Browsing by Subject "Zoonoses"

Now showing 1 - 9 of 9
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    Aportaciones de la epidemiología espacial para el seguimiento y control de la fiebre Q: revisión sistemática
    (Facultad de Veterinaria y el Servicio de Publicaciones de la Universidad de Murcia, 2023) Martínez Ruiz, Catalina; Rivera Gomis, Jorge; Amores Iniesta, Joaquín; Sánchez López, Antonio; Contreras de Vera, Antonio
    La fiebre Q es una zoonosis de distribución mundial causada por Coxiella burnetii. Con gran número de hospedadores, son los rumiantes domésticos la fuente de infección más importante para humanos, principal-mente tras la inhalación de aerosoles contaminados o la cercanía a zonas con alta densidad ganadera infecta-da. Los sistemas de información geográfica (SIG) son cada vez más precisos, proporcionando bases de datos espaciales con las tendencias de las enfermedades infecciosas. Siguiendo el método PRISMA hemos buscado bibliografía en tres bases de datos: PubMed®, Scopus® y Web of Science y partiendo de 1584 referencias, se-leccionamos 86 artículos de 31 países publicados entre 1964 y 2021. El resumen de la información cuantitativa se codificó e incluyó en una tabla de Excel®. Los Países Bajos es el país con mayor número de referencias extraídas y los rumiantes domésticos los hospedadores más asociados a los brotes. La visualización de los mapas se mostró 60% de las referencias, mientras que un 20% utilizaron herramientas espaciales para realizar exploraciones o modelizaciones con el fin de predecir y controlar la incidencia de fiebre Q. Los programas más utilizados para crear mapas de símbolos y coropléticos fueron ArcGis y QGIS, los mapas isopléticos se usaron normalmente combinados con los dos tipos de mapas anteriores. Se manejaron software como SPSS y R para el análisis de los datos espaciales y modelos espaciotemporales aplicados a los SIG, como el modelo de densidad de Kernel o los modelos Bayesianos. Los SIG se han utilizado más en investigaciones de fiebre Q en sanidad animal que en salud pública y han demostrado el papel epidemiológico del viento en la dispersión de la infección o la cuantificación del riesgo de infección a humanos en relación con la proximidad a las granjas de cabras lecheras infectadas.
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    Blastocystis in free-ranging wild ruminant species across the Iberian Peninsula
    (BioMed Central, 2025-07-09) Figueiredo, Ana M.; Dashti, Alejandro; Maloney, Jenny G.; Molokin, Aleksey; George, Nadja S.; Köster, Pamela C.; Bailo, Begoña; Sánchez de las Matas, Ana; Habela, Miguel Ángel; Rivero Juarez, Antonio; Vicente, Joaquín; Serrano, Emmanuel; Arnal, María C.; Fernández de Luco, Daniel; Morrondo, Patrocinio; Armenteros, José A.; Balseiro, Ana; Cardona, Guillermo A.; Martínez-Carrasco Pleite, Carlos; Torres, Rita T.; Fonseca, Carlos; Mysterud, Atle; Carvalho, João; Calero-Bernal, Rafael; González Barrio, David; Santín, Mónica; Carmena, David; Sanidad Animal; Facultades de la UMU::Facultad de Veterinaria
    The growing wild ungulate populations across Europe represents an increasingly important source for the spread of zoonotic pathogens. Blastocystis is a common intestinal protist observed in humans and animals worldwide. Studies on Blastocystis occurrence and subtype (ST) diversity in free-ranging wild ruminants are lacking globally, and more data are needed to understand the epidemiological scenario in wild European ruminants. We collected 833 faecal samples from free-ranging wild angulates across Spain (n = 699) and Portugal (n = 134) between 1998 and 2021. Using conventional PCR and nextgeneration amplicon sequencing, Blastocystis was found in 13.8% (115/833; 95% CI: 11.5–16.3) of the wild ruminants analysed. Its occurrence was significantly higher in Portugal (38.1%, 51/134; 95% CI 29.8–46.8) than in Spain (9.2%, 64/699; 95% CI: 7.1–11.5). Fifteen Blastocystis STs, fourteen previously recognised (ST2, ST5, ST10, ST13, ST14, ST21, ST23–ST26, ST30, and ST42–ST44), and one novel (named ST49), were detected among the surveyed wild ruminant populations. Novel ST49 was described using Oxford Nanopore sequencing to produce full-length reference sequences of the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene. A greater ST diversity was observed in Spanish samples. Mixed infections were found in 58.3% (67/115) of the total Blastocystis-positive samples. Our results have enhanced the knowledge regarding Blastocystis occurrence and ST diversity and host preference present in wild ruminants from the Iberian Peninsula, which will assist in clarifying the relationships between the sylvatic and domestic cycles of this protist and may ultimately provide tools to help manage future public health epidemiological scenarios.
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    Free-Ranging Wolves (Canis lupus) are Natural Reservoirs of Intestinal Microeukaryotes of Public Health Significance in Southwestern Europe
    (Wiley, 2024-12-08) Ortega, Sheila; Figueiredo, Ana M.; Moroni, Barbara; Abarca, Nadia; Dashti, Alejandro; Köster, Pamela C.; Bailo, Begoña; Cano-Terriza, David; Fayos, Manena; Oleaga, Álvaro; Martínez-Carrasco Pleite, Carlos; Velarde, Roser; Torres, Rita T.; Ferreira, Eduardo; Hipólito, Dário; Barros, Tânia; Lino, Ana; Robetto, Serena; Rossi, Luca; Muñoz-de-Mier, Gemma J.; Ávalos, Gabriel; Calero- Bernal, Rafael; González- Barrio, David; Sánchez, Sergio; García- Bocanegra, Ignacio; Carmena, David; Gonzálvez Juan, Moisés; Sanidad Animal; Facultad de Veterinaria
    Introduction: Intestinal microeukaryote parasites are major contributors to the burden of diarrhoea in humans and domestic animals, but their epidemiology in wildlife is not fully understood. We investigated the frequency, genetic diversity and zoonotic potential of protists of animal and public health significance in free-ranging grey wolf (Canis lupus) populations in south-western Europe. Methods: Individually formed faecal samples collected from necropsied wolves or scat trails in Italy (n = 47), Portugal (n = 43) and Spain (n = 225) during the period 2011–2023 were retrospectively analysed using molecular (PCR and Sanger sequencing) methods. Complementary epidemiological data were gathered when available. Results: Giardia duodenalis was the most frequent microeukaryote found (40.3%, 127/315; 95% CI: 34.9–46.0), followed by Cryptosporidium spp. (3.5%, 11/315; 95% CI: 1.8–6.2), Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon spp. (1.6%, 5/315; 95% CI: 0.5–3.7 each). Blastocystis was not identified in any of the faecal samples analysed. Sequence analyses confirmed the presence of canine-adapted assemblage D within G. duodenalis (n = 7). Three Cryptosporidium species were identified, namely canine-adapted C. canis (n = 9), zoonotic C. parvum (n = 1) and primarily anthroponotic C.hominis (n = 1). Genotyping tools enabled the identification of subtype family XXe2 within C. canis. Among microsporidia, the canine-adapted genotype PtEb IX was identified within E. bieneusi. Two samples were confirmed as Enc. intestinalis and three more as Enc. cuniculi genotype IV. This is the first record of Enc. intestinalis and Enc. cuniculi in the grey wolf globally. Conclusions: Silent carriage of intestinal microeukaryotes seems common in free-ranging grey wolves in southwestern Europe. Wolves can contribute to environmental contamination through the transmission stages (cysts, oocysts, spores) of species/genotypes potentially infective to humans. Individuals in close contact with wolf carcasses or their faecal material may be at potential risk of infection by microeukaryotic pathogens.
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    Impacto del cambio climático en la prevención de riesgos laborales.
    (Colex, 2026) Álvarez Cuesta, Henar; Sin departamento asociado
    Dentro de los impactos que el cambio climático acarrea en el ámbito productivo, una de las que ha tenido más visibilidad debido a su gravedad son las consecuencias que los cambios en las condiciones climáticas suponen para la salud humana y, en concreto, para las personas trabajadoras. A continuación, se examinan los fenómenos meteorológicos adversos, las altas temperaturas, las enfermedades causadas por vectores y las zoonosis en tanto riesgos laborales y cuáles son los instrumentos legales, convencionales o proyectados destinados a proteger la seguridad y salud de las personas trabajadoras frente a ellos.
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    Metabarcoding analysis of the microbiota in flocks naturally infected by Coxiella burnetii: First description of the global microbiota in domestic small ruminants
    (Elsevier, 2025-06) Contreras de Vera, Antonio; Sanidad Animal
    This study investigates Q fever in sheep and goats, key reservoirs for human infection, by metabarcoding and comparing it with q-PCR and serology. Samples from 26 small ruminant (aborted and normal-delivery) and six males across three Q fever-affected herds were analyzed. In sheep herds, seropositivity was 50 and 80% respectively, with Coxiella (C.) burnetii shedding detected vaginally in the second herd. In goats, 100% seropositivity and 90% C. burnetii detection were observed, with nasal and vaginal samples showing the highest detection rates. Metabarcoding revealed significant differences in alpha diversity, with greater richness in blood and evenness in milk from normal-delivery sheep and higher evenness in faeces from aborted sheep. Beta diversity showed richer and distinct vaginal microbiota in normal-delivery females compared to aborted ones. Firmicutes was the most abundant phylum observed.Dominant genera included: Moraxella (nasal); Mycoplasma, (blood); Streptococcus (milk); Ureaplasma (vaginal and preputial); Rikenellaceae RC9 gut group (faeces). Significant differences in bacterial composition, including infertility-linked vaginal pathogens, were found across female’s groups in all herds in the anatomical locations studied, revealing new species and tropisms. Moreover, taxonomic analysis identified C. burnetii in vaginal, milk and environmental samples. This first report of C. burnetii in the caprine nasal cavity suggests an underestimated tropism and may improve Q fever diagnosis. These findings underscore the need for herd-wide Q fever control measures, including males and normal-delivery females. Our findings contribute to new insights into the pathogen’s impact on small ruminant microbiota and a novel approach to studying infectious diseases in this sector.
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    Monitoring of Leishmania infantum in captive non-human primates in Spain
    (Elsevier, 2024-09-25) Barbero Moyano, Jesús; Martínez, Remigio; Beato Benítez, Adrián; Moreno, Inmaculada; Cano Terriza, David; Carretero, Andrea; Canales Merino, Rocío; Ferreiro Prado, Andrea; Risalde, María A.; Garrido, Juan J.; García Bocanegra, Ignacio; Gonzálvez Juan, Moisés; Sanidad Animal; Facultades de la UMU::Facultad de Veterinaria
    Cases of Leishmania infantum infection have recently been reported in non-human primates (NHPs) in Spain causing severe clinical disease in critically endangered orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus pygmaeus). The aim of this study was to determine exposure and risk factors associated with L. infantum infection in NHPs housed in zoos and wildlife rescue centers (WRC) in Spain. Between 2007 and 2023, sera from 252 NHPs belonging to 47 different species were collected at 15 centers. Indirect immunofluorescence was used to detect the presence of antibodies against L. infantum (cut-off ≥1:80). In addition, hair samples from 78 individuals were tested for Leishmania kDNA by real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR). Anti-Leishmania antibodies were detected in 4.0 % (10/252; 95 %CI: 1.6–6.4) of the NHPs tested at 26.7 % (4/15) of the centers sampled. Twenty-two NHPs were longitudinally sampled between 2010 and 2023: one ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta) seroconverted and a seropositive orangutan increased antibody titers during the study period. Leishmania infantum kDNA was found in 62.8 % (49/78; 95 %CI: 52.1–73.6) of animals and at all centers sampled (100 %; 7/7). Phylogenetic analysis revealed high homology between the sequence obtained and strains previously isolated in humans, dogs and captive and free-living wildlife species in Spain. To the authors´ knowledge, this is the first report of Leishmania kDNA detection in NHP hair samples. The results indicate that hair samples could be a useful, non-invasive method of detection of L. infantum infection in these species. This is also the first large-scale survey of L. infantum conducted in NHP species in Europe. We report for the first time the presence of Leishmania kDNA in nine different NHP species belonging to the families Cercopithecidae, Lemuridae, and Hylobatidae, expanding the host range for this parasite. The main risk factors associated with L. infantum infection were: age (≥5 years old) and body size (large). Our results demonstrate widespread circulation of this parasite among NHPs housed in Spain, which could be of conservation and public health concern. Monitoring and control programs should be implemented in zoos and WRCs to minimize the risk of NHP exposure to L. infantum in endemic areas worldwide.
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    Occurrence and limited zoonotic potential of Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, and Balantioides coli infections in free-ranging and farmed wild ungulates in Spain
    (Elsevier, 2023-04-27) Dashti, Alejandro; Köster, Pamela C.; Bailo, Begoña; Sánchez de las Matas, Ana; Habela, Miguel Ángel; Rivero-Juarez, Antonio; Vicente Ibáñez, Joaquín; Serrano, Emmanuel; Arnal, María C.; Fernández de Luco, Daniel; Morrondo, Patrocinio; Armenteros, José A.; Balseiro, Ana; Cardona, Guillermo A.; Martínez-Carrasco Pleite, Carlos; Ortiz, José Antonio; Carpio, Antonio José; Calero Bernal, Rafael; González-Barrio, David; Carmena, David; Sanidad Animal; Facultad de Veterinaria
    Little information is currently available on the occurrence and molecular diversity of the enteric protozoan parasites Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, and Balantioides coli in wild ungulates and the role of these host species as potential sources of environmental contamination and consequent human infections. The presence of these three pathogens was investigated in eight wild ungulate species present in Spain (genera Ammotragus, Capra, Capreolus, Cervus, Dama, Ovis, Rupicapra, and Sus) by molecular methods. Faecal samples were retrospectively collected from free-ranging (n = 1058) and farmed (n = 324) wild ungulates from the five Spanish bioregions. Overall infection rates were 3.0% (42/1382; 95% CI: 2.1–3.9%) for Cryptosporidium spp., 5.4% (74/1382; 95% CI: 4.2–6.5%) for G. duodenalis, and 0.7% (9/1382; 95% CI: 0.3–1.2%) for B. coli. Cryptosporidium infection was detected in roe deer (7.5%), wild boar (7.0%) and red deer (1.5%), and G. duodenalis in southern chamois (12.9%), mouflon (10.0%), Iberian wild goat (9.0%), roe deer (7.5%), wild boar (5.6%), fallow deer (5.2%) and red deer (3.8%). Balantioides coli was only detected in wild boar (2.5%, 9/359). Sequence analyses revealed the presence of six distinct Cryptosporidium species: C. ryanae in red deer, roe deer, and wild boar; C. parvum in red deer and wild boar; C. ubiquitum in roe deer; C. scrofarum in wild boar; C. canis in roe deer; and C. suis in red deer. Zoonotic assemblages A and B were detected in wild boar and red deer, respectively. Ungulateadapted assemblage E was identified in mouflon, red deer, and southern chamois. Attempts to genotype samples positive for B. coli failed. Sporadic infections by canine- or swine-adapted species may be indicative of potential cross-species transmission, although spurious infections cannot be ruled out. Molecular evidence gathered is consistent with parasite mild infections and limited environmental contamination with (oo)cysts. Free-ranging wild ungulate species would not presumably play a significant role as source of human infections by these pathogens. Wild ruminants do not seem to be susceptible hosts for B. coli.
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    What do we know about Angiostrongylus cantonensisin Spain? Current knowledge and future perspectives in a globalized world
    (2021-11-17) Ruiz de Ybáñez Carnero, María del Rocío; Gonzálvez Juan, Moisés; Sanidad Animal
    Angiostrongylus cantonensis is an important emerging and zoonotic nematode that has been reported worldwide since its first description in Asia 86 years ago. Among places where this parasite has been recently described, insular regions of northwest Africa seem to be particularly relevant. We performed a systematic review in scientific databases to search and extract information about all reports describing cases of A. cantonensis in Spain until July 2021. As a result, seven surveys about the presence of this pathogen in Spanish insular regions were found, especially in the Canary Islands, as well as a non-autochthonous report of A. cantonensis in the mainland Spain. The lack of reliable information about the presence or absence of this nematode in the Iberian Peninsula highlights the need for further studies concerning this emerging pathogen since rodents acting as competent definitive hosts of A. cantonensis are widely distributed in the mainland. Moreover, the high maritime traffic daily registered in Spanish ports could be a main entrance pathway for A. cantonensis or its intermediate hosts in the country due to the frequent and direct connection between these points and regions where this pathogen is endemic. We encourage to focus further efforts on investigating the current epidemiological situation of A. cantonensis in the Iberian Peninsula, just as in other Mediterranean countries with similar epidemiological, ecological and geographical characteristics. In this sense, the relevant implications of this parasite for animal and public health make necessary to act integrating different viewpoints under the One Health perspective
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    What do we know about parasites of wildlife in high biodiversity areas with anthropogenic disturbance? The special case of Mexico
    (Cambridge University Press, 2019-01-26) Muñoz García, Claudia Irais; Berriatua Fernández de Larrea, Eduardo; Martínez-Carrasco Pleite, Carlos; Sanidad Animal; Facultad de Veterinaria
    The continual rise of anthropogenic disturbance of ecosystems has been associated with an increasing incidence of emerging diseases. The largest amount of data on emerging diseases relates to bacterial and viral pathogens, but there is a lack of parasite data, especially from wildlife. Monitoring wildlife parasitic diseases should be considered a priority, especially in high biodiversity regions with strong anthropogenic impacts, like Mexico, where the wildlife/livestock/human interface is associated with increased risk of disease transmission. Mexico belongs to the top-ten megadiverse countries and is located between two biogeographic regions. This situation makes Mexico a favourable region for the spillover of animal pathogens to human beings, causing pandemics, such as the one recently caused by influenza virus A (H1N1). The current state of knowledge of Mexican wildlife parasites is scarce and focuses mainly in Neotropical fauna. Moreover, this knowledge is heterogeneous for different parasite groups, especially concerning their pathologic effects and epidemiology. The goals of this review are to compile information on Mexican wildlife parasites and to identify knowledge gaps in order to stimulate research on pending epidemiological, public health, ecological and pathological areas, and to encourage the creation of more specialized groups from the perspective of the One-Health concept.