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Septelici D, Carbone G, Cipri A, Esposito S. Management Strategies for Common Animal Bites in Pediatrics: A Narrative Review on the Latest Progress. Microorganisms 2024; 12:924. [PMID: 38792754 PMCID: PMC11124134 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12050924] [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: 03/23/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Animal bites are a common reason for children to visit primary care and emergency departments. Dog bites are the most prevalent, followed by cat bites at 20-30%. Other animals such as bats, monkeys, snakes, and rats collectively contribute less than 1% of cases. Hospitalization is necessary in only 4% of animal bite incidents. The main aim of this narrative review is to summarize the main protocols currently followed in pediatrics in cases involving the most common bites from different animal species. Analysis of the literature showed that the management of common animal bites in children presents a multifaceted challenge requiring a comprehensive understanding of the epidemiology, clinical presentation, and treatment modalities associated with each specific species. Effective wound management is paramount in reducing the risk of infection and promoting optimal healing outcomes. Additionally, tetanus vaccination status should be assessed and updated as necessary, and prophylactic antibiotics may be indicated in certain cases to prevent secondary infections. Furthermore, the role of rabies prophylaxis cannot be overstated, particularly in regions where rabies is endemic or following bites from high-risk animals. In addition to medical management, psychosocial support for both the child and their caregivers is integral to the overall care continuum. Future studies exploring the efficacy of novel treatment modalities, such as topical antimicrobial agents or advanced wound dressings, may offer new insights into optimizing wound healing and reducing the risk of complications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Susanna Esposito
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (D.S.); (G.C.); (A.C.)
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Suu-Ire R, Obodai E, Bel-Nono SO, Ampofo WK, Mazet JAK, Goldstein T, Johnson CK, Smith B, Boaatema L, Asigbee TW, Awuni J, Opoku E, Kelly TR. Surveillance for potentially zoonotic viruses in rodent and bat populations and behavioral risk in an agricultural settlement in Ghana. ONE HEALTH OUTLOOK 2022; 4:6. [PMID: 35256013 PMCID: PMC8901269 DOI: 10.1186/s42522-022-00061-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Ghana, the conversion of land to agriculture, especially across the vegetative belt has resulted in fragmented forest landscapes with increased interactions among humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. METHODS We investigated viruses in bats and rodents, key reservoir hosts for zoonotic viral pathogens, in a small agricultural community in the vegetation belt of Ghana. We also administered questionnaires among the local community members to learn more about people's awareness and perceptions of zoonotic disease risks and the environmental factors and types of activities in which they engage that might influence pathogen transmission from wildlife. RESULTS Our study detected the RNA from paramyxoviruses and coronaviruses in rodents and bats, including sequences from novel viruses with unknown zoonotic potential. Samples collected from Epomophorus gambianus bats were significantly more likely to be positive for coronavirus RNA during the rainy season, when higher numbers of young susceptible individuals are present in the population. Almost all community members who responded to the questionnaire reported contact with wildlife, especially bats, rodents, and non-human primates in and around their homes and in the agricultural fields. Over half of the respondents were not aware or did not perceive any zoonotic disease risks associated with close contact with animals, such as harvesting and processing animals for food. To address gaps in awareness and mitigation strategies for pathogen transmission risks, we organized community education campaigns using risk reduction and outreach tools focused around living safely with bats and rodents. CONCLUSIONS These findings expand our knowledge of the viruses circulating in bats and rodents in Ghana and of the beliefs, perceptions, and practices that put community members at risk of zoonotic virus spillover through direct and indirect contact with bats and rodents. This study also highlights the importance of community engagement in research and interventions focused on mitigating risk and living safely with wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Suu-Ire
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
| | - Evangeline Obodai
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
| | - Samuel Otis Bel-Nono
- One Health Institute, University of California, Davis, 1089 Veterinary Medicine Drive, Davis, CA, USA
- Military Veterinarian (Rtd), P.O. Box CT2585, Accra, Ghana
| | - William Kwabena Ampofo
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Jonna A K Mazet
- One Health Institute, University of California, Davis, 1089 Veterinary Medicine Drive, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Tracey Goldstein
- Zoological Pathology Program, c/o Chicago Zoological Society, 3300 Golf Rd., Brookfield, IL, 60513, USA
| | - Christine Kreuder Johnson
- One Health Institute, University of California, Davis, 1089 Veterinary Medicine Drive, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Brett Smith
- One Health Institute, University of California, Davis, 1089 Veterinary Medicine Drive, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Linda Boaatema
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Joseph Awuni
- Accra Veterinary Laboratory, Veterinary Services Directorate, Ring Road East, Accra, Ghana
| | - Eric Opoku
- Ghana Health Service, 28th February Road, Accra, Ghana
| | - Terra R Kelly
- One Health Institute, University of California, Davis, 1089 Veterinary Medicine Drive, Davis, CA, USA.
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Overview of Bat and Wildlife Coronavirus Surveillance in Africa: A Framework for Global Investigations. Viruses 2021; 13:v13050936. [PMID: 34070175 PMCID: PMC8158508 DOI: 10.3390/v13050936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had devastating health and socio-economic impacts. Human activities, especially at the wildlife interphase, are at the core of forces driving the emergence of new viral agents. Global surveillance activities have identified bats as the natural hosts of diverse coronaviruses, with other domestic and wildlife animal species possibly acting as intermediate or spillover hosts. The African continent is confronted by several factors that challenge prevention and response to novel disease emergences, such as high species diversity, inadequate health systems, and drastic social and ecosystem changes. We reviewed published animal coronavirus surveillance studies conducted in Africa, specifically summarizing surveillance approaches, species numbers tested, and findings. Far more surveillance has been initiated among bat populations than other wildlife and domestic animals, with nearly 26,000 bat individuals tested. Though coronaviruses have been identified from approximately 7% of the total bats tested, surveillance among other animals identified coronaviruses in less than 1%. In addition to a large undescribed diversity, sequences related to four of the seven human coronaviruses have been reported from African bats. The review highlights research gaps and the disparity in surveillance efforts between different animal groups (particularly potential spillover hosts) and concludes with proposed strategies for improved future biosurveillance.
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