Review
Infectious Diseases
Celia Ferriol-Gonzalez, Pilar Domingo-Calap
Summary: The irrational use of antibiotics has led to a high emergence of multi-drug resistant bacteria, particularly in the animal feed industry and companion animal infections. Phages have been proposed as an alternative for antibiotics, showing potential applications in treating infections in livestock and companion animals.
Article
Microbiology
David A. Singleton, Pisut Pongchaikul, Shirley Smith, Rebecca J. Bengtsson, Kate Baker, Dorina Timofte, Stephen Steen, Matthew Jones, Larry Roberts, Fernando Sanchez-Vizcaino, Susan Dawson, P-J M. Noble, Alan D. Radford, Gina L. Pinchbeck, Nicola J. Williams
Summary: This study aimed to monitor antimicrobial resistance in companion animals in the UK, finding that the most commonly isolated bacteria in dogs and cats were Escherichia coli, with some bacteria showing resistance to multiple drugs. Genotypic characterization proved to be an efficient method for identifying important resistance trends in companion animals on a national scale.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Nikola Puvaca, Rosa de Llanos Frutos
Summary: Antimicrobial resistance has become a major problem on a global scale, particularly with Enterobacteriaceae members such as Escherichia coli developing strong and diverse systems to fight off antibiotics. Understanding these resistance mechanisms is crucial in combating infections caused by these bacteria.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Frederico Alves, Rita Castro, Miguel Pinto, Alexandra Nunes, Constanca Pomba, Manuela Oliveira, Leonor Silveira, Joao Paulo Gomes, Monica Oleastro
Summary: This study investigated the C. difficile strains in canine and feline populations and assessed their genetic overlap with human strains. The results showed that companion animals may be a source of infection for toxigenic and antimicrobial resistant C. difficile isolates associated with humans. This study provides important data on the genetic proximity between C. difficile isolates from animals and humans, contributing to future research on the role of animal reservoirs in the transmission networks and alerting to potential public health risks.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Ana Marco-Fuertes, Jaume Jorda, Clara Marin, Laura Lorenzo-Rebenaque, Laura Montoro-Dasi, Santiago Vega
Summary: Failure in antibiotic therapies due to the increase in antimicrobial-resistant bacteria is a major threat to public and animal health. This study assessed the epidemiological situation of antimicrobial resistance and multidrug resistance in companion animals in the Valencia Region, using Escherichia coli as an indicator bacteria. The results showed antimicrobial resistance against all antibiotics studied, including those important to human medicine. Moreover, a significant percentage of the strains exhibited multidrug resistance. The study emphasizes the importance of monitoring resistance trends in companion animals to prevent the spread of resistance genes to humans and other animals.
Review
Veterinary Sciences
Ana Marco-Fuertes, Clara Marin, Laura Lorenzo-Rebenaque, Santiago Vega, Laura Montoro-Dasi
Summary: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and multi-resistant bacteria pose significant threats to global public health, particularly due to their ability to spread between animals and humans. However, surveillance and control programs for AMR in companion animals are currently lacking, presenting a serious public health concern. Therefore, there is a need for adequate monitoring and surveillance programs, as well as the development of alternative antibiotic strategies.
VETERINARY SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
David A. Singleton, Angela Rayner, Bethaney Brant, Steven Smyth, Peter-John M. Noble, Alan D. Radford, Gina L. Pinchbeck
Summary: The study showed effective strategies for reducing veterinary HPCIA prescription through a randomized controlled trial, emphasizing the essential role of proper antimicrobial use in slowing the emergence of antimicrobial resistance.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Sakib Rahman, Aidan Hollis
Summary: This paper examines the impact of antibiotic usage in humans and food-producing animals on the prevalence of resistance in zoonotic bacteria. Using comprehensive longitudinal data from Europe, the study finds that antibiotic usage in both humans and animals independently and causally affect resistance in both groups. The paper provides lower and upper bound estimates of the effects on resistance by considering simultaneous and total usage of antibiotics.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Review
Veterinary Sciences
Flor Y. Ramirez-Castillo, Alma L. Guerrero-Barrera, Francisco J. Avelar-Gonzalez
Summary: Carbapenem resistance (CR) is a significant global health concern due to its rapid dissemination and limited treatment options in clinical settings. Although the molecular mechanisms and epidemiology of CR have been extensively studied, little is known about its spread in animals, seafood, wildlife, and their environment, as well as the associated health risks in humans. This review discusses the detection of carbapenem-resistant organisms and their mechanisms of action in various animal species, highlighting the role of the One Health approach in containing carbapenem resistance. The prevalence of carbapenem-resistant genes varies among different animal species, with a higher occurrence in poultry and swine, and OXA- and NDM-producing bacteria being the leading causes of carbapenem resistance in cattle. Wildlife and companion animals also serve as potential reservoirs for cross-species transmission of carbapenem-resistant genes, and aquatic environments should be considered due to the presence of antibiotic-resistant organisms that harbor carbapenem-resistant genes.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Luke Macauley, Anna Chur-Hansen
Summary: Bonds with companion animals are believed to have health benefits for humans, but research has mostly focused on dogs, cats, and horses. This review explores the health benefits of bonds with non-conventional companion animal species such as birds, fish, reptiles, and insects. Although the studies are mainly descriptive and the media articles anecdotal, the findings suggest that these species can also benefit human health. Further research using rigorous methodologies is needed to investigate the human-non-conventional companion animal bond.
Article
Microbiology
Lorena Cardillo, Claudio de Martinis, Sergio Brandi, Martina Levante, Loredana Cozzolino, Luisa Spadari, Federica Boccia, Carmine Carbone, Marina Pompameo, Giovanna Fusco
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence and transmission of SARS-CoV-2 among owned and stray pets. The results showed no viral RNA detection, but antibodies were found in a small percentage of animals. Owned cats living with COVID-19 patients had a significantly higher infection rate compared to stray cats, while no significant difference was found among dogs.
Review
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Danielle Groenewoud, Marie-Jose Enders-Slegers, Roeslan Leontjevas, Annemiek van Dijke, Tynke de Winkel, Karin Hediger
Summary: This study aims to explore the relationship between children and companion animals and its impact on psychosocial health. The research found positive associations between the strength of the child-companion animal bond and psychosocial health outcomes like empathy, social support, and quality of life, although some results were contradictory. The child's gender, companion animal species, and secure attachment style to parents were found to influence the strength of the child-companion animal bond. Most of the instruments currently used measure the strength of the bond.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Ilona Stefanska, Ewelina Kwiecien, Magdalena Kizerwetter-Swida, Dorota Chrobak-Chmiel, Magdalena Rzewuska
Summary: The increasing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in companion-animal pathogens, specifically Streptococcus canis, is a concern for both pet treatment and public health. This study found a high prevalence of resistance genes in S. canis strains from dogs and cats, indicating a potential reservoir of resistance determinants. Resistance to tetracycline, erythromycin, and clindamycin was observed, while resistance to beta-lactams was relatively low.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Luciano C. B. A. da Silva, Brenda Cardoso, Herrison Fontana, Fernanda Esposito, Silvia R. G. Cortopassi, Fabio P. Sellera, Nilton Lincopan
Summary: This article describes a multidrug-resistant ESBL-positive Klebsiella pneumoniae strain isolated from a dog in a veterinary intensive care unit. The strain belongs to the sequence type ST392 and displays a broad resistome and the presence of the bla(CTX-M-15) ESBL gene. Phylogenomic analysis shows the close relationship between this strain and K. pneumoniae ST392 isolated from human and animal infections.
Article
Sociology
Komalsingh Rambaree, Stefan Sjoberg
Summary: This article analyzes the perceptions of 22 students and staff from the University of Gavle in Sweden on the potential of companion animals for supportive functions in health-promoting work-life, as well as the challenges of having companion animals on the university premises. The findings suggest that companion animals can play vital supportive functions in health-promoting work-life but highlight the socio-economic, legal, and organizational challenges that need to be addressed for having companion animals in the workplace.
Letter
Immunology
Ayman Ahmed, Yousif Ali, Nouh S. Mohamed, Jakob Zinsstag, Emmanuel Edwar Siddig, Amna Khairy
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Olga S. Fedorova, Anna E. Kovshirina, Yulia Kovshirina, Jan Hattendorf, Sergey Onishchenko, Ludmila L. Katanakhova, Stanislav S. Taslicki, Andrey Chizhikov, Ilya A. Tataurov, Sergey V. Vtorushin, Banchob Sripa, Ludmila M. Ogorodova, Peter Odermatt
Summary: An individually matched case-control study in Western Siberia revealed a strong association between Opisthorchis felineus infection and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA).
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Louise Tangermann, Danielle Vienneau, Apolline Saucy, Jan Hattendorf, Beat Schaeffer, Jean Marc Wunderli, Martin Roeoesli
Summary: This study found that road traffic noise at home reduces cognitive performance in adolescents, especially affecting memory and concentration. Larger cohorts with longer follow-up time are needed to confirm these results.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Helene Meier, Keira Spinner, Lisa Crump, Esther Kuenzli, Gertraud Schuepbach, Jakob Zinsstag
Summary: Resistance to antibiotics is a pressing global public health concern and has significant impacts on health and the economy. Despite joint research efforts, the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) between humans, animals, and the environment remains unclear. This systematic review aims to examine the current understanding of AMR acquisition, diversity, and interspecies spread.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Francis Sena Nuvey, Gunther Fink, Jan Hattendorf, Gloria Ivy Mensah, Kennedy Kwasi Addo, Bassirou Bonfoh, Jakob Zinsstag
Summary: Livestock diseases have a significant impact on agricultural productivity and pose a threat to livelihoods and food safety. Vaccines are effective in controlling infectious livestock diseases, but their utilization is low. This study examines the barriers and determinants of vaccination utilization for priority livestock diseases in Ghana.
PREVENTIVE VETERINARY MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
A. J. Larson, S. Haver, J. Hattendorf, G. Salmon-Mulanovich, M. Riveros, H. Verastegui, D. Ma, S. M. Hartinger
Summary: This study investigated the association between household factors, the presence of thermotolerant coliform, and the presence of antibiotic resistant bacteria in drinking water among households with young children in Peru. The study found that using narrow-mouthed containers for drinking water reduced the likelihood of contamination. Ownership of farm birds and animal waste in the kitchen area were associated with higher levels of contamination. Higher levels of antibiotic resistance were also found in households with pig ownership and free-roaming animals in the kitchen area. Recent child antibiotic use increased the prevalence of resistance to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole among E. coli isolates. These findings highlight the importance of secure water storage and suggest the potential transmission of bacteria and antibiotic resistance between domestic animals and human drinking water supplies.
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ibrahim Ahmad, Yakubu Egigogo Raji, Latiffah Hassan, Abdullahi Samaila, Basiru Aliyu, Jakob Zinsstag, Folorunso O. Fasina
Summary: Animal tuberculosis is widespread in Nigeria, but active surveillance and control measures are lacking. This study conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis to assess the distribution of tuberculosis in animals and analyze potential factors in Nigeria. The overall prevalence of tuberculosis was 7% and it was found in cattle, goats, sheep, camels, and wildlife. The occurrence of infection was significantly influenced by publication period, geographical location, sample size, and detection methods.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Ayman Ahmed, Rahba El-Amin, Ahmed Mudawi Musa, Muaz A. Elsayed, Lamis Ahmed Fahal, Eiman Siddig Ahmed, Yousif Ali, Ipyn Eric Nebie, Nouh Saad Mohamed, Jakob Zinsstag, Emmanuel Edwar Siddig, Sarah Misbah EL-Sadig
Summary: In this study, we presented a series of six patients with Guillain-Barre syndrome associated with COVID-19 infection, confirmed by RT-PCR. The report discusses laboratory investigation, case management, clinical presentation, and outcomes for each case. This is the first case series of COVID-19-associated GBS cases in Sudan.
CLINICAL CASE REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Helena Dela, Beverly Egyir, Eric Behene, Hamdiya Sulemana, Rodalyn Tagoe, Ronald Bentil, Richard N. A. Bongo, Bassirou Bonfoh, Jakob Zinsstag, Langbong Bimi, Kennedy Kwasi Addo
Summary: This study investigated the microbial quality and antimicrobial resistance of bacteria found in Ready-to-Eat (RTE) food, water, and palm swab samples. The samples were collected from food vending sites in Accra, Ghana, between 2019 and 2020. The results showed the presence of various bacteria species in the samples, with some showing resistance to commonly used antibiotics. The study also highlighted the high levels of bacterial contamination in RTE food and water, indicating their unsafe condition. The findings emphasize the need for continuous surveillance in the food industry and the enforcement of food safety laws in Ghana.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Francis Sena Nuvey, Nick Hanley, Katherine Simpson, Daniel T. Haydon, Jan Hattendorf, Gloria Ivy Mensah, Kennedy Kwasi Addo, Bassirou Bonfoh, Jakob Zinsstag, Gunther Finka
Summary: Livestock vaccination coverage rates in many lower and middle income countries remain low, leading to the prevalence of preventable infectious diseases. This study assessed farmers' willingness to pay for vaccination of cattle (CBPP) and sheep and goats (PPR) in Ghana, and found that farmers value vaccination highly.
PREVENTIVE VETERINARY MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Kayla C. Lanker, Abdifatah M. Muhummed, Gueladio Cisse, Jakob Zinsstag, Jan Hattendorf, Ramadan Budul Yusuf, Shamil Barsenga Hassen, Rea Tschopp, Pascale Vonaesch
Summary: Intestinal parasitic infections are common in agro-pastoralist and pastoralist children in the Somali Regional State of Ethiopia, with a prevalence of 35%. The study found that drinking water from the river or rainwater, toilet sharing, and ownership of cattle and chickens are associated with intestinal protozoan infections. Improving access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene services is crucial to reduce the burden of these infections.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Jules N. Kouadio, Jennifer Giovanoli Evack, Jean-Baptiste K. Sekre, Louise Y. Achi, Mamadou Ouattara, Jan Hattendorf, Oliver Balmer, Bassirou Bonfoh, Jakob Zinsstag, Jurg Utzinger, Eliezer K. N'Goran
Summary: The study examines the epidemiology of schistosomiasis and hookworm infection in northern Cote d'Ivoire and finds low transmission rates. The establishment and rigorous implementation of an integrated surveillance-response system are recommended to eliminate schistosomiasis and hookworm in this region.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2023)
Letter
Immunology
Ayman Ahmed, Yousif Ali, Nouh S. Mohamed, Jakob Zinsstag, Emmanuel Edwar Siddig, Amna Khairy
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Francis Sena Nuvey, Gloria Ivy Mensah, Jakob Zinsstag, Jan Hattendorf, Gunther Fink, Bassirou Bonfoh, Kennedy Kwasi Addo
Summary: This study examined the management strategies employed by farmers for priority livestock diseases in Ghana and the utilization and performance of veterinary services. The findings reveal the existing challenges in disease management and underutilization of veterinary services by farmers.
BMC VETERINARY RESEARCH
(2023)
