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Zoonotic Diseases: Understanding the Intersection Between Animal and Human Health

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A special issue of Zoonotic Diseases (ISSN 2813-0227).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2025 | Viewed by 31102

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Gunjan Arora

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Guest Editor

Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
Interests: immunology; malaria; tuberculosis; cell signaling; synthetic biology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Aditya Sharma

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Guest Editor

Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
Interests: host-pathogen interaction; regenerative biology; immunology; microbiology; bacterial drug resistance; metabolic pathways discovery
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Neha Dhasmana

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Guest Editor

School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY 10016, USA
Interests: phage therapeutics; microbiology; virology; molecular biology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Zoonotic diseases have been historically associated with humans since the beginning of civilization. Zoonotic diseases have caused significant pandemics, such as bubonic plague, and the Spanish flu of 1918. In recent years, there has been a surge in new zoonotic diseases and the spread of existing outbreaks to new regions. As a result, there has been a growing concern about the impact on health and economic impact from these diseases. Pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, can cause zoonotic diseases. Some well-known zoonotic diseases are Rabies, Plague, Lyme disease, and West Nile virus, while relatively new and not well-understood diseases include SARS, Ebola, MERS, and Swine flu. There are many challenges in the fight against zoonotic diseases, including the emergence of new zoonotic diseases, lack of diagnostics methods, lack of awareness and knowledge, lack of coordination and collaboration among nations, changing environment and ecological conditions, and ease of travel.

In conclusion, zoonotic diseases pose a serious threat to both human health and the stability of the economy. The ongoing management of zoonotic diseases necessitates a commitment to collaboration, sharing information, raising public awareness, and developing coordinated response plans. With continued effort and collaboration, it is possible to minimize the impact of zoonotic diseases and protect human, animal, and environmental health.

This Special Issue accepts submissions of original research articles, reviews, mini-reviews, and commentaries covering all aspects of zoonotic disease.

Dr. Gunjan Arora
Dr. Aditya Sharma
Dr. Neha Dhasmana
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.

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. Zoonotic Diseases is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly 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 1000 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 diseases
zoonotic and public health
emerging diseases
vector-borne disease
infectious diseases
microbiology
virology
parasitology
transmission
management of zoonosis diseases
epidemic
global health diseases

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review, Other

3 pages, 238 KB

Open AccessEditorial

Bridging the Gap: Exploring the Connection between Animal and Human Health

by Aditya Kumar Sharma, Neha Dhasmana and Gunjan Arora

Zoonotic Dis. 2023, 3(2), 176-178; https://doi.org/10.3390/zoonoticdis3020014 - 28 May 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4195

Abstract

Zoonotic diseases, also referred to as zoonoses, are diseases that are transmitted from animals to humans [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Zoonotic Diseases: Understanding the Intersection Between Animal and Human Health)

Research

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47 pages, 1807 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Cross-Sectional Survey of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Toward Mpox Among One Health Stakeholders in Nigeria

by Nafi’u Lawal, Muhammad Bashar Jibril, Muhammad Bashir Bello, Abdurrahman Jibril Hassan, Mustapha Umar Imam, Samira Rabiu Anka, Maryam Abida Alhassan, Bello Magaji Arkilla and Aminu Shittu

Zoonotic Dis. 2025, 5(4), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/zoonoticdis5040027 - 25 Sep 2025

Abstract

Mpox has re-emerged as a global public health threat, particularly in endemic regions such as Nigeria, where human, animal, and environmental health sectors intersect. To inform surveillance and control strategies, this study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward Mpox among One Health stakeholders in Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 492 participants from human, veterinary, and environmental health sectors using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, ordinal logistic regression, and margins analysis were used to evaluate levels and predictors of KAP. Results showed that 33.7% of respondents had low knowledge, 43.5% moderate, and 22.8% high. While 62.6% demonstrated high attitude scores, only 48.2% reported moderate preventive practices. Gender was significantly associated with attitudes, with females having lower odds of expressing higher attitudes than males (OR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.49–1.00, p = 0.052), and margins analysis revealed a predicted probability of high attitude at 56% for females and 64% for males. Multivariable modeling for practice was not pursued because model fit did not improve compared to univariable results, and sparse data led to unstable estimates, thus offering no added explanatory power. These findings underscore persistent knowledge gaps and gender-related disparities that may hinder effective Mpox response. Targeted risk communication and capacity building are recommended to strengthen One Health preparedness in Nigeria. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Zoonotic Diseases: Understanding the Intersection Between Animal and Human Health)

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28 pages, 1619 KB

Open AccessArticle

Are We Missing Brucella spp. in Portugal? The First Nationwide Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Retrospective Serological Study of Brucella canis (2013–2025)

by Ricardo Lopes, Hugo Lima de Carvalho, Ana Cristina Ferreira, Andreia Garcês, Cátia Fernandes, Ana Rita Silva, Ana Patrícia Lopes, Luís Cardoso, Elsa Leclerc Duarte and Ana Cláudia Coelho

Zoonotic Dis. 2025, 5(4), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/zoonoticdis5040026 - 24 Sep 2025

Abstract

Brucella canis is a neglected zoonotic pathogen associated with canine reproductive disorders and emerging public health concerns. This study presents the first nationwide systematic review and meta-analysis of Brucella spp. in Portugal, integrated with a 13-year retrospective seroepidemiological investigation (2013–2025) of B. canis in dogs across mainland Portugal and Insular Autonomous Regions. Among 132 canine serum samples, a seropositivity of 23.48% was observed using an immunochromatographic assay confirmed by indirect immunofluorescence (IFAT). Significant associations were identified with seasonality (p < 0.001) and breed (p = 0.001), while sex and age were not statistically significant. Municipal-level analysis revealed marked heterogeneity, with Trofa showing the highest seropositivity (58.82%) and a pooled odds ratio of 11.28 (95% CI: 2.90–43.94; p < 0.001). In parallel, meta-analyses of published data estimated a pooled seroprevalence of 2.42% in animals (95% CI: 1.79–3.13) and 10.57% in humans (95% CI: 8.80–12.47), underscoring the broader burden of Brucella spp. exposure in Portugal. These findings suggest underdiagnosis of canine brucellosis and highlight the need for enhanced surveillance in high-risk breeds and regions. The study reinforces the importance of integrated One Health strategies to improve early detection, control, and prevention of B. canis infection in both veterinary and public health contexts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Zoonotic Diseases: Understanding the Intersection Between Animal and Human Health)

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23 pages, 3143 KB

Open AccessArticle

Immune Responses Against West Nile Virus and Mosquito Salivary Proteins in Wild Birds from St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana

by Alyssa R. Schwinn, Sara Harris, Zoe Jacobs, Jane de Verges, Samuel B. Jameson, Dawn M. Wesson, Sarah R. Michaels, Kevin A. Caillouët and Berlin Londoño-Renteria

Zoonotic Dis. 2025, 5(2), 11; https://doi.org/10.3390/zoonoticdis5020011 - 6 May 2025

Viewed by 950

Abstract

Though a variety of methods are used to conduct West Nile virus (WNV) surveillance, accurate prediction and prevention of outbreaks remain a global challenge. Previous studies have established that the concentration of antibodies to mosquito saliva is directly related to the intensity of exposure to mosquito bites and can be a good proxy to determine risk of infection in human populations. To assess exposure characteristics and transmission dynamics among avian communities, we tested the levels of IgY antibodies against whole salivary glands of Aedes albopictus and Culex quinquefasciatus, as well as WNV antigen, in 300 Northern cardinals sampled from April 2019 to October 2019 in St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana. Though there were no significant differences in antibody responses among sex or age groups, exposure to Ae. albopictus bites was more positively associated with exposure to WNV compared with Cx. quinquefasciatus exposure (ρ = 0.2525, p < 0.001; ρ = 0.1752, p = 0.02437). This association was more pronounced among female birds (ρ = 0.3004, p = 0.0075), while no significant relationship existed between exposure to either mosquito vector and WNV among male birds in the study. In general, two seasonal trends in exposure were found, noting that exposure to Ae. albopictus becomes less intense throughout the season (ρ = −0.1529, p = 0.04984), while recaptured birds in the study were found to have increased exposure to Cx. quinquefasciatus by the end of the season (ρ = 0.277, p = 0.0468). Additionally, we report the identification of several immunogenic salivary proteins, including D7 family proteins, from both mosquito vectors among the birds. Our results suggest that Ae. albopictus may have a role in early-season transmission of WNV, particularly among brooding females and hatchling cardinals. However, bloodmeal analysis was not included in this work and further studies are needed to verify this assumption. Yet, broad circulation of WNV in nesting avian communities could enhance risk of infection among Cx. quinquefasciatus mosquitoes in the late season, with the potential to contribute to human disease incidence and epizootic spillover in the environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Zoonotic Diseases: Understanding the Intersection Between Animal and Human Health)

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15 pages, 1700 KB

Open AccessArticle

Modeling the Transmission of ESBL and AmpC-Producing Escherichia coli in Denmark: A Compartmental and Source Attribution Approach

by Maja Lykke Brinch, Ana Sofia Ribeiro Duarte, Ofosuhene O. Apenteng and Tine Hald

Zoonotic Dis. 2025, 5(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/zoonoticdis5010007 - 18 Mar 2025

Viewed by 1172

Abstract

Extended-spectrum cephalosporin-resistant Escherichia coli (ESC-EC) poses a significant public health concern, with its presence increasingly detected in healthy humans and various animal species. This study explores the transmission dynamic of ESC-EC within the Danish population as well as the transmission impact of a range of food and animal sources. We developed a compartmental model encompassing farmers, pet owners, and the general population. Additionally, we applied an established source attribution model to estimate the contributions to the transmission of different sources using Danish surveillance data on the distribution of resistance genes in E. coli. Our findings highlight the central role of human-to-human transmission while also showing the significant contributions of food and animal sources to the spread of ESC-EC in sporadic human infections. Imported food, pets, and livestock were estimated to contribute importantly to human infections. The results emphasize the complexity of ESC-EC transmission dynamics and the critical value of employing a One Health approach in modeling disease transmission and in the development of targeted intervention strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Zoonotic Diseases: Understanding the Intersection Between Animal and Human Health)

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17 pages, 1457 KB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring Pathogenic and Zoonotic Bacteria from Wild Rodents, Dogs, and Humans of the Ngorongoro District in Tanzania Using Metagenomics Next-Generation Sequencing

by Amina Ramadhani Issae, Abdul Selemani Katakweba, Rose Peter Kicheleri, Augustino Alfred Chengula, Marco van Zwetselaar and Christopher Jacob Kasanga

Zoonotic Dis. 2023, 3(3), 226-242; https://doi.org/10.3390/zoonoticdis3030019 - 1 Sep 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3817

Abstract

Globally, zoonoses have serious consequences due to their socioeconomic impacts. Ngorongoro District is home to a diverse range of wildlife and domestic animals, including rodents and dogs, which often coexist in close proximity with humans. The aim of the study was to identify the zoonotic bacteria present in wild rodents, domestic dogs, and humans using metagenomics next-generation sequencing technology. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2022. This study used both Illumina and Oxford Nanopore sequencing technologies to identify bacteria in 530 blood samples collected from humans (n = 200), wild rodents (n = 230), and dogs (n = 100). Several zoonotic airborne/contagious bacteria, including Mycobacterium spp., Mycoplasma spp., Bordetella spp., and Legionella spp., were detected in wild rodents, domestic dogs, and humans. Arthropod-borne zoonotic bacteria such as Bartonella spp., Borrelia spp., and Rickettsia spp. were detected in all three hosts, while Orientia spp. was found in wild rodents and domestic dogs. Yersinia pestis, Streptobacillus spp. and Anaplasma spp. were found only in wild rodents. Other zoonotic bacteria found shared among wild rodents, domestic dogs, and humans are Leptospira spp., Brucella spp., and Salmonella spp. Generally, wild rodents had the highest prevalence of zoonotic bacterial species when compared to domestic dogs and humans. The detection of zoonotic bacteria in rodents, dogs, and humans supports the hypothesis that infections can spread between animals and humans sharing the same environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Zoonotic Diseases: Understanding the Intersection Between Animal and Human Health)

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Review

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41 pages, 1249 KB

Open AccessReview

Tickborne Colpodella Species Infections: Time for a New Integrated Approach to Understand Transmission and Pathogenicity

by Tobili Y. Sam-Yellowe, Trinity Nims, Sona Qaderi and Mary M. Asraf

Zoonotic Dis. 2025, 5(2), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/zoonoticdis5020014 - 26 May 2025

Viewed by 826

Abstract

Colpodella species are free-living predatory protists that prey on algae, ciliates and bodonids using myzocytosis. Colpodella species have been reported in human and animal infections. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using primers targeting 18S rRNA genes of Cryptosporidium and piroplasms have identified Colpodella species in arthropods, host blood and feces, demonstrating the phylogenetic closeness of Colpodella species to the apicomplexa. However, in human, animal and arthropod hosts, the life cycle stages of Colpodella are unknown. In this literature review, we provide an overview of the widespread occurrence of Colpodella species in ticks, and pathogenicity in humans and animals. We discuss methods for culture and microscopy that can aid diagnosis. Phylogenetic tree analysis of Colpodella species identified using 18S rRNA demonstrates that the Colpodella species identified in different geographic regions represent different species and strains that may impact virulence and zoonotic transmission. There is a pressing need to culture Colpodella species, and to stain cells for morphological identification. This will aid molecular investigations aimed at identifying molecular markers of Colpodella spp. facilitating transmission, survival and pathogenesis in hosts, and will determine which species and strains to prioritize for the risk of zoonotic infections to humans and for infections in animals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Zoonotic Diseases: Understanding the Intersection Between Animal and Human Health)

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21 pages, 704 KB

Open AccessReview

Salmonellosis in Cattle: Sources and Risk of Infection, Control, and Prevention

by Kingsley E. Bentum, Emmanuel Kuufire, Rejoice Nyarku, Viona Osei, Stuart Price, Dianna Bourassa, Temesgen Samuel, Charlene R. Jackson and Woubit Abebe

Zoonotic Dis. 2025, 5(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/zoonoticdis5010004 - 12 Feb 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4183

Abstract

Salmonellosis in humans is a public health threat and cattle are important reservoirs for the pathogen. Cattle products such as ground beef have been linked to human salmonellosis outbreaks, and some disease investigations have been traced back to infected animal herds on farms and animal markets as the origin of infection. It is now common to isolate Salmonella from many cattle operations as the pathogen once introduced onto a farm can establish an undesirable endemic condition among herds. It is, therefore, essential to adopt measures to mitigate or prevent the introduction and spread of zoonotic disease agents like Salmonella in animal populations. With this background, the potential sources and risks of Salmonella infection in cattle, the control of already established infection, and other preventative measures are discussed in this article. We conclude that a holistic approach involving all stakeholders in cattle production is needed to safeguard public health, eventually forestalling human salmonellosis from cattle sources. In achieving this, it will be essential to consider the farm as a critical control point in preventing the introduction of Salmonella into the food chain. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Zoonotic Diseases: Understanding the Intersection Between Animal and Human Health)

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17 pages, 667 KB

Open AccessReview

Bacterial Zoonotic Diseases and Male Reproduction

by Lateef Olabisi Okeleji, Lydia Oluwatoyin Ajayi, Aduragbemi Noah Odeyemi, Victor Amos, Bosede Grace Akanbi, Moyinoluwa Comfort Onaolapo, Bolade Sylvester Olateju, Wale Johnson Adeyemi and Ayodeji Folorunsho Ajayi

Zoonotic Dis. 2024, 4(1), 97-113; https://doi.org/10.3390/zoonoticdis4010010 - 19 Mar 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 5098

Abstract

Bacterial zoonotic diseases hold significant public health importance due to their substantial contribution to human morbidity and mortality. These infections have been implicated in reducing the fertility rate among couples of reproductive age. Despite the increasing prevalence of infertility and sub-fertility in men, there has been limited investigation into the possible effects of bacterial zoonotic infections on the male reproductive system. The purpose of this review is to describe common bacterial zoonotic diseases and their effects on human reproduction in order to unveil the hidden roles these infections could play in male factor infertility. While there is a dearth of information on this subject from human studies, available evidence from experimental animals suggests that bacterial zoonotic diseases impair male reproductive functions and structures primarily through the activation of the inflammatory response and distortion of the antioxidant system, resulting in the generation of oxidative species. In light of the limited research on bacterial zoonotic diseases and their role in male reproduction, efforts must be directed towards the subject to unravel the underlying pathological mechanisms and reduce the incidence among the human populace, either through preventive or curative measures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Zoonotic Diseases: Understanding the Intersection Between Animal and Human Health)

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Other

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15 pages, 2312 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Zoonotic Diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Jérôme Ateudjieu, Joseph Nelson Siewe Fodjo, Calson Ambomatei, Ketina Hirma Tchio-Nighie and Anne-Cecile Zoung Kanyi Bissek

Zoonotic Dis. 2023, 3(4), 251-265; https://doi.org/10.3390/zoonoticdis3040021 - 4 Oct 2023

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 8195

Abstract

Frequent animal–human interactions in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) pose an increased risk for the transmission of zoonotic diseases. While there are sporadic reports of zoonotic diseases outbreaks in SSA, a synthetic overview is necessary to better understand how the sub-region is impacted by these pathologies. We conducted a systematic review of zoonotic diseases studies conducted in SSA between 2000 and 2022. Quantitative reports including case reports/series from countries spanning West, Central, East, and Southern SSA and that provided empirical data on the occurrence of zoonotic diseases in humans with documented evidence of animal origin were eligible for inclusion. The 55 eligible articles provided 82 reports of zoonotic diseases for a total of 28,934 human cases (pooled attack rate: 54.4 per 1000) and 1182 deaths (pooled fatality rate: 345.4 per 1000). Only 31 (37.8%) of the studies were conducted during ongoing outbreaks. We identified the zoonotic diseases in SSA with the highest attack rates (rickettsiosis, toxoplasmosis, Q-fever) and CFR (Marburg, Ebola, leptospirosis), which should be prioritized for surveillance and response preparedness. Addressing the threat of zoonotic diseases in SSA requires the strengthening of health systems and implementation of a one health approach. Importantly, research should be encouraged during ongoing epidemics to fortify immediate response strategies and work toward preventing future outbreaks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Zoonotic Diseases: Understanding the Intersection Between Animal and Human Health)

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