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Pediatric Reports Sep 2023Borna disease virus 1 (BoDV-1) can cause a severe human syndrome characterized by meningo-myeloencephalitis. The actual epidemiology of BoDV-1 remains disputed, and our... (Review)
Review
Borna disease virus 1 (BoDV-1) can cause a severe human syndrome characterized by meningo-myeloencephalitis. The actual epidemiology of BoDV-1 remains disputed, and our study summarized prevalence data among children and adolescents (<18-year-old). Through systematic research on three databases (PubMed, EMBASE, MedRxiv), all studies, including seroprevalence rates for BoDV-1 antigens and specific antibodies, were retrieved, and their results were summarized. We identified a total of six studies for a total of 2692 subjects aged less than 18 years (351 subjects sampled for BoDV-1 antibodies and 2557 for antigens). A pooled seroprevalence of 6.09% (95% Confidence Interval [95% CI] 2.14 to 16.17) was eventually calculated for BoDV-1 targeting antibodies and 0.76% (95% CI 0.26 to 2.19) for BoDV-1 antigens. Both estimates were affected by substantial heterogeneity. Seroprevalence rates for BoDV-1 in children and adolescents suggested that a substantial circulation of the pathogen does occur, and as infants and adolescents have relatively scarce opportunities for being exposed to hosts and animal reservoirs, the potential role of unknown vectors cannot be ruled out.
PubMed: 37755407
DOI: 10.3390/pediatric15030047 -
Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology Feb 2021Bats as flying mammals are potent vectors and natural reservoir hosts for many infectious viruses, bacteria, and fungi, also detected in their excreta such as guano....
Bats as flying mammals are potent vectors and natural reservoir hosts for many infectious viruses, bacteria, and fungi, also detected in their excreta such as guano. Accelerated deforestation, urbanization, and anthropization hastily lead to overpopulation of the bats in urban areas allowing easy interaction with other animals, expansion, and emergence of new zoonotic disease outbreaks potentially harmful to humans. Therefore, getting new insights in the microbiome of bat guano from different places represents an imperative for the future. Furthermore, the use of novel high-throughput sequencing technologies allows better insight in guano microbiome and potentially indicated that some species could be typical guano-dwelling members. Bats are well known as a natural reservoir of many zoonotic viruses such as Ebola, Nipah, Marburg, lyssaviruses, rabies, henipaviruses, and many coronaviruses which caused a high number of outbreaks including ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, many bacterial and fungal pathogens were identified as common guano residents. Thus, the presence of multi-drug-resistant bacteria as environmental reservoirs of extended spectrum β-lactamases and carbapenemase-producing strains has been confirmed. Bat guano is the most suitable substrate for fungal reproduction and dissemination, including pathogenic yeasts and keratinophilic and dimorphic human pathogenic fungi known as notorious causative agents of severe endemic mycoses like histoplasmosis and fatal cryptococcosis, especially deadly in immunocompromised individuals. This review provides an overview of bat guano microbiota diversity and the significance of autochthonous and pathogenic taxa for humans and the environment, highlighting better understanding in preventing emerging diseases. KEY POINTS: Bat guano as reservoir and source for spreading of autochthonous and pathogenic microbiota Bat guano vs. novel zoonotic disease outbreaks Destruction of bat natural habitats urgently demands increased human awareness.
Topics: Animals; Biodiversity; Chiroptera; Communicable Diseases, Emerging; Conservation of Natural Resources; Disease Reservoirs; Feces; Humans; Microbiota
PubMed: 33512572
DOI: 10.1007/s00253-021-11143-y -
Transboundary and Emerging Diseases Sep 2022Zoonotic tick-borne diseases threat human and animal health. Understanding the role of hosts in the production of infected ticks in an epidemiological system is... (Review)
Review
Zoonotic tick-borne diseases threat human and animal health. Understanding the role of hosts in the production of infected ticks in an epidemiological system is essential to be able to design effective measures to reduce the exposure of humans and animals to infectious tick bites. The reservoir host potential, that is, number of infected ticks produced by a host species, depends on three components: tick production, realized reservoir competence and host density. The parameters and factors that determine the reservoir host potential need to be characterized to achieve a robust understanding of the dynamics of pathogen-tick-host systems, and thus to mitigate the acarological risk of emerging infections. Few studies have investigated the role of birds in the local spread of Lyme borreliosis Borrelia. Knowledge of the research effort on the reservoir host potential of birds in Lyme borreliosis Borrelia circulation is necessary to prioritize future research on this topic. We provide a systematic review of the research effort on components of the reservoir host potential of wild birds for Lyme borreliosis Borrelia circulation, and factors that modulate these components in the European epidemiological system. Our review of 242 selected publications showed that tick production has been 1.4 and 21 times more studied than realized reservoir competence and bird density respectively. Only one study achieved to characterize the global host reservoir potential of birds in a given epidemiological system. Investigated factors were mostly related to bird species identity, individual characteristics of birds and tick characteristics, whereas the influence of bird life-history traits have been largely under-investigated. Because simultaneous characterization of all parameters is notoriously complex, interdisciplinary research is needed to combine and accumulate independent field and laboratory investigations targeting each parameter on specific epidemiological system or host species. This can help gain an integrated appraisal of the functioning of the studied system at a local scale.
Topics: Animals; Birds; Borrelia; Humans; Ixodes; Lyme Disease; Tick-Borne Diseases; Ticks
PubMed: 34453490
DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14305 -
The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry Oct 2023Implant-supported fixed dental prostheses can be cement- or screw-retained on the implant or abutment, with advantages and disadvantages for each method. Cemented... (Review)
Review
STATEMENT OF PROBLEM
Implant-supported fixed dental prostheses can be cement- or screw-retained on the implant or abutment, with advantages and disadvantages for each method. Cemented prostheses have been associated with peri-implant disease because cement remnants act as a reservoir for bacteria and hinder biofilm control. However, contrasting evidence has been presented regarding this association based on studies with varying designs, and a systematic review and meta-analysis is required.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to answer the focused question: In patients who received implant-supported prostheses, is the incidence of peri-implant diseases higher in cemented implant-supported prostheses than in screw-retained ones?
MATERIAL AND METHODS
The search was conducted using the National Library of Medicine (MEDLINE-PubMed), SCOPUS, EMBASE, and ISI Web of Science databases. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that assessed the incidence of peri-implant disease in cement- and screw-retained prostheses were included. Two authors independently screened the titles and abstracts, and analyzed the full texts, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias. The findings were summarized using meta-analyses with random effects, and the level of certainty of the evidence was determined using the grading of recommendations, assessments, development, and evaluations (GRADE) approach.
RESULTS
The search yielded 4455 articles that met the inclusion criteria based on the title and/or abstract selection. A total of 6 RCTs were included for analysis. The meta-analysis revealed no significant difference between cement- and screw-retained prostheses for the risk of peri-implant mucositis (RR: 1.36, 95% CI: 0.42-4.38, P=.61). Similarly, no significant difference was observed between cement- and screw-retained prostheses for the incidence of peri-implantitis (RR: 1.00, 95% CI: 0.23-4.31, P=1.00).
CONCLUSIONS
Moderate certainty evidence suggests that cement- and screw-retained prostheses present a similar risk for peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis.
PubMed: 37793953
DOI: 10.1016/j.prosdent.2023.08.030 -
Tropical Medicine & International... Sep 2023To analyse acute Chagas disease (CD) outbreaks through a qualitative systematic review and discuss the determinants for its prevention and control.
OBJECTIVE
To analyse acute Chagas disease (CD) outbreaks through a qualitative systematic review and discuss the determinants for its prevention and control.
METHODS
Review of studies in which clinical cases of oral transmission were confirmed by parasitological and/or serological tests that included an epidemiological investigation of sources of infection, vectors and reservoirs.
RESULTS
Thirty-two outbreaks (1965-2022) were analysed. The main foods involved in oral transmission outbreaks are homemade fruit juices. Different species of vectors were identified. Reservoirs were mainly dogs, rodents and large American opossums (didelphids).
CONCLUSION
Under a One Health approach, environmental changes are one of the factors responsible of the rise of oral transmission of CD. Entomological surveillance of vectors and control of the changes in wild and domestic reservoirs and reinforcement of hygiene measures around food in domestic and commercial sites are needed.
Topics: Animals; Dogs; Chagas Disease; Disease Reservoirs; Genotype; One Health; Opossums; Trypanosoma cruzi
PubMed: 37488635
DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13915 -
Heart Failure Reviews Nov 2022There is an expanding body of research on the bidirectional relationship of the human gut microbiome and cardiovascular disease, including heart failure (HF).... (Review)
Review
There is an expanding body of research on the bidirectional relationship of the human gut microbiome and cardiovascular disease, including heart failure (HF). Researchers are examining the microbiome and gut metabolites, primarily trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), to understand clinically observed outcomes. This systematic review explored the current state of the science on the evaluation and testing of the gut biome in persons with HF. Using electronic search methods of Medline, Embase, CINAHL, and Web of Science, until December 2021, we identified 511 HF biome investigations between 2014 and 2021. Of the 30 studies included in the review, six were 16S rRNA and nineteen TMAO, and three both TMAO and 16S rRNA, and two bacterial cultures. A limited range of study designs were represented, the majority involving single cohorts (n = 10) and comparing individuals with HF to controls (n = 15). Patients with HF had less biodiversity in fecal samples compared to controls. TMAO is associated with age, BNP, eGFR, HF severity, and poor outcomes including hospitalizations and mortality. Inconsistent across studies was the ability of TMAO to predict HF development, the independent prognostic value of TMAO when controlling for renal indices, and the relationship of TMAO to LVEF and CRP. Gut microbiome dysbiosis is associated with HF diagnosis, disease severity, and prognostication related to hospitalizations and mortality. Gut microbiome research in patients with HF is developing. Further longitudinal and multi-centered studies are required to inform interventions to promote clinical decision-making and improved patient outcomes.
Topics: Heart Failure; Humans; Methylamines; Microbiota; Oxides; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S
PubMed: 35726110
DOI: 10.1007/s10741-022-10254-6 -
New Microbes and New Infections Mar 2023Tularemia or rabbit fever is a transmissible disease from animals, rodents, and insects to human populations that is caused by . Epidemiological studies showed that... (Review)
Review
Tularemia or rabbit fever is a transmissible disease from animals, rodents, and insects to human populations that is caused by . Epidemiological studies showed that tularemia is endemic throughout most different regions of the world. Recent evidence documented the transmission of the in a different part of Asia. Because there is no updated review information for tularemia in Iran, we performed this systematic review. In this study, we systematically explored biomedical databases (Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, and Web of sciences) to identify epidemiology, reservoirs, and carriers of Francisella in animal and human clinical specimens from 2010 to 2020, either in English or in Persian. Different studies have shown the different frequencies of F. tularensis among human and animal resources in eighteen provinces of Iran. In total, 1242 human clinical specimens, 1565 animal samples, and 355 environmental water samples were investigated to find F. tularensis in different provinces of Iran. According to the collected documents, 94 human clinical samples, 69 water samples, and 26 animal specimens were introduced as positive samples for the F. tularensis. According to studies, thirteen species of rodent and hare presented as an inter-epizootic reservoir. Only one species of tick (D. marginatus) was introduced as a vector for Francisella in Iran. According to these results, it is essential for exclusive attention to the prevalence of F. tularensis in different provinces of Iran. Furthermore, special planning should be done for prevention, control of the outbreak, and proper treatment of the tularemia.
PubMed: 36816490
DOI: 10.1016/j.nmni.2023.101092 -
F1000Research 2021SARS-CoV-2 RNA has been detected in fomites which suggests the virus could be transmitted via inanimate objects. However, there is uncertainty about the mechanistic...
SARS-CoV-2 RNA has been detected in fomites which suggests the virus could be transmitted via inanimate objects. However, there is uncertainty about the mechanistic pathway for such transmissions. Our objective was to identify, appraise and summarise the evidence from primary studies and systematic reviews assessing the role of fomites in transmission. This review is part of an Open Evidence Review on Transmission Dynamics of SARS-CoV-2. We conduct ongoing searches using WHO Covid-19 Database, LitCovid, medRxiv, and Google Scholar; assess study quality based on five criteria and report important findings on an ongoing basis. We found 64 studies: 63 primary studies and one systematic review (n=35). The settings for primary studies were predominantly in hospitals (69.8%) including general wards, ICU and SARS-CoV-2 isolation wards. There were variations in the study designs including timing of sample collection, hygiene procedures, ventilation settings and cycle threshold. The overall quality of reporting was low to moderate. The frequency of positive SARS-CoV-2 tests across 51 studies (using RT-PCR) ranged from 0.5% to 75%. Cycle threshold values ranged from 20.8 to 44.1. Viral concentrations were reported in 17 studies; however, discrepancies in the methods for estimation prevented comparison. Eleven studies (17.5%) attempted viral culture, but none found a cytopathic effect. Results of the systematic review showed that healthcare settings were most frequently tested (25/35, 71.4%), but laboratories reported the highest frequency of contaminated surfaces (20.5%, 17/83). The majority of studies report identification of SARS-CoV-2 RNA on inanimate surfaces; however, there is a lack of evidence demonstrating the recovery of viable virus. Lack of positive viral cultures suggests that the risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 through fomites is low. Heterogeneity in study designs and methodology prevents comparisons of findings across studies. Standardized guidelines for conducting and reporting research on fomite transmission is warranted.
Topics: COVID-19; Fomites; Hospitals; Humans; RNA, Viral; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 34136133
DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.51590.3 -
BioMed Research International 2022COVID-19 is a respiratory disease of worldwide importance as it has brought enormous health problems to the world's population. The best-known way of transmission of the... (Review)
Review
COVID-19 is a respiratory disease of worldwide importance as it has brought enormous health problems to the world's population. The best-known way of transmission of the virus is through aerosolization. However, research is needed to explore other transmission routes. Researchers hypothesized that arthropods could transmit SARs-CoV-2. This study is aimed at reviewing research on arthropods as possible reservoirs and/or vectors of SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19. Following PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic review using several electronic databases/academic searches with the search terms "arthropods," "coronavirus," and "transmission." A total of 64 unique articles were identified, of which 58 were included in the review. The SARS-CoV-2 virus is tiny and invisible to the naked eye, and its presence in stools, droplets, and surfaces was detected. One doubt is whether insects can transmit the virus from one place to another. Thus, a healthy carrier of the COVID-19 virus can be at the root of the contamination of their community or their family through the transport of the virus by insects from the interior (flies, cockroaches, etc.) from their feces and food surfaces. Hygiene care within communities and families becomes a prime factor. Coronavirus infection is a significant public health problem around the world. The prevention and control of outbreaks remain very important, even with the production of new vaccines. The main option to achieve this is the proper management of the transmission of the virus. The registry of infected people is currently the basis for the transmission of COVID-19. However, questions about the possibility of infection from other sources and its prevention are not receiving adequate attention. Numerous studies have shown the possibility that SARS-COV-2 fragments could have a longer life than shed respiratory droplets. Also, this virus is larger than those of other coronavirus families.
Topics: Animals; Arthropod Vectors; COVID-19; Disease Outbreaks; Humans; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 35978635
DOI: 10.1155/2022/4329423 -
Scientific Reports Mar 2021This study aimed to consolidate current knowledge of wildlife brucellosis in Africa and to analyse available predictors of infection. The Preferred Reporting Items for... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
This study aimed to consolidate current knowledge of wildlife brucellosis in Africa and to analyse available predictors of infection. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed. Information on species, test used, test results, area, rainfall, livestock and wildlife contact and year of study were extracted. This systematic review revealed 42 prevalence studies, nine disease control articles and six articles on epidemiology. Brucella abortus, Brucella melitensis, Brucella inopinata and Brucella suis were reported in wildlife. The prevalence studies revealed serological evidence of brucellosis in buffalo, antelope (positive in 14/28 species), carnivores (4/12) and other species (7/20) over the last five decades. Buffalo populations were more likely to be infected and had a higher seroprevalence than other species; the pooled seroprevalence was 13.7% (95% CI 10.3-17.3%) in buffalo, 7.1% (95% CI 1.1-15.5%) in carnivores and 2.1% (95% CI 0.1-4.9%) in antelope. Wildlife in high rainfall areas (≥ 800 mm) were more likely to be infected, and infected populations showed higher seroprevalence in high rainfall areas and in studies published after 2000. Domestic animal contact was associated with increased seroprevalence in antelope and carnivore species, but not in buffalo, supporting the hypothesis that buffalo may be a reservoir species.
Topics: Africa; Animal Diseases; Animals; Animals, Wild; Arachnid Vectors; Brucella; Brucellosis; Cross-Sectional Studies; Host-Pathogen Interactions; Multivariate Analysis; Public Health Surveillance; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Ticks; Zoonoses
PubMed: 33727580
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-85441-w