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Shehu N, Luka P, Bente D, Weka R, Weldon C, Pam DD, Cadmus S, Dami F, Paessler S, Weaver S, Dacso M. Using one health training for interprofessional team building: implications for research, policy, and practice in Nigeria. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1375424. [PMID: 39145181 PMCID: PMC11323119 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1375424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the concept of One Health (OH) has arisen as an approach that helps to catalyze the creation of transdisciplinary teams needed for surveillance and investigation of emerging disease dynamics. Besides a wealth of descriptions of what the OH approach encompasses, a dearth of information is available regarding the training of individuals in OH competencies. In 2019, the Nigerian Center for Disease Control developed an OH strategic plan to meet the country's human, animal, and environmental health challenges. In response to the demand for clinicians, scientists, climatologists, conservationists, and environmentalists, who have expertise in environment, human, plant, and animal health to work collaboratively in addressing OH challenges in Nigeria. An interprofessional group of faculty from the University of Texas Medical Branch, the University of Jos, and the National Veterinary Research Institute convened to develop a novel OH course 'entitled 'One Health for Translational Team Science. The objective of the course was to explore the evolution of an emerging epidemic, capitalizing on various learning environments, including animal, environmental, human, and public health perspectives. The 6-week course comprised of three parts: 2-weeks virtual part of case-based group discussions focusing on animal and environmental aspects, 2 weeks of individual field experiences, and a final virtual part focusing on human health. Pedagogical tools used were: case-based group discussions, breakout group presentations, role-play activities, field project write-up, peer evaluation, group writing assignments, and weekly reflections with the goal of working in teams to develop and practice the fundamental leadership and management skills in addressing emerging public health challenges. Post-course evaluations showed that all participants felt more confident identifying and practicing the necessary attitudes and skills to participate effectively in the evaluation of an outbreak. Furthermore, the roles, responsibilities, and "One Health ways of thinking" for the various disciplines and professions involved in improving global health were articulated and identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Shehu
- West African Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Nigeria
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Pam Luka
- National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Nigeria
| | - Dennis Bente
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Rebecca Weka
- National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Nigeria
| | - Caroline Weldon
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Dung D. Pam
- Department of Zoology, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria
| | - Simeon Cadmus
- University of Ibadan, Oyo, Nigeria
- Department of Veterinary, Public Health and Preventive and Centre for Control and Prevention of Zoonoses, University of Ibadan, Oyo, Nigeria
- Department of Microbiology Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Filibus Dami
- Department of Zoology, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria
| | - Slobodan Paessler
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Scott Weaver
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Matthew Dacso
- Department of Global Health and Emerging Diseases and Department of Internal Medicine. University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
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Ogunbode TO, Esan VI, Oyebamiji VO, Olatubi IV, Ogunlaran OM. Exploring People's Perception on Pros and Cons of Human-Bat Coexistence in Urban Environs in Southwestern Nigeria. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH INSIGHTS 2024; 18:11786302241266051. [PMID: 39071234 PMCID: PMC11283653 DOI: 10.1177/11786302241266051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
This research intricately explores the dynamics surrounding the coexistence of humans and roosting bats in urban areas, meticulously examining both the advantageous and detrimental aspects of their living arrangement. The study conducted a comprehensive survey with 286 residents in Iwo and Ogbomoso, where Eidolon helvum bats are known to roost, generating a robust dataset for thorough analysis. Rigorous statistical assessments, including the KMO and Bartlett's tests, confirmed the data's reliability at a significance level of P < .05. The respondent demographic revealed a predominance of 65% male participants, with an overwhelming 85% claiming familiarity with bats in their respective domains. Utilizing factor analysis, the study identified 8 salient variables from the initial 26, shedding light on diverse perceptions regarding bats: (i) Urban roosting (16.729%); (ii) Impact on tree growth (12.607%); (iii) Failed dislodgement attempts (11.504%); (iv) Medicinal value (10.240%); (v) Co-habitation preference (9.963%); (vi) Costly dislodgment consequences (9.963%); (vii) Beautification disruption (5.615%); and (viii) Structure defacement (5.510%). These factors were systematically categorized into 4 distinct themes: (A) Forced cohabitation (26.762%); (B) Environmental degradation by bats (23.732%); (C) Consequences of dislodging bats (21.477%); and (D) Acknowledged benefits of bats (10.240%). Co-habitation with bats becomes a necessity for ecological balance and, importantly, to safeguard the livelihood of roosting bats within their natural ecology, which man has encroached upon through urbanization, making all negatives arising from such existence self-inflicted by man. However, this study underscores the importance of human-bat cohabitation for mutual benefits, emphasizing potential detrimental consequences, including significant costs, associated with displacing bats from their natural ecosystem. These consequences may exacerbate the impacts of climate change, environmental degradation, and ecological imbalance. Further research is recommended to explore the positive aspects of the sustainable roosting bats' existence in the natural environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy O Ogunbode
- Environmental Management and Crop Production Unit, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, Bowen University, Iwo, Nigeria
| | - Vincent I Esan
- Environmental Management and Crop Production Unit, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, Bowen University, Iwo, Nigeria
| | | | - Iyabo V Olatubi
- Pure and Applied Biology Programme, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, Bowen University, Iwo, Nigeria
| | - Oladotun M Ogunlaran
- Mathematics Programme, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, Bowen University, Iwo, Nigeria
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Silva MJA, Santana DS, Lima MBM, Silva CS, de Oliveira LG, Monteiro EOL, Dias RDS, Pereira BDKB, Nery PADS, Ferreira MAS, Sarmento MADS, Ayin AAN, Mendes de Oliveira AC, Lima KVB, Lima LNGC. Assessment of the Risk Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Infection Prevalence between Cats and Dogs in America and Europe: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Pathogens 2024; 13:314. [PMID: 38668269 PMCID: PMC11053406 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13040314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic represented a huge obstacle for public health and demonstrated weaknesses in surveillance and health promotion systems around the world. Its etiological agent, SARS-CoV-2, of zoonotic origin, has been the target of several studies related to the control and prevention of outbreaks and epidemics of COVID-19 not only for humans but also for animals. Domestic animals, such as dogs and cats, have extensive contact with humans and can acquire the infection both naturally and directly from humans. The objective of this article was to summarize the seroprevalence findings of SARS-CoV-2 in dogs and cats and correlate them with the strength of infection risk between each of them. This is a systematic review and meta-analysis following the recommendations of PRISMA 2020. The search and selection of papers was carried out using in vivo experimental works with animals using the descriptors (MeSH/DeCS) "Animal", "Public Health", "SARS-CoV-2" and "Pandemic" (together with AND) in English, Portuguese or Spanish for Science Direct, PUBMED, LILACS and SciELO databases. The ARRIVE checklist was used for methodological evaluation and the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis v2.2 software with the Difference Risk (RD) test to evaluate statistical inferences (with subgroups by continent). Cats showed greater susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 compared to dogs both in a joint analysis of studies (RD = 0.017; 95% CI = 0.008-0.025; p < 0.0001) and in the American subgroup (RD = 0.053; 95% CI = 0.032-0.073; p < 0.0001), unlike the lack of significant difference on the European continent (RD = 0.009; 95% CI = -0.001-0.018; p = 0.066). Therefore, it was observed that cats have a greater interest in health surveillance due to the set of biological and ecological aspects of these animals, but also that there are a set of factors that can influence the spread and possible spillover events of the virus thanks to the anthropozoonotic context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Jessé Abrahão Silva
- Center for Biological and Health Sciences (CCBS), University of the State of Pará (UEPA), Belém 66087-670, PA, Brazil;
| | - Davi Silva Santana
- Institute of Health Sciences (ICS), Institute of Biological Sciences (ICB), Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Belém 66077-830, PA, Brazil; (D.S.S.); (M.B.M.L.); (R.d.S.D.); (M.A.S.F.); (A.C.M.d.O.)
| | - Marceli Batista Martins Lima
- Institute of Health Sciences (ICS), Institute of Biological Sciences (ICB), Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Belém 66077-830, PA, Brazil; (D.S.S.); (M.B.M.L.); (R.d.S.D.); (M.A.S.F.); (A.C.M.d.O.)
| | - Caroliny Soares Silva
- Center for Biological and Health Sciences (CCBS), University of the State of Pará (UEPA), Belém 66087-670, PA, Brazil;
| | - Letícia Gomes de Oliveira
- Evandro Chagas Institute (IEC), Ananindeua 67030-000, PA, Brazil; (L.G.d.O.); (K.V.B.L.); (L.N.G.C.L.)
| | | | - Rafael dos Santos Dias
- Institute of Health Sciences (ICS), Institute of Biological Sciences (ICB), Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Belém 66077-830, PA, Brazil; (D.S.S.); (M.B.M.L.); (R.d.S.D.); (M.A.S.F.); (A.C.M.d.O.)
| | - Bruna de Kássia Barbosa Pereira
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of the Amazon (UNAMA), Belém 66120-901, PA, Brazil; (B.d.K.B.P.); (P.A.d.S.N.)
| | - Paula Andresa da Silva Nery
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of the Amazon (UNAMA), Belém 66120-901, PA, Brazil; (B.d.K.B.P.); (P.A.d.S.N.)
| | - Márcio André Silva Ferreira
- Institute of Health Sciences (ICS), Institute of Biological Sciences (ICB), Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Belém 66077-830, PA, Brazil; (D.S.S.); (M.B.M.L.); (R.d.S.D.); (M.A.S.F.); (A.C.M.d.O.)
| | | | - Andrea Alexandra Narro Ayin
- Faculty of Medicine, Centro Universitário do Estado do Pará (CESUPA), Belém 66613-903, PA, Brazil; (M.A.d.S.S.); (A.A.N.A.)
| | - Ana Cristina Mendes de Oliveira
- Institute of Health Sciences (ICS), Institute of Biological Sciences (ICB), Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Belém 66077-830, PA, Brazil; (D.S.S.); (M.B.M.L.); (R.d.S.D.); (M.A.S.F.); (A.C.M.d.O.)
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Okesanya OJ, Manirambona E, Olaleke NO, Osumanu HA, Faniyi AA, Bouaddi O, Gbolahan O, Lasala JJ, Lucero-Prisno DE. Rise of Marburg virus in Africa: a call for global preparedness. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2023; 85:5285-5290. [PMID: 37811021 PMCID: PMC10553126 DOI: 10.1097/ms9.0000000000001257] [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: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The Marburg virus disease (MVD) is caused by a rare RNA virus that can result in severe hemorrhagic fever in humans and other primates. The disease was first discovered in 1967 in Marburg Frankfurt in Germany and since then, sporadic cases have been reported in southeastern Africa. The Egyptian fruit bat is considered a reservoir for the virus, which can be transmitted through direct contact with infected bat or monkey tissue, bodily fluids, or contaminated objects. The Marburg virus disease shares clinical features with the Ebola virus disease, and there are no widely accepted vaccines or antiviral medications to treat it. The article provides an overview of Marburg virus (MARV) outbreaks in Africa, including the most recent outbreaks in Guinea, Ghana, Equatorial Guinea, and Tanzania. The authors discuss the recent outbreaks and the implications of the spread of MARV to Africa's healthcare systems. The authors also present key recommendations for both multicountry and global preparedness efforts in order to better prevent and respond to future MARV outbreaks and other viruses with an epidemic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olalekan J. Okesanya
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta
| | - Emery Manirambona
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Noah O. Olaleke
- Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex, Ile-Ife
| | - Hisham A. Osumanu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, School of Allied Health Sciences, University for Development Studies, Ghana
| | - Ayodeji A. Faniyi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Oumnia Bouaddi
- International School of Public Health, Mohammed VI University of Health and Sciences, Casablanca, Morocco
| | | | - Jose J. Lasala
- College of Medicine, University of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines
| | - Don E. Lucero-Prisno
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Cosentino F, Castiello G, Maiorano L. A dataset on African bats' functional traits. Sci Data 2023; 10:623. [PMID: 37709808 PMCID: PMC10502069 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-023-02472-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Trait-based approaches are becoming extremely common in ecological modeling and the availability of traits databases is increasing. However, data availability is often biased towards particular regions and taxa, with many taxa (e.g., bats) often under-represented. Here, we present the AfroBaT dataset, a compilation of trait data on 320 African bat species containing 76,914 values for 86 traits focusing on morphology, reproduction, life-history, trophic ecology, and species distributions. All data were gathered from published literature following the ecological trait-data standard procedure. Missing data for both numerical and categorical traits were imputed with a machine learning approach including species phylogeny. Trophic ecology traits showed the highest coverage in the literature (72% of the species averaged over all traits), while reproductive traits the lowest. Our data imputation improved the coverage of AfroBaT especially for reproductive traits, going from 27% to 58% of the species covered. AfroBaT has a range of potential applications in macroecology and community ecology, and the availability of open-access data on African bats will enable collaboration and data-sharing among researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Cosentino
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| | - Giorgia Castiello
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- CREA Research Centre for Forestry and Wood, v.le Santa Margherita 80, 52100, Arezzo, Italy
| | - Luigi Maiorano
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Liang C, Wagstaff J, Aharony N, Schmit V, Manheim D. Managing the Transition to Widespread Metagenomic Monitoring: Policy Considerations for Future Biosurveillance. Health Secur 2023; 21:34-45. [PMID: 36629860 PMCID: PMC9940815 DOI: 10.1089/hs.2022.0029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The technological possibilities and future public health importance of metagenomic sequencing have received extensive attention, but there has been little discussion about the policy and regulatory issues that need to be addressed if metagenomic sequencing is adopted as a key technology for biosurveillance. In this article, we introduce metagenomic monitoring as a possible path to eventually replacing current infectious disease monitoring models. Many key enablers are technological, whereas others are not. We therefore highlight key policy challenges and implementation questions that need to be addressed for "widespread metagenomic monitoring" to be possible. Policymakers must address pitfalls like fragmentation of the technological base, private capture of benefits, privacy concerns, the usefulness of the system during nonpandemic times, and how the future systems will enable better response. If these challenges are addressed, the technological and public health promise of metagenomic sequencing can be realized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea Liang
- Chelsea Liang is an Independent Researcher, University of New South Wales, School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Sydney, Australia
| | - James Wagstaff
- James Wagstaff, PhD, is a Research Fellow, Future of Humanity Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Noga Aharony
- Noga Aharony, MS, is a PhD Student, Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Virginia Schmit
- Virginia Schmit, PhD, is Director of Research, 1DatSooner, DE, and a Policy Specialist, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD
| | - David Manheim
- David Manheim, PhD, is Head of Policy and Research, ALTER, Rehovot, Israel; Lead Researcher, 1DaySooner, Claymont, DE,Visiting Researcher, Humanities and Arts Department, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.,Address correspondence to: David B. Manheim, 8734 First Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910
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The role of invasive alien species in the emergence and spread of zoonoses. Biol Invasions 2022; 25:1249-1264. [PMID: 36570096 PMCID: PMC9763809 DOI: 10.1007/s10530-022-02978-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The role of invasive alien species in the transmission dynamics of zoonotic pathogens is often overlooked, despite the rapid escalation in biological invasions globally. Here we synthesise available information on the influence of invasive alien species on zoonotic pathogen dynamics in invaded ranges, focussing on Europe, and identify key associated knowledge gaps. We identified 272 documented interactions between alien species and zoonotic pathogens within invaded ranges. The majority of these involved invasive alien mammals followed by birds with only a few occurrences of other taxa documented. A wide range of potential interactions between invasive alien species and zoonotic pathogens were identified but few studies considered transmission to humans and so there was limited evidence of actual impacts on human health. However, there is an urgent need to raise awareness of the potential risks posed to human health by the transmission of zoonotic diseases by invasive alien species; the role of invasive alien species in zoonotic disease transmission may exceed that of native wildlife and occur in a relatively short period following the arrival of an invasive alien species within a new region. Ecological and social mechanisms govern the dynamics of zoonotic disease transmission but wildlife diseases are not consistently included within animal, plant and human policies. Rapid advances in the development of systems frameworks that integrate the ecological, economic and social processes promoting spillover in rapidly changing environments will increase understanding to inform decision-making. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10530-022-02978-1.
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Agusi ER, Allendorf V, Eze EA, Asala O, Shittu I, Dietze K, Busch F, Globig A, Meseko CA. SARS-CoV-2 at the Human-Animal Interface: Implication for Global Public Health from an African Perspective. Viruses 2022; 14:2473. [PMID: 36366571 PMCID: PMC9696393 DOI: 10.3390/v14112473] [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] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has become the most far-reaching public health crisis of modern times. Several efforts are underway to unravel its root cause as well as to proffer adequate preventive or inhibitive measures. Zoonotic spillover of the causative virus from an animal reservoir to the human population is being studied as the most likely event leading to the pandemic. Consequently, it is important to consider viral evolution and the process of spread within zoonotic anthropogenic transmission cycles as a global public health impact. The diverse routes of interspecies transmission of SARS-CoV-2 offer great potential for a future reservoir of pandemic viruses evolving from the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic circulation. To mitigate possible future infectious disease outbreaks in Africa and elsewhere, there is an urgent need for adequate global surveillance, prevention, and control measures that must include a focus on known and novel emerging zoonotic pathogens through a one health approach. Human immunization efforts should be approached equally through the transfer of cutting-edge technology for vaccine manufacturing throughout the world to ensure global public health and one health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebere Roseann Agusi
- National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom 930001, Nigeria
- Institute of International Animal Health/One Health, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
- Department of Microbiology, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Enugu 410001, Nigeria
| | - Valerie Allendorf
- Institute of International Animal Health/One Health, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | | | - Olayinka Asala
- National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom 930001, Nigeria
| | - Ismaila Shittu
- National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom 930001, Nigeria
| | - Klaas Dietze
- Institute of International Animal Health/One Health, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Frank Busch
- Institute of International Animal Health/One Health, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Anja Globig
- Institute of International Animal Health/One Health, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Clement Adebajo Meseko
- National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom 930001, Nigeria
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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Habitat productivity and anthropogenic development drive rangewide variation in striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) abundance. Glob Ecol Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2022.e02300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Diptyanusa A, Herini ES, Indarjulianto S, Satoto TBT. Estimation of Japanese encephalitis virus infection prevalence in mosquitoes and bats through nationwide sentinel surveillance in Indonesia. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0275647. [PMID: 36223381 PMCID: PMC9555671 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0275647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Indonesia belongs to endemic areas of Japanese encephalitis (JE), yet data regarding the true risk of disease transmission are lacking. While many seroprevalence studies reported its classic enzootic transmission, data related to the role of bats in the transmission of JE virus are limited. This current study aimed to identify the potential role of bats in the local transmission of the JE virus to aid the ongoing active case surveillance in Indonesia, in order to estimate the transmission risk. Mosquitoes and bats were collected from 11 provinces in Indonesia. The detection of the JE virus used polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Maps were generated to analyze the JE virus distribution pattern. Logistic regression analysis was done to identify risk factors of JE virus transmission. JE virus was detected in 1.4% (7/483) of mosquito pools and in 2.0% (68/3,322) of bat samples. Mosquito species positive for JE virus were Culex tritaeniorhynchus and Cx. vishnui, whereas JE-positive bats belonged to the genera Cynopterus, Eonycteris, Hipposideros, Kerivoula, Macroglossus, Pipistrellus, Rousettus, Scotophilus and Thoopterus. JE-positive mosquitoes were collected at the same sites as the JE-positive bats. Collection site nearby human dwellings (AOR: 2.02; P = 0.009) and relative humidity of >80% (AOR: 2.40; P = 0.001) were identified as independent risk factors for JE virus transmission. The findings of the current study highlighted the likely ongoing risk of JE virus transmission in many provinces in Indonesia, and its potential implications on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajib Diptyanusa
- Doctoral Study Program of Health and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
- World Health Organization Indonesia Country Office, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Elisabeth Siti Herini
- Department of Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Soedarmanto Indarjulianto
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Tri Baskoro Tunggul Satoto
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
- * E-mail:
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Opportunities and Limitations of Molecular Methods for Studying Bat-Associated Pathogens. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10091875. [PMID: 36144476 PMCID: PMC9502413 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10091875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Bats have been identified as reservoirs of zoonotic and potentially zoonotic pathogens. Significant progress was made in the field of molecular biology with regard to infectious diseases, especially those that infect more than one species. Molecular methods, sequencing and bioinformatics have recently become irreplaceable tools in emerging infectious diseases research and even outbreak prediction. Modern methods in the molecular biology field have shed more light on the unique relationship between bats and viruses. Here we provide readers with a concise summary of the potential and limitations of molecular methods for studying the ecology of bats and bat-related pathogens and microorganisms.
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Fefferman NH, Price CA, Stringham OC. Considering humans as habitat reveals evidence of successional disease ecology among human pathogens. PLoS Biol 2022; 20:e3001770. [PMID: 36094962 PMCID: PMC9467372 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The realization that ecological principles play an important role in infectious disease dynamics has led to a renaissance in epidemiological theory. Ideas from ecological succession theory have begun to inform an understanding of the relationship between the individual microbiome and health but have not yet been applied to investigate broader, population-level epidemiological dynamics. We consider human hosts as habitat and apply ideas from succession to immune memory and multi-pathogen dynamics in populations. We demonstrate that ecologically meaningful life history characteristics of pathogens and parasites, rather than epidemiological features alone, are likely to play a meaningful role in determining the age at which people have the greatest probability of being infected. Our results indicate the potential importance of microbiome succession in determining disease incidence and highlight the need to explore how pathogen life history traits and host ecology influence successional dynamics. We conclude by exploring some of the implications that inclusion of successional theory might have for understanding the ecology of diseases and their hosts. This study explores the analogy between ecological succession in terrestrial ecosystems and infections in a human-host landscape over time, showing how the ecosystem of long-term multi-pathogen dynamics within and among hosts may be a critical missing consideration in understanding epidemiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina H. Fefferman
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, United States of America
- National Institute of Mathematical and Biological Synthesis, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Charles A. Price
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Oliver C. Stringham
- Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America
- The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
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13
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CHARACTERIZING TUBERCULOSIS PROGRESSION IN WILD MEERKATS (SURICATA SURICATTA) FROM FECAL SAMPLES AND CLINICAL SIGNS. J Wildl Dis 2022; 58:309-321. [PMID: 35255146 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-21-00063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) is an increasing threat to wildlife, yet tracking its spread is challenging because infections often appear to be asymptomatic, and diagnostic tools such as blood tests can be invasive and resource intensive. Our understanding of TB biology in wildlife is therefore limited to a small number of well-studied species. Testing of fecal samples using PCR is a noninvasive method that has been used to detect Mycobacterium bovis shedding amongst badgers, yet its utility more broadly for TB monitoring in wildlife is unclear. We combined observation data of clinical signs with PCR testing of 388 fecal samples to characterize longitudinal dynamics of TB progression in 66 wild meerkats (Suricata suricatta) socially exposed to Mycobacterium suricattae between 2000 and 2018. Our specific objectives were 1) to test whether meerkat fecal samples can be used to monitor TB; 2) to characterize TB progression between three infection states (PCR-negative exposed, PCR-positive asymptomatic, and PCR positive with clinical signs); and 3) estimate individual heterogeneity in TB susceptibility, defined here as the time between TB exposure and detection, and survival after TB detection. We found that the TB detection probability once meerkats developed clinical signs was 13% (95% confidence interval 3-46%). Nevertheless, with an adapted test protocol of 10 PCR replicates per sample we detected hidden TB infections in 59% of meerkats before the onset of clinical signs. Meerkats became PCR positive approximately 14 mo after initial exposure, developed clinical signs approximately 1 yr after becoming PCR positive, and died within 5 mo of developing clinical signs. Individual variation in disease progression was high, with meerkats developing clinical signs from immediately after exposure to 3.4 yr later. Overall, our study generates novel insights into wildlife TB progression, and may help guide adapted management strategies for TB-susceptible wildlife populations.
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Abbas SS, Shorten T, Rushton J. Meanings and mechanisms of One Health partnerships: insights from a critical review of literature on cross-government collaborations. Health Policy Plan 2022; 37:385-399. [PMID: 34791224 PMCID: PMC8896336 DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czab134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Complex health policy challenges such as antimicrobial resistance and other emerging infections are driven by activities in multiple sectors. Therefore, addressing these also requires joint efforts from multiple sectors as exemplified in the One Health approach. We undertake a critical review to examine the different ways in which multisector partnerships have been conceptualized across multiple disciplines and thematic areas. We started with a set of six articles from the disciplines of health, nutrition and public administration that reviewed conceptual frameworks within their respective fields. We conducted backward citation tracing using the bibliography of the six articles to identify other articles in the same and related fields that conceptualized multisector partnerships. We identified 58 articles published from 1967 to 2018 from the fields of global health, infectious diseases, management, nutrition and sustainability sciences indicating that multisector partnerships have been a topic of study across different fields for several decades. A thematic analysis of the 58 articles revealed that multisector partnerships assume a variety of forms and have been described in different ways. Partnerships can be categorized by scope, scale, formality and strength. Multisector partnerships emerge in conditions of dynamic uncertainty and sector failure when the information and resources required are beyond the capacities of any individual sector. Such partnerships are inherently political in nature and subsume multiple competing agendas of collaborating actors. Sustaining collaborations over a long period of time will require collaborative approaches like One Health to accommodate competing political perspectives and include flexibility to allow multisector partnerships to respond to changing external dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed Shahid Abbas
- Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9RE, UK
- Public Health Foundation of India, Plot No. 47, Sector 44, Institutional Area Gurugram 122002, India
| | - Tim Shorten
- Independent Priory Farm, Half Moon Lane, Redgrave, Suffolk IP22 1RX, UK
| | - Jonathan Rushton
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Neston, Liverpool CH64 7TE, UK
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15
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Mubemba B, Mburu MM, Changula K, Muleya W, Moonga LC, Chambaro HM, Kajihara M, Qiu Y, Orba Y, Hayashida K, Sutcliffe CG, Norris DE, Thuma PE, Ndubani P, Chitanga S, Sawa H, Takada A, Simulundu E. Current knowledge of vector-borne zoonotic pathogens in Zambia: A clarion call to scaling-up "One Health" research in the wake of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010193. [PMID: 35120135 PMCID: PMC8849493 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although vector-borne zoonotic diseases are a major public health threat globally, they are usually neglected, especially among resource-constrained countries, including those in sub-Saharan Africa. This scoping review examined the current knowledge and identified research gaps of vector-borne zoonotic pathogens in Zambia. Methods and findings Major scientific databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, CABI, Scientific Information Database (SID)) were searched for articles describing vector-borne (mosquitoes, ticks, fleas and tsetse flies) zoonotic pathogens in Zambia. Several mosquito-borne arboviruses have been reported including Yellow fever, Ntaya, Mayaro, Dengue, Zika, West Nile, Chikungunya, Sindbis, and Rift Valley fever viruses. Flea-borne zoonotic pathogens reported include Yersinia pestis and Rickettsia felis. Trypanosoma sp. was the only tsetse fly-borne pathogen identified. Further, tick-borne zoonotic pathogens reported included Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic fever virus, Rickettsia sp., Anaplasma sp., Ehrlichia sp., Borrelia sp., and Coxiella burnetii. Conclusions This study revealed the presence of many vector-borne zoonotic pathogens circulating in vectors and animals in Zambia. Though reports of human clinical cases were limited, several serological studies provided considerable evidence of zoonotic transmission of vector-borne pathogens in humans. However, the disease burden in humans attributable to vector-borne zoonotic infections could not be ascertained from the available reports and this precludes the formulation of national policies that could help in the control and mitigation of the impact of these diseases in Zambia. Therefore, there is an urgent need to scale-up “One Health” research in emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases to enable the country to prepare for future epidemics, including pandemics. Despite vector-borne zoonoses being a major public health threat globally, they are often overlooked, particularly among resource-constrained countries in sub-Saharan Africa, including Zambia. Therefore, we reviewed the current knowledge and identified research gaps of vector-borne zoonotic pathogens in Zambia. We focussed on mosquito-, tick-, flea- and tsetse fly-borne zoonotic pathogens reported in the country. Although we found evidence of circulation of several vector-borne zoonotic pathogens among vectors, animals and humans, clinical cases in humans were rarely reported. This suggests sparse capacity for diagnosis of vector-borne pathogens in healthcare facilities in the country and possibly limited awareness and knowledge of the local epidemiology of these infectious agents. Establishment of facility-based surveillance of vector-borne zoonoses in health facilities could provide valuable insights on morbidity, disease severity, and mortalities associated with infections as well as immune responses. In addition, there is also need for increased genomic surveillance of vector-borne pathogens in vectors and animals and humans for a better understanding of the molecular epidemiology of these diseases in Zambia. Furthermore, vector ecology studies aimed at understanding the drivers of vector abundance, pathogen host range (i.e., including the range of vectors and reservoirs), parasite-host interactions and factors influencing frequency of human-vector contacts should be prioritized. The study revealed the need for Zambia to scale-up One Health research in emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases to enable the country to be better prepared for future epidemics, including pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Mubemba
- Department of Wildlife Sciences, School of Natural Resources, Copperbelt University, Kitwe, Zambia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Copperbelt University, Ndola, Zambia
| | | | - Katendi Changula
- Department of Paraclinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Walter Muleya
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Lavel C. Moonga
- Division of Collaboration and Education, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Herman M. Chambaro
- Division of Molecular Pathobiology, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Masahiro Kajihara
- Division of Global Epidemiology, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yongjin Qiu
- Division of International Research Promotion, Hokkaido University International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yasuko Orba
- Division of Molecular Pathobiology, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- International Collaboration Unit, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Kyoko Hayashida
- Division of Collaboration and Education, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- International Collaboration Unit, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Catherine G. Sutcliffe
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Douglas E. Norris
- The W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | | | | | - Simbarashe Chitanga
- Department of Paraclinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
- School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Hirofumi Sawa
- Division of Molecular Pathobiology, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- Division of International Research Promotion, Hokkaido University International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Sapporo, Japan
- International Collaboration Unit, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
- Africa Centre of Excellence for Infectious Diseases of Humans and Animals, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
- Global Virus Network, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- One Health Research Center, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Ayato Takada
- Division of Global Epidemiology, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
- Africa Centre of Excellence for Infectious Diseases of Humans and Animals, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
- * E-mail: (AT); (ES)
| | - Edgar Simulundu
- Macha Research Trust, Choma, Zambia
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
- * E-mail: (AT); (ES)
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Francisco R, Hernandez SM, Mead DG, Adcock KG, Burke SC, Nemeth NM, Yabsley MJ. Experimental Susceptibility of North American Raccoons ( Procyon lotor) and Striped Skunks ( Mephitis mephitis) to SARS-CoV-2. Front Vet Sci 2022; 8:715307. [PMID: 35097038 PMCID: PMC8790025 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.715307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent spillback events of SARS-CoV-2 from humans to animals has raised concerns about it becoming endemic in wildlife. A sylvatic cycle of SARS-CoV-2 could present multiple opportunities for repeated spillback into human populations and other susceptible wildlife. Based on their taxonomy and natural history, two native North American wildlife species -the striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) and the raccoon (Procyon lotor) -represent a high likelihood of susceptibility and ecological opportunity of becoming infected with SARS-CoV-2. Eight skunks and raccoons were each intranasally inoculated with one of two doses of the virus (103 PFU and 105 PFU) and housed in pairs. To evaluate direct transmission, a naïve animal was added to each inoculated pair 48 h post-inoculation. Four control animals of each species were handled like the experimental groups. At predetermined intervals, we collected nasal and rectal swabs to quantify virus shed via virus isolation and detect viral RNA via rRT-PCR and blood for serum neutralization. Lastly, animals were euthanized at staggered intervals to describe disease progression through histopathology and immunohistochemistry. No animals developed clinical disease. All intranasally inoculated animals seroconverted, suggesting both species are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection. The highest titers in skunks and raccoons were 1:128 and 1:64, respectively. Low quantities of virus were isolated from 2/8 inoculated skunks for up to day 5 post-inoculation, however no virus was isolated from inoculated raccoons or direct contacts of either species. Neither species had gross lesions, but recovering mild chronic pneumonia consistent with viral insult was recorded histologically in 5/8 inoculated skunks. Unlike another SARS-CoV-2 infection trial in these species, we detected neutralizing antibodies in inoculated raccoons; thus, future wildlife serologic surveillance results must be interpreted with caution. Due to the inability to isolate virus from raccoons, the lack of evidence of direct transmission between both species, and low amount of virus shed by skunks, it seems unlikely for SARS-CoV-2 to become established in raccoon and skunk populations and for virus to spillback into humans. Continued outbreaks in non-domestic species, wild and captive, highlight that additional research on the susceptibility of SARS-CoV-2 in wildlife, especially musteloidea, and of conservation concern, is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Francisco
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Sonia M. Hernandez
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Daniel G. Mead
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Kayla G. Adcock
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Sydney C. Burke
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Nicole M. Nemeth
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
- Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Michael J. Yabsley
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
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17
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Ramírez-Fráncel LA, García-Herrera LV, Losada-Prado S, Reinoso-Flórez G, Sánchez-Hernández A, Estrada-Villegas S, Lim BK, Guevara G. Bats and their vital ecosystem services: a global review. Integr Zool 2022; 17:2-23. [PMID: 34003577 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Bats play crucial ecosystem services as seed dispersers, pollinators, controllers of insects, and nutrient recyclers. However, there has not been a thorough global review evaluating these roles in bats across all biogeographical regions of the world. We reviewed the literature published during the last two decades and identified 283 relevant studies: 78 dealt with the control of potential insect pests by bats, 80 related to the suppression of other arthropods, 60 on the dispersal of native or endemic seeds, 11 dealt with the dispersal of seeds of introduced plants, 29 on the pollination of native or endemic plants, 1 study on pollination of introduced plants, and 24 on the use of guano as fertilizer. Our literature search showed that queries combining the terms "seed dispersal," "insectivorous bats," "nectarivorous bats," "use of guano," and "ecosystem services" returned 577 studies, but half were experimental in nature. We found that the evaluation of ecosystem services by bats has been mostly conducted in the Neotropical and Palearctic regions. To detect differences across relevant studies, and to explain trends in the study of ecosystem services provided by bats, we performed generalized linear mixed models (GLMM) fitted with a Poisson distribution to analyze potential differences among sampling methods. We identified 409 bat species that provide ecosystem services, 752 insect species consumed by bats and 549 plant species either dispersed or pollinated by bats. Our review summarizes the importance of conserving bat populations and the ecological services they provide, which is especially important during the current pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leidy Azucena Ramírez-Fráncel
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Biológicas & Grupo de Investigación en Zoología (GIZ), Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad del Tolima, Ibagué, Colombia.,Programa para la Conservación de los Murciélagos de Colombia, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Leidy Viviana García-Herrera
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Biológicas & Grupo de Investigación en Zoología (GIZ), Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad del Tolima, Ibagué, Colombia.,Programa para la Conservación de los Murciélagos de Colombia, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Sergio Losada-Prado
- Departamento de Biología & Grupo de Investigación en Zoología (GIZ), Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad del Tolima, Ibagué, Colombia
| | - Gladys Reinoso-Flórez
- Departamento de Biología & Grupo de Investigación en Zoología (GIZ), Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad del Tolima, Ibagué, Colombia
| | - Alfonso Sánchez-Hernández
- Departamento de Matemáticas y Estadística, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad del Tolima, Ibagué, Colombia
| | - Sergio Estrada-Villegas
- Programa para la Conservación de los Murciélagos de Colombia, Bogotá D.C., Colombia.,Yale School of the Environment, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Balboa, Republic of Panama
| | - Burton K Lim
- Department of Natural History, Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Giovany Guevara
- Departamento de Biología & Grupo de Investigación en Zoología (GIZ), Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad del Tolima, Ibagué, Colombia
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18
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Srivastava P, Dhyani S, Emmanuel MA, Khan AS. COVID-19 and environment: a poignant reminder of sustainability in the new normal. ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY (SINGAPORE) 2021; 4:649-670. [PMID: 38624923 PMCID: PMC8475439 DOI: 10.1007/s42398-021-00207-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The nexus of COVID-19 and environment is conspicuously deep-rooted. The roles of environmental factors in the origin, transmission and spread of COVID-19 and the mutual impact of the pandemic on the global environment have been the two perspectives to view this nexus. The present paper attempts to systematically review the existing literature to understand and explore the linkages of COVID-19 with environment and proposes conceptual frameworks to underline this nexus. Our study indicates a critical role of meteorological factors, ambient air pollutants and wastewater in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2) transmission-spread dynamics. The study also focuses on the direct and indirect impacts of COVID-19 on the regional and global environment. Most of the indirect environmental effects of COVID-19 were attributed to global human confinement that resulted from the implementation of the pandemic containment measures. This worldwide anthropogenic 'pause' sent ripples to all environmental compartments and presented a unique test bed to identify anthropogenic impacts on the earth's natural systems. The review further addresses emerging sustainability challenges in the new normal and their potential solutions. The situation warrants critical attention to the environment-COVID-19 nexus and innovative sustainable practices to address the ramifications of short- and long-term environmental impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Graphical abstract
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Affiliation(s)
- Prateek Srivastava
- Department of Botany, C.M.P College, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh 211002 India
| | - Shalini Dhyani
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nagpur, 440020 Maharashtra India
| | | | - Ambrina Sardar Khan
- Amity Institute of Environmental Sciences, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201303 India
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19
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Sandaa RA, Saltvedt MR, Dahle H, Wang H, Våge S, Blanc-Mathieu R, Steen IH, Grimsley N, Edvardsen B, Ogata H, Lawrence J. Adaptive evolution of viruses infecting marine microalgae (haptophytes), from acute infections to stable coexistence. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2021; 97:179-194. [PMID: 34514703 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12795] [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] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Collectively known as phytoplankton, photosynthetic microbes form the base of the marine food web, and account for up to half of the primary production on Earth. Haptophytes are key components of this phytoplankton community, playing important roles both as primary producers and as mixotrophs that graze on bacteria and protists. Viruses influence the ecology and diversity of phytoplankton in the ocean, with the majority of microalgae-virus interactions described as 'boom and bust' dynamics, which are characteristic of acute virus-host systems. Most haptophytes are, however, part of highly diverse communities and occur at low densities, decreasing their chance of being infected by viruses with high host specificity. Viruses infecting these microalgae have been isolated in the laboratory, and there are several characteristics that distinguish them from acute viruses infecting bloom-forming haptophytes. Herein we synthesise what is known of viruses infecting haptophyte hosts in the ocean, discuss the adaptive evolution of haptophyte-infecting viruses -from those that cause acute infections to those that stably coexist with their host - and identify traits of importance for successful survival in the ocean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth-Anne Sandaa
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Postbox 7803, N-5020, Bergen, Norway
| | - Marius R Saltvedt
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Postbox 7803, N-5020, Bergen, Norway
| | - Håkon Dahle
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Postbox 7803, N-5020, Bergen, Norway
| | - Haina Wang
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Postbox 7803, N-5020, Bergen, Norway
| | - Selina Våge
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Postbox 7803, N-5020, Bergen, Norway
| | - Romain Blanc-Mathieu
- Laboratoire de Physiologie Cellulaire & Végétale, CEA, Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, INRA, IRIG, Grenoble, France
| | - Ida H Steen
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Postbox 7803, N-5020, Bergen, Norway
| | - Nigel Grimsley
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, UMR 7232 Biologie Intégrative des Organismes Marins (BIOM), Observatoire Océanologique, F-66650, Banyuls-sur-Mer, France
| | - Bente Edvardsen
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Postbox 1066, N-0316, Oslo, Norway
| | - Hiroyuki Ogata
- Bioinformatics Center, Institute for Chemical Research, Kyoto University, Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto, 611-0011, Japan
| | - Janice Lawrence
- Biology Department, University of New Brunswick, PO Box 4400, Fredericton, NB, E3B 5A3, Canada
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20
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Rice BL, Douek DC, McDermott AB, Grenfell BT, Metcalf CJE. Why are there so few (or so many) circulating coronaviruses? Trends Immunol 2021; 42:751-763. [PMID: 34366247 PMCID: PMC8272969 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2021.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Despite vast diversity in non-human hosts and conspicuous recent spillover events, only a small number of coronaviruses have been observed to persist in human populations. This puzzling mismatch suggests substantial barriers to establishment. We detail hypotheses that might contribute to explain the low numbers of endemic coronaviruses, despite their considerable evolutionary and emergence potential. We assess possible explanations ranging from issues of ascertainment, historically lower opportunities for spillover, aspects of human demographic changes, and features of pathogen biology and pre-existing adaptive immunity to related viruses. We describe how successful emergent viral species must triangulate transmission, virulence, and host immunity to maintain circulation. Characterizing the factors that might shape the limits of viral persistence can delineate promising research directions to better understand the combinations of pathogens and contexts that are most likely to lead to spillover.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin L Rice
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA.
| | - Daniel C Douek
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Adrian B McDermott
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Bryan T Grenfell
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA; Princeton School of Public and International Affairs, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - C Jessica E Metcalf
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA; Princeton School of Public and International Affairs, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
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21
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Jolma ER, Gibson L, Suu-Ire RD, Fleischer G, Asumah S, Languon S, Restif O, Wood JLN, Cunningham AA. Longitudinal Secretion of Paramyxovirus RNA in the Urine of Straw-Coloured Fruit Bats ( Eidolon helvum). Viruses 2021; 13:v13081654. [PMID: 34452518 PMCID: PMC8402643 DOI: 10.3390/v13081654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The straw-coloured fruit bat (Eidolon helvum) is widespread in sub-Saharan Africa and is widely hunted for bushmeat. It is known to harbour a range of paramyxoviruses, including rubuloviruses and henipaviruses, but the zoonotic potential of these is unknown. We previously found a diversity of paramyxoviruses within a small, captive colony of E. helvum after it had been closed to contact with other bats for 5 years. In this study, we used under-roost urine collection to further investigate the paramyxovirus diversity and ecology in this colony, which had been closed to the outside for 10 years at the time of sampling. By sampling urine weekly throughout an entire year, we investigated possible seasonal patterns of shedding of virus or viral RNA. Using a generic paramyxovirus L-gene PCR, we detected eight distinct paramyxovirus RNA sequences. Six distinct sequences were detected using a Henipavirus-specific PCR that targeted a different region of the L-gene. Sequence detection had a bi-annual pattern, with the greatest peak in July, although different RNA sequences appeared to have different shedding patterns. No significant associations were detected between sequence detection and birthing season, environmental temperature or humidity, and no signs of illness were detected in any of the bats in the colony during the period of sample collection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elli Rosa Jolma
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, London NW1 4RY, UK;
- Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, UK
- Correspondence: (E.R.J.); (A.A.C.)
| | - Louise Gibson
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, London NW1 4RY, UK;
| | - Richard D. Suu-Ire
- School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 25, Legon, Accra, Ghana; (R.D.S.-I.); (G.F.)
| | - Grace Fleischer
- School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 25, Legon, Accra, Ghana; (R.D.S.-I.); (G.F.)
| | - Samuel Asumah
- Wildlife Division of Forestry Commission, P.O. Box M 239, Accra, Ghana;
| | - Sylvester Languon
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra 00233, Ghana;
| | - Olivier Restif
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0ES, UK; (O.R.); (J.L.N.W.)
| | - James L. N. Wood
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0ES, UK; (O.R.); (J.L.N.W.)
| | - Andrew A. Cunningham
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, London NW1 4RY, UK;
- Correspondence: (E.R.J.); (A.A.C.)
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22
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Shapiro JT, Víquez-R L, Leopardi S, Vicente-Santos A, Mendenhall IH, Frick WF, Kading RC, Medellín RA, Racey P, Kingston T. Setting the Terms for Zoonotic Diseases: Effective Communication for Research, Conservation, and Public Policy. Viruses 2021; 13:1356. [PMID: 34372562 PMCID: PMC8310020 DOI: 10.3390/v13071356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Many of the world's most pressing issues, such as the emergence of zoonotic diseases, can only be addressed through interdisciplinary research. However, the findings of interdisciplinary research are susceptible to miscommunication among both professional and non-professional audiences due to differences in training, language, experience, and understanding. Such miscommunication contributes to the misunderstanding of key concepts or processes and hinders the development of effective research agendas and public policy. These misunderstandings can also provoke unnecessary fear in the public and have devastating effects for wildlife conservation. For example, inaccurate communication and subsequent misunderstanding of the potential associations between certain bats and zoonoses has led to persecution of diverse bats worldwide and even government calls to cull them. Here, we identify four types of miscommunication driven by the use of terminology regarding bats and the emergence of zoonotic diseases that we have categorized based on their root causes: (1) incorrect or overly broad use of terms; (2) terms that have unstable usage within a discipline, or different usages among disciplines; (3) terms that are used correctly but spark incorrect inferences about biological processes or significance in the audience; (4) incorrect inference drawn from the evidence presented. We illustrate each type of miscommunication with commonly misused or misinterpreted terms, providing a definition, caveats and common misconceptions, and suggest alternatives as appropriate. While we focus on terms specific to bats and disease ecology, we present a more general framework for addressing miscommunication that can be applied to other topics and disciplines to facilitate more effective research, problem-solving, and public policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Teresa Shapiro
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be’er Sheva 8410501, Israel
| | - Luis Víquez-R
- Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Genomics, University of Ulm, 89069 Ulm, Germany;
| | - Stefania Leopardi
- Laboratory of Emerging Viral Zoonoses, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy;
| | - Amanda Vicente-Santos
- Graduate Program in Population Biology, Ecology and Evolution, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;
| | - Ian H. Mendenhall
- Programme in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore;
| | - Winifred F. Frick
- Bat Conservation International, Austin, TX 78746, USA;
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
| | - Rebekah C. Kading
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA;
| | - Rodrigo A. Medellín
- Institute of Ecology, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Mexico City 04510, Mexico;
| | - Paul Racey
- The Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Exeter TR10 9FE, UK;
| | - Tigga Kingston
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
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23
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Rugarabamu S, Mwanyika GO, Rumisha SF, Sindato C, Lim HY, Misinzo G, Mboera LEG. Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of selected zoonotic viral hemorrhagic fevers in Tanzania. Int J Infect Dis 2021; 109:174-181. [PMID: 34242761 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2021.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the seroprevalence of selected zoonotic viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHFs) and their associated risk factors in Tanzania. METHODS Blood samples were collected from consenting outpatients and community members in eight districts selected from five ecological zones of Tanzania. Serum was harvested and tested for the presence of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and M (IgM) antibodies against Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), Ebola virus disease (EVD), Marburg virus disease (MVD), Rift Valley fever (RVF), and yellow fever (YF). RESULTS The presence of IgM and IgG antibodies against CCHF, EVD, MVD, RVF, and YF was detected in 64 of 500 samples (12.8%). The prevalences of IgM and IgG antibodies to CCHF, EVD, MVD, RFV, and YF were 2.0%, 3.4%, 1.2%, 4.8%, and 1.4%, respectively. Contact with wild animals (OR = 1.2, CI = 1.3-1.6) and keeping goats (OR = 1.3, CI = 1.5-1.9) were significantly associated with RVF, while contact with bats (OR = 1.2, CI = 1.1-1.5) was associated with MVD. CONCLUSION The findings of this study provide evidence of exposure to CCHF, EVD, MVD, RVF, and YF in Tanzania. Since most of these VHFs occurred without apparent clinical forms of the disease, these findings call for the need to strengthen the surveillance system and management of febrile illnesses in Tanzania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sima Rugarabamu
- SACIDS Foundation for One Health, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania; Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Parasitology and Biotechnology, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania; Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
| | - Gaspary O Mwanyika
- SACIDS Foundation for One Health, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania; Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Parasitology and Biotechnology, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania; Mbeya University of Science and Technology, Mbeya, Tanzania.
| | - Susan F Rumisha
- National Institute for Medical Research, Headquarters, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Malaria Atlas Project, Geospatial Health and Development, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Western Australia.
| | - Calvin Sindato
- SACIDS Foundation for One Health, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania; National Institute for Medical Research, Tabora Research Centre, Tabora, Tanzania.
| | - Hee-Young Lim
- Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, National Institute of Health, Osong, Chungchungbukdo, Republic of Korea.
| | - Gerald Misinzo
- SACIDS Foundation for One Health, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania; Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Parasitology and Biotechnology, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania.
| | - Leonard E G Mboera
- SACIDS Foundation for One Health, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania.
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24
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Sándor AD, Mihalca AD, Domşa C, Péter Á, Hornok S. Argasid Ticks of Palearctic Bats: Distribution, Host Selection, and Zoonotic Importance. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:684737. [PMID: 34239915 PMCID: PMC8258102 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.684737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The soft ticks (Ixodida: Argasidae) are ectoparasites of terrestrial vertebrates with a wide geographic distribution, occurring on all continents. These ticks are obligate blood-feeders, most of them show high degrees of host-specialization and several species in arid and tropical regions are important parasites of livestock and men. Species commonly occurring on domestic animals and man are generally well-known, with many studies focusing on their ecology, distribution or vectorial role. However, wildlife-specialist soft ticks are less studied. Nearly half of all soft tick species are bat specialists, with five species (Carios vespertilionis, Chiropterargas boueti, Chiropterargas confusus, Reticulinasus salahi, and Secretargas transgariepinus) occurring in the Western Palearctic. There is no comprehensive study on the distribution, hosts or pathogens in these soft ticks, although most species were shown to carry several viral, bacterial, or protozoan pathogens and also to occasionally infest humans. Based on a literature survey and 1,120 distinct georeferenced records, we present here the geographical range, host selection and vectorial potential for bat-specialist soft ticks occurring in the Western Palearctic (chiefly Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East). Carios vespertilionis shows the largest distribution range and was found on most host species, being ubiquitous wherever crevice-roosting bats occur. All the other species were located only in areas with Mediterranean climate, with Ch. boueti, Chiropteraragas confusus, and R. salahi are missing entirely from Europe. These three species have a host spectrum of bats roosting primarily in caves, while S. transgariepinus and Ca. vespertilionis is feeding primarily on crevice-roosting bat species. All but one of these soft tick species are known to feed on humans and may be vectors of important disease agents (Rickettsia spp., Borrelia spp., Bartonella spp., Ehrlichia spp., Babesia spp., several nairo-, and flaviviruses). As several crevice-roosting bat species show a continuous adaptation to human-altered areas, with certain species becoming common city-dwellers in the Western Palearctic, the study of bat specialist soft ticks is also important from an epidemiologic point of view.
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Affiliation(s)
- Attila D Sándor
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.,Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Andrei Daniel Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Cristian Domşa
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Áron Péter
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Sándor Hornok
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
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25
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Dróżdż M, Krzyżek P, Dudek B, Makuch S, Janczura A, Paluch E. Current State of Knowledge about Role of Pets in Zoonotic Transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Viruses 2021; 13:1149. [PMID: 34208484 PMCID: PMC8234912 DOI: 10.3390/v13061149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pets play a crucial role in the development of human feelings, social life, and care. However, in the era of the prevailing global pandemic of COVID-19 disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), many questions addressing the routes of the virus spread and transmission to humans are dramatically emerging. Although cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection have been found in pets including dogs, cats, and ferrets, to date there is no strong evidence for pet-to-human transmission or sustained pet-to-pet transmission of SARS-CoV-2. However, an increasing number of studies reporting detection of SARS-CoV-2 in farmed minks raises suspicion of potential viral transmission from these animals to humans. Furthermore, due to the high susceptibility of cats, ferrets, minks and hamsters to COVID-19 infection under natural and/or experimental conditions, these animals have been extensively explored as animal models to study the SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and transmission. In this review, we present the latest reports focusing on SARS-CoV-2 detection, isolation, and characterization in pets. Moreover, based on the current literature, we document studies aiming to broaden the knowledge about pathogenicity and transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2, and the development of viral therapeutics, drugs and vaccines. Lastly, considering the high rate of SARS-CoV-2 evolution and replication, we also suggest routes of protection against the virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Dróżdż
- Laboratory of RNA Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustraße 6, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Paweł Krzyżek
- Department of Microbiology, Wrocław Medical University, St. T. Chałubińskiego 4, 50-376 Wrocław, Poland; (P.K.); (A.J.)
| | - Barbara Dudek
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Private Health Care Institution, St. Jana Pawła II, 41-100 Siemianowice Śląskie, Poland;
| | - Sebastian Makuch
- Department of Pathology, Wrocław Medical University, St. K. Marcinkowskiego 1, 50-368 Wrocław, Poland;
| | - Adriana Janczura
- Department of Microbiology, Wrocław Medical University, St. T. Chałubińskiego 4, 50-376 Wrocław, Poland; (P.K.); (A.J.)
| | - Emil Paluch
- Department of Microbiology, Wrocław Medical University, St. T. Chałubińskiego 4, 50-376 Wrocław, Poland; (P.K.); (A.J.)
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26
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Sánchez CA, Venkatachalam-Vaz J, Drake JM. Spillover of zoonotic pathogens: A review of reviews. Zoonoses Public Health 2021; 68:563-577. [PMID: 34018336 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Zoonotic spillover and subsequent disease emergence cause significant, long-lasting impacts on our social, economic, environmental and political systems. Identifying and averting spillover transmission is crucial for preventing outbreaks and mitigating infectious disease burdens. Investigating the processes that lead to spillover fundamentally involves interactions between animals, humans, pathogens and the environments they inhabit. Accordingly, it is recognized that transdisciplinary approaches provide a more holistic understanding of spillover phenomena. To characterize the discourse about spillover within and between disciplines, we conducted a review of review papers about spillover from multiple disciplines. We systematically searched and screened literature from several databases to identify a corpus of review papers from ten academic disciplines. We performed qualitative content analysis on text where authors described either a spillover pathway, or a conceptual gap in spillover theory. Cluster analysis of pathway data identified nine major spillover processes discussed in the review literature. We summarized the main features of each process, how different disciplines contributed to them, and identified specialist and generalist disciplines based on the breadth of processes they studied. Network analyses showed strong similarities between concepts reviewed by 'One Health' disciplines (e.g. Veterinary Science & Animal Health, Public Health & Medicine, Ecology & Evolution, Environmental Science), which had broad conceptual scope and were well-connected to other disciplines. By contrast, awas focused on processes that are relatively overlooked by other disciplines, especially those involving food behaviour and livestock husbandry practices. Virology and Cellular & Molecular Biology were narrower in scope, primarily focusing on concepts related to adaption and evolution of zoonotic viruses. Finally, we identified priority areas for future research into zoonotic spillover by studying the gap data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia A Sánchez
- Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.,Center for the Ecology of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Joy Venkatachalam-Vaz
- Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.,Center for the Ecology of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - John M Drake
- Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.,Center for the Ecology of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
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27
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Diptyanusa A, Herini ES, Indarjulianto S, Satoto TBT. The detection of Japanese encephalitis virus in Megachiropteran bats in West Kalimantan, Indonesia: A potential enzootic transmission pattern in the absence of pig holdings. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2021; 14:280-286. [PMID: 33898229 PMCID: PMC8056122 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2021.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The West Kalimantan province in Borneo island, Indonesia belongs to endemic area of Japanese encephalitis (JE) that accounts for approximately 30% of total cases yearly. As the presence of pig holdings is uncommon in West Kalimantan, another reservoir host might have played a role in the local transmission of JE virus in this area. Current study aimed to identify the potential role of bats in the local transmission of JE by performing molecular detection of JE virus in bats and mosquitoes using RT-PCR. Sample collection was performed in 3 districts in West Kalimantan, covering 3 different ecosystems: forest, coastal, and residential areas. Bat collection was performed using mist net and harp net, while mosquito collection was carried out using animal-baited trap and human landing collection. A total of 373 blood samples from bats were tested for JE virus, among which 21 samples (5.6%) showed positive results, mainly from Cynopterus brachyotis (lesser short-nosed fruit bat) found in residential areas. Out of 53 mosquito pools, 3 JE-positive pools of Culex tritaeniorhynchus and Cx. vishnui were collected at the same location as JE-positive bats. Current study showed the first evidence of JE virus detection in several species of Megachiropteran bats in Indonesia, demonstrated the potential role of frugivorous bats in local transmission of JE in West Kalimantan. More aggressive measures are required in JE risk mitigation, particularly in initiating JE vaccination campaign and in avoiding disruption of bats’ natural habitats through changes in land-use. First evidence of JE virus detection in Megachiropteran bats in Indonesia. Molecular detection of JE virus using RT-PCR instead of using antibodies. Collection of JE-positive bats and mosquitoes at the same site. Involvement of bats in JE transmission cycle in the absence of pig holdings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajib Diptyanusa
- Doctoral Study Program of Health and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia.,Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia
| | - Elisabeth Siti Herini
- Department of Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia
| | | | - Tri Baskoro Tunggul Satoto
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia
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28
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Calistri P, Decaro N, Lorusso A. SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: Not the First, Not the Last. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9020433. [PMID: 33669805 PMCID: PMC7923159 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9020433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The common trait among the betacoronaviruses that emerged during the past two decades (the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-SARS-CoV, the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus-MERS-CoV, and the recent SARS coronavirus 2-SARS-CoV-2) is their probable animal origin, all deriving from viruses present in bat species. Bats have arisen the attention of the scientific community as reservoir of emerging viruses, given their wide geographical distribution, their biological diversity (around 1400 species, 21 different families and over 200 genera), and their peculiar ecological and physiological characteristics which seem to facilitate them in harbouring a high viral diversity. Several human activities may enable the viral spill-over from bats to humans, such as deforestation, land-use changes, increased livestock grazing or intensive production of vegetal cultures. In addition, the globalization of trade and high global human mobility allow these viruses to be disseminated in few hours in many parts of the World. In order to avoid the emergence of new pandemic threats in the future we need to substantially change our global models of social and economic development, posing the conservation of biodiversity and the preservation of natural ecosystems as a pillar for the protection of global human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Calistri
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”, 64100 Teramo, Italy;
- Correspondence:
| | - Nicola Decaro
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, 70129 Bari, Italy;
| | - Alessio Lorusso
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”, 64100 Teramo, Italy;
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29
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Interface between Bats and Pigs in Heavy Pig Production. Viruses 2020; 13:v13010004. [PMID: 33375071 PMCID: PMC7822039 DOI: 10.3390/v13010004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Bats are often claimed to be a major source for future viral epidemics, as they are associated with several viruses with zoonotic potential. Here we describe the presence and biodiversity of bats associated with intensive pig farms devoted to the production of heavy pigs in northern Italy. Since chiropters or signs of their presence were not found within animal shelters in our study area, we suggest that fecal viruses with high environmental resistance have the highest likelihood for spillover through indirect transmission. In turn, we investigated the circulation of mammalian orthoreoviruses (MRVs), coronaviruses (CoVs) and astroviruses (AstVs) in pigs and bats sharing the same environment. Results of our preliminary study did not show any bat virus in pigs suggesting that spillover from these animals is rare. However, several AstVs, CoVs and MRVs circulated undetected in pigs. Among those, one MRV was a reassortant strain carrying viral genes likely acquired from bats. On the other hand, we found a swine AstV and a MRV strain carrying swine genes in bat guano, indicating that viral exchange at the bat–pig interface might occur more frequently from pigs to bats rather than the other way around. Considering the indoor farming system as the most common system in the European Union (EU), preventive measures should focus on biosecurity rather than displacement of bats, which are protected throughout the EU and provide critical ecosystem services for rural settings.
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30
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Schmiege D, Perez Arredondo AM, Ntajal J, Minetto Gellert Paris J, Savi MK, Patel K, Yasobant S, Falkenberg T. One Health in the context of coronavirus outbreaks: A systematic literature review. One Health 2020; 10:100170. [PMID: 33015306 PMCID: PMC7518973 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2020.100170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic threatens global health thereby causing unprecedented social, economic, and political disruptions. One way to prevent such a pandemic is through interventions at the human-animal-environment interface by using an integrated One Health (OH) approach. This systematic literature review documented the three coronavirus outbreaks, i.e. SARS, MERS, COVID-19, to evaluate the evolution of the OH approach, including the identification of key OH actions taken for prevention, response, and control. The OH understandings identified were categorized into three distinct patterns: institutional coordination and collaboration, OH in action/implementation, and extended OH (i.e. a clear involvement of the environmental domain). Across all studies, OH was most often framed as OH in action/implementation and least often in its extended meaning. Utilizing OH as institutional coordination and collaboration and the extended OH both increased over time. OH actions were classified into twelve sub-groups and further categorized as classical OH actions (i.e. at the human-animal interface), classical OH actions with outcomes to the environment, and extended OH actions. The majority of studies focused on human-animal interaction, giving less attention to the natural and built environment. Different understandings of the OH approach in practice and several practical limitations might hinder current efforts to achieve the operationalization of OH by combining institutional coordination and collaboration with specific OH actions. The actions identified here are a valuable starting point for evaluating the stage of OH development in different settings. This study showed that by moving beyond the classical OH approach and its actions towards a more extended understanding, OH can unfold its entire capacity thereby improving preparedness and mitigating the impacts of the next outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Schmiege
- Center for Development Research (ZEF), University of Bonn, Genscherallee 3, 53113 Bonn, Germany
- Department of Geography, University of Bonn, Meckenheimer Allee 166, 53115 Bonn, Germany
- Institute for Hygiene and Public Health, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Ana Maria Perez Arredondo
- Center for Development Research (ZEF), University of Bonn, Genscherallee 3, 53113 Bonn, Germany
- International Centre for Sustainable Development (IZNE) of the University of Applied Science Bonn Rhein-Sieg (HBRS), Grantham-Allee 20, 53757 Sankt Augustin, Germany
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Bonn, Meckenheimer Allee 174, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Joshua Ntajal
- Center for Development Research (ZEF), University of Bonn, Genscherallee 3, 53113 Bonn, Germany
- Department of Geography, University of Bonn, Meckenheimer Allee 166, 53115 Bonn, Germany
- Institute for Hygiene and Public Health, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Juliana Minetto Gellert Paris
- Center for Development Research (ZEF), University of Bonn, Genscherallee 3, 53113 Bonn, Germany
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Bonn, Meckenheimer Allee 174, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Merveille Koissi Savi
- Center for Development Research (ZEF), University of Bonn, Genscherallee 3, 53113 Bonn, Germany
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Bonn, Meckenheimer Allee 174, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Krupali Patel
- Center for Development Research (ZEF), University of Bonn, Genscherallee 3, 53113 Bonn, Germany
- Department of Geography, University of Bonn, Meckenheimer Allee 166, 53115 Bonn, Germany
- Institute for Hygiene and Public Health, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Sandul Yasobant
- Center for Development Research (ZEF), University of Bonn, Genscherallee 3, 53113 Bonn, Germany
- Global Health, Institute for Hygiene and Public Health, University of Bonn Medical Center, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Timo Falkenberg
- Center for Development Research (ZEF), University of Bonn, Genscherallee 3, 53113 Bonn, Germany
- Institute for Hygiene and Public Health, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany
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Zeus VM, Köhler A, Reusch C, Fischer K, Balkema-Buschmann A, Kerth G. Analysis of astrovirus transmission pathways in a free-ranging fission-fusion colony of Natterer’s bats (Myotis nattereri). Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-020-02932-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Bats are a diverse and widespread order of mammals. They fulfill critical ecosystem roles but may also act as reservoirs and spreaders for zoonotic agents. Consequently, many recent studies have focused on the potential of bats to spread diseases to other animals and to humans. However, virus transmission networks within bat colonies remain largely unexplored. We studied the detection rate and transmission pathway of astroviruses in a free-ranging Natterer’s bat colony (Myotis nattereri) that exhibits a high fission-fusion dynamic. Based on automatic roost monitoring data of radio-frequency identification tagged bats, we assessed the impact of the strength of an individual’s roosting associations with all other colony members (weighted degree), and the number of roost sites (bat boxes) an individual used—both being proxies for individual exposure risk—on the detected presence of astrovirus-related nucleic acid in individual swab samples. Moreover, we tested to which degree astrovirus sequence types were shared between individuals that frequently roosted together, as proxy for direct transmission risk, and between bats sharing the same roost sites in close temporal succession, as proxy for indirect transmission risk. Neither roosting associations nor the number of different roost sites had an effect on detected virus presence in individual bats. Transmission network data suggest that astroviruses are transmitted both via direct and indirect contact, implying that roost sites pose a risk of astrovirus infection for several days after the bats leave them. Our study offers novel insights in the presence and transmission of viruses within social networks of bat colonies.
Significance statement
Bats provide many ecosystem services but have moved into the focus of virological research as potential carriers of zoonotic disease agents. However, the sparse information available about virus transmission within bat colonies is solely based on simulated transmission data. In this field study, we examined the daily roosting behavior in a wild bat colony in relation to the presence of viruses in individual colony members. Our findings suggest that astroviruses are transmitted by direct contact and via contaminated roost sites. Bats typically defecate in their roost sites, and astroviruses can remain infectious in feces for several days. The here observed virus diversity and roosting behavior suggest that bats can contract astroviruses even if they use contaminated roost sites days after infected individuals have left. This study provides first-time insights in the transmission of astroviruses within bat colonies in the wild.
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Green J, Coulthard E, Norrey J, Megson D, D’Cruze N. Risky Business: Live Non-CITES Wildlife UK Imports and the Potential for Infectious Diseases. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:E1632. [PMID: 32932890 PMCID: PMC7552149 DOI: 10.3390/ani10091632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
International wildlife trade is recognised as a major transmission pathway for the movement of pathogenic organisms around the world. The UK is an active consumer of non-native live wild animals and is therefore subject to the risks posed by pathogen pollution from imported wildlife. Here, we characterise a key yet overlooked portion of the UK wildlife import market. We evaluate the trade in live non-CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) wild terrestrial animals entering the UK over a 5-year period using data reported by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). Between 2014 and 2018, over 48 million individual animals, across five taxonomic classes and 24 taxonomic orders, were imported into the UK from 90 countries across nine global regions. The largest volumes of wild animals were imported from North America and Asia, and most of the import records were from Europe and Africa. Excluding Columbiformes (pigeons) and Galliformes ('game birds'), amphibians were the most imported taxonomic class (73%), followed by reptiles (17%), mammals (4%), birds (3%), and arachnids (<1%). The records described herein provide insight into the scope and scale of non-CITES listed wildlife imported in to the UK. We describe the potential for pathogen pollution from these vast and varied wildlife imports and highlight the potential threats they pose to public health. We also draw attention to the lack of detail in the UK wildlife import records, which limits its ability to help prevent and manage introduced infectious diseases. We recommend that improved record keeping and reporting could prove beneficial in this regard.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennah Green
- World Animal Protection, 222 Gray’s Inn Rd., London WC1X 8HB, UK;
| | - Emma Coulthard
- Ecology & Environment Research Centre, Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M1 5GB, UK; (E.C.); (J.N.); (D.M.)
| | - John Norrey
- Ecology & Environment Research Centre, Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M1 5GB, UK; (E.C.); (J.N.); (D.M.)
| | - David Megson
- Ecology & Environment Research Centre, Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M1 5GB, UK; (E.C.); (J.N.); (D.M.)
| | - Neil D’Cruze
- World Animal Protection, 222 Gray’s Inn Rd., London WC1X 8HB, UK;
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of Zoology, Recanati-Kaplan Centre, University of Oxford, Tubney House, Abingdon Road, Tubney, Abingdon OX13 5QL, UK
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Olival KJ, Cryan PM, Amman BR, Baric RS, Blehert DS, Brook CE, Calisher CH, Castle KT, Coleman JTH, Daszak P, Epstein JH, Field H, Frick WF, Gilbert AT, Hayman DTS, Ip HS, Karesh WB, Johnson CK, Kading RC, Kingston T, Lorch JM, Mendenhall IH, Peel AJ, Phelps KL, Plowright RK, Reeder DM, Reichard JD, Sleeman JM, Streicker DG, Towner JS, Wang LF. Possibility for reverse zoonotic transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to free-ranging wildlife: A case study of bats. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008758. [PMID: 32881980 PMCID: PMC7470399 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic highlights the substantial public health, economic, and societal consequences of virus spillover from a wildlife reservoir. Widespread human transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) also presents a new set of challenges when considering viral spillover from people to naïve wildlife and other animal populations. The establishment of new wildlife reservoirs for SARS-CoV-2 would further complicate public health control measures and could lead to wildlife health and conservation impacts. Given the likely bat origin of SARS-CoV-2 and related beta-coronaviruses (β-CoVs), free-ranging bats are a key group of concern for spillover from humans back to wildlife. Here, we review the diversity and natural host range of β-CoVs in bats and examine the risk of humans inadvertently infecting free-ranging bats with SARS-CoV-2. Our review of the global distribution and host range of β-CoV evolutionary lineages suggests that 40+ species of temperate-zone North American bats could be immunologically naïve and susceptible to infection by SARS-CoV-2. We highlight an urgent need to proactively connect the wellbeing of human and wildlife health during the current pandemic and to implement new tools to continue wildlife research while avoiding potentially severe health and conservation impacts of SARS-CoV-2 "spilling back" into free-ranging bat populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin J. Olival
- EcoHealth Alliance, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Paul M. Cryan
- US Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, Ft. Collins, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Brian R. Amman
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Ralph S. Baric
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - David S. Blehert
- US Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Cara E. Brook
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Charles H. Calisher
- Arthropod-borne and Infectious Diseases Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Kevin T. Castle
- Wildlife Veterinary Consulting, Livermore, Colorado, United States of America
| | | | - Peter Daszak
- EcoHealth Alliance, New York, New York, United States of America
| | | | - Hume Field
- EcoHealth Alliance, New York, New York, United States of America
- Bat Conservation International, Austin, Texas, United States of America
| | - Winifred F. Frick
- School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, United States of America
| | - Amy T. Gilbert
- US Department of Agriculture, National Wildlife Research Center, Ft. Collins, Colorado, United States of America
| | - David T. S. Hayman
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Hon S. Ip
- US Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | | | - Christine K. Johnson
- One Health Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Rebekah C. Kading
- Arthropod-borne and Infectious Diseases Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Tigga Kingston
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey M. Lorch
- US Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Ian H. Mendenhall
- Programme in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore
| | - Alison J. Peel
- Environmental Futures Research Institute, Griffith University, Nathan, Australia
| | - Kendra L. Phelps
- EcoHealth Alliance, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Raina K. Plowright
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, United States of America
| | - DeeAnn M. Reeder
- Department of Biology, Bucknell University, Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | | | - Jonathan M. Sleeman
- US Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Daniel G. Streicker
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health & Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan S. Towner
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Lin-Fa Wang
- Programme in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore
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Everard M, Johnston P, Santillo D, Staddon C. The role of ecosystems in mitigation and management of Covid-19 and other zoonoses. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & POLICY 2020; 111:7-17. [PMID: 32501392 PMCID: PMC7247996 DOI: 10.1016/j.envsci.2020.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
There is rising international concern about the zoonotic origins of many global pandemics. Increasing human-animal interactions are perceived as driving factors in pathogen transfer, emphasising the close relationships between human, animal and environmental health. Contemporary livelihood and market patterns tend to degrade ecosystems and their services, driving a cycle of degradation in increasingly tightly linked socio-ecological systems. This contributes to reductions in the natural regulating capacities of ecosystem services to limit disease transfer from animals to humans. It also undermines natural resource availability, compromising measures such as washing and sanitation that may be key to managing subsequent human-to-human disease transmission. Human activities driving this degrading cycle tend to convert beneficial ecosystem services into disservices, exacerbating risks related to zoonotic diseases. Conversely, measures to protect or restore ecosystems constitute investment in foundational capital, enhancing their capacities to provide for greater human security and opportunity. We use the DPSIR (Drivers-Pressures-State change-Impact-Response) framework to explore three aspects of zoonotic diseases: (1) the significance of disease regulation ecosystem services and their degradation in the emergence of Covid-19 and other zoonotic diseases; and of the protection of natural resources as mitigating contributions to both (2) regulating human-to-human disease transfer; and (3) treatment of disease outbreaks. From this analysis, we identify a set of appropriate response options, recognising the foundational roles of ecosystems and the services they provide in risk management. Zoonotic disease risks are ultimately interlinked with biodiversity crises and water insecurity. The need to respond to the Covid-19 pandemic ongoing at the time of writing creates an opportunity for systemic policy change, placing scientific knowledge of the value and services of ecosystems at the heart of societal concerns as a key foundation for a more secure future. Rapid political responses and unprecedented economic stimuli reacting to the pandemic demonstrate that systemic change is achievable at scale and pace, and is also therefore transferrable to other existential, global-scale threats including climate change and the 'biodiversity crisis'. This also highlights the need for concerted global action, and is also consistent with the duties, and ultimately the self-interests, of developed, donor nations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Everard
- University of the West of England (UWE), Coldharbour Lane, Frenchay Campus, Bristol, BS16 1QY, UK
| | - Paul Johnston
- Greenpeace Research Laboratories, School of Biosciences, Innovation Centre Phase 2, University of Exeter, Exeter, EX4 4RN, UK
| | - David Santillo
- Greenpeace Research Laboratories, School of Biosciences, Innovation Centre Phase 2, University of Exeter, Exeter, EX4 4RN, UK
| | - Chad Staddon
- University of the West of England (UWE), Coldharbour Lane, Frenchay Campus, Bristol, BS16 1QY, UK
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MacFarlane D, Rocha R. Guidelines for communicating about bats to prevent persecution in the time of COVID-19. BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION 2020; 248:108650. [PMID: 32542058 PMCID: PMC7266771 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocon.2020.108650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
While the current COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc on human health and national economies, conservationists are struggling to prevent misguided persecution of bats, which are misleadingly being blamed for spreading the disease. Although at a global level, such persecution is relatively uncommon, even a few misguided actions have the potential to cause irrevocable damage to already vulnerable species. Here, we draw on the latest findings from psychology, to explain why some conservation messaging may be reinforcing misleading negative associations. We provide guidelines to help ensure that conservation messaging is working to neutralize dangerous and unwarranted negative-associations between bats and disease-risk. We provide recommendations around three key areas of psychological science: (i) debunking misinformation; (ii) counteracting negative associations; and (iii) changing harmful social norms. We argue that only by carefully framing accurate, honest, and duly contextualized information, will we be able to best serve society and present an unbiased perspective of bats. We hope this guidance will help conservation practitioners and researchers to develop effective message framing strategies that minimize zoonotic health risks and support biodiversity and its associated ecosystem services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas MacFarlane
- School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia, Australia
- Conservation Science Group, Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, UK
| | - Ricardo Rocha
- CIBIO/InBIO-UP, Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, University of Porto, Portugal
- CEABN-InBIO, Centre for Applied Ecology “Prof. Baeta Neves”, Institute of Agronomy, University of Lisbon, Portugal
- Corresponding author at: CIBIO-InBIO, Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, University of Porto, Rua Padre Armando Quintas, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal.
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Suwannarong K, Chanabun S, Kanthawee P, Khiewkhern S, Boonyakawee P, Suwannarong K, Saengkul C, Bubpa N, Amonsin A. Risk factors for bat contact and consumption behaviors in Thailand; a quantitative study. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:841. [PMID: 32493260 PMCID: PMC7268181 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-08968-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bats serve as an important reservoir for emerging infectious diseases. Bat contact and consumption, which persists in Asia, poses risks for the transmission of bat-borne infections. METHODS An analytical cross-sectional survey for risk factors associated with bat contact and consumption behaviors was conducted in ten provinces of Thailand from May 2016 to December 2017. A standardized questionnaire administered through face-to-face interviews was used to collect information from 626 villagers who lived in or nearby areas of high bat density. The questionnaire contained 23 independent variables related to sociodemographic, knowledge, attitudes, practices, and perceptions. RESULTS The respondents (n = 626) were 285 females and 341 males, mean age of respondents was 47.58 years-old and lived in rural setting. Our results showed that 36.42% of respondents (n1 = 228) in 10 provinces reported bat contact during the past 6 months. Furthermore, 15.34% of respondents (n2 = 96) in 9 out of 10 provinces reported of having consumed bat meat in the past 6 months. Risk factors for bat contact included sex (male) (OR = 1.56, 95% CI 1.09-2.28), educational attainment (lower than secondary school) (OR = 1.45, 95% CI 1.02-2.18), and the consideration of bats as being economically beneficial to the community (OR = 3.18, 95% CI 2.03-4.97), while agriculture-related occupation (OR = 0.54, 95% CI 0.37-0.79), knowledge that it is safe to eat bats (OR = 0.58, 95% CI 0.37-0.93), practice of allowing children to play with bats (OR = 0.65, 95% CI 0.44-0.96), and attitude of feeling safe in areas where bats live (OR = 0.56, 95% CI 0.38-0.86) were statistically significant protective factors against bat contact. Risk factors for bat consumption included sex (male) (OR = 2.48, 95% CI 1.49-4.11) and educational attainment (lower than secondary school) (OR = 2.21, 95% CI 1.27-3.85), while knowledge of whether bats are safe to eat (OR = 0.04, 95% CI 0.01-0.25), knowledge of whether there are laws pertaining to hunting bats for consumption (OR = 0.35, 95% CI 0.18-0.71), and the practice of allowing children to play with bats (OR = 0.51, 95% CI 0.31-0.81) were statistically significant protective factors against bat consumption. CONCLUSIONS This study provides a better understanding of the sociodemographic factors, knowledge, attitudes, perceptions and practices that might influence bat contact and bat consumption behaviors. Information on risk factors can be used for the development of appropriate education and communication interventions to promote proper knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding bats and bat-borne zoonotic diseases in Thailand and other areas in the Southeast Asia region with similar environmental and cultural characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanokwan Suwannarong
- Center of Excellence for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases in Animals, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sutin Chanabun
- Sirinthorn College of Public Health Khon Kaen, Ministry of Public Health, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | | | | | - Paisit Boonyakawee
- Sirinthorn College of Public Health Trang, Ministry of Public Health, Trang, Thailand
| | | | - Chutarat Saengkul
- Faculty of Public Health, Nakhon Sawan Campus, Mahidol University, Nakhon Sawan, Thailand
| | - Nisachon Bubpa
- Faculty of Nursing, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Alongkorn Amonsin
- Center of Excellence for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases in Animals, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330 Thailand
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Correia Dos Santos L, Vidotto O, Dos Santos NJR, Ribeiro J, Pellizzaro M, Dos Santos AP, Haisi A, Wischral Jayme Vieira TS, de Barros Filho IR, Cubilla MP, Araujo JP, da Costa Vieira RF, Ullmann LS, Biondo AW. Hemotropic mycoplasmas (hemoplasmas) in free-ranging bats from Southern Brazil. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2020; 69:101416. [PMID: 31931453 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2020.101416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 12/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Hemotropic mycoplasmas (hemoplasmas) are bacteria distributed worldwide and affect domestic and wildlife animals and human beings. Hemoplasmas have been described infecting hematophagous and non-hematophagous bats; however, transmission risk and zoonotic potential in vampire bats remain to be fully established. This study aimed to evaluate the presence of hemotropic mycoplasma species in free-ranging bats from this area using a universal PCR protocol for hemoplasmas. Accordingly, ten blood samples were collected from six male common vampire bats (Desmodus rotundus), two male hairy-legged vampire bats (Diphylla ecaudata), and two female non-hematophagous Pallas's mastiff bats (Molossus sp.) from the Curitiba's region, Paraná State, Southern Brazil. A total of eight (8/10) blood samples were positive byconventional PCR; five (5/6) Desmodus rotundus, two (2/2) Diphylla ecaudata, and one (1/2) Molossus sp. bats. The analyses of the partial sequence of the 16S rDNA gene suggest that the hemoplasma detected in Desmodus rotundus in South Brazil has a high identity compared to the hemoplasma circulating in vampire bats from Central and South America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonilda Correia Dos Santos
- Engineering and Exact Sciences Center, Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná, Foz do Iguaçu, PR, 85870-650, Brazil; Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Federal do Paraná, R. dos Funcionários, 1540, Curitiba, PR, 80035-050, Brazil.
| | - Odilon Vidotto
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, PR, 86057-970, Brazil.
| | | | - Juliano Ribeiro
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Av. Cel. Francisco H. dos Santos, s/n, Curitiba, PR, 81531-980, Brazil.
| | - Maysa Pellizzaro
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Federal do Paraná, R. dos Funcionários, 1540, Curitiba, PR, 80035-050, Brazil.
| | - Andrea Pires Dos Santos
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.
| | - Amanda Haisi
- Biotechnology Institute, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Al. das Tecomarias, s/n, Chácara Capão Bonito, Botucatu, SP, 18607-440, Brazil.
| | | | - Ivan Roque de Barros Filho
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Federal do Paraná, R. dos Funcionários, 1540, Curitiba, PR, 80035-050, Brazil.
| | - Michelle Pires Cubilla
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Av. Cel. Francisco H. dos Santos, s/n, Curitiba, PR, 81531-980, Brazil.
| | - João Pessoa Araujo
- Biotechnology Institute, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Al. das Tecomarias, s/n, Chácara Capão Bonito, Botucatu, SP, 18607-440, Brazil.
| | - Rafael Felipe da Costa Vieira
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Federal do Paraná, R. dos Funcionários, 1540, Curitiba, PR, 80035-050, Brazil.
| | - Leila Sabrina Ullmann
- Biotechnology Institute, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Al. das Tecomarias, s/n, Chácara Capão Bonito, Botucatu, SP, 18607-440, Brazil.
| | - Alexander Welker Biondo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Federal do Paraná, R. dos Funcionários, 1540, Curitiba, PR, 80035-050, Brazil; Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Av. Cel. Francisco H. dos Santos, s/n, Curitiba, PR, 81531-980, Brazil.
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Zhou M, Zhang N, Zhang M, Ma G. Culture, eating behavior, and infectious disease control and prevention. JOURNAL OF ETHNIC FOODS 2020; 7:40. [PMCID: PMC7686948 DOI: 10.1186/s42779-020-00076-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Humans need to obtain nutrients from foods for survival and health. Culture and belief play important roles in food selection and intake. Throughout human history, dietary factor has been one of the important factors inducing and causing outbreaks of infectious diseases. If unhealthy eating behavior, like eating raw/undercooked food or meat and products from wild animals, are not abandoned, foodborne infectious diseases will remain an important risk factor of outbreaks and epidemics. The misconception of dietary culture is one of the important factors that triggers unhealthy eating behavior. Therefore, it is vital to change people’s conceptions and knowledge about what is healthy to eat, in order to completely eliminate unhealthy eating behavior and prevent the recurrence of foodborne infectious diseases. Meanwhile, many factors such as family, society, region, and religion should be involved in.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingzhu Zhou
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Peking University, 38 Xue Yuan Road, Hai Dian District, Beijing, 100191 China
- Laboratory of Toxicological Research and Risk Assessment for Food Safety, Peking University, 38 Xue Yuan Road, Hai Dian District, Beijing, 100191 China
| | - Na Zhang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Peking University, 38 Xue Yuan Road, Hai Dian District, Beijing, 100191 China
- Laboratory of Toxicological Research and Risk Assessment for Food Safety, Peking University, 38 Xue Yuan Road, Hai Dian District, Beijing, 100191 China
| | - Man Zhang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Peking University, 38 Xue Yuan Road, Hai Dian District, Beijing, 100191 China
- Laboratory of Toxicological Research and Risk Assessment for Food Safety, Peking University, 38 Xue Yuan Road, Hai Dian District, Beijing, 100191 China
| | - Guansheng Ma
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Peking University, 38 Xue Yuan Road, Hai Dian District, Beijing, 100191 China
- Laboratory of Toxicological Research and Risk Assessment for Food Safety, Peking University, 38 Xue Yuan Road, Hai Dian District, Beijing, 100191 China
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Khan ZA, Yumnamcha T, Mondal G, Devi SD, Rajiv C, Labala RK, Sanjita Devi H, Chattoraj A. Artificial Light at Night (ALAN): A Potential Anthropogenic Component for the COVID-19 and HCoVs Outbreak. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:622. [PMID: 33013700 PMCID: PMC7511708 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The origin of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is zoonotic. The circadian day-night is the rhythmic clue to organisms for their synchronized body functions. The "development for mankind" escalated the use of artificial light at night (ALAN). In this article, we tried to focus on the possible influence of this anthropogenic factor in human coronavirus (HCoV) outbreak. The relationship between the occurrences of coronavirus and the ascending curve of the night-light has also been delivered. The ALAN influences the physiology and behavior of bat, a known nocturnal natural reservoir of many Coronaviridae. The "threatened" and "endangered" status of the majority of bat species is mainly because of the destruction of their proper habit and habitat predominantly through artificial illumination. The stress exerted by ALAN leads to the impaired body functions, especially endocrine, immune, genomic integration, and overall rhythm features of different physiological variables and behaviors in nocturnal animals. Night-light disturbs "virus-host" synchronization and may lead to mutation in the genomic part of the virus and excessive virus shedding. We also proposed some future strategies to mitigate the repercussions of ALAN and for the protection of the living system in the earth as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeeshan Ahmad Khan
- Biological Rhythm Laboratory, Animal Resources Programme, Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development, Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, Imphal, India
| | - Thangal Yumnamcha
- Biological Rhythm Laboratory, Animal Resources Programme, Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development, Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, Imphal, India
| | - Gopinath Mondal
- Biological Rhythm Laboratory, Animal Resources Programme, Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development, Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, Imphal, India
| | - Sijagurumayum Dharmajyoti Devi
- Biological Rhythm Laboratory, Animal Resources Programme, Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development, Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, Imphal, India
| | - Chongtham Rajiv
- Biological Rhythm Laboratory, Animal Resources Programme, Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development, Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, Imphal, India
| | - Rajendra Kumar Labala
- Distributed Information Sub-centre, Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development, Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, Imphal, India
- Biological Rhythm Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, Kazi Nazrul University, Asansol, India
| | - Haobijam Sanjita Devi
- Biological Rhythm Laboratory, Animal Resources Programme, Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development, Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, Imphal, India
| | - Asamanja Chattoraj
- Biological Rhythm Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, Kazi Nazrul University, Asansol, India
- *Correspondence: Asamanja Chattoraj ;
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Cai Y, Wang X, Zhang N, Li J, Gong P, He B, Zhang X. First report of the prevalence and genotype of Trypanosoma spp. in bats in Yunnan Province, Southwestern China. Acta Trop 2019; 198:105105. [PMID: 31348896 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.105105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Trypanosome is considered as one of important parasites in almost all mammalian species, which occurs in Chiroptera throughout the world. Although numerous trypanosome species have been identified in bats in Asia, Africa, South America and Europe, little is known about the genetic diversity and pathogenicity of trypanosomes in Chinese bat. Recently, some human Trypanosoma cruzi infection attributed to a bat-related T. cruzi (TcBat) from the Noctilio spp., Myotis spp. and Artibeus spp was found. Consequently, it is a necessity to know trypanosome species in bats from China. In order to determine the prevalence and genotypes in bat from southwestern China, wehere detected trypanosomes prevalence 227bat brain tissue samples, including 60 Rousettus leschenaultia, 58 Hipposideros Pomona, 69 Rhinolophus pusillus, 40 Myotis daubentonni in Yunnan Province of China using nested PCR based on 18S rRNA. 14 (6.2%) of them were trypanosmes positive including 13 insect-eating bats and 1 fruit bat. The prevalence of trypanosome in R.leschenaultia, H. Pomona, and R.pusillus was 1.67%(1/60), 6.90%(4/58) and 13.0%(9/69), respectively (P < 0.01), suggesting R. pusillus was a main-vector host bat. The positive rate of T.sp, T. dionisii, T.brucei brucei and T.sp ZY-2 was 4.8% (11/227), 0.4%(1/227), 0.4%(1/227), and 0.4% (1/227), resepectively. These results showed that T.sp-Yunnan is the predominant genospecies. To our knowledge, this is the first report about Trypanosome species in bats in Yunnan Province, southwestern China.
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Becker DJ, Washburne AD, Faust CL, Mordecai EA, Plowright RK. The problem of scale in the prediction and management of pathogen spillover. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2019; 374:20190224. [PMID: 31401958 PMCID: PMC6711304 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2019.0224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Disease emergence events, epidemics and pandemics all underscore the need to predict zoonotic pathogen spillover. Because cross-species transmission is inherently hierarchical, involving processes that occur at varying levels of biological organization, such predictive efforts can be complicated by the many scales and vastness of data potentially required for forecasting. A wide range of approaches are currently used to forecast spillover risk (e.g. macroecology, pathogen discovery, surveillance of human populations, among others), each of which is bound within particular phylogenetic, spatial and temporal scales of prediction. Here, we contextualize these diverse approaches within their forecasting goals and resulting scales of prediction to illustrate critical areas of conceptual and pragmatic overlap. Specifically, we focus on an ecological perspective to envision a research pipeline that connects these different scales of data and predictions from the aims of discovery to intervention. Pathogen discovery and predictions focused at the phylogenetic scale can first provide coarse and pattern-based guidance for which reservoirs, vectors and pathogens are likely to be involved in spillover, thereby narrowing surveillance targets and where such efforts should be conducted. Next, these predictions can be followed with ecologically driven spatio-temporal studies of reservoirs and vectors to quantify spatio-temporal fluctuations in infection and to mechanistically understand how pathogens circulate and are transmitted to humans. This approach can also help identify general regions and periods for which spillover is most likely. We illustrate this point by highlighting several case studies where long-term, ecologically focused studies (e.g. Lyme disease in the northeast USA, Hendra virus in eastern Australia, Plasmodium knowlesi in Southeast Asia) have facilitated predicting spillover in space and time and facilitated the design of possible intervention strategies. Such studies can in turn help narrow human surveillance efforts and help refine and improve future large-scale, phylogenetic predictions. We conclude by discussing how greater integration and exchange between data and predictions generated across these varying scales could ultimately help generate more actionable forecasts and interventions. This article is part of the theme issue 'Dynamic and integrative approaches to understanding pathogen spillover'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J. Becker
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
- Center for the Ecology of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Alex D. Washburne
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Christina L. Faust
- Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Raina K. Plowright
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
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Hrynick TA, Barasa V, Benschop J, Cleaveland S, Crump JA, Davis M, Mariki B, Mmbaga BT, Mtui-Malamsha N, Prinsen G, Sharp J, Sindiyo E, Swai ES, Thomas KM, Zadoks R, Waldman L. Street-level diplomacy and local enforcement for meat safety in northern Tanzania: knowledge, pragmatism and trust. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:863. [PMID: 31269927 PMCID: PMC6610827 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-7067-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With increasing demand for red meat in Tanzania comes heightened potential for zoonotic infections in animals and humans that disproportionately affect poor communities. A range of frontline government employees work to protect public health, providing services for people engaged in animal-based livelihoods (livestock owners and butchers), and enforcing meat safety and food premises standards. In contrast to literature which emphasises the inadequacy of extension support and food safety policy implementation in low- and middle-income countries, this paper foregrounds the 'street-level diplomacy' deployed by frontline actors operating in challenging contexts. METHODS This research is based on semi-structured interviews with 61 government employees, including livestock extension officers/meat inspectors and health officers, across 10 randomly-selected rural and urban wards. RESULTS Frontline actors combined formal and informal strategies including the leveraging of formal policy texts and relationships with other state employees, remaining flexible and recognising that poverty constrained people's ability to comply with health regulations. They emphasised the need to work with livestock keepers and butchers to build their knowledge to self-regulate and to work collaboratively to ensure meat safety. Remaining adaptive and being hesitant to act punitively unless absolutely necessary cultivated trust and positive relations, making those engaged in animal-based livelihoods more open to learning from and cooperating with extension officers and inspectors. This may result in higher levels of meat safety than might be the case if frontline actors stringently enforced regulations. CONCLUSION The current tendency to view frontline actors' partial enforcement of meat safety regulations as a failure obscures the creative and proactive ways in which they seek to ensure meat safety in a context of limited resources. Their application of 'street-level diplomacy' enables them to be sensitive to local socio-economic realities, to respect local social norms and expectations and to build support for health safety interventions when necessary. More explicitly acknowledging the role of trust and positive state-society relations and the diplomatic skills deployed by frontline actors as a formal part of their inspection duties offers new perspectives and enhanced understandings on the complicated nature of their work and what might be done to support them.
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Affiliation(s)
- T A Hrynick
- Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
| | - V Barasa
- Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
| | - J Benschop
- mEpiLab, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston, New Zealand
| | - S Cleaveland
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Nelson Mandela African Institute of Science and Technology, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - J A Crump
- Centre for International Health, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Tumaini University, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - M Davis
- Paul G. Allen School for Global Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, USA
| | - B Mariki
- Tanzania Chamber of Commerce - Kilimanjaro, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - B T Mmbaga
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Tumaini University, Moshi, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - N Mtui-Malamsha
- Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries Development, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - G Prinsen
- School of People, Environment and Planning, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - J Sharp
- School of Geographical and Earth Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - E Sindiyo
- Mwanga District Council Department of Livestock and Fisheries, Mwanga, Tanzania
| | - E S Swai
- Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries Development, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - K M Thomas
- Centre for International Health, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - R Zadoks
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - L Waldman
- Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK.
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Amponsah‐Mensah K, Cunningham AA, Wood JLN, Ntiamoa‐Baidu Y. Seasonal variation in food availability and relative importance of dietary items in the Gambian epauletted fruit bat ( Epomophorus gambianus). Ecol Evol 2019; 9:5683-5693. [PMID: 31160990 PMCID: PMC6540702 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.5150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Revised: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The Gambian epauletted fruit bat (Epomophorus gambianus) is very common across a variety of West African habitats, but very little information is available on its feeding ecology or its contribution to ecosystem function.We investigated seasonal variation in food availability and the relative importance of dietary items used by this species in a forest-savannah transitional ecosystem. Dietary items were identified from 1,470 samples of fecal and ejecta pellets which had been collected under day roosts or from captured bats over a 2-year period (2014-2015).Plant phenology studies illustrated strong seasonal correlations between fruiting and flowering and rainfall patterns: Fruits were available throughout the year but with peaks of abundance during the rainy season, while flowers were mostly abundant during the dry season. Epomophorus gambianus bats utilized fruit and flower resources from 30 plant species. Although the plant species used depended on seasonal availability, there were clear preferences for certain species.Flowers were an important food source for this fruit bat species especially during the dry season, contributing up to 79% of dietary items when fruit abundance was low. Ficus fruits were also important food item for E. gambianus, constituting over 40% of all dietary samples identified. Policy implications. Our results show the importance of flowers in the diet of E. gambianus and highlight this species as an important pollinator and seed disperser, including for economically and ecologically important plant species. These findings contribute to an improved understanding of the ecological importance and potential role of this species in the forest-savannah transition ecosystem for the development of fruit bat conservation management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yaa Ntiamoa‐Baidu
- Centre for African WetlandsUniversity of GhanaAccraGhana
- Department of Animal Biology and Conservation ScienceUniversity of GhanaAccraGhana
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Berger KM, Wood JLN, Jenkins B, Olsen J, Morse SS, Gresham L, Root JJ, Rush M, Pigott D, Winkleman T, Moore M, Gillespie TR, Nuzzo JB, Han BA, Olinger P, Karesh WB, Mills JN, Annelli JF, Barnabei J, Lucey D, Hayman DTS. Policy and Science for Global Health Security: Shaping the Course of International Health. Trop Med Infect Dis 2019; 4:E60. [PMID: 30974815 PMCID: PMC6631183 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed4020060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2019] [Revised: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The global burden of infectious diseases and the increased attention to natural, accidental, and deliberate biological threats has resulted in significant investment in infectious disease research. Translating the results of these studies to inform prevention, detection, and response efforts often can be challenging, especially if prior relationships and communications have not been established with decision-makers. Whatever scientific information is shared with decision-makers before, during, and after public health emergencies is highly dependent on the individuals or organizations who are communicating with policy-makers. This article briefly describes the landscape of stakeholders involved in information-sharing before and during emergencies. We identify critical gaps in translation of scientific expertise and results, and biosafety and biosecurity measures to public health policy and practice with a focus on One Health and zoonotic diseases. Finally, we conclude by exploring ways of improving communication and funding, both of which help to address the identified gaps. By leveraging existing scientific information (from both the natural and social sciences) in the public health decision-making process, large-scale outbreaks may be averted even in low-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kavita M Berger
- Gryphon Scientific, LLC, 6930 Carroll Avenue, Suite 810, Takoma Park, MD 20912, USA.
| | - James L N Wood
- Disease Dynamics Unit, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ES, UK.
| | - Bonnie Jenkins
- Brookings Institution, 1775 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036, USA.
- Women of Color Advancing Peace, Security and Conflict Transformation, 3695 Ketchum Court, Woodbridge, VA 22193, USA.
| | - Jennifer Olsen
- Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving, Georgia Southwestern State University, 800 GSW State University Drive, Americus, GA 31709, USA.
| | - Stephen S Morse
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 West 168th St., New York, NY 10032, USA.
| | - Louise Gresham
- Ending Pandemics and San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA.
| | - J Jeffrey Root
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA.
| | - Margaret Rush
- Gryphon Scientific, LLC, 6930 Carroll Avenue, Suite 810, Takoma Park, MD 20912, USA.
| | - David Pigott
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, Department of Health Metrics Sciences, University of Washington, 2301 Fifth Avenue, Suite 600, Seattle, WA 98121, USA.
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK.
| | - Taylor Winkleman
- Next Generation Global Health Security Network, Washington, DC 20001, USA.
| | - Melinda Moore
- RAND Corporation, 1200 South Hayes St., Arlington, VA 22202, USA
| | - Thomas R Gillespie
- Population Biology, Ecology, and Evolution Program, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, 1518 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
| | - Jennifer B Nuzzo
- Center for Health Security, Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21202, USA.
| | - Barbara A Han
- Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Box AB Millbrook, NY 12545, USA.
| | - Patricia Olinger
- Environmental, Health and Safety Office (EHSO), Emory University, 1762 Clifton Rd., Suite 1200, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
| | - William B Karesh
- EcoHealth Alliance, 460 West 34th Street, New York, NY 10001, USA.
| | - James N Mills
- Population Biology, Ecology, and Evolution Program, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
| | | | - Jamie Barnabei
- Plum Island Animal Disease Center, Department of Homeland Security, Greenport, NY 11944, USA.
| | - Daniel Lucey
- Department of Medicine Infectious Disease, Georgetown University, 600 New Jersey Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20001, USA.
| | - David T S Hayman
- EpiLab, Infectious Disease Research Centre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag, 11 222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand.
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Ecological Factors of Transmission, Persistence and Circulation of Pathogens In Bat Populations. FOLIA VETERINARIA 2019. [DOI: 10.2478/fv-2019-0005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The existence of bats is crucial for all ecosystem units as they fulfil numerous ecological roles. However, they are also considered to be natural reservoirs of a wide range of zoonotic microorganisms, especially viruses. In this review article we briefly summarize current knowledge about various ecological factors that facilitate bat pathogen dispersal and about the current approaches to monitoring viral communities present within bat populations. On the basis of the cited papers, we suggest that the increased focus on complex viral populations in bats and their interactions with other populations and the environment is necessary to fully comprehend the relationship between emerging infectious diseases, the environment and their toll on human health.
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Engelstädter J, Fortuna NZ. The dynamics of preferential host switching: Host phylogeny as a key predictor of parasite distribution. Evolution 2019; 73:1330-1340. [PMID: 30847894 DOI: 10.1111/evo.13716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Parasites often jump to and become established in a new host species. There is much evidence that the probability of such host shifts decreases with increasing phylogenetic distance between donor and recipient hosts, but the consequences of such preferential host switching remain little explored. We develop a computational model to investigate the dynamics of parasite host shifts in the presence of this phylogenetic distance effect. In this model, a clade of parasites evolves on an evolving clade of host species where parasites can cospeciate with their hosts, switch to new hosts, speciate within hosts or become extinct. Our model predicts that host phylogenies are major determinants of parasite distributions across trees. In particular, we predict that trees consisting of few large clades of host species and those with fast species turnover should harbor more parasites than trees with many small clades and those that diversify more slowly. Within trees, large clades are predicted to exhibit a higher fraction of infected species than small clades. We discuss our results in the light of recent cophylogenetic studies in a wide range of host-parasite systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Engelstädter
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Nicole Z Fortuna
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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Siya A, Bazeyo W, Tuhebwe D, Tumwine G, Ezama A, Manirakiza L, Kugonza DR, Rwego IB. Lowland grazing and Marburg virus disease (MVD) outbreak in Kween district, Eastern Uganda. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:136. [PMID: 30704427 PMCID: PMC6357374 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-6477-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Uganda is one of the few countries in Africa that has been experiencing outbreaks of viral hemorrhagic fevers such as Ebola, Marburg and Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fevers. In 2017 Uganda experienced a Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) outbreak with case fatality rate of 100% in Kween district. Although hunting for wild meat was linked to the MVD outbreak in Kween district, less was reported on the land use changes, especially the changing animal grazing practices in Kween district. METHODS Through Makerere University One Health graduate fellowship program with attachment to Uganda Red Cross Society, a study was conducted among the agricultural communities to elucidate the risk behaviors in Kween district that can be linked to the 2017 Marburg disease outbreak. RESULTS Results show that although a few elderly participants ascribed fatal causes (disobedience to gods, ancestors, and evil spirits) to the MVD outbreak during FGDs, majority of participants linked MVD to settling in caves (inhabited by Fruit Bats) during wet season as upper belts are extensively used for crop production leaving little space for animal grazing. Members also noted side activities like hunting for wild meat during this grazing period that could have predisposed them to Marburg Virus. CONCLUSIONS There is need to integrate One Health concepts within agricultural extension service provision in Uganda so as to enhance the management of such infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aggrey Siya
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
- One Health Central and Eastern Africa, Kampala, Uganda
| | - William Bazeyo
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
- One Health Central and Eastern Africa, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Doreen Tuhebwe
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
- One Health Central and Eastern Africa, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Gabriel Tumwine
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
- One Health Central and Eastern Africa, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Arnold Ezama
- Uganda Red Cross Society, P.O. Box 494, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Leonard Manirakiza
- The National Pharmacovigilance Center, National Drug Authority, P.O. Box 23096, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Donald R. Kugonza
- College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Innocent B. Rwego
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN USA
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Lawson ET, Ayivor JS, Ohemeng F, Ntiamoa-Baidu Y. Avoiding bites and scratches? Understanding the public health implication of human-bat interactions in Ghana. Zoonoses Public Health 2018; 66:108-116. [PMID: 30430752 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2018] [Revised: 10/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Zoonotic pathogens cause an estimated 70% of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases in humans, affecting various aspects of human development on a global scale. The significance of bats as a source of emerging infectious diseases is being progressively appreciated. This study was undertaken post-Ebola virus disease in West Africa and assessed the public health implications of human-bat interactions by exploring the reasons for contact between humans and bats, as well as reported actions taken upon experiencing bat bites or scratches. The paper highlights the nuances of human-bat interactions, stressing zoonotic disease risk awareness as well as the sources of information. The study used questionnaires to solicit information from 788 respondents in five communities with significant bat populations. We show that bat consumption was one of the main reasons for human-bat interactions. More men across the various communities ate bat meat. Only a small number of respondents (4.4%) reported being bitten by a bat, and 6.1% had been scratched by a bat. More than 21% had come into direct contact with bat blood. An even lower number went to the hospital after been bitten or scratched by bats. There was little knowledge on post-exposure management. The most common places human-bat interactions occurred were at home and on farms. Seventy-three per cent of the respondents believed that bats carried diseases, with Ebola virus disease being the most mentioned. Respondents indicated that the way they interacted with bats had not changed, even though they believed bats carried diseases and 46% stated that they had not changed the way they interacted with bats over the last two years. Apart from providing information on avoiding bites and scratches, a more holistic framework is needed to reduce human-bat interactions. The paper recommends a comprehensive and coordinated approach to optimizing an effective response to a potential bat-borne zoonotic disease spillover.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine T Lawson
- Institute for Environment and Sanitation Studies (IESS), College of Basic and Applied, Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Jesse S Ayivor
- Institute for Environment and Sanitation Studies (IESS), College of Basic and Applied, Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Fidelia Ohemeng
- Department of Sociology, School of Social Sciences, College of Humanities, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Yaa Ntiamoa-Baidu
- Centre for African Wetlands, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.,Department of Animal Biology and Conservation Science, College of Basic and Applied, Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
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Crockford CN, Dean AJ, Reid S, Dean JH. Conservation Values and Risk of Handling Bats: Implications for One Health Communication. ECOHEALTH 2018; 15:682-687. [PMID: 30088184 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-018-1356-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Revised: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Flying-foxes provide critical ecosystem services, but their role as hosts to zoonotic pathogens may undermine conservation support. We surveyed 214 residents of Cairns, Australia, regarding their perceptions about health risks associated with flying-foxes and support for flying-fox conservation. Greater likelihood of handling a flying-fox was associated with lower knowledge about risks, greater conservation support, and environmental organization membership. Respondents less likely to seek medical attention after a minor scratch tended to be younger, unemployed and perceive lower risk. Individuals who support flying-fox conservation should be one group targeted in One Health communication integrating health and conservation messages.
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Affiliation(s)
- C N Crockford
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4006, Australia
| | - A J Dean
- School of Communication and Arts, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Environmental Decisions, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - S Reid
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4006, Australia
| | - J H Dean
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4006, Australia.
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Becker DJ, Bergner LM, Bentz AB, Orton RJ, Altizer S, Streicker DG. Genetic diversity, infection prevalence, and possible transmission routes of Bartonella spp. in vampire bats. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006786. [PMID: 30260954 PMCID: PMC6159870 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Bartonella spp. are globally distributed bacteria that cause endocarditis in humans and domestic animals. Recent work has suggested bats as zoonotic reservoirs of some human Bartonella infections; however, the ecological and spatiotemporal patterns of infection in bats remain largely unknown. Here we studied the genetic diversity, prevalence of infection across seasons and years, individual risk factors, and possible transmission routes of Bartonella in populations of common vampire bats (Desmodus rotundus) in Peru and Belize, for which high infection prevalence has previously been reported. Phylogenetic analysis of the gltA gene for a subset of PCR-positive blood samples revealed sequences that were related to Bartonella described from vampire bats from Mexico, other Neotropical bat species, and streblid bat flies. Sequences associated with vampire bats clustered significantly by country but commonly spanned Central and South America, implying limited spatial structure. Stable and nonzero Bartonella prevalence between years supported endemic transmission in all sites. The odds of Bartonella infection for individual bats was unrelated to the intensity of bat flies ectoparasitism, but nearly all infected bats were infested, which precluded conclusive assessment of support for vector-borne transmission. While metagenomic sequencing found no strong evidence of Bartonella DNA in pooled bat saliva and fecal samples, we detected PCR positivity in individual saliva and feces, suggesting the potential for bacterial transmission through both direct contact (i.e., biting) and environmental (i.e., fecal) exposures. Further investigating the relative contributions of direct contact, environmental, and vector-borne transmission for bat Bartonella is an important next step to predict infection dynamics within bats and the risks of human and livestock exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J. Becker
- Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
- Center for the Ecology of Infectious Disease, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of Ameirca
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, United States of America
| | - Laura M. Bergner
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Alexandra B. Bentz
- Department of Poultry Science, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Richard J. Orton
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- MRC–University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Sonia Altizer
- Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
- Center for the Ecology of Infectious Disease, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of Ameirca
| | - Daniel G. Streicker
- Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- MRC–University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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