Genetic structure and diversity of the rfb locus of pathogenic species of the genus Leptospira.

Leptospirosis is caused by pathogenic strains of the genus Leptospira and is considered the most widespread zoonotic bacterial disease. The genus is characterized by the large number of serology variants, which challenges developing effective serotyping methods and vaccines with a broad spectrum. Because knowledge on the genetic basis of the serological diversity among leptospires is still limited, we aimed to explore the genetic structure and patterns of the rfb locus, which is involved in the biosynthesis of lipopolysaccharides, the major surface antigen that defines the serovar in leptospires. Here, we used genomic data of 722 pathogenic samples and compared the gene composition of their rfb locus by hierarchical clustering. Clustering analysis showed that the rfb locus gene composition is species-independent and strongly associated with the serological classification. The samples were grouped into four well-defined classes, which cluster together samples either belonging to the same serogroup or from different serogroups but sharing serological affinity. Our findings can assist in the development of new strategies based on molecular methods, which can lead to better tools for serological identification in this zoonosis.

Tularemia From Veterinary Occupational Exposure.

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.

Tratamiento y prevención de la viruela del mono / Treatment and prevention of monkeypox

La viruela del mono es una zoonosis que se contagia principalmente a través del contacto directo con los fluidos y las lesiones cutáneas de personas contagiadas con vesículas aun activas. Aunque el virus fue aislado por primera vez en 1958, y el primer caso humano se identificó en un niño en 1970, en la República Democrática del Congo, la enfermedad ha aumentado progresivamente su incidencia en África, alcanzando en mayo de 2022 transmisión sostenida fuera de este continente. Al ser un virus de nueva introducción en nuestro entorno sanitario, es necesario aprender el patrón epidemiológico en un medio diferente al de las zonas tradicionalmente endémicas y conocer los tratamientos antivirales a nuestro alcance, así como las medidas profilácticas que podrían plantearse, sabiendo que como virus emergente en nuestras regiones las evidencias científicas aun son limitadas. Existen antivirales que han demostrado en modelos animales combatir eficazmente la enfermedad con muy buena tolerancia clínica. Esta enfermedad también ha obligado a revisar las características de las vacunas frente a la viruela, ya que han demostrado un efecto protector frente a la viruela del mono. Por ello, es importante disponer de un documento que recopile toda la información científica publicada a este respecto.(AU)

Monkeypox is a zoonosis that is spread mainly through direct contact with fluids and skin lesions of infected people with vesicles still active. Although the virus was isolated for the first time in 1958 and the first human case was identified in a child in 1970, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the disease has progressively increased its incidence in Africa reaching in May 2022 sustained transmission outside this continent. As it is a newly introduced virus in our health system, it is necessary to learn the epidemiological pattern in a different environment from that of traditionally endemic areas and to know the available antiviral treatments, as well as the prophylactic measures that could be considered, knowing that as a virus emerging in our regions, scientific evidence is still limited. There are antivirals that have been shown, in animal models, to effectively combat the disease with very good clinical tolerance. This disease has also forced us to review the characteristics of smallpox vaccines, because they have shown a protective effect against monkeypox. For this reason, it is important to have a document that compiles all the scientific information published in this regard.(AU)

Tularemia - a re-emerging disease with growing concern.

Tularemia caused by Gram-negative, coccobacillus bacterium, Francisella tularensis, is a highly infectious zoonotic disease. Human cases have been reported mainly from the United States, Nordic countries like Sweden and Finland, and some European and Asian countries. Naturally, the disease occurs in several vertebrates, particularly lagomorphs. Type A (subspecies tularensis) is more virulent and causes disease mainly in North America; type B (subspecies holarctica) is widespread, while subspecies mediasiatica is present in central Asia. F. tularensis is a possible bioweapon due to its lethality, low infectious dosage, and aerosol transmission. Small mammals like rabbits, hares, and muskrats are primary sources of human infections, but true reservoir of F. tularensis is unknown. Vector-borne tularemia primarily involves ticks and mosquitoes. The bacterial subspecies involved and mode of transmission determine the clinical picture. Early signs are flu-like illnesses that may evolve into different clinical forms of tularemia that may or may not include lymphadenopathy. Ulcero-glandular and glandular forms are acquired by arthropod bite or handling of infected animals, oculo-glandular form as a result of conjunctival infection, and oro-pharyngeal form by intake of contaminated food or water. Pulmonary form appears after inhalation of bacteria. Typhoidal form may occur after infection via different routes. Human-to-human transmission has not been known. Diagnosis can be achieved by serology, bacterial culture, and molecular methods. Treatment for tularemia typically entails use of quinolones, tetracyclines, or aminoglycosides. Preventive measures are necessary to avoid infection although difficult to implement. Research is underway for the development of effective live attenuated and subunit vaccines.

Prospecting for Zoonotic Pathogens by Using Targeted DNA Enrichment.

More than 60 zoonoses are linked to small mammals, including some of the most devastating pathogens in human history. Millions of museum-archived tissues are available to understand natural history of those pathogens. Our goal was to maximize the value of museum collections for pathogen-based research by using targeted sequence capture. We generated a probe panel that includes 39,916 80-bp RNA probes targeting 32 pathogen groups, including bacteria, helminths, fungi, and protozoans. Laboratory-generated, mock-control samples showed that we are capable of enriching targeted loci from pathogen DNA 2,882‒6,746-fold. We identified bacterial species in museum-archived samples, including Bartonella, a known human zoonosis. These results showed that probe-based enrichment of pathogens is a highly customizable and efficient method for identifying pathogens from museum-archived tissues.

Phenotypic and genotypic discrimination of Francisella tularensis ssp. holarctica clades.

Francisella tularensis is the causative agent of tularemia, a zoonotic disease with a wide host range. F. tularensis ssp. holarctica (Fth) is of clinical relevance for European countries, including Germany. Whole genome sequencing methods, including canonical Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (canSNP) typing and whole genome SNP typing, have revealed that European Fth strains belong to a few monophyletic populations. The majority of German Fth isolates belong to two basal phylogenetic clades B.6 (biovar I) and B.12 (biovar II). Strains of B.6 and B.12 seem to differ in their pathogenicity, and it has been shown that strains of biovar II are resistant against erythromycin. In this study, we present data corroborating our previous data demonstrating that basal clade B.12 can be divided into clades B.71 and B.72. By applying phylogenetic whole genome analysis as well as proteome analysis, we could verify that strains of these two clades are distinct from one another. This was confirmed by measuring the intensity of backscatter light on bacteria grown in liquid media. Strains belonging to clades B.6, B.71 or B.72 showed clade-specific backscatter growth curves. Furthermore, we present the whole genome sequence of strain A-1341, as a reference genome of clade B.71, and whole proteomes comparison of Fth strains belonging to clades B.6, B.71 and B.72. Further research is necessary to investigate phenotypes and putative differences in pathogenicity of the investigated different clades of Fth to better understand the relationship between observed phenotypes, pathogenicity and distribution of Fth strains.

[Viral zoonoses in Germany: a One Health perspective]. / Virale Zoonosen in Deutschland aus der One Health-Perspektive.

The COVID-19 pandemic and the increasing occurrence of monkeypox (mpox) diseases outside Africa have illustrated the vulnerability of populations to zoonotic pathogens. In addition, other viral zoonotic pathogens have gained importance in recent years.This review article addresses six notifiable viral zoonotic pathogens as examples to highlight the need for the One Health approach in order to understand the epidemiology of the diseases and to derive recommendations for action by the public health service. The importance of environmental factors, reservoirs, and vectors is emphasized, the diseases in livestock and wildlife are analyzed, and the occurrence and frequency of diseases in the population are described. The pathogens selected here differ in their reservoirs and the role of vectors for transmission, the impact of infections on farm animals, and the disease patterns observed in humans. In addition to zoonotic pathogens that have been known in Germany for a long time or were introduced recently, pathogens whose zoonotic potential has only lately been shown are also considered.For the pathogens discussed here, there are still large knowledge gaps regarding the transmission routes. Future One Health-based studies must contribute to the further elucidation of their transmission routes and the development of prevention measures. The holistic approach does not necessarily include a focus on viral pathogens/diseases, but also includes the question of the interaction of viral, bacterial, and other pathogens, including antibiotic resistance and host microbiomes.

Diagnostic utility of LAMP PCR targeting bcsp-31 gene for human brucellosis infection.

PURPOSE: Human brucellosis is a neglected zoonotic disease of significant public health concern. Molecular diagnosis of brucella remains challenging in low resource settings, due to the high infrastructure and cost involved. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is a rapid point of care polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with the utility of on-field molecular diagnosis and offers a convenient alternative to conventional PCR. In the present study, we developed and evaluated the diagnostic utility of in house LAMP PCR targeting the Brucella genus-specific bcsp-31 gene in patients having febrile illness. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The analytical sensitivity and specificity of bcsp-31 LAMP PCR was first evaluated using brucella (n â€‹= â€‹8) and non-brucella cultures (n â€‹= â€‹5), along with spiked clinical samples. The overall diagnostic utility of developed LAMP PCR was then further evaluated in 393 human samples suspected of brucellosis. RESULTS: The developed LAMP PCR could detect as low as 8 â€‹fg of DNA by visual detection within 35min. We report sensitivity and specificity of the developed LAMP PCR as 90.91% and 99.37%.The accuracy of the developed test assay was found to be 98.60%. In clinical samples, LAMP gave positivity of 20% with the concordance of 89% with conventional PCR. CONCLUSION: To conclude, a rapid, efficacious, sensitive LAMP PCR targeting the bcsp 31 gene was developed. The existing LAMP PCR can be used as a point of care screening test in various low resource endemic setting in lieu of conventional PCR for estimation of prevalence data, diagnosis and treatment of brucellosis.

[Bacterial zoonoses of public health importance in Germany-incidence, distribution, and modes of transmission]. / Bakterielle Zoonosen mit Bedeutung für den öffentlichen Gesundheitsschutz in Deutschland ­ Vorkommen, Verbreitung und Übertragungswege.

Bacterial zoonotic pathogens are often the cause of diseases, sometimes with severe outcomes. They are mutually transferable between animals (both wild and domestic) and humans. The transmission paths are very variable and include oral intake via food, respiratory infection via droplets and aerosols, or infections via vectors such as tick bites or rodent contact. Furthermore, the emergence and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogens is of paramount public health concern.The likelihood of further spread is influenced by various factors. These include the increase in international trade, the endangerment of animal habitats, and the increasingly closer contact between humans and wild animals. Additionally, changes in livestock and climate change may also contribute. Therefore, research into zoonoses serves to protect human and animal health and is of particular social, political, and economic importance.The aim of this review article is to present the range of infectious diseases caused by bacterial zoonotic pathogens in order to provide a better understanding of the important work in public health services, animal health services, and food safety control. The different transmission routes, epidemic potentials, and epidemiological measures of the exemplary selected diseases show the challenges for the public health system to monitor and control the spread of these bacterial pathogens in order to protect the population from disease.

Neglected zoonotic bacteria causes and associated risk factors of cattle abortion in different agro-ecological zones of southwest Ethiopia.

Three zoonotic bacteria, Coxiella burnetii, Leptospira spp, and Brucella spp, cause cattle abortion and significant losses in the livestock sector. However, these infections were neglected diseases in Ethiopia. Between October 2020 and October 2021, a cross-sectional study was carried out in southwest Ethiopia to determine the prevalence of abortion and identify the major zoonotic bacterial causes and risk factors that contribute to abortion. Using an indirect ELISA, antibodies to Brucella abortus, Leptospira Hardjo, and Coxiella burnetii were detected in serum samples taken from 461 cattle. Potential risk factors for cattle abortion were found using a multivariable random effect logistic regression analysis. The prevalence of cattle abortion was found to be 22.56 % (95 % CI: 18.74-26.38) in the study areas. Leptospira Hardjo (OR=1.8, 95% CI: 1.04-3.00), Coxiella burnetii (OR=2.7, 95 % CI: 1.26-5.62), and Brucella abortus (OR=9.8, 95 % CI: 1.27-17.15) were all associated with the occurrence of abortion in cattle, as were their co-infections (OR=8.1, 95 % CI: 1.28-39.33). Other risk factors for cattle abortion included breed (OR=16.7, 95 % CI: 2.20-26.77), herd size (OR=2.5, 95 % CI: 1.16-4.68), breeding method (OR=2.3, 95 % CI: 1.33-3.90), and contact with dogs (OR=2.2, 95 % CI: 1.34-3.53). According to the findings of this study, Brucella abortus, Coxiella burnetii, and Leptospira Hardjo are serious zoonoses that cause significant production loss in cattle due to abortion. To prevent transmission of these zoonotic diseases, it is crucial to implement effective control measures and increase public awareness. The causes of cattle abortion in the study areas should also be isolated and characterized.

Body Imaging of Bacterial and Parasitic Zoonoses: Keys to Diagnosis.

Zoonotic infections, which are transmitted from animals to humans, have been a substantial source of human disease since antiquity. As the human population continues to grow and human influence on the planet expands, humans frequently encounter both domestic and wild animals. This has only increased as deforestation, urbanization, agriculture, habitat fragmentation, outdoor recreation, and international travel evolve in modern society, all of which have resulted in the emergence and reemergence of zoonotic infections. Zoonotic infections pose a diagnostic challenge because of their nonspecific clinical manifestations and the need for specialized testing procedures to confirm these diagnoses. Affected patients often undergo imaging during their evaluation, and a radiologist familiar with the specific and often subtle imaging patterns of these infections can add important clinical value. The authors review the multimodality thoracic, abdominal, and musculoskeletal imaging findings of zoonotic bacterial (eg, Bartonella henselae, Pasteurella multocida, Francisella tularensis, Coxiella burnetii, and Brucella species), spirochetal (eg, Leptospira species), and parasitic (eg, Echinococcus, Paragonimus, Toxocara, and Dirofilaria species) infections that are among the more commonly encountered zoonoses in the United States. Relevant clinical, epidemiologic, and pathophysiologic clues such as exposure history, occupational risk factors, and organism life cycles are also reviewed. Although many of the imaging findings of zoonotic infections overlap with those of nonzoonotic infections, granulomatous diseases, and malignancies, radiologists' familiarity with the imaging patterns can aid in the differential diagnosis in a patient with a suspected or unsuspected zoonotic infection. © RSNA, 2023 Quiz questions for this article are available through the Online Learning Center.

Bovine brucellosis and tuberculosis at a livestock-wildlife interface in Zimbabwe: A nexus for amplification of a zoonosis or a myth?

BACKGROUND: Bovine brucellosis and tuberculosis are important zoonoses affecting both livestock and wildlife. OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to investigate seroprevalence of brucellosis and to isolate Brucella spp. and Mycobacterium bovis in cattle from livestock-wildlife interface areas. METHODS: Three sites were selected from high, medium and low interface. The high interface was adjacent to the park and separated by a broken fence, while the medium and low interface were 15-20 and 50 km from the perimeter fence, respectively. Cattle aged ≥2 years were randomly selected and bled for serology. Culture for brucellae and Mycobacterium species was attempted on lymph nodes collected at the slaughter floor. Sera were screened for Brucella antibodies using the Rose Bengal test and confirmed by the Complement fixation test. Data were analysed using a multivariable logistic regression model. RESULTS: Overall, seroprevalence was 11.7% (125/1068; 95% CI: 9.8-13.6%). High interface areas recorded significantly higher (p < 0.05) seroprevalence of 20.9% (85/406; 95% CI: 17.0-24.9%), compared to low 8.9% (31/350; 95% CI: 5.9-11.8%) and medium interface 2.9% (9/312; 95% CI: 1.0-4.8%). Brucella seropositivity was approximately three times higher (OR = 3.3, 95% CI: 2.1-5.3) for Malipati compared to Chiredzi. Similarly, the odds were twice (OR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.2-3.5) in cows with history of abortion compared to those without. Brucella and Mycobacterium species were not isolated from all samples. CONCLUSIONS: The study highlighted the significance of high interface as a nexus for amplification of brucellosis in cattle. Thus, a brucellosis control programme that takes into consideration limiting livestock-wildlife interaction should be considered.

Zoonotic fungus Arthroderma multifidum causing chronic pulmonary infection.

A rare case of fungus Arthroderma multifidum infection occurred in a 63-year-old man. The patient had some risk factors, including occupational exposure, immunosuppressive state, and structural basis following pulmonary tuberculosis and pneumothorax surgery. The pathogen was repeatedly isolated from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and identified by gene sequencing. It is the first report of human infection caused by A. multifidum. Whole genome sequencing and analysis of its genomic characterization are completed. The findings provide us with a key clinical insight that the combination of immune suppression and environmental exposure could create an ideal condition for zoonotic fungal infections.

[Update on the zoonotic potential of Chlamydia]. / Update zum Zoonosepotential von Chlamydien.

INTRODUCTION: Knowledge of the obligate intracellular bacteria from the Chlamydiaceae family has increased significantly in recent years. Not only new chlamydia species, such as Chlamydia avium or C. buteonis in birds have been described, but also known chlamydia in new host species, such as C. psittaci in horses. This review article provides an up-to-date overview of the zoonotic potential of C. psittaci, C. abortus, C. caviae and C. felis and summarizes current findings on other chlamydia species in different animal species; supplemented by information on optimal sampling and pathogen detection.

INTRODUCTION: Les connaissances sur les bactéries intracellulaires obligatoires de la famille des Chlamydiaceae ont considérablement augmenté ces dernières années. Non seulement de nouvelles espèces de Chlamydies, telles que Chlamydia avium ou C. buteonis chez les oiseaux, ont été décrites, mais également des Chlamydies déjà connues ont été mises en évidence chez de nouvelles espèces hôtes, telles que C. psittaci chez les chevaux. Cet article de synthèse fournit une vue d'ensemble actualisée du potentiel zoonotique de C. psittaci, C. abortus, C. caviae et C. felis et résume les connaissances actuelles sur d'autres espèces de Chlamydies chez différentes espèces animales ; il est complété par des informations sur l'échantillonnage optimal et la détection des agents pathogènes.

Novel Species of Brucella Causing Human Brucellosis, French Guiana.

Human brucellosis is a zoonoses caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella. Infection results in subacute or chronic debilitating disease with nonspecific clinical manifestations and is often associated with consuming unpasteurized dairy products. We report 2 cases of brucellosis in male patients who were hospitalized in distinct towns of French Guiana, an overseas territory of France located on the northeastern shore of South America. Both men were citizens of Brazil working as clandestine goldminers in the deep Amazonian rainforest. Characterization of the 2 bacterial isolates revealed that they represent a potential new species of Brucella. Medical practitioners working in contact with wildlife in this region of the world should be aware of the existence of these pathogens and the potential for human infection.

An Update on Novel Taxa and Revised Taxonomic Status of Bacteria Isolated from Domestic Animals Described in 2018 to 2021.

Novel bacterial taxonomy and nomenclature revisions can have significant impacts on clinical practice, disease epidemiology, and veterinary microbiology laboratory operations. Expansion of research on the microbiota of humans, animals, and insects has significant potential impacts on the taxonomy of organisms of clinical interest. Implications of taxonomic changes may be especially important when considering zoonotic diseases. Here, we address novel taxonomy and nomenclature revisions of veterinary significance. Noteworthy discussion centers around descriptions of novel mastitis pathogens in Streptococcaceae, Staphylococcaceae, and Actinomycetaceae; bovine reproductive tract pathogens in Corynebacteriaceae; novel members of Mannheimia spp., Leptospira spp., and Mycobacterium spp.; the transfer of Ochrobactrum spp. to Brucella spp.; and revisions to the genus Mycoplasma.

Detection of Salmonella spp. in wild and domestic birds in an anthropized ecotone between the Cerrado and the Amazon Forest in Brazil.

Emergence of zoonotic infectious diseases represent one of the main threats to people worldwide. To properly understand and prevent zoonoses is fundamental to study their epidemiology and the possibility of spillover events, especially for commercially intensive domestic animals and humans. Here, we studied 210 wild birds from the "Ipucas" region, which consists of fragments of the Amazon Forest interspersed with fragments of the "Cerrado" that is subject to seasonal flooding and 75 domestic birds from neighboring poultry farming. Then, we molecularly diagnosed Salmonella and Chlamydia from wild birds and poultry. Among the wild birds, four were diagnosed with Chlamydia psittaci and 23 with Salmonella spp., while we detected 15 poultry infected by Salmonella spp. and no poultry with C. psittaci. We highlighted the common infections of wild and domestic birds in an anthropologically modified environment and potential spillover of Salmonella pathogens among wild and livestock birds. Those infections can harm the health of native and domestic species.

Zoonotic potential of guinea pigs: Outbreak of cryptosporidiosis combined with chlamydiosis in a breeding guinea pig herd.

INTRODUCTION: In a guinea pig herd with 26 breeding animals, several individuals of all age categories died (16/26) after three animals had been newly introduced from another herd. Furthermore, the population suffered of apathy, anorexia, severe weight loss and conjunctivitis, as well as abortions and stillbirths. At the same time, the owner experienced a SARS-CoV-2 infection with pneumonia, which was confirmed by taking a PCR test. Chlamydia caviae was detected from the conjunctiva and vagina/uterus in one juvenile animal together with an intestinal Cryptosporidium wrairi infection. Oocysts were found histologically in the small intestine, which was confirmed by PCR. C. wairi is a parasite adapted to guinea pigs with zoonotic potential, which causes diarrhoea with frequent deaths in larger guinea pig herds. C. caviae is also a zoonotic pathogen and often the cause of conjunctivitis, pneumonia and abortions in guinea pigs and can lead to upper respiratory tract disease, conjunctivitis but also severe pneumonia in humans. The increased death cases and the clinical signs could be traced back to an infection with Cryptosporidium wrairi, complicated by a co-infection of C. caviae. We suspect that the abortions were caused by C. caviae, but since the population was treated with various antibiotics effective against chlamydial infections, it was no longer possible to verify this by PCR testing. Unfortunately, more animals succumbed and finally only two animals of the originally 26 were left. With this case report, we would like to point out to veterinarians that guinea pigs can be an important source of zoonotic infections for various pathogens, especially since they are popular pets and often come into close contact with children where hygiene might not always be strictly followed.

INTRODUCTION: Dans un groupe de cobayes de 26 animaux reproducteurs, plusieurs individus de toutes les catégories d'âge sont morts (16/26) après l'introduction de trois animaux provenant d'un autre groupe. En outre, la population a souffert d'apathie, d'anorexie, de perte de poids sévère et de conjonctivite ainsi que d'avortements et de mortinatalité. La présence de Chlamydia caviae a pu être détectée dans la conjonctive et le vagin/utérus d'un animal juvénile, ainsi qu'une infection intestinale à Cryptosporidium wrairi. Des oocystes ont été trouvés histologiquement dans l'intestin grêle, ce qui a été confirmé par PCR. C. wairi est un parasite adapté aux cobayes avec un potentiel zoonotique, qui provoque des diarrhées avec des morts fréquentes dans les grands groupes de cobayes. C. caviae est également un agent pathogène zoonotique et est souvent à l'origine de conjonctivites, de pneumonies et d'avortements chez les cobayes ; il peut entraîner des maladies des voies respiratoires supérieures, des conjonctivites mais aussi des pneumonies graves chez l'homme. L'augmentation des cas de décès et les signes cliniques pourraient être attribués à une infection par Cryptosporidium wrairi, compliquée par une co-infection par C. caviae. Nous soupçonnons que les avortements ont été causés par C. caviae, mais comme la population a été traitée avec divers antibiotiques efficaces contre les infections à chlamydia, il n'était plus possible de le vérifier par des tests PCR. Malheureusement, d'autres animaux ont succombé et il ne restait finalement que deux animaux sur les 26 d'origine. Avec ce rapport de cas, nous aimerions attirer l'attention des vétérinaires sur le fait que les cochons d'Inde peuvent être une source importante d'infections zoonotiques pour divers pathogènes, d'autant plus qu'il s'agit d'animaux de compagnie populaires qui sont souvent en contact étroit avec des enfants avec lesquels l'hygiène n'est pas toujours strictement respectée.

Culling of Urban Norway Rats and Carriage of Bartonella spp. Bacteria, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

We investigated the effects of culling on Bartonella spp. bacteria carriage among urban rats in Canada. We found that the odds of Bartonella spp. carriage increased across city blocks except those in which culling occurred. Removing rats may have prevented an increase in Bartonella spp. prevalence, potentially lowering human health risks.

Airborne dermatophyte propagules concentration in cowsheds as an underestimated reservoir of potential zoonoses.

AIMS: Indoor air quality in stables, cowsheds or henhouses has recently become in interest due to the potential risks of zoonotic infections. Cowsheds are commonly known to have high fungal loads, particularly if insufficient attention is paid to the monitoring and control of the indoor microclimate around three elements, that is heating, ventilation and lighting. The aim of this study was to determine the concentrations and spectrum of dermatophyte propagules in the indoor air of cowsheds. METHODS AND RESULTS: Air samples were collected on five farms, and the dermatophyte species were identified using MALDI-TOF MS analysis. The quantitative analysis of the fungal pollutants showed an average of 0.084 dermatophyte propagules (CFU) per m3 of flowing air in spring and 0.0239 CFU/m3 in the summer. Dermatophyte species were identified in case of 64.6% of the obtained colonies. Trichophyton verrucosum as dominant species was isolated on all five farms. In turn, Nannizzia gypsea was isolated on four farms and Trichophyton mentagrophytes as well as Paraphyton cookei were isolated on two farms. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that indoor aerosol appears to be one of the underestimated risks of dermatophyte infections. Moreover, the risk of zoonotic infections is posed by airborne zoophilic dermatophytes, especially T. verrucosum, whose prevalence of infections has been increasing in recent years. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The ability of dermatophytes to infect animals and humans is thought to be a consequence of not only their adaptation to new ecological niches but also occurring as an aerosol component, which we demonstrate for the first time in this study. The microclimate of the cowshed may be an underestimated reservoir of zoophilic dermatophytes, which pose a zoonotic threat to farmers, animal breeders and veterinarians.