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Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease 2023Avian influenza viruses are members of the Orthomyxoviridae family, considered highly pathogenic (HPAI). They result from genetic variations from their low virulence... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
Avian influenza viruses are members of the Orthomyxoviridae family, considered highly pathogenic (HPAI). They result from genetic variations from their low virulence predecessors. HPAI is a global problem. Large outbreaks of HAPI have significant health and economic impacts.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of the H5N8 Influenza virus in birds, as well as to assess its variability according to the countries and years.
METHODS
A systematic review of the literature was carried out in six databases (Web of Sciences, Scopus, PubMed, SciELO, Lilacs and Google Scholar) to evaluate the proportion of birds infected with the H5N8 Influenza virus, by molecular and immunological techniques. A meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model to calculate the pooled prevalence, 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). A 2-tailed 5% alpha level was used for hypothesis testing. Measures of heterogeneity were estimated and reported, including the Cochrane Q statistic, the I index, and the tau-squared test. In addition, bird species performed subgroup analyzes.
RESULTS
152 data groups were analyzed, a combined prevalence of 1.6% (95% CI 1.3-1.9%) was found for molecular studies, and the ELISA study yielded a seroprevalence of 66.7%; those results of molecular detection varied by year, from 0.2% in 2014 to 52.6% in 2020 and 96.9% in 2015.
CONCLUSION
The combined prevalence was substantial because large outbreaks have caused severe economic repercussions. In addition, it is considered a serious concern for public health due to its possible zoonotic activity.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Influenza A Virus, H5N8 Subtype; Influenza in Birds; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Animals, Wild; Birds; Disease Outbreaks; Influenza, Human; Phylogeny
PubMed: 36336273
DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2022.102490 -
Viruses Jul 2022Arctic regions are ecologically significant for the environmental persistence and geographic dissemination of influenza A viruses (IAVs) by avian hosts and other... (Review)
Review
Arctic regions are ecologically significant for the environmental persistence and geographic dissemination of influenza A viruses (IAVs) by avian hosts and other wildlife species. Data describing the epidemiology and ecology of IAVs among wildlife in the arctic are less frequently published compared to southern temperate regions, where prevalence and subtype diversity are more routinely documented. Following PRISMA guidelines, this systematic review addresses this gap by describing the prevalence, spatiotemporal distribution, and ecological characteristics of IAVs detected among wildlife and the environment in this understudied region of the globe. The literature search was performed in PubMed and Google Scholar using a set of pre-defined search terms to identify publications reporting on IAVs in Arctic regions between 1978 and February 2022. A total of 2125 articles were initially screened, 267 were assessed for eligibility, and 71 articles met inclusion criteria. IAVs have been detected in multiple wildlife species in all Arctic regions, including seabirds, shorebirds, waterfowl, seals, sea lions, whales, and terrestrial mammals, and in the environment. Isolates from wild birds comprise the majority of documented viruses derived from wildlife; however, among all animals and environmental matrices, 26 unique low and highly pathogenic subtypes have been characterized in the scientific literature from Arctic regions. Pooled prevalence across studies indicates 4.23% for wild birds, 3.42% among tested environmental matrices, and seroprevalences of 9.29% and 1.69% among marine and terrestrial mammals, respectively. Surveillance data are geographically biased, with most data from the Alaskan Arctic and many fewer reports from the Russian, Canadian, North Atlantic, and Western European Arctic. We highlight multiple important aspects of wildlife host, pathogen, and environmental ecology of IAVs in Arctic regions, including the role of avian migration and breeding cycles for the global spread of IAVs, evidence of inter-species and inter-continental reassortment at high latitudes, and how climate change-driven ecosystem shifts, including changes in the seasonal availability and distribution of dietary resources, have the potential to alter host-pathogen-environment dynamics in Arctic regions. We conclude by identifying gaps in knowledge and propose priorities for future research.
Topics: Animals; Animals, Wild; Arctic Regions; Birds; Canada; Ecosystem; Influenza A virus; Influenza in Birds; Mammals
PubMed: 35891510
DOI: 10.3390/v14071531 -
Avicenna Journal of Medical... 2022Menstrual-derived Stem Cells (MenSC) are a potential novel source of mesenchymal stem cells. There is an increased interest in investigating the therapeutic potential of... (Review)
Review
Menstrual-derived Stem Cells (MenSC) are a potential novel source of mesenchymal stem cells. There is an increased interest in investigating the therapeutic potential of MenSC due to the various advantages they exhibit, when compared to other types of stem cells. MenSC are obtained non-invasively from menstrual blood. Thus, collection of MenSC is simple, reproducible and can be carried out periodically, with minimal complications. MenSC are present in abundance, are highly proliferative, exhibit a low immunogenicity and lack ethical issues. MenSC have shown the ability to differentiate into several lineages. The therapeutic potential of MenSC in non-gynaecological applications has been investigated in wound healing, neurological, musculo-skeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, and liver disorders, as well as in diabetes and cancer. Human clinical trials are limited. To date, therapeutic efficacy and safety have been reported in patients with Avian influenza A subtype H7N9, COVID-19, congestive heart failure, multiple sclerosis and Duchene muscular dystrophy. However, further clinical trials in humans should be conducted, to study the long-term therapeutic effects of these stem cells in various diseases and to further explore their mechanism of action. This systematic review focuses on the application of MenSC in non-gynaecological diseases.
PubMed: 35509365
DOI: 10.18502/ajmb.v14i1.8166 -
Porcine Health Management Mar 2022Backyard swine farming is critical to generating subsistence and food security in rural and peri-urban households in several developing countries. The objective of this... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Backyard swine farming is critical to generating subsistence and food security in rural and peri-urban households in several developing countries. The objective of this systematic review was to analyze the molecular and serological prevalence of influenza A virus (IAV) in backyard swine populations globally.
RESULTS
We identified 34 full-text research articles in NCBI-PubMed and Google Scholar databases that have reported IAV sero- and/or virological prevalence in backyard swine up to 11 July 2021. The highest number of studies were reported from Asia (n = 11) followed by North America (n = 10), South America (n = 6), Africa (n = 6), and Europe (n = 1). While the maximum number of studies (44.12%) reported human-to-swine transmission of IAV, swine-to-human (5.88%), poultry-to-swine (5.88%), and wild birds-to-swine (2.94%) transmissions were also reported. An overall higher IAV seroprevalence (18.28%) in backyard swine was detected compared to the virological prevalence (1.32%). The human-origin pandemic A(H1N1)pdm09 virus clade 1A.3.3.2 was the more frequently detected IAV subtype in virological studies (27.27%) than serological studies (18.92%). In addition, the avian-origin highly pathogenic H5N1 and H5N8 viruses were also detected, which further substantiated the evidence of avian-swine interactions in the backyards.
CONCLUSION
Human-swine and avian-swine interactions in backyards may transmit IAV between species. Monitoring the circulation and evolution of IAV in backyard swine would help stakeholders make informed decisions to ensure sustainable backyard swine farming and public safety.
PubMed: 35287744
DOI: 10.1186/s40813-022-00251-4 -
International Journal of Environmental... Jan 2022Avian mutations in vaccine strains obtained from embryonated eggs could impair vaccine effectiveness. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the adjusted... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Relative Effectiveness of Cell-Cultured versus Egg-Based Seasonal Influenza Vaccines in Preventing Influenza-Related Outcomes in Subjects 18 Years Old or Older: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Avian mutations in vaccine strains obtained from embryonated eggs could impair vaccine effectiveness. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the adjusted relative vaccine effectiveness (arVE) of seed cell-cultured influenza vaccines (ccIV) compared to egg-based influenza vaccines (eIV) in preventing laboratory-confirmed influenza related outcomes (IRO) or IRO by clinical codes, in subjects 18 and over. We completed the literature search in January 2021; applied exclusion criteria, evaluated risk of bias of the evidence, and performed heterogeneity, publication bias, qualitative, quantitative and sensitivity analyses. All estimates were computed using a random approach. International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews, CRD42021228290. We identified 12 publications that reported 26 adjusted arVE results. Five publications reported 13 laboratory confirmed arVE and seven reported 13 code-ascertained arVE. Nine publications with 22 results were at low risk of bias. Heterogeneity was explained by season. We found a significant 11% (8 to 14%) adjusted arVE favoring ccIV in preventing any IRO in the 2017-2018 influenza season. The arVE was 3% (-2% to 7%) in the 2018-2019 influenza season. We found moderate evidence of a significant advantage of the ccIV in preventing IRO, compared to eIV, in a well-matched A(H3N2) predominant season.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Humans; Influenza A Virus, H3N2 Subtype; Influenza Vaccines; Influenza, Human; Seasons; Vaccination
PubMed: 35055642
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19020818 -
Biological Trace Element Research Jun 2022Several studies have been conducted to assess the effects of supplemental dietary chromium (Cr) on broiler chickens under heat stress (HS) conditions, but the shape and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Chromium Supplementation on the Growth Performance, Carcass Traits, Blood Constituents, and Immune Competence of Broiler Chickens Under Heat Stress: a Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-analysis.
Several studies have been conducted to assess the effects of supplemental dietary chromium (Cr) on broiler chickens under heat stress (HS) conditions, but the shape and strength of the associations between Cr supplementation and broiler chickens' responses to HS remain unclear. Therefore, the current systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the effectiveness and dose-response relationship of Cr. The results indicated non-linear dose-response associations between Cr supplementation and body mass gain (BMG), feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), carcass, breast, leg, and abdominal fat relative weight (P < 0.05). The maximum BMG, FI, and the relative weight of carcass, breast, and leg would be achieved with 1200, 1100, 900, 800, and 800 ppb of Cr, respectively, while the lowest FCR and abdominal fat relative weight might be obtained with the supplementation of 1100 and 1000 ppb of Cr, compared with no Cr supplementation. Referring to BMG, supplementation with 1200-1700 ppb inorganic Cr or 2700 ppb or less organic Cr had a significant beneficial effect on the BMG, while NanoCr supplementation did not influence this outcome variable. A non-linear association was observed for blood total cholesterol concentration (TC, P < 0.05), with the maximum reduction of TC concentration observed at approximately 900 ppb of Cr. The cholesterol-lowering effect of Cr (≤ 2400 ppb) was only found in severe HS conditions. Moreover, supplemental Cr caused a significant linear reduction in the blood triglycerides and glucose concentrations (P < 0.05). The blood concentrations of triiodothyronine, thyroxine, and insulin increased linearly, and the corticosterone concentration reduced, with increasing supplemental Cr (P < 0.05). There was a non-linear inverse association between Cr supplementation and cortisol level (P < 0.05), and the lowest concentration of cortisol was observed with the supplementation of 1000 ppb of Cr. Meanwhile, significant positive linear associations between Cr supplementation and bursa percentage, thymus percentage, infectious bronchitis vaccine titer, avian influenza vaccine titer, Newcastle disease vaccine titer, cutaneous basophil hypersensitivity response, and serum immunoglobulin G level were found (P < 0.05). However, Cr supplementation caused a linear reduction in the heterophil/lymphocyte ratio (P < 0.05). Based on the obtained results, the recommended optimum amount of supplemental Cr is 1100 ppb.
Topics: Animal Feed; Animals; Chickens; Cholesterol; Chromium; Diet; Dietary Supplements; Hot Temperature; Hydrocortisone
PubMed: 34417722
DOI: 10.1007/s12011-021-02885-x -
Journal of Wildlife Diseases Jan 2021Wild waterbirds are reservoir hosts for avian influenza viruses (AIV), which can cause devastating outbreaks in multiple species, making them a focus for surveillance...
Wild waterbirds are reservoir hosts for avian influenza viruses (AIV), which can cause devastating outbreaks in multiple species, making them a focus for surveillance efforts. Traditional AIV surveillance involves direct sampling of live or dead birds, but environmental substrates present an alternative sample for surveillance. Environmental sampling analyzes AIV excreted by waterbirds into the environment and complements direct bird sampling by minimizing financial, logistic, permitting, and spatial-temporal constraints associated with traditional surveillance. Our objectives were to synthesize the literature on environmental AIV surveillance, to compare and contrast the different sample types, and to identify key themes and recommendations to aid in the implementation of AIV surveillance using environmental samples. The four main environmental substrates for AIV surveillance are feces, feathers, water, and sediment or soil. Feces were the most common environmental substrate collected. The laboratory analysis of water and sediment provided challenges, such as low AIV concentration, heterogenous AIV distribution, or presence of PCR inhibitors. There are a number of abiotic and biotic environmental factors, including temperature, pH, salinity, or presence of filter feeders, that can influence the presence and persistence of AIV in environmental substrates; however, the nature of this influence is poorly understood in field settings, and field data from southern, coastal, and tropical ecosystems are underrepresented. Similarly, there are few studies comparing the performance of environmental samples to each other and to samples collected in wild waterbirds, and environmental surveillance workflows have yet to be validated or optimized. Environmental samples, particularly when used in combination with new technology such as environmental DNA and next generation sequencing, provided information on trends in AIV detection rates and circulating subtypes that complemented traditional, direct waterbird sampling. The use of environmental samples for AIV surveillance also shows significant promise for programs whose goal is early warning of high-risk subtypes.
Topics: Animals; Animals, Wild; Anseriformes; Charadriiformes; Influenza A virus; Influenza in Birds; Population Surveillance
PubMed: 33635994
DOI: 10.7589/JWD-D-20-00082 -
Preventive Veterinary Medicine Apr 2021Managing the health needs of livestock contributes to reducing poverty and improving the livelihoods of smallholder and pastoralist livestock keepers globally. Animal...
Prioritizing smallholder animal health needs in East Africa, West Africa, and South Asia using three approaches: Literature review, expert workshops, and practitioner surveys.
Managing the health needs of livestock contributes to reducing poverty and improving the livelihoods of smallholder and pastoralist livestock keepers globally. Animal health practitioners, producers, policymakers, and researchers all must prioritize how to mobilize limited resources. This study employed three approaches to prioritize animal health needs in East and West Africa and South Asia to identify diseases and syndromes that impact livestock keepers. The approaches were a) systematic literature review, b) a series of expert workshops, and c) a practitioner survey of veterinarians and para-veterinary professionals. The top constraints that emerged from all three approaches include endo/ ectoparasites, foot and mouth disease, brucellosis, peste des petits ruminants, Newcastle disease, and avian influenza. Expert workshops additionally identified contagious caprine pleuropneumonia, contagious bovine pleuropneumonia, mastitis, and reproductive disorders as constraints not emphasized in the literature review. Practitioner survey results additionally identified nutrition as a constraint for smallholder dairy and pastoralist small ruminant production. Experts attending the workshops agreed most constraints can be managed using existing veterinary technologies and best husbandry practices, which supports a shift away from focusing on individual diseases and new technologies towards addressing systemic challenges that limit access to veterinary services and inputs. Few research studies focused on incidence/ prevalence of disease and impact, suggesting better incorporation of socio-economic impact measures in future research would better represent the interests of livestock keepers.
Topics: Africa, Eastern; Africa, Western; Animal Husbandry; Animals; Asia; Cattle; Cattle Diseases; Chickens; Goat Diseases; Goats; Poultry Diseases
PubMed: 33581421
DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2021.105279 -
BMC Medicine Dec 2020Highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus poses a global public health threat given severe and fatal zoonotic infections since 1997 and ongoing A(H5N1) virus... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus poses a global public health threat given severe and fatal zoonotic infections since 1997 and ongoing A(H5N1) virus circulation among poultry in several countries. A comprehensive assessment of the seroprevalence of A(H5N1) virus antibodies remains a gap and limits understanding of the true risk of A(H5N1) virus infection.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of published serosurveys to assess the risk of subclinical and clinically mild A(H5N1) virus infections. We assessed A(H5N1) virus antibody titers and changes in titers among populations with variable exposures to different A(H5N1) viruses.
RESULTS
Across studies using the World Health Organization-recommended seropositive definition, the point estimates of the seroprevalence of A(H5N1) virus-specific antibodies were higher in poultry-exposed populations (range 0-0.6%) and persons exposed to both human A(H5N1) cases and infected birds (range 0.4-1.8%) than in close contacts of A(H5N1) cases or the general population (none to very low frequencies). Seroprevalence was higher in persons exposed to A(H5N1) clade 0 virus (1.9%, range 0.7-3.2%) than in participants exposed to other clades of A(H5N1) virus (range 0-0.5%) (p < 0.05). Seroprevalence was higher in poultry-exposed populations (range 0-1.9%) if such studies utilized antigenically similar A(H5N1) virus antigens in assays to A(H5N1) viruses circulating among poultry.
CONCLUSIONS
These low seroprevalences suggest that subclinical and clinically mild human A(H5N1) virus infections are uncommon. Standardized serological survey and laboratory methods are needed to fully understand the extent and risk of human A(H5N1) virus infections.
Topics: Animals; Birds; Humans; Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype; Influenza in Birds; Influenza, Human; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Zoonoses
PubMed: 33261599
DOI: 10.1186/s12916-020-01836-y -
BMJ Global Health Nov 2020There are reports of outbreaks of COVID-19 in prisons in many countries. Responses to date have been highly variable and it is not clear whether public health guidance...
BACKGROUND
There are reports of outbreaks of COVID-19 in prisons in many countries. Responses to date have been highly variable and it is not clear whether public health guidance has been informed by the best available evidence. We conducted a systematic review to synthesise the evidence on outbreaks of highly contagious diseases in prison.
METHODS
We searched seven electronic databases for peer-reviewed articles and official reports published between 1 January 2000 and 28 July 2020. We included quantitative primary research that reported an outbreak of a given contagious disease in a correctional facility and examined the effects of interventions. We excluded studies that did not provide detail on interventions. We synthesised common themes using the Synthesis Without Meta-analysis (SWiM) guideline, identified gaps in the literature and critically appraised the effectiveness of various containment approaches.
RESULTS
We identified 28 relevant studies. Investigations were all based in high-income countries and documented outbreaks of tuberculosis, influenza (types A and B), varicella, measles, mumps, adenovirus and COVID-19. Several themes were common to these reports, including the public health implications of infectious disease outbreaks in prison, and the role of interagency collaboration, health communication, screening for contagious diseases, restriction, isolation and quarantine, contact tracing, immunisation programmes, epidemiological surveillance and prison-specific guidelines in addressing any outbreaks.
DISCUSSION
Prisons are high-risk settings for the transmission of contagious diseases and there are considerable challenges in managing outbreaks in them. A public health approach to managing COVID-19 in prisons is required.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42020178827.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; COVID-19; Communicable Disease Control; Communicable Diseases; Contact Tracing; Disease Outbreaks; Female; Health Communication; Humans; Male; Mass Screening; Middle Aged; Prisons; Public Health; SARS-CoV-2; Young Adult
PubMed: 33199278
DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2020-003201