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At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources

An outbreak of calicivirus associated gastroenteritis in an elderly persons home. A possible zoonosis?

An outbreak of gastroenteritis caused by calicivirus began amongst residents and staff of an old persons home 24 hours after the proprietor's dog had been sick. Serological evidence suggests that the calicivirus isolated from one of the cases may be capable of infecting dogs as well as man. The virus strain responsible for this outbreak differs antigenically from those associated with two other outbreaks in the U.K. and one in Japan. The characteristic morphology of calicivirus is lost if stool is stored at -70 degrees C.

Aged↗

Group L beta-haemolytic streptococcal infection in meat handlers: another streptococcal zoonosis?

Group L, beta-haemolytic streptococci can cause infection in dogs, pigs, cattle and sheep but there have been very few reports in man. In studies of skin infection in meat handlers we cultured group L streptococci from clinically infected wounds, impetigo and paronychia of 15 patients involved in the slaughter and processing of chickens and pigs. Staphylococcus aureus was also present in eight (53%) of the lesions. At least five other infections with group L streptococci in meat and animal handlers are known to have occurred in other parts of England in recent years, and brief details are given.

Abattoirs↗

[SARS, possible zoonosis in the area of conflict of pathogenic coronaviruses of animals].

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is an emerging disease, which was first recognized in Guangdong Province, China, in November 2002. In the meantime, SARS has been recognized in patients on all five continents. A novel coronavirus, which is not related to the hitherto known coronaviruses, has been proven to be associated with the disease. Our genomic analyses strongly suggest that the new SARS-coronavirus did not emerge through mutation or recombination and that it has probably been transmitted from a so far not identified animal species to humans. Therefore, it is most likely that SARS virus is a zoonotic agent. A broad body of knowledge originating from research in veterinary medicine indicates that development of vaccines against the SARS-coronavirus may be problematic. The potential danger of such vaccines should not be neglected during the process of vaccine development.

Animals↗

Human infections caused by glycopeptide-resistant Enterococcus spp: are they a zoonosis?

Following the detection of glycopeptide-resistant enterococci (GRE) in 1986 and their subsequent global dissemination during the 1990s, many studies have attempted to identify the reservoirs and lines of resistance transmission as a basis for intervention. The eradication of reservoirs and the prevention of GRE spread is of major importance for two reasons: (i) the emergence of high-level glycopeptide resistance in invasive enterococcal clinical isolates that are already multiresistant, has left clinicians with therapeutic options that are only at the experimental stage; and (ii) the resistance genes may spread to more virulent bacterial species such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Clostridium difficile. VanA-type strains, resistant to high levels of both vancomycin and teicoplanin, are the most commonly encountered enterococci with acquired glycopeptide resistance in humans. A widespread VanA-type GRE reservoir was detected early in farm animals that were exposed to the glycopeptide growth-promoter avoparcin. Numerous studies have provided indirect evidence for the transfer of VanA-type GRE and their resistance determinants from animal reservoirs to humans. The data collected have expanded our understanding of the promiscuous nature of antibiotic resistance, and have provided the groundwork for logical decision-making with the objective of deterring the dissemination of resistant bacteria and of their resistance genes.

Animals↗

A new zoonosis of the cerebrospinal fluid of man probably caused by Meningonema peruzzii, a filaria of the central nervous system of Cercopithecidae.

A female fourth stage larva of Meningonema, probably of M. peruzzii Orihel et Esslinger, 1973, was recovered in Cameroon, from the cerebrospinal fluid of a patient harbouring Loa loa, but without any neurological signs. This observation is the first human case of Meningonema (Filarioidea Splendidofilariinae) which usually parasitizes the central nervous system of African Cercopithecinae. However, as indicated by Orihel and Esslinger, it seems probable that the perstans-like microfilariae described in cases of cerebral filariasis in Zimbabwe belonged to the same species.

Animals↗

From the discovery of the Malta fever's agent to the discovery of a marine mammal reservoir, brucellosis has continuously been a re-emerging zoonosis.

Brucellosis is not a sustainable disease in humans. The source of human infection always resides in domestic or wild animal reservoirs. The routes of infection are multiple: food-borne, occupational or recreational, linked to travel and even to bioterrorism. New Brucella strains or species may emerge and existing Brucella species adapt to changing social, cultural, travel and agricultural environment. Brucella melitensis is the most important zoonotic agent, followed by Brucella abortus and Brucella suis. This correlates with the fact that worldwide, the control of bovine brucellosis (due to B. abortus) has been achieved to a greater extent than the control of sheep and goat brucellosis (due to B. melitensis), these latter species being the most important domestic animals in many developing countries. The long duration and high cost of treatment of human brucellosis reduces the efficacy of the therapy. There is no human vaccine for brucellosis and the occurrence of brucellosis is directly linked to the status of animal brucellosis in a region. In this context, the Word Health Organization has defined the development of a human vaccine, besides the implementation of control and eradication programs in animals, as a high priority. The pathogenicity for humans of B. suis biovars 1, 3 and 4 is well established, whereas B. suis biovar 2 seems to be less pathogenic. Indeed, although hunters and pig farmers have repeatably experienced infectious contact with B. suis biovar 2 (found in wild boar and outdoor-rearing pigs in Europe), isolation of B. suis biovar 2 from human samples have only been seldom reported. Marine mammal brucellosis, due to two new proposed Brucella species i.e. B. cetaceae and B. pinnipediae, represents a new zoonotic threat but the pathogenicity for humans of the different Brucella species found in cetaceans and pinnipeds still has to be clearly established.

Animals↗

Is Q fever an emerging or re-emerging zoonosis?

Q fever is a zoonotic disease considered as emerging or re-emerging in many countries. It is caused by Coxiella burnetii, a bacterium developing spore-like forms that are highly resistant to the environment. The most common animal reservoirs are livestock and the main source of infection is by inhalation of contaminated aerosols. Although the culture process for Coxiella is laborious, advances on the knowledge of the life cycle of the bacterium have been made. New tools have been developed to (i) improve the diagnosis of Q fever in humans and animals, and especially animal shedders, (ii) perform epidemiological studies, and (iii) prevent the disease through the use of vaccines. This review summarizes the state of the knowledge on the bacteriology and clinical manifestations of Q fever as well as its diagnosis, epidemiology, treatment and prevention in order to understand what factors are responsible for its emergence or re-emergence.

Animals↗

Gnathostomiasis: a review of a previously localized zoonosis now crossing numerous geographical boundaries.

Expansion in international travel and increases in immigration have resulted in an increased number of persons in Europe and other Western countries who have returned from foreign travel with parasitic infections rarely seen previously in the United States. Among the diseases caused by helminthic parasites is gnathostomiasis, a disease caused by Gnathostoma spp. Once confined primarily to Southeast Asia, it now is a public health concern in Mexico and other countries. This article reviews the causes and epidemiology of gnathostomiasis, the life cycle of the helminth, the clinical picture and diagnosis of gnathostomiasis, and the treatments for and means of avoiding the disease.

Animals↗

Echinococcus multilocularis--a zoonosis of anthropogenic environments?

Transmission of the fox tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis, the causative agent of human alveolar echinococcosis, is known to depend on various environmental factors which are subject to human influence. Epidemiological data suggest that in most endemic regions anthropogenic landscape changes (e.g. deforestation and agricultural practices) have led to more favourable conditions for the parasite's animal hosts, especially arvicolid rodents, thereby increasing the risk for parasite transmission and human disease. Examples are the conversion of forests or crop fields into meadows and pastures in Europe, China and North America, and overgrazing of natural grassland in central Asia. Other anthropogenic factors include interference with host population densities by wildlife disease control, changing hunting pressure and provision of new habitats, e.g. in urban areas. Domestic dogs may, under certain conditions, get involved in the otherwise largely wildlife-based transmission, and thereby greatly increase the infection pressure to humans. The introduction of neozootic host species may increase transmission, or even initiate the parasite's life-cycle in previously non-endemic regions. Lastly, the parasite itself may be accidentally introduced into non-endemic areas, if suitable host populations are present (e.g. in northern Japan).

Animals↗

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae: an uncommon but ever present zoonosis.

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is an important animal pathogen with a worldwide distribution, yet this zoonotic infection is rarely reported in humans. Three cases of E. rhusiopathiae infection, which illustrate the varied clinical presentations of this pathogen in humans, are presented together with the pathological findings and treatment regimens.

Adult↗

High prevalence of Helicobacter heilmannii-associated gastritis in a small, predominantly rural area: further evidence in support of a zoonosis?

BACKGROUND: Primary hosts of Helicobacter heilmannii are domestic animals--cats, dogs and pigs, but rarely is it detected in gastric biopsies from humans. We found H. heilmannii in gastric biopsies obtained from patients living in a predominantly rural area. METHODS: We evaluated geographic and demographic data from the area and calculated both the total prevalence and the prevalence in each community in this area. Chi-squared test and exploratory data analysis were used for statistical evaluation. Histologic and clinical data were recorded. RESULTS: Forty-three communities, mostly rural, were identified in the area, the size of which is about 200 km2. H. heilmannii was detected in 33 patients (prevalence 2%) living in 20 communities. The prevalence of H. heilmannii statistically significantly varied in those communities from 0.06%-1.1%. It was possible to infer that there is a negative correlation between prevalence and community size. Chronic active gastritis was diagnosed in all patients. The active inflammation became inactive after eradication of H. heilmannii via common anti-Helicobacter therapy. CONCLUSION: A high prevalence of H. heilmannii-associated gastritis in a small, predominantly rural area and statistically significant differences in prevalence from one community to the next, i.e. highest in the smallest village and lowest in a small town with a rather urban lifestyle, were found. In our opinion, these prevalence rates may be a consequence of transmission of the infection from domestic animals, because animal-human contact is generally more common in villages than in towns.

Animals↗

Verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli--an environment-induced emerging zoonosis in and around Calcutta.

With changes in livestock management practices and food processing industry, along with changes in people's food habits, many diseases have emerged. Infection with verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC) is one such illness. In the present study an attempt was made to isolate, identify and characterize VTEC strains with reference to the O157:H7 serotype from animal, human sources and some food products with the aid of the available modern methods. A total of 876 samples (330 animal, 184 human, 362 food samples) were screened for the presence of VTEC by conventional as well as PCR technique. Seventeen VTEC strains (12 animal, one human and four food samples) were isolated. The isolation rate was higher in diarrhoeic animals (6.02%), followed by diarrhoeic handler (3.12%) and raw beef (1.78%) samples. All strains showed the presence of the VT gene by PCR tests and were uniformly sensitive to common antibiotics except tetracycline, cephalexin, dicloxacillin, erythromycin and lincomycin. Since all strains were isolated from various sources of animal and human origin and all strains showed the presence of the VT gene and uniform antibiogram, a zoonotic association is suggested. This study marks the first report of isolation of VTEC strains from animal sources in India.

Animals↗

Mayaro virus disease: an emerging mosquito-borne zoonosis in tropical South America.

This report describes the clinical, laboratory, and epidemiological findings on 27 cases of Mayaro virus (MV) disease, an emerging mosquito-borne viral illness that is endemic in rural areas of tropical South America. MV disease is a nonfatal, dengue-like illness characterized by fever, chills, headache, eye pain, generalized myalgia, arthralgia, diarrhea, vomiting, and rash of 3-5 days' duration. Severe joint pain is a prominent feature of this illness; the arthralgia sometimes persists for months and can be quite incapacitating. Cases of two visitors from the United States, who developed MV disease during visits to eastern Peru, are reported. MV disease and dengue are difficult to differentiate clinically.

Adult↗