Article
Immunology
Edmilson F. De Oliveira-Filho, Carlo Fischer, Beatrice Sarah Berneck, Ianei O. Carneiro, Arne Kuehne, Angelica C. de Almeida Campos, Jorge R. L. Ribas, Eduardo Martins Netto, Carlos Roberto Franke, Sebastian Ulbert, Jan Felix Drexler
Summary: A study in northeastern Brazil found a West Nile virus seroprevalence of 4.5% among sampled equids from 2013-2018. Mathematical modeling confirmed higher seroprevalence near avian migratory routes and areas with forest loss, indicating increased risk for zoonotic infections in disturbed areas.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Umberto Molini, Giovanni Franzo, Hannah Nel, Siegfried Khaiseb, Charles Ntahonshikira, Bernard Chiwome, Ian Baines, Oscar Madzingira, Federica Monaco, Giovanni Savini, Nicola D'Alterio
Summary: The study revealed the exposure of WNV in Namibian donkeys, indicating its circulation throughout the country with regional differences, and the effectiveness of donkeys as sentinels for infection surveillance.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Virology
Stefanie Ganzenberg, Michael Sieg, Ute Ziegler, Martin Pfeffer, Thomas W. Vahlenkamp, Uwe Hoeruegel, Martin H. Groschup, Katharina L. Lohmann
Summary: This study determined the seroprevalence of West Nile virus (WNV) in horses in nine counties in Eastern Germany and estimated the risk factors for seropositivity. The results showed that the seroprevalence of WNV infection was significantly higher in counties with previously registered equine WNV infections. Breed type (pony), housing in counties with previously registered infections, housing type (24 h turn-out), and presence of outdoor shelter were identified as the main significant risk factors for seropositivity.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Abdelfattah Selim, Ameer Megahed, Sahar Kandeel, Abdulaziz Alouffi, Mashal M. Almutairi
Summary: A study conducted in the Nile Delta of Egypt found that horses older than 15 years, stallions, and horses of mixed breeds are more likely to be infected with West Nile virus. Intensive surveillance and effective control strategies are recommended for stallions, mixed-breed horses aged over 15 years.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Virology
Anais Broban, Marie-Marie Olive, Michael Luciano Tantely, Anne-Claire Dorsemans, Fanjasoa Rakotomanana, Jean-Pierre Ravalohery, Christophe Rogier, Jean-Michel Heraud, Soa Fy Andriamandimby
Summary: This study estimated the seroprevalence of three arboviruses (dengue, chikungunya, and West Nile) in Madagascar and identified risk factors associated with seropositivity. The results showed that 6.5% were seropositive for dengue virus, 13.7% for chikungunya virus, and 12.7% for West Nile virus. Dengue and chikungunya viruses were recently introduced, with higher prevalence in the eastern and northern parts of the country, while West Nile virus circulated in all regions. Factors such as vegetation cover, forest work, cultivated areas, and standard of living were associated with seropositivity.
Article
Microbiology
Serena Marchi, Emanuele Montomoli, Simonetta Viviani, Simone Giannecchini, Maria A. Stincarelli, Gianvito Lanave, Michele Camero, Caterina Alessio, Rosa Coluccio, Claudia Maria Trombetta
Summary: This study evaluated the prevalence of antibodies against West Nile virus in Siena Province to estimate the recent circulation of the virus. Although no human cases of West Nile infection were reported in the area between 2016 and 2019, the active asymptomatic circulation confirms the potential concern of this emergent virus for human health.
Review
Microbiology
Olaolu T. Olufemi, Marta Barba, Janet M. Daly
Summary: West Nile virus (WNV) is a zoonotic flavivirus transmitted by mosquitoes, with horses and humans as incidental hosts. Research on WNV antibodies in African equids showed that seroprevalence increased with age and confirmation of positive results often required more specific tests. Studies highlighted the challenges in determining risk factors and trends in WNV seroprevalence due to co-circulation of other flaviviruses in Africa.
Article
Immunology
Jose-Maria Garcia-Carrasco, Antonio-Roman Munoz, Jesus Olivero, Marina Segura, Raimundo Real
Summary: This study created a database of WNV presence in Africa and used biogeographic models to determine the drivers of its distribution. Wetlands and human-related factors were found to play important roles in the spread of WNV. Understanding high-risk areas can help manage the disease and comprehend its transmission through avian migration routes outside Africa.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Biology
Meredith E. Kernbach, Lynn B. Martin, Thomas R. Unnasch, Richard J. Hall, Rays H. Y. Jiang, Clinton D. Francis
Summary: The study suggests that anthropogenic changes, such as artificial night light, may have a greater impact on infectious diseases than previously thought, especially in the spread of emerging diseases. Modeling results show a nonlinear relationship between ALAN and WNV exposure risk in chickens, with peak risk occurring at low ALAN levels. Further research on the effects of ALAN on other vector-borne parasites is warranted.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Jihad Bouaida, Omar Witam, Mounsif Ibnoussina, Abd El Fettah Delmaki, Myriam Benkirane
Summary: This paper focuses on the mapping and modelling of flood increase process in the Zat watershed. It identifies factors causing floods and analyzes rainfall data to illustrate precipitation trends. The study shows that the geomorphological and rainfall context of the basin makes it vulnerable to torrential floods, with a trend towards drought along with extreme events like floods.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jingjing Ma, Shiji Pei, Yuqun Yang, Xu Tang, Xiangrong Zhang
Summary: Image-based geo-localization predicts the geographic information of query images by matching them with annotated images in a database. While researchers collect many images to build datasets for relevant studies, the cross-time challenge of significant image content difference between query and database images taken at different time periods is often overlooked, which reduces geo-localization accuracy. To address this challenge and improve practicability, a new dataset called MTGL40-5 is proposed, consisting of remote sensing satellite images from 40 large-scale geographic locations spanning five years.
Article
Geography, Physical
Chisheng Wang, Yongquan Wang, Leyang Wang, Zhongwen Hu, Shaobiao Zhang, Shuanglong Wang, Wenqun Xiu, Hongxing Cui, Dan Wang, Qingquan Li
Summary: This paper introduces the concept of volunteered passenger aircraft remote sensing (VPARS), which utilizes passengers on aircraft to obtain aerial imaging data using portable smartphones. VPARS has advantages of low cost, high revisit, dense coverage, and partial anti-cloud, complementing traditional remote sensing data. The applications of VPARS in land cover classification and economic activity monitoring show its potential value.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DIGITAL EARTH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lisha Ding, Lei Ma, Longguo Li, Chao Liu, Naiwen Li, Zhengli Yang, Yuanzhi Yao, Heng Lu
Summary: This paper summarizes and analyzes over 200 articles published in the last 20 years regarding the application of remote sensing and GIS technologies in flash flood research. Various analysis techniques such as keyword co-occurrence analysis, time zone chart analysis, keyword burst analysis, and literature co-citation analysis are used to examine the current research status and future research direction in areas such as flash flood forecasting, impact assessments, susceptibility analyses, risk assessments, and the identification of risk areas.
Article
Mathematics, Applied
Folashade Agusto, Daniel Bond, Adira Cohen, Wandi Ding, Rachel Leander, Allis Royer
Summary: We constructed an epidemic model for West Nile virus, considering the interaction between bird hosts, mosquito vectors, and the use of insecticides. We derived the basic reproduction number and formulated optimal control problems to balance the cost and benefit of vector and disease control. Numerical simulations were performed to study the impact of control strategies on the system.
Article
Microbiology
Erica Azevedo Costa, Marta Giovanetti, Lilian Silva Catenacci, Vagner Fonseca, Flavia Figueira Aburjaile, Flavia L. L. Chalhoub, Joilson Xavier, Felipe Campos de Melo Iani, Marcelo Adriano da Cunha e Silva Vieira, Danielle Freitas Henriques, Daniele Barbosa de Almeida Medeiros, Maria Isabel Maldonado Coelho Guedes, Beatriz Senra Alvares da Silva Santos, Aila Solimar Goncalves Silva, Renata de Pino Albuquerque Maranhao, Nieli Rodrigues da Costa Faria, Renata Farinelli de Siqueira, Tulio de Oliveira, Karina Ribeiro Leite Jardim Cavalcante, Noely Fabiana Oliveira de Moura, Alessandro Pecego Martins Romano, Carlos F. Campelo de Albuquerque, Lauro Cesar Soares Feitosa, Jose Joffre Martins Bayeux, Raffaella Bertoni Cavalcanti Teixeira, Osmaikon Lisboa Lobato, Silvokleio da Costa Silva, Ana Maria Bispo de Filippis, Rivaldo Venancio da Cunha, Jose Lourenco, Luiz Carlos Junior Alcantara
Summary: The study found new genetic evidence of WNV circulation in southern and northeastern states of Brazil, with a climate-informed theoretical perspective highlighting the potential transmission pathways. The scarcity of existing data on WNV in Brazil and the need for active surveillance to prepare for future epidemics with human spill-over potential were also emphasized.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Annelise Tran, Gildas Le Minter, Elsa Balleydier, Anais Etheves, Morgane Laval, Floriane Boucher, Vanina Guernier, Erwan Lagadec, Patrick Mavingui, Eric Cardinale, Pablo Tortosa
Summary: The study investigated the environmental drivers of rat fleas' abundance on Reunion Island, with results showing that rat fleas' abundance is highly dynamic and primarily determined by rainfall, temperature, and land cover. The predictive map of flea distribution correlated strongly with the spatial distribution of human cases, underscoring the importance of considering environmental and climatic factors in understanding flea-borne diseases.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Oumaima Mtaallah, Cecile Squarzoni-Diaw, Sana Kalthoum, Rachid Bouguedour, Facundo Munoz, Annelise Tran, Caroline Coste
Summary: The World Organisation for Animal Health advocates the zoning approach for the surveillance and monitoring of foot and mouth disease, a GIS-based MultiCriteria Evaluation method was developed to visualize areas with restricted animal movement, determining that the Cap Bon zone is the most favorable area for controlling FMD in Tunisia.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Musaemura Manyenyeka, Whatmore Munetsi Tagwireyi, Munyaradzi Christopher Marufu, Reverend Moregood Spargo, Eric Etter
Summary: The retrospective study on bovine theileriosis in Zimbabwe revealed high-risk areas primarily in communal farms, among adult cattle, in the year 2018 and during the hot wet season. The disease was observed to lose seasonality, with a sharp increase in cases in 2018, and high-risk clusters were detected within the past eight years. Two potential risk factors, province, and farming system, were significantly associated with bovine theileriosis occurrence.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2022)
Review
Veterinary Sciences
Ciza A. Mushagalusa, Eric Etter, Mary-Louise Penrith
Summary: The article discusses the history of African swine fever outbreaks in South Africa, analyzing data before and after the development of the OIE diseases database. It highlights the seasonality of outbreaks, with more occurring in summer, and the identification of nine p72 genotypes in South Africa. The study also emphasizes the need for spatiotemporal studies to assess the clustering of outbreaks accurately.
ONDERSTEPOORT JOURNAL OF VETERINARY RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Microbiology
Roxanne A. Charles, Sergio Bermudez, Pavle Banovic, Dasiel Obregon Alvarez, Adrian Alberto Diaz-Sanchez, Belkis Corona-Gonzalez, Eric Marcel Charles Etter, Islay Rodriguez Gonzalez, Abdul Ghafar, Abdul Jabbar, Sara Moutailler, Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
Summary: Ticks have complex life cycles and can transmit pathogens. It is important to study tick-borne pathogens in a multi-layered manner and implement the 'One Health' approach. Coordination among stakeholders is necessary to identify risks and apply effective prevention measures.
Article
Microbiology
Krpasha Govindasamy, Eric M. C. Etter, Bernice N. Harris, Jennifer Rossouw, Darrell A. Abernethy, Peter N. Thompson
Summary: Brucellosis in humans is not well-detected in sub-Saharan Africa, with limited knowledge and underreporting. A study in South Africa found that veterinary officials were less likely to seek medical attention for brucellosis-like symptoms compared to farm workers. The findings suggest a need for improved awareness and surveillance in cattle workers to prevent undetected cases of brucellosis.
Article
Microbiology
Krpasha Govindasamy, Eric M. C. Etter, Peter Geertsma, Peter N. Thompson
Summary: Despite the lack of significant progress towards bovine brucellosis elimination in Gauteng province, there is variability in brucellosis prevalence between State Vet Areas. A public health and farmer-supported strategy of ongoing district-based surveillance and cattle vaccination targeting small- to medium-sized herds combined with compulsory test and slaughter of reactors in larger herds is recommended for the province.
Article
Microbiology
Krpasha Govindasamy, Peter N. Thompson, Bernice N. Harris, Jennifer Rossouw, Darrell A. Abernethy, Eric M. C. Etter
Summary: The prevalence of cattle handler exposure to Brucella on cattle farms in South Africa is unknown, but a case-control study found higher Brucella exposure rates among farm workers and veterinary officials exposed to infected cattle herds. Risk factors for infected herds include government-sponsored farms, beef herds, open herds, and the presence of other animals on the farm.
Article
Microbiology
Leana Janse van Rensburg, Mary-Louise Penrith, Eric M. C. Etter
Summary: This study prioritizes resources allocation for African swine fever intervention strategies in South Africa based on risk factors. The provinces of Mpumalanga, Free State, and Gauteng are identified as high-risk areas and specific intervention strategies are proposed.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Mogaugedi N. Malahlela, Beniamino T. Cenci-Goga, Munyaradzi C. Marufu, Thierry Y. Fonkui, Luca Grispoldi, Eric Etter, Alan Kalake, Musafiri Karama
Summary: This study investigated the occurrence of Shiga-toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in goat fecal samples in South Africa. It found that goats in South Africa are a reservoir of diverse STEC serotypes, including some that are potentially virulent to humans. Further molecular characterization is needed to fully understand the virulence potential of these goat STEC isolates and their ability to cause disease in humans.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yusuf Bitrus Ngoshe, Eric Etter, Jose Pablo Gomez-Vazquez, Peter N. Thompson
Summary: The presence of zoonotic diseases in South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal province adversely affects livestock production and farmers' livelihoods. A study conducted among communal livestock farmers in the far northern corner of the province revealed that there is a lack of awareness and knowledge about zoonotic diseases. The study also identified challenges faced by the farmers, including water scarcity, insufficient grazing land, stock theft, and animal diseases.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Virology
Moussa Dia, Ndeye Sakha Bob, Cheikh Talla, Anne Dupressoir, Camille Escadafal, Mareme Seye Thiam, Amadou Diallo, Oumar Ndiaye, Jean Michel Heraud, Oumar Faye, Amadou Alpha Sall, Ousmane Faye, Gamou Fall
Summary: Yellow fever (YF) virus is a mosquito-borne virus that poses a threat to travelers and unvaccinated populations. A newly developed YF PRNT has shown good robustness and high precision, making it suitable for YF diagnosis and evaluation of vaccine response.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Severine A. Degrelle, Julian Buchrieser, Anne Dupressoir, Francoise Porrot, Laurence Loeuillet, Olivier Schwartz, Thierry Fournier
Summary: Interferon-induced transmembrane proteins (IFITMs) are restriction factors that block many viruses from entering cells. High levels of type I interferon (IFN) are associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, and IFITMs have been shown to impair the formation of syncytiotrophoblast. Here, we examine whether IFITMs affect another critical step of placental development, extravillous cytotrophoblast (EVCT) invasion.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
C. A. Mushagalusa, M-L Penrith, E. M. C. Etter
Summary: This study analyzed the spatial and spatiotemporal structure of African swine fever (ASF) outbreaks in South Africa between 1993 and 2018. It found significant global spatial clustering of ASF outbreaks and a negative space-time interaction at the month scale. Local cluster analysis identified three significant clusters associated with high-rate outbreaks.
JOURNAL OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN VETERINARY ASSOCIATION
(2022)
Article
Computer Science, Software Engineering
Diana P. Iyaloo, Pascal Degenne, Khouaildi Bin Elahee, Danny Lo Seen, Ambicadutt Bheecarry, Annelise Tran
Summary: The ALBOMAURICE software utilizes a mosquito population dynamics model to predict the abundance of Aedes albopictus, the dengue disease vector in Mauritius. It generates abundance maps based on daily rainfall and temperature input, which are used by health services to target areas for vector surveillance and control measures. The model has been validated against entomological data and can simulate different control options for comparison of their effects.
