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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Infectious Disease Epidemiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 June 2019) | Viewed by 32615

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Special Issue Editor

Dr. Catherine L. Troisi

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Guest Editor

University of Texas, School of Public Health, PO Box 20186, Houston, TX 77225, USA
Interests: infectious disease epidemiology; viral hepatitis; HIV; public health practice

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Each year, we see the occurrence of new or reemerging infectious diseases or changes in the geographic spread of infectious diseases. This is happening at a rate that has not been seen before, according to a World Health Organization 2007 report. There are several drivers of this, including climate change, human behavior and demographic changes, urbanization, genetic changes in the organisms, bioterrorism, and others that we may not understand well. One key to comprehending these occurrences is a One Health perspective (i.e., understanding that humans, animals, and the environment are interconnected).

Much still needs to be learned about these current and future emergent infections, including their potential for spread and pandemic, and as drivers of emergence. Public health preparedness activities are also important so that we are ready to respond to outbreaks, whether they are caused by natural means or through bioterrorism.

This Special Issue seeks research papers on various aspects of emerging and re-emerging diseases, including on the biology of specific diseases/organisms; factors contributing to (re)emergency, including the role of human demographics and behavior; strategies for controlling these pathogens; the role of public health preparedness activities to control outbreaks; and other prevention activities. We especially encourage the submission of interdisciplinary work (particularly from a One Health perspective) and multi-country collaborative research. We also encourage the submission of health systems and health policy-related manuscripts that focus on issues related to (re)-emerging diseases and preparedness. We welcome original research papers using different study designs as well as systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

Dr. Catherine L. Troisi
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 submissions that pass pre-check are 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. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

Emerging infectious diseases
Re-emerging infectious diseases
Infectious disease epidemiology
Climate change and infectious disease (re)emergence
Demographic changes and infectious disease (re)emergence
Pandemic potential of infectious disease
Preparedness activities
Prevention strategies

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 2247 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatiotemporal Clustering of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) Incidence in Saudi Arabia, 2012–2019

by Khalid Al-Ahmadi, Sabah Alahmadi and Ali Al-Zahrani

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(14), 2520; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16142520 - 15 Jul 2019

Cited by 40 | Viewed by 7760

Abstract

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is a great public health concern globally. Although 83% of the globally confirmed cases have emerged in Saudi Arabia, the spatiotemporal clustering of MERS-CoV incidence has not been investigated. This study analysed the spatiotemporal patterns and clusters of laboratory-confirmed MERS-CoV cases reported in Saudi Arabia between June 2012 and March 2019. Temporal, seasonal, spatial and spatiotemporal cluster analyses were performed using Kulldorff’s spatial scan statistics to determine the time period and geographical areas with the highest MERS-CoV infection risk. A strongly significant temporal cluster for MERS-CoV infection risk was identified between April 5 and May 24, 2014. Most MERS-CoV infections occurred during the spring season (41.88%), with April and May showing significant seasonal clusters. Wadi Addawasir showed a high-risk spatial cluster for MERS-CoV infection. The most likely high-risk MERS-CoV annual spatiotemporal clusters were identified for a group of cities (n = 10) in Riyadh province between 2014 and 2016. A monthly spatiotemporal cluster included Jeddah, Makkah and Taif cities, with the most likely high-risk MERS-CoV infection cluster occurring between April and May 2014. Significant spatiotemporal clusters of MERS-CoV incidence were identified in Saudi Arabia. The findings are relevant to control the spread of the disease. This study provides preliminary risk assessments for the further investigation of the environmental risk factors associated with MERS-CoV clusters. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases)

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14 pages, 2275 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatiotemporal Transmission Patterns and Determinants of Dengue Fever: A Case Study of Guangzhou, China

by Yebin Chen, Zhigang Zhao, Zhichao Li, Weihong Li, Zhipeng Li, Renzhong Guo and Zhilu Yuan

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(14), 2486; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16142486 - 12 Jul 2019

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3581

Abstract

Dengue fever is one of the most common vector-borne diseases in the world and is mainly affected by the interaction of meteorological, human and land-use factors. This study aims to identify the impact of meteorological, human and land-use factors on dengue fever cases, involving the interplay between multiple factors. The analyses identified the statistically significant determinants affecting the transmission of dengue fever, employing cross-correlation analysis and the geo-detector model. This study was conducted in Guangzhou, China, using the data of confirmed cases of dengue fever, daily meteorological records, population density distribution and land-use distribution. The findings highlighted that the dengue fever hotspots were mainly distributed in the old city center of Guangzhou and were significantly shaped by meteorological, land-use and human factors. Meteorological factors including minimum temperature, maximum temperature, atmospheric pressure and relative humidity were correlated with the transmission of dengue fever. Minimum temperature, maximum temperature and relative humidity presented a statistically significant positive correlation with dengue fever cases, while atmospheric pressure presented statistically significant negative correlation. Minimum temperature, maximum temperature, atmospheric pressure and humidity have lag effects on the transmission of dengue fever. The population, community age, subway network density, road network density and ponds presented a statistically significant positive correlation with the number of dengue fever cases, and the interaction among land-use and human factors could enhance dengue fever transmission. The ponds were the most important interaction factors, which might strengthen the influence of other factors on dengue fever transmission. Our findings have implications for pre-emptive dengue fever control. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases)

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11 pages, 488 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preventive Behavioral Responses to the 2015 Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Outbreak in Korea

by Won Mo Jang, Sanghyun Cho, Deok Hyun Jang, Un-Na Kim, Hyemin Jung, Jin Yong Lee and Sang Jun Eun

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(12), 2161; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16122161 - 18 Jun 2019

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 4579

Abstract

This study examined the public’s preventive behavioral responses during the 2015 Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) outbreak in Korea and the influencing factors. Two cross-sectional telephone surveys were conducted by Gallup Korea using random digit dialing in June 2015 (n = 2004). The main outcome variables were nonpharmaceutical preventive measures (survey (1): Measures for reducing transmission (handwashing, face masks); and survey (2): Measures for avoiding contact with others). Multiple logistic regression was used to identify the factors influencing preventive behaviors. In survey (1), 60.3% of respondents reported more frequent handwashing and 15.5% reported wearing face masks at least once due to the MERS-CoV epidemic. In survey (2), 41–56% of respondents reported practicing avoidance measures. The concerned group was more likely to practice reducing transmission measures (odds ratio (OR) 4.5; 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.3–6.1) and avoidance measures (OR = 9.6; 95% CI, 6.4–14.4). The respondents who had low trust in president or ruling party had a higher practice rate of reducing transmission measures (OR = 1.7; 95% CI, 1.2–2.6) and avoidance measures (OR = 2.1; 95% CI, 1.2–3.5). Cooperative prevention measures need appropriated public concern based on effective risk communication. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases)

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19 pages, 713 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prevalence of Leptospira Infection in Rodents from Bangladesh

by Inge M. Krijger, Ahmed A. A. Ahmed, Marga G. A. Goris, Peter W. G. Groot Koerkamp and Bastiaan G. Meerburg

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(12), 2113; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16122113 - 14 Jun 2019

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 4388

Abstract

Worldwide, Leptospira infection poses an increasing public health problem. In 2008, leptospirosis was recognised as a re-emerging zoonosis of global importance with South-East Asia being one of the most significant centres of the disease. Rodents are thought to be the most important host for a variety of Leptospira serovars. Because Bangladesh offers a suitable humid climate for the survival of these pathogenic bacteria, the presence of rodents could be a serious risk for human infection, especially in peri-urban areas or locations where food is stored. In order to gain more understanding of the multi-host epidemiology, a prevalence study was conducted in Comilla, Bangladesh to determine the presence of pathogenic Leptospira species in rodents. Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) and sequencing showed that 13.1% (61/465) of the trapped rodents were infected with pathogenic Leptospira. Sequencing of the qPCR products identified the presence of three species: Leptospira interrogans, Leptospira borgpetersenii, and Leptospira kirschneri. Rodents of the genus, Bandicota, were significantly more likely to be positive than those of the genus, Rattus and Mus. Our results confirm the importance of rodents as hosts of pathogenic Leptospira and indicate that human exposure to pathogenic Leptospira may be considerable, also in places where food (rice) is stored for longer times. This study emphasizes the need to improve rodent management at such locations and to further quantify the public health impacts of this neglected emerging zoonosis in Bangladesh. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases)

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11 pages, 1108 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Malaria and Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome in Gold Mining in the Amazon Region, Brazil

by Ana Cláudia Pereira Terças-Trettel, Elaine Cristina de Oliveira, Cor Jesus Fernandes Fontes, Alba Valéria Gomes de Melo, Renata Carvalho de Oliveira, Alexandro Guterres, Jorlan Fernandes, Raphael Gomes da Silva, Marina Atanaka, Mariano Martinez Espinosa and Elba Regina Sampaio de Lemos

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(10), 1852; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16101852 - 25 May 2019

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3508

Abstract

People living in mining regions are exposed to numerous biological agents by several specific types of transmission mechanisms. This study is designed to describe fatal hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) cases confirmed by serology and molecular analysis, where a seroprevalence survey was conducted in the gold mining regions of the state of Mato Grosso, in the official Amazon region, Brazil. Two fatal cases of HPS were confirmed in a mining area in the Legal Amazon, where malaria is one of the most important public health problems. A molecular analysis detected the presence of the genome of the Castelo dos Sonhos virus. Out of the 112 blood samples analyzed, five were positive for Plasmodium infection (four P. falciparum and one P. vivax), and four were seropositive for hantavirus, showing a seroprevalence of 3.57%. One of the four miners who was seroreactive for hantavirus concomitantly had P. falciparum infection, which was confirmed by thick blood smear. This manuscript highlights the importance of considering hantavirus pulmonary syndrome as a diagnostic possibility in febrile infection associated with pulmonary manifestations in mining areas where malaria cases are often identified. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases)

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15 pages, 2808 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Associations between Meteorological Factors and Visceral Leishmaniasis Outbreaks in Jiashi County, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China, 2005–2015

by Yi Li and Canjun Zheng

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(10), 1775; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16101775 - 20 May 2019

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3781

Abstract

Although visceral leishmaniasis disease is controlled overall in China, it remains a serious public health problem and remains fundamentally uncontrolled in Jiashi County, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. During 2005–2015, there were two outbreaks in Jiashi County. Assessing the influence of meteorological factors on visceral leishmaniasis incidence is essential for its monitoring and control. In this study, we applied generalized estimating equations to assess the impact of meteorological factors on visceral leishmaniasis risk from 2005 to 2015. We also compared meteorological factors among years with Kruskal–Wallis test to explore possible reasons behind the two outbreaks that occurred during our study period. We found that temperature and relative humidity had very significant associations with visceral leishmaniasis risk and there were interactions between these factors. Increasing temperature or decreasing relative humidity could increase the risk of visceral leishmaniasis events. The outbreaks investigated might have been related to low relative humidity and high temperatures. Our findings will support the rationale for visceral leishmaniasis control in China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases)

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Review

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14 pages, 3507 KiB

Open AccessReview

Emerging Resistance of Neglected Tropical Diseases: A Scoping Review of the Literature

by Folahanmi T. Akinsolu, Priscilla O. Nemieboka, Diana W. Njuguna, Makafui N. Ahadji, Dora Dezso and Orsolya Varga

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(11), 1925; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16111925 - 31 May 2019

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 4237

Abstract

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global public health threat with the potential to cause millions of deaths. There has been a tremendous increase in the use of antimicrobials, stemming from preventive chemotherapy elimination and control programs addressing neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). This study aims to identify the frequency of drug resistance for 11 major NTDs and 20 treatment drugs within a specific period by systematically analyzing the study design, socio-demographic factors, resistance, and countries of relevant studies. Methods: Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, we performed systematic reviews of the major 11 NTDs to identify publications on drug resistance between 2000 and 2016. A quality assessment tool adapted for evaluating observational and experimental studies was applied to assess the quality of eligible studies. Results: One of the major findings is that six NTDs have information on drug resistance, namely human African trypanosomiasis, leishmaniasis, onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminths, and trachoma. Many studies recorded resistance due to diagnostic tests, and few studies indicated clinical resistance. Although most studies were performed in Africa where there is the occurrence of several NTDs, there was no link between disease burden and locations of study. Conclusions: Based on this study we deduce that monitoring and surveillance systems need to be strengthened to enable the early detection of AMR and the mitigation of its global spread. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases)

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