scholarly journals SARS-CoV-2 wildlife surveillance in Ontario and Québec, Canada

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janet E. Greenhorn ◽  
Jonathon D. Kotwa ◽  
Jeff Bowman ◽  
Laura Bruce ◽  
Tore Buchanan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Viral Rna ◽  
Susceptible Animal ◽  
Wildlife Species ◽  
Rehabilitation Programs ◽  
Surveillance And Response ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Response Capacity

AbstractBackgroundSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, is capable of infecting a variety of wildlife species. Wildlife living in close contact with humans are at an increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 exposure and if infected have the potential to become a reservoir for the pathogen, making control and management more difficult.ObjectiveTo conduct SARS-CoV-2 surveillance in urban wildlife from Ontario and Québec, Canada, increasing our knowledge of the epidemiology of the virus and our chances of detecting spillover from humans into wildlife.MethodsUsing a One Health approach, we leveraged activities of existing research, surveillance, and rehabilitation programs among multiple agencies to collect samples from 776 animals from 17 different wildlife species between June 2020 and May 2021. Samples from all animals were tested for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA, and a subset of samples from 219 animals across 3 species (raccoons, Procyon lotor; striped skunks, Mephitis mephitis; and mink, Neovison vison) were also tested for the presence of neutralizing antibodies.ResultsNo evidence of SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA or neutralizing antibodies was detected in any of the tested samples.ConclusionAlthough we were unable to identify positive SARS-CoV-2 cases in wildlife, continued research and surveillance activities are critical to better understand the rapidly changing landscape of susceptible animal species. Collaboration between academic, public and animal health sectors should include experts from relevant fields to build coordinated surveillance and response capacity.

scholarly journals Reverse Zoonosis of COVID-19: Lessons From the 2009 Influenza Pandemic

2020 ◽  
pp. 030098582097984
Author(s):  
Syriam Sooksawasdi Na Ayudhya ◽  
Thijs Kuiken
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Animal Species ◽  
Influenza Pandemic ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Contact Network ◽  
Respiratory Syndrome Virus ◽  
Respiratory Pathogens ◽  
Susceptible Animal ◽  
Animal Host ◽  
Increased Risk

Over the past decade, pandemics caused by pandemic H1N1 (pH1N1) influenza virus in 2009 and severe acute respiratory syndrome virus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in 2019 have emerged. Both are high-impact respiratory pathogens originating from animals. Their wide distribution in the human population subsequently results in an increased risk of human-to-animal transmission: reverse zoonosis. Although there have only been rare reports of reverse zoonosis events associated with the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic from SARS-CoV-2 so far, comparison with the pH1N1 influenza pandemic can provide a better understanding of the possible consequences of such events for public and animal health. The results of our review suggest that similar factors contribute to successful crossing of the host species barriers in both pandemics. Specific risk factors include sufficient interaction between infected humans and recipient animals, suitability of the animal host factors for productive virus infection, and suitability of the animal host population for viral persistence. Of particular concern is virus spread to susceptible animal species, in which group housing and contact network structure could potentially result in an alternative virus reservoir, from which reintroduction into humans can take place. Virus exposure in high-density populations could allow sustained transmission in susceptible animal species. Identification of the risk factors and serological surveillance in SARS-CoV-2-susceptible animal species that are group-housed should help reduce the threat from reverse zoonosis of COVID-19.

scholarly journals Biofilms as Promoters of Bacterial Antibiotic Resistance and Tolerance

Antibiotics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 3
Author(s):  
Cristina Uruén ◽  
Gema Chopo-Escuin ◽  
Jan Tommassen ◽  
Raúl C. Mainar-Jaime ◽  
Jesús Arenas
Keyword(s):  
Close Contact ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Deep Understanding ◽  
Growth Conditions ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
Extracellular Dna ◽  
Resistant Bacteria ◽  
Resistance To Antibiotics ◽  
Global Threat ◽  
Biofilm Development

Multidrug resistant bacteria are a global threat for human and animal health. However, they are only part of the problem of antibiotic failure. Another bacterial strategy that contributes to their capacity to withstand antimicrobials is the formation of biofilms. Biofilms are associations of microorganisms embedded a self-produced extracellular matrix. They create particular environments that confer bacterial tolerance and resistance to antibiotics by different mechanisms that depend upon factors such as biofilm composition, architecture, the stage of biofilm development, and growth conditions. The biofilm structure hinders the penetration of antibiotics and may prevent the accumulation of bactericidal concentrations throughout the entire biofilm. In addition, gradients of dispersion of nutrients and oxygen within the biofilm generate different metabolic states of individual cells and favor the development of antibiotic tolerance and bacterial persistence. Furthermore, antimicrobial resistance may develop within biofilms through a variety of mechanisms. The expression of efflux pumps may be induced in various parts of the biofilm and the mutation frequency is induced, while the presence of extracellular DNA and the close contact between cells favor horizontal gene transfer. A deep understanding of the mechanisms by which biofilms cause tolerance/resistance to antibiotics helps to develop novel strategies to fight these infections.

POSSIBLE HEALTH CONSEQUENCES FOR NEWBORNS FROM MOTHERS WHO SUFFERED COVID-19 DURING PREGNANCY

2021 ◽  
pp. 35-47
Author(s):  
Tamara G. Denisova ◽  
Adelina I. Sergeeva ◽  
Alexandra S. Grigorieva ◽  
Enje E. Rechapova ◽  
Ivan I. Sergeev ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Future Generation ◽  
World Health ◽  
Practical Significance ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Coronavirus Infection

According to the WHO statement dated March 11, 2020, the coronavirus infection SARS-CoV-2 has reached the scale of a pandemic and is currently a world health problem. A special group of the population that requires increased attention is pregnant women due to the fact that pneumonia occupies the third place in the structure of indirect causes of maternal mortality. Pregnant women whose immune system has changed appeared to be at an increased risk of infection. Pregnancy is a risk factor for the development of a more severe course of acute respiratory viral diseases and influenza. To date, the issue of intrauterine transmission of coronavirus disease remains completely unexplored, which causes fear among pregnant women for the future generation. Addition of a new coronavirus infection SARS-CoV-2 has a negative impact on pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period, the health of newborns, especially in patients with a burdened obstetric history. Pregnancy itself and childbirth do not affect the course of COVID-19, but the infection addition can complicate the course of gestation, causing respiratory distress syndrome, premature birth and spontaneous miscarriages, congenital pneumonia and antenatal death of newborns born from covid-positive mothers. The literature published from December 1, 2019 to July 30, 2021 was searched in several databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar and the WHO COVID-19 database, of which 52 articles were selected for detailed consideration. The relevant literature was searched to understand the issues of infection transmission to newborns from infected mothers and the clinical manifestations of the disease in the former. As a result, it was found that newborns can become infected with SARS-Cov-2 in close contact with infected patients or asymptomatic virus carriers. However, based on the data of modern literature, it is impossible to unequivocally answer the questions posed, more facts are needed to solve the problem. The practical significance of the work is that the results of the study should be used for further studying the consequences of COVID-19 for the health of newborn children.

scholarly journals Equine piroplasmosis status in the UK: an assessment of laboratory diagnostic submissions and techniques

2018 ◽  
Vol 184 (3) ◽  
pp. 95-95 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert M Coultous ◽  
Paul Phipps ◽  
Charlie Dalley ◽  
Jane Lewis ◽  
Toni-Ann Hammond ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Animal Health ◽  
Health Agency ◽  
Clinical Samples ◽  
Vector Species ◽  
Equine Piroplasmosis ◽  
Tick Vector ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Tick Vectors ◽  
Health Trust

Equine piroplasmosis (EP) has historically been of minor concern to UK equine practitioners, primarily due to a lack of competent tick vectors. However, increased detection of EP tick vector species in the UK has been reported recently. EP screening is not currently required for equine importation, and when combined with recent relaxations in movement regulations, there is an increased risk regarding disease incursion and establishment into the UK. This study evaluated the prevalence of EP by both serology and PCR among 1242 UK equine samples submitted for EP screening between February and December 2016 to the Animal and Plant Health Agency and the Animal Health Trust. Where information was available, 81.5 per cent of submissions were for the purpose of UK export testing, and less than 0.1 per cent for UK importation. Serological prevalence of EP was 8.0 per cent, and parasite DNA was found in 0.8 per cent of samples. A subsequent analysis of PCR sensitivity in archived clinical samples indicated that the proportion of PCR-positive animals is likely to be considerably higher. The authors conclude that the current threat imposed by UK carrier horses is not adequately monitored and further measures are required to improve national biosecurity and prevent endemic disease.

scholarly journals Nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus in farm animals and breeders in North of Morocco

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadira Mourabit ◽  
Abdelhay Arakrak ◽  
Mohammed Bakkali ◽  
Zeineb Zian ◽  
Joaira Bakkach ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Susceptibility ◽  
Virulence Genes ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Nasal Carriage ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Farm Animals ◽  
Carriage Rate ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Mrsa Strains

Abstract Background: The objectives of this study were to determine for the first time, in Morocco, the nasal carriage rate, antimicrobial susceptibility profiles and virulence genes of S.aureus isolated from animals and breeders in close contact.Methods: From 2015 to 2016, 421 nasal swab samples were collected from 26 different Livestock areas in Tangier. The antimicrobial susceptibility phenotypes were determined by disk diffusion according to EUCAST 2015. The presence of nuc, mecA, mecC, lukS/F-PV, and tst genes were determined by PCR for all isolates. Results: The overall S. aureus nasal carriage rate was low in animals (9.97%) and high in breeders (60%) with a statistically significant difference, (OR= 13.536; 95% CI = 7.070- 25.912; p< 0.001).In general, S. aureus strains were susceptible to the majority of antibiotics and the highest resistance rates were found against tetracycline (16.7% in animals and 10% in breeders). No MRSA was detected in animals and breeders. A high rate of tst and lukS/F-PV genes has been recovered only, from animals (11.9% and 16.7%, respectively).Conclusion: Despite the lower rate of nasal carriage of S. aureus and the absence of MRSA strains in our study, S. aureus strains harbored a higher frequency of tst and lukS/F-PV of virulence genes, which is associated to an increased risk of infection dissemination in humans. This highlights the need for implementing adequate approaches for prevention.Further larger and multi-center studies are needed to validate and confirm our findings.

scholarly journals Behavioural response to the Covid-19 pandemic in South Africa

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. e0250269
Author(s):  
Umakrishnan Kollamparambil ◽  
Adeola Oyenubi
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Preventive Strategy ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Response Behaviour ◽  
Health Response ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Preventive Behaviour ◽  
Nationally Representative

Background Given the economic and social divide that exists in South Africa, it is critical to manage the health response of its residents to the Covid-19 pandemic within the different socio-economic contexts that define the lived realities of individuals. Objective The objective of this study is to analyse the Covid-19 preventive behaviour and the socio-economic drivers behind the health-response behaviour. Data The study employs data from waves 1 and 2 of South Africa’s nationally representative National Income Dynamics Study (NIDS)—Coronavirus Rapid Mobile Survey (CRAM). The nationally representative panel data has a sample of 7073 individuals in Wave 1 and 5676 individuals in Wave 2. Methods The study uses bivariate statistics, concentration indices and multivariate estimation techniques, ranging from a probit, control-function approach, special-regressor method and seemingly unrelated regression to account for endogeneity while identifying the drivers of the response behaviour. Findings The findings indicate enhanced behavioural responsiveness to Covid-19. Preventive behaviour is evolving over time; the use of face mask has overtaken handwashing as the most utilised preventive measure. Other measures, like social distancing, avoiding close contact, avoiding big groups and staying at home, have declined between the two periods of the study. There is increased risk perception with significant concentration among the higher income groups, the educated and older respondents. Our findings validate the health-belief model, with perceived risk, self-efficacy, perceived awareness and barriers to preventive strategy adoption identified as significant drivers of health-response behaviour. Measures such as social distancing, avoiding close contact, and the use of sanitisers are practised more by the rich and educated, but not by the low-income respondents. Conclusion The respondents from lower socio-economic backgrounds are associated with optimism bias and face barriers to the adoption of preventive strategies. This requires targeted policy attention in order to make response behaviour effective.

scholarly journals Nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus in livestock in North of Morocco

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadira Mourabit ◽  
Abdelhay Arakrak ◽  
Mohammed Bakkali ◽  
Zeineb Zian ◽  
Joaira Bakkach ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Staphylococcus Aureus ◽  
Antimicrobial Susceptibility ◽  
Virulence Genes ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Nasal Carriage ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Carriage Rate ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Mrsa Strains

Abstract Background : In Morocco, data of LA-MRSA nasal carriage are still limited. The objectives of this study were to determine for the first time the nasal carriage rate, antimicrobial susceptibility profiles and virulence genes of S aureus isolated from animals and breeders in close contact. Methods : From 2015 to 2016, 480 nasal swab samples were collected from 27 different Livestock areas in Tangier. The antimicrobial susceptibility phenotypes were determined by disk diffusion according to EUCAST 2016. The presence of nuc , mec A and his homologue mec C, lukS/F-PV, and tst genes were determined by PCR for all isolates. Results : The overall S. aureus nasal carriage rate was low in animals (9.97%) and high in breeders (60%) with a statistically significant difference, (OR = 14.321; 95% CI = 7.484- 27.405; p< 0.0001). In general, S. aureus strains were susceptible to the majority of antibiotics and the higher resistance rates were found against tetracycline (16.7% in animals and 10% in breeders). No MRSA was detected in animals and breeders. A high rate of tst and lukS/F-PV genes has been found only in animals (11.9% and 16.7%, respectively). Conclusion : Despite the lower colonization rate of S. aureus and the absence of MRSA strains in our study, S. aureus strains harbored a higher frequency of tst and lukS/F-PV of virulence genes, which is associated to an increased risk of infection dissemination in humans. This highlights the need for implementing adequate approaches for prevention. Further larger and multi-center studies are needed to validate and confirm our findings. Keywords: Staphylococcus aureus , nasal carriage, animals, breeders, MRSA, Morocco

scholarly journals The lineage of coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 of Russian origin: Genetic characteristics and correlations with clinical parameters and severity of coronavirus infection

2022 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 132-143
Author(s):  
O. S. Glotov ◽  
A. N. Chernov ◽  
A. I. Korobeynikov ◽  
R. S. Kalinin ◽  
V. V. Tsai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Analysis ◽  
Viral Rna ◽  
Early Warning Score ◽  
Cdna Libraries ◽  
City Hospital ◽  
Genetic Characteristics ◽  
S Protein ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
D Dimer

The identification of new SARS-CoV-2 and human protein and gene targets, which may be markers of the severity and outcome of the disease, are extremely important during the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal of this study was to carry out genetic analysis of SARS-CoV-2 RNA samples to elucidate correlations of genetic parameters (SNPs) with clinical data and severity of COVID-19 infection.Material and Methods. The study included viral RNA samples isolated from 56 patients with COVID-19 infection who received treatment at the City Hospital No. 40 of St. Petersburg from 04/18/2020 to 04/18/2021. Patients underwent physical examination with the assessments of hemodynamic and respiratory parameters, clinical risk according to National Early Warning Score (NEWS), computed tomography (CT) of the chest, and laboratory studies including clinical blood analysis, assessment of ferritin, C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), D-dimer, creatinine, and glucose levels. All patients tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in viral RNA were identified through the creation of cDNA libraries by targeted sequencing (MiSeq Illumina). Bioinformatic analysis of viral samples was performed using the viralrecon v2 pipeline with the further annotation via Pangolin and Nextlade. Sampled genomes were visualized using the Integrative Genomics Viewer (IGV) software. Statistical data processing (descriptive statistics and graphical analysis of data relationships from diff erent tables) was performed using a GraphPad device on the Prism 8.01 platform.Results. A comparative analysis of SNP frequencies in the virus genome in samples from deceased and discharged patients was carried out. The SNPs associated with risk of death (OR > 1), neutral SNPs (OR = 1), and protective SNPs (OR < 1) were identifi ed. Patient samples were infected with 14 lines of SARS-CoV-2, fi ve of which (B.1.1.129, B.1.1.407, B.1.1.373, B.1.1.397, and B.1.1.152) were of Russian origin. The SNPs in the samples infected with the strains of non-Russian origin were associated with an increased risk of mortality (OR = 2.267, 95% confi dence interval 0.1594-8.653) compared to the SNPs in the samples obtained from the group of patients infected with the strains of Russian origin. Positive correlations were identifi ed between the average SNP number, nonsynonymous SNPs, and S-protein SNPs with the degree of respiratory failure, total NEWS score, CT-based form of disease, duration of treatment with mechanical ventilation, disease outcome, levels of LDH, glucose, D-dimer, and ferritin, and RNA amount in the PCR test. S-protein SNPs negatively correlated with the leukocyte and neutrophil counts.

scholarly journals Increased Risk of COVID-19-Related Deaths among General Practitioners in Italy

Healthcare ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 155 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alberto Modenese ◽  
Fabriziomaria Gobba
Keyword(s):  
General Practitioners ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Medical Specialties ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Asymptomatic Patients ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Specific Safety ◽  
Medical Examinations ◽  
Safety Procedures ◽  
Death Cases

To date, data on COVID-19-related death cases among physicians from different medical specialties are incomplete and scattered. In Italy, available data highlight that general practitioners (GPs) are, apparently, the most heavily affected group. Indeed, they currently represent 44.1% of the total COVID-19 related death cases occurred among physicians, whereas they constitute about 15% of the total number of doctors. This high proportion is most likely the consequence of a work-related contagion happening especially during the first weeks of the epidemic, and persisting also in the following weeks, after the national lockdown. There are various reasons for these higher contagion rates: GPs perform a lot of medical examinations daily, usually in close contact with patients. Especially at the beginning of the epidemic, GPs might have had scant information on the specific safety procedures for the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 transmission (e.g., there was limited knowledge on the possibility of contagions deriving from asymptomatic patients) and, moreover, the availability of personal protective equipment was insufficient. Furthermore, the risk of infection is highly increased by the virus’ characteristics, like its survival for several hours/days on different surfaces and its persistence in the air after an aerosolization process, with possibilities to be transmitted over distances longer than two meters. Following these observations, and considering the high cost in term of GPs’ lives, the COVID-19 pandemic will probably revolutionize the approach to patients in general practice. Clear and effective guidelines are absolutely and urgently needed for the refinement of adequate measures to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infections among GPs.

scholarly journals Mobilising community-based research on zoonotic infections: A case study of longitudinal cohorts in Vietnam

2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen Saylors ◽  
Tue Ngo Tri ◽  
Toan Tran Khanh ◽  
Kiet Bach Tuan ◽  
Heiman FL Wertheim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Participatory Research ◽  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Disease Surveillance ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Community Based Research ◽  
Zoonotic Infections ◽  
Response Capacity ◽  
Domestic Livestock ◽  
Study Sites

We initiated the Vietnam Initiative on Zoonotic Infections (VIZIONS) research program to better understand the epidemiology of disease transmission at the human–animal interface in Vietnamese rural communities and to integrate One Health approaches to disease surveillance. We established a longitudinal community cohort study of individuals with occupational exposure to animals, which involves concurrent targeted sampling from domestic livestock species and follow-up monitoring of human clinical cases. The project was implemented by government agencies at the provincial and district levels of the public health and animal health sectors in Vietnam. Engaging with rural communities builds response capacity at the grassroots level, and has improved dialogue between local stakeholders responsible for monitoring human and animal health. Here we describe the process of initiating participatory research and cohort field implementation over the first year in two study sites in Vietnam.Keywords: Vietnam, participatory research, zoonoses, field epidemiology

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