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Journal of Infection and Public Health 2019Rabies is a fatal viral disease that continues to threaten human and animal health in endemic countries. Rabies is endemic in animals in the Arabian Peninsula. Although...
BACKGROUND
Rabies is a fatal viral disease that continues to threaten human and animal health in endemic countries. Rabies is endemic in animals in the Arabian Peninsula. Although Saudi Arabia is the largest country on the Peninsula, little has been reported in the country about rabies situation.
METHODS
A total of 199 animals suspected of rabies from 2010 to 2017, were examined for rabies infection using the Direct Fluorescent Antibody Test (DFAT).
RESULTS
There were 158 (79.4%) positive cases of rabies of the examined animals, Most positive cases were found in Al-Qassim (63), Eastern region (48), Riyadh (25) and Al-Madina (10). Rabies was diagnosed in Procavia capensis and monkeys (Papio hamadryas hamadryas) in Saudi Arabia for the first time. In addition, infected livestock, especially camels, sheep and goat that pose a risk to veterinarians and farmers which increases the risk of potential zoonosis of rabies in Saudi Arabia.
CONCLUSION
These findings indicate that Rabies in Saudi Arabia remain a public health problem and dogs and camels are the main reservoir and continue to present health risks for both human and animals throughout the country, underscoring the importance of applying rabies control measures to animals and humans.
Topics: Animals; Camelus; Disease Reservoirs; Dogs; Endemic Diseases; Goats; Humans; Livestock; Papio; Public Health; Rabies; Saudi Arabia; Sheep; Zoonoses
PubMed: 31079702
DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2018.10.005 -
Transboundary and Emerging Diseases Feb 2017Hepatitis E is an acute human liver disease in healthy individuals which may eventually become chronic. It is caused by the hepatitis E virus (HEV) and can have a... (Review)
Review
Hepatitis E is an acute human liver disease in healthy individuals which may eventually become chronic. It is caused by the hepatitis E virus (HEV) and can have a zoonotic origin. Nearly 57,000 people die yearly from hepatitis E-related conditions. The disease is endemic in both developing and developed countries with distinct epidemiologic profiles. In developing countries, the disease is associated with inadequate water treatment, while in developed countries, transmission is associated with animal contact and the ingestion of raw or uncooked meat, especially liver. All human HEV are grouped into at least four genotypes, while HEV or HEV-related viruses have been identified in an increasing number of domestic and wild animal species. Despite a high genetic diversity, only one single HEV serotype has been described to date for HEV genotypes 1-4. The discovery of new HEV or HEV-related viruses leads to a continuing increase in the number of genotypes. In addition, the genome organization of all these viruses is variable with overlapping open reading frames (ORF) and differences in the location of ORF3. In spite of the role of some domestic and wild animals as reservoir, the origin of HEV and HEV-related viruses in humans and animals is still unclear. This review discusses aspects of the detection, molecular virology, zoonotic transmission and origin of HEV and HEV-related viruses in the context of 'One Health' and establishes a link between the previous and the new taxonomy of this growing virus family.
Topics: Animals; Disease Reservoirs; Genotype; Hepatitis E; Hepatitis E virus; Humans; Zoonoses
PubMed: 25919649
DOI: 10.1111/tbed.12351 -
Viruses Dec 2014Bats are reservoir hosts of several high-impact viruses that cause significant human diseases, including Nipah virus, Marburg virus and rabies virus. They also harbor... (Review)
Review
Bats are reservoir hosts of several high-impact viruses that cause significant human diseases, including Nipah virus, Marburg virus and rabies virus. They also harbor many other viruses that are thought to have caused disease in humans after spillover into intermediate hosts, including SARS and MERS coronaviruses. As is usual with reservoir hosts, these viruses apparently cause little or no pathology in bats. Despite the importance of bats as reservoir hosts of zoonotic and potentially zoonotic agents, virtually nothing is known about the host/virus relationships; principally because few colonies of bats are available for experimental infections, a lack of reagents, methods and expertise for studying bat antiviral responses and immunology, and the difficulty of conducting meaningful field work. These challenges can be addressed, in part, with new technologies that are species-independent that can provide insight into the interactions of bats and viruses, which should clarify how the viruses persist in nature, and what risk factors might facilitate transmission to humans and livestock.
Topics: Animals; Chiroptera; Disease Reservoirs; Humans; Virus Diseases; Virus Physiological Phenomena; Viruses
PubMed: 25494448
DOI: 10.3390/v6124880 -
Annual Review of Animal Biosciences Feb 2023Zoonoses are diseases and infections naturally transmitted between humans and vertebrate animals. Over the years, zoonoses have become increasingly significant threats... (Review)
Review
Zoonoses are diseases and infections naturally transmitted between humans and vertebrate animals. Over the years, zoonoses have become increasingly significant threats to global health. They form the dominant group of diseases among the emerging infectious diseases (EID) and currently account for 73% of EID. Approximately 25% of zoonoses originate in domestic animals. The etiological agents of zoonoses include different pathogens, with viruses accounting for approximately 30% of all zoonotic infections. Zoonotic diseases can be transmitted directly or indirectly, by contact, via aerosols, through a vector, or vertically in utero. Zoonotic diseases are found in every continent except Antarctica. Numerous factors associated with the pathogen, human activities, and the environment play significant roles in the transmission and emergence of zoonotic diseases. Effective response and control of zoonotic diseases call for multiple-sector involvement and collaboration according to the One Health concept.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Animals, Domestic; Disease Reservoirs; Zoonoses; Communicable Diseases, Emerging; Virus Diseases
PubMed: 36790888
DOI: 10.1146/annurev-animal-062922-060125 -
Current Biology : CB Aug 2021Most new infectious diseases emerge when pathogens transfer from animals to humans. The suspected origin of the COVID pandemic in a wildlife wet market has resurfaced...
Most new infectious diseases emerge when pathogens transfer from animals to humans. 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. 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, 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.
Topics: Animals; Animals, Wild; Commerce; Disease Reservoirs; Humans; Mammals; Pandemics; Sustainable Development; Zoonoses
PubMed: 34237267
DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2021.06.006 -
Revue Scientifique Et Technique... Aug 2018Rabies is an ancient zoonotic disease caused by infection with the rabies virus (RABV). While the circulation of RABV in domestic dogs has been appreciated for...
Rabies is an ancient zoonotic disease caused by infection with the rabies virus (RABV). While the circulation of RABV in domestic dogs has been appreciated for centuries, the recognition of bat and wild carnivore reservoirs began in the early part of the 20th century. Bats are the ancestral reservoir of RABV and a remarkable diversity of species perpetuate distinct lineages of the virus, despite the fact that circulation in bats is geographically limited to the New World fauna. The circulation of RABV in domestic dogs likely represents a historic shift from a bat reservoir, although the timing and details of such an ancient event have been difficult to resolve from the virus genetic evidence. Since becoming established in the domestic dog population, RABV has undergone repeated host shifts to wild carnivores globally. These shifts have most frequently been to species within families of the Caniformia suborder of carnivores. The circulation of RABV in bats has been linked to host shifts to wild carnivore reservoirs in North and South America. It is clear that RABV has been incredibly successful at exploiting diverse chiropteran and carnivore hosts. With improved control of circulation in domestic dogs, surveillance is likely to yield additional discoveries regarding the diversity of wildlife reservoirs and vectors of RABV.
Topics: Animals; Animals, Domestic; Animals, Wild; Chiroptera; Disease Reservoirs; Dogs; North America; Rabies; Rabies virus; South America; Zoonoses
PubMed: 30747141
DOI: 10.20506/rst.37.2.2808 -
Infection, Genetics and Evolution :... Sep 2021There has been a consistent rise in malaria cases in the last few years. The existing malaria control measures are challenged by insecticide resistance in the mosquito... (Review)
Review
There has been a consistent rise in malaria cases in the last few years. The existing malaria control measures are challenged by insecticide resistance in the mosquito vector, drug résistance in parasite populations, and asymptomatic malaria (ASM) in healthy individuals. The absence of apparent malaria symptoms and the presence of low parasitemia makes ASM a hidden reservoir for malaria transmission and an impediment in malaria elimination efforts. This review focuses on ASM in malaria-endemic countries and the past and present research trends from those geographical locations. The harmful impacts of asymptomatic malaria on human health and its contribution to disease transmission are highlighted. We discuss certain crucial genetic changes in the parasite and host immune response necessary for maintaining low parasitemia leading to long-term parasite survival in the host. Since the chronic health effects and the potential roles for disease transmission of ASM remain mostly unknown to significant populations, we offer proposals for developing general awareness. We also suggest advanced technology-based diagnostic methods, and treatment strategies to eliminate ASM.
Topics: Asymptomatic Infections; Disease Eradication; Disease Reservoirs; Host-Parasite Interactions; Humans; Immunity; Malaria; Parasitemia; Risk Assessment
PubMed: 34216796
DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2021.104987 -
Science China. Life Sciences Jun 2021Bats are a potential natural reservoir for SARS-CoV-2 virus and other viruses detrimental to humans. Accumulated evidence has shown that, in their adaptation to a... (Review)
Review
Bats are a potential natural reservoir for SARS-CoV-2 virus and other viruses detrimental to humans. Accumulated evidence has shown that, in their adaptation to a flight-based lifestyle, remodeling of the gut microbiota in bats may have contributed to immune tolerance to viruses. This evidence from bats provides profound insights into the potential influence of gut microbiota in COVID-19 disease in humans. Here, we highlight recent advances in our understanding of the mechanisms by which the gut microbiota helps bats tolerate deadly viruses, and summarize the current clinical evidence on the influence of gut microbiota on the susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection and risk of COVID-19 leading to a fatal outcome. In addition, we discuss the implications of gut microbiota-targeted approaches for preventing infection and reducing disease severity in COVID-19 patients.
Topics: Animals; COVID-19; Chiroptera; Disease Reservoirs; Disease Susceptibility; Flight, Animal; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Humans; Immunity; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 33521857
DOI: 10.1007/s11427-020-1847-7 -
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection... 2018Small-to-medium sized mammals and large animals are lucrative sources of blood meals for ixodid ticks that transmit life-threatening tick-borne flaviviruses (TBFVs).... (Review)
Review
Small-to-medium sized mammals and large animals are lucrative sources of blood meals for ixodid ticks that transmit life-threatening tick-borne flaviviruses (TBFVs). TBFVs have been isolated from various organs obtained from wild-caught and species in Europe and Asia. Thus, these rodents are well-established reservoirs of TBFVs. Wild-caught species have demonstrated seropositivity against Powassan virus, the only TBFV known to circulate in North America, suggesting that they may play an important role in the biology of the virus in this geographic region. However, virus isolation from species is yet to be demonstrated. Wild-caught medium-sized mammals, such as woodchucks () and skunks () have also demonstrated seropositivity against POWV, and virus was isolated from apparently healthy animals. Despite the well-established knowledge that small-to-medium sized animals are TBFV reservoirs, specific molecular biology addressing host-pathogen interactions remains poorly understood. Elucidating these interactions will be critical for gaining insight into the mechanism(s) of viral pathogenesis and/or resistance.
Topics: Animals; Asia; Disease Reservoirs; Europe; Flavivirus; Flavivirus Infections; Mephitidae; North America; Rodent Diseases; Rodentia; Tick-Borne Diseases
PubMed: 30234026
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2018.00298 -
Medical Mycology Feb 2019The prevailing hypothesis concerning the ecology of Coccidioides immitis and C. posadasii is that these human pathogenic fungi are soil fungi endemic to hot, dry, salty... (Review)
Review
The prevailing hypothesis concerning the ecology of Coccidioides immitis and C. posadasii is that these human pathogenic fungi are soil fungi endemic to hot, dry, salty regions of the New World and that humans and the local, small-mammal fauna are only accidental hosts. Here we advance an alternative hypothesis that Coccidioides spp. live in small mammals as endozoans, which are kept inactive but alive in host granulomas and which transform into spore-producing hyphae when the mammal dies. The endozoan hypothesis incorporates results from comparative genomic analyses of Coccidioides spp. and related taxa that have shown a reduction in gene families associated with deconstruction of plant cell walls and an increase in those associated with digestion of animal protein, consistent with an evolutionary shift in substrate from plants to animals. If true, the endozoan hypothesis requires that models of the prevalence of human coccidioidomycosis account not only for direct effects of climate and soil parameters on the growth and reproduction of Coccidioides spp. but also consider indirect effects on these fungi that come from the plants that support the growth and reproduction of the small mammals that, in turn, support these endozoic fungi.
Topics: Animals; Coccidioides; Coccidioidomycosis; Disease Reservoirs; Ecology; Genome, Fungal; Granuloma; Humans; Hyphae; Mammals; Mice; Phylogeny; Spores, Fungal
PubMed: 30690603
DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myy039