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Bauch A, Pellet J, Schleicher T, Yu X, Gelemanović A, Cristella C, Fraaij PL, Polasek O, Auffray C, Maier D, Koopmans M, de Jong MD. Informing epidemic (research) responses in a timely fashion by knowledge management - a Zika virus use case. Biol Open 2020; 9:bio053934. [PMID: 33148605 PMCID: PMC7725600 DOI: 10.1242/bio.053934] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The response of pathophysiological research to emerging epidemics often occurs after the epidemic and, as a consequence, has little to no impact on improving patient outcomes or on developing high-quality evidence to inform clinical management strategies during the epidemic. Rapid and informed guidance of epidemic (research) responses to severe infectious disease outbreaks requires quick compilation and integration of existing pathophysiological knowledge. As a case study we chose the Zika virus (ZIKV) outbreak that started in 2015 to develop a proof-of-concept knowledge repository. To extract data from available sources and build a computationally tractable and comprehensive molecular interaction map we applied generic knowledge management software for literature mining, expert knowledge curation, data integration, reporting and visualization. A multi-disciplinary team of experts, including clinicians, virologists, bioinformaticians and knowledge management specialists, followed a pre-defined workflow for rapid integration and evaluation of available evidence. While conventional approaches usually require months to comb through the existing literature, the initial ZIKV KnowledgeBase (ZIKA KB) was completed within a few weeks. Recently we updated the ZIKA KB with additional curated data from the large amount of literature published since 2016 and made it publicly available through a web interface together with a step-by-step guide to ensure reproducibility of the described use case. In addition, a detailed online user manual is provided to enable the ZIKV research community to generate hypotheses, share knowledge, identify knowledge gaps, and interactively explore and interpret data. A workflow for rapid response during outbreaks was generated, validated and refined and is also made available. The process described here can be used for timely structuring of pathophysiological knowledge for future threats. The resulting structured biological knowledge is a helpful tool for computational data analysis and generation of predictive models and opens new avenues for infectious disease research. ZIKV Knowledgebase is available at www.zikaknowledgebase.eu.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Johann Pellet
- European Institute of Systems Biology and Medicine, 69390 Lyon, France
| | | | - Xiao Yu
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1105 AZ, the Netherlands
| | - Andrea Gelemanović
- Department of Public Health, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Cosimo Cristella
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1105 AZ, the Netherlands
| | - Pieter L Fraaij
- Department of Viroscience and Department of Paediatrics, Erasmus Medical Centre, 3000 CA Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ozren Polasek
- Department of Public Health, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Charles Auffray
- European Institute of Systems Biology and Medicine, 69390 Lyon, France
| | | | - Marion Koopmans
- Department of Viroscience and Department of Paediatrics, Erasmus Medical Centre, 3000 CA Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Menno D de Jong
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1105 AZ, the Netherlands
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Abstract
The current COVID-19 pandemic has reactivated ancient metaphors (especially military ones) but also initiated a new vocabulary: social distancing, lockdown, self-isolation, and sheltering in place. Terminology is not ethically neutral but reflects prevailing value systems. I will argue that there are two metaphorical vocabularies at work: an authoritarian one and a liberal one. Missing is an ecological vocabulary. It has been known for a long time that emerging infectious diseases are associated with the destruction of functioning ecosystems and biodiversity. Ebola and avian influenza viruses have been significant warnings. Obviously, this pandemic will not be the last one. As the planet is our common home, the major metaphor to explore is sheltering at this home.
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Affiliation(s)
- H A M J Ten Have
- Center for Healthcare Ethics, Duquesne University, 600 Forbes Avenue, Fisher Hall 300, Pittsburgh, PA, 15282, USA.
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Wickramasinghe NC. Is the 2019 novel coronavirus related to a spike of cosmic rays? Adv Genet 2020; 106:119-122. [PMID: 33081921 PMCID: PMC7529058 DOI: 10.1016/bs.adgen.2020.06.003] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
WHO's pronouncement of the 2019 novel coronavirus outbreak as a pandemic disease came months after we published a warning that the present deepest minimum of the sunspot cycle would be likely to facilitate the onset of a viral pandemic. During a deep sunspot minimum (deepest in 100 years) such as we are now witnessing, two space related phenomena could have an effect on the disposition of viral disease and potential pandemics. With the weakening of the magnetic field in the Earth's vicinity, there would be a high flux of mutagenic cosmic rays. These processes would be likely to herald the onset of new pandemics. Neutron counts from Moscow Neutron Monitor show that the flux of cosmic rays reaching Earth in 2019 was indeed at a maximum over a timespan of half a century since 1962. It is of interest to note that immediately prior to the first recorded cases of the novel Corona virus in China a peak of cosmic rays was measured as is indicated by the Huon neutron monitor data. Recent research revealed that estimates of the timing of the most recent common ancestor of COVID-19 made with current sequence data point to emergence of the virus in late November 2019 to early December 2019, compatible with the earliest retrospectively confirmed cases and the cosmic ray spike in late November 2019. In our view, this strong cosmic ray spike was in some way connected with the onset of the outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Chandra Wickramasinghe
- University of Buckingham, Buckingham, United Kingdom; Centre for Astrobiology, University of Ruhuna, Matara, Sri Lanka; General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Ratmalana, Sri Lanka; National Institute of Fundamental Studies, Kandy, Sri Lanka.
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Suwannarong K, Chanabun S, Kanthawee P, Khiewkhern S, Boonyakawee P, Suwannarong K, Saengkul C, Bubpa N, Amonsin A. Risk factors for bat contact and consumption behaviors in Thailand; a quantitative study. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:841. [PMID: 32493260 PMCID: PMC7268181 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-08968-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bats serve as an important reservoir for emerging infectious diseases. Bat contact and consumption, which persists in Asia, poses risks for the transmission of bat-borne infections. METHODS An analytical cross-sectional survey for risk factors associated with bat contact and consumption behaviors was conducted in ten provinces of Thailand from May 2016 to December 2017. A standardized questionnaire administered through face-to-face interviews was used to collect information from 626 villagers who lived in or nearby areas of high bat density. The questionnaire contained 23 independent variables related to sociodemographic, knowledge, attitudes, practices, and perceptions. RESULTS The respondents (n = 626) were 285 females and 341 males, mean age of respondents was 47.58 years-old and lived in rural setting. Our results showed that 36.42% of respondents (n1 = 228) in 10 provinces reported bat contact during the past 6 months. Furthermore, 15.34% of respondents (n2 = 96) in 9 out of 10 provinces reported of having consumed bat meat in the past 6 months. Risk factors for bat contact included sex (male) (OR = 1.56, 95% CI 1.09-2.28), educational attainment (lower than secondary school) (OR = 1.45, 95% CI 1.02-2.18), and the consideration of bats as being economically beneficial to the community (OR = 3.18, 95% CI 2.03-4.97), while agriculture-related occupation (OR = 0.54, 95% CI 0.37-0.79), knowledge that it is safe to eat bats (OR = 0.58, 95% CI 0.37-0.93), practice of allowing children to play with bats (OR = 0.65, 95% CI 0.44-0.96), and attitude of feeling safe in areas where bats live (OR = 0.56, 95% CI 0.38-0.86) were statistically significant protective factors against bat contact. Risk factors for bat consumption included sex (male) (OR = 2.48, 95% CI 1.49-4.11) and educational attainment (lower than secondary school) (OR = 2.21, 95% CI 1.27-3.85), while knowledge of whether bats are safe to eat (OR = 0.04, 95% CI 0.01-0.25), knowledge of whether there are laws pertaining to hunting bats for consumption (OR = 0.35, 95% CI 0.18-0.71), and the practice of allowing children to play with bats (OR = 0.51, 95% CI 0.31-0.81) were statistically significant protective factors against bat consumption. CONCLUSIONS This study provides a better understanding of the sociodemographic factors, knowledge, attitudes, perceptions and practices that might influence bat contact and bat consumption behaviors. Information on risk factors can be used for the development of appropriate education and communication interventions to promote proper knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding bats and bat-borne zoonotic diseases in Thailand and other areas in the Southeast Asia region with similar environmental and cultural characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanokwan Suwannarong
- Center of Excellence for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases in Animals, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sutin Chanabun
- Sirinthorn College of Public Health Khon Kaen, Ministry of Public Health, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | | | | | - Paisit Boonyakawee
- Sirinthorn College of Public Health Trang, Ministry of Public Health, Trang, Thailand
| | | | - Chutarat Saengkul
- Faculty of Public Health, Nakhon Sawan Campus, Mahidol University, Nakhon Sawan, Thailand
| | - Nisachon Bubpa
- Faculty of Nursing, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Alongkorn Amonsin
- Center of Excellence for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases in Animals, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330 Thailand
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Wiersinga WJ, Koopmans MPG, van Dissel JT. [Rise and threat of infectious diseases]. Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd 2020; 163:D4545. [PMID: 32186819] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In 2019, 1 in 4 deaths was caused by infectious diseases. In addition to the big 3 - HIV, malaria and tuberculosis - these diseases are mainly respiratory infections, infectious diarrhoea and sepsis. The burden of disease caused by infections also remains high in the Netherlands. This could still get worse because of several factors: ageing, 'vaccination doubts', increased use of immunosuppressive drugs, increased mobility of people and globalisation of food chains. Global warming also affects the spread of pathogens and disease vectors. Pathogens have an impressive ability to adapt and, for example, to develop resistance to antimicrobial agents. In order to cope with these threats, we would do well to consider the emergence of new infectious diseases as well as the threat of old ones. What can we learn from decades past? Why do new infections keep emerging? What does the future look like?
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Affiliation(s)
- W J Wiersinga
- Amsterdam UMC, afd. Inwendige Geneeskunde, onderafd. Infectieziekten en Center forExperimentalMolecularMedicine (CEMM), Amsterdam
- Contact: W. J. Wiersinga
| | | | - J T van Dissel
- Rijksinstituut voor Volksgezondheid en Milieu, Centrum voor Infectieziektebestrijding, Bilthoven
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Becker DJ, Washburne AD, Faust CL, Pulliam JRC, Mordecai EA, Lloyd-Smith JO, Plowright RK. Dynamic and integrative approaches to understanding pathogen spillover. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2019; 374:20190014. [PMID: 31401959 PMCID: PMC6711302 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2019.0014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J. Becker
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA
- Center for the Ecology of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Alex D. Washburne
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA
| | - Christina L. Faust
- Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Juliet R. C. Pulliam
- South African Centre for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis (SACEMA), Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | | | - James O. Lloyd-Smith
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Fogarty International Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Raina K. Plowright
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA
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Paniz-Mondolfi AE, Tami A, Grillet ME, Márquez M, Hernández-Villena J, Escalona-Rodríguez MA, Blohm GM, Mejías I, Urbina-Medina H, Rísquez A, Castro J, Carvajal A, Walter C, López MG, Schwabl P, Hernández-Castro L, Miles MA, Hotez PJ, Lednicky J, Morris JG, Crainey J, Luz S, Ramírez JD, Sordillo E, Llewellyn M, Canache M, Araque M, Oletta J. Resurgence of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases in Venezuela as a Regional Public Health Threat in the Americas. Emerg Infect Dis 2019; 25:625-632. [PMID: 30698523 PMCID: PMC6433037 DOI: 10.3201/eid2504.181305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Venezuela's tumbling economy and authoritarian rule have precipitated an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. Hyperinflation rates now exceed 45,000%, and Venezuela's health system is in free fall. The country is experiencing a massive exodus of biomedical scientists and qualified healthcare professionals. Reemergence of arthropod-borne and vaccine-preventable diseases has sparked serious epidemics that also affect neighboring countries. In this article, we discuss the ongoing epidemics of measles and diphtheria in Venezuela and their disproportionate impact on indigenous populations. We also discuss the potential for reemergence of poliomyelitis and conclude that action to halt the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases within Venezuela is a matter of urgency for the country and the region. We further provide specific recommendations for addressing this crisis.
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Vonesch N, Binazzi A, Bonafede M, Melis P, Ruggieri A, Iavicoli S, Tomao P. Emerging zoonotic viral infections of occupational health importance. Pathog Dis 2019; 77:ftz018. [PMID: 30916772 PMCID: PMC7108535 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftz018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging viral infections represent a public health risk pointed out by the spreading of pathogens with potential zoonotic risk. Moreover, the risk of zoonosis has probably been underestimated in occupational settings. A literature review between 2007 and 2018 was performed to identify evidences concerning the epidemiological associations between some emerging viruses and occupational diseases. Observational studies and case-reports were selected and analyzed. West Nile Virus (WNV) disease, Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) disease and Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection were included in the review for their potential zoonotic transmission. The most important risk factor for acquiring WNV infection and CCHF infection is the exposure to infected mosquitoes and ticks, respectively; therefore, outdoor workers are at risk of infection. HEV is responsible for epidemics and endemics of acute hepatitis in humans, that can become infected through waterborne, foodborne and zoonotic transmission routes. A total of 10, 34 and 45 eligible studies for WNV, CCHF virus (CCFHV) and HEV, respectively, were analyzed by year, country, study design, risk group and outcomes. The occupational risk groups mainly included farm and agricultural workers, veterinarians, slaughterers, animal handlers, healthcare workers and soldiers. These findings support the need to develop effective interventions to prevent transmission of emerging viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicoletta Vonesch
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, Italian National Workers Compensation Authority, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Binazzi
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, Italian National Workers Compensation Authority, Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Bonafede
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, Italian National Workers Compensation Authority, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Melis
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, Italian National Workers Compensation Authority, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Ruggieri
- Center for Gender Specific Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità,Viale Regina Elena 299, Rome, Italy
| | - Sergio Iavicoli
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, Italian National Workers Compensation Authority, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Tomao
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, Italian National Workers Compensation Authority, Rome, Italy
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9
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Poowanawittayakom N, Dutta A, Stock S, Touray S, Ellison RT, Levitz SM. Reemergence of Intravenous Drug Use as Risk Factor for Candidemia, Massachusetts, USA. Emerg Infect Dis 2019; 24. [PMID: 29553923 PMCID: PMC5875264 DOI: 10.3201/eid2404.171807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The epidemic of illicit intravenous drug use (IVDU) in the United States has been accompanied by a surge in drug overdose deaths and infectious sequelae. Candida albicans infections were associated with injection of contaminated impure brown heroin in the 1970s-1990s; however, candidiasis accompanying IVDU became considerably rarer as the purity of the heroin supply increased. We reviewed cases of candidemia occurring over a recent 7-year period in persons >14 years of age at a tertiary care hospital in central Massachusetts. Of the 198 patients with candidemia, 24 cases occurred in patients with a history of IVDU. Compared with non-IVDU patients, those with a history of IVDU were more likely to have non-albicans Candida, be co-infected with hepatitis C, and have end-organ involvement, including endocarditis and osteomyelitis. Thus, IVDU appears to be reemerging as a risk factor for invasive candidiasis.
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Ladner J, Ben Abdelaziz A. Public health issues in the 21st century: National challenges and shared challenges for the Maghreb countries. Tunis Med 2018; 96:847-857. [PMID: 30746678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
In the 21st century, public health is not only about fighting infectious diseases, but also contributing to a "multidimensional" well-being of people (health promotion, non-communicable diseases, the role of citizens and people in the health system etc.). Six themes of public health, issues of the 21st century will be addressed. Climate change is already aggravating already existing health risks, heat waves, natural disasters, recrudescence of infectious diseases. Big data is the collection and management of databases characterized by a large volume, a wide variety of data types from various sources and a high speed of generation. Big data permits a better prevention and management of disease in patients, the development of diagnostic support systems and the personalization of treatments. Big data raises important ethical questions. Health literacy includes the abilities of people to assess and critique and appropriate health information. Implementing actions to achieve higher levels of health literacy in populations remains a crucial issue. Since the 2000s, migration flows of health professionals have increased mainly in the "south-north" direction. India is the country with the most doctors outside its borders. The USA and the UK receive 80% of foreign doctors worldwide. Ways have been identified to try to regulate the migratory phenomena of health professionals around the world. The mobilization of citizen, health system users and patient associations is a strong societal characteristic over the last 30 years. In a near future, phenomena will combine to increase the need for accompaniment of patient or citizen to protect health, such increase of the prevalence of chronic diseases, reinforcement of care trajectories, medico-social care pathways, and importance of health determinants. Interventional research in public health is very recent. It is based on experimentation and on the capitalization of field innovations and uses a wide range of scientific disciplines, methods and tools. It is an interesting tool in the arsenal of public health research. It is essential today to be able to identify the multiple challenges that health systems will face in the coming years, to anticipate changes, and to explore possible futures.
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Abstract
The threat from microorganisms is complex, and the approaches for reducing the challenges the world is facing are also multifaceted, but a combination approach including several simple steps can make a difference and reduce morbidity and mortality and the economic cost of fighting infectious diseases. This paper discusses the continually evolving infectious disease landscape, contributing factors in the rise of the threat, reasons for optimism, and the policies, technologies, actions, and institutions that might be harnessed to further reduce the dangers introduced by pathogens. It builds upon and updates the work of other authors that have recognized the dangers of emerging and re-emerging pathogens and have explored and documented potential solutions.
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Ogee-Nwankwo A, Opare D, Boateng G, Nyaku M, Haynes LM, Balajee SA, Conklin L, Icenogle JP, Rota PA, Waku-Kouomou D. Assessment of National Public Health and Reference Laboratory, Accra, Ghana, within Framework of Global Health Security. Emerg Infect Dis 2018; 23. [PMID: 29155650 PMCID: PMC5711297 DOI: 10.3201/eid2313.170372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The Second Year of Life project of the Global Health Security Agenda aims to improve immunization systems and strengthen measles and rubella surveillance, including building laboratory capacity. A new laboratory assessment tool was developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to assess the national laboratory in Ghana to improve molecular surveillance for measles and rubella. Results for the tool showed that the laboratory is well organized, has a good capacity for handling specimens, has a good biosafety system, and is proficient for diagnosis of measles and rubella by serologic analysis. However, there was little knowledge about molecular biology and virology activities (i.e., virus isolation on tissue culture was not available). Recommendations included training of technical personnel for molecular techniques and advocacy for funding for laboratory equipment, reagents, and supplies.
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14
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Abstract
The recent Ebola and Zika epidemics demonstrate the need for the continuous surveillance, rapid diagnosis and real-time tracking of emerging infectious diseases. Fast, affordable sequencing of pathogen genomes - now a staple of the public health microbiology laboratory in well-resourced settings - can affect each of these areas. Coupling genomic diagnostics and epidemiology to innovative digital disease detection platforms raises the possibility of an open, global, digital pathogen surveillance system. When informed by a One Health approach, in which human, animal and environmental health are considered together, such a genomics-based system has profound potential to improve public health in settings lacking robust laboratory capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L. Gardy
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, V5Z 4R4 British Columbia Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T 1Z3 British Columbia Canada
| | - Nicholas J. Loman
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK
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15
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Abstract
Climate is one of several causes of disease emergence. Although half or more of infectious diseases are affected by climate it appears to be a relatively infrequent cause of human disease emergence. Climate mostly affects diseases caused by pathogens that spend part of their lifecycle outside of the host, exposed to the environment. The most important routes of transmission of climate sensitive diseases are by arthropod (insect and tick) vectors, in water and in food. Given the sensitivity of many diseases to climate, it is very likely that at least some will respond to future climate change. In the case of vector-borne diseases this response will include spread to new areas. Several vector-borne diseases have emerged in Europe in recent years; these include vivax malaria, West Nile fever, dengue fever, Chikungunya fever, leishmaniasis, Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis. The vectors of these diseases are mosquitoes, sand flies and ticks. The UK has endemic mosquito species capable of transmitting malaria and probably other pathogens, and ticks that transmit Lyme disease. The UK is also threatened by invasive mosquito species known to be able to transmit West Nile, dengue, chikungunya and Zika, and sand flies that spread leishmaniasis. Warmer temperatures in the future will increase the suitability of the UK's climate for these invasive species, and increase the risk that they may spread disease. While much attention is on invasive species, it is important to recognize the threat presented by native species too. Proposed actions to reduce the future impact of emerging vector-borne diseases in the UK include insect control activity at points of entry of vehicles and certain goods, wider surveillance for mosquitoes and sand flies, research into the threat posed by native species, increased awareness of the medical profession of the threat posed by specific diseases, regular risk assessments, and increased preparedness for the occurrence of a disease emergency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Baylis
- Liverpool University Climate and Infectious Diseases of Animals group, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
- Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
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Loaiza JR, Dutari LC, Rovira JR, Sanjur OI, Laporta GZ, Pecor J, Foley DH, Eastwood G, Kramer LD, Radtke M, Pongsiri M. Disturbance and mosquito diversity in the lowland tropical rainforest of central Panama. Sci Rep 2017; 7:7248. [PMID: 28775261 PMCID: PMC5543164 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-07476-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [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: 10/28/2016] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The Intermediate Disturbance Hypothesis (IDH) is well-known in ecology providing an explanation for the role of disturbance in the coexistence of climax and colonist species. Here, we used the IDH as a framework to describe the role of forest disturbance in shaping the mosquito community structure, and to identify the ecological processes that increase the emergence of vector-borne disease. Mosquitoes were collected in central Panama at immature stages along linear transects in colonising, mixed and climax forest habitats, representing different levels of disturbance. Species were identified taxonomically and classified into functional categories (i.e., colonist, climax, disturbance-generalist, and rare). Using the Huisman-Olff-Fresco multi-model selection approach, IDH testing was done. We did not detect a unimodal relationship between species diversity and forest disturbance expected under the IDH; instead diversity peaked in old-growth forests. Habitat complexity and constraints are two mechanisms proposed to explain this alternative postulate. Moreover, colonist mosquito species were more likely to be involved in or capable of pathogen transmission than climax species. Vector species occurrence decreased notably in undisturbed forest settings. Old-growth forest conservation in tropical rainforests is therefore a highly-recommended solution for preventing new outbreaks of arboviral and parasitic diseases in anthropic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose R Loaiza
- Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología, Edificio 219, Clayton, PO, 0843-01103, Ciudad del Saber, Republic of Panama.
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama City, Republic of Panama.
- Programa Centroamericano de Maestría en Entomología, Universidad de Panama, Panama, Republic of Panama.
| | - Larissa C Dutari
- Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología, Edificio 219, Clayton, PO, 0843-01103, Ciudad del Saber, Republic of Panama
| | - Jose R Rovira
- Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología, Edificio 219, Clayton, PO, 0843-01103, Ciudad del Saber, Republic of Panama
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama City, Republic of Panama
| | - Oris I Sanjur
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama City, Republic of Panama
| | - Gabriel Z Laporta
- Centro de Engenharia, Modelagem e Ciências Sociais Aplicadas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo Andre, SP, Brazil.
- Setor de Pós-graduação, Pesquisa e Inovação, Faculdade de Medicina do ABC, Santo Andre, SP, Brazil.
| | - James Pecor
- Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit, Smithsonian Institution, Museum Support Center, Suitland, MD, United States
| | - Desmond H Foley
- Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit, Smithsonian Institution, Museum Support Center, Suitland, MD, United States
| | - Gillian Eastwood
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Slingerlands, NY, United States
| | - Laura D Kramer
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Slingerlands, NY, United States
| | - Meghan Radtke
- US Environment Protection Agency, Washington DC, United States
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Hosseini PR, Mills JN, Prieur-Richard AH, Ezenwa VO, Bailly X, Rizzoli A, Suzán G, Vittecoq M, García-Peña GE, Daszak P, Guégan JF, Roche B. Does the impact of biodiversity differ between emerging and endemic pathogens? The need to separate the concepts of hazard and risk. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2017; 372:20160129. [PMID: 28438918 PMCID: PMC5413877 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2016.0129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [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] [Accepted: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Biodiversity is of critical value to human societies, but recent evidence that biodiversity may mitigate infectious-disease risk has sparked controversy among researchers. The majority of work on this topic has focused on direct assessments of the relationship between biodiversity and endemic-pathogen prevalence, without disentangling intervening mechanisms; thus study outcomes often differ, fuelling more debate. Here, we suggest two critical changes to the approach researchers take to understanding relationships between infectious disease, both endemic and emerging, and biodiversity that may help clarify sources of controversy. First, the distinct concepts of hazards versus risks need to be separated to determine how biodiversity and its drivers may act differently on each. This distinction is particularly important since it illustrates that disease emergence drivers in humans could be quite different to the general relationship between biodiversity and transmission of endemic pathogens. Second, the interactive relationship among biodiversity, anthropogenic change and zoonotic disease risk, including both direct and indirect effects, needs to be recognized and accounted for. By carefully disentangling these interactions between humans' activities and pathogen circulation in wildlife, we suggest that conservation efforts could mitigate disease risks and hazards in novel ways that complement more typical disease control efforts.This article is part of the themed issue 'Conservation, biodiversity and infectious disease: scientific evidence and policy implications'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parviez R Hosseini
- EcoHealth Alliance, 460 West 34th Street - 17th Floor, New York, NY 10001-2320, USA
| | - James N Mills
- Population Biology, Ecology, and Evolution Program, Emory University, 1335 Springdale Road, Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30306, USA
| | | | - Vanessa O Ezenwa
- Odum School of Ecology and Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, 140 East Green Street, Athens, GA 30602-2202, USA
| | - Xavier Bailly
- INRA, UR346 Epidémiologie Animale, 63122 Saint Genès Champanelle, France
| | - Annapaola Rizzoli
- Edmund Mach Foundation, Research and Innovation Centre, 1 Via Edmondo Mach, 38010 San Michele all'Adige, Trentino, Italy
| | - Gerardo Suzán
- Departamento de Etología y Fauna Silvestre, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Distrito Federal, C.P. 04510, Mexico
- FutureEarth Programme, OneHealth Core Research Programme Domaine du Petit Arbois. Avenue Louis Philibert., 13857 Aix-en-Provence Cedex 3, France
| | - Marion Vittecoq
- Centre de recherche de la Tour du Valat, Le Sambuc, 13200 Arles, France
| | - Gabriel E García-Peña
- Departamento de Etología y Fauna Silvestre, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Distrito Federal, C.P. 04510, Mexico
- UMR MIVEGEC CNRS 5290/IRD 224/Université de Montpellier, 911 avenue Agropolis, BP 64501, 34394 Montpellier Cedex 5, France
- FutureEarth Programme, OneHealth Core Research Programme Domaine du Petit Arbois. Avenue Louis Philibert., 13857 Aix-en-Provence Cedex 3, France
- Centre de Synthèse et d'Analyse sur la Biodiversité -CESAB. Bâtiment Henri Poincaré, Domaine du Petit Arbois. Avenue Louis Philibert., 13857 Aix-en-Provence Cedex 3, France
| | - Peter Daszak
- EcoHealth Alliance, 460 West 34th Street - 17th Floor, New York, NY 10001-2320, USA
- FutureEarth Programme, OneHealth Core Research Programme Domaine du Petit Arbois. Avenue Louis Philibert., 13857 Aix-en-Provence Cedex 3, France
| | - Jean-François Guégan
- UMR MIVEGEC CNRS 5290/IRD 224/Université de Montpellier, 911 avenue Agropolis, BP 64501, 34394 Montpellier Cedex 5, France
- FutureEarth Programme, OneHealth Core Research Programme Domaine du Petit Arbois. Avenue Louis Philibert., 13857 Aix-en-Provence Cedex 3, France
| | - Benjamin Roche
- UMI IRD/UPMC 209 UMMISCO, 32, avenue Henri Varagnat, 93143 Bondy Cedex, France
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18
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Rojek AM, Horby PW. Offering patients more: how the West Africa Ebola outbreak can shape innovation in therapeutic research for emerging and epidemic infections. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2017; 372:20160294. [PMID: 28396467 PMCID: PMC5394634 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2016.0294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [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] [Accepted: 11/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Although, after an epidemic of over 28 000 cases, there are still no licensed treatments for Ebola virus disease (EVD), significant progress was made during the West Africa outbreak. The pace of pre-clinical development was exceptional and a number of therapeutic clinical trials were conducted in the face of considerable challenges. Given the on-going risk of emerging infectious disease outbreaks in an era of unprecedented population density, international travel and human impact on the environment it is pertinent to focus on improving the research and development landscape for treatments of emerging and epidemic-prone infections. This is especially the case since there are no licensed therapeutics for some of the diseases considered by the World Health Organization as most likely to cause severe outbreaks-including Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus, Marburg virus, Crimean Congo haemorrhagic fever and Nipah virus. EVD, therefore, provides a timely exemplar to discuss the barriers, enablers and incentives needed to find effective treatments in advance of health emergencies caused by emerging infectious diseases.This article is part of the themed issue 'The 2013-2016 West African Ebola epidemic: data, decision-making and disease control'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda M Rojek
- Epidemic Diseases Research Group Oxford (ERGO), Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7FZ, UK
| | - Peter W Horby
- Epidemic Diseases Research Group Oxford (ERGO), Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7FZ, UK
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Guégan JF. [Emerging infectious diseases: complex, unpredictable processes]. Biol Aujourdhui 2017; 210:205-209. [PMID: 28327279 DOI: 10.1051/jbio/2016023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
In the light of a double approach, at first empirical, later theoretical and comparative, illustrated by the example of the Buruli ulcer and its mycobacterial agent Mycobacterium ulcerans on which I focused my research activity these last ten years by studying determinants and factors of emerging infectious or parasitic diseases, the complexity of events explaining emerging diseases will be presented. The cascade of events occurring at various levels of spatiotemporal scales and organization of life, which lead to the numerous observed emergences, nowadays requires better taking into account the interactions between host(s), pathogen(s) and the environment by including the behavior of both individuals and the population. In numerous research studies on emerging infectious diseases, microbial hazard is described rather than infectious disease risk, the latter resulting from the confrontation between an association of threatening phenomena, or hazards, and a susceptible population. Beyond, the theme of emerging infectious diseases and its links with global environmental and societal changes leads to reconsider some well-established knowledge in infectiology and parasitology.
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Wu T, Perrings C, Kinzig A, Collins JP, Minteer BA, Daszak P. Economic growth, urbanization, globalization, and the risks of emerging infectious diseases in China: A review. Ambio 2017; 46:18-29. [PMID: 27492678 PMCID: PMC5226902 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-016-0809-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [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: 12/08/2015] [Revised: 04/16/2016] [Accepted: 07/18/2016] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Three interrelated world trends may be exacerbating emerging zoonotic risks: income growth, urbanization, and globalization. Income growth is associated with rising animal protein consumption in developing countries, which increases the conversion of wild lands to livestock production, and hence the probability of zoonotic emergence. Urbanization implies the greater concentration and connectedness of people, which increases the speed at which new infections are spread. Globalization-the closer integration of the world economy-has facilitated pathogen spread among countries through the growth of trade and travel. High-risk areas for the emergence and spread of infectious disease are where these three trends intersect with predisposing socioecological conditions including the presence of wild disease reservoirs, agricultural practices that increase contact between wildlife and livestock, and cultural practices that increase contact between humans, wildlife, and livestock. Such an intersection occurs in China, which has been a "cradle" of zoonoses from the Black Death to avian influenza and SARS. Disease management in China is thus critical to the mitigation of global zoonotic risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, LSA 123, 427 East Tyler Mall, Tempe, AZ 85287 USA
| | - Charles Perrings
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, LSA 127, 427 East Tyler Mall, Tempe, AZ 85287 USA
| | - Ann Kinzig
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, LSA 124, 427 East Tyler Mall, Tempe, AZ 85287 USA
- Global Institute of Sustainability, Arizona State University, 800 South Cady Mall, Tempe, AZ 85287 USA
| | - James P. Collins
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, LSC 402, 427 East Tyler Mall, Tempe, AZ 85287 USA
| | - Ben A. Minteer
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, LSA 262, 427 East Tyler Mall, Tempe, AZ 85287 USA
| | - Peter Daszak
- EcoHealth Alliance, 460 West 34th Street - 17th Floor, New York, NY 10001 USA
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Nelson CA, Saha S, Kugeler KJ, Delorey MJ, Shankar MB, Hinckley AF, Mead PS. Incidence of Clinician-Diagnosed Lyme Disease, United States, 2005-2010. Emerg Infect Dis 2016; 21:1625-31. [PMID: 26291194 PMCID: PMC4550147 DOI: 10.3201/eid2109.150417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 279] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Extrapolation from a large medical claims database suggests that 329,000 cases occur annually. National surveillance provides important information about Lyme disease (LD) but is subject to underreporting and variations in practice. Information is limited about the national epidemiology of LD from other sources. Retrospective analysis of a nationwide health insurance claims database identified patients from 2005–2010 with clinician-diagnosed LD using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification, codes and antimicrobial drug prescriptions. Of 103,647,966 person-years, 985 inpatient admissions and 44,445 outpatient LD diagnoses were identified. Epidemiologic patterns were similar to US surveillance data overall. Outpatient incidence was highest among boys 5–9 years of age and persons of both sexes 60–64 years of age. On the basis of extrapolation to the US population and application of correction factors for coding, we estimate that annual incidence is 106.6 cases/100,000 persons and that ≈329,000 (95% credible interval 296,000–376,000) LD cases occur annually. LD is a major US public health problem that causes substantial use of health care resources.
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Abstract
Foodborne pathogens cause >9 million illnesses annually. Food safety efforts address the entire food chain, but an essential strategy for preventing foodborne disease is educating consumers and food preparers. To better understand the epidemiology of foodborne disease and to direct prevention efforts, we examined incidence of Salmonella infection, Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli infection, and hemolytic uremic syndrome by census tract-level socioeconomic status (SES) in the Connecticut Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network site for 2000-2011. Addresses of case-patients were geocoded to census tracts and linked to census tract-level SES data. Higher census tract-level SES was associated with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli, regardless of serotype; hemolytic uremic syndrome; salmonellosis in persons ≥5 years of age; and some Salmonella serotypes. A reverse association was found for salmonellosis in children <5 years of age and for 1 Salmonella serotype. These findings will inform education and prevention efforts as well as further research.
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Hodges E, Tomcej V. Is there a link between pollutant exposure and emerging infectious disease? Can Vet J 2016; 57:535-537. [PMID: 27152044 PMCID: PMC4827747] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
A scoping literature review found evidence supporting the hypothesis that a population's pollution status could help refine classification of emerging infectious disease (EID) hotspots. Systematic literature reviews and studies designed to specifically test the predictive value of pollutant status on EID risk are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Hodges
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM) (Hodges), Faculty of Medicine (Tomcej), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta
| | - Veronica Tomcej
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM) (Hodges), Faculty of Medicine (Tomcej), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta
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Abstract
Emerging infectious diseases arising from livestock and wildlife pose serious threats to global human health, as shown by a series of continuous outbreaks involving highly pathogenic influenza, SARS, Ebola and MERS. The risk of pandemics and bioterrorism threats is ever present and growing, but our ability to combat them is limited by the lack of available vaccines, therapeutics and rapid diagnostics. The use of high bio-containment facilities, such as the CSIRO Australian Animal Health Laboratory, plays a key role studying these dangerous pathogens and facilitates the development of countermeasures. To combat diseases like MERS, we must take a holistic approach that involves the development of early biomarkers of infection, a suite of treatment options (vaccines, anti-viral drugs and antibody therapeutics) and appropriate animal models to test the safety and efficacy of candidate treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Lowenthal
- Emerging Infectious Diseases Program, CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Australia.
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26
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González G. Climate Change Highlights a Potentially Dangerous Trade-off. MEDICC Rev 2016; 17:51-2. [PMID: 26027589 DOI: 10.37757/mr2015.v17.n2.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Raoult D. Special section: methods in pathogen discovery. Microb Pathog 2014; 77:113. [PMID: 25481241 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2014.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Didier Raoult
- URMITE UMR 7278, Faculté de Médecine, 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France.
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28
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Liu Q, Cao L, Zhu XQ. Major emerging and re-emerging zoonoses in China: a matter of global health and socioeconomic development for 1.3 billion. Int J Infect Dis 2014; 25:65-72. [PMID: 24858904 PMCID: PMC7110807 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2014.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2014] [Revised: 03/27/2014] [Accepted: 04/08/2014] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging and re-emerging zoonoses are a significant public health concern and cause considerable socioeconomic problems globally. The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1, avian influenza H7N9, and severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS), and the re-emergence of rabies, brucellosis, and other zoonoses have had a significant effect on the national economy and public health in China, and have affected other countries. Contributing factors that continue to affect emerging and re-emerging zoonoses in China include social and environmental factors and microbial evolution, such as population growth, urbanization, deforestation, livestock production, food safety, climate change, and pathogen mutation. The Chinese government has devised new strategies and has taken measures to deal with the challenges of these diseases, including the issuing of laws and regulations, establishment of disease reporting systems, implementation of special projects for major infectious diseases, interdisciplinary and international cooperation, exotic disease surveillance, and health education. These strategies and measures can serve as models for the surveillance and response to continuing threats from emerging and re-emerging zoonoses in other countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China; Military Veterinary Institute, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Changchun, China
| | - Lili Cao
- Military Veterinary Institute, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Changchun, China; Jilin Academy of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China.
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Voide C, Asner S, Giulieri S, Cavassini M, Merz L, Tissot F, Orasch C. [Infectious diseases]. Rev Med Suisse 2014; 10:61-65. [PMID: 24558901] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The recommendations for the treatment of gonorrhea have been changed: ceftriaxone 500 mg IM plus azithromycin 1 g PO is recommended. Prophylaxis of recurrent cellulitis with penicillin 250 mg 2 x/d PO may be considered. E. coli ESBL does not require contact isolation anymore. Fecal transplantation seems so far to be the most effective treatment of recurrent C. dificile. Two new respiratory viruses, Middle East Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and avian-origin Influenza A (H7N9) have been reported. Oral valganciclovir treatment reduces the risk of hearing loss in congenital CMV infection. An outbreak of mould infections of the central nervous system has been described in the United States following injection of contaminated steroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathy Voide
- Sercive des Maladies Infectieuses Département de Médicine, CHUV, Lausanne.
| | - Sandra Asner
- Unité d'Infectiologie Pédiatrique et Vaccinologie Département Médico-Chirurgical de Pédiatrie CHUV, Lausanne
| | - Stefano Giulieri
- Sercive des Maladies Infectieuses Département de Médicine, CHUV, Lausanne
| | - Matthias Cavassini
- Sercive des Maladies Infectieuses Département de Médicine, CHUV, Lausanne
| | - Laurent Merz
- Sercive des Maladies Infectieuses Département de Médicine, CHUV, Lausanne
| | - Frédéric Tissot
- Sercive des Maladies Infectieuses Département de Médicine, CHUV, Lausanne
| | - Christina Orasch
- Sercive des Maladies Infectieuses Département de Médicine, CHUV, Lausanne
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Cowie RH, Hollyer JR, da Silva AJ, Hollingsworth RG, Dixon MC, Eamsobhana P, Fox LM, Gosnell WL, Howe K, Johnson S, Kim JR, Kramer KJ, Lim PE, Lindo JF, Lun ZR, Maldonado A, Morassutti AL, Murphy GS, Park SY, Qvarnstrom Y, Robinson RD, Sawanyawisuth K, Teem J, Thiengo SC, Todd CD, Tsai HC, Wallace GD, Waugh CA, Whelen AC, Wilkins PP, Yang TB, Yong HS. Workshop on research priorities for management and treatment of angiostrongyliasis(1). Emerg Infect Dis 2013; 18:e1. [PMID: 23171634 PMCID: PMC3557862 DOI: 10.3201/eid1812.120499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
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Abstract
Though emerging infectious diseases ignore boundaries between species, the agencies that respond to them do not. Based on interviews with state and federal epidemiologists, veterinarians, and physicians and on case studies of disease events, this article examines how the jurisdictional and cultural divides that exist among human and animal health agencies hinder efforts to successfully contain species-jumping diseases (zoonoses). I argue that newly emergent zoonoses make these agencies' organisational cultures function as silos because the institutionalised thinking and practices developed to address the diseases that traditionally concerned each agency constrain members from building the inter-organisational bridges required to manage the latest 'hybrid' diseases. The silo effect is evident both across the human-animal health divide and within the landscape of animal health, as agencies that monitor livestock and wildlife follow distinct and sometimes competing agendas. The article also touches on moments of inter-agency cooperation in order to specify how health practitioners can begin making connections between 'organisational silos'. This article encourages sociologists of health to explore the crucial link between animal and human health; and it introduces the concept of organisational silos to capture the relational dilemmas that arise when a 'hybrid' problem systemically links agencies with disparate organisational cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin Jerolmack
- Department of Sociology, New York University, New York, NY 10012, USA.
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Abstract
Infectious disease has re-emerged as a public health threat in an increasingly globalised era, adding trans-national actors to traditional national and local government actors. This special issue showcases new sociological work in response to this challenge. The contributors have investigated the social construction of new and re-emerging diseases; the development of surveillance systems, public health governance; the impact of scientific/technical modalities on uncertainty and risk, the interplay of infectious disease, public health and national security concerns, and public and media responses. The case studies range broadly across North America, Europe and Asia and define new agendas for medical sociologists and public health policymakers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Dingwall
- Dingwall Enterprises and School of Social Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, UK.
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Sala V, De Faveri E. Emergence and re-emergence of zoonoses. Context and consequences. Ann Ig 2013; 25:83-89. [PMID: 23435783 DOI: 10.7416/ai.2013.1909] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Zoonoses have been and are still considered merely a "veterinary problem". Instead, the understanding of their emergence, re-emergence and persistence is more effectively addressed in the context of a "struggle" between pathogens, animals and man. The expression properties of pathogens are related with three interfaces: human-environment, environment-animal and human-animal. Animals and man can be either reservoirs or vectors of pathogens, while interfaces can amplify the clinical impact in all the species involved. The disease course is similar in animals and humans in terms of infection, clinical approach and control. Thus, this "epidemiological model" may be the key to an "updated" interpretation of infectious diseases involving humans and animals. Control and prevention should be carried out in an interdisciplinary context, without separating the medical and veterinary domains, in light of the fact that the activity of pathogenic microorganisms is not species-dependent. Finally, if human public health and veterinary public health are closely linked, knowledge and information can be pooled and used for mutual benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Sala
- Department of Veterinary Science and Public Health, University of Milan, Italy.
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Abstract
The major premise of One Health is engagement of multiple disciplines to address shared problems spanning human, animal, and ecosystem health. The current model of academic specialization encourages development of isolated disciplines within the university setting, thereby creating barriers to resource sharing and academic collaboration. The aim of this project was to develop a systematic approach to mapping university assets that could be harnessed to advance One Health education. Asset in this context was defined as a course, program, or faculty expertise relevant to a particular One Health problem. The approach adopted comprised the following steps: (1) identify a current problem that would benefit from an integrated, interdisciplinary perspective (e.g., EIDs [emerging infectious diseases]); (2) identify individual disciplinary teaching areas pertinent to the problem (e.g., health communication, wildlife ecology); (3) identify competencies expected to be attained by graduates who will address the problem (e.g., respond to outbreaks); (4) survey faculty members on their teaching areas and curricular offerings that address these competencies; and (5) compile responses in a database that is searchable by teaching area and competency. We discuss our recent experiences mapping the assets at Tufts University that are relevant to the problem of EIDs with emphasis on zoonotic-disease surveillance, outbreak investigation, and outbreak response. Using 13 teaching areas and 16 competencies relevant to applied epidemiology, we identified and characterized previously untapped resources across the university. Asset mapping is thus a useful tool for identifying university resources and opportunities that can be leveraged to support interdisciplinary education for One Health.
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Khalaf N, Crews JD, DuPont HL, Koo HL. Clostridium difficile: an emerging pathogen in children. Discov Med 2012; 14:105-113. [PMID: 22935207 PMCID: PMC4737473] [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] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Clostridium difficile is emerging as an important enteric pathogen in children. Historically considered as an asymptomatic colonizer of the gastrointestinal tract, C. difficile infection (CDI) has not been well-studied in pediatric populations. While asymptomatic carriage remains high among infants, recent epidemiological surveillance has demonstrated a rise in the prevalence of CDI in both healthcare and community settings, particularly in children 1-5 years of age. The pathogenesis of pediatric CDI, including the factors underlying the absence of toxin-mediated effects among colonized infants, remains ill-defined. Studies suggest that traditional adult CDI risk factors such as antibiotic and healthcare exposure may not be as important for children who acquire CDI in the community. As recognition of the significant impact of CDI in children increases, the pressing need for deepening our understanding of this disease and identifying optimal therapeutic and preventative strategies is becoming apparent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Khalaf
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
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Vögeli M, Lemus JA, Serrano D, Blanco G, Tella JL. An island paradigm on the mainland: host population fragmentation impairs the community of avian pathogens. Proc Biol Sci 2011; 278:2668-76. [PMID: 21270030 PMCID: PMC3136819 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2010.1227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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: 06/09/2010] [Accepted: 12/23/2010] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Emergent infectious diseases represent a major threat for biodiversity in fragmented habitat networks, but their dynamics in host metapopulations remain largely unexplored. We studied a large community of pathogens (including 26 haematozoans, bacteria and viruses as determined through polymerase chain reaction assays) in a highly fragmented mainland bird metapopulation. Contrary to recent studies, which have established that the prevalence of pathogens increase with habitat fragmentation owing to crowding and habitat-edge effects, the analysed pathogen parameters were neither dependent on host densities nor related to the spatial structure of the metapopulation. We provide, to our knowledge, the first empirical evidence for a positive effect of host population size on pathogen prevalence, richness and diversity. These new insights into the interplay between habitat fragmentation and pathogens reveal properties of a host-pathogen system resembling island environments, suggesting that severe habitat loss and fragmentation could lower pathogen pressure in small populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Vögeli
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana (CSIC), c/Américo Vespucio s/n, 41092 Sevilla, Spain.
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Abstract
Over recent years the growth in aquaculture, accompanied by the emergence of new and transboundary diseases, has stimulated epidemiological studies of aquatic animal diseases. Great potential exists for both observational and theoretical approaches to investigate the processes driving emergence but, to date, compared to terrestrial systems, relatively few studies exist in aquatic animals. Research using risk methods has assessed routes of introduction of aquatic animal pathogens to facilitate safe trade (e.g. import risk analyses) and support biosecurity. Epidemiological studies of risk factors for disease in aquaculture (most notably Atlantic salmon farming) have effectively supported control measures. Methods developed for terrestrial livestock diseases (e.g. risk-based surveillance) could improve the capacity of aquatic animal surveillance systems to detect disease incursions and emergence. The study of disease in wild populations presents many challenges and the judicious use of theoretical models offers some solutions. Models, parameterised from observational studies of host pathogen interactions, have been used to extrapolate estimates of impacts on the individual to the population level. These have proved effective in estimating the likely impact of parasite infections on wild salmonid populations in Switzerland and Canada (where the importance of farmed salmon as a reservoir of infection was investigated). A lack of data is often the key constraint in the application of new approaches to surveillance and modelling. The need for epidemiological approaches to protect aquatic animal health will inevitably increase in the face of the combined challenges of climate change, increasing anthropogenic pressures, limited water sources and the growth in aquaculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edmund J Peeler
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8UB, UK
| | - Nicholas GH Taylor
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8UB, UK
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38
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Martin C, Pastoret PP, Brochier B, Humblet MF, Saegerman C. A survey of the transmission of infectious diseases/infections between wild and domestic ungulates in Europe. Vet Res 2011; 42:70. [PMID: 21635726 PMCID: PMC3152899 DOI: 10.1186/1297-9716-42-70] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [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: 08/22/2010] [Accepted: 06/02/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The domestic animals/wildlife interface is becoming a global issue of growing interest. However, despite studies on wildlife diseases being in expansion, the epidemiological role of wild animals in the transmission of infectious diseases remains unclear most of the time. Multiple diseases affecting livestock have already been identified in wildlife, especially in wild ungulates. The first objective of this paper was to establish a list of infections already reported in European wild ungulates. For each disease/infection, three additional materials develop examples already published, specifying the epidemiological role of the species as assigned by the authors. Furthermore, risk factors associated with interactions between wild and domestic animals and regarding emerging infectious diseases are summarized. Finally, the wildlife surveillance measures implemented in different European countries are presented. New research areas are proposed in order to provide efficient tools to prevent the transmission of diseases between wild ungulates and livestock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Martin
- Research Unit in Epidemiology and Risk Analysis Applied to Veterinary Sciences (UREAR), Department of Infectious and Parasitic diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Boulevard de Colonster, 20, B42, B-4000 Liège, Belgium
- Anses, Sophia-Antipolis Laboratory, Unit of Ruminant Pathology, 105 Route des Chappes B.P.111, 06902 Sophia Antipolis Cedex, France
| | - Paul-Pierre Pastoret
- Publications Unit, World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), 12 Rue Prony, 75017 Paris, France
| | - Bernard Brochier
- Scientific Institute of Public Health, Department of Microbiology, Division of Virology, Rue Juliette Wytsman 14, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marie-France Humblet
- Research Unit in Epidemiology and Risk Analysis Applied to Veterinary Sciences (UREAR), Department of Infectious and Parasitic diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Boulevard de Colonster, 20, B42, B-4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Claude Saegerman
- Research Unit in Epidemiology and Risk Analysis Applied to Veterinary Sciences (UREAR), Department of Infectious and Parasitic diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Boulevard de Colonster, 20, B42, B-4000 Liège, Belgium
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Abstract
To effect a structured review about what emerging zoonoses represent, we present the following aspects in a deliberately biased way: firstly, by way of introduction, we discuss certain concepts and characteristics common to the profile of an emergent agent; secondly, we comment on the factors that facilitate the emergence of zoonotic infections at present; and finally, we describe the surveillance, medical practice and laboratory work in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- José M Eiros Bouza
- Área de Microbiología, Facultad de Medicina y Hospital Clínico Universitario, Valladolid, España.
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40
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Dutkiewicz J, Cisak E, Sroka J, Wójcik-Fatla A, Zając V. Biological agents as occupational hazards - selected issues. Ann Agric Environ Med 2011; 18:286-293. [PMID: 22216801] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
There are two main groups of biological agents regarded as occupational hazards: allergenic and/or toxic agents forming bioaerosols, and agents causing zoonoses and other infectious diseases. Bioaerosols occurring in the agricultural work environments comprise: bacteria, fungi, high molecular polymers produced by bacteria (endotoxin) or by fungi (β-glucans), low molecular secondary metabolites of fungi (mycotoxins, volatile organic compounds) and various particles of plant and animal origin. All these agents could be a cause of allergic and/or immunotoxic occupational diseases of respiratory organ (airways inflammation, rhinitis, toxic pneumonitis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis and asthma), conjunctivitis and dermatitis in exposed workers. Very important among zoonotic agents causing occupational diseases are those causing tick-borne diseases: Lyme borreliosis, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, bartonellosis. Agricultural workers in tropical zones are exposed to mosquito bites causing malaria, the most prevalent vector-borne disease in the world. The group of agents causing other, basically not vector-borne zoonoses, comprises those evoking emerging or re-emerging diseases of global concern, such as: hantaviral diseases, avian and swine influenza, Q fever, leptospiroses, staphylococcal diseases caused by the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains, and diseases caused by parasitic protozoa. Among other infectious, non-zoonotic agents, the greatest hazard for health care workers pose the blood-borne human hepatitis and immunodeficiency viruses (HBV, HCV, HIV). Of interest are also bacteria causing legionellosis in people occupationally exposed to droplet aerosols, mainly from warm water.
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Minieri Arroyo J. H1N1 Swine Flu: The 2010 Perspective--A New York Academy of Sciences Meeting. IDrugs 2010; 13:448-452. [PMID: 20582868] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The H1N1 Swine Flu: The 2010 Perspective conference, held in New York City, included topics covering new research developments regarding the H1N1 influenza virus. This conference report highlights selected presentations on high-yield reassortant viral production, virus transmission and pathogenesis in ferret and guinea pig models, and the advantages of virus-like particle vaccines. Fatal pathology findings from the 2009 H1N1 strain in New York, and preparedness for and response to the 2009 pandemic, are also discussed.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S.
- Communicable Diseases, Emerging/etiology
- Communicable Diseases, Emerging/pathology
- Communicable Diseases, Emerging/prevention & control
- Communicable Diseases, Emerging/transmission
- Disease Models, Animal
- Disease Outbreaks/prevention & control
- Drug Industry
- Ferrets
- Guinea Pigs
- Humans
- Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype/growth & development
- Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype/immunology
- Influenza, Human/etiology
- Influenza, Human/pathology
- Influenza, Human/prevention & control
- Influenza, Human/transmission
- Orthomyxoviridae Infections/etiology
- Orthomyxoviridae Infections/pathology
- Orthomyxoviridae Infections/prevention & control
- Orthomyxoviridae Infections/transmission
- Reassortant Viruses/growth & development
- Technology, Pharmaceutical/methods
- United States
- Virion/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Minieri Arroyo
- New York Medical College, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Basic Sciences Building, 15 Dana Road, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA.
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Abstract
Interest in the epidemiology of emerging diseases of humans and livestock as they relate to wildlife has increased greatly over the past several decades. Many factors, most anthropogenic, have facilitated the emergence of diseases from wildlife. Some livestock diseases have "spilled over" to wildlife and then "spilled back" to livestock. When a population is exposed to an infectious agent, depending on an interaction of factors involving the host, agent, and environment, the population may be resistant to infection or may become a dead-end host, a spillover host, or a maintenance host. Each exposure is unique; the same species of host and agent may respond differently in different situations. Management actions that affect the environment and behavior of a potential host animal may allow the emergence of a new or as yet undetected disease. There are many barriers in preventing, detecting, monitoring and managing wildlife diseases. These may include political and legal hurdles, lack of knowledge about many diseases of wildlife, the absence of basic data on wildlife populations, difficulties with surveillance, and logistical constraints. Increasing interaction between wildlife and humans or domestic animals may lead to disease emergence and require innovative methods and strategies for disease surveillance and management in wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C Rhyan
- National Wildlife Research Center, 4101 LaPorte Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA.
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43
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Santos-López G, Vallejo-Ruiz V. [Human influence on the emerging and re-emerging viral diseases]. Invest Clin 2010; 51:1-3. [PMID: 20815151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
It has been described some causes that promote the emergency or re-emergency of viral infections. A fundamental factor is the property of viruses to accumulate mutations which may help them to escape from the host immunological system, increasing their virulence or inducing resistance to antivirals. Nevertheless, there exist factors inherent to the human activity that play important roles in the emergency or re-emergency of viruses. These activities are related with traffic of exotic animals, deforestation, migration, introduction or development of human communities in unexplored areas and the climatic changes. Due to the great significance of emerging viruses as a public health concern, it is necessary to know different aspects of these phenomena, to take the necessary steps to prevent or control epidemics or pandemics.
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45
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Silva EF, Cerqueira GM, Seyffert N, Seixas FK, Hartwig DD, Athanazio DA, Pinto LS, Queiroz A, Ko AI, Brod CS, Dellagostin OA. Leptospira noguchii and human and animal leptospirosis, Southern Brazil. Emerg Infect Dis 2009; 15:621-3. [PMID: 19331754 PMCID: PMC2671420 DOI: 10.3201/eid1504.071669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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46
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Linard C, Ponçon N, Fontenille D, Lambin EF. Risk of malaria reemergence in southern France: testing scenarios with a multiagent simulation model. Ecohealth 2009; 6:135-147. [PMID: 19449076 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-009-0236-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2008] [Revised: 11/17/2008] [Accepted: 01/27/2009] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The Camargue, a region in southern France, is considered a potential site for malaria reemergence. All the suitable factors of the disease transmission system are present -- competent mosquito vectors, habitats for their breeding, and susceptible people -- except for the parasite. The objective of this study was to test potential drivers of malaria reemergence in this system after possible changes in biological attributes of vectors, agricultural practices, land use, tourism activities, and climate. Scenarios of plausible futures were formulated and then simulated using a spatially explicit and dynamic multiagent simulation: the MALCAM model. Scenarios were developed by varying the value of model inputs. Model outputs were compared based on the contact rate between people and potential malaria vectors, and the number of new infections in case of reintroduction of the parasite in the region. Model simulations showed that the risk of malaria reemergence is low in the Camargue. If the disease would reemerge, it would be the result of a combination of unfavorable conditions: introduction of a large population of infectious people or mosquitoes, combined with high levels of people-vector contacts resulting from significant changes in land use, tourism activities, agricultural policies, biological evolution of mosquitoes, and climate changes. The representation in the MALCAM model of interactions and feedbacks between different agents, and between agents and their environment, led in some cases to counterintuitive results. Results from scenario analyses can help local public health authorities in policy formulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Linard
- Department of Geography, Université Catholique de Louvain, Place Pasteur 3, 1348, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium.
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47
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Kuipers EJ. Emerging diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Preface. Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol 2009; 23:1-2. [PMID: 19258181 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpg.2009.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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MESH Headings
- Adolescent
- Aged
- Alemtuzumab
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/adverse effects
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/therapeutic use
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
- Antibodies, Neoplasm/adverse effects
- Antibodies, Neoplasm/therapeutic use
- Antineoplastic Agents/adverse effects
- Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use
- Communicable Diseases, Emerging/diagnosis
- Communicable Diseases, Emerging/etiology
- Communicable Diseases, Emerging/microbiology
- Fatal Outcome
- Female
- Humans
- Immunocompromised Host
- Immunosuppressive Agents/adverse effects
- Immunosuppressive Agents/therapeutic use
- Leukemia, Lymphoid/drug therapy
- Male
- Mycobacterium Infections/diagnosis
- Mycobacterium Infections/etiology
- Mycobacterium Infections/microbiology
- Mycobacterium haemophilum
- Myelodysplastic Syndromes/drug therapy
- Skin Diseases, Bacterial/diagnosis
- Skin Diseases, Bacterial/etiology
- Skin Diseases, Bacterial/microbiology
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Abstract
Emerging infections, many zoonotic, are caused by a variety of pathogens with global distribution. Previously rare pathogens have emerged; global travel facilitates their rapid spread. Human encroachment on remote areas has brought contact with zoonotic diseases never before characterized. Although systematic study of rare outbreaks can be challenging, knowledge of emerging pathogens and their effects on women is accumulating. This article discusses effects of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, West Nile virus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus, avian influenza A virus, viral hemorrhagic fevers, spirochetal illnesses, and Chagas' disease. The potential impact of candidate bioterror agents and issues of prophylaxis and therapy are discussed.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Communicable Diseases, Emerging/epidemiology
- Communicable Diseases, Emerging/etiology
- Communicable Diseases, Emerging/prevention & control
- Communicable Diseases, Emerging/transmission
- Female
- Humans
- Infant, Newborn
- Infant, Premature, Diseases/epidemiology
- Infant, Premature, Diseases/etiology
- Infant, Premature, Diseases/prevention & control
- Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical
- Pregnancy
- Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/epidemiology
- Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/etiology
- Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/prevention & control
- Women's Health
- Zoonoses/epidemiology
- Zoonoses/etiology
- Zoonoses/transmission
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Affiliation(s)
- Regan N Theiler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77550-0587, USA.
| | - Sonja A Rasmussen
- Division of Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| | - Tracee A Treadwell
- National Center for Zoonotic, Vectorborne and Enteric Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, MS D-76, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| | - Denise J Jamieson
- Division of Reproductive Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway, NE, MS K-40, Atlanta, GA 30341-3717, USA
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50
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Diaz JH. Helminthic eosinophilic meningitis: emerging zoonotic diseases in the South. J La State Med Soc 2008; 160:333-342. [PMID: 19283982] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Today most emerging infectious diseases, such as West Nile virus and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), arise in the natural environment as zoonoses and are often imported into the United States (US). The most common helminthic infections that can cause eosinophilic meningitis (EoM) in the US, neuroangiostrongyliasis and baylisascariasis, share many of the characteristics of emerging infectious diseases. Neuroangiostrongyliasis, a rodent zoonosis caused by the rat lungworm, Angiostrongylus cantonensis, is now endemic in the US following the importation of infected rats on container ships and African land snails, the parasite's intermediate hosts, as biological controls and exotic pets. Baylisascariasis, a raccoon zoonosis, caused by the raccoon roundworm, Baylisascaris procyonis, has extended its US distribution range from suburban neighborhoods in the northern US to the Southeast and West Coast since the 1980s. Both A. cantonensis and B. procyonis are now enzootic in Louisiana and have caused EoM in humans. This review analyzes scientific articles selected by MEDLINE search, 1966-2008, in order to assess the evolving epidemiology of EoM in the US, and specifically in Louisiana; and to alert Louisiana clinicians to populations at increased risk of helminthic EoM as a result of age, ethnicity, lifestyle, food choices, location of permanent residence, or recent travel in the Americas or Caribbean. Most parasitic diseases causing EoM are no longer confined to tropical countries; they are now endemic in the US and in Louisiana and more cases may be anticipated.
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Affiliation(s)
- James H Diaz
- School of Public Health, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
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