Pathogens

Research

10 pages, 796 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Epidemiological Investigation of Animal Brucellosis in Domestic Ruminants in Greece from 2015 to 2022 and Genetic Characterization of Prevalent Strains

by Mary Emmanouil, Dimitrios Vourvidis, Anna Kyrma, Sofia Makka, Elina Horefti and Emmanouil Angelakis

Pathogens 2024, 13(9), 720; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13090720 - 26 Aug 2024

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Abstract

Brucellosis is one of the most important zoonotic diseases in Greece, causing a significant burden on both human and animal vitality as well as economic loss. The present study was conducted from 2015 to 2022 on 711,415 serum samples by determining the seroepidemiology [...] Read more.

Brucellosis is one of the most important zoonotic diseases in Greece, causing a significant burden on both human and animal vitality as well as economic loss. The present study was conducted from 2015 to 2022 on 711,415 serum samples by determining the seroepidemiology of Brucellosis among livestock in 24 geographical areas in Greece using the Rose Bengal Test (RBT) and the complement fixation test (CFT) and further performing genetic analysis of Brucella spp. by species-specific real-time PCR and MLVA Brucella analysis. A total of 3086 serum samples from goats, sheep, and cattle showed positive results using the RBT and CFT, and only strongly positive samples (n = 800) were preserved in the Βlood Bank of the Veterinary Laboratory of Brucellosis. From these, 212 sera samples were randomly selected for molecular and genetic analysis. The results indicated that the incidence rate of Brucellosis is higher in cattle herds in comparison with other animal species. Overall, 48 samples tested positive by real-time PCR, of which forty-seven of them were B. abortus and one was B. melitensis. Genetic analysis of two B. abortus samples revealed a common pattern, indicating two Bruce04, two Bruce18, four Bruce07, two Bruce09, three Bruce16, and four Bruce30 for both samples, which, interestingly, were not identical with the known genotypes in the public MLVA Brucella database. Our findings substantiate that animal Brucellosis remains a health issue in Greece, with a stable but apparent incidence rate, and further investigation is needed to fully characterize the newly identified Brucella strains in Greece. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue One Health: New Approaches, Research and Innovation to Zoonoses)

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10 pages, 2776 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Retrospective Study of Genetic Characterization in Suspected Visceral Leishmaniasis Cases in Greece, 2005 to 2020

by Maria Evangelidou, Sofia Makka, Ioanna Papadogiannaki, Myrto Koutantou, Nikolaos Tegos, Anastasia Mpimpa, Eleni Patsoula and Emmanouil Angelakis

Pathogens 2024, 13(8), 688; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13080688 - 14 Aug 2024

Viewed by 593

Abstract

Leishmania infantum is considered the predominant Leishmania species responsible for visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in Greece but limited molecular-typing-based studies have been performed so far. We retrospectively analyzed data and serum samples collected from 3661 individuals suspected for VL in a sixteen-year period, from 2005 [...] Read more.

Leishmania infantum is considered the predominant Leishmania species responsible for visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in Greece but limited molecular-typing-based studies have been performed so far. We retrospectively analyzed data and serum samples collected from 3661 individuals suspected for VL in a sixteen-year period, from 2005 to 2020, to study the seasonality and demographic characteristics of VL cases and to define the L. infantum genotypes circulating in the country. Serum samples were tested with immunofluorescence assay and/or molecular assay. qPCR Leishmania-positive samples were subjected to genotypic analysis based on polymorphisms in 12 microsatellite regions of the internal transcribed spacers (ITSs) 1 and 2. We diagnosed 219 definite (6%, sample with a positive molecular assay and/or antibody titer ≥ 1:400) and 230 probable (6.3%, sample with antibody titer between 1:100 and 1:200) VL cases. Data analysis revealed that amongst VL-definite cases, the age group (≥65) constitutes the most affected factor, since 36.9% of the VL cases belonged to this age group. Amongst the VL definite cases, the most frequently reported symptoms were fever (83%), splenomegaly (49%), and hepatomegaly (40%), but this was not the case for immunocompromised patients that developed non-typical symptoms of leishmaniasis. Although no statistically significant differences in the overall seasonality of VL cases were observed, February and June showed a significantly higher proportion of VL cases compared to August and December. Genotyping of ITS1 and ITS2 regions revealed that all VL cases belong to ITS type A of L. infantum. Our study provides epidemiological information on VL and demonstrates for the first time, providing genotypic data, the circulation of ITS type A L. infantum in Greece. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue One Health: New Approaches, Research and Innovation to Zoonoses)

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9 pages, 600 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii among HIV Positive Patients under Surveillance in Greek Infectious Disease Units: A Screening Study with Comparative Evaluation of Serological Methods

by Chrysa Voyiatzaki, Apollon Dareios Zare Chormizi, Maria E. Tsoumani, Antonia Efstathiou, Konstantinos Konstantinidis, Dimitrios Chaniotis, Georgios Chrysos, Aikaterini Argyraki, Vasileios Papastamopoulos and Marika Kotsianopoulou

Pathogens 2024, 13(5), 375; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13050375 - 30 Apr 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1791

Abstract

This study aims to screen for IgG antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) in the sera of 155 newly diagnosed Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) positive patients under surveillance in Greek Infectious Disease Units. Additionally, risk factors based on patient demographics were [...] Read more.

This study aims to screen for IgG antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) in the sera of 155 newly diagnosed Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) positive patients under surveillance in Greek Infectious Disease Units. Additionally, risk factors based on patient demographics were examined, and a comparative evaluation of commercially available serological methods was conducted. Three methods were employed to detect IgG antibodies against T. gondii: Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), Indirect Immunofluorescence Antibody Test (IFAT), and Western Blot (WB), which was used as a reference here. Forty-nine sera samples were true-positive for IgG antibodies against T. gondii, resulting in a 31.61% positivity rate, and the immunoassay test statistical reliability analysis resulted in higher IFAT accuracy (90.97%) compared to ELISA (76.26%). Furthermore, statistical analysis of demographic and immunological data included in the study placed female and foreign/non-Greek individuals at 2.24 (p = 0.0009) and 2.34 (p = 0.0006) times higher risk of positive T. gondii IgG testing compared to their male and Greek counterparts, respectively. Our findings on positivity rates and comparative serology underscore the importance of early and suitable screening measures for newly diagnosed HIV+ patients to mitigate the life-threatening outcomes that may arise from a potential subsequent T. gondii activation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue One Health: New Approaches, Research and Innovation to Zoonoses)

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12 pages, 2483 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Single Amino Acid Polymorphisms in the Fasciola hepatica Carboxylesterase Type B Gene and Their Potential Role in Anthelmintic Resistance

by Estefan Miranda-Miranda, Raquel Cossío-Bayúgar, Lauro Trejo-Castro and Hugo Aguilar-Díaz

Pathogens 2023, 12(10), 1255; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12101255 - 18 Oct 2023

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Abstract

The expression of the Fasciola hepatica carboxylesterase type B (CestB) gene is known to be induced upon exposure to the anthelmintic triclabendazole (TCBZ), leading to a substantial rise in enzyme-specific activity. Furthermore, the nucleotide sequence of the CestB gene displays variations that can [...] Read more.

The expression of the Fasciola hepatica carboxylesterase type B (CestB) gene is known to be induced upon exposure to the anthelmintic triclabendazole (TCBZ), leading to a substantial rise in enzyme-specific activity. Furthermore, the nucleotide sequence of the CestB gene displays variations that can potentially result in radical amino acid substitutions at the ligand binding site. These substitutions hold the potential to impact both the ligand–protein interaction and the catalytic properties of the enzyme. Thus, the objective of our study was to identify novel CestB polymorphisms in TCBZ-resistant parasites and field isolates obtained from a highly endemic region in Central Mexico. Additionally, we aimed to assess these amino acid polymorphisms using 3D modeling against the metabolically oxidized form of the anthelmintic TCBZSOX. Our goal was to observe the formation of TCBZSOX-specific binding pockets that might provide insights into the role of CestB in the mechanism of anthelmintic resistance. We identified polymorphisms in TCBZ-resistant parasites that exhibited three radical amino acid substitutions at positions 147, 215, and 263. These substitutions resulted in the formation of a TCBZSOX-affinity pocket with the potential to bind the anthelmintic drug. Furthermore, our 3D modeling analysis revealed that these amino acid substitutions also influenced the configuration of the CestB catalytic site, leading to alterations in the enzyme’s interaction with chromogenic carboxylic ester substrates and potentially affecting its catalytic properties. However, it is important to note that the TCBZSOX-binding pocket, while significant for drug binding, was located separate from the enzyme’s catalytic site, rendering enzymatic hydrolysis of TCBZSOX impossible. Nonetheless, the observed increased affinity for the anthelmintic may provide an explanation for a drug sequestration type of anthelmintic resistance. These findings lay the groundwork for the future development of a molecular diagnostic tool to identify anthelmintic resistance in F. hepatica. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue One Health: New Approaches, Research and Innovation to Zoonoses)

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9 pages, 279 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Relationship of Latent Toxoplasmosis and Cigarette Smoking: Seroprevalence, Risk Factor, and Case-Control Study in Fars Province, Southern Iran

by Mohammad Saleh Bahreini, Sareh Sami Jahromi, Amir Hossein Radfar, Amir Masoud Salemi, Naghmeh Dastan and Qasem Asgari

Pathogens 2022, 11(11), 1274; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens11111274 - 31 Oct 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2116

Abstract

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease with worldwide prevalence. Despite the relatively similar effects of toxoplasmosis and smoking on alteration in neurotransmitters, especially dopamine, little is known about the relation of Toxoplasma gondii infection and addiction to cigarette smoking. Therefore, the main objective of [...] Read more.

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease with worldwide prevalence. Despite the relatively similar effects of toxoplasmosis and smoking on alteration in neurotransmitters, especially dopamine, little is known about the relation of Toxoplasma gondii infection and addiction to cigarette smoking. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to assess the relationship between latent toxoplasmosis and smoking. Through a case-control study, 216 regular cigarette smokers and 324 nonsmoker age- and gender-matched subjects were evaluated for anti-T.gondii IgG antibodies with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). During the sampling, a structured questionnaire was used to obtain the demographic information of participants and the risk factors of acquired Toxoplasma. The median ages of case and control groups were 51.04 ± 18.1 (22–97 years) and 51.03 ± 16.5 (21–89 years), respectively (p = 0.99). Anti-T.gondii IgG antibodies were detected in 44 (20.37%) cases and in 135 (41.67%) controls. There was a statistically significant difference for the positivity rate between the smokers and the control group (OR = 0.35; 95%CI: 0.19–0.65; and p = 0.001). The overall prevalence was 33.14%. This study indicated the inverse association between seropositivity to Toxoplasma infection and cigarette smoking. This relationship could be due to the changes that latent toxoplasmosis has on the neurotransmitters, especially dopamine, which needs more research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue One Health: New Approaches, Research and Innovation to Zoonoses)

Review

Jump to: Research, Other

57 pages, 28748 KiB

Open AccessReview

Prevalence of Lyme Disease and Relapsing Fever Borrelia spp. in Vectors, Animals, and Humans within a One Health Approach in Mediterranean Countries

by Myrto Koutantou, Michel Drancourt and Emmanouil Angelakis

Pathogens 2024, 13(6), 512; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13060512 - 17 Jun 2024

Viewed by 1285

Abstract

The genus Borrelia has been divided into Borreliella spp., which can cause Lyme Disease (LD), and Borrelia spp., which can cause Relapsing Fever (RF). The distribution of genus Borrelia has broadened due to factors such as climate change, alterations in land use, and [...] Read more.

The genus Borrelia has been divided into Borreliella spp., which can cause Lyme Disease (LD), and Borrelia spp., which can cause Relapsing Fever (RF). The distribution of genus Borrelia has broadened due to factors such as climate change, alterations in land use, and enhanced human and animal mobility. Consequently, there is an increasing necessity for a One Health strategy to identify the key components in the Borrelia transmission cycle by monitoring the human-animal-environment interactions. The aim of this study is to summarize all accessible data to increase our understanding and provide a comprehensive overview of Borrelia distribution in the Mediterranean region. Databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, and Google were searched to determine the presence of Borreliella and Borrelia spp. in vectors, animals, and humans in countries around the Mediterranean Sea. A total of 3026 were identified and screened and after exclusion of papers that did not fulfill the including criteria, 429 were used. After examination of the available literature, it was revealed that various species associated with LD and RF are prevalent in vectors, animals, and humans in Mediterranean countries and should be monitored in order to effectively manage and prevent potential infections. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue One Health: New Approaches, Research and Innovation to Zoonoses)

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13 pages, 286 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

The Importance of the One Health Concept in Combating Zoonoses

by Elina Horefti

Pathogens 2023, 12(8), 977; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12080977 - 26 Jul 2023

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3280

Abstract

One Health fundamentally acknowledges that human health is linked to animal health and the environment. One of the pillars One Health is built on is zoonoses. Through the years, zoonotic infections have caused numerous outbreaks and pandemics, as well as millions of fatalities, [...] Read more.

One Health fundamentally acknowledges that human health is linked to animal health and the environment. One of the pillars One Health is built on is zoonoses. Through the years, zoonotic infections have caused numerous outbreaks and pandemics, as well as millions of fatalities, with the COVID-19 pandemic being the latest one. Apart from the consequences to public health, zoonoses also affect society and the economy. Since its establishment, One Health has contributed significantly to the protection of humans, animals, and the environment, through preparedness, surveillance, and mitigation of such public dangers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue One Health: New Approaches, Research and Innovation to Zoonoses)

Other

Jump to: Research, Review

14 pages, 2050 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

“One Health” Perspective on Prevalence of ESKAPE Pathogens in Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Ntelekwane George Khasapane, Sebolelo Jane Nkhebenyane, Kgaugelo Lekota, Oriel Thekisoe and Tsepo Ramatla

Pathogens 2024, 13(9), 787; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13090787 - 12 Sep 2024

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Abstract

The leading cause of hospital-acquired infections worldwide includes Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter spp. (ESKAPE) infections. These bacteria are commonly isolated from clinical settings and linked to a number of potentially [...] Read more.

The leading cause of hospital-acquired infections worldwide includes Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter spp. (ESKAPE) infections. These bacteria are commonly isolated from clinical settings and linked to a number of potentially fatal diseases associated with hospitals. The objective of this study was to review the prevalence of ESKAPE pathogens in Africa. We gathered and systematically reviewed the literature concerning the prevalence of ESKAPE pathogens, published in the English language from January 2014 to February 2024, from three databases (PubMed, Web of Science and ScienceDirect). Our overall results revealed that S. aureus was the most prevalent species (79.5%), followed by A. baumannii (27.6%), K. pneumoniae (24.2%), Enterobacter spp. (20%), P. aeruginosa (9.0%), and E. faecium (5.1%). Moreover, stool samples had the highest Pooled Prevalence Estimates (PPEs) of 44.0%, followed by urine, nasal, and blood samples with 37.3%, 26.9%, and 22.9%, respectively. For the diagnostic method used to identify these ESKAPE pathogens, VITEK-MS had the highest PPE of 55.2%, followed by whole genome sequencing and PCR with 37.1% and 33.2%, respectively. The highest PPE of ESKAPE pathogens was recorded in West Africa with 77.3%, followed by Central/Middle Africa and East Africa with 43.5% and 25.1%, respectively. The overall PPE of ESKAPE pathogens from humans, animals, the environment (water, soil, and surfaces) and food sources was 35.8%, 37.3%, 47.7%, and 34.2%, respectively. Despite their prevalence in nosocomial settings, studies have shown that the ESKAPE pathogens may be isolated from a range of environmental reservoirs, including soil, dumping sites, beach sand, wastewater, food, and fish farms, among others. This wide source of ESKAPE pathogens substrates indicates the need for a multidisciplinary collaborative partnership for epidemiological studies and intervention efforts by the human, veterinary, and environmental health sectors in Africa. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue One Health: New Approaches, Research and Innovation to Zoonoses)

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