Epidemiology of Zoonotic Virus Transmission: Pathways, Host Factors, and Public Health Strategies

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2026 | Viewed by 630

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Instituto de Saúde Ambiental (ISAMB), Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
Interests: infectious diseases; HIV; hepatitis; tropical medicine
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Guest Editor Assistant
1. Emergency Response and Biopreparedness Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases, Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA), 1649-016 Lisboa, Portugal
2. Instituto de Saúde Ambiental (ISAMB), Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
Interests: biopreparedness; emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases; biosafety and biosecurity; public health; one health

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Zoonotic viruses remain a major threat to global health, with spillover events from animal reservoirs to human populations continuing to drive emergent epidemics and pandemics. Understanding the complex pathways of transmission, the host factors that facilitate cross-species infections, and the effectiveness of public health interventions is crucial to predicting, preventing, and mitigating these threats.

This Special Issue aims to provide a comprehensive overview of current research in the epidemiology of zoonotic virus transmission. We welcome original research articles, reviews, and short communications addressing topics such as the following:

  • Transmission dynamics and ecological drivers;
  • Genetic, immunological, and behavioural host factors;
  • Surveillance and early warning systems;
  • Case studies and outbreak investigations;
  • Risk assessment models and One Health strategies.

By fostering interdisciplinary dialogue between virology, epidemiology, veterinary science, and public health, this Issue seeks to highlight innovative methodologies, emerging trends, and practical strategies to improve pandemic preparedness and zoonotic disease prevention.

We look forward to your contributions that will enrich this Thematic Issue and advance knowledge in this critical field.

Prof. Dr. Francisco José Nunes Antunes
Guest Editor

Rita Cordeiro
Guest Editors Assistant

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • zoonotic viruses
  • transmission pathways
  • host factors
  • public health strategies
  • one health

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

16 pages, 1613 KB  
Review
Mpox in People Living with HIV: Clinical Challenges, Preventive Strategies and Public Health Implications
by Rita Cordeiro, João Caria, Daniel Sobral and Diana Póvoas
Viruses 2025, 17(12), 1558; https://doi.org/10.3390/v17121558 - 28 Nov 2025
Viewed by 404
Abstract
Monkeypox virus (MPXV) re-emerged in 2022 with a global outbreak that affected more than 100,000 individuals worldwide. People living with HIV (PLWH) accounted for a substantial proportion of cases, raising concerns about disease presentation, management, and outcomes in this population. Evidence indicates that [...] Read more.
Monkeypox virus (MPXV) re-emerged in 2022 with a global outbreak that affected more than 100,000 individuals worldwide. People living with HIV (PLWH) accounted for a substantial proportion of cases, raising concerns about disease presentation, management, and outcomes in this population. Evidence indicates that PLWH with advanced or uncontrolled HIV infection experienced more severe mpox, with higher hospitalization rates, more complications, and longer disease courses. In contrast, individuals with well-controlled HIV generally had outcomes similar to those without HIV. Access to timely diagnosis, consistent antiretroviral therapy, and availability of tecovirimat were key factors influencing prognosis. Reports also suggest bidirectional interactions between mpox and HIV pathogenesis. Immune activation and APOBEC3-related viral evolution have been proposed; however, these mechanisms remain incompletely characterized and warrant further investigation. Moreover, disparities in healthcare access and stigma compound the vulnerability of PLWH, emphasizing the need for integrated approaches. Full article
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