Genetics and Genomics of Zoonotic Infectious Diseases

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Animal Genetics and Genomics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2024) | Viewed by 2561

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
Interests: wildlife; virus; zoonoses; genetics

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The recent COVID-19 pandemic has heightened our awareness of zoonotic diseases. The SARS-CoV-2 virus serves as an example of a pathogen capable of infecting various wild and domestic animal hosts, spreading rapidly among humans, and exhibiting a high genome mutation rate. The impact of this zoonosis on all aspects of human life worldwide has prompted impressive research efforts to better understand the genomics and genetics of this virus, enhancing awareness regarding potential future pandemics involving zoonotic pathogens.

Unprecedented human encroachment into previously untouched environments has accelerated the rate of contact with wild animals. Coupled with other factors such as large-scale farming with low biosafety, this increase in human–animal interaction augments the risk of zoonotic infections and new pandemics. The study of pathogens at the genetic and genomic levels is crucial for preventing emerging and re-emerging zoonotic diseases.

We welcome the submission of original manuscripts addressing various aspects of genetics and genomics of zoonotic infectious diseases for this Special Issue. Specifically, topics such as the functioning and composition of genes, gene interrelationships, molecular characterizations, novel sequencing technologies, and techniques for genomic surveillance are welcome. 

Dr. Leonardo Caserta
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • emerging and re-emerging diseases
  • zoonoses
  • viruses
  • bacteria
  • fungi
  • parasites
  • prevention
  • diagnostics
  • genetics of microorganisms
  • genomic surveillance

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

11 pages, 1481 KiB  
Article
Functional Analysis of Oligoadenylate Synthetase in the Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae)
by Keisuke Sato, Teppei Nakamura, Masami Morimatsu and Takashi Agui
Animals 2024, 14(11), 1579; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14111579 - 27 May 2024
Viewed by 832
Abstract
2′-5′-oligoadenylate synthetase (OAS) is one of the proteins that act as a defense mechanism against foreign RNA in cells. OAS has two functions: an antiviral effect against a wide range of virus species via the OAS/RNase L pathway with synthesized oligoadenylates and inhibition [...] Read more.
2′-5′-oligoadenylate synthetase (OAS) is one of the proteins that act as a defense mechanism against foreign RNA in cells. OAS has two functions: an antiviral effect against a wide range of virus species via the OAS/RNase L pathway with synthesized oligoadenylates and inhibition of viral replication specific to viruses of the genus Flavivirus, which is independent of enzymatic activity. Several birds have been reported to possess only one type of OAS family member, OASL, which has both enzymatic activity and inhibitory effects on flaviviral replication. However, the ostrich has two types of OASs, OAS1 and OASL, which show different functions—enzymatic and anti-flaviviral activities, respectively. In this study, emu OASs were cloned to investigate their sequence and function and elucidate the role of OASs in emus. The cloning results showed that emus had OAS1 and OASL, suggesting that emu OASs were more closely related to ostrich than to other birds. Functional investigations showed that emu OAS1 and OASL had enzymatic and anti-flaviviral activities, respectively, similar to those of the ostrich. Emus and ostriches are evolutionarily different from most birds and may be more closely related to mammalian OAS diversity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics and Genomics of Zoonotic Infectious Diseases)
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9 pages, 3155 KiB  
Communication
Description of Zoonotic Pseudocowpoxvirus Infection of Cattle in Russia
by Irina Sindryakova, Andrey Blokhin, Valentina Lyska and Ilya Titov
Animals 2024, 14(6), 969; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14060969 - 20 Mar 2024
Viewed by 1258
Abstract
Parapoxviruses are worldwide epitheliotropic viruses that affect ruminants. Viruses of this genus have a narrow host range; however, the pseudocowpox virus (PCPV) also infects humans. Unfortunately, these cases are not well documented, and the epidemiology and the properties of the causative agents are [...] Read more.
Parapoxviruses are worldwide epitheliotropic viruses that affect ruminants. Viruses of this genus have a narrow host range; however, the pseudocowpox virus (PCPV) also infects humans. Unfortunately, these cases are not well documented, and the epidemiology and the properties of the causative agents are not properly described. Here, we report the first case of PCPV in northern Russia (the Irkutsk region). The infection occurred in non-immune herds where no new arrivals of animals had been reported. Moreover, clinical signs of infection (skin lesions) were observed in humans. Based on the nucleotide identity and phylogenetic analysis of the partial-length B2L gene, the Irkutsk 2019 isolate was classified as PCPV. Phylogenetic analysis based on the nucleotide sequence of the B2L gene fragment of PCPV revealed a close phylogenetic relationship between the Irkutsk 2019 isolate and the PCPV strains isolated in Europe and the USA. The high degree of conservatism of the B2L gene does not allow for finding a correlation between their geographical origin and the results of phylogenetic analysis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics and Genomics of Zoonotic Infectious Diseases)
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