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Ventura D, O'Ryan M. Strengthening Latin America's presence in global health. BMJ 2024; 385:q716. [PMID: 38569718 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.q716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Deisy Ventura
- School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Miguel O'Ryan
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
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2
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Zyoud S. Global Mapping and Visualization Analysis of One Health Knowledge in the COVID-19 Context. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH INSIGHTS 2024; 18:11786302241236017. [PMID: 38449589 PMCID: PMC10916474 DOI: 10.1177/11786302241236017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Globally, the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the health, social, and economic systems, triggering lasting damage and exposing the complexity of the problem beyond just being a health emergency. This crisis has highlighted the need for a comprehensive and collaborative strategy to successfully counter infectious diseases and other global challenges. With the COVID-19 pandemic pushing One Health to the forefront of global health and sustainable development agendas, this concept has emerged as a potential approach for addressing these challenges. In the context of COVID-19, this study investigates global knowledge about One Health by examining its state, significant contributions, and future directions. It seeks to offer an integrated framework of insights guiding the development of well-informed decisions. A comprehensive search using the Scopus database was conducted, employing specific terms related to One Health and COVID-19. VOSviewer 1.6.19 software was used to generate network visualization maps. Countries' research output was adjusted based on their gross domestic product (GDP) and population size. The study identified a total of 527 publications. The United States led with 134 documents (25.4%), but India topped the adjusted ranking. One Health journal stood as the most common outlet for disseminating knowledge (49 documents; 9.3%), while Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the United States emerged as the most prolific institution (13 documents; 2.5%). Key topics were related to the virus transmission mechanisms, climate change impacts, antimicrobial resistance, ecosystem health, preparedness, collaboration, community engagement, and developing of efficient surveillance systems. The study emphasizes how critical it is to capitalize on the present momentum of COVID-19 to advance One Health concepts. Integrating social and environmental sciences, and a variety of professions for better interaction and collaboration is crucial. Additionally, increased funding for developing countries, and legislative empowerment are vital to advance One Health and boost disease prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaher Zyoud
- Department of Building Engineering & Environment,Palestine Technical University (Kadoorie), Tulkarem, Palestine
- Department of Civil Engineering & Sustainable Structures,Palestine Technical University (Kadoorie), Tulkarem, Palestine
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3
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Song P, Adeloye D, Acharya Y, Bojude DA, Ali S, Alibudbud R, Bastien S, Becerra-Posada F, Berecki M, Bodomo A, Borrescio-Higa F, Buchtova M, Campbell H, Chan KY, Cheema S, Chopra M, Cipta DA, Castro LD, Ganasegeran K, Gebre T, Glasnović A, Graham CJ, Igwesi-Chidobe C, Iversen PO, Jadoon B, Lanza G, Macdonald C, Park C, Islam MM, Mshelia S, Nair H, Ng ZX, Htay MNN, Akinyemi KO, Parisi M, Patel S, Peprah P, Polasek O, Riha R, Rotarou ES, Sacks E, Sharov K, Stankov S, Supriyatiningsih W, Sutan R, Tomlinson M, Tsai AC, Tsimpida D, Vento S, Glasnović JV, Vokey LB, Wang L, Wazny K, Xu J, Yoshida S, Zhang Y, Cao J, Zhu Y, Sheikh A, Rudan I. Setting research priorities for global pandemic preparedness: An international consensus and comparison with ChatGPT's output. J Glob Health 2024; 14:04054. [PMID: 38386716 PMCID: PMC10869134 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.14.04054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Background In this priority-setting exercise, we sought to identify leading research priorities needed for strengthening future pandemic preparedness and response across countries. Methods The International Society of Global Health (ISoGH) used the Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative (CHNRI) method to identify research priorities for future pandemic preparedness. Eighty experts in global health, translational and clinical research identified 163 research ideas, of which 42 experts then scored based on five pre-defined criteria. We calculated intermediate criterion-specific scores and overall research priority scores from the mean of individual scores for each research idea. We used a bootstrap (n = 1000) to compute the 95% confidence intervals. Results Key priorities included strengthening health systems, rapid vaccine and treatment production, improving international cooperation, and enhancing surveillance efficiency. Other priorities included learning from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, managing supply chains, identifying planning gaps, and promoting equitable interventions. We compared this CHNRI-based outcome with the 14 research priorities generated and ranked by ChatGPT, encountering both striking similarities and clear differences. Conclusions Priority setting processes based on human crowdsourcing - such as the CHNRI method - and the output provided by ChatGPT are both valuable, as they complement and strengthen each other. The priorities identified by ChatGPT were more grounded in theory, while those identified by CHNRI were guided by recent practical experiences. Addressing these priorities, along with improvements in health planning, equitable community-based interventions, and the capacity of primary health care, is vital for better pandemic preparedness and response in many settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peige Song
- School of Public Health and Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, China
| | - Davies Adeloye
- School of Health & Life Sciences, Teesside University, UK
| | - Yubraj Acharya
- Department of Health Policy and Administration, The Pennsylvania State University, USA
| | | | - Sajjad Ali
- Department of Medicine, Ziauddin Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Rowalt Alibudbud
- Department of Sociology and Behavioral Sciences, De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Marie Buchtova
- Olomouc University Social Health Institute, Palacký University, Olomouc, Czechia
| | - Harry Campbell
- Centre for Global Health, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, UK
| | - Kit Yee Chan
- Centre for Global Health, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, UK
- School of Social Sciences, Monash University, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Lina Diaz Castro
- National Institute of Psychiatry Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Teshome Gebre
- The Task force for Global Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Anton Glasnović
- Croatian Institute for Brain Research, Zagreb University School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Christopher J Graham
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | | | | | - Bismeen Jadoon
- Egyptian Representative, Committee of Fellows of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Oxford, UK, and Royal Berkshire Hospital, NHS, UK
| | - Giuseppe Lanza
- Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy
- University of Catania, Italy
| | - Calum Macdonald
- Centre for Global Health, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, UK
| | - Chulwoo Park
- Department of Public Health and Recreation, San José State University, San Jose, California, USA
| | | | | | - Harish Nair
- Centre for Global Health, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, UK
| | - Zhi Xiang Ng
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Semenyih, Malaysia
| | - Mila Nu Nu Htay
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Manipal University College Malaysia, Melaka, Malaysia
| | | | | | - Smruti Patel
- Editor, Journal of Global Health Reports, Washington, USA
| | - Prince Peprah
- Social Policy Research Centre/Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ozren Polasek
- Croatian Science Foundation, Zagreb, Croatia
- Algebra University College, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Renata Riha
- Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Emma Sacks
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
| | - Konstantin Sharov
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | | | | | - Rosnah Sutan
- Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | | | - Dialechti Tsimpida
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, The University of Liverpool, UK
| | | | | | - Laura B Vokey
- Centre for Global Health, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, UK
| | - Liang Wang
- Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kerri Wazny
- Children's Investment Fund Foundation, London, UK
| | - Jingyi Xu
- School of Health Humanities, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | | | | | - Jin Cao
- School of Public Health and Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, China
| | - Yajie Zhu
- School of Information Science and Technology, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Aziz Sheikh
- Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, UK
| | - Igor Rudan
- Centre for Global Health, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, UK
- Croatian Science Foundation, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - International Society of Global Health (ISoGH)
- School of Public Health and Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, China
- School of Health & Life Sciences, Teesside University, UK
- Department of Health Policy and Administration, The Pennsylvania State University, USA
- Gombe State University, Gombe, Nigeria
- Department of Medicine, Ziauddin Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan
- Department of Sociology and Behavioral Sciences, De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
- Public Health Development Organization, El Paso, USA
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Croatia
- African Studies, University of Vienna, Austria
- Universidad Adolfo Ibañez, Santiago, Chile
- Olomouc University Social Health Institute, Palacký University, Olomouc, Czechia
- Centre for Global Health, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, UK
- School of Social Sciences, Monash University, Australia
- Weill Cornell Medicine – Qatar, Doha, Qatar
- The World Bank, Washington, USA
- Universitas Pelita Harapan, Jakarta, Indonesia
- National Institute of Psychiatry Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Mexico City, Mexico
- Seberang Jaya Hospital, Ministry of Health, Malaysia
- The Task force for Global Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Croatian Institute for Brain Research, Zagreb University School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- University of Bradford, UK
- University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria
- Department of Nutrition, University of Oslo, Norway
- Egyptian Representative, Committee of Fellows of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Oxford, UK, and Royal Berkshire Hospital, NHS, UK
- Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy
- University of Catania, Italy
- Department of Public Health and Recreation, San José State University, San Jose, California, USA
- University of Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Jos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Semenyih, Malaysia
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Manipal University College Malaysia, Melaka, Malaysia
- Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria
- Clemson University, USA
- Editor, Journal of Global Health Reports, Washington, USA
- Social Policy Research Centre/Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Croatian Science Foundation, Zagreb, Croatia
- Algebra University College, Zagreb, Croatia
- Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh, UK
- Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Pasteur Institute, Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
- Children and Mother Health Movement Action, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
- Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, The University of Liverpool, UK
- University of Puthisastra, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
- Department of Hematology, Dubrava University Hospital, Zagreb, Croatia
- Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangzhou, China
- Children's Investment Fund Foundation, London, UK
- School of Health Humanities, Peking University, Beijing, China
- World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
- Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
- School of Information Science and Technology, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, UK
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Arnold KE, Laing G, McMahon BJ, Fanning S, Stekel DJ, Pahl O, Coyne L, Latham SM, McIntyre KM. The need for One Health systems-thinking approaches to understand multiscale dissemination of antimicrobial resistance. Lancet Planet Health 2024; 8:e124-e133. [PMID: 38331529 DOI: 10.1016/s2542-5196(23)00278-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Although the effects of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are most obvious at clinical treatment failure, AMR evolution, transmission, and dispersal happen largely in environmental settings, for example within farms, waterways, livestock, and wildlife. We argue that systems-thinking, One Health approaches are crucial for tackling AMR, by understanding and predicting how anthropogenic activities interact within environmental subsystems, to drive AMR emergence and transmission. Innovative computational methods integrating big data streams (eg, from clinical, agricultural, and environmental monitoring) will accelerate our understanding of AMR, supporting decision making. There are challenges to accessing, integrating, synthesising, and interpreting such complex, multidimensional, heterogeneous datasets, including the lack of specific metrics to quantify anthropogenic AMR. Moreover, data confidentiality, geopolitical and cultural variation, surveillance gaps, and science funding cause biases, uncertainty, and gaps in AMR data and metadata. Combining systems-thinking with modelling will allow exploration, scaling-up, and extrapolation of existing data. This combination will provide vital understanding of the dynamic movement and transmission of AMR within and among environmental subsystems, and its effects across the greater system. Consequently, strategies for slowing down AMR dissemination can be modelled and compared for efficacy and cost-effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn E Arnold
- Department of Environment and Geography, University of York, York, UK.
| | | | - Barry J McMahon
- UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Séamus Fanning
- UCD-Centre for Food Safety, School of Public Health, Physiotherapy & Sports Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Dov J Stekel
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, UK; Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Ole Pahl
- Department of Civil Engineering and Environmental Management, School of Computing, Engineering and Built Environment, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| | - Lucy Coyne
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK; National Office of Animal Health, Stevenage, UK
| | - Sophia M Latham
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - K Marie McIntyre
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK; Modelling, Evidence and Policy group, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
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Osman AY, Mohamed H, Mumin FI, Mahrous H, Saidouni A, Elmi SA, Adawe AK, Mo'allim AA, Lubogo M, Malik SMMR, Mwatondo A, Raji T, Ahmed AD, Zumla A, Dar O, Kock R, Mor SM. Prioritization of zoonoses for multisectoral, One Health collaboration in Somalia, 2023. One Health 2023; 17:100634. [PMID: 38024279 PMCID: PMC10665150 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The human population of Somalia is vulnerable to zoonoses due to a high reliance on animal husbandry. This disease risk is exacerbated by relatively low income (poverty) and weak state capacity for health service delivery in the country as well as climate extremes and geopolitical instability in the region. To address this threat to public health efficiently and effectively, it is essential that all sectors have a common understanding of the priority zoonotic diseases of greatest concern to the country. Methods Representatives from human, animal (domestic and wildlife), agriculture, and environmental health sectors undertook a multisectoral prioritization exercise using the One Health Zoonotic Disease Prioritization (OHZDP) tool developed by the United States CDC. The process involved: reviewing available literature and creating a longlist of zoonotic diseases for potential inclusion; developing and weighting criteria for establishing the importance of each zoonoses; formulating categorical questions (indicators) for each criteria; scoring each disease according to the criteria; and finally ranking the diseases based on the final score. Participants then brainstormed and suggested strategic action plans to prevent, and control prioritized zoonotic diseases. Results Thirty-three zoonoses were initially considered for prioritization. Final criteria for ranking included: 1) socioeconomic impact (including sensitivity) in Somalia; 2) burden of disease in humans in Somalia); 3) availability of intervention in Somalia; 4) environmental factors/determinants; and 5) burden of disease in animals in Somalia. Following scoring of each zoonotic disease against these criteria, and further discussion of the OHZDP tool outputs, seven priority zoonoses were identified for Somalia: Rift Valley fever, Middle East respiratory syndrome, anthrax, trypanosomiasis, brucellosis, zoonotic enteric parasites (including Giardia and Cryptosporidium), and zoonotic influenza viruses. Conclusions The final list of seven priority zoonotic diseases will serve as a foundation for strengthening One Health approaches for disease prevention and control in Somalia. It will be used to: shape improved multisectoral linkages for integrated surveillance systems and laboratory networks for improved human, animal, and environmental health; establish multisectoral public health emergency preparedness and response plans using One Health approaches; and enhance workforce capacity to prevent, control and respond to priority zoonotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdinasir Yusuf Osman
- Royal Veterinary College, University of London, London, UK
- National Institute of Health, Ministry of Health, Mogadishu, Somalia
| | - Halima Mohamed
- Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Farah I. Mumin
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Neston, UK
- International Livestock Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Red Sea University, Bosaso, Somalia
| | - Heba Mahrous
- World Health Organization, Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Asma Saidouni
- World Health Organization, Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sharifo Ali Elmi
- Ministry of Livestock Forestry and Range, Mogadishu, Somalia
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University Malaysia Kelantan, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | | | | | - Mutaawe Lubogo
- World Health Organization, Country Office, Mogadishu, Somalia
| | | | | | - Tajudeen Raji
- Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | - Alimuddin Zumla
- National Institute for Health and Care Research Biomedical Research Centre, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Department of Infection, Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK
| | - Osman Dar
- Global Health Programme, Royal Institute of International Affairs, London, UK
- Global Operations, United Kingdom Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Richard Kock
- Royal Veterinary College, University of London, London, UK
| | - Siobhan M. Mor
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Neston, UK
- International Livestock Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Ramírez Varela A, Touchton M, Miranda JJ, Grueso JM, Laajaj R, Carrasquilla G, Florez MV, Gaviria AMV, Hoyos AMO, Duarte EOV, Morales AV, Velasco N, Restrepo SR. Assessing pandemic preparedness, response, and lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic in four south American countries: agenda for the future. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1274737. [PMID: 38094236 PMCID: PMC10716458 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1274737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic emerged in a context that lacked adequate prevention, preparedness, and response (PPR) activities, and global, regional, and national leadership. South American countries were among world's hardest hit by the pandemic, accounting for 10.1% of total cases and 20.1% of global deaths. Methods This study explores how pandemic PPR were affected by political, socioeconomic, and health system contexts as well as how PPR may have shaped pandemic outcomes in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and Peru. We then identify lessons learned and advance an agenda for improving PPR capacity at regional and national levels. We do this through a mixed-methods sequential explanatory study in four South American countries based on structured interviews and focus groups with elite policy makers. Results The results of our study demonstrate that structural and contextual barriers limited PPR activities at political, social, and economic levels in each country, as well as through the structure of the health care system. Respondents believe that top-level government officials had insufficient political will for prioritizing pandemic PPR and post-COVID-19 recovery programs within their countries' health agendas. Discussion We recommend a regional COVID-19 task force, post-pandemic recovery, social and economic protection for vulnerable groups, improved primary health care and surveillance systems, risk communication strategies, and community engagement to place pandemic PPR on Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and Peru and other South American countries' national public health agendas.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael Touchton
- Faculty Lead for Global Health, Institute for Advanced Study of the Americas, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, United States
| | - J. Jaime Miranda
- School of Medicine, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | | | - Rachid Laajaj
- Department of Economics, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Martha Vives Florez
- Department of Biological Sciences, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | | | | | | | - Nubia Velasco
- School of Business, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
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Redman BK. Rebalancing commercial and public interests in prioritizing biomedical, social and environmental aspects of health through defining and managing conflicts of interest. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1247258. [PMID: 37809337 PMCID: PMC10556523 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1247258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomedical research is intended to benefit human beings and their health. Toward that end, scientific norms involve examining and criticizing the work of others and prioritizing questions that should be studied. Yet, in areas of health research where industry is active, it has often utilized well-honed strategies aimed at evading scientific standards and at dominating the research agenda, largely through its financial support and lack of transparency of its research practices. These tactics have now been documented to uniformly support industry products. Commercial entities are aided in this pursuit by public policy that has significantly embedded commercial interests and agendas into federal research funding and infrastructure. Therefore, to understand the resulting landscape and its effect on priority in health research agendas, traditional definitions of individual conflicts of interest (COI) and the less well developed institutional COI must be supplemented by a new construct of structural COI, largely operating as intellectual monopolies, in support of industry. These arrangements often result in financial and reputational resources that assure dominance of commercial priorities in research agendas, crowding out any other interests and ignoring justified returns to the public from investment of its tax dollars. There is no sustained attention to mechanisms by which public interests can be heard, normative issues raised, and then balanced with commercial interests which are transparently reported. Focus on research supporting approval of commercial products ignores social and environmental determinants of health. Commercial bias can invalidate regulatory research protections through obscuring valid risk-benefit ratios considered by IRBs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara K. Redman
- Division of Medical Ethics, Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY, United States
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Cella E, Giovanetti M, Benedetti F, Scarpa F, Johnston C, Borsetti A, Ceccarelli G, Azarian T, Zella D, Ciccozzi M. Joining Forces against Antibiotic Resistance: The One Health Solution. Pathogens 2023; 12:1074. [PMID: 37764882 PMCID: PMC10535744 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12091074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is a significant global health concern that affects both human and animal populations. The One Health approach acknowledges the interconnectedness of human health, animal health, and the environment. It emphasizes the importance of collaboration and coordination across these sectors to tackle complex health challenges such as antibiotic resistance. In the context of One Health, antibiotic resistance refers to the ability of bacteria to withstand the efficacy of antibiotics, rendering them less effective or completely ineffective in treating infections. The emergence and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria pose a threat to human and animal health, as well as to the effectiveness of medical treatments and veterinary interventions. In particular, One Health recognizes that antibiotic use in human medicine, animal agriculture, and the environment are interconnected factors contributing to the development and spread of antibiotic resistance. For example, the misuse and overuse of antibiotics in human healthcare, including inappropriate prescribing and patient non-compliance, can contribute to the selection and spread of resistant bacteria. Similarly, the use of antibiotics in livestock production for growth promotion and disease prevention can contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance in animals and subsequent transmission to humans through the food chain. Addressing antibiotic resistance requires a collaborative One Health approach that involves multiple participants, including healthcare professionals, veterinarians, researchers, and policymakers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Cella
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA; (C.J.); (T.A.)
| | - Marta Giovanetti
- Sciences and Technologies for Sustainable Development and One Health, University Campus Bio-Medico of Roma, 00128 Roma, Italy;
- Instituto Rene Rachou Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte 31310-260, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Francesca Benedetti
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Human Virology and Global Virus Network Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (F.B.); (D.Z.)
| | - Fabio Scarpa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy;
| | - Catherine Johnston
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA; (C.J.); (T.A.)
| | - Alessandra Borsetti
- National HIV/AIDS Research Center (CNAIDS), National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Giancarlo Ceccarelli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Taj Azarian
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA; (C.J.); (T.A.)
| | - Davide Zella
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Human Virology and Global Virus Network Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (F.B.); (D.Z.)
| | - Massimo Ciccozzi
- Unit of Medical Statistics and Molecular Epidemiology, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Roma, Italy
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Militzer N, McLaws M, Rozstalnyy A, Li Y, Dhingra M, Auplish A, Mintiens K, Sabirovic M, von Dobschuetz S, Heilmann M. Characterising Biosecurity Initiatives Globally to Support the Development of a Progressive Management Pathway for Terrestrial Animals: A Scoping Review. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2672. [PMID: 37627463 PMCID: PMC10451226 DOI: 10.3390/ani13162672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
While biosecurity is of increasing importance globally, there is still limited evidence of the factors or elements that support the progressive and sustainable scaling up of biosecurity along the value chains from the local to the global level. To gain insight into the current body of literature on biosecurity, a mixed-methods approach was used based on a scoping literature review and an online survey with subject matter experts. Six databases were searched for published literature, and textual information from titles and abstracts of all included records (n = 266) were analysed through inductive content analysis to build biosecurity-relevant categories and identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) of existing biosecurity systems or initiatives (such as projects or programs). Most records focused on initiatives in high-income countries, traditional livestock species (pigs, poultry, and large ruminants), and the production stage and had a disease-specific focus. No records described a comprehensive or global framework to progressively scale up biosecurity. Overall, the findings highlight the need for initiatives such as the FAO Progressive Management Pathway for Terrestrial Animal Biosecurity (FAO-PMP-TAB), which is a stepwise approach for strengthening biosecurity management along value chains to enhance the health, resilience, and sustainability of animal sectors. The findings highlight important elements and provide recommendations useful for developing approaches or a global framework to progressively improve biosecurity management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Militzer
- Food and Agriculture Organization of United Nations (FAO), 00153 Rome, Italy
- Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, 53113 Bonn, Germany
| | - Melissa McLaws
- Food and Agriculture Organization of United Nations (FAO), 00153 Rome, Italy
| | - Andriy Rozstalnyy
- Food and Agriculture Organization of United Nations (FAO), 00153 Rome, Italy
| | - Yushan Li
- Food and Agriculture Organization of United Nations (FAO), 00153 Rome, Italy
| | - Madhur Dhingra
- Food and Agriculture Organization of United Nations (FAO), 00153 Rome, Italy
| | - Aashima Auplish
- Food and Agriculture Organization of United Nations (FAO), 00153 Rome, Italy
| | - Koen Mintiens
- Food and Agriculture Organization of United Nations (FAO), 00153 Rome, Italy
| | - Mirzet Sabirovic
- Food and Agriculture Organization of United Nations (FAO), 00153 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Martin Heilmann
- Food and Agriculture Organization of United Nations (FAO), 00153 Rome, Italy
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Zhang XX, Li XC, Zhang QY, Liu JS, Han LF, Lederman Z, Schurer JM, Poeta P, Rahman MT, Li SZ, Kassegne K, Yin K, Zhu YZ, Xia S, He L, Hu QQ, Xiu LS, Xue JB, Zhao HQ, Wang XH, Wu L, Guo XK, Wang ZJ, Schwartländer B, Ren MH, Zhou XN. Tackling global health security by building an academic community for One Health action. Infect Dis Poverty 2023; 12:70. [PMID: 37537637 PMCID: PMC10398903 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-023-01124-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND One Health approach is crucial to tackling complex global public health threats at the interface of humans, animals, and the environment. As outlined in the One Health Joint Plan of Action, the international One Health community includes stakeholders from different sectors. Supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, an academic community for One Health action has been proposed with the aim of promoting the understanding and real-world implementation of One Health approach and contribution towards the Sustainable Development Goals for a healthy planet. MAIN TEXT The proposed academic community would contribute to generating high-quality scientific evidence, distilling local experiences as well as fostering an interconnected One Health culture and mindset, among various stakeholders on different levels and in all sectors. The major scope of the community covers One Health governance, zoonotic diseases, food security, antimicrobial resistance, and climate change along with the research agenda to be developed. The academic community will be supported by two committees, including a strategic consultancy committee and a scientific steering committee, composed of influential scientists selected from the One Health information database. A workplan containing activities under six objectives is proposed to provide research support, strengthen local capacity, and enhance global participation. CONCLUSIONS The proposed academic community for One Health action is a crucial step towards enhancing communication, coordination, collaboration, and capacity building for the implementation of One Health. By bringing eminent global experts together, the academic community possesses the potential to generate scientific evidence and provide advice to local governments and international organizations, enabling the pursuit of common goals, collaborative policies, and solutions to misaligned interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Xi Zhang
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Institute of One Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin-Chen Li
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Institute of One Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi-Yu Zhang
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Institute of One Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing-Shu Liu
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Institute of One Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Le-Fei Han
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Institute of One Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Zohar Lederman
- Medical Ethics and Humanities Unit, Hong Kong University, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Janna M Schurer
- Center for One Health, University of Global Health Equity, Butaro, Rwanda
| | - Patrícia Poeta
- Microbiology and Antibiotic Resistance Team, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Green Chemistry, Chemistry Department, University Nova of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Veterinary and Animal Research Centre, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Md Tanvir Rahman
- Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
| | - Shi-Zhu Li
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Institute of One Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases at Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Kokouvi Kassegne
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Institute of One Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Kun Yin
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Institute of One Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong-Zhang Zhu
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Institute of One Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Shang Xia
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases at Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Lu He
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Institute of One Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Qin-Qin Hu
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Institute of One Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Le-Shan Xiu
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Institute of One Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing-Bo Xue
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases at Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Han-Qing Zhao
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Institute of One Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xi-Han Wang
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Institute of One Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Logan Wu
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Institute of One Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Xiao-Kui Guo
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Institute of One Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhao-Jun Wang
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Institute of One Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Bernhard Schwartländer
- German Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Former Assistant Director General and Chef de Cabinet of Dr Tedros at the World Health Organization), Berlin, Germany
| | - Ming-Hui Ren
- School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Nong Zhou
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
- Institute of One Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases at Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
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Legido-Quigley H, Clark H, Nishtar S, Horton R. Reimagining health security and preventing future pandemics: the NUS-Lancet Pandemic Readiness, Implementation, Monitoring, and Evaluation Commission. Lancet 2023; 401:2021-2023. [PMID: 37187195 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(23)00960-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Helena Legido-Quigley
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore; Imperial College London, London, UK; George Institute for Global Health UK, London, UK.
| | - Helen Clark
- The Helen Clark Foundation, Auckland, New Zealand
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Hayman DTS, Barraclough RK, Muglia LJ, McGovern V, Afolabi MO, N'Jai AU, Ambe JR, Atim C, McClelland A, Paterson B, Ijaz K, Lasley J, Ahsan Q, Garfield R, Chittenden K, Phelan AL, Lopez Rivera A. Addressing the challenges of implementing evidence-based prioritisation in global health. BMJ Glob Health 2023; 8:e012450. [PMID: 37290897 PMCID: PMC10255200 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-012450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Global health requires evidence-based approaches to improve health and decrease inequalities. In a roundtable discussion between health practitioners, funders, academics and policy-makers, we recognised key areas for improvement to deliver better-informed, sustainable and equitable global health practices. These focus on considering information-sharing mechanisms and developing evidence-based frameworks that take an adaptive function-based approach, grounded in the ability to perform and respond to prioritised needs. Increasing social engagement as well as sector and participant diversity in whole-of-society decision-making, and collaborating with and optimising on hyperlocal and global regional entities, will improve prioritisation of global health capabilities. Since the skills required to navigate drivers of pandemics, and the challenges in prioritising, capacity building and response do not sit squarely in the health sector, it is essential to integrate expertise from a broad range of fields to maximise on available knowledge during decision-making and system development. Here, we review the current assessment tools and provide seven discussion points for how improvements to implementation of evidence-based prioritisation can improve global health.
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Affiliation(s)
- David T S Hayman
- Molecular Epidemiology and Public Health Laboratory, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Rosemary K Barraclough
- Molecular Epidemiology and Public Health Laboratory, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Louis J Muglia
- Burroughs Wellcome Fund, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Victoria McGovern
- Burroughs Wellcome Fund, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Muhammed O Afolabi
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Alhaji U N'Jai
- Department of Microbiology, University of Sierra Leone College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Sierra Leone Fourah Bay College, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Jennyfer R Ambe
- The Global Emerging Pathogens Treatment Consortium, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Chris Atim
- Results for Development (R4D), Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Beverley Paterson
- Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Kashef Ijaz
- Health Programs, The Carter Center, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Qadeer Ahsan
- Australia Indonesia Health Security Partnership, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | | | | | - Alexandra L Phelan
- Center for Health Security, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Abigail Lopez Rivera
- US Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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13
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Pereira JAM, Berenguer CV, Câmara JS. Delving into Agri-Food Waste Composition for Antibacterial Phytochemicals. Metabolites 2023; 13:metabo13050634. [PMID: 37233675 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13050634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The overuse of antibiotics in the healthcare, veterinary, and agricultural industries has led to the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), resulting in significant economic losses worldwide and a growing healthcare problem that urgently needs to be solved. Plants produce a variety of secondary metabolites, making them an area of interest in the search for new phytochemicals to cope with AMR. A great part of agri-food waste is of plant origin, constituting a promising source of valuable compounds with different bioactivities, including those against antimicrobial resistance. Many types of phytochemicals, such as carotenoids, tocopherols, glucosinolates, and phenolic compounds, are widely present in plant by-products, such as citrus peels, tomato waste, and wine pomace. Unveiling these and other bioactive compounds is therefore very relevant and could be an important and sustainable form of agri-food waste valorisation, adding profit for local economies and mitigating the negative impact of these wastes' decomposition on the environment. This review will focus on the potential of agri-food waste from a plant origin as a source of phytochemicals with antibacterial activity for global health benefits against AMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge A M Pereira
- CQM-Centro de Química da Madeira, Campus da Penteada, Universidade da Madeira, 9020-105 Funchal, Portugal
| | - Cristina V Berenguer
- CQM-Centro de Química da Madeira, Campus da Penteada, Universidade da Madeira, 9020-105 Funchal, Portugal
| | - José S Câmara
- CQM-Centro de Química da Madeira, Campus da Penteada, Universidade da Madeira, 9020-105 Funchal, Portugal
- Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências Exatas e da Engenharia, Campus da Penteada, Universidade da Madeira, 9020-105 Funchal, Portugal
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Siddiqui R, Muhammad JS, Alharbi AM, Alfahemi H, Khan NA. Can Acanthamoeba Harbor Monkeypox Virus? Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11040855. [PMID: 37110278 PMCID: PMC10146756 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11040855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Acanthamoeba is well known to host a variety of microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and yeast. Given the recent number of cases of monkeypox infection, we speculate that amoebae may be aiding viral transmission to the susceptible hosts. Although there is no confirmatory evidence to suggest that Acanthamoeba is a host to monkeypox (a double-stranded DNA virus), the recent discovery of mimivirus (another double-stranded DNA virus) from Acanthamoeba, suggests that amoebae may shelter monkeypox virus. Furthermore, given the possible spread of monkeypox virus from animals to humans during an earlier outbreak, which came about after patients came in contact with prairie dogs, it is likely that animals may also act as mixing vessel between ubiquitously distributed Acanthamoeba and monkeypox virus, in addition to the environmental habitat that acts as an interface in complex interactions between diverse microorganisms and the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruqaiyyah Siddiqui
- College of Arts and Sciences, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah 26666, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Istinye University, Istanbul 34010, Turkey
| | | | - Ahmad M. Alharbi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hasan Alfahemi
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Baha University, Al-Baha 65799, Saudi Arabia
| | - Naveed Ahmed Khan
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Istinye University, Istanbul 34010, Turkey
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +971-65057722
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