Autochthonous human and canine strongyloidiasis is reported in Europe but is unclear whether the transmission of infection still occurs. We report a previously unpublished human case in an Italian teen and perform a systematic review of literature on autochthonous human and canine strongyloidiasis in Europe to investigate the current dynamic of transmission. Overall, 109 papers published after 1987 were included and one previously unpublished Italian case was added. Eighty case reports were retrieved and 42 of them (52.5%) had severe strongyloidiasis. Most cases were diagnosed in Spain, Italy and France. The median age was 58, the most represented age group was 61–70 years, 11 patients were under 30, and 7 of them were diagnosed after 2000. Epidemiological studies on human strongyloidiasis showed prevalence ranging from 0.56% to 28%. Overall, agriculture work, mine work and walking barefoot were the most commonly reported risk factors for infection. Canine strongyloidiasis was reported mainly in Italy (68 cases), but a few cases occurred also in Iceland, Finland, England, Germany, France, Switzerland, Russia, Slovakia, Romania and Greece. Autochthonous strongyloidiasis is still reported in Europe and sporadic transmission still occurs. Health care professionals should be aware of this issue to identify infected subjects and avoid adverse outcomes, especially in immunosuppressed patients. Further investigations are needed to clarify the zoonotic transmission of this nematode. Full article

Despite major discoveries made in the last few decades about Lassa fever, there are still many unresolved key issues that hamper the development of effective vaccines and therapies against this deadly disease that is endemic in several West African countries. Some of these issues include the lack of a detailed understanding of the viral and participating host factors in completing the virus life cycle, in mediating disease pathogenesis or protection from disease, and in activating or suppressing host innate and cellular immunity against virus infection, as well as of the animal models required for testing vaccines and therapeutics. This Special Issue is devoted to understanding some of these important issues and to exploring the current status of the research and development in combating Lassa fever. Full article

Pseudotuberculosis in humans until the 1950s was found in different countries of the world as a rare sporadic disease that occurred in the form of acute appendicitis and mesenteric lymphadenitis. In Russia and Japan, the Yersinia pseudotuberculosis (Y. pseudotuberculosis) infection often causes outbreaks of the disease with serious systemic inflammatory symptoms, and this variant of the disease has been known since 1959 as Far Eastern Scarlet-like Fever (FESLF). Russian researchers have proven that the FESLF pathogen is associated with a concrete clonal line of Y. pseudotuberculosis, characterized by a specific plasmid profile (pVM82, pYV 48 MDa), sequence (2ST) and yadA gene allele (1st allele). This review summarized the most important achievements in the study of FESLF since its discovery in the Far East. It has been established that the FESLF causative agent is characterized by a unique phenomenon of psychrophilicity, which consists of its ability to reproduce in the environment with its biologically low and variable temperature (4–12 °C), at which the pathogen multiplies and accumulates while maintaining or increasing its virulence, which ensures the emergence and development of the epidemic process. The key genetic and biochemical mechanisms of Y. pseudotuberculosis adaptation to changing environmental conditions were characterized, and the morphological manifestations of the adaptive variability of these bacteria in different conditions of their habitat were revealed. The main features of the pathogenesis and morphogenesis of FESLF, including those associated with the Y. pseudotuberculosis toxigenicity, were presented. The pathogenetic value of the plasmid PVM82, found only in the FESLF pathogen, was shown. Full article

Onchocerciasis is diagnosed by detecting microfilariae in skin snips or by detecting OV16 IgG4 antibodies in blood by either enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or a rapid diagnostic test (RDT). Here, we compare the sensitivity and specificity of these three tests in persons with epilepsy living in an onchocerciasis endemic region in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Skin snips and blood samples were collected from 285 individuals for onchocerciasis diagnosis. Three tests were performed: the OV16 RDT (SD Bioline) and the OV16 ELISA both on serum samples, and microscopic detection of microfilariae in skin snips. The sensitivity and specificity of each test was calculated with the combined other tests as a reference. Microfilariae were present in 105 (36.8%) individuals, with a median of 18.5 (6.5–72.0) microfilariae/skin snip. The OV16 RDT and OV16 ELISA were positive in, respectively, 112 (39.3%) and 143 (50.2%) individuals. The OV16 ELISA had the highest sensitivity among the three tests (83%), followed by the OV16 RDT (74.8%) and the skin snip (71.4%). The OV16 RDT had a higher specificity (98.6%) compared to the OV16 ELISA (84.8%). Our study confirms the need to develop more sensitive tests to ensure the accurate detection of ongoing transmission before stopping elimination efforts. Full article

Understanding the interactions between the host and the pathogen is important in developing resistant cultivars and strategies for controlling the disease. Since the discovery of Berberis and Mahonia spp. as alternate hosts of the wheat stripe rust pathogen, Puccinia striiformis Westend. f. sp. tritici Erikss. (Pst), their possible role in generating new races of Pst through sexual reproduction has become a hot topic. To date, all the investigations about the role of alternate hosts in the occurrence of the wheat stripe rust epidemics revealed that it depends on alternate host species and environmental conditions. In this review, we summarized the current status of alternate hosts of Pst, their interactions with the pathogen, their importance in genetic diversity and disease epidemics. Most importantly, the recent research progress in understanding the role of alternate hosts of Pst is provided. Full article

The genus Circovirus includes several species and mostly causes asymptomatic infections. Porcine circovirus 2 (PCV-2) and, with increasing evidence, Porcine circovirus 3 (PCV-3), have been associated with different clinical conditions all over the world. In 2019, a new porcine circovirus (PCV-4) was identified from diseased animals in China. Because of the lessons learned from PCV-2 and PCV-3, it appears mandatory to investigate the actual distribution of this new virus and its potential association with clinical outcomes. To this purpose, an exploratory study to detect PCV-4 by molecular methods was performed in Italy and Spain by testing more than 300 samples of different types (serum and tissues), collected from both healthy and diseased pigs and wild boar as well. All samples, independently from the country, type, health status and host, tested PCV-4 negative. Therefore, no evidence of PCV-4 presence was found in Italy and Spain through this exploratory study. Considering the dense pig trade among European countries, its presence in the continent can similarly be considered unlikely. The reasons behind the restricted PCV-4 distribution compared to other porcine circoviruses will require further investigations. Careful surveillance might nevertheless be important since prompt recognition of PCV-4 would allow the implementation of effective countermeasures to prevent its spreading and potential economic losses. Full article

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) and their co-infections among people who inject drugs (PWID) and female sex workers (FSWs). Data sources were searched from January 2008 to October 2018 in different databases. Data were analyzed in Stata 16 software using the Metaprop command. The results showed that the prevalence of HIV, HCV and HBV among PWID was 15%, 60% and 6%, respectively. The prevalence of HIV, HCV and HBV among FSWs was 5%, 1% and 3%, respectively. The prevalence of HIV/HCV, HIV/HBV, HCV/HBV and HIV/HCV/HBV co-infections among PWID was 13%, 2%, 3% and 2%, respectively. The prevalence of HIV/HCV and HIV/HBV co-infections among FSWs was 3% and 1%, respectively. The results show that the prevalence of HCV and HIV infections in PWID and the prevalence of HIV in FSWs is higher than their prevalence in the general population. Interventions for the prevention of HIV and HCV in PWID appear to be poor, and may not be sufficient to effectively prevent HIV and HCV transmission. Full article

The use of parasites or their products for treating chronic inflammation associated diseases (CIADs) has generated significant attention recently. Findings from basic and clinical research have provided valuable information on strengthening the notion that parasites’ molecules can be developed as biotherapeutic agents. Completion of the genome, secreotome, and proteome of the parasites has provided an excellent platform for screening and identifying several host immunomodulatory molecules from the parasites and evaluate their therapeutic potential for CIADs. One of the widely studied host immunomodulatory molecules of the parasites is the cysteine protease inhibitor (cystatin), which is primarily secreted by the parasites to evade host immune responses. In this review, we have attempted to summarize the findings to date on the use of helminth parasite-derived cystatin as a therapeutic agent against CIADs. Although several studies suggest a role for alternatively activated macrophages, other regulatory cells, and immunosuppressive molecules, in this immunoregulatory activity of the parasite-derived cystatin, there is still no clear demonstration as to how cystatin induces its anti-inflammatory effect in suppressing CIADs. Full article

A novel strain of coronoviridae (SARS-CoV-2) was reported in Wuhan China in December 2019. Initially, infection presented with a broad spectrum of symptoms which typically included muscle aches, fever, dry cough, and shortness of breath. SARS-CoV-2 enters cells via ACE2 receptors which are abundant throughout the respiratory tract. However, there is evidence that these receptors are abundant throughout the body, and just as abundant in cholangiocytes as alveolar cells, posing the question of possible direct liver injury. While liver enzymes and function tests do seem to be deranged in some patients, it is questionable if the injury is due to direct viral damage, drug-induced liver injury, hypoxia, or microthromboses. Likely, the injury is multifactoral, and management of infected patients with pre-existing liver disease should be taken into consideration. Ultimately, a vaccine is needed to aid in reducing cases of SARS-CoV-2 and providing immunity to the general population. However, while considering the types of vaccines available, safety concerns, particularly of RNA- or DNA-based vaccines, need to be addressed. Full article

A proliferative cauliflower lesion was excised from the udder of a sheep. Histological investigation confirmed the macroscopic classification of the lesion as a papilloma, without any fibroblastic proliferation. PCR revealed the presence of bovine papillomavirus (BPV), which was further confirmed by the identification of a Deltapapillomavirus 4 by Next Generation Sequencing analysis. This was subsequently classified as bovine papillomavirus type 1. Negative staining electron microscopy (EM) analyses produced negative test results for papillomavirus particles. RNA in situ hybridization (ISH) confirmed the presence of BPV-1. The results further confirm the ability of BPVs belonging to the Deltapapillomavirus genus to infect distantly related species and to cause lesions that are different from sarcoids. Full article

Phlebotomine sandflies are vectors of the humans’ and mammals’ parasite Leishmania spp. Although the role of gut microbiome in the biological cycle of insects is acknowledged, we still know little about the factors modulating the composition of the gut microbiota of sandflies. We tested whether host species impose a strong structural effect on the gut microbiota of Phlebotomus spp. Sandflies were collected from the island of Leros, Greece, and classified to P. papatasi, P. neglectus, P. tobbi, and P. similis, all being negative to Leishmania spp. The prokaryotic gut microbiota was determined via 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Phlebotomus species supported distinct microbial communities (p < 0.001). P. papatasi microbiota was the most distinct over-dominated by three Spiroplasma, Wolbachia and Paenibacillus operational taxonomic units (OTUs), while another Wolbachia OTU prevailed in P. neglectus. Conversely, the microbiota of P. tobbi and P. similis was composed of several less dominant OTUs. Archaea showed low presence with the dominant OTUs belonging to methanogenic Euryarcheota, ammonia-oxidizing Thaumarcheota, and Nanoarchaeota. We provide first insights into the composition of the bacterial and archaeal community of Phlebotomus sandflies and showed that, in the absence of Leishmania, host genotype is the major modulator of Phlebotomus sandfly gut microbiota. Full article

Classical swine fever (CSF) caused by the CSF virus (CSFV) is one of the most important swine diseases, resulting in huge economic losses to the pig industry worldwide. Systematic vaccination is one of the most effective strategies for the prevention and control of this disease. Two main CSFV vaccines, the modified live vaccine (MLV) and the subunit E2 vaccine, are recommended. In Taiwan, CSF cases have not been reported since 2006, although systemic vaccination has been practiced for 70 years. Here, we examined the sero-dynamics of the piglets born from sows that received either the CSFV MLV or the E2 vaccine and investigated in the field the correlation between the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) loads and levels of CSFV antibody. A total of 1398 serum samples from 42 PRRSV-positive farms were evaluated to determine the PRRSV loads by real-time PCR and to detect CSFV antibody levels by commercial ELISA. Upon comparing the two sow vaccination protocols (CSFV MLV vaccination at 4 weeks post-farrowing versus E2 vaccination at 4–5 weeks pre-farrowing), the lowest levels of CSFV antibody were found in piglets at 5–8 and 9–12 weeks of age for the MLV and E2 groups, respectively. Meanwhile, the appropriate time window for CSFV vaccination of offspring was at 5–8 and 9–12 weeks of age in the MLV and E2 groups, respectively. There was a very highly significant negative correlation between the PRRSV load and the level of CSFV antibody in the CSFV MLV vaccination group (P < 0.0001). The PRRSV detection rate in the pigs from the MLV group (27.78%) was significantly higher than that in pigs from the E2 group (21.32%) (P = 0.011). In addition, there was a significant difference (P = 0.019) in the PRRSV detection rate at 5–8 weeks of age between the MLV (42.15%) and E2 groups (29.79%). Our findings indicate that the vaccination of CSFV MLV in piglets during the PRRSV susceptibility period at 5–8 weeks of age may be overloading the piglet’s immune system and should be a critical concern for industrial pork production in the field. Full article

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of CoV disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly pathogenic and transmissible CoV that is presently plaguing the global human population and economy. No proven effective antiviral therapy or vaccine currently exists, and supportive care remains to be the cornerstone treatment. Through previous lessons learned from SARS-CoV-1 and MERS-CoV studies, scientific groups worldwide have rapidly expanded the knowledge pertaining to SARS-CoV-2 virology that includes in vitro and in vivo models for testing of antiviral therapies and randomized clinical trials. In the present narrative, we review SARS-CoV-2 virology, clinical features, pathophysiology, and animal models with a specific focus on the antiviral and adjunctive therapies currently being tested or that require testing in animal models and randomized clinical trials. Full article

HIV-1 CRF07_BC is a B’ and C subtype recombinant emerging virus and many of its viral characteristics remain unclear. Galectin-3 (Gal3) is a β-galactose binding lectin that has been reported as a pattern recognition receptor (PRR) and is known to mediate adhesion between cells and microbes. This study aims to examine the viral characteristics of HIV-1 CRF07_BC virus and the role of extracellular galectin-3 in HIV-1 CRF07_BC infection. A total of 28 HIV-1+ injecting drug users (IDUs) were recruited and 24 (85.7%) were identified as HIV-1 CRF07_BC. Results indicate that significant higher serum galectin-3 was measured in CRF07_BC infected patients and CRF07_BC infection triggered significant galectin-3 expression (p < 0.01). Viral characteristics demonstrate that CRF07_BC virions display a higher level of envelope gp120 spikes. The virus infectivity assay demonstrated that co-treatment with galectin-3 significantly promoted CRF07_BC attachment and internalization (p < 0.01). A co-immunoprecipitation assay showed that pulldown galectin-3 co-precipitated both CD4 and gp120 proteins. Results from an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) indicate that the galectin-3 promoting effect occurs through enhancement of the interaction between gp120 and CD4. This study suggests that CRF07_BC was predominant in HIV-1+ IDUs and CRF07_BC utilized extracellular galectin-3 to enhance its infectivity via stabilization of the gp120-CD4 interaction. Full article