Emergence of Capnocytophaga canimorsus and Capnocytophaga cynodegmi in oral cavities of newborn puppies, a pilot study.

Capnocytophaga canimorsus and Capnocytophaga cynodegmi are commensal bacteria in the oral cavities of dogs. Both are zoonotic pathogens that could infect humans via dog bites. C. canimorsus may cause life-threatening infections in humans, whereas C. cynodegmi infections tend to be milder and more localized. Capsular serovars A-C of C. canimorsus seem to be virulence-associated. Some of the C. canimorsus serovars described to date can also be detected in other Capnocytophaga species, including C. cynodegmi. The objective of this pilot study was to investigate the emergence of C. canimorsus and C. cynodegmi after birth in oral cavities of puppies and to evaluate the impact of the dam's Capnocytophaga spp. carrier status on the emergence. Ten litters, altogether 59 puppies, were included in the study. The puppies and their dams were sampled at five time points over seven weeks after whelping. Oral swab samples taken were investigated for the presence of C. canimorsus and C. cynodegmi by species-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the specificity of which was verified by sequencing a selection of the PCR products. Samples that were positive in Capnocytophaga PCR reactions were also capsular-typed by PCR to gain more knowledge about the Capnocytophaga spp. present in the samples. Altogether 10.2% and 11.9% of puppies, or 20.0% and 30.0% of litters tested PCR-positive for C. canimorsus and C. cynodegmi, respectively. Capnocytophaga PCR-positive puppy samples were always positive for only C. cynodegmi or C. canimorsus, not both. Most Capnocytophaga PCR-positive puppies became positive at the age of 5 to 7 weeks. Only a minority (5/16) of the C. cynodegmi PCR-positive dog samples were positive in capsular typing PCR, whereas all C. canimorsus PCR-positive dog samples were negative in capsular typing PCR. For all Capnocytophaga PCR-positive puppies, their dam was positive for the same Capnocytophaga species. These results suggest that puppies become colonized by C. cynodegmi or C. canimorsus from their dams at the time of deciduous teeth eruption.

Novel Genotypes of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 Clade 2.3.4.4b Viruses, Germany, November 2023.

Several subtypes and many different genotypes of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses of subtype H5 clade 2.3.4.4b have repeatedly caused outbreaks in Germany. Four new highly pathogenic avian influenza genotypes emerged in November 2023 after reassortment with low pathogenicity precursors, replacing genotype BB, which had dominated in Europe since 2022.

Multiplex Dual-Target Reverse Transcription PCR for Subtyping Avian Influenza A(H5) Virus.

An increased risk for human infection with avian influenza A(H5N1) viruses is of concern. We developed an internally controlled, dual-target reverse transcription PCR for influenza A(H5) subtyping. This test could be used to detect influenza A(H5) in clinical samples.

Detection of Nucleocapsid Antibodies Associated with Primary SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Unvaccinated and Vaccinated Blood Donors.

Nucleocapsid antibody assays can be used to estimate SARS-CoV-2 infection prevalence in regions implementing spike-based COVID-19 vaccines. However, poor sensitivity of nucleocapsid antibody assays in detecting infection after vaccination has been reported. We derived a lower cutoff for identifying previous infections in a large blood donor cohort (N = 142,599) by using the Ortho VITROS Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Total-N Antibody assay, improving sensitivity while maintaining specificity >98%. We validated sensitivity in samples donated after self-reported swab-confirmed infections diagnoses. Sensitivity for first infections in unvaccinated donors was 98.1% (95% CI 98.0-98.2) and for infection after vaccination was 95.6% (95% CI 95.6-95.7) based on the standard cutoff. Regression analysis showed sensitivity was reduced in the Delta compared with Omicron period, in older donors, in asymptomatic infections, <30 days after infection, and for infection after vaccination. The standard Ortho N antibody threshold demonstrated good sensitivity, which was modestly improved with the revised cutoff.

Countering Zoonotic Diseases: Current Scenario and Advances in Diagnostics, Monitoring, Prophylaxis and Therapeutic Strategies.

Human life and health have interacted reciprocally with the surrounding environment and animal fauna for ages. This relationship is evident in developing nations, where human life depends more on the animal population for food, transportation, clothing, draft power, and fuel sources, among others. This inseparable link is a potent source of public health issues, especially in outbreaks of zoonotic diseases transmitted from animals to humans. Zoonotic diseases are referred to as diseases that are naturally transmitted between vertebrate animals and humans. Among the globally emerging diseases in the last decade, 75% are of animal origin, most of which are life-threatening. Since most of them are caused by potent new pathogens capable of long-distance transmission, the impact is widespread and has serious public health and economic consequences. Various other factors also contribute to the transmission, spread, and outbreak of zoonotic diseases, among which industrialization-led globalization followed by ecological disruption and climate change play a critical role. In this regard, all the possible strategies, including advances in rapid and confirmatory disease diagnosis and surveillance/monitoring, immunization/vaccination, therapeutic approaches, appropriate prevention and control measures to be adapted, and awareness programs, need to be adopted collaboratively among different health sectors in medical, veterinary, and concerned departments to implement the necessary interventions for the effective restriction, minimization, and timely control of zoonotic threats. The present review focuses on the current scenario of zoonotic diseases and their counteracting approaches to safeguard their health impact on humans.

Molecular detection of Coxiella burnetii in ticks collected from animals and the environment in Uganda.

AIMS: Coxiella burnetii is a highly infectious organism that is easily spread through aerosols causing Q fever in humans. Ticks can harbour and transmit C. burnetii to animals, contributing to disease maintenance. Our aim was to examine the presence of C. burnetii in ticks in Uganda. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this study, ticks were collected from five Ugandan districts and tested by real-time PCR for C. burnetii (Coxiella outer membrane protein 1 gene). A total of 859 tick pools (9602 individual ticks) were tested, and pool positivity for C. burnetii was 5.5% (n = 47). Pooled prevalence differed by district; the highest was Luwero (7.3%), then Gulu (6.6%), and Kasese had the lowest (1.3%). However, district variation was not statistically significant (Fisher's exact = 0.07). Ticks collected from dogs and cats had the highest positivity rates [23/47, (48.9%)] followed by livestock (cattle, goats, sheep, and pigs) [18/47, (38.3%)] and vegetation [6/47, (12.8%)]. Haemaphysalis elliptica had the highest infection rates, followed by Rhipicephalus appendiculatus, Amblyomma variegatum and Rhipicephalus decoloratus had similar prevalence. CONCLUSIONS: Although ticks are not the primary transmitters of C. burnetii to humans, pathogen detection in ticks can be an indirect indicator of risk among animal hosts. Vulnerable populations, including occupations with close animal contact such as farming, butchery, and veterinary practice, have an increased risk of C. burnetii exposure. Veterinarians and clinicians should be aware that C. burnetii may cause human and animal illness in these regions.

Epidemiological survey and risk factors associated with Sarcoptes scabiei in wild lagomorphs in Spanish Mediterranean ecosystems.

Although mortality caused by Sarcoptes scabiei has been reported in European wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and Iberian hare (Lepus granatensis), there is a lack of detailed information regarding the exposure of wild lagomorph species to this parasite. Here, we aimed to determine the seroprevalence and potential risk factors associated with S. scabiei exposure in European wild rabbits and Iberian hares in Mediterranean ecosystems of southern Spain. Between 2018/2019 and 2021/2022 hunting seasons, serum samples from 464 wild rabbits and 132 Iberian hares were collected from 100 hunting grounds in Andalusia (southern Spain). Sera were tested using an in-house indirect ELISA to detect specific anti-S. scabiei antibodies based on the immunodominant protein Ssλ20ΔB3. The overall apparent individual seroprevalence was 15.9% (95/596; 95%CI: 13.0-18.9). Antibodies against S. scabiei were detected in 11.6% (54/464; 95%CI: 8.7-14.5) of the European wild rabbits and 31.1% (41/132; 95%CI: 23.2-39.0) of the Iberian hares. Species (Iberian hare), age (adults) and geographical area (western Andalusia) were identified as risk factors potentially associated with S. scabiei exposure using generalized estimating equation analysis. By applying spatial analysis, two significant cluster of high seropositivity were detected in western and central Andalusia, respectively. The seroprevalence values obtained provide evidence of endemic, widespread and heterogeneous exposure to S. scabiei among wild lagomorph populations in Spanish Mediterranean ecosystems. Our findings underscore the importance of implementing integrated surveillance programs for sarcoptic mange in wild lagomorphs as well as in other sympatric species.

Potential climate change effects on the distribution of urban and sylvatic dengue and yellow fever vectors.

Climate change may increase the risk of dengue and yellow fever transmission by urban and sylvatic mosquito vectors. Previous research primarily focused on Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. However, dengue and yellow fever have a complex transmission cycle involving sylvatic vectors. Our aim was to analyze how the distribution of areas favorable to both urban and sylvatic vectors could be modified as a consequence of climate change. We projected, to future scenarios, baseline distribution models already published for these vectors based on the favorability function, and mapped the areas where mosquitoes' favorability could increase, decrease or remain stable in the near (2041-2060) and distant (2061-2080) future. Favorable areas for the presence of dengue and yellow fever vectors show little differences in the future compared to the baseline models, with changes being perceptible only at regional scales. The model projections predict dengue vectors expanding in West and Central Africa and in South-East Asia, reaching Borneo. Yellow fever vectors could spread in West and Central Africa and in the Amazon. In some locations of Europe, the models suggest a reestablishment of Ae. aegypti, while Ae. albopictus will continue to find new favorable areas. The results underline the need to focus more on vectors Ae. vittatus, Ae. luteocephalus and Ae. africanus in West and Central sub-Saharan Africa, especially Cameroon, Central Africa Republic, and northern Democratic Republic of Congo; and underscore the importance of enhancing entomological monitoring in areas where populations of often overlooked vectors may thrive as a result of climate changes.

Epidemiology of Q fever in humans in four selected regions, Spain, 2016 to 2022.

BackgroundQ fever is a bacterial zoonosis caused by Coxiella burnetii. Spain has the highest number of notified human cases in Europe. Small ruminants are a key reservoir for the pathogen, transmission from animals to humans is usually airborne.AimWe aimed at exploring temporal and spatial epidemiological patterns of sporadic and outbreak cases of Q fever in four Spanish regions with the highest number of notified cases.MethodsWe extracted data on Q fever cases in the Canary Islands, Basque Country, La Rioja and Navarre between 2016 and 2022 from the Spanish National Epidemiological Surveillance Network. We calculated standardised incidence ratios (SIR), spatial relative risks (sRR) and posterior probabilities (PP) utilising Besag-York-Mollié models.ResultsThere were 1,059 notifications, with a predominance of males aged 30-60 years. In Basque Country, La Rioja and Navarre area, 11 outbreaks were reported, while no in the Canary Islands. A seasonal increase in incidence rates was observed between March and June. In the Canary Islands, elevated sRR was seen in La Palma, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. In Basque Country, La Rioja and Navarre area, the highest sRR was identified in the south of Biscay province.ConclusionGoats were the main source for humans in outbreaks reported in the literature. Seasonal increase may be related to the parturition season of small ruminants and specific environmental conditions. Local variations in sRR within these regions likely result from diverse environmental factors. Future One Health-oriented studies are essential to deepen our understanding of Q fever epidemiology.

Effect of Breed on Hematological and Biochemical Parameters of Apparently Healthy Dogs Infected with Zoonotic Pathogens Endemic to the Mediterranean Basin.

Dogs are considered the main reservoir of several zoonoses endemic to the Mediterranean Basin. In this study, a prevalence of infections and coinfections of canine vector-borne diseases was analyzed in apparently healthy dogs of different canine pure breeds in Sicily (Italy), where these diseases are endemic. The seroprevalence of Leishmania infantum, Ricketsia ricketsii, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Erlichia canis was assessed, as single and coinfections. Biochemical and hematological parameters were evaluated, and epidemiological factors, including sex, age, and canine breed, were recovered. The most frequent infection was L. infantum (45.61%), following R. ricketsii (36.84%), both as single, double, or triple coinfections. Coinfections change the biochemical and hematological parameters of the host, and canine breeds are related to the infection frequency and the parameters observed during infections. Changes in the complete blood count (CBC) and biochemical values also differ between canine breeds, with the Cirneco dell'Etna dogs infected with L. infantum being the animals presenting the most interesting results in our study. High values of RBC, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), the albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio, and albumin and low levels of ß-2 globulin and γ-globulin were found only in this canine breed, suggesting some resistance to infection in these dogs. Future studies about the immune response of this canine breed could be interesting to determine their possible resistance to zoonotic pathogens, such as L. infantum.

Dermatologic manifestations of zoonotic diseases transmitted by dogs: "Spot" could give you spots.

The bond between humans and dogs is precious and has been treasured since ancient times. Dog ownership is linked to numerous health benefits, such as increased physical activity and social functioning and decreased depression and cardiovascular events. However, dogs can transmit zoonotic diseases to humans, many of which present with cutaneous findings. This review summarizes the dermatologic manifestations, transmission routes, diagnosis, and treatment of zoonotic diseases transmitted by dogs, including vector-borne, bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections. This review emphasizes the significance of clinicians obtaining a comprehensive exposure history when patients exhibit a rash of unknown origin. Such an approach can provide valuable epidemiological clues related to diagnosing a zoonotic disease transmitted by a pet dog. Furthermore, identifying the dog as an infection source and subsequent veterinary treatment can help prevent recurrent infections in dermatologic patients.

Exploring viral diversity and metagenomics in livestock: insights into disease emergence and spillover risks in cattle.

Cattle have a significant impact on human societies in terms of both economics and health. Viral infections pose a relevant problem as they directly or indirectly disrupt the balance within cattle populations. This has negative consequences at the economic level for producers and territories, and also jeopardizes human health through the transmission of zoonotic diseases that can escalate into outbreaks or pandemics. To establish prevention strategies and control measures at various levels (animal, farm, region, or global), it is crucial to identify the viral agents present in animals. Various techniques, including virus isolation, serological tests, and molecular techniques like PCR, are typically employed for this purpose. However, these techniques have two major drawbacks: they are ineffective for non-culturable viruses, and they only detect a small fraction of the viruses present. In contrast, metagenomics offers a promising approach by providing a comprehensive and unbiased analysis for detecting all viruses in a given sample. It has the potential to identify rare or novel infectious agents promptly and establish a baseline of healthy animals. Nevertheless, the routine application of viral metagenomics for epidemiological surveillance and diagnostics faces challenges related to socioeconomic variables, such as resource availability and space dedicated to metagenomics, as well as the lack of standardized protocols and resulting heterogeneity in presenting results. This review aims to provide an overview of the current knowledge and prospects for using viral metagenomics to detect and identify viruses in cattle raised for livestock, while discussing the epidemiological and clinical implications.

Hepatitis E virus in wild and domestic rabbits from Portugal: a combined molecular and longitudinal serological study.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV), species Paslahepevirus balayani, poses a global public health threat, especially in developing countries, by causing acute enterically transmitted hepatitis. HEV infects various mammalian hosts and belongs to the genus Paslahepevirus in the family Hepeviridae. While swine are recognized as the main hosts of HEV, rabbits, which can also be affected by swine HEV-3 related strains, serve as the primary reservoir for the distinct emerging and zoonotic HEV-3ra subtype. In Portugal, where the European wild rabbit is abundant, their role in HEV epidemiology remains unclear. The primary aim of the present research was to evaluate the circulation and the potential for HEV infection within these species. This study employed a molecular and longitudinal serological approach to investigate HEV in Portuguese rabbits. Among the 205 wild rabbits tested, a seroprevalence of 2.44% (95% CI: 0.80-5.60) was found, with no significant associations with age, sex, localization, or sampling dates. Seropositive animals were found in the south and center regions of the country. HEV RNA was not detected in 120 fecal samples, suggesting a natural, low level, and widespread viral circulation. The study underscores the need for further research to comprehend HEV dynamics in these species, which is crucial for assessing potential transmission risks to humans.

Absence of SARS-CoV-2 in wildlife of northeastern Minnesota and Isle Royale National Park.

AIMS: We investigated the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in free-ranging wildlife populations in Northeastern Minnesota on the Grand Portage Indian Reservation and Isle Royale National Park. METHODS AND RESULTS: One hundred twenty nasal samples were collected from white-tailed deer, moose, grey wolves and black bears monitored for conservation efforts during 2022-2023. Samples were tested for viral RNA by RT-qPCR using the CDC N1/N2 primer set. Our data indicate that no wildlife samples were positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. CONCLUSIONS: Continued surveillance is therefore crucial to better understand the changing landscape of zoonotic SARS-CoV-2 in the Upper Midwest.

Molecular prevalence and phylogenetic analysis of hemotropic Mycoplasma species in cats in different regions of Iran.

BACKGROUND: Hemotropic Mycoplasma species (hemoplasmas) cause hemolytic anemia in cats worldwide and are recognized as emerging zoonotic pathogens. There is no comprehensive study on the prevalence and species diversity of hemoplasmas in domestic cat populations in different regions in Iran. Thus, the aims of the present study were to provide data on the prevalence and molecular characterization of hemotropic Mycoplasma species in apparently healthy cats from six Iranian provinces with different climates. In addition, potential risk factors associated with hemoplasmosis in cats were assessed. RESULTS: Mycoplasma spp. DNA was detected in the blood of 56 / 361 cats (15.5%) using genus-specific PCR. Further examinations with species-specific PCR and Sanger sequencing showed that 38 cats (10.5%) tested positive for Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum (CMhm), 8 cats (2.2%) tested positive for Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf), and 2 cats (0.6%) tested positive for Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis (CMt). Co-infection with CMhm, and Mhf was observed in 7 cats (1.9%). One cat (0.3%) showed mixed infection with CMhm, Mhf, and CMt. There were statistically significant relationships between Mycoplasma positivity and being female, living in shelter (cattery), and being over 3 years old (P < 0.05). No significant association was observed for the cat breed and sampling localities. CONCLUSIONS: Current study findings revealed that hemoplasma infections are common among Iran cat populations. Considering the impact of such emerging zoonotic pathogens on the One Health, routine screenings, increasing public awareness, effective control, and prophylactic strategies for minimizing infection in cats and subsequently in human are strongly recommended.

Strategies to Enhance COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake among Prioritized Groups, Uganda-Lessons Learned and Recommendations for Future Pandemics.

COVID-19 vaccination was launched in March 2021 in Uganda and initially prioritized persons >50 years of age, persons with underlying conditions, healthcare workers, teachers, and security forces. However, uptake remained low 5 months after the program launch. Makerere University's Infectious Diseases Institute supported Uganda's Ministry of Health in optimizing COVID-19 vaccination uptake models by using point-of-care, place of worship, and place of work engagement and the Social Assistance Grant for Empowerment model in 47 of 135 districts in Uganda, where we trained influencers to support mobilization for vaccination outreach under each model. During July-December, vaccination rates increased significantly in targeted regions, from 92% to 130% for healthcare workers, 40% to 90% for teachers, 25% to 33% for security personnel, 6% to 15% for persons >50 years of age, and 6% to 11% for persons with underlying conditions. Our approach could be adopted in other targeted vaccination campaigns for future pandemics.

Infectious Diseases and Clinical Xenotransplantation.

Xenotransplantation, transplantation into humans of vascularized organs or viable cells from nonhuman species, is a potential solution to shortages of transplantable human organs. Among challenges to application of clinical xenotransplantation are unknown risks of transmission of animal microbes to immunosuppressed recipients or the community. Experience in allotransplantation and in preclinical models suggests that viral infections are the greatest concern. Worldwide, the distribution of swine pathogens is heterogeneous and cannot be fully controlled by international agricultural regulations. It is possible to screen source animals for potential human pathogens before procuring organs in a manner not possible within the time available for surveillance testing in allotransplantation. Infection control measures require microbiological assays for surveillance of source animals and xenograft recipients and research into zoonotic potential of porcine organisms. Available data suggest that infectious risks of xenotransplantation are manageable and that clinical trials can advance with appropriate protocols for microbiological monitoring of source animals and recipients.

Electronic Health Record Data for Lyme Disease Surveillance, Massachusetts, USA, 2017-2018.

Lyme disease surveillance based on provider and laboratory reports underestimates incidence. We developed an algorithm for automating surveillance using electronic health record data. We identified potential Lyme disease markers in electronic health record data (laboratory tests, diagnosis codes, prescriptions) from January 2017-December 2018 in 2 large practice groups in Massachusetts, USA. We calculated their sensitivities and positive predictive values (PPV), alone and in combination, relative to medical record review. Sensitivities ranged from 57% (95% CI 47%-69%) for immunoassays to 87% (95% CI 70%-100%) for diagnosis codes. PPVs ranged from 53% (95% CI 43%-61%) for diagnosis codes to 58% (95% CI 50%-66%) for immunoassays. The combination of a diagnosis code and antibiotics within 14 days or a positive Western blot had a sensitivity of 100% (95% CI 86%-100%) and PPV of 82% (95% CI 75%-89%). This algorithm could make Lyme disease surveillance more efficient and consistent.

COVID-19 Death Determination Methods, Minnesota, USA, 2020-20221.

Accurate and timely mortality surveillance is crucial for elucidating risk factors, particularly for emerging diseases. We compared use of COVID-19 keywords on death certificates alone to identify COVID-19 deaths in Minnesota, USA, during 2020-2022, with use of a standardized mortality definition incorporating additional clinical data. For analyses, we used likelihood ratio χ2 and median 1-way tests. Death certificates alone identified 96% of COVID-19 deaths confirmed by the standardized definition and an additional 3% of deaths that had been classified as non-COVID-19 deaths by the standardized definition. Agreement between methods was >90% for most groups except children, although agreement among adults varied by demographics and location at death. Overall median time from death to filing of death certificate was 3 days; decedent characteristics and whether autopsy was performed varied. Death certificates are an efficient and timely source of COVID-19 mortality data when paired with SARS-CoV-2 testing data.