VECTOR-BORNE AND ZOONOTIC DISEASES

Evidence of Limited Laboratory Infection of (Diptera: Culicidae) by Usutu Virus
Byers NM, Ledermann JP, Hughes HR and Powers AM
Usutu virus (USUV) is an emerging flavivirus, closely related to West Nile virus (WNV), that has spread into Europe from Africa. Since Culex tarsalis Coquillett is an important vector for WNV transmission in the United States, we tested the ability of USUV to replicate in and be transmitted by these mosquitoes. USUV was used to infect 3-4 day-old Cx. tarsalis with 5.6 to 7.5 log pfu/ml in goose bloodmeals. Saliva, heads, and bodies were collected on day 13 or 14 and analyzed by RT-qPCR for detection for USUV vRNA. Blotting paper punches were also collected daily to assess viral transmissibility. The low and high dose blood meal resulted in 0% and 19.6% of the mosquitoes having established infections, respectively. All of the high dose had a dissemination of USUV RNA to the heads and none of the filter papers had detectable USUV RNA, but five of the capillary saliva collections were positive, representing 45.5% of the infected mosquitoes. Limited infection of Cx. tarsalis was observed when exposed to bloodmeals with greater than 107 pfu/mL of USUV, indicating this vector is not likely to have a key role in transmission of the virus.
Combining Morphological and Molecular Tools Can Enhance Tick Species Identification for Improved Tick-Borne Disease Surveillance Among Pastoral Communities in Kenya
Koka H, Langat S, Mulwa F, Mutisya J, Owaka S, Sifuna M, Ongus JR, Lutomiah J and Sang R
Ticks are ecto-parasites of domestic animals, rodents, and wildlife living for periods at a time on one or more vertebrate hosts. They are important vectors of viral, bacterial, or parasitic diseases in livestock and humans. Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus and the spotted fever rickettsiae are some of the tick-borne diseases of public health importance reported in Kenya. Their distribution and public health risks among communities, especially pastoralists, remain poorly characterized due to limited surveillance, affected partly by inadequate capacity for tick identification arising from a limited number of skilled taxonomists. The aim of this survey was to identify tick species currently circulating in different livestock hosts in northern Kenya. Ticks were sampled from cattle, sheep, goats, and camels in Turkana, Isiolo, Baringo, and West Pokot counties, and differential identification was carried out using morphological identification keys followed by molecular characterization based on the cytochrome c oxidase I gene (cox1). Haplotypes were determined using the DnaSP v6 software and phylogenetic relationships inferred using the maximum likelihood algorithm. A total of 12,206 ticks were collected, from Turkana (45.4%), Isiolo (23.1%), Baringo (22.7%), and West Pokot (8.8%) counties in Kenya. Ten species were confirmed by molecular analysis; H. rufipes, H. impeltatum, H. dromedarii, R. pravus, R. camicasi, R. pulchellus, R. evertsi evertsi, A. variegatum, A. gemma, and A. lepidum. There was no disparity in the morphological and molecular identification of Amblyomma species. However, molecular analysis provided insight into the complexity of morphological identification especially among Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus species. High haplotype diversities (0.857-1.000) and low nucleotide diversities (0.00719-0.06319) were observed in all the tick samples tested. The findings highlight the diversity of tick species in dry pastoral ecologies in Kenya and the importance of confirming morphological identification by molecular analysis thus contributing to accurate mapping of tick-borne disease distribution and risk.
Prevalence of Toscana Virus Antibodies in Residents of Bulgaria: A Nationwide Study Following the Pandemic of COVID-19
Trifonova I, Ngoc K, Gladnishka T, Panayotova E, Taseva E, Ivanova V, Vladimirova I, Kuteva E and Christova I
Toscana virus (TOSV) is an arthropod-borne virus transmitted by sandflies and is mainly found in countries around the Mediterranean basin. In this article, we present the findings of a seroprevalence study on TOSV in Bulgaria. We aim to assess the current epidemiological situation regarding TOSV in the country and raise clinical awareness. Serum samples ( = 1892) were collected in December 2023. Serological tests were performed using a commercial anti-TOSV ELISA kit. Specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies were detected in 6.4% (121/1892) of the participants. A significantly higher seropositivity rate was found in the age group over 65 years compared with the age groups 18-29 and 40-64 (11.8% vs. 3.9% vs. 3.4%), as well as in males compared with females (8.0% vs. 5.3%). The seroprevalence rates in districts ranged from 0% to 18.5%. Higher seropositivity was found in the southern and northern regions. The seroprevalence rate of TOSV in Bulgaria, found in this study, is a significant decrease compared with the seropositivity rate of 24.5% reported in the country in 2018. The reasons for this are unknown and could possibly be related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the constantly changing environmental conditions. There is also a possibility that the higher seropositivity detected in 2018 together with the rise in clinical cases reported from endemic countries around that time might have been due to an unrecognized TOSV outbreak taking place in this period. Continued clinical awareness and surveillance are necessary for recognition and management of potential cases of TOSV neuroinfection, especially during summer.
Isolation of in Culture from Vellore, South India
Kumaraswamy J, Gunasekaran K, Kirubanandan A, D'Cruz S, Abhilash K and Prakash JAJ
Orientia tsutsugamushi, causative agent of scrub typhus is an obligate intracellular parasite. We present information on isolation of this pathogen at a tertiary care centre in Vellore, Southern India. PBMCs (peripheral blood mononuclear cells) collected from suspected scrub typhus patients were inoculated into Vero and L929 cell lines and incubated at 37°C with 5% CO2 for 30 days. They were examined for presence of Orientia tsutsugamushi on 10, 15, 20 days post-inoculation and everyday thereafter for a maximum of 30 days post inoculation. The scrapings were subjected to Giemsa staining, IFA, 47kDa qPCR and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The isolates were passaged 3-4 times to ensure viability and then stored in DMEM with 10% FBS (-80). Genotyping of the isolates was performed by amplifying a 650 bp segment of the TSA 56 (type specific antigen 56) gene. Amongst the 50 samples inoculated, three were culture positive as confirmed by 47 kDa qPCR on 24th day post inoculation. This was further confirmed by Giemsa, IFA staining and TEM. The 650bp amplicons showed 99.5 to 100% homology with Orientia tsutsugamushi MW604716, MH003839, MW604718, MW604717, MH922787 and MH003838 strains. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that 2 isolates belong to TA763 genotype and one belongs to Gilliam genotype. Orientia tsutsugamushi has been isolated for the first time at Vellore, South India from PBMCs. Complete genomic analysis will give more information.
Coinfection with Orthohantavirus and spp. in Rats Collected from Markets in Indonesia
Miura K, Chambers J, Takahashi N, Nuradji H, Dharmayanti NI, Susanti , Randusari P, Noor SM, Setya Adji R, Saepulloh M, Sumarningsih , Yoshimatsu K and Koizumi N
Rats are an important reservoir animal for several zoonotic pathogens worldwide, including hantaviruses and Leptospira spp., which are the causative agents of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome, and leptospirosis. Although a previous study indicated a high frequency of antihantaviral antibodies in patients with acute fever in Indonesia, circulating hantaviruses and their reservoir animals in the country remain limited. The presence of hantavirus in rats captured in the urban area of Bogor, Indonesia, from which Leptospira spp. were isolated using PCR, followed by DNA sequencing. Immunohistochemical analyses were performed to detect hantaviral and leptospiral antigens in rat kidney tissues. Seoul of Orthohantavirus seoulense (SEOV) RNA was detected from 24 of 80 Rattus norvegicus (30%). SEOV and Leptospira coinfection was detected in 10 of 80 rats (12.5%). Immunohistochemistry revealed that hantavirus antigens were positively stained in the interstitial capillaries and cells, whereas Leptospira antigens were stained in the luminal side of the renal tubules. This study revealed a high prevalence of SEOV and SEOV and Leptospira coinfection among rats in the urban areas of Bogor, Indonesia, indicating a potential risk of rat-borne zoonotic diseases in the area.
The Burden of Among Pet Dogs and Cats with Respiratory Illness Outside the Healthcare Facilities: A Possible Public Health Concern
Shaker AA, Samir A, Zaher HM and Abdel-Moein KA
Researchers paid more attention to nosocomial in veterinary hospitals worldwide; however, the research scope toward community-acquired infections among animals is largely ignored. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the role of diseased dogs and cats suffering from respiratory illness in transmission of community-acquired infection and its public health threat. Oral swabs were collected from 154 pet animals with respiratory signs, including 80 cats and 74 dogs (outpatient visits). The obtained swabs were cultured on CHROMagar™ MH Orientation media for isolation of , and identification of suspected isolates was conducted via Gram staining, conventional biochemical tests, and molecular detection of the gene. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of isolates was carried out using the disc diffusion method. Overall, 10 (6.5%) out of 154 diseased pet animals were positive for , where 6 (8.1%) and 4 (5%) dogs and cats were positive, respectively. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) was found in 3.9% of the examined animals. The phylogenetic tree analysis revealed that the obtained sequences from dogs and cats were closely related to human and animal sequences. The occurrence of MDR among dogs and cats suffering from respiratory illness highlights the potential role of pet animals in the dissemination of MDR in the community.
Prevalence of Emerging Arboviral Infections: A Tertiary Care Hospital-Based Study from Kashmir, Northern India
Fomda BA, Murtaza M, Kakru DK, Lone SA, Sheikh I, Ayoub S and Nazir M
Arboviruses are becoming a global public health menace. The common diseases worldwide caused by arboviruses are dengue, chikungunya, and Zika. This study aims to determine the prevalence of these three arboviral infections in patients with acute febrile illness at a tertiary care hospital in Kashmir, North India. A total of 812 blood samples were collected and tested for anti-dengue, anti-chikungunya immunoglobulin M (IgM), and dengue nonstructural protein 1 antigen by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Molecular testing of these samples was also done to detect dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses by using the CDC Trioplex real-time PCR assay. The prevalence of diseases found among the studied patients was dengue 105/812 (12.93%) followed by chikungunya 17/812 (2.09%), and 3 cases (0.37%) were positive for both dengue and chikungunya; however, no case of Zika was detected. Interestingly, we found that only individuals that had a history of travel to different destinations within the country were positive for these viruses. Most affected cases were males 105/812 (12.93%) compared with females 20/812 (2.46%). Dengue serotyping results indicate that Dengue virus-1 was the most commonly found serotype. The most common symptoms in patients positive for dengue and chikungunya were fever, intense fatigue, myalgia, arthralgia, retro-orbital pain, anorexia, conjunctivitis, and skin rash. This study showed that dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses are not prevalent in the indigenous population of Kashmir. However, screening for these agents is required in people who have recently traveled outside Kashmir and have symptoms of acute febrile illness.
Brucellosis Coinfecting with Liver Hydatid Cyst: Case Report and Literature Review of Zoonoses Coinfection of Human Brucellosis
Peijun D, Weiwei S and Zhongshu P
Brucellosis is a major global public health problem. Brucellosis usually coinfects with zoonoses because of their similar reservoir and infection routes. Here, we present a patient who was diagnosed with coinfecting with liver cyst and brucellosis. A 57-year-old female farmer was hospitalized with right hip joint pain approximately 4 weeks earlier. The patient reported a history of hydatid cysts and a family history of brucellosis. Abdominal computerized tomography and ultrasonography revealed a liver hydatid cyst. The standard agglutination test titer of Wright's test was 1:100. Computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed brucellosis hip arthritis. The patient was treated with a combination of doxycycline, rifampicin, and cefotaxime. The symptoms immediately improved. The patient was well and asymptomatic during the 6-month follow-up. We reviewed the literature on other zoonoses superinfection with brucellosis. Brucellosis coinfects with multiple zoonosis organisms and poses a serious health threat to humans. Awareness of possible brucellosis coinfection with other zoonoses, especially professionally exposed persons in endemic regions, is warranted.
Establishment of Animal Infection Model of and Identification of by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
Luo A, Chen S, He M, Tan X, Li Z, Liu W and Liu Y
is a crucial zoonotic parasite. Its larvae are more harmful than adult worms due to their ability to migrate through the host's tissues and organs. Therefore, it is necessary to establish an animal model of spargana for observing pathological changes and exploring diagnostic techniques. In this study, we infected Kunming mice and cats without any pathogens by feeding sparganum (with the scolex and neck) in order to understand the infection cycle of and explore the preservation host of sparganosis. The infection of was determined by fecal detection and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In the model of cats, the eggs of were found in the feces ten days after the infection. The serum-specific IgG antibodies against were positive in experimental groups (mice and cats), and after sixty days, the S. mansoni worms isolated from experimental groups were collected. In conclusion, the experimental results show that mice and cats can be stably infected with S. mansoni through feeding sparganum (with the scolex and neck). The infection method of this study has the potential to establish a practical model for investigating the diagnostic process of , laying the groundwork for application and development. ELISA was used to diagnose mice and cats infected with sparganosis mansoni, providing a case for non-invasive identification of animal sparganosis.
Species in Small Mammals in Turkey: sp. nov. Isolated from a Ural Field Mouse (
Çelebi B, Zgheib R, Karataş A, Babür C, Öktem İMA, Matur F, Sözen M, Davoust B, Mediannikov O and Fournier PE
The genus is composed of Gram-negative, fastidious, facultative intracellular bacteria that can cause bacteremia in mammals and various disorders in humans. Rodents have been reported as reservoirs of more than 30 species, seven of which cause zoonotic infections. In the present study, the isolation of sp. was attempted from 150 spleen samples from 13 rodent species (mostly species) from three geographically different regions in Turkey. sp. was successfully isolated from 65 of these 150 samples (43%). The prevalences of sp. in tested rodents in the regions of Giresun, Yozgat, and Burdur were 68%, 44%, and 16%, respectively. Using polymerase chain reaction/sequence analysis of the citrate synthase-coding gene (), Bartonellaisolates were classified seven species including , , , , and three putatively new species. We performed further identification techniques for one of the three species that were different from the validated species according to the sequence analysis. Here, we report the genomic and phenotypic characterization of sp. strain G70 that was isolated from the splenic tissue of an (Pallas 1881), the Ural field mouse, captured in the Giresun region of northeastern Turkey. sp. strainG70 (RSKK 22001) was characterized by whole genome and partial gene (, 16S ribosomal RNA) sequencing and comparison, scanning electron microscopy, biochemical tests, and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. This novel is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium and has neither flagella nor pili. The genome from strain G70 was 1,606,969-bp-long with a G + C content of 35.7%. was found to be the closest phylogenetic relative of strain G70 (OrthoANI = 90.5%, digital DNA-DNA hybridization = 41.4%). We therefore propose that this new species be named sp. nov. with strain G70 as the type strain.
The First Report of Infection in the Oriental Magpie () in Beijing, China
Hu B, Wang J, Wang Y, Li Y, Wang B, Xiang C, Xing Y, Han S, Yuan G and He H
is a parasitic species known for its ability to infect and transmit between hosts in the gastrointestinal tracts of wild avian species. However, there is limited information on its presence and impact on urban avian populations, particularly in China. In this study, morphological observations were conducted to detect the presence of sp. within the intestinal tract of the Oriental Magpie () collected in Beijing, China. Further confirmation of the parasite's identity was achieved through phylogenetic analysis using gene sequencing to compare with previously documented isolates. The morphological and molecular analyses confirmed the presence of in the Oriental Magpie. Phylogenetic analysis indicated a close relationship with known isolates. This represents the first reported case of infection in magpies from Beijing, China. The findings highlight the potential health hazards posed by to urban avian populations and public health. The study suggests that additional research and surveillance efforts are necessary to better understand the risks associated with this parasite and to develop effective mitigation strategies.
Prevalence of Spp. and Spp. Antigens and Antibodies in Housed and Grazing Korean Indigenous Cattle
Ku JY, Jung Y, Kim Y, Choi KS and Park J
Infection with tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) causes anemia, jaundice, and growth retardation in cattle. Many studies have conducted antigen (Ag) tests for major TBPs, such as spp. and spp., in Korean indigenous cattle (KIC); however, few studies have analyzed antibodies (Ab) against these pathogens. This study simultaneously tested 15 housed cattle raised indoor for over a year and 67 grazing cattle for spp. and spp. Ag using polymerase chain reaction analysis and Ab using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The was detected in 3 housed cattle (20.0%) and 30 grazing cattle (44.8%), whereas the was detected in 3 housed cattle (20.0%) and 54 grazing cattle (80.6%). The positivity rates for spp. Ab did not differ significantly between housed and grazing cattle (4 out of 15 [93.3%] and 55 out of 67 [80.0%], respectively). The positivity rates for spp. Ab were higher in grazing cattle than in housed cattle (21 of 67 [31.3%] and 0 out of 15 [0.0%], respectively) ( < 0.01). No difference was observed between the frequency of grazing and the abundance of Ab against either pathogen. Meanwhile, as a result of comparing the detection of pathogen Ag and Ab, spp. showed the highest proportions of 73.3% and 47.8% in Ag (-)/Ab (+) for housed cattle and grazing cattle, respectively. spp. showed the highest rates of 80.0% in Ag (-)/Ab (-) for housed cattle and 52.2% in Ag (+)/Ab (-) for grazing cattle. This is the first study to determine the impact of antibody abundance against spp. and spp. on antigen prevalence in KIC.
Isolation of (Strain AH-19) from on a Wild Hedgehog in Anhui Province, China
Liu B, Liu H, Ren C, Hu D, Chen Y, Sun H, Chen Z and Liu Y
Spotted fever group rickettsioses, caused by rickettsiae of the spotted fever group, pose a significant zoonotic threat to public health. In endemic areas of Anhui Province, China, the ecology and transmission dynamics of these pathogens remain under investigation. We isolated a rickettsial strain from ticks collected from a wild hedgehog in the Dabie Mountain area. Molecular identification and phylogenetic analysis were employed to confirm the strain. Pathological examinations of the hedgehog's tissues were conducted to assess the potential impact of the infection. The isolated strain was identified as strain AH-19. Pathological examination revealed significant tissue alterations, including cellular vacuolization, necrosis, and disarray of tissue architecture. It remains uncertain whether these changes were directly attributable to the rickettsial infection or other factors. The identification of strain AH-19 in suggests that hedgehogs may serve as reservoir hosts in the Dabie Mountain area.Further research is needed to clarify their role in the ecology and epidemiology of this pathogen, which could inform future public health strategies.
A Comparison of Clinical and Laboratory Features of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever in Children and Adults: A Retrospective Single-Center Cohort Study and Literature Review
Bozkurt I, Erdeniz EH, Riley MJ, Şensoy L, Beeching NJ, Aydogdu S, Leblebicioglu H, Korukluoglu G and Fletcher TE
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a major emerging infectious disease threat, and children are reported to have a milder disease course compared with adults, in contrast to other viral hemorrhagic fevers. The aim of this study was to compare adult and pediatric patients with CCHF to improve understanding of pathogenesis and the natural history of the disease. A retrospective analysis of all children and adults admitted with confirmed CCHF between 2011 and 2020. Epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory features were collated on proformas, together with clinical management details. The Severity Grading Score (SGS) system was used to stratify mortality risk. Data from children were compared with adults in the same center and with other published pediatric cohort studies. A total of 47 children with a median (ranges) age of 14 (2-17) years and 176 adults with a median (ranges) age of 52 (18-83) years with confirmed CCHF were included. The most frequent symptoms in adults were fever, muscle-joint pain, headache, nausea, and vomiting; the most frequent in children were fever, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Adults had lower lymphocyte and platelet counts and higher liver transaminase and creatinine levels than children. SGS values were lower in children, but 97.9% children received ribavirin compared with 8.5% of adults ( < 0.001), and they had associated longer median lengths of hospital admission (10 vs. 7 days, < 0.001). Mortality of 1 out of 47 (2.1%) children was similar to 11 other cohorts reported in Türkiye and lower than 13.1% in adults (23/176) in the same center ( = 0.059). Children have lower CCHF-related mortality, less severe disease, and different clinical syndromes at presentation. The majority of published case definitions for screening for CCHF in the main endemic countries do not differentiate between adults and children and omit four of the five most common presenting features in children.
Pathogen and Host Associations of Soft Ticks Collected in South Texas
Mays Maestas SE, Maestas LP and Kaufman PE
Soft ticks (Family: Argasidae) are vectors of relapsing fever in the United States and are potential vectors of African swine fever virus, a pathogen that could have a devastating effect on the U.S. swine industry if introduced to the U.S. mainland. Much of the tick-borne disease research in the U.S. focuses on hard ticks, and less is known about the ecology of soft ticks. Some soft tick species found in the southern U.S. have a wide host range and may feed on cattle, swine, native and exotic ungulates, small mammals, reptiles, and humans. Because the feeding habit of most soft tick species involves taking short, repeated blood meals that may include multiple host species, pathogen transmission among hosts is a concern both for human and animal health. Sampling was carried out at four locations in south Texas using dry ice traps placed in or near animal burrows and other sheltering cracks and crevasses that may provide refuge for soft ticks. Collected ticks were identified and subsequently screened for and species and for host bloodmeal detection using conventional polymerase chain reaction and Sanger sequencing for pathogen and host species identification. In total, 256 ticks of two Ornithodorinae species were screened. species were identified in three samples. Bloodmeal detections were made in 22 tick specimens, representing eight vertebrate host species. Results demonstrate that the soft tick species detected herein feed on a range of wildlife hosts in south Texas and are associated with agents of human disease.
Mapping and Habitat Suitability Under Current and Mid-Century Climate in the Pacific Northwest (BC and WA)
Couloigner I, Dizon C, Mak S, Dykstra E, Fraser E, Morshed M, Iwasawa S, Checkley S and Cork S
Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne disease in the United States and Canada. The primary vector for the causative agent of Lyme disease, Borrelia burgdorferi, in the Pacific Northwest is the western blacklegged tick, Ixodes pacificus. Using active tick surveillance data from British Columbia, Canada, and Washington State, USA, habitat suitability models using MaxEnt (maximum entropy) were developed for to predict its current and mid-century geographic distributions. Passive surveillance data both from BC and WA were also visualized. According to the constructed models, the number of frost-free days during the winter is the most relevant predictor of its habitat suitability, followed by summer climate moisture, ecoregion, and mean minimum fall temperature. The ensemble geographic distribution map predicts that the coastal regions and inland valleys of British Columbia and the Puget Lowlands of Washington State provide the most suitable habitats for . The density map of ticks submitted from passive surveillance data was overlaid on the current distribution map and demonstrates the correlation between numbers of submissions and habitat suitability. Mid-century projections, based on current climate change predictions, indicate a range expansion, especially of low and moderate suitability, from current distribution. Regarding Lyme disease risk, identified from both active and passive surveillance and tested positive for were found to be in areas of moderate to very high suitability for . According to developed models, the total suitable habitat area for will expand in the interior regions of British Columbia and Washington State. However, the risk remains small given relatively low infection rates among . Further studies are required to better understand how this might change in the future.
Commercial Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Kit Is Useful for Detection of Recombinant and Secretory Nonstructural-1 Protein Antigen of Dengue Virus
Abraham PR, Gopinath T, Dhotre A and Kumar A
Dengue is a mosquito-borne tropical disease, caused by the Dengue virus (DENV). It has become a severe problem and is a rising threat to public health. In this study, we have evaluated commercial Merilisa i Dengue NS1 Antigen kit (Meril LifeSciences India Pvt. Ltd.) to detect recombinant dengue virus 2 NS1 antigen (rDNS1Ag) and secreted forms of NS1 antigen (sDNS1Ag). To determine the detection limit of the kit, 100 nanogram (ng) to 0.001 ng rDNS1Ag was tested. The sensitivity and specificity of the kit was determined using recombinant NS1 antigens of all serotypes of DENV and other flaviviruses. For testing sDNS1Ag, the culture supernatant of the Vero cell lines infected with DENV-2 was tested. Further, a spiking experiment was carried out to check the sensitivity of the kit to detect rDNS1Ag in the pools of mosquitoes. It was observed that the kit can detect the rDNS1Ag at 1 ng concentration. The kit was sensitive to detect NS1 antigen of DENV-1, DENV-2 and DENV-3 serotypes and specific for detection of only DNS1Ag as it did not cross-react with NS1 antigen of flaviviruses. The kit was sensitive to detect rDNS1Ag in the mosquito pools as well. In addition, the kit was able to detect the sDNS1Ag in Vero cell culture supernatant. Overall, we observed that the Merilisa i Dengue NS1 Ag kit is sensitive and specific for the detection of DNS1Ag both in recombinant and secretory forms.
Navigating the Landscape of Tick Diversity: Integrating Molecular Approaches for Enhanced Control Measures
Damian D
The emergence and spread of infectious diseases, particularly zoonotic diseases originating from wildlife, pose significant threats to global health and economy. This review examines the pivotal role of ticks as vectors in transmitting pathogens to humans, livestock, and wildlife and the use of molecular techniques in their identification. Tick infestations result in economic losses through reduced animal productivity, anemia, and quality deterioration of hides. Furthermore, ticks serve as reservoirs for a wide range of pathogens including viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and nematodes, contributing to the transmission of diseases such as Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, tick-borne encephalitis, and African swine fever among others. The interface between wildlife, livestock, and humans facilitates the transmission of zoonotic pathogens, exacerbated by nomadic and pastoralist lifestyles that promote interactions between wildlife and domestic animals. This movement of animals across landscapes enhances the dispersion of tick vectors, increasing the risk of pathogen exposure for diverse populations. Historically, tick identification in sub-Saharan Africa has relied on morphological characteristics despite limitations such as species overlap and variability. Molecular techniques offer a more precise means of species identification, providing critical data for effective tick and pathogen management strategies. Integrating molecular approaches into tick research enhances our understanding of tick diversity, distribution patterns, and pathogen dynamics. This knowledge is essential for developing targeted interventions to mitigate the impact of tick-borne diseases on public and veterinary health worldwide.
Antiparasitic Effects of Niosomal Formulations of Curcumin and Silymarin Against
Al-Abodi HR
Toxoplasmosis is caused by infection with No Symptoms in healthy people. Notably, very dangerous symptoms in immunocompromised, or patients with immune diseases. Previous research has shown that the parasite's resistance to drugs continues to emerge and has indicated this resistance as a cause for concern. In this context, researchers have a great responsibility to search for alternative treatments, as well as to develop existing ones. Essentially, this improves the therapeutic efficacy of drugs and prevents the emergence of resistance to them. The present study aims to evaluate antitoxoplasma effects of niosomal loaded curcumin and silymarin and their synergistic effects with clindamycin against RH strain . : Experiments were conducted on the tachyzoites of RH-strain, based on: the free and nieosomal compounds of curcumin and silymarin, in addition to the drug clindamycin. Data were collected to estimate parasite viability during exposure to the therapeutic compounds under study using a special MTT assay ((3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolioum bromide) assay: is a colorimetric assay for measuring cellular growth) kit provided by (Bio Idea Company, Tehran, Iran). Hence, the effect of the therapeutic compounds on the parasite load was studied using the quantitative molecular technique real-time PCR. The results indicate that the combination of N-silymarin and N-curcumin with clindamycin has active synergistic effects against leading to complete elimination of the parasite. Data revealed that curcumin and silymarin in both their free and nisomal forms had inhibitory effects on the parasite, and minimal toxic effects on normal cells. : The results highlight the successful synergistic effect of clindamycin and the niosomal compounds curcumin and silymarin in completely eradicating the RH-strain. This finding contributes positively to the field of safe and effective treatments.
Phytochemical Analysis and Antimalarial Activities of Ethyl Acetate Fraction of on Mice Subjected to
Ofeniforo BE, Ogunro OB, Dike CE, Agada ES and Akinwunmi KF
Malaria airs a life-threatening risk in Tropical African countries, stemming from infection by species. This region is richly endowed by nature with a wealth of diverse and largely unexplored plants that hold the potential for managing this protozoan parasite. The currently accessible over-the-counter drugs for disease management often present affordability challenges for the average person, exacerbated by the parasite's increasing resistance to them. This study investigated the phytoconstituents present in the ethyl acetate fraction of (EFSF) and explored the antimalarial effects of EFSF on mice infected with . Standard methods and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) were used to identify phytoconstituents. Chloroquine phosphate-sensitive (NK-65) was intraperitoneally inoculated into Swiss mice. The antimalarial activity of EFSF was assessed at dose levels of 250, 500, and 750 mg/kg, using 4-day suppressive and curative antimalarial models. Parameters evaluated in the inoculated mice included rectal temperature (RT), body weight (BW), packed cell volume (PCV), level of parasitemia, and mean survival time (MST). Steroids, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, terpenoids, and cardiac glycosides were the identified phytochemicals present in EFSF, and GC-MS alongside reveals the presence of 20 bioactive compounds predominantly fatty acids and alcohol esters. Significant prevention of reductions in RT, BW, and PCV was observed in the EFSF-treated groups dose dependently relative to the untreated group. In addition, EFSF-treated groups significantly ( < 0.05) suppressed parasitemia and exhibited chemosuppression of 79.46% and 77.38% in 4-day suppressive, whereas suppression of 59.74% and 58.66% in curative treatment, respectively, at 500 and 750 mg/kg thus consequently extending the MST of infected treated mice compared with the untreated group. Put together, the EFSF exhibited enhanced antimalarial efficacy against mice infected with thus affirming that plants still maintain lead way as a potential source of novel antimalarial remedies.
Precognition of Known And Unknown Biothreats: A Risk-Based Approach
Lapitan RL
Data mining and artificial intelligence algorithms can estimate the probability of future occurrences with defined precision. Yet, the prediction of infectious disease outbreaks remains a complex and difficult task. This is demonstrated by the limited accuracy and sensitivity of current models in predicting the emergence of previously unknown pathogens such as Zika, Chikungunya, and SARS-CoV-2, and the resurgence of Mpox, along with their impacts on global health, trade, and security. Comprehensive analysis of infectious disease risk profiles, vulnerabilities, and mitigation capacities, along with their spatiotemporal dynamics at the international level, is essential for preventing their transnational propagation. However, annual indexes about the impact of infectious diseases provide a low level of granularity to allow stakeholders to craft better mitigation strategies. A quantitative risk assessment by analytical platforms requires billions of near real-time data points from heterogeneous sources, integrating and analyzing univariable or multivariable data with different levels of complexity and latency that, in most cases, overwhelm human cognitive capabilities. Autonomous biosurveillance can open the possibility for near real-time, risk- and evidence-based policymaking and operational decision support.