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Ninsiima LR, Nyakarahuka L, Kisaka S, Atuheire CG, Mugisha L, Odoch T, Romano JS, Klein J, Mor SM, Kankya C. Knowledge, perceptions, and exposure to bats in communities living around bat roosts in Bundibugyo district, Uganda: implications for viral haemorrhagic fever prevention and control. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:311. [PMID: 38486158 PMCID: PMC10938820 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09162-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bats are a reservoir for many viruses causing haemorrhagic fevers. Proximity to bats is a risk factor for virus spillover to animals and humans. We conducted this study to assess knowledge, perceptions, and exposure to bats in communities living near bat roosts in Bundibugyo District, Uganda. METHODS A cross-sectional study using mixed methods with both quantitative and qualitative data was conducted between September and December 2022. Participants for the quantitative data (survey) (n = 384) resided near bat caves and/or roost sites and were selected using multistage random sampling. The survey investigated participants' prior exposure to bats, as well as knowledge and perceptions of bat exposure. Logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with bat exposure. Participants for the qualitative data (focus group discussions) (n = 10, 6-8 participants each) were purposely selected based on engagement in guano mining, hunting, and farming activities. Perceived risk associated with bat-related activities were identified and ranked in the focus group discussions using participatory epidemiology tools. RESULTS In total, (214/384, 55.7%) had a history of bat exposure and (208/384, 54.2%) had poor knowledge of risk factors associated with bat exposure. Increased exposure to bats was associated with being male (OR = 1.6; 95% CI: 1.0, 2.4 p-value = 0.038), staying in urban areas (OR = 1.9; p-value = 0.010), hunting (OR = 10.9; p-value = 0.024), and positive perception to bat guano being safe as fertiliser (OR = 2.5; p-value = 0.045). During the proportional piling process, a total of 7 risk factors were identified by 10 groups with hunting during an outbreak and consumption of bats being the most frequently identified. Overall, there was a strong statistical agreement in the ranking across the 10 focus groups (W = 0.52; p < 0.01; n = 10). Based on the provided data, the adjusted odds ratio of 0.7 for the good measures (p-value = 0.112), suggests a potential protective effect on the risk of bat exposure. CONCLUSION Communities living around bat roosts frequently come into contact with bats, yet there is inadequate awareness regarding the behaviors that can lead to the transmission of bat- borne diseases to humans. It is essential to undertake educational initiatives and preventive measures to minimise the risks of bat-related infections. The need for targeted health communication and education efforts to address these knowledge gaps and promote an accurate understanding of bats and disease transmission. Understanding of diseases associated with bats will minimize bat-related health risks especially in communities engaged in wildlife hunting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lesley Rose Ninsiima
- Department of Biosecurity, Ecosystems and Veterinary Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Luke Nyakarahuka
- Department of Biosecurity, Ecosystems and Veterinary Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Steven Kisaka
- Department of Biosecurity, Ecosystems and Veterinary Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Collins Gk Atuheire
- Department of Biosecurity, Ecosystems and Veterinary Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Lawrence Mugisha
- Department of Livestock Industrial Resources, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Terence Odoch
- Department of Biosecurity, Ecosystems and Veterinary Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Jörn Klein
- University of South Eastern Norway, Porsgrunn, Norway
| | - Siobhan M Mor
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- International Livestock Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Clovice Kankya
- Department of Biosecurity, Ecosystems and Veterinary Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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Uren AM, Young MK. Field testing Australian bat lyssavirus risk communication resources. Health Promot J Austr 2024. [PMID: 38163672 DOI: 10.1002/hpja.837] [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: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
ISSUE ADDRESSED Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV) is a fatal zoonosis, which can be transmitted to humans through scratches or bites from infected bats. Currently, there is a lack of research evaluating risk communication resources about ABLV or the dangers from handling bats. The purpose of this study was to field test resources aimed at educating the public about risks to humans and bats from human-bat interaction, then update these resources based upon feedback to ensure they were relevant and appropriately targeted to the public. METHODS Thirteen semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of participants chosen for maximum variation of age and sex were conducted. Two investigators analysed the data independently using a deductive approach and then came to consensus by discussion. RESULTS The main themes were a wide-ranging level of knowledge and opinions about bats, the resources having an effect on people, and messaging in relation to children and pets being particularly important. CONCLUSION This study highlighted the complexities of risk communication to a broad audience with varied experience and knowledge about bats, and the importance of evaluation prior to implementation to ensure risk communication is relevant and appealing to the intended audience. SO WHAT?: Field testing of health education material prior to implementation is an effective way to ensure key messages are understood, and is important when communicating about fatal but preventable zoonoses such as ABLV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra M Uren
- Metro North Public Health Unit, Queensland Health, Windsor, Queensland, Australia
| | - Megan K Young
- Metro North Public Health Unit, Queensland Health, Windsor, Queensland, Australia
- School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia
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Williams SMT, Ansumana R, Johnny J, Bakarr IA, Osborne A. Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Assessment on Bat-Borne Zoonotic Diseases Among the People of Moyamba District, Sierra Leone. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2023; 16:1331-1342. [PMID: 37489233 PMCID: PMC10363381 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s413802] [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: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Bats are considered wildlife species of public health concern, as they are known to host various pathogenic agents, and their interactions with humans are potential routes of pathogen spillover. A high level of knowledge on Bat-borne Zoonotic Diseases (BZD), their causative agents, signs, symptoms, mode and pattern of transmission, health attitudes, and practices towards the disorders are vital parameters in handling them. This study aimed to look into BZD knowledge, public attitudes, and behaviour. Methods We surveyed the 14 chiefdoms of Moyamba district. A total of 421 participants were randomly sampled using closed-ended questionnaire. Simple linear regression analysis was used to determine the effects of gender, age, education, and livelihood opportunities on BZD knowledge (at 95% confidence interval and alpha value = 0.05). The findings were analysed and correlated with a scientific and public health perspective to assess the breadth of knowledge and awareness of BZD among the people of Moyamba district. Results The findings from the study show a low level of knowledge on BZD among the people of the Moyamba district, with only 119 (28.3%) individuals that had some knowledge about BZD. Of those that knew about BZD, 94 (79.0%) had very little knowledge, 24 (20.2%) had a fair amount, and 1 (0.8%) had a great deal of knowledge about BZD. The primary mode of knowledge dissemination was through social media platforms. Conclusion The level of knowledge about BZD is also very low. As a result of these findings, policymakers, health professionals, and environmental educators will be compelled to develop strategies to reduce the risk of BZD transmission in Sierra Leone's population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Maxwell Tom Williams
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Environmental Sciences, Njala University, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Rashid Ansumana
- Department of Public Health, School of Community Health Sciences, Njala University, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Jonathan Johnny
- Department of Wildlife Management and Conservation, School of Natural Resources Management, Njala University, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Ibrahim A Bakarr
- Department of Wildlife Management and Conservation, School of Natural Resources Management, Njala University, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Augustus Osborne
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Environmental Sciences, Njala University, Freetown, Sierra Leone
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Bahiru A, Molla W, Yizengaw L, Mekonnen SA, Jemberu WT. Knowledge, attitude and practice related to rabies among residents of Amhara region, Ethiopia. Heliyon 2022; 8:e11366. [DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e11366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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Public Health Awareness on Bat Rabies among Bat Handlers and Persons Residing near Bat Roosts in Makurdi, Nigeria. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11090975. [PMID: 36145407 PMCID: PMC9505307 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11090975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Rabies is a neglected disease endemic in Asia and Africa but is still a significant public and veterinary health threat. Whilst a key delicacy for the local diet, bats are a natural reservoir host for many viral zoonotic agents including lyssaviruses, the causative agent of rabies. Studies on knowledge and practices linked to the disease will help to identify gaps and define preventive strategies that may subsequently result in a reduction and the potential elimination of human rabies. In order to assess the public health awareness of bat rabies among specific population groups in Makurdi (Nigeria), structured questionnaires (n = 154) were administered by face-to-face interviews to bat handlers and persons residing near bat roost sites. A total of 59.7% of the respondents were persons residing near bat roost sites, 13% were bat hunters, 25.3% were bat meat consumers and 1.9% were university researchers. Only 6.5% of respondents reported using some form of personal protective equipment (PPE) ranging from hand gloves, face/nose masks and protective boots to lab coats/coveralls while handling bats, whilst the majority (93.5%) did not use any form of PPE. With a mean knowledge score of 8.34 out of a possible 12 points, 50.6% of respondents had good knowledge of bats and their disease-carrying potential, 39.6% had fair knowledge, while 9.7% had poor knowledge. Log linear models showed significant associations between knowledge score and level of education, as well as knowledge score and occupation. The latter highlights the requirement to enhance public education among bat handlers and persons residing near bat roosts on the need to protect themselves better, while handling bats particularly during processing of bats for food and on steps to take when exposed to bites from bats.
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Rupprecht CE, Mani RS, Mshelbwala PP, Recuenco SE, Ward MP. Rabies in the Tropics. CURRENT TROPICAL MEDICINE REPORTS 2022; 9:28-39. [PMID: 35371908 PMCID: PMC8960221 DOI: 10.1007/s40475-022-00257-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Rabies is an ancient yet still neglected tropical disease (NTD). This review focuses upon highlights of recent research and peer-reviewed communications on the underestimated tropical burden of disease and its management due to the complicated dynamics of virulent viral species, diverse mammalian reservoirs, and tens of millions of exposed humans and animals – and how laboratory-based surveillance at each level informs upon pathogen spread and risks of transmission, for targeted prevention and control. Recent Findings While both human and rabies animal cases in enzootic areas over the past 5 years were reported to PAHO/WHO and OIE by member countries, still there is a huge gap between these “official” data and the need for enhanced surveillance efforts to meet global program goals. Summary A review of the complex aspects of rabies perpetuation in human, domestic animal, and wildlife communities, coupled with a high fatality rate despite the existence of efficacious biologics (but no therapeutics), warrants the need for a One Health approach toward detection via improved laboratory-based surveillance, with focal management at the viral source. More effective methods to prevent the spread of rabies from enzootic to free zones are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles E. Rupprecht
- LYSSA LLC, Atlanta, GA USA
- School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL USA
| | - Reeta S. Mani
- Department of Neurovirology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research in Rabies, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, Karnataka India
| | - Philip P. Mshelbwala
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Sergio E. Recuenco
- Facultad de Medicina San Fernando, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - Michael P. Ward
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, NSW Australia
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Boso À, Álvarez B, Pérez B, Imio JC, Altamirano A, Lisón F. Understanding human attitudes towards bats and the role of information and aesthetics to boost a positive response as a conservation tool. Anim Conserv 2021; 24:937-945. [PMID: 34177353 PMCID: PMC8212112 DOI: 10.1111/acv.12692] [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: 10/25/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
An understanding of human attitudes towards wildlife can be an essential element in the success or failure of a conservation initiative, policy or practice and represents one of the main conservation problems for wildlife species. Despite the ecosystem services bats provide, they often are a socially stigmatized group, misperceived and even hunted. This problem has been on the increase as a result of the Covid‐19 pandemic. We examined how aesthetic appeal and informational factors could influence human attitudes towards bats in a survey of 1966 participants from Spanish‐speaking countries. Gender, educational level, religiousness and previous experiences with bats were relevant variables to understand attitudes towards them. The results indicate that both aesthetic and informational stimuli increase the positive responses, reducing the negatives on the participants' attitudes. Our results show the importance of public attitudes to achieve conservation goals, especially in the context of human‐wildlife conflict. Bats are not charismatic animals and are still surrounded in mystery; however, our findings could benefit bat conservation plans, allowing the development of new communication strategies both locally and nationally and increasing public acceptance that will facilitate bat conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Àlex Boso
- Núcleo Científico Tecnológico en Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades Universidad de La Frontera Temuco Chile
| | - Boris Álvarez
- Departamento de Psicología Universidad Católica de Temuco Temuco Chile
| | - Beatriz Pérez
- Núcleo Científico Tecnológico en Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades Universidad de La Frontera Temuco Chile
| | - Juan Carlos Imio
- Laboratorio de Ecología del Paisaje y Conservación Departamento de Ciencias Forestales y Medio Ambiente Universidad de La Frontera Temuco Chile
| | - Adison Altamirano
- Laboratorio de Ecología del Paisaje y Conservación Departamento de Ciencias Forestales y Medio Ambiente Universidad de La Frontera Temuco Chile
| | - Fulgencio Lisón
- Laboratorio de Ecología del Paisaje y Conservación Departamento de Ciencias Forestales y Medio Ambiente Universidad de La Frontera Temuco Chile.,Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Lab Departamento de Zoología Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Oceanográficas Universidad de Concepción Concepción Chile
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Al-Mustapha AI, Tijani AA, Bamidele FO, Muftau O, Ibrahim A, Abdulrahim I, Osu MS, Kia G, Patrick N, Endie WN. Awareness and knowledge of canine rabies: A state-wide cross-sectional study in Nigeria. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0247523. [PMID: 33657138 PMCID: PMC7928438 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0247523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Rabies is a highly fatal disease that is endemic in Nigeria. The poor community awareness and knowledge of canine rabies have thwarted the realization of zero deaths from dog mediated human rabies. This study aimed to assess the awareness and knowledge of canine rabies in Kwara state. A total of 1,460 questionnaires were administered to respondents in the three senatorial zones of the state using open data kit (ODK) on mobile phones between September 2019 to January 2020. The rabies awareness rate was 38.1%. The mean knowledge score was 3.78 ± 2.15. Only 10.6% (n = 59/557) of the respondents had satisfactory knowledge of canine rabies. Respondents had poor knowledge of the mode of transmission, symptoms, prevention, and the control measures needed to eliminate canine rabies. Only 20.1% of respondents owned at least a dog. Dog owners were 3.85× (95% CI: 2.89, 5.13; p < 0.01) more likely to be aware of canine rabies and were 1.78× (95% CI: 1.22-2.60; p = 0.003) more likely to have satisfactory knowledge about canine rabies than non-dog owners. Respondents with tertiary education were at least 6.81× (95% CI: 4.24, 10.92; p < 0.01) more likely to be aware of rabies than respondents with no formal education. The findings of this study showed very low awareness and knowledge of canine rabies among residents of Kwara state. Mass sensitization of the populace on the dangers of rabies should be intensified. Such interventions should be targeted at the general public and dog owners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad I. Al-Mustapha
- Department of Veterinary Services, Kwara State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ilorin, Nigeria
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Abubakar A. Tijani
- Department of Veterinary Services, Kwara State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ilorin, Nigeria
- Nigerian Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program, Asokoro, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Folashade O. Bamidele
- Department of Veterinary Services, Kwara State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ilorin, Nigeria
- Nigerian Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program, Asokoro, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Oyewo Muftau
- Department of Veterinary Services, Kwara State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ilorin, Nigeria
- Nigerian Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program, Asokoro, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Ahmed Ibrahim
- Department of Veterinary Services, Kwara State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Ibrahim Abdulrahim
- Department of Veterinary Services, Kwara State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Muhammad Shuaib Osu
- Federal Department of Veterinary and Pest Control Services, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Grace Kia
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria
- War Against Rabies Foundation, Abuja, Nigeria
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Pérez B, Álvarez B, Boso A, Lisón F. Design and Psychometric Properties of the BAtSS: A New Tool to Assess Attitudes towards Bats. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11020244. [PMID: 33498185 PMCID: PMC7908982 DOI: 10.3390/ani11020244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Revised: 12/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Despite the benefits that bats offer the ecosystem, these animals are feared due to mythological beliefs and their association with dirt and disease. The COVID-19 pandemic has aggravated this situation, exacerbating the already habitual attacks on bats. Today there is an urgent need to address the human–bat conflict to develop conservation policies. Understanding peoples’ attitudes towards bats is a crucial part of this process. This study aimed to design the Bats Attitudes Standard Scale (BAtSS) and to analyze its properties. We developed a scale and analyzed its properties in a sample of 1639 Chileans. The final BAtSS consists of 34 questions on a five-point response scale. It has four factors (scientistic, positivistic, negativistic, and myths) and three subfactors (emotional negativistic, behavioral negativistic, and cognitive negativistic). The results showed that the scale was reliable and valid for measuring participants’ attitudes. Women and participants with a lower level of education were more negativistic and less positivistic. People with a higher level of education had a less mythological view of bats. We also analyzed the attitudes which would be more/less difficult to change. The BAtSS is an adequate tool and could help to understand and solve human–wildlife conflicts. Abstract Despite the benefits that bats offer the ecosystem, these animals are feared and attacked. The COVID-19 pandemic has aggravated this situation. Today there is an urgent need to address the human-bat conflict to develop conservation policies. Understanding peoples’ attitudes towards bats are critical for this process. This study aimed to design the Bats Attitudes Standard Scale (BAtSS) and to analyze its psychometric properties. We developed an initial version of the scale in which we established the content validity; we analyzed the items and structure in a pilot sample. In the next phase, we examined psychometric properties in a sample of 1639 Chileans. The final BAtSS consists of 34 Likert-type items configured in an oblique-hierarchical structure of four factors (scientistic, positivistic, negativistic, and myths) and three facets (emotional negativistic, behavioral negativistic, and cognitive negativistic). It presents adequate internal consistency, and the analysis of concurrent validity confirms the scale’s capacity to discriminate between groups. Women and participants with a lower level of education are more negativistic and less positivistic. People with a higher level of education have a less mythological view of bats. We also analyzed the items under the assumptions of item response theory (IRT).
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Pérez
- Núcleo Científico Tecnológico en Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile; (B.Á.); (A.B.)
- Departamento de Psicología, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +56-045-2596681
| | - Boris Álvarez
- Núcleo Científico Tecnológico en Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile; (B.Á.); (A.B.)
- Departamento de Psicología, Universidad Católica de Temuco, Temuco 4813302, Chile
| | - Alex Boso
- Núcleo Científico Tecnológico en Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile; (B.Á.); (A.B.)
| | - Fulgencio Lisón
- Laboratorio de Ecología del Paisaje y Conservación, Departamento de Ciencias Forestales y Medioambiente, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias y Forestales, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile;
- Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Lab, Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Oceanográficas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción 4070386, Chile
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Bonilla-Aldana DK, Jimenez-Diaz SD, Arango-Duque JS, Aguirre-Florez M, Balbin-Ramon GJ, Paniz-Mondolfi A, Suárez JA, Pachar MR, Perez-Garcia LA, Delgado-Noguera LA, Sierra MA, Muñoz-Lara F, Zambrano LI, Rodriguez-Morales AJ. Bats in ecosystems and their Wide spectrum of viral infectious potential threats: SARS-CoV-2 and other emerging viruses. Int J Infect Dis 2021; 102:87-96. [PMID: 32829048 PMCID: PMC7440229 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2020.08.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Bats have populated earth for approximately 52 million years, serving as natural reservoirs for a variety of viruses through the course of evolution. Transmission of highly pathogenic viruses from bats has been suspected or linked to a spectrum of potential emerging infectious diseases in humans and animals worldwide. Examples of such viruses include Marburg, Ebolavirus, Nipah, Hendra, Influenza A, Dengue, Equine Encephalitis viruses, Lyssaviruses, Madariaga and Coronaviruses, involving the now pandemic Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Herein, we provide a narrative review focused in selected emerging viral infectious diseases that have been reported from bats.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Katterine Bonilla-Aldana
- Semillero de Investigación en Zoonosis (SIZOO), Grupo de Investigación BIOECOS, Fundación Universitaria Autónoma de las Américas, Sede Pereira, Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia; Public Health and Infection Research Group and Incubator, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira, Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia
| | - S Daniela Jimenez-Diaz
- Semillero de Investigación en Zoonosis (SIZOO), Grupo de Investigación BIOECOS, Fundación Universitaria Autónoma de las Américas, Sede Pereira, Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia
| | | | - Mateo Aguirre-Florez
- Public Health and Infection Research Group and Incubator, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira, Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia
| | - Graciela J Balbin-Ramon
- Master in Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Universidad Cientifica del Sur, Lima, Peru; Hospital de Emergencias Jose Casimiro Ulloa, Lima, Peru
| | - Alberto Paniz-Mondolfi
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-based Medicine, The Mount Sinai Hospital-Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA; Laboratorio de Señalización Celular y Bioquímica de Parásitos, Instituto de Estudios Avanzados (IDEA), Caracas, Caracas, Venezuela; Academia Nacional de Medicina, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Jose Antonio Suárez
- Investigador SNI Senacyt Panamá, Clinical Research Deparment, Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Panama City, Panama
| | - Monica R Pachar
- Medicine Department-Infectious Diseases Service, Hospital Santo Tomas, Panama City, Panama
| | - Luis A Perez-Garcia
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas IDB/Incubadora Venezolana de la Ciencia, Cabudare, Edo. Lara, Venezuela
| | - Lourdes A Delgado-Noguera
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas IDB/Incubadora Venezolana de la Ciencia, Cabudare, Edo. Lara, Venezuela
| | - Manuel Antonio Sierra
- Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, UNAH, Tegucigalpa, Honduras; Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Tecnológica Centroamericana, Tegucigalpa, Honduras
| | - Fausto Muñoz-Lara
- Departamento de Medicina Interna, Hospital Escuela, Tegucigalpa, Honduras; Departamento de Medicina Interna, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, UNAH, Tegucigalpa, Honduras
| | - Lysien I Zambrano
- Departments of Physiological and Morphological Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras (UNAH), Tegucigalpa, Honduras
| | - Alfonso J Rodriguez-Morales
- Public Health and Infection Research Group and Incubator, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira, Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia; Master in Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Universidad Cientifica del Sur, Lima, Peru; Grupo de Investigación Biomedicina, Faculty of Medicine, Fundación Universitaria Autónoma de las Américas, Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia.
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Olival KJ, Cryan PM, Amman BR, Baric RS, Blehert DS, Brook CE, Calisher CH, Castle KT, Coleman JTH, Daszak P, Epstein JH, Field H, Frick WF, Gilbert AT, Hayman DTS, Ip HS, Karesh WB, Johnson CK, Kading RC, Kingston T, Lorch JM, Mendenhall IH, Peel AJ, Phelps KL, Plowright RK, Reeder DM, Reichard JD, Sleeman JM, Streicker DG, Towner JS, Wang LF. Possibility for reverse zoonotic transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to free-ranging wildlife: A case study of bats. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008758. [PMID: 32881980 PMCID: PMC7470399 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic highlights the substantial public health, economic, and societal consequences of virus spillover from a wildlife reservoir. Widespread human transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) also presents a new set of challenges when considering viral spillover from people to naïve wildlife and other animal populations. The establishment of new wildlife reservoirs for SARS-CoV-2 would further complicate public health control measures and could lead to wildlife health and conservation impacts. Given the likely bat origin of SARS-CoV-2 and related beta-coronaviruses (β-CoVs), free-ranging bats are a key group of concern for spillover from humans back to wildlife. Here, we review the diversity and natural host range of β-CoVs in bats and examine the risk of humans inadvertently infecting free-ranging bats with SARS-CoV-2. Our review of the global distribution and host range of β-CoV evolutionary lineages suggests that 40+ species of temperate-zone North American bats could be immunologically naïve and susceptible to infection by SARS-CoV-2. We highlight an urgent need to proactively connect the wellbeing of human and wildlife health during the current pandemic and to implement new tools to continue wildlife research while avoiding potentially severe health and conservation impacts of SARS-CoV-2 "spilling back" into free-ranging bat populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin J. Olival
- EcoHealth Alliance, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Paul M. Cryan
- US Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, Ft. Collins, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Brian R. Amman
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Ralph S. Baric
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - David S. Blehert
- US Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Cara E. Brook
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Charles H. Calisher
- Arthropod-borne and Infectious Diseases Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Kevin T. Castle
- Wildlife Veterinary Consulting, Livermore, Colorado, United States of America
| | | | - Peter Daszak
- EcoHealth Alliance, New York, New York, United States of America
| | | | - Hume Field
- EcoHealth Alliance, New York, New York, United States of America
- Bat Conservation International, Austin, Texas, United States of America
| | - Winifred F. Frick
- School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, United States of America
| | - Amy T. Gilbert
- US Department of Agriculture, National Wildlife Research Center, Ft. Collins, Colorado, United States of America
| | - David T. S. Hayman
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Hon S. Ip
- US Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | | | - Christine K. Johnson
- One Health Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Rebekah C. Kading
- Arthropod-borne and Infectious Diseases Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Tigga Kingston
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey M. Lorch
- US Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Ian H. Mendenhall
- Programme in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore
| | - Alison J. Peel
- Environmental Futures Research Institute, Griffith University, Nathan, Australia
| | - Kendra L. Phelps
- EcoHealth Alliance, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Raina K. Plowright
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, United States of America
| | - DeeAnn M. Reeder
- Department of Biology, Bucknell University, Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | | | - Jonathan M. Sleeman
- US Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Daniel G. Streicker
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health & Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan S. Towner
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Lin-Fa Wang
- Programme in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore
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Becker DJ, Broos A, Bergner LM, Meza DK, Simmons NB, Fenton MB, Altizer S, Streicker DG. Temporal patterns of vampire bat rabies and host connectivity in Belize. Transbound Emerg Dis 2020. [PMCID: PMC8246562 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J. Becker
- Odum School of Ecology University of Georgia Athens GA USA
- Center for the Ecology of Infectious Disease University of Georgia Athens GA USA
- Department of Biology Indiana University Bloomington IN USA
| | - Alice Broos
- MRC–University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research Glasgow UK
| | - Laura M. Bergner
- MRC–University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research Glasgow UK
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine University of Glasgow Glasgow UK
| | - Diana K. Meza
- MRC–University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research Glasgow UK
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine University of Glasgow Glasgow UK
| | - Nancy B. Simmons
- Department of Mammalogy Division of Vertebrate Zoology American Museum of Natural History New York NY USA
| | | | - Sonia Altizer
- Odum School of Ecology University of Georgia Athens GA USA
- Center for the Ecology of Infectious Disease University of Georgia Athens GA USA
| | - Daniel G. Streicker
- Odum School of Ecology University of Georgia Athens GA USA
- MRC–University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research Glasgow UK
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine University of Glasgow Glasgow UK
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Suwannarong K, Chanabun S, Kanthawee P, Khiewkhern S, Boonyakawee P, Suwannarong K, Saengkul C, Bubpa N, Amonsin A. Risk factors for bat contact and consumption behaviors in Thailand; a quantitative study. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:841. [PMID: 32493260 PMCID: PMC7268181 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-08968-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bats serve as an important reservoir for emerging infectious diseases. Bat contact and consumption, which persists in Asia, poses risks for the transmission of bat-borne infections. METHODS An analytical cross-sectional survey for risk factors associated with bat contact and consumption behaviors was conducted in ten provinces of Thailand from May 2016 to December 2017. A standardized questionnaire administered through face-to-face interviews was used to collect information from 626 villagers who lived in or nearby areas of high bat density. The questionnaire contained 23 independent variables related to sociodemographic, knowledge, attitudes, practices, and perceptions. RESULTS The respondents (n = 626) were 285 females and 341 males, mean age of respondents was 47.58 years-old and lived in rural setting. Our results showed that 36.42% of respondents (n1 = 228) in 10 provinces reported bat contact during the past 6 months. Furthermore, 15.34% of respondents (n2 = 96) in 9 out of 10 provinces reported of having consumed bat meat in the past 6 months. Risk factors for bat contact included sex (male) (OR = 1.56, 95% CI 1.09-2.28), educational attainment (lower than secondary school) (OR = 1.45, 95% CI 1.02-2.18), and the consideration of bats as being economically beneficial to the community (OR = 3.18, 95% CI 2.03-4.97), while agriculture-related occupation (OR = 0.54, 95% CI 0.37-0.79), knowledge that it is safe to eat bats (OR = 0.58, 95% CI 0.37-0.93), practice of allowing children to play with bats (OR = 0.65, 95% CI 0.44-0.96), and attitude of feeling safe in areas where bats live (OR = 0.56, 95% CI 0.38-0.86) were statistically significant protective factors against bat contact. Risk factors for bat consumption included sex (male) (OR = 2.48, 95% CI 1.49-4.11) and educational attainment (lower than secondary school) (OR = 2.21, 95% CI 1.27-3.85), while knowledge of whether bats are safe to eat (OR = 0.04, 95% CI 0.01-0.25), knowledge of whether there are laws pertaining to hunting bats for consumption (OR = 0.35, 95% CI 0.18-0.71), and the practice of allowing children to play with bats (OR = 0.51, 95% CI 0.31-0.81) were statistically significant protective factors against bat consumption. CONCLUSIONS This study provides a better understanding of the sociodemographic factors, knowledge, attitudes, perceptions and practices that might influence bat contact and bat consumption behaviors. Information on risk factors can be used for the development of appropriate education and communication interventions to promote proper knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding bats and bat-borne zoonotic diseases in Thailand and other areas in the Southeast Asia region with similar environmental and cultural characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanokwan Suwannarong
- Center of Excellence for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases in Animals, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sutin Chanabun
- Sirinthorn College of Public Health Khon Kaen, Ministry of Public Health, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | | | | | - Paisit Boonyakawee
- Sirinthorn College of Public Health Trang, Ministry of Public Health, Trang, Thailand
| | | | - Chutarat Saengkul
- Faculty of Public Health, Nakhon Sawan Campus, Mahidol University, Nakhon Sawan, Thailand
| | - Nisachon Bubpa
- Faculty of Nursing, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Alongkorn Amonsin
- Center of Excellence for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases in Animals, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330 Thailand
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Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Rabies in El Jadida Region, Morocco. Vet Sci 2020; 7:vetsci7010029. [PMID: 32121594 PMCID: PMC7157748 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci7010029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding rabies in the El Jadida region, Morocco. We conducted a cross-sectional survey using a structured questionnaire among randomly selected residents across 24 study sites. In total, 407 respondents took part in the survey. The majority (367, 92%) were male and had no formal education (270, 66%). Some (118, 29%) believed that rabies does not affect humans. Most respondents (320, 79%) were aware that vaccination could prevent rabies, but nevertheless did not vaccinate their dogs (264, 64.9%) and allowed their dogs to roam freely in search of food. Some (52.8%) would visit traditional healers for treatment in the event of a dog bite incident. Age and educational level were found to be significantly associated with knowledge, attitudes, and practices (p < 0.05). Although respondents demonstrated some level of knowledge about rabies, overall this study reveals critical gaps in their attitudes and practices. These shortcomings may be associated with a low level of education. Therefore, decision-makers need a new approach to control rabies, with a special focus on public awareness and health education, in order to sustain rabies control programs.
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Bihon A, Meresa D, Tesfaw A. Rabies: Knowledge, Attitude and Practices in and Around South Gondar, North West Ethiopia. Diseases 2020; 8:E5. [PMID: 32102458 PMCID: PMC7151027 DOI: 10.3390/diseases8010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A cross-sectional study was conducted from February 2017 to April 2017 to assess knowledge, attitude and practices of the community towards rabies in south Gondar zone, Ethiopia. A structured closed ended questionnaire was used to collect the data through face to face interviews among 384 respondents. The data were then analyzed using SPSS statistical software version 20. Almost all (91.5%) surveyed individuals were aware of rabies. Bite was known as mode of rabies transmission by majority of the respondents (71.1%) with considerable means of transmission through wound contact with saliva of diseased animals. Sudden change of behavior was described as a major clinical sign of rabies in animals by the majority of the respondents. Nearly half of the respondents (48.2%) believed that consumption of rabid animal's meat can be a medicine for human rabies and majority of the respondents (66.7%) indicated crossing a river before 40 days after dog bite increases severity of the disease. More than eighty percent of the respondents prefer traditional medicines for treating rabies in humans. In total, 51% of the respondents had poor Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) level about the disease rabies. Educational status (χ2 = 21.152), Monthly income (χ2 = 23.059), Sex (χ2 = 11.249), source of information (χ2 = 8.594) and Residence (χ2 = 4.109) were significantly associated with KAP scores (p < 0.05). Education and awareness creation should be given to increase communities KAP about the disease with special focus to traditional healers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amare Bihon
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Woldia University, Woldia 7220, Ethiopia
| | - Desalegn Meresa
- College of Health Science, Mekele University, Mekele 7000, Ethiopia;
| | - Abraham Tesfaw
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Samara University, Samara 7240, Ethiopia;
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16
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Hagos WG, Muchie KF, Gebru GG, Mezgebe GG, Reda KA, Dachew BA. Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practice towards rabies and associated factors among household heads in Mekelle city, Ethiopia. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:57. [PMID: 31937297 PMCID: PMC6961227 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-8145-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rabies has a worldwide distribution in continental regions of Africa, Asia and the Latin America. Globally, the case fatality rate is 100% once a clinical sign is developed. Poor public awareness towards rabies is one of the major obstacles in any prevention and control scheme of the diseases. The study aimed to assess knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) about rabies and associated factors among household heads in Mekelle city, Northern Ethiopia, 2016. METHODS A community based cross-sectional study was conducted from October to November 2016 with a total of 633 study participants. Data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire and entered to EPI-Info 3.5.4 and coded, cleaned and analyzed using SPSS version 20 software. Bi variable and multivariable analysis was done to identify factors associated with knowledge, attitude and practice about rabies. Variables having p < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant at 95%CI. RESULTS Of 633 study participants, 357 (56.4%) were females and 239 (37.8%) were 18-35 years old. Among the study participants, 56.1% (95%CI = 52.2, 59.9), 56.2% (95%CI = 52.4, 60.1) and 61.3% (95%CI = 57.5, 65.1) had good level of knowledge, attitude and practice on the prevention and control of rabies respectively. Being female (AOR = 1.50, 95%CI = 1.05, 2.13), dog owner (AOR = 1.68, 95%CI = 1.17, 2.41) and participants who had training on rabies (AOR = 2.22, 95%CI = 1.53, 3.21) were found to have good knowledge. Married participants (AOR = 2.19, 95%CI = 1.16, 4.16), participants who owned dog (AOR = 2.64, 95%CI = 1.80, 3.86) and those encountered dog bite (AOR = 2.24, 95%CI = 1.23, 4.10) were found to have positive attitude towards rabies. Similarly, dog ownership (AOR = 11.85, 95%CI = 7.16, 19.6) was found to be associated with good practice. CONCLUSION This study showed that more than half of the respondents had good knowledge, attitude and practice about the prevention and control of rabies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Goyitom Gebremdehn Gebru
- Directorate of Laboratory Research, Diagnostics and Quality Assurance, Tigray Health Research Institute, Mekelle, Ethiopia
| | | | - Kebede Ambaye Reda
- Directortate of Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health, Tigray Regional Health Bureau, Mekelle, Ethiopia
| | - Berihun Assefa Dachew
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Gonder, Gonder, Ethiopia
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Banyard AC, Mansfield KL, Wu G, Selden D, Thorne L, Birch C, Koraka P, Osterhaus AD, Fooks AR. Re-evaluating the effect of Favipiravir treatment on rabies virus infection. Vaccine 2019; 37:4686-4693. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2017.10.109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Revised: 10/20/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Amparo ACB, Jayme SI, Roces MCR, Quizon MCL, Mercado MLL, Dela Cruz MPZ, Licuan DA, Villalon EES, Baquilod MS, Hernandez LM, Taylor LH, Nel LH. The evaluation of Animal Bite Treatment Centers in the Philippines from a patient perspective. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0200873. [PMID: 30048466 PMCID: PMC6062032 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0200873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Philippines has built an extensive decentralised network of Animal Bite Treatment Centers (ABTCs) to help bite victims receive timely rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) at little cost. This study surveyed patients in the community and at ABTCs of three provinces to assess animal bite/scratch incidence, health-seeking behaviour and PEP-related out-of pocket expenses (OOPE). Methodology and principal findings During community surveys in 90 barangays (neighbourhoods), 53% of households reported at least one animal bite /scratch injury over the past 3 years, similar across urban and rural barangays. Overall bite/scratch incidences in 2016–17 were 67.3, 41.9 and 48.8 per 1,000 population per year for Nueva Vizcaya, Palawan and Tarlac respectively. Incidences were around 50% higher amongst those under 15 years of age, compared to -those older than 15. Household awareness of the nearest ABTCs was generally over 80%, but only 44.9% sought proper medical treatment and traditional remedies were still frequently used. The proportion of patients seeking PEP was not related to the distance or travel time to the nearest ABTC. For those that did not seek medical treatment, most cited a lack of awareness or insufficient funds and almost a third visited a traditional healer. No deaths from bite/scratch injuries were reported. A cohort of 1,105 patients were interviewed at six ABTCs in early 2017. OOPE varied across the ABTCs, from 5.53 USD to 37.83 USD per patient, primarily dependent on the need to pay for immunization if government supplies had run out. Overall, 78% of patients completed the recommended course, and the main reason for non-completion was a lack of time, followed by insufficient funds. Dog observation data revealed that 85% of patients were not truly exposed to rabies, and education in bite prevention might reduce provoked bites and demand for PEP. An accompanying paper details the ABTC network from the health provider’s perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah I. Jayme
- Global Alliance for Rabies Control, Sta. Rosa City, Philippines
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Mario S. Baquilod
- Disease Prevention and Control Bureau, Department of Health, Manila, Philippines
| | - Leda M. Hernandez
- Disease Prevention and Control Bureau, Department of Health, Manila, Philippines
| | - Louise H. Taylor
- Global Alliance for Rabies Control, Manhattan, United States of America
| | - Louis H. Nel
- Global Alliance for Rabies Control, Manhattan, United States of America
- University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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Wray AK, Olival KJ, Morán D, Lopez MR, Alvarez D, Navarrete-Macias I, Liang E, Simmons NB, Lipkin WI, Daszak P, Anthony SJ. Viral Diversity, Prey Preference, and Bartonella Prevalence in Desmodus rotundus in Guatemala. ECOHEALTH 2016; 13:761-774. [PMID: 27660213 PMCID: PMC5164864 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-016-1183-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2015] [Revised: 07/26/2016] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Certain bat species serve as natural reservoirs for pathogens in several key viral families including henipa-, lyssa-, corona-, and filoviruses, which may pose serious threats to human health. The Common Vampire Bat (Desmodus rotundus), due to its abundance, sanguivorous feeding habit involving humans and domestic animals, and highly social behavioral ecology, may have an unusually high potential for interspecies disease transmission. Previous studies have investigated rabies dynamics in D. rotundus, yet the diversity of other viruses, bacteria, and other microbes that these bats may carry remains largely unknown. We screened 396 blood, urine, saliva, and fecal samples from D. rotundus captured in Guatemala for 13 viral families and genera. Positive results were found for rhabdovirus, adenovirus, and herpesvirus assays. We also screened these samples for Bartonella spp. and found that 38% of individuals tested positive. To characterize potential for interspecies transmission associated with feeding behavior, we also analyzed cytochrome B sequences from fecal samples to identify prey species and found that domestic cattle (Bos taurus) made up the majority of blood meals. Our findings suggest that the risk of pathogen spillover from Desmodus rotundus, including between domestic animal species, is possible and warrants further investigation to characterize this microbial diversity and expand our understanding of foraging ecology in their populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy K Wray
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kevin J Olival
- EcoHealth Alliance, 460 W. 34th Street, Suite 1701, New York, NY, 11231, USA.
| | - David Morán
- Center for Health Studies, Universidad del Valle de Guatemala, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Maria Renee Lopez
- Center for Health Studies, Universidad del Valle de Guatemala, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Danilo Alvarez
- Center for Health Studies, Universidad del Valle de Guatemala, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Isamara Navarrete-Macias
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eliza Liang
- EcoHealth Alliance, 460 W. 34th Street, Suite 1701, New York, NY, 11231, USA
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - W Ian Lipkin
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Peter Daszak
- EcoHealth Alliance, 460 W. 34th Street, Suite 1701, New York, NY, 11231, USA
| | - Simon J Anthony
- EcoHealth Alliance, 460 W. 34th Street, Suite 1701, New York, NY, 11231, USA
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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da Costa LJC, Fernandes MEB. Rabies: Knowledge and Practices Regarding Rabies in Rural Communities of the Brazilian Amazon Basin. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0004474. [PMID: 26927503 PMCID: PMC4771201 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2015] [Accepted: 01/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The occurrence of outbreaks of human rabies transmitted by Desmodus rotundus in Brazil in 2004 and 2005 reinforced the need for further research into this zoonosis. Studies of knowledge and practices related to the disease will help to define strategies for the avoidance of new cases, through the identification of gaps that may affect the preventive practices. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS A semi-structured questionnaire was applied to 681 residents of twelve communities of northeastern Pará state involved in the 2004 and 2005 outbreaks mentioned above. The objective was to evaluate the local knowledge and practices related to the disease. We found a highly significant difference (p<0.0001) in the knowledge of rabies among education levels, indicating that education is a primary determinant of knowledge on this disease. More than half of the respondents (63%) recognized the seriousness of the zoonosis, and 50% were aware of the importance of bats for its transmission, although few individuals (11%) were familiar with the symptoms, and only 40% knew methods of prevention. Even so, 70% of pet owners maintained their animals vaccinated, and 52% of the respondents bitten by bats had received post-exposure vaccination. Most of the respondents (57%) reported being familiarized with rabies through informal discussions, and only a few (23%) mentioned public health agents as the source of their information. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE We identified many gaps in the knowledge and practices of the respondents regarding rabies. This may be the result of the reduced participation of public health agents in the transfer of details about the disease. The lack of knowledge may be a direct determinant in the occurrence of new outbreaks. Given these findings, there is a clear need for specific educational initiatives involving the local population and the public health entities, with the primary aim of contributing to the prevention of rabies.
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