels of antibodies that cross-react and cross-neutralize SARS-CoV-2, which belongs to a distinct clade under the same subgenus Sarbecovirus. These findings support the development of broadly protective vaccines to cover sarbecoviruses that caused 2 devastating zoonotic outbreaks in humans over the last 2 decades.

Leveraging machine learning to assess market-level food safety and zoonotic disease risks in China

While many have advocated for widespread closure of Chinese wet and wholesale markets due to numerous zoonotic disease outbreaks (e.g., SARS) and food safety risks, this is impractical due to their central role in China’s food system. This first-of-its-kind work offers a data science enabled approach to identify market-level risks. Using a massive, self-constructed dataset of food safety tests, market-level adulteration risk scores are created through machine learning techniques. Analysis shows that provinces with more high-risk markets also have more human cases of zoonotic flu, and specific markets associated with zoonotic disease have higher risk scores. Furthermore, it is shown that high-risk markets have management deficiencies (e.g., illegal wild animal sales), potentially indicating that increased and integrated regulation targeting high-risk markets could mitigate these risks.

Early vaccine-mediated strain-specific cytokine imbalance induces mild immunopathology during influenza infection.

Influenza A viruses (IAVs) exist as distinct serological subtypes, with limited antibody cross reactivity compared with T-cell responses, leading to universal vaccines that elicit robust T-cell responses entering clinical trials to combat pandemic and zoonotic outbreaks. Previously we have extensively characterizedthe viral-vectored universal vaccine, Wyeth/IL-15/5flu, a group 1 hemagglutinin, H5N1-based vaccine using a vaccinia backbone with interleukin (IL)-15. The vaccine elicits robust T-cell responses to provide heterosubtypic protection from lethal infection; however, we have also observed short-term morbidity of vaccinated mice with a disparity between the effects of sublethal infection with group 1 and 2 IAV strains. At day 3 of H3N2 (group 2 IAV) infection, there was a heavily skewed T helper type 1 response in vaccinated infected mice with overproduction of cytokines and reduced chemokines, whereas H1N1 (group 1 IAV) infection had increased innate cellular responses. These findings suggest that increased and early immune activation by T-cell activating vaccines may induce mild immunopathology when there is a mismatch between non-neutralizing antibody and cross-reactive memory T-cell responses leading to exuberant cytokine production. Therefore, to avoid overstimulating proinflammatory immune responses upon infection, universal influenza vaccines that elicit strong T-cell immunity will need a robust cross-reactive antibody response.

A Familiar Outbreak of Monophasic Salmonella serovar Typhimurium (ST34) Involving Three Dogs and Their Owner's Children.

Salmonella is a Gram-negative enteric bacterium responsible for the foodborne and waterborne disease salmonellosis, which is the second most reported bacterial zoonosis in humans. Many animals are potential sources of salmonellosis, including dogs, cats, and other pets. We report the case of an outbreak of salmonellosis in a family in central Italy, affecting two children and involving their three dogs as carriers. One of the children needed medical care and hospitalisation. Isolation and analysis of stool samples from the sibling and the animals present in the house were carried out. Serotyping allowed the identification of S. enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium in its monophasic variant for all the isolates. The results of whole-genome sequencing confirmed that the strains were tightly related. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) test documented the resistance to ampicillin, sulfamethoxazole, and tetracycline. The origin of the zoonotic outbreak could not be assessed; however, the case study showed a clear passage of the pathogen between the human and non-human members of the family. The possibility of a transmission from a dog to a human suggests the need for further studies on the potential ways of transmission of salmonellosis through standard and alternative feed.

IPSC Technology: An Innovative Tool for Developing Clean Meat, Livestock, and Frozen Ark.

Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology is an emerging technique to reprogram somatic cells into iPSCs that have revolutionary benefits in the fields of drug discovery, cellular therapy, and personalized medicine. However, these applications are just the tip of an iceberg. Recently, iPSC technology has been shown to be useful in not only conserving the endangered species, but also the revival of extinct species. With increasing consumer reliance on animal products, combined with an ever-growing population, there is a necessity to develop alternative approaches to conventional farming practices. One such approach involves the development of domestic farm animal iPSCs. This approach provides several benefits in the form of reduced animal death, pasture degradation, water consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions. Hence, it is essentially an environmentally-friendly alternative to conventional farming. Additionally, this approach ensures decreased zoonotic outbreaks and a constant food supply. Here, we discuss the iPSC technology in the form of a "Frozen Ark", along with its potential impact on spreading awareness of factory farming, foodborne disease, and the ecological footprint of the meat industry.

Recent Links between Zoonosis and a Catastrophic Global Climate Change

COVID-19 has caused widespread fear, a global health catastrophe, and a fall in the global economy. There has been a conflict over COVID-19 cases over the last couple of years. Daily incidents prompted previously unheard-of preventative measures, incarcerating a considerable percentage of the world's population and establishing "social distance" as the newly accepted standard of behavior. All recent outbreaks within the past few decades share a common characteristic: they are zoonotic viruses that spread through human contact and wreak havoc on mankind. COVID-19, EBOLA, Zika virus, avian flu, the West Nile virus, SARS, and MERS all exhibit this characteristic. In essence, zoonotic viruses that spread from animals to humans cause 70% of all infectious diseases worldwide. COVID-19 has taught humanity how terrible life can be. Its link to climate change is likewise not obscured from humans. As zoonotic diseases become more common, humans must consider the larger picture, including their connection to climate change. We can learn how to limit climate change by addressing pandemics and the reasons behind those triggers.&#x0D; This paper aims to analyses recent zoonotic virus outbreaks linked to climate change over the past few decades and ponders the possible consequences for humanity and its future. The paper also discusses potential causes of epidemics that happened in the past linked with the climate crisis as well as mitigation strategies for the climate crisis to prevent them from disrupting our daily lives.

Sporotrichosis: A Review of a Neglected Disease in the Last 50 Years in Brazil

Sporotrichosis is caused by fungi belonging to the genus Sporothrix, which saprophytically are found in plants and organic matter. However, cats are highly susceptible to contamination with fungal spores and, when they become sick, they can transmit it to other animals and to man. The objective of this study is to carry out a systematic review on the emergency, diagnosis, clinical symptoms, therapeutics, and control of zoonotic sporotrichosis. Published data covering the last 50 years using a combination of keywords were selected to answer the question: Why has the zoonotic sporotrichosis been a neglected disease up to now? A total of 135 studies were included in this review. The studies emphasize that in recent decades, Brazil has experienced an unprecedented zoonotic outbreak of sporotrichosis. Advances on the genus Sporothrix allowed one to associate thermotolerance, capacity for melanin synthesis, potential for adhesion to tissue macromolecules, ergosterol peroxide production, and expression of virulence proteins as tools for infection and invasion in S. brasiliensis, the main species involved, although cases with S. schenckii or S. lurei were also reported. Correct diagnosis, early treatment, basic educational measures that emphasize responsible ownership of animals and reproductive control programs for felines can contribute to the control of zoonosis.

A vision of a One Health system for Australia: on the need to rethink our health system.

A vision of a One Health system for Australia: on the need to rethink our health system.