ABSTRACT
The possession of exotic animals as pets is a social practice that has become more visible in Mexico in recent years, so it is interesting to understand its environmental and social implications and those related to human health. The present study aims to identify the main species of exotic animals kept as pets and the zoonotic diseases reported in these species. We analyzed official figures of seizures of exotic fauna in Mexico and reviewed specialized literature on zoonotic diseases documented in Mexico in these species. We identified zoonoses in species of fauna that can be acquired legally and illegally in the country, reported in environments in which animals coexist with other species and are in direct contact with people, which represents an important factor in the spread and propensity of this type of disease. We conclude that the sanitary regulation of wildlife markets, the monitoring and studying microorganisms associated with wildlife are valuable strategies to prevent the emergence of zoonoses.
ABSTRACT
This investigation shows that MERS-CoV ELISA antibodies remain in dromedary camels at least for 9 years, most probably lifelong. The viral infection was most likely acquired at a young age when maternal antibodies have receded between 4 to 8 month of age. Additionally, in the investigated herd, the 4 ELISA antibody negative dromedary camels remained negative also for 9 years, indicating, that no MERS-CoV was circulating in the herd. Until today, the specific source of MERS-CoV infection for young dromedaries remains unknown.
ABSTRACT
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is an emerging zoonotic pathogen which causes high mortality rate in humans. Dromedary camels may play a central role in virus transmission to humans. Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4), a transmembrane protein located on the cell surface of many epithelial and endothelial tissues was identified as the receptor for MERS-CoV. The current study investigated the possibility that bacterial stimulation of camel blood could affect the expression level of DPP4 on camel leukocyte subpopulation, which in turn may contribute to the higher susceptibility of camels with bacterial infection to MERS-CoV infection. DPP4 expression was evaluated by membrane immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. Stimulation of camel blood with the bacterial species S. aureus or E. coil resulted in the upregulation of DPPV on both monocytes and granulocytes, while S. agalactiae did not significantly modulate DPPV expression on either of the immune cells (p > 0.05). None of the bacterial species could induce a change in DPPV expression on lymphocytes from stimulated blood. Collectively, the present study showed an enhancing effect of bacterial stimulation on DPPV expression on camel monocytes and granulocytes.
ABSTRACT
MERS-CoV was isolated from nasal swabs for 10 days from an adult female camel which displayed clear nasal discharge from both nostrils. When MERS-CoV ELISA antibodies appeared in the camel's blood, the virus was no longer present in its nasal cavities.
ABSTRACT
Coronavirus infections rank first in the pathology of the gastrointestinal tract and respiratory system in large and small ruminants. The paper analyzes the occurrence, spread, development, trends and prevention of coronavirus infections in ruminants in Bulgaria, Europe and around the world. Retrospective, descriptive and statistical methods were used. The experience and the specifics of the coronavirus diseases encountered so far in large and small ruminants - cattle, buffaloes, camels, deer, sheep and goats and their epizootic character are summarized.
ABSTRACT
Background: The relatively small, populated countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates) of the Arabian Peninsula have recorded high per-capita COVID-19 infection rates. These countries also have a high internet penetrance rate with a large Google share. Google Trends is a freely accessible online tool that allows the user to analyze trends in public Google searches during a given period and across a specified region. This paper investigates the use of this tool to study public awareness of COVID-19 in the selected countries.