MicrobiologyOpenPunam Chowdhury, Shah Md Tanvir Khan, Sajal Roy, Md Shohel Al Faruk
Pteropus medius is a major reservoir of Nipah virus (NiV), a zoonotic pathogen responsible for recurrent fatal encephalitis outbreaks in Bangladesh. Human infections are primarily associated with consuming raw date palm sap contaminated with bat excreta. Beyond viral spillover, growing evidence suggests that bat-associated microbiota and guano are potential reservoirs of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), contributing to the environmental dissemination of resistant bacteria and resistance genes. This narrative literature review examined the relationship among NiV spillover, bat microbiota, and AMR within a One Health framework. A structured literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar to identify relevant peer-reviewed studies published between 2006 and 2025. The reviewed evidence indicates that Pteropus medius populations harbor clinically important resistant bacteria, including ESBL-(Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase) producing Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus spp. In addition, recent studies indicate that bat roosts near agricultural lands, wastewater discharge sites, and peri-urban settlements may facilitate bidirectional exchange of ARGs among wildlife, livestock, and humans. Habitat fragmentation, wastewater contamination, urbanization, agricultural intensification, and increased human-wildlife interactions were identified as major drivers facilitating both NiV spillover and AMR dissemination. Overall, the literature demonstrates a significant ecological association among anthropogenic environmental disturbance, zoonotic spillover risk, and the emergence of antimicrobial resistance in bat-associated systems. These findings highlight the importance of integrated One Health surveillance and environmental management strategies to mitigate future zoonotic and AMR threats in Bangladesh.
American journal of public healthCole King, A Paige Adams
Novel influenza A viruses have cost thousands of lives and billions of dollars of economic losses in the 21st century, and 2 of the past 4 pandemic influenza A viruses likely originated in animal populations on the North American continent. Despite this, the human and veterinary influenza surveillance systems in the United States are poorly connected and have fallen short of congressional mandates for data sharing and interoperability. This places the United States in a reactive posture that is focused on containment of outbreaks that have already occurred rather than proactive surveillance and prevention. The significant investments in surveillance infrastructure and genomic technologies spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic, along with the new National One Health Framework, present a unique opportunity to modernize influenza surveillance with a greater emphasis on the interconnectedness of human and animal health. However, funding for enhanced surveillance is set to decrease significantly as pandemic-era funding sunsets. Continuing investments into novel surveillance technologies have been critical in addressing the recent H5N1 influenza outbreaks and will be critical to prevent future economic losses and losses of both human and animal life. (Am J Public Health. 2026;116(8):1220-1228. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2026.308445).
PLoS neglected tropical diseasesNa Zhang, Qiuju Yang, Chuizhao Xue, Zhiguo Liu, Na Ta, Zhenjun Li
INTRODUCTION: Brucellosis remains a severe zoonotic threat in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China. METHODOLOGY: This study integrates a comprehensive epidemiological trend analysis with a novel methodological comparison of forecasting techniques to inform control strategies. RESULTS: Using reported human brucellosis surveillance data from Inner Mongolia for 2004-2024, joinpoint regression analysis revealed a persistently increasing yet fluctuating long-term trend (AAPC = 5.13%, P < 0.001), characterized by significant epidemic surges in 2004-2010 (APC = 22.43%, P < 0.001) and 2016-2021 (APC = 29.83%, P < 0.001), interrupted by a decline phase in 2010-2016 (APC = -17.17%, P < 0.001) and 2021-2024 (APC = -12.15). The disease demonstrated strong seasonality with June-August peaks, and predominance among farmers and herdsmen aged 30-60 years. Building on this epidemiological foundation, we rigorously compared the predictive performance of the standard Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) model against its Bootstrap-enhanced version for 24-month-ahead forecasting (2023-2024 validation). This finding offers a novel perspective on enhancing the predictive performance of brucellosis models. While the Bootstrap approach achieved superior point forecast accuracy by reducing Mean Absolute Error by 39.95% and Median Absolute Percentage Error by 33.55% compared to SARIMA, it produced severely overconfident prediction intervals, with only 33.33% empirical coverage compared to SARIMA's 91.67%. This study validates the SARIMA model as a robust baseline for brucellosis forecasting and introduces a Bootstrap ensemble method as a powerful tool for significantly enhancing point prediction accuracy. CONCLUSION: The findings provide novel epidemiological insights that offer a scientific basis for disease control measures and decision-making. Future work should aim to develop hybrid models that bridge this gap, and delivering high accuracy in both point and interval forecasts.
Cell chemical biologyStella Ho, Clare Elizabeth Bryant
In an interview with Samantha Nelson, a scientific editor of Cell Chemical Biology, the authors of the minireview entitled "Pyroptosis across species and its potential impact on host defense against zoonotic pathogens" share their perspectives on their field and life as scientists.
Nipah virus continues to pose a recurrent zoonotic threat in Bangladesh. The sporadic spillover events are associated with high case fatality and limited opportunities for clinical intervention. Despite nearly two decades of surveillance response, early warning systems remain reactive, relying heavily on laboratory confirmation and case accumulation. This Perspective argues that early warning has been conceptually misframed as outbreak detection, rather than risk anticipation. Drawing on the epidemiological characteristics of Nipah virus and Bangladesh's current surveillance architecture, this study highlights key structural constraints delaying signal recognition. These include community-level blind spots, diagnostic uncertainty, and fragmented cross-sectoral surveillance. This article also outlines priority shifts that emphasize anticipatory risk assessment, operational One Health integration, context-sensitive alert thresholds, and a direct linkage between early signals and preparedness actions. Reframing early warning in this way is essential to improve readiness for the Nipah virus and other rare, high-impact zoonotic threats.
Tropical animal health and productionMd Zulfekar Ali, Uwem Okon Edet, Olanrewaju E Igah, Edema Enogiomwan Imalele, Mirza Mienur Meher, Clement Meseko
Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) was first described in the 1930s and 40s, yet there is no study that has examined global research landscape of this important zoonosis. We undertook the first global and holistic bibliometric analysis on CCHF aimed at revealing gaps, trends and collaborative networks. We applied the SPAR-4-SLR protocol together with an expansive set of keywords to search and retrieve relevant studies from the Scopus database. Using our pre-defined inclusion criteria and removal of duplicates, a final dataset of 2540 studies were included for analysis. The dataset were analysed in Biblioshiny, VOSviewer, and R software. A total of 2,540 CCHF publications (1981-2025) were included in the final analysis. Overall, the number of studies showed a steady annual growth rate of 6.79%, with a sharp rise in outputs and citations after 2010. The correlation coefficient stood at R2 = 0.79. The research landscape was dominated by multi-authored collaborations, strong international partnerships, and a high share of original articles. Key contributors were from Iran, Turkey, the United States (USA), and Europe, with major funding driven by NIAID, NIH, and the European Commission. Funders and authors from African and other poorer regions were disproportionately lower despite the Congo (Africa) being the co-origin of the virus. Highly cited papers highlight advances in epidemiology, diagnostics, and tick-virus ecology. Frequently used keywords reflect strong focus on humans, CCHF virus, and surveillance. Core journals include Emerging Infectious Diseases, Antiviral Research, and PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases. Keyword analysis showed a gradual transition from early basic studies to mechanistic, molecular, and One Health-oriented investigations. The CCHF research landscape is growing steadily, driven by strong international collaborations and major funding agencies. Persistent focus on surveillance and public health preparedness indicates a maturing, globally coordinated research landscape essential for controlling CCHF and protect public health.
Acta parasitologicaEligia González-Rodríguez, Marta Rodero, Sergio Llorens-Berzosa, J Alberto Montoya-Alonso, Kevin M Santana-Hernández, Myriam R Ventura, Carmen Cuéllar, Eligia …
PURPOSE: This study presents the first seroepidemiological investigation of anti-Kudoa spp. (Myxosporea: Multivalvulida) antibodies in the general population of the Canary Islands (Macaronesia, Spain), a region with high seafood consumption and pronounced geographic and climatic variability. METHODS: A total of 1,096 serum samples from all seven islands were randomly selected and analyzed by ELISA for IgG and IgE antibodies against Kudoa spp. pseudocyst antigens extracted from locally consumed fish. RESULTS: The overall seroprevalence for both IgG and IgE was 16.4%, indicating widespread exposure to Kudoa parasites. Marked geographic variation was observed: IgG seroprevalence was highest in Lanzarote (47%), Fuerteventura, and Gran Canaria (29.4%), while IgE prevalence peaked in La Gomera (63.3%), El Hierro (30.9%), and La Palma (27.4%). Sex-related differences were also detected, with higher IgE levels in males (p < 0.001). In addition, seropositivity varied by climate zone, with the dry desert zone showing the highest IgG prevalence (35.7%) and mild temperate zones the highest IgE prevalence (16.5%). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that environmental, dietary, and behavioral factors strongly modulate host immune responses to fish-borne parasites. The results underscore the clinical and public health relevance of Kudoa spp., highlighting the need for ongoing surveillance and targeted preventive measures in populations with elevated seafood consumption. Overall, this research provides novel insights into the epidemiology, immune sensitization, and risk determinants of Kudoa exposure, contributing to improved management of seafood-borne zoonoses and evidence-based risk assessment for public health authorities.
Free-roaming cats (Felis catus) can serve as reservoirs of various zoonotic parasites in urban settings. Despite a large population of free-roaming cats around New York City, studies assessing the prevalence and shedding of various parasites in the New York urban landscape are scarce. This study utilized fecal and blood samples opportunistically collected during the Trap Neuter Return (TNR) program from 87 free-roaming cats in New York City between May and July 2023. Samples were analyzed using centrifugal fecal flotation, coproantigen immunoassays, serologic assays, and PCR-based assays for gastrointestinal and vector-borne parasites. Fecal flotation (n = 87) results revealed that 57.5% (50/87; 95% CI: 46.9-67.4) of cats were infected with at least one species of parasite. The most prevalent infection was Toxocara spp. (54%; 95% CI: 43.4-64.3), followed by Ancylostoma spp. (13.8%; 95% CI: 8.2-22.6) and coccidia (11.5%; 95% CI: 6.4-19.9). Coproantigen testing (n = 43) identified Giardia spp. in 11.6% (5/43; 95% CI: 5.1-24.5) and Cryptosporidium spp. in 2.3% (1/43; 95% CI: 0.4-12.1) of cats. Antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii were detected in 8.9% (4/45; 95% CI: 3.5-20.7) of serum samples; no Dirofilaria immitis antigen and Cytauxzoon felis DNA were found in the blood samples (n = 45). Male cats were significantly more likely to be infected with Toxocara spp. (OR = 4.36) and, along with juvenile cats (<1 year), shed significantly higher numbers of eggs (p < 0.05), identifying young males as high-intensity "super-shedders" driving environmental contamination. The high prevalence of zoonotic helminths, particularly Toxocara spp., underscores the public health risks associated with unmanaged feline populations in densely populated urban centers. These findings highlight the utility of integrating disease surveillance into TNR programs to monitor urban ecosystem health and mitigate zoonotic risks.
JMIR research protocolsHannah Holt, Arata Hidano, William T M Leung, Monivan Chhour, Sokmony Yib, Monidarin Chou, Vonthanak Saphonn, Chan Leakhena Phoeung, Ty Chhay, Sothyra Tum, Sin…
BACKGROUND: Influenza A viruses are a significant cause of global morbidity, mortality, and economic losses. Swine are considered an important host for pandemic emergence; however, knowledge on the ecology and evolution of swine influenza viruses in relation to pig production and exchange systems is limited. The PigFluCam+ project was first initiated in 2019 as a One Health-focused research collaboration between public and animal health stakeholders in Cambodia. OBJECTIVE: The primary objectives of the project were to (1) describe the epidemiology and diversity of swine influenza A viruses (swIAVs) in the Cambodian pig sector, (2) assess the risk of zoonotic influenza transmission across different occupations, (3) characterize the pig trade network, (4) develop mathematical models of swIAV transmission to target control activities, and (5) promote in-country One Health research and surveillance. This paper presents the methods and approaches used by the project, serving as a resource for future research initiatives with similar aims. METHODS: These approaches consist of systematic sample collections and survey studies. Influenza surveillance in pigs was conducted over 2 years through repeated (monthly) cross-sectional sampling at 18 slaughterhouses across 4 provinces. Phylogenetic analysis was used to describe the diversity of swIAVs detected and was used to develop antigens for Luminex xMAP assays for screening human and pig sera. Cross-sectional surveys among actors in the pig value chain characterized pig production practices and trading networks. In parallel, a cohort study was carried out involving households with and without occupational exposure to live pigs to compare the seroprevalence of influenza A viruses among different swine-associated occupational groups. RESULTS: The surveys began in 2020 and despite disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the introduction of African Swine Fever into the region, the project has generated a wealth of data. Over 4000 pigs were sampled at slaughterhouses, and network surveys collected pig production and trading data from 379 study participants. Higher influenza A seroprevalence (960/2399, 40%) and prevalence (37/2413, 1.5%) were found among pigs from commercial farms, compared to smallholder farms (seroprevalence 8.9%, 95/1066; prevalence 0.6%, 6/1071). Duration at slaughterhouse and seroprevalence correlated positively, suggesting potential transmission after leaving the farm. A total of 997 individuals were recruited into the cohort study, with 775 consenting to provide at least 1 serum sample. Funding for the project ended in September 2025; 3 results papers and 1 PhD thesis have been published, with analysis and publication expected to be completed by the end of 2026. CONCLUSIONS: This project has developed surveillance protocols and modern technologies for establishing active zoonotic disease surveillance. These efforts support the region's capability to effectively identify zoonotic pathogens and enhance the prediction and response to zoonotic outbreaks and pandemic risk associated with pig production systems in the Lower Mekong region.
Monkeypox (Mpox) is a zoonotic disease caused by MPXV and remains a threat to global public health. MPXV Clade Ib has higher mortality, whereas Clade IIb exhibits widespread international transmission. WHO has twice designated mpox epidemics as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). This highlights that the virus is not only pathogenic but also has the potential to cause a global pandemic, posing a challenge to the international public health system. The rapid transmission of MPXV between and within hosts is related to two key virus particles: IMV and EEV. Antigenic proteins (A29L, M1R, B6R, and A35R) on these particles mediate viral invasion, dissemination, and immune evasion. Clinical management of mpox remains supportive, and there is a lack of specific antiviral drugs. Although smallpox-related drugs (such as tecovirimat, cidofovir, and brincidofovir) show potential, their clinical efficacy needs to be verified. The existing vaccines recommended by the WHO are facing challenges, such as side effects or limited duration of immune protection in application, prompting the research and development of novel vaccines and antibody therapeutics. Research on the mechanism of invasion and surface proteins of viruses will continue to provide a scientific foundation for the development of medications and vaccines. Prevention and control rely on a stronger monitoring system, timely risk warnings, and public health education. This article reviews the recent progress in MPXV detection, vaccine development, and antibody-based therapy, providing new insights for mpox prevention and control.
Opisthorchis viverrini infection remains a major public health concern in Southeast Asia, particularly in the Greater Mekong Subregion. Although animal reservoirs contribute to sustaining parasite transmission, comprehensive evidence on infections in these hosts remains limited. This study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess O. viverrini infection in animal reservoirs (cats and dogs). Pooled prevalence and infection intensity were estimated using random-effects models and meta-regression, and associated factors were synthesized. Subgroup analyses were performed to examine variability, and heterogeneity was evaluated using the Q statistic and the I² index. The pooled prevalence of O. viverrini infection in animal reservoirs was 4.76% (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.83-7.90%, prediction interval (PI): 0.15-61.76%). After trim-and-fill adjustment, the estimate increased to 16.31% (95% CI: 10.00-25.49%, PI: 0.28-93.09%), with wide prediction intervals indicating substantial heterogeneity. Cats showed significantly higher prevalence (11.97%) than dogs (1.89%; p < 0.01). Infection intensity followed a similar pattern, with mean eggs per gram (EPG) higher in cats (151.07) than in dogs (45.77; p < 0.01). No significant difference in overall prevalence was observed between Thailand (4.36%) and Lao PDR (13.44%; p = 0.19), although significant subgroup differences were detected for cats (p = 0.01) and dogs (p < 0.01). Overall reservoir-host prevalence was higher in endemic areas (5.64%) than in non-endemic regions (2.28%; p < 0.001); this difference was significant in cats but not in dogs. Meta-regression showed no significant temporal trend. Linear regression revealed positive associations between human and animal infections, with stronger correlation for cats (R² = 0.86, p < 0.01) than dogs (R² = 0.62, p = 0.02). These findings support an important role of animal reservoirs, particularly cats, in transmission and emphasize the need for improved surveillance and integrated control strategies.
Streptococcus suis is a major zoonotic pathogen that causes human fulminant meningitis and streptococcal toxic shock-like syndrome (STSLS), the latter being driven by dysregulated inflammatory responses and explosive cytokine storms. It remains unclear whether PANoptosis acts as a coordinated host-protective response or instead serves as a detrimental driver of cytokine storm during bacterial infection. Here, we identify autophagy as an upstream orchestrator of PANoptosis during zoonotic Streptococcus suis infection, redefining STSLS as a disease driven by an integrated PANoptosis cell-death programme rather than parallel activation of individual death pathways. Mechanistically, S. suis infection activates a metabolic iNOS/NO-Bcl-2-autophagy pathway which in turn establishes PANoptosis as the dominant driver of cytokine storm and host damage. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated iNOS knockout in vitro, together with inhibition of iNOS/NO using the selective inhibitor 1400 W, markedly suppresses autophagy-mediated PANoptosis, attenuates cytokine storms, and protects mice from lethal STSLS, thereby establishing PANoptosis as the central driver of host damage in the pathology of STSLS. In the atudy, we uncover autophagy as a previously unrecognized upstream regulator of PANoptosis and pinpoint an iNOS/NO-autophagy pathway as both a key point for PANoptosis and a rational target for host-directed therapy in STSLS.
Emerging infectious diseasesMonica Birkhead, Antoinette A Grobbelaar, Daniel Morobadi, Hlupi D Mpangani, Julia Dabrowski, Kamini Govender, Lucille H Blumberg, Mandla Zwane, Naazneen Mooll…
Tanapox is a rare, self-limiting, mosquitoborne viral zoonosis. During February-March 2024, we identified 11 human tanapox cases near Orpen in Kruger National Park, South Africa. We retrospectively identified 2 suspected cases from Pafuri from 2021, suggesting continued virus circulation. Public awareness of tanapox is essential for appropriate medical treatment.
Veterinary medicine and scienceFaten Bouaicha, Aurélie Chevillot, Sihem El Hamdi Mansour, Bruno Polack, Maxime Delsart, Karim Tarik Adjou
BACKGROUND: Cryptosporidiosis is an emerging worldwide zoonosis caused by an opportunistic protozoon, Cryptosporidium spp. In Tunisia, the lack of knowledge on the occurrence and genetic characteristics of Cryptosporidium spp. limits the understanding of its epidemiology, impact and transmission routes. OBJECTIVES: The present review aims to collect, compile and summarise data on the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. infections in humans, animals and the environment contamination in Tunisia. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted across international databases using PRISMA 2020 Guidelines. Data from 15 selected studies were extracted and organised into thematic categories, including prevalence rates, risk factors, diagnostic methods, and population groups affected. A qualitative synthesis approach was used to analyse and compare findings across studies, highlighting trends, gaps, and public health implications. RESULTS: The publications indicate that Cryptosporidium spp. infections are prevalent in both humans and animals, but the results remain confusing and may not reflect the real impact of the disease. In animals, only three studies were conducted in livestock and poultry. Only Cryptosporidium parvum (IIa and IId) was identified in the three studies from adult asymptomatic animals. Therefore, this finding may not reveal the true impact of the parasite on animal health. In humans, all studies were conducted in hospitals on adult and child patients diagnosed with either cancer or immunodeficiency. Cryptosporidium parvum and Cryptosporidium hominis were by far the predominant species suggesting potential zoonotic and anthroponotic transmission routes in humans. Of the two studies conducted on wastewater, five Cryptosporidium species (C. parvum, C. hominis, Cryptosporidium meleagridis, Cryptosporidium muris, Cryptosporidium andersoni, Cryptosporidium ubiquitum) and three genotypes were identified, highlighting the potential role of water as a potential route of Cryptosporidium spp. CONCLUSIONS: The current review give an overview of the circulating Cryptosporidium spp. species and genotypes but they remain insufficient to fully understand the transmission dynamics, zoonotic potential and animal welfare implications of Cryptosporidium spp. in Tunisia.
BACKGROUND: Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is an important zoonotic pathogen and a global public health concern due to its association with foodborne disease. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of STEC and general E. coli carriage in Black Bengal goats in Bangladesh and assess associated risk factors for zoonotic transmission. METHODS: A total of 300 goats (200 diarrheic and 100 healthy) were sampled from the Shahedul Alam Quadary Teaching Veterinary Hospital and its surrounding areas between July 2023 and June 2024. Recto-anal junction swabs were cultured on MacConkey agar, Eosin Methylene Blue agar, and cefixime-tellurite-supplemented Sorbitol MacConkey agar. Sorbitol non-fermenting colonies were screened for uniplex PCR for stx1, stx2, hlyA and multiplex PCR for eae, ehxA, saa, and subA genes using multiplex PCR. RESULTS: Overall, 4.3% of isolates were sorbitol non-fermenters. Molecular characterization revealed that one isolate (0.3%) from a diarrheic goat carried the stx2 and ehxA genes, while another isolate (0.3%) from a healthy goat was positive for saa and subA. No isolates carried stx1, hlyA, or eae. The isolation rate of E. coli (non-STEC) was significantly higher in diarrheic goats than in healthy ones (p = 0.001). Risk factor analysis revealed significant associations between general E. coli carriage and several factors, including frequent child-animal contact (OR = 2.45, p = 0.031), shared living spaces (OR = 2.36, p = 0.045), and farms near waterlogged areas (OR = 3.72, p = 0.008). Mixed livestock rearing and seasonal humidity also contributed to increased E. coli carriage. CONCLUSIONS: These findings, although representing a low overall prevalence, demonstrate the presence of diverse virulence profiles in Black Bengal goats, including markers associated with severe human disease in LEE-negative strains. The detection of saa and subA suggests that these goats may serve as a reservoir for atypical STEC strains with zoonotic potential, necessitating broader surveillance strategies.
Emerging infectious diseasesPhilipp Böning, Stefan Lötters, Vojtech Baláž, Wouter Beukema, Jaime Bosch, Salvador Carranza, Andrew A Cunningham, Jesse Erens, Matthew C Fisher, Trenton W J …
Emerging infectious diseases are one of the biggest challenges in a globalized world. To date, resources have been allocated to prevent and control the spread of zoonotic and livestock pathogens. We argue that, in line with the One Health approach, equitable efforts, financial resources, attention, and coordination are required for wildlife-only pathogens to halt biodiversity loss. Deploying the amphibian fungus Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans as a model, we demonstrate the unbalanced efforts among countries in Europe regarding surveillance, disease response, prevention, public outreach, and research. We compare investments with B. salamandrivorans l-free countries such as the United States, concluding that structural resources are urgently needed to curb the effects of this fungus within Europe and beyond. We encourage dialogue among authorities, researchers, and stakeholders and propose a coordinated European Union-level program of €6-10 million over 5-7 years to implement B. salamandrivorans action plans and define structural funding requirements for future wildlife disease mitigation.
Euro surveillance : bulletin Europeen sur les maladies transmissibles = European communicable disease bulletinZandra C Felix Garza, Lance D Presser, Dirk Eggink, Angeliki Melidou, Eeva K Broberg, Adam Meijer
Zoonotic influenza A viruses (zIAV) originating from avian and swine reservoirs present a serious concern for public health. Since the emergence of zIAV A(H5N1) in 1996, the virus has spread globally, impacting wild birds, poultry, wild and domestic mammals, including cattle and pigs, and sporadically infecting humans. Challenges persist in detecting and characterising zIAV, particularly at the human-animal interface. Recent external quality assessments conducted in the Netherlands and at European level have evaluated the capacity of human clinical diagnostic and national reference laboratories to detect, subtype and characterise potential zIAV. Based on these results, we reflect on the status and challenges of methods used for identifying cases of zIAV infection in Europe. While all laboratories are largely successful in generic detection of influenza A virus, subtyping is not widely used in clinical diagnostic laboratories. For national reference laboratories, subtyping specifically of swine-origin viruses remains challenging, often requiring sequencing for accurate identification. Although sequencing offers greater potential for characterising zIAV, training in the appropriate use of bioinformatics tools is needed. Raising awareness among healthcare professionals to document animal exposure in patient disease histories is also critical, as early suspicion of zoonotic infections is needed to direct laboratory testing, including subtyping.
The Indian journal of medical researchTara Devi Sharma, Sunu Hangma Subba, Yeshi Palden Dopthapa, Salina Tamang, Simmi Tiwari
A cross-sectional sero-surveillance study was conducted across the five districts of Sikkim to determine the seroprevalence of Brucella and Leptospira antibodies among veterinary and para-veterinary personnel. Serum samples were tested for Brucella using the Rose Bengal Test, Standard Agglutination Test, and ELISA (IgG/IgM), while Leptospira antibodies were detected using ELISA (IgG/IgM). Brucella seroprevalence was 18.8%, and Leptospira seroprevalence was 20.5%. The findings indicate a considerable level of exposure to both infections in this occupational group, underscoring the need for strengthened surveillance and preventive measures within a One Health framework.
Nature microbiologyXiaoling Li, Mei Kang, Xin-Yi Jiao, Andres Merits, Michael Veit, Félix A Rey, Hui Dai, Xin-Yu Wang, Wan-Ting He, Edward C Holmes, Margus Varjak, Suresh Mahalin…
Merbecovirus is a subgenus of betacoronaviruses and exhibits high genetic diversity with a capacity for cross-species transmission. However, beyond Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), our knowledge of the ecology and pathogenic potential of these viruses remains limited. Merbecoviruses were once thought to rely exclusively on dipeptidyl peptidase 4 for cell entry, but recent discoveries have revealed that several members can also engage with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 or aminopeptidase N, expanding their receptor repertoire and potential host range. Here we summarize recent advances in understanding of the receptor usage of merbecoviruses and examine how these insights inform pandemic preparedness and risk assessment. We discuss the development of targeted diagnostics, broad-spectrum antivirals and vaccines, including pan-coronavirus strategies. Together, these advances provide a foundation for predictive surveillance and rational countermeasure design, enabling earlier detection and more effective containment of future merbecovirus spillover events before they escalate into epidemics.
Oral protozoa such as Entamoeba gingivalis and Trichomonas tenax have been implicated in periodontal disease, yet their pathogenic roles in host remain controversial, and their zoonotic potential between humans and companion animals is poorly understood. This study investigated the correlation between periodontal diseases and the prevalence of these oral protozoa in humans, dogs, and cats, as well as their zoonotic potential. Oral swabs were collected from 93 humans, 298 dogs, and 325 cats. Species identification and E. gingivalis subtyping were performed using nested PCR and sequencing, followed by phylogenetic analysis. Associations between infection status and demographic or oral health variables were analyzed using chi-square tests and logistic regression. E. gingivalis was highly prevalent across species (>90%), with mixed ST1/ST2 infections predominating. T. tenax prevalence differed significantly among hosts, ranging from 4.30% in human, to 16.62% in cats and 25.17% in dogs. Phylogenetic analysis clustered T. tenax and E. gingivalis sequences irrespective of host species. In dogs, T. tenax infection was significantly associated with age (OR = 4.77 in elderly) and periodontal disease (OR = 4.10). Mixed infections of E. gingivalis and T. tenax were detected in 4.30% of humans, 23.15% of dogs, and 16% of cats. The high prevalence and genetic relatedness of these protozoa suggest cross-species transmission and zoonotic potential. E. gingivalis likely acts as a commensal, whereas T. tenax is linked to age and periodontal disease. These findings highlight the need for integrated oral health surveillance under a One Health framework.