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Detection and Epidemiology of Vector-, Food- and Water-Borne Pathogens with...
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Detection and Epidemiology of Vector-, Food- and Water-Borne Pathogens with a Focus on One Health Approaches

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 May 2024) | Viewed by 9129

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Katrin Gaardbo Kuhn

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Hudson College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 801 NE 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
Interests: infectious diseases; outbreaks; One Health; climate and environmental changes; wastewater monitoring
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues

Vector-, food- and water-borne diseases are responsible for some of the most pronounced morbidity burdens in humans across the world. During the past few decades, there have been extensive developments in new methods for detecting these pathogens, which have improved our understanding of their transmission and epidemiology. At the same time, new pathogens have been emerging and often as a result of changes in the environment or local animal populations. In order to be better prepared for the public health impact of existing and new diseases, it is important to utilize detection and monitoring methods that account for a variety of aspects related to animal and human populations as well as the environment. 

The aim of this Special Issue is to present recent research on the detection and epidemiology of vector, food- and water-borne diseases, with a particular emphasis on One Health approaches, i.e., considering different factors that impact how a specific pathogen is detected, transmitted or distributed. We encourage the submission of research articles and review articles related to this topic. 

Dr. Katrin Gaardbo Kuhn
Guest Editor

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.

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Keywords

  • vector-borne pathogens
  • food-borne pathogens
  • water-borne pathogens
  • detection
  • monitoring
  • transmission
  • epidemiology
  • One Health
  • emerging

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 455 KiB  
Article
Anti-Leptospira Seroprevalence and Associated Risk Factors among Forestry Workers in Lower Saxony, North-West Germany
by Christiane M. Klier, Christina Princk, Martin H. Richter, Enno Luge, Anne Mayer-Scholl, Maren Mylius, Kristin Maria Meyer-Schlinkmann, Sophie Rettenbacher-Riefler, Masyar Monazahian, Armin Baillot, Rainer G. Ulrich and Johannes Dreesman
Microorganisms 2024, 12(7), 1262; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12071262 - 21 Jun 2024
Viewed by 664
Abstract
As leptospirosis is re-emerging, a seroprevalence study was conducted, assessing the prevalence of anti-Leptospira IgG antibodies and infection-associated risk factors among forestry workers (FWs) in Lower Saxony, Germany, to develop targeted public health measures. Sera of 877 FWs, sampled in 2016, were tested [...] Read more.
As leptospirosis is re-emerging, a seroprevalence study was conducted, assessing the prevalence of anti-Leptospira IgG antibodies and infection-associated risk factors among forestry workers (FWs) in Lower Saxony, Germany, to develop targeted public health measures. Sera of 877 FWs, sampled in 2016, were tested for anti-Leptospira seropositivity by commercial IgG-ELISA. Data on demographics and Leptospira-specific exposures, knowledge, sources of information, and preventive measures were collected by standardized, self-administered questionnaire. A subset of 244 sera was retested via in-house IgG-ELISA. Risk factors were assessed from the subset using multivariable logistic regression analysis. The commercial IgG-ELISA revealed a seroprevalence of 4.8% (95% confidence interval CI95 = 3.5–6.4). Of the 601 FWs who completed the questionnaire, 67.9% had been informed about leptospirosis and Leptospira spp., mainly by employers (55.2%) and peers (38.9%). Positive associations with seropositivity were observed for canoeing (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.35, p = 0.044), touching rodents (aOR = 2.4, p = 0.021), and living close to beech trees (aOR = 2.18, p = 0.075). Frequently cleaning animal stables was negatively associated (aOR = 0.20, p = 0.002). The unexpected positive association with wearing gloves when handling plants and soil (aOR = 2.16, p = 0.011) needs further discussion. Overall, seroprevalence was in the range of other studies in Germany. The identified factors will be used to develop targeted information reaching out to at-risk groups tapping various communication channels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Detection and Epidemiology of Vector-, Food- and Water-Borne Pathogens with a Focus on One Health Approaches)
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18 pages, 5043 KiB  
Article
Campylobacteriosis in Finland: Passive Surveillance in 2004–2021 and a Pilot Case-Control Study with Whole-Genome Sequencing in Summer 2022
by Kristiina Suominen, Tessa Häkkänen, Jukka Ranta, Jukka Ollgren, Rauni Kivistö, Päivikki Perko-Mäkelä, Saara Salmenlinna and Ruska Rimhanen-Finne
Microorganisms 2024, 12(1), 132; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12010132 - 9 Jan 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1846
Abstract
Campylobacteriosis causes a significant disease burden in humans worldwide and is the most common type of zoonotic gastroenteritis in Finland. To identify infection sources for domestic Campylobacter infections, we analyzed Campylobacter case data from the Finnish Infectious Disease Register (FIDR) in 2004–2021 and [...] Read more.
Campylobacteriosis causes a significant disease burden in humans worldwide and is the most common type of zoonotic gastroenteritis in Finland. To identify infection sources for domestic Campylobacter infections, we analyzed Campylobacter case data from the Finnish Infectious Disease Register (FIDR) in 2004–2021 and outbreak data from the National Food- and Waterborne Outbreak Register (FWO Register) in 2010–2021, and conducted a pilot case-control study (256 cases and 756 controls) with source attribution and patient sample analysis using whole-genome sequencing (WGS) in July–August 2022. In the FIDR, 41% of the cases lacked information on travel history. Based on the case-control study, we estimated that of all cases, 39% were of domestic origin. Using WGS, 22 clusters of two or more cases were observed among 185 domestic cases, none of which were reported to the FWO register. Based on this case-control study and source attribution, poultry is an important source of campylobacteriosis in Finland. More extensive sampling and comparison of patient, food, animal, and environmental isolates is needed to estimate the significance of other sources. In Finland, campylobacteriosis is more often of domestic origin than FIDR notifications indicate. To identify the domestic cases, travel information should be included in the FIDR notification, and to improve outbreak detection, all domestic patient isolates should be sequenced. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Detection and Epidemiology of Vector-, Food- and Water-Borne Pathogens with a Focus on One Health Approaches)
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Review

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23 pages, 19032 KiB  
Review
Clostridial Myonecrosis: A Comprehensive Review of Toxin Pathophysiology and Management Strategies
by Hussain Hussain, Aya Fadel, Efrain Garcia, Robert J. Hernandez, Zahraa F. Saadoon, Lamia Naseer, Ekaterina Casmartino, Mohammad Hamad, Taylor Schnepp, Rehan Sarfraz, Sohair Angly and Arumugam R. Jayakumar
Microorganisms 2024, 12(7), 1464; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12071464 - 18 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1662
Abstract
Clostridial myonecrosis, commonly known as gas gangrene (GG), is a rapidly progressing and potentially fatal bacterial infection that primarily affects muscle and soft tissue. In the United States, the incidence of GG is roughly 1000 cases per year, while, in developing countries, the [...] Read more.
Clostridial myonecrosis, commonly known as gas gangrene (GG), is a rapidly progressing and potentially fatal bacterial infection that primarily affects muscle and soft tissue. In the United States, the incidence of GG is roughly 1000 cases per year, while, in developing countries, the incidence is higher. This condition is most often caused by Clostridium perfringens, a Gram-positive, spore-forming anaerobic bacterium widely distributed in the environment, although other Clostridium species have also been reported to cause GG. The CP genome contains over 200 transport-related genes, including ABC transporters, which facilitate the uptake of sugars, amino acids, nucleotides, and ions from the host environment. There are two main subtypes of GG: traumatic GG, resulting from injuries that introduce Clostridium spores into deep tissue, where anaerobic conditions allow for bacterial growth and toxin production, and spontaneous GG, which is rarer and often occurs in immunocompromised patients. Clostridium species produce various toxins (e.g., alpha, theta, beta) that induce specific downstream signaling changes in cellular pathways, causing apoptosis or severe, fatal immunological conditions. For example, the Clostridium perfringens alpha toxin (CPA) targets the host cell’s plasma membrane, hydrolyzing sphingomyelin and phosphatidylcholine, which triggers necrosis and apoptosis. The clinical manifestations of clostridial myonecrosis vary. Some patients experience the sudden onset of severe pain, swelling, and muscle tenderness, with the infection progressing rapidly to widespread tissue necrosis, systemic toxicity, and, if untreated, death. Other patients present with discharge, pain, and features of cellulitis. The diagnosis of GG primarily involves clinical evaluation, imaging studies such as X-rays, computer tomography (CT) scans, and culture. The treatment of GG involves surgical exploration, broad-spectrum antibiotics, antitoxin, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which is considered an adjunctive treatment to inhibit anaerobic bacterial growth and enhance the antibiotic efficacy. Early recognition and prompt, comprehensive treatment are critical to improving the outcomes for patients affected by this severe and life-threatening condition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Detection and Epidemiology of Vector-, Food- and Water-Borne Pathogens with a Focus on One Health Approaches)
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22 pages, 1640 KiB  
Review
Assessing the Influence of Climate Change and Environmental Factors on the Top Tick-Borne Diseases in the United States: A Systematic Review
by Gargi Deshpande, Jessica E. Beetch, John G. Heller, Ozair H. Naqvi and Katrin Gaardbo Kuhn
Microorganisms 2024, 12(1), 50; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12010050 - 27 Dec 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2710
Abstract
In the United States (US), tick-borne diseases (TBDs) have more than doubled in the past fifteen years and are a major contributor to the overall burden of vector-borne diseases. The most common TBDs in the US—Lyme disease, rickettsioses (including Rocky Mountain spotted fever), [...] Read more.
In the United States (US), tick-borne diseases (TBDs) have more than doubled in the past fifteen years and are a major contributor to the overall burden of vector-borne diseases. The most common TBDs in the US—Lyme disease, rickettsioses (including Rocky Mountain spotted fever), and anaplasmosis—have gradually shifted in recent years, resulting in increased morbidity and mortality. In this systematic review, we examined climate change and other environmental factors that have influenced the epidemiology of these TBDs in the US while highlighting the opportunities for a One Health approach to mitigating their impact. We searched Medline Plus, PUBMED, and Google Scholar for studies focused on these three TBDs in the US from January 2018 to August 2023. Data selection and extraction were completed using Covidence, and the risk of bias was assessed with the ROBINS-I tool. The review included 84 papers covering multiple states across the US. We found that climate, seasonality and temporality, and land use are important environmental factors that impact the epidemiology and patterns of TBDs. The emerging trends, influenced by environmental factors, emphasize the need for region-specific research to aid in the prediction and prevention of TBDs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Detection and Epidemiology of Vector-, Food- and Water-Borne Pathogens with a Focus on One Health Approaches)
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Other

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8 pages, 1323 KiB  
Case Report
A Large-Scale Outbreak of Trichinellosis from Infected Wild Boar Meat in Croatia and the Role of Real-Time PCR Assays in Confirming the Source of the Disease
by Davor Balić, Tomislav Dijanić, Marija Agičić, Josip Barić, Maria Kaltenbrunner, Hrvoje Krajina, Rupert Hochegger, Mario Škrivanko and Karlo Kožul
Microorganisms 2023, 11(12), 2995; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11122995 - 16 Dec 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1332
Abstract
Background: Trichinellosis in Croatia posed a significant health concern during the 1990s, followed by a notable improvement in the epidemiological situation. However, in 2017, there was a resurgence, with 37 recorded cases in 3 outbreaks and 3 sporadic cases. The source of this [...] Read more.
Background: Trichinellosis in Croatia posed a significant health concern during the 1990s, followed by a notable improvement in the epidemiological situation. However, in 2017, there was a resurgence, with 37 recorded cases in 3 outbreaks and 3 sporadic cases. The source of this epidemic was homemade meat products derived from wild boar meat, leading to 26 infections. Methods: At the beginning of the outbreak and during the treatment of the patients, the medical and epidemiological records prepared throughout the investigation and over the course of patient treatment were reviewed. The recovery of the first-stage (L1) larvae from suspect meat products was achieved by artificial digestion. The molecular identification of the isolated larvae was performed by multiplex PCR. The molecular identification of the meat used to prepare the meat products was performed by real-time PCR assays. Results: The epidemic started in early 2017. In total, 71 exposed persons were documented: 26 with clinical symptoms and 3 hospitalised in two cities in different counties. The L1 burden in three different meat products was from 5.25 to 7.08 larvae per gram (LPG), and T. spiralis was determined as the aetiological agent of the outbreak. The molecular and biological identification confirmed that implicated meat products were made solely from wild boar meat. Conclusions: Although trichinellosis is no longer a frequent occurrence in Croatia, several cases are still registered nearly every year. Wild boar meat poses an important risk factor for human health if compulsory testing is not conducted before consumption, especially if the meat products are consumed without proper thermal processing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Detection and Epidemiology of Vector-, Food- and Water-Borne Pathogens with a Focus on One Health Approaches)
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