Article
Microbiology
Doaa Naguib, Nausicaa Gantois, Jeremy Desramaut, Nagah Arafat, Gael Even, Gabriela Certad, Magali Chabe, Eric Viscogliosi
Summary: Despite the widespread distribution of Blastocystis sp., limited epidemiological investigations have been conducted on animal groups that come in contact with humans. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis sp. in animals in Egypt, and found that chickens and cattle had the highest infection rates. Cats and dogs had lower infection rates, suggesting that they are not natural hosts of Blastocystis sp.
Review
Infectious Diseases
Wendy K. Jo, Edmilson Ferreira de Oliveira-Filho, Andrea Rasche, Alex D. Greenwood, Klaus Osterrieder, Jan Felix Drexler
Summary: The origins of the COVID-19 virus likely lie in animals such as bats and pangolins, rather than humans. Carnivores like domestic cats, ferrets, and minks are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2, with evidence of possible cat-to-human transmission through airborne routes. Experimental assessments and studies are needed to evaluate the risk posed by COVID-19 in domestic and farmed carnivores.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Pavlina Pittermannova, Alena Zakovska, Petr Vana, Jirina Markova, Frantisek Treml, Lenka Cernikova, Marie Budikova, Eva Bartova
Summary: The study found that wild small mammals and ticks in a zoo could serve as reservoirs and vectors of infectious agents with zoonotic potential, posing a risk of infection to zoo animals, keepers, and visitors. Detection of various pathogens in the animals and ticks highlights the importance of monitoring and prevention measures in zoo settings to minimize the spread of zoonotic diseases.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Roya Salehi, Ali Rostami, Hamed Mirjalali, Christen Rune Stensvold, Ali Haghighi
Summary: The study in Iran found multiple Blastocystis subtypes in farm animals, with ST1 and ST3 present in both human and non-human hosts, and ST2, ST5, ST6, and ST10 found exclusively in specific groups.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Shanyu Chen, Wanyu Meng, Xianpeng Shi, Yijun Chai, Ziyao Zhou, Haifeng Liu, Zhijun Zhong, Hualin Fu, Suizhong Cao, Xiaoping Ma, Liuhong Shen, Lei Deng, Guangneng Peng
Summary: This study found the presence of Blastocystis sp. infection in forest musk deer in southwestern China, highlighting their potential as reservoirs for zoonotic transmission. The infection rate varied among different areas, but there were no significant differences based on age and sex.
Article
Biology
Alisa Aliaga-Samanez, Raimundo Real, Marina Segura, Carlos Marfil-Daza, Jesus Olivero
Summary: Yellow fever is a disease transmitted by mosquitoes, and in recent years, infections have occurred in areas where it was previously absent, possibly due to the rapid spread of mosquito vectors and the evolutionary dynamics of the virus in non-human primates. The study identifies the Amazon basin and southern Brazil in South America, as well as the western region of Africa, as areas with significant yellow fever transmission. It highlights the importance of monitoring yellow fever infections in primates in these regions.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Hua Liu, Hongxia Ni, Na Zhu, Shike Liu, Rong Wang, Jianping Cao, Yujuan Shen, Jianhai Yin
Summary: This study aims to obtain Blastocystis infection data and genetic characteristic information. Out of 489 fecal samples collected from diarrhea outpatients in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, 10 samples (2.04%) were positive for Blastocystis. Among the successfully sequenced samples, five zoonotic ST3 and three zoonotic ST1 with two new sequences were identified.
MICROBIAL PATHOGENESIS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Rute Maria Pinto, Siddharth Bakshi, Spyros Lytras, Mohammad Khalid Zakaria, Simon Swingler, Julie C. Worrell, Vanessa Herder, Kerrie E. Hargrave, Margus Varjak, Natalia Cameron-Ruiz, Mila Collados Rodriguez, Mariana Varela, Arthur Wickenhagen, Colin Loney, Yanlong Pei, Joseph Hughes, Elise Valette, Matthew L. Turnbull, Wilhelm Furnon, Quan Gu, Lauren Orr, Aislynn Taggart, Ola Diebold, Chris Davis, Chris Boutell, Finn Grey, Edward Hutchinson, Paul Digard, Isabella Monne, Sarah K. Wootton, Megan K. L. MacLeod, Sam J. Wilson, Massimo Palmarini
Summary: The human protein BTN3A3 has been identified as a potent inhibitor of avian influenza viruses but not human influenza viruses. However, some avian influenza viruses can evade this inhibition. Therefore, the sensitivity or resistance to BTN3A3 should be considered in the risk assessment of zoonotic potential of avian influenza viruses.
Review
Immunology
Qian Li, Taif Shah, Binghui Wang, Linyu Qu, Rui Wang, Yutong Hou, Zulqarnain Baloch, Xueshan Xia
Summary: Coronaviruses continuously evolve and spread cross-species, causing economic and human life losses. This review explores the evolution of various coronaviruses in wildlife, humans, and domestic mammals, and investigates their epidemiology towards specific hosts. The authors also discuss the importance of clarifying the reservoirs and circumstances of transmission for effective response to future coronavirus outbreaks.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Sabah I. Shaaban, Dalia Talat, Shymaa A. Khatab, Mohamed A. Nossair, Mousa A. Ayoub, Rania M. Ewida, Mohamed Said Diab
Summary: The study found that Helicobacter pylori infection can also be detected in farm and pet animals. The prevalence rates of H. pylori infection in animal samples were approximately 22.2% and 16% in antibody and stool antigen tests, respectively. In human stool samples, the prevalence rate of H. pylori infection was 74.8%. Furthermore, the glmM gene of H. pylori was found in animal milk and human samples.
BMC VETERINARY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Kaihui Zhang, Shuangjian Zheng, Yilin Wang, Ke Wang, Yuexin Wang, Azhar Gazizova, Kelei Han, Fuchang Yu, Yuancai Chen, Longxian Zhang
Summary: The study found a high prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, Enterocytozoon bieneusi, and Blastocystis sp. in captive wild animals in zoos in Henan, China, with a variety of species and genotypes identified. These results suggest that animals in zoos can serve as common sources of infection for these zoonotic pathogens, potentially leading to human infections.
BMC VETERINARY RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Microbiology
Monika Rudzinska, Katarzyna Sikorska
Summary: Blastocystis is a common gut protist with high genetic diversity, and its role in public health is not fully understood. Studies on its prevalence and genotypic variation in humans, animals, and water environments in Poland indicate the possibility of transmission between animals and humans. Further research is needed to identify the sources and transmission routes of Blastocystis to prevent infections in both humans and animals.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hanieh Mohammad Rahimi, Hamed Mirjalali, Mohammad Reza Zali
Summary: Intestinal parasitic infections are prevalent in many regions, especially in developing countries. This study in Iran found high rates of Blastocystis sp. and Enterocytozoon bieneusi in livestock, with Encephalitozoon spp. mainly detected in chickens. Different animals showed significant correlations with the prevalence and genotypes/subtypes of targeted protozoa.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Review
Microbiology
Sofia Ochoa, Luis Collado
Summary: The genus Helicobacter is a highly diverse and fast-growing group of bacteria that are able to persistently colonize a wide range of animals, subdivided into gastric Helicobacter (GH) and enterohepatic Helicobacter (EHH) species. EHH species have become increasingly important as emerging human pathogens and potential zoonotic agents, associated with the development of several diseases in humans.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Microbiology
Yaqiong Guo, Una Ryan, Yaoyu Feng, Lihua Xiao
Summary: Animal farming intensification and concentrated animal feeding operations have led to heavy environmental contamination and increased transmission of zoonotic pathogens, causing changes in disease patterns and outbreaks in both humans and farm animals.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
May Khoder, Rayane Rafei, Marwan Osman, Issmat I. Kassem, Ahmad Shahin, Monzer Hamze, Jean-Marc Rolain
Summary: This study investigates the genetic determinants of third generation cephalosporin resistance in Neisseria flavescens by comparing whole genome sequences, revealing that mutations in penA, ponA, and porB may be associated with resistance.
DIAGNOSTIC MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Fatima Bachir Halimeh, Rayane Rafei, Seydina M. Diene, Marwan Osman, Issmat I. Kassem, Randa Jamal Akoum, Walid Moudani, Monzer Hamze, Jean-Marc Rolain
Summary: This study provides the first whole-genome sequencing analysis of Campylobacter isolated from Lebanon. The results show multidrug resistance and virulence determinants in the isolate, emphasizing the need to study the burden of Campylobacter in Lebanon and the Middle East and North Africa region.
FOLIA MICROBIOLOGICA
(2022)
Review
Dermatology
Marwan Osman, Dalal Kasir, Rayane Rafei, Issmat I. Kassem, Mohamad Bachar Ismail, Khaled El Omari, Fouad Dabboussi, Casey Cazer, Nicolas Papon, Jean-Philippe Bouchara, Monzer Hamze
Summary: Dermatophytosis is a major public health concern in developing countries like those in the MENA region, but there are issues with misidentifications and underestimation of infection burden. Further studies are urgently needed for reliable diagnostic and susceptibility testing methods, as well as strengthening antifungal stewardship programs.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Rebekah Liepa, Riti Mann, Marwan Osman, Monzer Hamze, Cindy Gunawan, Mohammad Hamidian
Summary: The genetic context of antibiotic resistance genes on the carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Cl415, recovered in 2017 in Lebanon, was determined. The strain belongs to a subclade of the global clone 2 (GC2) with a wide geographical distribution. The resistance gene complement of Cl415 was found in the chromosome with four copies of oxa23 located in AbaR4 and a novel variant of the AbGRI2 resistance island.
JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL CHEMOTHERAPY
(2022)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Rayane Rafei, Rayane Al Iaali, Marwan Osman, Fouad Dabboussi, Monzer Hamze
Summary: This article summarizes the global distribution of macrolide-resistant Group A Streptococcus (MRGAS) clones based on a comprehensive analysis of MRGAS isolates from the past two decades. It highlights the association between specific emm types and macrolide resistance phenotype or genotype, emphasizing the importance of nationwide surveillance of MRGAS.
INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Letter
Infectious Diseases
Issmat I. Kassem, Marwan Osman
JOURNAL OF GLOBAL ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Luen-Luen Li, Pilar Delgado-Viscogliosi, Melanie Gerphagnon, Eric Viscogliosi, Urania Christaki, Telesphore Sime-Ngando, Sebastien Monchy
Summary: This study used next generation sequencing to investigate the dynamics of host-parasite interactions in Lake Pavin during the spring diatom bloom. Metabarcoding and metatranscriptomic analyses revealed changes in the community composition and functional dynamics of diatoms and chytrids during reproduction and epidemics.
Article
Immunology
Manasi Sawant, Sadia Benamrouz-Vanneste, Dionigia Meloni, Nausicaa Gantois, Gael Even, Karine Guyot, Colette Creusy, Erika Duval, Rene Wintjens, Jonathan B. Weitzman, Magali Chabe, Eric Viscogliosi, Gabriela Certad
Summary: This study is the first to describe the epigenetic mechanisms occurring throughout the Cryptosporidium parvum life cycle and during the host-parasite interaction. The researchers found potential histone lysine methylation during the life cycle of the parasite and identified SET-domain containing proteins as histone lysine methyltransferases. They also discovered that the parasite infection led to a decrease in host histone lysine methylation, suggesting the potential of the parasite to exploit host epigenetic regulation. Understanding histone methylation in both parasite and host genomes could lead to novel infection control strategies.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Sara Khalife, Sara Moubayed, Rosy Mitri, Regina Geitani, Dima El Safadi
Summary: Toxoplasma gondii infection is prevalent in sheep and goats destined for human consumption in various regions of Lebanon, with adult age, female gender, and the wet season being significant risk factors. Continuous monitoring of infection in livestock is crucial to control its spread and reduce the potential transmission to humans through the consumption of raw or undercooked meat.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mamadou Diop, Jerome Couteau, Anne Bado-Nilles, Eric Tavernier, Baghdad Ouddane, Jeremy Denis, Gwendoline Duong, Francois Gevaert, Sebastien Monchy, Jean Laroche, Rachid Amara
Summary: This study examines the impact of fish density and exposure duration on the bioaccumulation of trace metal elements (TME) and biomarker responses. The results show that fish density has no effect on TME accumulation in the muscle, but exposure duration significantly affects TME levels. We suggest that a 15-day exposure period with low fish density is sufficient for assessing TME pollution in the field.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Valentin Ageorges, Ivan Wawrzyniak, Philippe Ruiz, Cedric Bicep, Mohamed A. Zorgani, Jason J. Paxman, Begona Heras, Ian R. Henderson, Sabine Leroy, Xavier Bailly, Panagiotis Sapountzis, Eric Peyretaillade, Mickael Desvaux
Summary: Antigen 43 (Ag43) expression induces bacterial aggregation and biofilm formation, affecting bacterial colonization and infection. Ag43 is a secreted protein with modular architecture, consisting of a signal peptide, a passenger domain, an autochaperone domain, and an outer membrane translocator. Ag43 has a ubiquitous distribution in E. coli genomes and exists in multiple classes with different tendencies for autoaggregation and interactions. Our in silico investigation reveals that Ag43 passenger domains cluster in six phylogenetic classes associated with different subdomains. The presence of agn43 differs between Escherichia phylogroups, and it is particularly abundant in the E phylogroup. Our findings provide insights into Ag43 diversity and offer a rational framework for studying its role in E. coli ecophysiology and physiopathology.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Arthur Monjot, Gisele Bronner, Damien Courtine, Corinne Cruaud, Corinne Da Silva, Jean-Marc Aury, Frederick Gavory, Anne Mone, Agnes Vellet, Ivan Wawrzyniak, Jonathan Colombet, Hermine Billard, Didier Debroas, Cecile Lepere
Summary: The advent of high-throughput sequencing has revealed the diverse microbial eukaryotes in aquatic ecosystems, but their function and contribution to the trophic food web in freshwater ecosystems are not well understood. This study used a morpho-physio-phenological traits-based approach to infer functional groups of microbial eukaryotes and analysed metatranscriptomic data to assess their metabolic potential. The analysis showed a high diversity of microbial eukaryotes in the deep water layer, with saprotrophs expressing transcripts related to sulfur and nitrate metabolism, as well as organic matter degradation. Seasonal variations were observed in the mixolimnion, particularly for parasites and mixoplankton. Water mixing during spring and autumn promoted the dissemination of parasitic fungi and over-expression of genes involved in the parasitic cycle. Mixoplanktonic haptophytes showed an advantage in phagotrophy under nutrient limitation.
ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ane del Rio-Lavin, Sebastien Monchy, Elisa Jimenez, Miguel Angel Pardo
Summary: This study aimed to trace the geographic origin of M. galloprovincialis mussels using the bacterial composition in their digestive gland and stomach. The results showed significant differences in bacterial community composition between harvesting locations and seasons, indicating the potential of this traceability approach.
Article
Immunology
Celine Nourrisson, Samia Hamane, Julie Bonhomme, Marie-Fleur Durieux, Jean-Baptiste Foulquier, Sophie Lesthelle, Maxime Moniot, Marie-Elisabeth French microsporidiosis network, Marie-Elisabeth Bougnoux, Philippe Poirier
Summary: This study reports 11 cases of intestinal microsporidiosis caused by E. hellem in non-HIV patients in France. All patients were immunocompromised and experienced diarrhea, with nearly 50% also experiencing weight loss. Treatment included discontinuation or decrease in immunosuppressive therapy for some patients, and albendazole administration for others. All patients recovered. Five different genotypes were identified based on the rRNA ITS sequence.
EMERGING MICROBES & INFECTIONS
(2023)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Dalal Kasir, Nour Osman, Aicha Awik, Imane El Ratel, Rayane Rafei, Imad Al Kassaa, Dima El Safadi, Rayane Salma, Khaled El Omari, Kevin J. Cummings, Issmat I. Kassem, Marwan Osman
Summary: Mycobacterium bovis is the causative agent of bovine tuberculosis, a serious infectious disease affecting both humans and animals. The lack of effective surveillance programs in many developing countries poses a barrier to accurately determining the burden of the disease. Additionally, drug-resistant strains of M. bovis threaten the control of bovine tuberculosis. This study analyzed the epidemiology and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of M. bovis in the Middle East and North Africa region, emphasizing the need for appropriate diagnostic tools and sustainable control measures at the human/animal interface.