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We are currently witnessing the endemization of urogenital schistosomiasis in southern Europe. The incriminated parasite is a hybrid between a human parasite and a livestock parasite. Using an experimental evolutionary protocol, we created hybrid lines from pure strains of both parasite species. We showed that the host spectrum of the human parasite is enlarged to the livestock parasite after genomic introgression. We also evidenced that the tropism of the parasites within the host changes and that some hybrid lines are more virulent than the parental strains. These results engage a paradigm shift from human to zoonotic transmission of urogenital schistosomiasis.
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Hibridación Genética , Zoonosis , Animales , Humanos , Zoonosis/transmisión , Zoonosis/parasitología , Esquistosomiasis Urinaria/transmisión , Esquistosomiasis Urinaria/parasitología , Schistosoma haematobium/genética , RatonesRESUMEN
Epidemiologic research on zoonotic tuberculosis historically used Mycobacterium bovis as a surrogate measure, however, increased reports of human tuberculosis caused by other animal-associated Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex members like Mycobacterium orygis necessitates their inclusion. We performed a retrospective cohort study including persons infected with any animal-lineage M. tuberculosis complex species in Alberta, Canada, from January 1995 to July 2021, identifying 42 patients (20 M. bovis, 21 M. orygis, one M. caprae). Demographic, epidemiologic and clinical characteristics were compared against persons with culture-confirmed M. tuberculosis infection. The proportion of culture-positive infections caused by M. orygis increased continuously from 2016-2020. Significantly more females at a higher median age were impacted by M. orygis, with all patients originating from South Asia. M. bovis caused significantly more extra-pulmonary disease, and disproportionately impacted young females, particularly those pregnant or post-partum. All infections were acquired abroad. These findings can aid in developing targeted public health interventions.
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Microorganisms which are resistant to antibiotics are a global threat to the health of humans and animals. Wastewater treatment plants are known hotspots for the dissemination of antibiotic resistances. Therefore, novel methods for the inactivation of pathogens, and in particular antibiotic-resistant microorganisms (ARM), are of increasing interest. An especially promising method could be a water treatment by physical plasma which provides charged particles, electric fields, UV-radiation, and reactive species. The latter are foremost responsible for the antimicrobial properties of plasma. Thus, with plasma it might be possible to reduce the amount of ARM and to establish this technology as additional treatment stage for wastewater remediation. However, the impact of plasma on microorganisms beyond a mere inactivation was analyzed in more detail by a proteomic approach. Therefore, Escherichia coli GW-AmxH19, isolated from hospital wastewater in Germany, was used. The bacterial solution was treated by a plasma discharge ignited between each of four pins and the liquid surface. The growth of E. coli and the pH-value decreased during plasma treatment in comparison with the untreated control. Proteome and antibiotic resistance profile were analyzed. Concentrations of nitrite and nitrate were determined as long-lived indicative products of a transient chemistry associated with reactive nitrogen species (RNS). Conversely, hydrogen peroxide served as indicator for reactive oxygen species (ROS). Proteome analyses revealed an oxidative stress response as a result of plasma-generated RNS and ROS as well as a pH-balancing reaction as key responses to plasma treatment. Both, the generation of reactive species and a decreased pH-value is characteristic for plasma-treated solutions. The plasma-mediated changes of the proteome are discussed also in comparison with the Gram-positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis. Furthermore, no effect of the plasma treatment, on the antibiotic resistance of E. coli, was determined under the chosen conditions. The knowledge about the physiological changes of ARM in response to plasma is of fundamental interest to understand the molecular basis for the inactivation. This will be important for the further development and implementation of plasma in wastewater remediation.
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BACKGROUND: Neuroinvasive infection with Francisella tularensis, the causative agent of tularemia, is rare. Establishing clinical suspicion is challenging if risk factors or clinical features classically associated with tularemia are absent. Tularemia is treatable with antibiotics; however, there are limited data to inform management of potentially fatal neuroinvasive infection. METHODS: We collected epidemiologic and clinical data on 2 recent US cases of neuroinvasive F. tularensis infection, and performed a literature review of cases of neuroinvasive F. tularensis infection published after 1950. RESULTS: One patient presented with focal neurologic deficits and brain lesions; broad-range molecular testing on resected brain tissue detected F. tularensis. The other patient presented with meningeal signs; tularemia was suspected based on animal exposure, and F. tularensis grew in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture. Both patients received combination antibiotic therapy and recovered from infection. Among 16 published cases, tularemia was clinically suspected in 4 cases. CSF often displayed lymphocytic pleocytosis. Among cases with available data, CSF culture was positive in 13 of 16 cases, and F. tularensis antibodies were detected in 11 of 11 cases. Treatment typically included an aminoglycoside combined with either a tetracycline or a fluoroquinolone. Outcomes were generally favorable. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians should consider neuroinvasive F. tularensis infection in patients with meningitis and signs suggestive of tularemia or compatible exposures, lymphocyte-predominant CSF, unrevealing standard microbiologic workup, or lack of response to empiric bacterial meningitis treatment. Molecular testing, culture, and serologic testing can reveal the diagnosis. Favorable outcomes can be achieved with directed antibiotic treatment.
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Francisella tularensis , Meningitis , Tularemia , Animales , Humanos , Tularemia/diagnóstico , Tularemia/tratamiento farmacológico , Tularemia/microbiología , Antibacterianos/uso terapéutico , Aminoglicósidos/uso terapéuticoRESUMEN
Tularemia is a disease caused by Francisella tularensis, a highly infectious bacteria that can be transmitted to humans by direct contact with infected animals. Because of the potential for zoonotic transmission of F. tularensis, veterinary occupational risk is a concern. Here, we report on a human case of tularemia in a veterinarian after an accidental needlestick injury during abscess drainage in a sick dog. The veterinarian developed ulceroglandular tularemia requiring hospitalization but fully recovered after abscess drainage and a course of effective antibiotics. To systematically assess veterinary occupational transmission risk of F. tularensis, we conducted a survey of veterinary clinical staff after occupational exposure to animals with confirmed tularemia. We defined a high-risk exposure as direct contact to the infected animal's body fluids or potential aerosol inhalation without use of standard personal protective equipment (PPE). Survey data included information on 20 veterinary occupational exposures to animals with F. tularensis in 4 states. Veterinarians were the clinical staff most often exposed (40%), followed by veterinarian technicians and assistants (30% and 20%, respectively). Exposures to infected cats were most common (80%). Standard PPE was not used during 80% of exposures; a total of 7 exposures were categorized as high risk. Transmission of F. tularensis in the veterinary clinical setting is possible but overall risk is likely low. Veterinary clinical staff should use standard PPE and employ environmental precautions when handling sick animals to minimize risk of tularemia and other zoonotic infections; postexposure prophylaxis should be considered after high-risk exposures to animals with suspected or confirmed F. tularensis infection to prevent tularemia.
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Francisella tularensis , Exposición Profesional , Tularemia , Humanos , Animales , Perros , Tularemia/microbiología , Tularemia/veterinaria , Absceso , Zoonosis/microbiologíaRESUMEN
A fecal survey in Tamil Nadu, India, revealed 2 persons passed schistosome eggs, later identified as Schistosoma incognitum, a parasite of pigs, dogs, and rats. We investigated those cases and reviewed autochthonous schistosomiasis cases from India and Nepal. Whether the 2 new cases represent true infection or spurious passage is undetermined.
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Heces , Schistosoma , Esquistosomiasis , Animales , India/epidemiología , Humanos , Schistosoma/aislamiento & purificación , Esquistosomiasis/epidemiología , Esquistosomiasis/parasitología , Heces/parasitología , Masculino , Femenino , Perros , Adulto , Porcinos , Ratas/parasitología , Nepal/epidemiología , Persona de Mediana Edad , Sur de AsiaRESUMEN
Across 133 confirmed mpox zoonotic index cases reported during 1970-2021 in Africa, cases occurred year-round near the equator, where climate is consistent. However, in tropical regions of the northern hemisphere under a dry/wet season cycle, cases occurred seasonally. Our findings further support the seasonality of mpox zoonotic transmission risk.
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Estaciones del Año , Zoonosis , Humanos , África/epidemiología , Animales , Zoonosis/epidemiología , Historia del Siglo XXI , Historia del Siglo XXRESUMEN
A neurocysticercosis-like lesion in an 11-year-old boy in the Netherlands was determined to be caused by the zoonotic Taenia martis tapeworm. Subsequent testing revealed that 15% of wild martens tested in that region were infected with T. martis tapeworms with 100% genetic similarity; thus, the infection source was most likely local.
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Neurocisticercosis , Taenia , Masculino , Niño , Animales , Humanos , Neurocisticercosis/diagnóstico por imagen , Taenia/genética , Países BajosRESUMEN
We identified a cluster of mpox exposures among key populations in Kenya through retrospective serologic screening. We identified strong seropositivity among sex workers and gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. These findings demonstrate the need for increased mpox surveillance among mpox-endemic and mpox-endemic-adjacent regions in Africa.
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Anticuerpos Antivirales , Orthopoxvirus , Humanos , Kenia/epidemiología , Estudios Seroepidemiológicos , Masculino , Anticuerpos Antivirales/sangre , Estudios Retrospectivos , Adulto , Orthopoxvirus/inmunología , Femenino , Infecciones por Poxviridae/epidemiología , Infecciones por Poxviridae/inmunología , Adulto Joven , Persona de Mediana Edad , AdolescenteRESUMEN
We investigated 2 acute cases and 1 previous case of Seoul hantavirus infection in workers in a feeder rodent breeding farm in Taiwan. Prevalence of hantavirus IgG among the tested feeder rats was 37.5%. Appropriate prevention measures, including using disinfection protocols and personal protective equipment, are crucial to lowering risk.
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Infecciones por Hantavirus , Animales , Humanos , Taiwán/epidemiología , Infecciones por Hantavirus/epidemiología , Infecciones por Hantavirus/veterinaria , Masculino , Adulto , Granjas , Anticuerpos Antivirales/sangre , Femenino , Exposición Profesional , Recurrencia , Ratas , Roedores/virología , Persona de Mediana Edad , Enfermedades Profesionales/epidemiología , Enfermedades Profesionales/virología , Historia del Siglo XXIRESUMEN
Bacterial zoonoses are established causes of severe febrile illness in East Africa. Within a fever etiology study, we applied a high-throughput 16S rRNA metagenomic assay validated for detecting bacterial zoonotic pathogens. We enrolled febrile patients admitted to 2 referral hospitals in Moshi, Tanzania, during September 2007-April 2009. Among 788 participants, median age was 20 (interquartile range 2-38) years. We performed PCR amplification of V1-V2 variable region 16S rRNA on cell pellet DNA, then metagenomic deep-sequencing and pathogenic taxonomic identification. We detected bacterial zoonotic pathogens in 10 (1.3%) samples: 3 with Rickettsia typhi, 1 R. conorii, 2 Bartonella quintana, 2 pathogenic Leptospira spp., and 1 Coxiella burnetii. One other sample had reads matching a Neoerhlichia spp. previously identified in a patient from South Africa. Our findings indicate that targeted 16S metagenomics can identify bacterial zoonotic pathogens causing severe febrile illness in humans, including potential novel agents.
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Fiebre , Metagenómica , ARN Ribosómico 16S , Humanos , Tanzanía/epidemiología , Adulto , Preescolar , Adolescente , Metagenómica/métodos , Fiebre/microbiología , Masculino , Femenino , Animales , Niño , ARN Ribosómico 16S/genética , Adulto Joven , Bacterias/genética , Bacterias/clasificación , Bacterias/aislamiento & purificación , Zoonosis Bacterianas/microbiología , Zoonosis Bacterianas/epidemiología , Infecciones Bacterianas/microbiología , Infecciones Bacterianas/epidemiología , Infecciones Bacterianas/diagnóstico , Zoonosis/microbiología , Zoonosis/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
We evaluated Q fever prevalence in blood donors and assessed the epidemiologic features of the disease in Israel in 2021. We tested serum samples for Coxeilla burnetii phase I and II IgG using immunofluorescent assay, defining a result of >200 as seropositive. We compared geographic and demographic data. We included 1,473 participants; 188 (12.7%) were seropositive. The calculated sex- and age-adjusted national seroprevalence was 13.9% (95% CI 12.2%-15.7%). Male sex and age were independently associated with seropositivity (odds ratio [OR] 1.6, 95% CI 1.1-2.2; p = 0.005 for male sex; OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.01-1.03; p<0.001 for age). Residence in the coastal plain was independently associated with seropositivity for Q fever (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.2-2.3; p<0.001); residence in rural and farming regions was not. Q fever is highly prevalent in Israel. The unexpected spatial distribution in the nonrural coastal plain suggests an unrecognized mode of transmission.
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Donantes de Sangre , Fiebre Q , Humanos , Estudios Seroepidemiológicos , Israel/epidemiología , Donantes de Sangre/estadística & datos numéricos , Masculino , Femenino , Fiebre Q/epidemiología , Fiebre Q/sangre , Estudios Transversales , Adulto , Persona de Mediana Edad , Adulto Joven , Adolescente , Coxiella burnetii/inmunología , Anciano , Prevalencia , Anticuerpos Antibacterianos/sangreRESUMEN
Dogs are known to be susceptible to influenza A viruses, although information on influenza D virus (IDV) is limited. We investigated the seroprevalence of IDV in 426 dogs in the Apulia region of Italy during 2016 and 2023. A total of 14 samples were positive for IDV antibodies, suggesting exposure to IDV in dogs.
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Anticuerpos Antivirales , Enfermedades de los Perros , Infecciones por Orthomyxoviridae , Thogotovirus , Perros , Animales , Italia/epidemiología , Infecciones por Orthomyxoviridae/veterinaria , Infecciones por Orthomyxoviridae/epidemiología , Infecciones por Orthomyxoviridae/virología , Infecciones por Orthomyxoviridae/inmunología , Enfermedades de los Perros/epidemiología , Enfermedades de los Perros/virología , Anticuerpos Antivirales/sangre , Estudios Seroepidemiológicos , Thogotovirus/inmunologíaRESUMEN
In Latin America, rabies virus has persisted in a cycle between Desmodus rotundus vampire bats and cattle, potentially enhanced by deforestation. We modeled bovine rabies virus outbreaks in Costa Rica relative to land-use indicators and found spatial-temporal relationships among rabies virus outbreaks with deforestation as a predictor.
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Enfermedades de los Bovinos , Brotes de Enfermedades , Virus de la Rabia , Rabia , Animales , Costa Rica/epidemiología , Rabia/epidemiología , Rabia/veterinaria , Bovinos , Enfermedades de los Bovinos/epidemiología , Enfermedades de los Bovinos/virología , Conservación de los Recursos Naturales , Quirópteros/virología , Historia del Siglo XXIRESUMEN
We report 2 autochthonous feline thelaziosis cases caused by the eyeworm Thelazia callipaeda and discuss the spread among dogs in the northeastern United States. Phylogenetic analysis suggests the parasite was introduced from Europe. Adopting a One Health approach is needed to limit further spread of T. callipaeda eyeworms in North America.
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Enfermedades de los Gatos , Enfermedades de los Perros , Thelazioidea , Gatos , Animales , Perros , Enfermedades de los Gatos/epidemiología , Filogenia , Enfermedades de los Perros/epidemiología , New England , Loa , Thelazioidea/genéticaRESUMEN
Healthcare providers in North Carolina, USA, have limited experience diagnosing and managing Lyme disease because few cases occur annually statewide. We outline the prolonged diagnostic course for a patient with locally acquired Lyme disease in North Carolina. This case highlights the need for greater awareness and professional education.
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Diagnóstico Tardío , Enfermedad de Lyme , Humanos , North Carolina/epidemiología , Personal de Salud , Enfermedad de Lyme/diagnóstico , Enfermedad de Lyme/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is the most geographically widespread tickborne viral infection worldwide and has a fatality rate of up to 62%. Despite its widespread range and high fatality rate, no vaccines or treatments are currently approved by regulatory agencies in the United States or Europe. Supportive treatment remains the standard of care, but the use of antiviral medications developed for other viral infections have been considered. We reviewed published literature to summarize the main aspects of CCHFV infection in humans. We provide an overview of diagnostic testing and management and medical countermeasures, including investigational vaccines and limited therapeutics. CCHFV continues to pose a public health threat because of its wide geographic distribution, potential to spread to new regions, propensity for genetic variability, potential for severe and fatal illness, and limited medical countermeasures for prophylaxis and treatment. Clinicians should become familiar with available diagnostic and management tools for CCHFV infections in humans.
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Antivirales , Virus de la Fiebre Hemorrágica de Crimea-Congo , Fiebre Hemorrágica de Crimea , Fiebre Hemorrágica de Crimea/diagnóstico , Fiebre Hemorrágica de Crimea/terapia , Fiebre Hemorrágica de Crimea/tratamiento farmacológico , Humanos , Virus de la Fiebre Hemorrágica de Crimea-Congo/genética , Antivirales/uso terapéutico , Animales , Manejo de la Enfermedad , Vacunas ViralesRESUMEN
Sporadic cases and outbreaks of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) have been documented across Pakistan since 1976; however, data regarding the diversity of CCHF virus (CCHFV) in Pakistan is sparse. We whole-genome sequenced 36 CCHFV samples collected from persons infected in Pakistan during 2017-2020. Most CCHF cases were from Rawalpindi (n = 10), followed by Peshawar (n = 7) and Islamabad (n = 4). Phylogenetic analysis revealed the Asia-1 genotype was dominant, but 4 reassorted strains were identified. Strains with reassorted medium gene segments clustered with Asia-2 (n = 2) and Africa-2 (n = 1) genotypes; small segment reassortments clustered with the Asia-2 genotype (n = 2). Reassorted viruses showed close identity with isolates from India, Iran, and Tajikistan, suggesting potential crossborder movement of CCHFV. Improved and continuous human, tick, and animal surveillance is needed to define the diversity of circulating CCHFV strains in Pakistan and prevent transmission.
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Virus de la Fiebre Hemorrágica de Crimea-Congo , Fiebre Hemorrágica de Crimea , Animales , Humanos , Fiebre Hemorrágica de Crimea/epidemiología , Filogenia , Pakistán/epidemiología , Análisis de Secuencia de ADNRESUMEN
In 2018, a local case of nephropathia epidemica was reported in Scania, southern Sweden, more than 500 km south of the previously known presence of human hantavirus infections in Sweden. Another case emerged in the same area in 2020. To investigate the zoonotic origin of those cases, we trapped rodents in Ballingslöv, Norra Sandby, and Sörby in southern Sweden during 2020â2021. We found Puumala virus (PUUV) in lung tissues from 9 of 74 Myodes glareolus bank voles by screening tissues using a hantavirus pan-large segment reverse transcription PCR. Genetic analysis revealed that the PUUV strains were distinct from those found in northern Sweden and Denmark and belonged to the Finnish PUUV lineage. Our findings suggest an introduction of PUUV from Finland or Karelia, causing the human PUUV infections in Scania. This discovery emphasizes the need to understand the evolution, cross-species transmission, and disease outcomes of this newly found PUUV variant.
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Infecciones por Hantavirus , Fiebre Hemorrágica con Síndrome Renal , Virus Puumala , Animales , Humanos , Fiebre Hemorrágica con Síndrome Renal/epidemiología , Fiebre Hemorrágica con Síndrome Renal/veterinaria , Virus Puumala/genética , Suecia/epidemiología , ArvicolinaeRESUMEN
We report an imported Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever case in Senegal. The patient received PCR confirmation of virus infection 10 days after symptom onset. We identified 46 patient contacts in Senegal; 87.7% were healthcare professionals. Strengthening border crossing and community surveillance systems can help reduce the risks of infectious disease transmission.