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Addo SO, Amoah S, Unicorn NM, Kyeremateng ET, Desewu G, Obuam PK, Malm ROT, Osei-Frempong E, Torto FA, Accorlor SK, Baidoo PK, Dadzie SK, Larbi JA. Molecular Detection of Tick-Borne Pathogens in Kumasi: With a First Report of Zoonotic Pathogens in Abattoir Workers. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 2024:4848451. [PMID: 39035771 PMCID: PMC11260511 DOI: 10.1155/2024/4848451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Tick-borne pathogens continue to infect humans and animals worldwide. By adapting to the movement of livestock, ticks facilitate the spread of these infectious pathogens. Humans in close contact with animals that could be amplifying hosts are especially at risk of being infected with tick-borne pathogens. This study involved the collection of dry blood spots (DBSs) to determine tick-borne pathogens occurring in slaughtered livestock and abattoir workers in Kumasi. This study employed the use of conventional PCR, RT-PCR, and Sanger sequencing to detect and identify the tick-borne pathogens. The resulting data was analysed using Stata version 13. A total of 175 DBSs were collected from goats (76), cattle (54), and sheep (45) in the Kumasi abattoir (130, 74.29%) and Akwatia Line slaughter slab (45, 25.71%). The pathogens identified were mostly bacterial including Anaplasma capra (9.71%), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (1.14%), and Rickettsia aeschlimannii (0.57.%). The only parasite identified was Theileria ovis (9.14%). A significant association was seen between A. capra (p < 0.001) infection and female sheep sampled from the Akwatia Line slaughter slab. Again, there was a significant association between T. ovis (p < 0.001) infections and female sheep from the Kumasi abattoir. From the human DBS (63) screened, the pathogens identified were all bacterial including Coxiella burnetii (1.89%), Rickettsia africae (1.89%), and R. aeschlimannii (1.89%). This study reports the first detection of R. aeschlimannii in livestock as well as the occurrence of the above-mentioned pathogens in humans in Ghana. Animals can serve as amplifying hosts for infectious pathogens; hence, there is an increased risk of infections among the abattoir workers. Continuous surveillance effort is essential, and abattoir workers need to protect themselves from tick bites and infectious tick-borne pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth Offei Addo
- Parasitology DepartmentNoguchi Memorial Institute for Medical ResearchUniversity of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Theoretical and Applied BiologyCollege of ScienceKNUST, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Stacy Amoah
- Department of Theoretical and Applied BiologyCollege of ScienceKNUST, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | | | - Genevieve Desewu
- Department of Theoretical and Applied BiologyCollege of ScienceKNUST, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Patrick Kwasi Obuam
- School of Public HealthKwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Richard Odoi-Teye Malm
- Parasitology DepartmentNoguchi Memorial Institute for Medical ResearchUniversity of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Emmanuel Osei-Frempong
- Parasitology DepartmentNoguchi Memorial Institute for Medical ResearchUniversity of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Francisca Adai Torto
- Parasitology DepartmentNoguchi Memorial Institute for Medical ResearchUniversity of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Stephen Kwabena Accorlor
- Parasitology DepartmentNoguchi Memorial Institute for Medical ResearchUniversity of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Philip Kweku Baidoo
- Department of Theoretical and Applied BiologyCollege of ScienceKNUST, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Samuel K. Dadzie
- Parasitology DepartmentNoguchi Memorial Institute for Medical ResearchUniversity of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - John Asiedu Larbi
- Department of Theoretical and Applied BiologyCollege of ScienceKNUST, Kumasi, Ghana
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Offei Addo S, Essah Bentil R, Olivia Ama Baako B, Ansah-Owusu J, Nii Laryea Tawiah-Mensah C, Behene E, Asoala V, Dunford JC, Asiedu Larbi J, Kweku Baidoo P, David Wilson M, Diclaro JW, Dadzie SK. Spatial and Seasonal Patterns of Tick Infestations in Kassena-Nankana Livestock. Vet Med Int 2024; 2024:8889907. [PMID: 38234318 PMCID: PMC10791324 DOI: 10.1155/2024/8889907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The ability of ticks to adapt to different ecological zones, coupled with the spread of infectious pathogens negatively affects livestock production and thus, there is a need for better control strategies. However, control measures within a geographical region can only be effective if there is available information on tick population dynamics and ecology. This study focused on ticks infesting livestock in the Kassena-Nankana Districts of the Upper East Region of Ghana. The ticks were morphologically identified, variables such as season, animal host, and predilection sites were recorded, and the data were analyzed using STATA version 13. Out of 448 livestock examined, tick infestation in cattle was (78.60%), followed by sheep (25%) and goats (5.88%). A total of 1,550 ticks including nymphs (303) and adults (1,247) were collected. Adult ticks were found to be significantly associated with season (p < 0.001), with a high burden in the wet season. The nymph burden and body parts of livestock hosts were significantly associated with more nymphs collected from male animals than females (p < 0.001). Three genera of ticks, Amblyomma (62.97%), Hyalomma (18.71%), and Rhipicephalus (18.32%) were morphologically identified with the most predominant tick species recorded as Amblyomma variegatum (62.97%). Matured A. variegatum was sampled primarily in the wet season with their predilection site as the udder/scrotum (p < 0.001). However, adult Hyalomma truncatum was observed to have a significant association with the anal region (p < 0.001). Findings from this study are essential for formulating tick control measures to prevent the spread of infectious pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth Offei Addo
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Ronald Essah Bentil
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Jane Ansah-Owusu
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Eric Behene
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Victor Asoala
- Navrongo Health Research Centre, Navrongo, Upper East Region, Ghana
| | - James C. Dunford
- Navy Entomology Center of Excellence, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
- Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - John Asiedu Larbi
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Philip Kweku Baidoo
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Michael David Wilson
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Joseph W. Diclaro
- Navy Entomology Center of Excellence, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Detachment, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Samuel K. Dadzie
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
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Al-Harbi S, Al-Doweriej A, Aljaser M, Abdulrahman S, Alnuwais OS, Nader SM, Lulu H, Abdel-Moneim AS, Hussein MS, Abd-El-Rahman AH, Kasem S. Occupational Health Hazards Among Veterinarians in Saudi Arabia. Cureus 2023; 15:e47822. [PMID: 37899895 PMCID: PMC10609365 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.47822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Veterinarians and other professionals who interact with animals on a daily basis encounter an elevated risk of exposure to both known and as-yet-undiscovered microbial agents. Additionally, they are also exposed to physical, chemical, and environmental hazards. Enhancing occupational health and safety in this context carries significant global significance. Methods This study aimed to comprehensively identify and outline the various biological, physical, chemical, and environmental health threats that were encountered by veterinarians in Saudi Arabia. To achieve this, we designed a self-completed questionnaire for 529 participants. The survey encompassed potential occupational hazards such as microbial diseases, injuries resulting from animal bites and scratches, allergies, and environmental risks like sunstroke and dust storms. Results Among the 529 participating veterinarians, 45.9% (243 individuals) reported instances of zoonotic diseases within the past five years. Notably, potential viral agents included Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus, avian influenza, and foot-and-mouth disease virus. Bacterial diseases were also frequently documented, with brucellosis (18.7%) and salmonellosis (7.9%) being notable pathogens. Protozoal infections were led by Leishmaniosis, constituting the most commonly detected protozoa (29 /529, 5.5%). Interestingly, 345 (65.2%) of the individuals reported that they have experienced animal bites and scratches. Needle stick injuries were also a common occupational hazard, with an incidence rate of 19.1%. Additionally, chemical exposure was prevalent, particularly to disinfectants (57.5%) and veterinary drugs (23.4%). The study participants also reported their exposure to various environmental hazards, including sunstroke, dust, sandstorms, and heavy rains. Conclusion The findings of this study draw attention to a concerning trend among veterinarians in Saudi Arabia. Their personal health and safety appear to receive inadequate attention, potentially heightening the risk of occupationally related health hazards. These outcomes highlight the need for a reevaluation of safety protocols and infection control practices within the veterinary profession. The implications of this study can potentially inform the development of policies and initiatives aimed at mitigating occupationally related health hazards among veterinarians in Saudi Arabia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanad Al-Harbi
- Animal Health Sector, National Center Prevention & Control of Plants Pests & Animal Diseases, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Ali Al-Doweriej
- Animal Health Sector, National Center Prevention & Control of Plants Pests & Animal Diseases, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Mohamed Aljaser
- Animal Health Sector, National Center Prevention & Control of Plants Pests & Animal Diseases, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Sara Abdulrahman
- Animal Health Sector, National Center Prevention & Control of Plants Pests & Animal Diseases, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Omar S Alnuwais
- Animal Health Sector, National Center Prevention & Control of Plants Pests & Animal Diseases, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Sara M Nader
- Animal Health Sector, National Center Prevention & Control of Plants Pests & Animal Diseases, Riyadh, SAU
- Department of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, EGY
| | - Hussein Lulu
- Animal Health Sector, Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Riyadh, SAU
| | | | - Manal S Hussein
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Taif University, Taif, SAU
| | | | - Samy Kasem
- Animal Health Sector, National Center Prevention & Control of Plants Pests & Animal Diseases, Riyadh, SAU
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr El Sheikh, EGY
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Addo SO, Bentil RE, Baako BOA, Yartey KN, Behene E, Asiamah B, Nyarko AA, Asoala V, Sallam M, Mate S, Dunford JC, Larbi JA, Baidoo PK, Wilson MD, Diclaro Ii JW, Dadzie SK. Occurrence of Rickettsia spp. and Coxiella burnetii in ixodid ticks in Kassena-Nankana, Ghana. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2023:10.1007/s10493-023-00808-0. [PMID: 37322233 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-023-00808-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Ticks are arthropods of veterinary and medical importance which spread zoonotic pathogens that link animal and human health. In this study, ticks were collected from 448 livestock between February and December 2020 in the Kassena-Nankana Districts of Ghana and screened for the presence of zoonotic pathogens DNA using PCR and sequencing approaches. In total, 1550 ticks were collected and morphologically identified. Three tick genera were identified with Amblyomma variegatum (63%) as the predominant tick species collected. DNA was extracted from 491 tick pools and screened for the presence of DNA of Rickettsia spp. based on the 115 bp fragment of the 17 kDa surface protein and 639 bp of the Outer membrane protein A (ompA) gene and the 295 bp fragment of the transposase gene of Coxiella burnetii IS1111a element. From the 491 pools screened, the DNA of Rickettsia spp. and C. burnetii was detected in 56.8 and 3.7%, respectively. Coinfections were identified in 2.4% of the tick pools. Characterization of the Rickettsia spp. in this study based on the ompA gene showed that the DNA of Rickettsia africae and Rickettsia aeschlimannii accounted for 39.7 and 14.7%, respectively, and were 100% similar to sequences in GenBank. Most R. africae and C. burnetii infections occurred in ticks collected in the wet season, whereas R. aeschlimannii occurred mostly in the dry season. These pathogens are potential public health threats, thus there is a need to implement control measures to reduce the risk of infections in vulnerable populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth Offei Addo
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, College of Science, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana.
| | - Ronald Essah Bentil
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Kevin Nii Yartey
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Eric Behene
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Benjamin Asiamah
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Abena Akyeamaa Nyarko
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Victor Asoala
- Navrongo Health Research Centre, Upper East Region, Navrongo, Ghana
| | - Mohamed Sallam
- Public Health and Biostatistics Department, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Suzanne Mate
- U.S. Army Emerging Infectious Diseases Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - James C Dunford
- Navy Entomology Center of Excellence, Jacksonville, FL, USA
- Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - John Asiedu Larbi
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, College of Science, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Philip Kweku Baidoo
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, College of Science, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Michael David Wilson
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Joseph W Diclaro Ii
- Navy Entomology Center of Excellence, Center for Disease Control and Prevention Detachment, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Samuel K Dadzie
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
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5
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Addo SO, Bentil RE, Yartey KN, Ansah-Owusu J, Behene E, Opoku-Agyeman P, Bruku S, Asoala V, Mate S, Larbi JA, Baidoo PK, Wilson MD, Diclaro JW, Dadzie SK. First molecular identification of multiple tick-borne pathogens in livestock within Kassena-Nankana, Ghana. ANIMAL DISEASES 2023. [DOI: 10.1186/s44149-022-00064-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
AbstractThe risk of pathogen transmission continues to increase significantly in the presence of tick vectors due to the trade of livestock across countries. In Ghana, there is a lack of data on the incidence of tick-borne pathogens that are of zoonotic and veterinary importance. This study, therefore, aimed to determine the prevalence of such pathogens in livestock using molecular approaches. A total of 276 dry blood spots were collected from cattle (100), sheep (95) and goats (81) in the Kassena-Nankana Districts. The samples were analyzed using Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) and conventional assays and Sanger sequencing that targeted pathogens including Rickettsia, Coxiella, Babesia, Theileria, Ehrlichia and Anaplasma. An overall prevalence of 36.96% was recorded from the livestock DBS, with mixed infections seen in 7.97% samples. Furthermore, the prevalence of infections in livestock was recorded to be 19.21% in sheep, 14.13% in cattle, and 3.62% in goats. The pathogens identified were Rickettsia spp. (3.26%), Babesia sp. Lintan (8.70%), Theileria orientalis (2.17%), Theileria parva (0.36%), Anaplasma capra (18.48%), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (1.81%), Anaplasma marginale (3.26%) and Anaplasma ovis (7.25%). This study reports the first molecular identification of the above-mentioned pathogens in livestock in Ghana and highlights the use of dry blood spots in resource-limited settings. In addition, this research provides an update on tick-borne pathogens in Ghana, suggesting risks to livestock production and human health. Further studies will be essential to establish the distribution and epidemiology of these pathogens in Ghana.
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Alrukban MO, Alekrish YA, Alshehri MH, Bajeaifer YA, Alhamad MH, Sambas FA, Alsouan AA. Awareness of Pet Owners in Riyadh Regarding Pet-Related Health Risks and Their Associated Preventative Measures. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2022; 22:419-424. [PMID: 35749135 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2022.0017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: This study aims to determine the sociodemographic characteristics of pet owners and their sources of information regarding pet-related health risks. It also assesses pet owners' perception of pet-related health risks and evaluates their attitudes and practices regarding preventative measures toward pet-related health risks. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from September 2020 to February 2021. The target population was pet owners visiting pet stores. The city was divided into five equal sectors and data were collected from each sector using a questionnaire. Results: A total of 508 participants were engaged in the study. Of these, 402 participants fit the inclusion criteria. The mean age of the participants was 25.5 years. Gender was almost equally distributed, and the majority of participants were single, however most of the participants lived with four or more family members. Around 49.5% of participants had household members at a higher risk for pet-related diseases. The most common pet types were cats (77.4%), followed by birds (24.6%) and dogs (9.7%). Most participants were satisfied with their understanding of pet-related health risks and were not concerned about getting sick because of contact with pets. Physical harm was the most common pet-related health risk that the participants were satisfied with their level of understanding about, on the other hand their satisfaction with their understanding about gastrointestinal infections from pet contact was the lowest. Most participants had good pet husbandry and hygiene practices. Social media and veterinarians were the most common sources of information regarding pet-related health risks. Conclusion: Although most pet owners reported having good pet husbandry practices, further education is needed to raise awareness about pet-related health risks. Since most pet owners receive their information about this topic from social media and veterinarians, further education through these platforms might be beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Othman Alrukban
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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7
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Ma C, Guo X, Wang L, Li W, Liu S, Lin F, Xu W. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence and mortality of zoonotic diseases in China. BMJ Glob Health 2022; 7:bmjgh-2021-007109. [PMID: 34996765 PMCID: PMC8743839 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2021-007109] [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: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been reported that strict non-pharmaceutical measures can significantly reduce the incidence and mortality of respiratory and intestinal infectious diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic, but there are limited reports on the impact in terms of the rates of zoonotic diseases. METHODS We extracted the incidence and mortality data of eight notifiable infectious zoonotic diseases from the website of the National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China for the period of January 2015 to April 2021. RESULTS First, the overall incidence of zoonotic diseases decreased from 0.3714 per 100 000 in 2015-2019 to 0.2756 in 2020 (25.79% reduction, p<0.001); however, a dramatic increase in activity was seen in 2021 compared with 2020 (0.4478 per 100 000 in 2021, 62.47% increase, p<0.001). Anthrax, brucellosis, leptospirosis and hydatid disease exhibited significant upward trends in 2021. Second, analysed further by stages, the monthly incidence in the routine stage (from May to December 2020) was much higher than that in the emergency stage of the COVID-19 (from January to April 2020) (55.33% increase, p<0.001). We also found that the monthly observed incidence was significantly lower than the predicted incidence of a 10.29% reduction in the emergency stage. Third, no differences were seen in mortality between 2021 and 2020, while a significant decline was found in 2020 compared with the previous 5 years (72.70%, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Strict containment and feasible suppression strategies during the 2020 period of the COVID-19 pandemic had positive impacts on the overall incidence of zoonotic diseases in China. However, anthrax, brucellosis, leptospirosis and hydatid diseases might increase with the relaxation of non-pharmacological interventions in 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenjin Ma
- College of Statistics and Data Science, Faculty of Science, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangyu Guo
- Center for Applied Statistics, School of Statistics, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Lan Wang
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wang Li
- Nanjing Jiliang Information Technology, Nanjing, China
| | - Shelan Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Feng Lin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wangli Xu
- Center for Applied Statistics, School of Statistics, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China
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8
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Shivaprakash KN, Sen S, Paul S, Kiesecker JM, Bawa KS. Mammals, wildlife trade, and the next global pandemic. Curr Biol 2021; 31:3671-3677.e3. [PMID: 34237267 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2021.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Most new infectious diseases emerge when pathogens transfer from animals to humans.1,2 The suspected origin of the COVID pandemic in a wildlife wet market has resurfaced debates on the role of wildlife trade as a potential source of emerging zoonotic diseases.3-5 Yet there are no studies quantitatively assessing zoonotic disease risk associated with wildlife trade. Combining data on mammal species hosting zoonotic viruses and mammals known to be in current and future wildlife trade,6 we found that one-quarter (26.5%) of the mammals in wildlife trade harbor 75% of known zoonotic viruses, a level much higher than domesticated and non-traded mammals. The traded mammals also harbor distinct compositions of zoonotic viruses and different host reservoirs from non-traded and domesticated mammals. Furthermore, we highlight that primates, ungulates, carnivores, and bats represent significant zoonotic disease risks as they host 132 (58%) of 226 known zoonotic viruses in present wildlife trade, whereas species of bats, rodents, and marsupials represent significant zoonotic disease risks in future wildlife trade. Thus, the risk of carrying zoonotic diseases is not equal for all mammal species in wildlife trade. Overall, our findings strengthen the evidence that wildlife trade and zoonotic disease risks are strongly associated, and that mitigation measures should prioritize species with the highest risk of carrying zoonotic viruses. Curbing the sales of wildlife products and developing principles that support the sustainable and healthy trade of wildlife could be cost-effective investments given the potential risk and consequences of zoonotic outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sandeep Sen
- Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE), Sriramapura, Jakkur Post, Bangalore, Karnataka 560064, India
| | - Seema Paul
- The Nature Conservancy Center, Lajpat Nagar III, New Delhi 110024, India
| | - Joseph M Kiesecker
- Global Lands Program, The Nature Conservancy, Fort Collins, CO 80524, USA
| | - Kamaljit S Bawa
- Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE), Sriramapura, Jakkur Post, Bangalore, Karnataka 560064, India; Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts, 100 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, MA 02125, USA
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Kyasanur Forest Disease and Alkhurma Hemorrhagic Fever Virus-Two Neglected Zoonotic Pathogens. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8091406. [PMID: 32932653 PMCID: PMC7564883 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8091406] [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: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Kyasanur Forest disease virus (KFDV) and Alkhurma hemorrhagic fever virus (AHFV) are tick-borne flaviviruses that cause life-threatening hemorrhagic fever in humans with case fatality rates of 3-5% for KFDV and 1-20% for AHFV, respectively. Both viruses are biosafety level 4 pathogens due to the severity of disease they cause and the lack of effective countermeasures. KFDV was discovered in India and is restricted to parts of the Indian subcontinent, whereas AHFV has been found in Saudi Arabia and Egypt. In recent years, both viruses have spread beyond their original endemic zones and the potential of AHFV to spread through ticks on migratory birds is a public health concern. While there is a vaccine with limited efficacy for KFDV used in India, there is no vaccine for AHFV nor are there any therapeutic concepts to combat infections with these viruses. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge about pathogenesis, vector distribution, virus spread, and infection control. We aim to bring attention to the potential public health threats posed by KFDV and AHFV and highlight the urgent need for the development of effective countermeasures.
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Rahman MT, Sobur MA, Islam MS, Ievy S, Hossain MJ, El Zowalaty ME, Rahman AMMT, Ashour HM. Zoonotic Diseases: Etiology, Impact, and Control. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8091405. [PMID: 32932606 PMCID: PMC7563794 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8091405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 209] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Most humans are in contact with animals in a way or another. A zoonotic disease is a disease or infection that can be transmitted naturally from vertebrate animals to humans or from humans to vertebrate animals. More than 60% of human pathogens are zoonotic in origin. This includes a wide variety of bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, parasites, and other pathogens. Factors such as climate change, urbanization, animal migration and trade, travel and tourism, vector biology, anthropogenic factors, and natural factors have greatly influenced the emergence, re-emergence, distribution, and patterns of zoonoses. As time goes on, there are more emerging and re-emerging zoonotic diseases. In this review, we reviewed the etiology of major zoonotic diseases, their impact on human health, and control measures for better management. We also highlighted COVID-19, a newly emerging zoonotic disease of likely bat origin that has affected millions of humans along with devastating global consequences. The implementation of One Health measures is highly recommended for the effective prevention and control of possible zoonosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md. Tanvir Rahman
- Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh; (M.A.S.); (M.S.I.); (S.I.); (M.J.H.)
- Correspondence: (M.T.R.); (H.M.A.)
| | - Md. Abdus Sobur
- Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh; (M.A.S.); (M.S.I.); (S.I.); (M.J.H.)
| | - Md. Saiful Islam
- Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh; (M.A.S.); (M.S.I.); (S.I.); (M.J.H.)
| | - Samina Ievy
- Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh; (M.A.S.); (M.S.I.); (S.I.); (M.J.H.)
| | - Md. Jannat Hossain
- Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh; (M.A.S.); (M.S.I.); (S.I.); (M.J.H.)
| | - Mohamed E. El Zowalaty
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, UAE;
- Zoonosis Science Center, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, SE 75123 Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Hossam M. Ashour
- Department of Integrative Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of South Florida, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo 11562, Egypt
- Correspondence: (M.T.R.); (H.M.A.)
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Wang W, Wang T, Deng Y, Niu P, A R, Zhao J, Peiris M, Tang S, Tan W. A novel luciferase immunosorbent assay performs better than a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to detect MERS-CoV specific IgG in humans and animals. BIOSAFETY AND HEALTH 2019; 1:134-143. [PMID: 32501446 PMCID: PMC7148641 DOI: 10.1016/j.bsheal.2019.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) is a lethal zoonosis caused by MERS coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and poses a significant threat to public health worldwide. Therefore, a rapid, sensitive, and specific serologic test for detecting anti-MERS-CoV antibodies in both humans and animals is urgently needed for the successful management of this illness. Here, we evaluated various novel luciferase immunosorbent assays (LISA) based on nucleocapsid protein (NP) as well as fragments derived from spike protein (S) including subunit 1 (S1), N terminal domain (NTD), receptor-binding domain (RBD) and subunit 2 (S2) of S for the detection of MERS-CoV-specific IgG. Fusion proteins, including nanoluciferase (NLuc) and various fragments derived from the NP or S protein of MERS-CoV, were expressed in human embryonic kidney 293 T cells. LISAs that detected anti-MERS-CoV IgG were further developed using cell lysates expressing various fusion proteins. Panels of human or animal samples infected with MERS-CoV were used to analyze the sensitivity and specificity of various LISAs in reference to a MERS-CoV RT-PCR, commercial S1-based ELISA, and pseudovirus particle neutralization test (ppNT). Our results showed that the S1-, RBD-, and NP-LISAs were more sensitive than the NTD- and S2-LISAs for the detection of anti-MERS-CoV IgG. Furthermore, the S1-, RBD-, and NP-LISAs were more sensitive (by at least 16-fold) than the commercially available S1-ELISA. Moreover, the S1-, RBD-, and NP-LISA specifically recognized anti-MERS-CoV IgG and did not cross-react with samples derived from other human CoV (OC43, 229E, HKU1, NL63)-infected patients. More importantly, these LISAs proved their applicability and reliability for detecting anti-MERS-CoV IgG in samples from camels, monkeys, and mice, among which the RBD-LISA exhibited excellent performance. The results of this study suggest that the novel MERS-CoV RBD- and S1- LISAs are highly effective platforms for the rapid and sensitive detection of anti-MERS-CoV IgG in human and animal samples. These assays have the potential to be used as serologic tests for the management and control of MERS-CoV infection. Scientific question This study evaluated novel luciferase immunosorbent assays (LISAs) based on nucleocapsid protein (NP) as well as fragments derived from spike protein (S) for detection of MERS-CoV-specific IgG in humans and animals. Evidence before this study Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), microneutralization (MN), immunofluorescence assay (IFA), and pseudovirus particle neutralization test (ppNT) have been performed to detect serum antibodies against MERS-CoV. There remains a need to develop novel serological assays independent of protein purification, special secondary antibody, virus cultivation and Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) laboratory. New findings In this study, novel LISAs based on the MERS-CoV S fragments and NP were developed. Human and animal samples infected with MERS-CoV were measured by the newly developed LISAs as well as reference methods including commercial S1-ELISA and ppNT. The results showed that the S1-, RBD-, and NP-LISAs were able to specifically distinguish MERS-CoV-infected samples from samples infected by other HCoV as consistent as the reference methods. Comparing with the commercially available S1-ELISA, the S1- and RBD-LISAs were 64-folds more sensitive. Moreover, the applicability and reliability of the LISAs were verified by detecting anti-MERS-CoV IgG in samples from camels, monkeys, and mice. The RBD-LISA exhibited superior sensitivity and specificity. Significance of the study The novel MERS-CoV RBD- and S1-LISAs were developed independent of protein purification and special secondary antibody, and showed super specificity and efficiency for the detection of anti-MERS-CoV IgG in human and animal samples. These assays are recommended for serological diagnosis of MERS-CoV infection in the investigation of epidemic characteristic, origin tracing and vaccine study of MERS-CoV, they would contribute to the scientific control and prevention of MERS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenling Wang
- MHC Key Laboratory of Biosafety, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, China CDC, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Tianyu Wang
- MHC Key Laboratory of Biosafety, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, China CDC, Beijing 102206, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yao Deng
- MHC Key Laboratory of Biosafety, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, China CDC, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Peihua Niu
- MHC Key Laboratory of Biosafety, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, China CDC, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Ruhan A
- MHC Key Laboratory of Biosafety, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, China CDC, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Jincun Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Disease, The first Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510182, China
| | - Malik Peiris
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Shixing Tang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Wenjie Tan
- MHC Key Laboratory of Biosafety, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, China CDC, Beijing 102206, China.,Center for Biosafety Mega-science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
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