scholarly journals Aspergillosis, Avian Species and the One Health Perspective: The Possible Importance of Birds in Azole Resistance

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. 2037
Author(s):  
Aryse Martins Melo ◽  
David A. Stevens ◽  
Lisa A. Tell ◽  
Cristina Veríssimo ◽  
Raquel Sabino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
One Health ◽  
Plant Pathogens ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Sensu Stricto ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Avian Species ◽  
Azole Resistance ◽  
Natural Environments ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
The One

The One Health context considers health based on three pillars: humans, animals, and environment. This approach is a strong ally in the surveillance of infectious diseases and in the development of prevention strategies. Aspergillus spp. are fungi that fit substantially in this context, in view of their ubiquity, as well as their importance as plant pathogens, and potentially fatal pathogens for, particularly, humans and avian species. In addition, the emergence of azole resistance, mainly in Aspergillus fumigatus sensu stricto, and the proven role of fungicides widely used on crops, reinforces the need for a multidisciplinary approach to this problem. Avian species are involved in short and long distance travel between different types of landscapes, such as agricultural fields, natural environments and urban environments. Thus, birds can play an important role in the dispersion of Aspergillus, and of special concern, azole-resistant strains. In addition, some bird species are particularly susceptible to aspergillosis. Therefore, avian aspergillosis could be considered as an environmental health indicator. In this review, aspergillosis in humans and birds will be discussed, with focus on the presence of Aspergillus in the environment. We will relate these issues with the emergence of azole resistance on Aspergillus. These topics will be therefore considered and reviewed from the “One Health” perspective.

scholarly journals Bird interactions with drones, from individuals to large colonies

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mitchell Lyons ◽  
Kate Brandis ◽  
Corey Callaghan ◽  
Justin McCann ◽  
Charlotte Mills ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bird Species ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Breeding Birds ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Natural Environments ◽  
Breeding Bird ◽  
Bird Monitoring ◽  
Commercial Applications ◽  
Study Sites ◽  
Bird Colonies

AbstractDrones are rapidly becoming a key part of the toolkit for a range of scientific disciplines, as well as a range of management and commercial applications. This presents a number of challenges in context of how drone use might impact nearby wildlife. Interactions between birds and drones naturally come to mind, since they share the airspace. This paper details initial findings on the interactions between drones and birds for a range of waterbird, passerine and raptor species, across of a range of scientific applications and natural environments. The primary aims of this paper are to provide guidance for those planning or undertaking drone monitoring exercises, as well as provide direction for future research into safe and effective monitoring with drones. Our study sites we all located within Australia and spanned a range of arid, semi-arid, dunefield, floodplain, wetland, woodland, forest, coastal heath and urban environments. We particularly focus on behavioral changes towards drones during breeding season, interactions with raptors, and effects on nesting birds in large colonies – three areas yet to be explored in published literature. In over 70 hours of flight, there were no incidents with birds. Although some aggressive behavior was encountered from solitary breeding birds. Several large breeding bird colonies were surveyed, and included in our observations is monitoring and counting of nests in a colony of over 200,000 Straw-necked Ibis, the largest drone-based bird monitoring exercise to date. In addition to providing observations of interactions with specific bird species, we recommend procedures for flight planning, safe flying and avoidance. This paper also provides a basis for a number of critical and emerging areas of research into bird-drone interactions, most notably, territorial breeding birds, safety around large raptors, and the effect of drones on the behaviour of birds in large breeding colonies.

scholarly journals Nationwide surveillance of azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus environmental isolates in Greece: detection of pan-azole resistance associated with the TR46/Y121F/T289A cyp51A mutation

2020 ◽  
Vol 75 (11) ◽  
pp. 3181-3188
Author(s):  
Maria Siopi ◽  
Olga Rivero-Menendez ◽  
Georgios Gkotsis ◽  
Anthi Panara ◽  
Nikolaos S Thomaidis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Aspergillus Fumigatus ◽  
Sensu Stricto ◽  
Resistant Isolate ◽  
Azole Resistance ◽  
Medical Settings ◽  
Nationwide Surveillance ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The One ◽  
Organically Grown ◽  
Of Greece

Abstract Background Acquired azole resistance (AR) in Aspergillus fumigatus emphasizes the importance of the One Health multisectorial approach. The prevalence of azole-resistant A. fumigatus in the environment of Greece is unknown. Methods Between October 2016 and September 2017, a total of 716 soil samples were collected from 23 provinces and screened for AR using azole-containing agar plates. Recovered isolates were macro-/microscopically identified and colonies were counted. Azole susceptibility testing of A. fumigatus species complex (SC) isolates was performed (EUCAST E.DEF9.3.1). Azole-resistant A. fumigatus isolates were subjected to confirmatory molecular identification and sequencing of the cyp51A gene. Results No yeasts were recovered, while multiple moulds grew on 695 (97%) samples. Overall, zygomycetes (most non-Mucor genera) grew on 432 (60%) samples, while Aspergillus spp. grew on 500 (70%) [410 (57%) Aspergillus niger SC; 120 (17%) Aspergillus terreus SC; 101 (14%) A. fumigatus SC; 34 (5%) Aspergillus flavus SC]. The mean ± SD soil load of Aspergillus spp. was 2.23 ± 0.41 log10 cfu/g (no differences among species). No azole-resistant non-A. fumigatus spp. isolate was detected. Itraconazole, voriconazole, isavuconazole and posaconazole MIC50/MIC90 (MIC range) of A. fumigatus SC strains were 0.25/0.5 (0.25 to >8), 0.5/1 (0.25 to >8), 1/1 (0.125 to >8) and 0.06/0.125 (0.06–1) mg/L, respectively. Overall, 1/500 (0.2%) of Aspergillus isolates, and 1/101 (1%) of A. fumigatus SC isolates, was pan-azole-resistant (itraconazole, voriconazole, isavuconazole and posaconazole MIC >8, >8, >8 and 1 mg/L, respectively). The resistant isolate was recovered from organically grown raisin grapes treated with homemade compost and it was an A. fumigatus sensu stricto isolate harbouring the TR46/Y121F/T289A mutation. The soil’s load was higher compared with azole-susceptible strains (3.74 versus 2.09 log10 cfu/g). Conclusions This is the first known report of environmental pan-azole-resistant A. fumigatus in Greece. Since data on Greek clinical isolates are lacking, this finding must alarm the systematic local surveillance of AR in medical settings.

scholarly journals The one health problem of azole resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus: current insights and future research agenda

2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 202-214 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul E. Verweij ◽  
John A. Lucas ◽  
Maiken C. Arendrup ◽  
Paul Bowyer ◽  
Arjen J.F. Brinkmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Aspergillus Fumigatus ◽  
Health Problem ◽  
Research Agenda ◽  
One Health ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Azole Resistance ◽  
Future Research Agenda ◽  
The One

scholarly journals Migratory Birds as Disseminators of Ticks and the Tick-Borne Pathogens Borrelia Bacteria and Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE) Virus – A Seasonal Study at Ottenby Bird Observatory in South-Eastern Sweden

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Wilhelmsson ◽  
Thomas G. T. Jaenson ◽  
Björn Olsen ◽  
Jonas Waldenström ◽  
Per-Eric Lindgren
Keyword(s):  
Migratory Birds ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Abundant Species ◽  
Median Number ◽  
Sensu Stricto ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
South Eastern ◽  
Tick Borne Encephalitis ◽  
Tick Borne Encephalitis Virus ◽  
Anthus Trivialis

Abstract Introduction Birds can act as reservoirs of tick-borne pathogens and can also disperse pathogen-containing ticks to both nearby and remote localities. The aims of this study were to estimate tick infestation patterns on migratory birds and the prevalence of different Borrelia species and tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) in ticks removed from birds in south-eastern Sweden.Materials and Methods Ticks were collected from resident and migratory birds captured at the Ottenby Bird Observatory, Öland, Sweden, from March to November 2009. Ticks were molecularly identified to species, and morphologically to developmental stage, and the presence of Borrelia bacteria and TBEV was determined by quantitative real-time PCR.Results A total of 1,339 ticks in the genera Haemaphysalis, Hyalomma and Ixodes was recorded of which I. ricinus was the most abundant species. Important tick hosts were the European robin (Erithacus rubecula), Blackbird (Turdus merula), Tree pipit (Anthus trivialis), Eurasian wren (Troglodytes troglodytes), Common redstart (Phoenicurus phoenicurus), Willow warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus), and Common whitethroat (Sylvia communis). Borrelia bacteria were detected in 25 % (285/1,124) of the detached ticks available for analysis. Seven Borrelia species (B. afzelii, B. burgdorferi sensu stricto, B. garinii, B. lusitaniae, B. turdi, B. valaisiana and B. miyamotoi) were identified. B. turdi was recorded for the first time in ticks in Sweden. The number of Borrelia cells per tick ranged from 2.0 × 100 to 7.0 × 105. B. miyamotoi-containing ticks contained a significantly higher median number of Borrelia cells than B. burgdorferi sensu lato-containing ticks. B. garinii and B. miyamotoi were the most prevalent Borrelia species in tick larvae. Larvae of I. ricinus with B. garinii were removed from seven bird species, particularly S. communis and A. trivialis, which may suggest that the larvae had contracted the Borrelia bacteria from or via these birds. Also, a high percentage of tick larvae containing B. miyamotoi was removed from E. rubecula. Of the 1,124 ticks analysed, all were negative for TBEV.Conclusions The results corroborate the view that the contributions of birds to human disease are substantial, particularly as blood hosts for ticks and for their short-, medium- and long-distance dispersal. Moreover, several ground-foraging bird species appear to be important for the maintenance and dispersal of Borrelia species. The absence of TBEV in all bird-derived ticks investigated conforms to other similar studies.

scholarly journals Migratory birds as disseminators of ticks and the tick-borne pathogens Borrelia bacteria and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) virus – a seasonal study at Ottenby Bird Observatory in South-eastern Sweden

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Wilhelmsson ◽  
Thomas G. T. Jaenson ◽  
Björn Olsen ◽  
Jonas Waldenström ◽  
Per-Eric Lindgren
Keyword(s):  
Migratory Birds ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Abundant Species ◽  
Median Number ◽  
Sensu Stricto ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
South Eastern ◽  
Tick Borne Encephalitis ◽  
Tick Borne Encephalitis Virus ◽  
Anthus Trivialis

Abstract Background:Birds can act as reservoirs of tick-borne pathogens and can also disperse pathogen-containing ticks to both nearby and remote localities. The aims of this study were to estimate tick infestation patterns on migratory birds and the prevalence of different Borrelia species and tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) in ticks removed from birds in south-eastern Sweden.Methods:Ticks were collected from resident and migratory birds captured at the Ottenby Bird Observatory, Öland, Sweden, from March to November 2009. Ticks were molecularly identified to species, and morphologically to developmental stage, and the presence of Borrelia bacteria and TBEV was determined by quantitative real-time PCR.Results:A total of 1,339 ticks in the genera Haemaphysalis, Hyalomma and Ixodes was recorded of which I. ricinus was the most abundant species. Important tick hosts were the European robin (Erithacus rubecula), Blackbird (Turdus merula), Tree pipit (Anthus trivialis), Eurasian wren (Troglodytes troglodytes), Common redstart (Phoenicurus phoenicurus), Willow warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus), and Common whitethroat (Sylvia communis). Borrelia bacteria were detected in 25 % (285/1,124) of the detached ticks available for analysis. Seven Borrelia species (B. afzelii, B. burgdorferi sensu stricto, B. garinii, B. lusitaniae, B. turdi, B. valaisiana and B. miyamotoi) were identified. B. turdi was recorded for the first time in ticks in Sweden. The number of Borrelia cells per tick ranged from 2.0 × 100 to 7.0 × 105. B. miyamotoi-containing ticks contained a significantly higher median number of Borrelia cells than B. burgdorferi sensu lato-containing ticks. B. garinii and B. miyamotoi were the most prevalent Borrelia species in tick larvae. Larvae of I. ricinus with B. garinii were removed from seven bird species, particularly S. communis and A. trivialis, which may suggest that the larvae had contracted the Borrelia bacteria from or via these birds. Also, a high percentage of tick larvae containing B. miyamotoi was removed from E. rubecula. All ticks were negative for TBEV.Conclusions:The results corroborate the view that the contributions of birds to human disease are substantial, particularly as blood hosts for ticks and for their short-, medium- and long-distance dispersal. Moreover, several ground-foraging bird species appear to be important for the maintenance and dispersal of Borrelia species. The absence of TBEV in the ticks conforms to other similar studies.

scholarly journals Azole resistance in Candida from animals calls for the One Health approach to tackle the emergence of antimicrobial resistance

2020 ◽  
Vol 58 (7) ◽  
pp. 896-905 ◽  
Author(s):  
Débora de Souza Collares Maia Castelo-Branco ◽  
Manoel de Araújo Neto Paiva ◽  
Carlos Eduardo Cordeiro Teixeira ◽  
Érica Pacheco Caetano ◽  
Gláucia Morgana de Melo Guedes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
One Health ◽  
Efflux Pump ◽  
Environmental Drivers ◽  
Azole Resistance ◽  
Inhibition Assay ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Candida Spp ◽  
Efflux Pump Inhibition ◽  
The One ◽  
Animal Isolates

Abstract This study initially aimed at investigating the occurrence of azole resistance among Candida spp. from animals and analyzing the involvement of efflux pumps in the resistance phenomenon. Then, the dynamics of antifungal resistance was assessed, by comparing the antifungal epidemiological cutoff values (ECVs) against C. albicans and C. tropicalis from humans and animals. Fifty azole-resistant isolates (24 C. albicans, 24 C. tropicalis; 2 C. parapsilosis sensu lato) were submitted to the efflux pump inhibition assay with promethazine and significant MIC reductions were observed for fluconazole (2 to 250-fold) and itraconazole (16 to 4000-fold). Then, the antifungal ECVs against C. albicans and C. tropicalis from human and animal isolates were compared. Fluconazole, itraconazole and voriconazole ECVs against human isolates were lower than those against animal isolates. Based on the antifungal ECVs against human isolates, only 33.73%, 50.39% and 63.53% of C. albicans and 52.23%, 61.85% and 55.17% of C. tropicalis from animals were classified as wild-type for fluconazole, itraconazole and voriconazole, respectively. Therefore, efflux-mediated mechanisms are involved in azole resistance among Candida spp. from animals and this phenomenon seems to emerge in animal-associated niches, pointing to the existence of environmental drivers of resistance and highlighting the importance of the One Health approach to control it.

scholarly journals Noise pollution has limited effects on nocturnal vigilance in peahens

PeerJ ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. e2525 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica L. Yorzinski ◽  
Fredrick S. Hermann
Keyword(s):  
Antipredator Behavior ◽  
Noise Pollution ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Avian Species ◽  
Natural Environments ◽  
Perception Of Risk ◽  
Roost Selection ◽  
Chronic Effects ◽  
Pavo Cristatus ◽  
The Impact

Natural environments are increasingly exposed to high levels of noise pollution. Noise pollution can alter the behavior of animals but we know little about its effects on antipredator behavior. We therefore investigated the impact of noise pollution on vigilance behavior and roost selection in an avian species, peafowl (Pavo cristatus), that inhabits urban environments. Captive peahens were exposed to noise pollution at night and their vigilance levels and roost selections were monitored. The vigilance levels of peahens were unaffected by exposure to noise pollution within trials. Furthermore, the peahens exhibited no preference for roosting farther or closer to noise pollution. Interestingly, predators often avoided the experimental area during nights with noise pollution, which could explain why vigilance rates were higher overall during control compared to noise trials. The results suggest that peahens’ perception of risk is not drastically impacted by noise pollution but longer-term studies will be necessary to assess any chronic effects.

scholarly journals Prevalence and genetic diversity of avian haemosporidian parasites in wild bird species of the order Columbiformes

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yvonne R. Schumm ◽  
Dimitris Bakaloudis ◽  
Christos Barboutis ◽  
Jacopo G. Cecere ◽  
Cyril Eraud ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Host Species ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Phylogenetic Reconstruction ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Avian Species ◽  
Blood Parasites ◽  
Migration Strategy ◽  
Haemosporidian Parasites ◽  
Multiplex Pcr Assay ◽  
And Migration

AbstractDiseases can play a role in species decline. Among them, haemosporidian parasites, vector-transmitted protozoan parasites, are known to constitute a risk for different avian species. However, the magnitude of haemosporidian infection in wild columbiform birds, including strongly decreasing European turtle doves, is largely unknown. We examined the prevalence and diversity of haemosporidian parasites Plasmodium, Leucocytozoon and subgenera Haemoproteus and Parahaemoproteus in six species of the order Columbiformes during breeding season and migration by applying nested PCR, one-step multiplex PCR assay and microscopy. We detected infections in 109 of the 259 screened individuals (42%), including 15 distinct haemosporidian mitochondrial cytochrome b lineages, representing five H. (Haemoproteus), two H. (Parahaemoproteus), five Leucocytozoon and three Plasmodium lineages. Five of these lineages have never been described before. We discriminated between single and mixed infections and determined host species-specific prevalence for each parasite genus. Observed differences among sampled host species are discussed with reference to behavioural characteristics, including nesting and migration strategy. Our results support previous suggestions that migratory birds have a higher prevalence and diversity of blood parasites than resident or short-distance migratory species. A phylogenetic reconstruction provided evidence for H. (Haemoproteus) as well as H. (Parahaemoproteus) infections in columbiform birds. Based on microscopic examination, we quantified parasitemia, indicating the probability of negative effects on the host. This study provides a large-scale baseline description of haemosporidian infections of wild birds belonging to the order Columbiformes sampled in the northern hemisphere. The results enable the monitoring of future changes in parasite transmission areas, distribution and diversity associated with global change, posing a potential risk for declining avian species as the European turtle dove.

scholarly journals Effects of exposure to immersive videos and photo slideshows of forest and urban environments

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fariba Mostajeran ◽  
Jessica Krzikawski ◽  
Frank Steinicke ◽  
Simone Kühn
Keyword(s):  
Research Question ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Natural Environments ◽  
Jail Inmates ◽  
Forest Environment ◽  
Main Research ◽  
Head Mounted Display ◽  
Sense Of Presence ◽  
Hospital Patients

AbstractA large number of studies have demonstrated the benefits of natural environments on people’s health and well-being. For people who have limited access to nature (e.g., elderly in nursing homes, hospital patients, or jail inmates), virtual representations may provide an alternative to benefit from the illusion of a natural environment. For this purpose and in most previous studies, conventional photos of nature have been used. Immersive virtual reality (VR) environments, however, can induce a higher sense of presence compared to conventional photos. Whether this higher sense of presence leads to increased positive impacts of virtual nature exposure is the main research question of this study. Therefore, we compared exposure to a forest and an urban virtual environment in terms of their respective impact on mood, stress, physiological reactions, and cognition. The environments were presented via a head-mounted display as (1) conventional photo slideshows or (2) 360$$^{\circ }$$ ∘ videos. The results show that the forest environment had a positive effect on cognition and the urban environment disturbed mood regardless of the mode of presentation. In addition, photos of either urban or forest environment were both more effective in reducing physiological arousal compared to immersive 360$$^{\circ }$$ ∘ videos.

scholarly journals Tick-borne zoonoses and commonly used diagnostic methods in human and veterinary medicine

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Springer ◽  
Antje Glass ◽  
Julia Probst ◽  
Christina Strube
Keyword(s):  
Veterinary Medicine ◽  
Diagnostic Tests ◽  
One Health ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Diagnostic Techniques ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Zoonotic Pathogens ◽  
Health Concept ◽  
The One

AbstractAround the world, human health and animal health are closely linked in terms of the One Health concept by ticks acting as vectors for zoonotic pathogens. Animals do not only maintain tick cycles but can either be clinically affected by the same tick-borne pathogens as humans and/or play a role as reservoirs or sentinel pathogen hosts. However, the relevance of different tick-borne diseases (TBDs) may vary in human vs. veterinary medicine, which is consequently reflected by the availability of human vs. veterinary diagnostic tests. Yet, as TBDs gain importance in both fields and rare zoonotic pathogens, such as Babesia spp., are increasingly identified as causes of human disease, a One Health approach regarding development of new diagnostic tools may lead to synergistic benefits. This review gives an overview on zoonotic protozoan, bacterial and viral tick-borne pathogens worldwide, discusses commonly used diagnostic techniques for TBDs, and compares commercial availability of diagnostic tests for humans vs. domestic animals, using Germany as an example, with the aim of highlighting existing gaps and opportunities for collaboration in a One Health framework.

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