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Zoonoses and Wildlife: One Health Approach

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2021) | Viewed by 39908

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Special Issue Editor

Dr. David González-Barrio

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Guest Editor

SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
Interests: zoonosis; wildlife; infectious diseases; parasitic diseases; molecular epidemiology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Throughout history, wildlife has been an important source of infectious diseases transmissible to humans. Today, zoonoses with a wildlife reservoir constitute a major public health problem, affecting all continents. The importance of such zoonoses is increasingly recognized, and the need for more attention in this area is being addressed. The total number of zoonoses is unknown, some 1,415 known human pathogens have been catalogued and 62% are of zoonotic origin. With time, more and more human pathogens are found to be of animal origin. Moreover, most emerging infectious diseases in humans are zoonoses. Wild animals seem to be involved in the epidemiology of most zoonoses and serve as major reservoirs for transmission of zoonotic agents to domestic animals and humans. The concept of the ‘One Health’ approach involving collaboration between veterinary and medical scientists, policy makers, and public health officials, is necessary to foster joint cooperation and control of emerging zoonotic diseases. Zoonotic diseases caused by a wide range of arthropods, bacteria, helminths, protozoans, and viruses can cause serious and even life-threatening clinical conditions in animals, with a number of them also affecting the human population due to their zoonotic potential.

The aim of the current Special Issue is to cover recent and novel research trends in zoonotic diseases in wildlife.

Dr. David González-Barrio
Guest Editor

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Keywords

wildlife
zoonosis
public health
emerging diseases
infectious diseases
parasitic diseases

Published Papers (13 papers)

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Editorial

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7 pages, 557 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Zoonoses and Wildlife: One Health Approach

by David González-Barrio

Animals 2022, 12(4), 480; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12040480 - 15 Feb 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4427

Abstract

Throughout history, wildlife has been an important source of infectious diseases transmissible to humans [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Zoonoses and Wildlife: One Health Approach)

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Research

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14 pages, 1150 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exposure of Free-Ranging Wild Animals to Zoonotic Leptospira interrogans Sensu Stricto in Slovenia

by Diana Žele-Vengušt, Renata Lindtner-Knific, Nina Mlakar-Hrženjak, Klemen Jerina and Gorazd Vengušt

Animals 2021, 11(9), 2722; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11092722 - 17 Sep 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2516

Abstract

A total of 249 serum samples from 13 wild animal species namely fallow deer (Dama dama, n = 1), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus, n = 80), red deer (Cervus elaphus, n = 22), chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra, n = 21), mouflon (Ovis musimon, n = 4), brown hare (Lepus europaeus, n = 2), nutria (Myocastor coypus, n = 1), red fox (Vulpes vulpes, n = 97), stone marten (Martes foina, n = 12), European badger (Meles meles, n = 2), golden jackal (Canis aureus, n = 2) Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx, n = 2) and grey wolf (Canis lupus, n = 3) were analysed for the presence of antibodies against Leptospira interrogans sensu stricto. Serum samples were examined via the microscopic agglutination test for the presence of specific antibodies against Leptospira serovars Icterohaemorrhagiae, Bratislava, Pomona, Grippotyphosa, Hardjo, Sejroe, Australis, Autumnalis, Canicola, Saxkoebing and Tarassovi. Antibodies to at least one of the pathogenic serovars were detected in 77 (30.9%; CI = 25–37%) sera. The proportion of positive samples varied intraspecifically and was the biggest in large carnivores (lynx, wolf and jackal; 86%), followed by mezzo predators: stone marten (67%) and red fox (34%), and large herbivores: red deer (32%), roe deer (25%), alpine chamois (10%) and mouflon (0%). Out of the 77 positive samples, 42 samples (53.8%) had positive titres against a single serovar, while 35 (45.4%) samples had positive titres against two or more serovars. The most frequently detected antibodies were those against the serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae. The present study confirmed the presence of multiple pathogenic serovars in wildlife throughout Slovenia. It can be concluded that wild animals are reservoirs for at least some of the leptospiral serovars and are a potential source of leptospirosis for other wild and domestic animals, as well as for humans. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Zoonoses and Wildlife: One Health Approach)

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18 pages, 1405 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Interaction Patterns between Wildlife and Cattle Reveal Opportunities for Mycobacteria Transmission in Farms from North-Eastern Atlantic Iberian Peninsula

by Lucía Varela-Castro, Iker A. Sevilla, Ariane Payne, Emmanuelle Gilot-Fromont and Marta Barral

Animals 2021, 11(8), 2364; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11082364 - 10 Aug 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2944

Abstract

Interactions taking place between sympatric wildlife and livestock may contribute to interspecies transmission of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex or non-tuberculous mycobacteria, leading to the spread of relevant mycobacterioses or to interferences with the diagnosis of tuberculosis. The aim of this study was to characterize the spatiotemporal patterns of interactions between wildlife and cattle in a low bovine tuberculosis prevalence Atlantic region. Camera traps were set during a one-year period in cattle farms with a history of tuberculosis and/or non-tuberculous mycobacterioses. The frequency and duration of wildlife visits, and the number of individuals per visit, were analysed through generalized linear mixed models. The seasons, type of place, type of point, and period of the day were the explanatory variables. A total of 1293 visits were recorded during 2741 days of camera observation. Only 23 visits showed direct contacts with cattle, suggesting that mycobacteria transmission at the wildlife–livestock interface would occur mainly through indirect interactions. Cattle pastures represented the most appropriate habitat for interspecies transmission of mycobacteria, and badgers’ latrines appear to be a potential hotspot for mycobacteria circulation between badgers, wild boars, foxes, and cattle. According to both previous epidemiological information and the interaction patterns observed, wild boars, badgers, foxes, and small rodents are the species or group most often in contact with livestock, and thus may be the most involved in the epidemiology of mycobacterioses in the wildlife–livestock interface in this area. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Zoonoses and Wildlife: One Health Approach)

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13 pages, 283 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Salmonella Infection in Turtles: A Risk for Staff Involved in Wildlife Management?

by Gaia Casalino, Adriana Bellati, Nicola Pugliese, Antonio Camarda, Simona Faleo, Roberto Lombardi, Gilda Occhiochiuso, Francesco D’Onghia and Elena Circella

Animals 2021, 11(6), 1529; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11061529 - 24 May 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2522

Abstract

Monitoring of infections that may be transmitted to humans by animals in wildlife rescue centres is very important in order to protect the staff engaged in rehabilitation practices. Salmonella may be a natural inhabitant of the intestinal tract of turtles, rarely causing disease. This may represent a potential risk for humans, increasing the sanitary risk for operators in wildlife rescue centres. In this paper, the occurrence of non-typhoidal Salmonella among terrestrial turtles housed in a wildlife rescue centre in Southern Italy was investigated, in order to assess the serovars more frequently carried by turtles and identify those that may represent a risk for operators involved in wildlife management. Sixty-nine adult turtles (Testudo hermanni hermanni, T. h. boettgeri, T. graeca, and T. marginata) were tested. Detection and serotyping of Salmonella strains were performed according to ISO 6579-1 and ISO/TR 6579-3:2013, respectively. The distribution of Salmonella spp. was significantly higher in T. hermanni hermanni than in other species, independent of the age and gender of the animals. Two different Salmonella species, S. enterica and S. bongori, three S. enterica subspecies (enterica, diarizonae, salamae), and five different serovars (Hermannswerder, Abony, Ferruch, Richmond, Vancouver) within the group S. enterica subspecies enterica were identified. Different combinations of Salmonella types were simultaneously found in specimens of T. h. hermanni. Most of detected Salmonella types may represent a potential risk for public health. Adopting correct animal husbandry procedures and informing on potential sanitary risks may be useful for minimising the risk of transmission of Salmonella to workers involved in wildlife management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Zoonoses and Wildlife: One Health Approach)

12 pages, 794 KiB

Open AccessArticle

One Health Approach: An Overview of Q Fever in Livestock, Wildlife and Humans in Asturias (Northwestern Spain)

by Alberto Espí, Ana del Cerro, Álvaro Oleaga, Mercedes Rodríguez-Pérez, Ceferino M. López, Ana Hurtado, Luís D. Rodríguez-Martínez, Jesús F. Barandika and Ana L. García-Pérez

Animals 2021, 11(5), 1395; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11051395 - 13 May 2021

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 4014

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of C. burnetii in domestic ruminants, wild ungulates, as well as the current situation of Q fever in humans in a small region in northwestern Spain where a close contact at the wildlife–livestock–human interface exists, and information on C. burnetii infection is scarce. Seroprevalence of C. burnetii was 8.4% in sheep, 18.4% in cattle, and 24.4% in goats. Real-time PCR analysis of environmental samples collected in 25 livestock farms detected Coxiella DNA in dust and/or aerosols collected in 20 of them. Analysis of sera from 327 wild ungulates revealed lower seroprevalence than that found in domestic ruminants, with 8.4% of Iberian red deer, 7.3% chamois, 6.9% fallow deer, 5.5% European wild boar and 3.5% of roe deer harboring antibodies to C. burnetii. Exposure to the pathogen in humans was determined by IFAT analysis of 1312 blood samples collected from patients admitted at healthcare centers with Q fever compatible symptoms, such as fever and/or pneumonia. Results showed that 15.9% of the patients had IFAT titers ≥ 1/128 suggestive of probable acute infection. This study is an example of a One Health approach with medical and veterinary institutions involved in investigating zoonotic diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Zoonoses and Wildlife: One Health Approach)

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12 pages, 1808 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Long-Term Preservation and Storage of Faecal Samples in Whatman^® Cards for PCR Detection and Genotyping of Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium hominis

by Pamela Carolina Köster, Begoña Bailo, Alejandro Dashti, Carolina Hernández-Castro, Rafael Calero-Bernal, Francisco Ponce-Gordo, David González-Barrio and David Carmena

Animals 2021, 11(5), 1369; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11051369 - 12 May 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2599

Abstract

Preservation and conservation of biological specimens, including faecal samples, is a challenge in remote areas or poor-resource settings where the cold chain cannot be maintained. This study aims at evaluating the suitability of filter cards for long-term storage of faecal samples of animal and human origin positive to the diarrhoea-causing protozoan parasites, Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium hominis. Three commercially available Whatman^® Filter Cards were comparatively assessed: the FTA^® Classic Card, the FTA^® Elute Micro Card, and the 903 Protein Saver Card. Human faecal samples positive to G. duodenalis (n = 5) and C. hominis (n = 5) were used to impregnate the selected cards at given storage (1 month, 3 months, and 6 months) periods and temperature (−20 °C, 4 °C, and room temperature) conditions. Parasite DNA was detected by PCR-based methods. Sensitivity assays and quality control procedures to assess suitability for genotyping purposes were conducted. Overall, all three Whatman^® cards were proven useful for the detection and molecular characterisation of G. duodenalis and C. hominis under the evaluated conditions. Whatman^® cards represent a simple, safe, and cost-effective option for the transportation, preservation, and storage of faecal samples without the need of the cold chain. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Zoonoses and Wildlife: One Health Approach)

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14 pages, 2948 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatial and Temporal Distribution of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex Infection in Eurasian Badger (Meles meles) and Cattle in Asturias, Spain

by Cristina Blanco Vázquez, Thiago Doria Barral, Beatriz Romero, Manuel Queipo, Isabel Merediz, Pablo Quirós, José Ángel Armenteros, Ramón Juste, Lucas Domínguez, Mercedes Domínguez, Rosa Casais and Ana Balseiro

Animals 2021, 11(5), 1294; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11051294 - 30 Apr 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2409

Abstract

The present work investigated the prevalence, spatial distribution, and temporal distribution of tuberculosis (TB) in free-ranging Eurasian badgers (Meles meles) and cattle in Asturias (Atlantic Spain) during a 13-year follow-up. The study objective was to assess the role of badgers as a TB reservoir for cattle and other sympatric wild species in the region. Between 2008 and 2020, 673 badgers (98 trapped and 575 killed in road traffic accidents) in Asturias were necropsied, and their tissue samples were cultured for the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC) isolation. Serum samples were tested in an in-house indirect P22 ELISA to detect antibodies against the MTC. In parallel, data on MTC isolation and single intradermal tuberculin test results were extracted for cattle that were tested and culled as part of the Spanish National Program for the Eradication of Bovine TB. A total of 27/639 badgers (4.23%) were positive for MTC based on bacterial isolation, while 160/673 badgers (23.77%) were found to be positive with the P22 ELISA. The rate of seropositivity was higher among adult badgers than subadults. Badger TB status was spatially and temporally associated with cattle TB status. Our results cannot determine the direction of possible interspecies transmission, but they are consistent with the idea that the two hosts may exert infection pressure on each other. This study highlights the importance of the wildlife monitoring of infection and disease during epidemiological interventions in order to optimize outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Zoonoses and Wildlife: One Health Approach)

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18 pages, 1541 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Occurrence and Genetic Diversity of Protist Parasites in Captive Non-Human Primates, Zookeepers, and Free-Living Sympatric Rats in the Córdoba Zoo Conservation Centre, Southern Spain

by Pamela C. Köster, Alejandro Dashti, Begoña Bailo, Aly S. Muadica, Jenny G. Maloney, Mónica Santín, Carmen Chicharro, Silvia Migueláñez, Francisco J. Nieto, David Cano-Terriza, Ignacio García-Bocanegra, Rafael Guerra, Francisco Ponce-Gordo, Rafael Calero-Bernal, David González-Barrio and David Carmena

Animals 2021, 11(3), 700; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11030700 - 5 Mar 2021

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3568

Abstract

Little information is currently available on the epidemiology of parasitic and commensal protist species in captive non-human primates (NHP) and their zoonotic potential. This study investigates the occurrence, molecular diversity, and potential transmission dynamics of parasitic and commensal protist species in a zoological garden in southern Spain. The prevalence and genotypes of the main enteric protist species were investigated in faecal samples from NHP (n = 51), zookeepers (n = 19) and free-living rats (n = 64) by molecular (PCR and sequencing) methods between 2018 and 2019. The presence of Leishmania spp. was also investigated in tissues from sympatric rats using PCR. Blastocystis sp. (45.1%), Entamoeba dispar (27.5%), Giardia duodenalis (21.6%), Balantioides coli (3.9%), and Enterocytozoon bieneusi (2.0%) (but not Troglodytella spp.) were detected in NHP. Giardia duodenalis (10.5%) and Blastocystis sp. (10.5%) were identified in zookeepers, while Cryptosporidium spp. (45.3%), G. duodenalis (14.1%), and Blastocystis sp. (6.25%) (but not Leishmania spp.) were detected in rats. Blastocystis ST1, ST3, and ST8 and G. duodenalis sub-assemblage AII were identified in NHP, and Blastocystis ST1 in zookeepers. Giardia duodenalis isolates failed to be genotyped in human samples. In rats, four Cryptosporidium (C. muris, C. ratti, and rat genotypes IV and V), one G. duodenalis (assemblage G), and three Blastocystis (ST4) genetic variants were detected. Our results indicate high exposure of NHP to zoonotic protist species. Zoonotic transmission of Blastocysts ST1 was highly suspected between captive NHP and zookeepers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Zoonoses and Wildlife: One Health Approach)

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12 pages, 836 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigating the Role of Micromammals in the Ecology of Coxiella burnetii in Spain

by David González-Barrio, Isabel Jado, Javier Viñuela, Jesús T. García, Pedro P. Olea, Fernando Arce and Francisco Ruiz-Fons

Animals 2021, 11(3), 654; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11030654 - 2 Mar 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2643

Abstract

Coxiella burnetii, the causal agent of human Q fever and animal Coxiellosis, is a zoonotic infectious bacterium with a complex ecology that results from its ability to replicate in multiple (in)vertebrate host species. Spain notifies the highest number of Q fever cases to the ECDC annually and wildlife plays a relevant role in C. burnetii ecology in the country. However, the whole picture of C. burnetii hosts is incomplete, so this study seeks to better understand the role of micromammals in C. burnetii ecology in the country. Spleen samples from 816 micromammals of 10 species and 130 vaginal swabs from Microtus arvalis were analysed by qPCR to detect C. burnetii infection and shedding, respectively. The 9.7% of the spleen samples were qPCR positive. The highest infection prevalence (10.8%) was found in Microtus arvalis, in which C. burnetii DNA was also detected in 1 of the 130 vaginal swabs (0.8%) analysed. Positive samples were also found in Apodemus sylvaticus (8.7%), Crocidura russula (7.7%) and Rattus rattus (6.4%). Positive samples were genotyped by coupling PCR with reverse line blotting and a genotype II+ strain was identified for the first time in one of the positive samples from M. arvalis, whereas only partial results could be obtained for the rest of the samples. Acute Q fever was diagnosed in one of the researchers that participated in the study, and it was presumably linked to M. arvalis handling. The results of the study are consistent with previous findings suggesting that micromammals can be infected by C. burnetii. Our findings additionally suggest that micromammals may be potential sources to trace back the origin of human Q fever and animal Coxiellosis cases in Europe. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Zoonoses and Wildlife: One Health Approach)

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9 pages, 1009 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

A Freedom of Coxiella burnetii Infection Survey in European Bison (Bison bonasus) in Poland

by Michał K. Krzysiak, Martyna Puchalska, Wanda Olech and Krzysztof Anusz

Animals 2021, 11(3), 651; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11030651 - 1 Mar 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1651

Abstract

Q fever is an important zoonosis caused by the intracellular Gram-negative bacteria Coxiella burnetii. The source of infection are numerous species of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians, as well as ticks. The disease is widespread throughout Europe, but the role of wildlife in its epidemiology is poorly understood. The European bison (Bison bonasus) population has been growing European-wide quite dynamically over the last few years. The aim of this study was to determine whether C. burnetii infection occurs in European bison and whether it can be considered an important bacterial reservoir in the natural environment. Five hundred and twenty three samples of European bison sera originating from 14 (out of the 26 existing) Polish populations were examined for the presence of specific antibodies using an ID Screen Q Fever Indirect Multi-species ELISA test. Only one (0.19%) serum sample was positive in ELISA, and two other samples were doubtful. The only seropositive animal found in this study was a free-living bull. It suggests possible transmission from domestic cattle by sharing pastures. The transmission of C. burnetii into the European bison was rather accidental in the country and its role as an important wild reservoir is unlikely. Since no tests are available for wildlife ruminants there is a need for the adaptation of the available tests. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Zoonoses and Wildlife: One Health Approach)

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14 pages, 633 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ecotyping of Anaplasma phagocytophilum from Wild Ungulates and Ticks Shows Circulation of Zoonotic Strains in Northeastern Italy

by Laura Grassi, Giovanni Franzo, Marco Martini, Alessandra Mondin, Rudi Cassini, Michele Drigo, Daniela Pasotto, Elena Vidorin and Maria Luisa Menandro

Animals 2021, 11(2), 310; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11020310 - 26 Jan 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2183

Abstract

Anaplasma phagocytophilum (A. phagocytophilum) is a tick-borne pathogen causing disease in both humans and animals. Human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA) is an emerging disease, but despite the remarkable prevalence in European ticks and wild animals, human infection appears underdiagnosed. Several genetic variants are circulating in Europe, including the zoonotic ecotype I. This study investigated A. phagocytophilum occurrence in wild ungulates and their ectoparasites in an area where HGA has been reported. Blood samples from wild ungulates and ectoparasites were screened by biomolecular methods targeting the mps2 gene. The groEL gene was amplified and sequenced to perform genetic characterization and phylogenetic analysis. A total of 188 blood samples were collected from different wild ungulates species showing an overall prevalence of 63.8% (88.7% in wild ruminants and 3.6% in wild boars). The prevalence of A. phagocytophilum DNA in ticks (manly Ixodes ricinus), and keds collected from wild ruminants was high, reflecting the high infection rates obtained in their hosts. Among ticks collected from wild boars (Hyalomma marginatum and Dermacentor marginatus) no DNA was detected. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated the presence of ecotype I and II. To date, this is the first Italian report of ecotype I in alpine chamois, mouflon, and wild boar species. These findings suggest their role in HGA epidemiology, and the high prevalence detected in this study highlights that this human tick-borne disease deserves further attention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Zoonoses and Wildlife: One Health Approach)

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13 pages, 1136 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exposure to Zoonotic West Nile Virus in Long-Tailed Macaques and Bats in Peninsular Malaysia

by Mohd Yuseri Ain-Najwa, Abd Rahaman Yasmin, Siti Suri Arshad, Abdul Rahman Omar, Jalila Abu, Kiven Kumar, Hussni Omar Mohammed, Jafar Ali Natasha, Mohammed Nma Mohammed, Faruku Bande, Mohd-Lutfi Abdullah and Jeffrine J. Rovie-Ryan

Animals 2020, 10(12), 2367; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10122367 - 10 Dec 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3053

Abstract

The role of wildlife such as wild birds, macaques, and bats in the spreading and maintenance of deadly zoonotic pathogens in nature have been well documented in many parts of the world. One such pathogen is the mosquitoes borne virus, namely the West Nile Virus (WNV). Previous research has shown that 1:7 and 1:6 Malaysian wild birds are WNV antibody and RNA positive, respectively, and bats in North America may not be susceptible to the WNV infection. This study was conducted to determine the status of WNV in Malaysian macaques and bats found in mangrove forests and caves, respectively. Archive sera and oropharyngeal swabs from long-tailed macaques were subjected to the antibody detection using WNV competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (c-ELISA) and WNV RNA using RT-PCR, respectively, while the archive oropharyngeal and rectal swabs from bats were subjected to RT-PCR without serological analysis due to the unavailability of serum samples. The analysis revealed a WNV seropositivity of 29.63% (24/81) and none of the macaques were positive for WNV RNA. Meanwhile, 12.2% (5/41) of the bats from Pteropodidae, Emballonuridae, and Rhinolophidae families tested positive for WNV RNA. Here, we show a high WNV antibody prevalence in macaques and a moderate WNV RNA in various Malaysian bat species, suggesting that WNV circulates through Malaysian wild animals and Malaysian bat species may be susceptible to the WNV infection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Zoonoses and Wildlife: One Health Approach)

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6 pages, 416 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Presence of Helicobacter pylori and H. suis DNA in Free-Range Wild Boars

by Francisco Cortez Nunes, Teresa Letra Mateus, Sílvia Teixeira, Patrícia Barradas, Chloë de Witte, Freddy Haesebrouck, Irina Amorim and Fátima Gärtner

Animals 2021, 11(5), 1269; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11051269 - 28 Apr 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2444

Abstract

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a Gram-negative bacterium that infects half of the human population worldwide, causing gastric disorders, such as chronic gastritis, gastric or duodenal ulcers, and gastric malignancies. Helicobacter suis (H. suis) is mainly associated with pigs, but can also colonize the stomach of humans, resulting in gastric pathologies. In pigs, H. suis can induce gastritis and seems to play a role in gastric ulcer disease, seriously affecting animal production and welfare. Since close interactions between domestic animals, wildlife, and humans can increase bacterial transmission risk between species, samples of gastric tissue of 14 free range wild boars (Sus scrofa) were evaluated for the presence of H. pylori and H. suis using PCR. Samples from the antral gastric mucosa from two animals were PCR-positive for H. pylori and another one for H. suis. These findings indicate that these microorganisms were able to colonize the stomach of wild boars and raise awareness for their putative intervention in Helicobacter spp. transmission cycle. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Zoonoses and Wildlife: One Health Approach)

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