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Bergevin MD, Ng V, Sadeghieh T, Menzies P, Ludwig A, Mubareka S, Clow KM. A Scoping Review on the Epidemiology of Orthobunyaviruses in Canada, in the Context of Human, Wildlife, and Domestic Animal Host Species. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2024; 24:249-264. [PMID: 38206763 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2023.0109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Mosquito-borne orthobunyaviruses in Canada are a growing public health concern. Orthobunyaviral diseases are commonly underdiagnosed and in Canada, likely underreported as surveillance is passive. No vaccines or specific treatments exist for these disease agents. Further, climate change is facilitating habitat expansion for relevant reservoirs and vectors, and it is likely that the majority of the Canadian population is susceptible to these viruses. Methods: A scoping review was conducted to describe the current state of knowledge on orthobunyavirus epidemiology in Canada. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guideline was used. Literature searches were conducted in six databases and in gray literature. The epidemiology of orthobunyaviruses was characterized for studies focusing on host species, including spatiotemporal patterns, risk factors, and climate change impact. Results: A total of 172 relevant studies were identified from 1734 citations from which 95 addressed host species, including humans, wildlife, and domestic animals including livestock. The orthobunyaviruses-Cache Valley virus (CVV), Jamestown Canyon virus (JCV), Snowshoe Hare virus (SHV), and La Crosse virus (LACV)-were identified, and prevalence was widespread across vertebrate species. CVV, JCV, and SHV were detected across Canada and the United States. LACV was reported only in the United States, predominantly the Mid-Atlantic and Appalachian regions. Disease varied by orthobunyavirus and was associated with age, environment, preexisting compromised immune systems, or livestock breeding schedule. Conclusion: Knowledge gaps included seroprevalence data in Canada, risk factor analyses, particularly for livestock, and disease projections in the context of climate change. Additional surveillance and mitigation strategies, especially accounting for climate change, are needed to guide future public health efforts to prevent orthobunyavirus exposure and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele D Bergevin
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Victoria Ng
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
- National Microbiology Laboratory Branch, Public Health Agency of Canada, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tara Sadeghieh
- Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention Branch, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Paula Menzies
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Antoinette Ludwig
- National Microbiology Laboratory Branch, Public Health Agency of Canada, St. Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
| | - Samira Mubareka
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Katie M Clow
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
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2
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Mattatia C, Agyeman PKA, Schöbi N, Aebi S, Duppenthaler A, Büttcher M, Aebi C. Seroepidemiology of Human Tularemia-Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Seroprevalence Studies. Open Forum Infect Dis 2024; 11:ofad636. [PMID: 38312214 PMCID: PMC10837002 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofad636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Seroepidemiologic studies of human tularemia have been conducted throughout the northern hemisphere. The purposes of this study were (1) to provide an overview of Francisella tularensis seroprevalence data, and (2) to generate an estimate of the proportion of study participants whose infection remained subclinical. Methods We conducted a systematic review of F tularensis seroprevalence studies according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. We searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science covering the period from 1951 to 2023. Results The weighted pooled seroprevalence among 44 486 participants recruited in 52 studies was 3.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.7-5.1). Reported seroprevalences ranged between 0.2% and 31.3%. Occupational activities associated with an increased likelihood of exposure (risk ratio, 3.51 [95% CI, 3.2-3.86]) and studies from North America versus Europe and Asia (4.53 [4.15-4.94]) were associated with significantly increased seropositive rates. Twenty-eight data sets (47%) reported clinical information on a total of 965 seropositive participants. The weighted pooled estimate for subclinical seropositivity was 84.4% (95% CI, 72.9%-991.7%). Studies from F tularensis type A areas (risk ratio, 0.37 [95% CI, .27-.51) and studies from sites where pulmonary tularemia prevailed (0.38 [.28-.51]) reported lower subclinical seropositivity rates than studies from type B areas and from areas of predominance of (ulcero)glandular or oropharyngeal tularemia, respectively. Conclusions Throughout the northern hemisphere, only a small proportion of study participants showed serologic evidence of exposure to F tularensis. Eight of 10 seropositive participants had no historical evidence of past clinical tularemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chantal Mattatia
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Disease, Department of Pediatrics, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Philipp K A Agyeman
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Disease, Department of Pediatrics, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Nina Schöbi
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Disease, Department of Pediatrics, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Simon Aebi
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Disease, Department of Pediatrics, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Risk and Resilience Team, Center for Security Studies (CSS), Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (ETH), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Duppenthaler
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Disease, Department of Pediatrics, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Michael Büttcher
- Paediatric Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Paediatrics, Children's Hospital Lucerne, Lucerne Cantonal Hospital, Lucerne, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
- Paediatric Pharmacology and Pharmacometrics Research Center, University Children's Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christoph Aebi
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Disease, Department of Pediatrics, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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3
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Snyman J, Snyman LP, Buhler KJ, Villeneuve CA, Leighton PA, Jenkins EJ, Kumar A. California Serogroup Viruses in a Changing Canadian Arctic: A Review. Viruses 2023; 15:1242. [PMID: 37376542 DOI: 10.3390/v15061242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The Arctic is warming at four times the global rate, changing the diversity, activity and distribution of vectors and associated pathogens. While the Arctic is not often considered a hotbed of vector-borne diseases, Jamestown Canyon virus (JCV) and Snowshoe Hare virus (SSHV) are mosquito-borne zoonotic viruses of the California serogroup endemic to the Canadian North. The viruses are maintained by transovarial transmission in vectors and circulate among vertebrate hosts, both of which are not well characterized in Arctic regions. While most human infections are subclinical or mild, serious cases occur, and both JCV and SSHV have recently been identified as leading causes of arbovirus-associated neurological diseases in North America. Consequently, both viruses are currently recognised as neglected and emerging viruses of public health concern. This review aims to summarise previous findings in the region regarding the enzootic transmission cycle of both viruses. We identify key gaps and approaches needed to critically evaluate, detect, and model the effects of climate change on these uniquely northern viruses. Based on limited data, we predict that (1) these northern adapted viruses will increase their range northwards, but not lose range at their southern limits, (2) undergo more rapid amplification and amplified transmission in endemic regions for longer vector-biting seasons, (3) take advantage of northward shifts of hosts and vectors, and (4) increase bite rates following an increase in the availability of breeding sites, along with phenological synchrony between the reproduction cycle of theorized reservoirs (such as caribou calving) and mosquito emergence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jumari Snyman
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Louwrens P Snyman
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Kayla J Buhler
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Carol-Anne Villeneuve
- Research Group on Epidemiology of Zoonoses and Public Health (GREZOSP), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada
| | - Patrick A Leighton
- Research Group on Epidemiology of Zoonoses and Public Health (GREZOSP), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada
| | - Emily J Jenkins
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Anil Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada
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4
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Buhler KJ, Dibernardo A, Pilfold NW, Harms NJ, Fenton H, Carriere S, Kelly A, Schwantje H, Aguilar XF, Leclerc LM, Gouin GG, Lunn NJ, Richardson ES, McGeachy D, Bouchard É, Ortiz AH, Samelius G, Lindsay LR, Drebot MA, Gaffney P, Leighton P, Alisauskas R, Jenkins E. Widespread Exposure to Mosquitoborne California Serogroup Viruses in Caribou, Arctic Fox, Red Fox, and Polar Bears, Canada. Emerg Infect Dis 2023; 29:54-63. [PMID: 36573538 PMCID: PMC9796188 DOI: 10.3201/eid2901.220154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Northern Canada is warming at 3 times the global rate. Thus, changing diversity and distribution of vectors and pathogens is an increasing health concern. California serogroup (CSG) viruses are mosquitoborne arboviruses; wildlife reservoirs in northern ecosystems have not been identified. We detected CSG virus antibodies in 63% (95% CI 58%-67%) of caribou (n = 517), 4% (95% CI 2%-7%) of Arctic foxes (n = 297), 12% (95% CI 6%-21%) of red foxes (n = 77), and 28% (95% CI 24%-33%) of polar bears (n = 377). Sex, age, and summer temperatures were positively associated with polar bear exposure; location, year, and ecotype were associated with caribou exposure. Exposure was highest in boreal caribou and increased from baseline in polar bears after warmer summers. CSG virus exposure of wildlife is linked to climate change in northern Canada and sustained surveillance could be used to measure human health risks.
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5
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Fernández Villalobos NV, Kessel B, Rodiah I, Ott JJ, Lange B, Krause G. Seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus infection in the Americas: Estimates from a systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0269253. [PMID: 35648773 PMCID: PMC9159553 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is responsible for inflammatory liver disease and can cause severe health problems. Because the seroprevalence of HEV varies within different population groups and between regions of the continent, we conducted a systematic review on the topic in order to provide evidence for targeted prevention strategies.
Methods
We performed a systematic review in PubMed, SCIELO, LILACS, EBSCO, and Cochrane Library and included reports up to 25 May 2021 (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020173934). We assessed the risk of bias, publication bias, and heterogeneity between studies and conducted a random-effect meta-analysis for proportions using a (binomial-normal) generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) fitted by Maximum Likelihood (ML). We also reported other characteristics like genotype and risk factors.
Results
Of 1212 identified records, 142 fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in the qualitative analysis and 132 in the quantitative analysis. Our random-effects GLMM pooled overall estimate for past infection (IgG) was 7.7% (95% CI 6.4%–9.2%) with high heterogeneity (I2 = 97%). We found higher seroprevalence in certain population groups, for example in people with pig related exposure for IgG (ranges from 6.2%–28% and pooled estimate of 13.8%, 95% CI: 7.6%–23.6%), or with diagnosed or suspected acute viral hepatitis for IgM (ranges from 0.3%–23.9% and pooled estimate of 5.5%, 95% CI: 2.0%–14.1%). Increasing age, contact with pigs and meat products, and low socioeconomic conditions are the main risk factors for HEV infection. Genotype 1 and 3 were documented across the region.
Conclusion
HEV seroprevalence estimates demonstrated high variability within the Americas. There are population groups with higher seroprevalence and reported risk factors for HEV infection that need to be prioritized for further research. Due to human transmission and zoonotic infections in the region, preventive strategies should include water sanitation, occupational health, and food safety.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Barbora Kessel
- Department of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Isti Rodiah
- Department of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Jördis Jennifer Ott
- Department of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Braunschweig, Germany
- Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Berit Lange
- Department of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Braunschweig, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Gérard Krause
- Department of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Braunschweig, Germany
- Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Braunschweig, Germany
- Twincore, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Braunschweig-Hannover, Germany
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6
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Bouchard É, Sharma R, Hernández-Ortiz A, Buhler K, Al-Adhami B, Su C, Fenton H, G-Gouin G, Roth JD, Rodrigues CW, Pamak C, Simon A, Bachand N, Leighton P, Jenkins E. Are foxes (Vulpes spp.) good sentinel species for Toxoplasma gondii in northern Canada? Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:115. [PMID: 35365191 PMCID: PMC8972674 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05229-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In changing northern ecosystems, understanding the mechanisms of transmission of zoonotic pathogens, including the coccidian parasite Toxoplasma gondii, is essential to protect the health of vulnerable animals and humans. As high-level predators and scavengers, foxes represent a potentially sensitive indicator of the circulation of T. gondii in environments where humans co-exist. The objectives of our research were to compare serological and molecular assays to detect T. gondii, generate baseline data on T. gondii antibody and tissue prevalence in foxes in northern Canada, and compare regional seroprevalence in foxes with that in people from recently published surveys across northern Canada. Methods Fox carcasses (Vulpes vulpes/Vulpes lagopus, n = 749) were collected by local trappers from the eastern (Labrador and Québec) and western Canadian Arctic (northern Manitoba, Nunavut, and the Northwest Territories) during the winters of 2015–2019. Antibodies in heart fluid were detected using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Toxoplasma gondii DNA was detected in hearts and brains using a magnetic capture DNA extraction and real-time PCR assay. Results Antibodies against T. gondii and DNA were detected in 36% and 27% of foxes, respectively. Detection of antibodies was higher in older (64%) compared to younger foxes (22%). More males (36%) than females (31%) were positive for antibodies to T. gondii. Tissue prevalence in foxes from western Nunavik (51%) was higher than in eastern Nunavik (19%). At the Canadian scale, T. gondii exposure was lower in western Inuit regions (13%) compared to eastern Inuit regions (39%), possibly because of regional differences in fox diet and/or environment. Exposure to T. gondii decreased at higher latitude and in foxes having moderate to little fat. Higher mean infection intensity was observed in Arctic foxes compared to red foxes. Fox and human seroprevalence showed similar trends across Inuit regions of Canada, but were less correlated in the eastern sub-Arctic, which may reflect regional differences in human dietary preferences. Conclusions Our study sheds new light on the current status of T. gondii in foxes in northern Canada and shows that foxes serve as a good sentinel species for environmental circulation and, in some regions, human exposure to this parasite in the Arctic. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05229-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Émilie Bouchard
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada. .,Research Group On Epidemiology of Zoonoses and Public Health (GREZOSP), Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada.
| | - Rajnish Sharma
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Adrián Hernández-Ortiz
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Kayla Buhler
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Batol Al-Adhami
- Centre for Food-Borne and Animal Parasitology, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Chunlei Su
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - Heather Fenton
- Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | | | - James D Roth
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | | | - Carla Pamak
- Nunatsiavut Research Centre, Nain, NL, Canada
| | - Audrey Simon
- Research Group On Epidemiology of Zoonoses and Public Health (GREZOSP), Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada
| | - Nicholas Bachand
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Patrick Leighton
- Research Group On Epidemiology of Zoonoses and Public Health (GREZOSP), Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada
| | - Emily Jenkins
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
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7
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New records of California serogroup viruses in Aedes mosquitoes and first detection in simulioidae flies from Northern Canada and Alaska. Polar Biol 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s00300-021-02921-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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8
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Slukinova OS, Kyuregyan KK, Karlsen AA, Potemkin IA, Kichatova VS, Semenov SI, Stepanov KM, Rumyantseva TD, Mikhailov MI. Serological Evidence of Hepatitis E Virus Circulation Among Reindeer and Reindeer Herders. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2021; 21:546-551. [PMID: 34010077 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2020.2727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Various deer species are infected with hepatitis E virus (HEV) and may be a source of zoonotic infection for humans. So far, HEV has not been isolated from reindeer and the role of this domesticated deer species in HEV transmission is unknown. We tested serum samples from 191 reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) and 86 adult reindeer herders from the circumpolar regions of Yakutia (Russian Federation) for anti-HEV and HEV RNA. Anti-HEV IgG prevalence was 12.0% (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 8.1-17.5) in reindeer and 4.7% (95% CI: 1.5-11.7) in reindeer herders. The latter was similar to the positivity rate observed in adult residents of the city of Yakutsk, the capital of Yakutia, who do not have routine contact with reindeer (3.7% [19/519, 95% CI: 2.3-5.7]). No samples positive for HEV RNA were identified. The study provides evidence of HEV circulation in reindeer. Nevertheless, the low seroprevalence in reindeer herders indicate a low risk of zoonotic HEV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga S Slukinova
- Mechnikov Research Institute for Vaccines and Sera, Moscow, Russia
| | - Karen K Kyuregyan
- Mechnikov Research Institute for Vaccines and Sera, Moscow, Russia.,Department of Viral Hepatitis, Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anastasiya A Karlsen
- Mechnikov Research Institute for Vaccines and Sera, Moscow, Russia.,Department of Viral Hepatitis, Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ilya A Potemkin
- Mechnikov Research Institute for Vaccines and Sera, Moscow, Russia.,Department of Viral Hepatitis, Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education, Moscow, Russia
| | - Vera S Kichatova
- Mechnikov Research Institute for Vaccines and Sera, Moscow, Russia.,Department of Viral Hepatitis, Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education, Moscow, Russia
| | - Sergey I Semenov
- Medical Institute of the North-Eastern Federal University Named After M.K. Ammosov, Yakutsk, Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), Russia
| | - Konstantin M Stepanov
- Arctic State Agrotechnological University, Yakutsk, Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), Russia
| | - Tatyana D Rumyantseva
- Arctic State Agrotechnological University, Yakutsk, Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), Russia
| | - Mikhail I Mikhailov
- Mechnikov Research Institute for Vaccines and Sera, Moscow, Russia.,Department of Viral Hepatitis, Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education, Moscow, Russia
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9
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Keatts LO, Robards M, Olson SH, Hueffer K, Insley SJ, Joly DO, Kutz S, Lee DS, Chetkiewicz CLB, Lair S, Preston ND, Pruvot M, Ray JC, Reid D, Sleeman JM, Stimmelmayr R, Stephen C, Walzer C. Implications of Zoonoses From Hunting and Use of Wildlife in North American Arctic and Boreal Biomes: Pandemic Potential, Monitoring, and Mitigation. Front Public Health 2021; 9:627654. [PMID: 34026707 PMCID: PMC8131663 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.627654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has re-focused attention on mechanisms that lead to zoonotic disease spillover and spread. Commercial wildlife trade, and associated markets, are recognized mechanisms for zoonotic disease emergence, resulting in a growing global conversation around reducing human disease risks from spillover associated with hunting, trade, and consumption of wild animals. These discussions are especially relevant to people who rely on harvesting wildlife to meet nutritional, and cultural needs, including those in Arctic and boreal regions. Global policies around wildlife use and trade can impact food sovereignty and security, especially of Indigenous Peoples. We reviewed known zoonotic pathogens and current risks of transmission from wildlife (including fish) to humans in North American Arctic and boreal biomes, and evaluated the epidemic and pandemic potential of these zoonoses. We discuss future concerns, and consider monitoring and mitigation measures in these changing socio-ecological systems. While multiple zoonotic pathogens circulate in these systems, risks to humans are mostly limited to individual illness or local community outbreaks. These regions are relatively remote, subject to very cold temperatures, have relatively low wildlife, domestic animal, and pathogen diversity, and in many cases low density, including of humans. Hence, favorable conditions for emergence of novel diseases or major amplification of a spillover event are currently not present. The greatest risk to northern communities from pathogens of pandemic potential is via introduction with humans visiting from other areas. However, Arctic and boreal ecosystems are undergoing rapid changes through climate warming, habitat encroachment, and development; all of which can change host and pathogen relationships, thereby affecting the probability of the emergence of new (and re-emergence of old) zoonoses. Indigenous leadership and engagement in disease monitoring, prevention and response, is vital from the outset, and would increase the success of such efforts, as well as ensure the protection of Indigenous rights as outlined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Partnering with northern communities and including Indigenous Knowledge Systems would improve the timeliness, and likelihood, of detecting emerging zoonotic risks, and contextualize risk assessments to the unique human-wildlife relationships present in northern biomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy O. Keatts
- Wildlife Conservation Society Health Program, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Martin Robards
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Arctic Beringia Program, Fairbanks, AK, United States
| | - Sarah H. Olson
- Wildlife Conservation Society Health Program, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Karsten Hueffer
- Department of Veterinary Medicine & Arctic and Northern Studies Program, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, United States
| | - Stephen J. Insley
- Wildlife Conservation Society Canada, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | | | - Susan Kutz
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - David S. Lee
- Department of Wildlife and Environment, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Stéphane Lair
- Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Mathieu Pruvot
- Wildlife Conservation Society Health Program, Bronx, NY, United States
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Justina C. Ray
- Wildlife Conservation Society Canada, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Donald Reid
- Wildlife Conservation Society Canada, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jonathan M. Sleeman
- United States Geological Survey National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Raphaela Stimmelmayr
- North Slope Department of Wildlife Management, Utqiagvik, AK, United States
- Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, United States
| | - Craig Stephen
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Chris Walzer
- Wildlife Conservation Society Health Program, Bronx, NY, United States
- Conservation Medicine Unit, Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
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10
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Wu JY, Li JJ, Wang DF, Wei YR, Meng XX, Tuerxun G, Bolati H, Liu KK, Muhan M, Shahan A, Dilixiati D, Yang XY. Seroprevalence of Five Zoonotic Pathogens in Wild Ruminants in Xinjiang, Northwest China. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2020; 20:882-887. [PMID: 32936059 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2020.2630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Wild ruminants are at risk for zoonotic pathogen infection as a result of interactions with domestic animals and humans. One way to assess the level of a wild ruminant disease in a population is to determine the seroprevalence of the pathogen of interest. The objective of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of five zoonotic pathogens in wild ruminants in Xinjiang, Northwest China. In 2009 and 2011-2015, 258 wild ruminant sera samples were collected from various species. Samples were obtained from 30 Siberian ibexes, 94 goitered gazelles, 6 Tibetan antelopes, 32 argali sheep, 16 roe deer, 20 blue sheep, 56 red deer, and 4 wild yaks, in 10 regions of Xinjiang. Samples were tested using antibodies against Brucella spp., Chlamydophila abortus, Coxiella burnetii, Toxoplasma gondii, and West Nile virus. Seropositivity was detected for all five pathogens, with detection rates of Brucella spp., C. abortus, C. burnetii, T. gondii, and West Nile virus of 2.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.5-4.2%), 6.2% (95% CI, 3.3-9.1%), 7.8% (95% CI, 4.5-11.0%), 2.3% (95% CI, 0.5-4.2%), and 0.8% (95% CI, 0-1.8%), respectively. The level of pathogens differed for different species and different regions. The results indicate that seropositivity to zoonotic pathogens is common among wild ruminants in Xinjiang, Northwest China, with C. burnetii and C. abortus detected at the highest levels. This study provides a baseline for future assessment of spillover events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Yong Wu
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Xinjiang Academy of Animal Sciences, Urumqi, China
| | - Jian-Jun Li
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Xinjiang Academy of Animal Sciences, Urumqi, China
| | - Deng-Feng Wang
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Xinjiang Academy of Animal Sciences, Urumqi, China
| | - Yu-Rong Wei
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Xinjiang Academy of Animal Sciences, Urumqi, China
| | - Xiao-Xiao Meng
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Xinjiang Academy of Animal Sciences, Urumqi, China
| | - Gunuer Tuerxun
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Xinjiang Academy of Animal Sciences, Urumqi, China
| | - Hongduzi Bolati
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Xinjiang Academy of Animal Sciences, Urumqi, China
| | - Kang-Kang Liu
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Masha Muhan
- Wildlife Focus Disease Monitoring Station of Xinjiang, Urumqi, China
| | | | | | - Xue-Yun Yang
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Xinjiang Academy of Animal Sciences, Urumqi, China
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Kersh GJ, Fitzpatrick K, Pletnikoff K, Brubaker M, Bruce M, Parkinson A. Prevalence of serum antibodies to Coxiella burnetii in Alaska Native Persons from the Pribilof Islands. Zoonoses Public Health 2020; 67:89-92. [PMID: 31705592 PMCID: PMC6996239 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Q fever is a febrile illness caused by infection with the bacterium Coxiella burnetii. It is most often transmitted by inhalation of the bacteria after it is shed by infected livestock. Recent studies have found very high C. burnetii infection rates among marine mammals, but it is not known if shedding by marine mammals creates a risk of Q fever among humans. To better understand infection of humans with exposure to marine mammals, the prevalence of antibodies against C. burnetii in serum samples taken from Alaskan Native persons residing on the Pribilof Islands was evaluated. The Pribilof Islands support large populations of northern fur seals infected with C. burnetii that may increase the risk of exposure for island residents. METHODS Serum testing for IgG antibodies against C. burnetii (phase I and phase II) was performed, and demographic data were analysed utilizing banked serum specimens drawn from island residents from 1980 to 2000. RESULTS The overall seroprevalence rate was 11.6% (95% CI = 9.3%-14.4%; 72/621). This is higher than the previously reported 3.1% (95% CI = 2.1%-4.3%) seroprevalence for the U.S. POPULATION CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that Alaskan Native persons may be at higher risk for exposure to C. burnetii than the general US. population, possibly due to proximity to large populations of infected marine mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilbert J. Kersh
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kelly Fitzpatrick
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Michael Brubaker
- Center for Climate and Health, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Michael Bruce
- Arctic Investigation Program, CDC, Anchorage, AK, USA
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