TITLE YEAR
Assessment of Community
Awareness on Common
Zoonotic Disease in and around
Yabello District of Oromia
regional State, Ethiopia.
Systematic Review of
Important Bacterial Zoonoses
in Africa in the Last Decade in
Light of the ‘One Health’
Concept
AUTHORS ABSTRACT
2018 Wario E, Tehetna A A questioner survey was conducted to assess
and Wubishet community awareness on common zoonotic
Zewdie disease in Yabello district, Southern Ethiopia. A
total of 400 (230 males and 170 females)
respondents were included. They interviewed
using structured questionnaires. Majority of
respondents (98.20%) heard about zoonosis
and there sources of information was
awareness created through extension (22.50%),
followed by family and friends (13.50%) and
mass media (12.50%). Regarding mode of
transmission many of respondents (98.2%)
knew rabies as a zoonotic disease contracted
via the bite and contact with saliva of a rabid
dog. Out of (64.5%) respondents that know
about anthrax (61%) knew the disease can be
transmitted through ingestion whereas (0.7%)
through contact with infected animal carcass
and (2.8%) through contact and ingestion.
Likewise, Taeniasis was known by (59.2%) of
respondents as transmitted through ingestion,
whereas only 36.2% of them knew tuberculosis
can be transmitted from cattle to humans.
However, Brucellosis and Toxoplasmosis were
only recognized by (24.2%) and (12.2%) of
respondents as transmitted through contact
and ingestion, respectively. Majority of the
respondents 96.5% and 66.2% knows
consumption of raw meat and milk respectively
can be a source of infection for zoonotic
diseases; on the other hand (99%) and (89.8%)
of the respondents consume raw meat and
milk. Regarding, contact with infected material
119 (29.8%) of the respondents handle
contaminated materials with their bare hand.
However, 100% of the respondents believe that
zoonotic disease have a negative impact on the
community but not recognize the way of
acquiring disease from animal to human.
2019 Jonathan Asante, Zoonoses present a major public health threat
Ayman Noreddin and and are estimated to account for a substantial
Mohamed E. El part of the infectious disease burden in low-
Zowalaty income countries. The severity of zoonotic
diseases is compounded by factors such as
poverty, living in close contact with livestock
and wildlife, immunosuppression as well as
coinfection with other diseases. The
interconnections between humans, animals and
the environment are essential to understand
the spread and subsequent containment of
zoonoses. We searched three scientific
databases for articles relevant to the
epidemiology of bacterial zoonoses/zoonotic
bacterial pathogens, including disease
prevalence and control measures in humans
and multiple animal species, in various African
countries within the period from 2008 to 2018.
The review identified 1966 articles, of which 58
studies in 29 countries met the quality criteria
for data extraction. The prevalence of
brucellosis, leptospirosis, Q fever ranged from
0–40%, 1.1–24% and 0.9–28.2%, respectively,
depending on geographical location and even
higher in suspected outbreak cases. Risk factors
for human zoonotic infection included exposure
to livestock and animal slaughters. Dietary
factors linked with seropositivity were found to
include consumption of raw milk and locally
fermented milk products. It was found that
zoonoses such as leptospirosis, brucellosis, Q
fever and rickettsiosis among others are
frequently under/misdiagnosed in febrile
patients seeking treatment at healthcare
centres, leading to overdiagnoses of more
familiar febrile conditions such as malaria and
typhoid fever. The interactions at the human–
animal interface contribute substantially to
zoonotic infections. Seroprevalence of the
various zoonoses varies by geographic location
and species. There is a need to build laboratory
capacity and effective surveillance processes for
timely and effective detection and control of
zoonoses in Africa. A multifaceted ‘One Health’
approach to tackle zoonoses is critical in the
fight against zoonotic diseases. The impacts of
zoonoses include: (1) Humans are always in
contact with animals including livestock and
zoonoses are causing serious life-threatening
infections in humans. Almost 75% of the recent
major global disease outbreaks have a zoonotic
origin. (2) Zoonoses are a global health
challenge represented either by well-known or
newly emerging zoonotic diseases. (3) Zoonoses
are caused by all-known cellular (bacteria, fungi
and parasites) and noncellular (viruses or
prions) pathogens. (4) There are limited data on
zoonotic diseases from Africa. The fact that
human health and animal health are
inextricably linked, global coordinated and well-
established interdisciplinary research efforts
are essential to successfully fight and reduce

Building the road to a regional
zoonoses strategy: A survey of
zoonoses programmes in the
Americas
the health burden due to zoonoses. This
critically requires integrated data from both
humans and animals on zoonotic diseases.
2017 Melody J. Maxwell, Background In recent years, global public
Mary H. Freire de health security has been threatened by
Carvalho, Armando zoonotic disease emergence as exemplified by
E. Hoet, Marco A. N. outbreaks of H5N1 and H1N1 influenza, SARS,
Vigilato, Julio C. and most recently Ebola and Zika. Additionally,
Pompei, Ottorino endemic zoonoses, such as rabies, burden
Cosivi, Victor J. del countries year after year, placing demands on
Rio Vilas limited finances and personnel. To survey the
baseline status of the emerging and endemic
zoonoses programmes of the Latin American
and the Caribbean (LAC) countries, the Pan
American Health Organization (PAHO)
conducted a survey of priority emerging and
endemic zoonoses, countries´ prioritization
criteria and methodologies, and suggestions to
strengthen countries capacities and regional
approaches to zoonoses control. Methods A
fillable online questionnaire was sent to the
zoonoses programme managers of the
Ministries of Health (MOH) and Ministries of
Agriculture (MAg) of 33 LAC countries from
January to April of 2015. The questionnaire
comprised 36 single, multiple choice and open-
ended questions to inform the objectives of the
survey. A descriptive exploratory analysis was
completed. Results Fifty-four ministries (26
MOH, 25 MAg, and 3 combined responses) in
31 LAC countries responded to the survey.
Within the ministries, 22 (85%) MOH, 5 (20%)
MAg, and 2 (67%) combined entities indicated
they had specialized zoonoses units. For
endemic zoonoses, 32 of 54 ministries
responded that they conduct formal
prioritization exercises, most of them annually
(69%). The three priority endemic zoonoses for
the MOHs were leptospirosis, rabies, and
brucellosis while the three priorities for the
MAgs were brucellosis, rabies, and
tuberculosis. Diagnosis for rabies and
leptospirosis were cited as the capacities most
in need of development. The most needed
cross-cutting capacity was coordination
between stakeholders. For emerging zoonoses,
28 ministries performed formal prioritization
exercises. The top prioritization criteria were
probability of introduction into the country and
impact. The three priority emerging zoonoses
for the MOHs were Ebola viral disease, avian

Mixed Methods Survey of
Zoonotic Disease Awareness
and Practice among Animal
and Human Healthcare
Providers in Moshi, Tanzania
influenza, and Chikungunya while for the MAgs
were avian influenza, bovine spongiform
encephalopathy and West Nile virus disease.
Surveillance for avian influenza and Ebola, and
diagnosis for BSE were quoted as the capacities
most needed. For all zoonoses, the majority of
respondents (69%) ranked their relationship
with the other Ministry as productive or very
productive, and 31% minimally productive.
Many countries requested a formal regional
network, better regional communication and
collaboration, and integrated surveillance.
Conclusions The survey is the first
comprehensive effort to date to inform the
status of zoonoses programmes in LAC. The
information collected here will be used to
develop a regional strategy for zoonoses (both
endemic and emerging), increase efforts,
advocacy, and promote prompt identification
and management of EIDs and improvement of
endemic programmes
2016 Helen L. Zhang, Background Zoonoses are common causes of
Kunda W. Mnzava, human and livestock illness in Tanzania.
Sarah T. Mitchell, Previous studies have shown that brucellosis,
Matayo L. Melubo, leptospirosis, and Q fever account for a large
Tito J. Kibona, Sarah proportion of human febrile illness in northern
Cleaveland, Rudovick Tanzania, yet they are infrequently diagnosed.
R. Kazwala, John A. We conducted this study to assess awareness
Crump, Joanne P. and knowledge regarding selected zoonoses
Sharp, Jo E. B. among healthcare providers in Moshi, Tanzania;
Halliday to determine what diagnostic and treatment
protocols are utilized; and obtain insights into
contextual factors contributing to the apparent
under-diagnosis of zoonoses.
Methodology/Results We conducted a
questionnaire about zoonoses knowledge, case
reporting, and testing with 52 human health
practitioners and 10 livestock health providers.
Immediately following questionnaire
administration, we conducted semi-structured
interviews with 60 of these respondents, using
the findings of a previous fever etiology study
to prompt conversation. Sixty respondents
(97%) had heard of brucellosis, 26 (42%)
leptospirosis, and 20 (32%) Q fever. Animal
sector respondents reported seeing cases of
animal brucellosis (4), rabies (4), and anthrax
(3) in the previous 12 months. Human sector
respondents reported cases of human
brucellosis (15, 29%), rabies (9, 18%) and
anthrax (6, 12%). None reported leptospirosis

Assessment of Knowledge and
Associated Risk Factors
Regarding Zoonotic Disease
among Community Members
of Siddharthanagar
Municipality, Bhairahawa,
Rupandehi
Knowledge, attitudes, and
behavioural risk factors
regarding zoonotic infections
among bushmeat hunters and
or Q fever cases. Nineteen respondents were
aware of a local diagnostic test for human
brucellosis. Reports of tests for human
leptospirosis or Q fever, or for any of the study
pathogens in animals, were rare. Many
respondents expressed awareness of malaria
over-diagnosis and zoonoses under-diagnosis,
and many identified low knowledge and testing
capacity as reasons for zoonoses under-
diagnosis. Conclusions This study revealed
differences in knowledge of different zoonoses
and low case report frequencies of brucellosis,
leptospirosis, and Q fever. There was a lack of
known diagnostic services for leptospirosis and
Q fever. These findings emphasize a need for
improved diagnostic capacity alongside
healthcare provider education and improved
clinical guidelines for syndrome-based disease
management to provoke diagnostic
consideration of locally relevant zoonoses in
the absence of laboratory confirmation
2019 Subash Rimal, Asmita Zoonoses are the common cause of disease
Shrestha, Rabina occurrence in animals and humans in
Ghimire & Dr. Arjun Bhairahawa. Many zoonotic disease such as
Chapagain Tuberculosis, Rabies, Heartworm, Brucella,
Leptospira has been encountered in Veterinary
Teaching Hospital, Institute of Agriculture and
Animal Science (IAAS), Tribhuvan University
from Bhairahawa periphery. We conducted a
cross-sectional purposive random survey of
total 303 villagers of Siddharthanagar
Municipality, Bhairahawa, Rupandehi to study
awareness status about zoonosis. Out of total
individuals interviewed, 176 (58%) heard about
the zoonotic disease and radio/television
(37.5%) were the source of information. 66.7%
female and 56.9% male knew about zoonosis.
72.9% of youths (30-50 years), 36.6% farmers,
33.33% Dalit and 40.2% Madheshi, 58.6%
Hindu, 66.7% Buddhist, 66.7% of Christian knew
about zoonosis. 86% of aware people knew
about direct transmission rout of zoonotic
disease, and 100%, 77.84%, 100%, 100% and
47.72% respondents knew about the
contaminated food, milk, meat, bite, and
secretion transmission route respectively.
2018 Kingsley Uchenna OBJECTIVES: In light of the dramatic spread of
Ozioko, Chris Ikem Ebola virus in some parts of Africa and the 2014
Okoye, Rose Nduka outbreak in Nigeria, a study was conducted to
Obiezue, Raymond evaluate bushmeat dealers’ knowledge and
Awudu Agbu attitudes about zoonotic infections and the risk
traders in Nsukka, southeast
Nigeria
A Review of Zoonotic Infection
Risks Associated with the Wild
Meat Trade in Malaysia
of transmission to humans. METHODS: A
cross-sectional survey was conducted in a
community in Nsukka, southeast Nigeria.
Hunters (n=34) and bushmeat traders (n=42)
were interviewed. A semi-structured
questionnaire was used to generate the data.
The Fisher exact test was used to evaluate the
significance of differences between these
groups. RESULTS: Only 11.8% of the hunters, as
compared to 35.7% of the traders, had no
knowledge of possible causes of zoonotic
infections (p<0.05). However, 64.7% of the
hunters, compared to 38.1% of the traders,
were ignorant regarding the responsibility of
public health personnel and veterinarians
(p<0.05), and 76.5% of the hunters compared
to 42.9% of the traders were ignorant regarding
the existence of zoonoses in Nigeria (p<0.05). A
statistically significant difference was also
found between these groups regarding the risk
of contracting an infection from ectoparasites
(p<0.05). The attitudes of respondents towards
zoonotic diseases did not differ significantly
between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: The level
of awareness about zoonotic diseases was low
in this area, underscoring the need for
interventions.
2017 Jennifer Caroline The overhunting of wildlife for food and
Cantlay, Daniel J. commercial gain presents a major threat to
Ingram and Anna L. biodiversity in tropical forests and poses health
Meredith risks to humans from contact with wild animals.
Using a recent survey of wildlife offered at wild
meat markets in Malaysia as a basis, we review
the literature to determine the potential
zoonotic infection risks from hunting,
butchering and consuming the species offered.
We also determine which taxa potentially host
the highest number of pathogens and discuss
the significant disease risks from traded
wildlife, considering how cultural practices
influence zoonotic transmission. We identify 51
zoonotic pathogens (16 viruses, 19 bacteria and
16 parasites) potentially hosted by wildlife and
describe the human health risks. The Suidae
and the Cervidae families potentially host the
highest number of pathogens. We conclude
that there are substantial gaps in our
knowledge of zoonotic pathogens and
recommend performing microbial food safety
risk assessments to assess the hazards of wild
meat consumption. Overall, there may be

Neglected zoonotic diseases in
Nigeria: role of the public
health veterinarian
Level of Awareness Regarding
Some Zoonotic Diseases,
Among Dog Owners of Ithaca,
New York
considerable zoonotic risks to people involved
in the hunting, butchering or consumption of
wild meat in Southeast Asia, and these should
be considered in public health strategies.
2019 Nusirat Elelu, Julius Zoonotic diseases accounts for about 75% of
Olaniyi Aiyedun, emerging infectious disease and can be
Ibraheem Ghali devastating to both human and animal health
Mohammed, globally. A subset of zoonotic diseases is
Oladapo Oyedeji referred to as "neglected zoonotic diseases -
Oludairo, Ismail NZDs" as they mainly affect poor populations
Ayoade Odetokun, who live in close proximity to domestic or wild
Kaltume Mamman animals often in areas where access to health
Mohammed, James and adequate sanitary facilities are not
Olaniyi Bale, Saka available. Furthermore, underestimation of the
Nuru burden of NZD has continually led to its further
neglect in least developed countries such as
Nigeria. Controlling zoonotic infections
including NZDs in animals is crucial in reducing
human infections. Veterinarians provides an
understanding of the epidemiology of infectious
diseases in animal population and are therefore
integral for the overall reduction in global
burden of NZDs worldwide. Due to the current
lack of and in some cases weak involvement of
Veterinarians in policy issues related to
zoonotic diseases, there is need to elucidate
their importance in NZDs control in Nigeria. This
review therefore summarises the neglected
zoonotic diseases so far documented in Nigeria
and also highlight the important role of the
Veterinarian in their prevention and control
within both human and animal population.
Important recommendations to strengthen the
role of the public health Veterinarian for
sustainable control of NZDs were made.
2019 Gursimrat Kaur Objectives: Worldwide, dogs and cats are the
Sandhu, Devinder two most common household companion
Singh animals. Because of this, they can be direct or
indirect source of many human infections.
Fortunately, most of these zoonotic infections
can be clinically prevented by appropriate
prophylactic interventions. Materials and
Methods: Present kind of cross-sectional study,
for the first time, was conducted in city of
Ithaca, New York. People visiting local animal
hospitals, dog parks, library and shoppers at
Walmart supermarket were personally
interviewed and a pre-tested questionnaire was
got filled from every individual. The collected
data were analyzed for percentage proportions
using Microsoft Excel® and the results had been

Awareness of zoonotic
diseases and parasite control
practices: a survey of dog and
cat owners in Qatar
presented in graphical as well as tabulated
forms. Results: Out of 100 participants
responding to the request for participation,
gender-wise, 45% of the participants were male
while 55% of the participants were females.
Demographically, 50% participants lived in
rural, 35% in urban while 15% participants lived
in suburban areas. Educational background of
the participants ranged from High school pass-
outs to Graduates. Conclusions: Participants
were aware about the zoonotic potential of
leptospirosis, giardiasis, rabies, hookworms,
coccidiosis, lyme disease, roundworms,
toxoplasma, leishmaniasis, salmonellosis and
ringworm disease. Knowledge gaps in the
sampled population, in terms of lack of
awareness about zoonotic diseases vectored by
mosquitoes, ticks and fleas; practice of not
doing regular deworming and prophylactic
control of fleas and ticks on pet dogs; and lack
of practice among physicians to discuss
zoonotic canine diseases with their clients were
revealed by this study.
2018 Ana Margarida Alho, Background: Qatar is one of the wealthiest and
Clara Lima, Vito fastest growing economies in the world,
Colella, Luís Madeira experiencing a rapid increase in human and pet
de Carvalho, populations. Given the paucity of data on
Domenico Otranto prophylactic measures against endo- and
and Luís Cardoso ectoparasites of pets in Qatar, as well as on the
owners’ awareness of zoonotic diseases, a
questionnaire was conducted. Methods: From
July to November 2017, 150 multiple-choice
questionnaires were administered to dog
and/or cat owners who attended two
veterinary clinics in Doha. Results: Only 54%
(81/150) owners were aware of transmittable
diseases between animals and humans.
“Zoonosis/ zoonotic disease(s)” was unknown
for 88% (132/150) of the respondents and
almost a quarter had no idea of transmission
pathways associated with parasitic diseases.
Thirteen owners (8.7%) reported to have
suffered from zoonotic diseases (10 had
dermatophytosis, 2 cat-scratch disease and 1 an
unknown tick-borne disease) and 24.7% had
dewormed themselves. Approximately 83% had
their pets yearly vaccinated and 51% identified
endo- and ectoparasites on their pets. Only 10%
had their animal faeces tested for intestinal
parasites as requested by a veterinarian. As for
internal parasite control, only 19.3% dewormed

Zoonotic Diseases—Fostering
Awareness in Critical
Audiences
Investigating the zoonotic
origin of the West African
Ebola epidemic
their pets with the recommended treatment
regimen (minimum quarterly); 52.7% (79/150)
dewormed every 4 months to 1 year; 10%
(15/150) without periodicity and 8% (12/150)
had never done it. For external parasite control,
only 16% (24/150) treated their pets with
ectoparasiticides on a monthly basis; 44.7%
(67/150) every 2 months to 1 year; 6.7%
(10/150) without periodicity and 24.7%
(37/150) had never done it. Approximately two
thirds (63.3%) of pets were allowed to sleep in
the owner’s bed and 60% to lick their owner’s
face. Almost all pets were fed with dry/canned
food, but 4.7% were fed with raw meat.
Approximately 79.5% of dog owners collect
their pet’s faeces from public areas.
Conclusions: These results highlight the need to
raise pet owners’ awareness towards
prophylactic measures to minimize the
potential impact of zoonotic diseases on the
health of both animals and humans in Qatar.
2015 David C. Van Metre Zoonotic diseases are infectious diseases that
and Paul S. Morley are shared between humans and other
vertebrate animals. Extension professionals
often serve as consultants and educators to
individuals at high risk of zoonotic diseases,
such as participants in 4-H livestock projects.
Effective education about zoonotic diseases
begins with an awareness of the multitude of
challenges that health care professionals face in
diagnosing zoonotic disease. This review
describes the factors that influence diagnosis of
these diseases, as well as potential methods
that the Extension professional can use to
convert those challenges into effective
educational messages.
2015 Almudena Marí Saéz, The severe Ebola virus disease epidemic
Sabrina Weiss, occurring in West Africa stems from a single
Kathrin Nowak, zoonotic transmission event to a 2-year-old boy
Vincent Lapeyre, Fee in Meliandou, Guinea. We investigated the
Zimmermann, Ariane zoonotic origins of the epidemic using wildlife
Düx, Hjalmar S Kü hl, surveys, interviews, and molecular analyses of
Moussa Kaba, bat and environmental samples. We found no
Sebastien Regnaut, evidence for a concurrent outbreak in larger
Kevin Merkel, wildlife. Exposure to fruit bats is common in the
Andreas Sachse, Ulla region, but the index case may have been
Thiesen, Lili Villányi, infected by playing in a hollow tree housing a
Christophe Boesch, colony of insectivorous free-tailed bats (Mops
Piotr W Dabrowski, condylurus). Bats in this family have previously
Aleksandar Radoni, been discussed as potential sources for Ebola
Andreas Nitsche, Siv virus outbreaks, and experimental data have

A Review on Confronting
Zoonoses: The Role of
Veterinarian and Physician
A survey of zoonotic pathogens
carried by house mouse and
black rat populations in
Yucatan, Mexico
Aina J Leendertz, shown that this species can survive
Stefan Petterson, experimental infection. These analyses expand
Stephan Becker, the range of possible Ebola virus sources to
Verena Krähling, include insectivorous bats and reiterate the
Emmanuel Couacy- importance of broader sampling efforts for
Hymann, Chantal understanding Ebola virus ecology.
Akoua-Koffi, Natalie
Weber, Lars
Schaade, Jakob Fahr,
Matthias Borchert,
Jan F Gogarten,
Sébastien Calvignac-
Spencer & Fabian H
Leendertz
2015 Kebede Shanko, Zoonoses are diseases and infections that are
Jelalu Kemal and naturally transmitted between vertebrate
Dufera Kenea animals and humans. The organisms causing
zoonoses include viruses, bacteria, fungi,
protozoa and other parasites, with both
domestic and wild animals acting as reservoirs
for the pathogens. Zoonoses comprise
interaction between at least three species: one
pathogen and two host species (animals and
humans). They can be transmitted directly by
contact with infected animals (e.g. rabies,
through bite), via contaminated environment
(e.g., anthrax) and via food (e.g.,
campylobacteriosis) or indirectly via vectors,
such as mosquitoes or ticks (e.g., West Nile
fever and Lyme disease, respectively). There are
many factors influencing the zoonoses diseases.
The convergence model organizes the potential
factors into a series of broad domains that
include: socioeconomic and biological factors;
ecological and environmental factors; and the
interface of domestic animals, wildlife, and
human factors. Zoonoses have affected human
health throughout times, and wildlife and
domestic animals have always played a role for
the transmission of the disease which is public
health threats worldwide. So success in the
preventing and controlling of major zoonoses
depend on the capability to mobilize resources
in different sectors and on coordination and
intersectoral approaches, especially, between
national (or international) veterinary and public
health services.
2017 J. A. PANTI-MAY1, R. The house mouse (Mus musculus) and the black
R. C. DE ANDRADE, Y. rat (Rattus rattus) are reservoir hosts for
GURUBEL- zoonotic pathogens, several of which cause
GONZÁLEZ, E. neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Studies of

Health and zoonotic Infections
of snow leopards Panthera
unica in the South Gobi desert
of Mongolia
PALOMO-ARJONA, L. the prevalence of these NTD-causing zoonotic
SODÁ-TAMAYO, J. pathogens, in house mice and black rats from
MEZA-SULÚ, M. tropical residential areas are scarce. Three
RAMÍREZ-SIERRA, E. hundred and two house mice and 161 black rats
DUMONTEIL, V. M. were trapped in 2013 from two urban
VIDAL-MARTÍNEZ, C. neighbourhoods and a rural village in Yucatan,
MACHAÍN- Mexico, and subsequently tested for
WILLIAMS, D. DE Trypanosoma cruzi, Hymenolepis diminuta and
OLIVEIRA, M. G. REIS, Leptospira interrogans. Using the polymerase
M. A. TORRES- chain reaction we detected T. cruzi DNA in the
CASTRO, M. R. hearts of 4·9% (8/165) and 6·2% (7/113) of
ROBLES, S. F. house mice and black rats, respectively. We
HERNÁNDEZ- applied the sedimentation technique to detect
BETANCOURT AND F. eggs of H. diminuta in 0·5% (1/182) and 14·2%
COSTA (15/106) of house mice and black rats,
respectively. Through the immunofluorescent
imprint method, L. interrogans was identified in
0·9% (1/106) of rat kidney impressions. Our
results suggest that the black rat could be an
important reservoir for T. cruzi and H. diminuta
in the studied sites. Further studies examining
seasonal and geographical patterns could
increase our knowledge on the epidemiology of
these pathogens in Mexico and the risk to
public health posed by rodents.
2019 Carol Essona, Lee F. Background: Snow leopards, Panthera uncia,
Skerrattb, Lee are a threatened apex predator, scattered
Bergerb, Jonas across the mountains of Central and South Asia.
Malmsten, Tanja Disease threats to wild snow leopards have not
Strand, Åke been investigated. Methods and Results:
Lundkvist, Josef D. Between 2008 and 2015, twenty snow leopards
Järhult, Johan in the South Gobi desert of Mongolia were
Michaux, captured and immobilised for health screening
Tserennadmid Nadia and radio-collaring. Blood samples and external
Mijiddorj, Rana parasites were collected for pathogen analyses
Bayrakçısmith, using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay
Charudutt Mishra (ELISA), microscopic agglutination test (MAT),
and Örjan Johansson and next generation sequencing (NGS)
techniques. The animals showed no clinical
signs of disease, however, serum antibodies to
significant zoonotic pathogens were detected.
These pathogens included, Coxiella burnetii,
(25% prevalence), Leptospira spp., (20%), and
Toxoplasma gondii (20%). Ticks collected from
snow leopards contained potentially zoonotic
bacteria from the genera Bacillus, Bacteroides,
Campylobacter, Coxiella, Rickettsia,
Staphylococcus and Streptococcus.
Conclusions: The zoonotic pathogens identified
in this study, in the short-term did not appear
to cause illness in the snow leopards, but have

Molecular survey of zoonotic
Anaplasma phagocytophilum
and genetic evidence of a
putative novel Anaplasma
species in goats from Taif,
Saudi Arabia
KNOWLEDGE, AWARENESS
AND RISKS OF ZOONOTIC
DISEASES AMONG THE
SMALLHOLDER LIVESTOCK
FARMERS IN SUBURBAN AREAS
OF SYLHET, BANGLADESH
caused illness in other wild felids. Therefore,
surveillance for pathogens should be
implemented to monitor for potential longer
term disease impacts on this snow leopard
population.
2019 Mohamed W. Ghafar Aim: Genus Anaplasma is of veterinary and
and Sayed A. M. public health importance, and its members
Amer utilize ruminants as key hosts in their
epidemiology. To date, information about the
occurrence and molecular identity of
Anaplasma phagocytophilum and other
Anaplasma species in Saudi Arabian goats is
scarce. This study aimed to molecularly detect
and characterize zoonotic A. phagocytophilum
and other Anaplasma spp. in goats from Taif
District, KSA. Materials and Methods: Blood
samples collected from 67 goats were
polymerase chain reaction tested using
common and A. phagocytophilum-specific
primers targeting 16S rRNA and msp4 genes,
respectively. Amplicons of common reactions
were purified, sequenced, and analyzed.
Results: Six goats yielded positive results with
common primers, whereas all animals proved
negative for A. phagocytophilum. Analysis of
the two successfully sequenced amplicons
revealed the presence of a variant strain of
Anaplasma ovis(99.52% ID) and a new
Anaplasma organism, which was clustered with
Anaplasma bovis (95.9% ID) and Aegyptianella
pullorum (94.99% ID) and distinctly separated
from all other recognized species of the genus
Anaplasma. Conclusion: The tested goats
proved negative for A. phagocytophilum;
however, we could not confirm that the area is
pathogen free. A variant strain of A. ovis and a
putative novel Anaplasma spp. were reported
raising the concern of veterinary and zoonotic
potential. Other genes should be sequenced
and analyzed for complete identification of the
detected organisms.
2018 Tanjia Afrin Small scale livestock farming is playing a
Chowdhury, significant role in low and middle income
Marufatuzzahan, countries of the world. It serves as an
Parsha Shanzana alternative source of income to the smallholder
Farha Nusrat Zahan livestock farmers. On the other hand, it also
enhances the risks of zoonotic diseases
transmissions. This study aims to assess the
knowledge, awareness and risk factors of
zoonotic diseases among the smallholder
livestock farmers of a targeted population. A

HEALTH EVALUATION AND 2014
SURVEY OF ZOONOTIC
PATHOGENS IN FREE-RANGING
CAPYBARAS (HYDROCHOERUS
HYDROCHAERIS)
semi structured questionnaire based interviews
were conducted to assess the knowledge,
awareness and risks of zoonotic diseases among
the smallholder livestock farmers of the
suburban areas in Sylhet region with a small
data set of 23 farmers. Majority of the farmers
participated in this study is small scale farmers
with low income range and they hold a small
herd size between 2-6 animals. About 34.78%
of them have no educational background;
consequently they had experienced more
zoonoses than the others. Besides they were
unaware of a number of risk factors associated
with zoonotic diseases transmission. Foot and
mouth disease was found as the most prevalent
disease of that locality, though many of the
respondents mentioned some other diseases
like anthrax, tetanus, rabies, mastitis and
brucellosis. Only 47.83% of these farmers were
aware and do have knowledge regarding the
causes and transmission process of different
zoonoses. This study concluded that there are a
number of potential risk factors associated with
the occurrence and transmission of zoonotic
diseases among the targeted population due to
lack of knowledge and awareness.
Rosely Gioia-Di Capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) are the
Chiacchio, Fabiola world’s largest rodents and play an
Eloisa Setim Prioste, epidemiologic role in the transmission of
Ralph Eric Thijl zoonotic pathogens, including the causative
Vanstreels, Terezinha agents of Brazilian spotted fever, leptospirosis,
Kno¨ bl, Milton and others. We surveyed the health of 31 free-
Kolber, Samantha Ive ranging capybaras at the Alberto Lo¨fgren State
Miyashiro, and Eliana Park, Sa˜o Paulo, Brazil using a variety of
Reiko Matushima diagnostic methods. Hematology and serum
chemistry were consistent with mild
malnutrition and parasitism but did not indicate
severe physiologic imbalance or disease. All
animals were serologically negative for
Rickettsia rickettsii, Leishmania spp., and
Trypanosoma sp., but antibodies against rabies
virus (71%), Leptospira sp. (26%), and
Toxoplasma sp. (23%) were detected.
Salmonella sp. was not cultured from fecal
samples. Frequently cultured enterobacteria
included Escherichia coli (61%), Enterococcus
casseiflavus (35%), Enterococcus faecalis (35%),
Enterobacter aerogenes (32%), Klebisella
pneumoniae (32%), and Serratia marcescens
(32%). No potentially pathogenic fungi were
cultured from hair samples. Fecal parasitology

The study of parasite sharing
for surveillance of zoonotic
diseases
A multicenter survey on
toxoplasmosis knowledge
among pregnant women in
Poland (the TOWER study)
revealed infection by Protozoophaga sp. (58%),
Viannella spp. (23%), Strongyloides spp. (10%),
and Ancilostomatidae (10%). A total of 218 ticks
was retrieved from the animals: Amblyomma
sp. larvae and nymphs (43%), A. dubitatum
adults (52%), and A. cajennense adults (5%).
The capybaras were free from most potentially
zoonotic pathogens evaluated; however, the
presence of Amblyomma spp. ticks (potential
vectors of Rickettsia spp.) and indirect evidence
of exposure to the rabies virus, Leptospira sp.,
and Toxoplasma sp. warrant the maintenance
of public health programs and wildlife health
monitoring.
2013 Maxwell J Farrell, Lea Determining the factors that influence the
Berrang-Ford and T transmission of parasites among hosts is
Jonathan Davies important for directing surveillance of animal
parasites before they successfully emerge in
humans, and increasing the efficacy of
programs for the control and management of
zoonotic diseases. Here we present a review of
recent advances in the study of parasite
sharing, wildlife ecology, and epidemiology that
could be extended and incorporated into
proactive surveillance frameworks for multi-
host infectious diseases. These methods reflect
emerging interdisciplinary techniques with
significant promise for the identification of
future zoonotic parasites and unknown
reservoirs of current zoonoses, strategies for
the reduction of parasite prevalence and
transmission among hosts, and decreasing the
burden of infectious diseases.
2018 Jacek Smereka, Background: The seroprevalence of
Lukasz Szarpak, Kurt Toxoplasma gondii ranges widely in different
Ruetzler, Yehoshua areas of the world and different populations.
Schacham, Adam Although toxoplasmosis is typically benign and
Smereka, Marek asymptomatic, it induces major complications
Dabrowski, Marzena in immunocompromised individuals and during
Terpilowska, Lukasz pregnancy. Prevention of maternal primary
Terpilowski and infection constitutes the major tool for avoiding
Ishag Adam congenital T. gondii infections and
toxoplasmosis complications. The preventive
measures depend on the women’s knowledge
about toxoplasmosis. The aim of the study was
to assess the knowledge on toxoplasmosis
among pregnant women in Poland. Methods:
The study was conducted between October
2016 and January 2017 in 3 Polish cities. During
a visit in a hospital outpatient clinic, pregnant
women aged > 16 years fulfilled a previously

Prenatal diagnosis and
prevention of toxoplasmosis in
pregnant women in Northern
Vietnam: study protocol
validated questionnaire. The questions
concerned personal data (age, parity,
educational level, place of residence),
toxoplasmosis knowledge (etiology, routes of
transmission, symptoms, sequelae), and
sources consulted to collect information.
Results: Overall, 465 pregnant women
participated in the survey; 439 (94.4%) were
aware of toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasmosis was
perceived as a zoonotic disease by 77.4%, as a
parasitic disease by 41.7%, as a disease
transmitted through poor hand hygiene by
8.6%, as a childhood illness by 4%, and as a
congenital disease by 0.4%. Regarding the
transmission route, 84.5% of women pointed at
a domestic cat, 46.7% at eating raw or
undercooked meat. The total of 84.3% did not
know toxoplasmosis symptoms, and 12.0%
stated that they did not present the symptoms.
In multivariate analysis, younger age (OR, 2.74;
95% CI, 1.67–4.49; p < 0.001), city residence
(OR, 13.45; 95% CI, 3.12–57.89; p < 0.003), and
higher education level (OR, 6.81; 95% CI, 3.69–
12.59; p < 0.001) were significantly associated
with better knowledge of toxoplasmosis, and
the number of children (OR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.22–
0.48; p < 0. 001) – with higher knowledge of the
symptoms. Conclusions: Among pregnant
women in Poland, the basic knowledge on
toxoplasmosis is very high (94.4%). Younger
age, city residence, higher education level, and
the number of children turned out significantly
associated with better knowledge of T. gondii
and toxoplasmosis symptoms.
2017 G. Suzanne A. Smit, Background: In Vietnam, no systematic
Thi Lam Binh Vu, prenatal toxoplasmosis screening is in place,
Trung Dung Do, Niko and only few studies have assessed the
Speybroeck, Brecht prevalence and importance of this zoonotic
Devleesschauwer, parasite infection. In addition, no studies have
Elizaveta Padalko, been conducted to assess the risk factors
Ellen Roets and associated with toxoplasmosis. This study
Pierre Dorny protocol was developed to determine the
seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in pregnant
women in Hanoi and Thai Binh, Northern
Vietnam, and to evaluate the association with
risk factors and congenital toxoplasmosis. The
protocol was developed in a way that it could
potentially evolve into a countrywide prenatal
diagnosis and prevention program, with the
main focus on primary prevention. Methods:
The collaborating gynaecologists will invite

Seroprevalence and risk factors
of Toxoplasma gondii infection
in pregnant women from Bobo
Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
eligible pregnant women attending antenatal
care for the first time to participate in the
study. At first consult, information about
toxoplasmosis and its prevention will be
provided. All participants will be asked to fill in
a questionnaire, which is designed to analyse
socio-demographic and biologically plausible
risk factors associated with toxoplasmosis, and
blood samples will be collected to determine
the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in
pregnant women. In case there is suspicion of a
primary infection during pregnancy, the
concerned women will be followed-up by the
gynaecologists according to a predefined
protocol. Every participant will be informed on
her serological status, risk factors and
prevention measures and is offered appropriate
medical information and medical follow-up if
required. Discussion: The hypothesis is that
congenital toxoplasmosis is an important but
currently under-diagnosed public health
problem in Vietnam. This study can strengthen
sustainable control of toxoplasmosis in
Vietnam, provide a protocol for prenatal
diagnosis, boost overall awareness, improve the
knowledge about toxoplasmosis prevention and
can be essential for evidence-based health
policy.
2017 Sanata Bamba, Background: Toxoplasmosis is one of the
Mamoudou Cissé, common worldwide parasitic zoonosis due to
Ibrahim Sangaré, Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii). Toxoplasmosis
Adama Zida, during pregnancy can result in fetal and
Souleymane neonatal death or various congenital defects.
Ouattara and Robert The aim of this study was to assess the
T. Guiguemdé seroprevalence and risk factors of T. gondii
infection in pregnant women following
antenatal care (ANC) services at Bobo
Dioulasso. Methods: A cross-sectional study
was conducted enrolling a sample of 316
pregnant women attending ANC at centers for
maternal and child health of Bobo-Dioulasso
town from March 2013 to February 2014. Data
on sociodemographic and potential risk factors
were collected from each study participant
using structured questionnaire through face-to-
face interview. Moreover, venous blood
specimens were collected and tested for IgM
and IgG antiT. gondii antibodies by enzyme-
linked immunosorbent assay and enzyme linked
fluorescent assay, respectively. Multivariable
logistic regression modeling was used to

Mortality Patterns of
Toxoplasmosis and Its
Comorbidities in Tanzania: A
10-Year Retrospective
Hospital-Based Survey
identify the potential predictor variables for T.
gondii infection. Results: The overall
seroprevalence for T. gondii infection was
31.1% (98/316). All the pregnant women were
positive for IgG anti-bodies exclusively.
Multivariable logistic regression analysis
showed that having at least a secondary
education level (AOR = 2.23; 95% CI: [1.04–
4.63]); being urban resident (AOR = 2.81; 95%
CI: [1.24–6.86]) and the consumption of meat
combination (pork + beef + mutton + wild meat
+ poultry) (AOR = 4.00; 95% CI: [1. 06–15.24])
were potential risk factors of T. gondii infection.
Conclusion: Toxoplasmosis is frequent in
pregnant women and studies that show
incidence of T. gondii among the neonates have
to be done to introduce routine antenatal
screening program to control congenital
toxoplasmosis. There is the need for preventive
measures such as education of pregnant
women about the transmission routes and
prevention methods of toxoplasmosis at ANC
clinics.
2019 Leonard E. G. Introduction: Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic
Mboera, Coleman zoonosis and an important cause of abortions,
Kishamawe, Evord mental retardation, encephalitis, blindness, and
Kimario and Susan F. death worldwide. Few studies have quantified
Rumisha toxoplasmosis mortality and associated medical
conditions in Sub-Saharan Africa. This
retrospective hospital-based study aimed to
determine the mortality patterns of
toxoplasmosis and its comorbidities among in-
patients in Tanzania. Methods: Data on causes
of death were collected using customized
paper-based collection tools. Sources of data
included death registers, inpatient registers,
and International Classification of Diseases
report forms. All death events from January
2006 to December 2015 were collected. Data
used in this study is a subset of deaths where
the underlying cause of death was
toxoplasmosis. Data was analyzed by STATA
programme version 13. Results: Thirty-seven
public hospitals were involved in the study. A
total of 188 deaths due to toxoplasmosis were
reported during the 10-years period.
Toxoplasmosis deaths accounted for 0.08%
(188/247,976) of the total deaths recorded. The
age-standardized mortality rate per 100,000
population increased from 0.11 in 2006 to 0.79
in 2015. Most deaths due to toxoplasmosis

Seroepidemiology and Risk
Factors of Toxoplasma
gondii Infection among the
Newly Enrolled
Undergraduates and
Postgraduate Students in China
affected the adult age category. Of the 188
deaths, males accounted for 51.1% while
females for 48.9% of the deaths. Dar es Salaam,
Mbeya, Pwani, Tanga, and Mwanza contributed
to over half (59.05%) of all deaths due to
Toxoplasmosis. Of the total deaths due to
toxoplasmosis, 70.7% were associated with
other medical conditions; which included
HIV/AIDS (52.6%), HIV/AIDS+Cryptococcal
meningitis (18.8%) and HIV+Pneumocystis
pneumonia (6.8%). Conclusion: The age-
standardized mortality rate due to
toxoplasmosis has been increasing substantially
between 2006 and 2015. Most deaths due to
toxoplasmosis affected the adult age category
and were highly associated with HIV/AIDS.
Appropriate interventions are needed to
alleviate the burden of toxoplasmosis in
Tanzania.
2017 Na Yang, Dawei Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular
Wang, Mengen Xing, zoonotic parasite, infecting warm-blood
Chenghuan Li, Jiaqi animals including humans. Previous serological
Li, Anhe Wu, Xiaoyu surveys of T. gondii infection have focused on
Sang, Ying Feng, Ning people of different occupations and special
Jiang and Qijun Chen groups, such as slaughterhouse workers, AIDS
patients and pregnant women. To investigate
the potential impact of T. gondii infection on
the health of young students, the prevalence
of T. gondii infection and associated risk factors
among the newly enrolled undergraduates and
postgraduate students were investigated. A
total of 3,569 newly enrolled students (age
range: 15- to 37-years-old, median 26 years)
from various regions of China were recruited in
this study. The serum samples were tested for
the presence of T. gondii specific IgG by the
modified agglutination test (MAT).
Questionnaires were used to collect
information on risk factors for T.
gondii infection. Sixty-five (1.82%) out of 3,569
participants were seropositive for IgG
antibodies to T. gondii by MAT (titer≥1:20).
Four variables were found to be positively
associated with T. gondii infection, including
primary geographical location, living in rural
areas, gardening or agriculture, and drinking
unboiled water by the univariate logistic
regression, and only gardening or agriculture
was the independent risk factor for T.
gondii positivity by using multivariate logistic
regression in this study, which may provide

Toxoplasmosis – Awareness
and knowledge among medical
doctors in Nigeria
Serological Survey and Factors
Associated with Toxoplasma
gondii Infection in Domestic
Goats in Myanmar
information to guide future research and
control policies.
2017 Akinwale Michael Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic parasite
Efunshile, Charles causing high disease burden worldwide. A One
John Elikwu, Pikka Health approach is needed to understand,
Jokelainen prevent, and control toxoplasmosis, while
knowledge gaps in the One Health aspects have
been identified among medical professionals in
earlier studies. As a One Health collaboration
between veterinary and medical fields, we
surveyed the knowledge on toxoplasmosis
among medical doctors in Nigeria. The
knowledge questions, which the participants
answered without consulting literature and
colleagues, covered epidemiological One Health
aspects as well as clinical inter specialty aspects
of T. gondii infections. Altogether 522 medical
doctors from four tertiary hospitals completed
the questionnaire. The mean number of correct
answers in the knowledge questions was 7.5,
and 8.4% of the participants selected at least 12
of the 17 correct answers. The proportion of
medical doctors scoring such a high score was
significantly higher among those who reported
having seen a case of clinical toxoplasmosis
than in those who did not. While 62% of the
medical doctors participating in our study knew
that cats can shed T. gondii in their feces, 36%
incorrectly suggested that humans could do
that too. That T. gondii infection can be meat
borne was known by 69%, but that it can be
also waterborne only by 28% of the medical
doctors participating in our study. Most of the
medical doctors, 78%, knew that clinical
toxoplasmosis may involve the central nervous
system, while only 37% answered that it can
involve the eyes. Our results suggested
knowledge gaps, which need to be addressed in
Continuous Medical Education. The identified
gaps included both intersectoral One Health
aspects and inter specialty aspects: For
prevention and management of toxoplasmosis,
knowing the main transmission routes and that
the parasite can affect several organs is
relevant.
2016 Saw Bawm, Wint Yi Goat farming is important for the livelihood of
Maung, Myat Yee millions of rural people because it contributes
Win, May June Thu, to food security and creation of assets.
Hla Myet Chel, Tin However, infection of goats with Toxoplasma
Aye Khaing, Soe Soe gondii could be a source of parasite
Wai, Lat Lat Htun, Tin transmission to humans. The information on T.

Sero-Prevalence and Factors
Associated with Toxoplasma
Gondii Infection among
Pregnant Women Attending
Antenatal Care in the Referral
Hospital in Tanzania: Cross
Sectional Study
Tin Myaing, Saruda gondii infection of goat was not reported yet in
Tiwananthagorn, Myanmar. A total of 119 goat serum samples
Makoto Igarashi and were collected from three cities in the central
Ken Katakura region of Myanmar for T. gondii antibody
survey. With the occurrence value obtained in
this first study, a second one, more complete,
with larger number (162) of animals and
properties, was carried out and the risk factors
and prevalence were determined. In both
studies the samples were analyzed by the LAT.
Of these, 32 (11.4%) samples were showed to
be positive. The infection was associated with
the presence of cats at the farm (odds ratio
[OR] = 4.66, 95% confidential interval [CI] =
1.03–21.06), farming with different animal
species (sheep, cattle, and pigs) (OR = 4.33, 95%
CI = 1.57–11.94), and farming without good
management practices (OR = 0.23, 95% CI =
0.06–0.83). This is the first T. gondii prevalence
study in goats in the country.
2015 Elichilia R Shao, Background: Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic
Stanley G Ndazana, disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii. It is
Wilfred Chacha, estimated that more than one third of the
Gileard Masenga, global population is infected with this parasitic
Sonda Tolbert, infection. Serological screening of pregnant
Dominic Mosha, women for the presence of T. gondii anti bodies
Emmanuel G Kifaro is not part of the antenatal care package in
Balthazar M Nyombi Tanzania. The current study assessed sero-
prevalence and associated factors for T. gondii
infection among pregnant women attending
antenatal care clinic in KCMC referral Hospital.
Methods: Between April 26th to May 18th 2014
a total of 144 pregnant women attending KCMC
for antenatal care were enrolled and screened
for IgG and IgM antibodies against parasite T.
gondii using lateral flow chromatography Assay
which detects and differentiates IgM and IgG
anti-T. gondii in human serum or plasma.
Positive IgG results meaning, at some point in
the life someone has been exposed to T. gondii
and doesn’t mean the active infection. Results:
Of 144 expectant women investigated, 60
(41.7%) were seropositive for T. gondii-specific
antibodies. Among sero-positive pregnant
women 1 (1.7%) had anti-Toxoplasma IgM
indicating acute infection. The risks of
contracting T. gondii was less by nearly 50%
among pregnant women 30-years-old and
above compared with those below 30-years-old
(Crude OR=0.45: 95% CI 0.23-088; p=0.2). There
was no statistical evidence for the difference

Toxoplasma Modulates
Signature Pathways of Human
Epilepsy, Neurodegeneration &
Cancer
(p=0.059) among T. gondii positive women
across different age groups. HIV infection was
not statistically significant associated with T.
gondii infection [adjusted OR 1.17: CI 0.42–
3.24; p=0.764. Conclusions: One third of
pregnant women attended at antenatal clinic
were seropositive for T. gondii at some point in
their life which might increase neonatal
complications. Due to complications related to
Toxoplasmosis during pregnancy in neonatal
period: such miscarriage, chorioretinitis,
hydrocephalus, cerebral calcification and fetal
death. There is urgent need for screening
during antenatal care.
2017 Huân M. Ngô, Ying One third of humans are infected lifelong with
Zhou, Hernan the brain-dwelling, protozoan parasite,
Lorenzi, Kai Wang, Toxoplasma gondii. Approximately ffteen
Taek-Kyun Kim, Yong million of these have congenital toxoplasmosis.
Zhou, Kamal El Although neurobehavioral disease is associated
Bissati, Ernest Mui, with seropositivity, causality is unproven. To
Laura Fraczek, better understand what this parasite does to
Seesandra V. human brains, we performed a comprehensive
Rajagopala, Craig W. systems analysis of the infected brain: We
Roberts, Fiona L. identifed susceptibility genes for congenital
Henriquez, toxoplasmosis in our cohort of infected humans
Alexandre and found these genes are expressed in human
Montpetit, Jenefer brain. Transcriptomic and quantitative
M. Blackwell, Sarra E. proteomic analyses of infected human, primary,
Jamieson, Kelsey neuronal stem and monocytic cells revealed
Wheeler, Ian J. efects on neurodevelopment and plasticity in
Begeman, Carlos neural, immune, and endocrine networks.
Naranjo-Galvis, Ney These fndings were supported by identifcation
Alliey-Rodriguez, of protein and miRNA biomarkers in sera of ill
Roderick G. Davis, children refecting brain damage and T. gondii
Liliana Soroceanu, infection. These data were deconvoluted using
Charles Cobbs, three systems biology approaches: “Orbital-
Dennis A. Steindler, deconvolution” elucidated upstream,
Kenneth Boyer, A. regulatory pathways interconnecting human
Gwendolyn Noble , susceptibility genes, biomarkers, proteomes,
Charles N. Swisher, and transcriptomes. “Cluster-deconvolution”
Peter T. Heydemann, revealed visual protein-protein interaction
Peter Rabiah, Shawn clusters involved in processes afecting brain
Withers, Patricia functions and circuitry, including lipid
Soteropoulos, Leroy metabolism, leukocyte migration and olfaction.
Hood & Rima Finally, “disease-deconvolution” identifed
McLeod associations between the parasite-brain
interactions and epilepsy, movement disorders,
Alzheimer’s disease, and cancer. This
“reconstruction-deconvolution” logic provides
templates of progenitor cells’ potentiating

Toxoplasma gondii detection in
cattle: As laughter house
survey
efects, and components afecting human brain
parasitism and diseases.
2016 Shazia Hosein, Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease caused by
Georgina Limon, the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii.
Nikolaos Dadios, Ingestion of raw or undercooked meat
Javier Guitian, Damer containing viable cysts has been suggested to
P. Blake be a major source of T. gondii infection in
humans. Sub optimal performance of
serological assays in cattle has traditionally
precluded accurate quantification of the extent
to which cattle populations are infected and
their meat harbour tissue cysts. In the absence
of accurate estimates of the level of infection in
the animal population, assessments of likely
human exposure through the consumption of
cattle meat remain highly speculative.
Following the development of novel and
sensitive molecular methods that can be
applied to the relatively large numbers of
samples required in observational studies, the
first quantitative estimates of the frequency of
T. gondii in meat samples from naturally
infected cattle have become available recently.
Such estimates are critical for the development
of quantitative risk assessment models that
could be used to inform food safety policies.
The aim of this study was to generate the first
estimates of the prevalence of T. gondii
infection in a sample of cattle exposed to
natural levels of infection and slaughtered for
human consumption in the UK under
commercial conditions. Such estimates provide
great value to the global assessment of T.
gondii burden given the scarcity of data
available on the frequency of natural infection
in cattle populations worldwide. Between
October 2015 and January 2016 diaphragm
samples were collected from 305 animals,
slaughtered in ten commercial slaughter houses
across the UK. Movement histories showed that
the animals sampled (41.6% females and 58.4%
males) had passed through a total of 614 farms
and 40 livestock markets across the country.
Five animals (1.6%) were deemed positive for T.
gondii following magnetic capture real time
PCR, confirmed by ampliconsequencing. The
true prevalence of infection was estimated to
be 1.79%. All positive animals were male, none
of whom had been on the same farm and/or
livestock market before slaughter and there
was no apparent geographic pattern. The

Toxoplasma gondii infection
and toxoplasmosis in North
Africa: a review
Prevalence and risk factors of
toxoplasmosis among adults in
a small Brazilian city
results from this study suggest a low level of
infection in cattle raised and slaughtered in the
UK and can be used to populate the first stages
of for malrisk assessments to quantify the likely
extent of human exposure to T. gondii through
the consumption of beef with relevance to the
UK, EU and rest of the world.
2019 Mariem Rouatbi, Toxoplasmosis is an important zoonosis caused
Safa Amairia, Yosra by an obligate intracellular parasitic protozoan,
Amdouni, Mohamed Toxoplasma gondii. The disease is distributed
Anis Boussaadoun, worldwide and can affect all warm-blooded
Ouarda Ayadi, Amira vertebrates, including humans. The present
Adel Taha Al-Hosary, review aimed to collect, compile and
Mourad Rekik, Rym summarize the data on the prevalence of T.
Ben Abdallah, Karim gondii infection in humans and animals in the
Aoun, Mohamed Aziz five North African countries (Morocco, Algeria,
Darghouth, Barbara Tunisia, Libya and Egypt). Published data from
Wieland, and national and international databases were
Mohamed Gharbi used. Distribution patterns and risk factors for
T. gondii infection are discussed, focusing on
biotic and abiotic factors. This review is a
comprehensive epidemiological analysis of T.
gondii infection in North Africa and will
therefore be a useful tool for researchers. It can
also be used to propose or enhance appropriate
national toxoplasmosis control programs.
2018 Afonso Dinis Costa The prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection
Passos, Valdes varies markedly among different populations,
Roberto Bollela, João especially depending on factors related to
Marcelo Fortes socioeconomic development and eating habits.
Furtado, Moisés Cássia dos Coqueiros is a small city in Brazil with
Moura de Lucena, rural characteristics and increased risk factors
Fernando Bellissimo- traditionally associated with T. gondii infection.
Rodrigues, Jayter Methods: We carried out a cross-sectional
Silva Paula, Laura study involving 970 inhabitants aged 18 years
Valdiane Luz Melo or more, selected from patients of the local
and Maria de health unit and home visits in urban and rural
Lourdes Veronese areas. Each participant completed a survey with
Rodrigues questions regarding demographic,
socioeconomic, and risk factors for
toxoplasmosis. Blood samples from participants
were tested for presence of IgG and IgM
antibodies against T. gondii using a
chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay.
Results: The prevalence of IgG and IgM
antibodies was 62.3% and 2.5%, respectively.
Variables that proved to be independent
predictors of infection were age, low levels of
education, and previous diagnosis of
toxoplasmosis. Conclusions: The high

Toxoplasmosis as a food-borne 2017
infection
Study on Toxoplasma 2018
gondii, Leptospira spp., Coxiella
burnetii, and Echinococcus
granulosus infection in
veterinarians from Poland
prevalence of toxoplasmosis serological
markers in this adult population highlights the
need to promote preventive practices,
especially those directed toward women of
childbearing age, in this part of Brazil.
O Đurković-Đaković Toxoplasma gondii is a globally distributed
parasite that infects all mammals, including one
third of the world population. Long known to
cause disease in the developing foetus and in
immunosuppressed individuals, a body of data
that has emerged in the past decades suggests
its role in human pathology may be even more
important. The WHO and FAO have recently
established toxoplasmosis as a foodborne
infection of global concern, with a disease
burden the greatest of all parasitic infections.
Transmission of toxoplasmosis occurs by
ingesting tissue cysts from undercooked meat
and meat products, and oocysts from the
environment with contaminated fresh produce
or water. This review provides an update on the
current understanding of toxoplasmosis,
focusing on the risk of infection from food of
animal origin, with particular reference to the
risk in Serbia and the region of South-East
Europe.
Angelina Wójcik- Introduction: Exposure to zoonotic factors in
Fatla, Jacek Sroka, veterinary practice is closely related to the
Violetta Zając, Jacek nature of the work. The main aim of the study
Zwoliński, Anna was to determine the risk of selected zoonotic
Sawczyn-Domańska, infections among the occupational group of
Anna Kloc, Ewa veterinarians in Poland. Material and Methods:
Bilska-Zając, Robert Blood samples of 373 veterinarians (162 males
Chmura, Jacek and 211 females) from 12 provinces of Poland
Dutkiewicz were collected by the venipuncture of a
forearm for serological tests. Commercial
immunoenzymatic tests (ELISA) were used for
detection of specific IgG antibodies to
Echinococcus granulosus, IgM and IgG to
Leptospira spp., and IgM, IgA, and I and II phase
IgG to Coxiella burnetii. Enzyme-linked
fluorescence assays (ELFA) were used to detect
IgM and IgG antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii.
Results: Positive results were found in 209
(56.0%) veterinarians for at least one of the
examined diseases. The overall proportion of
participants found to have specific Toxoplasma
gondii antibodies in the IgM and/or IgG assays
amounted to 44.5%. The presence of Coxiella
burnetii antibodies was found in 16 (4.3%)
subjects, while Leptospira spp. antibodies were

Investigation of Toxoplasma
gondii Infection in Cutaneous
Leishmaniasis Patients of the
Isfahan Province
detected in 63 (16.9%) veterinarians. Among
the 373 veterinarians examined, no
Echinococcus granulosus antibodies were
found. Conclusion: Results of the study seem to
indicate a slightly elevated risk of Toxoplasma
gondii infection and a moderate risk of infection
with Leptospira spp. and Coxiella burnetii in
veterinarians
2017 Abbasali Background: Toxoplasma gondii, the etiologic
Eskandarian, agent of toxoplasmosis, is the most prevalent
Somayeh Jahani, protozoan parasite in the world.
Hossein Hejazi, Objectives: Due to high prevalence of
Hossein Yousefi, and toxoplasmosis as well zoonotic cutaneous
Vahid Raissi leishmaniasis with Leishmania major origin in
Isfahan, the main objective of this study was to
determine, whether there is any correlation
between these two protozoan infections and
the intensity of the high prevalence of co-
infection. Methods: All the case and control
samples (80 individuals), collected from
suspected patients that had referred for a skin
test to the Isfahan dermatology and
Leishmaniasis research center from August to
November 2014, were investigated. About 2 mL
of venipuncture blood was taken from each
case and control group member, and serum
was separated and stored at -20°C until the
enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for
detection of anti-Toxoplasma gondii specific
IgM and IgG antibodies. Results: Overall, 27
(33.8%) candidates in the control group and 33
(41.3%) patients with Cutaneous Leishmaniasis
(CL) were positive for Toxo-IgG. All samples
were found to be Toxo-IgM negative. The
prevalence difference of Toxoplasma infection
in healthy controls and CL patients was not
significant. Conclusions: The results of the
present study showed that the prevalence
difference of Toxoplasma infection in healthy
controls and CL patients was not significant.
This means, there was no relationship between
infection with CL and toxoplasmosis, thus
infection with Toxoplasma gondii wasn't a risk
factor for infection with
Leishmaniasis; Toxoplasma gondii didn't show a
preventive or inhibitory role
against Leishmania infection.