Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “zoonosis”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

European bat lyssaviruses: an emerging zoonosis.

In Europe, two bat lyssaviruses referred to as European bat lyssaviruses (EBLVs) types 1 and 2 (genotypes 5 and 6 respectively) which are closely related to classical rabies virus are responsible for an emerging zoonosis. EBLVs are host restricted to bats, and have been known to infect not only their primary hosts but also in rare circumstances, induce spillover infections to terrestrial mammals including domestic livestock, wildlife and man. Although spillover infections have occurred, there has been no evidence that the virus adapted to a new host. Since 1977, four human deaths from EBLVs have been reported. None of them had a record of prophylactic rabies immunization. Only fragmentary data exist about the effectiveness of current vaccines in cross-protection against EBLVs. It is clear that EBLV in bats cannot be eliminated using conventional strategies similar to the control programmes based on vaccine baits used for fox rabies in Europe during the 1980s. Due to the protected status of bats in Europe, our knowledge of EBLV prevalence and epidemiology is limited. It is possible that EBLV is under-reported and that the recorded cases of EBLV represent only a small proportion of the actual number of infected bats. For this reason, any interaction between man and bats in Europe must be considered as a possible exposure. Human exposure through biting incidents, especially unprovoked attacks, should be treated immediately with rabies post-exposure treatment and the bat, where possible, retained for laboratory analysis. Preventative measures include educating all bat handlers of the risks posed by rabies-infected animals and advising them to be immunized. This review provides a brief history of EBLVs, their distribution in host species and the public health risks.

Animals↗

[Sacer ignis, quam pustulam vocant pastores: anthrax--cultural historical traces of a zoonosis].

The knowledge of anthrax as a disease and its importance as a zoonosis in the Greco-Roman world is revealed through a selection of classical texts and mythological sources, taking into account evidence of reworking and reuse of these texts up until the nineteenth century. The numerous names given to the disease throughout history and their linguistic origins will also be examined in this paper. The narrative of the epizoonoses in Noricum in Virgil's Georgics; taken by several to represent a description of an anthrax epidemic, and which had a great influence in written works on veterinary medicine up until the discovery of bacteria, will be given particular attention. The crucial term is "Sacer Ignis", synonymous for several different human and animal diseases through time. This term will be analysed in terms of linguistic origin and the changes in meaning it acquired throughout the centuries.

Animals↗

Pet-assisted therapy in the nursing home setting: potential for zoonosis.

Pet-assisted therapy in the nursing home setting, as a vital component of the Eden Alternative or Human Habitat program, is gaining widespread recognition and implementation. Programs such as this help to improve the quality of life of nursing home residents by offsetting resident loneliness, helplessness, and boredom. However, use of companion animals (and, frequently, birds and fish) may be associated with the introduction of infectious entities that are normally uncommon in this setting (zoonosis). Examples include psittacosis, bartonellosis, toxocariasis, Capnocytophaga canimorsus, pasturellosis, Q fever, and leptospirosis, to name but a few. Hence vigilance for unusual clinical manifestations that may herald such diseases is necessary. In addition, prevention of such illnesses by routine veterinary screening of both resident and visiting companion animals is mandatory. Infection control policies and procedures geared toward management and prevention of zoonotic illnesses should be developed and implemented in all nursing homes offering pet-assisted therapy.

Animals↗

Simian parvovirus infection: a potential zoonosis.

INTRODUCTION: Simian parvovirus (SPV) causes severe anemia in immunocompromised macaques. The closely related erythrovirus, parvovirus B19, causes anemia in susceptible humans and can be grown in human bone marrow mononuclear cells in vitro. We hypothesized that SPV may infect humans and replicate in human bone marrow mononuclear cells. METHODS: Serum samples from handlers of an SPV-seropositive macaque colony were tested by Western blot for evidence of antibodies to SPV. SPV capsid protein was expressed in insect cells, and SPV was cultured in human and macaque bone marrow mononuclear cells. RESULTS: Fifty-one percent of exposed handlers (n=65) were found to be SPV seropositive, compared with 35% of nonexposed individuals (n=124). In 17% of exposed handlers, compared with 6% of nonexposed individuals, antibodies were directed to SPV but not to B19. SPV capsid proteins, like those of B19, self-assembled to form parvovirus-like particles, and these capsids, like B19 capsids, bound to globoside, suggesting that globoside is also the receptor for SPV. We demonstrated that SPV could replicate in vitro in both human and macaque bone marrow mononuclear cells and that it was cytotoxic to erythroid progenitor cells. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that SPV may infect human bone marrow mononuclear cells in vitro and in vivo and should be considered a potential zoonosis.

Animals↗

Could schizophrenia be a viral zoonosis transmitted from house cats?

Studies have suggested that some cases of schizophrenia may be caused by viruses. We hypothesize that such cases may be cases of viral zoonosis transmitted primarily from house cats. Epidemiological aspects of schizophrenia and a case-control questionnaire support this hypothesis.

Adolescent↗

Evaluation of Torrey and Yolken's feline viral zoonosis theory of schizophrenia.

A formal method of evaluation is applied to a theory presented by Drs. Torrey and Yolken, which asserts that cases of viral schizophrenia are due to a zoonosis from house cats. A formal method of theory evaluation is described, and the Torrey and Yolken theory is subjected to analysis by the method. The theory is found to be weak in several areas stemming from inadequate description of both the relevant clinical population and the viral pathogenesis, as well as an incomplete examination of available data bearing on a hypothesized association between schizophrenia and cat ownership. At this point, further work is indicated at the level of theory development before proceeding with research or clinical activity.

Adolescent↗

[Studies on the giardiasis as the zoonosis].

To obtain basic data on the route of Giardia infection as zoonosis, we examined feces from 80 dogs and 16 cats for Giardia cysts and evaluated the detection rates. In addition, familial infection was studied in 3 family members of the patient with giardiasis. Giardia cysts were detected in 10 of the 80 dogs (12.5%) but none of the cats. Of the 10 dogs from which Giardia cysts were isolated, 6 had been maintained by the breeders. Tow other dogs were for examination in the research institutions. None of the family members of the patient with giardiasis had this infection. Since the detection rates of Giardia cysts in the dogs and cats were low, the possibility that human infection is acquired from dogs or cats seemed to be low. However, some of patients with giardiasis we encountered had never been abroad. This fact together with the presence of Giardia cysts in the dogs despite the low detection rates suggest that attention should be paid to the possible association between human giardiasis and pets since the number of people keeping pets is increasing.

Animals↗

[Studies on the giardiasis as the zoonosis. II. Giardiasis in dogs and cats].

To obtain the basic data on the route of Giardia infection as zoonosis, we examined feces from 354 dogs and 34 cats for Giardia cysts and trophozoites and evaluated the detection rates. In addition, the feces of owners of the dogs infected with Giardia were examined. Giardia cysts and trophozoites were detected in 58 of the 354 dogs (16.4%) and 3 of the 34 cats (8.8%). Of the 61 animals from which cysts and trophozoites were isolated, 59 were purchased from the breeders and the other two animals had been kept for examinations in the research institute. None of the owners of the dogs had this infection. This result suggests that the possibility of human infection from contact with infected dogs or cats seems to be very low. However, attention should be paid to the possibility of cross-infection between men and animals, because it is not yet clear whether Giardia is strictly host-specific or not.

Animals↗

[Prion diseases as zoonosis].

Prion diseases such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) have been recognized as zoonosis since the existence of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) was reported in 1996. BSE became a serious social problem even in Japan after the first BSE case was found in 2001. The incidence of BSE in EU and UK appears declining, and the vCJD incidence also shows a tendency to decrease. On the contrary, fears for the spread of BSE became actual problems: BSE occurrence outside of EU, transmission of vCJD by blood transfusion, and the first vCJD case in Japan. To prevent further spread and to reduce the risk of BSE, it is important to continue BSE screening/surveillance, removal of specified risk materials from food and feed chains, and effective feed regulation. For the disclosure and elimination of prion-contaminated blood, materials for medical and pharmaceutical products and so on, it is required to improve the sensitivity of prion detection methods. Furthermore, it is also important to establish therapeutics of human prion diseases.

Animals↗

Systemic lupus erythematosus--a zoonosis?

The medical history was obtained and a physical examination carried out--in addition to an immunological investigation of the blood and skin--on 11 dogs in the ownership of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The results were compared with those obtained from a control group and it was found that they do not support the hypothesis that SLE is a zoonosis.

Animals↗

Baylisascaris procyonis: an emerging helminthic zoonosis.

Baylisascaris procyonis, a roundworm infection of raccoons, is emerging as an important helminthic zoonosis, principally affecting young children. Raccoons have increasingly become peridomestic animals living in close proximity to human residences. When B. procyonis eggs are ingested by a host other than a raccoon, migration of larvae through tissue, termed larval migrans, ensues. This larval infection can invade the brain and eye, causing severe disease and death. The prevalence of B. procyonis infection in raccoons is often high, and infected animals can shed enormous numbers of eggs in their feces. These eggs can survive in the environment for extended periods of time, and the infectious dose of B. procyonis is relatively low. Therefore, the risk for human exposure and infection may be greater than is currently recognized.

Adolescent↗

[Foot-and-mouth disease of cattle is not a zoonosis].

In 1997 there was an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) among cattle in Turkey. People visiting that country were warned against importing animal products into the Netherlands. This had nothing to do with hazards to human health, as FMD virus is not a zoonotic virus, but with the risk of spread of the disease to livestock in the Netherlands, notably to cattle and pigs. A disease with similar clinical symptoms in pigs is swine vesicular disease (SVD), which is not a zoonosis either. FMD virus is an aphtovirus, SVD virus is an enterovirus. Hand-foot-and-mouth disease in humans is caused by other enteroviruses, i.e. Coxsackie virus and enterovirus 71.

Animals↗

[Epidemiology and public health consequences of human toxocariasis as a frequently occurring urban zoonosis].

The authors give a review mainly about that worm species of the endoparasites of dogs and cats which are more frequently dangerous for the people living in urban circumstances because of the dissemination faeces of these animals. The life cycle of the nematode Toxocara species in dogs and cats as the final hosts, in inadequate++ hosts like man and the consequences of the zoonoses caused by these worms are briefly discussed. The authors survey the epidemiology, clinical appearances and the prevalence of human infections according to the data of the Hungarian and foreign literature. The clinical symptoms and the danger of this parasitosis running with the increasing number of the pet animals are pointed out. It is emphasized that the wide-range explanatory work and the role of the owners of pets in the decrease of the risks are very important, moreover that organizing the struggle against zoonoses such as toxocarosis is mainly veterinary task, however, its control is common medical and veterinary interest. The recognition, identification, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of human infections can only be effective with the proper knowledge in this zoonosis. Toxocarosis is one of the most frequent helminthozoonoses of townspeople in Hungary.

Animals↗

Mycobacterium bovis as a zoonosis in the Kruger National Park, South Africa.

SETTING: The Kruger National Park (KNP), Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. OBJECTIVE: The prevalence of tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium bovis exceeds 70% in African buffalo in the southern region of the KNP. Inter-species transmission (lion, cheetah, baboon, antelope) has also been confirmed. Regular culling of emaciated buffalo and processing of meat and hides constitute routine control policy. Following extensive media coverage of the problem, public health concerns about the transmission of M. bovis to humans, including visitors to the KNP, prompted this investigation. DESIGN: The study was designed to determine the prevalence of infection and/or active disease due to M. bovis among KNP employees selected from three defined risk groups based on occupation category. RESULTS: Of 206 persons screened for active disease by sputum bacteriology, two persons with disease due to M. tuberculosis were identified. No isolate of M. bovis was found. Differential skin testing using three antigens failed to show any degree of M. bovis infection risk, even among high risk occupations. Reasons for these results are discussed. CONCLUSIONS: Bovine tuberculosis was not indicated as an occupational zoonosis in the KNP, nor was aerosol transmission implicated as a mechanism for human infection. Concerns about the public health implications of tuberculosis in buffalo in the KNP have therefore not been validated.

Adult↗

[Is Helicobacter pylori infection a zoonosis?].

On the basis of papers review there are presented the possibilities of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in animals and the route of transmission. The discovery of bacteria has changed our approach to the etiopathogenesis and treatment of some digestive tract diseases. The prevalence of H. pylori in some populations and socioeconomic factors confirms the man-to-man mode of transmission with a human being as a main reservoir. There was confirmed the correlation between the stomach colonization of H. pylori in some animals, particularly those living in a human environment, and the route of transmission. Besides many studies performed on domestic animals and primate monkeys it is not clear, whether H. pylori infection can be accepted as a zoonosis. Many investigators confirmed the presence of bacteria in the animal stomach. There is a lack of data, whether the bacteria coming from other sources than food infected by the man could colonize the stomach, and whether it can cause the gastric mucosa changes by the viable forms presented in feces. If scientists are still interested in H. pylori the mentioned problems will probably be elucidated.

Animals↗

Mites infesting two migratory birds, Coturnix c. coturnix (quail or Simmaan) and Sturnus v. vulgaris (starling or zarzuur) with reference to avian zoonosis.

Birds are a marvelous group of creatures. Their beautiful coloration, singing, dancing and their attractive ways of life offer great pleasure to birdwatcher. Egypt is one of the most important countries of migratory birds. Not less than 300 species of birds visit Egypt annually from allover the world. The mite fauna of two migratory birds was studied in North Sinai Governorate and Suez Canal Zone. Thirty-one species of mites were recovered from quail and 39 from starling. Both types of birds serve hosts for 26 species of mites. Besides, five species were only recovered from quail and 13 species from starling. These totaled 44 species belonging to 30 families of three suborders (Mesostigmata, Trombidiformes and Sarcoptidiformes). The mite index on quail ranged between 1.0 to 5.0 in North Sinai G. and 1.0 to 17.0 in Suez Canal Z. The mite index on starling ranged between 1.0 to 4.75 in North Sinai G. and 1.0 to 4.5 in Suez Canal Z. Sixteen of the recovered species of mites were not recorded before on the Egyptian resident birds (house sparrow and laughing dove). The medical and veterinary importance of avian zoonosis was discussed. It is hoped to stimulate the awareness to migratory birds as reservoir hosts for microorganisms and parasites from allover the world. Besides, there is an urgent need to protect the resident and the visiting birds.

Animals↗

[Anisakidosis a marine parasitic zoonosis: unknown or emerging in Peru?].

The purpose of this review is to show the experimental studies carried out on the biological cycle, culture, pathogenicity of the anisakidae nematode larvae and to disseminate the information regarding current epidemy and the probable emergence of anisakidosis in Peru, and in addition, to propose measures of prevention and control, as well as the perspective and need for investigation. The studies of experimental pathogenicity in cats, dos, and hamsters are incomplete. Eight cases of acute human anisakidosis have been reported (5 confirmed and 3 unconfirmed). It is probable that it emerges during the "El Niño" Weather Phenomenon; however, during normal conditions it is probably due to the increase of raw fish consumption and other factors. In the coast of Peru, five and four fishes of direct human consumption are parasited by the Anisakis simplex and Anisakis physeteris larva, respectively, and two fishes are parasited by the Pseudoterranova decipiens. The main host for the Anisakis simplex is the dolphin (Delphinus delphia), but the Contracaecum osculatum is hosted by the sea lion: Otaria byronia and Arctocephalus australis, P. decipiens parasita a O. byronia. Eviscerating the fish would be most adequate prevention method to lessen the risk of human infection. There is evidence that anisakidosis is an underestimated zoonosis in Peru, and that it is probably and emerging disease. Therefore, its presence is to be suspected in patients with the prototype clinical syndrome.

Animals↗