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With the development of new diagnostic techniques, several diseases have emerged in recent years as zoonotic or potentially zoonotic. Even so, most pet-associated illnesses are infrequent, and therefore, health care providers may not be familiar with their manifestations or with the appropriate preventive measures. This article reviews the epidemiology, diagnosis, therapy and prevention of lung disorders acquired from dogs and cats.
"Emerging zoonoses" are defined as zoonotic diseases caused either by apparently new agents, or by previously known microorganisms, appearing in places or in species in which the disease was previously unknown. New animal diseases with an unknown host spectrum are also included in this definition. Natural animal reservoirs represent a more frequent source of new agents of human disease than the sudden appearance of a completely new agent. Factors explaining the emergence of a zoonotic or potentially zoonotic disease are usually complex, involving mechanisms at the molecular level, such as genetic drift and shift, and modification of the immunological status of individuals and populations. Social and ecological conditions influencing population growth and movement, food habits, the environment and many other factors may play a more important role than changes at the molecular level. Diseases associated with changing farming practices, trade and consumer habits. Bacterial enteric diseases due to Salmonella enteritidis and Echerichia coli 0:157 are examples of diseases associated with changing farming practices and consumer habits. The increasing trade in live animals for animal production and research led to the introduction of the New World screwworm to the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya in 1989 and an Ebola-like virus in monkeys in quarantine facilities in the United States of America. The development of the epidemics of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in the United Kingdom is due to multiple factors including the increasing use of ruminant proteins as feed for animals. Diseases associated with changing environmental conditions which influence reservoirs, vectors and/or victim species population parameters.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of antibodies against zoonotic agents in employees of the zoological garden of Vienna, Schönbrunn, Austria. Sixty out of 120 employees participated in the study. In 97% of them antibodies to at least one zoonotic agent were identified. Only two participants were free of antibodies to the zoonotic agents tested. The following seroprevalences (in brackets) were obtained: Viral zoonotic (and potentially zoonotic) agents: Influenzavirus A/H1N1 (58%), Influenzavirus A/H3N2 (85%), Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (13%), Encephalomyocarditis virus (5%), Orthopox- (Cowpox-) virus and Hantavirus type Puumala (3%). Hantavirus type Hantaan and Borna disease virus (all negative). Bacterial zoonotic agents: Bartonella henselae (65 %), Borrelia burgdorferi (10%), Leptospira interrogans serovar copenhageni and serovar icterohaemorrhagiae as well as Chlamydophila psittoci (2% each). Brucella spp., Coxiella bumetii, and Francisella tularensis (all negative). Parasitic zoonotic agents: Toxoplasma gondii (53%), Toxocara spp. (21%), Capillaria hepatica (2%), Fasciola hepatica, Schistosoma mansoni, E. multilocularis, and E. granulosus (all negative). The remarkably high seroprevalence to the causative agent of cat scratch disease, Bartonella henselae, is probably due to the private contact of the employees to cats. Regarding viral zoonotic agents it has to be mentioned that Influenzavirus vaccination and/or human-to-human transmission of especially A/H3N2 Influenzaviruses probably attributed significantly to the very high seroprevalence to both Influenzavirus types A/H1N1 and A/H3N2. When investigating parasitic zoonotic agents, high prevalence rates were found against Toxoplasma gondii and Toxocara spp., however, it was not possible to establish a causal link between seropositivity and the professional activity in the zoo. Interestingly, in the case of antibodies to T. gondii, the typical correlation with age was not found in this study, while in the case of the Toxocara spp. positive subjects a correlation was identified with both age and duration of employment in the zoo. Regarding the later two zoonotic parasites, employees of the zoological garden showed significantly higher seroprevalences than the average Austrian population. Antibodies to Capillaria hepatica, a hepatic-parasite in rodents which is diagnosed in humans rarely, were identified in one employee and another one showed a questionable positive result. Further investigations did not exhibit clinical infestations with the parasite in these two individuals so far.
Since the introduction of the genus Arcobacter in 1991, the association of Arcobacter butzleri, Arcobacter cryaerophilus and Arcobacter skirrowii with humans and animals has been clearly established. These bacteria have been detected world wide in products of animal origin and in healthy animals as well as in surface water. A fourth species Arcobacter cibarius was recently discovered on chicken carcasses. Although evidence was found for the connection of Arcobacter spp. with human and animal illness, Arcobacter spp. can be pathogens, opportunistic pathogens and commensals. Their potential as zoonotic foodborne and waterborne agents, the routes of transmission and the pathogenic mechanisms of these bacteria are largely unknown. Production of toxins or other virulence factors has not been demonstrated but adhesive and/or invasive properties were apparent. Antibiotic resistance is present in Arcobacter strains to significant levels. The tools to genetically access Arcobacter-like transformation of strains, construction of mutants are not yet available. Nor have genes (i.e. potential virulence factors) been cloned, expressed and characterized in other host organisms. Therefore those interested in the microbiology of these organisms eagerly await publication of the complete nucleotide sequence of the Arcobacter genome. The abundant presence of four Arcobacter species in foods of animal origin and the recovery of these bacteria from surface and drinking water suggest an important role of these bacteria as foodborne or waterborne agent and possibly as zoonotic agent.
The zoonotic introduction of an animal pathogen into the human population and the subsequent extension or alteration of its host range leading to the successful maintenance of the corresponding pathogen by human-to-human transmission pose a serious risk for world-wide health care. Such a scenario occurred for instance by the introduction of simian immunodeficiency viruses into the human population resulting in the human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV) and the subsequent AIDS pandemic or the proposed recent host range switch of the SARS coronavirus from a presently unknown animal species to humans. The occurrence of zoonotic transmissions of animal viruses to humans is a permanent threat to human health and is even increased by changes in the human lifestyle. In this review, the potential of the zoonotic transmission of bovine, feline and equine foamy retroviruses will be discussed in the light of well-documented cases of zoonotic transmissions of different simian foamy viruses to humans.
The transmission of harmful pathogens during commercial air flights is an increasing health concern. A potential, yet relatively overlooked source of zoonotic infectious diseases involves collisions of birds and bats with aircraft and long distance transport of their carcasses. We report a case of aerial transportation of the remains of an African fruit bat over three continents, following a collision with an aircraft, and demonstrate the relative ease with which zoonotic pathogens, such as rabies virus or other viruses associated with bats, may cross national boundaries and continents even. Improper handling and disposal of animal remains by airport personnel, may lead to exposure of both humans and local fauna to exotic pathogens. This in turn may trigger an epidemic with potentially devastating results.
The genotype of Blastocystis isolated from humans and animals is highly polymorphic. Therefore, it is important to compare the genotypes of Blastocystis isolates from humans and animals to determine the zoonotic potential of animal isolates. PCR-based genotype classification using known sequence-tagged site (STS) primers allows identification of zoonotic isolates of animal origin. To this end, 51 isolates from monkeys, cattle, pigs, chickens, quails and pheasants were subjected to genotype analysis using seven kinds of STS primers. Out of the 51 isolates, 39 were identified as one of the known genotypes, four showed mixed genotypes, and eight were unknown genotypes as these were negative for all STS primers. When these results were combined with previous studies on 41 isolates from animals and compared with the diversity of genotypes of 102 human Blastocystis hominis isolates, 67.4 % (62/92) of isolates from mammals and birds were identical to human B. hominis genotypes. Since the unknown genotype of human origin had been placed into an additional clade in the small-subunit rRNA gene phylogeny, further molecular study on the eight isolates of unknown genotype from the present study will facilitate our understanding of their zoonotic potential.
Articles suggesting the zoonotic potential of certain human diseases (eg, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and leukemia) periodically appear in the literature and frequently receive considerable attention in the popular press. Although various epidemiologic study designs have been utilized to test these hypotheses, defining and accurately measuring animal exposure has been a problem common to most of these studies and in some instances has limited their usefulness. The relative strengths and limitations of the definitions and measurements used most commonly by investigators evaluating potential zoonoses are discussed. In addition, several recommendations for assessing animal exposure in future studies are made.
The zoonotic potential of Mycobacterium spp has been well documented and has been implicated in cutaneous and subcutaneous nodular disease in humans. Treatment of the infected reptiles is often not recommended, because of the zoonotic potential. Moreover, the often-advanced nature of the disease when diagnosed, the lengthy and expensive treatment regimens, and lack of a reported successful treatment regimen for reptiles usually warrant euthanasia in these patients. Strict attention must be paid to cage hygiene and sanitation to minimize exposure and eliminate the organisms.
Enterocytozoon bieneusi is a globally distributed zoonotic enteric pathogen that remains largely overlooked in routine diarrheal disease surveillance. Although previous studies in Shanghai, China, have reported elevated prevalence in diarrheal populations, case-control data from suburban areas at the peri‑urban interface and the strength of the association between E. bieneusi infection and chronic diarrhea in non-immunocompromised individuals remain poorly characterized. We performed a hospital-based case-control study in suburban Shanghai, enrolling 286 diarrheal outpatients without documented immunodeficiency and 138 asymptomatic controls frequency-matched for age and sex. Fecal specimens were collected and subjected to genomic DNA extraction. E. bieneusi was detected via nested PCR amplification of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. Factors associated with infection were identified using multivariate logistic regression. Genotypic diversity and zoonotic potential were assessed by Sanger sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. The overall prevalence of E. bieneusi was 12.2% (35/286) in diarrheal patients, significantly higher than the 2.2% (3/138) observed in asymptomatic controls (P < 0.001). E. bieneusi positivity was independently associated with chronic/persistent diarrhea (adjusted odds ratio = 2.63, 95% confidence interval: 1.25-5.54, P = 0.011). Fourteen distinct ITS genotypes were identified, comprising five known genotypes (D, EbpD, SHW7, Henan-III, and CHG5) and nine novel genotypes (designated SHH2 to SHH10). Thirteen genotypes clustered within Group 1, and one genotype (CHG5) fell within Group 2, two phylogenetic groups that contain genotypes with documented zoonotic potential in global surveillance. E. bieneusi was detected at a relatively high prevalence among diarrheal patients in suburban Shanghai, and its detection was associated with chronic/persistent diarrhea. The predominance of zoonotic genotypes and the identification of nine novel Group 1 genotypes indicate phylogenetic similarity to known zoonotic lineages and warrant further investigation of local zoonotic transmission; no animal or environmental samples were analyzed in this study. These findings suggest that E. bieneusi testing may be considered as part of the differential diagnosis for patients with unexplained chronic/persistent diarrhea and highlight the need for One Health surveillance in the surveyed area.
BACKGROUND: There is an increasing importance of pet-transmitted infections, some of those are considered emerging infections. AIM: To determine the species and frequency of intestinal parasites in pets with diarrhea (hemorrhagic gastroenteritis excluded). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A descriptive retrospective study. Fecal samples from 972 dogs and 230 cats consulting in two veterinary practices in Santiago, between 1996 and 2003, were studied using Burrows' technique. RESULTS: Protozoa were found in 64.8% of dogs and in 66.5% of cats; helminthes in 24% of dogs and 45.2% of cats. The species found in dogs were Blastocystis sp. in 36%, Ameba sp. in 31%, Giardia intestinalis in 22%, Toxocara canis in 11%, Chilomastix sp. in 10%, Isospora sp. in 9%, Trichuris vulpis in 9%, Trichomonas sp. in 5%, Sarcocystis sp. in 4%, Dipylidium caninum in 2%, Ancylostomideos in 2%, Toxascaris leonina in 1%, Physaloptera sp. in 1%, Taenia sp. in 0.4%. Species found in cats were Blastocystis sp. in 37%, Ameba sp. in 30%, G intestinalis in 19%, Chilomastix sp. in 12%, Isospora sp. in 12%, Toxocara cati in 10%, D caninum in 7%, Sarcocystis sp. in 5%, Trichomona sp. in 5%, Toxoplasma gondii in 4%, Taenia sp. in 2% and Physaloptera sp. in 1%. Forty eight percent of parasites found in dogs and 49% found in cats have zoonotic potential. In dogs younger than six months Blastocystis sp., Ameba sp., G intestinalis, Chilomastix sp., Isospora sp. and T canis were significantly more common; the same was observed for Isospora in young cats. Approximately 60% of infected animals bore more than one parasite. CONCLUSIONS: A high rate of intestinal parasitism in pets with diarrhea was found; an important proportion of them have zoonotic potential.
Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum are phenotypically and phylogenetically closely related cyst-forming coccidia, both of which may cause abortion in livestock animals. T. gondii exhibits also zoonotic potential by causing diaplacental infections in the human fetus and harmful infections in immunosuppressed individuals. Humans get infected either by consuming inappropriately prepared cyst-containing meat or by ingesting oocysts originating from cat feces. Therefore, in order to assess infection risk we need to have knowledge on the prevalence of the parasite in consumable meat and thus slaughtered animals. So far, no data indicate any zoonotic potential for N. caninum. Due to its high economic impact in the bovine production in Switzerland, we included this parasite in the present study as well. The prevalence of both parasite species were investigated by PCR in muscle and brain samples of slaughtered bovines, sheep, pigs and horses. Comparatively, a serum sample from each animal was simultaneously tested serologically by a Toxoplasma-P30-ELISA and a Neospora-SA-ELISA. The prevalences determined by the T. gondii-PCR were the followings: adult cows 3%, young bulls 2%, young cows prior to gravidity 6%, calves 1%, sheep 6%, horses and pigs each 0%. For N. caninum, the PCR-prevalence was 2% for adult cows and 0% for all other animal groups. Conversely, the seroprevalences were much higher for both parasite species and all animal groups, with the exception of the fattening pigs. However, as T. gondii was principally detectable in bovine (cows and calves) as well as in sheep meat, the consumption of this meat harbours a potential infection risk for humans. In contrast, the lack of any parasite detectability in fattening pig and horse meat allows to consider this infection source as neglectable when compared to bovine and ovine meat.
Blastocystis hominis is a protozoan parasite found in humans. B. hominis-like organisms have been found in a variety of animals, but have been called Blastocystis sp. because the isolates from animals were indistinguishable from B. hominis morphologically. Recent molecular studies show that some isolates from animals have genetic similarity with B. hominis. However, it has been unclear whether the isolates from animals have zoonotic potential or not. In the present study, the SSUrDNA of 19 Blastocystis isolates from these animals was sequenced in its entirety, and the phylogenetic relationship among isolates from humans and animals was clarified using available nucleotide sequences of the same locus. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the 19 isolates analyzed in the present study could be classified into seven groups (I-VII): Group I consisted of the isolates from humans, primates, cattle, pigs and birds; Group II of the isolates from humans and primates; Group III of the isolates from humans, cattle and pigs; Group IV of the isolates from primates, birds and rodents; Group V of the isolates from cattle and pigs; Groups VI and VII of the isolates from humans and birds. These results indicate that many of the isolates harboring in animals have zoonotic potential, or have cross-transmissibility among heterogeneous hosts.
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Nonhuman primates are widely used in biomedical research because of their genetic, anatomic, and physiologic similarities to humans. In this setting, human contact directly with macaques or with their tissues and fluids sometimes occurs. Cercopithecine herpesvirus 1 (B virus), an alphaherpesvirus endemic in Asian macaques, is closely related to herpes simplex virus (HSV). Most macaques carry B virus without overt signs of disease. However, zoonotic infection with B virus in humans usually results in fatal encephalomyelitis or severe neurologic impairment. Although the incidence of human infection with B virus is low, a death rate of >70% before the availability of antiviral therapy makes this virus a serious zoonotic threat. Knowledge of the clinical signs and risk factors for human B-virus disease allows early initiation of antiviral therapy and prevents severe disease or death.
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INTRODUCTION: Blastocystis spp., Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon spp. are prevalent zoonotic gastrointestinal parasites that cause severe diarrhoea and enteric diseases in humans and animals worldwide. This study investigated the molecular occurrence, genetic diversity and zoonotic potential of E. bieneusi, Blastocystis spp. and Encephalitozoon spp. in domestic hair goats in Central Anatolia. METHODS: A total of 300 faecal samples were collected from hair goats in Kayseri, Aksaray and Sivas Provinces and genomic DNA was extracted from these samples. The presence of the three pathogens was detected using PCR and nested PCR targeting the SSU rRNA for Blastocystis spp., the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) for E. bieneusi and Encephalitozoon spp., respectively. Positive PCR products were sequenced to determine the species, subtypes and genotypes of the pathogens. RESULTS: The overall prevalence rates of E. bieneusi and Blastocystis spp. were 5.3% (16/300) and 6.7% (20/300), respectively. None of the faecal samples tested was positive for Encephalitozoon spp. and no co-infections among these three pathogens were detected. The SSU rRNA sequence analysis revealed Blastocystis spp. ST10, a subtype predominantly associated with animals. Additionally, one known E. bieneusi genotype (BEB6) was identified. The BEB6 genotype falls into zoonotic Group 2 of E. bieneusi in the phylogenetic tree. CONCLUSION: Our study is the first report of Blastocystis spp. and E. bieneusi infection in hair goats in Türkiye, highlighting their potential role in zoonotic transmission within a One Health framework. Our results provide scientific data for the prevention and control of these two intestinal pathogens. Further investigations are necessary to better understand their genetic characteristics and zoonotic potential in Türkiye.
A study of potentially zoonotic infections was carried out on 351 rodents trapped in north-eastern Queensland. Their ecosystems included towns, agricultural and livestock areas, wookland and rainforest. Nine serotypes of salmonellae were obtained from asymptomatic carries in predominantly settled locations. Two strains of Ps. pseudomallei occurred in rainforest near Innisfail and one on a cattle property adjacent to Townsville. Ps. aeruginosa caused bronchopneumonia in one animal from Townsville harbour. Ifection by leptospirae of six serogroups and seven serovars were identified by serological or cultural examinations. Enzootic foci occurred on the Mount Spec rainforest where celledoni and australis were being excreted by rats adjacent to the Paluma dam system. In addition to the scrub typhus locations at Rocky Creek, Atherton Tableland and Bullocky Creek, near Ingham, which were confirmed, a new focus of infection by R. tsutsugamushi was identified at El Arish near Tully. Water rat (H. chrysogaster) at Townsville harbour constituted a reservoir of toxoplasmosis. In addition to the known human pathogenic helminths H. nana and H. diminuta, localized foci of hookworms (Ancylostoma spp.) were found. Histological evidence of cytomegalic disease of the salivary glands or kidneys was a common finding.