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PubMed2000

Breast cancer incidence highest in the range of one species of house mouse, Mus domesticus.

Incidence of human breast cancer (HBC) varies geographically, but to date no environmental factor has explained this variation. Previously, we reported a 44% reduction in the incidence of breast cancer in women fully immunosuppressed following organ transplantation (Stewart et al (1995) Lancet 346: 796-798). In mice infected with the mouse mammary tumour virus (MMTV), immunosuppression also reduces the incidence of mammary tumours. DNA with 95% identity to MMTV is detected in 40% of human breast tumours (Wang et al (1995) Cancer Res 55: 5173-5179). These findings led us to ask whether the incidence of HBC could be correlated with the natural ranges of different species of wild mice. We found that the highest incidence of HBC worldwide occurs in lands where Mus domesticus is the resident native or introduced species of house mouse. Given the similar responses of humans and mice to immunosuppression, the near identity between human and mouse MTV DNA sequences, and the close association between HBC incidence and mouse ranges, we propose that humans acquire MMTV from mice. This zoonotic theory for a mouse-viral cause of HBC allows testable predictions and has potential importance in prevention.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Feline zoonotic diseases.

Many of the feline zoonoses occur more frequently in veterinary personnel owing to their direct contact with cats and the potential for exposure to infected body tissue or fluids. Infection of humans with Afipia felis, Yersinia pestis, Francisella tularensis, and other aerobic/anaerobic bacteria may cause great discomfort and in some situations terminal illness. Although many systemic fungal agents infect humans and cats, only Sporothrix schenckii has been shown to infect humans following direct exposure to infected cats. Various parasites, enteric protozoans and bacteria, and Toxoplasma gondii infections also may cause significant human illness. Therefore, routine handling of cats may expose human personnel in a veterinary facility to an array of important or emerging feline-associated human illnesses that occur in the United States.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Potential source of Francisella tularensis live vaccine strain attenuation determined by genome comparison.

Francisella tularensis is a bacterial pathogen that causes the zoonotic disease tularemia and is important to biodefense. Currently, the only vaccine known to confer protection against tularemia is a specific live vaccine strain (designated LVS) derived from a virulent isolate of Francisella tularensis subsp. holarctica. The origin and source of attenuation of this strain are not known. To assist with the design of a defined live vaccine strain, we sought to determine the genetic basis of the attenuation of LVS. This analysis relied primarily on the comparison between the genome of LVS and Francisella tularensis holarctica strain FSC200, which differ by only 0.08% of their nucleotide sequences. Under the assumption that the attenuation was due to a loss of function(s), only coding regions were examined in this comparison. To complement this analysis, the coding regions of two slightly more distantly related Francisella tularensis strains were also compared against the LVS coding regions. Thirty-five genes show unique sequence variations predicted to alter the protein sequence in LVS compared to the other Francisella tularensis strains. Due to these polymorphisms, the functions of 15 of these genes are very likely lost or impaired. Seven of these genes were demonstrated to be under stronger selective constraints, suggesting that they are the most probable to be the source of LVS attenuation and useful for a newly defined vaccine.

Bacterial Vaccines↗
PubMed2002

Cutaneous lesions in dogs with Dirofilaria (Nochtiella) repens infestation and concurrent tick-borne transmitted diseases.

A pruritic dermatitis characterized by the presence of erythema, papules, focal or multifocal alopecia, crusting and nodules was seen in 28 dogs with Dirofilaria repens microfilariae infestation in an endemic area in north-west Italy. Previous unsuccessful nonspecific antipruritic treatments, flea control and restricted diet were recorded in 53.6% of the patients. Both the Knott and the antigen tests were negative for Dirofilaria immitis and Acanthocheilonema reconditum. Concurrent babesiosis and/or canine granulocytic ehrlichiosis was also diagnosed in many affected dogs. Preliminary treatment of the concurrent diseases was followed by specific filaricide treatment. The cutaneous lesions, although slightly improved with the initial treatment, resolved completely with macro- and microfilaricide treatment. Although D. repens may be an opportunistic pathogen, this parasite should not be considered as harmless as previously thought and its potential pathogenic role in causing cutaneous lesions in dogs should be considered. Furthermore, it has a zoonotic importance as human cases have been reported worldwide.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Growth characteristics of Bartonella henselae in a novel liquid medium: primary isolation, growth-phase-dependent phage induction, and metabolic studies.

Bartonella henselae is a zoonotic pathogen that usually causes a self-limiting infection in immunocompetent individuals but often causes potentially life-threatening infections, such as bacillary angiomatosis, in immunocompromised patients. Both diagnosis of infection and research into the molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis have been hindered by the absence of a suitable liquid growth medium. It has been difficult to isolate B. henselae directly from the blood of infected humans or animals or to grow the bacteria in liquid culture media under laboratory conditions. Therefore, we have developed a liquid growth medium that supports reproducible in vitro growth (3-h doubling time and a growth yield of approximately 5 x 10(8) CFU/ml) and permits the isolation of B. henselae from the blood of infected cats. During the development of this medium, we observed that B. henselae did not derive carbon and energy from the catabolism of glucose, which is consistent with genome nucleotide sequence data suggesting an incomplete glycolytic pathway. Of interest, B. henselae depleted amino acids from the culture medium and accumulated ammonia in the medium, an indicator of amino acid catabolism. Analysis of the culture medium throughout the growth cycle revealed that oxygen was consumed and carbon dioxide was generated, suggesting that amino acids were catabolized in a tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle-dependent mechanism. Additionally, phage particles were detected in the culture supernatants of stationary-phase B. henselae, but not in mid-logarithmic-phase culture supernatants. Enzymatic assays of whole-cell lysates revealed that B. henselae has a complete TCA cycle. Taken together, these data suggest B. henselae may catabolize amino acids but not glucose to derive carbon and energy from its host. Furthermore, the newly developed culture medium should improve isolation of B. henselae and basic research into the pathogenesis of the bacterium.

Angiomatosis, Bacillary↗
PubMed1998

Deer health and disease.

This paper describes the most significant diseases of farmed deer which have emerged over the last 30 or so years. It describes their characteristic signs, how control measures have evolved, their current status and gives an indication of future diagnostic and control measures. Overall, it shows that wild deer brought into a farming environment have developed some of the production limiting diseases which affect sheep and cattle, such as parasitism and trace element deficiencies. In addition, farmed deer are susceptible to potentially fatal diseases such as tuberculosis, malignant catarrhal fever and yersiniosis. A disease which has recently emerged and has the potential to be more serious than any of the above is Johne's disease. In North America, Chronic Wasting Disease occurs in captive and wild deer in only two states but has the potential to be a serious threat to wild and farmed deer elsewhere if it spreads. The zoonotic risks of diseases affecting deer are discussed, as well as stress, welfare and deer restraint. The productivity of farmed deer can be maximised by using a well-designed deer health programme integrated with good management and feeding.

Animal Diseases↗
PubMed1994

'Corynebacterium ulcerans': a potential cause of diphtheria.

Symptoms similar to those of diphtheria may occasionally be caused by micro-organisms other than Corynebacterium diphtheriae, such as zoonotic corynebacteria. A case of pharyngitis caused by toxigenic 'C. ulcerans' in a 9 year old girl illustrates the importance of including diphtheroids in the differential diagnosis. The presenting symptoms may have been attenuated by previous immunisation against C. diphtheriae. 'C. ulcerans' should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pharyngitis, especially in patients with a history of contact with farm animals or the consumption of raw dairy products.

Child↗
PubMed2005

Seasonal fluctuations of phlebotomine sand fly populations (Diptera: Psychodidae) in the urban area of Marrakech, Morocco.

Phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) were collected continuously, using sticky traps, during 1 year from October 2002 to September 2003, in an urban area of Marrakech city (Morocco). A total of 3277 specimens were collected belonging to five species. Phlebotomus (Phlebotomus) papatasi (54.6%) is the predominant species followed by Sergentomyia (Sergentomyia) minuta (20%), S. (S.) fallax (11.3%), P. (Paraphlebotomus) sergenti (10.3%) and P. (Larroussius) longicuspis (3.8%). Data analyses showed a mono-modal annual pattern for P. sergenti and a bi-modal one for the other species. P. papatasi, the proven vector of Leishmania major in Morocco, was active throughout the year. This species did not diapause in this region. P. papatasi population peaked in June and November, which relating to the periods of risk in this area. Its preferred temperature ranged between 32 and 36 degrees C but no significant correlation was found between its density and the temperature. Considering the high density and long activity period of P. papatasi, the area of Marrakech should be regarded as a potential focus for L. major. This suggests the need for a continuously surveillance to prevent risk of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Animals↗
PubMed2026

Emerging hantavirus risks in mass gatherings: epidemiology, diagnostic challenges, and outbreak preparedness.

Hantaviruses are emerging rodent borne zoonotic pathogens of increasing global public health concern because of their high mortality, expanding ecological distribution, and potential for international dissemination. Although traditionally associated with sporadic rural outbreaks, recent ecological disruption, climate variability, urbanization, and increased global mobility have heightened concerns regarding hantavirus risks in mass gathering settings. This review critically examines the epidemiology, transmission uncertainty, diagnostic and surveillance challenges, and preparedness strategies related to hantavirus infections in the context of mass gatherings, including religious events, refugee settlements, cruise tourism, sporting events, and temporary accommodations. Particular emphasis is placed on the 2026 multinational cruise ship associated outbreak linked to the MV Hondius, which highlighted vulnerabilities related to delayed diagnosis, international passenger dispersal, and uncertainties surrounding possible human to human transmission of Andes virus. Current evidence indicates that hantavirus transmission occurs primarily through inhalation of aerosolized rodent excreta; however, controversies regarding limited interpersonal transmission, environmental persistence, and asymptomatic infections continue to complicate risk assessment and outbreak preparedness. Diagnostic limitations, underreporting, insufficient environmental surveillance, and lack of mass gathering specific preparedness frameworks remain major public health challenges, especially in resource limited settings. Strengthening proactive preparedness through integrated One Health approaches, ecological surveillance, genomic monitoring, AI driven epidemic intelligence, and coordinated international response systems is essential for mitigating future risks. The review emphasizes the urgent need for multidisciplinary research and evidence based policy development to improve global preparedness against emerging hantavirus associated threats in increasingly interconnected mass gathering environments.

Humans↗
PubMed2006

DNA vaccine using Mycobacterium bovis Ag85B antigen induces partial protection against experimental infection in BALB/c mice.

Bovine tuberculosis is a major cause of economic loss in countries where it is endemic, and in some countries, it may be a significant zoonotic disease problem. Therefore, new strategies for vaccine development are required, and among them, genetic immunization has potential value. The main goal of this study was to test the Mycobacterium bovis Ag85B gene as a DNA vaccine following challenge with an M. bovis virulent strain (ATCC 19274). Groups of BALB/c mice (n = 10) were immunized four times intramuscularly with the pCI-Ag85B construct or the pCI vector alone as the control. High titers of total immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgG1, and IgG2a anti-Ag85B were measured in pCI-Ag85B immunized mice when compared to the pCI control group. Regarding cellular immunity, significant levels of gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) (1,100 +/- 157 pg/ml) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (650 +/- 42 pg/ml) but not interleukin-4 were detected in splenocyte culture supernatants of pCI-Ag85B-vaccinated mice following stimulation with recombinant Ag85B. Further, the main source of IFN-gamma is CD8(+) T cells, as demonstrated by intracellular cytokine staining. As far as protection, a significant reduction in bacterial load in spleens (P < 0.05) was detected in pCI-Ag85B-immunized mice compared to the pCI vector control group. The results obtained here suggest that use of the Ag85B DNA vaccine is a promising strategy to control M. bovis infection due to its ability to induce a Th1 type of immune response. However, protective efficacy needs to be improved, since partial protection was achieved in spleens but not in lungs of vaccinated mice.

Acyltransferases↗
PubMed2006

Detection of Hepatozoon canis in stray dogs and cats in Bangkok, Thailand.

A rapidly increasing stray animal population in Bangkok has caused concern regarding transmission of vector-borne and zoonotic diseases. The purpose of this study was to determine if stray animals in Bangkok are a potential reservoir of Hepatozoon, a genus of tick-borne parasites that has received little attention in Thailand. Blood samples were collected from stray companion animals near monasteries in 42 Bangkok metropolitan districts. Both dogs and cats were sampled from 26 districts, dogs alone from 4 districts and cats alone from 12 districts. Samples were collected from a total of 308 dogs and 300 cats. Light microscopy and an 18 S rRNA gene-based PCR assay were used to test these samples for evidence of Hepatozoon infection. Gamonts were observed in blood smears for 2.6% of dogs and 0.7% of cats by microscopy. The PCR assay detected Hepatozoon in buffy coats from 11.4% of dogs and 32.3% of cats tested. The prevalence of infection was the same between male and female dogs or cats, and PCR-positive dogs and cats were found in 36.6% and 36.8% of the districts surveyed, respectively. There was an association between the percentages of PCR-positive dogs and cats in districts where both host species were sampled. Sequences of representative amplicons were closest to those reported for H. canis. These results represent the first molecular confirmation that H. canis is indigenous to Thailand. The unexpectedly high prevalence of Hepatozoon among stray cats indicates that their role in the epizootiology of hepatozoonosis should be investigated.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Biological characterisation of Cryptosporidium parvum isolates of wildlife rodents in Poland.

The study was undertaken to characterise the C. parvum isolates originating from naturally infected woodland and field rodents: Clethrionomys glareolus (CG), Apodemus flavicollis (AF) and Microtus arvalis (MA). We found that the measurements of oocyst dimensions and oocyst morphology did not allow distinction between the parasite isolates from the 3 rodent species. The mean dimensions were: for CG 4.67 x 4.21, for AF 4.65 x 4.14 and for MA 4.66 x 4.16. These 3 groups of isolates have produced significantly different pictures of infection in C57BL/6 mice. The overall mean oocysts output was: in CG-mice 41,739, in AF-mice 18,000, in MA-mice 10,384 oocysts/1 g of faeces. From these data we suggest that rodent isolates of C. parvum could represent new subgroups in so-called "mouse" C. parvum strain. The successful cross-transmission from wild hosts to laboratory rodents and the close similarity of COWP sequence between our isolates and "mouse" genotype and between "mouse" and zoonotic genotype of C. parvum (genotype C) inform us that all these isolates should be treated as potentially hazardous for human health.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Factors contributing to the public health and economic importance of waterborne zoonotic parasites.

This is the first of a series of review articles in a Special Issue publication on waterborne zoonotic parasites. A brief historical overview of the occurrence and importance of waterborne parasites, dating from early civilization is presented. The article considers the diversity of parasites including protozoa, nematodes, cestodes and trematodes and the related zoonotic organism microsporidia. Many of the life cycle stages and their characteristics, which make parasites environmentally resistant and suitable for waterborne transmission are discussed. Surfaces of transmission stages consist of multiple layers of proteins, lipids, chitin or other substances capable of withstanding a variety of physical and chemical treatments. Delivery of waterborne parasites is facilitated by various mass distribution systems to consumers, and by transport and intermediate hosts such as fish and filter-feeding invertebrates which are consumed by humans. The article discusses the trends in global warming and climate change and potential for concurrent rise in waterborne disease outbreaks due to parasites. Impacts of technological modernization and globalization on the transmission of zoonotic waterborne zoonotic parasites are considered, including the effects of large-scale agricultural practices, rapid transportation of goods, and widespread movement of individuals and animals. Finally, transmission features and parasite attributes which contribute to concerns about accidental or orchestrated waterborne disease outbreaks are discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Fungi, mycobacteria, zoonotic and other organisms in prosthetic joint infection.

A systematic review of the presentation and management of prosthetic joint infection (PJI) due to zoonotic microorganisms, fungi, mycobacteria and other unusual microorganisms is not available. We therefore sought to provide a resource for the practicing orthopaedic surgeon which will serve as a guide for making appropriate decisions in managing such rare, but potentially problematic conditions. We conducted a Medline search of all case reports of PJI due to these unusual microorganisms. Our review of the current literature showed the diagnosis of PJI due to zoonotic microorganisms, fungi, mycobacteria and other unusual microorganisms typically necessitates specialized diagnostic tests. Maintaining a high index of suspicion in diagnosis of such unusual microorganisms and requesting the appropriate laboratory tests at the time of surgical débridement is crucial for determining the microbiologic etiology of these infections. The appropriate medical and surgical management of such infections is complex and often requires the use of special antimicrobials with which the orthopaedist may not be familiar. Collaboration with an infectious disease specialist is advisable when treating these infections.

Humans↗
PubMed1992

Enterotoxigenic drug resistant plasmids in animal isolates of Escherichia coli and their zoonotic importance.

A study was undertaken to determine how widely drug resistant enterotoxigenic plasmids are distributed among the animal isolates of Escherichia coli, and their potential for exchange. Thirty-one strains of E. coli isolated from metritis, septicaemia and diarrhoea of animals were tested for the production of enterotoxins. Thirteen strains were enterotoxin producers. Five produced heat-stable enterotoxins (ST), four heat-labile (LT) and four strains produced both (LT/ST) types of enterotoxins. Most of the enterotoxin producing E. coli strains were isolated from diarrhoeal sources, followed by septicaemia and metritis. Of the 13 enterotoxigenic E. coli, nine were resistant to various antibiotics which transferred their drug resistance partially or completely into an E. coli K-12 recipient. Only one strain of serogroup 032, isolated from equine metritis, transferred ampicillin, oxytetracycline and doxycycline resistance and heat-labile enterotoxin biosynthesis determinants en bloc. Plasmid DNA analysis of the exconjugants showed the presence of a 41.8 MDa conjugative plasmid. The presence of such autotransferable enterotoxin biosynthesis replicons in their unusual ecological niches such as metritis and septicaemia suggests the ubiquitous nature of enterotoxin genes which perhaps were selected and spread due to the presence of genes for drug resistance. The potential of cross-infection of human beings from animals and vice versa via such plasmids is discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Quantification of the effect of vaccination on transmission of avian influenza (H7N7) in chickens.

Recent outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses in poultry and their threatening zoonotic consequences emphasize the need for effective control measures. Although vaccination of poultry against avian influenza provides a potentially attractive control measure, little is known about the effect of vaccination on epidemiologically relevant parameters, such as transmissibility and the infectious period. We used transmission experiments to study the effect of vaccination on the transmission characteristics of HPAI A/Chicken/Netherlands/03 H7N7 in chickens. In the experiments, a number of infected and uninfected chickens is housed together and the infection chain is monitored by virus isolation and serology. Analysis is based on a stochastic susceptible, latently infected, infectious, recovered (SEIR) epidemic model. We found that vaccination is able to reduce the transmission level to such an extent that a major outbreak is prevented, important variables being the type of vaccine (H7N1 or H7N3) and the moment of challenge after vaccination. Two weeks after vaccination, both vaccines completely block transmission. One week after vaccination, the H7N1 vaccine is better than the H7N3 vaccine at reducing the spread of the H7N7 virus. We discuss the implications of these findings for the use of vaccination programs in poultry and the value of transmission experiments in the process of choosing vaccine.

Animals↗
PubMed2026

Identification and full genome sequencing of previously unknown sandfly-borne phleboviruses using a newly established capture-based next-generation sequencing approach.

Sandfly-borne phleboviruses cause febrile illness and neuroinvasive disease in humans. While infections are reported in the Mediterranean region, the discovery of previously unknown phleboviruses in sandflies from Kenya suggests a wider geographic distribution. Detection and characterization of novel phleboviruses are often hindered by low-quality and low-viral-load samples. We developed a capture-based target enrichment next-generation sequencing approach that showed a 99%-100% fold enrichment of viral genomes from primary material and provides a robust tool for generating complete genomes of both known and previously unknown viruses. From a collection of 15,652 sandflies in Kenya, we recovered seven complete coding sequences of Embossos, Bogoria, and Kiborgoch viruses, and of two previously unknown phleboviruses, which were named Sosoik and Shable viruses. Sosoik virus shared 83% amino acid identity in its RdRp gene with that of Bogoria virus, while Shable virus shared ca. 88% amino acid identity with viruses of the Salehabad serocomplex. Additionally, a reassortant of Shable virus was detected that possessed an M segment from an undescribed Ponticelli-like virus. DNA barcoding of blood-fed sandflies revealed several potentially novel Sergentomyia species and evidence of host-feeding on humans, livestock, and reptiles, suggesting possibilities for zoonotic transmission. Overall, our findings increase the known genetic diversity of Old World sandfly-borne phlebovirus species from 18 to 25 (by 38.9%), including the detection of viruses from all pathogenic sandfly-borne phlebovirus serocomplexes in East Africa, opening new horizons in disease ecology research.IMPORTANCEKnowledge of the genetic diversity of circulating pathogens is crucial for providing appropriate diagnostics and disease management. This study established a novel capture-based target enrichment next-generation sequencing approach that enabled the near-complete viral genome recovery from primary samples, while native NGS yielded negative or poor-quality results. In addition to the five recently discovered sandfly-borne phleboviruses in Kenya, two previously unknown phleboviruses were detected in sandflies from the same region. The viruses were detected in several sandfly species, which showed diverse host-feeding behaviors, including mixed feeding on humans and chickens. The study significantly advances the understanding of sandfly-borne phleboviruses by uncovering their broader geographic distribution and genetic diversity, particularly in East Africa, highlighting the importance of expanding surveillance efforts beyond traditionally studied regions.

Phlebovirus↗
PubMed2004

[Zoonotic infections in humans. Review of the epidemiological situation in Germany].

Zoonoses are infectious diseases that can be transmitted from vertebrate animals to humans. Their significance lies in the large number of cases that occur, the high case fatality ratio of certain zoonoses, and the potential for some pathogens as yet restricted to animal hosts to cross the species barrier and infect humans. Changing habits in food production (for example, intensive animal husbandry) and food consumption as well as demographic, climatic, and ecological factors contribute to the spread of zoonotic pathogens. Several zoonoses are notifiable in Germany according to the Protection Against Infection Act enacted 1 January 2001. The European Commission issued a new directive on the monitoring of zoonoses and zoonotic agents on 17 November 2003. There is ongoing need to develop further measures to prevent and control zoonotic diseases on a national as well as international basis.

Communicable Disease Control↗