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.

First detection of Leishmania major in dogs living in an endemic area of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in Tunisia.

BACKGROUND: Dogs are considered the main domestic animals that may be a reservoir for Leishmania infantum, the agent of zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis (ZVL) in several countries of the world. The dog may host other Leishmania species, but its epidemiological role in the maintenance and spreading of these parasites is not completely elucidated. Zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL), caused by Leishmania major, affects thousands of people every year and is particularly diffused in many countries of North Africa and Middle East Asia. In ZCL endemic countries, few reports of L. major-positive dogs have been reported, probably because most human cases occur in poor rural areas where the social role of the dog and its medical management is not well considered. The aim of the present study is to better understand the possible involvement of domestic dogs in the epidemiology of ZCL. METHODS: Our research focused on a well-established endemic focus of ZCL, in the area of Echrarda, Kairouan Governorate, central Tunisia. A total of 51 dogs with no or mild clinical signs of vector borne diseases were selected in small villages where human cases of ZCL are yearly present. All dogs were sampled for the Leishmania spp. diagnosis, by using the following procedures: blood sample for serology and buffy coat quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), popliteal fine needle aspiration, and cutaneous biopsy punch for lymph node and skin qPCR. RESULTS: The results demonstrated a high percentage (21.6%) of dogs positive at least at one or more test; the most sensitive technique was the lymph node qPCR that detected 8/11 positive dogs. Nine, out of the eleven positive dogs, resulted as infected by Leishmania infantum; ITS1-PCR-sequencing allowed Leishmania major identification in the remaining two cases, both from the popliteal lymph node samples, which can suggest a possible visceral spread of a cutaneous Leishmania species in the dog. Interestingly, one of the two L. major-positive dogs was living in the same house where 6-year-old children showed cutaneous lesions referred to as ZCL. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first report of L. major-positive dogs in Tunisia, the  epidemiological role of which remains under investigation.

Leptospirosis transmitted from a pet dog.

Leptospirosis is a widespread zoonosis in tropical regions and it is not frequently recognised in developed countries. We report a case of leptospirosis transmitted from a pet dog. A middle-aged woman was referred to our emergency department with a 7-day history of fever and diarrhoea. She presented with hypotension, tachycardia, grasping pain in the entire muscle and petechiae. A detailed medical interview revealed that her pet dog had been to the veterinarian 1 month earlier with similar symptoms. We treated her with intravenous antibiotics. The patient's diagnosis of leptospirosis was confirmed by serological testing and the detection of DNA in her urine. We contacted the veterinarian and shared the information. We found that the dog had suffered from leptospirosis based on serological testing. We emphasise the possibility of leptospirosis being transmitted from pet dogs. Persistent suspicion of leptospirosis will contribute to its diagnosis and improved public health.

Infection and biogeographical characteristics of Paragonimus westermani and P. skrjabini in humans and animal hosts in China: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Paragonimiasis, primarily caused by Paragonimus westermani and P. skrjabini in China, is a common food-borne parasitic zoonosis. However, the national distribution of Paragonimus spp. infection and its associated environmental determinants remain poorly understood. In this paper, we summarize the infection of P. westermani and P. skrjabini and describe key biogeographical characteristics of the endemic areas in China. METHODS: Data on Paragonimus infection in humans and animal hosts were extracted from eight electronic databases, including CNKI, CWFD, Chongqing VIP, SinoMed, Medline, Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science. A random-effects meta-analysis model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence. All survey locations were georeferenced and plotted on China map, and scatter plots were used to illustrate the biogeographical characteristics of regions reporting Paragonimus infection. RESULTS: A total of 28,948 cases of human paragonimiasis have been documented, with 2,401 cases reported after 2010. Among the 11,443 cases with reported ages, 88.05% were children or adolescents. The pooled prevalence of P. skrjabini is 0.45% (95% CI: 0.27-0.66%) in snails, 31.10% (95% CI: 24.77-37.80%) in the second intermediate host, and 20.31% (95% CI: 9.69-33.38%) in animal reservoirs. For P. westermani, the pooled prevalence is 0.06% (95% CI: 0.01-0.13%) in snails, 52.07% (95% CI: 43.56-60.52%) in the second intermediate host, and 21.40% (95% CI: 7.82-38.99%) in animal reservoirs. Paragonimus are primarily distributed in regions with low altitude, high temperature, and high precipitation. In northeastern China, only P. westermani infections have been documented, while in more southern areas, infections of both P. westermani and P. skrjabini have been reported. CONCLUSIONS: Paragonimiasis remains prevalent in China, particularly among children and adolescents. Variations exist in the intermediate hosts and geographical distribution of P. westermani and P. skrjabini. Additionally, altitude, temperature, and precipitation may influence the distribution of Paragonimus.

Molecular Detection of Tick-Borne Pathogens in Kumasi: With a First Report of Zoonotic Pathogens in Abattoir Workers.

Tick-borne pathogens continue to infect humans and animals worldwide. By adapting to the movement of livestock, ticks facilitate the spread of these infectious pathogens. Humans in close contact with animals that could be amplifying hosts are especially at risk of being infected with tick-borne pathogens. This study involved the collection of dry blood spots (DBSs) to determine tick-borne pathogens occurring in slaughtered livestock and abattoir workers in Kumasi. This study employed the use of conventional PCR, RT-PCR, and Sanger sequencing to detect and identify the tick-borne pathogens. The resulting data was analysed using Stata version 13. A total of 175 DBSs were collected from goats (76), cattle (54), and sheep (45) in the Kumasi abattoir (130, 74.29%) and Akwatia Line slaughter slab (45, 25.71%). The pathogens identified were mostly bacterial including Anaplasma capra (9.71%), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (1.14%), and Rickettsia aeschlimannii (0.57.%). The only parasite identified was Theileria ovis (9.14%). A significant association was seen between A. capra (p < 0.001) infection and female sheep sampled from the Akwatia Line slaughter slab. Again, there was a significant association between T. ovis (p < 0.001) infections and female sheep from the Kumasi abattoir. From the human DBS (63) screened, the pathogens identified were all bacterial including Coxiella burnetii (1.89%), Rickettsia africae (1.89%), and R. aeschlimannii (1.89%). This study reports the first detection of R. aeschlimannii in livestock as well as the occurrence of the above-mentioned pathogens in humans in Ghana. Animals can serve as amplifying hosts for infectious pathogens; hence, there is an increased risk of infections among the abattoir workers. Continuous surveillance effort is essential, and abattoir workers need to protect themselves from tick bites and infectious tick-borne pathogens.

Knowledge, attitude and practice related to anthrax among livestock farmers in West Kazakhstan.

BACKGROUND: Anthrax is the most prioritized zoonotic disease in Kazakhstan due to its threatening potential to the public health and agricultural sector. Sporadic anthrax outbreaks are being reported annually among human and livestock populations throughout the country, with the highest frequency occurring in West Kazakhstan. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a survey-based face-to-face interview. From January to May 2022, 489 randomly selected participants were surveyed in 6 districts of the Baiterek province in West Kazakhstan oblast to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) regarding anthrax among community members. This is the first KAP study conducted relating to outbreaks of anthrax in Kazakhstan. RESULTS: In this study, most participants (74%) surveyed were males, and 40% of respondents had a secondary level education. Overall, 91% of the community respondents were engaged in agriculture and livestock rearing. Among these community members, cattle rearing was the most common (67%) occupation compared to other livestock species. Additionally, over a 50% of the population studied had no knowledge about the zoonotic nature of the disease, and about 82% and 87% of respondents were unaware of any animal and human anthrax symptoms, respectively. About 70% of the respondents were interested in vaccinating their livestock against anthrax. Individuals aged 45-54 displayed notably higher animal vaccination rates (45%; 95% CI: 38.4-52.0; p < 0.025) compared to those aged 25-34 and 65-74. Respondents residing in the Beles district (20%; 95% CI: 17.1-24.7; p < 0.005) exhibited a significantly higher level of awareness concerning the fatality of anthrax in contrast to participants from Bolashak. Roughly 61% of respondents held the belief that anthrax is a lethal disease. An overwhelming majority of the survey participants (99%) affirmed their non-participation in the slaughter of infected animals. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study indicate that KAP among community members relating to anthrax is low and requires swift implementation of education programmes in building awareness of anthrax under the One Health approach, especially in anthrax prone regions.

An 8000 years old genome reveals the Neolithic origin of the zoonosis Brucella melitensis.

Brucella melitensis is a major livestock bacterial pathogen and zoonosis, causing disease and infection-related abortions in small ruminants and humans. A considerable burden to animal-based economies today, the presence of Brucella in Neolithic pastoral communities has been hypothesised but we lack direct genomic evidence thus far. We report a 3.45X B. melitensis genome preserved in an ~8000 year old sheep specimen from Mentese Höyük, Northwest Türkiye, demonstrating that the pathogen had evolved and was circulating in Neolithic livestock. The genome is basal with respect to all known B. melitensis and allows the calibration of the B. melitensis speciation time from the primarily cattle-infecting B. abortus to approximately 9800 years Before Present (BP), coinciding with a period of consolidation and dispersal of livestock economies. We use the basal genome to timestamp evolutionary events in B. melitensis, including pseudogenization events linked to erythritol response, the supposed determinant of the pathogen's placental tropism in goats and sheep. Our data suggest that the development of herd management and multi-species livestock economies in the 11th-9th millennium BP drove speciation and host adaptation of this zoonotic pathogen.

Epidemiological modeling of SARS-CoV-2 in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) reveals conditions for introduction and widespread transmission.

Emerging infectious diseases with zoonotic potential often have complex socioecological dynamics and limited ecological data, requiring integration of epidemiological modeling with surveillance. Although our understanding of SARS-CoV-2 has advanced considerably since its detection in late 2019, the factors influencing its introduction and transmission in wildlife hosts, particularly white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), remain poorly understood. We use a Susceptible-Infected-Recovered-Susceptible epidemiological model to investigate the spillover risk and transmission dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 in wild and captive white-tailed deer populations across various simulated scenarios. We found that captive scenarios pose a higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 introduction from humans into deer herds and subsequent transmission among deer, compared to wild herds. However, even in wild herds, the transmission risk is often substantial enough to sustain infections. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the strength of introduction from humans influences outbreak characteristics only to a certain extent. Transmission among deer was frequently sufficient for widespread outbreaks in deer populations, regardless of the initial level of introduction. We also explore the potential for fence line interactions between captive and wild deer to elevate outbreak metrics in wild herds that have the lowest risk of introduction and sustained transmission. Our results indicate that SARS-CoV-2 could be introduced and maintained in deer herds across a range of circumstances based on testing a range of introduction and transmission risks in various captive and wild scenarios. Our approach and findings will aid One Health strategies that mitigate persistent SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks in white-tailed deer populations and potential spillback to humans.

Molecular Models of Toxoplasma gondii in Humans and Animals.

Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an obligate intracellular, zoonotic protozoan parasite of interest to physicians and veterinarians with its highly complex structure. It is known to infect about one-third of the world's population. Since it is a zoonotic disease, it is necessary to keep the animal population under control in order to prevent human exposure. Many studies have been conducted on the detection of T. gondii and it has been determined that there are three clonal groups consisting of types 1, 2, 3. Developments in molecular studies have led to changes in the taxonomy and new developments in parasitic diseases. It has helped in diagnosis, treatment, development of antiparasitic drugs and research on resistance. They also provided research on vaccine studies, genetic typing and phylogenetics of parasitic diseases. Conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR), real-time PCR and genotyping studies conducted today increase our knowledge about T. gondii. Methods such as B1, SAG1, SAG2, GRA1, 529-bp repeat element, OWP genes and 18S rRNAs are mostly used in PCR, and methods such as MS, MLST, PCR-RFLP, RAPD-PCR and HRM are used in genotyping. Toxoplasmosis is a disease that is within the framework of the concept of one health and must attract attention, has not yet been eradicated in the world and needs joint studies for humans, animals and ecosystems to be eradicated. This can only be possible by establishing interdisciplinary groups, conducting surveys and training.

Histopathological, morphological, and molecular characterization of fish-borne zoonotic parasite Eustrongylides Excisus infecting Northern pike (Esox lucius) in Iran.

Eustrongylides excisus is a fish-borne zoonotic parasite known to infect various fish species, including Northern pike (Esox Lucius). This nematode, belonging to the family Dioctophymatidae, has a complex life cycle involving multiple hosts. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of Eustrongylides nematodes in Northern pike (E. Lucius) collected from Mijran Dam (Ramsar, Iran). Between June and October 2023, an investigation was conducted on Northern pike from Mijran Dam in Ramsar, Iran, following reports of reddish parasites in their muscle tissues. Sixty fish were examined at the University of Tehran, revealing live parasites in the muscles, which were then analyzed microscopically and preserved for a multidisciplinary study. The skeletal muscle tissues of 85% (51/60) of fish specimens were infected by grossly visible larvae which were microscopically identified as Eustrongylides spp. In histopathological examination, the lesion was composed of encapsulated parasitic granulomatous myositis. Microscopically, the cystic parasitic granulomas compressed the adjacent muscle fibers, leading to their atrophy and Zenker's necrosis. Moreover, epithelioid macrophages, giant cells and mononuclear inflammatory cells were present around the larvae and between the muscle fibers. Finally, a molecular analysis by examining the ITS gene region, revealed that they belong to the species E. excisus. Eustrongylidiasis in northern Iran necessitates further research into the biology, epidemiology, and control of Eustrongylides nematodes, focusing on various hosts. This study is the first to comprehensively characterize E. excisus in Northern pike in Ramsar, Iran, raising concerns about possible zoonotic transmission.

Epidemiology of Q fever in humans in four selected regions, Spain, 2016 to 2022.

BackgroundQ fever is a bacterial zoonosis caused by Coxiella burnetii. Spain has the highest number of notified human cases in Europe. Small ruminants are a key reservoir for the pathogen, transmission from animals to humans is usually airborne.AimWe aimed at exploring temporal and spatial epidemiological patterns of sporadic and outbreak cases of Q fever in four Spanish regions with the highest number of notified cases.MethodsWe extracted data on Q fever cases in the Canary Islands, Basque Country, La Rioja and Navarre between 2016 and 2022 from the Spanish National Epidemiological Surveillance Network. We calculated standardised incidence ratios (SIR), spatial relative risks (sRR) and posterior probabilities (PP) utilising Besag-York-Mollié models.ResultsThere were 1,059 notifications, with a predominance of males aged 30-60 years. In Basque Country, La Rioja and Navarre area, 11 outbreaks were reported, while no in the Canary Islands. A seasonal increase in incidence rates was observed between March and June. In the Canary Islands, elevated sRR was seen in La Palma, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. In Basque Country, La Rioja and Navarre area, the highest sRR was identified in the south of Biscay province.ConclusionGoats were the main source for humans in outbreaks reported in the literature. Seasonal increase may be related to the parturition season of small ruminants and specific environmental conditions. Local variations in sRR within these regions likely result from diverse environmental factors. Future One Health-oriented studies are essential to deepen our understanding of Q fever epidemiology.

What is the state of the art on traditional medicine interventions for zoonotic diseases in the Indian subcontinent? A scoping review of the peer-reviewed evidence base.

BACKGROUND: Traditional medicine (TM) interventions are plausible therapeutic alternatives to conventional medical interventions against emerging and endemic zoonotic diseases, particularly in low-and middle-income countries that may lack resources and infrastructure. Despite the growing popularity in the usage of TM interventions, their clinical safety and effectiveness are still contested within conventional healthcare in many countries. METHODS: We conducted a scoping review of the peer-reviewed literature that synthesises and maps the evidence on TM interventions for the treatment and prevention of zoonoses on the Indian subcontinent. The region, a global hotspot of biodiversity and emerging infections, is characterised by high prevalence of TM use. Based on the scientific literature (mostly case study research, n=l06 studies), our review (1) maps the scope of the literature, (2) synthesises the evidence on the application of TM interventions for zoonoses, and (3) critically reflects on the state of TM and identifies areas for future research focus. RESULTS: The evidence synthesis confirmed widespread usage of TM interventions for zoonoses on the subcontinent, with the majority of research reported from India (n=99 studies, 93.4%), followed by Pakistan (n=3 studies, 2.8%), Bangladesh (n=2 studies, 1.9%), and Sri Lanka (n=1, 0.9%). Most of the reviewed studies reported on ethno-medicinal uses of plant species, primarily for treating dengue (n=20 studies), tuberculosis (n=18 studies), Escherichia coli infection (n=16 studies), lymphatic filariasis and cholera (n=9 apiece). However, the evidence on the safety and effectiveness of these reported TM interventions is limited, indicating that these data are rarely collected and/or shared within the peer-reviewed literature. CONCLUSION: This review thus highlights that, whilst TMs are already being used and could offer more widely accessible interventions against emerging and endemic zoonoses and ectoparasites, there is an urgent need for rigorous clinical testing and validation of the safety and effectiveness of these interventions.

Host specificity and zoonotic Enterocytozoon bieneusi genotypes in wild rodents from the Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region and Liaoning Province of China.

Introduction: Wild rodents can serve as reservoirs or carriers of E. bieneusi, thereby enabling parasite transmission to domestic animals and humans. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of E. bieneusi in wild rodents from the Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region and Liaoning Province of China. Moreover, to evaluate the potential for zoonotic transmission at the genotype level, a genetic analysis of the isolates was performed. Methods: A total of 486 wild rodents were captured from two provinces in China. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to amplify the vertebrate cytochrome b (cytb) gene in the fecal DNA of the rodents to detect their species. The genotype of E. bieneusi was determined via PCR amplification of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA. The examination of genetic characteristics and zoonotic potential requires the application of similarity and phylogenetic analysis. Results: The infection rates of E. bieneusi in the four identified rodent species were 5.2% for Apodemus agrarius (n = 89), 4.5% for Cricetulus barabensis (n = 96), 11.3% for Mus musculus (n = 106), and 38.5% for Rattus norvegicus (n = 195). Infection was detected at an average rate of 17.4% among 486 rodents. Of the 11 identified genotypes, nine were known: SHR1 (detected in 32 samples), D (30 samples), EbpA (9 samples), PigEbITS7 (8 samples), HNR-IV (6 samples), Type IV (5 samples), HNR-VII (2 samples), HNH7 (1 sample), and HNPL-V (1 sample). Two novel genotypes were also discovered, NMR-I and NMR-II, each comprising one sample. The genotypes were classified into group 1 and group 13 via phylogenetic analysis. Discussion: Based on the initial report, E. bieneusi is highly prevalent and genetically diverse in wild rodents residing in the respective province and region. This indicates that these animals are crucial for the dissemination of E. bieneusi. Zoonotic E. bieneusi-carrying animals present a significant hazard to local inhabitants. Therefore, it is necessary to increase awareness regarding the dangers presented by these rodents and reduce their population to prevent environmental contamination.

Cross-species transmission of Cryptosporidium in wild rodents from the southern region of Zhejiang Province of China and its possible impact on public health.

Wild rodents serve as reservoirs for Cryptosporidium and are overpopulated globally. However, genetic data regarding Cryptosporidium in these animals from China are limited. Here, we have determined the prevalence and genetic characteristics of Cryptosporidium among 370 wild rodents captured from three distinct locations in the southern region of Zhejiang Province, China. Fresh feces were collected from the rectum of each rodent, and DNA was extracted from them. The rodent species was identified by PCR amplifying the vertebrate cytochrome b gene. Cryptosporidium was detected by PCR amplification and amplicon sequencing the small subunit of ribosomal RNA gene. Positive samples of C. viatorum and C. parvum were further subtyped by analyzing the 60-kDa glycoprotein gene. A positive Cryptosporidium result was found in 7% (26/370) of samples, involving five rodent species: Apodemus agrarius (36), Niviventer niviventer (75), Rattus losea (18), R. norvegicus (155), and R. tanezumi (86). Their respective Cryptosporidium positive rates were 8.3%, 5.3%, 11.1%, 7.1%, and 7.0%. Sequence analysis confirmed the presence of three Cryptosporidium species: C. parvum (4), C. viatorum (1), and C. muris (1), and two genotypes: Cryptosporidium rat genotype IV (16) and C. mortiferum-like (4). Additionally, two subtypes of C. parvum (IIdA15G1 and IIpA19) and one subtype of C. viatorum (XVdA3) were detected. These results demonstrate that various wild rodent species in Zhejiang were concurrently infected with rodent-adapted and zoonotic species/genotypes of Cryptosporidium, indicating that these rodents can play a role in maintaining and dispersing this parasite into the environment and other hosts, including humans.

Title: Transmission interspécifique de Cryptosporidium chez les rongeurs sauvages de la région sud de la province chinoise du Zhejiang et son impact possible sur la santé publique. Abstract: Les rongeurs sauvages servent de réservoirs à Cryptosporidium et ont des grandes populations à l'échelle mondiale. Cependant, les données génétiques concernant Cryptosporidium chez ces animaux en Chine sont limitées. Ici, nous avons déterminé la prévalence et les caractéristiques génétiques de Cryptosporidium parmi 370 rongeurs sauvages capturés dans trois endroits distincts de la région sud de la province du Zhejiang, en Chine. Des excréments frais ont été collectés dans le rectum de chaque rongeur et l'ADN en a été extrait. L'espèce de rongeur a été identifiée par amplification par PCR du gène du cytochrome b des vertébrés. Cryptosporidium a été détecté par amplification PCR et séquençage d'amplicons de la petite sous-unité du gène de l'ARN ribosomal. Les échantillons positifs de C. viatorum et C. parvum ont ensuite été sous-typés en analysant le gène de la glycoprotéine de 60 kDa. Un résultat positif pour Cryptosporidium a été trouvé dans 7 % (26/370) des échantillons, impliquant cinq espèces de rongeurs : Apodemus agrarius (36), Niviventer niviventer (75), Rattus losea (18), R. norvegicus (155) et R. tanezumi (86). Leurs taux respectifs de positivité pour Cryptosporidium étaient de 8,3 %, 5,3 %, 11,1 %, 7,1 % et 7,0 %. L'analyse des séquences a confirmé la présence de trois espèces de Cryptosporidium : C. parvum (4), C. viatorum (1) et C. muris (1), et de deux génotypes : Cryptosporidium génotype IV de rat (16) et C. mortiferum-like (4). De plus, deux sous-types de C. parvum (IIdA15G1 et IIpA19) et un sous-type de C. viatorum (XVdA3) ont été détectés. Ces résultats démontrent que diverses espèces de rongeurs sauvages du Zhejiang sont simultanément infectées par des espèces/génotypes de Cryptosporidium zoonotiques et adaptés aux rongeurs, ce qui indique que ces rongeurs peuvent jouer un rôle dans le maintien et la dispersion de ce parasite dans l'environnement et d'autres hôtes, y compris les humains.

Potential of mRNA-based vaccines for the control of tick-borne pathogens in one health perspective.

The One Health approach, which integrates the health of humans, animals, plants, and ecosystems at various levels, is crucial for addressing interconnected health threats. This is complemented by the advent of mRNA vaccines, which have revolutionized disease prevention. They offer broad-spectrum effectiveness and can be rapidly customized to target specific pathogens. Their utility extends beyond human medicine, showing potential in veterinary practices to control diseases and reduce the risk of zoonotic transmissions. This review place mRNA vaccines and One Health in the context of tick-borne diseases. The potential of these vaccines to confer cross-species immunity is significant, potentially disrupting zoonotic disease transmission cycles and protecting the health of both humans and animals, while reducing tick populations, infestations and circulation of pathogens. The development and application of mRNA vaccines for tick and tick-borne pathogens represent a comprehensive strategy in global health, fostering a healthier ecosystem for all species in our interconnected world.

Emerging Cases of Cat-Transmitted Sporotrichosis Driven by Sporothrix brasiliensis in Northeast Brazil.

Cat-transmitted sporotrichosis is caused by the emerging fungal pathogen Sporothrix brasiliensis and constitutes a significant public health issue that affects people living in resource-poor urban centers in Brazil. The lack of knowledge about transmission dynamics makes it difficult to propose public health policies to contain the advance of sporotrichosis. We describe the recent emergence of 1,176 cases of sporotrichosis in cats (2016 to 2021) in the metropolitan region of Recife, Brazil, leading to significant zoonotic transmission and an overwhelming occurrence of S. brasiliensis as the etiological agent. Most cases were from cats in the cities of Olinda (408/1,176; 34.70%), Jaboatão dos Guararapes (332/1,176; 28.23%), and Recife (237/1,176; 20.15%). Molecular typing using amplified fragment length polymorphism (EcoRI-GA/MseI-AG) revealed low polymorphic information content (PIC = 0.2499) and heterozygosity (H = 0.2928), typical of an outbreak scenario. Dendrogram and multivariate cluster analysis revealed that isolates from Pernambuco are closely related to Rio de Janeiro isolates. We report a substantial occurrence of MAT1-2 idiomorphs in the metropolitan region of Recife (0:60 ratio; χ2 = 60.000, P < 0.0001). The limited population differentiation and genetic diversity of the isolates from Pernambuco suggest a recent introduction, possibly via a founder effect, from the parental population in Rio de Janeiro. Our findings emphasize the critical importance of molecular surveillance of S. brasiliensis for outbreak response. A comprehensive one-health strategy is mandatory to control the spread of cat-transmitted sporotrichosis driven by S. brasiliensis, encompassing sanitary barriers, quick diagnosis, and treatment.

Molecular characterization and zoonotic potential of Entamoeba spp., Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Blastocystis from captive wild animals in northwest China.

BACKGROUND: Parasites Entamoeba spp., Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Blastocystis are prevalent pathogens causing gastrointestinal illnesses in animals and humans. Consequently, researches on their occurrence, distribution and hosts are crucial for the well-being of both animals and humans. Due to the confined spaces and frequent interaction between animals and humans, animal sanctuaries have emerged as potential reservoirs for these parasites. In this study, the wildlife sanctuary near the Huang Gorge of the Qinling Mountains in northwest China is chosen as an ideal site for parasite distribution research, considering its expansive stocking area and high biodiversity. RESULTS: We collected 191 fecal specimens from 37 distinct wildlife species and extracted genomic DNA. We identified these three parasites by amplifying specific gene regions and analyzed their characteristics and evolutionary relationships. All the parasites exhibited a high overall infection rate, reaching 90.05%. Among them, seven Entamoeba species were identified, accounting for a prevalence of 54.97%, with the highest infection observed in Entamoeba bovis. In total, 11 Enterocytozoon bieneusi genotypes were discovered, representing a prevalence of 35.08%, including three genotypes of human-pathogenic Group 1 and two novel genotypes (SXWZ and SXLG). Additionally, 13 Blastocystis subtypes were detected, showing a prevalence of 74.87% and encompassing eight zoonotic subtypes. All of the above suggests significant possibilities of parasite transmission between animals and humans. CONCLUSIONS: This study investigated the occurrence and prevalence of three intestinal parasites, enhancing our understanding of their genetic diversity and host ranges in northwest China. Furthermore, the distribution of these parasites implies significant potential of zoonotic transmission, underscoring the imperative for ongoing surveillance and implementation of control measures. These efforts are essential to mitigate the risk of zoonotic disease outbreaks originating from wildlife sanctuary.

Exploring the Potential of Muridae as Sentinels for Human and Zoonotic Viruses.

In recent years, the transmission of viruses from wildlife to humans has raised significant public health concerns, exemplified by the COVID-19 pandemic caused by the betacoronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Human activities play a substantial role in increasing the risk of zoonotic virus transmission from wildlife to humans. Rats and mice are prevalent in urban environments and may act as reservoirs for various pathogens. This study aimed to evaluate the presence of zoonotic viruses in wild rats and mice in both urban and rural areas, focusing on well-known zoonotic viruses such as betacoronavirus, hantavirus, arenavirus, kobuvirus, and monkeypox virus, along with other viruses occasionally detected in rats and mice, including rotavirus, norovirus, and astrovirus, which are known to infect humans at a high rate. A total of 128 animals were captured, including 70 brown rats (Rattus norvegicus), 45 black rats (Rattus rattus), and 13 house mice (Mus musculus), and feces, lung, and liver were collected. Among brown rats, one fecal sample tested positive for astrovirus RNA. Nucleotide sequencing revealed high sequence similarity to both human and rat astrovirus, suggesting co-presence of these viruses in the feces. Murine kobuvirus (MuKV) was detected in fecal samples from both black (n = 7) and brown (n = 6) rats, primarily from urban areas, as confirmed by sequence analysis. These findings highlight the importance of surveillance and research to understand and mitigate the risks associated with the potential transmission of pathogens by rodents.

Exploring Potential Intermediates in the Cross-Species Transmission of Influenza A Virus to Humans.

The influenza A virus (IAV) has been a major cause of several pandemics, underscoring the importance of elucidating its transmission dynamics. This review investigates potential intermediate hosts in the cross-species transmission of IAV to humans, focusing on the factors that facilitate zoonotic events. We evaluate the roles of various animal hosts, including pigs, galliformes, companion animals, minks, marine mammals, and other animals, in the spread of IAV to humans.