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1.
Onderstepoort J Vet Res ; 91(1): e1-e8, 2024 Apr 18.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38708768

ABSTRACT

Interface areas shared by humans, domestic and wild animals may serve as high transmission contexts for Toxoplasma gondii. However, knowledge about the epidemiology of T. gondii in such areas is currently limited. The present study assessed the seroprevalence of T. gondii in different hosts from Mpumalanga, South Africa. Furthermore, we investigated the local knowledge and related practices about T. gondii by conducting a questionnaire study in the community. Blood samples were obtained and analysed for T. gondii antibodies using a commercial multispecies latex agglutination kit. The seroprevalence detected in humans (n = 160; patients showing signs of acute febrile illness), cats (n = 9), chickens (n = 336) and goats (n = 358) was 8.8%, 0.0%, 4.2% and 11.2%, respectively. Seroprevalence in impalas (n = 97), kudus (n = 55), wild dogs (n = 54), wildebeests (n = 43), warthogs (n = 97) and zebras (n = 68) was calculated at 5.2%, 7.3%, 100.0%, 20.9%, 13.4% and 9.1%, respectively. The questionnaire revealed that 63.0% of household owners were subsistence farmers, and 35.9% were pet owners. A high level of female participation was found (75.3%) when compared to male participation (24.7%). The results show a low circulation of T. gondii in the domestic cycle and suggest the presence of possible bridges between the wildlife cycle and the surrounding domestic cycle.Contribution: The study contributes to identifying transmission patterns and risk factors of T. gondii within human and animal populations. This topic fits within the scope of the journal presenting original research in veterinary science, with the focus on wild and domestic populations on the African continent on a topic of universal importance.


Subject(s)
Animals, Wild , Toxoplasma , Toxoplasmosis, Animal , Animals , South Africa/epidemiology , Humans , Seroepidemiologic Studies , Toxoplasmosis, Animal/epidemiology , Female , Male , Toxoplasmosis/epidemiology , Cats , Livestock/parasitology , Antibodies, Protozoan/blood , Zoonoses , Goats , Surveys and Questionnaires
2.
BMC Vet Res ; 20(1): 183, 2024 May 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38720324

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Pigs are susceptible to several ruminant pathogens, including Coxiella burnetti, Schmallenberg virus (SBV) and bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV). These pathogens have already been described in the pig population, although the dynamics of the infection and the impact on pig farms are currently unclear. The aim of this work was to evaluate the presence of these infections in the pig population of the Campania region, southern Italy, and to evaluate the risk factors associated with a greater risk of exposure. RESULTS: A total of 414 serum samples belonging to 32 herds were tested for the presence of antibodies against SBV, Coxiella, and BVD using commercial multispecies ELISA kits. SBV (5.3%) was the most prevalent pathogen, followed by Coxiella (4.1%) and BVD (3%). The risk factors included in the study (age, sex, province, farming system, ruminant density and major ruminant species) had no influence on the probability of being exposed to BVD and Coxiella, except for the location, in fact more pigs seropositive to Coxiella were found in the province of Caserta. However, the univariate analysis highlighted the influence of age, location, and sex on exposure to SBV. The subsequent multivariate analysis statistically confirmed the importance of these factors. The presence of neutralizing antibodies for SBV and BVDV, or antibodies directed towards a specific phase of infection for Coxiella was further confirmed with virus-neutralization assays and phase-specific ELISAs in a large proportion of positive samples. The presence of high neutralizing antibody titers (especially for SBV) could indicate recent exposures. Twelve of the 17 positive samples tested positive for antibodies against Coxiella phase I or II antigens, indicating the presence of both acute and chronic infections (one animal tested positive for both phases antibodies). CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicates a non-negligible exposure of pigs from southern Italy to the above pathogens. Further studies are necessary to fully understand the dynamics of these infections in pigs, the impact on productivity, and the public health consequences in the case of Coxiella.


Subject(s)
Antibodies, Viral , Q Fever , Swine Diseases , Animals , Italy/epidemiology , Seroepidemiologic Studies , Swine , Risk Factors , Swine Diseases/epidemiology , Swine Diseases/microbiology , Swine Diseases/virology , Q Fever/epidemiology , Q Fever/veterinary , Female , Male , Antibodies, Viral/blood , Diarrhea Viruses, Bovine Viral/immunology , Antibodies, Bacterial/blood , Orthobunyavirus/immunology , Orthobunyavirus/isolation & purification , Coxiella burnetii/immunology , Coxiella burnetii/isolation & purification , Bovine Virus Diarrhea-Mucosal Disease/epidemiology , Bunyaviridae Infections/epidemiology , Bunyaviridae Infections/veterinary , Pseudorabies/epidemiology , Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay/veterinary
3.
Sci Rep ; 14(1): 10142, 2024 05 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38698247

ABSTRACT

Indigenous health has posted complex challenges worldwide, particularly due to historical economic, territorial, social and environmental processes, which may lead to emergence and reemergence of pathogens. In addition to few Coxiella burnetii serosurveys in vulnerable populations, especially in developing tropical countries, no comprehensive One Health approach has focused on human-animal infection along with potential environmental determinants. Accordingly, this study aimed to assess the seroprevalence of anti-C. burnetii antibodies in indigenous populations and their dogs from 10 indigenous communities distributed in southern and southeastern Brazil, along with the correspondent healthcare professionals. In overall, 8/893 (0.90%; 95% CI 0.45-1.76) indigenous and 1/406 (0.25%) dog samples were seropositive, with 7/343 (2.04%) individuals the 1/144 (0.69%) dog from the Ocoy community, located in the city of São Miguel do Iguaçu, bordering Argentina at south, and far 10 km at west from Paraguay. All 84 healthcare professionals tested seronegative.


Subject(s)
Coxiella burnetii , One Health , Q Fever , Brazil/epidemiology , Coxiella burnetii/immunology , Animals , Humans , Q Fever/epidemiology , Q Fever/microbiology , Seroepidemiologic Studies , Dogs , Male , Female , Adult , Antibodies, Bacterial/blood , Adolescent , Indigenous Peoples , Middle Aged , Young Adult , Child , Dog Diseases/epidemiology , Dog Diseases/microbiology , Child, Preschool , Aged
4.
Andes Pediatr ; 95(2): 159-164, 2024 Apr.
Article in Spanish | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38801363

ABSTRACT

Worldwide, there is an alert due to the increase in the seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV). This can cause up to 3.5% of chronic diseases, of which 40% present secondary complications and/ or early death. OBJECTIVE: To determine the seroprevalence of HBV in pregnant women at the time of delivery. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study with cross-association between 2018 and 2019 at the Hospital Carlos Van Buren (HCVB), in Valparaiso, Chile. All pregnant women admitted for delivery care or with an immediate newborn who had HBV surface antigen study were included. Data were collected from the pregnant woman (age, nationality, education level, parity, type of delivery, and peripartum HIV-syphilis serology) and the newborn (gestational age, weight, and APGAR score). Inferential and multivariate analysis was performed using the Stata software. RESULTS: 1,355 pregnant women were analyzed. 87.7% were Chilean, 5.5% Haitian, 4.2% Venezuelan, and 2.6% were of other nationalities. 0.3% were positive for HBV. The prevalence of HBV in Chileans was 0.08% and in Haitians 4%. Haitian nationality was at higher risk of HBV (OR = 83) vs. Chilean nationality (p = 0.0001). None presented coinfection with HIV and/or syphilis. CONCLUSIONS: HBV seroprevalence in HCVB pregnant women was 0.3%, similar to that described in the general population in Chile. There was no coinfection with other sexually transmitted diseases. The only predictor of HBV infection was Haitian nationality.


Subject(s)
Hepatitis B , Pregnancy Complications, Infectious , Humans , Female , Pregnancy , Cross-Sectional Studies , Seroepidemiologic Studies , Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/epidemiology , Adult , Hepatitis B/epidemiology , Young Adult , Chile/epidemiology , Infant, Newborn , Adolescent , Hepatitis B virus/isolation & purification , Prevalence , Delivery, Obstetric/statistics & numerical data , Hepatitis B Surface Antigens/blood
5.
Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports ; 51: 101032, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38772648

ABSTRACT

Toxoplasma gondii is described as a potential cause of abortion in goats and as a threat to public health. To estimate the prevalence of goats infected by T. gondii, in different cities in the Espírito Santo State, and to identify possible risk factors for infection a serological study was conducted. A total of 146 goat serum samples from the cities of Cariacica, Serra and Vila Velha were analyzed. The presence of IgG Class Immunoglobulins was serologically evaluated by Immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) and by Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). The seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii was 46.6% (68/146) in both techniques and the same samples got the same results in both techniques. Among the analyzed sera, 70.6% (48/68) exhibited high-avidity IgG antibodies, and 29.4% (20/68) exhibited low-avidity IgG antibodies, suggesting that the infection was chronic in the infected animals. Female sex, age group over two years old, water from the public supply system, storage of food and supplies in an open and unprotected place, and the presence of a domestic cat on the property were identified as risk factors for T. gondii infection in goats. The state of Espirito Santo has a high frequency of infected goats, and this is the first research on caprine toxoplasmosis seroepidemiology in that region.


Subject(s)
Antibodies, Protozoan , Goat Diseases , Goats , Immunoglobulin G , Toxoplasma , Toxoplasmosis, Animal , Animals , Goats/parasitology , Seroepidemiologic Studies , Brazil/epidemiology , Toxoplasmosis, Animal/epidemiology , Toxoplasmosis, Animal/parasitology , Goat Diseases/epidemiology , Goat Diseases/parasitology , Risk Factors , Toxoplasma/immunology , Female , Male , Antibodies, Protozoan/blood , Immunoglobulin G/blood , Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay/veterinary , Prevalence
6.
Emerg Infect Dis ; 30(6): 1267-1270, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38782366

ABSTRACT

We assessed SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in Japan during July-August 2023, with a focus on 2 key age groups, 0-15 and >80 years. We estimated overall seroprevalence of 45.3% for nucleocapsid antibodies and 95.4% for spike antibodies and found notable maternally derived spike antibodies in infants 6-11 months of age (90.0%).


Subject(s)
Antibodies, Viral , COVID-19 Vaccines , COVID-19 , SARS-CoV-2 , Humans , COVID-19/epidemiology , COVID-19/immunology , Seroepidemiologic Studies , Japan/epidemiology , SARS-CoV-2/immunology , Infant , Child , Antibodies, Viral/blood , Antibodies, Viral/immunology , Child, Preschool , Adult , Adolescent , Young Adult , COVID-19 Vaccines/immunology , COVID-19 Vaccines/administration & dosage , Aged, 80 and over , Infant, Newborn , Female , Male , Aged , Middle Aged , Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/immunology
8.
BMC Infect Dis ; 24(1): 509, 2024 May 21.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38773493

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Pregnant women are at risk of severe SARS-CoV-2 infection, potentially leading to obstetric and neonatal complications. Placental transfer of antibodies directed to SARS-CoV-2 may be protective against neonatal COVID-19, but this remains to be studied. We aimed to determine the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in a population of unvaccinated pregnant women and to determine the placental transfer of these antibodies. METHODOLOGY: A total of 1197 unvaccinated women with mostly unknown pre-study SARS-CoV-2 infection status, were tested at delivery for SARS-CoV-2 spike protein IgG antibodies during the first year of the pandemic. Umbilical cord samples were collected and assessed for seropositivity if the mother was seropositive. Maternal characteristics, pregnancy and neonatal outcomes and data on SARS-CoV-2 infection were extracted from medical records. RESULTS: Specific IgG were detected in 258 women (21.6%). A significant placental transfer to the newborn was observed in 81.3% of cases. The earlier in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters that the mother had contracted the disease and the more symptomatic she was, the greater the likelihood of transplacental transfer of IgG to her newborn. CONCLUSION: Approximately one in five women had detectable anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike protein IgG antibodies at delivery during the first year of the pandemic, and these antibodies were significantly transferred to their fetuses. This research provides further evidence to better understand the dynamics of the placental transfer of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies from mothers to their newborns, which is necessary to improve vaccination strategies.


Subject(s)
Antibodies, Viral , COVID-19 , Immunoglobulin G , Pregnancy Complications, Infectious , SARS-CoV-2 , Humans , Female , Pregnancy , COVID-19/immunology , COVID-19/epidemiology , Seroepidemiologic Studies , SARS-CoV-2/immunology , Adult , Antibodies, Viral/blood , Immunoglobulin G/blood , Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/epidemiology , Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/immunology , Infant, Newborn , Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/immunology , Placenta/immunology , Young Adult , Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical , Maternal-Fetal Exchange/immunology
9.
PLoS One ; 19(5): e0295088, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38776332

ABSTRACT

Yaws affects children in tropical regions, while syphilis primarily affects sexually active adults worldwide. Despite various campaigns towards the eradication of yaws and elimination of syphilis, these two diseases are still present in Ghana. The aetiological agents of both diseases, two Treponema pallidum subspecies, are genetically similar. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of these treponematoses and the occurrence of pathogens causing similar skin lesions in the Ashanti region of Ghana. A point-of-care test was used to determine the seroprevalence of the treponematoses. Both yaws and syphilis were identified in the Ashanti region of Ghana. Multiplex PCR was used to identify treponemes and other pathogens that cause similar skin lesions. The results indicated that the seroprevalences of T. pallidum in individuals with yaws-like and syphilis-like lesions were 17.2% and 10.8%, respectively. Multiplex PCR results showed that 9.1%, 1.8% and 0.9% of yaws-like lesions were positive for Haemophilus ducreyi, herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) and T. pallidum respectively. Among syphilis-like lesions, 28.3% were positive for herpes simplex virus -2 (HSV-2) by PCR. To our knowledge, this is the first time HSV-I and HSV-2 have been reported from yaws-like and syphilis-like lesions, respectively, in Ghana. The presence of other organisms apart from T. pallidum in yaws-like and syphilis-like lesions could impede the total healing of these lesions and the full recovery of patients. This may complicate efforts to achieve yaws eradication by 2030 and the elimination of syphilis and warrants updated empirical treatment guidelines for skin ulcer diseases.


Subject(s)
Haemophilus ducreyi , Syphilis , Treponema pallidum , Yaws , Humans , Ghana/epidemiology , Yaws/epidemiology , Yaws/microbiology , Syphilis/epidemiology , Syphilis/microbiology , Female , Adult , Male , Haemophilus ducreyi/isolation & purification , Haemophilus ducreyi/genetics , Adolescent , Prevalence , Treponema pallidum/genetics , Treponema pallidum/isolation & purification , Child , Young Adult , Herpesvirus 1, Human/genetics , Herpesvirus 1, Human/isolation & purification , Middle Aged , Seroepidemiologic Studies , Skin/microbiology , Skin/pathology , Skin/virology , Child, Preschool , Treponemal Infections/epidemiology , Treponemal Infections/microbiology
10.
Acta Trop ; 255: 107233, 2024 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38723738

ABSTRACT

Toxoplasma gondii is the causative agent of toxoplasmosis, a zoonotic disease of worldwide distribution. The aim of this study was to assess the seroprevalence of T. gondii in undergraduate students from Lima, Peru, and to identify the risk factors linked to the infection. For this, serum samples of 100 undergraduate students of the Faculty of Biological Sciences were tested for T. gondii antibodies with a commercially available ELISA. The seroprevalence of T. gondii in these subjects was 7 %. Only the age of students showed a statistical association with T. gondii seropositivity. The level of awareness regarding toxoplasmosis was also investigated. In the sample, 71 % of the students are aware of toxoplasmosis and 64 % that a parasite is the cause of the infection. Most know it is transmitted through undercooked meat (57 %), but are unaware of contaminated vegetables (40 %), organ transplants (17 %), blood transfusions (32 %), and soil contact (39 %). In the epidemiological context it will be valuable to verify toxoplasmosis awareness in other population groups and other regions in Peru.


Subject(s)
Antibodies, Protozoan , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Students , Toxoplasma , Toxoplasmosis , Peru/epidemiology , Humans , Toxoplasmosis/epidemiology , Toxoplasma/immunology , Seroepidemiologic Studies , Students/statistics & numerical data , Female , Risk Factors , Male , Young Adult , Adult , Adolescent , Antibodies, Protozoan/blood , Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay , Animals
11.
Disaster Med Public Health Prep ; 18: e85, 2024 May 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38699831

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the rate of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibody among unvaccinated voluntary blood donors in Chongqing, and to provide evidence for epidemic surveillance. METHODS: A total of 10,208 voluntary blood donors from January 5 to January 20, 2021, in the Chongqing area were collected, and the SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin (Ig) G and IgM antibodies were detected by chemiluminescence, and the differences of antibody-positive rate in different gender, age, ABO blood group, and different risk areas were analyzed. RESULTS: Among 10208 blood donors, 10 were found to be positive for SARS-COV-2 IgG antibody, giving a positivity rate of SARS-COV-2 IgG at 0.10%, and 29 were positive for SARS-CoV-2 IgM antibody, with a positivity rate of SARS-CoV-2 IgM at 0.28%. There was no statistical difference in the positive rate of antibody among different genders, ages, and ABO blood types, but it was related to the number of confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in each city. CONCLUSIONS: The SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence rate in Chongqing was low and correlated with the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases.


Subject(s)
Antibodies, Viral , Blood Donors , COVID-19 , Immunoglobulin G , Immunoglobulin M , SARS-CoV-2 , Humans , China/epidemiology , Blood Donors/statistics & numerical data , Male , Female , COVID-19/epidemiology , COVID-19/blood , COVID-19/diagnosis , COVID-19/immunology , Adult , SARS-CoV-2/immunology , Middle Aged , Antibodies, Viral/blood , Immunoglobulin M/blood , Immunoglobulin G/blood , Adolescent , Mass Screening/methods , Mass Screening/statistics & numerical data , Seroepidemiologic Studies
12.
Sci Rep ; 14(1): 10895, 2024 05 13.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38740885

ABSTRACT

Scrub typhus, a neglected disease, is a significant health concern in the Tsutsugamushi triangle of the Asia-Pacific and has raised global concerns due to recent cases occurring outside this region. To estimate the global prevalence of scrub typhus, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases for observational studies on scrub typhus. Using a random-effects model, we combined the prevalence estimates with inverse-variance weights while also evaluating heterogeneity and publication bias. Among 3551 reports screened, we identified 181 studies with 1,48,251 samples for inclusion in our synthesis. The overall pooled seroprevalence (95% confidence intervals) of scrub typhus infections was 24.93% (23.27-26.60). Gender-wise pooled prevalence was estimated to be 50.23% (47.05-53.40) for males and 48.84% (45.87-51.80) for females. Eschar prevalence was observed to be 30.34% (22.54-38.15) among the positive cases. One-fourth of all the samples tested positive for scrub typhus and eschar was present in one-third of these total positive cases, encompassing regions beyond the Tsutsugamushi triangle. This estimation underlines the importance of this neglected disease as a public health problem. Strengthening surveillance and implementing disease control measures are needed in the affected regions.


Subject(s)
Scrub Typhus , Scrub Typhus/epidemiology , Humans , Seroepidemiologic Studies , Female , Male , Prevalence , Orientia tsutsugamushi/immunology , Global Health
13.
Vet Ital ; 60(1)2024 Mar 31.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38757513

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to estimate the seroprevalence of Peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) and to determine the virus distribution in unvaccinated goats in the Pantnagar region of Uttarakhand state, India. A total of 212 serum samples from goats were collected randomly from various villages in three districts (Udhamsingh Nagar, Nainital, and Almora) of Uttarakhand. Serum samples were tested for anti-PPRV antibodies by a commercially available kit. RNA was extracted from the clinical samples and it was subjected to one-step RT-PCR, followed by virus isolation from positive samples. A total of 41 animals from various villages were found to be seropositive with a prevalence rate of 19.33%. PPR outbreaks were also reported from the Tarai region of Uttarakhand, and detection by PCR confirmed PPRV in 8 goats. Two representative swab samples were subjected to virus isolation in Vero cells and both samples showed typical cytopathic effects. The present study shows that PPRV is circulating in the Tarai region of Uttarakhand and mass vaccination for PPR must be followed in this region to increase herd immunity to a protective level. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first investigation of PPRV seroprevalence in unvaccinated goats of Uttarakhand, India.


Subject(s)
Goat Diseases , Goats , Peste-des-Petits-Ruminants , Peste-des-petits-ruminants virus , Animals , Peste-des-Petits-Ruminants/epidemiology , Peste-des-Petits-Ruminants/prevention & control , Peste-des-Petits-Ruminants/virology , India/epidemiology , Peste-des-petits-ruminants virus/isolation & purification , Peste-des-petits-ruminants virus/immunology , Goat Diseases/epidemiology , Goat Diseases/virology , Goat Diseases/prevention & control , Seroepidemiologic Studies
14.
Emerg Microbes Infect ; 13(1): 2343907, 2024 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38738553

ABSTRACT

Influenza D virus (IDV) plays an important role in the bovine respiratory disease (BRD) complex. Its potential for the zoonotic transmission is of particular concern. In China, IDV has previously been identified in agricultural animals by molecular surveys with no live virus isolates reported. In this study, live IDVs were successfully isolated from cattle in China, which prompted us to further investigate the national prevalence, antigenic property, and infection biology of the virus. IDV RNA was detected in 11.1% (51/460) of cattle throughout the country in 2022-2023. Moreover, we conducted the first IDV serosurveillance in China, revealing a high seroprevalence (91.4%, 393/430) of IDV in cattle during the 2022-2023 winter season. Notably, all the 16 provinces from which cattle originated possessed seropositive animals, and 3 of them displayed the 100% IDV-seropositivity rate. In contrast, a very low seroprevalence of IDV was observed in pigs (3%, 3/100) and goats (1%, 1/100) during the same period of investigation. Furthermore, besides D/Yama2019 lineage-like IDVs, we discovered the D/660 lineage-like IDV in Chinese cattle, which has not been detected to date in Asia. Finally, the Chinese IDVs replicated robustly in diverse cell lines but less efficiently in the swine cell line. Considering the nationwide distribution, high seroprevalence, and appreciably genetic diversity, further studies are required to fully evaluate the risk of Chinese IDVs for both animal and human health in China, which can be evidently facilitated by IDV isolates reported in this study.


Subject(s)
Cattle Diseases , Orthomyxoviridae Infections , Phylogeny , Thogotovirus , Animals , China/epidemiology , Cattle , Thogotovirus/genetics , Thogotovirus/classification , Thogotovirus/isolation & purification , Thogotovirus/immunology , Orthomyxoviridae Infections/epidemiology , Orthomyxoviridae Infections/virology , Orthomyxoviridae Infections/veterinary , Orthomyxoviridae Infections/transmission , Seroepidemiologic Studies , Swine , Cattle Diseases/epidemiology , Cattle Diseases/virology , Cattle Diseases/transmission , Goats , Swine Diseases/virology , Swine Diseases/epidemiology , Antibodies, Viral/blood , Humans , Deltainfluenzavirus
15.
BMC Vet Res ; 20(1): 190, 2024 May 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38734647

ABSTRACT

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is a fatal zoonosis caused by ticks in East Asia. As SFTS virus (SFTSV) is maintained between wildlife and ticks, seroepidemiological studies in wildlife are important to understand the behavior of SFTSV in the environment. Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan, is an SFTS-endemic area, and approximately 100 feral horses, called Misaki horses (Equus caballus), inhabit Cape Toi in Miyazaki Prefecture. While these animals are managed in a wild-like manner, their ages are ascertainable due to individual identification. In the present study, we conducted a seroepidemiological survey of SFTSV in Misaki horses between 2015 and 2023. This study aimed to understand SFTSV infection in horses and its transmission to wildlife. A total of 707 samples from 180 feral horses were used to determine the seroprevalence of SFTSV using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Neutralization testing was performed on 118 samples. In addition, SFTS viral RNA was detected in ticks from Cape Toi and feral horses. The overall seroprevalence between 2015 and 2023 was 78.5% (555/707). The lowest seroprevalence was 55% (44/80) in 2016 and the highest was 92% (76/83) in 2018. Seroprevalence was significantly affected by age, with 11% (8/71) in those less than one year of age and 96.7% (435/450) in those four years of age and older (p < 0.0001). The concordance between ELISA and neutralization test results was 88.9% (105/118). SFTS viral RNA was not detected in ticks (n = 516) or feral horses. This study demonstrated that horses can be infected with SFTSV and that age is a significant factor in seroprevalence in wildlife. This study provides insights into SFTSV infection not only in horses but also in wildlife in SFTS-endemic areas.


Subject(s)
Horse Diseases , Phlebovirus , Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome , Animals , Horses , Seroepidemiologic Studies , Japan/epidemiology , Horse Diseases/epidemiology , Horse Diseases/virology , Horse Diseases/blood , Phlebovirus/isolation & purification , Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome/epidemiology , Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome/veterinary , Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome/virology , Female , Male , Antibodies, Viral/blood , Ticks/virology , Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay/veterinary , Animals, Wild/virology
16.
Front Cell Infect Microbiol ; 14: 1367975, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38736750

ABSTRACT

The endemic outbreak of SADS-CoV has resulted in economic losses and potentially threatened the safety of China's pig industry. The molecular epidemiology of SADS-CoV in pig herds has been investigated in many provinces in China. However, there are no data over a long-time span, and there is a lack of extensive serological surveys to assess the prevalence of SADS-CoV in Chinese swine herds since the discovery of SADS-CoV. In this study, an indirect anti-SADS-CoV IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) based on the SADS-CoV S1 protein was established to investigate the seroprevalence of SADS-CoV in Chinese swine herds. Cross-reactivity assays, indirect immunofluorescence, and western blotting assays showed that the developed ELISA had excellent SADS-CoV specificity. In total, 12,978 pig serum samples from 29 provinces/municipalities/autonomous regions in China were tested from 2022 to 2023. The results showed that the general seroprevalence of SADS-CoV in China was 59.97%, with seroprevalence ranging from 16.7% to 77.12% in different provinces and from 42.61% to 68.45% in different months. SADS-CoV is widely prevalent in China, and its seroprevalence was higher in Northeast China, North China, and Central China than in other regions. Among the four seasons, the prevalence of SADS-CoV was the highest in spring and the lowest in autumn. The results of this study provide the general seroprevalence profile of SADS-CoV in China, facilitating the understanding of the prevalence of SADS-CoV in pigs. More importantly, this study is beneficial in formulating preventive and control measures for SADS-CoV and may provide directions for vaccine development.


Subject(s)
Antibodies, Viral , Coronavirus Infections , Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay , Swine Diseases , Animals , China/epidemiology , Seroepidemiologic Studies , Swine , Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay/methods , Antibodies, Viral/blood , Swine Diseases/epidemiology , Swine Diseases/virology , Coronavirus Infections/veterinary , Coronavirus Infections/epidemiology , Coronavirus Infections/diagnosis , Immunoglobulin G/blood , Alphacoronavirus/immunology , Alphacoronavirus/genetics , Cross Reactions , Sensitivity and Specificity
17.
PLoS Negl Trop Dis ; 18(5): e0012141, 2024 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38728365

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Francisella tularensis, the bacterium that causes tularemia, has been a persistent and widespread pathogen in various regions of the world for centuries. Francisella tularensis can affect humans and various domestic and wild animals. The current study aimed to determine the epidemiological status of tularemia in countries of the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMRO) through a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: All included studies were identified through a systematic search of online databases, including Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE, through July 26, 2022, using keywords and suitable combinations. We focused on cross-sectional studies investigating the prevalence of F. tularensis. The weighted pooled prevalence was calculated using a random-effects model. RESULTS: A total of 206 studies were identified, of which 20 were finally included in the analysis. The human seroprevalence of tularemia in WHO-EMRO countries was 6.2% (95% CI, 4.2 9.2). In the subgroup analysis, anti-F. tularensis antibodies were found in 6.92% and 5.5% of the high-risk individuals and Iran, respectively. The pooled prevalence of F. tularensis in environmental samples (water and soil) from the WHO-EMRO countries was 5.8% (9.4% by PCR and 0.5% by culture). In addition, 2.5% (95% CI, 0.2 0.22.7) of ticks in WHO-EMRO countries were positive for F. tularensis. The pooled prevalence of F. tularensis in rodents is 2.0% (1.1% by PCR and 3.7% by serology). In addition, 0.6% of domestic ruminants (0.4% by PCR and 2.4% by serology) were positive for F. tularensis in WHO-EMRO countries. CONCLUSION: According to the results of the present study, tularemia is an endemic but neglected disease in the WHO-EMRO region. However, most studies on tularemia are limited to a few countries in this region. Studies on tularemia in human populations, reservoirs, and vectors have been conducted in all countries in the WHO-EMRO region to obtain more detailed information about the epidemiology of tularemia in these regions.


Subject(s)
Francisella tularensis , Tularemia , Tularemia/epidemiology , Tularemia/microbiology , Humans , Animals , Francisella tularensis/isolation & purification , Mediterranean Region/epidemiology , Prevalence , Seroepidemiologic Studies , World Health Organization , Cross-Sectional Studies , Ticks/microbiology
18.
Front Public Health ; 12: 1372327, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38689773

ABSTRACT

Background: Human brucellosis is a neglected disease transmitted to humans from animals such as cattle, goats, dogs, and swine. The causative agents are bacteria of the genus Brucella, intracellular pathogens usually confined to the reproductive organs of their animal hosts causing sterility and abortions. The objective of the study was to determine the seroprevalence of brucellosis among women with spontaneous abortions (SAW) and compare this seroprevalence with that of healthy pregnant women (HPW). Methods: The case-control study was designed to determine the seroprevalence and molecular detection of brucellosis in women who suffered from spontaneous abortion and healthy pregnant women of the Haripur District of Pakistan. A total of 770 blood samples (n = 385 for each group) were collected from 9 public and 11 private hospitals in Haripur District from December 2021-March 2023. Data on demographic features, epidemiological variables, and risk factors were collected from each participant by structured questionnaires. Initial screening for brucellosis was performed by Rose Bengal Plate Test followed by qRT-PCR for molecular detection of the genus-specific BCSP-31 gene of Brucella. Results: The study showed that anti-Brucella antibodies were more found in SAW 23.63% (91/385) than in HPW 1.29% (5/385). Brucella specific DNA was amplified in 89.01% (81/91) seropositive samples of SAW. Demographic features and risk factors such as age, urbanicity, socioeconomic status, education, occupation, and animal contact were found significantly associated with brucellosis (p ≤ 0.05). Consumption of unpasteurized raw milk (OR = 18.28, 95%CI: 8.16-40.94) was found highly concomitant with seroprevalence. Conclusion: This study reports the first evidence of involvement of brucellosis in spontaneous abortions in women of Pakistan. The study can be used to develop strategies for risk management during pregnancy, to raise awareness for brucellosis, and develop control programs.


Subject(s)
Abortion, Spontaneous , Brucella , Brucellosis , Humans , Female , Pakistan/epidemiology , Seroepidemiologic Studies , Brucellosis/epidemiology , Adult , Case-Control Studies , Pregnancy , Abortion, Spontaneous/microbiology , Abortion, Spontaneous/epidemiology , Brucella/isolation & purification , Risk Factors , Young Adult , Adolescent , Animals
20.
PLoS One ; 19(5): e0291155, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38722944

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The Central African Republic (CAR) is one of the countries with the highest prevalence of viral hepatitis infection in the world. Coinfection with HIV increases the morbidity and mortality beyond that of mono-infection with either hepatitis or HIV. The present study describes the geographic distribution of viral hepatitis infections and molecular characterization of these viruses in the CAR. METHODOLOGY: Out of 12,599 persons enrolled during the fourth Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey of 2010 in the CAR, 10,621 Dried Blood Spot (DBS) samples were obtained and stored at -20°C. Of these DBS, 4,317 samples were randomly selected to represent all regions of the CAR. Serological tests for hepatitis B, D, and C viruses were performed using the ELISA technique. Molecular characterization was performed to identify strains. RESULTS: Of the 4,317 samples included, 53.2% were from men and 46.8% from women. The HBsAg prevalence among participants was 12.9% and that HBc-Ab was 19.7%. The overall prevalence of HCV was 0.6%. Co-infection of HIV/HBV was 1.1% and that of HBV/HDV was 16.6%. A total of 77 HBV, 6 HIV, and 6 HDV strains were successfully sequenced, with 72 HBV (93.5%) strains belonging to genotype E and 5 (6.5%) strains belonging to genotype D. The 6 HDV strains all belonged to clade 1, while 4 recombinants subtype were identified among the 6 strains of HIV. CONCLUSION: Our study found a high prevalence of HBV, HBV/HDV and HBV/HIV co-infection, but a low prevalence of HCV. CAR remains an area of high HBV endemicity. This study's data and analyses would be useful for establishing an integrated viral hepatitis and HIV surveillance program in the CAR.


Subject(s)
Coinfection , HIV Infections , Humans , HIV Infections/epidemiology , HIV Infections/virology , HIV Infections/complications , Female , Male , Coinfection/epidemiology , Coinfection/virology , Adult , Seroepidemiologic Studies , Central African Republic/epidemiology , Middle Aged , Adolescent , Young Adult , Hepatitis, Viral, Human/epidemiology , Hepatitis, Viral, Human/virology , Hepatitis B/epidemiology , Hepatitis B/virology , Hepatitis B virus/genetics , Hepatitis B virus/isolation & purification , Child , Hepatitis C/epidemiology , Hepatitis C/virology , Phylogeny , Child, Preschool , Prevalence
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