RESUMO
Transmissible vaccines are an emerging biotechnology that hold prospects to eliminate pathogens from wildlife populations. Such vaccines would genetically modify naturally occurring, nonpathogenic viruses ("viral vectors") to express pathogen antigens while retaining their capacity to transmit. The epidemiology of candidate viral vectors within the target wildlife population has been notoriously challenging to resolve but underpins the selection of effective vectors prior to major investments in vaccine development. Here, we used spatiotemporally replicated deep sequencing to parameterize competing epidemiological mechanistic models of Desmodus rotundus betaherpesvirus (DrBHV), a proposed vector for a transmissible vaccine targeting vampire bat-transmitted rabies. Using 36 strain- and location-specific time series of prevalence collected over 6 y, we found that lifelong infections with cycles of latency and reactivation, combined with a high R0 (6.9; CI: 4.39 to 7.85), are necessary to explain patterns of DrBHV infection observed in wild bats. These epidemiological properties suggest that DrBHV may be suited to vector a lifelong, self-boosting, and transmissible vaccine. Simulations showed that inoculating a single bat with a DrBHV-vectored rabies vaccine could immunize >80% of a bat population, reducing the size, frequency, and duration of rabies outbreaks by 50 to 95%. Gradual loss of infectious vaccine from vaccinated individuals is expected but can be countered by inoculating larger but practically achievable proportions of bat populations. Parameterizing epidemiological models using accessible genomic data brings transmissible vaccines one step closer to implementation.
Assuntos
Betaherpesvirinae , Quirópteros , Vacina Antirrábica , Raiva , Humanos , Animais , Vacina Antirrábica/genética , Raiva/epidemiologia , Raiva/prevenção & controle , Raiva/veterinária , Vacinação/veterinária , Animais SelvagensRESUMO
Transmissible vaccines have the potential to revolutionize how zoonotic pathogens are controlled within wildlife reservoirs. A key challenge that must be overcome is identifying viral vectors that can rapidly spread immunity through a reservoir population. Because they are broadly distributed taxonomically, species specific, and stable to genetic manipulation, betaherpesviruses are leading candidates for use as transmissible vaccine vectors. Here we evaluate the likely effectiveness of betaherpesvirus-vectored transmissible vaccines by developing and parameterizing a mathematical model using data from captive and free-living mouse populations infected with murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV). Simulations of our parameterized model demonstrate rapid and effective control for a range of pathogens, with pathogen elimination frequently occurring within a year of vaccine introduction. Our results also suggest, however, that the effectiveness of transmissible vaccines may vary across reservoir populations and with respect to the specific vector strain used to construct the vaccine.
Assuntos
Betaherpesvirinae/genética , Vetores Genéticos/genética , Imunogenicidade da Vacina , Modelos Teóricos , Vacinas Baseadas em Ácido Nucleico/imunologia , Vacinas/imunologia , Algoritmos , Doenças dos Animais/prevenção & controle , Doenças dos Animais/transmissão , Doenças dos Animais/virologia , Animais , Teorema de Bayes , Reservatórios de Doenças , Vetores de Doenças , Vetores Genéticos/imunologia , Infecções por Herpesviridae/veterinária , Camundongos , Muromegalovirus , Vacinas Baseadas em Ácido Nucleico/genética , Prevalência , Vacinas/genéticaRESUMO
We are currently witnessing the endemization of urogenital schistosomiasis in southern Europe. The incriminated parasite is a hybrid between a human parasite and a livestock parasite. Using an experimental evolutionary protocol, we created hybrid lines from pure strains of both parasite species. We showed that the host spectrum of the human parasite is enlarged to the livestock parasite after genomic introgression. We also evidenced that the tropism of the parasites within the host changes and that some hybrid lines are more virulent than the parental strains. These results engage a paradigm shift from human to zoonotic transmission of urogenital schistosomiasis.
Assuntos
Hibridização Genética , Zoonoses , Animais , Humanos , Zoonoses/transmissão , Zoonoses/parasitologia , Esquistossomose Urinária/transmissão , Esquistossomose Urinária/parasitologia , Schistosoma haematobium/genética , CamundongosRESUMO
Epidemiologic research on zoonotic tuberculosis historically used Mycobacterium bovis as a surrogate measure, however, increased reports of human tuberculosis caused by other animal-associated Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex members like Mycobacterium orygis necessitates their inclusion. We performed a retrospective cohort study including persons infected with any animal-lineage M. tuberculosis complex species in Alberta, Canada, from January 1995 to July 2021, identifying 42 patients (20 M. bovis, 21 M. orygis, one M. caprae). Demographic, epidemiologic and clinical characteristics were compared against persons with culture-confirmed M. tuberculosis infection. The proportion of culture-positive infections caused by M. orygis increased continuously from 2016-2020. Significantly more females at a higher median age were impacted by M. orygis, with all patients originating from South Asia. M. bovis caused significantly more extra-pulmonary disease, and disproportionately impacted young females, particularly those pregnant or post-partum. All infections were acquired abroad. These findings can aid in developing targeted public health interventions.
RESUMO
Microorganisms which are resistant to antibiotics are a global threat to the health of humans and animals. Wastewater treatment plants are known hotspots for the dissemination of antibiotic resistances. Therefore, novel methods for the inactivation of pathogens, and in particular antibiotic-resistant microorganisms (ARM), are of increasing interest. An especially promising method could be a water treatment by physical plasma which provides charged particles, electric fields, UV-radiation, and reactive species. The latter are foremost responsible for the antimicrobial properties of plasma. Thus, with plasma it might be possible to reduce the amount of ARM and to establish this technology as additional treatment stage for wastewater remediation. However, the impact of plasma on microorganisms beyond a mere inactivation was analyzed in more detail by a proteomic approach. Therefore, Escherichia coli GW-AmxH19, isolated from hospital wastewater in Germany, was used. The bacterial solution was treated by a plasma discharge ignited between each of four pins and the liquid surface. The growth of E. coli and the pH-value decreased during plasma treatment in comparison with the untreated control. Proteome and antibiotic resistance profile were analyzed. Concentrations of nitrite and nitrate were determined as long-lived indicative products of a transient chemistry associated with reactive nitrogen species (RNS). Conversely, hydrogen peroxide served as indicator for reactive oxygen species (ROS). Proteome analyses revealed an oxidative stress response as a result of plasma-generated RNS and ROS as well as a pH-balancing reaction as key responses to plasma treatment. Both, the generation of reactive species and a decreased pH-value is characteristic for plasma-treated solutions. The plasma-mediated changes of the proteome are discussed also in comparison with the Gram-positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis. Furthermore, no effect of the plasma treatment, on the antibiotic resistance of E. coli, was determined under the chosen conditions. The knowledge about the physiological changes of ARM in response to plasma is of fundamental interest to understand the molecular basis for the inactivation. This will be important for the further development and implementation of plasma in wastewater remediation.
Assuntos
Escherichia coli , Gases em Plasma , Proteômica , Águas Residuárias , Escherichia coli/efeitos dos fármacos , Escherichia coli/metabolismo , Águas Residuárias/microbiologia , Águas Residuárias/química , Gases em Plasma/farmacologia , Proteômica/métodos , Hospitais , Antibacterianos/farmacologia , Proteínas de Escherichia coli/metabolismo , Farmacorresistência Bacteriana , Humanos , Purificação da Água/métodos , Proteoma/metabolismo , Proteoma/análise , Proteoma/efeitos dos fármacosRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Neuroinvasive infection with Francisella tularensis, the causative agent of tularemia, is rare. Establishing clinical suspicion is challenging if risk factors or clinical features classically associated with tularemia are absent. Tularemia is treatable with antibiotics; however, there are limited data to inform management of potentially fatal neuroinvasive infection. METHODS: We collected epidemiologic and clinical data on 2 recent US cases of neuroinvasive F. tularensis infection, and performed a literature review of cases of neuroinvasive F. tularensis infection published after 1950. RESULTS: One patient presented with focal neurologic deficits and brain lesions; broad-range molecular testing on resected brain tissue detected F. tularensis. The other patient presented with meningeal signs; tularemia was suspected based on animal exposure, and F. tularensis grew in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture. Both patients received combination antibiotic therapy and recovered from infection. Among 16 published cases, tularemia was clinically suspected in 4 cases. CSF often displayed lymphocytic pleocytosis. Among cases with available data, CSF culture was positive in 13 of 16 cases, and F. tularensis antibodies were detected in 11 of 11 cases. Treatment typically included an aminoglycoside combined with either a tetracycline or a fluoroquinolone. Outcomes were generally favorable. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians should consider neuroinvasive F. tularensis infection in patients with meningitis and signs suggestive of tularemia or compatible exposures, lymphocyte-predominant CSF, unrevealing standard microbiologic workup, or lack of response to empiric bacterial meningitis treatment. Molecular testing, culture, and serologic testing can reveal the diagnosis. Favorable outcomes can be achieved with directed antibiotic treatment.
Assuntos
Francisella tularensis , Meningite , Tularemia , Animais , Humanos , Tularemia/diagnóstico , Tularemia/tratamento farmacológico , Tularemia/microbiologia , Antibacterianos/uso terapêutico , Aminoglicosídeos/uso terapêuticoRESUMO
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.
Assuntos
Francisella tularensis , Exposição Ocupacional , Tularemia , Humanos , Animais , Cães , Tularemia/microbiologia , Tularemia/veterinária , Abscesso , Zoonoses/microbiologiaRESUMO
Tularemia, caused by Francisella tularensis, is not known to occur in the United Kingdom. We report a case of tularemia diagnosed in July 2023 in a UK patient with no travel in the 6 weeks before symptom onset. We describe the subsequent multiagency investigation into possible routes of acquisition.
Assuntos
Francisella tularensis , Tularemia , Francisella tularensis/isolamento & purificação , Humanos , Tularemia/diagnóstico , Tularemia/tratamento farmacológico , Tularemia/microbiologia , Reino Unido/epidemiologia , Masculino , Antibacterianos/uso terapêutico , AnimaisRESUMO
A fecal survey in Tamil Nadu, India, revealed 2 persons passed schistosome eggs, later identified as Schistosoma incognitum, a parasite of pigs, dogs, and rats. We investigated those cases and reviewed autochthonous schistosomiasis cases from India and Nepal. Whether the 2 new cases represent true infection or spurious passage is undetermined.
Assuntos
Fezes , Schistosoma , Esquistossomose , Animais , Índia/epidemiologia , Humanos , Schistosoma/isolamento & purificação , Esquistossomose/epidemiologia , Esquistossomose/parasitologia , Fezes/parasitologia , Masculino , Feminino , Cães , Adulto , Suínos , Ratos/parasitologia , Nepal/epidemiologia , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Ásia MeridionalRESUMO
Two human patients with Macacine alphaherpesvirus 1 infection were identified in Japan in 2019. Both patients had worked at the same company, which had a macaque facility. The rhesus-genotype B virus genome was detected in cerebrospinal fluid samples from both patients.
Assuntos
Herpesvirus Cercopitecino 1 , Doenças dos Macacos , Animais , Humanos , Japão/epidemiologia , Macaca mulatta , GenótipoRESUMO
An 81-year-old male patient in Germany had prosthetic valve endocarditis caused by Pasteurella dagmatis after a domestic cat bite. We surgically treated a paravalvular abscess and administered definitive antibiotic therapy consisting of penicillin G and levofloxacin. The patient was discharged from the intensive care unit in good condition 21 days after the surgery.
Assuntos
Antibacterianos , Endocardite Bacteriana , Infecções por Pasteurella , Pasteurella , Masculino , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Humanos , Endocardite Bacteriana/microbiologia , Endocardite Bacteriana/diagnóstico , Endocardite Bacteriana/tratamento farmacológico , Animais , Alemanha , Infecções por Pasteurella/microbiologia , Infecções por Pasteurella/diagnóstico , Infecções por Pasteurella/tratamento farmacológico , Gatos , Antibacterianos/uso terapêutico , Pasteurella/isolamento & purificação , Pasteurella/genética , Infecções Relacionadas à Prótese/microbiologia , Infecções Relacionadas à Prótese/diagnóstico , Infecções Relacionadas à Prótese/tratamento farmacológico , Próteses Valvulares Cardíacas/efeitos adversos , Próteses Valvulares Cardíacas/microbiologia , Resultado do TratamentoRESUMO
We identified a cluster of mpox exposures among key populations in Kenya through retrospective serologic screening. We identified strong seropositivity among sex workers and gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. These findings demonstrate the need for increased mpox surveillance among mpox-endemic and mpox-endemic-adjacent regions in Africa.
Assuntos
Anticorpos Antivirais , Orthopoxvirus , Humanos , Quênia/epidemiologia , Estudos Soroepidemiológicos , Masculino , Anticorpos Antivirais/sangue , Estudos Retrospectivos , Adulto , Orthopoxvirus/imunologia , Feminino , Infecções por Poxviridae/epidemiologia , Infecções por Poxviridae/imunologia , Adulto Jovem , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , AdolescenteRESUMO
We investigated 2 acute cases and 1 previous case of Seoul hantavirus infection in workers in a feeder rodent breeding farm in Taiwan. Prevalence of hantavirus IgG among the tested feeder rats was 37.5%. Appropriate prevention measures, including using disinfection protocols and personal protective equipment, are crucial to lowering risk.
Assuntos
Infecções por Hantavirus , Animais , Humanos , Taiwan/epidemiologia , Infecções por Hantavirus/epidemiologia , Infecções por Hantavirus/veterinária , Masculino , Adulto , Fazendas , Anticorpos Antivirais/sangue , Feminino , Exposição Ocupacional , Recidiva , Ratos , Roedores/virologia , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Doenças Profissionais/epidemiologia , Doenças Profissionais/virologia , História do Século XXIRESUMO
A neurocysticercosis-like lesion in an 11-year-old boy in the Netherlands was determined to be caused by the zoonotic Taenia martis tapeworm. Subsequent testing revealed that 15% of wild martens tested in that region were infected with T. martis tapeworms with 100% genetic similarity; thus, the infection source was most likely local.
Assuntos
Neurocisticercose , Taenia , Masculino , Criança , Animais , Humanos , Neurocisticercose/diagnóstico por imagem , Taenia/genética , Países BaixosRESUMO
Across 133 confirmed mpox zoonotic index cases reported during 1970-2021 in Africa, cases occurred year-round near the equator, where climate is consistent. However, in tropical regions of the northern hemisphere under a dry/wet season cycle, cases occurred seasonally. Our findings further support the seasonality of mpox zoonotic transmission risk.
Assuntos
Estações do Ano , Zoonoses , Humanos , África/epidemiologia , Animais , Zoonoses/epidemiologia , História do Século XXI , História do Século XXRESUMO
Bacterial zoonoses are established causes of severe febrile illness in East Africa. Within a fever etiology study, we applied a high-throughput 16S rRNA metagenomic assay validated for detecting bacterial zoonotic pathogens. We enrolled febrile patients admitted to 2 referral hospitals in Moshi, Tanzania, during September 2007-April 2009. Among 788 participants, median age was 20 (interquartile range 2-38) years. We performed PCR amplification of V1-V2 variable region 16S rRNA on cell pellet DNA, then metagenomic deep-sequencing and pathogenic taxonomic identification. We detected bacterial zoonotic pathogens in 10 (1.3%) samples: 3 with Rickettsia typhi, 1 R. conorii, 2 Bartonella quintana, 2 pathogenic Leptospira spp., and 1 Coxiella burnetii. One other sample had reads matching a Neoerhlichia spp. previously identified in a patient from South Africa. Our findings indicate that targeted 16S metagenomics can identify bacterial zoonotic pathogens causing severe febrile illness in humans, including potential novel agents.
Assuntos
Febre , Metagenômica , RNA Ribossômico 16S , Humanos , Tanzânia/epidemiologia , Adulto , Pré-Escolar , Adolescente , Metagenômica/métodos , Febre/microbiologia , Masculino , Feminino , Animais , Criança , RNA Ribossômico 16S/genética , Adulto Jovem , Bactérias/genética , Bactérias/classificação , Bactérias/isolamento & purificação , Zoonoses Bacterianas/microbiologia , Zoonoses Bacterianas/epidemiologia , Infecções Bacterianas/microbiologia , Infecções Bacterianas/epidemiologia , Infecções Bacterianas/diagnóstico , Zoonoses/microbiologia , Zoonoses/epidemiologiaRESUMO
Pasteurella spp. can cause fatal zoonotic infections in humans. We performed a multicenter study to investigate the prevalence and clinical features of Pasteurella infections in South Korea during 2018â2022. We also conducted a collaborative systematic review and meta-analysis of the global burden of Pasteurella bacteremia. The study included 283 cases found an increasing trend in Pasteurella infections. Blood cultures were positive in 8/35 (22.9%) cases sampled, for overall bacteremia-associated rate of 2.8% (8/283). Aging was a significant risk factor for bacteremia (odds ratio 1.05 [95% CI 1.01-1.10]), according to multivariate analyses. For the meta-analysis, we included a total of 2,012 cases from 10 studies. The pooled prevalence of bacteremia was 12.4% (95% CI 7.3%-18.6%) and of mortality 8.4% (95% CI 2.7%-16.5%). Our findings reflect the need for greater understanding of the increase in Pasteurella infections and the global burden of Pasteurella bacteremia to determine appropriate case management.
Assuntos
Bacteriemia , Infecções por Pasteurella , Pasteurella , Bacteriemia/epidemiologia , Bacteriemia/microbiologia , República da Coreia/epidemiologia , Humanos , Infecções por Pasteurella/epidemiologia , Infecções por Pasteurella/microbiologia , Prevalência , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Feminino , Idoso , Adulto , Fatores de Risco , Animais , Adulto JovemRESUMO
Fort Sherman virus (FSV) was isolated in Panama in 1985 from a US soldier. We report a case of human FSV infection in a febrile patient from northern coastal Peru in 2020. FSV infections spanning ≈35 years and a distance of 2,000 km warrant diagnostics, genomic surveillance, and investigation of transmission cycles.
Assuntos
Filogenia , Humanos , Peru/epidemiologia , Masculino , Adulto , Infecções por Picornaviridae/epidemiologia , Infecções por Picornaviridae/diagnóstico , Infecções por Picornaviridae/virologia , História do Século XXIRESUMO
Highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) detected in dairy cows raises concerns about milk safety. The effects of pasteurization-like temperatures on influenza viruses in retail and unpasteurized milk revealed virus resilience under certain conditions. Although pasteurization contributes to viral inactivation, influenza A virus, regardless of strain, displayed remarkable stability in pasteurized milk.
RESUMO
Nematodes of the Onchocercidae family, such as Pelecitus spp., are filarial parasites of medical and veterinary importance. Although infections are widely distributed among avian species, only 2 cases of human Pelecitus ocular infection, both in South America, have been reported. We describe a 61-year-old man in northeast Thailand diagnosed with an ocular infection. Morphologic characteristics suggested the causative agent was a female Pelecitus nematode: coiled body, rounded anterior and posterior extremities, a distinct preesophageal cuticular ring, lateral alae, a postdeirid, and a protuberant vulva. Sequences of the 12S rDNA gene indicated 95%-96% identity and cox1 gene 92%-96% identity with published P. copsychi sequences. P-distance for cox1 sequences between the causative agent and P. copsychi was 6.71%. Phylogenetic trees of 12S rDNA and cox1 genes indicated the species differed from but is closely associated with P. copsychi. Healthcare providers should be aware of the threat of ocular infection from Pelecitus spp. nematodes.