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Current Topics in Microbiology and... 2023Individuals living in endemic hotspots of Lassa fever have recurrent exposure to Lassa virus (LASV) via spillover from the primary host reservoir Mastomys natalensis....
Individuals living in endemic hotspots of Lassa fever have recurrent exposure to Lassa virus (LASV) via spillover from the primary host reservoir Mastomys natalensis. Despite M. natalensis being broadly distributed across sub-Saharan Africa, Lassa fever is only found in West Africa. In recent years, new LASV reservoirs have been identified. Erudition of rodent habitats, reproduction and fecundity, movement patterns, and spatial preferences are essential to institute preventative measures against Lassa fever. Evolutionary insights have also added to our knowledge of closely related mammarenavirus distribution amongst rodents throughout the continent.
Topics: Animals; Lassa virus; Lassa Fever; Disease Reservoirs; Murinae
PubMed: 33564902
DOI: 10.1007/82_2020_231 -
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 -
Philosophical Transactions of the Royal... Sep 2019Pathogen spillover between different host species is the trigger for many infectious disease outbreaks and emergence events, and ecosystem boundary areas have been... (Review)
Review
Pathogen spillover between different host species is the trigger for many infectious disease outbreaks and emergence events, and ecosystem boundary areas have been suggested as spatial hotspots of spillover. This hypothesis is largely based on suspected higher rates of zoonotic disease spillover and emergence in fragmented landscapes and other areas where humans live in close vicinity to wildlife. For example, Ebola virus outbreaks have been linked to contacts between humans and infected wildlife at the rural-forest border, and spillover of yellow fever via mosquito vectors happens at the interface between forest and human settlements. Because spillover involves complex interactions between multiple species and is difficult to observe directly, empirical studies are scarce, particularly those that quantify underlying mechanisms. In this review, we identify and explore potential ecological mechanisms affecting spillover of pathogens (and parasites in general) at ecosystem boundaries. We borrow the concept of 'permeability' from animal movement ecology as a measure of the likelihood that hosts and parasites are present in an ecosystem boundary region. We then discuss how different mechanisms operating at the levels of organisms and ecosystems might affect permeability and spillover. This review is a step towards developing a general theory of cross-species parasite spillover across ecosystem boundaries with the eventual aim of improving predictions of spillover risk in heterogeneous landscapes. This article is part of the theme issue 'Dynamic and integrative approaches to understanding pathogen spillover'.
Topics: Animals; Animals, Wild; Disease Outbreaks; Disease Reservoirs; Ecosystem; Humans; Zoonoses
PubMed: 31401953
DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2018.0344 -
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 -
Nature Jan 2021There have been several major outbreaks of emerging viral diseases, including Hendra, Nipah, Marburg and Ebola virus diseases, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)... (Review)
Review
There have been several major outbreaks of emerging viral diseases, including Hendra, Nipah, Marburg and Ebola virus diseases, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS)-as well as the current pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Notably, all of these outbreaks have been linked to suspected zoonotic transmission of bat-borne viruses. Bats-the only flying mammal-display several additional features that are unique among mammals, such as a long lifespan relative to body size, a low rate of tumorigenesis and an exceptional ability to host viruses without presenting clinical disease. Here we discuss the mechanisms that underpin the host defence system and immune tolerance of bats, and their ramifications for human health and disease. Recent studies suggest that 64 million years of adaptive evolution have shaped the host defence system of bats to balance defence and tolerance, which has resulted in a unique ability to act as an ideal reservoir host for viruses. Lessons from the effective host defence of bats would help us to better understand viral evolution and to better predict, prevent and control future viral spillovers. Studying the mechanisms of immune tolerance in bats could lead to new approaches to improving human health. We strongly believe that it is time to focus on bats in research for the benefit of both bats and humankind.
Topics: Animals; Asymptomatic Diseases; Chiroptera; Disease Reservoirs; Evolution, Molecular; Humans; Immune Tolerance; Viral Zoonoses
PubMed: 33473223
DOI: 10.1038/s41586-020-03128-0 -
The American Journal of the Medical... Dec 2019
Topics: AIDS-Associated Nephropathy; Disease Reservoirs; HIV Infections; Humans
PubMed: 31813464
DOI: 10.1016/j.amjms.2019.10.009 -
The FEBS Journal Sep 2020In this COVID-19 Focus Issue, we highlight a collection of recently published The FEBS Journal articles that consider the broader aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic,... (Review)
Review
In this COVID-19 Focus Issue, we highlight a collection of recently published The FEBS Journal articles that consider the broader aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic, ranging from the debunking of urban myths to highlighting some of the most pressing questions concerning SARS-CoV-2 infection, treatment, prevention and pathology. The collection comprises two review articles, six Viewpoints, two research papers and one commentary. We hope that these articles will provide readers with an informative and interesting overview that will promote further critical analysis of currently available data and observations on COVID-19.
Topics: Animals; COVID-19; COVID-19 Vaccines; Disease Reservoirs; Drug Design; Drug Repositioning; Humans; Pandemics; SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19 Drug Treatment
PubMed: 33448629
DOI: 10.1111/febs.15530 -
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 -
The Science of the Total Environment Feb 2021The birds (class Aves) and bats (order Chiroptera, class Mammalia) are well known natural reservoirs of a diverse range of viruses, including some zoonoses. The only... (Review)
Review
The birds (class Aves) and bats (order Chiroptera, class Mammalia) are well known natural reservoirs of a diverse range of viruses, including some zoonoses. The only extant volant vertebrates, bats and birds have undergone dramatic adaptive radiations that have allowed them to occupy diverse ecological niches and colonize most of the planet. However, few studies have compared the physiology and ecology of these ecologically, and medically, important taxa. Here, we review convergent traits in the physiology, immunology, flight-related ecology of birds and bats that might enable these taxa to act as viral reservoirs and asymptomatic carriers. Many species of birds and bats are well adapted to urban environments and may host more zoonotic pathogens than species that do not colonize anthropogenic habitats. These convergent traits in birds and bats and their ecological interactions with domestic animals and humans increase the potential risk of viral spillover transmission and facilitate the emergence of novel viruses that most likely sources of zoonoses with the potential to cause global pandemics.
Topics: Animals; Birds; Chiroptera; Disease Reservoirs; Humans; Viruses; Zoonoses
PubMed: 33254850
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142372