Incidence of acute intestinal infections in Saint Petersburg during COVID-19 pandemic.

The results of a study of modern epidemiological and characteristics of acute intestinal infections against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic are presented. The article reflects current trends in the frequency of detection of acute intestinal infections of viral and bacterial etiology, in particular, the growing prevalence of norovirus infection is shown. Particular attention is paid to the increase in the incidence of salmonellosis and campylobacteriosis. An increase in the incidence of salmonellosis in 2019 by 25.7% is shown, which is higher than the average long-term incidence rate by 28.1%. Age features of the incidence of viral and bacterial intestinal infections among children have been established. Given the widespread use of antibiotics or other drugs that change the intestinal microbial landscape (cytostatics, chemotherapy drugs), as well as a significant increase in the number of hospitalizations of patients, there is a high risk of developing antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Undoubted attention requires the problem of registration, diagnosis of clostridium infections, which make it difficult to obtain data on the prevalence of infection caused by Clostridium difficile in the Russian Federation and St. Petersburg. The article discusses in detail the possibilities for further improvement of measures to prevent the transmission of acute intestinal infections.Copyright © 2022 Authors. All rights reserved.

Incidence of acute intestinal infections in Saint Petersburg during COVID-19 pandemic

The results of a study of modern epidemiological and characteristics of acute intestinal infections against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic are presented. The article reflects current trends in the frequency of detection of acute intestinal infections of viral and bacterial etiology, in particular, the growing prevalence of norovirus infection is shown. Particular attention is paid to the increase in the incidence of salmonellosis and campylobacteriosis. An increase in the incidence of salmonellosis in 2019 by 25.7% is shown, which is higher than the average long-term incidence rate by 28.1%. Age features of the incidence of viral and bacterial intestinal infections among children have been established. Given the widespread use of antibiotics or other drugs that change the intestinal microbial landscape (cytostatics, chemotherapy drugs), as well as a significant increase in the number of hospitalizations of patients, there is a high risk of developing antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Undoubted attention requires the problem of registration, diagnosis of clostridium infections, which make it difficult to obtain data on the prevalence of infection caused by Clostridium difficile in the Russian Federation and St. Petersburg. The article discusses in detail the possibilities for further improvement of measures to prevent the transmission of acute intestinal infections. © 2022 Authors. All rights reserved.

Incidence of acute intestinal infections in Saint Petersburg during COVID-19 pandemic.

The results of a study of modern epidemiological and characteristics of acute intestinal infections against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic are presented. The article reflects current trends in the frequency of detection of acute intestinal infections of viral and bacterial etiology, in particular, the growing prevalence of norovirus infection is shown. Particular attention is paid to the increase in the incidence of salmonellosis and campylobacteriosis. An increase in the incidence of salmonellosis in 2019 by 25.7% is shown, which is higher than the average long-term incidence rate by 28.1%. Age features of the incidence of viral and bacterial intestinal infections among children have been established. Given the widespread use of antibiotics or other drugs that change the intestinal microbial landscape (cytostatics, chemotherapy drugs), as well as a significant increase in the number of hospitalizations of patients, there is a high risk of developing antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Undoubted attention requires the problem of registration, diagnosis of clostridium infections, which make it difficult to obtain data on the prevalence of infection caused by Clostridium difficile in the Russian Federation and St. Petersburg. The article discusses in detail the possibilities for further improvement of measures to prevent the transmission of acute intestinal infections.Copyright © 2022 Authors. All rights reserved.

Ulcerative Colitis: Rapid Evidence Review

Ulcerative colitis is a relapsing and remitting inflammatory bowel disease of the large intestine. Risk factors include recent Salmonella or Campylobacter infection and a family history of ulcerative colitis. Diagnosis is suspected based on symptoms of urgency, tenesmus, and hematochezia and is confirmed with endoscopic findings of continuous inflammation from the rectum to more proximal colon, depending on the extent of disease. Fecal calprotectin may be used to assess disease activity and relapse. Medications available to treat the inflammation include 5-aminosalicylic acid, corticosteroids, tumor necrosis factor-alpha antibodies, anti-integrin antibodies, anti-interleukin-12 and -23 antibodies, and Janus kinase inhibitors. Choice of medication and method of delivery depend on the location and severity of mucosal inflammation. Other treatments such as fecal microbiota transplantation are considered experimental, and complementary therapies such as probiotics and curcumin have mixed data. Surgical treatment may be needed for fulminant or refractory disease. Increased risk of colorectal cancer and use of immunosuppressive therapies affect the preventive care needs for these patients. (Am Fam Physician. 2022;105(4):406-411. Copyright © 2022 American Academy of Family Physicians.)Copyright © 2022 American Academy of Family Physicians. All rights reserved.

Global epidemiology of campylobacteriosis and the impact of COVID-19.

Campylobacteriosis is a gastroenteritis caused by pathogenic Campylobacter species and an important topic in public health. Here we review the global epidemiology of campylobacteriosis in the last eight years between 2014-2021, providing comprehensive and updated information on the reported incidence and outbreaks of Campylobacter infections. The government public health website of each of the 195 countries and publications from 2014 to September 2022 in public databases were searched. The reported incidence of campylobacteriosis in pre-COVID-19 years was compared to that during the COVID-19 pandemic in countries where data were available. Czech Republic had the highest reported incidence of campylobacteriosis worldwide (215 per 100,000 in 2019), followed by Australia (146.8 per 100,000 in 2016) and New Zealand (126.1 per 100,000 in 2019). Campylobacter was one of the most common human enteric pathogens in both developed and developing countries. About 90% of cases of campylobacteriosis were caused by Campylobacter jejuni, whereas less than 10% of cases were caused by Campylobacter coli. Other Campylobacter species were also isolated. The reported incidence and case numbers of campylobacteriosis in developed nations have remained steadily high prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, whilst some countries reported an increasing trend such as France and Japan. While outbreaks were more frequently reported in some countries, Campylobacter infections were mainly sporadic cases in most of the developed countries. Campylobacter infection was more common in summer in some but not all countries. Campylobacter infection was more common in males than females. The COVID-19 pandemic has reduced the reported incidence of campylobacteriosis in most countries where 2020 epidemiology data were available. In conclusion, Campylobacter infection remains a global health concern. Increased research and improved strategies are needed for prevention and reduction of Campylobacter infection.

Molecular investigation of Campylobacter spp. and salmonella infection in children with community acquired diarrhea

Introduction: Acute gastroenteritis is a typical disorder that accounts for 8-12% of pediatric outpatient visits. Campylobacter and Salmonella infections account for about 8.4% and 11% of global diarrhea cases. Due to the importance of these bacteria in pediatric diseases, the aim of this study was to determine the infectious rate of Salmonella and Campylobacter species and also the frequency of the gene encoding Cytholethal distending toxin in children with community-acquired diarrhea. Material(s) and Method(s): Stool samples of children under 5 years of age with diarrhea were collected. The samples were related to children referred to hospitals in Hamadan, Ardabil, Bandar Abbas and two hospitals in Tehran. DNA was extracted from the samples using a DNA extraction kit from stool. The presence of Campylobacter in the studied samples was detected by polymerase chain reaction using specific primers. A control stool sample was spiked with 10-fold dilution of C. jejuni suspension for LOD (detection limit determination) measurement. Result(s): In this study, PCR results showed a LOD of 100 CFU per gram in the spiked feces sample. Accordingly, out of 144 fecal samples of children with acute diarrhea, one case was positive for Campylobacter jejuni;this sample was also positive for the presence of cdtB gene. Presence of Salmonella was confirmed in two samples of the patients (1.4%). Conclusion(s): Low prevalence of Campylobacter and Salmonella was detected in symptomatic children under 5 years of age during the Covid-19 pandemic. Examination of these samples for viruses and other microbial agents can clarify the etiology of diarrhea in children referred to the hospitals. Copyright © 2022, Semnan University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved.

Bacterial, fungal and viral zoonoses of pets

Today, pets are the source of numerous infectious diseases that can be transmitted to humans, as a result of their increasingly frequent contact. The most important viruses with zoonotic potential include rabies and influenza viruses as well as rotaviruses and noroviruses. However, the importance of individual viruses varies depending on the climate and infectious disease control systems in certain countries. Dogs, cats, and other increasingly popular types of pets can transmit bacterial zoonotic agents to humans in various ways. In addition to known pathogens such as the bacteria causing leptospirosis, salmonellosis, campylobacteriosis, or brucellosis, the bacteria Pasteurella multocida and Bartonella henselae transmitted by bites or scratches are also significant in human pathology. There has been a significant increase in the prevalence of methicillin-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus in isolates originating from pets and the transmission of these strains between humans and animals requires special attention. Furthermore, fungi causing diseases such as sporotrichosis or dermatophytosis are linked to long-term and persistent infections in humans. The epidemiological situation caused by SARS-CoV-2, and the assumption of an interspecies jump of this virus from animals to humans, including its documented presence in domestic cats, dogs, tigers, and martens, have raised the question of the possibility of virus transmission from pets to humans. However, the current pandemic is caused exclusively by SARS-CoV-2 transmission in the human population, and these animals are not a source of infection for humans. A significant number of zoonoses originating from pets is a threat to public health, thus requiring the "One Health" approach through close cooperation between human and veterinary medicine to develop and implement effective health measures for both humans and animals. As part of responsible ownership, pet owners must be informed by veterinarians about measures to prevent infectious diseases and certain risks that are related to keeping certain species of animals.

Bacteriological and molecular detectionof Compylobacter species in human and animals in Diyala province

Campylobacteriosis is one of the most well-characterized bacterial foodborne infections worldwide, the species are the most common zoonotic pathogens. Chicken and chicken products are known to be the major sources of Campylobacter infection in humans. Campylobacter species represent one of the most common causes of bacterial diarrheal illness worldwide, it is the main cause of bacterial gastrointestinal infections occurring at any age, but it peaks in children and young adults. This study aims to investigate the presence and prevalence of Campylobacter bacteria in humans and chicken and aims for determination the extent of the contamination of this bacteria. The study involved two parts;the first part designed for isolation Campylobacter species from chickens which were alive, while the second part was about isolation Campylobacter species from human stool samples for different ages. The current study based on analysis of three hundred and fifty (350) stool samples taken from humans with different ages. The patients samples were collected from Al-Batool Teaching Hospital for Maternity and Pediatric, Baquba Teaching Hospital and Central Health Laboratories in Diyala, these patients were had vary clinical aspects like : (diarrhea, Fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and cramp, fatigue and muscle pain). On the other hand, one hundred seventy five (175) stool samples of chicken which they apparently had diarrhea were collected randomly from different areas of Diyala Governorate. The collection of both humans and chicken samples were during 2020 - 2021. The analysis of 350 samples of patients their ages ranged from 3 months to 59 years showed that the mean +or- SD of age was 24.5 +or- 14.3 years. The most predominant age group was 20-29 years (26.9%), while the lowest age group was 50-59 years (4.9%). Regarding the gender, 151 (43.1%) of the included patients were male and 199 (56.9%) were female. Patients included in the current study were collected from four districts of Diyala province. The highest collection rate was from Baquba district 217(62.0%), while the lowest collection rate was from Baladrooz district 18 (5.1%). the distribution of clinical signs and symptoms of included patients. Persistent diarrhea forming the predominance of signs 179 (51.1%), followed by watery diarrhea 55 (15.7%), while the least sign was vomiting 1(3%). Furthermore, 15 (4.3%) of patients showed all that signs and symptoms. The signs and symptoms were : diarrhea was found in 194 (55.4%) patients, followed by watery diarrhea in 77 (22.0%) patients. Fever was found in 30 (8.6%) patients. The least sign was nausea which was found in 15 (4.3%) patients. Abdominal pain and cramps were detected in 22 (6.3%) patients. Out of 350 stool specimens submitted for bacteriological culture, 62 (17.7%) were positive versus 288 (82.3%) were negative. Among the 62-culture positive, 13 specimens yield Campylobacter growth, so the campylobacter detection rate among human specimens was 3.7%. The isolated Campylobacter were as follow;11(3.1%) were Campylobacter jejuni, one (0.3%) was Campylobacter coli, one (0.3%) was undifferentiated campylobacter. On the other hand, 58 (16.6%) of the specimens yield bacterial growth other than Campylobacter, as follows: E. coli was detected in 28 (8.0%), Proteus Spp. was detected in 12 (3.4%), H. pylori was detected in 10 (2.9%) and Klebsiella Spp. was detected in 8 (2.3%). The remaining specimens 279 (79.7%) yield no growth. The results of the PCR technique revealed that 8 (2.38%) specimens were positive for Campylobacter, while the majority 335 (95.7%) were negative and 7(2.0%) of the specimens were not done. While the analysis of 175 chicken fecal samples taken from chickens were mainly suffering from diarrhea showed that the distribution of chickens according to their ages in days showed predominance was those 30-39 (40.6%) days old. It is clear that the majority of specimens (74.3%) were collected from Baquba districts. The results showed that specimens collected Al- Muqdadiya district farms had yielded the high

Ulcerative Colitis: Rapid Evidence Review

Ulcerative colitis is a relapsing and remitting inflammatory bowel disease of the large intestine. Risk factors include recent Salmonella or Campylobacter infection and a family history of ulcerative colitis. Diagnosis is suspected based on symptoms of urgency, tenesmus, and hematochezia and is confirmed with endoscopic findings of continuous inflammation from the rectum to more proximal colon, depending on the extent of disease. Fecal calprotectin may be used to assess disease activity and relapse. Medications available to treat the inflammation include 5-aminosalicylic acid, corticosteroids, tumor necrosis factor-alpha antibodies, anti-integrin antibodies, anti-interleukin-12 and -23 antibodies, and Janus kinase inhibitors. Choice of medication and method of delivery depend on the location and severity of mucosal inflammation. Other treatments such as fecal microbiota transplantation are considered experimental, and complementary therapies such as probiotics and curcumin have mixed data. Surgical treatment may be needed for fulminant or refractory disease. Increased risk of colorectal cancer and use of immunosuppressive therapies affect the preventive care needs for these patients.

EFSA and ECDC publishes EU One Health 2020 zoonoses report

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) have published the EU One Health 2020 Zoonoses Report. Campylobacteriosis was the most reported zoonosis in the EU in 2020, with 120,946 cases compared to more than 220,000 the previous year. This was followed by salmonellosis, which affected 52,702 people, compared to 88,000 in 2019. The number of reported foodborne outbreaks fell by 47%, with the report acknowledging the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the drop in reported zoonotic diseases in humans. The next most commonly reported diseases were yersiniosis, with 5,668 cases, and infections caused by Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli, with 4,446 cases. Listeriosis was the fifth most reported zoonosis, mainly affecting people over the age of 64. Listeriosis and West Nile virus (WNV) infections were the diseases with the highest case fatality and hospitalisation rates, with most locally acquired human infections of WNV reported in Greece, Spain and Italy. The report also monitors foodborne outbreaks in the EU, events during which at least two people contract the same illness from the same contaminated food. A total of 3,086 foodborne outbreaks were reported in 2020, with Salmonella remaining the most frequently detected agent, causing around 23% of outbreaks. The most common sources of salmonellosis outbreaks were eggs, egg products and pig meat. The report also includes data on Mycobacterium bovis, Mycobacterium caprae, Brucella, Trichinella, Echinococcus, Toxoplasma gondii, rabies, Q fever and tularaemia.