Zoonotic Dis., Volume 6, Issue 1 (March 2026) – 4 articles

Background: Africa is a continent with diverse climates, landscapes, rainfall patterns, and vegetation types, all of which significantly influence its mammalian fauna, particularly small mammals. Rodents, which are highly diverse across the continent, serve as reservoirs for various zoonotic pathogens. Frequent human–rodent interactions heighten the risk of zoonotic disease transmission, posing a serious public health concern. Methods: This study conducted a comprehensive review of rodent control methods and their effectiveness in mitigating zoonotic diseases in Africa. Literature searches were performed using PubMed, Web of Science, ResearchGate, and Google Scholar. Additionally, one study was manually identified from the reference lists of the retrieved papers. Results: Thirteen relevant studies were identified, including seven field-based studies, five model evaluations, and one review. The distribution of studies varied by country, with the highest numbers conducted in Guinea (n = 3) and Nigeria (n = 3), followed by Sierra Leone (n = 2), Uganda (n = 2), Morocco (n = 1), Tanzania (n = 1), and Madagascar (n = 1). Two primary rodent control methods, kill traps and rodenticides, were used, targeting multimammate rats (Mastomys natalensis) and black/roof rats (Rattus rattus), the species most frequently encountered in human settings. Conclusion: Most studies examined short-term rodent management strategies, which proved insufficient in significantly reducing zoonotic disease prevalence. These findings highlight the need for Africa to adopt more sustainable, ecologically based rodent control approaches to effectively curb zoonotic risks in the long term. Full article

Background: With the worldwide resurgence of Mpox in 2022, understanding its regional features is important. This systematic review aimed to provide an overview of the epidemiology, risk factors, clinical features, and outcomes of Mpox in Saudi Arabia to fill the knowledge gaps in this area. Methods: Following the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses, a systematic search was performed on PubMed, MEDLINE (via Ovid), Scopus and Wiley Online Library for case reports and series published on Mpox in Saudi Arabia after 2022. Results: Analysis included eight studies comprising a total of 410 patients with confirmatory data. The cohort was predominantly male (91%), with a mean age of 32.8 years. Extramarital sexual contact was the most frequently identified risk factor (28.8%), whereas most patients (63.4%) had unknown or denied exposure routes. The most common clinical manifestations were fever (97.1%) and rash (96.8%). Dermatological findings were usually pleomorphic. These included umbilicated pustules, crusted papules, and vesiculopustular lesions. Although management was primarily supportive, rare complications, such as keratitis and neurological deficits, were observed. Conclusions: In Saudi Arabia, Mpox primarily affects young adult males, particularly individuals with high-risk sexual behaviors. Much of this transmission remains undetermined, and better contact tracing and focused public health efforts are urgently required. Full article

Brazilian spotted fever (BSF) is a tick-borne acute febrile disease that can be lethal to humans, caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii. In the State of São Paulo, transmission occurs mainly through two tick species: Amblyomma sculptum and Amblyomma aureolatum. We analyzed trends in BSF incidence and mortality in relation to the spatial distribution of these vector species in the State of São Paulo from 2007 to 2017 and evaluated clinical outcomes according to hospitalization location. In A. sculptum areas, incidence and mortality showed significant increasing trends between 2007 and 2015 (p-value < 0.05). In contrast, A. aureolatum areas exhibited a significant decrease in incidence (p-value < 0.05), while mortality remained stable throughout the study period. Lethality was substantially higher in cases associated with A. aureolatum than in those linked to A. sculptum (67.1% versus 55.0%, p-value = 0.037). Most patients received care in hospitals located near the probable site of infection. Incidence and mortality patterns differed sharply between vector-specific areas, with notably higher mortality in A. aureolatum-related cases. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating vector distribution into surveillance, prevention, and clinical management strategies to better address the distinct epidemiological contexts within the State of São Paulo. Full article

Background: Human monkeypox is a zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV), endemic in Central and West Africa. A significant 2022 outbreak affected 104 countries, driven by increased susceptibility due to the cessation of smallpox vaccination, global travel, and interactions with infected animals. Strengthening surveillance, public health measures, and raising awareness are essential for early diagnosis, vaccination acceptance, and preventing future outbreaks. Methods: The survey was distributed to 645 nursing students of the University of Palermo between July 2022 and August 2022, and we estimated the knowledge, attitudes and behaviors through a KAP Survey. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data, while chi-squared, Fisher’s exact, and Student’s t-tests were employed to analyze differences between groups, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. At least 80% of the students surveyed had already taken the microbiology exam, as microbiology is studied in the first year of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at the University of Palermo. Results: The survey showed a predominantly young, female nursing student population with limited knowledge of monkeypox, as only 3.88% demonstrated adequate understanding. Despite this, attitudes toward prevention were positive, with 82.64% scoring adequately and 41.09% expressing strong willingness to get vaccinated. Knowledge improved with academic progression (p = 0.005), while attitudes and behaviors remained consistent. These findings imply a critical gap in education; the limited knowledge, especially regarding transmission and severity, may lead to an underestimation of the risks associated with global infectious diseases. This underscores the need to better prepare future healthcare professionals for public health emergencies Conclusions: The study found that nursing students had limited knowledge of monkeypox, especially regarding epidemiology and disease severity. Despite positive attitudes toward vaccination, some behaviors reflected an underestimation of global infection risks. Knowledge improved with academic progression, underscoring the importance of education. Targeted educational programs are needed to enhance awareness and preparedness for future outbreaks. Full article