Special Issue "One Health: The Contribution of Veterinary Medicine to Advance the Health of Humans"

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Veterinary Clinical Studies".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2021.

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Davide De Biase
E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Università degli Studi di Napoli “Federico II”, 80137 Naples, Italy
Interests: veterinary pathology; veterinary forensic pathology; domestic and laboratory animal pathology; comparative medicine; environmental diseases
Special Issues and Collections in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The concept of One Health was inspired by Hippocrates, the Greek father of medicine, who in his text "On Airs, Waters, and Places" was the first to anticipate that environmental factors can impact human health. Almost two centuries ago, the founder of modern pathology, Rudolf Virchow, had the immense and world-changing idea that human and animal diseases are profoundly connected and created the term “zoonosis.” Although the concept of One Health is continuously evolving, it is nowadays well-established that it must be considered as "the collaborative efforts of multiple disciplines working locally, nationally, and globally, to attain optimal health for people, animals and our environment."

In this Special Issue of the prestigious Animals journal, we aim to gather high-quality papers that may contribute to a One Health scientific platform by focusing on ecological and environmental factors that drive and impact diseases in animals, including those related to food safety, on current and future outbreaks of zoonoses, emerging and re-emerging zoonoses, and antimicrobial resistance. Researchers that are currently working in the fields of veterinary pathology, veterinary toxicological pathology, veterinary microbiology and infectious diseases, and food inspection are welcome to contribute in-depth reviews, original full articles, and unique case reports. The use of novel techniques will be of particular interest.

Dr. Davide De Biase
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All papers will be peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Animals is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

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Keywords

  • One Health
  • veterinary public health
  • environmental diseases
  • veterinary pathology
  • zoonoses
  • antimicrobial resistance
  • food inspection

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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Article
Towards an Integrated Approach for Monitoring Toxoplasmosis in Southern Italy
Animals 2021, 11(7), 1949; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11071949 - 30 Jun 2021
Viewed by 985
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a widespread worldwide zoonotic infection caused by the intracellular protozoan Toxoplasma gondii. This protozoan infection is considered one of the most important food-borne parasitic zoonoses globally. Beyond its impact on public health, toxoplasmosis has also important veterinary implications, because it [...] Read more.
Toxoplasmosis is a widespread worldwide zoonotic infection caused by the intracellular protozoan Toxoplasma gondii. This protozoan infection is considered one of the most important food-borne parasitic zoonoses globally. Beyond its impact on public health, toxoplasmosis has also important veterinary implications, because it causes miscarriage or congenital malformations in livestock with negative economic impacts. An integrated monitoring programme aimed to deepen the epidemiological data on toxoplasmosis and to identify the risk factors that may favour T. gondii infections in animals and humans was conducted in an endemic area of southern Italy. The monitoring activities were based on the following tasks: (i) parasitological analysis and risk factors for T. gondii in livestock (sheep, goat, cattle and water buffalo) farms; (ii) serological and molecular monitoring at slaughterhouse in meat-producing livestock; (iii) analysis of hospital discharge records (HDRs); (iv) outreach activities (information, dissemination and health education) to farmers, vet practitioners and school-age children. The present study confirmed a very high seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in livestock farms (e.g., up to 93.1% in sheep farms) in southern Italy and highlighted the potentially significant public health risk in this area. Full article
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Article
Prevalence, Antimicrobial Susceptibility, Virulence and Genotyping of Campylobacter jejuni with a Special Reference to the Anti-Virulence Potential of Eugenol and Beta-Resorcylic Acid on Some Multi-Drug Resistant Isolates in Egypt
Animals 2021, 11(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11010003 - 22 Dec 2020
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 712
Abstract
Campylobacter jejuni is the leading cause of foodborne bacterial gastroenteritis in humans worldwide. Contaminated chickens and their products are the main sources of human campylobacteriosis. Therefore, this study aimed to detect the genotypic and virulence genes‘ profiles of multi-drug resistant (MDR) C. jejuni [...] Read more.
Campylobacter jejuni is the leading cause of foodborne bacterial gastroenteritis in humans worldwide. Contaminated chickens and their products are the main sources of human campylobacteriosis. Therefore, this study aimed to detect the genotypic and virulence genes‘ profiles of multi-drug resistant (MDR) C. jejuni isolates and to assess the effects of sub-inhibitory concentrations (SICs) of eugenol and beta-resorcylic acid on the virulence of avian MDR C. jejuni isolates. These isolates were clustered together with the human isolates via enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus-PCR (ERIC-PCR) fingerprinting. A total of 345 samples were collected from human stool (100) and different chicken (245) samples in Sharkia Governorate, Egypt. Conventional phenotypic methods identified 113 isolates (32.8%) as C. jejuni, and all C. jejuni isolates were MDR and resistant to erythromycin and ampicillin. The genes virB11, wlaN, and flaA were detected in 52%, 36% and 100% strains, respectively. ERIC-PCR yielded 14 profiles and five main clusters. Interestingly, human and chicken C. jejuni isolates were clustered together in ERIC-PCR clusters II-V, which confirmed the genetic relatedness between the isolates from both origins. Beta-resorcylic acid and eugenol inhibited the invasion of C. jejuni isolates to chicken intestinal cells by 41.66–38.19% and 31.94–29.16%, respectively, and minimized the transcription of flaA, virB11, and wlaN genes in the tested isolates by real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). In essence, eugenol and beta-resorcylic acid are promising natural antimicrobials for minimizing the virulence of MDR C. jejuni in chickens, thereby managing human campylobacteriosis. Full article
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Communication
Molecular Evidence of Bartonella spp. in Rodents: A Study in Pianosa Island, Italy
Animals 2020, 10(11), 2070; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10112070 - 09 Nov 2020
Viewed by 518
Abstract
Wild rodents are reservoirs of several Bartonella species that cause human bartonellosis. The aim of this study was to assess the presence of Bartonella spp. DNA in wild rodents in Pianosa island, Italy. Rats (Rattus spp.; n = 15) and field mice [...] Read more.
Wild rodents are reservoirs of several Bartonella species that cause human bartonellosis. The aim of this study was to assess the presence of Bartonella spp. DNA in wild rodents in Pianosa island, Italy. Rats (Rattus spp.; n = 15) and field mice (Apodemus spp.; n = 16) were captured and spleen DNA tested for the presence of Bartonella spp. by means of an initial screening using a qPCR amplifying a short segment of the 16S-23S rRNA gene intergenic transcribed spacer region (ITS, ~200 bp) followed by conventional PCR amplification of a longer ITS fragment (~600 bp) and of a citrate synthase (gltA, ~340 bp) gene segment. A total of 25 spleen DNA samples obtained from 31 rodent carcasses (81%) yielded positive qPCR results. Bartonella genus was confirmed by amplicon sequencing. By conventional PCR, eight out of 25 samples (32%) yielded bands on gels consistent with ITS segment, and 6/25 (24%) yielded bands consistent with the gltA locus. Amplicon sequencing identified B. henselae and B. coopersplainsensis in 1/25 (4%), and 4/25 (16%) samples, respectively. Moreover, 5/25 (20%) of Bartonella spp. positive samples showed gltA sequences with about 97% identity to B. grahamii. These results provide support to recently published observations suggesting that B. henselae circulates in wild rodent populations. Full article
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Article
Antimicrobial Activity of Some Essential Oils against Methicillin-Susceptible and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius-Associated Pyoderma in Dogs
Animals 2020, 10(10), 1782; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10101782 - 01 Oct 2020
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 745
Abstract
This study aimed to test in vitro the antimicrobial activity of 11 essential oils (EOs) against four methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) and four methicillin-susceptible S. pseudintermedius (MSSP) clinical isolates. The obtained findings demonstrated a clear in vitro efficacy of some tested EOs against [...] Read more.
This study aimed to test in vitro the antimicrobial activity of 11 essential oils (EOs) against four methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) and four methicillin-susceptible S. pseudintermedius (MSSP) clinical isolates. The obtained findings demonstrated a clear in vitro efficacy of some tested EOs against both MRSP and MSSP strains. Particularly, modal minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 1:2048 v/v for Melissa officinalis against an MSSP strain to 1:256 v/v for Cymbopogoncitratus against all MRSP strains were observed. The best results, highlighting a modal MIC value of 1:1024 v/v for all tested isolates, was provided by Cinnamomum zeylanicum. Intriguingly, Cinnamomum zeylanicum showed, in many cases, a correspondence between minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and MIC values, indicating that the inhibiting dose is also often bactericidal. Moreover, a mild antibacterial and bactericidal activity against both MRSP and MSSP isolates was detected for the other tested EOs. Considering the zoonotic potential of S. pseudintermedius and the increased dissemination of multidrug-resistant strains, the employment of EOs could be useful for the treatment of canine pyoderma. Since antibiotic resistance has become the most urgent issue, from the perspective of the One Health initiative, alternative therapeutic approaches are desirable to limit the use of antibiotics or to improve the efficacy of conventional therapies. Full article
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Commentary
Do Animals Play a Role in the Transmission of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2)? A Commentary
Animals 2021, 11(1), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11010016 - 24 Dec 2020
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1583
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) belongs to the Beta-coronavirus genus. It is 96.2% homologous to bat CoV RaTG13 and 88% homologous to two bat SARS-like coronaviruses. SARS-CoV-2 is the infectious agent responsible for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), which was first reported in [...] Read more.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) belongs to the Beta-coronavirus genus. It is 96.2% homologous to bat CoV RaTG13 and 88% homologous to two bat SARS-like coronaviruses. SARS-CoV-2 is the infectious agent responsible for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), which was first reported in the Hubei province of Wuhan, China, at the beginning of December 2019. Human transmission from COVID-19 patients or incubation carriers occurs via coughing, sneezing, speaking, discharge from the nose, or fecal contamination. Various strains of the virus have been reported around the world, with different virulence and behavior. In addition, SARS-CoV-2 shares certain epitopes with some taxonomically related viruses, with tropism for the most common synanthropic animals. By elucidating the immunological properties of the circulating SARS-CoV-2, a partial protection due to human–animal interactions could be supposed in some situations. In addition, differential epitopes could be used for the differential diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection. There have been cases of transmission from people with COVID-19 to pets such as cats and dogs. In addition, wild felines were infected. All These animals were either asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic and recovered spontaneously. Experimental studies showed cats and ferrets to be more susceptible to COVID-19. COVID-19 positive dogs and felines do not transmit the infection to humans. In contrast, minks at farms were severely infected from people with COVID-19. A SARS-Cov-2 variant in the Danish farmed mink that had been previously infected by COVID-19 positive workers, spread to mink workers causing the first case of animal-to-human infection transmission that causes a moderate decreased sensitivity to neutralizing antibodies. Thus, more investigations are necessary. It remains important to understand the risk that people with COVID-19 pose to their pets, as well as wild or farm animals so effective recommendations and risk management measures against COVID-19 can be made. A One Health unit that facilitates collaboration between public health and veterinary services is recommended. Full article
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Planned Papers

The below list represents only planned manuscripts. Some of these manuscripts have not been received by the Editorial Office yet. Papers submitted to MDPI journals are subject to peer-review.

Title: A journey into the animal comparative pathology with a one-health global coronavirus prospective
Authors: Valentina Elena Giuditta Zappulli
Affiliation: Padova University
Abstract: In the light of the CoVs zoonotic risk and their ability to adapt to new species, it appears pivotal to understand the pathophysiology and mechanisms of tissue injury of known CoVs within the “One-Health” concept. Despite many pathophysiological mechanisms are still not well-known in animals, in this review we would present brief general information on CoVs pathogenesis and old and new CoVs-associated animals’ diseases revied in each mammals and avian species, excluding bats in which the diseases remain generally asymptomatic and for which very few information on tissue damage are available. Gross and histological lesions would be the main focus to highlight viral spread into the organism and the specific cell damage. A comparative perspective would be included describing in summary also huma lesions. Schematic images of tissue damage for the main organs (lung, gi and brain) would be included using the Biorender web site.

Title: Do animals play a role in the transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2)? A commentary.
Authors: Anna Costagliola; Giovanna Liguori; Danila d’Angelo; Caterina Costa; Francesca Ciani; Antonio Giordano
Affiliation: Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
Abstract: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) belongs to the beta-coronavirus genus. It is 96.2% homologous to Bat CoV RaTG13 and 88% homologous to two bat-SARS-like coronaviruses. SARS-CoV-2, is the responsible infectious agent of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), which first outbroke in Wuhan, in Hubei province in China, at the beginning of December 2019. Human transmission occurs from COVID-19 patients or incubation carriers via coughs, sneezes, or speaks or discharge from the nose, or via faecal contamination. Different strains of the virus have been reported around the world, with different virulence and behavior. In addition, SARS-CoV-2 shares some epitopes with some taxonomically related viruses with tropism for the most common synanthropic animals. Thus, elucidating the immunological properties of the circulating SARS-CoV-2, a partial protection due to the human-animal interaction might be supposed in some situations. In addition, differential epitopes might also be used for the differential diagnosis of SARS-Cov2 infection. There have been cases of transmission from people who are COVID-19-positive to their pets such as cats and dogs. In addition, a tiger and lion were infected along with minks at farms in some countries. All these animals were either asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic and recovered spontaneously. Experimental studies showed cats and ferrets to be more susceptible to COVID-19. Up to now, no direct transmission from animals to humans has been demonstrated. It is important to understand the risk that people with COVID-19 pose to their pets so that effective recommendations and risk management measures against COVID-19 can be made. A One Health Unit that facilitates collaboration between public health and veterinary services is recommended.

Title: Antimicrobial activity of some essential oils against methicillin-susceptible and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius-associated pyoderma in dogs.
Authors: Francesca Paola Nocera; Simone Mancini; Basma Najar; Fabrizio Bertelloni; Luisa Pistelli; Anna De Filippis; Filomena Fiorito; Luisa De Martino; Filippo Fratini
Affiliation: Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
Abstract: Pyoderma is one of the most common canine diseases, and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, a Gram-positive bacterium, represents the most common infectious causative agent. This study aimed to test in vitro the antimicrobial activity of eleven essential oils against four methicillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius (MRSP) and four methicillin-sensible S. pseudintermedius (MSSP) clinical isolates. Chemical characterization of the essential oils was carried out by GC–EIMS (Gas-Chromatography–Electron Impact Mass-Spectrometry). Isolates were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the species-specific nuc and hlb genes as well as the presence of mecA gene. Isolates were analysed by Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion susceptibility method against seventeen antibiotics. Essential oils effectiveness was tested by Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimal Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) determinations. The obtained findings demonstrated a clear in vitro efficacy of some essential oils against both MRSP and MSSP strains. Particularly, cinnamon, lemon balm, manuka, winter savory and lemongrass essential oils demonstrated the main antibacterial activity against all tested strains. It can be argued that their employment could be useful for the canine pyoderma treatment, to limit the use of antibiotics or even where conventional therapy with antibiotics seems not efficacious.

Title: Molecular evidence of the occurrence of Bartonella henselae in rodents: a study in Pianosa Island, Italy
Authors: Sara Divari; Paola Pregel; Stefania Zanet; Ezio Ferroglio; Francesca Giannini; Frine Eleonora Scaglione; Alex Grinberg; Bartolomeo Biolatti; Enrico Bollo
Affiliation: University of Turin - Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10090 - Grugliasco (Turin), Italy.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate Bartonella spp. DNA presence in wild rodents in Pianosa island, Italy. Rats (n=15) and field mice (n=16) were captured and the carcasses tested for the presence of Bartonella spp. DNA by means of a protocol that included qPCR at a short segment of the 16S-23S rDNA interspacer transcribed region (ITS) followed by PCR for a long segment of ITS and citrate synthetase (gltA) loci. DNA extracted from the spleen of 25/31 carcasses yielded qPCR curves consistent with the Bartonella spp. short ITS segment, and Bartonella genus was confirmed by amplicon sequencing. Eight out of 25 samples yielded bands on gels consistent with the Long ITS, and 6/25 with gltA locus. Amplicons sequencing identified B. henselae in 1/25, and B. coopersplainsensis in 4/25 spleens. Rodents are considered reservoirs of a number of Bartonella species that cause human bartonellosis, but the role of rodents in the eco-epidemiology of B. henselae, the main agent of cat scratch disease, is not understood. These results provide support to recently published observations indicating B. henselae may circulate in rodent populations.

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