Emergence of the cfr gene in Vibrio diabolicus of seafood origin

The emergence and transmission of multidrug resistance gene cfr incur great public health concerns worldwide. Recently, Gram-negative pathogens were found to carry cfr by various mobile elements. Here, we investigated a cfr -positive Vibrio diabolicus by phenotyping and genomic analysis, and found cfr in a translocatable structure (IS 26 - hp - cfr -IS 26 ) among the MDR region in pNV27-cfr-208K, an emerging MDR plasmid in Vibrio species. This study highlights the necessity of surveillance of cfr in bacteria of diverse origins.

High Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in Slovenian Wild Boars (Sus scrofa)

Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic parasite of great public health concern. Wild boars could be considered an emerging source of toxoplasmosis in humans due to the popularity of venison and their increasing population. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii in the Slovenian wild boar population and evaluate risk factors for human infection. Of 353 samples, 62% were positive for T. gondii using ELISA tests. This is the highest T. gondii seroprevalence reported to date in wild boar worldwide. The increase in prevalence with increasing age (p = 0.003) and weight (p = 0.002) were statistically significant, whereas gender was not (p = 0.781). Odds for being T. gondii-positive increased with age with the largest difference being between 2–3-year-old and 1–2-year-old animals (OR = 2.66, 95%CI: 1.03–6.85). Animals weighing 20–40 kg had a higher risk than animals weighing 0–20 kg (OR = 2.74, 95%CI: 1.21–6.20), whereas a further increase in the weight was not associated with increasing the odds. Due to the high Toxoplasma prevalence, the study concluded that the risk of exposure to T. gondii from handling raw or undercooked wild boar meat is high. Surveillance protocols should be established at the national level together with increased awareness within the hunting community.

Association of exposure to deoxynivalenol with DNA methylation in white blood cells in children in China

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a mycotoxin that commonly contaminates cereals worldwide. Dietary exposure to DON is a subject of great public health concern, but studies on the health effects of chronic exposure to DON are not available. In this study, we investigated the connection between DNA methylation levels and DON exposure in children. The DNA methylation status of white blood cells from 32 children aged 2~15 years old in Henan, China, was profiled. A total of 378 differentially methylated CpGs were identified between the high and low DON exposure groups, and 8 KEGG pathways were found to be significantly enriched among the differentially methylated genes. In addition, the quantitative methylation of EIF2AK4, EMID2 and GNASAS was analysed using the Sequenom MassARRAY platform. The results showed that the methylation level of EIF2AK4 was significantly different between the two groups, and the methylation levels were associated with exposure to DON. Conclusively, our study found that chronic exposure to DON during childhood could affect DNA methylation levels.

Antimicrobial effects of an organosilane-based disinfectant

Organosilane-based disinfectants have been purported to impart lasting antimicrobial properties when applied to a surface. The implications being dramatic reduction in pathogen transmission via fomites and therefore of great public health importance as a means to limit the spread of outbreaks such as COVID-19. We conducted experiments in our laboratory to assess the efficacy of one such product, which reported anti-microbial protection of up to 120 days, as an operational report for our hospital. 1) The organosilane product was applied on a Mueller Hinton agar plate and left overnight underneath an airconditioned vent to promote mould growth. 2) The organosilane product was applied on a Blood Agar Plate (BAP) that was inoculated with E. Coli and observed over 24 hours. 3) Lastly, the organosilane coating was applied onto plastic plates to simulate hospital ward surfaces. Simulated pathogens (suspension of oral commensals) were spread across the plastic plates, swabbed at 1 hour, 8 hours and 24 hours and then incubated for 24 hours. In all 3 experiments, there was no significant difference in microbial growth between the control and intervention arms. Although our experiments did not assess different methods of application nor effect on different materials applied, the lack of demonstrable effects of the organosilane product calls for caution against widespread use of a product whose claims are unverified.

Parasitological and bacteriological survey of liquid wastes from Naze industrial clusters in Owerri, Imo state

Liquid wastes are known to be highly contaminated and pose great public health risk, especially when indiscriminately discharged to the environment. The parasitological and bacteriological survey of liquid wastes from Naze industrial clusters in Owerri metropolis was carried out. Sewage wastewater and laundry wastewater were used as study samples. 100mls each of the samples were collected from the drainage sites with sterile screw-capped specimen bottles, and sent to the laboratory for analysis. The liquid wastes were filtered and the filtrates were used for the analysis. Parasitological analysis employed Zinc Sulphate Centrifugal Flotation Technique and Modified Ziel-Nielsen stain (Acid-Fast Staining). Parasitic ova, cysts, larva and oocysts isolated were identified using standard morphological and taxonomic keys. Bacterial isolates were identified using standard microbiological techniques and biochemical characteristics where necessary. Parasites such as Ascaris lumbricoides, Strongyloides stercoralis, Trichuris trichiura, Enterobius vermicularis, Schistosoma mansoni, Hymenolepsis nana, Entamoeba histolytica, Gardia lamblia, Balantidium coll and Isospora belli were isolated from the liquid wastes. Bacteria species isolated included Erwinia amylovora, Listeria monocytogens, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus vulgaris. The results showed that the most prevalent parasite and bacteria isolated were Ascaris lumbricoides 49(37.6%) and Salmonella typhi (3.38x104 CFU/mL) respectively. These potentially pathogenic parasites and bacteria detected in these liquid wastes, pose serious threat to public health. Interventive measures such as public health education, adequate drainage and waste disposal system, regular and monitored environmental sanitation, and provision of safe and portable water supply to the study area, are recommended.

An Overview on the Potential Hazards of Pyrethroid Insecticides in Fish, with Special Emphasis on Cypermethrin Toxicity

Pesticides are chemicals used to control pests, such as aquatic weeds, insects, aquatic snails, and plant diseases. They are extensively used in forestry, agriculture, veterinary practices, and of great public health importance. Pesticides can be categorized according to their use into three major types (namely insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides). Water contamination by pesticides is known to induce harmful impacts on the production, reproduction, and survivability of living aquatic organisms, such as algae, aquatic plants, and fish (shellfish and finfish species). The literature and information present in this review article facilitate evaluating the toxic effects from exposure to various fish species to different concentrations of pesticides. Moreover, a brief overview of sources, classification, mechanisms of action, and toxicity signs of pyrethroid insecticides in several fish species will be illustrated with special emphasis on Cypermethrin toxicity.

CyTOF Profiling of Zika and Dengue Virus-Infected Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells Identifies Phenotypic Signatures of Monotype Subsets and Upregulation of the Interferon-Inducible Protein CD169

Zika and dengue viruses are emergent arboviruses of great public health impact. Both viruses are responsible for important diseases, yet there is currently no vaccine or specific treatment available.

Epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and outcome of SARS-COV-2 cases in Uttar Pradesh: descriptive analysis

Corona virus is one of the major pathogens that primarily target the human respiratory system. Previous outbreaks of corona viruses include the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-CoV-2 and the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS)-CoV which have been previously characterized as agents that are a great public health threat. In late December 2019, a cluster of patients was admitted to hospitals with an initial diagnosis of pneumonia of an unknown etiology. These patients were epidemiologically linked to a sea food and wet animal wholesale market in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. In India on 30th January 2020 first positive case in a student from Kerala of the SARS-CoV-2 infection, who was studying in Wuhan University and had travelled to India, tested positive by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). As of 15th March 2021, in India total confirmed cases 94,61,901 recovery 88,47,600 death 1,37,582 have been reported from 32 states/union territories in U.P. state has 6,05,290 confirmed cases, resulting in 8,746 deaths and 595,637 recoveries. The case fatality rate in Uttar Pradesh was stands at 1.4%. Among different districts of U.P., the Lucknow was listed as first with 82,213 cases, 80,740 recovered and 1,190 deaths. Next states were Kanpur; 33,111 cases, and 839 deaths, Prayagraj 29,436 cases, and 409 deaths, Meerut; 22477 cases, and 442 deaths, Ghaziabad 26902 cases, 26694 recovered, 102 death and Gorakhpur 21510 confirmed case 21115 recovered and 366 deaths till 15th March 2021.

The Mechanisms and Animal Models of SARS-CoV-2 Infection

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly contagious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which has aroused great public health concern worldwide. Currently, COVID-19 epidemic is spreading in many countries and regions around the world. However, the study of SARS-CoV-2 is still in its infancy, and there is no specific therapeutics. Here, we summarize the genomic characteristics of SARS-CoV-2. In addition, we focus on the mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 infection, including the roles of angiotensin converting enzyme II (ACE2) in cell entry, COVID-19 susceptibility and COVID-19 symptoms, as well as immunopathology such as antibody responses, lymphocyte dysregulation, and cytokine storm. Finally, we introduce the research progress of animal models of COVID-19, aiming at a better understanding of the pathogenesis of COVID-19 and providing new ideas for the treatment of this contagious disease.

IMPACT OF MATERNAL NUTRITION ON CHILD HEALTH

Background: The state of under nutrition among women in India has remained a prevalent cause for affecting maternal and child health and increasing neonatal deaths. Objective: In this paper, the authors have reviewed and summarized the complete knowledge of maternal nutrition requirements, how maternal nutrition impacts child health and public health considerations. Method: Review of existing scientific literature and records from the past. Conclusion: In this article, the author concludes that nutrition is one of those factors which can be easily modified and it is of great public health importance, giving importance to nutrition can be of great health to mother and child and reduce birth complications and adverse birth outcomes. Keywords: Nutrition, Maternal health, Maternal nutrition, Child Health, Birth outcomes.