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Life
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Emerging and Re-emerging Zoonotic Infectious Diseases
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Emerging and Re-emerging Zoonotic Infectious Diseases

A special issue of Life (ISSN 2075-1729). This special issue belongs to the section "Microbiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (1 December 2023) | Viewed by 9436

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Alemka Markotic

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Guest Editor
1. University Hospital for Infectious Diseases “Dr. Fran Mihaljević”, Mirogojska 8, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
2. School of Medicine, Catholic University of Croatia, Ilica 242, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia. Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Ul. Braće Brancehtta 20/1, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
Interests: emerging infectious diseases; zoonoses; hantaviruses; COVID-19; immunopathogenesis; molecular epidemiology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Lidija Cvetko Krajinović

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Guest Editor
University Hospital for Infectious Diseases “Dr. Fran Mihaljević”, Mirogojska 8, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Interests: emerging infectious diseases; zoonoses; hantaviruses; COVID-19; immunopathogenesis; molecular epidemiology
Dr. Ivan Christian Kurolt

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
University Hospital for Infectious Diseases “Dr. Fran Mihaljević”, Mirogojska 8, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Interests: emerging infectious diseases; zoonoses; hantaviruses; COVID-19; immunopathogenesis; molecular epidemiology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Zoonoses are infectious diseases that are transmitted in nature between animals and humans, and can be caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi, or prions. The ongoing pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 showed us the incredible epidemic/pandemic potential of zoonotic diseases which open important issues on preparedness but also biosafety and biosecurity. Moreover, most of the zoonotic diseases are emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. Due to their rising importance for global health, the continuous gaining of knowledge on their transmission, immunopathogenesis, epidemiology, especially molecular epidemiology, clinical manifestations, potential chronic sequels, vaccines and therapeutics development is necessary.

This Special Issue is to disseminate new challenging research on different aspects of zoonotic infectious diseases. Of particular interest are studies that cover unreported, new aspects of zoonotic disease ecology, pathogenesis and immune response, phylogeny, replication and morphogenesis, epidemiology, vaccines, therapeutics, clinical aspects, and diagnosis, but also biosafety and biosecurity aspects and preparedness.

Prof. Dr. Alemka Markotic
Dr. Lidija Cvetko Krajinović
Dr. Ivan Christian Kurolt
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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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. Life 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 2600 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.

Keywords

  • zoonoses
  • emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases
  • immunopathogenesis
  • molecular epidemiology
  • clinical manifestation of infectious diseases
  • chronic sequelae of infectious diseases
  • epidemic/pandemic potential of zoonotic infectious diseases
  • vaccines and therapeutics
  • preparedness
  • biosafety
  • biosecurity

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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10 pages, 222 KiB  
Article
A Comprehensive Analysis of Renal and Endothelium Dysfunction Markers Fourteen Years after Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome Contraction
by Dragan Ledina, Ivo Ivić, Ante Tadin, Kristian Bodulić, James W. LeDuc and Alemka Markotić
Life 2024, 14(5), 575; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14050575 - 30 Apr 2024
Viewed by 1060
Abstract
While the pathology of acute hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) has been widely researched, details on the chronic HFRS sequelae remain mainly unexplored. In this study, we analyzed the clinical and laboratory characteristics of 30 convalescent HFRS patients 14 years after the [...] Read more.
While the pathology of acute hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) has been widely researched, details on the chronic HFRS sequelae remain mainly unexplored. In this study, we analyzed the clinical and laboratory characteristics of 30 convalescent HFRS patients 14 years after the disease contraction, mainly emphasizing several endothelial dysfunction parameters. Convalescent HFRS patients exhibited significantly higher serum levels of erythrocyte sedimentation rate, von Willebrand factor, uric acid, C-reactive protein and immunoglobulin A when compared to healthy individuals. Furthermore, 24 h urine analyses revealed significantly lower sodium and potassium urine levels, as well as significantly higher proteinuria, microalbumin levels and β2-microglobulin levels when compared to healthy individuals. First morning urine analysis revealed significantly higher levels of hematuria in convalescent HFRS patients. None of the additional analyzed endothelium dysfunction markers were significantly different in post-HFRS patients and healthy individuals, including serum and urine P-selectin, E-selectin, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1, vascular intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (sVCAM-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). However, binary logistic regression revealed a weak association of serum sVCAM-1 and urine VEGF levels with HFRS contraction. Generally, our findings suggest mild chronic inflammation and renal dysfunction levels in convalescent HFRS patients 14 years after the disease contraction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging and Re-emerging Zoonotic Infectious Diseases)
11 pages, 1260 KiB  
Article
Serum Concentrations of TIM-3, LAG-3, and PD-1 in Patients with Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome
by Željka Mačak Šafranko, Lana Jakopec, Karla Svaguša, Lidija Cvetko Krajinović, Domagoj Tomasović, Ljiljana Lukić and Alemka Markotić
Life 2024, 14(5), 551; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14050551 - 25 Apr 2024
Viewed by 1301
Abstract
Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) is a rodent-borne disease widespread in Europe and Asia. HFRS is caused by negative-sensed single-stranded RNA orthohantaviruses transmitted to humans through inhaling aerosolized excreta of infected rodents. Symptoms of HFRS include acute kidney injury, thrombocytopenia, hemorrhages, and [...] Read more.
Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) is a rodent-borne disease widespread in Europe and Asia. HFRS is caused by negative-sensed single-stranded RNA orthohantaviruses transmitted to humans through inhaling aerosolized excreta of infected rodents. Symptoms of HFRS include acute kidney injury, thrombocytopenia, hemorrhages, and hypotension. The immune response raised against viral antigens plays an important role in the pathogenesis of HFRS. Inhibitory co-receptors are essential in regulating immune responses, mitigating immunopathogenesis, and reducing tissue damage. Our research showed an increased soluble form of inhibitory co-receptors TIM-3, LAG-3, and PD-1 in HFRS patients associated with disease severity. Our study aimed to investigate the impact of HFRS on the concentrations of soluble forms of inhibitory receptors TIM-3, LAG-3, and PD-1 in the patient’s serum and the potential correlation with key clinical parameters. Our study aimed to investigate the impact of HFRS on the concentrations of soluble forms of inhibitory receptors TIM-3, LAG-3, and PD-1 in the patient’s serum and their possible association with relevant clinical parameters. Using multiplex immunoassay, we found elevated levels of TIM-3, LAG-3, and PD-1 proteins in the serum of HFRS patients. Furthermore, increased levels were associated with creatinine, urea, lactate dehydrogenase concentrations, and platelet count. These findings suggest that these proteins play a role in regulating the immune response and disease progression. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging and Re-emerging Zoonotic Infectious Diseases)
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9 pages, 3417 KiB  
Communication
Large Anthrax Outbreak in a New Locality in Croatia, 2022
by Ljiljana Žmak, Selma Bošnjak, Iva Pem Novosel, Tajana Juzbašić, Tatjana Vilibić-Čavlek, Irena Tabain, Tihana Miškić, Ivana Lohman Janković, Inoslav Brkić and Ana Gverić Grginić
Life 2024, 14(3), 349; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14030349 - 7 Mar 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1527
Abstract
Bacillus anthracis is a well-known zoonotic pathogen that can cause disease in both animals and humans. Moreover, it has a high bioterrorism potential as its lethal spores are resistant to inactivation, are easy to produce in large quantities, and are easily spread over [...] Read more.
Bacillus anthracis is a well-known zoonotic pathogen that can cause disease in both animals and humans. Moreover, it has a high bioterrorism potential as its lethal spores are resistant to inactivation, are easy to produce in large quantities, and are easily spread over large areas. Anthrax cases occur in different parts of the world, including most European countries. Specific areas of Croatia are long known as anthrax districts, but with sporadically reported cases over the years. Here, we present a major outbreak of animal and human anthrax in the region of Lonjsko Polje in Croatia, a region not known to have anthrax cases in the past. The outbreak started in July 2022 and lasted several months, but most human and animal cases were reported in the first month. During the outbreak, there were 17 reported human cases of cutaneous anthrax and 29 laboratory-confirmed animal cases. However, due to issues in reporting in animals and the late finding of the carcasses, which made laboratory diagnostics challenging, the actual number of animal cases was probably significantly higher. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging and Re-emerging Zoonotic Infectious Diseases)
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13 pages, 805 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Prevalence of Antimicrobial Resistance in Salmonella and commensal Escherichia coli from Non-Traditional Companion Animals: A Pilot Study
by Ana Marco-Fuertes, Santiago Vega, José Villora-Gonzalez, Clara Marin and Laura Montoro-Dasi
Life 2024, 14(2), 170; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14020170 - 24 Jan 2024
Viewed by 1593
Abstract
Companion animal ownership has evolved to new exotic animals, including small mammals, posing a new public health challenge, especially due to the ability of some of these new species to harbour zoonotic bacteria, such as Salmonella, and spread their antimicrobial resistances (AMR) [...] Read more.
Companion animal ownership has evolved to new exotic animals, including small mammals, posing a new public health challenge, especially due to the ability of some of these new species to harbour zoonotic bacteria, such as Salmonella, and spread their antimicrobial resistances (AMR) to other bacteria through the environment they share. Therefore, the objective of the present pilot study was to evaluate the current epidemiological AMR situation in commensal Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp., in non-traditional companion animal small mammals in the Valencia region. For this purpose, 72 rectal swabs of nine different species of small mammals were taken to assess the antimicrobial susceptibility against 28 antibiotics. A total of one Salmonella enterica serovar Telelkebir 13,23:d:e,n,z15 and twenty commensal E. coli strains were isolated. For E. coli strains, a high prevalence of AMR (85%) and MDR (82.6%) was observed, although neither of them had access outside the household. The highest AMR were observed in quinolones, one of the highest priority critically important antimicrobials (HPCIAs) in human medicine. However, no AMR were found for Salmonella. In conclusion, the results showed that small mammals’ commensal E. coli poses a public health risk due to the high AMR found, and the ability of this bacterium to transmit its resistance genes to other bacteria. For this reason, this pilot study highlighted the need to establish programmes to control AMR trends in the growing population of new companion animals, as they could disseminate AMR to humans and animals through their shared environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging and Re-emerging Zoonotic Infectious Diseases)
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Review

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24 pages, 1521 KiB  
Review
Vector-Borne Zoonotic Lymphadenitis—The Causative Agents, Epidemiology, Diagnostic Approach, and Therapeutic Possibilities—An Overview
by Martina Oršolić, Nikolina Sarač and Mirjana Balen Topić
Life 2024, 14(9), 1183; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14091183 - 19 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1127
Abstract
In addition to common skin pathogens, acute focal lymphadenitis in humans can, in rare cases, be caused by a zoonotic pathogen. Furthermore, it can develop in the absence of any direct or indirect contact with infected animals, in cases when the microorganism is [...] Read more.
In addition to common skin pathogens, acute focal lymphadenitis in humans can, in rare cases, be caused by a zoonotic pathogen. Furthermore, it can develop in the absence of any direct or indirect contact with infected animals, in cases when the microorganism is transmitted by a vector. These clinical entities are rare, and therefore often not easily recognized, yet many zoonotic illnesses are currently considered emerging or re-emerging in many regions. Focal zoonotic vector-borne lymphadenitis and its numerous causative agents, with their variegated clinical manifestations, have been described in some case reports and small case series. Therefore, we summarized those data in this narrative overview, with the aim of raising clinical awareness, which could improve clinical outcomes. This overview briefly covers reported pathogens, their vectors and geographic distribution, and their main clinical manifestations, diagnostic possibilities, and recommended therapy. Vector-borne tularemia, plague, bartonellosis, rickettsioses, borreliosis, and Malayan filariasis are mentioned. According to the existing data, when acute focal bacterial vector-borne zoonotic lymphadenitis is suspected, in severe or complicated cases it seems prudent to apply combined aminoglycoside (or quinolone) plus doxycycline as an empirical therapy, pending definite diagnostic results. In this field, the “one health approach” and further epidemiological and clinical studies are needed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging and Re-emerging Zoonotic Infectious Diseases)
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Other

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7 pages, 830 KiB  
Brief Report
Emergence of Echinococcus multilocularis in Central Continental Croatia: A Human Case Series and Update on Prevalence in Foxes
by Mirjana Balen Topić, Neven Papić, Klaudija Višković, Mario Sviben, Tajana Filipec Kanižaj, Stipislav Jadrijević, Daria Jurković and Relja Beck
Life 2023, 13(6), 1402; https://doi.org/10.3390/life13061402 - 16 Jun 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1665
Abstract
Human alveolar echinococcosis (HAE), caused by the metacestode stage of Echinococcus multilocularis, has emerged in many European countries over the last two decades. Here, we report the first data on the new HAE focus with increasing incidence in central Croatia, describe its [...] Read more.
Human alveolar echinococcosis (HAE), caused by the metacestode stage of Echinococcus multilocularis, has emerged in many European countries over the last two decades. Here, we report the first data on the new HAE focus with increasing incidence in central Croatia, describe its clinical presentation and outcomes in diagnosed patients, and provide an update on the prevalence and geographic distribution of Echinococcus multilocuaris in red foxes. After the initial case in 2017 from the eastern state border, from 2019 to 2022, five new autochthonous HAE cases were diagnosed, all concentrated in the Bjelovar-Bilogora County (the county incidence in 2019 and 2021: 0.98/105, in 2022: 2.94/105/year; prevalence for 2019–2022: 4.91/105). The age range among four female and two male patients was 37–67 years. The patients’ liver lesions varied in size from 3.1 to 15.5 cm (classification range: P2N0M0–P4N1M0), and one patient had dissemination to the lungs. While there were no fatalities, postoperative complications in one patient resulted in liver transplantation. In 2018, the overall prevalence of red foxes was 11.24% (28/249). A new focus on HAE has emerged in central continental Croatia, with the highest regional incidence in Europe. Screening projects among residents and the implementation of veterinary preventive measures following the One Health approach are warranted. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging and Re-emerging Zoonotic Infectious Diseases)
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