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Microorganisms
Special Issues
Emerging Pathogens in the Context of One Health
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Emerging Pathogens in the Context of One Health

A special issue of Microorganisms (ISSN 2076-2607). This special issue belongs to the section "Medical Microbiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2024 | Viewed by 4984

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Michelle L. Gordon

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
Interests: retroviruses; genome evolution; bioinformatics; drug resistance; One Health
Dr. Ravendra P. Chauhan

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Biotechnology Innovation Centre, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa
Interests: animal viruses; emerging and re-emerging viruses; One Health; waterborne viruses; metagenomics; next-generation sequencing

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, various pathogens with significant concern to animal and public health, are on the verge of re-emergence. Recent reports have documented host expansion and adaptation of various controlled pathogens, particularly viruses, posing a significant threat to animal and human health. Interspecies transmission of pathogens such as viruses may trigger host adaptation with the potential of further ecological dissemination and disease outbreaks. In recent years, many reports have documented zoonotic transmission of several highly pathogenic viruses from animals to humans suggesting their adaptation in the mammalian host(s) for further efficient mammalian transmission. Surveillance of various controlled viral and bacterial diseases in animal populations is desirable to monitor the risk of disease outbreaks. In addition, surveillance of emerging bacterial and viral pathogens in water sources, such as water reservoirs, lakes, dams, recreational water, and municipal water, would benefit the communities by informing decision-makers to ensure the safety of water in many countries.

We welcome colleagues to submit their latest research to a Special Issue titled "Emerging pathogens in the context of One Health" which aims to provide the latest developments in pathogen surveillance in animals and the environment on any aspect related to One Health. The original research, reviews, and communications encompassing varied aspects of pathogen detection, surveillance, and evolution, including but not limited to the following, are welcome for submission:

  1. Emerging and re-emerging viruses in animals and birds, domestic and wild
  2. Emerging bacterial diseases in animals and birds
  3. Waterborne viruses and other pathogens, including bacteria and parasites
  4. Genomic evolution of pathogens and their impact on animal and human health

Sincerely,

Dr. Michelle L. Gordon
Dr. Ravendra P. Chauhan
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Microorganisms is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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7 pages, 516 KiB  
Communication
Serological Evidence of Crimean–Congo Haemorrhagic Fever in Livestock in the Omaheke Region of Namibia
by Alaster Samkange, Pricilla Mbiri, Ophelia Chuma Matomola, Georgina Zaire, Anna Homateni, Elifas Junias, Israel Kaatura, Siegfried Khaiseb, Simson Ekandjo, Johannes Shoopala, Magrecia Hausiku, Albertina Shilongo, Mushabati Linus Mujiwa, Klaas Dietze, Frank Busch, Christian Winter, Carolina Matos, Sabrina Weiss and Simbarashe Chitanga
Microorganisms 2024, 12(4), 838; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12040838 - 22 Apr 2024
Viewed by 613
Abstract
This research examined the positivity ratio of Crimean–Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) antibodies in cattle and sheep within Namibia’s Omaheke region after a human disease outbreak in the same geographical area. A total of 200 samples (100 cattle and 100 sheep) were randomly collected [...] Read more.
This research examined the positivity ratio of Crimean–Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) antibodies in cattle and sheep within Namibia’s Omaheke region after a human disease outbreak in the same geographical area. A total of 200 samples (100 cattle and 100 sheep) were randomly collected from animals brought to two regional auction sites, and then tested using the ID Screen® CCHF Double Antigen Multi-Species Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay kit. Of the cattle samples, 36% tested positive, while 22% of the sheep samples were seropositive. The cattle had a significantly higher positivity ratio than sheep at the individual animal level (p = 0.0291). At the herd level, 62.5% of cattle herds and 45.5% of sheep flocks had at least one positive animal, but this difference was statistically insignificant (p = 0.2475). The fourteen cattle farms with at least one seropositive animal were dispersed across the Omaheke region. In contrast, the ten sheep farms with seropositive cases were predominantly situated in the southern half of the region. The study concluded that the CCHF is endemic in the Omaheke region and likely in most of Namibia, underscoring the importance of continued surveillance and preventive measures to mitigate the impact of CCHFV on animal health and potential spillover into human populations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Pathogens in the Context of One Health)
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17 pages, 1730 KiB  
Article
Nanopore MinION Sequencing Generates a White Spot Syndrome Virus Genome from a Pooled Cloacal Swab Sample of Domestic Chickens in South Africa
by Ravendra P. Chauhan, Ronen Fogel and Janice Limson
Microorganisms 2023, 11(11), 2802; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11112802 - 18 Nov 2023
Viewed by 1121
Abstract
White spot syndrome virus is a highly contagious pathogen affecting shrimp farming worldwide. The host range of this virus is primarily limited to crustaceans, such as shrimps, crabs, prawns, crayfish, and lobsters; however, several species of non-crustaceans, including aquatic insects, piscivorous birds, and [...] Read more.
White spot syndrome virus is a highly contagious pathogen affecting shrimp farming worldwide. The host range of this virus is primarily limited to crustaceans, such as shrimps, crabs, prawns, crayfish, and lobsters; however, several species of non-crustaceans, including aquatic insects, piscivorous birds, and molluscs may serve as the vectors for ecological dissemination. The present study was aimed at studying the faecal virome of domestic chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) in Makhanda, Eastern Cape, South Africa. The cloacal swab specimens (n = 35) were collected from domestic chickens in December 2022. The cloacal swab specimens were pooled—each pool containing five cloacal swabs—for metagenomic analysis using a sequence-independent single-primer amplification protocol, followed by Nanopore MinION sequencing. While the metagenomic sequencing generated several contigs aligning with reference genomes of animal viruses, one striking observation was the presence of a White spot syndrome virus genome in one pool of cloacal swab specimens. The generated White spot syndrome virus genome was 273,795 bp in size with 88.5% genome coverage and shared 99.94% nucleotide sequence identity with a reference genome reported in China during 2018 (GenBank accession: NC_003225.3). The Neighbour-Joining tree grouped South African White spot syndrome virus genome with other White spot syndrome virus genomes reported from South East Asia. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a White spot syndrome virus genome generated from domestic chickens. The significance of White spot syndrome virus infection in domestic chickens is yet to be determined. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Pathogens in the Context of One Health)
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Review

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17 pages, 1493 KiB  
Review
What do We Know about Cryptic Aspergillosis?
by Nicholas Geremia, Federico Giovagnorio, Agnese Colpani, Andrea De Vito, Giorgia Caruana, Maria Chiara Meloni, Giordano Madeddu, Sandro Panese and Saverio Giuseppe Parisi
Microorganisms 2024, 12(5), 886; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12050886 - 28 Apr 2024
Viewed by 277
Abstract
Cryptic Aspergillus species are increasingly recognized as pathogens involved in human disease. They are ubiquitarian fungi with high tenacity in their environment and can express various resistance mechanisms, often due to exposure to antifungal agents employed in agriculture and farming. The identification of [...] Read more.
Cryptic Aspergillus species are increasingly recognized as pathogens involved in human disease. They are ubiquitarian fungi with high tenacity in their environment and can express various resistance mechanisms, often due to exposure to antifungal agents employed in agriculture and farming. The identification of such species is increasing thanks to molecular techniques, and a better description of this type of pathogen is granted. Nevertheless, the number of species and their importance in the clinical setting still need to be well studied. Furthermore, their cross-sectional involvement in animal disease, plants, and human activities requires a multidisciplinary approach involving experts from various fields. This comprehensive review aims to provide a sharp vision of the cryptic Aspergillus species, from the importance of correct identification to the better management of the infections caused by these pathogens. The review also accentuates the importance of the One Health approach for this kind of microorganism, given the interconnection between environmental exposure and aspergillosis, embracing transversely the multidisciplinary process for managing the cryptic Aspergillus species. The paper advocates the need for improving knowledge in this little-known species, given the burden of economic and health implications related to the diffusion of these bugs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Pathogens in the Context of One Health)
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12 pages, 6690 KiB  
Review
Vancomycin-Resistant Streptococcus thoraltensis: A Case Report of Bacterial Endocarditis and Review of Literature on Infections Caused by This Pathogen
by Roxana Mihaela Chiorescu, Sandor Botond Buksa, Alexandru Botan, Mihaela Mocan, Carmen Costache and Dan Alexandru Toc
Microorganisms 2024, 12(3), 566; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12030566 - 12 Mar 2024
Viewed by 858
Abstract
Streptococcus thoraltensis is a rare species, part of the viridans streptococcus group, found initially in rabbits and pigs, which can be vancomycin-resistant. We present the case of a 65-year-old patient, a smoker and chronic alcohol consumer with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and [...] Read more.
Streptococcus thoraltensis is a rare species, part of the viridans streptococcus group, found initially in rabbits and pigs, which can be vancomycin-resistant. We present the case of a 65-year-old patient, a smoker and chronic alcohol consumer with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and multiple dental foci who had been diagnosed with bacterial endocarditis caused by Streptococcus thoraltensis. The particular elements of the case consisted of an atypical clinical presentation with diarrheal stools, abdominal pain, concomitant damage to the aortic and tricuspid valves, the presence of large vegetations (>2 cm), and a vancomycin-resistant strain of Streptococcus thoraltensis. The evolution of the patient was unfavorable due to septic embolisms, respiratory failure requiring orotracheal intubation, and septic and cardiogenic shock. Infections with Streptococcus thoraltensis are challenging to treat because of the severity of the clinical form it causes and the pattern of antibiotic resistance in this germ. Based on our brief review, Streptococcus thoraltensis is an extremely rare human pathogen previously described as the etiologic agent of infectious endocarditis in only one case. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Pathogens in the Context of One Health)
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22 pages, 977 KiB  
Review
Potential Fungal Zoonotic Pathogens in Cetaceans: An Emerging Concern
by Victor Garcia-Bustos, Begoña Acosta-Hernández, Marta Dafne Cabañero-Navalón, Alba Cecilia Ruiz-Gaitán, Javier Pemán and Inmaculada Rosario Medina
Microorganisms 2024, 12(3), 554; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12030554 - 11 Mar 2024
Viewed by 933
Abstract
Over 60% of emerging infectious diseases in humans are zoonotic, often originating from wild animals. This long-standing ecological phenomenon has accelerated due to human-induced environmental changes. Recent data show a significant increase in fungal infections, with 6.5 million cases annually leading to 3.7 [...] Read more.
Over 60% of emerging infectious diseases in humans are zoonotic, often originating from wild animals. This long-standing ecological phenomenon has accelerated due to human-induced environmental changes. Recent data show a significant increase in fungal infections, with 6.5 million cases annually leading to 3.7 million deaths, indicating their growing impact on global health. Despite the vast diversity of fungal species, only a few are known to infect humans and marine mammals. Fungal zoonoses, especially those involving marine mammals like cetaceans, are of global public health concern. Increased human–cetacean interactions, in both professional and recreational settings, pose risks for zoonotic disease transmission. This review focuses on the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and zoonotic potential of major fungal pathogens shared in humans and cetaceans, highlighting their interspecies transmission capability and the challenges posed by antifungal resistance and environmental changes. It underscores the need for enhanced awareness and preventative measures in high-risk settings to protect public health and marine ecosystems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Pathogens in the Context of One Health)
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Other

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12 pages, 2179 KiB  
Brief Report
Molecular Detection and Characterization of Rickettsia Species in Ixodid Ticks from Selected Regions of Namibia
by Pricilla Mbiri, Ophelia Chuma Matomola, Walter Muleya, Lusia Mhuulu, Azaria Diegaardt, Bruce Howard Noden, Katendi Changula, Percy Chimwamurombe, Carolina Matos, Sabrina Weiss, Emmanuel Nepolo and Simbarashe Chitanga
Microorganisms 2024, 12(5), 912; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12050912 - 30 Apr 2024
Viewed by 141
Abstract
Rickettsial pathogens are among the emerging and re-emerging vector-borne zoonoses of public health importance. Reports indicate human exposure to Rickettsial pathogens in Namibia through serological surveys, but there is a lack of data on infection rates in tick vectors, hindering the assessment of [...] Read more.
Rickettsial pathogens are among the emerging and re-emerging vector-borne zoonoses of public health importance. Reports indicate human exposure to Rickettsial pathogens in Namibia through serological surveys, but there is a lack of data on infection rates in tick vectors, hindering the assessment of the relative risk to humans. Our study sought to screen Ixodid ticks collected from livestock for the presence of Rickettsia species in order to determine infection rates in ticks and to determine the Rickettsia species circulating in the country. We collected and pooled Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus ticks from two adjacent regions of Namibia (Khomas and Otjozondjupa) and observed an overall minimum Rickettsia infection rate of 8.6% (26/304), with an estimated overall pooled prevalence of 9.94% (95% CI: 6.5–14.3). There were no statistically significant differences in the estimated pooled prevalence between the two regions or tick genera. Based on the nucleotide sequence similarity and phylogenetic analysis of the outer membrane protein A (n = 9) and citrate synthase (n = 12) genes, BLAST analysis revealed similarity between Rickettsia africae (n = 2) and Rickettsia aeschlimannii (n = 11), with sequence identities ranging from 98.46 to 100%. Our initial study in Namibia indicates that both zoonotic R. africae and R. aeschlimannii are in circulation in the country, with R. aeschlimannii being the predominant species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Pathogens in the Context of One Health)
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