Emerging Viral Zoonoses

A special issue of Microorganisms (ISSN 2076-2607). This special issue belongs to the section "Virology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2023) | Viewed by 21551

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Virology Department, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska Cesta 143, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Interests: epidemiology; virology; emerging and re-emerging viruses; virus diagnostics

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Under the Strategic Framework of the ‘’One World–One health’’ concept, viral zoonoses are investigated in an interdisciplinary manner by medical scientists, veterinarians, and environmental specialists (animal–human–ecosystems interface). Emerging viral zoonoses represent a public health problem worldwide, and this Special Issue will aim to present recent research on the epidemiology, clinical aspects, prevention, treatment, and molecular epidemiology of emerging viruses of zoonotic importance.

Some of its focal points include but are not limited to the following:

  • Viruses of zoonotic importance (for example, tick-borne encephalitis virus; West Nile virus; Usutu virus; Toscana virus; dengue virus; Sandfly fever Sicilian virus; Sandfly fever Naples virus; Tahyna virus; Bhanja virus; Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus; Puumala virus; Dobrava virus; Saaremaa virus; Tula virus; Hepatitis E virus; rabies virus)
  • Serological evidence and molecular analysis of zoonotic viruses (general population, domestic and wild animals, environment)
  • Clinical characteristics, prevention, treatment

Dr. Tomislav Keros
Dr. Jelena Prpić
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • epidemiology
  • zoonoses
  • emerging viruses
  • prevention

Published Papers (12 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 1475 KiB  
Article
Proinflammatory Chemokine Levels in Cerebrospinal Fluid of Patients with Neuroinvasive Flavivirus Infections
by Snjezana Zidovec-Lepej, Kristian Bodulić, Maja Bogdanic, Lana Gorenec, Vladimir Savic, Ivana Grgic, Dario Sabadi, Marija Santini, Leona Radmanic Matotek, Jasmina Kucinar, Ljubo Barbic, Ljiljana Zmak, Thomas Ferenc, Vladimir Stevanovic, Ljiljana Antolasic, Ljiljana Milasincic, Zeljka Hruskar, Mateja Vujica Ferenc and Tatjana Vilibic-Cavlek
Microorganisms 2024, 12(4), 657; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12040657 - 26 Mar 2024
Viewed by 834
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) and West Nile virus (WNV) are the most important neuroinvasive arboviruses detected in Europe. In this study, we analyzed cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of 12 proinflammatory chemokines (CCL2, CCL3, CCL4, CCL11, CCL17, CCL20, CXCL1, CXCL5, CXCL8, CXCL9, CXCL10, and [...] Read more.
Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) and West Nile virus (WNV) are the most important neuroinvasive arboviruses detected in Europe. In this study, we analyzed cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of 12 proinflammatory chemokines (CCL2, CCL3, CCL4, CCL11, CCL17, CCL20, CXCL1, CXCL5, CXCL8, CXCL9, CXCL10, and CXCL11) in 77 patients with neuroinvasive diseases (NIDs). Flavivirus infection was confirmed in 62 patients (TBEV and WNV in 31 patients each), while in 15 patients the etiology of NID was not determined (NDE). Similar patterns of high-level expression of chemokines regulating monocyte/macrophage responses (CCL2), neutrophil recruitment (CXCL1 and CXCL8), and interferon-inducible chemoattractants for leukocytes (CXCL10 and CXCL11) have been observed in WNV and TBEV groups. None of the tested chemokines significantly differed between patients with TBEV or WNV. Concentrations of CCL17, CCL20, CXCL5, CXCL10, and CXCL11 were significantly lower in both WNV and TBEV groups compared to NID NDE patients. The logistic regression model showed that CSF concentrations of CXCL11, CXCL5, and CXCL10 could potentially be used for the classification of patients into the WNV or TBEV group versus groups with other NIDs. This study identified, for the first time, similar patterns of CSF chemokine expression in WNV and TBEV infections, suggesting common immunopathogenic mechanisms in neuroinvasive flavivirus infections that should be further evaluated. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Viral Zoonoses)
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15 pages, 5512 KiB  
Article
An Overview of Tick-Borne Encephalitis Epidemiology in Endemic Regions of Continental Croatia, 2017–2023
by Tatjana Vilibic-Cavlek, Stjepan Krcmar, Maja Bogdanic, Morana Tomljenovic, Ljubo Barbic, Dobrica Roncevic, Dario Sabadi, Marko Vucelja, Marija Santini, Blazenka Hunjak, Vladimir Stevanovic, Marko Boljfetic, Linda Bjedov, Viktor Masovic, Tanja Potocnik-Hunjadi, Danijela Lakoseljac, Mahmoud Al-Mufleh and Vladimir Savic
Microorganisms 2024, 12(2), 386; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12020386 - 13 Feb 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 951
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) represents an important public health problem in Europe. We analyzed the epidemiology of TBE based on data from humans, animals, and Ixodes ricinus ticks in endemic regions of continental Croatia. In the period from 2017 to 2023, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) [...] Read more.
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) represents an important public health problem in Europe. We analyzed the epidemiology of TBE based on data from humans, animals, and Ixodes ricinus ticks in endemic regions of continental Croatia. In the period from 2017 to 2023, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum samples of 684 patients with neuroinvasive diseases, 2240 horse serum samples, and 300 sheep serum samples were tested for TBEV. In addition, 8751 I. ricinus ticks were collected. CSF samples were tested using RT-PCR. Serological tests (serum, CSF) were performed using commercial ELISA, with confirmation of cross-reactive samples by a virus neutralization test. Eighty-four autochthonous human TBEV cases were confirmed. The majority of patients were in the age group of 40–69 years (58.3%) with a male predominance (70.2%). TBE showed a bimodal seasonality with a large peak in April–August and a small one in October–November. In addition to humans, TBEV IgG antibodies were found in 12.2% of horses and 9.7% of sheep. Seasonal tick abundance corresponds to the reported number of human infections. Continental Croatia is still an active natural focus of TBE. Continuous monitoring of infections in humans, sentinel animals, and ticks is needed for the implementation of preventive measures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Viral Zoonoses)
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13 pages, 1696 KiB  
Article
Molecular Surveillance for Bocaparvoviruses and Bufaviruses in the European Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus)
by Vittorio Sarchese, Andrea Palombieri, Ilaria Prandi, Serena Robetto, Luigi Bertolotti, Maria Teresa Capucchio, Riccardo Orusa, Mitzy Mauthe von Degerfeld, Giuseppe Quaranta, Massimo Vacchetta, Vito Martella, Barbara Di Martino and Federica Di Profio
Microorganisms 2024, 12(1), 189; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12010189 - 17 Jan 2024
Viewed by 750
Abstract
The presence of bocaparvoviruses (BoVs) and bufaviruses (BuVs) in the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) was investigated by screening duodenal and liver samples collected from 183 carcasses, delivered to wildlife rescue centers located in northwestern Italy. BoV DNA was detected in 15 [...] Read more.
The presence of bocaparvoviruses (BoVs) and bufaviruses (BuVs) in the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) was investigated by screening duodenal and liver samples collected from 183 carcasses, delivered to wildlife rescue centers located in northwestern Italy. BoV DNA was detected in 15 animals (8.2%), with prevalences of 7.1% (13/183) and 2.7% (5/183) in intestine and liver samples, respectively. Upon the sequence analyses of the NS1 gene, two highly divergent BoVs (65.5–67.8% nt identities) were identified. Fourteen strains showed the highest identity (98.3–99.4% nt) to the hedgehog BoV strains recently detected in China in Amur hedgehogs (Erinaceus amurensis), whilst four strains were genetically related (98.9–99.4% nt identities) to the porcine BoVs identified in pigs and classified in the species Bocaparvovirus ungulate 4, which included related viruses also found in rats, minks, shrews, and mice. BuV DNA was detected in the duodenal samples of two hedgehogs, with a prevalence rate of 1.1%. The nearly full-length genome of two BuV strains, Hedgehog/331DU-2022/ITA and Hedgehog/1278DU/2019/ITA, was reconstructed. Upon phylogenetic analysis based on the NS and VP aa sequences, the Italian hedgehog BuVs tightly clustered with the BuVs recently identified in the Chinese Amur hedgehogs, within a potential novel candidate species of the genus Protoparvovirus. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Viral Zoonoses)
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10 pages, 4681 KiB  
Article
Metagenomic Sequencing of Lloviu Virus from Dead Schreiber’s Bats in Bosnia and Herzegovina
by Sejla Goletic, Teufik Goletic, Jasmin Omeragic, Jovana Supic, Naida Kapo, Melisa Nicevic, Vedad Skapur, Dunja Rukavina, Zinka Maksimovic, Adis Softic and Amer Alic
Microorganisms 2023, 11(12), 2892; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11122892 - 30 Nov 2023
Viewed by 888
Abstract
Bats are a natural host for a number of viruses, many of which are zoonotic and thus present a threat to human health. RNA viruses of the family Filoviridae, many of which cause disease in humans, have been associated with specific bat hosts. [...] Read more.
Bats are a natural host for a number of viruses, many of which are zoonotic and thus present a threat to human health. RNA viruses of the family Filoviridae, many of which cause disease in humans, have been associated with specific bat hosts. Lloviu virus is a Filovirus which has been connected to mass mortality events in Miniopterus schreibersii colonies in Spain and Hungary, and some studies have indicated its immense zoonotic potential. A die-off has been recorded among Miniopterus schreibersii in eastern Bosnia and Herzegovina for the first time, prompting the investigation to determine the causative agent. Bat carcasses were collected and subjected to pathological examination, after which the lung samples with notable histopathological changes, lung samples with no changes and guano were analyzed using metagenomic sequencing and RT-PCR. A partial Lloviu virus genome was sequenced from lung samples with histopathological changes and found to be closely related to Hungarian and Italian virus sequences. Further accumulation of mutations on the GP gene, coding the glycoprotein responsible for cell tropism and host preference, enhances the need for further characterization and monitoring of this virus to prevent spillover events and protect human health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Viral Zoonoses)
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10 pages, 643 KiB  
Article
Meat Juice and Oral Fluid as Alternatives to Serum for Aujeszky Disease Monitoring in Pigs
by Emanuele Carella, Claudio Caruso, Ana Moreno, Alessia Di Blasio, Francesca Oberto, Nicoletta Vitale and Loretta Masoero
Microorganisms 2023, 11(10), 2418; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11102418 - 27 Sep 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 935
Abstract
Aujeszky Disease Virus (ADV) is a double-stranded DNA virus with a lipoprotein envelope. The natural hosts of the infection are Suidae, but the virus can infect many other mammals. The gold-standard method identified by the WOAH for the diagnosis of Aujeszky disease is [...] Read more.
Aujeszky Disease Virus (ADV) is a double-stranded DNA virus with a lipoprotein envelope. The natural hosts of the infection are Suidae, but the virus can infect many other mammals. The gold-standard method identified by the WOAH for the diagnosis of Aujeszky disease is the ELISA method. The objective of this study was to compare the performance of meat juice and oral fluid matrices using a commercial ELISA kit designed for serum. A total of 80 blood and oral fluid samples were collected from four pig farms selected for this study. Diaphragm muscle samples of about 100 g and blood samples were collected from 213 animals at the abattoir. These biological matrices were collected from the same animals and tested using a competitive ELISA kit to detect antibodies against ADV. The relative accuracy of the meat juice compared to that of the serum was 96.7% (95% CI: 93.3–98.7%), with 206 correct results out of 213. The relative accuracy of the oral fluid compared to that of the serum was 61.3% (95% CI: 49.7–71.9%), with 58 correct results out of 80. Meat juice has a better combination of sensitivity and specificity than oral fluid. The usage of meat juice in routine diagnostic examinations could be achieved after further investigations to optimize the procedure. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Viral Zoonoses)
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13 pages, 1679 KiB  
Article
Circulation of SARS-CoV–Related Coronaviruses and Alphacoronaviruses in Bats from Croatia
by Dragan Brnić, Ivana Lojkić, Nina Krešić, Vida Zrnčić, Lea Ružanović, Tina Mikuletič, Martin Bosilj, Andrej Steyer, Tomislav Keros, Boris Habrun and Lorena Jemeršić
Microorganisms 2023, 11(4), 959; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11040959 - 07 Apr 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1564
Abstract
Bats are natural hosts of various coronaviruses (CoVs), including human CoVs, via an assumed direct zoonotic spillover or intermediate animal host. The present study aimed to investigate the circulation of CoVs in a bat colony in the Mediterranean region of Croatia. Guano and [...] Read more.
Bats are natural hosts of various coronaviruses (CoVs), including human CoVs, via an assumed direct zoonotic spillover or intermediate animal host. The present study aimed to investigate the circulation of CoVs in a bat colony in the Mediterranean region of Croatia. Guano and individual droppings from four bat species were sampled and tested with the E-gene sarbecovirus RT-qPCR, the pan-CoV semi-nested RT-PCR targeting the RdRp gene and NGS. Furthermore, bat blood samples were investigated for the presence of sarbecovirus-specific antibodies with the surrogate virus neutralization test (sVNT). The initial testing showed E-gene Sarebeco RT-qPCR reactivity in 26% of guano samples while the bat droppings tested negative. The application of RdRp semi-nested RT-PCR and NGS revealed the circulation of bat alpha- and betaCoVs. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the clustering of betaCoV sequence with SARS-CoV–related bat sarbecoviruses and alpha-CoV sequences with representatives of the Minunacovirus subgenus. The results of sVNT show that 29% of bat sera originated from all four species that tested positive. Our results are the first evidence of the circulation of SARS-CoV–related coronaviruses in bats from Croatia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Viral Zoonoses)
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12 pages, 1070 KiB  
Article
Absence of Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) Circulation in the Most Widespread Wild Croatian Canine Species, the Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) and Jackal (Canis aureus moreoticus)
by Jelena Prpić, Ana Kunić, Tomislav Keros, Ivana Lojkić, Dragan Brnić and Lorena Jemeršić
Microorganisms 2023, 11(4), 834; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11040834 - 24 Mar 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1406
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) can infect a wide range of domestic and wild animals, and the identification of new host species is reported successively worldwide. Nevertheless, its zoonotic potential and natural transmission, especially in wildlife remains unclear, primarily due to the discrete nature [...] Read more.
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) can infect a wide range of domestic and wild animals, and the identification of new host species is reported successively worldwide. Nevertheless, its zoonotic potential and natural transmission, especially in wildlife remains unclear, primarily due to the discrete nature of HEV infections. Since the red fox (Vulpus vulpus) is the most widespread carnivore worldwide, and has been recognized as a potential HEV reservoir, its role as a potent host species is of increasing interest. Another wild canine species, the jackal (Canis aureus moreoticus), is becoming more important within the same habitat as that of the red fox since its number and geographical distribution have been rapidly growing. Therefore, we have chosen these wild species to determine their potential role in the epidemiology and persistence of HEV in the wilderness. The main reason for this is the finding of HEV and a rather high HEV seroprevalence in wild boars sharing the same ecological niche as the wild canine species, as well as the risk of the spread of HEV through red foxes into the outskirts of cities, where possible indirect and even direct contact with people are not excluded. Therefore, our study aimed to investigate the possibility of natural HEV infection of free-living wild canines, by testing samples for the presence of HEV RNA and anti-HEV antibodies to gain better epidemiological knowledge of the disease. For this purpose, 692 red fox and 171 jackal muscle extracts and feces samples were tested. Neither HEV RNA nor anti-HEV antibodies were detected. Although HEV circulation was not detected in the tested samples, to our knowledge, these are the first results that include jackals as a growing and important omnivore wildlife species for the presence of HEV infection in Europe. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Viral Zoonoses)
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Review

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24 pages, 3383 KiB  
Review
Lipid Droplets: Formation, Degradation, and Their Role in Cellular Responses to Flavivirus Infections
by James Z. Hsia, Dongxiao Liu, LaPrecious Haynes, Ruth Cruz-Cosme and Qiyi Tang
Microorganisms 2024, 12(4), 647; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12040647 - 24 Mar 2024
Viewed by 1062
Abstract
Lipid droplets (LDs) are cellular organelles derived from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), serving as lipid storage sites crucial for maintaining cellular lipid homeostasis. Recent attention has been drawn to their roles in viral replication and their interactions with viruses. However, the precise biological [...] Read more.
Lipid droplets (LDs) are cellular organelles derived from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), serving as lipid storage sites crucial for maintaining cellular lipid homeostasis. Recent attention has been drawn to their roles in viral replication and their interactions with viruses. However, the precise biological functions of LDs in viral replication and pathogenesis remain incompletely understood. To elucidate the interaction between LDs and viruses, it is imperative to comprehend the biogenesis of LDs and their dynamic interactions with other organelles. In this review, we explore the intricate pathways involved in LD biogenies within the cytoplasm, encompassing the uptake of fatty acid from nutrients facilitated by CD36-mediated membranous protein (FABP/FATP)-FA complexes, and FA synthesis via glycolysis in the cytoplasm and the TCL cycle in mitochondria. While LD biogenesis primarily occurs in the ER, matured LDs are intricately linked to multiple organelles. Viral infections can lead to diverse consequences in terms of LD status within cells post-infection, potentially involving the breakdown of LDs through the activation of lipophagy. However, the exact mechanisms underlying LD destruction or accumulation by viruses remain elusive. The significance of LDs in viral replication renders them effective targets for developing broad-spectrum antivirals. Moreover, considering that reducing neutral lipids in LDs is a strategy for anti-obesity treatment, LD depletion may not pose harm to cells. This presents LDs as promising antiviral targets for developing therapeutics that are minimally or non-toxic to the host. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Viral Zoonoses)
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26 pages, 1830 KiB  
Review
Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus: A Comprehensive Review of Transmission, Pathogenesis, Epidemiology, Clinical Manifestations, Diagnosis, and Prevention
by Emina Pustijanac, Moira Buršić, Jasminka Talapko, Ivana Škrlec, Tomislav Meštrović and Dubravka Lišnjić
Microorganisms 2023, 11(7), 1634; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11071634 - 22 Jun 2023
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4947
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), a member of the Flaviviridae family, can cause serious infection of the central nervous system in humans, resulting in potential neurological complications and fatal outcomes. TBEV is primarily transmitted to humans through infected tick bites, and the viral agent [...] Read more.
Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), a member of the Flaviviridae family, can cause serious infection of the central nervous system in humans, resulting in potential neurological complications and fatal outcomes. TBEV is primarily transmitted to humans through infected tick bites, and the viral agent circulates between ticks and animals, such as deer and small mammals. The occurrence of the infection aligns with the seasonal activity of ticks. As no specific antiviral therapy exists for TBEV infection, treatment approaches primarily focus on symptomatic relief and support. Active immunization is highly effective, especially for individuals in endemic areas. The burden of TBEV infections is increasing, posing a growing health concern. Reported incidence rates rose from 0.4 to 0.9 cases per 100,000 people between 2015 and 2020. The Baltic and Central European countries have the highest incidence, but TBE is endemic across a wide geographic area. Various factors, including social and environmental aspects, improved medical awareness, and advanced diagnostics, have contributed to the observed increase. Diagnosing TBEV infection can be challenging due to the non-specific nature of the initial symptoms and potential co-infections. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate management, prevention of complications, and effective control measures. In this comprehensive review, we summarize the molecular structure of TBEV, its transmission and circulation in natural environments, the pathogenesis of TBEV infection, the epidemiology and global distribution of the virus, associated risk factors, clinical manifestations, and diagnostic approaches. By improving understanding of these aspects, we aim to enhance knowledge and promote strategies for timely and accurate diagnosis, appropriate management, and the implementation of effective control measures against TBEV infections. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Viral Zoonoses)
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Other

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13 pages, 2469 KiB  
Case Report
A Fatal A/H5N1 Avian Influenza Virus Infection in a Cat in Poland
by Olga Szaluś-Jordanow, Anna Golke, Tomasz Dzieciątkowski, Dorota Chrobak-Chmiel, Magdalena Rzewuska, Michał Czopowicz, Rafał Sapierzyński, Michał Kardas, Kinga Biernacka, Marcin Mickiewicz, Agata Moroz-Fik, Andrzej Łobaczewski, Ilona Stefańska, Ewelina Kwiecień, Iwona Markowska-Daniel and Tadeusz Frymus
Microorganisms 2023, 11(9), 2263; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11092263 - 09 Sep 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2791
Abstract
A European Shorthair male cat, neutered, approximately 6 years of age, was presented to the veterinary clinic due to apathy and anorexia. The cat lived mostly outdoors and was fed raw chicken meat. After 3 days of diagnostic procedures and symptomatic treatment, respiratory [...] Read more.
A European Shorthair male cat, neutered, approximately 6 years of age, was presented to the veterinary clinic due to apathy and anorexia. The cat lived mostly outdoors and was fed raw chicken meat. After 3 days of diagnostic procedures and symptomatic treatment, respiratory distress and neurological signs developed and progressed into epileptic seizures, followed by respiratory and cardiac arrest within the next 3 days. Post-mortem examination revealed necrotic lesions in the liver, lungs, and intestines. Notably, the brain displayed perivascular infiltration of lymphocytes and histiocytes. Few foci of neuronal necrosis in the brain were also confirmed. Microscopic examination of the remaining internal organs was unremarkable. The A/H5N1 virus infection was confirmed using a one-step real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The disease caused severe neurological and respiratory signs, evidence of consolidations and the presence of numerous B lines, which were detected on lung ultrasound examination; the postmortem findings and detection of A/H5N1 viral RNA in multiple tissues indicated a generalized A/H5N1 virus infection. Moreover, a multidrug-resistant strain of Enterococcus faecium was isolated in pure culture from several internal organs. The source of infection could be exposure to infected birds or their excrements, as well as contaminated raw poultry meat but, in this case, the source of infection could not be identified. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Viral Zoonoses)
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11 pages, 69924 KiB  
Brief Report
Evaluation of the Inactivation Efficacy of Four Disinfectants for Feline Parvovirus Derived from Giant Panda
by Qianling Peng, Zhisong Yang, Lin Wu, Peilun Yu, Qiang Li, Jingchao Lan, Li Luo, Shan Zhao and Qigui Yan
Microorganisms 2023, 11(7), 1844; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11071844 - 20 Jul 2023
Viewed by 1262
Abstract
Feline panleukopenia (FPL) is a highly contagious acute infectious disease caused by feline parvovirus (FPV). FPV has also been found in giant pandas with clinical signs of vomiting and mild diarrhea, posing a threat to this vulnerable species. Cleaning and disinfection may be [...] Read more.
Feline panleukopenia (FPL) is a highly contagious acute infectious disease caused by feline parvovirus (FPV). FPV has also been found in giant pandas with clinical signs of vomiting and mild diarrhea, posing a threat to this vulnerable species. Cleaning and disinfection may be one of the most efficacious ways to prevent FPV spread in the habitat of giant pandas. This study evaluated the inactivation effect of peracetic acid (PAA), povidone-iodine (PVP-I), glutaral and deciquam solution (JM) and Virkon S. The tissue culture infective dose (TCID50) assay indicated that the virus may be totally inactivated by JM, PAA and Virkon S. Meanwhile, the hemagglutination (HA) assay showed a high inactivation efficiency of PAA and Virkon S. The analysis of Western blot revealed that PAA, Virkon S and JM can inhibit the structural protein synthesis. Taken together, our findings demonstrated that PAA could rapidly and efficiently inactivate FPV, representing an efficacious disinfectant for FPV control. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Viral Zoonoses)
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15 pages, 2225 KiB  
Perspective
One Health Approach to Arbovirus Control in Africa: Interests, Challenges, and Difficulties
by Norvi Rigobert Bienvenu Massengo, Bachirou Tinto and Yannick Simonin
Microorganisms 2023, 11(6), 1496; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11061496 - 05 Jun 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3120
Abstract
The “One Health” concept considers that human and animal health, and ecosystems are closely related and aims to make a link between ecology and human and veterinary medicine. Due to the explosion in population growth along with the geographic and climatic conditions (equatorial [...] Read more.
The “One Health” concept considers that human and animal health, and ecosystems are closely related and aims to make a link between ecology and human and veterinary medicine. Due to the explosion in population growth along with the geographic and climatic conditions (equatorial and/or tropical climate), Africa is becoming a major hotspot for various socio-health issues associated with infectious diseases, including arboviruses. The incontestable advantages of a One Health approach in Africa lie in the fight against pathogens, such as arboviruses, and in the preservation of environmental, animal, and human health to ensure that the increasing high needs of this population are met as well as their protection against potential epidemics. The One Health strategy gives us a glimpse of the difficulties and challenges that the African continent faces. The importance of this approach in Africa is to establish guidelines and strategies for effective solutions and changes in behavior and harmful activities. Overall, the establishment of high-quality global health policies in the framework of the global health standards program would provide healthy and sustainable human–animal–environmental interactions for the welfare of all. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Viral Zoonoses)
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