1
|
Kozytska T, Bassiouny M, Chechet O, Ordynska D, Galante D, Neubauer H, Wareth G. Retrospective Analysis of Official Data on Anthrax in Europe with a Special Reference to Ukraine. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1294. [PMID: 37317268 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11051294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Anthrax is an acute infectious zoonotic disease caused by Bacillus anthracis that mostly affects grazing livestock and wildlife. Furthermore, B. anthracis is considered one of the most important biological agents of bioterrorism that could also be potentially misused in biological weapons. The distribution of anthrax in domestic animals and wildlife in Europe with a particular focus on Ukraine as a country of war was analyzed. Between 2005 and 2022, 267 anthrax cases were registered at the World Organization of Animal Health (WOAH) in animals in Europe, including 251 cases in domestic animals and 16 in wildlife. The highest numbers of cases were recorded in 2005 and 2016 followed by 2008, and the highest numbers of registered cases were reported from Albania, Russia, and Italy. In Ukraine, anthrax is currently a sporadic infection. Since 2007, 28 notifications were registered, with isolates mainly from soil samples. The highest number of confirmed anthrax cases was registered in 2018, and Odesa, which is close to Moldova, had the highest number of cases, followed by the Cherkasy region. The presence of thousands of biothermal pits and burial grounds of fallen cattle nationwide favors the re-emergence of new foci. Most confirmed cases were in cattle; however, single cases were confirmed in dogs, horses, and pigs. Further investigation of the disease in wildlife and in environmental samples is needed. The genetic analysis of isolates, investigation of susceptibility to antimicrobial compounds, and determination of virulence and pathogenicity factors are required in this volatile region of the world for awareness raising and preparedness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Kozytska
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Naumburger Str. 96a, 07743 Jena, Germany
- State Research Institute for Laboratory Diagnostics and Veterinary and Sanitary Expertise, State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumer Protection, 30, Donetska St., 03151 Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Marwa Bassiouny
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Naumburger Str. 96a, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Olha Chechet
- State Research Institute for Laboratory Diagnostics and Veterinary and Sanitary Expertise, State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumer Protection, 30, Donetska St., 03151 Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Diana Ordynska
- State Research Institute for Laboratory Diagnostics and Veterinary and Sanitary Expertise, State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumer Protection, 30, Donetska St., 03151 Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Domenico Galante
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata, Anthrax Reference Institute of Italy, Via Manfredonia 20, 71121 Foggia, Italy
| | - Heinrich Neubauer
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Naumburger Str. 96a, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Gamal Wareth
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Naumburger Str. 96a, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Institute of Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, Jena University Hospital, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Elevation determines the spatial risk of Anthrax outbreaks in Karnataka, India. Acta Trop 2023; 240:106848. [PMID: 36773849 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Anthrax is an economically important livestock disease affecting subsistence farmers and it is of zoonotic importance. Anthrax is endemic in many states of India including Karnataka. Identification of spatial risk factors for occurrence of anthrax and development of predictive risk maps are required for planning adequate vaccination in high-risk areas as well as targeted surveillance activities in animals, humans and environment. In this study, village level anthrax outbreak locations from Karnataka (1997-2016) were geo-referenced and predictive risk map was developed using temporally Fourier Processed remotely sensed variables. A non-linear discriminant analysis approach was used to develop the risk map for Karnataka. Elevation was identified as top predictor variable in the 10 variables selected. The predicted risk map showed good accuracy and validation statistics when evaluated using different metrics (Kappa, sensitivity, specificity, AUC). The predicted risk map also showed good correspondence with past outbreaks. Further, we used Bayesian Penalised spline method to estimate species response curves for top 10 variables selected. The validated risk map can be used in planning vaccination strategy and surveillance in high-risk areas.
Collapse
|
3
|
Gustafsson W, Dórea FC, Widgren S, Frössling J, Vidal G, Kim H, Cha W, Comin A, Rodriguez Ewerlöf I, Rosendal T. Data workflows and visualization in support of surveillance practice. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1129863. [PMID: 36846250 PMCID: PMC9947639 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1129863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The Swedish National Veterinary Institute (SVA) is working on implementing reusable and adaptable workflows for epidemiological analysis and dynamic report generation to improve disease surveillance. Important components of this work include: data access, development environment, computational resources and cloud-based management. The development environment relies on Git for code collaboration and version control and the R language for statistical computing and data visualization. The computational resources include both local and cloud-based systems, with automatic workflows managed in the cloud. The workflows are designed to be flexible and adaptable to changing data sources and stakeholder demands, with the ultimate goal to create a robust infrastructure for the delivery of actionable epidemiological information.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Fernanda C. Dórea
- Department of Disease Control and Epidemiology, National Veterinary Institute, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Stefan Widgren
- Department of Disease Control and Epidemiology, National Veterinary Institute, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jenny Frössling
- Department of Disease Control and Epidemiology, National Veterinary Institute, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Gema Vidal
- Department of Disease Control and Epidemiology, National Veterinary Institute, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Hyeyoung Kim
- Department of Disease Control and Epidemiology, National Veterinary Institute, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Wonhee Cha
- Department of Disease Control and Epidemiology, National Veterinary Institute, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Arianna Comin
- Department of Disease Control and Epidemiology, National Veterinary Institute, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ivana Rodriguez Ewerlöf
- Department of Disease Control and Epidemiology, National Veterinary Institute, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Thomas Rosendal
- Department of Disease Control and Epidemiology, National Veterinary Institute, Uppsala, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Participatory mapping identifies risk areas and environmental predictors of endemic anthrax in rural Africa. Sci Rep 2022; 12:10514. [PMID: 35732674 PMCID: PMC9217952 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14081-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Disease mapping reveals geographical variability in incidence, which can help to prioritise control efforts. However, in areas where this is most needed, resources to generate the required data are often lacking. Participatory mapping, which makes use of indigenous knowledge, is a potential approach to identify risk areas for endemic diseases in low- and middle-income countries. Here we combine this method with Geographical Information System-based analyses of environmental variables as a novel approach to study endemic anthrax, caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis, in rural Africa. Our aims were to: (1) identify high-risk anthrax areas using community knowledge; (2) enhance our understanding of the environmental characteristics associated with these areas; and (3) make spatial predictions of anthrax risk. Community members from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA), northern Tanzania, where anthrax is highly prevalent in both animals and humans, were asked to draw areas they perceived to pose anthrax risks to their livestock on geo-referenced maps. After digitisation, random points were generated within and outside the defined areas to represent high- and low-risk areas, respectively. Regression analyses were used to identify environmental variables that may predict anthrax risk. Results were combined to predict how the probability of being a high-risk area for anthrax varies across space. Participatory mapping identified fourteen discrete high-risk areas ranging from 0.2 to 212.9 km2 in size and occupying 8.4% of the NCA. Areas that pose a high risk of anthrax were positively associated with factors that increase contact with Bacillus anthracis spores rather than those associated with the pathogen's survival: close proximity to inland water bodies, where wildlife and livestock congregate, and low organic carbon content, which may indicate an increased likelihood of animals grazing close to soil surface and ingesting spores. Predicted high-risk areas were located in the centre of the NCA, which is likely to be encountered by most herds during movements in search for resources. We demonstrate that participatory mapping combined with spatial analyses can provide novel insights into the geography of disease risk. This approach can be used to prioritise areas for control in low-resource settings, especially for diseases with environmental transmission.
Collapse
|
5
|
Reoccurring bovine anthrax in Germany on the same pasture after 12 years. J Clin Microbiol 2022; 60:e0229121. [PMID: 35195442 PMCID: PMC8925895 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.02291-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The zoonotic disease anthrax, caused by the endospore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis, is very rare in Germany. In the state of Bavaria, the last case occurred in July of 2009, resulting in four dead cows. In August of 2021, the disease reemerged after heavy rains, killing one gestating cow. Notably, both outbreaks affected the same pasture, suggesting a close epidemiological connection. B. anthracis could be grown from blood culture, and the presence of both virulence plasmids (pXO1 and pXO2) was confirmed by PCR. Also, recently developed diagnostic tools enabled rapid detection of B. anthracis cells and nucleic acids directly in clinical samples. The complete genome of the strain isolated from blood, designated BF-5, was DNA sequenced and phylogenetically grouped within the B.Br.CNEVA clade, which is typical for European B. anthracis strains. The genome was almost identical to BF-1, the isolate from 2009, separated only by three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on the chromosome, one on plasmid pXO2 and three indel regions. Further, B. anthracis DNA was detected by PCR from soil samples taken from spots in the pasture where the cow had fallen. New tools based on phage receptor-binding proteins enabled the microscopic detection and isolation of B. anthracis directly from soil samples. These environmental isolates were genotyped and found to be identical to BF-5 in terms of SNPs. Therefore, it seems that the BF-5 genotype is currently the prevalent one at the affected premises. The area contaminated by the cadaver was subsequently disinfected with formaldehyde.
Collapse
|
6
|
Brangsch H, Golovko A, Pinchuk N, Deriabin O, Kyselova T, Linde J, Melzer F, Elschner MC. Molecular Typing of Ukrainian Bacillus anthracis Strains by Combining Whole-Genome Sequencing Techniques. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10020461. [PMID: 35208915 PMCID: PMC8875922 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10020461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Anthrax is a recurrent zoonosis in the Ukraine with outbreaks occurring repeatedly in certain areas. For determining whether several Bacillus anthracis genotypes are circulating in this region, four strains from various sources isolated from different regions of the Ukraine were investigated. By combining long- and short-read next-generation sequencing techniques, highly accurate genomes were reconstructed, enabling detailed in silico genotyping. Thus, the strains could be assigned to the Tsiankovskii subgroup of the “TransEurAsia” clade, which is commonly found in this region. Their high genetic similarity suggests that the four strains are members of the endemic population whose progenitor was once introduced in the Ukraine and bordering regions. This study provides information on B. anthracis strains from a region where there is little knowledge of the local population, thereby adding to the picture of global B. anthracis genotype distribution. We also emphasize the importance of surveillance and prevention methods regarding anthrax outbreaks, as other studies predicted a higher number of cases in the future due to global warming.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hanka Brangsch
- Institute for Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Naumburger Str. 96a, 07743 Jena, Germany; (J.L.); (F.M.); (M.C.E.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Anatolii Golovko
- Department of Bacteriological Research and Quality Control of Veterinary Immunobiological Preparations, SSCIBSM, 30, Donetskaya St., 03151 Kyiv, Ukraine; (A.G.); (N.P.); (O.D.); (T.K.)
| | - Nataliia Pinchuk
- Department of Bacteriological Research and Quality Control of Veterinary Immunobiological Preparations, SSCIBSM, 30, Donetskaya St., 03151 Kyiv, Ukraine; (A.G.); (N.P.); (O.D.); (T.K.)
| | - Oleg Deriabin
- Department of Bacteriological Research and Quality Control of Veterinary Immunobiological Preparations, SSCIBSM, 30, Donetskaya St., 03151 Kyiv, Ukraine; (A.G.); (N.P.); (O.D.); (T.K.)
| | - Tetiana Kyselova
- Department of Bacteriological Research and Quality Control of Veterinary Immunobiological Preparations, SSCIBSM, 30, Donetskaya St., 03151 Kyiv, Ukraine; (A.G.); (N.P.); (O.D.); (T.K.)
| | - Jörg Linde
- Institute for Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Naumburger Str. 96a, 07743 Jena, Germany; (J.L.); (F.M.); (M.C.E.)
| | - Falk Melzer
- Institute for Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Naumburger Str. 96a, 07743 Jena, Germany; (J.L.); (F.M.); (M.C.E.)
| | - Mandy Carolina Elschner
- Institute for Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Naumburger Str. 96a, 07743 Jena, Germany; (J.L.); (F.M.); (M.C.E.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Liskova EA, Egorova IY, Selyaninov YO, Razheva IV, Gladkova NA, Toropova NN, Zakharova OI, Burova OA, Surkova GV, Malkhazova SM, Korennoy FI, Iashin IV, Blokhin AA. Reindeer Anthrax in the Russian Arctic, 2016: Climatic Determinants of the Outbreak and Vaccination Effectiveness. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:668420. [PMID: 34250061 PMCID: PMC8264129 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.668420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The Yamal Peninsula in the Russian Federation experienced a massive outbreak of anthrax in reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) in July–August 2016, with 2,650 (6.46% of the total susceptible population) animals infected, of which 2,350 died (case fatality rate of 88.67%). In our study, we analyzed climatic and epidemiological factors that could have triggered the outbreak. The cancelation of reindeer vaccination against anthrax in 2007 resulted in an increase in population susceptibility. In response to the outbreak, total vaccination of all susceptible animals was resumed. To assess the vaccination effectiveness, we tested 913 samples of blood serum taken from vaccinated reindeer using an antigenic erythrocyte diagnostic kit to detect specific anti-anthrax antibodies via an indirect hemagglutination assay (IHA) 9 months after vaccination. We found that 814 samples had sufficiently high levels of anti-anthrax antibodies to indicate a protection level of 89% (95% confidence interval: 87–91%) of the whole reindeer population. Abnormally high ambient temperature in the summer of 2016 contributed to the thawing of permafrost and viable Bacillus anthracis spores could have become exposed to the surface; the monthly average air temperatures in June, July, and August 2016 were 20–100% higher than those of the previous 30-year period, while the maximum air temperatures were 16–75% higher. Using the projected climate data for 2081–2100 according to the “worst case” RCP8.5 scenario, we demonstrated that the yearly air temperature may average above 0°C across the entire Yamal Peninsula, while the yearly number of days with a mean temperature above 0°C may rise by 49 ± 6 days, which would provide conditions for reactivation of soil anthrax reservoirs. Our results showed that the outbreak of anthrax occurred under conditions of a significant increase in air temperature in the study area, underlined the importance of vaccination for controlling the epidemic process, and demonstrated the effectiveness of monitoring studies using the IHA diagnostic kit for detecting erythrocyte anthrax antigens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena A Liskova
- Federal Research Center for Virology and Microbiology, Nizhny Novgorod Research Veterinary Institute - Branch of Federal Research Center for Virology and Microbiology, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Irina Y Egorova
- Federal Research Center for Virology and Microbiology (FRCVM), Pokrov, Russia
| | - Yuri O Selyaninov
- Federal Research Center for Virology and Microbiology (FRCVM), Pokrov, Russia
| | - Irina V Razheva
- Federal Research Center for Virology and Microbiology, Nizhny Novgorod Research Veterinary Institute - Branch of Federal Research Center for Virology and Microbiology, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Nadezhda A Gladkova
- Federal Research Center for Virology and Microbiology, Nizhny Novgorod Research Veterinary Institute - Branch of Federal Research Center for Virology and Microbiology, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Nadezhda N Toropova
- Federal Research Center for Virology and Microbiology, Nizhny Novgorod Research Veterinary Institute - Branch of Federal Research Center for Virology and Microbiology, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Olga I Zakharova
- Federal Research Center for Virology and Microbiology, Nizhny Novgorod Research Veterinary Institute - Branch of Federal Research Center for Virology and Microbiology, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Olga A Burova
- Federal Research Center for Virology and Microbiology, Nizhny Novgorod Research Veterinary Institute - Branch of Federal Research Center for Virology and Microbiology, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Galina V Surkova
- Faculty of Geography, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Fedor I Korennoy
- Federal Research Center for Virology and Microbiology, Nizhny Novgorod Research Veterinary Institute - Branch of Federal Research Center for Virology and Microbiology, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia.,FGBI Federal Centre for Animal Health (FGBI ARRIAH), Vladimir, Russia
| | - Ivan V Iashin
- Federal Research Center for Virology and Microbiology, Nizhny Novgorod Research Veterinary Institute - Branch of Federal Research Center for Virology and Microbiology, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Andrei A Blokhin
- Federal Research Center for Virology and Microbiology, Nizhny Novgorod Research Veterinary Institute - Branch of Federal Research Center for Virology and Microbiology, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Pisarenko SV, Eremenko EI, Kovalev DA, Ryazanova AG, Evchenko AY, Aksenova LY, Dugarzhapova ZF, Kravets EV, Semenova OV, Bobrysheva OV, Balakhonov SV, Kulichenko AN. Molecular genotyping of 15 B. anthracis strains isolated in Eastern Siberia and Far East. Mol Phylogenet Evol 2021; 159:107116. [PMID: 33609703 DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2021.107116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Bacillus anthracis is a pathogenic bacterium, which causes anthrax disease. The ability of this bacterium to form spores, which can be preserved in soil for decades and cause outbreaks later on, makes this pathogen a serious problem for veterinary and health services of many countries. Siberia is one of the most anthrax-influenced regions of Russia. In this research we report on the results of genotyping based on whole genome SNP analysis of 15 strains, isolated on the territory of Eastern Siberia and the Far East in 1956-2018. In this research, we sequenced 15 genomes of B. anthracis strains isolated from infected humans and animals, and from soil samples from the territory of Eastern Siberia and the Far East in the period from 1956 to 2018. We used genomic sequences obtained in this study and 219 B. anthracis genomes available in the international GenBank database to perform a comparative analysis. As a result we detected 6400 chromosomal SNPs which allowed to differentiate the studied strains. We built phylogenetic reconstruction of the global B. anthracis population based on the detected SNPs using the Maximum Likelihood Method and described genetic diversity of the strains isolated on the territory of Eastern Siberia and the Far East. Strains, isolated on this territory from 1956 to 2018 belong to 5 different genetic groups: "Ames", "STI", "Tsiankovskii", "Siberia" and "Asia". The greatest diversity of the strains is registered for two regions of the southern part of Eastern Siberia - Tyva and Buryatia. This research expands current understanding of genetic diversity of B. anthracis strains circulating on the territory of Russia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sergey V Pisarenko
- Stavropol Research Anti-Plague Institute, 355035 Stavropol, Russian Federation.
| | - Eugene I Eremenko
- Stavropol Research Anti-Plague Institute, 355035 Stavropol, Russian Federation.
| | - Dmitry A Kovalev
- Stavropol Research Anti-Plague Institute, 355035 Stavropol, Russian Federation.
| | - Alla G Ryazanova
- Stavropol Research Anti-Plague Institute, 355035 Stavropol, Russian Federation.
| | - Anna Yu Evchenko
- Stavropol Research Anti-Plague Institute, 355035 Stavropol, Russian Federation.
| | | | - Zorigma F Dugarzhapova
- Irkutsk Antiplague Research Institute of Siberia and Far East, 664047 Irkutsk, Russian Federation.
| | - Elena V Kravets
- Irkutsk Antiplague Research Institute of Siberia and Far East, 664047 Irkutsk, Russian Federation.
| | - Olga V Semenova
- Stavropol Research Anti-Plague Institute, 355035 Stavropol, Russian Federation.
| | - Olga V Bobrysheva
- Stavropol Research Anti-Plague Institute, 355035 Stavropol, Russian Federation.
| | - Sergei V Balakhonov
- Irkutsk Antiplague Research Institute of Siberia and Far East, 664047 Irkutsk, Russian Federation.
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Hai Y, Wang WR, Hua Y, Guo WD, Song J, Han S, Zhang YG, Jiang XF, Zhang XH, Li ZJ, Li W, Liang XD, Han RL, Wei JC, Liu ZG. Changed epidemiology of anthrax and molecular characteristics of Bacillus anthracis in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China. Transbound Emerg Dis 2020; 68:2250-2260. [PMID: 33048441 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13877] [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: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Anthrax is a natural foci disease in Inner Mongolia, which poses a severe threat to public health. In this study, the incidence number, rate and constituent ratio were used to describe the epidemiological characteristics of anthrax in the region from 1956-2018. The molecular correlation and genetic characteristics of the strains were investigated using canonical single nucleotide polymorphisms (CanSNP), multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA-15) and whole genome sequencing (WGS). The epidemiological characteristics of anthrax in Inner Mongolia have altered significantly. The incidence of anthrax has decreased annually without vaccination, and the regional distribution of anthrax gradually transferred from central and western regions to the eastern. Moreover, the occupation distribution evolved from multiple early occupations to predominated by farmers and herdsmen. This change is closely related to policy factors and to changes in the means of production and the living habits of the local population. This indicates that reformulating the control and prevention strategies is essential. Both A. Br. Ames and A. Br. 001/002 subgroups were the predominant CanSNP genotypes of Bacillus anthracis in Inner Mongolia. A total of 36 strains constituted six shared MLVA-15 genotypes, suggesting an epidemiological link between the strains of each shared genotype. The six shared genotypes ([GT1, 9, 11 and 15] and [GT8 and 12]) consisting of 2-7 strains confirmed the occurrence of multiple point outbreaks and cross-regional transmission caused by multiple common sources of infection. Phylogenetic analysis based on the WGS core genome showed that strains from this study formed an independent clade (C.V.), and they were positioned close to each other, suggesting a common origin. Further comparison analysis should be performed to ascertain the geographic origin of these strains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Hai
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agriculture University, Huhhot, China.,Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Center for Comprehensive Disease Control and Prevention, Huhhot, China
| | - Wen-Rui Wang
- Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Center for Comprehensive Disease Control and Prevention, Huhhot, China
| | - Yue Hua
- Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Center for Comprehensive Disease Control and Prevention, Huhhot, China
| | - Wei-Dong Guo
- Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Center for Comprehensive Disease Control and Prevention, Huhhot, China
| | - Jian Song
- Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Center for Comprehensive Disease Control and Prevention, Huhhot, China
| | - Song Han
- Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Center for Comprehensive Disease Control and Prevention, Huhhot, China
| | - Yu-Geng Zhang
- Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Center for Comprehensive Disease Control and Prevention, Huhhot, China
| | - Xiao-Feng Jiang
- Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Center for Comprehensive Disease Control and Prevention, Huhhot, China
| | - Xiu-Hong Zhang
- Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Center for Comprehensive Disease Control and Prevention, Huhhot, China
| | - Zhen-Jun Li
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Li
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Xu-Dong Liang
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Run-Lin Han
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agriculture University, Huhhot, China
| | - Jian-Chun Wei
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Zhi-Guo Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agriculture University, Huhhot, China.,Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Center for Comprehensive Disease Control and Prevention, Huhhot, China.,State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
FINKE ERNSTJÜRGEN, BEYER WOLFGANG, LODERSTÄDT ULRIKE, FRICKMANN HAGEN. Review: The risk of contracting anthrax from spore-contaminated soil - A military medical perspective. Eur J Microbiol Immunol (Bp) 2020; 10:29-63. [PMID: 32590343 PMCID: PMC7391381 DOI: 10.1556/1886.2020.00008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Anthrax is an infectious disease of relevance for military forces. Although spores of Bacillus anthracis obiquitously occur in soil, reports on soil-borne transmission to humans are scarce. In this narrative review, the potential of soil-borne transmission of anthrax to humans is discussed based on pathogen-specific characteristics and reports on anthrax in the course of several centuries of warfare. In theory, anthrax foci can pose a potential risk of infection to animals and humans if sufficient amounts of virulent spores are present in the soil even after an extended period of time. In praxis, however, transmissions are usually due to contacts with animal products and reported events of soil-based transmissions are scarce. In the history of warfare, even in the trenches of World War I, reported anthrax cases due to soil-contaminated wounds are virtually absent. Both the perspectives and the experience of the Western hemisphere and of former Soviet Republics are presented. Based on the accessible data as provided in the review, the transmission risk of anthrax by infections of wounds due to spore-contaminated soil is considered as very low under the most circumstance. Active historic anthrax foci may, however, still pose a risk to the health of deployed soldiers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - WOLFGANG BEYER
- Department of Infectiology and Animal Hygiene, University of Hohenheim, Institute of Animal Science, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - ULRIKE LODERSTÄDT
- Diagnostic Department, Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - HAGEN FRICKMANN
- Department of Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Bundeswehr Hospital Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medicine Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Hueffer K, Drown D, Romanovsky V, Hennessy T. Factors Contributing to Anthrax Outbreaks in the Circumpolar North. ECOHEALTH 2020; 17:174-180. [PMID: 32006181 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-020-01474-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2019] [Revised: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
A 2016 outbreak of anthrax on the Yamal Peninsula in Siberia that led to the culling of more than two hundred thousand reindeer and killed one human, resulted in significant media interests and in the reporting was often linked to thawing permafrost and ultimately climate change. Here, we review the historic context of anthrax outbreaks in the circumpolar North and explore alternative explanations for the anthrax outbreak in Western Siberia. Further, we propose a convergence model where multiple factors likely contributed to the outbreak of anthrax, including an expanded population and discontinued vaccination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karsten Hueffer
- Department of Veterinary Medicine & Arctic and Northern Studies Program, University of Alaska Fairbanks, 2141 North Koyukuk Dr., Fairbanks, AK, 99775, USA.
| | - Devin Drown
- Institute of Arctic Biology & Department of Biology and Wildlife, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, USA
| | | | - Thomas Hennessy
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Phylogenetic analysis of Bacillus anthracis strains from Western Siberia reveals a new genetic cluster in the global population of the species. BMC Genomics 2019; 20:692. [PMID: 31477029 PMCID: PMC6720099 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-019-6060-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Anthrax is a zoonotic disease caused by the gram-positive bacterium Bacillus anthracis. The most anthrax-endemic regions of Russia are Siberia and North Caucasus. Previously, genotyping of Russian B.anthracis isolates was carried out using canSNP and MLVA data; these methods yield lower resolution results compared to whole genome SNP analysis (wgSNP). In this research, we have used wgSNP method for genotyping of 10 B.anthracis isolates, obtained during 1961–2016 in Russia on territory of Western Siberia. Results We have analyzed 185 B.anthracis genomes available in GenBank database and genomes of 10 isolates obtained in this study to determine the place of Russian isolates in the global phylogeny of B.anthracis. For the studied genomes we have detected 7203 SNPs, which were used for building a phylogenetic reconstruction with Maximum Likelihood Method. Results of the phylogenetic analysis indicate that Russian strains belong to three different genetic groups. Three strains belong to genetic group “Ames”, two strains – to “STI” group. Five strains belong to the main genetic line B, and four of them form a subcluster, described for the first time, which we have named “Siberia”. Conclusions In this study, the data on genetic diversity of B.anthracis strains on the territory of Western Siberia is presented for the first time. As a result of complex phylogenetic analysis, the place of these isolates was determined in the global phylogenetic structure of the B.anthracis population. We describe a new cluster in the main genetic line B for the first time. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-019-6060-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
|
13
|
Gobeli Brawand S, Kittl S, Dettwiler M, Thomann A, Feyer S, Cachim J, Theubet G, Liechti N, Wittwer M, Schürch N, Oberhänsli S, Heinimann A, Jores J. An unusual case of bovine anthrax in the canton of Jura, Switzerland in 2017. BMC Vet Res 2019; 15:265. [PMID: 31357988 PMCID: PMC6664520 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-019-1996-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Anthrax caused by Bacillus anthracis is a zoonotic disease mainly affecting herbivores. The last Swiss outbreak was over 20 years ago. We describe a recent anthrax outbreak involving two cows from the same herd. One cow was designated as a peracute clinical case with sudden death and typical lung lesions, while the other cow presented with protracted fever and abortion. Case presentation On April 29th 2017, a 3.5-year-old Montbéliard dairy cow was found dead while out at pasture with haemorrhage from the nose. The veterinarian suspected pneumonia and performed a necropsy on site. Subsequently, a lung and liver sample were sent to the laboratory. Unexpectedly, Bacillus anthracis was isolated, a pathogen not found in Switzerland for decades. Several days later, a second cow from the same farm showed signs of abortion after protracted fever. Since these symptoms are not typical for anthrax, and the bacteria could not be demonstrated in blood samples from this animal, a necropsy was performed under appropriate biosafety measures. Subsequently, Bacillus anthracis could be isolated from the placenta and the sublumbal lymph nodes but not from the blood, liver, spleen and kidney. The outbreak strain (17OD930) was shown to belong to the lineage B.Br.CNEVA, the same as Swiss strains from previous outbreaks in the region. We speculate that the disease came from a temporarily opened cave system that is connected to an old carcass burial site and was flushed by heavy rainfall preceding the outbreak. Conclusion Even in countries like Switzerland, where anthrax is very rare, new cases can occur after unusual weather conditions or ground disturbance. It is important for public officials to be aware of this risk to avoid possible spread.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sonja Kittl
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Martina Dettwiler
- Institute of Animal Pathology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Thomann
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Simon Feyer
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - José Cachim
- Animal Health, General Management of Agriculture, Viticulture and Veterinary Affairs (DGAV), Canton of Vaud, Switzerland
| | | | - Nicole Liechti
- Spiez Laboratory, Federal Office for Civil Protection, Spiez, Switzerland.,Interfaculty Bioinformatics Unit, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Wittwer
- Spiez Laboratory, Federal Office for Civil Protection, Spiez, Switzerland
| | - Nadia Schürch
- Spiez Laboratory, Federal Office for Civil Protection, Spiez, Switzerland
| | - Simone Oberhänsli
- Interfaculty Bioinformatics Unit, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Heinimann
- Institute of Geography and Centre for Development and Environment, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jörg Jores
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Timofeev V, Bahtejeva I, Mironova R, Titareva G, Lev I, Christiany D, Borzilov A, Bogun A, Vergnaud G. Insights from Bacillus anthracis strains isolated from permafrost in the tundra zone of Russia. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0209140. [PMID: 31116737 DOI: 10.1101/486290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
This article describes Bacillus anthracis strains isolated during an outbreak of anthrax on the Yamal Peninsula in the summer of 2016 and independently in Yakutia in 2015. A common feature of these strains is their conservation in permafrost, from which they were extracted either due to the thawing of permafrost (Yamal strains) or as the result of paleontological excavations (Yakut strains). All strains isolated on the Yamal share an identical genotype belonging to lineage B.Br.001/002, pointing to a common source of infection in a territory over 250 km in length. In contrast, during the excavations in Yakutia, three genetically different strains were recovered from a single pit. One strain belongs to B.Br.001/002, and whole genome sequence analysis showed that it is most closely related to the Yamal strains in spite of the remoteness of Yamal from Yakutia. The two other strains contribute to two different branches of A.Br.008/011, one of the remarkable polytomies described so far in the B. anthracis species. The geographic distribution of the strains belonging to A.Br.008/011 is suggesting that the polytomy emerged in the thirteenth century, in combination with the constitution of a unified Mongol empire extending from China to Eastern Europe. We propose an evolutionary model for B. anthracis recent evolution in which the B lineage spread throughout Eurasia and was subsequently replaced by the A lineage except in some geographically isolated areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vitalii Timofeev
- State Research Center for Applied Microbiology & Biotechnology (FBIS SRCAMB), Obolensk, Russia
| | - Irina Bahtejeva
- State Research Center for Applied Microbiology & Biotechnology (FBIS SRCAMB), Obolensk, Russia
| | - Raisa Mironova
- State Research Center for Applied Microbiology & Biotechnology (FBIS SRCAMB), Obolensk, Russia
| | - Galina Titareva
- State Research Center for Applied Microbiology & Biotechnology (FBIS SRCAMB), Obolensk, Russia
| | - Igor Lev
- State Research Center for Applied Microbiology & Biotechnology (FBIS SRCAMB), Obolensk, Russia
| | - David Christiany
- Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), CEA, CNRS, Univ. Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette cedex, France
| | - Alexander Borzilov
- State Research Center for Applied Microbiology & Biotechnology (FBIS SRCAMB), Obolensk, Russia
| | - Alexander Bogun
- State Research Center for Applied Microbiology & Biotechnology (FBIS SRCAMB), Obolensk, Russia
| | - Gilles Vergnaud
- Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), CEA, CNRS, Univ. Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette cedex, France
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Insights from Bacillus anthracis strains isolated from permafrost in the tundra zone of Russia. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0209140. [PMID: 31116737 PMCID: PMC6530834 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0209140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
This article describes Bacillus anthracis strains isolated during an outbreak of anthrax on the Yamal Peninsula in the summer of 2016 and independently in Yakutia in 2015. A common feature of these strains is their conservation in permafrost, from which they were extracted either due to the thawing of permafrost (Yamal strains) or as the result of paleontological excavations (Yakut strains). All strains isolated on the Yamal share an identical genotype belonging to lineage B.Br.001/002, pointing to a common source of infection in a territory over 250 km in length. In contrast, during the excavations in Yakutia, three genetically different strains were recovered from a single pit. One strain belongs to B.Br.001/002, and whole genome sequence analysis showed that it is most closely related to the Yamal strains in spite of the remoteness of Yamal from Yakutia. The two other strains contribute to two different branches of A.Br.008/011, one of the remarkable polytomies described so far in the B. anthracis species. The geographic distribution of the strains belonging to A.Br.008/011 is suggesting that the polytomy emerged in the thirteenth century, in combination with the constitution of a unified Mongol empire extending from China to Eastern Europe. We propose an evolutionary model for B. anthracis recent evolution in which the B lineage spread throughout Eurasia and was subsequently replaced by the A lineage except in some geographically isolated areas.
Collapse
|
16
|
Comparison of spatiotemporal patterns of historic natural Anthrax outbreaks in Minnesota and Kazakhstan. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0217144. [PMID: 31100100 PMCID: PMC6524940 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0217144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Disease spread in populations is a consequence of the interaction between host, pathogen, and environment, i.e. the epidemiological triad. Yet the influences of each triad component may vary dramatically for different settings. Comparison of environmental, demographic, socio-economic, and historical backgrounds may support tailoring site-specific control measures. Because of the long-term survival of Bacillus anthracis, Anthrax is a suitable example for studying the influence of triad components in different endemic settings. We compared the spatiotemporal patterns of historic animal Anthrax records in two endemic areas, located at northern latitudes in the western and eastern hemispheres. Our goal was to compare the spatiotemporal patterns in Anthrax progression, intensity, direction, and recurrence (disease hot spots), in relation to epidemiological factors and potential trigger events. Reported animal cases in Minnesota, USA (n = 289 cases between 1912 and 2014) and Kazakhstan (n = 3,997 cases between 1933 and 2014) were analyzed using the spatiotemporal directionality test and the spatial scan statistic. Over the last century Anthrax occurrence in Minnesota was sporadic whereas Kazakhstan experienced a long-term epidemic. Nevertheless, the seasonality was comparable between sites, with a peak in August. Declining number of cases at both sites was attributed to vaccination and control measures. The spatiotemporal directionality test detected a relative northeastern directionality in disease spread for long-term trends in Minnesota, whereas a southwestern directionality was observed in Kazakhstan. In terms of recurrence, the maximum timespans between cases at the same location were 55 and 60 years for Minnesota and Kazakhstan, respectively. Disease hotspots were recognized in both settings, with spatially overlapping clusters years apart. Distribution of the spatiotemporal cluster radii between study sites supported suggestion of site-specific control zones. Spatiotemporal patterns of Anthrax occurrence in both endemic regions were attributed to multiple potential trigger events including major river floods, changes in land use, agriculture, and susceptible livestock populations. Results here help to understand the long-term epidemiological dynamics of Anthrax while providing suggestions to the design and implementation of prevention and control programs, in endemic settings.
Collapse
|
17
|
Lienemann T, Beyer W, Pelkola K, Rossow H, Rehn A, Antwerpen M, Grass G. Genotyping and phylogenetic placement of Bacillus anthracis isolates from Finland, a country with rare anthrax cases. BMC Microbiol 2018; 18:102. [PMID: 30176810 PMCID: PMC6122712 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-018-1250-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Anthrax, the zoonotic disease caused by the gram-positive bacterium Bacillus anthracis, is nowadays rare in northern parts of Europe including Finland and Scandinavia. Only two minor outbreaks of anthrax in 1988 and in 2004 and one sporadic infection in 2008 have been detected in animals in Finland since the 1970’s. Here, we report on two Finnish B. anthracis strains that were isolated from spleen and liver of a diseased calf related to the outbreak in 1988 (strain HKI4363/88) and from a local scrotum and testicle infection of a bull in 2008 (strain BA2968). These infections occurred in two rural Finnish regions, i.e., Ostrobothnia in western Finland and Päijänne Tavastia in southern Finland, respectively. Results The isolates were genetically characterized by PCR-based methods such as multilocus variable number of tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) and whole genome-sequence analysis (WGS). Phylogenetic comparison of the two strains HKI4363/88 and BA2968 by chromosomal single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis grouped these organisms within their relatives of the minor canonical A-branch canSNP-group A.Br.003/004 (A.Br.V770) or canonical B-branch B.Br.001/002, respectively. Strain HKI4363/88 clustered relatively closely with other members of the A.Br.003/004 lineage from Europe, South Africa, and South America. In contrast, strain BA2968 clearly constituted a new sublineage within B.Br.001/002 with its closest relative being HYO01 from South Korea. Conclusions Our results suggest that Finland harbors both unique (autochthonous) and more widely distributed, common clades of B. anthracis. We suspect that members of the common clades such as strains HKI4363/88 have been introduced only recently by anthropogenic activities involving importation of contaminated animal products. On the other hand, autochthonous strains such as isolate BA2968 probably have an older history of their introduction into Finland as evidenced by a high number of single nucleotide variant sites in their genomes. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12866-018-1250-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taru Lienemann
- Finnish Food Safety Authority (Evira), Veterinary Bacteriology and Pathology Research Unit, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Kirsti Pelkola
- Finnish Food Safety Authority (Evira), Veterinary Bacteriology and Pathology Research Unit, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Heidi Rossow
- Finnish Food Safety Authority (Evira), Risk Assessment Research Unit, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | | | - Gregor Grass
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Munich, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Walsh MG, de Smalen AW, Mor SM. Climatic influence on anthrax suitability in warming northern latitudes. Sci Rep 2018; 8:9269. [PMID: 29915251 PMCID: PMC6006314 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-27604-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Climate change is impacting ecosystem structure and function, with potentially drastic downstream effects on human and animal health. Emerging zoonotic diseases are expected to be particularly vulnerable to climate and biodiversity disturbance. Anthrax is an archetypal zoonosis that manifests its most significant burden on vulnerable pastoralist communities. The current study sought to investigate the influence of temperature increases on geographic anthrax suitability in the temperate, boreal, and arctic North, where observed climate impact has been rapid. This study also explored the influence of climate relative to more traditional factors, such as livestock distribution, ungulate biodiversity, and soil-water balance, in demarcating risk. Machine learning was used to model anthrax suitability in northern latitudes. The model identified climate, livestock density and wild ungulate species richness as the most influential features in predicting suitability. These findings highlight the significance of warming temperatures for anthrax ecology in northern latitudes, and suggest potential mitigating effects of interventions targeting megafauna biodiversity conservation in grassland ecosystems, and animal health promotion among small to midsize livestock herds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael G Walsh
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia. .,The University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Allard W de Smalen
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Public Health, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Siobhan M Mor
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia.,The University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Veterinary Science, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|