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Many respiratory infectious diseases are believed to be transmitted from person to person through droplet nuclei in the air or contact with droplet-contaminated surfaces. Most studies related to droplet evaporation only focus on the evaporation process, without dividing the transmission routes of diseases caused by droplet evaporation. In this paper, the actual size of droplet nuclei was analyzed, and droplet evaporation and the changes in component content were predicted. Especially considering the dynamic effect of evaporation on droplets size change, a more realistic sedimentation model was established, and the probability of pathogen transmission through different routes and the corresponding droplet size distribution range were analyzed. The results showed that the size of droplet nuclei and the rate of the evaporation process together determined the time required for droplet evaporation. The number of droplets still suspended in the air after the end of evaporation is much higher than the number of droplets settling on the ground. In addition, the differences in component content during the evaporation process may affect the inactivation of pathogens in droplets. This study provided a reference for the prevention and control strategies of respiratory infectious diseases in indoor environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis are vector-borne bacterial diseases produced by intracellular rickettsial species of the genus Ehrlichia and Anaplasma. Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma spp. (A. platys and A. phagocytophilum) have reported cases of zoonotic transmision and are the main bacterial agents of canine ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis. They normally present an asymptomatic or mild course in domestic and wild animals with some lethal cases reported. The main vector of these diseases in Europe are the castor bean tick (Ixodes ricinus) and the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus), although only in the latter, the main host is the domestic dogs. The aim of this work is to apply an integrative approach to convert ecological niche models (ENMs) into potential transmission risk models and understand the relative contribution of the two potential vectors (R. sanguineus and I. ricinus) to spread both diseases in the Iberian Peninsula and Balearic Islands. Results: Two ENMs meeting all criteria were successfully generated for R. sanguineus and I. ricinus with human footprint being the most relevant explanatory variable. The novelty of the study lies in the combination of independent ENMs for both species to estimate the disease transmission risk of specific bacteria (E. canis, A. platys and A. phagocytophilum). Only the transmission risk maps that had higher contribution of R. sanguineus than I. ricinus showed relevant and positive significant correlations between risk and seroprevalence in either of the two species of bacteria (R ≥ 0.4; p < 0.05). Regarding Anaplasma spp., the map having 10% contribution of I. ricinus (10I) and 90% of R. sanguineus (90R) inferred 47.4% of infected dogs in very high-risk areas. In the case of E. canis, the model showing a proportion of 25I-75R showed better validation power (53.4% of infected dogs in very high-risk areas). Conclusion: The validation approach used in this study produced a good approximation to understand the relative contribution of the two tick species in bacterial disease transmission in dogs in the Iberian Peninsula and Balearic Islands. Rhipicephalus sanguineus appears as the main transmitter of both diseases in the study area (90% and 75% for anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis respectively), in accordance with its higher abundance and host preference. This estimate may help veterinary staff, clinicians and owners to optimize the control of these diseases in certain vulnerable areas, and thus reduce the risk of infection in risk areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the COVID-19 infection risk and the effectiveness of countermeasures at mass-gathering events, we measured the dispersion and advective diffusion of artificial droplets and artificial droplet nuclei at the Tokyo Dome, Japan (capacity 55,000 people). We also measured and evaluated the effectiveness of wearing masks and increasing the space between seating areas. If people were seated facing forward, artificial droplets did not reach the mouths of surrounding people, suggesting low risk of droplet transmission. For an artificially generated cough or sneeze, the volume of droplets deposited on the hair, back of the neck, and back of the human in front, and the backs of the seats in front, decreased by two to three orders of magnitude when a mask was worn, regardless of the type of mask. However, when the mask was worn with the nose out, the amount deposited on the back of the seat in front was reduced by only 17%. Even in seats with the highest particle concentration in the vicinity of the source, only 0.097%–0.24% of the generated droplet nuclei (1.0–3.0 μm) from the source were inhaled. Our results suggest that the infection risk at the Tokyo Dome via droplet and airborne transmission was low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Climate change is driving the occurrence of several infectious diseases. Within a One Health action to complement the ongoing preventive chemotherapy initiative against human fascioliasis in the Northern Bolivian Altiplano hyperendemic area, field surveys showed a geographical expansion of its lymnaeid snail vector. To assess whether climate change underlies this spread of the infection risk area, an in-depth analysis of the long-term evolution of climatic factors relevant for Fasciola hepatica development was imperative. Methods: We used monthly climatic data covering at least a 30-year period and applied two climatic risk indices, the water-budget-based system and the wet–day index, both of verified usefulness for forecasting fascioliasis transmission in this endemic area. To reveal the long-term trends of the climatic factors and forecast indices, we applied procedures of seasonal-trend decomposition based on locally weighed regression and trend analysis on the basis of linear models. To further demonstrate the changes detected, we depicted selected variables in the form of anomalies. Results: This study revealed a notorious climatic change affecting most of the hyperendemic area, with a strong impact on crucial aspects of the fascioliasis transmission. Trends in maximum and mean temperatures show significant increases throughout the endemic area, while trends in minimum temperatures are more variable. Precipitation annual trends are negative in most of the localities. Trends in climatic risk indices show negative trends at lower altitudes or when farther from the eastern Andean chain. However, monthly and yearly values of climatic risk indices indicate a permanent transmission feasibility in almost every location. Conclusions: Warmer temperatures have enabled lymnaeids to colonize formerly unsuitable higher altitudes, outside the endemicity area verified in the 1990s. Further, drier conditions might lead to an overexploitation of permanent water collections where lymnaeids inhabit, favoring fascioliasis transmission. Therefore, the present preventive chemotherapy by annual mass treatments is in need to widen the area of implementation. This study emphasizes the convenience for continuous monitoring of nearby zones for quick reaction and appropriate action modification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis are vector-borne bacterial diseases produced by intracellular rickettsial species of the genus Ehrlichia and Anaplasma. Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma spp. (A. platys and A. phagocytophilum) have reported cases of zoonotic transmision and are the main bacterial agents of canine ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis. They normally present an asymptomatic or mild course in domestic and wild animals with some lethal cases reported. The main vector of these diseases in Europe are the castor bean tick (Ixodes ricinus) and the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus), although only in the latter, the main host is the domestic dogs. The aim of this work is to apply an integrative approach to convert ecological niche models (ENMs) into potential transmission risk models and understand the relative contribution of the two potential vectors (R. sanguineus and I. ricinus) to spread both diseases in the Iberian Peninsula and Balearic Islands. Results Two ENMs meeting all criteria were successfully generated for R. sanguineus and I. ricinus with human footprint being the most relevant explanatory variable. The novelty of the study lies in the combination of independent ENMs for both species to estimate the disease transmission risk of specific bacteria (E. canis, A. platys and A. phagocytophilum). Only the transmission risk maps that had higher contribution of R. sanguineus than I. ricinus showed relevant and positive significant correlations between risk and seroprevalence in either of the two species of bacteria (R ≥ 0.4; p

Abstract To evaluate the COVID-19 infection risk and the effectiveness of countermeasures at mass-gathering events, we measured the dispersion and advective diffusion of artificial droplets and artificial droplet nuclei at the Tokyo Dome, Japan (capacity 55,000 people). We also measured and evaluated the effectiveness of wearing masks and increasing the space between seating areas. If people were seated facing forward, artificial droplets did not reach the mouths of surrounding people, suggesting low risk of droplet transmission. For an artificially generated cough or sneeze, the volume of droplets deposited on the hair, back of the neck, and back of the human in front, and the backs of the seats in front, decreased by two to three orders of magnitude when a mask was worn, regardless of the type of mask. However, when the mask was worn with the nose out, the amount deposited on the back of the seat in front was reduced by only 17%. Even in seats with the highest particle concentration in the vicinity of the source, only 0.097%–0.24% of the generated droplet nuclei (1.0–3.0 μm) from the source were inhaled. Our results suggest that the infection risk at the Tokyo Dome via droplet and airborne transmission was low.

Abstract Background Climate change is driving the occurrence of several infectious diseases. Within a One Health action to complement the ongoing preventive chemotherapy initiative against human fascioliasis in the Northern Bolivian Altiplano hyperendemic area, field surveys showed a geographical expansion of its lymnaeid snail vector. To assess whether climate change underlies this spread of the infection risk area, an in-depth analysis of the long-term evolution of climatic factors relevant for Fasciola hepatica development was imperative. Methods We used monthly climatic data covering at least a 30-year period and applied two climatic risk indices, the water-budget-based system and the wet–day index, both of verified usefulness for forecasting fascioliasis transmission in this endemic area. To reveal the long-term trends of the climatic factors and forecast indices, we applied procedures of seasonal-trend decomposition based on locally weighed regression and trend analysis on the basis of linear models. To further demonstrate the changes detected, we depicted selected variables in the form of anomalies. Results This study revealed a notorious climatic change affecting most of the hyperendemic area, with a strong impact on crucial aspects of the fascioliasis transmission. Trends in maximum and mean temperatures show significant increases throughout the endemic area, while trends in minimum temperatures are more variable. Precipitation annual trends are negative in most of the localities. Trends in climatic risk indices show negative trends at lower altitudes or when farther from the eastern Andean chain. However, monthly and yearly values of climatic risk indices indicate a permanent transmission feasibility in almost every location. Conclusions Warmer temperatures have enabled lymnaeids to colonize formerly unsuitable higher altitudes, outside the endemicity area verified in the 1990s. Further, drier conditions might lead to an overexploitation of permanent water collections where lymnaeids inhabit, favoring fascioliasis transmission. Therefore, the present preventive chemotherapy by annual mass treatments is in need to widen the area of implementation. This study emphasizes the convenience for continuous monitoring of nearby zones for quick reaction and appropriate action modification. Graphical Abstract

Abstract Infectious diseases usually originate from a specific location within a city. Due to the heterogenous distribution of population and public facilities, and the structural heterogeneity of human mobility network embedded in space, infectious diseases break out at different locations would cause different transmission risk and control difficulty. This study aims to investigate the impact of initial outbreak locations on the risk of spatiotemporal transmission and reveal the driving force behind high-risk outbreak locations. First, we built a SLIR (susceptible-latent-infectious-removed)-based age-stratified meta-population model, integrating mobile phone location data, to simulate the spreading process of an infectious disease across fine-grained intra-urban regions (i.e., 649 communities of Shenzhen City, China). Based on the simulation model, we evaluated the transmission risk caused by different initial outbreak locations by proposing three indexes including the number of infected cases (CaseNum), the number of affected regions (RegionNum), and the spatial diffusion range (SpatialRange). Finally, we investigated the contribution of different influential factors to the transmission risk via machine learning models. Results indicate that different initial outbreak locations would cause similar CaseNum but different RegionNum and SpatialRange. To avoid the epidemic spread quickly to more regions, it is necessary to prevent epidemic breaking out in locations with high population-mobility flow density. While to avoid epidemic spread to larger spatial range, remote regions with long daily trip distance of residents need attention. Those findings can help understand the transmission risk and driving force of initial outbreak locations within cities and make precise prevention and control strategies in advance.

Interspecific interactions are highly relevant in the potential transmission of shared pathogens in multi‐host systems. In recent decades, several technologies have been developed to study pathogen transmission, such as proximity loggers, GPS tracking devices and/or camera traps. Despite the diversity of methods aimed at detecting contacts, the analysis of transmission risk is often reduced to contact rates and the probability of transmission given the contact. However, the latter process is continuous over time and unique for each contact, and is influenced by the characteristics of the contact and the pathogen's relationship with both the host and the environment.Our objective was to assess whether a more comprehensive approach, using a movement‐based model which assigns a unique transmission risk to each contact by decomposing transmission into contact formation, contact duration and host characteristics, could reveal disease transmission dynamics that are not detected with more traditional approaches.The model was built from GPS‐collar data from two management systems in Spain where animal tuberculosis (TB) circulates: a national park with extensively reared endemic cattle, and an area with extensive free‐range pigs and cattle farms. In addition, we evaluated the effect of the GPS device fix rate on the performance of the model.Different transmission dynamics were identified between both management systems. Considering the specific conditions under which each contact occurs (i.e. whether the contact is direct or indirect, its duration, the hosts characteristics, the environmental conditions, etc.) resulted in the identification of different transmission dynamics compared to using only contact rates. We found that fix intervals greater than 30 min in the GPS tracking data resulted in missed interactions, and intervals greater than 2 h may be insufficient for epidemiological purposes.Our study shows that neglecting the conditions under which each contact occurs may result in a misidentification of the real role of each species in disease transmission. This study describes a clear and repeatable framework to study pathogen transmission from GPS data and provides further insights to understand how TB is maintained in multi‐host systems in Mediterranean environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The Maximum Entropy models (MaxEnt) is commonly employed for early detection of disease transmission, particularly effective in assessing the risk zones and intensity of tick-borne disease transmission based on climatic factors. Methods: Utilizing the diversity data of common ticks in Qinghai, along with surveillance statistics tick-borne pathogens of ticks and epidemiological information, we have charted and predicted the prevalence of tick and tickborne pathogens across Qinghai province. Results and Discussion: The findings indicate that the pivotal environmental factors influencing the distribution of ticks and tick-borne pathogens include land use and land cover (Lucc), elevation (Elev), annual precipitation (Bio12) and annual mean temperature (Bio1). Notably, for Dermacentor nuttalli, the significant environmental factors accounted for 35.2% for Lucc, 24.7% for Elev and 18.6% for Bio12. In the case of Dermacentor silvaru, the pivotal factors contributed 33.2% for Lucc, 23.7% for Elev and 22.6% for Bio1. For Haemaphysalis qinghaiensis, the key environmental variables were 45% for Elev, 30.9% for Lucc and 18.4% for Bio12. Regarding the pathogens, the environmental factors influencing Borrelia burgdorferi contributed 61.5% for Lucc, 13.3% for Elev and 11.9% for Bio1. For Piroplasmida, the contribution was 62.1% for Lucc, 16.7% for Bio1 and 9.9% for Bio12. Rickettsia was influenced by factors accounting for 34.2% for Lucc, 29.7% for Elev and 17.3% for Bio12, while Anaplasma variables contributed 38.2% for Bio1, 26.6% for Lucc and 18.9% for Bio12. The finding indicated that the three predominantly ticks species (D. nuttalli, D. silvaru, and H. qinghaiensis) and the primary tick-borne pathogens (B. burgdorferi, Piroplasmida, Rickettsia, and Anaplasma) are predominantly concentrated in the source regions of the Yellow River, the Yangtze River, the Lancang River, and the eastern part of the Haixi Autonomous Prefecture. Projected under the ssp245 scenario, there is a notable expansion trend in the risk areas for ticks and tick-borne pathogens These findings are consistent with previous epidemiological studies on major ticks and tick-borne diseases in Qinghai conducted by our laboratory, this suggests the feasibility of using the MaxEnt model to predict the distribution of tick-borne disease transmission and compensates for the paucity of research on the Maxent model in the Qinghai Province. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infectious diseases usually originate from a specific location within a city. Due to the heterogenous distribution of population and public facilities, and the structural heterogeneity of human mobility network embedded in space, infectious diseases break out at different locations would cause different transmission risk and control difficulty. This study aims to investigate the impact of initial outbreak locations on the risk of spatiotemporal transmission and reveal the driving force behind high-risk outbreak locations. First, we built a SLIR (susceptible-latent-infectious-removed)-based age-stratified meta-population model, integrating mobile phone location data, to simulate the spreading process of an infectious disease across fine-grained intra-urban regions (i.e., 649 communities of Shenzhen City, China). Based on the simulation model, we evaluated the transmission risk caused by different initial outbreak locations by proposing three indexes including the number of infected cases (CaseNum), the number of affected regions (RegionNum), and the spatial diffusion range (SpatialRange). Finally, we investigated the contribution of different influential factors to the transmission risk via machine learning models. Results indicate that different initial outbreak locations would cause similar CaseNum but different RegionNum and SpatialRange. To avoid the epidemic spread quickly to more regions, it is necessary to prevent epidemic breaking out in locations with high population-mobility flow density. While to avoid epidemic spread to larger spatial range, remote regions with long daily trip distance of residents need attention. Those findings can help understand the transmission risk and driving force of initial outbreak locations within cities and make precise prevention and control strategies in advance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rules of good practice in French Assisted Reproduction Technologies (ARTs) aim to ensure the quality and safety of care. These rules, which are mandatory for all ARTs facilities, include measures to prevent the transmission of pathogens and guarantee the safety of patients and practitioners. They evolve with the current state of knowledge, which is why the decrees governing these practices are regularly revised. ARTs including artificial insemination, conventional in vitro fertilization or Intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), gamete storage, gamete donation and embryo transfer, are evolving in the same direction of scientific and regulatory advances. The revision of the decree of October 5, 2023, following the new bioethics law of 2021, introduces major changes, notably the abolition of the specific "viral risk" circuit and the narrowing of mandatory medical biology examinations that initially aims to minimize transmission risks. However, it maintains strict sanitary safety measures to prevent horizontal and vertical transmission, as well as transmission to health-care workers. Good laboratory practice is a common minimum standard that all ARTs' facilities must adhere to. However, laboratories are free to develop their own protocols in line with the decrees, and to carry out additional biological tests to optimize patient care. Learned societies, such as the European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE), offer specific recommendations for handling gametes from patients infected with agents such as HBV, HCV, HIV, HPV, Zika and SARS-CoV-2. Good laboratory practices for ARTS, which arecontinuously reviewed, ensure a high level of quality and safety. Recent epidemics have underlined the importance of these measures in adapting rapidly to health emergencies, highlighting their necessity for dealing with the threat of new outbreaks of emerging agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding how disease moves through wildlife communities is essential to managing outbreaks of zoonotic diseases across the globe. Bovine tuberculosis is a disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium bovis that can threaten domestic and wildlife species. The mechanism by which Mycobacterium bovis is spread between species is still poorly understood. Previous reviews are limited in the breadth of species considered and are primarily concerned with transmission from wildlife to domestic species.We conducted a review and analysis of Mycobacterium bovis prevalence rates in European wildlife species to identify species of concern for the transmission of bovine tuberculosis in a wildlife community. We subsequently conducted a narrative review of these species assessing the risk of Mycobacterium bovis transmission in a wildlife community based on available literature.We calculated weighted mean disease prevalence rates to be highest in fallow deer (Dama dama, 20%), Eurasian badgers (Meles meles, 11%), wild boar (Sus scrofa, 9%) and red foxes (Vulpes vulpes, 4%). We considered these species to be of particular concern for the transmission of Mycobacterium bovis and selected them as the focus of our narrative review and risk assessment. Our risk assessment considered disease pathology, spatiotemporal activity patterns and animal behaviour as factors affecting the likelihood of Mycobacterium bovis transmission between wildlife species.We found that prior research has principally focused on a few individual species, but that Mycobacterium bovis transmission through a wildlife community is likely more complex. We determined that disease transmission between multiple species may compound the severity of an outbreak of bovine tuberculosis. Broad, multi‐species sampling campaigns and standardised Mycobacterium bovis testing protocols should be implemented in future studies. We also determined that an in‐depth analysis of spatiotemporal overlap between species was needed to better assess the risk of transmission between wildlife species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is important to quantify uncertainty in the viable genomic material encapsulated in the respiratory particles emitted by infected people so that it can be converted into an emission rate as a function of respiratory and metabolic activities and used to estimate the probability of infection for an indoor scenario. Clinical measurements of viral loads for SARS-CoV-2 made using infection surveys, Gesundheit-II samplers, and human challenge studies are evaluated and a mathematical model is derived to estimate the quantum emission rate as a function of the genomic and viable viral loads. Modelled emission rates for SARS-CoV-2 agree with clinical data above detection limits. The viral load is found to vary over at least 6 orders of magnitude because it is person and time dependent, and contingent on many other factors that are difficult to quantify. It is similarly large for other respiratory pathogens. Therefore, the genomic and viable-virion emission rates display similar heterogeneity. When emission rates are used to estimate absolute infection risk using the Wells-Riley model, the predictions are so uncertain that they cannot be used in any meaningful way to provide useful quantitative guidance for designing indoor spaces.

Superspreading events underscore the uneven distribution of COVID-19 transmission among individuals and locations. These heterogenous transmission patterns could stem from human mobility, yet the underlying mechanisms are still not fully understood. Here, we employ an agent-based model incorporating urban scaling structure to simulate fine-grained mobility and the human-to-human transmission process. Our results reveal that not only the quantity but also the scaling structure of mobility profoundly influences local transmission risk. Urban scaling structure is characterized by a widely found power-law scaling distribution of mobility volumes across different locations. By integrating this structure, our model fits reasonably well with empirical Omicron data at various spatial scales in Hong Kong. Further analyses show a positive association between the scaling index, representing the location's importance within the structure, and local transmission risks among urban areas as well as the likelihood of becoming superspreaders among local visitors. This implies that urban scaling structure could offer the first-mover advantage to a minority of places and individuals to infect earlier and thus infect more. This study brings important insights for the transmission dynamics of COVID-19 and similar diseases, highlighting the role of urban scaling structure in influencing local transmission risks and superspreading events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Food Science & Biotechnology is the property of Journal of Food Science & Biotechnology Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

People in elevators are at risk of respiratory infection because the elevator cabin is crowded and has poor ventilation. The exhaled particles may be inhaled by the susceptible person, deposited on the surface and suspended in the elevator, which can result in direct and indirect transmission. However, whether the air vent designs adopted in the elevator can effectively reduce the transmission risk of respiratory particles remains unknown. In this study, the dispersion of particles under four common ventilation strategies used in the commercial elevator was investigated by proven computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. The flow field was simulated with the RNG k-ξ turbulence model and the Lagrangian method was adopted to track particle trajectories. The effects of air vent layout and airflow rate on particle transmission were analyzed. We found that more than 50% of exhaled particles (average value) were suspended in the cabin and difficult to discharge under the investigated ventilation strategies. The deposited fraction of particles on the susceptible person reached up to 39.14% for infiltration ventilation, which led to a high risk of contact infection. Increasing the ventilation rate could not significantly reduce the inhalation proportion of particles due to the poor airflow distribution inside the elevator. A more proper ventilation strategy should be explored for the elevator to control transmission risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite repeated spillover transmission and their potential to cause significant morbidity and mortality in human hosts, the New World mammarenaviruses remain largely understudied. These viruses are endemic to South America, with animal reservoir hosts covering large geographic areas and whose transmission ecology and spillover potential are driven in part by land use change and agriculture that put humans in regular contact with zoonotic hosts. We compiled published studies about Guanarito virus, Junin virus, Machupo virus, Chapare virus, Sabia virus, and Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis virus to review the state of knowledge about the viral hemorrhagic fevers caused by New World mammarenaviruses. We summarize what is known about rodent reservoirs, the conditions of spillover transmission for each of these pathogens, and the characteristics of human populations at greatest risk for hemorrhagic fever diseases. We also review the implications of repeated outbreaks and biosecurity concerns where these diseases are endemic, and steps that countries can take to strengthen surveillance and increase capacity of local healthcare systems. While there are unique risks posed by each of these six viruses, their ecological and epidemiological similarities suggest common steps to mitigate spillover transmission and better contain future outbreaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 (HSV-2) is a prevalent sexually transmitted infection with varying clinical manifestations. Understanding the longitudinal outcomes is crucial for managing and mitigating its impact on individuals and public health. Material and Methods: In this cohort study, 100 participants from the general population were assessed over a defined follow-up period to determine the prevalence, symptomatic status, outbreak frequency, quality of life impact, treatment adherence, and transmission risks. Participants underwent serological testing and completed questionnaires regarding their symptoms, antiviral therapy, and quality of life. Results: Among the 100 participants, 32 tested positive for HSV-2, resulting in a prevalence rate of 32%. Of these, 22 (70%) were symptomatic, while 10 (30%) were asymptomatic. Symptomatic individuals experienced varying outbreak frequencies, with 31% suffering from 4-6 outbreaks annually. Quality of life was significantly impacted in symptomatic individuals across social (64%), psychological (68%), physical (42%), and financial (35%) domains. In the symptomatic group, 75% were on antiviral therapy, which effectively reduced outbreak frequency and severity. Viral shedding was detected in 31% of asymptomatic individuals, while 16% of asymptomatic individuals progressed to symptomatic during follow-up. Two partner transmission cases were recorded. Conclusion: The longitudinal outcomes of HSV-2 infection highlight the varied clinical course and significant psychosocial impact, underscoring the importance of consistent monitoring, individualized management, and effective educational programs to reduce transmission risk and improve patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The risk of Legionella transmission in built environments remains a significant concern. Legionella can spread within buildings through aerosol transmission, prompting the exploration of airborne transmission pathways and proposing corresponding prevention and control measures based on building characteristics. To this end, a comprehensive literature review on the transmission risk of Legionella in built environments was performed. Four electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and CNKI) were searched from inception to March 2024 for publications reporting the risk of Legionella transmission in built environments. Relevant articles and gray literature reports were hand-searched, and 96 studies were finally included. Legionella pollution comes from various sources, mainly originates in a variety of built environments in which human beings remain for extended periods. The sources, outbreaks, national standards, regulations, and monitoring techniques for Legionella in buildings are reviewed, in addition to increases in Legionella transmission risk due to poor maintenance of water systems and long-distance transmission events caused by aerosol characteristics. Air and water sampling using various analytical methods helps identify Legionella in the environment, recognize sources in the built environments, and control outbreaks. By comparing the standard regulations of national organizations globally, the authors further highlight gaps and deficiencies in Legionella surveillance in China. Such advancements offer essential insights and references for understanding and addressing Legionella transmission risk in the built environment, with the potential to contribute to safeguarding public health and building environment safety.

Simple Summary: We have conducted a 10-year coprological study of animals housed in two zoological institutions with different housing conditions to assess parasite biodiversity and prevalence, their relationship with host class (mammal/bird), diet (carnivorous/omnivorous/herbivorous), and enclosure characteristics (soil type, isolation from wild fauna), and evaluated the risk of transmission to humans. A total of 4476 faecal samples from 132 mammal species and 951 samples from 86 avian species were examined, with 62.1% of mammal species and 12.8% of avian species testing positive. Statistically significant differences were found based on diet type; few carnivorous species were detected infected, primarily by nematodes, while many herbivorous and omnivorous species were primarily infected by protists. No statistically significant differences were observed based on soil type (artificial, natural, mixed) and isolation level (isolated/accessible). Several parasite species found in the study (Entamoeba spp., Giardia spp., Balantioides coli, Trichuris spp.) could potentially be transmitted between housed animals, wild fauna, and humans. Regular analyses of the animals and implementation and follow-up of health programs would minimise transmission risks between housed animals, wild fauna, and humans. We have conducted a 10-year-long coprological study of the animals housed in two zoological institutions (ZooAquarium and Faunia, Madrid, Spain) to assess the parasite biodiversity, prevalence, and their relation with host class, diet, and enclosure type (soil type and level of isolation from wild fauna). A total of 4476 faecal samples from 132 mammal species and 951 samples from 86 avian species were examined. The results indicated that only 12.8% of avian species had parasites at least once during the study period, whereas 62.1% of mammal species tested positive. Predominantly, protists (Entamoeba, flagellates, and ciliates) and nematodes (mainly Trichuris) were identified in the findings. Carnivorous species were primarily infected by nematodes, while herbivorous and omnivorous species were mainly infected by protists. The number of infected herbivorous and omnivorous species was significantly greater than carnivorous species. Differences were observed based on soil type (artificial, natural, mixed) and isolation level (isolated/accessible), but these differences were not statistically significant. Several parasites (Entamoeba spp., Giardia spp., Balantidoides coli, Trichuris spp.) could potentially be transmitted between humans and some mammals and birds. Regular animal analyses and a personnel health program in the institutions would minimise transmission risks between zoo animals, wildlife, and humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Babesia is a unique apicomplexan parasite that specifically invades and proliferates in red blood cells and can be transmitted via blood transfusion, resulting in transfusion-transmitted babesiosis. However, detecting Babesia in blood before transfusion has not received enough attention, and the risk of transfusing blood containing a low density of Babesia microti (B. microti) is unclear, possibly threatening public health and wellness. Purpose: This study aimed to determine the lower detection limit of B. microti in blood and to evaluate the transmission risk of blood transfusion containing lowdensity B. microti. Methods: Infected BALB/c mouse models were established by transfusing infected whole blood with different infection rates and densities of B. microti. Microscopic examination, nested Polymerase Chain Reaction (nested PCR), and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to evaluate the infection status of the mouse models. Meanwhile, the nested PCR detection limit of B. microti was obtained using pure B. microti DNA samples with serial concentrations and whole blood samples with different densities of B. microti-infected red blood cells. Thereafter, whole mouse blood with a B. microti density lower than that of the nested PCR detection limit and human blood samples infected with B. microti were transfused into healthy mice to assess the transmission risk in mouse models. The infection status of these mice was evaluated through microscopic examination, nested PCR tests, and ELISA. Results: The mice inoculated with different densities of B. microti reached the peak infection rate on different days. Overall, the higher the blood B. microti density was, the earlier the peak infection rate was reached. The levels of specific antibodies against B. microti in the blood of the infected mice increased sharply during the first 30 days of infection, reaching a peak level at 60 days postinfection, and maintaining a high level thereafter. The nested PCR detection limits of B. microti DNA and parasite density were 3 fg and 5.48 parasites/mL, respectively. The whole blood containing an extremely low density of B. microti and human blood samples infected with B. microti could infect mice, confirming the transmission risk of transfusing blood with low-density B. microti. Conclusion: Whole blood containing extremely low density of B. microti poses a high transmission risk when transfused between mice and mice or human and mice, suggesting that Babesia detection should be considered by governments, hospitals, and disease prevention and control centers as a mandatory test before blood donation or transfusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Enclosed-space ventilation plays a pivotal role in enhancing indoor air quality (IAQ). Various regulations and guidelines determine minimum fresh air requirements, varying by the application, country, etc. The present study employs real-time indoor CO2 measurements to calculate the actual air change rate (ACH) and models the building's compliance with Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) guidelines to assess its impact on IAQ. The contaminant considered is the SARS-CoV-2 virus with multiple infectors, and the study calculates the virus's transmission risk under different scenarios. Fresh air is assumed to be provided by mechanical or hybrid ventilation. The results reveal that the current building conditions are unacceptable, showing a significant gap from the recommended guideline rates. Meeting CIBSE recommendations ensures indoor air safety in terms of CO2 concentration. However, in extreme conditions with five infectors, findings show a 14% reduction in mechanical ventilation efficacy. Among the hybrid ventilation scenarios, combining CIBSE rates with natural ventilation, with a 30% door and window opening from the class outset, proves most effective in reducing the virus's transmission risk, with a 58–70% reduction from the building's current condition. Furthermore, implementing supplementary measures like air cleaners resulted in an additional 28–50% reduction in transmission risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionLimited evidence exists on management recommendations for neonates born to SARS-CoV-2-positive mothers. This study looked at transmission risk of neonates presenting for primary care in a large regional health system within New York during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsThis was a prospective, observational study of newborns born to SARS-CoV-2-positive mothers presenting at any of the 19 Northwell Health-Cohen Children's Medical Center primary care practices who underwent another oropharyngeal/nasopharyngeal swab for detection of SARS-CoV-2 by day of life (DOL) 14.ResultsAmong 293 newborns born to SARS-CoV-2-positive mothers who were negative at birth, 222 were retested at DOL 14, corresponding to times with different predominant strains. Of these, seven tested positive but had no symptoms.ConclusionThe overall low transmission rates and absence of symptomatic infection support the safety of direct breastfeeding after hospital discharge with appropriate hand and breast hygiene.

During the onset of the pandemic, a common research question was asked by the hospital staff and family members who were handling COVID-19-infected cadavers, "does COVID-19-positive dead body harbor SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA?" Several research findings were reported but due to the lack of proper research findings, the question remained unanswered. The present study was planned to observe the virus transmission risk from cadavers to the handlers. A pilot study was conducted on 54 cadavers who died in COVID-ICU (SARS-CoV-2-positive diagnosed by RT-PCR) during 2021-2022. Skin swab sample from 54 dead bodies and 54 glove samples of handlers were taken within 1 hour of death for the RT-PCR test. Viability results from RT-PCR show that the infection risk was 50% in cadavers, whereas the transmission risk to handlers while handling was 7%, which is minimal. The SARS-CoV-2 viability was high in cases of those died after a long time of infection. Based on the RT-PCR result and data analysis the interpretation of the study was that the SARS-CoV-2 transmission risk from dead bodies to the handlers is minimal but the SARS-CoV-2 viability persists in the cadavers. This fact is helpful for the people who will conduct funeral activities, autopsy staff, and hospital staff handling dead bodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Outbreaks of monkeypox have been ongoing in non-endemic countries since May 2022. A thorough assessment of its global zoonotic niche and potential transmission risk is lacking. Methods We established an integrated database on global monkeypox virus (MPXV) occurrence during 1958 − 2022. Phylogenetic analysis was performed to examine the evolution of MPXV and effective reproductive number (Rt) was estimated over time to examine the dynamic of MPXV transmissibility. The potential ecological drivers of zoonotic transmission and inter-regional transmission risks of MPXV were examined. Results As of 24 July 2022, a total of 49 432 human patients with MPXV infections have been reported in 78 countries. Based on 525 whole genome sequences, two main clades of MPXV were formed, of which Congo Basin clade has a higher transmissibility than West African clade before the 2022-monkeypox, estimated by the overall Rt (0.81 vs. 0.56), and the latter significantly increased in the recent decade. Rt of 2022-monkeypox varied from 1.14 to 4.24 among the 15 continuously epidemic countries outside Africa, with the top three as Peru (4.24, 95% CI: 2.89–6.71), Brazil (3.45, 95% CI: 1.62–7.00) and the United States (2.44, 95% CI: 1.62–3.60). The zoonotic niche of MPXV was associated with the distributions of Graphiurus lorraineus and Graphiurus crassicaudatus, the richness of Rodentia, and four ecoclimatic indicators. Besides endemic areas in Africa, more areas of South America, the Caribbean States, and Southeast and South Asia are ecologically suitable for the occurrence of MPXV once the virus has invaded. Most of Western Europe has a high-imported risk of monkeypox from Western Africa, whereas France and the United Kingdom have a potential imported risk of Congo Basin clade MPXV from Central Africa. Eleven of the top 15 countries with a high risk of MPXV importation from the main countries of 2022-monkeypox outbreaks are located at Europe with the highest risk in Italy, Ireland and Poland. Conclusions The suitable ecological niche for MPXV is not limited to Africa, and the transmissibility of MPXV was significantly increased during the 2022-monkeypox outbreaks. The imported risk is higher in Europe, both from endemic areas and currently epidemic countries. Future surveillance and targeted intervention programs are needed in its high-risk areas informed by updated prediction.

In North America, some moose populations are declining, and meningeal worm (Parelaphostrongylus tenuis) infections may be contributing. Moose are aberrant hosts for meningeal worm and develop severe pathology whereas white-tailed deer (WTD) are definitive hosts that experience minimal pathology and spread parasite larvae into the environment. Analyses of harvested WTD heads confirmed meningeal worm in Western Manitoba, Canada including in areas where moose have experienced population declines and are currently of management concern. The prevalence of larval meningeal worm from WTD feces in these areas are unknown, particularly because the dorsal-spined larvae (DSL) are morphologically indistinguishable from muscle worm (Parelaphostrongylus andersoni). To assess transmission risk of DSL, we investigated the spatial and temporal variation of prevalence in WTD feces from four areas (two with historical moose population declines and two without) sampled across two summers. We predicted higher prevalence of DSL in areas where moose are of management concern and surveys have shown higher meningeal worm prevalence in WTD heads. Further, we expected to only recover meningeal worm, as muscle worm has only been reported from caribou in more northern areas of Manitoba. We collected WTD feces by transect sampling, used the Baermann technique to obtain larvae, and sequenced partial cytochrome oxidase 1 and internal transcribed spacer 2 genes to confirm species identity. Zero-inflated models revealed that DSL prevalence did not differ temporally but was higher in areas where moose are of management concern. Genetic analyses revealed that meningeal worm and muscle worm were both present in Western Manitoba and co-occurred in three areas. Our results reveal novel insights into the geographic distribution of muscle worm and emphasize the importance of DNA sequencing for DSL identification. We suggest that concern for moose populations is warranted given the increased risk of parasite infection in some management areas.

The rapid spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in over 200 countries poses a substantial threat to human health. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes COVID-19, can be discharged with feces into the drainage system. However, a comprehensive understanding of the occurrence, presence, and potential transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in sewers, especially in community sewers, is still lacking. This study investigated the virus occurrence by viral nucleic acid testing in vent stacks, septic tanks, and the main sewer outlets of community where confirmed patients had lived during the early days of the epidemic in Wuhan, China. The results indicated that the risk of long-term emission of SARS-CoV-2 to the environment via vent stacks of buildings was low after confirmed patients were hospitalized. SARS-CoV-2 were mainly detected in the liquid phase, as opposed to being detected in aerosols, and its RNA in the sewage of septic tanks could be detected for only four days after confirmed patients were hospitalized. The surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in sewage could be a sensitive indicator for the possible presence of asymptomatic patients in the community, though the viral concentration could be diluted more than ten times, depending on the sampling site, as indicated by the Escherichia coli test. The comprehensive investigation of the community sewage drainage system is helpful to understand the occurrence characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 in sewage after excretion with feces and the feasibility of sewage surveillance for COVID-19 pandemic monitoring.

Haemaphysalis ticks are pathogenic vectors that threaten human and animal health and were identified in Chongming, the third largest island in China. To understand the distribution of these ticks and determine their potential invasion risk, this study aimed to identify the habitat suitability of the dominant tick H. flava based on natural environmental factors. Geographic information system (GIS) images were combined with sample points from tick investigations to map the spatial distribution of H. flava. Data on 19 bioclimatic variables, environmental variables, and satellite-based landscapes of Chongming Island were retrieved to create a landcover map related to natural environmental determinants of H. flava. These data included 38 sites associated with the vectors to construct species distribution models with MaxEnt, a model based on the maximum entropy principle, and to predict habitat suitability for H. flava on Chongming Island in 2050 and 2070 under different climate scenarios. The model performed well in predicting the H. flava distribution, with a training area under the curve of 0.84 and a test area under the curve of 0.73. A habitat suitability map of the whole study area was created for H. flava. The resulting map and natural environment analysis highlighted the importance of the normalized difference vegetation index and precipitation in the driest month for the bioecology of H. flava, with 141.61 km2 (11.77%), 282.94 km2 (23.35%), and 405.30 km2 (33.69%) of highly, moderately, and poorly suitable habitats, respectively. The distribution decreased by 135.55 km2 and 138.82 km2 in 2050 and 2070, respectively, under the shared socioeconomic pathway (SSP) 1.2.6 climate change scenario. However, under SSP 5.8.5, the total area will decrease by 128.5 km2 in 2050 and increase by 151.64 km2 in 2070. From a One Health perspective, this study provides good knowledge that will guide tick control efforts to prevent the spread of Haemaphysalis ticks or transmission risk of Haemaphysalis-borne infections at the human-animal-environment interface on the island.

Background. Hepatitis A (HepA) vaccination and economic factors can change the epidemiology of HepA. In China, the implementation of free vaccination for children under 1.5 years of age in 2008 has resulted in a decline in the overall incidence of HepA. Nevertheless, further investigation is required to comprehensively understand the epidemiological patterns of HepA in economically disadvantaged regions of China. Method. In this study, we evaluated the incidence, seroprevalence, and transmission characteristics of HepA in Shaanxi with less economically developed. We obtained data on reported cases of HepA from 2005 to 2020. Blood samples from 1,559 individuals aged 0 to 60 years were tested for anti-hepatitis A (HAV) antibodies. A questionnaire survey and blood sample collection were conducted in two sentinel sites from 2019 to 2021. Result. Between 2008 to 2020, the number of reported cases of HepA decreased from 3.44/100,000 person-years to 0.65/100,000 person-years, indicating an 81.1% decrease, which was particularly pronounced among younger age groups (0-19 years). From 2015-2020, infections were more likely to occur in people in their 40s and those over the age of 60. Farmers were still the most common occupation of HepA in the last decade. The results of the serological investigation showed the highest anti-HAV seroprevalence was observed in adults aged 39-60 years (94.6%) and those aged 28-38 years (87.8%). The 10-15 years group had the lowest seroprevalence at 49.3%. During the study period, a total of 22 cases were reported by sentinel sites, but the common risk factors (like raw food exposure, travel history, and closed contact with patients) were not identified. Conclusion. Given the greater severity of illness in the adult population and the ambiguous transmission routine, enhanced surveillance for HepA and evaluations that identify feasible approaches to mitigate the risk of HAV transmission are urgent priorities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Throughout development and aging, human cells accumulate mutations resulting in genomic mosaicism and genetic diversity at the cellular level. Mosaic mutations present in the gonads can affect both the individual and the offspring and subsequent generations. Here, we explore patterns and temporal stability of clonal mosaic mutations in male gonads by sequencing ejaculated sperm. Through 300× whole-genome sequencing of blood and sperm from healthy men, we find each ejaculate carries on average 33.3 ± 12.1 (mean ± SD) clonal mosaic variants, nearly all of which are detected in serial sampling, with the majority absent from sampled somal tissues. Their temporal stability and mutational signature suggest origins during embryonic development from a largely immutable stem cell niche. Clonal mosaicism likely contributes a transmissible, predicted pathogenic exonic variant for 1 in 15 men, representing a life-long threat of transmission for these individuals and a significant burden on human population health.

Background: Outbreaks of monkeypox have been ongoing in non-endemic countries since May 2022. A thorough assessment of its global zoonotic niche and potential transmission risk is lacking. Methods: We established an integrated database on global monkeypox virus (MPXV) occurrence during 1958 − 2022. Phylogenetic analysis was performed to examine the evolution of MPXV and effective reproductive number (Rt) was estimated over time to examine the dynamic of MPXV transmissibility. The potential ecological drivers of zoonotic transmission and inter-regional transmission risks of MPXV were examined. Results: As of 24 July 2022, a total of 49 432 human patients with MPXV infections have been reported in 78 countries. Based on 525 whole genome sequences, two main clades of MPXV were formed, of which Congo Basin clade has a higher transmissibility than West African clade before the 2022-monkeypox, estimated by the overall Rt (0.81 vs. 0.56), and the latter significantly increased in the recent decade. Rt of 2022-monkeypox varied from 1.14 to 4.24 among the 15 continuously epidemic countries outside Africa, with the top three as Peru (4.24, 95% CI: 2.89–6.71), Brazil (3.45, 95% CI: 1.62–7.00) and the United States (2.44, 95% CI: 1.62–3.60). The zoonotic niche of MPXV was associated with the distributions of Graphiurus lorraineus and Graphiurus crassicaudatus, the richness of Rodentia, and four ecoclimatic indicators. Besides endemic areas in Africa, more areas of South America, the Caribbean States, and Southeast and South Asia are ecologically suitable for the occurrence of MPXV once the virus has invaded. Most of Western Europe has a high-imported risk of monkeypox from Western Africa, whereas France and the United Kingdom have a potential imported risk of Congo Basin clade MPXV from Central Africa. Eleven of the top 15 countries with a high risk of MPXV importation from the main countries of 2022-monkeypox outbreaks are located at Europe with the highest risk in Italy, Ireland and Poland. Conclusions: The suitable ecological niche for MPXV is not limited to Africa, and the transmissibility of MPXV was significantly increased during the 2022-monkeypox outbreaks. The imported risk is higher in Europe, both from endemic areas and currently epidemic countries. Future surveillance and targeted intervention programs are needed in its high-risk areas informed by updated prediction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In North America, some moose populations are declining, and meningeal worm (Parelaphostrongylus tenuis) infections may be contributing. Moose are aberrant hosts for meningeal worm and develop severe pathology whereas white-tailed deer (WTD) are definitive hosts that experience minimal pathology and spread parasite larvae into the environment. Analyses of harvested WTD heads confirmed meningeal worm in Western Manitoba, Canada including in areas where moose have experienced population declines and are currently of management concern. The prevalence of larval meningeal worm from WTD feces in these areas are unknown, particularly because the dorsal-spined larvae (DSL) are morphologically indistinguishable from muscle worm (Parelaphostrongylus andersoni). To assess transmission risk of DSL, we investigated the spatial and temporal variation of prevalence in WTD feces from four areas (two with historical moose population declines and two without) sampled across two summers. We predicted higher prevalence of DSL in areas where moose are of management concern and surveys have shown higher meningeal worm prevalence in WTD heads. Further, we expected to only recover meningeal worm, as muscle worm has only been reported from caribou in more northern areas of Manitoba. We collected WTD feces by transect sampling, used the Baermann technique to obtain larvae, and sequenced partial cytochrome oxidase 1 and internal transcribed spacer 2 genes to confirm species identity. Zero-inflated models revealed that DSL prevalence did not differ temporally but was higher in areas where moose are of management concern. Genetic analyses revealed that meningeal worm and muscle worm were both present in Western Manitoba and co-occurred in three areas. Our results reveal novel insights into the geographic distribution of muscle worm and emphasize the importance of DNA sequencing for DSL identification. We suggest that concern for moose populations is warranted given the increased risk of parasite infection in some management areas. [Display omitted] • Higher Parelaphostrongylus transmission risk in areas with moose management concern. • DNA sequencing reveals meningeal worm and muscle worm in white-tailed deer feces. • Novel reports of muscle worm infections in white-tailed deer in Manitoba. • Meningeal worm and muscle worm co-occur throughout Western Manitoba. • Wider geographic distribution of muscle worm in Manitoba than previously reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, outbreaks, such as that of African swine fever, influenza A(H1N1), avian influenza, and COVID-19, have occurred frequently. These epidemics, caused by the transmission of zoonotic pathogens such as H1N1 and avian influenza, have gradually attracted the attention of experts in the field of solid waste treatment and utilization. If livestock or poultry manure cannot be reasonably recycled, it may pose a threat to human health and ecological security because of the presence of large number of pathogens. High-temperature aerobic composting is a method of treating solid waste, during which the thermophilic stage can effectively reduce the number of pathogens. However, compost products with residual pathogens may pose safety risks after their application in soil. This review summarizes the effect of the composting process on pathogens and their consequent impacts, and discusses the possible causes and risks of residual pathogens in compost. Based on this, an optimization direction is proposed to improve the pathogen removal efficiency in composting, which would minimize the safety risks and ensure the safe and efficient use of livestock and poultry manure composting products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate has critical roles in the origin, pathogenesis and transmission of infectious zoonotic diseases. However, large‐scale epidemiologic trend and specific response pattern of zoonotic diseases under future climate scenarios are poorly understood. Here, we projected the distribution shifts of transmission risks of main zoonotic diseases under climate change in China. First, we shaped the global habitat distribution of main host animals for three representative zoonotic diseases (2, 6, and 12 hosts for dengue, hemorrhagic fever, and plague, respectively) with 253,049 occurrence records using maximum entropy (Maxent) modeling. Meanwhile, we predicted the risk distribution of the above three diseases with 197,098 disease incidence records from 2004 to 2017 in China using an integrated Maxent modeling approach. The comparative analysis showed that there exist highly coincident niche distributions between habitat distribution of hosts and risk distribution of diseases, indicating that the integrated Maxent modeling is accurate and effective for predicting the potential risk of zoonotic diseases. On this basis, we further projected the current and future transmission risks of 11 main zoonotic diseases under four representative concentration pathways (RCPs) (RCP2.6, RCP4.5, RCP6.0, and RCP8.5) in 2050 and 2070 in China using the above integrated Maxent modeling with 1,001,416 disease incidence records. We found that Central China, Southeast China, and South China are concentrated regions with high transmission risks for main zoonotic diseases. More specifically, zoonotic diseases had diverse shift patterns of transmission risks including increase, decrease, and unstable. Further correlation analysis indicated that these patterns of shifts were highly correlated with global warming and precipitation increase. Our results revealed how specific zoonotic diseases respond in a changing climate, thereby calling for effective administration and prevention strategies. Furthermore, these results will shed light on guiding future epidemiologic prediction of emerging infectious diseases under global climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There exist various vertical temperature gradients in different-type buildings. A holistic understanding of the impact of different temperature-stratified indoor environments on infection risk is necessary. In this work, the airborne transmission risk of SARS-CoV-2 in different thermally stratified indoor environments is assessed using our previously developed airborne infection risk model. Results show that the vertical temperature gradients in office building, hospital, classroom, etc. are within the range of −0.34 to 3.26 °C/m. In large space such as coach station, airport terminal, and sport hall, the average temperature gradient ranges within 0.13–2.38 °C/m in occupied zone (0–3 m); in ice rink with special requirements of indoor environment, the temperature gradient is higher than those in the above indoor spaces. The existence of temperature gradients causes multi-peaks of the transmission risk of SARS-CoV-2 with distancing, and our results show that in office, hospital ward and classroom, the second peak of the transmission risk is higher than 10−3 in most contact scenarios, while most being lower than 10−6 in large spaces like coach station and airport. The work is expected to provide some guidance on specific intervention policies in relation to the types of indoor environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is one of the most important neglected tropical diseases. Although VL was controlled in several regions of China during the last century, the mountain-type zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis (MT-ZVL) has reemerged in the hilly areas of China in recent decades. The purpose of this study was to construct an indicator framework for assessing the risk of the MT-ZVL in China, and to provide guidance for preventing disease. Methods Based on a literature review and expert interview, a 3-level indicator framework was initially established in November 2021, and 28 experts were selected to perform two rounds of consultation using the Delphi method. The comprehensive weight of the tertiary indicators was determined by the Delphi and the entropy weight methods. Results Two rounds of Delphi consultation were conducted. Four primary indicators, 11 secondary indicators, and 35 tertiary indicators were identified. The Delphi-entropy weight method was performed to calculate the comprehensive weight of the tertiary indicators. The normalized weights of the primary indicators were 0.268, 0.261, 0.242, and 0.229, respectively, for biological factors, interventions, environmental factors, and social factors. The normalized weights of the top four secondary indicators were 0.122, 0.120, 0.098, and 0.096, respectively, for climatic features, geographical features, sandflies, and dogs. Among the tertiary indicators, the top four normalized comprehensive weights were the population density of sandflies (0.076), topography (0.057), the population density of dogs, including tethering (0.056), and use of bed nets or other protective measures (0.056). Conclusions An indicator framework of transmission risk assessment for MT-ZVL was established using the Delphi-entropy weight method. The framework provides a practical tool to evaluate transmission risk in endemic areas.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study analyzed the changes in land use and land cover trends and their implication on malaria transmission using satellite imagery applications. Deforestation or human land use activity related to water and development has expanded the ideal habitats for malaria-carrying mosquitoes, resulting in an upsurge of malaria transmission.The presence of these habitats and breeding increased the contact between humans and mosquitoes, thus increasing the number of malaria cases. The decrease of canopy and forest cover has increased the temperature, resulting in the shortening of aquatic stages and sporogony development of the mosquitoes. This study aims to provide an understanding of the relationship between the topography effect over the land-use factor and land cover change on malaria for more than ten years from 2005 to 2019 of transmission.METHODS: Malaria case data obtained were analyzed for the trends, incidence rate, and spatial distribution. Remote Sensing and geographic information system were used to determine the land use and land cover change in selected districts of North Borneo in Sabah, as the study areas.FINDING: The malaria incidence rate shows an increase from 2005 to 2019, with 149.64%. The transmission of the malaria vector dynamics and abundance with topography changes has changed with time, including with forest declination at 8.38%, and cropland change decreased at 16.61%. However, an expansion of 33.6% was observed for oil palm plantations. Overall, the results have shown that the range of incidence rate was found` highly viable from 0.29/1000 persons to 4.09/1000 people.CONCLUSION: In conclusion, using geographic information system remote sensing with malaria integrated topography transmission information will be targeted by zoning most affected areas or the most productive larval habitat for remedial measures. This study can help to reduce the malaria vector population through environmental management related to the mosquito larval cycle in different land-use settings and change by minimizing the transmission by the targeted malaria control program.

Objective This study aimed to investigate the effects of occupational exposures on the risk of a positive COVID-19 test, and whether this differed across pandemic waves. Methods Data from 207 034 workers from The Netherlands with test data on COVID-19 from June 2020 until August 2021 were available. Occupational exposure was estimated by using the eight dimensions of a COVID-19 job exposure matrix (JEM). Personal characteristics, household composition and residence area were derived from Statistics Netherlands. A test-negative design was applied in which the risk of a positive test was analyzed in a conditional logit model. Results All eight dimensions of occupational exposure included in the JEM increased the odds of a positive test for the entire study period and three pandemic waves [OR ranging from 1.09, (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02-1.17) to 1.77 (95% CI 1.61-1.96)]. Adjusting for a previous positive test and other covariates strongly reduced the odds to be infected, but most dimensions remained at elevated risk. Fully adjusted models showed that contaminated work spaces and face covering were mostly relevant in the first two pandemic waves, whereas income insecurity showed higher odds in the third wave. Several occupations have a higher predicted value for a positive COVID-19 test, with variation over time. Discussion Occupational exposures are associated with a higher risk of a positive test, but variations over time exist in occupations with the highest risks. These findings provide insights for interventions among workers for future pandemic waves of COVID-19 or other respiratory epidemics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic testing and management of individuals at risk for NF2‐related schwannomatosis is complicated by the high rate of mosaicism resulting in a milder, later onset, more asymmetrical disease and the phenotypic overlap with the related schwannomatosis conditions. This updated protocol has been devised for the English NF2‐related schwannomatosis service. It provides those affected with mosaic NF2‐related schwannomatosis estimated risks of having an affected child; and management guidelines both for individuals at risk of NF2‐related schwannomatosis, or with potential disease, due to having features that fall short of consensus diagnostic criteria. Risks of mosaicism and inferred transmission risks were derived from genetic testing of over 1000 individuals through the Manchester NF2 genetic testing service. This updated protocol, reflects the lower transmission risks now inferred in mosaic NF2‐related schwannomatosis, informed by the greater sensitivity of Next Generation Sequencing in detecting low levels of mosaicism in blood, along with improved ability to analyse tumour DNA. Screening for features of NF2‐related schwannomatosis is proposed until the risk of having the condition falls below a pragmatic threshold of 1%. Using these revised transmission figures, this threshold can now be reached at a younger age in many of those at risk, with earlier reassurance and discharge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infectious diseases are a huge burden to the public health which not only deteriorates the general health of the population but also at the same time hinders dental professionals from rendering safe and effective dental treatment. In the meantime, when the whole world is still battling against SARS-COVID-19 virus infection, Monkeypox virus outbreak made a new headline as stated by World Health Organisation (WHO) as "emerging threat of moderate health concern." Although, a sum total of twenty three cases are recorded in India till date which is quite insignificant but the possibility of getting infected in the dental setting is still there. And what needs more attention is the fact that these lesions may first appear on oral and perioral sites and thus this disease should be considered in differential diagnosis and proper preventive measure needs to be taken in the dental clinic.. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The transmission and fatal risk of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS), an emerging infectious disease first discovered in China in 2009, still needed further quantification. This research aimed to analyze the SFTS clusters and assess the transmission and mortality risk for SFTS. Methods Both epidemiological investigation and case reports regarding SFTS clusters in China during 2011–2021 were obtained from the Public Health Emergency Information Management System of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention Information System. The transmission risk was evaluated by using the secondary attack rate (SAR) and relative risk (RR). Mortality risk factors were analyzed using a logistic regression model. Results There were 35 SFTS clusters during 2011–2021 involving 118 patients with a fatality rate of 22.0%. The number of clusters annually increased seasonally from April to September. The clusters mainly occurred in Anhui (16 clusters) and Shandong provinces (8 clusters). The SAR through contact with blood or bloody fluids was much higher than that through contact with non-bloody fluids (50.6% vs 3.0%; χ 2 = 210.97, P

This document is a corrigendum for an article titled "Recreational drug use among individuals living with HIV in Europe: review of the prevalence, comparison with the general population and HIV guidelines recommendations." The corrigendum corrects two statements in the original article related to drug use among men who have sex with men (MSM). The corrected statements provide more accurate information about the prevalence of drug use and its impact on sexual behavior and risk among MSM. The authors declare no conflicts of interest, and the article is distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License. [Extracted from the article]

We survey 62 users of a university asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 testing service on details of their activities, protective behaviours and contacts in the 7 days prior to receiving a positive or negative SARS-CoV-2 PCR test result in the period October 2020–March 2021. The resulting data set is novel in capturing very detailed social contact history linked to asymptomatic disease status during a period of significant restriction on social activities. We use this data to explore 3 questions: (i) Did participation in university activities enhance infection risk? (ii) How do contact definitions rank in their ability to explain test outcome during periods of social restrictions? (iii) Do patterns in the protective behaviours help explain discrepancies between the explanatory performance of different contact measures? We classify activities into settings and use Bayesian logistic regression to model test outcome, computing posterior model probabilities to compare the performance of models adopting different contact definitions. Associations between protective behaviours, participant characteristics and setting are explored at the level of individual activities using multiple correspondence analysis (MCA). We find that participation in air travel or non-university work activities was associated with a positive asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 PCR test, in contrast to participation in research and teaching settings. Intriguingly, logistic regression models with binary measures of contact in a setting performed better than more traditional contact numbers or person contact hours (PCH). The MCA indicates that patterns of protective behaviours vary between setting, in a manner which may help explain the preference for any participation as a contact measure. We conclude that linked PCR testing and social contact data can in principle be used to test the utility of contact definitions, and the investigation of contact definitions in larger linked studies is warranted to ensure contact data can capture environmental and social factors influencing transmission risk.

HIV transmission risk significantly increases at HIV viral load (VL) >1500 copies/mL. We sought to determine the percentage of person-time spent with VL >1500 copies/mL (pPT >1500) and the associations of demographic, clinical, and psychosocial factors and this outcome among persons with HIV receiving care. A retrospective analysis of data from clients enrolled in the Ryan White Program from 2017 to 2019 was performed. We assessed pPT >1500 in HIV care by utilizing consecutive VL pairs and calculating the length of time between each pair and the corresponding time spent for the observation period. The association between pPT >1500 and selected client characteristics were analyzed using a random-effects zero-inflated negative binomial model. Among the 6390 clients, 42% were aged 50 or older, 52% MSM, and 59% Hispanic. Overall, 7.5% of clients spent, on average, 27.4 days per year at substantial risk of transmitting HIV. Younger age, AIDS diagnosis, and reported drug use in the preceding 12 months were associated with higher pPT >1500. Tailored interventions should be implemented to meet the unique HIV needs of groups with consistent viremia to significantly minimize transmission risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Objectives A COVID-19 Job Exposure Matrix (COVID-19-JEM) has been developed, consisting of four dimensions on transmission, two on mitigation measures, and two on precarious work. This study aims to validate the COVID-19-JEM by (i) comparing risk scores assigned by the COVID-19-JEM with self-reported data, and (ii) estimating the associations between the COVID-19-JEM risk scores and self-reported COVID-19. Methods Data from measurements 2 (July 2020, n = 7690) and 4 (March 2021, n = 6794) of the Netherlands Working Conditions Survey-COVID-19 (NWCS-COVID-19) cohort study were used. Responses to questions related to the transmission risks and mitigation measures of Measurement 2 were used to calculate self-reported risk scores. These scores were compared with the COVID-19-JEM attributed risk scores, by assessing the percentage agreement and weighted kappa (κ). Based on Measurement 4, logistic regression analyses were conducted to estimate the associations between all COVID-19-JEM risk scores and self-reported COVID-19 (infection in general and infected at work). Results The agreement between the COVID-19-JEM and questionnaire-based risk scores was good (κ ≥ 0.70) for most dimensions, except work location (κ = 0.56), and face covering (κ = 0.41). Apart from the precarious work dimensions, higher COVID-19-JEM assigned risk scores had higher odds ratios (ORs; ranging between 1.28 and 1.80) on having had COVID-19. Associations were stronger when the infection were thought to have happened at work (ORs between 2.33 and 11.62). Conclusions Generally, the COVID-19-JEM showed a good agreement with self-reported infection risks and infection rates at work. The next step is to validate the COVID-19-JEM with objective data in the Netherlands and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Due to sustained control activities, the prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum infection in humans, livestock and snails has decreased significantly in P. R. China, and the target has shifted from control to elimination according to the Outline of Healthy China 2030 Plan. Applying highly sensitive methods to explore the presence of S. japonicum infection in its intermediate host will benefit to assess the endemicity or verify the transmission interruption of schistosomiasis accurately. The aim of this study was to access the presence of S. japonicum infection by a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method through a 5-year longitudinal study in five lake provinces along the Yangtze River. Methods Based on previous epidemiological data, about 260 villages with potential transmission risk of schistosomiasis were selected from endemic counties in five lake provinces along the Yangtze River annually from 2015 to 2019. Snail surveys were conducted in selected villages by systematic sampling method and/or environmental sampling method each year. All live snails collected from field were detected by microscopic dissection method, and then about one third of them were detected by LAMP method to assess the presence of S. japonicum infection with a single blind manner. The infection rate and nucleic acid positive rate of schistosomes in snails, as well as the indicators reflecting the snails’ distribution were calculated and analyzed. Fisher's exact test was used to examine any change of positive rate of schistosomes in snails over time. Results The 5-year survey covered 94,241 ha of environment with 33,897 ha of snail habitats detected accumulatively. Totally 145.3 ha new snail habitats and 524.4 ha re-emergent snail habitats were found during 2015–2019. The percentage of frames with snails decreased from 5.93% [45,152/761,492, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 5.88–5.98%] in 2015 to 5.25% (30,947/589,583, 95% CI: 5.19–5.31%) in 2019, while the mean density of living snails fluctuated but presented a downward trend generally from 0.20 snails/frame (155,622/761,492, 95% CI: 0.17–0.37) in 2015 to 0.13 snails/frame (76,144/589,583, 95% CI: 0.11–0.39) in 2019. A total of 555,393 live snails were collected, none of them was positive by dissection method. Totally 17 pooling snail samples were determined as positives by LAMP method among 8716 pooling samples with 174,822 of living snails, distributed in 12 villages of Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi and Anhui provinces. The annual average positive rate was 0.41% (95% CI: 0.13–0.69%) in 2015, 0% in 2016, 0.36% (95% CI: 0.09–0.63%) in 2017, 0.05% (95% CI: 0–0.16%) in 2018, 0.05% (95% CI: 0–0.15%) in 2019, respectively, presenting a downward trend from 2015 to 2019 with statistical significance (χ 2 = 11.64, P