Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Caroline M. Mburu, Salome Bukachi, Hamilton Majiwa, Dismas Ongore, Matthew Baylis, Kennedy Mochabo, Eric Fevre, Olivia Howland
Summary: Livestock diseases pose significant challenges for pastoralists in sub-Saharan Africa, impacting livestock productivity and mortality rates. A qualitative study in Kenya explored how pastoralists prioritize animal diseases based on economic, cultural, and ecological factors. The research found gender differences in disease prioritization, with men focusing on diseases like foot and mouth disease and contagious bovine pleuropneumonia, while women emphasized the importance of coenurosis and lumpy skin disease for their sheep and goats.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Hanul Thukral, K. Shanmugasundaram, T. Riyesh, Naveen Kumar, Harisankar Singha, Dolly Gambhir, Azad Laura, Simmi Tiwari, Baldev R. Gulati
Summary: This study aims to prioritize zoonotic diseases in the state of Haryana, India. Using a systematic approach, 23 important diseases were evaluated and 8 were selected as priority diseases. This will help in formulating effective monitoring, prevention, and control strategies in the region.
PREVENTIVE VETERINARY MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Chikwe Ihekweazu, Charles Akataobi Michael, Patrick M. Nguku, Ndadilnasiya Endie Waziri, Abdulrazaq Garba Habib, Mathew Muturi, Abayomi Olufemi, Asabe A. Dzikwi-Emennaa, Muhammad Shakir Balogun, Tyakaray Ibrahim Visa, Mahmood Muazu Dalhat, Nnomzie Charles Atama, Chukwuma David Umeokonkwo, Gideon Mbrusa Mshelbwala, Columba Teru Vakuru, Junaidu Kabir, Emmanuel C. Okolocha, Jarlath U. Umoh, Babasola Olugasa, Olutayo Babalobi, Lami Lombin, Simeon Cadmus
Summary: Nigeria, with a population of over 190 million people, prioritized 36 zoonotic diseases for the first time through a two-day in-country consultative meeting involving experts in human, animal, and environmental health fields. The country ranked rabies, avian influenza, Ebola Virus Disease, swine influenza, and anthrax as the top five priority zoonoses in Nigeria, marking the first major step towards a One Health approach for tracking and monitoring important zoonotic diseases in the country.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tadesse Teferi Mersha, Biruk Mekonnen Wolde, Nigus Abebe Shumuye, Abrha Bsrat Hailu, Abrahim Hassen Mohammed, Yisehak Tsegaye Redda, Birhanu Hadush Abera, Habtamu Taddele Menghistu
Summary: This study utilized a one health approach to prioritize and rank neglected tropical zoonotic diseases in Tigray National Regional State, Ethiopia. Rabies was identified as the most prioritized disease in the region, highlighting the importance of addressing zoonotic diseases through collaborative efforts between human and animal health sectors.
Article
Microbiology
Ravikiran Keshavamurthy, Samuel M. Thumbi, Lauren E. Charles
Summary: This study explores the potential of digital biosurveillance in detecting the top five priority zoonotic diseases in Kenya and finds that most events are first reported by news media, which report the events 4.1 days faster than official reports. There is a positive association between official reporting and Rift Valley fever (RVF) events, and a negative association between official reporting and local media coverage of events.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Yuwan Hao, Xiaokang Hu, Yanfeng Gong, Jingbo Xue, Zhengbin Zhou, Yuanyuan Li, Qiang Wang, Yi Zhang, Shizhu Li
Summary: This study investigated the epidemiology and spatiotemporal distribution of MT-ZVL in China between 2015 and 2019. It found an increase in MT-ZVL cases in provinces like Shanxi and Shaanxi during this time period, with spatial clustering observed. The study emphasizes the importance of reinforcing VL control in high-risk areas and implementing targeted interventions to reduce the risk of MT-ZVL infection.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Biology
Yu Qiu, Javier Guitian, Joanne P. P. Webster, Imadidden Musallam, Najmul Haider, Julian A. A. Drewe, Junxia Song
Summary: Zoonotic diseases originating from domestic animals pose a significant risk to human health and livelihoods. Effective surveillance of these diseases at the animal level is crucial to assessing the disease burden and risk, as well as providing early warning to prevent epidemics in both animals and humans. A multi-criteria qualitative approach was used to prioritize and characterize these diseases, and 32 zoonoses were identified as important for surveillance in domestic animals to prevent human infections at a global scale.
PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Xiao Yuan, Jing Wang, Bing Dai, Yanfang Sun, Keke Zhang, Fangfang Chen, Qian Peng, Yixuan Huang, Xinlei Zhang, Junru Chen, Xilin Xu, Jun Chuan, Wenbo Mu, Huiyuan Li, Ping Fang, Qiang Gong, Peng Zhang
Summary: This research benchmarks the performance of ten recognized causal-gene prioritization methods using patient data from Mendelian disorders. The evaluation shows that methods using HPO terms and VCF files as input achieve better overall performance than those using phenotypic data alone. The study also suggests the possibility of using an integrative approach to improve diagnostic efficiency.
BRIEFINGS IN BIOINFORMATICS
(2022)
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
Veterinary Sciences
Behzad Kiani, Christine M. Budke, Ebrahim Shams Abadi, Soheil Hashtarkhani, Amene Raouf Rahmati, Mostafa AkbarPour, Mehdi Zarean, Bibi Razieh Hosseini Farash, Fatemeh Kiani, Elham Moghaddas
Summary: This study evaluated the spatial frequency of cystic echinococcosis, dicrocoeliasis, and fascioliasis in livestock slaughtered in Iran during 2015-2019, estimating the direct costs associated with organ condemnation due to these parasites. Results showed a high prevalence of these parasitic diseases in Iranian livestock, resulting in substantial direct economic losses over the study period.
BMC VETERINARY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kim R. Blasdell, Serge Morand, Susan G. W. Laurance, Stephen L. Doggett, Amy Hahs, Kelly Trinh, David Perera, Cadhla Firth
Summary: Urbanization has significant impacts on Southeast Asia, causing changes in landscape, interactions between humans, animals, and the environment. This study explores the effects of urbanization on zoonotic disease risk by studying animal reservoirs, ectoparasite vectors, and pathogens in different urbanization levels. The results show that rodent species diversity decreases with increasing urbanization, but certain species, such as Rattus rattus and Sundamys muelleri, adapt well to urban areas. R. rattus is strongly associated with built infrastructure and carries diverse pathogens, while S. muelleri is found in green patches and associated with tick presence. The study highlights the elevated and heterogeneous distribution of zoonotic disease risk in urban environments and suggests targeted risk reduction through pest management and public health messaging.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Maurice Omondi Owiny, Ben Kipchumba Ngare, Bernard Chege Mugo, Jacob Rotich, Arithi Mutembei, Khadijah Chepkorir, Rinah Sitawa, Mark Obonyo, Joshua Orungo Onono
Summary: This study investigated the perceptions of community members near Lake Nakuru National Park in Kenya regarding zoonotic diseases. The results indicated that the participants had knowledge about common zoonotic diseases such as anthrax, rabies, and brucellosis, and suggested increased community involvement in epidemic surveillance and control.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Remigiusz Galecki, Jerzy Jaroszewski, Tadeusz Bakula, Eloiza M. Galon, Xuenan Xuan
Summary: This passage discusses the characteristics of deer keds as parasites and their potential role in the transmission of pathogens. Research suggests that deer keds may be potential vectors of several pathogens and can be used as biological markers for investigating the prevalence of vector-borne diseases in free-ranging cervid populations. Further extensive investigations are needed to confirm this potential role.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Tabither Gitau, Moses Kamita, Elizabeth Muli, Sharon Mweni, Rebeccah Waithanji, Faith Mutisya, Peter Kirira, Ancent Nzioka, Jonine Figueroa, Francis Makokha
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic outbreak and measures put in place by the government disrupted the provision of health services in Machakos County. The main reason for the decline in patient attendance was the closure of specialty clinics, as highlighted by hospital management staff, while patients also expressed fear of contracting the virus and facing stigma.
JOURNAL OF GLOBAL HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Guilherme G. Verocai, Caroline Sobotyk, Allegra Lamison, Mindy M. Borst, Erin E. Edwards
Summary: An 11-year-old, castrated male Pitbull dog from Hidalgo County, southern Texas, with no travel history, was diagnosed with O. lupi infection in the right eye. DNA analysis confirmed the presence of the nematode as O. lupi, belonging to haplotype 1. This is the first autochthonous case of O. lupi reported in a dog from southern Texas, suggesting Texas as a new endemic area for this zoonotic nematode.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Radhika Gharpure, Cindy R. Friedman, Veronica Fialkowski, Jennifer P. Collins, Jonathan Strysko, Zachary A. Marsh, Jessica C. Chen, Elizabeth H. Meservey, Azizat A. Adediran, Morgan N. Schroeder, Ashutosh Wadhwa, Kathleen E. Fullerton, Louise Francois Watkins
Summary: A study investigated a multi-drug resistant Shigella outbreak where 4 patients were treated with azithromycin, all of whom experienced treatment failure, with 2 also showing microbiologic failure; 2 patients who received ciprofloxacin treatment also failed. The findings underscore the importance of identifying alternative treatment options for resistant strains.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Sarah D. Berry, Rosa R. Baier, Maggie Syme, Natalia Gouskova, Courtney Bishnoi, Urvi Patel, Michael Leitson, Radhika Gharpure, Nimalie D. Stone, Ruth Link-Gelles, David R. Gifford
Summary: The study found that strategies such as designated champions, setting targets, and non-monetary awards were associated with higher staff COVID-19 vaccination coverage in U.S. nursing homes.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Andrew Geller, Daniel S. Budnitz, Heather Dubendris, Radhika Gharpure, Minn Soe, Hsiu Wu, Elizabeth J. Kalayil, Andrea L. Benin, Suchita A. Patel, Megan C. Lindley, Ruth Link-Gelles
Summary: Monitoring COVID-19 vaccination coverage among nursing home residents and staff is crucial for patient safety policies. The study found a high correlation between vaccination data reported by pharmacies and nursing homes, and the coverage rates have been increasing over time.
PUBLIC HEALTH REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Josphat Muema, Mutono Nyamai, Nick Wheelhouse, Joseph Njuguna, Christine Jost, Julius Oyugi, Zipporah Bukania, Harriet Oboge, Brian Ogoti, Anita Makori, Maria del Pilar Fernandez, Sylvia Omulo, S. M. Thumbi
Summary: This study conducted in pastoralist communities in Marsabit County, northern Kenya, estimated the seroprevalence of Q-fever and associated risk factors of exposure in people and their livestock. The findings revealed that Q-fever is endemic in this setting.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Athman Mwatondo, Afifah Rahman-Shepherd, Lara Hollmann, Scott Chiossi, Josphat Maina, Karishma Krishna Kurup, Osama Ahmed Hassan, Beatrice Coates, Mishal Khan, Julia Spencer, Nyamai Mutono, Samuel M. Thumbi, Mathew Muturi, Mumbua Mutunga, Lia Barbara Arruda, Melika Akhbari, Dena Ettehad, Francine Ntoumi, Terence P. Scott, Louis H. Nel, Johanne Ellis-Iversen, Ute Wolff Sonksen, Diana Onyango, Zuleka Ismail, Kebadu Simachew, David Wolking, Rudovick Kazwala, Zikankuba Sijali, Bernard Bett, David Heymann, Richard Kock, Alimuddin Zumla, Osman Dar
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a renewed focus on threats at the human-animal-environment interface, resulting in an expected increase in One Health collaborations. This study examines the global distribution of existing One Health Networks (OHNs) and identifies potential deficits in their formation and effectiveness. The findings highlight uneven distribution and prioritization of OHNs, with a need for greater diversity and inclusivity in stakeholder representation.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Josphat Muema, Harriet Oboge, Nyamai Mutono, Anita Makori, Julius Oyugi, Zipporah Bukania, Joseph Njuguna, Christine Jost, Brian Ogoti, Sylvia Omulo, S. M. Thumbi
Summary: This study investigated the seroprevalence and risk factors of brucellosis in pastoralist communities in Marsabit County, Kenya. The results showed that brucellosis is endemic in this area and there is a significant association between human and animal brucellosis at the household level. This highlights the importance of public health education and continuous screening for brucellosis in humans and animals.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Francisco Nogareda, Radhika Gharpure, Marcela Contreras, Martha Velandia, Carmelita Lucia Pacis, Ana Elena Chevez, Eduardo Azziz-Baumgartner, Daniel Salas
Summary: This article describes the policies, coverage, and progress of seasonal influenza vaccination programs in the Americas from 2019 to 2021, as well as the challenges in monitoring and maintaining vaccination coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results show that countries in the Americas successfully adapted their influenza vaccination delivery during the pandemic, but reported vaccination coverage decreased from 2019 to 2021.
Article
Immunology
Veronicah M. M. Chuchu, Nyamai Mutono, Philet Bichanga, Philip M. M. Kitala, Daniel Ksee, Mathew Muturi, Athman Mwatondo, Carolyne Nasimiyu, Lawrence Akunga, Amine Amiche, Katie Hampson, Samuel M. M. Thumbi
Summary: Sending SMS reminders to bite patients in rural eastern Kenya can improve their adherence to scheduled rabies prophylaxis, reduce treatment delay, alleviate financial burden, and contribute to rabies control and elimination strategies.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Rachel Tidman, Anna Sophie Fahrion, S. M. Thumbi, Ryan M. Wallace, Katinka De Balogh, Vivian Iwar, Gowri Yale, Isabelle Dieuzy-Labaye
Summary: Rabies still claims the lives of approximately 59,000 people annually, mostly due to dog bites. The Zero by 30 initiative, aiming to end human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030, provides a framework for achieving this through a One Health approach. In 2020, the United Against Rabies Forum was established to further this global goal. This paper reviews the objectives, governance, activities, and achievements of the Forum, and discusses future plans and priority areas.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Weiyu Yu, Peggy Wanza, Emmah Kwoba, Thumbi Mwangi, Joseph Okotto-Okotto, Diogo Trajano Gomes da Silva, Jim A. Wright
Summary: This study investigated the reliability of rainwater harvesting using a modelling approach that integrated household surveys with gridded precipitation data. The results showed that the majority of households (95.1%) that consumed rainwater faced insufficient supply throughout the year, with even more intermittent supply during the short rains for households with alternative improved sources.
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Josphat Muema, Nyamai Mutono, Stevens Kisaka, Brian Ogoti, Julius Oyugi, Zipporah Bukania, Tewoldeberhan Daniel, Joseph Njuguna, Irene Kimani, Anita Makori, Sylvia Omulo, Erin Boyd, Abdal Monium Osman, Luc Gwenaelle, Christine Jost, S. M. Thumbi
Summary: Nutrition-sensitive livestock interventions have the potential to improve nutrition and household income in communities dependent on livestock in Africa. However, there is a lack of synthesized empirical evidence on the impact and effect of these interventions on diets and nutritional status.
FRONTIERS IN NUTRITION
(2023)
Letter
Medicine, General & Internal
Matshidiso Moeti, Lindiwe Makubalo, Abdou Salam Gueye, Thierno Balde, Humphrey Karamagi, Gordon Awandare, S. M. Thumbi, Feifei Zhang, Francisca Mutapi, Mark Woolhouse
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Helen Kiarie, Marleen Temmerman, Mutono Nyamai, Nzisa Liku, Wangari Thuo, Violet Oramisi, Lilly Nyaga, Janette Karimi, Phidelis Wamalwa, Gladwell Gatheca, Valerian Mwenda, Loice Achieng Ombajo, S. M. Thumbi
Summary: The study assessed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on essential health-care services in Kenya and found significant decreases in several indicators. The health-care workers' strike further exacerbated the disruption of essential health services.
LANCET GLOBAL HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Radhika Gharpure, Samira Sami, Johanna Vostok, Hillary Johnson, Noemi Hall, Anne Foreman, Rebecca T. Sabo, Petra L. Schubert, Hanna Shephard, Vance R. Brown, Ben Brumfield, Jessica N. Ricaldi, Andrew B. Conley, Lindsay Zielinski, Lenka Malec, Alexandra P. Newman, Michelle Chang, Lauren E. Finn, Cameron Stainken, Anil T. Mangla, Patrick Eteme, Morgan Wieck, Alison Green, Alexandra Edmundson, Diana Reichbind, Vernell Brown, Laura Quinones, Allison Longenberger, Elke Hess, Megan Gumke, Alicia Manion, Hannah Thomas, Carla A. Barrios, Adrianna Koczwara, Thelonious W. Williams, Marcia Pearlowitz, Moussokoura Assoumou, Alessandra F. Senisse Pajares, Hope Dishman, Cody Schardin, Xiong Wang, Kendalyn Stephens, Nakema S. Moss, Gurpalik Singh, Christine Feaster, Lindsey Martin Webb, Anna Krueger, Kristen Dickerson, Courtney Dewart, Bree Barbeau, Amelia Salmanson, Lawrence C. Madoff, Julie M. Villanueva, Catherine M. Brown, A. Scott Laney
Summary: During July 2021, a multistate investigation was conducted after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) B.1.617.2 variant infections, including vaccine breakthrough infections, occurred following large public gatherings in Provincetown, Massachusetts, USA. The investigation revealed that large gatherings can have widespread effects on SARS-CoV-2 transmission, and even fully vaccinated individuals should take precautions to prevent transmission.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)