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Brandão M, Marques L, Villela RV, Trilles L, Vivoni A, Siqueira M, Ogrzewalska M, Gomes HM, Moreira L, Magalhães MGP, Prado T, Parente TE, Duarte GF, Cruz M, Miagostovich M, Chame M, Soares SP, Degrave W. Fiocruz in Antarctica - health and environmental surveillance facing the challenges of the 21st century. AN ACAD BRAS CIENC 2024; 96:e20230742. [PMID: 38896600 DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765202420230742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
FioAntar, FIOCRUZ's research project in Antarctica, is based on the One Health approach. FioAntar aims to generate relevant information that will help reduce the risk of future pandemics and improve the search for chemical compounds and new biological molecules. After four expeditions to Antarctica under the scope of PROANTAR, Fiocruz has identified Influenza H11N2 virus in environmental fecal samples, as well as Histoplasma capsulatum and Bacillus cereus in soil samples. In addition, in a prospective virome analysis from different lakes in the South Shetland Islands, six viral orders were described, supporting future research related to the biodiversity and viral ecology in this extreme ecosystem. Our findings of environmental pathogens of public health importance are a warning about the urgency of establishing a surveillance agenda on zoonoses in Antarctica due to the imminent risks that ongoing environmental and climate changes impose on human health across the planet. FioAntar strives to establish a comprehensive surveillance program across Antarctica, monitoring circulation of pathogens with the potential to transcend continent boundaries, thereby mitigating potential spread. For Fiocruz, Antarctica signifies a new frontier, teeming with opportunities to explore novel techniques, refine established methodologies, and cultivate invaluable knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha Brandão
- Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Vice-Presidency of Production and Innovation in Health, Av. Brasil, 4365, Manguinhos, 21040-360 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Lúcia Marques
- Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Global Health Center, Presidency, Av. Brasil, 4365, Manguinhos, 21040-360 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Roberto V Villela
- Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Laboratory of Biology and Parasitology of Wild Mammals Reservoirs, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Av. Brasil, 4365, Manguinhos, 21040-360 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Luciana Trilles
- Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Laboratory of Mycology, Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectology, Av. Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, 21040-360 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Adriana Vivoni
- Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratory of Bacteriology Applied to Single Health and Antimicrobial Resistance, Center for Research, Innovation and Surveillance in Covid-19 and Health Emergencies, Bl 2, sl 2-102, Av Brasil, 4036, Manguinhos, 21040-361 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Marilda Siqueira
- Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Laboratory of Respiratory, Exanthematic, Enteric viruses and Viral Emergencies, Av. Brasil, 4365, Manguinhos, 21040-360 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Maria Ogrzewalska
- Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Laboratory of Respiratory, Exanthematic, Enteric viruses and Viral Emergencies, Av. Brasil, 4365, Manguinhos, 21040-360 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Harrisson M Gomes
- Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Laboratory of Molecular Biology applied to Mycobacteria, Av. Brasil, 4365, Manguinhos, 21040-360 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Lucas Moreira
- Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Laboratory of Mycology, Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectology, Av. Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, 21040-360 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Maithe G P Magalhães
- Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Laboratory of Applied Genomics and Bioinnovation - LAGABI, Av. Brasil, 4365, Manguinhos, 21040-360 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Tatiana Prado
- Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Laboratory of Respiratory, Exanthematic, Enteric viruses and Viral Emergencies, Av. Brasil, 4365, Manguinhos, 21040-360 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Thiago E Parente
- Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Laboratory of Applied Genomics and Bioinnovation - LAGABI, Av. Brasil, 4365, Manguinhos, 21040-360 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Gabriela F Duarte
- Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Laboratory of Applied Genomics and Bioinnovation - LAGABI, Av. Brasil, 4365, Manguinhos, 21040-360 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Pedro Calmon, 550, Cidade Universitária, 21941-901 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Matheus Cruz
- Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Social Communication Coordination, Presidency, Av. Brasil, 4365, Manguinhos, 21040-360 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Marize Miagostovich
- Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Laboratory of Comparative and Environmental Virology, Av. Brasil, 4365, Manguinhos, 21040-360 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Marcia Chame
- Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Information Center on Wilderness Health and the Institutional Platform Biodiversity and Wilderness Health - Pibss/Fiocruz, Av. Brasil, 4365, Manguinhos, 21040-360 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Sandra P Soares
- Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Vice-Presidency of Production and Innovation in Health, Av. Brasil, 4365, Manguinhos, 21040-360 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Wim Degrave
- Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Laboratory of Applied Genomics and Bioinnovation - LAGABI, Av. Brasil, 4365, Manguinhos, 21040-360 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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Luong T, Nguyen TD, Lu VT, Metrailer MC, Pham VK, Hoang TTH, Hung Tran TM, Pham TH, Pham TL, Pham QT, Blackburn JK. Spatial epidemiology of human anthrax in Son La province, Vietnam, 2003-2022. Zoonoses Public Health 2024; 71:392-401. [PMID: 38282103 DOI: 10.1111/zph.13112] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
AIMS Anthrax is reported with frequency but poorly understood in Southeast Asian countries including Vietnam. In Vietnam, anthrax surveillance is national. However, case detection, prevention, and control are implemented locally at the provincial level. Here, we describe the epidemiological characteristics, identify spatial clusters of human anthrax, and compare the variation in livestock anthrax vaccine coverage to disease incidence in humans and livestock using historical data in Son La province, Vietnam (2003-2020). METHODS AND RESULTS Most human cases occurred between April and September. Most of the patients were male, aged 15-54 years old. The human cases were mainly reported by public district hospitals. There was a delay between disease onset and hospitalization of ~5 days. We identified spatial clusters of high-high incidence communes in the northern communes of the province using the local Moran's I statistic. The vaccine coverage sharply decreased across the study period. The province reported sporadic human anthrax outbreaks, while animal cases were only reported in 2005 and 2022. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest underreporting for human and livestock anthrax in the province. Intersectoral information sharing is needed to aid livestock vaccination planning, which currently relies on reported livestock cases. The spatial clusters identify areas for targeted surveillance and livestock vaccination, while the seasonal case data suggest prioritizing vaccination campaigns for February or early March ahead of the April peak. A regional approach for studying the role of livestock trading between Son La and neighbouring provinces in anthrax occurrence is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tan Luong
- Spatial Epidemiology and Ecology Research Laboratory (SEER Lab), Department of Geography, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Tien Dung Nguyen
- Son La Provincial Center for Disease Control, Son La City, Son La Province, Vietnam
| | - Van Truong Lu
- Son La Provincial Sub-Department of Animal Husbandry, Animal Health and Fisheries, Son La City, Son La Province, Vietnam
| | - Morgan C Metrailer
- Spatial Epidemiology and Ecology Research Laboratory (SEER Lab), Department of Geography, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Van Khang Pham
- National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | | | | | - Thanh Hai Pham
- National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Thanh Long Pham
- Department of Animal Health, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Quang Thai Pham
- National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Hanoi, Vietnam
- School of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Jason K Blackburn
- Spatial Epidemiology and Ecology Research Laboratory (SEER Lab), Department of Geography, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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Fairholm JD, James R, Lavering ED, Ogilvie BH, Thurgood TL, Robison RA, Grose JH. Genome sequences of 13 Bacillus anthracis Sterne bacteriophages isolated from soil in the western United States. Microbiol Resour Announc 2024; 13:e0020723. [PMID: 38032238 DOI: 10.1128/mra.00207-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacillus anthracis, classified as a Tier 1 Select Agent by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is the causative agent of anthrax in both humans and livestock. Herein, we report the full genome sequences of 13 bacteriophages that infect B. anthracis Sterne. These phages are grouped into four clusters and are similar to previously described Bacillus phages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob D Fairholm
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University , Provo, Utah, USA
| | - Rebecca James
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University , Provo, Utah, USA
| | - Emily D Lavering
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University , Provo, Utah, USA
| | - Benjamin H Ogilvie
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University , Provo, Utah, USA
| | - Trever L Thurgood
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University , Provo, Utah, USA
| | - Richard A Robison
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University , Provo, Utah, USA
| | - Julianne H Grose
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University , Provo, Utah, USA
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Wang S, Suluku R, Jalloh MB, Samba AF, Jiang B, Xie Y, Harding D, Zhang M, Sahr F, Sesay ME, Squire JS, Vandi MA, Kallon MN, Zhang S, Hu R, Zhao Y, Mi Z. Molecular characterization of an outbreak-involved Bacillus anthracis strain confirms the spillover of anthrax from West Africa. Infect Dis Poverty 2024; 13:6. [PMID: 38221635 PMCID: PMC10788998 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-023-01172-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anthrax, a zoonotic disease caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis, remains a major global public health concern, especially in countries with limited resources. Sierra Leone, a West African country historically plagued by anthrax, has almost been out of report on this disease in recent decades. In this study, we described a large-scale anthrax outbreak affecting both animals and humans and attempted to characterize the pathogen using molecular techniques. METHODS The causative agent of the animal outbreak in Port Loko District, Sierra Leone, between March and May 2022 was identified using the nanopore sequencing technique. A nationwide active surveillance was implemented from May 2022 to June 2023 to monitor the occurrence of anthrax-specific symptoms in humans. Suspected cases were subsequently verified using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Full-genome sequencing was accomplished by combining long-read and short-read sequencing methods. Subsequent phylogenetic analysis was performed based on the full-chromosome single nucleotide polymorphisms. RESULTS The outbreak in Port Loko District, Sierra Leone, led to the death of 233 animals between March 26th and May 16th, 2022. We ruled out the initial suspicion of Anaplasma species and successfully identified B. anthracis as the causative agent of the outbreak. As a result of the government's prompt response, out of the 49 suspected human cases identified during the one-year active surveillance, only 6 human cases tested positive, all within the first month after the official declaration of the outbreak. The phylogenetic analysis indicated that the BaSL2022 isolate responsible for the outbreak was positioned in the A.Br.153 clade within the TransEuroAsian group of B. anthracis. CONCLUSIONS We successfully identified a large-scale anthrax outbreak in Sierra Leone. The causative isolate of B. anthracis, BaSL2022, phylogenetically bridged other lineages in A.Br.153 clade and neighboring genetic groups, A.Br.144 and A.Br.148, eventually confirming the spillover of anthrax from West Africa. Given the wide dissemination of B. anthracis spores, it is highly advisable to effectively monitor the potential reoccurrence of anthrax outbreaks and to launch campaigns to improve public awareness regarding anthrax in Sierra Leone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuchao Wang
- Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China
| | - Roland Suluku
- Department of Animal Sciences, School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Njala University, Njala, Sierra Leone.
| | - Mohamed B Jalloh
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Ahmed F Samba
- Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Baogui Jiang
- Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, 20 East Street, Fengtai District, Beijing, China
| | - Yubiao Xie
- Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China
| | - Doris Harding
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | | | - Foday Sahr
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Mahmud E Sesay
- Department of Animal Sciences, School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Njala University, Njala, Sierra Leone
| | - James S Squire
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | | | - Moinina N Kallon
- Department of Animal Sciences, School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Njala University, Njala, Sierra Leone
| | - Shoufeng Zhang
- Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China
| | - Rongliang Hu
- Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China
| | - Yuee Zhao
- Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, 20 East Street, Fengtai District, Beijing, China.
| | - Zhiqiang Mi
- Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, 20 East Street, Fengtai District, Beijing, China.
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5
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Liang T, Chen J, Rui Y, Hexi L. The designation, synthesis, and affinity determination of affinity peptide for anthrax protective antigen. Chem Biol Drug Des 2023; 102:669-675. [PMID: 37286890 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.14280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Detection of anthrax protective antigen is an effective way to diagnose anthracnose, and it plays an important part in the treatment of anthracnose. Affinity peptides, as a miniature biological recognition element, can quickly and effectively detect anthrax protective antigens. Based on computer-aided design technology (CAD), we have herein developed an affinity peptide design strategy for the detection of anthrax protective antigens. Firstly, six high-value mutation sites were determined based on the molecular docking between the template peptide and the receptor, and then the multi-site mutation of amino acids was carried out in order to establish a virtual peptide library. The library was selected by using molecular dynamics simulation and the best designed affinity peptide (code: P24) was found. The theoretical affinity with P24 peptide has increased by 19.8% compared with template peptide. Finally, the affinity with P24 peptide was measured by SPR technology to reach the nanomole level, which verified the effectiveness of the design strategy. The newly designed affinity peptide is expected to be used in the diagnosis of anthracnose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Liang
- The Institute of NBC Defense PLA Army, Beijing, China
| | - Jingfei Chen
- The Institute of NBC Defense PLA Army, Beijing, China
- Unit No. 32169 of PLA, Tibet, China
| | - Yan Rui
- The Institute of NBC Defense PLA Army, Beijing, China
| | - Li Hexi
- Unit No. 31666 of PLA, Wuwei, Gansu, China
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Sardar N, Aziz MW, Mukhtar N, Yaqub T, Anjum AA, Javed M, Ashraf MA, Tanvir R, Wolfe AJ, Schabacker DS, Forrester S, Khemmani M, Aqel AA, Warraich MA, Shabbir MZ. One Health Assessment of Bacillus anthracis Incidence and Detection in Anthrax-Endemic Areas of Pakistan. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2462. [PMID: 37894120 PMCID: PMC10609008 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11102462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Anthrax, a severe zoonotic disease, is infrequently reported in anthrax-endemic regions of Pakistan. Despite clinical reports indicating its presence, particularly cutaneous anthrax, there is insufficient laboratory evidence regarding disease occurrence and environmental persistence. The present study aimed to confirm Bacillus anthracis presence, accountable for animal mortality and human infection, while exploring environmental transmission factors. Between March 2019 and July 2021, a total of 19 outbreaks were documented. Of these, 11 affected sheep/goats in Zhob district and 8 affected cattle/sheep in Bajour Agency. Clinical signs suggestive of Bacillus anthracis outbreak were observed in 11 animals. Blood and swab samples were collected for confirmation. The study followed a One Health approach, analyzing animal, environmental (soil/plant), and human samples. Of the 19 outbreaks, 11 were confirmed positive for anthrax based on growth characteristics, colony morphology, and PCR. Soil and plant root samples from the outbreak areas were collected and analyzed microscopically and molecularly. Cutaneous anthrax was observed in six humans, and swab samples were taken from the lesions. Human serum samples (n = 156) were tested for IgG antibodies against PA toxin and quantitative analysis of anthrax toxin receptor 1 (ANTXR1). Bacillus anthracis was detected in 65 out of 570 (11.40%) soil samples and 19 out of 190 (10%) plant root samples from the outbreak areas. Four out of six human samples from cutaneous anthrax lesions tested positive for Bacillus anthracis. Human anthrax seroprevalence was found to be 11% and 9% in two districts, with the highest rates among butchers and meat consumers. The highest ANTXR1 levels were observed in butchers, followed by meat consumers, farm employees, meat vendors, veterinarians, and farm owners. These findings highlight the persistence of anthrax in the region and emphasize the potential public health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nageen Sardar
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan; (N.S.); (M.J.); (M.A.A.); (R.T.); (M.Z.S.)
- Department of Microbiology, University of Jhang, Jhang 35200, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Waqar Aziz
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan; (N.S.); (M.J.); (M.A.A.); (R.T.); (M.Z.S.)
- Department of Microbiology, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur 63100, Pakistan
| | - Nadia Mukhtar
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan; (N.S.); (M.J.); (M.A.A.); (R.T.); (M.Z.S.)
| | - Tahir Yaqub
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan; (N.S.); (M.J.); (M.A.A.); (R.T.); (M.Z.S.)
| | - Aftab Ahmad Anjum
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan; (N.S.); (M.J.); (M.A.A.); (R.T.); (M.Z.S.)
| | - Maryam Javed
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan; (N.S.); (M.J.); (M.A.A.); (R.T.); (M.Z.S.)
| | - Muhammad Adnan Ashraf
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan; (N.S.); (M.J.); (M.A.A.); (R.T.); (M.Z.S.)
| | - Rabia Tanvir
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan; (N.S.); (M.J.); (M.A.A.); (R.T.); (M.Z.S.)
| | - Alan J. Wolfe
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL 60660, USA; (A.J.W.)
| | | | | | - Mark Khemmani
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL 60660, USA; (A.J.W.)
| | - Amin A. Aqel
- Faculty of Medicine, Mutah University, Al-Karak 61710, Jordan;
| | - Muhammad Akib Warraich
- Department of Marketing, Rennes School of Business, CS 76522, 2 Rue Robert d’Arbrissel, 35065 Rennes Cedex, France;
| | - Muhammad Zubair Shabbir
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan; (N.S.); (M.J.); (M.A.A.); (R.T.); (M.Z.S.)
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7
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Norris MH, Zincke D, Daegling DJ, Krigbaum J, McGraw WS, Kirpich A, Hadfield TL, Blackburn JK. Genomic and Phylogenetic Analysis of Bacillus cereus Biovar anthracis Isolated from Archival Bone Samples Reveals Earlier Natural History of the Pathogen. Pathogens 2023; 12:1065. [PMID: 37624025 PMCID: PMC10457788 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12081065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Bacillus cereus biovar anthracis (Bcbva) was the causative agent of an anthrax-like fatal disease among wild chimpanzees in 2001 in Côte d'Ivoire. Before this, there had not been any description of an anthrax-like disease caused by typically avirulent Bacillus cereus. Genetic analysis found that B. cereus had acquired two anthrax-like plasmids, one a pXO1-like toxin producing plasmid and the other a pXO2-like plasmid encoding capsule. Bcbva caused animal fatalities in Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Central African Republic between 2004 and 2012. (2) Methods: The pathogen had acquired plasmids in the wild and that was discovered as the cause of widespread animal fatalities in the early 2000s. Primate bones had been shipped out of the endemic zone for anthropological studies prior to the realized danger of contamination with Bcbva. Spores were isolated from the bone fragments and positively identified as Bcbva. Strains were characterized by classical microbiological methods and qPCR. Four new Bcbva isolates were whole-genome sequenced. Chromosomal and plasmid phylogenomic analysis was performed to provide temporal and spatial context to these new strains and previously sequenced Bcbva. Tau and principal component analyses were utilized to identify genetic and spatial case patterns in the Taï National Park anthrax zone. (3) Results: Preliminary studies positively identified Bcbva presence in several archival bone fragments. The animals in question died between 1994 and 2010. Previously, the earliest archival strains of Bcbva were identified in 1996. Though the pathogen has a homogeneous genome, spatial analyses of a subset of mappable isolates from Taï National Park revealed strains found closer together were generally more similar, with strains from chimpanzees and duikers having the widest distribution. Ancestral strains were located mostly in the west of the park and had lower spatial clustering compared to more recent isolates, indicating a local increase in genetic diversity of Bcbva in the park over space and time. Global clustering analysis indicates patterns of genetic diversity and distance are shared between the ancestral and more recently isolated type strains. (4) Conclusions: Our strains have the potential to unveil historical genomic information not available elsewhere. This information sheds light on the evolution and emergence of a dangerous anthrax-causing pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael H. Norris
- Spatial Epidemiology & Ecology Research Laboratory, Department of Geography, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; (M.H.N.); (D.Z.); (T.L.H.)
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Diansy Zincke
- Spatial Epidemiology & Ecology Research Laboratory, Department of Geography, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; (M.H.N.); (D.Z.); (T.L.H.)
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - David J. Daegling
- Department of Anthropology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; (D.J.D.); (J.K.)
| | - John Krigbaum
- Department of Anthropology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; (D.J.D.); (J.K.)
| | - W. Scott McGraw
- Department of Anthropology, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA;
| | - Alexander Kirpich
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30302, USA;
| | - Ted L. Hadfield
- Spatial Epidemiology & Ecology Research Laboratory, Department of Geography, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; (M.H.N.); (D.Z.); (T.L.H.)
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Jason K. Blackburn
- Spatial Epidemiology & Ecology Research Laboratory, Department of Geography, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; (M.H.N.); (D.Z.); (T.L.H.)
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
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8
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Mattoo R, Mallikarjuna S. Soil microbiome influences human health in the context of climate change. Future Microbiol 2023; 18:845-859. [PMID: 37668469 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2023-0098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Soil microbiomes continue to evolve and shape the human microbiota according to external anthropogenic and climate change effects. Ancient microbes are being exposed as a result of glacier melting, soil erosion and poor agricultural practices. Soil microbes subtly regulate greenhouse gas emissions and undergo profound alterations due to poor soil maintenance. This review highlights how the soil microbiome influences human digestion processes, mineral and vitamin production, mental health and mood stimulation. Although much about microbial functions remains unknown, increasing evidence suggests that beneficial soil microbes are vital for enhancing human tolerance to diseases and pathogens. Further research is essential to delineate the specific role of the soil microbiome in promoting human health, especially in light of the increasing anthropogenic pressures and changing climatic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohini Mattoo
- Divecha Center for Climate Change, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560038, India
| | - Suman Mallikarjuna
- Divecha Center for Climate Change, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560038, India
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9
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Nishanth MAD, Gourkhede D, Paidipally L, Borse R, Pollumahanti N, Nair A, Kiranmayee B, Malik SVS, Barbuddhe SB, Rawool DB. Comparative evaluation of in-house developed latex agglutination test (LAT) with World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) -recommended methods for the detection of Bacillus anthracis spores from the soil. J Microbiol Methods 2023; 211:106778. [PMID: 37394181 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2023.106778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
In-house developed Bacillus anthracis-specific synthetic peptide-based latex agglutination test (LAT) assay was comparatively evaluated with World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)-recommended polymerase chain reaction (PCR)/real-time PCR (qPCR) methods for the screening of B. anthracis spores from the soil to provide a simple, rapid, and economical immunodiagnostic test for field application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Anto Dani Nishanth
- ICAR- National Meat Research Institute, Hyderabad 500 092, India; Division of Veterinary Public Health, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar 243 122, India
| | - Diksha Gourkhede
- Division of Veterinary Public Health, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar 243 122, India
| | | | - Rushikesh Borse
- Division of Veterinary Public Health, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar 243 122, India
| | | | - Amruta Nair
- ICAR- National Meat Research Institute, Hyderabad 500 092, India
| | - Bhimavarapu Kiranmayee
- Division of Veterinary Public Health, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar 243 122, India
| | - Satya Veer Singh Malik
- Division of Veterinary Public Health, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar 243 122, India
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Liang T, Chen J, Yan R, Jiang H, Li H. Research on Detection of Ultra-Low Concentration Anthrax Protective Antigen Using Graphene Field-Effect Transistor Biosensor. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:5820. [PMID: 37447669 DOI: 10.3390/s23135820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Protective antigen (PA) is an important biomarker for the early diagnosis of anthrax, and the accurate detection of protective antigen under extremely low concentration conditions has always been a hot topic in the biomedical field. To complete the diagnosis of anthrax in a timely manner, it is necessary to detect PA at extremely low concentrations, as the amount of PA produced in the early stage of anthrax invasion is relatively small. Graphene field-effect transistor (Gr-FET) biosensors are a new type of material for preparing biosensors, with the advantages of a short detection time and ultra-low detection limit. METHODS The effect of different concentrations of diluents on the affinity of PA monoclonal antibodies was determined via an ELISA experiment. Combined with the Debye equation, 0.01 × PBS solution was finally selected as the diluent for the experiment. Then, a PA monoclonal antibody was selected as the bio-recognition element to construct a Gr-FET device based on CVD-grown graphene, which was used to detect the concentration of PA while recording the response time, linear range, detection limit, and other parameters. RESULTS The experimental results showed that the biosensor could quickly detect PA, with a linear range of 10 fg/mL to 100 pg/mL and a detection limit of 10 fg/mL. In addition, the biosensor showed excellent specificity and repeatability. CONCLUSIONS By constructing a Gr-FET device based on CVD-grown graphene and selecting a PA monoclonal antibody as the bio-recognition element, a highly sensitive, specific, and repeatable Gr-FET biosensor was successfully prepared for detecting extremely low concentrations of anthrax protective antigen (PA). This biosensor is expected to have a wide range of applications in clinical medicine and biological safety monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Liang
- The Institute of NBC Defense PLA Army, Beijing 102205, China
| | | | - Rui Yan
- The Institute of NBC Defense PLA Army, Beijing 102205, China
| | - Huaning Jiang
- The Institute of NBC Defense PLA Army, Beijing 102205, China
- Unit No. 32281 of PLA, Chengdu 610200, China
| | - Hexi Li
- The Institute of NBC Defense PLA Army, Beijing 102205, China
- Unit No. 31666 of PLA, Zhangye 610200, China
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11
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Blacksell SD, Dhawan S, Kusumoto M, Le KK, Summermatter K, O'Keefe J, Kozlovac J, Almuhairi SS, Sendow I, Scheel CM, Ahumibe A, Masuku ZM, Bennett AM, Kojima K, Harper DR, Hamilton K. The Biosafety Research Road Map: The Search for Evidence to Support Practices in the Laboratory- Bacillus anthracis and Brucella melitensis. APPLIED BIOSAFETY 2023; 28:72-86. [PMID: 37342513 PMCID: PMC10278026 DOI: 10.1089/apb.2022.0042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Brucella melitensis and Bacillus anthracis are zoonoses transmitted from animals and animal products. Scientific information is provided in this article to support biosafety precautions necessary to protect laboratory workers and individuals who are potentially exposed to these pathogens in the workplace or other settings, and gaps in information are also reported. There is a lack of information on the appropriate effective concentration for many chemical disinfectants for this agent. Controversies related to B. anthracis include infectious dose for skin and gastrointestinal infections, proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the slaughter of infected animals, and handling of contaminated materials. B. melitensis is reported to have the highest number of laboratory-acquired infections (LAIs) to date in laboratory workers. Methods A literature search was conducted to identify potential gaps in biosafety and focused on five main sections including the route of inoculation/modes of transmission, infectious dose, LAIs, containment releases, and disinfection and decontamination strategies. Results Scientific literature currently lacks information on the effective concentration of many chemical disinfectants for this agent and in the variety of matrices where it may be found. Controversies related to B. anthracis include infectious dose for skin and gastrointestinal infections, proper use of PPE during the slaughter of infected animals, and handling contaminated materials. Discussion Clarified vulnerabilities based on specific scientific evidence will contribute to the prevention of unwanted and unpredictable infections, improving the biosafety processes and procedures for laboratory staff and other professionals such as veterinarians, individuals associated with the agricultural industry, and those working with susceptible wildlife species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart D. Blacksell
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Research Medicine Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, Nuffield Department of Medicine Research Building, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Sandhya Dhawan
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Research Medicine Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Marina Kusumoto
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Research Medicine Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kim Khanh Le
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Research Medicine Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Joseph O'Keefe
- Ministry for Primary Industries, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Joseph Kozlovac
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Indrawati Sendow
- Research Center for Veterinary Science, National Research and Innovation Agency, Indonesia
| | - Christina M. Scheel
- WHO Collaborating Center for Biosafety and Biosecurity, Office of the Associate Director for Laboratory Science, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Anthony Ahumibe
- Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Zibusiso M. Masuku
- National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Allan M. Bennett
- UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, Salisbury, United Kingdom
| | - Kazunobu Kojima
- Department of Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness and Prevention, World Health Organization (WHO), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - David R. Harper
- The Royal Institute of International Affairs, London, United Kingdom
| | - Keith Hamilton
- World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), Paris, France
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12
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Cao Y, Gong X, Li L, Li H, Zhang X, Guo DY, Wang F, Pan Q. Xylenol orange-modified CdTe quantum dots as a fluorescent/colorimetric dual-modal probe for anthrax biomarker based on competitive coordination. Talanta 2023; 261:124664. [PMID: 37209586 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2023.124664] [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: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Bacillus anthracis spores can make humans infected with vicious anthrax, so it is significant to detect their biomarker 2,6-pyridinedicarboxylic acid (DPA). The development of dual-modal methods for DPA detection that are more flexible in practical applications remains a challenge. Herein, colorimetric xylenol orange (XO) was modified on fluorescent CdTe quantum dots (QDs) for dual-modal detection of DPA through competitive coordination. After the binding of XO on CdTe QDs via coordination with Cd2+, CdTe QDs displayed quenched red fluorescence and the bound XO was presented as red color. The competitive coordination of DPA with Cd2+ made XO released from CdTe QDs, causing the enhanced red fluorescence of CdTe QDs and the yellow color of free XO. On this basis, DPA was rapidly (1 min) quantified through fluorescent and colorimetric modes within the ranges of 0.1-5 μM and 0.5-40 μM, respectively. The detection limits for DPA were calculated as low as 42 nM and 240 nM, respectively assigned to fluorescent and colorimetric modes. The level of urinary DPA was further measured. Satisfactory relative standard deviations (fluorescent mode: 0.1%-10.2%, colorimetric mode: 0.8%-1.8%) and spiked recoveries (fluorescent mode: 100.0%-115.0%, colorimetric mode: 86.0%-96.6%) were obtained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yatian Cao
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials of Tropical Island Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Science, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, China; School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, China
| | - Xiaolong Gong
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials of Tropical Island Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Science, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, China
| | - Le Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, School of Tropical Medicine and Laboratory Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, China
| | - Huihui Li
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials of Tropical Island Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Science, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, China.
| | - Xuanming Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials of Tropical Island Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Science, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, China; School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, China
| | - Dong-Yu Guo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xiamen Huli Guoyu Clinic, Co., Ltd., Xiamen, 361000, China.
| | - Fuxiang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials of Tropical Island Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Science, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, China
| | - Qinhe Pan
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials of Tropical Island Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Science, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, China; School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, China.
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13
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Xu M, Selvaraj GK, Lu H. Environmental sporobiota: Occurrence, dissemination, and risks. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 869:161809. [PMID: 36702282 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Spore-forming bacteria known as sporobiota are widespread in diverse environments from terrestrial and aquatic habitats to industrial and healthcare systems. Studies on sporobiota have been mainly focused on food processing and clinical fields, while a large amount of sporobiota exist in natural environments. Due to their persistence and capabilities of transmitting virulence factors and antibiotic resistant genes, environmental sporobiota could pose significant health risks to humans. These risks could increase as global warming and environmental pollution has altered the life cycle of sporobiota. This review summarizes the current knowledge of environmental sporobiota, including their occurrence, characteristics, and functions. An interaction network among clinical-, food-related, and environment-related sporobiota is constructed. Recent and effective methods for detecting and disinfecting environmental sporobiota are also discussed. Key problems and future research needs for better understanding and reducing the risks of environmental sporobiota and sporobiome are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Xu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Ecological Health, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Ganesh-Kumar Selvaraj
- Department of Microbiology, St. Peter's Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai 600054, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Huijie Lu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Ecological Health, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Environmental Safety, Zhejiang, China.
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Omodo M, Gardela J, Namatovu A, Okurut RA, Esau M, Acham M, Nakanjako MF, Israel M, Isingoma E, Moses M, Paul L, Ssenkeera B, Atim SA, Gonahasa DN, Sekamatte M, Gouilh MA, Gonzalez JP. Anthrax bio-surveillance of livestock in Arua District, Uganda, 2017-2018. Acta Trop 2023; 240:106841. [PMID: 36693517 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Anthrax, caused by Bacillus anthracis, is a widespread zoonotic disease with many human cases, especially in developing countries. Even with its global distribution, anthrax is a neglected disease with scarce information about its actual impact on the community level. Due to the ecological dynamics of anthrax transmission at the wildlife-livestock interface, the Sub-Saharan Africa region becomes a high-risk zone for maintaining and acquiring the disease. In this regard, some subregions of Uganda are endemic to anthrax with regular seasonal trends. However, there is scarce data about anthrax outbreaks in Uganda. Here, we confirmed the presence of B. anthracis in several livestock samples after a suspected anthrax outbreak among livestock and humans in Arua District. Additionally, we explored the potential risk factors of anthrax through a survey within the community kraals. We provide evidence that the most affected livestock species during the Arua outbreak were cattle (86%) compared to the rest of the livestock species present in the area. Moreover, the farmers' education level and the presence of people's anthrax cases were the most critical factors determining the disease's knowledge and awareness. Consequently, the lack of understanding of the ecology of anthrax may contribute to the spread of the infection between livestock and humans, and it is critical to reducing the presence and persistence of the B. anthracis spores in the environment. Finally, we discuss the increasingly recognized necessity to strengthen global capacity using a One Health approach to prevent, detect, control, and respond to public threats in Uganda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Omodo
- National Animal Disease Diagnostics and Epidemiology Center (NADDEC), Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jaume Gardela
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain.
| | - Alice Namatovu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB), Makerere University, Uganda
| | - Rose Ademun Okurut
- National Animal Disease Diagnostics and Epidemiology Center (NADDEC), Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Martin Esau
- National Animal Disease Diagnostics and Epidemiology Center (NADDEC), Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Merab Acham
- National Animal Disease Diagnostics and Epidemiology Center (NADDEC), Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Maria Flavia Nakanjako
- National Animal Disease Diagnostics and Epidemiology Center (NADDEC), Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Mugezi Israel
- National Animal Disease Diagnostics and Epidemiology Center (NADDEC), Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Emmauel Isingoma
- National Animal Disease Diagnostics and Epidemiology Center (NADDEC), Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Mwanja Moses
- National Animal Disease Diagnostics and Epidemiology Center (NADDEC), Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Lumu Paul
- National Animal Disease Diagnostics and Epidemiology Center (NADDEC), Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ben Ssenkeera
- National Animal Disease Diagnostics and Epidemiology Center (NADDEC), Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Stella A Atim
- National Animal Disease Diagnostics and Epidemiology Center (NADDEC), Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Musa Sekamatte
- Ministry of Health, National One Health Platform, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Meriadeg Ar Gouilh
- Normandy University, DYNAMYCURE U1311 INSERM, UNICAEN, UNIROUEN, Caen University, 14000 Caen, France; University Hospital Center of Caen, Virology Department, 14000 Caen, France
| | - Jean Paul Gonzalez
- School of Medicine, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Georgetown University, Medical Center, Washington DC, USA
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15
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Romero-Rodríguez A, Ruiz-Villafán B, Martínez-de la Peña CF, Sánchez S. Targeting the Impossible: A Review of New Strategies against Endospores. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:antibiotics12020248. [PMID: 36830159 PMCID: PMC9951900 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12020248] [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: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Endospore-forming bacteria are ubiquitous, and their endospores can be present in food, in domestic animals, and on contaminated surfaces. Many spore-forming bacteria have been used in biotechnological applications, while others are human pathogens responsible for a wide range of critical clinical infections. Due to their resistant properties, it is challenging to eliminate spores and avoid the reactivation of latent spores that may lead to active infections. Furthermore, endospores play an essential role in the survival, transmission, and pathogenesis of some harmful strains that put human and animal health at risk. Thus, different methods have been applied for their eradication. Nevertheless, natural products are still a significant source for discovering and developing new antibiotics. Moreover, targeting the spore for clinical pathogens such as Clostridioides difficile is essential to disease prevention and therapeutics. These strategies could directly aim at the structural components of the spore or their germination process. This work summarizes the current advances in upcoming strategies and the development of natural products against endospores. This review also intends to highlight future perspectives in research and applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Romero-Rodríguez
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Biotecnología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
- Correspondence:
| | - Beatriz Ruiz-Villafán
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Biotecnología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Claudia Fabiola Martínez-de la Peña
- Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Microbiológicas, Instituto de Ciencias, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla 72592, Mexico
| | - Sergio Sánchez
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Biotecnología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
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16
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Carlson CJ, Boyce MR, Dunne M, Graeden E, Lin J, Abdellatif YO, Palys MA, Pavez M, Phelan AL, Katz R. The World Health Organization's Disease Outbreak News: A retrospective database. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001083. [PMID: 36962988 PMCID: PMC10021193 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The World Health Organization (WHO) notifies the global community about disease outbreaks through the Disease Outbreak News (DON). These online reports tell important stories about both outbreaks themselves and the high-level decision making that governs information sharing during public health emergencies. However, they have been used only minimally in global health scholarship to date. Here, we collate all 2,789 of these reports from their first use through the start of the Covid-19 pandemic (January 1996 to December 2019), and develop an annotated database of the subjective and often inconsistent information they contain. We find that these reports are dominated by a mix of persistent worldwide threats (particularly influenza and cholera) and persistent epidemics (like Ebola virus disease in Africa or MERS-CoV in the Middle East), but also document important periods in history like the anthrax bioterrorist attacks at the turn of the century, the spread of chikungunya and Zika virus to the Americas, or even recent lapses in progress towards polio elimination. We present three simple vignettes that show how researchers can use these data to answer both qualitative and quantitative questions about global outbreak dynamics and public health response. However, we also find that the retrospective value of these reports is visibly limited by inconsistent reporting (e.g., of disease names, case totals, mortality, and actions taken to curtail spread). We conclude that sharing a transparent rubric for which outbreaks are considered reportable, and adopting more standardized formats for sharing epidemiological metadata, might help make the DON more useful to researchers and policymakers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin J. Carlson
- Center for Global Health Science and Security, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States of America
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Matthew R. Boyce
- Center for Global Health Science and Security, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Margaret Dunne
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ellie Graeden
- Center for Global Health Science and Security, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Jessica Lin
- Center for Global Health Science and Security, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Yasser Omar Abdellatif
- Center for Global Health Science and Security, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Max A. Palys
- Center for Global Health Science and Security, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Munir Pavez
- Center for Global Health Science and Security, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Alexandra L. Phelan
- Center for Global Health Science and Security, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Rebecca Katz
- Center for Global Health Science and Security, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States of America
- Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States of America
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Tan LM, Hung DN, My DT, Walker MA, Ha HTT, Thai PQ, Hung TTM, Blackburn JK. Spatial analysis of human and livestock anthrax in Dien Bien province, Vietnam (2010-2019) and the significance of anthrax vaccination in livestock. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010942. [PMID: 36538536 PMCID: PMC9767330 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Anthrax is a serious zoonosis caused by Bacillus anthracis, which primarily affects wild herbivorous animals with spillover into humans. The disease occurs nearly worldwide but is poorly reported in Southeast Asian countries. In Vietnam, anthrax is underreported, and little is known about its temporal and spatial distributions. This paper examines the spatio-temporal distribution and epidemiological characteristics of human and livestock anthrax from Dien Bien province, Vietnam from 2010 to 2019. We also aim to define the role of livestock vaccination in reducing human cases. Historical anthrax data were collected by local human and animal health sectors in the province. Spatial rate smoothing and spatial clustering analysis, using Local Moran's I in GeoDa and space-time scan statistic in SaTScan, were employed to address these objectives. We found temporal and spatial overlap of anthrax incidence in humans and livestock with hotspots of human anthrax in the east. We identified three significant space-time clusters of human anthrax persisting from 2010 to 2014 in the east and southeast, each with high relative risk. Most of the human cases were male (69%), aged 15-59 years (80%), involved in processing, slaughtering, or eating meat of sick or dead livestock (96.9%) but environmental and unknown exposure were reported. Animal reports were limited compared to humans and at coarser spatial scale, but in areas with human case clusters. In years when livestock vaccination was high (>~25%), human incidence was reduced, with the opposite effect when vaccine rates dropped. This indicates livestock vaccination campaigns reduce anthrax burden in both humans and livestock in Vietnam, though livestock surveillance needs immediate improvement. These findings suggest further investigation and measures to strengthen the surveillance of human and animal anthrax for other provinces of Vietnam, as well as in other countries with similar disease context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luong Minh Tan
- Spatial Epidemiology and Ecology Research Laboratory (SEER Lab), Department of Geography, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Doan Ngoc Hung
- Provincial Center for Disease Control, Dien Bien Phu City, Dien Bien, Vietnam
| | - Do Thai My
- Provincial Sub-Department of Animal Health, Dien Bien Phu City, Dien Bien, Vietnam
| | - Morgan A. Walker
- Spatial Epidemiology and Ecology Research Laboratory (SEER Lab), Department of Geography, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | | | - Pham Quang Thai
- National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Hanoi, Vietnam
- School of Preventive medicine and public health, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | | | - Jason K. Blackburn
- Spatial Epidemiology and Ecology Research Laboratory (SEER Lab), Department of Geography, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Walker MA, Tan LM, Dang LH, Van Khang P, Ha HTT, Hung TTM, Dung HH, Anh DD, Duong TN, Hadfield T, Thai PQ, Blackburn JK. Spatiotemporal Patterns of Anthrax, Vietnam, 1990–2015. Emerg Infect Dis 2022; 28:2206-2213. [PMID: 36285873 PMCID: PMC9622238 DOI: 10.3201/eid2811.212584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Anthrax is a priority zoonosis for control in Vietnam. The geographic distribution of anthrax remains to be defined, challenging our ability to target areas for control. We analyzed human anthrax cases in Vietnam to obtain anthrax incidence at the national and provincial level. Nationally, the trendline for cases remained at ≈61 cases/year throughout the 26 years of available data, indicating control efforts are not effectively reducing disease burden over time. Most anthrax cases occurred in the Northern Midlands and Mountainous regions, and the provinces of Lai Chau, Dien Bien, Lao Cai, Ha Giang, Cao Bang, and Son La experienced some of the highest incidence rates. Based on spatial Bayes smoothed maps, every region of Vietnam experienced human anthrax cases during the study period. Clarifying the distribution of anthrax in Vietnam will enable us to better identify risk areas for improved surveillance, rapid clinical care, and livestock vaccination campaigns.
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Qian J, Wu Z, Zhu Y, Liu C. One Health: a holistic approach for food safety in livestock. SCIENCE IN ONE HEALTH 2022; 1:100015. [PMID: 39076604 PMCID: PMC11262287 DOI: 10.1016/j.soh.2023.100015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
The food safety of livestock is a critical issue between animals and humans due to their complex interactions. Pathogens have the potential to spread at every stage of the animal food handling process, including breeding, processing, packaging, storage, transportation, marketing and consumption. In addition, application of the antibiotic usage in domestic animals is a controversial issue because, while they can combat food-borne zoonotic pathogens and promote animal growth and productivity, they can also lead to the transmission of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms and antibiotic-resistant genes across species and habitats. Coevolution of microbiomes may occur in humans and animals as well which may alter the structure of the human microbiome through animal food consumption. One Health is a holistic approach to systematically understand the complex relationships among humans, animals and environments which may provide effective countermeasures to solve food safety problems aforementioned. This paper depicts the main pathogen spectrum of livestock and animal products, summarizes the flow of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and genes between humans and livestock along the food-chain production, and the correlation of their microbiome is reviewed as well to advocate for deeper interdisciplinary communication and collaboration among researchers in medicine, epidemiology, veterinary medicine and ecology to promote One Health approaches to address the global food safety challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Qian
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Zheyuan Wu
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Yongzhang Zhu
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Chang Liu
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
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Arotolu TE, Wang H, Lv J, Shi K, van Gils H, Huang L, Wang X. Modeling the environmental suitability for Bacillus anthracis in the Qinghai Lake Basin, China. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0275261. [PMID: 36240150 PMCID: PMC9565420 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0275261] [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: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacillus anthracis is a gram-positive, rod-shaped and endospore-forming bacterium that causes anthrax, a deadly disease to livestock and, occasionally, to humans. The spores are extremely hardy and may remain viable for many years in soil. Previous studies have identified East Qinghai and neighbouring Gansu in northwest China as a potential source of anthrax infection. This study was carried out to identify conditions and areas in the Qinghai Lake basin that are environmentally suitable for B. anthracis distribution. Anthrax occurrence data from 2005-2016 and environmental variables were spatially modeled by a maximum entropy algorithm to evaluate the contribution of the variables to the distribution of B. anthracis. Principal Component Analysis and Variance Inflation Analysis were adopted to limit the number of environmental variables and minimize multicollinearity. Model performance was evaluated using AUC (area under the curve) ROC (receiver operating characteristics) curves. The three variables that contributed most to the suitability model for B. anthracis are a relatively high annual mean temperature of -2 to 0°C, (53%), soil type classified as; cambisols and kastanozems (35%), and a high human population density of 40 individuals per km2 (12%). The resulting distribution map identifies the permanently inhabited rim of the Qinghai Lake as highly suitable for B. anthracis. Our environmental suitability map and the identified variables provide the nature reserve managers and animal health authorities readily available information to devise both surveillance strategy and control strategy (administration of vaccine to livestock) in B. anthracis suitable regions to abate future epidemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Temitope Emmanuel Arotolu
- Center of Conservation Medicine & Ecological Safety, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Wildlife Diseases and Biosecurity Management, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, P. R. China
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, P. R. China
| | - HaoNing Wang
- School of Geography and Tourism, Harbin University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, P. R. China
| | - JiaNing Lv
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, P. R. China
| | - Kun Shi
- Wildlife Institute, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Hein van Gils
- Center of Conservation Medicine & Ecological Safety, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Wildlife Diseases and Biosecurity Management, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, P. R. China
| | - LiYa Huang
- Changbai Mountain Academy of Sciences, Antu, Jilin Province, P. R. China
| | - XiaoLong Wang
- Center of Conservation Medicine & Ecological Safety, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Wildlife Diseases and Biosecurity Management, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, P. R. China
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, P. R. China
- * E-mail:
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21
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Jiranantasak T, Benn JS, Metrailer MC, Sawyer SJ, Burns MQ, Bluhm AP, Blackburn JK, Norris MH. Characterization of Bacillus anthracis replication and persistence on environmental substrates associated with wildlife anthrax outbreaks. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0274645. [PMID: 36129912 PMCID: PMC9491531 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Anthrax is a zoonosis caused by the environmentally maintained, spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis, affecting humans, livestock, and wildlife nearly worldwide. Bacterial spores are ingested, inhaled, and may be mechanically transmitted by biting insects or injection as occurs during heroin-associated human cases. Herbivorous hoofstock are very susceptible to anthrax. When these hosts die of anthrax, a localized infectious zone (LIZ) forms in the area surrounding the carcass as it is scavenged and decomposes, where viable populations of vegetative B. anthracis and spores contaminate the environment. In many settings, necrophagous flies contaminate the outer carcass, surrounding soils, and vegetation with viable pathogen while scavenging. Field observations in Texas have confirmed this process and identified primary browse species (e.g., persimmon) are contaminated. However, there are limited data available on B. anthracis survival on environmental substrates immediately following host death at a LIZ. Toward this, we simulated fly contamination by inoculating live-attenuated, fully virulent laboratory-adapted, and fully virulent wild B. anthracis strains on untreated leaves and rocks for 2, 5, and 7 days. At each time point after inoculation, the number of vegetative cells and spores were determined. Sporulation rates were extracted from these different time points to enable comparison of sporulation speeds between B. anthracis strains with different natural histories. We found all B. anthracis strains used in this study could multiply for 2 or more days post inoculation and persist on leaves and rocks for at least seven days with variation by strain. We found differences in sporulation rates between laboratory-adapted strains and wild isolates, with the live-attenuated strain sporulating fastest, followed by the wild isolates, then laboratory-adapted virulent strains. Extrapolating our wild strain lab results to potential contamination, a single blow fly may contaminate leaves with up to 8.62 x 105 spores per day and a single carcass may host thousands of flies. Replication outside of the carcass and rapid sporulation confirms the LIZ extends beyond the carcass for several days after formation and supports the necrophagous fly transmission pathway for amplifying cases during an outbreak. We note caution must be taken when extrapolating replication and sporulation rates from live-attenuated and laboratory-adapted strains of B. anthracis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Treenate Jiranantasak
- Department of Geography, Spatial Epidemiology & Ecology Research Laboratory, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Jamie S. Benn
- Department of Geography, Spatial Epidemiology & Ecology Research Laboratory, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Morgan C. Metrailer
- Department of Geography, Spatial Epidemiology & Ecology Research Laboratory, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Samantha J. Sawyer
- Department of Geography, Spatial Epidemiology & Ecology Research Laboratory, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Madison Q. Burns
- Department of Geography, Spatial Epidemiology & Ecology Research Laboratory, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Andrew P. Bluhm
- Department of Geography, Spatial Epidemiology & Ecology Research Laboratory, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Jason K. Blackburn
- Department of Geography, Spatial Epidemiology & Ecology Research Laboratory, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Michael H. Norris
- Department of Geography, Spatial Epidemiology & Ecology Research Laboratory, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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22
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Dougherty ER, Seidel DP, Blackburn JK, Turner WC, Getz WM. A framework for integrating inferred movement behavior into disease risk models. MOVEMENT ECOLOGY 2022; 10:31. [PMID: 35871637 PMCID: PMC9310477 DOI: 10.1186/s40462-022-00331-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Movement behavior is an important contributor to habitat selection and its incorporation in disease risk models has been somewhat neglected. The habitat preferences of host individuals affect their probability of exposure to pathogens. If preference behavior can be incorporated in ecological niche models (ENMs) when data on pathogen distributions are available, then variation in such behavior may dramatically impact exposure risk. Here we use data from the anthrax endemic system of Etosha National Park, Namibia, to demonstrate how integrating inferred movement behavior alters the construction of disease risk maps. We used a Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) model that associated soil, bioclimatic, and vegetation variables with the best available pathogen presence data collected at anthrax carcass sites to map areas of most likely Bacillus anthracis (the causative bacterium of anthrax) persistence. We then used a hidden Markov model (HMM) to distinguish foraging and non-foraging behavioral states along the movement tracks of nine zebra (Equus quagga) during the 2009 and 2010 anthrax seasons. The resulting tracks, decomposed on the basis of the inferred behavioral state, formed the basis of step-selection functions (SSFs) that used the MaxEnt output as a potential predictor variable. Our analyses revealed different risks of exposure during different zebra behavioral states, which were obscured when the full movement tracks were analyzed without consideration of the underlying behavioral states of individuals. Pathogen (or vector) distribution models may be misleading with regard to the actual risk faced by host animal populations when specific behavioral states are not explicitly accounted for in selection analyses. To more accurately evaluate exposure risk, especially in the case of environmentally transmitted pathogens, selection functions could be built for each identified behavioral state and then used to assess the comparative exposure risk across relevant states. The scale of data collection and analysis, however, introduces complexities and limitations for consideration when interpreting results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric R. Dougherty
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA USA
| | - Dana P. Seidel
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA USA
| | - Jason K. Blackburn
- Spatial Epidemiology and Ecology Research Laboratory, Department of Geography, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
| | - Wendy C. Turner
- U.S. Geological Survey, Wisconsin Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI USA
| | - Wayne M. Getz
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA USA
- School of Mathematical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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23
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Ahmad T, Baig M, Othman SS, Malibary H, Ahmad S, Rasheed SM, Al Bataineh MT, Al-Omari B. Bibliometric Analysis and Visualization Mapping of Anthrax Vaccine Publications from 1991 through 2021. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10071007. [PMID: 35891169 PMCID: PMC9316950 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10071007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: This study aims to analyze and characterize anthrax vaccine-related research, key developments, global research trends, and mapping of published scientific research articles during the last three decades (1991–2021). Methods: A bibliometric and visualized study was conducted. The Web of Science Core Collection database (WoSCC) was searched using relevant keywords (“Anthrax” OR “Anthrax bacterium” OR “Bacillus anthracis” OR “Bacteridium anthracis” OR “Bacillus cereus var. Anthracis” (Topic)) AND (“Vaccine” OR “Vaccines” OR “Immunization” OR “Immunisation” OR “Immunizations” OR “Immunisations” (Topic)) with specific restrictions. The data was analyzed and plotted by using different bibliometric software and tools (HistCiteTM software, version 12.3.17, Bibliometrix: An R-tool version 3.2.1, and VOSviewer software, version 1.6.17). Results: The initial search yielded 1750 documents. After screening the titles and abstracts of the published studies, a total of 1090 articles published from 1991 to 2021 were included in the final analysis. These articles were published in 334 journals and were authored by 4567 authors from 64 countries with a collaboration index of 4.32. The annual scientific production growth rate was found to be 9.68%. The analyzed articles were cited 31335 times. The most productive year was 2006 (n = 77, 7.06%), while the most cited year was 2007 (2561 citations). The leading authors and journals in anthrax research were Rakesh Bhatnagar from Jawaharlal Nehru University, India (n = 35, 3.21%), and Vaccine (n = 1830, 16.51%), while the most cited author and journal were Arthur M. Friedlander from the United States Department of Defense (n = 2762), and Vaccine (n = 5696), respectively. The most studied recent research trend topics were lethal, double-blind, epidemiology, B surface antigen, disease, and toxin. The United States of America (USA) was the most dominant country in terms of publications, citations, corresponding author country, and global collaboration in anthrax vaccine research. The USA had the strongest collaboration with the United Kingdom (UK), China, Canada, Germany, and France. Conclusion: This is the first bibliometric study that provides a comprehensive historical overview of scientific studies. From 2006 to 2008, more than 20% of the total articles were published; however, a decrease was observed since 2013 in anthrax vaccine research. The developed countries made significant contributions to anthrax vaccine-related research, especially the USA. Among the top 10 leading authors, six authors are from the USA. The majority of the top leading institutions are also from the USA. About 90% of the total studies were funded by the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), USA, and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tauseef Ahmad
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
- Correspondence: or (T.A.); (B.A.-O.)
| | - Mukhtiar Baig
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Rabigh, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 25289, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Sahar Shafik Othman
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 25289, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Husam Malibary
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Rabigh, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 25289, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Shabir Ahmad
- Department of Agriculture, Bacha Khan University Charsadda, P.O. Box 20, Charsadda 24420, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan; (S.A.); (S.M.R.)
| | - Syed Majid Rasheed
- Department of Agriculture, Bacha Khan University Charsadda, P.O. Box 20, Charsadda 24420, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan; (S.A.); (S.M.R.)
| | - Mohammad T. Al Bataineh
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 127788, United Arab Emirates;
- Emirates Bio-Research Center, Ministry of Interior, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 127788, United Arab Emirates
| | - Basem Al-Omari
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 127788, United Arab Emirates
- K.U. Research and Data Intelligence Support Center (RDISC) AW 8474000331, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 127788, United Arab Emirates
- Correspondence: or (T.A.); (B.A.-O.)
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Carlson CJ, Bevins SN, Schmid BV. Plague risk in the western United States over seven decades of environmental change. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2022; 28:753-769. [PMID: 34796590 PMCID: PMC9299200 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.15966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
After several pandemics over the last two millennia, the wildlife reservoirs of plague (Yersinia pestis) now persist around the world, including in the western United States. Routine surveillance in this region has generated comprehensive records of human cases and animal seroprevalence, creating a unique opportunity to test how plague reservoirs are responding to environmental change. Here, we test whether animal and human data suggest that plague reservoirs and spillover risk have shifted since 1950. To do so, we develop a new method for detecting the impact of climate change on infectious disease distributions, capable of disentangling long-term trends (signal) and interannual variation in both weather and sampling (noise). We find that plague foci are associated with high-elevation rodent communities, and soil biochemistry may play a key role in the geography of long-term persistence. In addition, we find that human cases are concentrated only in a small subset of endemic areas, and that spillover events are driven by higher rodent species richness (the amplification hypothesis) and climatic anomalies (the trophic cascade hypothesis). Using our detection model, we find that due to the changing climate, rodent communities at high elevations have become more conducive to the establishment of plague reservoirs-with suitability increasing up to 40% in some places-and that spillover risk to humans at mid-elevations has increased as well, although more gradually. These results highlight opportunities for deeper investigation of plague ecology, the value of integrative surveillance for infectious disease geography, and the need for further research into ongoing climate change impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin J. Carlson
- Center for Global Health Science and SecurityGeorgetown University Medical CenterWashingtonDistrict of ColumbiaUSA
| | - Sarah N. Bevins
- US Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service–Wildlife Services National Wildlife Research CenterFort CollinsColoradoUSA
| | - Boris V. Schmid
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary SynthesisDepartment of BiosciencesUniversity of OsloOsloNorway
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Forde TL, Dennis TPW, Aminu OR, Harvey WT, Hassim A, Kiwelu I, Medvecky M, Mshanga D, Van Heerden H, Vogel A, Zadoks RN, Mmbaga BT, Lembo T, Biek R. Population genomics of Bacillus anthracis from an anthrax hyperendemic area reveals transmission processes across spatial scales and unexpected within-host diversity. Microb Genom 2022; 8:000759. [PMID: 35188453 PMCID: PMC8942019 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.000759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Genomic sequencing has revolutionized our understanding of bacterial disease epidemiology, but remains underutilized for zoonotic pathogens in remote endemic settings. Anthrax, caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis, remains a threat to human and animal health and rural livelihoods in low- and middle-income countries. While the global genomic diversity of B. anthracis has been well-characterized, there is limited information on how its populations are genetically structured at the scale at which transmission occurs, critical for understanding the pathogen's evolution and transmission dynamics. Using a uniquely rich dataset, we quantified genome-wide SNPs among 73 B. anthracis isolates derived from 33 livestock carcasses sampled over 1 year throughout the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania, a region hyperendemic for anthrax. Genome-wide SNPs distinguished 22 unique B. anthracis genotypes (i.e. SNP profiles) within the study area. However, phylogeographical structure was lacking, as identical SNP profiles were found throughout the study area, likely the result of the long and variable periods of spore dormancy and long-distance livestock movements. Significantly, divergent genotypes were obtained from spatio-temporally linked cases and even individual carcasses. The high number of SNPs distinguishing isolates from the same host is unlikely to have arisen during infection, as supported by our simulation models. This points to an unexpectedly wide transmission bottleneck for B. anthracis, with an inoculum comprising multiple variants being the norm. Our work highlights that inferring transmission patterns of B. anthracis from genomic data will require analytical approaches that account for extended and variable environmental persistence, as well as co-infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taya L. Forde
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Tristan P. W. Dennis
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - O. Rhoda Aminu
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - William T. Harvey
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Ayesha Hassim
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa
| | - Ireen Kiwelu
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Matej Medvecky
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Henriette Van Heerden
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa
| | - Adeline Vogel
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Ruth N. Zadoks
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Present address: Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Blandina T. Mmbaga
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Tiziana Lembo
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Roman Biek
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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26
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Zorigt T, Ito S, Isoda N, Furuta Y, Shawa M, Norov N, Lkham B, Enkhtuya J, Higashi H. Risk factors and spatio-temporal patterns of livestock anthrax in Khuvsgul Province, Mongolia. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0260299. [PMID: 34797889 PMCID: PMC8604359 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0260299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Anthrax is a worldwide zoonotic disease. Anthrax has long been a public health and socio-economic issue in Mongolia. Presently, there is no spatial information on carcass burial sites as a potential hazard of future anthrax outbreaks and possible risk factors associated with anthrax occurrences in Mongolia. Here, we analyze retrospective data (1986-2015) on the disposal sites of livestock carcasses to describe historical spatio-temporal patterns of livestock anthrax in Khuvsgul Province, which showed the highest anthrax incidence rate in Mongolia. From the results of spatial mean and standard deviational ellipse analyses, we found that the anthrax spatial distribution in livestock did not change over the study period, indicating a localized source of exposure. The multi-distance spatial cluster analysis showed that carcass sites distributed in the study area are clustered. Using kernel density estimation analysis on carcass sites, we identified two anthrax hotspots in low-lying areas around the south and north regions. Notably, this study disclosed a new hotspot in the northern part that emerged in the last decade of the 30-year study period. The highest proportion of cases was recorded in cattle, whose prevalence per area was highest in six districts (i.e., Murun, Chandmani-Undur, Khatgal, Ikh-Uul, Tosontsengel, and Tsagaan-Uul), suggesting that vaccination should prioritize cattle in these districts. Furthermore, size of outbreaks was influenced by the annual summer mean air temperature of Khuvsgul Province, probably by affecting the permafrost freeze-thawing activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuvshinzaya Zorigt
- Division of Infection and Immunity, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Satoshi Ito
- Unit of Risk Analysis and Management, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Norikazu Isoda
- Laboratory of Microbiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yoshikazu Furuta
- Division of Infection and Immunity, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Misheck Shawa
- Division of Infection and Immunity, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Natsagdorj Norov
- Division of Quality Management and Coordination, Mongolian University of Life Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | - Baasansuren Lkham
- Laboratory of Infectious Disease and Immunology, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Mongolian University of Life Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | - Jargalsaikhan Enkhtuya
- Laboratory of Food Safety and Hygiene, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Mongolian University of Life Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | - Hideaki Higashi
- Division of Infection and Immunity, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
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27
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Zorigt T, Furuta Y, Simbotwe M, Ochi A, Tsujinouchi M, Shawa M, Shimizu T, Isoda N, Enkhtuya J, Higashi H. Development of ELISA based on Bacillus anthracis capsule biosynthesis protein CapA for naturally acquired antibodies against anthrax. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0258317. [PMID: 34634075 PMCID: PMC8504768 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0258317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Anthrax is a zoonotic disease caused by the gram-positive spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis. Detecting naturally acquired antibodies against anthrax sublethal exposure in animals is essential for anthrax surveillance and effective control measures. Serological assays based on protective antigen (PA) of B. anthracis are mainly used for anthrax surveillance and vaccine evaluation. Although the assay is reliable, it is challenging to distinguish the naturally acquired antibodies from vaccine-induced immunity in animals because PA is cross-reactive to both antibodies. Although additional data on the vaccination history of animals could bypass this problem, such data are not readily accessible in many cases. In this study, we established a new enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) specific to antibodies against capsule biosynthesis protein CapA antigen of B. anthracis, which is non-cross-reactive to vaccine-induced antibodies in horses. Using in silico analyses, we screened coding sequences encoded on pXO2 plasmid, which is absent in the veterinary vaccine strain Sterne 34F2 but present in virulent strains of B. anthracis. Among the 8 selected antigen candidates, capsule biosynthesis protein CapA (GBAA_RS28240) and peptide ABC transporter substrate-binding protein (GBAA_RS28340) were detected by antibodies in infected horse sera. Of these, CapA has not yet been identified as immunoreactive in other studies to the best of our knowledge. Considering the protein solubility and specificity of B. anthracis, we prepared the C-terminus region of CapA, named CapA322, and developed CapA322-ELISA based on a horse model. Comparative analysis of the CapA322-ELISA and PAD1-ELISA (ELISA uses domain one of the PA) showed that CapA322-ELISA could detect anti-CapA antibodies in sera from infected horses but was non-reactive to sera from vaccinated horses. The CapA322-ELISA could contribute to the anthrax surveillance in endemic areas, and two immunoreactive proteins identified in this study could be additives to the improvement of current or future vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuvshinzaya Zorigt
- Division of Infection and Immunity, International Institute for Zoonosis Control (Former Research Center for Zoonosis Control), Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- Graduate School of Infectious Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yoshikazu Furuta
- Division of Infection and Immunity, International Institute for Zoonosis Control (Former Research Center for Zoonosis Control), Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- Graduate School of Infectious Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Manyando Simbotwe
- Division of Infection and Immunity, International Institute for Zoonosis Control (Former Research Center for Zoonosis Control), Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Akihiro Ochi
- Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Mai Tsujinouchi
- Division of Infection and Immunity, International Institute for Zoonosis Control (Former Research Center for Zoonosis Control), Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Misheck Shawa
- Division of Infection and Immunity, International Institute for Zoonosis Control (Former Research Center for Zoonosis Control), Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- Graduate School of Infectious Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Tomoko Shimizu
- Division of Infection and Immunity, International Institute for Zoonosis Control (Former Research Center for Zoonosis Control), Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Norikazu Isoda
- Laboratory of Microbiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | | | - Hideaki Higashi
- Division of Infection and Immunity, International Institute for Zoonosis Control (Former Research Center for Zoonosis Control), Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- Graduate School of Infectious Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- * E-mail:
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28
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Farchati H, Merlin A, Saussac M, Dornier X, Dhollande M, Garon D, Tapprest J, Sala C. Home Sweet Home: New Insights Into the Location of Equine Premises in France and Keeping Habits to Inform Health Prevention and Disease Surveillance. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:701749. [PMID: 34497841 PMCID: PMC8419474 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.701749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Identifying and tracking equines are key activities in equine health prevention. France is one of the few European countries with an operational centralized database that records information on equines, owners, and keepers but not on the location and keeping conditions of equines. The objective of our study was to collect information on keeping habits of equines and the relative location of a wide range of equines, owners, and keepers and discuss their implication for surveillance and control of outbreak improvement. A national email survey was conducted among the 1.9% of people registered as owners and 8.2% of people registered as keepers in the French national equine identification database having given their agreement to be contacted by email. It led to the collection of information from 728 owners, 121 keepers, and 2,669 owner-keepers. Most of them housed their equines in a single commune (smallest geographic administrative unit in France) at their home as private individuals. The distance between the communes of residence and of holding was, in most cases (including 79% of owners in the owner survey, 89.5% of the keepers in the keeper survey, and about 94% of the owner-keepers in both surveys), less than 30 km. More than half of the keepers kept a maximum of five equines and the majority with two different uses/destinations together, mostly leisure-retirement, leisure-breeding, leisure-sport, and sport-breeding. The main limitation of the study was that a relatively limited number of people (n = 3518) were reachable due to the low availability of an email address and contact agreement. Nonetheless, the findings provide an overview of how equines are kept by non-professional owners and keepers and complements information usually collected by the French riding institute. Additionally, information collected is very helpful to determine a realistic estimate of the spatial distribution of equines in France. This information is very important for the equine sector, for demographic knowledge and also improvement of surveillance plans and control measures and for the management and monitoring of health events to limit the spread of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Halifa Farchati
- Laboratory for Animal Health in Normandy, Physiopathology and Epidemiology of Equine Diseases Unit, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES), Goustranville, France.,University of Lyon - Epidemiology and Support to Surveillance Unit, ANSES, Lyon, France.,Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, ABTE, Caen, France
| | - Aurelie Merlin
- Laboratory for Animal Health in Normandy, Physiopathology and Epidemiology of Equine Diseases Unit, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES), Goustranville, France
| | - Mathilde Saussac
- University of Lyon - Epidemiology and Support to Surveillance Unit, ANSES, Lyon, France
| | - Xavier Dornier
- French Horse and Riding Institute (IFCE), Pompadour, France
| | | | | | - Jackie Tapprest
- Laboratory for Animal Health in Normandy, Physiopathology and Epidemiology of Equine Diseases Unit, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES), Goustranville, France
| | - Carole Sala
- University of Lyon - Epidemiology and Support to Surveillance Unit, ANSES, Lyon, France
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29
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Hodnik JJ, Acinger-Rogić Ž, Alishani M, Autio T, Balseiro A, Berezowski J, Carmo LP, Chaligiannis I, Conrady B, Costa L, Cvetkovikj I, Davidov I, Dispas M, Djadjovski I, Duarte EL, Faverjon C, Fourichon C, Frössling J, Gerilovych A, Gethmann J, Gomes J, Graham D, Guelbenzu M, Gunn GJ, Henry MK, Hopp P, Houe H, Irimia E, Ježek J, Juste RA, Kalaitzakis E, Kaler J, Kaplan S, Kostoulas P, Kovalenko K, Kneževič N, Knific T, Koleci X, Madouasse A, Malakauskas A, Mandelik R, Meletis E, Mincu M, Mõtus K, Muñoz-Gómez V, Niculae M, Nikitović J, Ocepek M, Tangen-Opsal M, Ózsvári L, Papadopoulos D, Papadopoulos T, Pelkonen S, Polak MP, Pozzato N, Rapaliuté E, Ribbens S, Niza-Ribeiro J, Roch FF, Rosenbaum Nielsen L, Saez JL, Nielsen SS, van Schaik G, Schwan E, Sekovska B, Starič J, Strain S, Šatran P, Šerić-Haračić S, Tamminen LM, Thulke HH, Toplak I, Tuunainen E, Verner S, Vilček Š, Yildiz R, Santman-Berends IMGA. Overview of Cattle Diseases Listed Under Category C, D or E in the Animal Health Law for Which Control Programmes Are in Place Within Europe. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:688078. [PMID: 34395571 PMCID: PMC8361752 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.688078] [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: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The COST action “Standardising output-based surveillance to control non-regulated diseases of cattle in the European Union (SOUND control),” aims to harmonise the results of surveillance and control programmes (CPs) for selected cattle diseases to facilitate safe trade and improve overall control of cattle infectious diseases. In this paper we aimed to provide an overview on the diversity of control for these diseases in Europe. A selected cattle disease was defined as an infectious disease of cattle with no or limited control at EU level, which is not included in the European Union Animal health law Categories A or B under Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/2002. A CP was defined as surveillance and/or intervention strategies designed to lower the incidence, prevalence, mortality or prove freedom from a specific disease in a region or country. Passive surveillance, and active surveillance of breeding bulls under Council Directive 88/407/EEC were not considered as CPs. A questionnaire was designed to obtain country-specific information about CPs for each disease. Animal health experts from 33 European countries completed the questionnaire. Overall, there are 23 diseases for which a CP exists in one or more of the countries studied. The diseases for which CPs exist in the highest number of countries are enzootic bovine leukosis, bluetongue, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, bovine viral diarrhoea and anthrax (CPs reported by between 16 and 31 countries). Every participating country has on average, 6 CPs (min–max: 1–13) in place. Most programmes are implemented at a national level (86%) and are applied to both dairy and non-dairy cattle (75%). Approximately one-third of the CPs are voluntary, and the funding structure is divided between government and private resources. Countries that have eradicated diseases like enzootic bovine leukosis, bluetongue, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis and bovine viral diarrhoea have implemented CPs for other diseases to further improve the health status of cattle in their country. The control of the selected cattle diseases is very heterogenous in Europe. Therefore, the standardising of the outputs of these programmes to enable comparison represents a challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaka Jakob Hodnik
- Clinic for Reproduction and Large Animals - Section for Ruminants, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Žaklin Acinger-Rogić
- Veterinary and Food Safety Directorate, Ministry of Agriculture, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Mentor Alishani
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary, University of Prishtina "Hasan Prishtina", Prishtina, Albania
| | - Tiina Autio
- Finnish Food Authority, Veterinary Bacteriology and Pathology Unit, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Ana Balseiro
- Animal Health Department, University of León, León, Spain.,Animal Health Department, Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-University of León, León, Spain
| | - John Berezowski
- Veterinary Public Health Institute, Vetsuisse, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Luís Pedro Carmo
- Veterinary Public Health Institute, Vetsuisse, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ilias Chaligiannis
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Beate Conrady
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Complexity Science Hub Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lina Costa
- Department of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, Agrarian School of Elvas, Polytechnic Institute of Portalegre, Portalegre, Portugal
| | - Iskra Cvetkovikj
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Skopje, Ss Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Skopje, Macedonia
| | - Ivana Davidov
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | | | - Igor Djadjovski
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Skopje, Ss Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Skopje, Macedonia
| | - Elsa Leclerc Duarte
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development, Universidade de Évora, Évora, Portugal
| | | | | | - Jenny Frössling
- Department of Disease Control and Epidemiology, National Veterinary Institute (SVA), Uppsala, Sweden.,Department of Animal Environment and Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Skara, Sweden
| | - Anton Gerilovych
- National Scientific Centre, Institute for Experimental and Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Kharkiv, Ukraine
| | - Jörn Gethmann
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Jacinto Gomes
- Animal Health and Production Unit, National Institute for Agrarian and Veterinary Research, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - David Graham
- Animal Health Ireland, Carrick on Shannon, Ireland
| | | | - George J Gunn
- Epidemiology Research Unit, Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Northern Faculty, Scotland's Rural College, Inverness, United Kingdom
| | - Madeleine K Henry
- Epidemiology Research Unit, Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Northern Faculty, Scotland's Rural College, Inverness, United Kingdom
| | - Petter Hopp
- Section of Epidemiology, Norwegian Veterinary Institute (NVI), Oslo, Norway
| | - Hans Houe
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Elena Irimia
- Research and Development Institute for Bovine Balotesti, Balotesti, Romania
| | - Jožica Ježek
- Clinic for Reproduction and Large Animals - Section for Ruminants, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ramon A Juste
- Department of Animal Health, NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance, Derio, Spain
| | - Emmanouil Kalaitzakis
- Clinic of Farm Animals, Veterinary Faculty, Aristotle University Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Jasmeet Kaler
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Selcuk Kaplan
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Tekirdag Namik Kemal University, Tekirdag, Turkey
| | - Polychronis Kostoulas
- Laboratory of Epidemiology, Faculty of Public and One (Integrated) Health, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - Kaspars Kovalenko
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Latvia University of Lifesciences and Technologies, Jelgava, Latvia
| | - Nada Kneževič
- Podravka Food Industry, Research and Development, Koprivnica, Croatia
| | - Tanja Knific
- Veterinary Faculty, Institute of Food Safety, Feed and Environment, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Xhelil Koleci
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Agricultural University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania
| | | | - Alvydas Malakauskas
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Veterinary Academy, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Rene Mandelik
- Department of Epizootiology, Parasitology and Protection of One Health, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Eleftherios Meletis
- Laboratory of Epidemiology, Faculty of Public and One (Integrated) Health, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - Madalina Mincu
- Research and Development Institute for Bovine Balotesti, Balotesti, Romania
| | - Kerli Mõtus
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Violeta Muñoz-Gómez
- Section of Epidemiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Mihaela Niculae
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Jelena Nikitović
- Institute for Genetic Resources, University of Banja Luka, Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Matjaž Ocepek
- Veterinary Faculty, National Veterinary Institute, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - László Ózsvári
- Department of Veterinary Forensics and Economics, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dimitrios Papadopoulos
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristoteles University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Theofilos Papadopoulos
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristoteles University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Sinikka Pelkonen
- Finnish Food Authority, Veterinary Bacteriology and Pathology Unit, Kuopio, Finland
| | | | - Nicola Pozzato
- Laboratorio di Medicina Forense Veterinaria, Struttura Complessa Territoriale 1 - Verona e Vicenza, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Delle Venezie, Vicenza, Italy
| | - Eglé Rapaliuté
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Veterinary Academy, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | | | - João Niza-Ribeiro
- Department of Population Studies, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Franz-Ferdinand Roch
- Unit of Food Microbiology, Institute for Food Safety, Food Technology and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Liza Rosenbaum Nielsen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jose Luis Saez
- Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Madrid, Spain
| | - Søren Saxmose Nielsen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gerdien van Schaik
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Royal GD, Deventer, Netherlands
| | | | - Blagica Sekovska
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Skopje, Ss Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Skopje, Macedonia
| | - Jože Starič
- Clinic for Reproduction and Large Animals - Section for Ruminants, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Sam Strain
- Animal Health and Welfare Northern Ireland, Dungannon, United Kingdom
| | - Petr Šatran
- State Veterinary Administration, Prague, Czechia
| | - Sabina Šerić-Haračić
- Animal Health Economics Department, Veterinary Faculty of the University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | | | - Hans-Hermann Thulke
- Department of Ecological Modelling, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ivan Toplak
- Department of Virology, Veterinary Faculty, Institute of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Sharon Verner
- Animal Health and Welfare Northern Ireland, Dungannon, United Kingdom
| | - Štefan Vilček
- Department of Epizootiology, Parasitology and Protection of One Health, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Ramazan Yildiz
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Burdur, Turkey
| | - Inge M G A Santman-Berends
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Royal GD, Deventer, Netherlands
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30
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Liskova EA, Egorova IY, Selyaninov YO, Razheva IV, Gladkova NA, Toropova NN, Zakharova OI, Burova OA, Surkova GV, Malkhazova SM, Korennoy FI, Iashin IV, Blokhin AA. Reindeer Anthrax in the Russian Arctic, 2016: Climatic Determinants of the Outbreak and Vaccination Effectiveness. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:668420. [PMID: 34250061 PMCID: PMC8264129 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.668420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The Yamal Peninsula in the Russian Federation experienced a massive outbreak of anthrax in reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) in July–August 2016, with 2,650 (6.46% of the total susceptible population) animals infected, of which 2,350 died (case fatality rate of 88.67%). In our study, we analyzed climatic and epidemiological factors that could have triggered the outbreak. The cancelation of reindeer vaccination against anthrax in 2007 resulted in an increase in population susceptibility. In response to the outbreak, total vaccination of all susceptible animals was resumed. To assess the vaccination effectiveness, we tested 913 samples of blood serum taken from vaccinated reindeer using an antigenic erythrocyte diagnostic kit to detect specific anti-anthrax antibodies via an indirect hemagglutination assay (IHA) 9 months after vaccination. We found that 814 samples had sufficiently high levels of anti-anthrax antibodies to indicate a protection level of 89% (95% confidence interval: 87–91%) of the whole reindeer population. Abnormally high ambient temperature in the summer of 2016 contributed to the thawing of permafrost and viable Bacillus anthracis spores could have become exposed to the surface; the monthly average air temperatures in June, July, and August 2016 were 20–100% higher than those of the previous 30-year period, while the maximum air temperatures were 16–75% higher. Using the projected climate data for 2081–2100 according to the “worst case” RCP8.5 scenario, we demonstrated that the yearly air temperature may average above 0°C across the entire Yamal Peninsula, while the yearly number of days with a mean temperature above 0°C may rise by 49 ± 6 days, which would provide conditions for reactivation of soil anthrax reservoirs. Our results showed that the outbreak of anthrax occurred under conditions of a significant increase in air temperature in the study area, underlined the importance of vaccination for controlling the epidemic process, and demonstrated the effectiveness of monitoring studies using the IHA diagnostic kit for detecting erythrocyte anthrax antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena A Liskova
- Federal Research Center for Virology and Microbiology, Nizhny Novgorod Research Veterinary Institute - Branch of Federal Research Center for Virology and Microbiology, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Irina Y Egorova
- Federal Research Center for Virology and Microbiology (FRCVM), Pokrov, Russia
| | - Yuri O Selyaninov
- Federal Research Center for Virology and Microbiology (FRCVM), Pokrov, Russia
| | - Irina V Razheva
- Federal Research Center for Virology and Microbiology, Nizhny Novgorod Research Veterinary Institute - Branch of Federal Research Center for Virology and Microbiology, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Nadezhda A Gladkova
- Federal Research Center for Virology and Microbiology, Nizhny Novgorod Research Veterinary Institute - Branch of Federal Research Center for Virology and Microbiology, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Nadezhda N Toropova
- Federal Research Center for Virology and Microbiology, Nizhny Novgorod Research Veterinary Institute - Branch of Federal Research Center for Virology and Microbiology, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Olga I Zakharova
- Federal Research Center for Virology and Microbiology, Nizhny Novgorod Research Veterinary Institute - Branch of Federal Research Center for Virology and Microbiology, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Olga A Burova
- Federal Research Center for Virology and Microbiology, Nizhny Novgorod Research Veterinary Institute - Branch of Federal Research Center for Virology and Microbiology, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Galina V Surkova
- Faculty of Geography, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Fedor I Korennoy
- Federal Research Center for Virology and Microbiology, Nizhny Novgorod Research Veterinary Institute - Branch of Federal Research Center for Virology and Microbiology, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia.,FGBI Federal Centre for Animal Health (FGBI ARRIAH), Vladimir, Russia
| | - Ivan V Iashin
- Federal Research Center for Virology and Microbiology, Nizhny Novgorod Research Veterinary Institute - Branch of Federal Research Center for Virology and Microbiology, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Andrei A Blokhin
- Federal Research Center for Virology and Microbiology, Nizhny Novgorod Research Veterinary Institute - Branch of Federal Research Center for Virology and Microbiology, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
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31
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Ezhova E, Orlov D, Suhonen E, Kaverin D, Mahura A, Gennadinik V, Kukkonen I, Drozdov D, Lappalainen HK, Melnikov V, Petäjä T, Kerminen VM, Zilitinkevich S, Malkhazova SM, Christensen TR, Kulmala M. Climatic Factors Influencing the Anthrax Outbreak of 2016 in Siberia, Russia. ECOHEALTH 2021; 18:217-228. [PMID: 34453636 PMCID: PMC8463397 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-021-01549-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In 2016, an outbreak of anthrax killing thousands of reindeer and affecting dozens of humans occurred on the Yamal peninsula, Northwest Siberia, after 70 years of epidemiological situation without outbreaks. The trigger of the outbreak has been ascribed to the activation of spores due to permafrost thaw that was accelerated during the summer heat wave. The focus of our study is on the dynamics of local environmental factors in connection with the observed anthrax revival. We show that permafrost was thawing rapidly for already 6 years before the outbreak. During 2011-2016, relatively warm years were followed by cold years with a thick snow cover, preventing freezing of the soil. Furthermore, the spread of anthrax was likely intensified by an extremely dry summer of 2016. Concurrent with the long-term decreasing trend in the regional annual precipitation, the rainfall in July 2016 was less than 10% of its 30-year mean value. We conclude that epidemiological situation of anthrax in the previously contaminated Arctic regions requires monitoring of climatic factors such as warming and precipitation extremes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina Ezhova
- Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research (INAR)/Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Dmitry Orlov
- Department of Biogeography, Faculty of Geography, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Elli Suhonen
- Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research (INAR)/Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Dmitry Kaverin
- Institute of Biology of Komi Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Syktyvkar, Russia
| | - Alexander Mahura
- Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research (INAR)/Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Victor Gennadinik
- International Centre of Cryology and Cryosophy, University of Tyumen, Tyumen, Russia
| | - Ilmo Kukkonen
- Department of Geosciences and Geography, Faculty of Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Dmitry Drozdov
- International Centre of Cryology and Cryosophy, University of Tyumen, Tyumen, Russia
- Earth Cryosphere Institute, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Tyumen, Russia
- Hydrogeological Department, Faculty of Engineering Geology, Russian State Geological Prospecting University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Hanna K Lappalainen
- Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research (INAR)/Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- International Centre of Cryology and Cryosophy, University of Tyumen, Tyumen, Russia
| | - Vladimir Melnikov
- International Centre of Cryology and Cryosophy, University of Tyumen, Tyumen, Russia
- Earth Cryosphere Institute, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Tyumen, Russia
- Department of Earth Cryology, Industrial University of Tyumen', Tyumen, Russia
- Tyumen Scientific Center of Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Tyumen, Russia
| | - Tuukka Petäjä
- Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research (INAR)/Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- International Centre of Cryology and Cryosophy, University of Tyumen, Tyumen, Russia
| | - Veli-Matti Kerminen
- Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research (INAR)/Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sergey Zilitinkevich
- Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research (INAR)/Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- International Centre of Cryology and Cryosophy, University of Tyumen, Tyumen, Russia
- Finnish Meteorological Institute, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Svetlana M Malkhazova
- Department of Biogeography, Faculty of Geography, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Torben R Christensen
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Markku Kulmala
- Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research (INAR)/Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- International Centre of Cryology and Cryosophy, University of Tyumen, Tyumen, Russia
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Mackey C, Kribs C. Modeling anthrax-rabies interactions in zebra-jackal cycles. J Theor Biol 2020; 511:110553. [PMID: 33333079 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2020.110553] [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: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Etosha National Park (ENP) is located in Namibia, where an annual anthrax outbreak (caused by Bacillus anthracis) occurs among grazing animals such as zebras. This increases the number of carcasses in ENP, allowing for scavengers such as jackals to feed off these carcasses. Carcasses provide a location of conspecific interaction between jackals and may be a means of disease transmission among the jackals. We are interested in studying how a disease in the zebra population may help to propagate a different disease (rabies) in the jackal population since the carcasses are providing a location of interaction between the jackals. We aim to answer the following research question: how do anthrax and rabies affect each other's ability to spread? Standard qualitative analysis techniques distinguished outcomes (stable equilibria) using reproduction numbers as threshold quantities. We found that rabies helps anthrax, and a little anthrax helps rabies invade, but a lot of anthrax prevents rabies by reducing the jackal population through its food source.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crystal Mackey
- Department of Mathematics, The University of Texas at Arlington, Box 19408, Arlington, TX 76019 USA.
| | - Christopher Kribs
- Department of Mathematics, The University of Texas at Arlington, Box 19408, Arlington, TX 76019 USA.
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Can scavengers save zebras from anthrax? A modeling study. Infect Dis Model 2020; 6:56-74. [PMID: 33313454 PMCID: PMC7708949 DOI: 10.1016/j.idm.2020.10.016] [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: 10/27/2019] [Revised: 10/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Namibia's Etosha National Park (ENP) is home to many different animals such as lions, jackals, hyenas, zebras, elephants, etc. Each year, grazing animals are infected and die from anthrax caused by the bacteria Bacillus anthracis. This increases the number of carcasses in the park, which serve as food for scavengers such as jackals. This study investigates the interplay between anthrax transmission in zebras and the scavenging of zebra carcasses in ENP, using a deterministic mathematical model to describe the population dynamics. We strive to answer the following research questions: Under what conditions can the presence of scavengers control anthrax outbreaks in zebra populations? Does carcass production by anthrax help or hurt scavengers in the long term? Standard qualitative analysis techniques distinguished outcomes (stable equilibria) using reproduction numbers as threshold quantities. We found that, when scavengers feed on anthrax-laden carcasses, the scavengers help the zebras, by eliminating potential infection zones for the zebras. In this way they reduce anthrax's spread by orders of magnitude. We also identify conditions under which the presence of anthrax benefits the scavengers, in terms of death-to-birth ratios for zebras, scavengers and anthrax.
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Salgado JRS, Rabinovitch L, Gomes MDFDS, Allil RCDSB, Werneck MM, Rodrigues RB, Picão RC, de Oliveira Luiz FB, Vivoni AM. Detection of Bacillus anthracis and Bacillus anthracis-like spores in soil from state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2020; 115:e200370. [PMID: 33174903 PMCID: PMC7646210 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760200370] [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: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bacillus anthracis is the aetiologic agent of anthrax, a re-emerging, septicaemic, haemorrhagic and lethal disease that affects humans, domestic ruminants and wildlife. Plasmids pXO1 and pXO2 are attributes that confer pathogenicity to B. anthracis strains. This bacterium was used as biological weapon in the World Wars and in the biological attack in the United States of America at 2001. B. anthracis is classified as a Tier 1 bioterrorism agent by the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention. Anthrax is recognised as a re-emerging disease. Several studies concerning the dynamics of B. anthracis cycle in soil revealed that nonpathogenic B. anthracis strains due to lack of pXO2 plasmid are commonly found in some types of soil. OBJECTIVES This study aimed isolation and identification of B. anthracis spores in soil samples of the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. METHODS Phenotypic and genotypic approaches were used to identify isolates including MALDI-TOF/MS, motility test, susceptibility to gamma phage and penicillin, survey for pag and cap genes as surrogates of pXO1 and pXO2 plasmids, respectively, and sequencing of 16SrRNA-encoding gene. Physicochemical analysis of the soil samples were carried out to describe soil characteristics. FINDINGS We observed the presence of one B. anthracis pXO1+ and pXO2- isolated from clay loam soil; one B. anthracis-like strain pXO1+ and pXO2-isolated from loamy sand; and 10 Bacillus spp. strains sensitive to phage-gamma that need better characterisation to define which their species were recovered from loamy sand. MAIN CONCLUSIONS This work showed promising results and it was the first study to report results from an active surveillance for B. anthracis in Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline RS Salgado
- Exército Brasileiro, Instituto de Defesa Química, Biológica, Radiológica e Nuclear, Laboratório de Defesa Biológica, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Leon Rabinovitch
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Fisiologia Bacteriana/Laboratório de Referência Nacional para Carbúnculo, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Maria de Fátima dos S Gomes
- Exército Brasileiro, Instituto de Defesa Química, Biológica, Radiológica e Nuclear, Laboratório de Defesa Biológica, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Regina Celia da SB Allil
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto Alberto Luiz Coimbra de Pós-Graduação e Pesquisa de Engenharia, Laboratório de Instrumentação e Fotônica, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Marcelo Martins Werneck
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto Alberto Luiz Coimbra de Pós-Graduação e Pesquisa de Engenharia, Laboratório de Instrumentação e Fotônica, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Rafael B Rodrigues
- Exército Brasileiro, Instituto de Defesa Química, Biológica, Radiológica e Nuclear, Laboratório de Defesa Biológica, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Renata C Picão
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Fernanda Baptista de Oliveira Luiz
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Fisiologia Bacteriana/Laboratório de Referência Nacional para Carbúnculo, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Adriana M Vivoni
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Fisiologia Bacteriana/Laboratório de Referência Nacional para Carbúnculo, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
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Hai Y, Wang WR, Hua Y, Guo WD, Song J, Han S, Zhang YG, Jiang XF, Zhang XH, Li ZJ, Li W, Liang XD, Han RL, Wei JC, Liu ZG. Changed epidemiology of anthrax and molecular characteristics of Bacillus anthracis in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China. Transbound Emerg Dis 2020; 68:2250-2260. [PMID: 33048441 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13877] [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: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Anthrax is a natural foci disease in Inner Mongolia, which poses a severe threat to public health. In this study, the incidence number, rate and constituent ratio were used to describe the epidemiological characteristics of anthrax in the region from 1956-2018. The molecular correlation and genetic characteristics of the strains were investigated using canonical single nucleotide polymorphisms (CanSNP), multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA-15) and whole genome sequencing (WGS). The epidemiological characteristics of anthrax in Inner Mongolia have altered significantly. The incidence of anthrax has decreased annually without vaccination, and the regional distribution of anthrax gradually transferred from central and western regions to the eastern. Moreover, the occupation distribution evolved from multiple early occupations to predominated by farmers and herdsmen. This change is closely related to policy factors and to changes in the means of production and the living habits of the local population. This indicates that reformulating the control and prevention strategies is essential. Both A. Br. Ames and A. Br. 001/002 subgroups were the predominant CanSNP genotypes of Bacillus anthracis in Inner Mongolia. A total of 36 strains constituted six shared MLVA-15 genotypes, suggesting an epidemiological link between the strains of each shared genotype. The six shared genotypes ([GT1, 9, 11 and 15] and [GT8 and 12]) consisting of 2-7 strains confirmed the occurrence of multiple point outbreaks and cross-regional transmission caused by multiple common sources of infection. Phylogenetic analysis based on the WGS core genome showed that strains from this study formed an independent clade (C.V.), and they were positioned close to each other, suggesting a common origin. Further comparison analysis should be performed to ascertain the geographic origin of these strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Hai
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agriculture University, Huhhot, China.,Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Center for Comprehensive Disease Control and Prevention, Huhhot, China
| | - Wen-Rui Wang
- Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Center for Comprehensive Disease Control and Prevention, Huhhot, China
| | - Yue Hua
- Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Center for Comprehensive Disease Control and Prevention, Huhhot, China
| | - Wei-Dong Guo
- Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Center for Comprehensive Disease Control and Prevention, Huhhot, China
| | - Jian Song
- Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Center for Comprehensive Disease Control and Prevention, Huhhot, China
| | - Song Han
- Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Center for Comprehensive Disease Control and Prevention, Huhhot, China
| | - Yu-Geng Zhang
- Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Center for Comprehensive Disease Control and Prevention, Huhhot, China
| | - Xiao-Feng Jiang
- Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Center for Comprehensive Disease Control and Prevention, Huhhot, China
| | - Xiu-Hong Zhang
- Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Center for Comprehensive Disease Control and Prevention, Huhhot, China
| | - Zhen-Jun Li
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Li
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Xu-Dong Liang
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Run-Lin Han
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agriculture University, Huhhot, China
| | - Jian-Chun Wei
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Zhi-Guo Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agriculture University, Huhhot, China.,Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Center for Comprehensive Disease Control and Prevention, Huhhot, China.,State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
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36
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Bruce SA, Schiraldi NJ, Kamath PL, Easterday WR, Turner WC. A classification framework for Bacillus anthracis defined by global genomic structure. Evol Appl 2020; 13:935-944. [PMID: 32431744 PMCID: PMC7232756 DOI: 10.1111/eva.12911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Revised: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacillus anthracis, the causative agent of anthrax, is a considerable global health threat affecting wildlife, livestock, and the general public. In this study, whole-genome sequence analysis of over 350 B. anthracis isolates was used to establish a new high-resolution global genotyping framework that is both biogeographically informative and compatible with multiple genomic assays. The data presented in this study shed new light on the diverse global dissemination of this species and indicate that many lineages may be uniquely suited to the geographic regions in which they are found. In addition, we demonstrate that plasmid genomic structure for this species is largely consistent with chromosomal population structure, suggesting vertical inheritance in this bacterium has contributed to its evolutionary persistence. This classification methodology is the first based on population genomic structure for this species and has potential use for local and broader institutions seeking to understand both disease outbreak origins and recent introductions. In addition, we provide access to a newly developed genotyping script as well as the full whole-genome sequence analyses output for this study, allowing future studies to rapidly employ and append their data in the context of this global collection. This framework may act as a powerful tool for public health agencies, wildlife disease laboratories, and researchers seeking to utilize and expand this classification scheme for further investigations into B. anthracis evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spencer A. Bruce
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity at Albany – State University of New YorkAlbanyNYUSA
| | - Nicholas J. Schiraldi
- Department of Information Technology ServicesUniversity at Albany – State University of New YorkAlbanyNYUSA
| | | | - W. Ryan Easterday
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary SynthesisDepartment of BiosciencesUniversity of OsloOsloNorway
| | - Wendy C. Turner
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity at Albany – State University of New YorkAlbanyNYUSA
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37
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Environmental reservoir dynamics predict global infection patterns and population impacts for the fungal disease white-nose syndrome. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:7255-7262. [PMID: 32179668 PMCID: PMC7132137 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1914794117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Infectious diseases can have devastating effects on populations, and the ability of a pathogen to persist in the environment can amplify these impacts. Understanding how environmental pathogen reservoirs influence the number of individuals that become infected and suffer mortality is essential for disease control and prevention. We integrated disease data with population surveys to examine the influence of the environmental reservoir on disease impacts for a devastating fungal disease of bats, white-nose syndrome. We find that the extent of pathogen present in the environment predicts how many hosts become infected and suffer mortality during disease outbreaks. These results provide a target for managing contamination levels in the environment to reduce population impacts. Disease outbreaks and pathogen introductions can have significant effects on host populations, and the ability of pathogens to persist in the environment can exacerbate disease impacts by fueling sustained transmission, seasonal epidemics, and repeated spillover events. While theory suggests that the presence of an environmental reservoir increases the risk of host declines and threat of extinction, the influence of reservoir dynamics on transmission and population impacts remains poorly described. Here we show that the extent of the environmental reservoir explains broad patterns of host infection and the severity of disease impacts of a virulent pathogen. We examined reservoir and host infection dynamics and the resulting impacts of Pseudogymnoascus destructans, the fungal pathogen that causes white-nose syndrome, in 39 species of bats at 101 sites across the globe. Lower levels of pathogen in the environment consistently corresponded to delayed infection of hosts, fewer and less severe infections, and reduced population impacts. In contrast, an extensive and persistent environmental reservoir led to early and widespread infections and severe population declines. These results suggest that continental differences in the persistence or decay of P. destructans in the environment altered infection patterns in bats and influenced whether host populations were stable or experienced severe declines from this disease. Quantifying the impact of the environmental reservoir on disease dynamics can provide specific targets for reducing pathogen levels in the environment to prevent or control future epidemics.
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38
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Smiley Evans T, Shi Z, Boots M, Liu W, Olival KJ, Xiao X, Vandewoude S, Brown H, Chen JL, Civitello DJ, Escobar L, Grohn Y, Li H, Lips K, Liu Q, Lu J, Martínez-López B, Shi J, Shi X, Xu B, Yuan L, Zhu G, Getz WM. Synergistic China-US Ecological Research is Essential for Global Emerging Infectious Disease Preparedness. ECOHEALTH 2020; 17:160-173. [PMID: 32016718 PMCID: PMC7088356 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-020-01471-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Revised: 11/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
The risk of a zoonotic pandemic disease threatens hundreds of millions of people. Emerging infectious diseases also threaten livestock and wildlife populations around the world and can lead to devastating economic damages. China and the USA-due to their unparalleled resources, widespread engagement in activities driving emerging infectious diseases and national as well as geopolitical imperatives to contribute to global health security-play an essential role in our understanding of pandemic threats. Critical to efforts to mitigate risk is building upon existing investments in global capacity to develop training and research focused on the ecological factors driving infectious disease spillover from animals to humans. International cooperation, particularly between China and the USA, is essential to fully engage the resources and scientific strengths necessary to add this ecological emphasis to the pandemic preparedness strategy. Here, we review the world's current state of emerging infectious disease preparedness, the ecological and evolutionary knowledge needed to anticipate disease emergence, the roles that China and the USA currently play as sources and solutions to mitigating risk, and the next steps needed to better protect the global community from zoonotic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tierra Smiley Evans
- One Health Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.
| | - Zhengli Shi
- Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Michael Boots
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.
| | - Wenjun Liu
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | | | - Xiangming Xiao
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Biology, Center for Spatial Analysis, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, USA
| | | | - Heidi Brown
- Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Ji-Long Chen
- College of Animal Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | | | - Luis Escobar
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Yrjo Grohn
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | | | - Karen Lips
- Department of Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Qiyoung Liu
- Department of Vector Biology and Control, National Institute for Communicable Diseases Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Jiahai Lu
- One Health Center of Excellence for Research and Training, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | | | - Jishu Shi
- Laboratory of Vaccine Immunology, US-China Center for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Xiaolu Shi
- Department of Microbiology, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Biao Xu
- School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lihong Yuan
- School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guoqiang Zhu
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of Ministry of Education of China, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Wayne M Getz
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.
- School of Mathematical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.
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Hueffer K, Drown D, Romanovsky V, Hennessy T. Factors Contributing to Anthrax Outbreaks in the Circumpolar North. ECOHEALTH 2020; 17:174-180. [PMID: 32006181 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-020-01474-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2019] [Revised: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
A 2016 outbreak of anthrax on the Yamal Peninsula in Siberia that led to the culling of more than two hundred thousand reindeer and killed one human, resulted in significant media interests and in the reporting was often linked to thawing permafrost and ultimately climate change. Here, we review the historic context of anthrax outbreaks in the circumpolar North and explore alternative explanations for the anthrax outbreak in Western Siberia. Further, we propose a convergence model where multiple factors likely contributed to the outbreak of anthrax, including an expanded population and discontinued vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karsten Hueffer
- Department of Veterinary Medicine & Arctic and Northern Studies Program, University of Alaska Fairbanks, 2141 North Koyukuk Dr., Fairbanks, AK, 99775, USA.
| | - Devin Drown
- Institute of Arctic Biology & Department of Biology and Wildlife, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, USA
| | | | - Thomas Hennessy
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK, USA
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40
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Romero-Alvarez D, Peterson AT, Salzer JS, Pittiglio C, Shadomy S, Traxler R, Vieira AR, Bower WA, Walke H, Campbell LP. Potential distributions of Bacillus anthracis and Bacillus cereus biovar anthracis causing anthrax in Africa. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008131. [PMID: 32150557 PMCID: PMC7082064 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bacillus cereus biovar anthracis (Bcbva) is an emergent bacterium closely related to Bacillus anthracis, the etiological agent of anthrax. The latter has a worldwide distribution and usually causes infectious disease in mammals associated with savanna ecosystems. Bcbva was identified in humid tropical forests of Côte d'Ivoire in 2001. Here, we characterize the potential geographic distributions of Bcbva in West Africa and B. anthracis in sub-Saharan Africa using an ecological niche modeling approach. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Georeferenced occurrence data for B. anthracis and Bcbva were obtained from public data repositories and the scientific literature. Combinations of temperature, humidity, vegetation greenness, and soils values served as environmental variables in model calibrations. To predict the potential distribution of suitable environments for each pathogen across the study region, parameter values derived from the median of 10 replicates of the best-performing model for each pathogen were used. We found suitable environments predicted for B. anthracis across areas of confirmed and suspected anthrax activity in sub-Saharan Africa, including an east-west corridor from Ethiopia to Sierra Leone in the Sahel region and multiple areas in eastern, central, and southern Africa. The study area for Bcbva was restricted to West and Central Africa to reflect areas that have likely been accessible to Bcbva by dispersal. Model predicted values indicated potential suitable environments within humid forested environments. Background similarity tests in geographic space indicated statistical support to reject the null hypothesis of similarity when comparing environments associated with B. anthracis to those of Bcbva and when comparing humidity values and soils values individually. We failed to reject the null hypothesis of similarity when comparing environments associated with Bcbva to those of B. anthracis, suggesting that additional investigation is needed to provide a more robust characterization of the Bcbva niche. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE This study represents the first time that the environmental and geographic distribution of Bcbva has been mapped. We document likely differences in ecological niche-and consequently in geographic distribution-between Bcbva and typical B. anthracis, and areas of possible co-occurrence between the two. We provide information crucial to guiding and improving monitoring efforts focused on these pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Romero-Alvarez
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology and Biodiversity Institute, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, United States of America
| | - A. Townsend Peterson
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology and Biodiversity Institute, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Johanna S. Salzer
- Bacterial Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Claudia Pittiglio
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Animal Health Service, Animal Production and Health Division, Rome, Italy
| | - Sean Shadomy
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Animal Health Service, Animal Production and Health Division, Rome, Italy
- One Health Office, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Rita Traxler
- Bacterial Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Antonio R. Vieira
- Bacterial Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - William A. Bower
- Bacterial Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Henry Walke
- Bacterial Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Lindsay P. Campbell
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, Department of Entomology and Nematology, IFAS | University of Florida, Vero Beach, Florida, United States of America
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41
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Norris MH, Zincke D, Leiser OP, Kreuzer H, Hadfied TL, Blackburn JK. Laboratory strains of Bacillus anthracis lose their ability to rapidly grow and sporulate compared to wildlife outbreak strains. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0228270. [PMID: 31978128 PMCID: PMC6980579 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0228270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacillus anthracis is the causative agent of anthrax in animals and humans. The organism lies in a dormant state in the soil until introduced into an animal via, ingestion, cutaneous inoculation or inhalation. Once in the host, spores germinate into rapidly growing vegetative cells elaborating toxins. When animals die of anthrax, vegetative bacteria sporulate upon nutrient limitation in the carcass or soil while in the presence of air. After release into the soil environment, spores form a localized infectious zone (LIZ) at and around the carcass. Laboratory strains of B. anthracis produce fewer proteins associated with growth and sporulation compared to wild strains isolated from recent zoonotic disease events. We verified wild strains grow more rapidly than lab strains demonstrating a greater responsiveness to nutrient availability. Sporulation was significantly more rapid in these wild strains compared to lab strains, indicating wild strains are able to sporulate faster due to nutrient limitation while laboratory strains have a decrease in the speed at which they utilize nutrients and an increase in time to sporulation. These findings have implications for disease control at the LIZ as well as on the infectious cycle of this dangerous zoonotic pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael H. Norris
- Spatial Epidemiology & Ecology Research Laboratory, Department of Geography, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Diansy Zincke
- Spatial Epidemiology & Ecology Research Laboratory, Department of Geography, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Owen P. Leiser
- Chemical and Biological Signature Science, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington, United States of America
| | - Helen Kreuzer
- Chemical and Biological Signature Science, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington, United States of America
| | - Ted L. Hadfied
- Spatial Epidemiology & Ecology Research Laboratory, Department of Geography, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Jason K. Blackburn
- Spatial Epidemiology & Ecology Research Laboratory, Department of Geography, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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42
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Improvement of Methodical Approaches to Investigation of Anthrax Burials and Animal Burial sites. PROBLEMS OF PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS INFECTIONS 2020. [DOI: 10.21055/0370-1069-2019-4-41-47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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43
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Zincke D, Norris MH, Kurmanov B, Hadfield TL, Blackburn JK. Nucleotide polymorphism assay for the identification of west African group Bacillus anthracis: a lineage lacking anthrose. BMC Microbiol 2020; 20:6. [PMID: 31910798 PMCID: PMC6947953 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-019-1693-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The exosporium of the anthrax-causing Bacillus anthracis endospores display a tetrasaccharide composed of three rhamnose residues and an unusual sugar termed anthrose. Anthrose is a proposed potential target for immunotherapy and for specific detection of B. anthracis. Although originally thought to be ubiquitous in B. anthracis, previous work identified an anthrose negative strain from a West African lineage isolated from cattle that could represent a vaccine escape mutant. These strains carry genes required for expression of the anthrose operon but premature stop codons resulting from an 8-bp insertion in BAS3320 (an amino-transferase) and a C/T substitution at position 892 of the BAS3321 (a glycosyltransferase) gene prevent anthrose expression. Various other single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been identified throughout the operon and could be the basis for detection of anthrose-deficient strains. Results In this study, we evaluated rhAmp genotypic assays based on SNPs at positions 892 and 1352 of BAS3321 for detection and differentiation of anthrose negative (Ant−) West African strains. Discrimination of anthrose negative West African isolates was achieved with as low as 100 fg of DNA, whereas consistent genotyping of Sterne necessitated at least 1 pg of DNA. Conclusions Screening of a global panel of B. anthracis isolates showed anthrose-expressing alleles are prevalent worldwide whereas the anthrose-deficient phenotype is to date limited to West Africa. Our work also revealed a third, previously unreported anthrose genotype in which the operon is altogether missing from a Polish B. anthracis isolate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diansy Zincke
- Spatial Epidemiology & Ecology Research Laboratory, Department of Geography, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.,Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Michael H Norris
- Spatial Epidemiology & Ecology Research Laboratory, Department of Geography, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.,Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Berzhan Kurmanov
- Spatial Epidemiology & Ecology Research Laboratory, Department of Geography, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.,Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Ted L Hadfield
- Spatial Epidemiology & Ecology Research Laboratory, Department of Geography, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.,Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Jason K Blackburn
- Spatial Epidemiology & Ecology Research Laboratory, Department of Geography, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA. .,Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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44
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Dallas TA, Carlson CJ, Poisot T. Testing predictability of disease outbreaks with a simple model of pathogen biogeography. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2019; 6:190883. [PMID: 31827836 PMCID: PMC6894608 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.190883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Predicting disease emergence and outbreak events is a critical task for public health professionals and epidemiologists. Advances in global disease surveillance are increasingly generating datasets that are worth more than their component parts for prediction-oriented work. Here, we use a trait-free approach which leverages information on the global community of human infectious diseases to predict the biogeography of pathogens through time. Our approach takes pairwise dissimilarities between countries' pathogen communities and pathogens' geographical distributions and uses these to predict country-pathogen associations. We compare the success rates of our model for predicting pathogen outbreak, emergence and re-emergence potential as a function of time (e.g. number of years between training and prediction), pathogen type (e.g. virus) and transmission mode (e.g. vector-borne). With only these simple predictors, our model successfully predicts basic network structure up to a decade into the future. We find that while outbreak and re-emergence potential are especially well captured by our simple model, prediction of emergence events remains more elusive, and sudden global emergences like an influenza pandemic are beyond the predictive capacity of the model. However, these stochastic pandemic events are unlikely to be predictable from such coarse data. Together, our model is able to use the information on the existing country-pathogen network to predict pathogen outbreaks fairly well, suggesting the importance in considering information on co-occurring pathogens in a more global view even to estimate outbreak events in a single location or for a single pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tad A. Dallas
- Research Centre for Ecological Change, University of Helsinki, 00840 Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Biology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
- Author for correspondence: Tad A. Dallas e-mail:
| | - Colin J. Carlson
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Timothée Poisot
- Dépt de Sciences Biologiques, Univ. de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
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45
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Carlson CJ, Kracalik IT, Ross N, Alexander KA, Hugh-Jones ME, Fegan M, Elkin BT, Epp T, Shury TK, Zhang W, Bagirova M, Getz WM, Blackburn JK. The global distribution of Bacillus anthracis and associated anthrax risk to humans, livestock and wildlife. Nat Microbiol 2019; 4:1337-1343. [PMID: 31086311 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-019-0435-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Bacillus anthracis is a spore-forming, Gram-positive bacterium responsible for anthrax, an acute infection that most significantly affects grazing livestock and wild ungulates, but also poses a threat to human health. The geographic extent of B. anthracis is poorly understood, despite multi-decade research on anthrax epizootic and epidemic dynamics; many countries have limited or inadequate surveillance systems, even within known endemic regions. Here, we compile a global occurrence dataset of human, livestock and wildlife anthrax outbreaks. With these records, we use boosted regression trees to produce a map of the global distribution of B. anthracis as a proxy for anthrax risk. We estimate that 1.83 billion people (95% credible interval (CI): 0.59-4.16 billion) live within regions of anthrax risk, but most of that population faces little occupational exposure. More informatively, a global total of 63.8 million poor livestock keepers (95% CI: 17.5-168.6 million) and 1.1 billion livestock (95% CI: 0.4-2.3 billion) live within vulnerable regions. Human and livestock vulnerability are both concentrated in rural rainfed systems throughout arid and temperate land across Eurasia, Africa and North America. We conclude by mapping where anthrax risk could disrupt sensitive conservation efforts for wild ungulates that coincide with anthrax-prone landscapes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin J Carlson
- National Socio-Environmental Synthesis Center, University of Maryland, Annapolis, MD, USA.,Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, Washington DC, USA
| | - Ian T Kracalik
- Spatial Epidemiology & Ecology Research Lab, Department of Geography, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.,Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Noam Ross
- EcoHealth Alliance, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kathleen A Alexander
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Martin E Hugh-Jones
- School of the Coast and Environment, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Mark Fegan
- AgriBio, Centre for Agribiosciences, Biosciences Research, Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Brett T Elkin
- Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Government of the Northwest Territories, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada
| | - Tasha Epp
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Todd K Shury
- Parks Canada Agency, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Wenyi Zhang
- Center for Disease Surveillance & Research, Institute of Disease Control and Prevention of PLA, Beijing, China
| | | | - Wayne M Getz
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Jason K Blackburn
- Spatial Epidemiology & Ecology Research Lab, Department of Geography, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA. .,Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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46
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Jones SD, Atshabar B, Schmid BV, Zuk M, Amramina A, Stenseth NC. Living with plague: Lessons from the Soviet Union's antiplague system. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:9155-9163. [PMID: 31061115 PMCID: PMC6511024 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1817339116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Zoonoses, such as plague, are primarily animal diseases that spill over into human populations. While the goal of eradicating such diseases is enticing, historical experience validates abandoning eradication in favor of ecologically based control strategies (which reduce morbidity and mortality to a locally accepted risk level). During the 20th century, one of the most extensive plague-eradication efforts in recorded history was undertaken to enable large-scale changes in land use in the former Soviet Union (including vast areas of central Asia). Despite expending tremendous resources in its attempt to eradicate plague, the Soviet antiplague response gradually abandoned the goal of eradication in favor of plague control linked with developing basic knowledge of plague ecology. Drawing from this experience, we combine new gray-literature sources, historical and recent research, and fieldwork to outline best practices for the control of spillover from zoonoses while minimally disrupting wildlife ecosystems, and we briefly compare the Soviet case with that of endemic plague in the western United States. We argue for the allocation of sufficient resources to maintain ongoing local surveillance, education, and targeted control measures; to incorporate novel technologies selectively; and to use ecological research to inform developing landscape-based models for transmission interruption. We conclude that living with emergent and reemergent zoonotic diseases-switching to control-opens wider possibilities for interrupting spillover while preserving natural ecosystems, encouraging adaptation to local conditions, and using technological tools judiciously and in a cost-effective way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan D Jones
- Department of Ecology, Evolution & Behavior, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108;
- Program in History of Science & Technology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108
| | - Bakyt Atshabar
- M. Aikimbayev's Kazakh Scientific Centre for Quarantine and Zoonotic Diseases, Ministry of Public Health, Almaty 480074, Republic of Kazakhstan
| | - Boris V Schmid
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis, Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, N-01316 Oslo, Norway
| | - Marlene Zuk
- Department of Ecology, Evolution & Behavior, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108
| | - Anna Amramina
- Program in History of Science & Technology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108
| | - Nils Chr Stenseth
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis, Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, N-01316 Oslo, Norway;
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Earth System Modeling, Department of Earth System Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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Majumder S, Das S, Somani VK, Makam SS, Kingston JJ, Bhatnagar R. A Bivalent Protein r-PAbxpB Comprising PA Domain IV and Exosporium Protein BxpB Confers Protection Against B. anthracis Spores and Toxin. Front Immunol 2019; 10:498. [PMID: 30941133 PMCID: PMC6433990 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Anthrax vaccines primarily relying only on protective antigen (PA), the cell binding component in anthrax toxins provide incomplete protection when challenged with spores of virulent encapsulated Bacillus anthracis strains. Alternatively, formaldehyde inactivated spores (FIS) or recombinant spore components generate anti-spore immune responses that inhibit the early stages of infection and augment the PA protective efficacy. In the present study domain IV of PA was spliced with exosporium antigen BxpB via a flexible G4S linker to generate a single functional antigen r-PAbxpB that was further assessed for its protective efficacy against anthrax toxins and spore infection. Immunization of mice with r-PAbxpB elicited significantly high titer antibodies comprising IgG1:IgG2a isotypes in 1:1 ratio, balanced up-regulation of both Th1 (IL2, IL12, IFN-γ) and Th2 (IL4, IL5, IL10) cytokines and high frequencies of CD4+ and CD8+ T cell subsets. The anti-r-PAbxpB antibodies significantly enhanced spore phagocytosis, and killing within macrophages; inhibited their germination to vegetative cells and completely neutralized the anthrax toxins as evidenced by the 100% protection in passive transfer studies. Active immunization with r-PAbxpB provided 100 and 83.3% protection in mice I.P. challenged with 5 × LD100 LD of toxins and 5 × 104 cfu/ml Ames spores, respectively while the sham immunized group succumbed to infection in 48 h. Therefore, the ability of r-PAbxpB to generate protective immune responses against both spores and toxin and provide significant protection suggests it as an efficient vaccine candidate against B. anthracis infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saugata Majumder
- Defence Food Research Laboratory, Microbiology Division, Defence Research Development Organisation, Mysore, India
| | - Shreya Das
- Defence Food Research Laboratory, Microbiology Division, Defence Research Development Organisation, Mysore, India
| | | | - Shivakiran S Makam
- Defence Food Research Laboratory, Microbiology Division, Defence Research Development Organisation, Mysore, India
| | - Joseph J Kingston
- Defence Food Research Laboratory, Microbiology Division, Defence Research Development Organisation, Mysore, India
| | - Rakesh Bhatnagar
- School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
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48
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Petit III RA, Hogan JM, Ezewudo MN, Joseph SJ, Read TD. Fine-scale differentiation between Bacillus anthracis and Bacillus cereus group signatures in metagenome shotgun data. PeerJ 2018; 6:e5515. [PMID: 30155371 PMCID: PMC6109372 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.5515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is possible to detect bacterial species in shotgun metagenome datasets through the presence of only a few sequence reads. However, false positive results can arise, as was the case in the initial findings of a recent New York City subway metagenome project. False positives are especially likely when two closely related are present in the same sample. Bacillus anthracis, the etiologic agent of anthrax, is a high-consequence pathogen that shares >99% average nucleotide identity with Bacillus cereus group (BCerG) genomes. Our goal was to create an analysis tool that used k-mers to detect B. anthracis, incorporating information about the coverage of BCerG in the metagenome sample. METHODS Using public complete genome sequence datasets, we identified a set of 31-mer signatures that differentiated B. anthracis from other members of the B. cereus group (BCerG), and another set which differentiated BCerG genomes (including B. anthracis) from other Bacillus strains. We also created a set of 31-mers for detecting the lethal factor gene, the key genetic diagnostic of the presence of anthrax-causing bacteria. We created synthetic sequence datasets based on existing genomes to test the accuracy of a k-mer based detection model. RESULTS We found 239,503 B. anthracis-specific 31-mers (the Ba31 set), 10,183 BCerG 31-mers (the BCerG31 set), and 2,617 lethal factor k-mers (the lef31 set). We showed that false positive B. anthracis k-mers-which arise from random sequencing errors-are observable at high genome coverages of B. cereus. We also showed that there is a "gray zone" below 0.184× coverage of the B. anthracis genome sequence, in which we cannot expect with high probability to identify lethal factor k-mers. We created a linear regression model to differentiate the presence of B. anthracis-like chromosomes from sequencing errors given the BCerG background coverage. We showed that while shotgun datasets from the New York City subway metagenome project had no matches to lef31 k-mers and hence were negative for B. anthracis, some samples showed evidence of strains very closely related to the pathogen. DISCUSSION This work shows how extensive libraries of complete genomes can be used to create organism-specific signatures to help interpret metagenomes. We contrast "specialist" approaches to metagenome analysis such as this work to "generalist" software that seeks to classify all organisms present in the sample and note the more general utility of a k-mer filter approach when taxonomic boundaries lack clarity or high levels of precision are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A. Petit III
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - James M. Hogan
- Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Matthew N. Ezewudo
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Sandeep J. Joseph
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Timothy D. Read
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
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