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Jokelainen P, Virtala AMK, Raulo S, Kantele A, Vapalahti O, Kinnunen PM. Veterinarians and zoonotic pathogens, infections and diseases - questionnaire study and case series, Finland. Infect Dis (Lond) 2024; 56:384-392. [PMID: 38344824 DOI: 10.1080/23744235.2024.2313662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Veterinarians are at risk for numerous zoonotic infections. In this paper, we summarise descriptions of zoonotic infections from a questionnaire study and a series of work-related zoonotic cases, aiming to add to the knowledge on occupational zoonotic risks of veterinarians. METHODS We collected data on zoonotic infections contracted by veterinarians in Finland in two studies:1) using a questionnaire in 2009, and 2) inviting veterinarians who had encountered an occupational zoonosis to report it in structured interviews in 2019. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS In the questionnaire study in 2009, of 306 veterinarians several reported zoonotic bacterial skin infections (12%), dermatophytosis (ringworm; 4.2%), virus infections (3.9%), bacterial gastroenteritis (3.3%), other bacterial zoonoses (2.3%), and parasitic infections/infestations (2.3%). In the 2019 interviews, 16 occupational zoonosis cases were reported. Of them, seven were selected to the case series. The selected cases included Capnocytophaga canimorsus sepsis following a dog bite, cryptosporidiosis after a contact with calves, cutaneous listeriosis following calving assistance, Salmonella gastroenteritis contracted at laboratory, Trichophyton dermatophytosis after equine contact, Bacillus anthracis exposure at necropsy, and exposure to rabies through a horse bite. In four of the seven cases, the veterinarian disagreed or strongly disagreed with having had good knowledge of the zoonosis before the incident. The results from the questionnaire study and the case series illustrate the variety of zoonotic pathogens that veterinarians may encounter. There is a need to improve the occupational health of veterinarians and to increase awareness in the occupational health sector. We encourage addressing this need using a One Health approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pikka Jokelainen
- Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Saara Raulo
- Zoonosis Centre, Finnish Food Authority, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anu Kantele
- Meilahti Infectious Diseases and Vaccine Research Center MeIVac, Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Olli Vapalahti
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Paula M Kinnunen
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Santoro A, Santolamazza F, Cacciò SM, La Rosa G, Antolová D, Auer H, Bagrade G, Bandelj P, Basso W, Beck R, Citterio CV, Davidson RK, Deksne G, Frey CF, Fuglei E, Glawischnig W, Gottstein B, Harna J, Huus Petersen H, Karamon J, Jansen F, Jarošová J, Jokelainen P, Lundström-Stadelmann B, Maksimov P, Miljević M, Miterpáková M, Moks E, Origgi F, Ozolina Z, Ryser MP, Romig T, Šarkūnas M, Scorrano N, Saarma U, Šnábel V, Sréter T, Umhang G, Vengušt G, Žele Vengušt D, Casulli A. Mitochondrial genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships of Echinococcus multilocularis in Europe. Int J Parasitol 2024; 54:233-245. [PMID: 38246405 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2024.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
The cestode Echinococcus multilocularis is the causative agent of alveolar echinococcosis, a fatal zoonotic parasitic disease of the northern hemisphere. Red foxes are the main reservoir hosts and, likely, the main drivers of the geographic spread of the disease in Europe. Knowledge of genetic relationships among E. multilocularis isolates at a European scale is key to understanding the dispersal characteristics of E. multilocularis. Hence, the present study aimed to describe the genetic diversity of E. multilocularis isolates obtained from different host species in 19 European countries. Based on the analysis of complete nucleotide sequences of the cob, atp6, nad2, nad1 and cox1 mitochondrial genes (4,968 bp), 43 haplotypes were inferred. Four haplotypes represented 62.56 % of the examined isolates (142/227), and one of these four haplotypes was found in each country investigated, except Svalbard, Norway. While the haplotypes from Svalbard were markedly different from all the others, mainland Europe appeared to be dominated by two main clusters, represented by most western, central and eastern European countries, and the Baltic countries and northeastern Poland, respectively. Moreover, one Asian-like haplotype was identified in Latvia and northeastern Poland. To better elucidate the presence of Asian genetic variants of E. multilocularis in Europe, and to obtain a more comprehensive Europe-wide coverage, further studies, including samples from endemic regions not investigated in the present study, especially some eastern European countries, are needed. Further, the present work proposes historical causes that may have contributed to shaping the current genetic variability of E. multilocularis in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azzurra Santoro
- European Union Reference Laboratory for Parasites, Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore Di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; WHO Collaborating Centre for the Epidemiology, Detection and Control of Cystic and Alveolar Echinococcosis, Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore Di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Federica Santolamazza
- European Union Reference Laboratory for Parasites, Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore Di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; WHO Collaborating Centre for the Epidemiology, Detection and Control of Cystic and Alveolar Echinococcosis, Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore Di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Simone M Cacciò
- European Union Reference Laboratory for Parasites, Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore Di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe La Rosa
- European Union Reference Laboratory for Parasites, Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore Di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Antolová
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Košice, Hlinkova 3, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Herbert Auer
- Medical Parasitology, Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center of Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Guna Bagrade
- Latvian State Forest Research Institute "Silava", Wildlife Management Research Group, Salaspils, Rigas Street 111, LV-2169 Salaspils, Latvia
| | - Petra Bandelj
- Institute of Microbiology and Parasitology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Walter Basso
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Relja Beck
- Croatian Veterinary Institute, Laboratory for Parasitology, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Carlo V Citterio
- Centro Specialistico Fauna Selvatica, SCT2-Belluno, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe), Via Cappellari 44/A, 32100 Belluno, Italy
| | | | - Gunita Deksne
- Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment "BIOR", Lejupes Street 3, Riga LV-1076, Latvia; Faculty of Biology, University of Lavia, Jelgavas Street 1, Riga LV-1004, Latvia
| | - Caroline F Frey
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Eva Fuglei
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, NO-9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Walter Glawischnig
- Institute for Veterinary Disease Control Innsbruck, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety, Technikerstraße 70, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Bruno Gottstein
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland; Institute of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jiří Harna
- State Veterinary Institute Olomouc, Jakoubka ze Stribra 1, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Heidi Huus Petersen
- Danish Veterinary and Food Administration, Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries of Denmark, Stationsparken 31-33 2600, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Jacek Karamon
- National Veterinary Research Institute, Department of Parasitology and Invasive Diseases, Partyzantow Avenue 57, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland
| | - Famke Jansen
- Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM), Department of Biomedical Sciences, 155 Nationalestraat, B-2000 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Júlia Jarošová
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Košice, Hlinkova 3, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Pikka Jokelainen
- Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, DK-2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark
| | - Britta Lundström-Stadelmann
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland; Multidisciplinary Center for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Pavlo Maksimov
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald‑Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Milan Miljević
- Department of Genetic Research, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar Despota Stefana 142, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Martina Miterpáková
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Košice, Hlinkova 3, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Epp Moks
- National Centre for Laboratory Research and Risk Assessment, Fr. R. Kreutzwaldi 30, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Francesco Origgi
- Institute for Fish and Wildlife Health (FIWI), Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Längassstrasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Zanda Ozolina
- Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment "BIOR", Lejupes Street 3, Riga LV-1076, Latvia
| | - Marie-Pierre Ryser
- Institute for Fish and Wildlife Health (FIWI), Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Längassstrasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Romig
- Parasitology Unit, Institute of Biology, University of Hohenheim, 70593 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Mindaugas Šarkūnas
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Veterinary Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilžės str. 18, 47181 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Nathalie Scorrano
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Urmas Saarma
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, J. Liivi 2, 50409 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Viliam Šnábel
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Košice, Hlinkova 3, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Tamás Sréter
- National Reference Laboratory of Medical Parasitology, National Public Health Center, Albert Flórián út 2-6, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gèrald Umhang
- Anses, Nancy Laboratory for Rabies and Wildlife, National Reference Laboratory Echinococcus spp, 54220 Malzéville, France
| | - Gorazd Vengušt
- Institute of Microbiology and Parasitology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Diana Žele Vengušt
- Institute of Microbiology and Parasitology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Adriano Casulli
- European Union Reference Laboratory for Parasites, Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore Di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; WHO Collaborating Centre for the Epidemiology, Detection and Control of Cystic and Alveolar Echinococcosis, Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore Di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
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Galat M, Moré G, Frey CF, Kovalenko G, Maliuk I, Halka I, Sytiuk M, Bezymennyi M, Galat V, Jokelainen P. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in wild boars ( Sus scrofa) hunted in Ukraine. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2024; 23:100901. [PMID: 38274348 PMCID: PMC10809072 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2023.100901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an important zoonotic parasite worldwide, but it has received limited attention in Ukraine. A seroepidemiological study was conducted and samples from 452 wild boars that had been hunted in 2006-2011 in 23 of the 25 regions of Ukraine were tested to estimate T. gondii seroprevalence. A locally available commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used for the investigation. Additionally, we tested 92 of the sera using a widely used commercial multi-species ELISA and an indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT). With the locally available ELISA, 35 of the 452 wild boars tested positive, yielding a seroprevalence estimate of 7.7% (95% confidence interval 5.5-10.5). The seropositive wild boars originated from eight of the regions. Using the majority criteria, 10/92 samples tested using both ELISAs and the IFAT were considered positive, yielding an estimated seroprevalence of 10.9% within the subset of samples. The highest seroprevalence was observed in wild boars hunted in Luhans'k (30.0%), Odesa (17.7%) and Kharkiv (12.7%). Seroprevalence was higher in older animals (13.3% for age group >12 months and 7.7% for age group ≤12 months). This is the first seroepidemiological study of T. gondii in wild boars in Ukraine. Assuming that seropositivity indicates presence of infectious parasites in the tissues, eating undercooked meat of wild boars hunted in Ukraine could be a potential source of infection to other hosts, including humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryna Galat
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, Heroiv Oborony Str. 15, 03041, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Gaston Moré
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Caroline F. Frey
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ganna Kovalenko
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine, Donetska Str. 30, 03151, Kyiv, Ukraine
- Division of Virology, Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Inna Maliuk
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, Heroiv Oborony Str. 15, 03041, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Ihor Halka
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine, Donetska Str. 30, 03151, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Mykola Sytiuk
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine, Donetska Str. 30, 03151, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Maksym Bezymennyi
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine, Donetska Str. 30, 03151, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Vladyslav Galat
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, Heroiv Oborony Str. 15, 03041, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Pikka Jokelainen
- Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, 2300, Copenhagen S, Denmark
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 66, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 62, 51006, Tartu, Estonia
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Mõttus M, Mõtsküla PF, Jokelainen P. Heartworm disease in domestic dogs in Estonia: indication of local circulation of the zoonotic parasite Dirofilaria immitis farther north than previously reported. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:124. [PMID: 38475885 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06217-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mosquito-borne zoonotic parasite Dirofilaria immitis continues to spread northwards in Europe. This parasite can cause potentially life-threatening heartworm disease in dogs and pulmonary dirofilariasis in humans and is, therefore, a major health concern in both the veterinary medicine and human medical fields. This is the first report of D. immitis infections and heartworm disease in the Baltic country Estonia. METHODS Data on canine D. immitis infections and heartworm disease were collected from the electronic patient records database of the Small Animal Clinic of Estonian University of Life Sciences, the only university clinic in Estonia. The patient records of dogs with confirmed diagnosis of D. immitis infection or heartworm disease were reviewed and summarised. RESULTS Six dogs had been diagnosed with confirmed D. immitis infection or heartworm disease at the university clinic in 2021-2022. The confirmed diagnoses had been reached following international guidelines, based on a combination of different tests. Molecular confirmation of the parasite species had not been performed. Two of the dogs had been imported while four had no travel history outside of the country. CONCLUSIONS Four of the dogs with a confirmed D. immitis infection or heartworm disease had no history of being imported or travelling outside of the country, indicating autochthonous infections and, consequently, local circulation of the parasite in Estonia. These findings represent the new northernmost autochthonous cases of D. immitis infection and canine heartworm disease reported in the European Union.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maare Mõttus
- Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia.
| | | | - Pikka Jokelainen
- Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
- Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Dawant T, Wang W, Spriggs M, Magela de Faria Junior G, Horton L, Szafranski NM, Waap H, Jokelainen P, Gerhold RW, Su C. Isolation of Toxoplasma gondii in cell culture: an alternative to bioassay. Int J Parasitol 2024; 54:131-137. [PMID: 38097034 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2023.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an apicomplexan protozoan parasite that can infect mammals and birds. The infection can cause acute toxoplasmosis and death in susceptible hosts. Bioassay using cats and mice has been the standard for the isolation of T. gondii from infected hosts for the past several decades. However, bioassay is labor-intensive, expensive, and involves using laboratory animals. To search alternative approaches and o work towards replacement of animal experiments, we summarized the key literature and conducted four experiments to isolate T. gondii in vitro by cell culture. A few heart tissue samples from animals with the highest antibody titers in a given collection were used for T. gondii isolation. These experiments included samples from five out of 51 wild ducks, four of 46 wild turkeys, six of 24 white-tailed deer, as well as from six kangaroos that had died with acute toxoplasmosis in a zoo. These experiments resulted in three isolates from five chronically infected wild ducks (60%), four isolates from four chronically infected wild turkeys (100%), one isolate from six chronically infected white-tailed deer (17%), and four isolates from six kangaroos with acute toxoplasmosis (67%). In addition, five isolates from the five chronically infected wild ducks were obtained by bioassay in mice, showing a 100% success rate, which is higher than the 60% rate by direct cell culture. These T. gondii isolates were successfully propagated in human foreskin fibroblast (HFF) or Vero cells, and genotyped by multilocus PCR-RFLP markers. The results showed that it is practical to isolate T. gondii directly in cell culture. Although the cell culture approach may not be as sensitive as the bioassay, it does provide an alternative that is simple, cost-effective, ethically more acceptable, and less time-sensitive to isolate T. gondii. In this paper we propose a procedure that may be applied and further optimized for isolation of T. gondii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Dawant
- Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN. USA
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - Maria Spriggs
- SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, Busch Gardens, 3605 E. Bougainvillea Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33612, USA
| | | | - Laura Horton
- Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN. USA
| | - Nicole M Szafranski
- Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN. USA
| | - Helga Waap
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Unidade Estratégica de Investigação e Serviços, de Produção e Saúde Anima (UEISPSA), Portugal; Animal Behaviour and Welfare Laboratory, Centre of Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lisbon University, Lisbon, Portugal; Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Lisbon, Portugal; Centre for Infectious Disease Control-Zoonoses and Environmental Microbiology, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Pikka Jokelainen
- Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, 2300 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Richard W Gerhold
- Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN. USA
| | - Chunlei Su
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA.
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Rotovnik R, Lathrop TS, Skov J, Jokelainen P, Kapel CMO, Stensvold CR. Detection of zoonotic Cryptosporidium spp. in small wild rodents using amplicon-based next-generation sequencing. Parasite Epidemiol Control 2024; 24:e00332. [PMID: 38188480 PMCID: PMC10767489 DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2023.e00332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Rodents may serve as reservoirs of zoonotic species of Cryptosporidium; however, data from molecular surveys in support of this hypothesis are still scarce. In this study, we screened faeces and rectal content from murid and cricetid rodents (N = 58) caught around three farms in Zealand, Denmark, for Cryptosporidium spp. by amplicon-based next-generation sequencing (NGS) of ribosomal genes. Selected samples were further examined using nested conventional PCR targeting SSU rRNA, gp60, and actin genes. Cryptosporidium-specific DNA was identified in 40/58 (69%) samples, and in 12 (30%) of the 40 positive animals, mixed cryptosporidial infections were observed. Cryptosporidium ditrichi was the species most commonly identified, found in 28 (48%) of the animals. Cryptosporidium parvum was identified in 4 (7%) of the animals, all of which were co-infected with C. ditrichi. The present study is the first to utilize NGS-based screening for Cryptosporidium species in wild rodents. Moreover, it is the first study to provide molecular data on Cryptosporidium in rodents sampled in Denmark and to detect DNA of C. ditrichi in Mus musculus, Myodes glareolus, and Microtus agrestis. The NGS approach was successfully applied to yield new knowledge, and the results showed that zoonotic species of Cryptosporidium are common in murid and cricetid rodents in Zealand, Denmark.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalina Rotovnik
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Bacteria, Parasites & Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, DK–2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark
| | - Tatiana Siegler Lathrop
- Section for Organismal Biology, Department for Plant and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, DK–1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Jakob Skov
- National Institute of Aquatic Resources, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet Building 202, DK–2800 Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Pikka Jokelainen
- Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, DK–2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark
| | - Christian Moliin Outzen Kapel
- Section for Organismal Biology, Department for Plant and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, DK–1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Christen Rune Stensvold
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Bacteria, Parasites & Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, DK–2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark
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Joeres M, Maksimov P, Höper D, Calvelage S, Calero-Bernal R, Fernández-Escobar M, Koudela B, Blaga R, Vrhovec MG, Stollberg K, Bier N, Sotiraki S, Sroka J, Piotrowska W, Kodym P, Basso W, Conraths FJ, Mercier A, Galal L, Dardé ML, Balea A, Spano F, Schulze C, Peters M, Scuda N, Lundén A, Davidson RK, Terland R, Waap H, de Bruin E, Vatta P, Caccio S, Ortega-Mora LM, Jokelainen P, Schares G. Genotyping of European Toxoplasma gondii strains by a new high-resolution next-generation sequencing-based method. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2024; 43:355-371. [PMID: 38099986 PMCID: PMC10822014 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-023-04721-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE A new high-resolution next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based method was established to type closely related European type II Toxoplasma gondii strains. METHODS T. gondii field isolates were collected from different parts of Europe and assessed by whole genome sequencing (WGS). In comparison to ME49 (a type II reference strain), highly polymorphic regions (HPRs) were identified, showing a considerable number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). After confirmation by Sanger sequencing, 18 HPRs were used to design a primer panel for multiplex PCR to establish a multilocus Ion AmpliSeq typing method. Toxoplasma gondii isolates and T. gondii present in clinical samples were typed with the new method. The sensitivity of the method was tested with serially diluted reference DNA samples. RESULTS Among type II specimens, the method could differentiate the same number of haplotypes as the reference standard, microsatellite (MS) typing. Passages of the same isolates and specimens originating from abortion outbreaks were identified as identical. In addition, seven different genotypes, two atypical and two recombinant specimens were clearly distinguished from each other by the method. Furthermore, almost all SNPs detected by the Ion AmpliSeq method corresponded to those expected based on WGS. By testing serially diluted DNA samples, the method exhibited a similar analytical sensitivity as MS typing. CONCLUSION The new method can distinguish different T. gondii genotypes and detect intra-genotype variability among European type II T. gondii strains. Furthermore, with WGS data additional target regions can be added to the method to potentially increase typing resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Joeres
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - P Maksimov
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - D Höper
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - S Calvelage
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - R Calero-Bernal
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - M Fernández-Escobar
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - B Koudela
- Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - R Blaga
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, BIPAR, Maisons-Alfort, France
- University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | | | - K Stollberg
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Department for Biological Safety, Berlin, Germany
| | - N Bier
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Department for Biological Safety, Berlin, Germany
| | - S Sotiraki
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organisation-DIMITRA, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - J Sroka
- Department of Parasitology and Invasive Diseases, National Veterinary Research Institute, Pulawy, Poland
| | - W Piotrowska
- Department of Parasitology and Invasive Diseases, National Veterinary Research Institute, Pulawy, Poland
| | - P Kodym
- Centre of Epidemiology and Microbiology, National Institute of Public Health, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - W Basso
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - F J Conraths
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - A Mercier
- Inserm U1094, IRD U270, Univ. Limoges, CHU Limoges, EpiMaCT - Epidemiology of chronic diseases in tropical zone, Institute of Epidemiology and Tropical Neurology, OmegaHealth, Limoges, France
- Centre National de Référence (CNR) Toxoplasmose Centre Hospitalier-Universitaire Dupuytren, Limoges, France
| | - L Galal
- Inserm U1094, IRD U270, Univ. Limoges, CHU Limoges, EpiMaCT - Epidemiology of chronic diseases in tropical zone, Institute of Epidemiology and Tropical Neurology, OmegaHealth, Limoges, France
| | - M L Dardé
- Inserm U1094, IRD U270, Univ. Limoges, CHU Limoges, EpiMaCT - Epidemiology of chronic diseases in tropical zone, Institute of Epidemiology and Tropical Neurology, OmegaHealth, Limoges, France
- Centre National de Référence (CNR) Toxoplasmose Centre Hospitalier-Universitaire Dupuytren, Limoges, France
| | - A Balea
- University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - F Spano
- Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - C Schulze
- Landeslabor Berlin-Brandenburg, Frankfurt (Oder), Germany
| | - M Peters
- Chemisches und Veterinäruntersuchungsamt Westfalen, Standort Arnsberg, Arnsberg, Germany
| | - N Scuda
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Erlangen, Germany
| | - A Lundén
- Department of Microbiology, National Veterinary Institute, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - R K Davidson
- Department of Animal Health, Welfare and Food Safety, Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Tromsø, Norway
| | - R Terland
- Department of Analysis and Diagnostics, Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Ås, Norway
| | - H Waap
- Parasitology Laboratory, Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - E de Bruin
- Dutch Wildlife Health Centre, Pathology Division, Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - P Vatta
- Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - S Caccio
- Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - L M Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - P Jokelainen
- Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - G Schares
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany.
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8
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Nordholm AC, Søborg B, Jokelainen P, Lauenborg Møller K, Flink Sørensen L, Grove Krause T, Anker Uldum S, Emborg HD. Mycoplasma pneumoniae epidemic in Denmark, October to December, 2023. Euro Surveill 2024; 29:2300707. [PMID: 38214084 PMCID: PMC10785206 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2024.29.2.2300707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
We report a surge of patients, especially children and adolescents, with respiratory disease caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae in Denmark since October 2023. While the surge has reached an epidemic level, no impact on hospital capacity has been observed; only 14% (446/3,195) of cases, primarily adults, required hospitalisation. Macrolide resistance was detected in less than 2% of samples tested. Timely monitoring of hospitalisations linked to M. pneumoniae infections has been established to inform the healthcare system, decisionmakers and the public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Christine Nordholm
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Prevention, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Bolette Søborg
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Prevention, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Pikka Jokelainen
- Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | - Tyra Grove Krause
- Epidemiological Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Søren Anker Uldum
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hanne-Dorthe Emborg
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Prevention, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
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9
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Lassaunière R, Polacek C, Utko M, Sørensen KM, Baig S, Ellegaard K, Escobar-Herrera LA, Fomsgaard A, Spiess K, Gunalan V, Bennedbæk M, Fonager J, Schwartz O, Planas D, Simon-Lorière E, Schneider UV, Sieber RN, Stegger M, Nielsen L, Hoppe M, Krause TG, Ullum H, Jokelainen P, Rasmussen M. Virus isolation and neutralisation of SARS-CoV-2 variants BA.2.86 and EG.5.1. Lancet Infect Dis 2023; 23:e509-e510. [PMID: 37949089 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(23)00682-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ria Lassaunière
- Virus Research and Development Laboratory, Virus & Microbiological Special Diagnostics, Copenhagen 2300, Denmark.
| | - Charlotta Polacek
- Virus Research and Development Laboratory, Virus & Microbiological Special Diagnostics, Copenhagen 2300, Denmark
| | | | | | - Sharmin Baig
- Sequencing and Bioinformatics, Bacteria, Parasites & Fungi, Copenhagen 2300, Denmark
| | - Kirsten Ellegaard
- Sequencing and Bioinformatics, Bacteria, Parasites & Fungi, Copenhagen 2300, Denmark
| | | | - Anders Fomsgaard
- Virus Research and Development Laboratory, Virus & Microbiological Special Diagnostics, Copenhagen 2300, Denmark
| | - Katja Spiess
- Virus Research and Development Laboratory, Virus & Microbiological Special Diagnostics, Copenhagen 2300, Denmark
| | - Vithiagaran Gunalan
- Virus Research and Development Laboratory, Virus & Microbiological Special Diagnostics, Copenhagen 2300, Denmark
| | - Marc Bennedbæk
- Virus Research and Development Laboratory, Virus & Microbiological Special Diagnostics, Copenhagen 2300, Denmark
| | - Jannik Fonager
- Virus Research and Development Laboratory, Virus & Microbiological Special Diagnostics, Copenhagen 2300, Denmark
| | - Olivier Schwartz
- Virus & Immunity Unit, Department of Virology, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France; CNRS UMR 3569, Paris, France; Vaccine Research Institute, Créteil, France
| | - Delphine Planas
- Virus & Immunity Unit, Department of Virology, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France; CNRS UMR 3569, Paris, France; Vaccine Research Institute, Créteil, France
| | | | - Uffe V Schneider
- Virus Preparedness, Virus & Microbiological Special Diagnostics, Copenhagen 2300, Denmark
| | - Raphael N Sieber
- Sequencing and Bioinformatics, Bacteria, Parasites & Fungi, Copenhagen 2300, Denmark
| | - Marc Stegger
- Sequencing and Bioinformatics, Bacteria, Parasites & Fungi, Copenhagen 2300, Denmark; Antimicrobial Resistance and Infectious Diseases Laboratory, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Lene Nielsen
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev and Gentofte, Denmark
| | - Morten Hoppe
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev and Gentofte, Denmark
| | - Tyra G Krause
- Epidemiological Infectious Disease Preparedness, Copenhagen 2300, Denmark
| | - Henrik Ullum
- Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen 2300, Denmark
| | | | - Morten Rasmussen
- Virus Research and Development Laboratory, Virus & Microbiological Special Diagnostics, Copenhagen 2300, Denmark
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10
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Rasmussen M, Møller FT, Gunalan V, Baig S, Bennedbæk M, Christiansen LE, Cohen AS, Ellegaard K, Fomsgaard A, Franck KT, Larsen NB, Larsen TG, Lassaunière R, Polacek C, Qvesel AG, Sieber RN, Rasmussen LD, Stegger M, Spiess K, Tang MHE, Vestergaard LS, Andersen TE, Hoegh SV, Pedersen RM, Skov MN, Steinke K, Sydenham TV, Hoppe M, Nielsen L, Krause TG, Ullum H, Jokelainen P. First cases of SARS-CoV-2 BA.2.86 in Denmark, 2023. Euro Surveill 2023; 28:2300460. [PMID: 37676147 PMCID: PMC10486197 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2023.28.36.2300460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
We describe 10 cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variant BA.2.86 detected in Denmark, including molecular characteristics and results from wastewater surveillance that indicate that the variant is circulating in the country at a low level. This new variant with many spike gene mutations was classified as a variant under monitoring by the World Health Organization on 17 August 2023. Further global monitoring of COVID-19, BA.2.86 and other SARS-CoV-2 variants is highly warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morten Rasmussen
- Virus Research and Development Laboratory, Virus & Microbiological Special Diagnostics, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
- These authors contributed equally to this work and share first authorship
| | - Frederik Trier Møller
- These authors contributed equally to this work and share first authorship
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Prevention, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Vithiagaran Gunalan
- Virus Research and Development Laboratory, Virus & Microbiological Special Diagnostics, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sharmin Baig
- Sequencing and Bioinformatics, Bacteria, Parasites & Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marc Bennedbæk
- Virus Research and Development Laboratory, Virus & Microbiological Special Diagnostics, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | - Kirsten Ellegaard
- Sequencing and Bioinformatics, Bacteria, Parasites & Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders Fomsgaard
- Virus Research and Development Laboratory, Virus & Microbiological Special Diagnostics, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kristina Træholt Franck
- Virus Surveillance and Research Laboratory, Virus & Microbiological Special Diagnostics, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Tine Graakjær Larsen
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Prevention, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ria Lassaunière
- Virus Research and Development Laboratory, Virus & Microbiological Special Diagnostics, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Charlotta Polacek
- Virus Research and Development Laboratory, Virus & Microbiological Special Diagnostics, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Amanda Gammelby Qvesel
- Virus Surveillance and Research Laboratory, Virus & Microbiological Special Diagnostics, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Raphael Niklaus Sieber
- Sequencing and Bioinformatics, Bacteria, Parasites & Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lasse Dam Rasmussen
- Virus Surveillance and Research Laboratory, Virus & Microbiological Special Diagnostics, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marc Stegger
- Sequencing and Bioinformatics, Bacteria, Parasites & Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Antimicrobial Resistance and Infectious Diseases Laboratory, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia
| | - Katja Spiess
- Virus Research and Development Laboratory, Virus & Microbiological Special Diagnostics, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Man-Hung Eric Tang
- Sequencing and Bioinformatics, Bacteria, Parasites & Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Thomas Emil Andersen
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Research Unit for Clinical Microbiology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Silje Vermedal Hoegh
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Rune Micha Pedersen
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Research Unit for Clinical Microbiology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Marianne Nielsine Skov
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Research Unit for Clinical Microbiology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Kat Steinke
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Thomas Vognbjerg Sydenham
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Research Unit for Clinical Microbiology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Morten Hoppe
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev and Gentofte, Denmark
| | - Lene Nielsen
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev and Gentofte, Denmark
| | - Tyra Grove Krause
- Epidemiological Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Pikka Jokelainen
- Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
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11
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Laakso L, Jokelainen P, Houe H, Skjerve E, Hansen J, Lynge E, Martinsen JI, Mehlum IS, Selander J, Torfadóttir JE, Weiderpass E, Heikkinen S, Pukkala E. No Excess Cancer Risk among Veterinarians in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden after the 1980s. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4079. [PMID: 37627107 PMCID: PMC10452372 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15164079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The cancer profile of veterinarians has received little research attention, despite the profession potentially being exposed to a wide range of known and suspected carcinogens. In this large-scale cohort study, we assessed cancer incidence in veterinarians in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, across more than 40 years (1961-2005). The cohort comprised 4708 veterinarians and 119,503 person-years at follow-up. The overall cancer incidence in veterinarians was close to the incidence in the total population in all countries and in all age groups. In male veterinarians, the standardized incidence ratios (SIR) in 1961-1990 were elevated for colon cancer (1.86, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.39-2.44), prostate cancer (1.35, 95% CI 1.07-1.67), and especially skin melanoma (3.62, 95% CI 2.78-2.84), while there was no longer any statistically significant excess in the more recent follow-up period. Decreased SIRs were observed for lip cancer (0.11, 95% CI 0.00-0.62), laryngeal cancer (0.38, 95% CI 0.12-0.89), lung cancer (0.59, 95% CI 0.47-0.74), and stomach cancer (0.58, 95% CI 0.38-0.86), without a marked change in SIR over time. Non-significant excesses among male veterinarians were also observed in Hodgkin lymphoma (1961-1990 only), and leukaemia. This multi-country study indicates that there was an elevated incidence of several cancer types among male veterinarians before the 1990s but not after that. Some of the findings might rather be attributed to lifestyle factors and not directly to work conditions, but the excess risk of cancers of kidney and bladder, for example, might be related to work exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Laakso
- Animal Clinic of Paippinen, 04170 Paippinen, Finland;
| | - Pikka Jokelainen
- Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, 2300 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hans Houe
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1870 Frederiksberg, Denmark;
| | - Eystein Skjerve
- The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, 1433 Ås, Norway;
| | - Johnni Hansen
- Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Danish Cancer Society, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark;
| | - Elsebeth Lynge
- Nykøbing Falster Hospital and Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, 1014 Copenhagen, Denmark;
| | | | - Ingrid Sivesind Mehlum
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, National Institute of Occupational Health (STAMI), 0304 Oslo, Norway;
| | - Jenny Selander
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Institute of Environmental Medicine, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden;
| | - Jóhanna Eyrún Torfadóttir
- Department of Education & Prevention, The Icelandic Cancer Society, 105 Reykjavik, Iceland;
- Centre for Public Health Sciences, University of Iceland, 102 Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Elisabete Weiderpass
- International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), World Health Organization, 69372 Lyon, France;
| | - Sanna Heikkinen
- Finnish Cancer Registry, Institute for Statistical and Epidemiological Cancer Research, 00130 Helsinki, Finland;
| | - Eero Pukkala
- Finnish Cancer Registry, Institute for Statistical and Epidemiological Cancer Research, 00130 Helsinki, Finland;
- Health Sciences Unit, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, 33520 Tampere, Finland
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12
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Svensgaard SNH, Jokelainen P, Stensvold CR, Lausch KR, Højsgaard A, Keller JL, Nielsen HV, Larsen CS. Pulmonary cystic echinococcosis acquired during a short-term tourist travel. IDCases 2023; 33:e01833. [PMID: 37448378 PMCID: PMC10336687 DOI: 10.1016/j.idcr.2023.e01833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cystic echinococcosis is non-endemic in Denmark and primarily diagnosed in migrants from endemic areas. Here, we report a case of pulmonary cystic echinococcosis in a Danish woman with no history of longer-term stays abroad, only holiday travelling to tourist destinations. This is the first case reported in international literature from Denmark where the causative parasite was identified to species and genotype level. Case A 27-year-old pregnant Danish woman was admitted for examination because of haemoptysis for three months.Chest X-ray and computed tomography revealed a cystic structure in the left lung and a left-sided thoracotomy was performed to remove the cyst. Postoperative histopathological examination revealed a hyaline membrane and protoscoleces. Subsequently, infection with Echinococcus granulosus was confirmed by molecular methods. The causative agent was further characterised as E. granulosus sensu stricto G1, which is not known to have an established life cycle in Denmark. It was concluded that the infection was most likely acquired during a tourist travel to an endemic country. The patient was treated with albendazole for four weeks. Conclusion This case of pulmonary cystic echinococcosis in a person who had lived in Denmark and had history of only short-term tourist travelling abroad highlights that the disease may be acquired during tourist travelling. Thus, a diagnosis of cystic echinococcosis should be considered not only in migrants from endemic countries but also in travellers upon incidental findings of a lung or liver cysts. The case also exemplifies the importance of reaching a diagnosis at species and genotype level.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pikka Jokelainen
- Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | - Anette Højsgaard
- Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
| | | | - Henrik Vedel Nielsen
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
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13
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Alves F, Artursson K, Bloch J, Brisabois A, Imberechts H, Jokelainen P, La Ragione R, Lindblad M, Forss RL, Marston DA, Parvizi O, Tuominen L, Omazic A. A multi-country One Health foodborne outbreak simulation exercise: cross-sectoral cooperation, data sharing and communication. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1121522. [PMID: 37383258 PMCID: PMC10293640 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1121522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The awareness of scientists and policy makers regarding the requirement for an integrated One Health (OH) approach in responding to zoonoses has increased in recent years. However, there remains an overall inertia in relation to the implementation of practical cross-sector collaborations. Foodborne outbreaks of zoonotic diseases continue to affect the European population despite stringent regulations, evidencing the requirement for better 'prevent, detect and response' strategies. Response exercises play an essential role in the improvement of crisis management plans, providing the opportunity to test practical intervention methodologies in a controlled environment. Methods The One Health European Joint Programme simulation exercise (OHEJP SimEx) aimed at practicing the OH capacity and interoperability across public health, animal health and food safety sectors in a challenging outbreak scenario. The OHEJP SimEx was delivered through a sequence of scripts covering the different stages of a Salmonella outbreak investigation at a national level, involving both the human food chain and the raw pet feed industry. Results A total of 255 participants from 11 European countries (Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Italy, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Sweden, the Netherlands) took part in national level two-day exercises during 2022. National evaluations identified common recommendations to countries aiming to improve their OH structure to establish formal communication channels between sectors, implement a common data sharing platform, harmonize laboratory procedures, and reinforce inter-laboratory networks within countries. The large proportion of participants (94%) indicated significant interest in pursuing a OH approach and desire to work more closely with other sectors. Discussion The OHEJP SimEx outcomes will assist policy makers in implementing a harmonized approach to cross-sector health-related topics, by highlighting the benefits of cooperation, identifying gaps in the current strategies and suggesting actions required to better address foodborne outbreaks. Furthermore, we summarize recommendations for future OH simulation exercises, which are essential to continually test, challenge and improve national OH strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederico Alves
- Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge (INSA), Lisbon, Portugal
- Office of Science and International Collaboration, National Veterinary Institute (SVA), Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Karin Artursson
- Office of Science and International Collaboration, National Veterinary Institute (SVA), Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Juliette Bloch
- Department of Health Alerts and Vigilances, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES), Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Anne Brisabois
- Department of Strategy and Program, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES), Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Hein Imberechts
- Sciensano, The Belgian Institute for Health, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pikka Jokelainen
- Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Roberto La Ragione
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom
- School of Biosciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Mats Lindblad
- Department of Safe Food, Swedish Food Agency, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Rebecca Litzell Forss
- Office of Science and International Collaboration, National Veterinary Institute (SVA), Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Denise A. Marston
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Omid Parvizi
- Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (Federal Research Institute for Animal Health), Jena, Germany
| | - Lena Tuominen
- Office of Science and International Collaboration, National Veterinary Institute (SVA), Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anna Omazic
- Department of Chemistry, Environment and Feed Hygiene, National Veterinary Institute (SVA), Uppsala, Sweden
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14
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Johannesen TB, Munkstrup C, Edslev SM, Baig S, Nielsen S, Funk T, Kristensen DK, Jacobsen LH, Ravn SF, Bindslev N, Gubbels S, Voldstedlund M, Jokelainen P, Hallstrøm S, Rasmussen A, Kristinsson KG, Fuglsang-Damgaard D, Dessau RB, Olsén AB, Jensen CS, Skovby A, Ellermann-Eriksen S, Jensen TG, Dzajic E, Østergaard C, Lomborg Andersen S, Hoffmann S, Andersen PH, Stegger M. Increase in invasive group A streptococcal infections and emergence of novel, rapidly expanding sub-lineage of the virulent Streptococcus pyogenes M1 clone, Denmark, 2023. Euro Surveill 2023; 28:2300291. [PMID: 37382884 PMCID: PMC10311951 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2023.28.26.2300291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
A highly virulent sub-lineage of the Streptococcus pyogenes M1 clone has been rapidly expanding throughout Denmark since late 2022 and now accounts for 30% of the new invasive group A streptococcal infections. We aimed to investigate whether a shift in variant composition can account for the high incidence rates observed over winter 2022/23, or if these are better explained by the impact of COVID-19-related restrictions on population immunity and carriage of group A Streptococcus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Charlotte Munkstrup
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Prevention, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sofie Marie Edslev
- Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sharmin Baig
- Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Stine Nielsen
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Prevention, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tjede Funk
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Prevention, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | - Signe Fischer Ravn
- Data Integration and Analysis, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Niels Bindslev
- Data Integration and Analysis, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sophie Gubbels
- Data Integration and Analysis, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Pikka Jokelainen
- Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Søren Hallstrøm
- Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Astrid Rasmussen
- Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Karl Gústaf Kristinsson
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Landspitali - the National University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | | | - Ram B Dessau
- Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Zealand University Hospital, Slagelse, Denmark
| | - Agnieszka Barbara Olsén
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital - University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | | | - Annette Skovby
- Copenhagen University Hospital - Amager and Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | | | - Thøger Gorm Jensen
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Odense University Hospital and Research Unit of Clinical Microbiology, Odense, Denmark
| | - Esad Dzajic
- Clinical Diagnostic Department, Clinical Microbiology, Hospital South West Jutland, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg, Denmark
| | - Claus Østergaard
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Lillebælt Hospital, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Vejle, Denmark
| | - Steen Lomborg Andersen
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Sønderjylland Hospital, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Aabenraa, Denmark
| | - Steen Hoffmann
- Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Peter Henrik Andersen
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Prevention, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marc Stegger
- Antimicrobial Resistance and Infectious Diseases Laboratory, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia
- Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
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15
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Dámek F, Fremaux B, Aubert D, Thoumire S, Delsart M, Martin JL, Vuillermet S, Opsteegh M, Jokelainen P, Le Roux D, Boireau P, Villena I, Blaga R. Inactivation of Toxoplasma gondii in dry sausage and processed pork, and quantification of the pathogen in pig tissues prior to production. Food Waterborne Parasitol 2023; 31:e00194. [PMID: 37250657 PMCID: PMC10209801 DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2023.e00194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an important zoonotic foodborne parasite. Meat of infected animals appears to be a major source of infection in Europe. Pork is the most consumed meat in France, with dry sausages well represented. The risk of transmission via consumption of processed pork products is largely unknown, mainly since processing will affect viability but may not entirely inactivate all T. gondii parasites. We investigated the presence and concentration of T. gondii DNA in the shoulder, breast, ham, and heart of pigs orally inoculated with 1000 oocysts (n = 3) or tissue cysts (n = 3) and naturally infected pigs (n = 2), by means of magnetic capture qPCR (MC-qPCR). Muscle tissues of experimentally infected pigs were further used to evaluate the impact of manufacturing processes of dry sausages, including different concentrations of nitrates (0, 60, 120, 200 ppm), nitrites (0, 60, 120 ppm), and NaCl (0, 20, 26 g/kg), ripening (2 days at 16-24 °C) and drying (up to 30 days at 13 °C), by a combination of mouse bioassay, qPCR and MC-qPCR. DNA of T. gondii was detected in all eight pigs, including in 41.7% (10/24) of muscle samples (shoulder, breast and ham) and 87.5% (7/8) of hearts by MC-qPCR. The number of parasites per gram of tissue was estimated to be the lowest in the hams (arithmetic mean (M) = 1, standard deviation (SD) = 2) and the highest in the hearts (M = 147, SD = 233). However, the T. gondii burden estimates varied on the individual animal level, the tissue tested and the parasitic stage used for the experimental infection (oocysts or tissue cysts). Of dry sausages and processed pork, 94.4% (51/54) were positive for T. gondii by MC-qPCR or qPCR, with the mean T. gondii burden estimate equivalent to 31 parasites per gram (SD = 93). Only the untreated processed pork sample collected on the day of production was positive by mouse bioassay. The results suggest an uneven distribution of T. gondii in the tissues examined, and possibly an absence or a concentration below the detection limit in some of them. Moreover, the processing of dry sausages and processed pork with NaCl, nitrates, and nitrites has an impact on the viability of T. gondii from the first day of production. Results are valuable input for future risk assessments aiming to estimate the relative contribution of different sources of T. gondii human infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filip Dámek
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, BIPAR, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Bastien Fremaux
- IFIP - Institut du Porc, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Dominique Aubert
- National Reference Centre on Toxoplasmosis, Toxoplasma Biological Resources Centre, CHU Reims and EA7510, SFR CAP-Santé, University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, USC EpiToxo Anses, France
| | - Sandra Thoumire
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, BIPAR, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Maxime Delsart
- Anses, Ecole nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort, Laboratoire de Santé Animale USC EPIMAI, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Jean-Luc Martin
- IFIP - Institut du Porc, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Sandra Vuillermet
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, BIPAR, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Marieke Opsteegh
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Pikka Jokelainen
- Statens Serum Institut, Infectious Disease Preparedness, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Delphine Le Roux
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, BIPAR, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Pascal Boireau
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, BIPAR, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Isabelle Villena
- National Reference Centre on Toxoplasmosis, Toxoplasma Biological Resources Centre, CHU Reims and EA7510, SFR CAP-Santé, University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, USC EpiToxo Anses, France
| | - Radu Blaga
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, BIPAR, Maisons-Alfort, France
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16
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Joeres M, Cardron G, Passebosc-Faure K, Plault N, Fernández-Escobar M, Hamilton CM, O'Brien-Anderson L, Calero-Bernal R, Galal L, Luttermann C, Maksimov P, Conraths FJ, Dardé ML, Ortega-Mora LM, Jokelainen P, Mercier A, Schares G. A ring trial to harmonize Toxoplasma gondii microsatellite typing: comparative analysis of results and recommendations for optimization. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2023:10.1007/s10096-023-04597-7. [PMID: 37093325 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-023-04597-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
A ring trial among five European laboratories was organized to reach consistency in microsatellite (MS) typing of the zoonotic parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Three sample sets were circulated and analyzed by each laboratory following a previously published method that is based on fragment length polymorphism of 15 MS markers. The first sample set compared typing results in general and focused on effects of DNA concentration; the second sample set focused on the polymorphic fingerprinting markers that can differentiate T. gondii strains within the same archetypal lineage; and the third set focused on non-archetypal genotypes. Methodological variations between laboratories, including the software programs used to determine MS fragment length, were collated using a questionnaire. Overall, lineage-level typing results reached a high level of agreement, especially in samples with the highest DNA concentrations. However, laboratory-specific differences were observed for particular markers. Major median differences in fragment length, of up to 6 base pairs, were related to the fluorophore used to label fragment-specific primers. In addition, primer pairs with identical sequences obtained from different suppliers resulted in fragments of differing length. Furthermore, differences in the way the sequencing profiles were assessed and interpreted may have led to deviating results in fragment length determination. Harmonization of MS typing, for example, by using the same fluorophores or by numerical adjustments applied to the fragment-lengths determined, could improve the uniformity of the results across laboratories. This is the first interlaboratory comparison, providing guidelines (added as a supplement) for the optimization of this technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Joeres
- Institute of Epidemiology, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - G Cardron
- Institute of Epidemiology, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - K Passebosc-Faure
- Centre National de Référence (CNR) Toxoplasmose Centre Hospitalier-Universitaire Dupuytren, Limoges, France
| | - N Plault
- Inserm U1094, IRD U270, Univ. Limoges, CHU Limoges, EpiMaCT - Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases in Tropical Zone, Institute of Epidemiology and Tropical Neurology, OmegaHealth, Limoges, France
| | - M Fernández-Escobar
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - C M Hamilton
- The Moredun Research Institute, Penicuik, Midlothian, UK
| | - L O'Brien-Anderson
- Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - R Calero-Bernal
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - L Galal
- Inserm U1094, IRD U270, Univ. Limoges, CHU Limoges, EpiMaCT - Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases in Tropical Zone, Institute of Epidemiology and Tropical Neurology, OmegaHealth, Limoges, France
| | - C Luttermann
- Institute of Immunology, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, -Insel Riems, Greifswald, Germany
| | - P Maksimov
- Institute of Epidemiology, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - F J Conraths
- Institute of Epidemiology, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - M L Dardé
- Centre National de Référence (CNR) Toxoplasmose Centre Hospitalier-Universitaire Dupuytren, Limoges, France
- Inserm U1094, IRD U270, Univ. Limoges, CHU Limoges, EpiMaCT - Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases in Tropical Zone, Institute of Epidemiology and Tropical Neurology, OmegaHealth, Limoges, France
| | - L M Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - P Jokelainen
- Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - A Mercier
- Centre National de Référence (CNR) Toxoplasmose Centre Hospitalier-Universitaire Dupuytren, Limoges, France
- Inserm U1094, IRD U270, Univ. Limoges, CHU Limoges, EpiMaCT - Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases in Tropical Zone, Institute of Epidemiology and Tropical Neurology, OmegaHealth, Limoges, France
| | - G Schares
- Institute of Epidemiology, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany.
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Magnussen E, Stensvold CR, Berg R, Jokelainen P, Haukisalmi V. Identification of the tapeworm Mosgovoyia pectinata (Anoplocephalidae) in Faroese mountain hares (Lepus timidus). International Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and Wildlife 2023; 21:17-21. [PMID: 37025621 PMCID: PMC10070078 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2023.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2023]
Abstract
The mountain hares (Lepus timidus L., 1758) in the Faroe Islands, an archipelago located in the North Atlantic, are known to be commonly infected by tapeworms, the identity of which was unknown. The mountain hare, which now populates 15 of the 18 islands, was introduced from Norway in 1855. In this study, tapeworms collected from four mountain hares from four geographic areas of the Faroe Islands were subjected to molecular identification using the nuclear ribosomal DNA (28S), the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) and the NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 (nad1) genes. The results indicate unambiguously that the tapeworms were Mosgovoyia pectinata (Goeze, 1782) (Cestoda: Anoplocephalidae sensu stricto). The phylogenetic position and origin of the Faroese M. pectinata are discussed. Given that the parasite is quite common in Norway, from where the mountain hares were introduced, it is conceivable that co-introduction of M. pectinata from Norway to the Faroe Islands took place. The phylogenetic analyses revealed high similarity of the M. pectinata sequences from three regions and the position of the Faroese isolate as the sister lineage of the isolates from Finland and East Siberia.
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Tryland M, Cunha CW, Fuchs B, Breines EM, Li H, Jokelainen P, Laaksonen S. A serological screening for potential viral pathogens among semi-domesticated Eurasian tundra reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) in Finland. Acta Vet Scand 2023; 65:8. [PMID: 36814283 PMCID: PMC9948369 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-023-00671-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reindeer herding and husbandry is a traditional and important livelihood in Fennoscandia, and about 200,000 semi-domesticated reindeer are herded in Finland. Climatic changes, leading to ice-locked winter pastures, and encroachment of pasture-land have led to changes in reindeer husbandry, increasing the extent of supplementary or full ration feeding, which has become very common in Finland. Keeping reindeer in corrals or gathering them at permanent feeding sites will increase nose-to-nose contact between animals and they may be exposed to poor hygienic conditions. This may impact the epidemiology of infectious diseases, such as viral infections. The aim of this study was to investigate Finnish semi-domesticated reindeer for exposure to viral pathogens. Blood samples were collected from 596 reindeer (358 calves, 238 adults) in 2015, from nine reindeer slaughterhouses, representing most of the reindeer herding regions in Finland. Plasma samples were investigated for antibodies against a selection of known and potential reindeer viral pathogens by using enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). RESULTS The screening suggested that alphaherpesvirus and gammaherpesvirus (malignant catarrhal fever virus group; MCFV) were enzootic in the reindeer population, with a seroprevalence of 46.5% (range at slaughterhouse level 28.6-64.3%) and 29.0% (range 3.5-62.2%), respectively. Whereas the seroprevalence was significantly higher for alphaherpesvirus among adult reindeer (91.2%) as compared to calves (16.8%), no age difference was revealed for antibodies against gammaherpesvirus. For alphaherpesvirus, the seroprevalence in the northernmost region, having the highest animal density (animals/km2), was significantly higher (55.6%) as compared to the southernmost region (36.2%), whereas the seroprevalence pattern for gammaherpesvirus indicated the opposite, with 8.1% in the north and 50.0% in the south. Four reindeer (0.7%) had antibodies against Pestivirus, whereas no antibodies were detected against Bluetongue virus or Schmallenbergvirus. CONCLUSIONS Alphaherpesvirus and gammaherpesvirus (MCFV) seems to be enzootic in the Finnish reindeer population, similar to other reindeer herds in Fennoscandia, whereas the exposure to Pestivirus was low compared to findings in Norway and Sweden. The ongoing changes in the reindeer herding industry necessitate knowledge on reindeer health and diseases that may impact animal welfare and health of reindeer as well as the economy of the reindeer herding industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morten Tryland
- Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, 2480, Koppang, Norway. .,Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Framstredet 39, Breivika, 9019, Tromsö, Norway.
| | - Cristina Wetzel Cunha
- grid.30064.310000 0001 2157 6568Animal Disease Research Unit, US Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Washington State University, Pullman, WA USA
| | - Boris Fuchs
- grid.10919.300000000122595234Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Framstredet 39, Breivika, 9019 Tromsö, Norway
| | - Eva Marie Breines
- grid.477237.2Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, 2480 Koppang, Norway
| | - Hong Li
- grid.30064.310000 0001 2157 6568Animal Disease Research Unit, US Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Washington State University, Pullman, WA USA
| | - Pikka Jokelainen
- grid.6203.70000 0004 0417 4147Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark ,grid.7737.40000 0004 0410 2071Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sauli Laaksonen
- grid.7737.40000 0004 0410 2071Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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19
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Nielsen SS, Thuesen IS, Mejer H, Agerholm JS, Nielsen ST, Jokelainen P, Thamsborg SM, Sandøe P. Assessing welfare risks in unowned unsocialised domestic cats in Denmark based on associations with low body condition score. Acta Vet Scand 2023; 65:1. [PMID: 36691036 PMCID: PMC9869495 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-023-00665-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Populations of unowned unsocialised cats are present worldwide. Generally, there is concern about their welfare. Low body condition score (BCS) is a potentially relevant indicator that is relatively easy to assess: emaciated cats are likely to have welfare problems while thin cats may be at risk of becoming emaciated. The objective of this study was to assess the association of low BSC with a selection of factors relating to the host, disease, and infection in unowned unsocialised domestic cats. We necropsied 598 euthanised unowned unsocialised cats from Denmark. We recorded each cat's age-group, sex, and neuter status, together with its pregnancy status, the season and location of trapping, as well as gross lesions at necropsy. We also tested for feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukaemia virus, recorded presence of ectoparasites, and a subsample of the cats were also tested for endoparasites. Cats with no or sparse adipose deposits were categorised as having low BCS, and logistic regression was used to determine the factors associated with low BCS. RESULTS Of the cats, 11.4% had low BCS. Season, age-group and sex were associated with low BCS and confounded potential associations with other variables. Intact adult males and females in spring and early summer were at highest risk of low BCS. When these factors were taken into account, cats with biting lice had 2.8 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.4-5.4) times higher odds of low BCS, and cats with gastro-intestinal findings (i.e., enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes, abdominal hernia, diarrhoea, obstructive foreign bodies, or diaphragmatic hernia) had 50 (95% CI 10-417) times higher odds of low BCS, than cats with no such findings. Cats with low BCS were primarily adult intact cats with tooth lesions and skin lesions, ear mite infection, and positive test result for feline immunodeficiency virus. CONCLUSIONS The results highlight associations that can be used to define a risk profile: low BCS, notably in summer-autumn, in an unowned unsocialised cat was associated with underlying, less visible problems. Thus, low BCS can be more than a step towards being emaciated; it can also be an indicator of other underlying welfare problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Søren Saxmose Nielsen
- grid.5254.60000 0001 0674 042XDepartment of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Grønnegårdsvej 8, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Ida Sofie Thuesen
- grid.5254.60000 0001 0674 042XDepartment of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Grønnegårdsvej 8, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Helena Mejer
- grid.5254.60000 0001 0674 042XDepartment of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Grønnegårdsvej 8, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Jørgen Steen Agerholm
- grid.5254.60000 0001 0674 042XDepartment of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Højbakkegårds Allé 5A, 2630 Taastrup, Denmark
| | - Stine Thorsø Nielsen
- grid.5254.60000 0001 0674 042XDepartment of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Grønnegårdsvej 8, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Pikka Jokelainen
- grid.6203.70000 0004 0417 4147Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, 2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark
| | - Stig Milan Thamsborg
- grid.5254.60000 0001 0674 042XDepartment of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Grønnegårdsvej 8, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Peter Sandøe
- grid.5254.60000 0001 0674 042XDepartment of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Grønnegårdsvej 8, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark ,grid.5254.60000 0001 0674 042XDepartment of Food and Resource Economics, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 23, 1958 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
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20
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Correa MD, Delgado LG, Francia ME, Jokelainen P, Saavedra C, Garcia LL, Gomez-Marin JE. Female scientists in infectious diseases field: working towards a better representation and inclusión. Infect 2023. [DOI: 10.22354/24223794.1109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
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21
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Dámek F, Swart A, Waap H, Jokelainen P, Le Roux D, Deksne G, Deng H, Schares G, Lundén A, Álvarez-García G, Betson M, Davidson RK, Györke A, Antolová D, Hurníková Z, Wisselink HJ, Sroka J, van der Giessen JWB, Blaga R, Opsteegh M. Systematic Review and Modelling of Age-Dependent Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in Livestock, Wildlife and Felids in Europe. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12010097. [PMID: 36678447 PMCID: PMC9865579 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12010097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic parasite of importance to both human and animal health. The parasite has various transmission routes, and the meat of infected animals appears to be a major source of human infections in Europe. We aimed to estimate T. gondii prevalence in a selection of animal host species. A systematic literature review resulting in 226 eligible publications was carried out, and serological data were analyzed using an age-dependent Bayesian hierarchical model to obtain estimates for the regional T. gondii seroprevalence in livestock, wildlife, and felids. Prevalence estimates varied between species, regions, indoor/outdoor rearing, and types of detection methods applied. The lowest estimated seroprevalence was observed for indoor-kept lagomorphs at 4.8% (95% CI: 1.8-7.5%) and the highest for outdoor-kept sheep at 63.3% (95% CI: 53.0-79.3%). Overall, T. gondii seroprevalence estimates were highest within Eastern Europe, whilst being lowest in Northern Europe. Prevalence data based on direct detection methods were scarce and were not modelled but rather directly summarized by species. The outcomes of the meta-analysis can be used to extrapolate data to areas with a lack of data and provide valuable inputs for future source attribution approaches aiming to estimate the relative contribution of different sources of T. gondii human infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filip Dámek
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, BIPAR, F-94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Arno Swart
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control—Zoonoses and Environmental Microbiology, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Antonie van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, P.O. Box 1, 3720 BA Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Helga Waap
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Pikka Jokelainen
- Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, 2300 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Delphine Le Roux
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, BIPAR, F-94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Gunita Deksne
- Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment BIOR, LV-1076 Riga, Latvia
| | - Huifang Deng
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control—Zoonoses and Environmental Microbiology, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Antonie van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, P.O. Box 1, 3720 BA Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Gereon Schares
- Institute of Epidemiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, 17493 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Anna Lundén
- Department of Microbiology, National Veterinary Institute, 75189 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Gema Álvarez-García
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Martha Betson
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7AL, UK
| | - Rebecca K. Davidson
- Food Safety and Animal Health, Norwegian Veterinary Institute, 9016 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Adriana Györke
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Daniela Antolová
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Zuzana Hurníková
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Henk J. Wisselink
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 65, 8200 AB Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Jacek Sroka
- Department of Parasitology and Invasive Diseases, National Veterinary Research Institute, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland
| | - Joke W. B. van der Giessen
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control—Zoonoses and Environmental Microbiology, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Antonie van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, P.O. Box 1, 3720 BA Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Radu Blaga
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, BIPAR, F-94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Marieke Opsteegh
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control—Zoonoses and Environmental Microbiology, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Antonie van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, P.O. Box 1, 3720 BA Bilthoven, The Netherlands
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +31-6-29651388
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22
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Jokelainen P. ICOPA 2022: living with parasites, collaborating globally, and breaking a glass ceiling. Trends Parasitol 2022; 38:995-998. [PMID: 36333231 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2022.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pikka Jokelainen
- Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Bronzwaer S, Catchpole M, de Coen W, Dingwall Z, Fabbri K, Foltz C, Ganzleben C, van Gorcom R, Humphreys A, Jokelainen P, Liebana E, Rizzi V, Url B. One Health collaboration with and among EU Agencies - Bridging research and policy. One Health 2022; 15:100464. [PMID: 36561708 PMCID: PMC9767809 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2022.100464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In the coming decade, Europe will dedicate billions of euros to the necessary research and innovation (R&I) to support a transition to safe and sustainable food systems. EU Agencies, individually and even more so collectively, can make a difference in supporting the European research agenda. EU Agencies are knowledge centres, bringing together know-how to inform policy makers. EU Agencies that have traditionally dealt with aspects of human health, animal health, plant health and ecosystem health in silos, now need to take a broader perspective and move towards a One Health (OH) approach. In this paper, the authors highlight the need for more transdisciplinary cooperation in support of the One Health approach, identify challenges in strengthening interagency cooperation and provide recommendations to address them. EU Agencies are natural bridges between the scientific community and policy-makers and need to dedicate time and effort in fostering this dialogue, e.g. by engaging with relevant initiatives, research projects and European Partnerships. Research generates evidence that can be used also for regulatory science, in support of policy-making. It is urgent to define transdisciplinary research needs and formulate a One Health research agenda. This would be facilitated by establishing transdisciplinary One Health Research & Innovation governance, both at national and EU levels. Ongoing large initiatives, such as the One Health European Joint Programme, have demonstrated that active dialogue with national ministries and EU agencies is beneficial for all parties. Involvement of EU Agencies in the programming of the EU Research Framework programmes is beneficial, because of their regulatory science perspective, their expertise and current or future tasks on research topics. It is timely for EU Agencies to demonstrate leadership in moving the One Health agenda forward and it is encouraging that EU Agencies have committed to establish a cross-agency task force on One Health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stef Bronzwaer
- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), Via Carlo Magno 1A, 43126 Parma, Italy,Corresponding author.
| | - Mike Catchpole
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), 171 83 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Wim de Coen
- European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), Telakkakatu 6, 00150 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Zoe Dingwall
- European Parliament, Rue Wiertzstraat, B-1047 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Karen Fabbri
- European Commission (DG RTD), 1049 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Clémence Foltz
- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), Via Carlo Magno 1A, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Catherine Ganzleben
- European Environment Agency (EEA), Kongens Nytorv 6, 1050 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Robert van Gorcom
- Wageningen Food Safety Research, Akkermaalsbos 2, 6708 WB Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Anthony Humphreys
- European Medicines Agency, Domenico Scarlattilaan 6, 1083 HS Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Pikka Jokelainen
- Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, 2300 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ernesto Liebana
- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), Via Carlo Magno 1A, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Valentina Rizzi
- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), Via Carlo Magno 1A, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Bernhard Url
- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), Via Carlo Magno 1A, 43126 Parma, Italy
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24
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Benedetti G, Jokelainen P, Ethelberg S. Search term “One Health” remains of limited use to identify relevant scientific publications: Denmark as a case study. Front Public Health 2022; 10:938460. [PMID: 35968488 PMCID: PMC9368311 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.938460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
One Health has become a popular approach, and scientific advancements in the field should be easily findable and accessible to a wide range of relevant audiences, from researchers to policymakers, and across sectors. We conducted a systematic narrative review of available scientific publications concerning One Health in the setting of Denmark that were retrievable using “One Health” as the key search term. Three searches in two databases yielded 30 retrieved publications, 13 of which were included in the review. The included publications had been published between 2015 and 2021. Twelve of the included publications were co-authored in collaboration across institutes from different sectors. Three of the included publications had focus on antimicrobial resistance, three on disease surveillance and/or control, and five were assessments or evaluations. The overall number of publications identified by a search using “One Health” as the key search term was small, and the search identified some publications that were not relevant to One Health. Our work thus highlights a missed scientific and communication opportunity of signposting articles as relevant to One Health. Using the expression “One Health” as keyword could help making One Health research more easily findable and thereby obtaining an overview of research in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido Benedetti
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Prevention, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
- *Correspondence: Guido Benedetti
| | - Pikka Jokelainen
- Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Steen Ethelberg
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Prevention, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Public Health, Global Health Section, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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25
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Oksanen A, Kärssin A, Berg RP, Koch A, Jokelainen P, Sharma R, Jenkins E, Loginova O. Epidemiology of Trichinella in the Arctic and subarctic: A review. Food Waterborne Parasitol 2022; 28:e00167. [PMID: 35812081 PMCID: PMC9263860 DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2022.e00167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The finding of Trichinella in the Arctic was foreseen because captive polar bears and arctic foxes had been found infected during the first decades of the 20th century. Human trichinellosis outbreaks were reported to have taken place in 1944 in Franz Josef Archipelago and 1947 in Greenland, and previous outbreaks in Greenland also appeared to have been trichinellosis. Now, it is known that Trichinella parasites thrive in the Arctic and subarctic and pose a risk for public health. We collated the available information, which show that infection prevalences are high in many animal host species, and that outbreaks of human trichinellosis have been described also recently. The species diversity of Trichinella in the Arctic and subarctic is relatively high, and the circulation is in non-domestic cycles with transmission by predation, scavenging and cannibalism. There are also sporadic reports on the synanthropic species Trichinella spiralis in arctic wild mammals with little known or assumed contact to potential synanthropic cycles. In this paper, we summarize the knowledge on epidemiology of Trichinella parasites in the circumpolar Arctic and subarctic regions, and discuss the challenges and solutions for their control. Trichinella infection is common in wild animals in the Arctic and subarctic regions. The high prevalence of Trichinella infection in some arctic marine mammal species suggests a marine cycle. Outbreaks of human trichinellosis have been described, and public health importance still remains obvious. In this review, we had access to the large amount of Trichinella literature published in the Russian language.
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López Ureña NM, Chaudhry U, Calero Bernal R, Cano Alsua S, Messina D, Evangelista F, Betson M, Lalle M, Jokelainen P, Ortega Mora LM, Álvarez García G. Contamination of Soil, Water, Fresh Produce, and Bivalve Mollusks with Toxoplasma gondii Oocysts: A Systematic Review. Microorganisms 2022; 10:517. [PMID: 35336093 PMCID: PMC8954419 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10030517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a major foodborne pathogen capable of infecting all warm-blooded animals, including humans. Although oocyst-associated toxoplasmosis outbreaks have been documented, the relevance of the environmental transmission route remains poorly investigated. Thus, we carried out an extensive systematic review on T. gondii oocyst contamination of soil, water, fresh produce, and mollusk bivalves, following the PRISMA guidelines. Studies published up to the end of 2020 were searched for in public databases and screened. The reference sections of the selected articles were examined to identify additional studies. A total of 102 out of 3201 articles were selected: 34 articles focused on soil, 40 focused on water, 23 focused on fresh produce (vegetables/fruits), and 21 focused on bivalve mollusks. Toxoplasma gondii oocysts were found in all matrices worldwide, with detection rates ranging from 0.09% (1/1109) to 100% (8/8) using bioassay or PCR-based detection methods. There was a high heterogeneity (I2 = 98.9%), which was influenced by both the sampling strategy (e.g., sampling site and sample type, sample composition, sample origin, season, number of samples, cat presence) and methodology (recovery and detection methods). Harmonized approaches are needed for the detection of T. gondii in different environmental matrices in order to obtain robust and comparable results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia María López Ureña
- SALUVET Research Group, Animal Health Department, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (N.M.L.U.); (R.C.B.); (L.M.O.M.)
| | - Umer Chaudhry
- Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health Department, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK; (U.C.); or (D.M.); (F.E.); (M.B.)
| | - Rafael Calero Bernal
- SALUVET Research Group, Animal Health Department, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (N.M.L.U.); (R.C.B.); (L.M.O.M.)
| | - Santiago Cano Alsua
- Computing Services, Research Support Center, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Davide Messina
- Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health Department, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK; (U.C.); or (D.M.); (F.E.); (M.B.)
- Division of Veterinary Clinical Science, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Francisco Evangelista
- Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health Department, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK; (U.C.); or (D.M.); (F.E.); (M.B.)
| | - Martha Betson
- Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health Department, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK; (U.C.); or (D.M.); (F.E.); (M.B.)
| | - Marco Lalle
- Unit of Foodborne and Neglected Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Roma, Italy;
| | - Pikka Jokelainen
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institute, University of Copenhagen, 2300 Copenhagen, Denmark;
| | - Luis Miguel Ortega Mora
- SALUVET Research Group, Animal Health Department, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (N.M.L.U.); (R.C.B.); (L.M.O.M.)
| | - Gema Álvarez García
- SALUVET Research Group, Animal Health Department, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (N.M.L.U.); (R.C.B.); (L.M.O.M.)
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27
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Streichert LC, Sepe LP, Jokelainen P, Stroud CM, Berezowski J, Del Rio Vilas VJ. Participation in One Health Networks and Involvement in the COVID-19 Pandemic Response: A Global Study. Front Public Health 2022; 10:830893. [PMID: 35284359 PMCID: PMC8907588 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.830893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic exemplifies a One Health issue at the intersection of human, animal, and environmental health that requires collaboration across sectors to manage it successfully. The global One Health community includes professionals working in many different fields including human medicine, veterinary medicine, public health, ecosystem health, and, increasingly, social sciences. The aims of this cross-sectional study were to describe the involvement of the global One Health community in COVID-19 pandemic response activities. One Health networks (OHNs) have formed globally to serve professionals with common interests in collaborative approaches. We assessed the potential association between being part of an OHN and involvement in COVID-19 response activities. Data were collected in July-August 2020 using an online questionnaire that addressed work characteristics, perceived connection to OHNs, involvement in COVID-19 pandemic response activities, and barriers and facilitators to the involvement. The sample included 1,050 respondents from 94 countries across a range of organizations and work sectors including, but not restricted to, those typically associated with a One Health approach. Sixty-four percent of survey respondents indicated involvement in pandemic response activities. Being part of an OHN was positively associated with being involved in the COVID-19 response (odds ratio: 1.8, 95% confidence interval: 1.3–2.4). Lack of opportunities was a commonly reported barrier to involvement globally, with lack of funding the largest barrier in the WHO African region. This insight into diverse workforce involvement in the pandemic helps fill a gap in the global health workforce and public health education literature. An expanded understanding of the perceived roles and value of OHNs can inform targeted interventions to improve public health education and workforce capacity to prepare for and respond to public health emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura C. Streichert
- One Health Commission, Apex, NC, United States
- *Correspondence: Laura C. Streichert
| | - Ludovico P. Sepe
- Department Biological Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
| | - Pikka Jokelainen
- Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
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28
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Marstrand J, Kurtzhals JAL, Fuchs HJ, Nielsen HV, Jokelainen P. The disease burden of ocular toxoplasmosis in Denmark in 2019: Estimates based on laboratory testing of ocular samples and on publicly available register data. Parasite Epidemiol Control 2022; 15:e00229. [PMID: 35005263 PMCID: PMC8716638 DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2021.e00229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Toxoplasma gondii is an important zoonotic protozoan parasite with worldwide distribution. Information on the contribution of ocular toxoplasmosis to the disease burden caused by this parasite is limited or lacking from many countries. Methods We estimated the minimum occurrence of ocular toxoplasmosis in Denmark using results from direct detection of T. gondii DNA with qPCR and determination of the Goldmann-Witmer coefficient on ocular samples submitted by ophthalmological clinics and departments to the national reference laboratory in 2003–2019. In addition, we inferred incidence estimates using retrospective data that are publicly available in the National Patient Register, and we used unstructured expert elicitation as the basis for sensitivity analyses. We estimated the disease burden of ocular toxoplasmosis in 2019 in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Findings Ocular samples from 263 individuals (median age 57 years, range 2–88) had been tested with at least one of the methods during 2003–2019, and 42 (16%) tested positive (median age 65 years, range 14–85). In 2019, five (16%) of 31 tested individuals were positive, giving a minimum annual incidence estimate of 0.09 per 100.000 population. From this, we calculated a disease burden of at least 4 DALYs (95% confidence interval, 3–5). The age range suggested that this figure represented postnatally acquired ocular toxoplasmosis. The disease burden of ocular toxoplasmosis due to congenital toxoplasmosis has been previously estimated to be at least 12 DALYs, resulting in an estimated minimum total disease burden due to ocular toxoplasmosis of 16 DALYs. In 2005–2018, the mean annual number of diagnoses of ocular toxoplasmosis reported to the National Patient Register was 186, and the corresponding disease burden estimate was 134 DALYs (95% confidence interval, 113–158). Sensitivity analyses focusing on incidence and severity resulted in disease burden estimates in the range of 9–523 DALYs. Interpretation Because most diagnoses of ocular toxoplasmosis are based on clinical observations, ophthalmoscopy, and serology without confirmatory testing, the disease burden caused by ocular toxoplasmosis is likely substantially higher than our minimum estimates. Our results indicate that ocular toxoplasmosis contributes to the disease burden caused by T. gondii in Denmark, but uncertainty about the incidence and severity precludes reliable estimation of its importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Marstrand
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jørgen Anders Lindholm Kurtzhals
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Microbiology, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Helle Josefine Fuchs
- Department of Ophthalmology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Henrik Vedel Nielsen
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Bacteria, Parasites & Fungi, Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Pikka Jokelainen
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Bacteria, Parasites & Fungi, Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
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29
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Oborina V, Mõttus M, Jokelainen P. Angiostrongylus vasorum in Estonia: Multi-center study in dogs with clinical signs suggestive of canine angiostrongylosis, survey of potential risk behaviors among the dogs, and questionnaire survey of knowledge about the parasite among veterinarians. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2021; 26:100642. [PMID: 34879953 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2021.100642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Angiostrongylus vasorum is a parasite that can cause life-threatening disease in dogs. In recent years, A. vasorum has been reported spreading into new areas, in particular towards northeastern Europe. Despite being detected in wildlife in Estonia, no studies have focused on A. vasorum in domestic dogs in the country. We conducted a multi-center study in 2018-2019: at eight small animal clinics, altogether 115 dogs that had clinical signs that could be suggestive of canine angiostrongylosis were enrolled for testing using a commercial A. vasorum antigen detection test. In addition, we collected information on potential risk behaviors for acquiring A. vasorum infection - eating potential intermediate hosts and paratenic hosts - among the dogs, using a questionnaire for dog owners. Moreover, we surveyed knowledge about A. vasorum among veterinarians authorized to work in Estonia. None (0.0%, 95% confidence interval 0.0-2.6) of the 114 dogs included in the study tested A. vasorum antigen positive. Two (2.0%) of the 102 dogs included in the risk behavior analysis had been seen to eat slugs and/or snails, and this behavior was considered possible for further 17 (16.7%) of the dogs. Four (3.9%) of the dogs had been seen to eat frogs, and this behavior was considered possible for further 14 (13.7%) of the dogs. Thirty-eight (90.5%) of the 42 veterinarians who participated in the questionnaire survey selected the correct host and 28 (66.7%) selected the correct vectors of the parasite, from the provided options. Our results indicate that A. vasorum was either not established or not common in dogs in Estonia in 2018-2019, but this needs to be interpreted with caution due to the limited sample size, possible false negative results in recently infected dogs and the limited sensitivity of the test applied. Most local veterinarians seemed to know the parasite, and this awareness and knowledge among veterinarians should be maintained and further improved. Taken the presence of the parasite in local wildlife, it is prudent to include A. vasorum infection in the list of differential diagnoses for dogs with clinical signs that could be suggestive of canine angiostrongylosis in Estonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Oborina
- Small Animal Clinic of Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 62, Tartu 51014, Estonia; Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 62, Tartu 51014, Estonia.
| | - Maare Mõttus
- Small Animal Clinic of Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 62, Tartu 51014, Estonia; Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 62, Tartu 51014, Estonia.
| | - Pikka Jokelainen
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 62, Tartu 51014, Estonia; Department of Bacteria, Parasites & Fungi, Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, Copenhagen S 2300, Denmark; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 66, Helsinki 00014, Finland.
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30
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Mistry MA, Hoejvig J, Helleberg M, Stensvold CR, Jokelainen P, Noehr A, Bonde C. Human subcutaneous dirofilariasis: the 'migrating' skin tumor. Case Reports Plast Surg Hand Surg 2021; 8:181-185. [PMID: 34790837 PMCID: PMC8592590 DOI: 10.1080/23320885.2021.2002154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
A 46-year-old woman presented with facial pain and discomfort. Diagnosis of subcutaneous dirofilariasis was reached after several months from symptom onset. Dirofilariasis should be suspected, also in non-endemic areas, in patients with a migrating subcutaneous nodule. Plastic surgery is preferred, as the face is often involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Alexandra Mistry
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Breast Surgery and Burns Treatment, Copenhagen University Teaching Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Denmark
| | - Jens Hoejvig
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Breast Surgery and Burns Treatment, Copenhagen University Teaching Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Denmark
| | - Marie Helleberg
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Teaching Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christen Rune Stensvold
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Pikka Jokelainen
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders Noehr
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery & Audiology, Copenhagen University Teaching Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christian Bonde
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Breast Surgery and Burns Treatment, Copenhagen University Teaching Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Denmark
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31
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Michlmayr D, de Sousa LA, Müller L, Jokelainen P, Ethelberg S, Vestergaard LS, Schjørring S, Mikkelsen S, Jensen CW, Rasmussen LD, Stensvold CR. Incubation period, spore shedding duration, and symptoms of Enterocytozoon bieneusi genotype C infection in a foodborne outbreak in Denmark, 2020. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 75:468-475. [PMID: 34791090 PMCID: PMC9427152 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciab949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Microsporidia are rarely reported to cause outbreaks of diarrhea. We describe a foodborne outbreak of microsporidiosis from a workplace canteen in November 2020 in Denmark. Methods A probable case was defined as any person using the canteen between 4 November and 13 December 2020, reporting at least one gastrointestinal symptom, whereas a confirmed case also had an Enterocytozoon bieneusi positive stool sample. A web-based questionnaire was used to collect clinical, epidemiological, and food exposure data. We performed a retrospective cohort study and tested stool samples from affected individuals for bacterial, viral, and parasitic pathogens, including E. bieneusi. Results Altogether, 195 individuals completed the questionnaire. We identified 52 cases (65% male; median age 45 years [range 25–65]). Diarrhea (90%), fatigue (83%), and abdominal pain (79%) were the most commonly reported symptoms. Eight cases were laboratory-confirmed and had E. bieneusi genotype C. The incubation period was between 5 and 12 days, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-detectable spore shedding occurred up to 43 days after symptom onset. Disease was associated with consuming food from the workplace canteen on 4 November 2020 (relative risk [RR[, 2.8 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.4 – 5.4]) and lunchboxes containing open sandwiches (RR, 3.2 [95% CI: 1.4 – 7.2]) served that day. Conclusions This is the second documented foodborne outbreak of E. bieneusi genotype C-associated diarrhea worldwide. Epidemiological findings advocated an open sandwiches lunchbox from 4 November 2020, as a likely source. E. bieneusi may be an under-reported cause of outbreaks of diarrhea, and testing for it might be useful in foodborne outbreak investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Michlmayr
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark.,European Public Health Microbiology Training Programme (EUPHEM), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Solna, Sweden
| | - Luís Alves de Sousa
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Prevention, Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark.,European Programme for Intervention Epidemiology Training (EPIET), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Solna, Sweden
| | - Luise Müller
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Prevention, Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Pikka Jokelainen
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Steen Ethelberg
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Prevention, Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Public Health, Global Health Section, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lasse Skafte Vestergaard
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Prevention, Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Susanne Schjørring
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sarah Mikkelsen
- Danish Veterinary Food Administration (DVFA), Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Lasse Dam Rasmussen
- Department of Virus & Microbiological Special Diagnostics, Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christen Rune Stensvold
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Kinnunen PM, Matomäki A, Verkola M, Heikinheimo A, Vapalahti O, Kallio-kokko H, Virtala AM, Jokelainen P. Veterinarians as a Risk Group for Zoonoses: Exposure, Knowledge and Protective Practices in Finland. Saf Health Work 2021; 13:78-85. [PMID: 35936209 PMCID: PMC9346934 DOI: 10.1016/j.shaw.2021.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Veterinarians may encounter a variety of zoonotic pathogens in their work. Methods We conducted two cross-sectional questionnaire studies among veterinarians in Finland. Participants were recruited during two Annual Veterinary Congresses. In 2009, 306 veterinarians participated in an extensive questionnaire study, and in 2016, 262 veterinarians participated in a more focused study that included two same questions. Results In 2009, the majority (90.9%) of the participating veterinarians reported having been occupationally exposed to zoonotic pathogens. Zoonotic infections (15.0%), needle stick incidents (78.8%), bites (85.0%), as well as infected skin lesions (24.2%) were reported. In 2009, 8.2% of the participants fully agreed with the statement “I have good knowledge of zoonoses and their prevention”; in 2016, the proportion was 10.3%. The reported use of protective practices and personal protective equipment in connection with specific veterinary procedures indicated that there was room for improvement, particularly in protection from pathogens that are transmissible via inhalation and mucous membranes. Conclusion The results confirm that veterinarians are commonly occupationally exposed to zoonotic pathogens. Education should aim to improve and maintain the knowledge of zoonoses and their prevention. Use of protective practices should be advocated.
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Efunshile AM, Ojide CK, Igwe D, Onyia B, Jokelainen P, Robertson LJ. Mosquito control at a tertiary teaching hospital in Nigeria. Infect Prev Pract 2021; 3:100172. [PMID: 34604733 PMCID: PMC8473772 DOI: 10.1016/j.infpip.2021.100172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mosquitoes are vectors of numerous diseases, including malaria and yellow fever. Mosquito control is therefore a priority in many countries, especially in healthcare settings. Here we investigated the opinions of patients and staff regarding mosquito control at a hospital in Nigeria, and also gathered data on mosquito-control measures in this setting. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire study of staff and patients and an observational approach to obtain data on mosquito-control measures used at a tertiary teaching hospital in Abakaliki, Nigeria. Discussion Both staff (N=517) and patients (N=302) reported experiencing more mosquito bites at the hospital than elsewhere. As well as contributing to discomfort, this exposure may put hospital staff and patients at risk of mosquito-borne infections. Complaints from patients about mosquitoes were reported by over 90% of staff, and over 50% of staff respondents were aware of patient discharge against medical advice due to mosquitoes. The most common control method was killing mosquitoes by hand. We observed a lack of door screens in all wards, window screens were absent or torn, and most beds did not have nets. In the children's wards none of the beds had nets. Conclusions Current measures against mosquitoes in this hospital appeared inadequate, and healthcare staff and hospital patients may be at increased risk of mosquito-borne infections. Mosquito control in the hospital requires attention, and the needs for improvement in mosquito control in the healthcare setting more widely should be evaluated and addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akinwale M Efunshile
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria.,Department of Medical Microbiology, Alex Ekweme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | - Chiedozie Kingsley Ojide
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Alex Ekweme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | - Daniel Igwe
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Alex Ekweme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | - Blessing Onyia
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Alex Ekweme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | - Pikka Jokelainen
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Bacteria, Parasites & Fungi, Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, Copenhagen S, 2300, Denmark
| | - Lucy J Robertson
- Parasitology, Department of Paraclinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, PO box 5003, Ås, 1432, Norway
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Fuehrer HP, Morelli S, Unterköfler MS, Bajer A, Bakran-Lebl K, Dwużnik-Szarek D, Farkas R, Grandi G, Heddergott M, Jokelainen P, Knific T, Leschnik M, Miterpáková M, Modrý D, Petersen HH, Skírnisson K, Vergles Rataj A, Schnyder M, Strube C. Dirofilaria spp. and Angiostrongylus vasorum: Current Risk of Spreading in Central and Northern Europe. Pathogens 2021; 10:1268. [PMID: 34684217 PMCID: PMC8537668 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10101268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past few decades, the relevance of Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens, causing cardiopulmonary and subcutaneous dirofilariosis in dogs and cats, and of Angiostrongylus vasorum, causing canine angiostrongylosis, has steadily increased in Central and Northern Europe. In this review, a summary of published articles and additional reports dealing with imported or autochthonous cases of these parasites is provided for Central (Austria, Czechia, Germany, Hungary, Luxemburg, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Switzerland) and Northern (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden) Europe. Research efforts focusing on Dirofilaria spp. and A. vasorum have varied by country, and cross-border studies are few. The housing conditions of dogs, pet movements, the spread of competent vectors, and climate change are important factors in the spread of these nematodes. Dogs kept outside overnight are a major factor for the establishment of Dirofilaria spp. However, the establishment of invasive, diurnal, synanthropic, competent mosquito vectors such as Aedes albopictus may also influence the establishment of Dirofilaria spp. The drivers of the spread of A. vasorum remain not fully understood, but it seems to be influenced by habitats shared with wild canids, dog relocation, and possibly climatic changes; its pattern of spreading appears to be similar in different countries. Both Dirofilaria spp. and A. vasorum merit further monitoring and research focus in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans-Peter Fuehrer
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (M.S.U.); (K.B.-L.)
| | - Simone Morelli
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy;
| | - Maria Sophia Unterköfler
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (M.S.U.); (K.B.-L.)
| | - Anna Bajer
- Department of Eco-Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland; (A.B.); (D.D.-S.)
| | - Karin Bakran-Lebl
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (M.S.U.); (K.B.-L.)
| | - Dorota Dwużnik-Szarek
- Department of Eco-Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland; (A.B.); (D.D.-S.)
| | - Róbert Farkas
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1078 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Giulio Grandi
- Section for Parasitology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden;
- Department of Microbiology, National Veterinary Institute (SVA), 756 51 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mike Heddergott
- Department of Zoology, Musée National d’Historire Naturelle, 25, Rue Münster, 2160 Luxembourg, Luxembourg;
| | - Pikka Jokelainen
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, DK-2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark;
| | - Tanja Knific
- Institute of Food Safety, Feed and Environment, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Michael Leschnik
- Clinical Unit of Internal Medicine Small Animals, Department/Universitätsklinik für Kleintiere und Pferde, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Martina Miterpáková
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia;
| | - David Modrý
- Biology Center, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, 37005 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic;
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources/CINeZ, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 16500 Praha-Suchdol, Czech Republic
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 61137 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Heidi Huus Petersen
- Centre for Diagnostic, Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark;
| | - Karl Skírnisson
- Institute for Experimental Pathology at Keldur, University of Iceland, Keldnavegur 3, 112 Reykjavik, Iceland;
| | - Aleksandra Vergles Rataj
- Institute of Microbiology and Parasitology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Manuela Schnyder
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland;
| | - Christina Strube
- Centre for Infection Medicine, Institute for Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany;
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Berg RPKD, Stensvold CR, Jokelainen P, Grønlund AK, Nielsen HV, Kutz S, Kapel CMO. Zoonotic pathogens in wild muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus) and domestic sheep (Ovis aries) from Greenland. Vet Med Sci 2021; 7:2290-2302. [PMID: 34390537 PMCID: PMC8604140 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to estimate the prevalence of zoonotic pathogens Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp., Toxoplasma gondii and Erysipelothrix in muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus) and sheep (Ovis aries) from Greenland. In 2017 and 2018, faecal samples were collected from wild muskoxen from three distinct populations (Zackenberg, Kangerlussuaq, and Ivittuut) and from domestic sheep from southwest Greenland. Blood samples were collected from muskoxen from Kangerlussuaq and Ivittuut and from sheep. Faecal samples were tested for specific DNA of G. duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp., and blood samples were tested for antibodies against T. gondii and Erysipelothrix. The estimated prevalence of G. duodenalis was 0% (0/58), 17% (7/41) and 0% (0/55) in muskoxen from Zackenberg, Kangerlussuaq and Ivittuut, respectively, and 37% (16/43) in sheep. The estimated prevalence of Cryptosporidium was 0% (0/58), 2% (1/41), 7% (4/55) in muskoxen from Zackenberg, Kangerlussuaq, Ivittuut, respectively, and 2% (1/43) in sheep. Neither Giardia nor Cryptosporidium were detected in winter samples (0/78). Of the positive samples, Giardia from one muskox sample only was successfully typed as G. duodenalis assemblage A, and Cryptosporidium from two muskoxen was successfully typed as C. parvum, subtype IIdA20G1e. The estimated T. gondii seroprevalence was 2% (1/44) and 0% (0/8) in muskoxen from Kangerlussuaq and Ivittuut, respectively, and 1% (1/155) in sheep. The estimated Erysipelothrix seroprevalence was 2% (1/45) and 13% (1/8) in muskoxen from Kangerlussuaq and Ivittuut, respectively, and 7% (10/150) in sheep. The results of this study add to the scarce knowledge on zoonotic pathogens in the Arctic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca P K D Berg
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Birds and Mammals, Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, Nuuk, Greenland
| | - C Rune Stensvold
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites & Fungi, Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Pikka Jokelainen
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites & Fungi, Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anna K Grønlund
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites & Fungi, Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Henrik V Nielsen
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites & Fungi, Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Susan Kutz
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - Christian M O Kapel
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
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Taghipour A, Malih N, Köksal F, Jokelainen P, Ghaffarifar F. Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence among tuberculosis patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Microb Pathog 2021; 159:105083. [PMID: 34246749 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2021.105083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2021] [Revised: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii and Mycobacterium tuberculosis are intracellular pathogens, both infecting a substantial proportion of human population. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the pooled T. gondii seroprevalence in tuberculosis patients. Three international databases were systematically searched for literature on prevalence of T. gondii in tuberculosis patients. A total of 1389 documents were identified, and eight papers were eligible to be included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. Geographical data gaps were evident, as no studies were identified from many countries where both infections are important. The pooled seroprevalence of IgG, IgM, and both IgG and IgM antibodies against T. gondii in tuberculosis patients were estimated to be 35.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 19.3-56.7%), 35.0% (95% CI, 3.0-90.3%), and 13.4% (95% CI, 2.4-49.0%), respectively. In the included case-control studies, the pooled T. gondii seroprevalence (proportion anti- T. gondii IgG antibody positive) was higher in tuberculosis patients than in their controls, with an odds ratio by random effects model of 1.63 (95% CI, 1.28-2.08). The results of our work suggest an association between T. gondii seropositivity and being a tuberculosis patient, which should however be interpreted with caution because the timeline of the infections and the disease process are not accounted for. Our work showed that T. gondii seropositivity, indicating chronic infection with the zoonotic parasite, was relatively common among tuberculosis patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Taghipour
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Narges Malih
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatih Köksal
- Department of Clinical Bacteriology, Faculty of Medicine, Çukurova University, Adana, Turkey; TR Ministry of Health Regional Tuberculosis Laboratories and the Director of the Tropical Diseases Research and Application Center, Turkey
| | - Pikka Jokelainen
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites & Fungi, Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Fatemeh Ghaffarifar
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
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Verkola M, Järvelä T, Järvinen A, Jokelainen P, Virtala A, Kinnunen PM, Heikinheimo A. Infection prevention and control practices of ambulatory veterinarians: A questionnaire study in Finland. Vet Med Sci 2021; 7:1059-1070. [PMID: 33645926 PMCID: PMC8294370 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Veterinarians face the risk of contracting zoonotic pathogens. Infection prevention and control (IPC) guidelines stress the importance of proper hand hygiene and personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent transmission of these pathogens. OBJECTIVES We aimed to assess how ambulatory livestock and equine veterinarians follow IPC guidelines, when working on farms and in stables. METHODS We studied hygiene practices of livestock and equine ambulatory veterinarians (n = 129) in Finland. A web-based questionnaire was used to obtain demographic information and information regarding hand-hygiene facilities and practices, use and cleaning of PPE and cleaning of medical equipment. RESULTS According to 66.9% of the respondents, hand-washing facilities were often adequate on livestock farms, but only 21.4% reported that this was the case in stables (p < .001). While 75.0% reported washing their hands or using hand sanitizer always before moving on to the next farm, only 42.5% reported doing this before moving on to the next stables (p < .001). Universal protective coat or coverall use was more common in livestock practice than in equine practice (91.6% vs. 27.7%, p < .001). Stethoscope cleaning was reported to happen less frequently than once a week by 30.0% of the respondents. CONCLUSIONS Finnish veterinarians' self-reported IPC adherence was far from uniform. IPC was more commonly followed in ambulatory livestock practice perhaps facilitated by better hand-washing facilities on farms than in stables. The study suggests that education of veterinarians is still needed and that hand-washing facilities need to be improved even in a high-income country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Verkola
- Faculty of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Terhi Järvelä
- Faculty of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Asko Järvinen
- Department of Infectious DiseasesInflammation CenterHelsinki University Central Hospital and University of HelsinkiHUSFinland
| | - Pikka Jokelainen
- Faculty of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
- Laboratory of ParasitologyDepartment of BacteriaInfectious Disease PreparednessStatens Serum InstitutCopenhagen SDenmark
| | | | | | - Annamari Heikinheimo
- Faculty of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
- Finnish Food AuthoritySeinäjokiFinland
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Stensvold CR, Jirků-Pomajbíková K, Tams KW, Jokelainen P, Berg RPKD, Marving E, Petersen RF, Andersen LO, Angen Ø, Nielsen HV. Parasitic Intestinal Protists of Zoonotic Relevance Detected in Pigs by Metabarcoding and Real-Time PCR. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9061189. [PMID: 34073014 PMCID: PMC8229027 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9061189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Several parasite species are shared between humans and pigs. We explored the application of next-generation sequencing-based metabarcoding supplemented with real-time PCR to fecal DNAs from 259 samples from 116 pigs in Denmark to detect and differentiate single-celled intestinal parasites of zoonotic relevance. Enterocytozoon bieneusi, Balantioides coli, and Giardia duodenalis were observed in 34/37 (92%), 148/259 (57%), and 86/259 (33%) samples, respectively. Entamoeba polecki ST1, E. polecki ST3, and Entamoeba hartmanni were detected in 104/259 (40%), 161/259 (62%), and 8/259 (3%) samples, respectively. Metabarcoding and real-time PCR detected Cryptosporidium in 90/259 (35%) and 239/259 (92%) of the samples, respectively, with Cryptosporidium suis and Cryptosporidium scrofarum observed in nearly equal proportions. Blastocystis subtypes 1, 3, 5, and 15 were found in 72 (28%), 6 (2%), 176 (68%), and 36 (14%) of 259 samples, respectively. Iodamoeba was identified in 1/259 samples (<1%), while none of 37 tested samples was positive for Dientamoeba fragilis. Our results illustrate how metabarcoding exemplifies a 'one-fits-many' approach to detecting intestinal single-celled parasites in feces supplemented with real-time PCR for selected parasites. Using metabarcoding with pathogen-specific assays may help detect emerging and previously underdetected pathogens and further elucidate the role of micro-eukaryotic parasites in human and animal health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christen Rune Stensvold
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, DK-2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark; (P.J.); (R.P.K.D.B.); (R.F.P.); (L.O.A.); (Ø.A.); (H.V.N.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Kateřina Jirků-Pomajbíková
- Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Parasitology, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic;
| | - Katrine Wegener Tams
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads, Bygning 221, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark;
| | - Pikka Jokelainen
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, DK-2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark; (P.J.); (R.P.K.D.B.); (R.F.P.); (L.O.A.); (Ø.A.); (H.V.N.)
| | - Rebecca P. K. D. Berg
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, DK-2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark; (P.J.); (R.P.K.D.B.); (R.F.P.); (L.O.A.); (Ø.A.); (H.V.N.)
| | - Ellinor Marving
- Department of Virus and Microbiological Special Diagnostics, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, DK-2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark;
| | - Randi Føns Petersen
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, DK-2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark; (P.J.); (R.P.K.D.B.); (R.F.P.); (L.O.A.); (Ø.A.); (H.V.N.)
| | - Lee O’Brien Andersen
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, DK-2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark; (P.J.); (R.P.K.D.B.); (R.F.P.); (L.O.A.); (Ø.A.); (H.V.N.)
| | - Øystein Angen
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, DK-2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark; (P.J.); (R.P.K.D.B.); (R.F.P.); (L.O.A.); (Ø.A.); (H.V.N.)
| | - Henrik Vedel Nielsen
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, DK-2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark; (P.J.); (R.P.K.D.B.); (R.F.P.); (L.O.A.); (Ø.A.); (H.V.N.)
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Slana I, Bier N, Bartosova B, Marucci G, Possenti A, Mayer-Scholl A, Jokelainen P, Lalle M. Molecular Methods for the Detection of Toxoplasma gondii Oocysts in Fresh Produce: An Extensive Review. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9010167. [PMID: 33451081 PMCID: PMC7828537 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9010167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Human infection with the important zoonotic foodborne pathogen Toxoplasma gondii has been associated with unwashed raw fresh produce consumption. The lack of a standardised detection method limits the estimation of fresh produce as an infection source. To support method development and standardisation, an extensive literature review and a multi-attribute assessment were performed to analyse the key aspects of published methods for the detection of T. gondii oocyst contamination in fresh produce. Seventy-seven published studies were included, with 14 focusing on fresh produce. Information gathered from expert laboratories via an online questionnaire were also included. Our findings show that procedures for oocyst recovery from fresh produce mostly involved sample washing and pelleting of the washing eluate by centrifugation, although washing procedures and buffers varied. DNA extraction procedures including mechanical or thermal shocks were identified as necessary steps to break the robust oocyst wall. The most suitable DNA detection protocols rely on qPCR, mostly targeting the B1 gene or the 529 bp repetitive element. When reported, validation data for the different detection methods were not comparable and none of the methods were supported by an interlaboratory comparative study. The results of this review will pave the way for an ongoing development of a widely applicable standard operating procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iva Slana
- Department of Microbiology and Antimicrobial Resistance, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 296/70, 621 00 Brno, Czech Republic; (I.S.); (B.B.)
| | - Nadja Bier
- Department of Biological Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany; (N.B.); (A.M.-S.)
| | - Barbora Bartosova
- Department of Microbiology and Antimicrobial Resistance, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 296/70, 621 00 Brno, Czech Republic; (I.S.); (B.B.)
| | - Gianluca Marucci
- Unit of Foodborne and Neglected Parasitic Diseases, European Union Reference Laboratory for Parasites, Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.M.); (A.P.)
| | - Alessia Possenti
- Unit of Foodborne and Neglected Parasitic Diseases, European Union Reference Laboratory for Parasites, Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.M.); (A.P.)
| | - Anne Mayer-Scholl
- Department of Biological Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany; (N.B.); (A.M.-S.)
| | - Pikka Jokelainen
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Infectious Disease Preparedness, Department of Bacteria, Parasites & Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, DK-2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark;
| | - Marco Lalle
- Unit of Foodborne and Neglected Parasitic Diseases, European Union Reference Laboratory for Parasites, Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.M.); (A.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0649902670
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Loikkanen E, Oristo S, Hämäläinen N, Jokelainen P, Kantala T, Sukura A, Maunula L. Antibodies Against Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) in European Moose and White-Tailed Deer in Finland. Food Environ Virol 2020; 12:333-341. [PMID: 32894411 PMCID: PMC7658061 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-020-09442-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The main animal reservoirs of zoonotic hepatitis E virus (HEV) are domestic pigs and wild boars, but HEV also infects cervids. In this study, we estimated the prevalence of HEV in Finnish cervid species that are commonly hunted for human consumption. We investigated sera from 342 European moose (Alces alces), 70 white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), and 12 European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus). The samples had been collected from legally hunted animals from different districts of Finland during 2008-2009. We analysed the samples for total anti-HEV antibodies using a double-sandwich ELISA assay. Seropositive sera were analysed with RT-qPCR for HEV RNA. HEV seroprevalence was 9.1% (31/342) in moose and 1.4% (1/70) in white-tailed deer. None of the European roe deer were HEV seropositive (0/12). No HEV RNA was detected from samples of seropositive animals. HEV seropositive moose were detected in all districts. Statistically, HEV seroprevalence in moose was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the North-East area compared to the South-West area. The highest HEV seroprevalence (20.0%) in district level was more than six times higher than the lowest (3.1%). We demonstrated the presence of total anti-HEV antibodies in European moose and white-tailed deer in Finland. Our results suggest that HEV is circulating among the moose population. Infections may occur also in white-tailed deer. We were the first to report a HEV seropositive white-tailed deer from Europe. Further studies are needed to demonstrate the HEV genotypes in cervids in Finland and to evaluate the importance of the findings in relation to food safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emil Loikkanen
- Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Satu Oristo
- Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Natalia Hämäläinen
- Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Pikka Jokelainen
- Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tuija Kantala
- Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Virology Unit, Finnish Food Authority, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Antti Sukura
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Leena Maunula
- Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Deksne G, Jokelainen P, Oborina V, Lassen B, Akota I, Kutanovaite O, Zaleckas L, Cīrule D, Tupīts A, Pimanovs V, Talijunas A, Krūmiņa A. The Zoonotic Parasite Dirofilaria repens Emerged in the Baltic Countries Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania in 2008-2012 and Became Established and Endemic in a Decade. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2020; 21:1-5. [PMID: 32986517 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2020.2651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The zoonotic parasite Dirofilaria repens has spread toward north in Europe, and cases of autochthonous dirofilariosis caused by D. repens have emerged in the Baltic countries Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. We conducted a review on the emergence of dirofilariosis in humans and domestic dogs in these three countries in northeastern Europe. Based on the available literature and reports, the first finding in the Baltic countries was made in Latvia in 2008, followed by the first in Lithuania in 2010, and the first in Estonia in 2012. In all three countries, further findings were reported soon after the first reports. By the end of 2019, autochthonous human D. repens infections had been described from Latvia and Lithuania, and autochthonous canine D. repens infections had been described from all three Baltic countries. While no epidemiological studies estimating prevalence or incidence of the human infections have been published from the three countries, a substantial proportion of investigated dogs have tested positive for microfilariae in studies performed in Latvia and Lithuania. Dirofilariosis is an emerging zoonosis in northern Europe, and the summarized data confirm that D. repens has become established and endemic in the Baltic countries. The available data do not provide a good overview of the situation, and further epidemiological studies are needed. Awareness about the recently emerged zoonotic parasite should be increased among medical doctors, veterinarians, and the general public. Managing this zoonotic infection is a public health challenge that needs to be addressed using a One Health approach. Investigating the spread of D. repens in the Baltic countries could be useful for better preparedness for the anticipated further spread to the Nordic countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunita Deksne
- Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment "BIOR," Riga, Latvia
- Faculty of Biology, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
| | - Pikka Jokelainen
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Bacteria, Parasites & Fungi, Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Valentina Oborina
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Brian Lassen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ilze Akota
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Riga Stradiņš University, Riga, Latvia
| | | | - Linas Zaleckas
- Vilnius University Hospital Zalgiris Clinics, Vilnius, Lithuania
- Institute of Odontology, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Dina Cīrule
- Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment "BIOR," Riga, Latvia
| | - Artjoms Tupīts
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Riga Stradiņš University, Riga, Latvia
| | - Viktors Pimanovs
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Riga Stradiņš University, Riga, Latvia
| | - Andrius Talijunas
- Vilnius University Hospital Zalgiris Clinics, Vilnius, Lithuania
- Institute of Odontology, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Angelika Krūmiņa
- Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment "BIOR," Riga, Latvia
- Department of Infectology, Riga Stradiņš University, Riga, Latvia
- Riga East Clinical University Hospital, Riga, Latvia
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Deksne G, Davidson RK, Buchmann K, Kärssin A, Kirjušina M, Gavarāne I, Miller AL, Pálsdóttir GR, Robertson LJ, Mørk T, Oksanen A, Palinauskas V, Jokelainen P. Parasites in the changing world - Ten timely examples from the Nordic-Baltic region. Parasite Epidemiol Control 2020; 10:e00150. [PMID: 32435705 PMCID: PMC7232095 DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2020.e00150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2019] [Revised: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The world is changing, and parasites adapt. The Nordic-Baltic region in northern Europe - including the Nordic countries Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, and the Baltic States Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania - is facing new parasitological challenges due to changes in populations of parasites and their hosts and the spread of new parasites to the region due to climate change. Some changes can also be ascribed to increased awareness and detection. In this paper, we review and discuss a convenience selection of ten timely examples of recent observations that exemplify trends and challenges from different fields of parasitology, with particular focus on climate change and potential changes in epidemiology of pathogens in northern Europe. The examples illustrate how addressing parasitological challenges often requires both intersectoral and international collaboration, and how using both historical baseline data and modern methodologies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunita Deksne
- Institute of Food safety, Animal health and Environment “BIOR”, Lejupes Str. 3, Riga LV-1076, Latvia
- Faculty of Biology, University of Latvia, Jelgavas Str. 1, Riga LV-1004, Latvia
| | | | - Kurt Buchmann
- Laboratory of Aquatic Pathobiology, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Stigbøjlen 7, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Age Kärssin
- Veterinary and Food Laboratory, Kreutzwaldi 30, 51006 Tartu, Estonia
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 62, 51006 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Muza Kirjušina
- Institute of Life Sciences and Technology, Daugavpils University, Parādes Str. 1A, Daugavpils LV-5401, Latvia
| | - Inese Gavarāne
- Institute of Life Sciences and Technology, Daugavpils University, Parādes Str. 1A, Daugavpils LV-5401, Latvia
| | - Andrea L. Miller
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Department for Terrestrial Ecology, Postboks 5685 Sluppen, 7485 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Guðný Rut Pálsdóttir
- Institute for Experimental Pathology at Keldur, University of Iceland, Keldnavegur 3, IS-112 Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Lucy J. Robertson
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Department of Food Safety and Infection Biology, Section for Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Parasitology Lab, Adamstuen Campus, Ullevålsveien 72, 0454 Oslo, Norway
| | - Torill Mørk
- Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Stakkevollvegen 23b, 9010 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Antti Oksanen
- Finnish Food Authority (FINPAR), Elektroniikkatie 3, 90590 Oulu, Finland
| | | | - Pikka Jokelainen
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Bacteria, Parasites & Fungi, Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, 2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark
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Lehtla A, Must K, Lassen B, Orro T, Jokelainen P, Viltrop A. Leptospira spp. in Cats in Estonia: Seroprevalence and Risk Factors for Seropositivity. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2020; 20:524-528. [PMID: 32202985 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2019.2555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a zoonotic bacterial disease that affects humans and animals worldwide. Recently, more attention has been paid to Leptospira spp. infections in domestic cats. In this seroepidemiological study, we estimated the prevalence of anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies in domestic cats in Estonia and evaluated risk factors for the seropositivity. A total of 546 surplus feline plasma and serum samples, collected in collaboration with small animal clinics and an animal shelter in 2013 and 2015, were included in this study. The samples were tested for antibodies against Leptospira spp. using a microscopic agglutination test. The panel included Leptospira interrogans serovars Pomona, Icterohaemorrhagiae, Bratislava, Canicola, and Hardjo, and Leptospira kirschneri serovar Grippotyphosa. Titers ≥100 (positive reactions at dilutions ≥1/100) were considered positive. Anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies were detected in 12.8% of the cats. The percentage of cats that tested positive for antibodies against L. interrogans serovars Pomona, Icterohaemorrhagiae, Bratislava, Canicola, and Hardjo were 9.3%, 3.5%, 2.4%, 0.4%, and 0.2%, respectively, and the percentage of cats that tested positive for antibodies against L. kirschneri serovar Grippotyphosa was 7.3%. Of the seropositive cats, 46.5%, 35.2%, 12.7%, 4.2%, and 1.4% tested positive for 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 serovars, respectively. The prevalence of anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies was 11.2% in pet cats and 16.3% in shelter cats. Among pet cats, the seroprevalence was over four times higher in cats that had access to the outdoors (17.2%) than in indoor cats (3.9%). Multivariable models, one based on data on pet cats only and another including also data on shelter cats, identified having access to the outdoors, being a shelter cat, and being from Western Estonia as the risk factors for seropositivity. Cats could be better protected from exposure to Leptospira spp. by not allowing them to roam freely outdoors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andžela Lehtla
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Kärt Must
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Brian Lassen
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia.,Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Toomas Orro
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Pikka Jokelainen
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia.,Department of Bacteria, Parasites & Fungi, Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Arvo Viltrop
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
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Efunshile MA, Onwakpu KO, Robertson LJ, Jokelainen P. Opinions and knowledge on globally important foodborne parasites among healthcare professionals at a tertiary teaching hospital in Nigeria. Food Waterborne Parasitol 2020; 18:e00075. [PMID: 32154397 PMCID: PMC7058820 DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2020.e00075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Foodborne diseases are important everywhere in the world, but the level of attention they receive varies by region. We surveyed the current opinions and knowledge regarding the globally most important foodborne parasites (FBP) among healthcare professionals in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria, by conducting a questionnaire survey among healthcare professionals in a tertiary hospital. We focused on the FBP ranked as the top five globally: Taenia solium, Echinococcus granulosus, Echinococcus multilocularis, Toxoplasma gondii, and Cryptosporidium spp., and gathered local expert opinions regarding their importance in Nigeria. Moreover, we surveyed the extent of healthcare community knowledge on transmission, manifestations and pathologies, and prevention of infections with these five FBP. Among the 205 healthcare professionals completing the survey, T. solium was selected as important in Nigeria by 143 (70%), E. granulosus by 91 (44%), E. multilocularis by 62 (30%), T. gondii by 132 (64%), and Cryptosporidium spp. by 123 (60%). Only 44 (21%) of the participants selected at least 15 of the 25 answers to knowledge questions that we considered as correct to select. The proportion selecting at least 15 of the correct answers was not statistically significantly associated with gender nor with experience level. Our results suggest that further education about FBP should target healthcare professionals at all levels. Knowledge on global top-5 foodborne parasites was evaluated at a Nigerian hospital. 21% of the respondents selected ≥15 of 25 correct answers to knowledge questions. Further education on foodborne parasites for healthcare professionals is needed. 70% of the respondents considered Taenia solium to be important in Nigeria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Akinwale Efunshile
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria.,Department of Medical Microbiology, Alex Ekweme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | | | - Lucy J Robertson
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Department of Food Safety and Infection Biology, Section for Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Parasitology Lab, Adamstuen Campus, Ullevålsveien 72, 0454 Oslo, Norway
| | - Pikka Jokelainen
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Bacteria, Parasites & Fungi, Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, 2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark
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Jepsen MT, Jokelainen P, Jore S, Boman A, Slunge D, Krogfelt KA. Protective practices against tick bites in Denmark, Norway and Sweden: a questionnaire-based study. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:1344. [PMID: 31640665 PMCID: PMC6805683 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-7613-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tick-borne infections are of emerging and increasing concern in the Scandinavian countries Denmark, Norway and Sweden. Only few studies have investigated protective practices against tick bites in the general population. The aim of this multi-country study was to assess the use of protective practices and the perception of the efficacy of them. Methods We surveyed the extent of using protective practices against tick bites, using the same questionnaire in three local languages. In addition, we surveyed perceptions of how good a protection the different practices provide. Altogether 783 individuals from Denmark, 789 from Norway and 1096 from Sweden participated in the study by completing an extensive online questionnaire in October 2016. Results Altogether 1011 respondents (37.9%) reported using at least three different protective practices either often or always when in areas where there are ticks, while 522 (19.6%) reported using none. Female gender was among the factors identified as positively associated with using several of the specific practices often or always when in areas where there are ticks. The gender-difference in extent of using protective practices against tick bites was particularly pronounced in Sweden. Based on a multivariable logistic regression model, being female, being from Sweden, and having experienced one or more tick bites were positively associated with using at least three different protective practices against tick bites either often or always when in areas where there are ticks (odds ratios 1.90, 1.87 and 1.88, respectively). Conclusions The results of our study, especially the observed differences by country and by gender, can be useful in targeting future information to the public. In particular, our results suggest that men across all ages should be considered a specific target group for this information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Tugwell Jepsen
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark. .,Department of Virus and Microbiology Special Diagnostics, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Pikka Jokelainen
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Solveig Jore
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anders Boman
- Department of Economics, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Daniel Slunge
- Gothenburg Centre for Sustainable Development, GMV, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Karen Angeliki Krogfelt
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark. .,Department of Virus and Microbiology Special Diagnostics, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark. .,Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Roskilde, Denmark.
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46
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Mikola N, Oborina V, Jokelainen P. Knowledge About Emerging Zoonotic Vector-Borne Parasites Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens in Finland: Questionnaire Survey to Medical Doctors and Veterinarians. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2019; 20:27-32. [PMID: 31407955 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2019.2502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Zoonotic vector-borne parasites Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens have been spreading northwards in Europe. Awareness across sectors is a key factor for preparedness to zoonotic emerging diseases. In this study, an online questionnaire was used to survey the knowledge of medical doctors and veterinarians in Finland on whether D. immitis and D. repens can infect humans and dogs, and whether these infections have been detected in Finland. Participants were recruited via two social media discussion groups, and participation was voluntary. The questionnaire was completed by 198 medical doctors and 61 veterinarians in January 2019. Knowing that D. immitis can infect both humans and dogs was indicated by the answers of 7.1% of the medical doctors and 42.6% of the veterinarians-7.6% of the medical doctors and 42.6% of the veterinarians knew D. immitis can infect humans, 9.6% of the medical doctors and 98.4% of the veterinarians knew it can infect dogs. Knowing that D. repens can infect both humans and dogs was indicated by the answers of 3.0% of the medical doctors and 60.7% of the veterinarians-3.0% of the medical doctors and 60.7% of the veterinarians knew D. repens can infect humans; 8.1% of the medical doctors and 88.5% of the veterinarians knew it can infect dogs. Overall, 4.5% of the medical doctors and 59.0% of the veterinarians selected five or more correct "yes" answers. While the results of this survey should be interpreted with caution due to limited number of participants and participation bias, they not only suggest room for improvement but also show presence of cross-sectoral knowledge. Answering "I do not know" was common. Increasing awareness about these emerging zoonotic vector-borne parasites is needed across the sectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelly Mikola
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Valentina Oborina
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Pikka Jokelainen
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia.,Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Jokelainen P, Moroni B, Hoberg E, Oksanen A, Laaksonen S. Gastrointestinal parasites in reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus): A review focusing on Fennoscandia. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2019; 17:100317. [PMID: 31303237 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2019.100317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) are known to host a wide variety of parasites, including those in the gastrointestinal system. Here, we review the current knowledge of the main gastrointestinal parasites of reindeer focusing on northern Fennoscandia, which comprises parts of Finland, Sweden, Norway and Russia. We explore both the historical baseline data for diversity and distribution and recent advancements in our understanding of parasite faunas in reindeer across this region. It is evident that the balance between reindeer and their gastrointestinal parasites, along with the potential for emergent disease in the changing world warrants careful monitoring and further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pikka Jokelainen
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites & Fungi, Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
| | | | - Eric Hoberg
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | - Sauli Laaksonen
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
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Galat M, Must K, Rissanen K, Jokelainen P. Comparison of a commercial modified direct agglutination test and a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for screening for antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii in naturally exposed domestic cats. Parasitol Res 2019; 118:2437-2441. [PMID: 31203450 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06368-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Domestic cats and other felids are definitive hosts for the zoonotic protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Serology is widely used in epidemiological studies conducted to estimate the proportion of domestic cats that have encountered the parasite. However, a limited number of such studies are available from some regions, including eastern parts of Europe and Russia. Various serological tests have been applied for T. gondii serology for feline samples. Seropositivity indicates previous exposure, and seropositive cats are presumed to have shed oocysts of the parasite earlier and to be chronically infected. In this study, we included a random sample of 200 sera and plasma samples from a larger sampling frame comprising samples from domestic cats from Estonia, where T. gondii is common. The samples, which had been previously screened for anti-T. gondii immunoglobulin G antibodies using a commercial modified direct agglutination test (DAT: Toxo-Screen DA; bioMérieux SA, Marcy-l'Étoile, France), were screened using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA: VectoToxo-antibodies [VektoTokso-antytila], VectorBest, Novosibirsk, Russian Federation). The cut-off for seropositivity with DAT was titer of 40. Of the 200 samples, 120 (60.0%) tested positive with DAT and 114 (57.0%) tested positive with ELISA; 112 samples (56.0%) tested positive with both tests. Percent agreement of 95.0% and Kappa 0.8971 indicated an almost perfect agreement between the screening results using the two methods. The results of this study can be useful for comparison, evaluation, and interpretation of results obtained with these two tests in seroepidemiological studies and may encourage more studies on the topic from eastern parts of Europe and Russia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryna Galat
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, Heroiv Oborony Str. 15, Kyiv, 03041, Ukraine.
| | - Kärt Must
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 62, 51006, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Karoliina Rissanen
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 62, 51006, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Pikka Jokelainen
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 62, 51006, Tartu, Estonia.,Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Bacteria, Parasites & Fungi, Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, 2300, Copenhagen S, Denmark.,Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 66, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
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Laivacuma S, Deksne G, Jokelainen P, Ivanovs A, Zaharova L, Zeltiņa I, Vīksna L, Krūmiņa A. Risk Factors for Human Cystic Echinococcosis in Latvia. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2019; 19:430-433. [DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2018.2354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sniedze Laivacuma
- Department of Infectology and Dermatology, Riga Stradiņš University, Riga, Latvia
| | - Gunita Deksne
- Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment “BIOR,” Riga, Latvia
- Faculty of Biology, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
| | | | - Andrejs Ivanovs
- Department of Infectology and Dermatology, Riga Stradiņš University, Riga, Latvia
| | - Larisa Zaharova
- Department of Infectology and Dermatology, Riga Stradiņš University, Riga, Latvia
| | | | - Ludmila Vīksna
- Department of Infectology and Dermatology, Riga Stradiņš University, Riga, Latvia
| | - Angelika Krūmiņa
- Department of Infectology and Dermatology, Riga Stradiņš University, Riga, Latvia
- Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment “BIOR,” Riga, Latvia
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Faridnia R, Soosaraei M, Kalani H, Fakhar M, Jokelainen P, Zolfaghari Emameh R, Banimostafavi ES, Ziaei Hezarjaribi H. Human urogenital myiasis: A systematic review of reported cases from 1975 to 2017. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2019; 235:57-61. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2019.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Revised: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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