Is atypical monkeypox a sexually transmitted disease? / 中国热带医学

@# Atypical monkeypox broke out in many non-endemic countries in 2022, and the cumulative number of cases worldwide reached 21 775 on July 11. Although most cases of atypical monkeypox outbreaks were related to sexual behavior, there was no clear consensus on whether monkeypox is a sexually transmitted disease, and the current guidelines issued in China for the diagnosis and treatment of monkeypox do not yet rule out monkeypox as a sexually transmitted disease. This review analyzed the evidence supporting atypical monkeypox as a sexually transmitted disease and other possible explanations from the perspectives of monkeypox case definition/diagnostic criteria, epidemiology, clinical features, laboratory examinations, and public health prevention and control measures, aiming to provide suitable recommendations for the prevention and control of monkeypox outbreaks in China.

Practice of handling livestock and its determinant among livestock handlers of Banaskantha district of Gujarat – A cross-sectional study

Background: As per Livestock Census 2019, Banaskantha district shares 9.4% of livestock of Gujarat. About 80–83% of farmers practicing dairy farming in Banaskantha district have low to medium level of knowledge about zoonotic diseases. The practice of handling livestock and its determinants among different populations of Banaskantha district is yet to be studied. Aim and Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess level of awareness and hygienic practice of handling livestock and its determinants among the livestock handlers of Banaskantha district. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 172 livestock handlers of nine villages of Banaskantha district. The questionnaire included demographics, knowledge about zoonotic diseases, and practices for handling livestock. One score was given for correct knowledge and practice and “zero” score was given for incorrect knowledge and practice. There were maximum 20 scores for knowledge and practice each. Results: Livestock handlers were well aware of rabies but knowledge of other zoonotic disease was very less. Average knowledge and practice score was 12.76 and 12.39 out of 20, respectively. About 1/3rd of livestock handlers (33.1%) were following hygienic practice very well. Practice score was higher in male livestock handlers and those who received training and livestock handlers with more number of animals. Conclusion: Practice of use of gloves, not using milk during treatment of cattle, testing of animal before purchase, and safe disposal of infected material were very less prevalent. Training should be focused on conveying the importance of correct practicing especially to female livestock handlers with few numbers of animals.

Brucelosis bovina y humana en el sur de México: una zoonosis desatendida / Bovine and human brucellosis in southern Mexico: a neglected zoonosis

Resumen La brucelosis es una zoonosis desatendida y un problema de salud pública en países en desarrollo, que también causa grandes pérdidas económicas en la ganadería. En México es endémica y Chiapas un estado al sur del país, destaca por la presencia de la enfermedad en humanos. Por medio de la revisión del estado del arte, se encontró que factores como la alta producción de ganado bovino, las limitadas estrategias institucionales de control de la enfermedad en el ganado, la falta de regulación sanitaria del género Brucella en productos lácteos y cárnicos y la ubicación del estado de Chiapas en la frontera con Centroamérica, podrían ser condicionantes para la prevalencia de brucelosis humana en esta región de México.

Abstract Brucellosis is a neglected zoonosis and a public health problem in developing countries that also causes great economic losses in livestock. In Mexico it is endemic and Chiapas, a state in the south of the country, stands out for the presence of the disease in humans. Through the review of the state of the art it was found that factors such as the high production of cattle, the limited institutional strategies to control the disease in livestock, the lack of sanitary regulation of the genus Brucella in dairy and meat products and the location of the state of Chiapas on the border with Central America could be determining factors for the prevalence of human brucellosis in this region of Mexico.

Pérdida de biodiversidad y vulnerabilidad humana frente a enfermedades infecciosas zoonóticas: humanos, relatos y ambiente

Propósito/Contexto. El crecimiento exponencial de la transmisión de enfermedades de tipo zoonótico, en los últimos años, ha generado grandes afectaciones en la población mundial. A su vez, una eventual pérdida de biodiversidad aumenta el nivel de la vulnerabilidad humana frente a enfermedades infecciosas zoonóticas. El presente artículo pretende aportar algunos elementos para comprender la manera en que la pérdida de biodiversidad generada por la actividad económica humana favorece la transmisión de enfermedades infecciosas de tipo zoonótico y aumenta, como consecuencia, el nivel de vulnerabilidad de nuestra especie frente a este tipo de amenazas. Metodología/Enfoque. Se realizó un análisis crítico de las intervenciones realizadas por los ponentes que participaron en cada uno de los cuatro eventos de la Cátedra Abierta de Bioética Versión Especial 2020-1, titulada "Ambiente, Humanos y Pandemia", organizada por el Departamento de Bioética de la Universidad El Bosque. También se hizo una recopilación sistemática de diferentes artículos, en tres de las más importantes bases de datos de bioética en el mundo: Bioethics Research Library, Bioethics y German Reference Centre for Ethics in the Life Science. Resultados/Hallazgos. Se logró identificar la urgente necesidad de restaurar las relaciones entre la naturaleza y los seres humanos en torno a la vida, a partir de cambios en el relacionamiento intersubjetivo, interespecífico (humanos con otras especies) y con el ambiente. Discusión/Conclusiones/Contribuciones. A modo de conclusión, las acciones de los seres humanos en contra del equilibrio dinámico ecosistémico son perjudiciales para sí mismos y afectan a las demás especies, generando así una mayor exposición humana a las enfermedades infecciosas de tipo zoonótico, como la COVID-19.

Purpose/Context. The exponential growth of zoonotic diseases has dramatically affected the world population in recent years. In turn, an eventual loss of biodiversity will increase the level of human vulnerability to zoonotic infectious diseases. This article aims to provide some inputs for understanding how the loss of biodiversity due to human economic activity favors the transmission of zoonotic infectious diseases and thus increases the vulnerability level of our species against this threat. Methodology/Approach. We performed a critical analysis of the presentations in four events of the Open Lecture in Bioethics, Special Version 2020-1, entitled "Environment, Humans, and Pandemic," organized by the Bioethics Department, Universidad El Bosque. Besides, we systematically compiled several articles from three of the most critical bioethics databases worldwide: Bioethics Research Library, Bioethics, and German Reference Center for Ethics in the Life Science. Results/Findings. We could identify the pressing need to restore the relationships between nature and human beings around life, based on changes in the intersubjective, interspecific (humans with other species), and environmental relationships. Discussion/Conclusions/Contributions. The actions of human beings against the dynamic ecosystem balance are harmful to themselves and adversely affect other species, thus worsening human exposure to zoonotic infectious diseases such as COVID-19.

Objetivo/Contexto. O crescimento exponencial da transmissão de doenças de tipo zoonótico nos últimos anos, tem gerado grandes afetações na população mundial. Por sua vez, uma eventual perda de biodiversidade aumenta o nível de vulnerabilidade humana perante doenças infecciosas zoonóticas. O presente artigo destina-se a fornecer alguns elementos para a compreensão da forma como a perda de biodiversidade gerada pela atividade económica humana favorece a transmissão de doenças infecciosas zoonóticas e aumenta, como consequência, o nível de vulnerabilidade da nossa espécie perante este tipo de ameaças. Metodologia/Abordagem. Realizou-se uma análise crítica das intervenções realizadas pelos relatores que participaram em cada um dos quatro eventos da Cátedra Aberta de Bioética Versão Especial 2020-1, intitulada "Ambiente, Humanos e Pandemia" organizada pelo Departamento de Bioética da Universidade El Bosque. Também se fez uma recolha sistemática de diferentes artigos, em três das mais importantes bases de dados de bioética do mundo: Bioethics Research Library, Bioethics e German Reference Centre for Ethics in the Life Science. Resultados/Descobertas. Conseguiu-se identificar a urgente necessidade de restaurar as relações entre a natureza e os seres humanos em torno da vida, a partir de mudanças no relacionamento intersubjetivo, interespecífico (humanos com outras espécies) e com o ambiente. Discussão/Conclusões/Contribuições. A título de conclusão, as ações dos seres humanos contra o equilíbrio dinâmico ecossistêmico são prejudiciais para si próprios e afetam as outras espécies, gerando assim uma maior exposição humana às doenças infecciosas de tipo zoonótico, como o COVID-19.

Serological Evaluation of Clinically Suspected Leptospirosis Cases in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic infection caused by the spirochaete Leptospira, which has worldwide distribution. Laboratory diagnosis is routinely performed by serological tests like dipstick assay, lateral flow assay and latex agglutination which are rapid tests recommended for screening the disease. Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT) is the standard test for serological diagnosis of leptospiral infection which is not included in the test panel in most of the peripheral laboratories as the procedure is laborious and it requires to maintain live leptospira. Therefore, one of the rapid tests is routinely employed for demonstration of leptospiral antibodies. Our objective was to screen the acute cases of leptospirosis by Leptochek WB IgM and PanBio IgM Elisa and compare the findings with the MAT and correlate the clinical findings with the serological tests.METHODSThis study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in Mangalore from August 2010 to September 2013. A total of 314 cases of clinically suspected leptospirosis were included based on the Faine’s criteria. Patients’ serum was screened for leptospiral antibodies by Leptochek WB IgM, PanBio IgM ELISA and Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT).RESULTSOut of 314 clinically suspected cases screened, seropositivity for leptospirosis by Leptochek WB-IgM, PanBio IgM ELISA and MAT was found to be 49 (15.6%), 65 (20.7%) and 78 (24.8%) respectively. Thus, an overall prevalence rate of leptospirosis was 24.8% (78/314) based on the MAT test. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of Leptocheck WB IgM was 53.8%, 97%, 85.7 and 86.4% with MAT while the comparative values of PanBio-ELISA IgM with respect to MAT test was 74.5%, 97 %, 89.2% and 92% respectively. Common clinical features among MAT positive cases were fever, chills and rigors, oliguria, vomiting, jaundice and headache.CONCLUSIONSMAT is a standard serological test for Leptospirosis. This test is not always available for peripheral health centres, as the test is time consuming and cumbersome. Thus, screening tests are now being employed for screening the patients. Rapid tests like Leptocheck -WB can be supplemented with an ELISA test for screening of clinically suspected cases of Leptospirosis and later confirmed with the MAT at reference centres.

Anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies in meat dealers in Tunja, Boyacá, Colombia / Anticorpos anti-Leptospira spp. em distribuidores de carne na cidade de Tunja, Boyacá, Colômbia

ABSTRACT Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease distributed worldwide, which is emerging as a public health problem in tropical and subtropical countries. Traditionally, it has been considered as an occupational disease. The objective of this study was to determine the serological prevalence of anti-Leptospira antibodies in meat dealers in the city of Tunja, Boyacá, Colombia. An observational, cross-sectional and descriptive study was carried out in a population of 186 operators from meat establishments in the city of Tunja. The samples were analyzed using the microagglutination test in order to determine the serovar that causes the infection. Each participant answer a survey with important questions about socio-demographic, epidemiological and occupational factors. A seroprevalence of 43% [n = 80; 95% confidence interval (CI): 36%-50%] was found. According to the serovar analysis, the distribution was: L. bratislava 30% (n = 24; 95%IC: 20%-40%), L. hardjo 21.25% (n = 17; 95%IC: 12%-30%), L. pomona 20% (n = 16; 95%IC: 11%-29%), L. icterohaemorragiae 17.5% (n = 14; 95%IC: 9%-26%), L. grippotyphosa 16.25% (n = 13; 95%IC: 8%-24%), L. canicola 16.25% (n = 13; 95%IC: 8%-24%), and L. tarassovi 11.25% (n = 9; 95%IC: 4%-18%). The prevalence rate found in this study confirms the circulation of the microorganism in these operators, which may suggest the need to reinforce hygienic-sanitary, biosecurity and prevention measures as well as the control of the disease in this population.

RESUMEN La leptospirosis es una zoonosis de distribución mundial como un problema de salud pública, en países tropicales y subtropicales. Tradicionalmente ha sido considerada como una enfermedad profesional. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la prevalencia serológica de anticuerpos anti-Leptospira en expendedores de carne en la ciudad de Tunja, Boyacá, Colombia. Se realizó un estudio observacional, transversal y descriptivo en una población de 186 trabajadores de expendios de carne en la ciudad de Tunja. Las muestras fueron analizadas mediante la técnica de microaglutinación para determinar el serovar que causa la infección. A cada participante se aplicó una encuesta con preguntas importantes respecto a factores sociodemográficos, epidemiológicos y laborales. Se encontró seroprevalencia del 43% [n = 80; intervalo de confianza (IC) 95%: 36%-50%]. Según el análisis por serovar, la distribución fue: L. bratislava 30% (n = 24; IC95%: 20%-40%), L. hardjo 21,25% (n = 17; IC95%: 12%-30%), L. pomona 20% (n = 16; IC95%: 11%-29%), L. icterohaemorragiae 17,50% (n = 14; IC95%: 9%-26%), L. grippotyphosa 16,25% (n = 13; IC95%: 8%-24%), L. canicola 16,25% (n = 13; IC95%: 8%-24%) y L. tarassovi 11,25% (n = 9; IC95%: 4%-18%). La prevalencia hallada en este estudio confirma la circulación del microorganismo en aquellos trabajadores, lo cual exige reforzar las medidas higiénicas, de bioseguridad y de prevención y control de la enfermedad en esa población.

RESUMO A leptospirose é uma zoonose de distribuição mundial que está emergindo como um problema de saúde pública em países tropicais e subtropicais. Tradicionalmente, tem sido considerada uma doença ocupacional. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a prevalência sorológica de anticorpos anti-Leptospira em distribuidores de carne na cidade de Tunja, Boyacá, Colômbia. Realizou-se um estudo observacional, transversal e descritivo em uma população de 186 trabalhadores de estabelecimentos de carne na cidade de Tunja. As amostras foram analisadas pela técnica de microaglutinação para determinar o sorovar que causa a infecção. Cada participante respondeu a um questionário com questões importantes sobre fatores sociodemográficos, epidemiológicos e trabalhistas. Foi encontrada soroprevalência de 43% [n = 80; intervalo de confiança (IC)95%: 36%-50%]. De acordo com a análise por sorovar, a distribuição foi: L. bratislava 30% (n = 24; IC95%: 20%-40%), L. hardjo 21,25% (n = 17; IC95%: 12%-30%), L. pomona 20% (n = 16; IC95%: 11%-29%), L. icterohaemorragiae 17,50% (n = 14; IC95%: 9%-26%), L. grippotyphosa 16,25% (n = 13; IC95%: 8%-24%), L. canicola 16,25% (n = 13; IC95%: 8%-24%) e L. tarassovi 11,25% (n = 9; IC95%: 4%-18%). A prevalência encontrada neste estudo confirma a circulação do microrganismo nesses trabalhadores, o que sugere a necessidade de reforçar medidas higiênicas, de biossegurança e de prevenção e controle da doença nessa população.

Encephalomyelitis as the first manifestation of scrub typhus

@#Scrub typhus is a zoonotic disease caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi. We report here a middle-aged man with 3 days history of mild fever, dysphagia, and anarthria. On examination, he had nystagmus, quadriparesis, and a fresh eschar in the left scrotal region. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum samples were positive for tsutsugamushi antibody. The magnetic resonance images (MRIs) showed T2 lesions in the brainstem, basal ganglia, frontal, corona radiate and spinal cord. After treatment with chloramphenicol and prednisolone, the clinical symptoms and signs improved. Our case highlights that encephalomyelitis may be caused by rickettsial disease such as scrub typhus.

Neurobrucelosis evaluada por reibergrama. Presentación de un caso / Neurobrucellosis evaluated by reibergram. A case report

Introducción: La brucelosis es una enfermedad zoonótica y endémica en muchas partes del mundo. La causa principal de la infección se produce por la ingestión de leche no pasteurizada o por el contacto con animales infectados. La neurobrucelosis incluye afecciones en el sistema nervioso central y periférico. Las principales manifestaciones clínicas son la meningitis, la encefalitis, la neuritis óptica y la periférica. Objetivo: Evaluar, mediante reibergrama, la dinámica intratecal de las clases mayores de inmunoglobulinas y el estado de la barrera sangre/LCR de un paciente con neurobrucelosis. Presentación del caso: Los niveles de IgA, IgM. IgG y albúmina en suero y líquido cefalorraquídeo fueron cuantificados por inmunodifusión. Los resultados fueron colocados en el reibergrama correspondiente. El paciente mostró síntesis intratecal de las tres clases mayores de inmunoglobulinas, sin disfunción de la barrera sangre/LCR. Conclusión: El estudio neuroinmunológico del líquido cefalorraquídeo puede indicar el curso activo de la respuesta inmune intratecal contra el patógeno, donde la síntesis intratecal de inmunoglobulinas y el funcionamiento de la barrera sangre/líquido cefalorraquídeo constituyeron los principales marcadores en el diagnóstico de la neuroinflamación(AU)

Introduction: Brucellosis is a zoonotic and an endemic disease in many areas around the world. The main cause of infection is the intake of unpasteurized milk or the contact with infected animals. Neurobrucellosis includes pathologic conditions in the central and peripheral nervous systems. The main clinical manifestations are meningitis, encephalitis, optical neuritis, and peripheral neuritis. Objective: To evaluate, through reibergram, the intrathecal dynamics of the major immunoglobulin classes and the blood-CSF barrier function in one patient with neurobrucellosis. Case report: IgA, IgM, IgG and albumin levels in serum and cerebrospinal fluid were quantified by using a radial immunodiffusion technique. Results were placed in the corresponding reibergram. The patient showed evidences of intrathecal synthesis of the three major immunoglobulins without blood-CSF barrier dysfunction. Conclusion: The neuroimmunological study of cerebrospinal fluid can indicate the active course of the intrathecal immune response against this pathogen, where the intrathecal synthesis of immunoglobulins and blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier function constitute the main markers in the diagnosis of neuroinflammation(AU)

Trypanosoma cruzi strain TcIV infects raccoons from Illinois

BACKGROUND The northern limits of Trypanosoma cruzi across the territory of the United States remain unknown. The known vectors Triatoma sanguisuga and T. lecticularia find their northernmost limits in Illinois; yet, earlier screenings of those insects did not reveal the presence of the pathogen, which has not been reported in vectors or reservoir hosts in this state. OBJECTIVES Five species of medium-sized mammals were screened for the presence of T. cruzi. METHODS Genomic DNA was isolated from heart, spleen and skeletal muscle of bobcats (Lynx rufus, n = 60), raccoons (Procyon lotor, n = 37), nine-banded armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus, n = 5), Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana, n = 3), and a red fox (Vulpes vulpes). Infections were detected targeting DNA from the kinetoplast DNA minicircle (kDNA) and satellite DNA (satDNA). The discrete typing unit (DTU) was determined by amplifying two gene regions: the Spliced Leader Intergenic Region (SL), via a multiplex polymerase chain reaction, and the 24Sα ribosomal DNA via a heminested reaction. Resulting sequences were used to calculate their genetic distance against reference DTUs. FINDINGS 18.9% of raccoons were positive for strain TcIV; the rest of mammals tested negative. MAIN CONCLUSIONS These results confirm for the first time the presence of T. cruzi in wildlife from Illinois, suggesting that a sylvatic life cycle is likely to occur in the region. The analyses of sequences of SL suggest that amplicons resulting from a commonly used multiplex reaction may yield non-homologous fragments.

Seroepidemiological Survey of Zoonotic Diseases in Small Mammals with PCR Detection of Orientia tsutsugamushi in Chiggers, Gwangju, Korea

Serosurveillance for zoonotic diseases in small mammals and detection of chiggers, the vector of Orientia tsutsugamushi, were conducted from September 2014 to August 2015 in Gwangju Metropolitan Area. Apodemus agrarius was the most commonly collected small mammals (158; 91.8%), followed by Myodes regulus (8; 4.6%), and Crocidura lasiura (6; 3.5%). The highest seroprevalence of small mammals for O. tsutsugamushi (41; 26.3%) was followed by hantaviruses (24; 15.4%), Rickettsia spp. (22; 14.1%), and Leptospira (2; 1.3%). A total of 3,194 chiggers were collected from small mammals, and 1,236 of 3,194 chiggers were identified with 7 species of 3 genera: Leptotrombidium scutellare was the most commonly collected species (585; 47.3%), followed by L. orientale (422; 34.1%), Euchoengastia koreaensis (99; 8.0%), L. palpale (58; 4.7%), L. pallidum (36; 2.9%), Neotrombicula gardellai (28; 2.3%), and L. zetum (8; 0.6%). L. scutellare was the predominant species. Three of 1,236 chigger mites were positive for O. tsutsugamushi by PCR. As a result of phylogenetic analysis, the O. tsutsugamushi strain of chigger mites had sequence homology of 90.1-98.2% with Boryong. This study provides baseline data on the distribution of zoonotic diseases and potential vectors for the development of prevention strategies of vector borne diseases in Gwangju metropolitan area.

Monitoreo de Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borreliaburgdorferi, y Dirofilaria immitis en perros de tres ciudades enColombia / Surveillance for Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borreliaburgdorferi, and Dirofilaria immitis in Dogs From Three Cities in Colombia

Emerging infectious and zoonotic diseases are made up in large proportion by vector-borne diseases (VBD). Dogs are parasitized by disease vectors such as ticks and mosquitoes, making dogs adequate reservoirs for zoonoses. Risk of exposure to VBD exists for the US military personnel and Military Working Dogs (MWD) when deployed globally. The importance of canine VBD surveillance relates to veterinary and public health significance for the host nations as well as for the US troops and MWDs. The objective of this work was to survey dogs from the cities of Medellin, Barranquilla, and Cartagena in Colombia to determine prevalence of heartworm disease (Dirofilaria immitis), ehrlichiosis (Ehrlichia canis), Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi), and anaplasmosis (Anaplasma phagocytophilum). Canine (n=498) blood samples (1-3cc) were collected during July 2011 from Medellin (n=175), Barranquilla (n=223), and Cartagena (n=100). Samples were tested on-site using IDEXX SNAP® 4Dx® Test Kits. The overall combined sample prevalence of E. canis, A. phagocytophilum, D. immitis, and B. burgdorferi was 62%, 33%, 1.6%, and 0%. In Medellin, 26% of the samples were positive for E. canis, 12% for A. phagocytophilum, and 0% for D. immitis. In Barranquilla, sample prevalence for E. canis, A. phagocytophilum, and D. immitis were 83%, 40%, and 2%. In Cartagena, E. canis, A. phagocytophilum, and D. immitis sample prevalence were 80%, 51%, and 3%. In conclusion, E. canis and A. phagocytophilum are present in all three surveyed cities. There is a higher prevalence for E. canis and A. phagocytophilum than D. immitis. In addition, the prevalence for these organisms is higher in Barranquilla and Cartagena than in Medellin. Overall, this study emphasizes the value of surveillance for VBDs in order to determine disease prevalence, develop risk assessments, and to implement control measures.

Las nuevas enfermedades infecciosas y enfermedades zoonóticas son en su mayor proporción el resultado o causa de enfermedades transmitidas por vectores (VBD: Vector-Borne Diseases). Perros que han sido infectados por enfermedades vectores como mosquitos y garrapatas, se convierten en fuentes adecuadas para enfermedades zoonóticas. Existe un riesgo ante la exposición a VBD en el personal de las Fuerzas Armadas Americanas y los perros del servicio militar (MWD: Military Working Dogs) cuando estos se encuentran trabajando fuera de los Estados Unidos. Tanto como para la Veterinaria, la Salud pública de las Naciones anfitrionas y de las Fuerzas Armadas Americanas y de sus perros militares es de gran importancia el seguimiento y vigilancia de VBD en los perros. El objetivo de este trabajo fué el monitoreo e investigación de perros en las ciudades de Medellin, Barranquilla y Cartagena en Colombia y determinar la existencia de enfermedades como la enfermedad del gusano del corazón ("heartworm disease" -Dirofilaria immitis), ehrlichiosis (Ehrlichia canis), Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi) y anaplasmosis (Anaplasma phagocytophilum). Perros (n=498) muestras de sangre (1-3cc) recolectadas durante Julio 2011. En Medellín (n=175) Barranquilla (n= 223) y Cartagena (n= 100). Muestras fueron utilizadas en sitio por medio de IDEXX SNAP® 4Dx® Test Kits. La convinación total de las pruebas muestran una prevalencia de E. canis, A.phagocytophilum, D. immitis, y B. burgdorferi fue de un 62%, 33%, 1.6% y de un 0% En Medellin, 26% de las pruebas fueron positivas para E. canis, 12% para A. phagocytophilum, y 0% para D. immitis. En Barranquilla, las muestras demostraron una prevalencia para E. canis, A. phagocytophilum y D. immitis fue de un 83%, 40% y 2%. En Cartagena, E. canis, A. phagocytophilum, y D. immitis mostraron una prevalencia del 80%, 51% y 3%. En conclusión, E. canis y A. phagocytophilum estan presentes en las tres ciudades. Hay una mayor prevalencia para E. canis y A. phagocytophilum y también la presencia de estos organismos es mayor en Barranquilla y Cartagena comparado con los resultados de Medellín. Este estudio tiene como propósito enfatizar el valor e importancia del monitoreo y estudio de VBDs con el fin de determinar la prevalencia de las enfermedades, el desarrollo de sus causas y determinar medios para prevenir y controlar el esparcimiento de estas enfermedades.

Assessment of knowledge about rabies in interns of Geetanjali medical college, Udaipur.

Background: Rabies is one of the zoonotic diseases. Dogs are the main reservoir of Rabies in India but it can cause by any rabid carnivores bite. The untreated, improperly treated or neglected cases lead to sure death. Rabies can be prevented through proper management by vaccination, serum and immunoglobulin but once disease occurred it is always fatal. Objectives: To assess the knowledge regarding rabies and its preventive measures among the interns. Methods: It was a cross-sectional study conducted in January 2014 to March 2014. Data was collected using preformed questionnaire from 100 interns of Geetanjali medical college, Udaipur. Results: It was seen that only 59% knew that vaccination of dogs was an essential preventive measure, 80% and 68% agreed that pre-exposure vaccination and educating the people regarding pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis were useful, respectively. Also 89% and 59% were aware that wound should be washed immediately and antiseptics should be applied, respectively. 50% and 29% were not aware of the schedule and dose of the PEP, respectively. Only 35% knew about both IM and ID route of administration of PEP. Only 66% were aware that the site of administration of PEP is deltoid. Conclusions: The study showed that there was lack of proper knowledge in interns about the prevention and management of rabies which needs to be proper training and proper education.

A cross sectional study of sociodemographic profile and treatment seeking behavior of cases of animal bite attending anti Rabies clinic at tertiary health care center in central India.

Rabies is 100% fatal zoonotic disease which can be prevented by appropriate anti rabies post exposure prophylaxis. The incidence of animal bite is managed poorly due to ignorance and rampant myths & misconceptions. It is discovered that a vital time period is lost in taking medical aid as people due to ignorance opt for traditional medications the authenticity of which is not completely established. Aims & objectives: 1) To study the social, demographic characteristics of victims of animal bites. 2) To study the treatment seeking behavior of persons and to find their correlations. Methods: An observational cross-sectional study. The respondents were selected amongst new cases of animal bites attending Anti Rabies clinic of Gandhi medical college Bhopal M.P. India for 3 months using pretested questionnaire. Data was analyzed & interpreted using percentages and tests of significance using Epi info 7. Results: Out of total 315 cases of animal bite nearly 38.75% were below 15 years of age. In total, 82.5% cases were bitten by dogs. The majority of cases (73%) had a category III bite, only 45% consulted within 24 hours of the bite. Nearly 9% did not wash the wound with soap & water instead applied home remedies or opted for traditional or non-allopathic treatment. A statistically significant (P <0.0001) association was found between educational status & knowledge of fatality due to rabies. Conclusions: Rising level of literacy enhances knowledge about the fatality of rabies.

Survey of Wild Mammal Hosts of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Parasites in Panamá and Costa Rica

The eco-epidemiology of American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) is driven by animal reservoir species that are a source of infection for sand flies that serve as vectors infecting humans with <i>Leishmania</i> spp parasites. The emergence and re-emergence of this disease across Latin America calls for further studies to identify reservoir species associated with enzootic transmission. Here, we present results from a survey of 52 individuals from 13 wild mammal species at endemic sites in Costa Rica and Panama where ACL mammal hosts have not been previously studied. For <i>Leishmania</i> spp. diagnostics we employed a novel PCR technique using blood samples collected on filter paper. We only found <i>Leishmania</i> spp parasites in one host, the two-toed sloth, <i>Choloepus hoffmanni</i>. Our findings add further support to the role of two-toed sloths as an important ACL reservoir in Central America.

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever: an overview.

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is an acute, highly-contagious and life-threatening vector borne disease. The CCHF virus causes severe viral hemorrhagic fever outbreaks, with a case fatality rate of 10-40%. CCHF virus isolation and/or disease has been reported from more than 30 countries in Africa, Asia, South eastern Europe and Middle east. Jan 2011 marks first ever reports of outbreak of CCHF in India, total 5 cases were detected of CCHF from Gujarat. CCHF has recently in news again, 6 human cases and 32 animal samples test positive for CCHF from Kariyana village of Amreli district (Gujarat state) July 2013. Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), member of genus Nairovirus in the family Bunyaviridae. Numerous genera of ixodid ticks serve both as vector and reservoir for CCHFV. Human infections occurred through tick bites, direct contact with blood or tissue of infected livestock, or nosocomial infections. Human infections begin with nonspecific febrile symptoms, but progress to a serious hemorrhagic syndrome with a high case fatality ratio. The most definitive way of diagnosis is the demonstration of virus or viral genome in sera samples. Hospitalization in special care unit with constant effort to prevent haemorrhagic complication along with laboratory monitoring is cornerstone for treatment of CCHF. Till date there is no FDA approved drug or definitive treatment for CCHF, ribavirin is tried by many physician need to be evaluated further. Current article is an effort to update existing knowledge about CCHF by due focus on various aspects especially prevention of this zoonotic disease. Much of the real life queries about this disease are elaborated after extensive literature research.

Atypical Presentation of Multiorgan Failure Leptospirosis (Weil’s Disease) without Fever.

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease of sporadic occurrence caused by bacteria that belongs to the genus Leptospira. Here we report a case of rare form of leptospirosis with multiorgan failure called Weil’s disease. This patient did not have a fever which is the most common presentation of leptospirosis.

Epidemiology of hydatid disease in Qatar: a hospital based study from 2000 to 2013

OBJECTIVES@#To describe the epidemiological and clinical profile, treatment and outcome for hydatid diseases among the patients admitted to Hamad General Hospital.@*METHODS@#This retrospective study was carried out on patients admitted to Hamad General Hospital between 1st January 2000 and 31st December 2013. Descriptive statistics including range and percentage were used in analyzing the patient characteristics and laboratory parameters.@*RESULTS@#Hydatid disease was confirmed in 32 patients. The mean age of them was (35.59±13.00) years (range: 11-67 years) and 90.6% (29/32) of them were non-Qataris with male predominance. The main presenting symptom was abdominal pain 71.9% (23/32) followed by fever 45.9% (15/32). The main presenting sign was hepatomegaly 62.5% (20/32). Single organ involvement was found in 87.5% (28/32) and the common site involved was the liver 81.3% (26/32) followed by the lung 15.6% (5/32). The diagnosis was established by abdominal ultrasound and/or abdominal CT and confirmed by serology in all patients. The diagnosis was confirmed by histology in 90.6% (29/32) patients. All patients received albendazole, and 90.6% (29/32) patients had surgical intervention. Duration of albendazole therapy was (53.9±51.5) d. All patients were cured.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Hydatid disease is uncommon in Qatar. It occurs mainly among non-Qataris from endemic areas and affects the liver mostly. Surgical intervention and albendazole administration are highly effective.

Survey of Wild Mammal Hosts of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Parasites in Panamá and Costa Rica

The eco-epidemiology of American Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (ACL) is drivenby animal reservoir species that are a source of infection for sand flies thatserve as vectors infecting humans with <i>Leishmania</i> spp parasites. The emergence and re-emergence of this disease across LatinAmerica calls for further studies to identify reservoir species associated withenzootic transmission. Here, we present results from a survey of 52 individualsfrom 13 wild mammal species at endemic sites in Costa Rica and Panama where ACLMammal hosts have not been previously studied. For <i>Leishmania</i> spp. diagnostics we employed a novel PCR technique usingblood samples collected on filter paper. We only found <i>Leishmania</i> spp parasites in one host, the two toed sloth, <i>Choloepus hoffmanni</i>. Our findings addfurther support to the major role of two toed sloths as an ACL reservoir inCentral America.

Epidemiology of hydatid disease in Qatar: A hospital based study from 2000 to 2013

Objectives: To describe the epidemiological and clinical profile, treatment and outcome for hydatid diseases among the patients admitted to Hamad General Hospital. Methods: This retrospective study was carried out on patients admitted to Hamad General Hospital between 1st January 2000 and 31st December 2013. Descriptive statistics including range and percentage were used in analyzing the patient characteristics and laboratory parameters. Results: Hydatid disease was confirmed in 32 patients. The mean age of them was (35.59±13.00) years (range: 11-67 years) and 90.6% (29/32) of them were non-Qataris with male predominance. The main presenting symptom was abdominal pain 71.9% (23/32) followed by fever 45.9% (15/32). The main presenting sign was hepatomegaly 62.5% (20/32). Single organ involvement was found in 87.5% (28/32) and the common site involved was the liver 81.3% (26/32) followed by the lung 15.6% (5/32). The diagnosis was established by abdominal ultrasound and/or abdominal CT and confirmed by serology in all patients. The diagnosis was confirmed by histology in 90.6% (29/32) patients. All patients received albendazole, and 90.6% (29/32) patients had surgical intervention. Duration of albendazole therapy was (53.9±51.5) d. All patients were cured. Conclusions: Hydatid disease is uncommon in Qatar. It occurs mainly among non-Qataris from endemic areas and affects the liver mostly. Surgical intervention and albendazole administration are highly effective.