Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
7.3
3.8
Journals
Viruses
Special Issues
Zoonotic Viral Diseases: Drivers, Causes, Prevention and Cure, 2nd Edition
share announcement

Zoonotic Viral Diseases: Drivers, Causes, Prevention and Cure, 2nd Edition

A special issue of Viruses (ISSN 1999-4915). This special issue belongs to the section "Animal Viruses".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2025 | Viewed by 2254

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Claude Saegerman

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH) Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liege, 4000 Liege, Belgium
Interests: infectious diseases; vector-borne diseases; zoonoses; epidemiology; risk analysis; biosecurity
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

During the recent decade, zoonotic viral diseases have (re-)emerged in areas where they had been previously eradicated or never been recorded before. In other endemic areas, the incidence of animal and/or human cases has increased. The objectives of this Special Issue are as follows: (i) understanding the drivers and the mechanisms of these diseases’ (re-)emergence or increasing incidence; (ii) understanding the disease mechanism and pathogenesis in reservoir hosts and end hosts; (iii) prioritization of these diseases and/or their vectors based on a multidisciplinary and evidence-based method; (iv) assessment of their spatio-temporal pattern (trend observation or trend analysis); (v) signal capture of these diseases’ (re-)emergence; (vi) improvement of laboratory diagnostic capacities regarding these diseases; (vii) estimation of their costs; and (viii) proposition of proper risk assessment and some mitigation measures or strategies to decrease their impacts/consequences on the host population(s). Review papers—including systematic reviews and meta-analyses, as well as original papers on the matter that contribute to the objectives—are welcome.

Prof. Dr. Claude Saegerman
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. Viruses 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 2600 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

  • zoonotic viral diseases
  • drivers of emergence
  • disease mechanism and pathogenesis in reservoir host and end host
  • prevention mitigation measures
  • treatment

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Related Special Issue

Published Papers (4 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review, Other

19 pages, 17051 KiB  
Article
Biosecurity Risk Factors and Predictive Index for Hepatitis E Virus Serological Status in Belgian Pig Farms: Conventional and Free-Range Systems
by Constance Wielick, Louisa Ludwig-Begall, Stefaan Ribbens, Étienne Thiry, Christel Faes and Claude Saegerman
Viruses 2025, 17(3), 432; https://doi.org/10.3390/v17030432 - 18 Mar 2025
Viewed by 270
Abstract
Hepatitis E viruses (HEV) cause hepatitis E in humans. In industrialized countries, sporadic HEV infections, typically caused by HEV genotypes 3 or 4, can become chronic and progress to liver cirrhosis in immunocompromised individuals. Pigs are a significant animal reservoir, implicating raw or [...] Read more.
Hepatitis E viruses (HEV) cause hepatitis E in humans. In industrialized countries, sporadic HEV infections, typically caused by HEV genotypes 3 or 4, can become chronic and progress to liver cirrhosis in immunocompromised individuals. Pigs are a significant animal reservoir, implicating raw or undercooked pork products as potential sources of human infection. To better understand HEV dissemination in the Belgian pig population, potential risk factors were investigated by linking farm-level HEV serological status to biosecurity questionnaire data. Farrow-to-finish herd type, free-range systems, and poor boot hygiene were significantly associated with higher within-herd prevalences. This enabled an initial risk profiling of various farming types and the development of predictions for all Belgian pig farms. When combined with the census of the Belgian wild boar population, the predicted HEV status of all professional Belgian pig farms (based on these associations) does not suggest that the proximity of wild boars is a main source of HEV in free-ranging herds. Identifying risk factors for increased circulation of HEV between and within pig farms is critical to controlling its spread and reducing human infection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Zoonotic Viral Diseases: Drivers, Causes, Prevention and Cure, 2nd Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research, Other

32 pages, 1655 KiB  
Review
Advancements and Challenges in Addressing Zoonotic Viral Infections with Epidemic and Pandemic Threats
by Munazza Fatima, Timothy An, Pil-Gu Park and Kee-Jong Hong
Viruses 2025, 17(3), 352; https://doi.org/10.3390/v17030352 - 28 Feb 2025
Viewed by 698
Abstract
Zoonotic viruses have significant pandemic potential, as evidenced by the coronavirus pandemic, which underscores that zoonotic infections have historically caused numerous outbreaks and millions of deaths over centuries. Zoonotic viruses induce numerous types of illnesses in their natural hosts. These viruses are transmitted [...] Read more.
Zoonotic viruses have significant pandemic potential, as evidenced by the coronavirus pandemic, which underscores that zoonotic infections have historically caused numerous outbreaks and millions of deaths over centuries. Zoonotic viruses induce numerous types of illnesses in their natural hosts. These viruses are transmitted to humans via biological vectors, direct contact with infected animals or their bites, and aerosols. Zoonotic viruses continuously evolve and adapt to human hosts, resulting in devastating consequences. It is very important to understand pathogenesis pathways associated with zoonotic viral infections across various hosts and develop countermeasure strategies accordingly. In this review, we briefly discuss advancements in diagnostics and therapeutics for zoonotic viral infections. It provides insight into recent outbreaks, viral dynamics, licensed vaccines, as well as vaccine candidates progressing to clinical investigations. Despite advancements, challenges persist in combating zoonotic viruses due to immune evasion, unpredicted outbreaks, and the complexity of the immune responses. Most of these viruses lack effective treatments and vaccines, relying entirely on supportive care and preventive measures. Exposure to animal reservoirs, limited vaccine access, and insufficient coverage further pose challenges to preventive efforts. This review highlights the critical need for ongoing interdisciplinary research and collaboration to strengthen preparedness and response strategies against emerging infectious threats. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Zoonotic Viral Diseases: Drivers, Causes, Prevention and Cure, 2nd Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 1224 KiB  
Review
Bovine Leukemia Virus and Human Breast Cancer: A Review of Clinical and Molecular Evidence
by Rancés Blanco, Claudio Quezada-Romegialli and Juan P. Muñoz
Viruses 2025, 17(3), 324; https://doi.org/10.3390/v17030324 - 26 Feb 2025
Viewed by 844
Abstract
Despite significant advancements in early diagnosis and treatment, breast cancer (BC) remains a major global health challenge. Ongoing research is essential to identify novel risk factors, implement innovative screening programs, and develop personalized treatment approaches. Among the various risk factors, infection with certain [...] Read more.
Despite significant advancements in early diagnosis and treatment, breast cancer (BC) remains a major global health challenge. Ongoing research is essential to identify novel risk factors, implement innovative screening programs, and develop personalized treatment approaches. Among the various risk factors, infection with certain oncogenic viruses has emerged as a potential contributor to BC development. Increasing evidence suggests that bovine leukemia virus (BLV) may contribute to zoonotic infections in humans, with a potential role in BC initiation and progression. This review evaluates clinical and experimental data on BLV presence in both malignant and non-malignant breast tissues, exploring potential mechanisms through which BLV may access human breast tissue and contribute to carcinogenesis. Current data reveal a higher prevalence of BLV infection in BC tissues compared to non-tumor tissues, correlating with an increased risk of BC development. In this context, dairy and meat products from BLV-infected animals have been proposed as potential transmission sources. BLV-encoded proteins disrupt key oncogenic pathways, which support their possible role in breast carcinogenesis. However, the interpretation of these findings is limited by potential confounding factors such as genetic predisposition, environmental exposures, and dietary influences. Further research, including well-controlled epidemiological studies, longitudinal cohorts, and mechanistic investigations into BLV proteins in human breast cells, is necessary to determine its role in BC development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Zoonotic Viral Diseases: Drivers, Causes, Prevention and Cure, 2nd Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Other

Jump to: Research, Review

8 pages, 2215 KiB  
Brief Report
Genetic and Antiviral Potential Characterization of Four Insect-Specific Viruses Identified and Isolated from Mosquitoes in Yunnan Province
by Qinxuan Miao, Lulu Deng, Xiang Le, Qian Li, Yuting Ning, Yimeng Duan, Qi Liu, Yinzhu Tao, Binghui Wang and Xueshan Xia
Viruses 2025, 17(5), 596; https://doi.org/10.3390/v17050596 - 23 Apr 2025
Viewed by 88
Abstract
Mosquitoes, comprising over 300 species, are pivotal vectors for transmitting arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) to vertebrates via bites, posing a significant public health threat with approximately 700,000 annual deaths. In contrast, insect-specific viruses (ISVs) exclusively infect insects and have no direct impact on human [...] Read more.
Mosquitoes, comprising over 300 species, are pivotal vectors for transmitting arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) to vertebrates via bites, posing a significant public health threat with approximately 700,000 annual deaths. In contrast, insect-specific viruses (ISVs) exclusively infect insects and have no direct impact on human health. Yunnan Province in China, located in tropical and subtropical regions, provides an ideal environment for mosquito habitation and has the highest diversity of known mosquito-borne viruses. In this study, mosquito samples were collected from eight cities and states in Yunnan Province, totaling 15,099 specimens. Based on the collection sites and mosquito species, the samples were divided into 110 groups for virus isolation. Four insect-specific viruses (Tanay virus [TANV], Culex orthoflavivirus [CxFV], Aedes orthoflavivirus [AeFV], La Tina virus [LTNV]) were successfully isolated, and co-infection studies with dengue virus (DENV-2) were conducted in C6/36 cells. Preliminary results suggested that these four insect-specific viruses may reduce the viral titer of DENV-2 in C6/36 cells. Understanding the intricate interactions between insect-specific viruses and mosquito-borne viruses is crucial for elucidating the multifaceted role of mosquitoes in arboviral transmission dynamics. Insect-specific viruses exhibit considerable potential as innovative biocontrol agents, with promising capacity to attenuate mosquito-borne viral transmission through the targeted modulation of mosquito innate immunity and physiological adaptations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Zoonotic Viral Diseases: Drivers, Causes, Prevention and Cure, 2nd Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-4
Back to TopTop