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Microorganisms
Special Issues
Emerging Infectious Diseases in Humans and Animals
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Emerging Infectious Diseases in Humans and Animals

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 January 2025 | Viewed by 11391

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Yashavanth Shaan Lakshmanappa

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Center for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
Interests: SARS-CoV-2; infectious diseases immunology; HIV; Virus infectious diseases vaccinology; emerging infectious diseases; global one health; veterinary vaccines & diagnostics.
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The world has witnessed a pandemic in this century in the form of the SARS CoV2 infection, which caused severe mortality across the world. The invention of a vaccine for the SARS CoV2 infection has presented some hope and helped in the prevention of the disease. However, there was a continuous evolution of the new strains of SARS CoV2, leading to the emergence of new infections across the world. There were reports of the SARAS CoV2 virus in animals such as deer, dogs, and cats. This indicated that the mutations in the virus helped it adapt to new host systems, which might lead to the emergence of the infections in a later stage. Furthermore, there were reports of complications of long COVID-19 infections in humans and detection of the SARS CoV2 infection in organs other than the respiratory system, including the brain, heart, etc. Thus, it is evident that the microorganisms are constantly mutating to adapt to new host environments and evolving into emerging infectious diseases of humans and animals. It is the right time to communicate the ongoing research on the evolving infections of viral, bacterial, or fungal origins. Recently, animals have also witnessed the emergence of infectious diseases such as the lumpy skin disease (LSD) outbreak in southern Asia. Keeping this in mind, we invite full-length articles and peer reviews for submission, covering the following topics:

  1. Emerging hemorrhagic diseases of human and animals;
  2. Neglected viral/bacterial/fungal infections;
  3. Long COVID-19 complications post-recovery from SARS CoV2 infections;
  4. Endemic or epidemic diseases of zoonotic importance;
  5. Advanced vaccine developments for infectious diseases;
  6. Antiviral/monoclonal antibody research;
  7. Immunology of infectious diseases;
  8. In vivo models to study the mechanisms of infectious diseases;
  9. Development of advanced in vitro techniques to study infectious diseases.

Dr. Yashavanth Shaan Lakshmanappa
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.

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

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

Keywords

  • infectious diseases
  • humans
  • animals
  • immunology
  • endemic
  • epidemic diseases

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 5791 KiB  
Article
Epidemiological, Pathological, and Molecular Studies on Sheeppox Disease Outbreaks in Karnataka, India
by Gundallahalli Bayyappa Manjunatha Reddy, Varun Kumar Krishnappa, Chandan Dypasandra Siddalingaiah, Suguna Rao, Shivasharanappa Nayakvadi, Chethan Kumar Harlipura Basavarajappa and Baldev Raj Gualti
Microorganisms 2024, 12(7), 1373; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12071373 - 4 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1312
Abstract
An epidemiological study spanning twelve years has revealed that sheeppox disease is both widespread and endemic, predominantly surging during the winter and summer seasons. This investigation focused on sheeppox across 11 field outbreaks, involving 889 animals from non-migratory flocks across six districts in [...] Read more.
An epidemiological study spanning twelve years has revealed that sheeppox disease is both widespread and endemic, predominantly surging during the winter and summer seasons. This investigation focused on sheeppox across 11 field outbreaks, involving 889 animals from non-migratory flocks across six districts in Karnataka, in the southern peninsula of India. Among these, 105 animals exhibited clinical signs suggestive of sheeppox, such as lesions on the body, and 95 cases were confirmed through PCR testing. The overall positivity rate for sheeppox stood at 10.68% (95 out of 889 animals). The incidence of sheeppox was notably higher in animals aged between 1 and 2 years and was more prevalent in females. Affected animals displayed symptoms including respiratory distress, weakness, fever, loss of appetite, depression, and various skin lesions ranging from papular to pock lesions across their bodies. There was a significant increase in total leukocyte count, while hemoglobin levels, red blood cell counts, and hematocrit values significantly decreased. On gross examination, sheeppox lesions, varying from vesicular to nodular forms, were predominantly found on hairless areas of the body. Microscopic examination of skin lesions revealed extensive changes, such as hyperkeratosis, parakeratosis, acanthosis, hydropic degeneration, and necrosis of epithelial cells, along with characteristic intracytoplasmic viral inclusions. The lungs exhibited type-II pneumocyte hyperplasia and proliferative bronchiolitis, also with intracytoplasmic inclusions. Confirmation of the sheeppox virus was achieved through PCR and subsequent sequence analysis. Phylogenetic analysis of the full-length P32 and RPO30 gene demonstrated homology with sheeppox isolates from various parts of India and neighboring countries, indicating that Indian sheeppox viruses are highly lineage-specific and correlate with the host of origin. Based on these findings, it is recommended to implement a homologous vaccination strategy, utilizing selective host/viral strains to enhance protection in susceptible animals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Infectious Diseases in Humans and Animals)
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15 pages, 4386 KiB  
Article
Identification, Genome Sequencing, and Characterizations of Helicobacter pylori Sourced from Pakistan
by Anees Fatima, Muhammad Ibrahim, Adil Naseer, Arshid Pervez, Muhammad Asad, Aamer Ali Shah, Fariha Hasan, Wadi B. Alonazi, Ifra Ferheen and Samiullah Khan
Microorganisms 2023, 11(11), 2658; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11112658 - 29 Oct 2023
Viewed by 2450
Abstract
The stomach’s colonization by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) results in gastritis, ulcers, and stomach cancer. Frequently, pain is treated with medication, but resistant H. pylori infections are not. Therefore, it is important to find pharmacological targets and improved treatments for resistant [...] Read more.
The stomach’s colonization by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) results in gastritis, ulcers, and stomach cancer. Frequently, pain is treated with medication, but resistant H. pylori infections are not. Therefore, it is important to find pharmacological targets and improved treatments for resistant H. pylori strains. The aim of the current study was sampling, identification, drug susceptibility testing following genome sequencing and comparative genome-wide analysis of selected H. pylori strains from Pakistan with three representative strains for virulence and drug-resistant characteristics. Based on culture, biochemistry, and molecular biology, 84 strains of H. pylori were identified, which made up 47% of the enrolled cases. Among all H. pylori strains, the highest resistance was reported for metronidazole with 82 H. pylori strains (98%), followed by clarithromycin with 62 resistant strains (74%). Among metronidazole-resistant strains, 38 strains (46%) were also resistant to clarithromycin, contributing 61% of clarithromycin resistant cases. Two strains, HPA1 and HPA2, isolated from ‘gastritis’ and ‘gastric ulcer’ patients, respectively, were further processed for WGS. The draft genome sequences of H. pylori strains HPA1 and HPA2 encode 1.66 Mbp and 1.67 Mbp genome size, 24 and 4 contiguous DNA sequences, and 1650 and 1625 coding sequences, respectively. Both the genomes showed greater than 90% similarity with the reference strain H. pylori ATCC 43504/PMSS1. The antibiotic-resistant genes were identified among all the strains with overall similarity above 95%, with minor differences in the sequence similarity. Using the virulent gene data obtained from the Virulence Factor Database, 75 to 85 virulent genes were identified in the five genome assemblies with various key genes such as cytolethal distending toxin (cdt), type IV secretion system, cag PAI, plasticity region, cell-motility- and flagellar-associated genes, neutrophil-activating protein (HP-NAP), T4SS effector cytotoxin-associated gene A (cagA), and urease-associated genes ureA and ureB, etc. Sequence similarity between the virulence factors found in this study and reference genes was at least 90%. In summary, the results of our study showed the relationship between clinical results and specific H. pylori strains’ (HPA1 and HPA2) genetics such as antibiotic resistance and specific virulence factors. These findings provide valued understanding of the epidemiology of H. pylori-associated diseases. Moreover, identification and genomics analysis have provided insights into the epidemiology, genetic diversity, pathogenicity, and potential drug resistance genes of H. pylori strains, offering a foundation for developing more targeted and effective medical interventions, including anti-virulent medications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Infectious Diseases in Humans and Animals)
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11 pages, 568 KiB  
Article
Pathogenic Leptospira Species Are Present in Urban Rats in Sydney, Australia
by Miguel A. Bedoya-Pérez, Mark E. Westman, Max Loomes, Nga Yee Natalie Chung, Benjamin Knobel and Michael P. Ward
Microorganisms 2023, 11(7), 1731; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11071731 - 1 Jul 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2139
Abstract
Leptospirosis is an emerging disease among people and dogs in Sydney, Australia. However, the routes of Leptospira transmission in these cases, and in particular the possible role of rats as reservoirs of infection in Sydney, are unknown. Rats were collected within the City [...] Read more.
Leptospirosis is an emerging disease among people and dogs in Sydney, Australia. However, the routes of Leptospira transmission in these cases, and in particular the possible role of rats as reservoirs of infection in Sydney, are unknown. Rats were collected within the City of Sydney Council area and their kidneys were tested for pathogenic Leptospira DNA by real-time (q)PCR. A subset of rats also had qPCR testing performed on whole blood and urine, and Microscopic Agglutination Testing (MAT) that included a panel of 10 Leptospira serovars from nine different Leptospira serogroups was performed on a subset of serum samples. Based on qPCR testing, the proportion of rats with Leptospira DNA in their kidneys was 9/111 (8.1%). qPCR testing of blood samples (n = 9) and urine (n = 4) was negative. None of the 10 serum samples tested MAT positive. A primary cluster of qPCR-positive locations was detected based on six infected rats, which partially overlapped with a previously identified cluster of canine leptospirosis cases in Sydney. These findings suggest that rats in Sydney might play a role in the transmission of leptospirosis to dogs and people. Further testing of rats in Sydney and investigation into other possible wildlife reservoirs of infection and environmental sources of leptospires are needed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Infectious Diseases in Humans and Animals)
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Review

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20 pages, 381 KiB  
Review
Management Strategies for Common Animal Bites in Pediatrics: A Narrative Review on the Latest Progress
by Dragos Septelici, Giulia Carbone, Alessandro Cipri and Susanna Esposito
Microorganisms 2024, 12(5), 924; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12050924 - 1 May 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3170
Abstract
Animal bites are a common reason for children to visit primary care and emergency departments. Dog bites are the most prevalent, followed by cat bites at 20–30%. Other animals such as bats, monkeys, snakes, and rats collectively contribute less than 1% of cases. [...] Read more.
Animal bites are a common reason for children to visit primary care and emergency departments. Dog bites are the most prevalent, followed by cat bites at 20–30%. Other animals such as bats, monkeys, snakes, and rats collectively contribute less than 1% of cases. Hospitalization is necessary in only 4% of animal bite incidents. The main aim of this narrative review is to summarize the main protocols currently followed in pediatrics in cases involving the most common bites from different animal species. Analysis of the literature showed that the management of common animal bites in children presents a multifaceted challenge requiring a comprehensive understanding of the epidemiology, clinical presentation, and treatment modalities associated with each specific species. Effective wound management is paramount in reducing the risk of infection and promoting optimal healing outcomes. Additionally, tetanus vaccination status should be assessed and updated as necessary, and prophylactic antibiotics may be indicated in certain cases to prevent secondary infections. Furthermore, the role of rabies prophylaxis cannot be overstated, particularly in regions where rabies is endemic or following bites from high-risk animals. In addition to medical management, psychosocial support for both the child and their caregivers is integral to the overall care continuum. Future studies exploring the efficacy of novel treatment modalities, such as topical antimicrobial agents or advanced wound dressings, may offer new insights into optimizing wound healing and reducing the risk of complications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Infectious Diseases in Humans and Animals)
18 pages, 1083 KiB  
Review
The Impact and Effects of Host Immunogenetics on Infectious Disease Studies Using Non-Human Primates in Biomedical Research
by Neil Berry, Edward T. Mee, Neil Almond and Nicola J. Rose
Microorganisms 2024, 12(1), 155; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12010155 - 12 Jan 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1695
Abstract
Understanding infectious disease pathogenesis and evaluating novel candidate treatment interventions for human use frequently requires prior or parallel analysis in animal model systems. While rodent species are frequently applied in such studies, there are situations where non-human primate (NHP) species are advantageous or [...] Read more.
Understanding infectious disease pathogenesis and evaluating novel candidate treatment interventions for human use frequently requires prior or parallel analysis in animal model systems. While rodent species are frequently applied in such studies, there are situations where non-human primate (NHP) species are advantageous or required. These include studies of animals that are anatomically more akin to humans, where there is a need to interrogate the complexity of more advanced biological systems or simply reflect susceptibility to a specific infectious agent. The contribution of different arms of the immune response may be addressed in a variety of NHP species or subspecies in specific physiological compartments. Such studies provide insights into immune repertoires not always possible from human studies. However, genetic variation in outbred NHP models may confound, or significantly impact the outcome of a particular study. Thus, host factors need to be considered when undertaking such studies. Considerable knowledge of the impact of host immunogenetics on infection dynamics was elucidated from HIV/SIV research. NHP models are now important for studies of emerging infections. They have contributed to delineating the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19, which identified differences in outcomes attributable to the selected NHP host. Moreover, their use was crucial in evaluating the immunogenicity and efficacy of vaccines against COVID-19 and establishing putative correlates of vaccine protection. More broadly, neglected or highly pathogenic emerging or re-emergent viruses may be studied in selected NHPs. These studies characterise protective immune responses following infection or the administration of candidate immunogens which may be central to the accelerated licensing of new vaccines. Here, we review selected aspects of host immunogenetics, specifically MHC background and TRIM5 polymorphism as exemplars of adaptive and innate immunity, in commonly used Old and New World host species. Understanding this variation within and between NHP species will ensure that this valuable laboratory source is used most effectively to combat established and emerging virus infections and improve human health worldwide. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Infectious Diseases in Humans and Animals)
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