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Emerging Biological Threats and Public Health Preparedness

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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 February 2023) | Viewed by 16456

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Mariachiara Carestia

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Guest Editor

Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy
Interests: microbiology; hygiene; public health; antimicrobial resistance; bioterrorism; CBRN

Dr. Lucia Grenga

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Guest Editor

CEA, INRAE, Département Médicaments et Technologies Pour la Santé (DMTS), SPI, Université Paris-Saclay, Bagnols-sur-Cèze, France
Interests: microbiology; mass spectrometry; antimicrobial resistance; infectious diseases; host response; microbiome; multi-omics

Dr. Omar Nyabi

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Guest Editor

Université Catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
Interests: molecular biology; infectious diseases; NGS; Rapid diagnostics (LFIA) and CBRNe awareness and preparedness

Dr. Stefania Moramarco

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Guest Editor

Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Cracovia, 50, 00133 Rome, Italy
Interests: public health; nutrition; food security; food safety; climate change; CBRN

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Emerging Biological threats include a wide range of issues that can severely affect Public Health.

The Covid-19 pandemics have sadly led many opinion leaders and subsequently, part of the public opinion, to wonder whether the virus was created ad hoc in the laboratory and deliberately spread in the environment, rather than started in Chinese “wet markets”. Regardless of its origin, the pandemic caused several social and political tensions and showing, once more, that the dissemination of correct information based on scientific evidence is key to building a sound capability to react to biological emergencies.

Another relevant issue is that of the potential use of biological agents as terrorism agents is an intrinsically complex matter, as demonstrated by the unsuccesfull attempts to fully implement a shared regime of verification and prohibition of the production of biological weapons through the Biological Weapons Convention, unlike what happens with the Chemical Weapons Convention and the Treaty for the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons.

Although the etiology of these emerging and re-emerging biological threats may be different, recent facts show us that the first and most effective line of defense in the fight against epidemics/pandemics or potential acts of bioterrorism remains the ability of public health to intercept and identify the onset of such potential events, as well as the full awareness of public health capacity and capabilities and the optimization of their management, to deal with such events as well as the ability to operate synergically at local, national, and supranational levels.

This Special Issue analyses the phenomenon from three distinct yet related perspectives, to identify priorities for future next steps in each of these areas:

Emerging biological threats, including those related to climate change, food safety and security and Bioterrorism and their social and economic impact on Public Health
Innovative, fast, and effective methods for the rapid detection/identification of biological agents and bio forensics;
Needs, gaps and proposals to increase awareness and preparedness concerning response to newborn biological emergencies of public health organizations.

Dr. Mariachiara Carestia
Dr. Lucia Grenga
Dr. Omar Nyabi
Dr. Stefania Moramarco
Guest Editors

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.

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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 and re-emerging infectious diseases
climate change
food safety and security
bioterrorism
public health
emergency preparedness
emergency response detection/identification of biological agents
public health policies

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

13 pages, 3395 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Providing On-Site Laboratory and Biosafety Just-In-Time Training Inside a Box-Based Laboratory during the West Africa Ebola Outbreak: Supporting Better Preparedness for Future Health Emergencies

by Mostafa Bentahir, Mamadou Diouldé Barry, Kekoura Koulemou and Jean-Luc Gala

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(18), 11566; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191811566 - 14 Sep 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1837

Abstract

The Biological Light Fieldable Laboratory for Emergencies (B-LiFE) is a box-based modular laboratory with the capacity to quickly deploy on-site in cases of uncontrolled spread of infectious disease. During the 2014–2015 West Africa Ebola outbreak, this tent laboratory provided diagnostic support to the N’Zerekore Ebola Treatment Center (ETC), Guinea, for three months. One of the objectives of B-LiFE deployment was to contribute, as much as possible, to national capacity building by training local scientists. Two Guinean biologists were selected according to their basic biological knowledge and laboratory skills among 50 candidate trainees, and were integrated into the team through “just-in-time training” (JiTT), which helped the biologists acquire knowledge and laboratory skills beyond their expertise. The JiTT program was conducted according to standard laboratory procedures, in line with international biosafety guidelines adapted to field conditions. Supervised acquisition of field-laboratory practices mainly focused on biochemical testing and Ebola viral load quantification using routine PCR-based detection, including the Biofire FilmArray^® system (BFA), a novel, as yet non-validated, automated assay for diagnostic testing of Ebola virus disease at the time of B-LiFE deployment. During the JiTT, the two biologists were closely involved in all laboratory activities, including BFA validation and biosafety procedures. Meanwhile, this successful JiTT enhanced the B-LiFE in-field operational capacity and contributed to national capacity building. A post-training evaluation and contacts were organised to assess the evolution and technical skills gained by the two researchers during the B-LiFE mission. At the end of the B-LiFE mission, both biologists were enrolled in follow-on programmes to curb the epidemic spreading in Africa. These results demonstrate that during infectious disease outbreaks or major crises, the JiTT approach can rapidly expand access to critical diagnostic testing and train local staff to do so. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Biological Threats and Public Health Preparedness)

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14 pages, 331 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biological Risk in Italian Prisons: From the COVID-19 Management to the Development of a Standardized Model for Emergency Response

by Cristiano Franchi, Ezio Giacalone, Daniele Di Giovanni, Stefania Moramarco and Mariachiara Carestia

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(19), 10353; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph181910353 - 01 Oct 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2215

Abstract

Within the confinements of critical infrastructures, the COVID-19 pandemic is posing a series of challenges to Health Management. In the spotlight of highly contagious and quick spreading diseases within such enclosed facilities, whether it be a detention facility or otherwise, the health and safety of those living within its internment is paramount. This paper aims to highlight the specific challenges and the possible solutions to counteract this problem, starting from the lessons learnt from the Italian prison system case study. Following the general description of the available resources within the Italian prisons, the study aimed at specifically describing the first counteracting measures deployed by the Italian prison authorities during the first phase of the COVID-19 outbreak (February–July 2020). The aim was to propose an integrated plan capable of responding to a biological threat within the prisons. In particular, the study describes the actions and technical features that, in accordance with national and international legal frameworks and the relevant organisational bodies that run the Italian Prison Service, had been adopted in managing, right from the start, the COVID-19 pandemic until Summer 2020. Available information and data showed the ability of the prison administration to comply almost completely with WHO’s technical and human rights recommendations and also, in successfully handling prison emergencies both in terms of the sick and the deceased in line with the epidemiological framework of the general population. In addition, the paper proposes a draft of guidelines that should involve the National Health Service and the Prison Service that are aimed at supporting the local prison facilities with drawing up their own biological incident contingency plans. An approved, legal, standardised plan could increase the awareness of prison managers. It could even increase their self-confidence, in particular, with regard to cases of dispute and their ability to respond to them. In fact, it is valuable and forward-thinking to be able to demonstrate that every endeavour has been taken and that ‘certified’ best practices have been put in place in accordance with the national standards. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Biological Threats and Public Health Preparedness)

23 pages, 94770 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Telecommunication Facilities, Key Support for Data Management and Data Sharing by a Biological Mobile Laboratory Deployed to Counter Emerging Biological Threats and Improve Public Health Crisis Preparedness

by Aleksandr Vybornov, Omar Nyabi, Olga Vybornova and Jean-Luc Gala

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(17), 9014; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18179014 - 26 Aug 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2212

Abstract

In the case of rapid outbreaks of infectious diseases in remote locations, the lack of real-time information from the field and rapid spread of misinformation can be a major issue. To improve situational awareness and decision-making at all levels of operational deployment, there is an urgent need for accurate, reliable, and timely results from patients from the affected area. This requires a robust and fast channel of communication connecting first responders on-site, crisis managers, decision-makers, and the institutions involved in the survey of the crisis at national, regional, and international levels. This has been the rationale sustaining the development of advanced communication tools in the Biological Light Fieldable Laboratory for Emergencies (B-LiFE). The benefit of terrestrial (TETRA, LTE, 5G, and Wi-Fi-Fi) and SatCom communications is illustrated through a series of missions and exercises conducted in the previous five years. These tools were used by B-LiFE operators to provide accurate, comprehensive, timely, and relevant information and services in real time. The focus of this article is to discuss the development and benefits of the integration of multi-mission, multi-user nomadic, rapidly deployable telecommunication nodes for emergency uses (TEN) in the capacity of B-LiFE. Providing reliable communication channels through TEN enables the development and use of an ICT toolbox called MIML_LIMS (multi-institution, multi-mission, multi-laboratory LIMS), a tool which is mandatory for efficient and secure data management and data sharing by a mobile laboratory. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Biological Threats and Public Health Preparedness)

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14 pages, 990 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How Does Risk-Information Communication Affect the Rebound of Online Public Opinion of Public Emergencies in China?

by Shan Gao, Ye Zhang and Wenhui Liu

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(15), 7760; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18157760 - 22 Jul 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3157

Abstract

The rebound of online public opinion is an important driving force in inducing a secondary crisis in the case of public emergencies. Effective risk-information communication is an important means to manage online public opinion regarding emergencies. This paper employs fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis to discover which conditions are combined and may result in the rebound of online public opinion. Five conditions were selected: the type of public emergency, messengers, message attributes, audience, and information feedback. The study used a sample of 25 major public emergencies that occurred between 2015 and 2020 in China. The type of public emergency, audience, and information feedback emerged as critical influencing factors. Message attributes promote the rebound of online public opinion regarding public health emergencies, while messengers play a traction role in the rebound of online public opinion on other types of public emergencies. This study extends risk-information communication theory from the perspective of the type of emergency, explores the causes of rebounded online public opinion regarding public emergencies, and provides policies and suggestions for risk-information communication and online public-opinion governance during emergencies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Biological Threats and Public Health Preparedness)

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11 pages, 283 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Response of a Radiology Department to the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: The Experience of the Hospital “Policlinico Tor Vergata” in Rome

by Andrea Malizia, Laura Filograna, Francesco Paolo Sbordone, Giorgio Ciccarese, Andrea Carbone, Beatrice Carreri, Colleen Patricia Ryan, Gian Marco Ludovici, Andrea Chierici and Guglielmo Manenti

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(10), 5255; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18105255 - 14 May 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2556 | Correction

Abstract

The dissemination of severe acute respiratory syndrome linked to the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, prompted all health services to provide adequate measures to limit new cases that could affect healthcare professionals. Due to the large number of suspected patients subjected to CT scans and the proximity of radiologists to the patient during exams, radiologists as well as the entire staff of the radiology department are particularly exposed to SARS-CoV-2. This article includes the emergency management procedures, the use of personal protective devices, and the rearrangement of exam rooms and of human resources in the department of radiology at “Policlinico Tor Vergata” in Rome performed during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. We introduce the management measures that our department has taken to cope with the influx of patients while still ensuring the proper management of other emergencies and time-sensitive exams. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Biological Threats and Public Health Preparedness)

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10 pages, 3030 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Diagnostic Value of IgM and IgG Detection in COVID-19 Diagnosis by the Mobile Laboratory B-LiFE: A Massive Testing Strategy in the Piedmont Region

by Omar Nyabi, Mostafa Bentahir, Jérôme Ambroise, Bertrand Bearzatto, Nawfal Chibani, Benjamin Smits, Jean François Durant, Aleksandr Vybornov, Olivier Thellin, Benaissa El Moualij and Jean-Luc Gala

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(7), 3372; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18073372 - 24 Mar 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2361

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an acute infectious disease caused by the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) identified in 2019. The COVID-19 outbreak continues to have devastating consequences for human lives and the global economy. The B-LiFe mobile laboratory in Piedmont, Italy, was deployed for the surveillance of COVID-19 cases by large-scale testing of first responders. The objective was to assess the seroconversion among the regional civil protection (CP), police, health care professionals, and volunteers. The secondary objective was to detect asymptomatic individuals within this cohort in the light of age, sex, and residence. In this paper, we report the results of serological testing performed by the B-LiFe mobile laboratory deployed from 10 June to 23 July 2020. The tests included whole blood finger-prick and serum sampling for detection of SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor-binding domain (S-RBD) antibodies. The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was approximately 5% (294/6013). The results of the finger-prick tests and serum sample analyses showed moderate agreement (kappa = 0.77). Furthermore, the detection rates of serum antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein (NP) and S-RBD among the seroconverted individuals were positively correlated (kappa = 0.60), at least at the IgG level. Seroprevalence studies based on serological testing for the S-RBD protein or SARS-CoV-2 NP antibodies are not sufficient for diagnosis but might help in screening the population to be vaccinated and in determining the duration of seroconversion. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Biological Threats and Public Health Preparedness)

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