Parasitic Zoonoses: From a Public Health Perspective

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Veterinary Clinical Studies".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 February 2024) | Viewed by 7465

Special Issue Editors

Parasites and Health UV-Research Group, Universitat de València, València, Spain
Interests: parasitic zoonoses; foodborne parasites; parasite epidemiology; neglected tropical diseases; small-mammal endoparasites
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Parasites and Health UV-Research Group, Universitat de València, València, Spain
Interests: parasitic zoonoses; foodborne parasites; parasite epidemiology; neglected tropical diseases; parasites and nutrition
Parasites and Health UV-Research Group, Universitat de València, València, Spain
Interests: parasitic zoonoses; foodborne parasites; parasite epidemiology; neglected tropical diseases; small-mammal endoparasites

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Human beings coexist in a close relationship with various animals, and this interrelation can be a source of diseases with a marked impact on public health and the social and economic well-being of the world population. These diseases, transmissible from animals to humans, either by direct contact or through contamination of water, food or the environment, are known as zoonoses. In humans, more than 1400 pathogens are known, of which about 900 species are zoonotic, with more than 200 of them being parasitic zoonoses, caused by protozoa, helminths and arthropods, not only having an impact on health but also having socioeconomic repercussions, since they also cause diseases in animals. Consequently, the World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), has established the concept of "One Health" to promote multisectoral responses to food safety hazards, zoonosis risks and other threats to public health in the interaction between humans, animals and the ecosystem, and to provide guidance on how to reduce these risks.

The Special Issue “Parasitic Zoonoses: From a Public Health Perspective” of the journal Animals aims to publish high-quality original research and reviews which focus on all aspects related to parasitic zoonoses and foodborne and arthropod-borne parasites, such as epidemiology, ecology, case reports, pathogenesis, treatment, diagnosis, control, taxonomy and systematics, genetics, molecular biology and immunology.

Dr. Màrius Vicent Fuentes i Ferrer
Dr. María Trelis Villanueva
Dr. Sandra Sáez Durán
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Animals is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • parasitic zoonosis
  • neglected parasitic diseases
  • public health
  • epidemiology
  • ecology
  • protozoa
  • helminths
  • arthropods
  • diagnosis
  • treatment
  • control
  • domestic animals
  • wildlife
  • exotic animals
  • foodborne parasites
  • arthropod-borne parasites

Published Papers (6 papers)

Order results
Result details
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

17 pages, 1522 KiB  
Article
Seroprevalence Assessment and Risk Factor Analysis of Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Goats from Northeastern Algeria
by Abdeldjalil Dahmane, Daniela Almeida, Nassiba Reghaissia, Djamel Baroudi, Houssem Samari, Amine Abdelli, AbdElkarim Laatamna and João R. Mesquita
Animals 2024, 14(6), 883; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14060883 - 13 Mar 2024
Viewed by 415
Abstract
T. gondii is the causal agent of toxoplasmosis, a worldwide zoonotic disease relevant in human and veterinary medicine. In Algeria, few reports focused on the presence and circulation of this parasite in the local goat population. The aim of the survey was to [...] Read more.
T. gondii is the causal agent of toxoplasmosis, a worldwide zoonotic disease relevant in human and veterinary medicine. In Algeria, few reports focused on the presence and circulation of this parasite in the local goat population. The aim of the survey was to evaluate toxoplasmosis seroprevalence and associated risk factors. Sera from 460 goats reared on 72 farms in northeastern Algeria were collected and tested for IgG antibodies to T. gondii by an indirect ELISA. To identify risk factors, a linear regression analysis of the variables was performed. Anti-T. gondii antibodies were found in 94.44% (68/72; 95% CI: 73.34–119.73) of goat farms and in 53.26% (245/460; 95% CI: 46.80–60.36) at the individual level. The multivariable analysis showed that seasonal pasture (OR = 3.804; 95% CI: 3.321–4.358; p = 0.003), presence of water source in pasture area (OR = 4.844; 95% CI: 1.942–7.789; p = 0.0004), use of anthelminthics (OR = 2.640; 95% CI: 1.592–3.146; p = 0.036), number of cats, hygiene, proportion of abortions, number of abortions in the last year, year of sampling, region, and season were the variables significantly associated with T. gondii seropositivity. Abortions in goat herds seem to be related to T. gondii exposure, thus it is crucial to undertake measures and strategies to reduce, control, and prevent toxoplasmosis infection in goats, and thereby in humans, from Algeria. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parasitic Zoonoses: From a Public Health Perspective)
Show Figures

Figure 1

33 pages, 812 KiB  
Article
Wild Animals in Captivity: An Analysis of Parasite Biodiversity and Transmission among Animals at Two Zoological Institutions with Different Typologies
by Lorena Esteban-Sánchez, Juan José García-Rodríguez, Juncal García-García, Eva Martínez-Nevado, Manuel Antonio de la Riva-Fraga and Francisco Ponce-Gordo
Animals 2024, 14(5), 813; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14050813 - 06 Mar 2024
Viewed by 648
Abstract
We have conducted a 10-year-long coprological study of the animals housed in two zoological institutions (ZooAquarium and Faunia, Madrid, Spain) to assess the parasite biodiversity, prevalence, and their relation with host class, diet, and enclosure type (soil type and level of isolation from [...] Read more.
We have conducted a 10-year-long coprological study of the animals housed in two zoological institutions (ZooAquarium and Faunia, Madrid, Spain) to assess the parasite biodiversity, prevalence, and their relation with host class, diet, and enclosure type (soil type and level of isolation from wild fauna). A total of 4476 faecal samples from 132 mammal species and 951 samples from 86 avian species were examined. The results indicated that only 12.8% of avian species had parasites at least once during the study period, whereas 62.1% of mammal species tested positive. Predominantly, protists (Entamoeba, flagellates, and ciliates) and nematodes (mainly Trichuris) were identified in the findings. Carnivorous species were primarily infected by nematodes, while herbivorous and omnivorous species were mainly infected by protists. The number of infected herbivorous and omnivorous species was significantly greater than carnivorous species. Differences were observed based on soil type (artificial, natural, mixed) and isolation level (isolated/accessible), but these differences were not statistically significant. Several parasites (Entamoeba spp., Giardia spp., Balantidoides coli, Trichuris spp.) could potentially be transmitted between humans and some mammals and birds. Regular animal analyses and a personnel health program in the institutions would minimise transmission risks between zoo animals, wildlife, and humans. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parasitic Zoonoses: From a Public Health Perspective)
Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 9920 KiB  
Article
High Prevalence of Bovine Cardiac Cysticercosis in Upper Egypt: An Epidemiological and Histopathological Study
by Fatma A. S. Anwar, Eman A. Negm, Maha Abdelhaseib, Fatma M. Abdel-maksoud, Ahmed A. Mohammed, Sara Abdel-Aal Mohamed, Ahmed Gareh, Nady Khairy Elbarbary, Manal F. El-khadragy, Ehssan Ahmed Hassan and Ehab Kotb Elmahallawy
Animals 2024, 14(1), 158; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14010158 - 03 Jan 2024
Viewed by 751
Abstract
Bovine cysticercosis is categorized as a serious parasitic zoonotic infestation. The infection is mainly caused by the tapeworm Taenia saginata, which infects cattle and humans. The larval stage, Cysticercus bovis (C. bovis), is found in the skeletal and cardiac muscles of [...] Read more.
Bovine cysticercosis is categorized as a serious parasitic zoonotic infestation. The infection is mainly caused by the tapeworm Taenia saginata, which infects cattle and humans. The larval stage, Cysticercus bovis (C. bovis), is found in the skeletal and cardiac muscles of infected cattle. Despite its potential public health concern, few studies have been conducted on cardiac cysticercosis in Upper Egypt. This study investigates the prevalence, epidemiology, and impact of cardiac cysticercosis in Upper Egypt, emphasizing how histopathological changes in cardiac muscle and physiological parameters might be associated with the infection. From December 2022 to October 2023, a total of 941 animals from Assiut province, Upper Egypt, were slaughtered and their cardiac muscles were examined for the presence of C. bovis. Cysts were classified as viable or degenerated through macroscopic inspection. The overall prevalence of C. bovis infected hearts made up 10.8% of the total examined. The highest prevalence rate was in the summer season followed by spring; winter had the lowest infections. The histopathological examination of infected tissues revealed immune cell infiltration around Cysticercus-infected areas. Additionally, Bax immunostaining demonstrated the apoptotic effect of cysticercosis. Regarding the measured physiological parameters, there were non-significant changes in plasma levels of total protein and albumin in cattle infected with cysticercosis compared with control animals. Moreover, there was a significant decrease in total antioxidant capacity (TAC) combined with a significant increase in lipid peroxide (Malondialdehyde) (MDA), troponin T, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in infected animals. The present work documented a set of epidemiological and pathological findings, revealing that C. bovis is a potentially harmful parasite and can cause significant health problems in both cattle and humans. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parasitic Zoonoses: From a Public Health Perspective)
Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 1114 KiB  
Article
Prevalence and Genetic Characterization of Blastocystis in Sheep and Pigs in Shanxi Province, North China: From a Public Health Perspective
by Chang-Ning Wei, Rui-Lin Qin, Zhen-Huan Zhang, Wen-Bin Zheng, Qing Liu, Wen-Wei Gao, Xing-Quan Zhu and Shi-Chen Xie
Animals 2023, 13(18), 2843; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13182843 - 07 Sep 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 863
Abstract
Blastocystis is a common zoonotic intestinal protozoan and causes a series of gastrointestinal symptoms in humans and animals via the fecal–oral route, causing economic losses and posing public health problems. At present, the prevalence and genetic structure of Blastocystis in sheep and pigs [...] Read more.
Blastocystis is a common zoonotic intestinal protozoan and causes a series of gastrointestinal symptoms in humans and animals via the fecal–oral route, causing economic losses and posing public health problems. At present, the prevalence and genetic structure of Blastocystis in sheep and pigs in Shanxi province remains unknown. Thus, the present study collected 492 sheep fecal samples and 362 pig fecal samples from three representative counties in northern, central and southern Shanxi province for the detection of Blastocystis based on its SSU rRNA gene. The results showed that the overall prevalence of Blastocystis in the examined sheep and pigs were 16.26% and 14.09%, respectively. Sequences analyses showed that four known subtypes (ST5, ST10, ST14 and ST30) in sheep and two subtypes (ST1 and ST5) in pigs were detected in this study, with ST5 being the predominate subtype among the study areas. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the same subtypes were clustered into the same branch. This study reveals that sheep and pigs in Shanxi province are hosts for multiple Blastocystis subtypes, including the zoonotic subtypes (ST1 and ST5), posing a risk to public health. Baseline epidemiological data are provided that help in improving our understanding of the role of zoonotic subtypes in Blastocystis transmission. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parasitic Zoonoses: From a Public Health Perspective)
Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 1523 KiB  
Article
Molecular Detection and Epidemiology of Potentially Zoonotic Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis in Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) from Eastern Spain
by Alba Martí-Marco, Samantha Moratal, Irene Torres-Blas, Jesús Cardells, Victor Lizana and María Auxiliadora Dea-Ayuela
Animals 2023, 13(15), 2501; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13152501 - 03 Aug 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2278
Abstract
The protozoans Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. are common causes of gastrointestinal disease in humans and animals. While both are commonly documented in domestic animals, few studies have analysed their presence in wildlife. To assess the prevalence of both parasites in wild boar [...] Read more.
The protozoans Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. are common causes of gastrointestinal disease in humans and animals. While both are commonly documented in domestic animals, few studies have analysed their presence in wildlife. To assess the prevalence of both parasites in wild boar (Sus scrofa) in the Valencian Community (eastern Spain), 498 wild boar faecal samples were collected from 2018 to 2022. Cryptosporidium spp. was detected by performing a nested PCR targeting a 578 bp sequence of the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene (SSU rRNA), followed by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. For G. duodenalis, a qPCR amplifying a fragment of 62 bp from the SSU rRNA was employed. Positive samples were genotyped for glutamate dehydrogenase and β-giardin genes. Different epidemiological factors were considered potential modulating variables in the transmission of both parasites. G. duodenalis prevalence was 1.20%, while Cryptosporidium spp. prevalence reached 21.7%. Coinfection was observed in 0.2%. Genotyping of G. duodenalis isolates only detected genotype E. Two species of Cryptosporidium spp. were identified: Cryptosporidium scrofarum and Cryptosporidium suis. The results of this study demonstrate that the exposure to Cryptosporidium spp. in wild boars is high, particularly among young individuals belonging to the Typical Mediterranean climate. Moreover, the probability of infection is dependent on both the season and the density of wild boars. On the other side, exposure to G. duodenalis seems scarce and is influenced, in turn, by the climate. Both Cryptosporidium species detected in the present study have been reported in humans. Due to wild boar increasing in number and their colonisation of urban and peri-urban areas, this could represent an inherent health risk for the human population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parasitic Zoonoses: From a Public Health Perspective)
Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 938 KiB  
Article
Occurrence of Giardia duodenalis in Cats from Queretaro and the Risk to Public Health
by Nerina P. Veyna-Salazar, Germinal J. Cantó-Alarcón, Andrea M. Olvera-Ramírez, Felipe J. Ruiz-López, Rodolfo Bernal-Reynaga, Isabel Bárcenas-Reyes and Marina Durán-Aguilar
Animals 2023, 13(6), 1098; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13061098 - 20 Mar 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1466
Abstract
Giardia is a protozoan that affects humans as well as a wide range of domestic species. It is distributed worldwide, and the highest frequency is seen in developing countries. Due to the potential for domestic cats to be carriers of this parasite and [...] Read more.
Giardia is a protozoan that affects humans as well as a wide range of domestic species. It is distributed worldwide, and the highest frequency is seen in developing countries. Due to the potential for domestic cats to be carriers of this parasite and subsequently transmit the infection to humans, it is important to know the risk of transmission. For this reason, the objective of this study was to determine the frequency of this parasite in the cat population of the city of Santiago de Queretaro, Mexico, and identify the assemblages present to determine the role this host plays in public health, this being the first study of its type to be performed in the country. This was a cross-sectional study during which 200 fecal samples were collected from cats of both sexes and varying ages and strata of origin. The samples were analyzed by microscopy following the flotation technique, having obtained a general frequency of 25%. Giardia cysts were found at higher frequency in pasty stools. The assemblages found were zoonotic, specifically assemblage A, which suggests that the cat poses an important risk for the dissemination of the parasite to humans, making it an important public health problem. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parasitic Zoonoses: From a Public Health Perspective)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop