New Technological Developments in Identification and Monitoring of New and Emerging Infections

Human population growth, globalization, and climate change may pose a sustained risk of emerging infections of pandemic potential. Fortunately, technological development provides tools to identify and monitor emerging epidemics. The rapid full genome characterization of the SARS coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), responsible for coronavirus infectious disease 2019 (COVID-19), and free sharing of sequence information, enabled a rapid global response. This included diagnostics, epidemiological monitoring, nonmedical interventions, and vaccine development, limiting the pandemic impact. An early and efficient response to global health threats will continue to rely on the development, refinement, and utilization of novel technologies to detect and monitor emerging infectious diseases. © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Editorial on the Research Topic of the Special Issue "Current Status of Acinetobacter Infections".

Emerging bacterial infections will continue to be an important issue for public health, mostly because of the constant changes on our earth [...].

How Antimicrobial Resistance Is Linked to Climate Change: An Overview of Two Intertwined Global Challenges.

Globally, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and climate change (CC) are two of the top health emergencies, and can be considered as two interlinked public health priorities. The complex commonalities between AMR and CC should be deeply investigated in a One Health perspective. Here, we provided an overview of the current knowledge about the relationship between AMR and CC. Overall, the studies included pointed out the need for applying a systemic approach to planetary health. Firstly, CC increasingly brings humans and animals into contact, leading to outbreaks of zoonotic and vector-borne diseases with pandemic potential. Although it is well-established that antimicrobial use in human, animal and environmental sectors is one of the main drivers of AMR, the COVID-19 pandemic is exacerbating the current scenario, by influencing the use of antibiotics, personal protective equipment, and biocides. This also results in higher concentrations of contaminants (e.g., microplastics) in natural water bodies, which cannot be completely removed from wastewater treatment plants, and which could sustain the AMR spread. Our overview underlined the lack of studies on the direct relationship between AMR and CC, and encouraged further research to investigate the multiple aspects involved, and its effect on human health.

Taking up from COP26 going forward: contribution of the Book "Survival: One Health, One Planet, One Future by George R. Lueddeke”

Since its publication in 2019, the book "Survival: One Health, One Planet, One Future", written by George R. Lueddeke, has proven to be timely and useful in these uncertain and tense ("rattling" – Lueddeke's word) times we are experiencing. Indeed, we have had (and still are experiencing) the COVID-19 pandemic and the war between Russia and Ukraine that was started early 2022. In this article, we recall the urgency of climate action, the goals of COP26 (that took place from 31st October to 12th November 2021) and provide suggestions for topics that might deserve a place in a possible update of the book. These topics include (i) a critical analysis of the effects of Russia and Ukraine War and lessons from the perspective of One Health and Wellbeing;(ii) progress in various countries in using the One Health approach to address issues that affect the health and wellbeing of population (equity), the environment and ecosystems in general (including global trends in non-communicable diseases and antimicrobial resistance);and (iii) look at the current global governance systems in relation to how they can better function proactively to prevent future wars (interconnected challenges). © 2022 Eliakimu et al.

Managing zoonotic diseases in the international wildlife trade through the One Health approach: a future role for CITES?*

The wildlife trade regime is largely governed by the framework established by the 1973 Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The emergence of COVID-19 in late 2019 as a zoonotic disease, attributed to either bats or pangolins, might imply that the subsequent pandemic could have been prevented if wildlife trading under CITES was better regulated through provisions related to public health. Many species of bats and pangolins are indeed listed as endangered under Appendix I of CITES. But is CITES well equipped to deal with public health in the context of the wildlife trade? Given that the text of CITES does not primarily deal with health-related aspects of the wildlife trade, the treaty text may need to be amended. Even without significant amendments, however, the existing framework of CITES could conform to the One Health approach – integrating animal, human and environmental health – depending upon the willingness of States Parties to adopt national legislation that advances several health-related resolutions made under CITES and other relevant instruments that regulate human–wildlife interactions. As 60 per cent of the diseases in the world are zoonotic, and 13 zoonoses are responsible for close to 2.4 billion cases of sickness per year, the management of zoonotic diseases within the CITES framework could have important implications for the wildlife trade, international environmental law, and the future of global health. © 2022 The Author and 2022 Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd.

A review on One Health approach in Ethiopia.

The risk of spreading emerging and reemerging diseases has been increasing by the interactions of human - animal - ecosystems and increases account for more than one billion cases, a million deaths and caused hundreds of billions of US dollars of economic damage per year in the world. Countries in which their household income is dependent on livestock are characterized by a strong correlation between a high burden of zoonotic disease and poverty. The One Health approach is critical for solutions to prevent, prepare for, and respond to these complex threats. As part of the implementation of the Global Health Security Agenda, Ethiopia has embraced the One Health approach to respond to the existing and emerging threats. Several developments have been made to pioneer One Health schemes in Ethiopia which includes establishment of the National One Health Steering Committee and Technical Working Groups, prioritization of zoonotic diseases based on their impact on human and livestock, the development of prevention and control working documents for prioritized zoonotic diseases, joint disease surveillance and outbreak investigation, prioritization of zoonotic diseases, capacity building and other One Health promotions. Nevertheless, there are still so many challenges which need to be addressed. Poor integration among sectors in data sharing and communication, institutionalization of One Health, lack of continuous advocacy among the community, lack of financial funds from the government, limited research fund and activities on One Health, etc. are among many challenges. Hence, it is critical to continue raising awareness of One Health approach and foster leaders to work across disciplines and sectors. Therefore, continuous review on available global and national one health information and achievements to provide compiled information for more understanding is very important.

The Evidence of SARS-CoV-2 Human-to-Pets Transmission in Household Settings in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The infection with SARS-CoV-2 virus in cats and dogs raised issue of human-to-animal transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in domestic pets in close contacts with their owners. Our study was designed to research this in the framework of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Using ELISA, AFIAS fluorescent immunoassay, RT-qPCR and WGS on Nanopore MinION platform with ARTIC Network Amplicon sequencing protocol for SARS-CoV-2, we showed that three out of thirteen dogs and one out of five cats from the households with confirmed human cases of COVID-19 in Bosnia-Herzegovina were infected with SARS-CoV-2. The high viral RNA load was detected in samples collected from a 4-year-old male Havanese (Ct = 12.52), a 6-year-old German Shepherd (Ct = 21.36) and a 9-year-old female American Staffordshire terrier (Ct = 25.74). The antibody response in dogs and one cat was observed. The viral genetic sequences from dogs were identical to the sequences detected in the owners suggesting the human-to-animal transmission of the virus. These findings, especially the low initial Ct values detected, from the public health perspective additionally stress the need for precautionary measures to protect both humans and animals.

Antimicrobial Resistance in the COVID-19 Landscape: Is There an Opportunity for Anti-Infective Antibodies and Antimicrobial Peptides?

Although COVID-19 has captured most of the public health attention, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has not disappeared. To prevent the escape of resistant microorganisms in animals or environmental reservoirs a "one health approach" is desirable. In this context of COVID-19, AMR has probably been affected by the inappropriate or over-use of antibiotics. The increased use of antimicrobials and biocides for disinfection may have enhanced the prevalence of AMR. Antibiotics have been used empirically in patients with COVID-19 to avoid or prevent bacterial coinfection or superinfections. On the other hand, the measures to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 could have reduced the risk of the emergence of multidrug-resistant microorganisms. Since we do not currently have a sterilizing vaccine against SARS-CoV-2, the virus may still multiply in the organism and new mutations may occur. As a consequence, there is a risk of the appearance of new variants. Nature-derived anti-infective agents, such as antibodies and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), are very promising in the fight against infectious diseases, because they are less likely to develop resistance, even though further investigation is still required.

Antimicrobial Resistance in Rivers: A Review of the Genes Detected and New Challenges.

River ecosystems are very important parts of the water cycle and an excellent habitat, food, and drinking water source for many organisms, including humans. Antibiotics are emerging contaminants which can enter rivers from various sources. Several antibiotics and their related antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) have been detected in these ecosystems by various research programs and could constitute a substantial problem. The presence of antibiotics and other resistance cofactors can boost the development of ARGs in the chromosomes or mobile genetic elements of natural bacteria in rivers. The ARGs in environmental bacteria can also be transferred to clinically important pathogens. However, antibiotics and their resistance genes are both not currently monitored by national or international authorities responsible for controlling the quality of water bodies. For example, they are not included in the contaminant list in the European Water Framework Directive or in the US list of Water-Quality Benchmarks for Contaminants. Although ARGs are naturally present in the environment, very few studies have focused on non-impacted rivers to assess the background ARG levels in rivers, which could provide some useful indications for future environmental regulation and legislation. The present study reviews the antibiotics and associated ARGs most commonly measured and detected in rivers, including the primary analysis tools used for their assessment. In addition, other factors that could enhance antibiotic resistance, such as the effects of chemical mixtures, the effects of climate change, and the potential effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, are discussed. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:687-714. © 2022 SETAC.

Introduction to the Rome Declaration.

BACKGROUND: The Global Health Summit was held in Rome on 21 May 2021, co-hosted by the European Commission and Italy, as chair of the G20. Leaders, heads of regional and international organizations met to share lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and to define the path ahead. OBJECTIVE: The present paper analyses the Rome Declaration as the first global health programme shared among the G20 Member States and based on the One-Health approach. METHODS: Documents such as preparatory work, official documents and observations from international organizations were analysed in order to provide a comprehensive review of the Rome Declaration. RESULTS: Core principles of the Rome Declarations have emerged as well as the goal to improve cooperation among existing international organisations and national authorities. CONCLUSIONS: Governments' future decisions will be the key to determine the end of the pandemic. The interconnected impacts on health, the environment, and social and economic dimensions will be a central theme of the overall narrative aiming at bringing the G20 process towards achieving a more inclusive and sustainable society.

Outcomes and Future Prospect of Japan's National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (2016-2020).

The threat from antimicrobial resistance (AMR) continues to grow. Japan's National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance, which was formulated in 2016 and targets six areas, has already had a major impact on the countermeasures implemented against AMR. Particular advances have been made in AMR-related surveillance, and we now know the situation regarding antimicrobial use and antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in the country. Educational and awareness-raising activities for medical professionals and the general public have been actively implemented and seem to have contributed to a gradual move toward an appropriate use of antimicrobials. However, there is still insufficient understanding of the issue among the general public. Determining how to use surveillance results and implementing further awareness-raising activities are crucial to address this. Tasks for the future include both raising awareness and the promotion of AMR research and development and international cooperation. The government's next Action Plan, which will detail future countermeasures against AMR based on the outcomes of and tasks identified in the current Action Plan, has been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and is urgently awaited.

First detection of an Italian human-to-cat outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 Alpha variant - lineage B.1.1.7.

The emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants and their rapid spread pose a threat to both human and animal health and may conceal unknown risks. This report describes an Italian human-to-cat outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 lineage B.1.1.7 (the Alpha variant) . On March 7th, 2021, approximately ten days after COVID-19 appeared in the family, the onset of respiratory signs in a cat by COVID-19-affected owners led to an in-depth diagnostic investigation, combining clinical and serological data with rt-qPCR-based virus detection and whole genome sequencing. The Alpha variant was confirmed first in the owners and a few days later in the cat that was then monitored weekly: the course was similar with one-week lag time in the cat. In addition, based on comparative analysis of genome sequences from our study and from 200 random Italian cases of Alpha variant, the familial cluster was confirmed. The temporal sequence along with the genomic data support a human-to-animal transmission. Such an event emphasizes the importance of studying the circulation and dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 variants in humans and animals to better understand and prevent potential spillover risks or unwarranted alerts involving our pet populations.

Bushmeat, wet markets, and the risks of pandemics: Exploring the nexus through systematic review of scientific disclosures.

The novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) is the third coronavirus this century to threaten human health, killing more than two million people globally. Like previous coronaviruses, SARS-CoV-2 is suspected to have wildlife origins and was possibly transmitted to humans via wet markets selling bushmeat (aka harvested wild meat). Thus, an interdisciplinary framework is vital to address the nexus between bushmeat, wet markets, and disease. We reviewed the contemporary scientific literature to: (1) assess disease surveillance efforts within the bushmeat trade and wet markets globally by compiling zoonotic health risks based on primarily serological examinations; and (2) gauge perceptions of health risks associated with bushmeat and wet markets. Of the 58 species of bushmeat investigated across 15 countries in the 52 articles that we analyzed,one or more pathogens (totaling 60 genera of pathogens) were reported in 48 species, while no zoonotic pathogens were reported in 10 species based on serology. Burden of disease data was nearly absent from the articles resulting from our Scopus search, and therefore was not included in our analyses. We also found that perceived health risks associated with bushmeat was low, though we could not perform statistical analyses due to the lack of quantitative perception-based studies. After screening the literature, our results showed that the global distribution of reported bushmeat studies were biased towards Africa, revealing data deficiencies across Asia and South America despite the prevalence of the bushmeat trade across the Global South. Studies targeting implications of the bushmeat trade on human health can help address these data deficiencies across Asia and South America. We further illustrate the need to address the nexus between bushmeat, wet markets, and disease to help prevent future outbreaks of zoonotic diseases under the previously proposed "One Health Framework", which integrates human, animal, and environmental health. By tackling these three pillars, we discuss the current policy gaps and recommend suitable measures to prevent future disease outbreaks.

One Health Approach to Zoonotic Parasites: Molecular Detection of Intestinal Protozoans in an Urban Population of Norway Rats, Rattus norvegicus, in Barcelona, Spain.

Rattus norvegicus, the brown or Norway rat, is the most abundant mammal after humans in urban areas, where they live in close proximity to people. Among rodent-borne diseases, the reservoir role of Norway rats of zoonotic parasites in cities has practically been ignored. Considering the parasitic diseases in the One Health approach, we intended to identify and quantify the zoonotic intestinal protozoans (ZIP) in an urban population of R. norvegicus in the city of Barcelona, Spain. We studied the presence of ZIP in 100 rats trapped in parks (n = 15) as well as in the city's sewage system (n = 85) in the winter of 2016/17. The protozoans were molecularly identified by means of a multiplex PCR (AllplexTM Gastrointestinal Panel-Parasite Assay). We also investigated the presence of co-infections among the species found. Four ZIP were identified, presenting significant prevalences in sewers, specifically Blastocystis (83.5%), Giardia duodenalis (37.7%), Cryptosporidium spp. (34.1%), and Dientamoeba fragilis (14.1%). Several co-infections among the detected ZIP were also detected. The reservoir role of ZIP that Norway rats play in cities as well as the role rats may play as sentinels of zoonotic parasites affecting humans in urban areas are strongly backed up by our findings. The increasing worldwide urbanization, climate change, and the COVID-19 pandemic are factors that are producing an increase in human-rat interactions. Our results should be considered a warning to the authorities to intensify rat control and surveillance in public health interventions.

Major zoonotic diseases of public health importance in Bangladesh.

Zoonotic diseases cause repeated outbreaks in humans globally. The majority of emerging infections in humans are zoonotic. COVID-19 is an ideal example of a recently identified emerging zoonotic disease, causing a global pandemic. Anthropogenic factors such as modernisation of agriculture and livestock farming, wildlife hunting, the destruction of wild animal habitats, mixing wild and domestic animals, wildlife trading, changing food habits and urbanisation could drive the emergence of zoonotic diseases in humans. Since 2001, Bangladesh has been reporting many emerging zoonotic disease outbreaks such as nipah, highly pathogenic avian influenza, pandemic H1N1, and COVID-19. There are many other potential zoonotic pathogens such as Ebola, Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus, Kyasanur forest disease virus and Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever that may emerge in the future. However, we have a limited understanding of zoonotic diseases' overall risk in humans and associated factors that drive the emergence of zoonotic pathogens. This narrative review summarised the major emerging, re-emerging, neglected and other potential zoonotic diseases in Bangladesh and their associated risk factors. Nipah virus and Bacillus anthracis caused repeated outbreaks in humans. More than 300 human cases with Nipah virus infection were reported since the first outbreak in 2001. The highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (H5N1) caused more than 550 outbreaks in poultry, and eight human cases were reported so far since 2007. People of Bangladesh are frequently exposed to zoonotic pathogens due to close interaction with domestic and peri-domestic animals. The rapidly changing intensified animal-human-ecosystem interfaces and risky practices increase the risk of zoonotic disease transmission. The narrative review's findings are useful to draw attention to the risk and emergence of zoonotic diseases to public health policymakers in Bangladesh and the application of one-health approach to address this public health threat.

Changing Dental Profession-Modern Forms and Challenges in Dental Practice.

In the last two decades, an increasing trend towards new forms of dental practice was observed [...].

Prevention and control of COVID-19 in pastoral community through One Health Approach.

The vast majority of its population being a pastoralist community, the Somali region in Ethiopia shares the longest border with its neighboring east African countries. These communities face a high risk for transmission of imported COVID-19 cases and remain vulnerable due to lack of access to health delivery and low utilisation of services. Valuable lessons from other countries, has placed the One Health Approach as an appropriate, feasible and applicable preventive and control measure for COVID-19. This paper discusses the epidemiological and social susceptibility of pastoral communities in the transmission of COVID-19 and the introduction of One Health Approach as an effective inter-disciplinary response and management.

Climate change and other risk drivers of animal health and zoonotic disease emergencies: the need for a multidisciplinary and multisectoral approach to disaster risk management.

In recent times, there has been an increased focus on animal health and zoonotic diseases that have the potential to trigger epidemics or pandemics that disproportionately affect the poor and most vulnerable. The recent Ebola, Zika and COVID-19 outbreaks demonstrate the devastating human, social and economic impacts of such diseases if they are not prevented or controlled, ideally at source. The risk drivers for zoonoses, which are complex and often interdependent, include climate change and related disasters, antimicrobial resistance, and anthropogenic drivers such as land-use changes and animal production practices. Understanding these drivers requires a better understanding of the ecology of zoonotic diseases at the human-animal-environment interface. Biosecurity and biosafety are critical for reducing the risk of accidental or deliberate release and should be included in risk management strategies. International frameworks for sustainable development, climate change, and disaster risk reduction have all integrated health as one of the core areas of work, calling for better preparedness and response to biological hazards and increased health system resilience. To improve their ability to prevent, prepare for, and respond to emerging and re-emerging threats, countries should address these risk drivers, taking a multidisciplinary One Health approach that involves the animal and human health and environment sectors. Cross-border cooperation is also vital, as diseases know no boundaries.

Depuis quelque temps, les maladies animales et zoonotiques font l'objet d'une attention croissante du fait de leur potentiel épidémique ou pandémique qui affecte de manière disproportionnée les populations les plus pauvres et vulnérables. Les récents foyers de maladie d'Ebola, d'infection à virus Zika et de COVID-19 démontrent les conséquences humaines, sociales et économiques dévastatrices de ces maladies en l'absence d'une prévention ou d'un contrôle idéalement exercés à leur source. Parmi les facteurs de risque de zoonoses, complexes par nature et souvent interdépendants, on peut citer le changement climatique et les catastrophes qu'il induit, la résistance aux agents antimicrobiens et les facteurs anthropiques tels que les changements dans l'utilisation des terres et les pratiques de production animale. Pour bien appréhender ces facteurs de risque il est nécessaire de mieux comprendre l'écologie des maladies zoonotiques à l'interface homme­animal­ environnement. La biosûreté et la biosécurité jouent un rôle déterminant pour réduire le risque de dissémination accidentelle ou délibérée et devraient faire partie des stratégies de gestion du risque. Tous les cadres internationaux mis en place en matière de développement durable, de changement climatique et de réduction des risques de catastrophe ont mis la santé au cœur de leur champ d'action et plaident pour une meilleure préparation et intervention face aux menaces biologiques ainsi que pour une résilience accrue des systèmes de santé. Afin d'améliorer leurs capacités de prévention, de préparation et d'intervention face aux menaces émergentes et ré-émergentes, les pays doivent s'attaquer aux facteurs de risque à travers une approche multidisciplinaire Une seule santé qui associe les secteurs de la santé animale, de la santé publique et de la protection de l'environnement. La coopération transfrontalière est également vitale car les maladies ne connaissent pas les frontières.

En los últimos tiempos se viene prestando mayor atención a la sanidad animal y a enfermedades zoonóticas capaces de provocar epidemias o pandemias que afectan desproporcionadamente a las poblaciones pobres y más vulnerables. Los recientes brotes de enfermedad causados por los virus Ebola, Zika y SRASCoV-2 (la COVID-19) ponen de manifiesto las devastadoras consecuencias humanas, sociales y económicas de tales patologías si no se logra prevenirlas o controlarlas, de ser posible en su origen. Los factores de riesgo de zoonosis, complejos y a menudo interdependientes, son en particular el cambio climático y los desastres naturales que trae consigo, las resistencias a los antimicrobianos y factores antropogénicos como la evolución de los usos del suelo y los métodos de producción animal. Para desentrañar estos factores es preciso conocer mejor la ecología de las enfermedades zoonóticas en la interfaz de personas, animales y medio ambiente. La seguridad y la protección biológicas, esenciales para reducir el riesgo de liberación accidental o deliberada, deberían formar parte de toda estrategia de gestión del riesgo. En todos los textos de referencia internacionales relativos al desarrollo sostenible, el cambio climático y la reducción del riesgo de desastre la salud figura como uno de los ámbitos fundamentales de trabajo, que pasa por mejorar los niveles de preparación y respuesta ante los peligros biológicos y por conferir más resiliencia a los sistemas de salud. Para dotarse de mayor capacidad para prevenir amenazas emergentes y reemergentes, prepararse para ellas y darles respuesta, los países deben abordar los factores de riesgo desde una lógica multisectorial de Una sola salud que englobe los sectores de la sanidad animal, la salud humana y el medio ambiente. También es indispensable la cooperación transfronteriza, no en vano las enfermedades no conocen fronteras.

Potential Zoonotic Origins of SARS-CoV-2 and Insights for Preventing Future Pandemics Through One Health Approach.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an emerging infectious disease that has resulted in a global pandemic and is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Zoonotic diseases are infections that are transmitted from animals to humans. COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 most likely originated in bats and transmitted to humans through a possible intermediate host. Based on published research so far, pangolins are considered the most likely intermediate hosts. Further studies are needed on different wild animal species, including pangolins that are sold at the same wet market or similar wet markets before concluding pangolins as definitive intermediate hosts. SARS-CoV-2 is capable of reverse zoonosis as well. Additional research is needed to understand the pathogenicity of the virus, especially in companion animals, modes of transmission, incubation period, contagious period, and zoonotic potential. Interdisciplinary one health approach handles these mosaic issues of emerging threats by integrating professionals from multiple disciplines like human medicine, veterinary medicine, environmental health, and social sciences. Given that the future outbreak of zoonotic diseases is inevitable, importance must be given for swift identification of the pathogen, source, and transmission methods. Countries should invest in identifying the hot spots for the origin of zoonotic diseases, enhance diagnostic capabilities, and rapid containment measures at local, regional, and national levels. The threat posed by emerging infectious diseases in modern-days also needs combined efforts internationally where a single discipline or nation cannot handle the burden alone.