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PubMed1999

Gastrointestinal parasites of urban dogs in Perth, Western Australia.

A study was conducted to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in a sample of urban dogs in Perth and the knowledge of their owners about the control and zoonotic transmission of these parasites. Faecal samples (421), collected from dogs originating from five sources, were examined by microscopy and questionnaires administered to dog owners and managers/owners of pet shops. The prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitism was higher in pet shop puppies (51%), than in dogs from refuges (37%), breeding kennels (32.7%), veterinary clinics (15.6%) and exercise areas (5.3%). Protozoa, in particular Giardia, were detected more frequently (22.1%) than helminth parasites. After adjusting for other factors with multiple logistic regression, puppies less than 6 months of age, dogs living in households with more than one dog, and dogs from refuges were significantly more likely to be parasitized. The prevalence of Giardia was found to be directly associated with the number of doses of anthelmintics given in a year, increasing 1.2 times for each dose administered. The majority of owners were aware of the potential risk to human health from canine helminths, however only one third were aware of the means of transmission to humans. It is concluded that veterinarians can play an important role in increasing the level of awareness of canine zoonotic parasites.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Emerging helminth zoonoses.

As our ability to recognise and diagnose human disease caused by helminth parasites has improved, so our understanding of the epidemiology and clinical manifestations of these diseases has improved. Humans can develop patent infection with a wide range of helminth parasites, whose natural host is another vertebrate. Rather than focusing on a comprehensive review of zoonotic helminth infections, this review describes in detail examples of zoonotic helminth infections that have newly appeared in human populations, or have existed but are increasing in incidence or geographic range. Examples include intestinal capillariasis, anisakidosis, eosinophilic enteritis, oesophagostomiasis and gnathostomiasis. Potential reasons for the emergence of these infections, including changes in social, dietary or cultural mores, environmental changes, and the improved recognition of heretofore neglected infections often coupled with an improved ability to diagnose infection are discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Brucellosis in a mother and her young infant: probable transmission by breast milk.

Brucellosis, although primarily a zoonotic infection, is also a threat for human health. Infection can be transmitted to humans through direct contact with infected animals, products of conception, or animal discharges, and through consumption of potentially infected milk, milk products, or meat. Human-to-human transmission is rare. There have been case reports of transmission via blood transfusion and bone marrow transplantation from infected donors. Sexual intercourse is a possible means of transmission. Neonatal infection can be acquired transplacentally or during delivery. This report describes a mother with brucellosis who probably transmitted the infection to her 3-month-old baby by breast milk.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

[Antimicrobial susceptibility of shiga toxin producing E coli (STEC) strains isolated from human infections and food].

BACKGROUND: Shiga toxin-producing E coli (STEC) are zoonotic pathogens associated to sporadic episodes of bloody diarrhea, foodborne outbreaks, and Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), with worldwide public health impact. Antibiotic use in STEC infections is controversial because of the potential to increase production and secretion of Shiga toxins. AIM: To study the in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility profile of STEC. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The in vitro susceptibility profile against 10 antimicrobials of STEC strains isolated from 29 meat products, 20 patients with diarrhea and 9 HUS patients was studied. Minimal Inhibitory Concentrations (microg/ml) by agar dilution method for ampicillin, cloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, amikacin, gentamycin, cotrimoxazol, ceftriaxone, tetracycline, fonsfomycin and azihromycin were measured according to NCCLS recommendations. RESULTS: Strains from patients with diarrhea or HUS were all susceptible to the 10 antimicrobials and only 13.7% had intermediate resistance to cloramphenicol. Strains from meat products had a similar susceptibility profile, with only 3.5% resistance to tetracycline, 3.5% intermediate resistance to cloramphenicol and 7% to fosfomycin. All 58 strains were considered resistant to azithromycin (MIC >32 microg/ml). CONCLUSIONS: Similarity of susceptibility profiles between STEC strains from human and food origin suggests a role of food chain in transmission to humans.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed2000

Xenotransplantation and the potential risk of xenogeneic transmission of porcine viruses.

The clinical success of allotransplantation and the shortage of donor organs have led to a proposal for the use of animal organs as alternative therapeutic materials for humans. In that regard, swine are preferable to non-human primates as a source of donor organs. While applications for clinical trials for xenotransplantation have not yet been received in Canada, several trials have already been authorized in the United States. A major concern, however, is the potential for xenogeneic transmission of viruses from animals to humans via organ, tissue, or cellular transplantation or via ex vivo exposure of humans to porcine biologic materials. Xenotransplantation allows viruses to bypass the normal immunological defense mechanisms of the recipient. Furthermore, the use of immunosuppressive drugs following transplantation may facilitate the xenogeneic transmission of zoonotic agents. Of porcine viruses, swine hepatitis E virus does not cause any clinical symptoms in the natural host but is a likely zoonotic agent that can infect humans and cause hepatitis. Porcine circovirus type 1 is prevalent in swine populations with no known association with clinical disease, while circovirus type 2 causes post-weaning multi-systemic wasting syndrome. Porcine endogenous retrovirus is integrated into the host chromosomes while porcine cytomegalovirus undergoes latent infection. Two additional porcine herpesviruses have recently been identified in swine and have been named porcine lymphotrophic herpesviruses. These herpesviruses can potentially become reactivated in human recipients after xenotransplantation. All in all, there are a number of viruses in swine that are of primary concern to screen and eliminate from xenotransplantation protocols. Epidemiology and the current knowledge on xenogeneic risk of these viruses are discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Occasional parasitic infections of man in Papua New Guinea and Irian Jaya (New Guinea).

Most parasites of man in New Guinea are cosmopolitan species, widely distributed and highly prevalent in the island. Reports of other parasite infections are reviewed. This impoverished fauna includes anthroponotic species normally occurring at low prevalences, e.g. Isospora belli, Dientamoeba fragilis, Trichomonas hominis and a few zoonotic forms with pigs as reservoir hosts, notably Balantidium coli and Entamoeba polecki. Other zoonoses are very few and extremely rare. This may be due to the reduced placental mammal fauna. The potential for the spread of Taenia solium infection is highlighted, as is the unique zoogeographical distribution of the Strongloides species resembling S. fuelleborni. Enterobius gregorii is recorded for the first time from Papua New Guinea.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1972

Zoonotic infections in military scout and tracker dogs in Vietnam.

Significant levels of antibodies indicative of a variety of zoonotic infections were demonstrated in sera collected from 64 U.S. military scout and tracker dogs after service in the Republic of Vietnam (RVN). Scrub typhus antibodies were found in 45% of the specimens, melioidosis in 19%, group B arbovirus in 49%, and leptospirosis in 62%. Only 38% of the seropositive reactions for leptospirosis could be related to overseas infections. Tests were conducted on paired sera obtained from 32 of the dogs before service in RVN. Significant increases in titer were demonstrated with scrub typhus, melioidosis, leptospirosis, plague, group B arbovirus, and Rickettsia canada antigens. After 2 to 6 months of service in RVN, 8 of 19 dogs developed antibody titers to at least one of four zoonotic diseases. Only 3 of 45 dogs with 7 or more months of service failed to develop antibodies to one or more of the agents. The serological findings pose questions on the potential epidemiological importance and veterinary significance of scrub typhus, group B arbovirus, leptospirosis, and melioidosis infections in dogs.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Treatment with mebendazole is not associated with distal migration of adult Angiostrongylus costaricensis in the murine experimental infection.

Abdominal angiostrongyliasis is a zoonotic infection produced by a metastrongylid intra-arterial nematode, Angiostrongylus costaricensis. Human accidental infection may result in abdominal lesions and treatment with anti-helminthics is contra-indicated because of potential higher morbidity with excitement or death of worms inside vessels. To evaluate the effect of mebendazole on localization of the worms, male Swiss mice, 5 week-old, were infected with 10 third stage larvae per animal. Twelve infected mice were treated with oral mebendazol, at 5 mg/kg/day, for 5 consecutive days, begining 22 days after inoculation. As control groups, 12 infected but non-treated mice and other 12 non-infected and non-treated mice were studied. The findings at necropsy were, respectively for the treated (T) and control (C) groups: 92% and 80% of the worms were inside the cecal mesenteric arterial branch; 8% and 10% were located inside the aorta. Only in the group C some worms (10%) were found inside the portal vein or splenic artery. These data indicate that treatment with mebendazole does not lead to distal or ectopic migration of A. costaricensis worms.

Angiostrongylus cantonensis↗
PubMed2005

Quantitative risk assessment of Cryptosporidium species infection in dairy calves.

Cryptosporidium parvum is a zoonotic protozoan that infects many different mammals including cattle and humans. Cryptosporidiosis has become a concern for dairy producers because of the direct losses due to calves not performing well and the potential for environmental contamination with C. parvum. Identifying modifiable control points in the dynamics of infection in dairy herds will help identify management strategies that mitigate its risk. The quantitative risk assessment approach provides estimates of the risk associated with these factors so that cost-effective strategies can be implemented. Using published data from epidemiologic studies and a stochastic approach, we modeled the risk that C. parvum presents to dairy calves in 2 geographic areas: 1) the New York City Watershed (NYCW) in southeastern New York, and 2) the entire United States. The approach focused on 2 possible areas of exposure--the rearing environment and the maternity environment. In addition, we evaluated the contribution of many risk factors (e.g., age, housing, flies) to the end-state (i.e., total) risk to identify areas of intervention to decrease the risk to dairy calves. Expected risks from C. parvum in US dairy herds in rearing and maternity environments were 41.7 and 33.9%, respectively. In the NYCW, the expected risks from C. parvum in the rearing and maternity environments were 0.36 and 0.33%, respectively. In the US scenarios, the immediate environment contributed most of the risk to calves, whereas in the NYCW scenario, it was new calf infection. Therefore, within the NYCW, risk management activities may be focused on preventing new calf infections, whereas in the general US population, cleaning of calf housing would be a good choice for resource allocation. Despite the many assumptions inherent with modeling techniques, its usefulness to quantify the likelihood of risk and identify risk management areas is illustrated.

Aging↗
PubMed1995

Non-human reservoirs of Helicobacter pylori.

Early attempts to identify non-human reservoirs for Helicobacter pylori were largely unrewarding. The one exception being old-world macaques, which were found to be colonized with H. pylori; however, it is doubtful whether this species provides an important reservoir for human infection. The possibility of other animal reservoirs and zoonotic transmission of H. pylori has been discussed, but until recently has not received serious study. Enthusiasm to initiate extensive studies in this area were further dampened by the inability to experimentally infect several different species of mammals with the organism. Reports using whole-cell enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA) sonicate to monitor infection serologically, have cited a high incidence of H. pylori infection in abattoir workers. These results have been criticized because of potential antigenic cross-reactivity in workers' sera due to the constant exposure of these personnel to other gastrointestinal flora of animals. The large spiral gastric Helicobacter-like organisms (GHLOs) commonly noted in dogs and cats are associated with approximately 0.08-1% of gastritis in humans. These GHLOs often infect patients who own pets, suggesting a zoonotic link. Thus, the recent isolation of H. pylori from the inflamed gastric mucosa of commercially reared cats, and the ability to experimentally infect cats with H. pylori, raises the possibility of zoonotic H. pylori transmission from infected animals who have close human contact. Water and raw vegetables have been linked with H. pylori transmission in a few epidemiologically-based studies in developing populations. The recent isolation of H. pylori from the faeces of adults and children implicates a faecal-oral transmission pathway and supports the theory that both food and water (via faecal contamination) could be a source of H. pylori. Providing conclusive evidence that H. pylori has the ability to exist in the environment as a viable, non-culturable coccoid form that can replicate after ingestion by a mammalian host would considerably strengthen the hypothesis that water and food are important H. pylori reservoirs. The existence and extent of these reservoirs in nature, and the manner in which they interact with humans, will provide important new insights into understanding the epidemiology of this worldwide infection.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Zoonoses acquired from pet birds.

The diagnosis, treatment, pathology, and epidemiology of psittacosis, the principal zoonotic disease contractible from birds, in human beings and in birds is discussed at length. Salmonellosis, toxoplasmosis, and allergic alveolitis are also considered. Several bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic organisms are mentioned as potential zoonoses.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Platelet dysfunction after association with Anaplasma phagocytophilum in vitro.

Granulocytic anaplasmosis is a tick-borne, zoonotic disease caused by an obligate intracellular granulocytotropic bacterium, Anaplasma phagocytophilum. A. phagocytophilum and other Anaplasma and Ehrlichia spp. have been variably implicated with an associated hematologic alteration, platelet dysfunction, that can result in potentially serious clinical sequelae including hemorrhage. The objective of this work was to define an in vitro model to assess alterations in platelet function associated with A. phagocytophilum.

Anaplasma phagocytophilum↗
PubMed2026

Spatiotemporal patterns of Rift Valley fever virus in Africa: a retrospective genomic epidemiology and phylodynamic modelling study.

BACKGROUND: Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is a mosquito-borne zoonotic pathogen causing outbreaks in humans and ruminants across Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Originally restricted to the Great Rift Valley, RVFV has expanded geographically, prompting its classification by WHO as a pathogen of pandemic potential. We investigated the evolutionary and spatial dynamics of RVFV across Africa. METHODS: We used genomic data generated at the International Livestock Research Institute Nairobi genomic laboratory (BioProject PRJNA1106221) and combined with publicly available datasets retrieved from the National Center for Biotechnology (NCBI) GenBank nucleotide database. In retrieving RVFV genome sequences from the NCBI GenBank, we applied the search terms "Rift Valley fever virus segment L AND 6404[SLEN]", "Rift Valley fever virus segment M AND 3885[SLEN]", and "Rift Valley fever virus segment S AND 1520:1690[SLEN]" for L (Large), M (Medium), and S (Small) segments, respectively. For sequences without additional spatiotemporal information, we searched PubMed to extract the associated sequence metadata. We performed molecular clock analysis, phylogenetic inference, phylodynamic modelling (continuous phylogeographic reconstruction), and landscape phylogeography on the three RVFV genome segments (L, M, and S). We aimed to assess evolutionary rates, dispersal patterns, and environmental drivers. Focus was placed on lineage C, the most widely distributed variant. FINDINGS: The global dataset used in this study consisted of large (n=236), medium (n=237), and small (n=247), which were further filtered to exclude potential reassortants and vaccine strains. Genome sequences retrieved from NCBI GenBank database comprised large (n=180), medium (n=184), and small (n=202). The genome sequences from retrospective human and livestock isolates comprised large (n=56), medium (n=53), and small (n=45) collected in Burundi (2018), Kenya (2007, 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2022), and Rwanda (2018 and 2022). Our dataset revealed that RVFV exhibited low overall genetic diversity. Lineage C, however, showed evidence of active evolution, with substitution rates ranging from 3·58 × 10-4 to 9·76 × 10-4 substitutions per site per year. This lineage probably originated in Zimbabwe in the mid-1970s and has since expanded across eastern and southern Africa. Phylogeographic reconstructions revealed rapid spread, with diffusion coefficients exceeding 50 000 km2 per year. INTERPRETATION: Lineage C appears capable of establishing endemic transmission in new regions, with ongoing diversification observed during interepidemic periods. These observations reinforce the value of continuous genomic surveillance, particularly during cryptic transmission phases when adaptive mutations might emerge. Although further evidence is needed, observed trends in climate variability and land-use change point to the potential benefit of targeted surveillance in settings that could be at increased risk, including urban centres and wetlands. FUNDING: This work was supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, the Rockefeller Foundation, and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.

Rift Valley fever virus↗
PubMed2003

Empirical evidence for key hosts in persistence of a tick-borne disease.

An important epidemiological consequence of aggregated host-parasite associations occurs when parasites are vectors of pathogens. Those hosts that attract many vectors will tend to be the focus of transmission. But to what extent, and can we identify characteristics of these key hosts? We investigated these questions with respect to the host-tick relationship of the yellow-necked mouse, Apodemus flavicollis, a critical host in the maintenance of the zoonotic disease, tick-borne encephalitis. Transmission of the virus occurs when ticks feed in a 'co-feeding' aggregation. Thus, the number and frequency of co-feeding groups provides an estimate of the potential rate of virus transmission. We recorded the spatio-temporal variations in co-feeding on a population of rodents in conjunction with recording individual host characteristics. Using Lorenz curves, we revealed conformation of tick-borne encephalitis transmission potential to the 20/80 Rule, where the 20% of hosts most infested with ticks were accountable for 80% of transmission potential. Hosts in the transmission cohort were identified as the sexually mature males of high body mass. Therefore control efforts targeted at this group would substantially reduce transmission potential compared to non-targeted control of the population, which resulted in a linear reduction in transmission potential. Focusing on the 'wrong' functional group would have little impact upon transmission potential until a considerable proportion of the population had been subject to control. However, individuals can change their functional status over time making it difficult to predict the contribution of these individuals to future transmission.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Zoonotic transmission of Cryptosporidium parvum: Implications for water-borne cryptosporidiosis.

The emergence of Cryptosporidium parvum-associated cryptosporidiosis as a worldwide zoonosis has stimulated interest in the modes of pathogen transmission. Here, Thaddeus Graczyk, Ronald Fayer and Michael Cranfield discuss the complex epidemiology of C. parvum, emphasizing the crosstransmission potential of the pathogen, mechanical vectors involved in water-borne transmission of the oocysts, and factors contributing to contamination of pristine waters with Cryptosporidium. They also outline the public health importance of proper interpretation of positive detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts at water-treatment facilities and identify means by which watersheds can be protected from Cryptosporidium contamination.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2000

Cryptosporidium parvum and mucosal immunity in neonatal cattle.

Cryptosporidium parvum is an important zoonotic protozoan pathogen that causes acute infection and self-limiting gastrointestinal disease in neonatal calves. There are currently no consistently effective antimicrobials available to control cryptosporidiosis. Therefore, immunotherapeutic and vaccination protocols offer the greatest potential for long-term control of the disease. In order to devise effective control measures, it is important to better define mucosal immunity to C. parvum in young calves. This review summarizes the information that has accumulated over the last decade which helps to define the intestinal mucosal immune system in neonatal calves, and the events that occur in the intestinal mucosa after infection by C. parvum.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Characteristics of programs involving canine visitation of hospitalized people in Ontario.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the distribution of canine-visitation programs in Ontario and to characterize the nature of the programs the dogs are affiliated with. DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey of hospitals in Ontario was used to determine whether they permitted dogs to visit patients and, if so, where the dogs originated. On the basis of this information, dog owners were then contacted through their respective associations and interviewed using a standardized questionnaire. SETTING: A cross-section of hospitals in Ontario. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 223 (97%) of the 231 hospitals surveyed responded. Ninety owners of 102 visitation dogs were interviewed. RESULTS: A total of 201 (90%) of the 223 hospitals indicated that dogs were permitted in their facilities. Origins ranged from national therapy-dog agencies to the patients' families. Acute care wards were 5.1 times as likely than other wards to disallow animals (95% confidence interval, 2.2-12.2; P<.001). According to the 90 dog owners included in the study, the screening protocols that dogs were required to pass to participate in their respective visitation programs were highly variable, as were the owners' infection control practices. Eighteen owners (20%) said they did not practice any infection control. Sixty-six owners (73%) allowed their dogs on patients' beds, and 71 (79%) let their dogs lick patients. Thirty-six owners (40%) were unable to name one zoonotic disease that may be transmitted from their dog. CONCLUSIONS: Although canine-visitation programs have become standard practice in nonacute human healthcare facilities, infection control and dog-screening practices are highly variable and potentially deficient. Hospital staff, visitation groups, pet owners, and veterinarians need to work together to protect both people and pets.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

Cutaneous leishmaniasis in Mowaqqar area, Amman Governorate, Jordan.

At least 193 cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis occurred in eight villages of Mowaqqar area, Jordan, between December 1982 and April 1983. Peak transmission of the disease is thought to have taken place in late summer 1982. Approximately 67% of the cases were below 15 years of age and the lesions seen were of the dry type. The sand jird, Psammomys obesus, and the sandfly, Phlebotomus papatasi, the potential animal reservoir and vector of the disease respectively, were found in the affected area. Furthermore, Leishmania amastigotes were seen in smears from ears of seven out of 11 jirds collected from the area suggesting the zoonotic nature of the disease there.

Adolescent↗