Linking animal and human health burden: challenges and opportunities.

Quantifying the impact of poor animal health outcomes on human health represents a complex challenge. Using the disability-adjusted life year (DALY) metric as an endpoint, this article discusses how animal health outcomes can impact humans through three key processes: directly through zoonotic disease, indirectly via changes in yields and their impacts on nutrition and wealth, and finally, through indirect features associated with the agricultural industry, such as pharmaceuticals and climate change. For each process, the current state of the art and feasibility of global DALY-associated estimates are discussed. Existing frameworks for zoonoses already consider some key pathogens; ensuring completeness in the pathogens considered and consistency in methodological decisions is an important next step. For diet, risk factor frameworks enable a calculation of attributable DALYs; however, significant economic methodological developments are needed to ensure that local production changes are appropriately mapped to both local and global changes in dietary habits. Concerning wealth-related impacts, much work needs to be done on method development. Industry-related impacts require a focus on key research topics, such as attribution studies for animal antimicrobial resistance contributing to human outcomes. For climate change, a critical next step is identifying to what extent associated industry emissions are amenable to change should animal health outcomes improve. Allocation of finite funds to improve animal health must also consider the downstream impact on humans. Leveraging DALYs enables comparisons with other human health-related decisions and would represent a transformative way of approaching animal health decision-making should the obstacles in this article be addressed and new methods be developed.

La quantification de l'impact des problèmes de santé animale sur la santé humaine constitue un défi d'une grande complexité. En se servant de l'indicateur des années de vie ajustées sur l'incapacité (DALY) comme critère d'évaluation, les auteurs examinent trois processus essentiels illustrant l'impact que la situation zoosanitaire peut avoir sur la santé humaine : impact direct résultant des maladies zoonotiques, impact indirect résultant des mauvaises performances des animaux et de leurs conséquences sur la nutrition et la création de richesses, et enfin, effets indirects résultant de facteurs en lien avec le secteur agricole, par exemple l'utilisation de produits pharmaceutiques et le changement climatique. Pour chacun de ces processus, les auteurs font le point sur l'état actuel des connaissances et sur l'applicabilité des évaluations mondiales basées sur l'indicateur DALY. Les cadres existants relatifs aux zoonoses recouvrent déjà certains agents pathogènes majeurs ; la prochaine étape importante consistera à assurer une couverture complète des agents pathogènes et à veiller à la cohérence des décisions méthodologiques. S'agissant de l'alimentation, les cadres basés sur l'analyse des facteurs de risque permettent de calculer les DALY imputables à l'alimentation ; toutefois, d'importantes avancées méthodologiques sur les aspects économiques de cette corrélation seront nécessaires pour s'assurer que tout changement intervenant localement en matière de production animale est correctement mis en correspondance avec les modifications des habitudes alimentaires dans ce même contexte local mais aussi à l'échelle mondiale. S'agissant des impacts liés à la création de richesses, il reste beaucoup à faire dans le domaine méthodologique. La détermination des impacts liés aux filières d'élevage requiert des travaux axés sur des sujets précis, par exemple des études visant à déceler les sources de la résistance aux agents antimicrobiens qui contribuent à l'apparition d'antibiorésistances chez l'être humain. Enfin, pour ce qui concerne le changement climatique, une étape cruciale consistera à déterminer dans quelle mesure les émissions associées à l'élevage sont susceptibles de changer en cas d'amélioration de la situation zoosanitaire. Dans un contexte de ressources limitées, l'affectation de fonds à l'amélioration de la santé animale doit également prendre en compte l'impact en aval sur la santé humaine. L'utilisation de l'indicateur DALY permet des comparaisons avec d'autres décisions de santé publique et représenterait une approche transformative de la prise de décision en santé animale, dès lors que les obstacles mentionnés dans cet article sont surmontés et que de nouvelles méthodes sont mises au point.

Cuantificar el impacto de una mala sanidad animal en la salud humana es un desafío complejo. Utilizando el parámetro de años de vida ajustados en función de la discapacidad (AVAD o DALY) como criterio de valoración, en este artículo se examina cómo la sanidad animal puede repercutir en los seres humanos a través de tres procesos clave: directamente, a través de las zoonosis; indirectamente, a través de cambios en los rendimientos y sus repercusiones en la nutrición y la riqueza; y, por último, a través de factores indirectos asociados a la industria agropecuaria, como los fármacos y el cambio climático. Para cada uno de estos procesos, se examinan el estado actual y la viabilidad de estimar AVAD a escala mundial. Los marcos existentes para la zoonosis ya tienen en cuenta algunos patógenos claves; garantizar la exhaustividad de los patógenos considerados y la coherencia en las decisiones metodológicas es un próximo paso importante. En lo que respecta a la alimentación, aunque los marcos de factores de riesgo permiten calcular los AVAD atribuibles, se necesitan importantes avances metodológicos en el ámbito económico para asegurar que los cambios en la producción local se correspondan adecuadamente con los cambios locales y mundiales en los hábitos alimentarios. En cuanto a las repercusiones en la riqueza, queda mucho trabajo por hacer en el desarrollo de métodos. Para abordar las repercusiones relacionadas con la industria, es necesario centrarse en temas clave de investigación, como los estudios de atribución relativos al impacto en la salud humana de la resistencia a los antimicrobianos en los animales. En lo que se refiere al cambio climático, un próximo paso crucial es determinar en qué medida las emisiones de la industria podrían cambiar, en función de la mejora de los resultados en materia de sanidad animal. Al asignar fondos limitados para la mejora de la sanidad animal también se deben tener en cuenta las repercusiones correspondientes en los seres humanos. Utilizar los AVAD permite hacer comparaciones con otras decisiones importantes relacionadas con la salud humana y representaría una forma transformadora de enfocar la toma de decisiones en materia de sanidad animal, en caso de que se aborden los obstáculos presentados en ese artículo y se desarrollen nuevos métodos.

Lesion on the right testicle of 21-year-old patient.

Human dirofilariasis is an emerging disease that is rising and driven by increasing travel of both humans and their companion animals and climate change. We report a case of Dirofilaria repens in the scrotum of a 21-year-old patient, who experienced right testicular pain. Ultrasonography revealed a tubular, worm-like lesion extracted successfully and confirmed as an immature D. repens through parasitological and molecular analyses. Post-surgery, the patient underwent anthelmintic treatment and was discharged. Increased awareness of this parasitosis among healthcare professionals is crucial, given the expected rise in dirofilariasis cases. Climate change in Poland, characterized not so much by record high temperatures but by a systematic increase in the number of warm days, affects many aspects of life. Due to the presence of disease vectors, the introduction and reintroduction of exotic and parasitic disease, previously rare or absent in temperate climate zones, is possible.

Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in domestic pigs from family farms in northeastern Argentina.

Domestic pigs serve as significant hosts and reservoirs for multiple parasite species, some specific to pigs and many others of zoonotic importance. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasites in pigs within a rural area in northeastern Argentina. We also examined demographic information, breeding conditions, and exposure factors associated with parasite presence. Pig feces were subjected to coprological examination through flotation and sedimentation techniques. Modified Ziehl-Neelsen technique was employed to examine oocysts of Cryptosporidium spp. In total, 29 family farms with pig pens were analyzed, and 42 stool samples were collected from pigs on these farms. At the farm level, the presence of at least one parasite species was recorded in 27 rural houses (93.1%). We found that 90.4% of pigs were parasitized, with a specific parasitoses of 10 species, with a maximum of six species in a single host. The most prevalent protozoa were Entamoeba spp. (57.1%) and Blastocystis sp. (45.2%), followed by Iodamoeba butschlii (33.3%), Neobalantidium coli (21.4%), coccidia (14.2%), Cryptosporidium spp. (9.5%) and Giardia spp. (2.3%). The most prevalent helminths were Strongylidae eggs (52.3%), Ascaris spp. (14.2%) and Trichuris spp. (2.3%). We advocate for an urgent need to implement a comprehensive prophylaxis program prioritizing general hygiene practices such as regular cleaning, removal of fecal material and renewal of drinking water. Additionally, vaccination and deworming protocols should be implemented. Furthermore, this study highlights the necessity for molecular-level evaluations to detect potential zoonotic genotypes of the identified protozoa.

Control strategies for emerging infectious diseases: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever management.

Background and Aims: Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is a significant public health concern transmitted by ticks. This study seeks to thoroughly grasp the epidemiology and transmission patterns of CCHF, which is caused by the CCHF virus (CCHFV), a member of the Nairovirus genus in the Bunyaviridae family. Methods: The study investigates the global distribution and endemicity of CCHF, its mortality rates, modes of transmission (including tick bites, contact with infected animal blood, and limited person-to-person transmission), and factors influencing its prevalence across different regions. Genetic diversity within CCHFV and its impact on transmission dynamics are explored, along with efforts to control the disease through tick prevention, antiviral treatment, and the development of vaccines and diagnostics. Results: CCHFV exhibits widespread distribution, particularly in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe, with an overall mortality rate of approximately 30% and a case fatality rate ranging from 10% to 40%. Transmission occurs primarily through tick bites and contact with infected animal blood, with limited person-to-person transmission. Livestock workers, slaughterhouse employees, and animal herders in endemic areas are most affected by their frequent interaction with sick animals and ticks. Genetic diversity within CCHFV contributes to variations in transmission dynamics, complicating control efforts. Antiviral ribavirin shows efficacy in treating CCHF infection. Conclusion: This study underscores the importance of further research to understand the enzootic environment, transmission routes, and genetic diversity of CCHFV for effective control measures, including the development of vaccines, treatment options, and diagnostics.

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae bacteremia treated with linezolid.

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is a common zoonotic pathogen that rarely causes diseases in humans. It has three main disease manifestations: a localized cutaneous, a disseminated cutaneous, and a systemic form of infection, typically characterized as bacteremia with or without endocarditis. Human infections are often associated with occupational exposure to animals, animal products, or their excreta. We present a case of a 60-year-old woman found to have E. rhusiopathiae bacteremia associated with a leg laceration sustained after she fell into a sewer drain. Germane animal exposures were not identified; thus, the source of bacterium was attributed to sewage or sewage-contaminated water. She was initially treated with intravenous penicillin with clinical improvement. However, given the patient's social factors, prolonged oral antimicrobial therapy was considered. E. rhusiopathiae is routinely susceptible to penicillin, cephalosporins, and fluoroquinolones but resistant to vancomycin. The data on alternatives to beta-lactam therapy are limited. We report a case of E. rhusiopathiae bacteremia successfully treated with oral linezolid.

Zoonotic potential of urban wildlife faeces, assessed through metabarcoding.

Monitoring zoonoses in urban environments is of great relevance, where the incidence of certain pathogens may be higher and where population density makes the spread of any contagious disease more likely. In this study we applied a metabarcoding approach to study potentially zoonotic pathogens in faecal samples of 9 urban vertebrate species. We applied this methodology with two objectives. Firstly, to obtain information on potential pathogens present in the urban fauna of a large European city (Madrid, Spain) and to determine which are their main reservoirs. In addition, we tested for differences in the prevalence of these potential pathogens between urban and rural European rabbits, used as ubiquitous species. Additionally, based on the results obtained, we evaluated the effectiveness of metabarcoding as a tool for monitoring potential pathogen. Our results revealed the presence of potentially zoonotic bacterial genera in all studied host species, 10 of these genera with zoonotic species of mandatory monitoring in the European Union. Based on these results, urban birds (especially house sparrows and pigeons) and bats are the species posing the greatest potential risk, with Campylobacter and Listeria genera in birds and of Chlamydia and Vibrio cholerae in bats as most relevant pathogens. This information highlights the risk associated with fresh faeces from urban wildlife. In addition, we detected Campylobacter in >50 % of the urban rabbit samples, while we only detected it in 11 % of the rural rabbit samples. We found that urban rabbits have a higher prevalence of some pathogens relative to rural rabbits, which could indicate increased risk of pathogen transmission to humans. Finally, our results showed that metabarcoding can be an useful tool to quickly obtain a first screening of potentially zoonotic organisms, necessary information to target the monitoring efforts on the most relevant pathogens and host species.

A scoping review on control strategies for Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato.

Background: Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a widespread neglected zoonotic disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (EG) with a global burden of control in the billions of dollars. E. granulosus' life cycle involves definitive, intermediate, and humans as dead-end hosts. Echinococcosis control programs use strategies that focus on any of these hosts. We aimed to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the EG control interventions worldwide. Methods: We conducted a scoping review by mapping all studies on interventions for EG control following the Arksey and O'Malley Framework. We screened identified articles, and charted and coded selected papers. We classified the data based on target host, type of study, and control mechanism. We described the efficacy or safety outcomes, and the associated barriers/facilitators for the intervention. Critical appraisal was conducted. Results: From 7,853 screened studies, we analyzed 45: seven centered on human interventions, 21 on animals, and 17 on both. Studies on humans focused on educational strategies and human CE monitoring. The studies on animals were field trials and most were based on Praziquantel (PZQ) for dogs. Studies focused on both animals and humans had, in general, more participants, lasted longer, and covered larger geographical areas. Overall, the quality of studies was moderate to low. Conclusions: Available evidence suggests that long-term interventions aimed at both animals and humans can achieve significant reduction in EG transmission, particularly when PZQ treatment for dogs is included. Higher quality evidence, standardization of methodologies, and better reporting on post-intervention outcomes are necessary for drawing stronger conclusions. Further evidence is needed to assess the sustainability and scalability of control measures. Nonetheless, an integrative One Health approach is essential for overcoming the multiple challenges associated with sustaining long-term control efforts for Echinococcosis.

Multifocal pneumonia caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica: Insights from a human case study.

This case report describes a 43-year-old man who presented with respiratory distress and was diagnosed with an exacerbation of congestive heart failure and multifocal pneumonia caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica. Microbiological work up of a respiratory sample identified the causative organism, prompting antibiotic treatment and recommending vaccination for his dog. This case emphasizes the need to consider diverse origins in respiratory infections for effective clinical management.

Zoonotic Bacterial Infections Triggering Cytokine Storm Syndrome.

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

Brown rats (Rattus norvegicus) as potential reservoirs of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in Heilongjiang Province, China: high prevalence, genetic heterogeneity, and potential risk for zoonotic transmission.

Introduction: Enterocytozoon bieneusi, an obligatory intracellular fungus, is prevalent among animals and humans. Due to their close interaction with humans and their extensive regional distribution, brown rats (Rattus norvegicus) are important pathogen reservoirs. To assess the zoonotic transmission potential of E. bieneusi, a molecular investigation was conducted on 817 R. norvegicus from four cities in Heilongjiang Province, China. Methods: A total of 817 R. norvegicus were collected from four cities in Heilongjiang Province, China. The genotyping of E. bieneusi was conducted through PCR amplification of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA)'s internal transcribed spacer (ITS) segments. Phylogenetic and similarity analyses were used to examine zoonotic potential and genetic characteristics of the E. bieneusi-positive specimens. Results: Among the 817 R. norvegicus, the total infection rate was 33.3% (272/817). Seventy-five genotypes were identified, including 14 known genotypes D (n = 167), A (n = 15), HLJ-CP1 (n = 12), WR8 (n = 6), EbpC (n = 2), BEB6 (n = 1), CS-4 (n = 1), CHPM1 (n = 1), Henan-II (n = 1), HNH-22 (n = 1), HNH-25 (n = 1), I (n = 1), JLD-XI (n = 1), SDD5 (n = 1), and 61 novel genotypes designated as SHWR1 (n = 10), SYSWR1 (n = 2), and SHWR2 to SHWR17, SYSWR2 to SYSWR36 and QTHWR1 to QTHWR8 (n = 1, each). Moreover, 10 samples exhibited mixed genotype infections, including D + A (n = 3), D + EbpC (n = 1), D + HLJ-CP1 (n = 1), D + SHWR1 (n = 1), D + SHWR16 (n = 1), D + SHWR17 (n = 1), SDD5 + WR8 (n = 1), and CS-4 + SYSWR36 (n = 1). Phylogenetic analysis grouped the genotypes into three main groups: group 1 (n = 67), group 2 (n = 5), and group 9 (n = 3). Discussion: The high prevalence and genetic diversity of E. bieneusi in Heilongjiang Province's R. norvegicus imply that these animals spread the pathogen. The R. norvegicus that E. bieneusi carries can spread zoonotic disease, making it a serious hazard to the local human population. Therefore, it is imperative to raise awareness about the dangers posed by R. norvegicus and implement measures to reduce their population to prevent environmental contamination.

The Role of Plasmapheresis in Severe Leptospirosis Refractory to Standard Therapy: A Case Report and a Comprehensive Literature Review.

Leptospirosis, a zoonotic infection prevalent in Pakistan, presents diverse clinical manifestations ranging from mild flu-like symptoms to severe multiorgan failure known as Weil's disease. This case study reports on a 24-year-old woman with leptospirosis complicated by acute kidney injury and hyperbilirubinemia, unresponsive to standard therapies. Despite initial treatment with antibiotics and hemodialysis, her condition deteriorated. Following a single session of plasmapheresis, marked clinical and laboratory improvements were observed. Notably, plasma exchange effectively reduced bilirubin levels, underscoring its potential benefit in severe leptospirosis. This case highlights the role of plasmapheresis as rescue therapy in critically ill patients, demonstrating significant outcomes in cases resistant to conventional management. Further research is warranted to refine guidelines on the optimal timing and frequency of plasma exchange in such settings.

Feline vector-borne haemopathogens in Türkiye: the first molecular detection of Mycoplasma wenyonii and ongoing Babesia ovis DNA presence in unspecific hosts.

BACKGROUND: Cats are hosts and reservoirs for many haemopathogens such as piroplasms, Rickettsia, hemotropic Mycoplasma, Bartonella, Ehrlichia, and Anaplasma, which are transmitted by various vector arthropods and some of which have a zoonotic concern. Although it is noteworthy that the rate of ownership of companion animals has increased in Türkiye in recent years and that cats account for a large proportion of these animals, there is limited research on the vector-borne infectious agents carried by them. The present study aimed to provide a comprehensive molecular epidemiological data and molecular characterization of feline vector-borne haemopathogens (FVBHs), including piroplasms, anaplasmataceae, rickettsias, haemoplasmas, and Bartonella species in Türkiye. In total, 250 feline blood samples were collected from client-owned cats (n = 203) and shelter cats (n = 47) brought to the Small Animal Hospital of Selcuk University, Veterinary Faculty. RESULTS: Overall, 40 (16%) cats were found to be infected with at least one of the investigated haemopathogens and piroplasm, Mycoplasma spp. and Bartonella spp. prevalence was 1.6%, 11.2%, and 4.8%, respectively. No Anaplasma/Ehrlichia spp. and Rickettsia spp. DNA was detected in the investigated feline samples. Sequence analysis revealed that all four piroplasms belonged to Babesia ovis with a 97.93-99.82% nucleotide sequence identity to 18S rRNA gene sequences from Spain and Türkiye, while some sequenced hemoplasmas were Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf), Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum (CMhm) and Mycoplasma wenyonii, and Bartonella spp. were Bartonella henselae and Bartonella koehlerae species. Co-infections with Mycoplasma spp. and Bartonella spp. were also detected in 4 cats (1.6%) in this study, where single infections were predominant. CONCLUSION: This study provides valuable information on zoonotically important feline vector-borne hemopathogens in Türkiye, some of which have received attention under the One Health perspective, and is the first molecular epidemiological study to demonstrate the presence of Babesia ovis, the causative agent of ovine babesiosis, and Mycoplasma wenyonii DNA, the causative agent of bovine haemotropic mycoplasmosis, in cats. Further studies on the roles of such pathogens detected in unspecific hosts and the host specificity of the vectors that transmit them will contribute to the elucidation of this situation.

Lyssa: Goddess, Drug, Illness and Shield in Hellenic Antiquity.

The aim of this historical review is to present the beliefs of the ancient Greeks related to lyssa and how the mythology surrounding this disease was created. In Greek antiquity Lyssa was a secondary goddess, a personification of a zoonotic disease which could be transmitted after an animal bite. Also named hydrophobia, the illness lyssa presented with an acute loss of mental stability, offensive frenzy and madness, and fear of water in the patient, who was seen to be possessed by a daemon as a divine punishment. In the Trojan War, lyssa was seen as a drug to Greek warriors, to demonstrate unreal power during battle. Homer was the first to refer to the hound of Orion, who was the greatest ancient Greek hunter. The hound, named Sirius, as a carrier of lyssa, was used as a bio-weapon to inflict death among the Trojans. Soranus of Ephesus and Galen gave descriptions of the disease, and proposed a sponge soaked with various herbal drugs as a therapeutic measure. The Greco-Roman physician Caelius Aurelianus noted that ancient Greeks knew about lyssa, and was the first to suggest that this was a neuro-disease. Lyssa was a figure in Greek Tragedy, depicted as a young female with a dog-like crown, related to Erinyes and Maniae. CONCLUSION: Lyssa was noted as a disease in Hellenic literature more than 2500 years ago. It was used as a bio-weapon to inflict madness. This vignette reveals Lyssa within a historical framework for the reader to understand the disease's origins.

Hydatid Cyst or Echinococcosis: A Comprehensive Review of Transmission, Clinical Manifestations, Diagnosis, and Multidisciplinary Treatment.

Echinococcosis, a parasitic infection caused by Echinococcus tapeworms, can cause various symptoms depending on the location and size of the cysts. This article explores the complexities of echinococcosis, including its transmission cycle, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment approaches. The review highlights the challenges associated with diagnosing the different echinococcosis types, including cystic echinococcosis, alveolar echinococcosis, and polycystic echinococcosis. Each form of the disease necessitates a unique diagnostic approach that often combines serological tests, imaging techniques, and histological analysis. The article explores treatment options for each type of echinococcosis, including surgical resection, medication, and minimally invasive procedures such as puncture-aspiration-injection-reaspiration (PAIR). The article acknowledges current treatment methods' limitations and emphasises the need for further research into improved diagnostics, drug targets, and preventative measures. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of echinococcosis, encompassing its transmission, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment modalities. By outlining the complexities of the disease and highlighting areas for future research, the article hopes to contribute to improved disease management and control. Key findings of the review include the identification of significant diagnostic challenges in differentiating between cystic, alveolar, and polycystic echinococcosis, the varying efficacy of treatment modalities such as surgical resection and PAIR, and the urgent need for further research into enhanced diagnostic methods, novel drug targets, and effective preventative strategies.

Evaluating zoonotic metacestodes: gross and histopathological alterations of beef in north-west Ethiopia one health approach for meat inspection and animal management.

Zoonotic metacestodes present a significant threat to both veterinary and public health. Specifically, the prevalence of metacestodes is often concentrated among consumers of raw meat and underdeveloped countries. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of condemned red offal and examine the gross and histopathology features of zoonotic metacestodes. A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2022 to July 2023 at the Bahir Dar municipal abattoir. A simple random sampling method employed in the abattoir survey to investigate pathological changes of offal and its rate of condemnation. Following a gross inspection of the red offal, representative tissue samples collected and preserved in 10% neutral buffered formalin. Subsequently, the size and number of cysts determined, and their viability and fertility evaluated. Hematoxylin and eosin staining utilized to analyze various lesions with microscope. A total of 340 cattle examined and 7.5% red offal condemned due to hydatid cysts 4.12% in the lungs, 3% in the liver, 0.6% in the kidneys, and 0.9% in other organs. Red offal condemned due to Cysticercus bovis 0.6% in the liver and 0.3% in the tongue. A statistically significance relationship was found between lung rejection due to hydatidosis (p < 0.05), body condition score, and origin of the animal. Among the detected calcified cysts, 83.34% of C. bovis and 47.62% of hydatid cysts. Histopathological examination revealed hydatid cysts and their oncospheres within the portal circulation, as well as necrotized, calcified daughter cysts observed on Bowman's capsule. The alveoli and bronchiole parenchyma compressed with pressure of protoscolices and it infiltrated by eosinophils. The cyst wall is attached to the thick hepatic capsule of the liver, with the hepatic parenchyma displaying islands of irregular hepatocytes. Cysticercus bovis detected in the deteriorated and necrotized muscle bundles, along with granulomatous lesions characterized by infiltration of mononuclear cells. Gross and histological examinations is invaluable tool for diagnosing hydatidosis and cysticercosis, providing well-organized baseline data to enhance our understanding the burden of zoonotic metacestodes.

Prevalence and molecular analysis of Toxocara cati in Baghdad Province.

Objective: This study aimed to detect Toxocara cati in cats by microscopic and molecular analysis using PCR, sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis. Materials and Methods: Randomly selected 200 cat feces samples were taken from various private veterinarian clinics in Baghdad. To identify eggs of T. cati by the flotation method, DNA from 100 cat feces was extracted, and one pair of ITS2 region-specific primers was used for polymerase chain reaction, followed by sequencing. Results: Toxocara cati infection rate was found to be 23 out of 100 fecal samples using PCR. Ten DNA product sequence data studies showed 98%-100% similarity to the 5.8S ribosomal RNA gene sequences found in the Gene Bank. The study incidence showed that the overall infection rate by microscopic examination was 23%, with no significant difference between stray cats (27%), and domestic cats (19%). After studying the effect of several epidemiological parameters on the infection rate, it was found that the infection rates of stray and domestic cats were higher in kittens under six months of age, at 46.1% and 27%, respectively, whereas rates were lower for the adult than six months was 11.5% of domestic cats and 14.7% of stray cats. The percentage of stray and domestic male cats that were registered was 35.5%, whereas the female cats registered were 20.6% and 17.5%, respectively. Conclusion: Cats are significant clinical reservoirs for zoonotic parasites. In Iraq, Baghdad has a high incidence of T. cati detections. Compared to conventional methods, PCR is thought to be a more sensitive, accurate diagnostic procedure that confirms the species' identity.

A cross-sectional survey of Blastocystis sp. and Dientamoeba fragilis in non-human primates and their caregivers in Czech zoos.

Intestinal protists in the gut microbiome are increasingly studied, but their basic epidemiology is not well understood. We explored the prevalence, genetic diversity, and potential zoonotic transmission of two protists colonizing the large intestine - Blastocystis sp. and Dientamoeba fragilis - in 37 species of non-human primates (NHPs) and their caregivers in six zoos in the Czech Republic. We analyzed 179 fecal samples (159 from NHPs, 20 from humans) by qPCR. Blastocystis sp. was detected in 54.7% (98/179) of samples, in 24 NHP species and in 57.2% of NHP samples (prevalence ranged between 36 and 80%), and in 35% of human samples (prevalence ranged between 0 and 67%). Using next generation amplicon sequencing, nine Blastocystis subtypes (ST1-ST5, ST7, ST8, and two novel subtypes) were identified. The two new Blastocystis subtypes (named ST47 and ST48) were described using Nanopore sequencing to produce full-length reference sequences of the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene. Some subtypes were shared between NHPs and their caregivers, suggesting potential zoonotic transmission. Mixed subtype colonization was frequently observed, with 52% of sequenced samples containing two or more subtypes. Dientamoeba was found only in NHPs with a prevalence of 6%. This study emphasizes the critical role of molecular diagnostics in epidemiological and transmission studies of these protists and calls for further research to better understand their impact on public health.

Systematic review of bovine and zoonotic tuberculosis in the Western Pacific and the Southeast Asia regions of the World Health Organization.

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide. We conducted this systematic review to understand the distribution of bovine and zoonotic tuberculosis in the World Health Organization (WHO)'s Southeast Asia Region (SEAR) and Western Pacific Region (WPR) to inform our understanding of the risk posed by this disease. Methods: A two-pronged strategy was used by evaluating data from peer-reviewed literature and official reports. A systematic search was conducted using a structured query in four databases (Web of Science, Scopus, Medline, and PubMed) to identify any reports of the occurrence of zoonotic TB. No language and time constraints were used during the search, but non-English language articles were later excluded. The official data were sourced from the World Organization for Animal Health's (WOAH) World Animal Health Information System (WAHIS) and WHO's global TB database. Results: The retrieved records from SEAR and WPR (n = 113) were screened for eligibility, and data about disease occurrence were extracted and tabulated. In SEAR, all of the five studies that conducted Mycobacterium speciation (5/6) in humans were from India, and the reported Mycobacterium species included M. tuberculosis, M. bovis, M. scrofulacium, M. kansasii, M. phlei, M. smegmatis and M. orygis. In WPR, Mycobacterium speciation investigations in humans were conducted in Australia (8), China (2), Japan (2), NewZealand (2) and Malaysia (1), and the reported Mycobacterium species included M. bovis, M. africanum and M. tuberculosis. Seven countries in WHO's SEAR have officially reported the occurrence of Mycobacterium bovis in their animals: Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand. In WPR, the WAHIS information system includes reports of the identification of M. bovis from 11 countries - China, Fiji, Japan, Malaysia, Mongolia, New Zealand, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Tonga and Viet Nam. In contrast, human zoonotic TB cases in the WHO database were only listed from Australia, Brunei Darussalam and Palau countries. Discussion: The available data suggests under-reporting of zoonotic TB in the regions. Efforts are required to strengthen zoonotic TB surveillance systems from both animal and human health sides to better understand the impact of zoonotic TB in order to take appropriate action to achieve the goal of ending the TB epidemic.

Molecular Detection of Virulence-Associated Markers in Campylobacter coli and Campylobacter jejuni Isolates From Water, Cattle, and Chicken Faecal Samples From Kajiado County, Kenya.

Campylobacter is a zoonotic foodborne pathogen that is often linked with gastroenteritis and other extraintestinal infections in humans. This study is aimed at determining the genetic determinants of virulence-encoding genes responsible for flagellin motility protein A (flaA), Campylobacter adhesion to fibronectin F (cadF), Campylobacter invasion antigen B (ciaB) and cytolethal distending toxin (cdt) A (cdtA) in Campylobacter species. A total of 29 Campylobacter coli isolates (16 from cattle, 9 from chicken, and 4 from water samples) and 74 Campylobacter jejuni isolates (38 from cattle, 30 from chicken, and 6 from water samples) described in an earlier study in Kajiado County, Kenya, were examined for the occurrence of virulence-associated genes using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and amplicon sequencing. The correlations among virulence genes were analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient (R) method. Among the 103 Campylobacter strains screened, 89 were found to harbour a single or multiple virulence gene(s), giving an overall prevalence of 86.4%. C. jejuni strains had the highest prevalence of multivirulence at 64.9% (48/74), compared to C. coli (58.6%, 17/29). The ciaB and flaA genes were the most common virulence genes detected in C. jejuni (81.1% [60/74] and 62.2% [46/74], respectively) and in C. coli (each at 62.1%; 18/29). Campylobacter isolates from chicken harboured the most virulence-encoding genes. C. jejuni strains from chicken and cattle harboured the highest proportions of the cdtA and ciaB genes, respectively. All the C. coli strains from water samples harboured the cadF and flaA genes. The results obtained further revealed a significant positive correlation between cadF and flaA (R = 0.733). C. jejuni and C. coli strains from cattle, chicken, and water harbour virulence markers responsible for motility/colonization, invasion, adherence, and toxin production, evoking their important role in campylobacteriosis development among humans and livestock. The identification of cattle, chicken, and water samples as reservoirs of virulent Campylobacter spp. highlights the possible risk to human health. These data on some virulence genes of Campylobacter will assist food safety and public health officials in formulating policy statements.