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Hospital sewage constitutes an important point source for antibiotics and antibiotic-resistant bacteria due to the high antibiotic use. Antibiotic resistance can develop and cause problems in sewage systems within hospitals and municipal wastewater treatment plants, thus, interventions to treat hospital sewage on-site are important. Ozonation has proven effective in treating relatively clean wastewater, but the effect on untreated wastewater is unclear. Therefore, we piloted implementation of ozonation to treat wastewater in a tertiary hospital in Uppsala, Sweden. We measured active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and antibiotic-resistant Enterobacteriaceae using selective culturing pre- and post-ozonation. Comparing low (1 m3/h) and high (2 m3/h) flow, we obtained a ‘dose-dependent’ effect of API reduction (significant reduction of 12/29 APIs using low and 2/29 APIs using high flow, and a mean reduction of antibiotics of 41% using low vs. 6% using high flow, 25% vs. 6% for all APIs). There was no significant difference in the amount of antibiotic-resistant Enterobacteiaceae pre- and post-ozonation. Our results demonstrate that ozonation of untreated wastewater can reduce API content. However, due to the moderate API decrease and numerous practical challenges in the on-site setting, this specific ozonation system is not suitable to implement at full scale in our hospital.
Sofia Svebrant; Robert Spörndly; Richard Lindberg; Therese Olsen Sköldstam; Jim Larsson; Patrik Öhagen; Hanna Söderström Lindström; Josef Järhult. On-Site Pilot Testing of Hospital Wastewater Ozonation to Reduce Pharmaceutical Residues and Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria. Antibiotics 2021, 10, 684 .
AMA StyleSofia Svebrant, Robert Spörndly, Richard Lindberg, Therese Olsen Sköldstam, Jim Larsson, Patrik Öhagen, Hanna Söderström Lindström, Josef Järhult. On-Site Pilot Testing of Hospital Wastewater Ozonation to Reduce Pharmaceutical Residues and Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria. Antibiotics. 2021; 10 (6):684.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSofia Svebrant; Robert Spörndly; Richard Lindberg; Therese Olsen Sköldstam; Jim Larsson; Patrik Öhagen; Hanna Söderström Lindström; Josef Järhult. 2021. "On-Site Pilot Testing of Hospital Wastewater Ozonation to Reduce Pharmaceutical Residues and Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria." Antibiotics 10, no. 6: 684.
Antibiotics are freqeuently used in the livestock sector in low- and middle-income countries for treatment, prophylaxis, and growth promotion. However, there is limited information into the zoonotic prevalence and dissemination patterns of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) within these environments. In this study we used pig farming in Thailand as a model to explore AMR; 156 pig farms were included, comprising of small-sized (<50 sows) and medium-sized (≥100 sows) farms, where bacterial isolates were selectively cultured from animal rectal and human fecal samples. Bacterial isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST), and whole-genome sequencing. Our results indicate extensive zoonotic sharing of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) by horizontal gene transfer. Resistance to multiple antibiotics was observed with higher prevalence in medium-scale farms. Zoonotic transmission of colistin resistance in small-scale farms had a dissemination gradient from pigs to handlers to non-livestock contacts. We highly recommend reducing the antimicrobial use in animals’ feeds and medications, especially the last resort drug colistin.
Rachel A. Hickman; Thongpan Leangapichart; Kamonwan Lunha; Jatesada Jiwakanon; Sunpetch Angkititrakul; Ulf Magnusson; Marianne Sunde; Josef D. Järhult. Exploring the Antibiotic Resistance Burden in Livestock, Livestock Handlers and Their Non-Livestock Handling Contacts: A One Health Perspective. Frontiers in Microbiology 2021, 12, 1 .
AMA StyleRachel A. Hickman, Thongpan Leangapichart, Kamonwan Lunha, Jatesada Jiwakanon, Sunpetch Angkititrakul, Ulf Magnusson, Marianne Sunde, Josef D. Järhult. Exploring the Antibiotic Resistance Burden in Livestock, Livestock Handlers and Their Non-Livestock Handling Contacts: A One Health Perspective. Frontiers in Microbiology. 2021; 12 ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRachel A. Hickman; Thongpan Leangapichart; Kamonwan Lunha; Jatesada Jiwakanon; Sunpetch Angkititrakul; Ulf Magnusson; Marianne Sunde; Josef D. Järhult. 2021. "Exploring the Antibiotic Resistance Burden in Livestock, Livestock Handlers and Their Non-Livestock Handling Contacts: A One Health Perspective." Frontiers in Microbiology 12, no. : 1.
The spread of virus via the blood stream has been suggested to contribute to extra-pulmonary organ failure in Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We assessed SARS-CoV-2 RNAemia (RNAemia) and the association between RNAemia and inflammation, organ failure and mortality in critically ill COVID-19 patients. We included all patients with PCR verified COVID-19 and consent admitted to ICU. SARS-CoV-2 RNA copies above 1000/ml measured by PCR in plasma was defined as RNAemia and used as surrogate for viremia. In this cohort of 92 patients 59 (64%) were invasively ventilated. RNAemia was found in 31 patients (34%). Hypertension and corticosteroid treatment was more common in patients with RNAemia. Extra-pulmonary organ failure biomarkers and the extent of organ failure were similar in patients with and without RNAemia, but the former group had more renal replacement therapy and higher mortality (26 vs 16%; 35 vs 16%, respectively, p = 0.04). RNAemia was not an independent predictor of death at 30 days after adjustment for age. SARS-CoV2 RNA copies in plasma is a common finding in ICU patients with COVID-19. Although viremia was not associated with extra pulmonary organ failure it was more common in patients who did not survive to 30 days after ICU admission. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials NCT04316884.
Josef D. Järhult; Michael Hultström; Anders Bergqvist; Robert Frithiof; Miklos Lipcsey. The impact of viremia on organ failure, biomarkers and mortality in a Swedish cohort of critically ill COVID-19 patients. Scientific Reports 2021, 11, 1 -8.
AMA StyleJosef D. Järhult, Michael Hultström, Anders Bergqvist, Robert Frithiof, Miklos Lipcsey. The impact of viremia on organ failure, biomarkers and mortality in a Swedish cohort of critically ill COVID-19 patients. Scientific Reports. 2021; 11 (1):1-8.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJosef D. Järhult; Michael Hultström; Anders Bergqvist; Robert Frithiof; Miklos Lipcsey. 2021. "The impact of viremia on organ failure, biomarkers and mortality in a Swedish cohort of critically ill COVID-19 patients." Scientific Reports 11, no. 1: 1-8.
Emergence and selection of antibiotic resistance following exposure to high antibiotic concentrations have been repeatedly shown in clinical and agricultural settings, whereas the role of the weak selective pressures exerted by antibiotic levels below the MIC (sub-MIC) in aquatic environments due to anthropogenic contamination remains unclear. Here, we studied how exposure to sub-MIC levels of ciprofloxacin enriches for Escherichia coli with reduced susceptibility to ciprofloxacin using a mallard colonization model.
Clara Atterby; Marie Nykvist; Ulrika Lustig; Dan I. Andersson; Josef D. Järhult; Linus Sandegren. Selection of Resistant Bacteria in Mallards Exposed to Subinhibitory Concentrations of Ciprofloxacin in Their Water Environment. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy 2021, 65, 1 .
AMA StyleClara Atterby, Marie Nykvist, Ulrika Lustig, Dan I. Andersson, Josef D. Järhult, Linus Sandegren. Selection of Resistant Bacteria in Mallards Exposed to Subinhibitory Concentrations of Ciprofloxacin in Their Water Environment. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy. 2021; 65 (3):1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleClara Atterby; Marie Nykvist; Ulrika Lustig; Dan I. Andersson; Josef D. Järhult; Linus Sandegren. 2021. "Selection of Resistant Bacteria in Mallards Exposed to Subinhibitory Concentrations of Ciprofloxacin in Their Water Environment." Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy 65, no. 3: 1.
The agricultural food products industry in Bangladesh depends on utilizing antimicrobials indiscriminately as growth promoters and for controlling infectious diseases. Thus, there is always a risk of antimicrobial agent accumulation in food sources that originate from agricultural production. In the present study, we collected data from published articles between January, 2013 and December, 2019 on antimicrobial residues in human food sources such as meat, milk, eggs, and fishes. Liver contained the highest percentage of antimicrobial residues (74%; 95% CI: 59.66–85.37) against the in vitro enteric pathogen Escherichia coli in layer chickens. Similar results were demonstrated in liver (68%; 95% CI: 53.30–80.48) and kidney (66%, 95% CI: 51.23–78.79) of layer chickens against Bacillus cereus and Bacillus subtilis. Amongst all antibiotics, the highest concentrations of ciprofloxacin were detected in kidney (48.57%; 95% CI: 31.38–66.01), followed by liver (47.56; 95% CI: 40.88–54.30) of broiler chickens. Ciprofloxacin was also present in liver (46.15%; 95% CI: 33.70–58.96) of layer chickens. The percentage of ciprofloxacin in thigh and breast meat in broiler bird were 41.54% (95% CI: 34.54–48.79) and 37.95% (95% CI: 31.11–45.15) respectively. Enrofloxacin was the second most dominant antimicrobial agent and was present in the liver of both types of poultry (Broiler and Layer chickens: 41.54%; 95% CI: 29.44–54.4 and 437.33%; 95% CI: 30.99–44.01). The prevalence rates of enrofloxacin in thigh and breast meat of broiler chickens were 24.10% (95% CI: 18.28–30.73) and 20.51% (95% CI: 15.08–26.87), respectively. Tetracycline, a commonly used antibiotic in livestock, was present in the liver (49.23%; 95% CI: 36.60–61.93) of layer chickens. In case of aquaculture food products, the highest amount of amoxicillin (683.2 mg/kg) was detected in Tilapia fish (Oreochromis niloticus), followed by 584.4 mg/kg in climbing perch (Anabas testudineus) and 555.6 mg/kg in Rui fish (Labeo rohita). Among the five types of fishes, Rui fish (0.000515 mg/kg) contained the highest concentrations of chloramphenicol antibiotic residues. The presence of antimicrobial residues in meat, milk, egg, and fish is a serious public health threat due to the potential induction of antimicrobial resistance. It can negatively impact the food supply chain, especially with the current strain that it is already facing with the current COVID-19 pandemic. The findings of the present study highlight the ongoing risk of residual antimicrobial agents in food of animal origin in Bangladesh and countries with similar practices. This can draw the attention of public health officials to propose plans to mitigate or stop this practice.
Mohammad Mahmudul Hassan; Mohamed E. El Zowalaty; Åke Lundkvist; Josef D. Järhult; Raihan Khan Nayem; Abu Zubayer Tanzin; Rahim Badsha; Shahneaz Ali Khan; Hossam M. Ashour. Residual antimicrobial agents in food originating from animals. Trends in Food Science & Technology 2021, 111, 141 -150.
AMA StyleMohammad Mahmudul Hassan, Mohamed E. El Zowalaty, Åke Lundkvist, Josef D. Järhult, Raihan Khan Nayem, Abu Zubayer Tanzin, Rahim Badsha, Shahneaz Ali Khan, Hossam M. Ashour. Residual antimicrobial agents in food originating from animals. Trends in Food Science & Technology. 2021; 111 ():141-150.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMohammad Mahmudul Hassan; Mohamed E. El Zowalaty; Åke Lundkvist; Josef D. Järhult; Raihan Khan Nayem; Abu Zubayer Tanzin; Rahim Badsha; Shahneaz Ali Khan; Hossam M. Ashour. 2021. "Residual antimicrobial agents in food originating from animals." Trends in Food Science & Technology 111, no. : 141-150.
Colistin (polymyxin E) is widely used in animal and human medicine and is increasingly used as one of the last-resort antibiotics against Gram-negative bacilli. Due to the increased use of colistin in treating infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, resistance to this antibiotic ought to be monitored. The study was undertaken to elucidate the molecular mechanisms, genetic relationships and phenotype correlations of colistin-resistant isolates. Here, we report the detection of the mcr-1 gene in chicken-associated Salmonella isolates in Bangladesh and its in-silico functional analysis. Out of 100 samples, 82 Salmonella spp. were isolated from chicken specimens (liver, intestine). Phenotypic disc diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay using different antimicrobial agents were performed. Salmonella isolates were characterized using PCR methods targeting genus-specific invA and mcr-1 genes with validation for the functional analysis. The majority of the tested Salmonella isolates were found resistant to colistin (92.68%), ciprofloxacin (73.17%), tigecycline (62.20%) and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (60.98%). When screened using PCR, five out of ten Salmonella isolates were found to carry the mcr-1 gene. One isolate was confirmed for Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Enteritidis, and other four isolates were confirmed for Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis revealed a divergent evolutionary relationship between the catalytic domain of Neisseria meningitidis lipooligosaccharide phosphoethanolamine transferase A (LptA) and MCR proteins, rendering them resistant to colistin. Three-dimensional homology structural analysis of MCR-1 proteins and molecular docking interactions suggested that MCR-1 and LptA share a similar substrate binding cavity, which could be validated for the functional analysis. The comprehensive molecular and in-silico analyses of the colistin resistance mcr-1 gene of Salmonella spp. of chicken origin in the present study highlight the importance of continued monitoring and surveillance for antimicrobial resistance among pathogens in food chain animals.
Bashir Uddin; Sm Hossain; Mahmudul Hasan; Mohammad Alam; Mita Debnath; Ruhena Begum; Sawrab Roy; Ahmed Harun-Al-Rashid; Shahidur Rahman Chowdhury; Mahfujur Rahman; Mukter Hossain; Fazle Elahi; Mohammed Chowdhury; Josef Järhult; Mohamed El Zowalaty; Syed Ahmed. Multidrug Antimicrobial Resistance and Molecular Detection of mcr-1 Gene in Salmonella species Isolated from Chicken. Animals 2021, 11, 206 .
AMA StyleBashir Uddin, Sm Hossain, Mahmudul Hasan, Mohammad Alam, Mita Debnath, Ruhena Begum, Sawrab Roy, Ahmed Harun-Al-Rashid, Shahidur Rahman Chowdhury, Mahfujur Rahman, Mukter Hossain, Fazle Elahi, Mohammed Chowdhury, Josef Järhult, Mohamed El Zowalaty, Syed Ahmed. Multidrug Antimicrobial Resistance and Molecular Detection of mcr-1 Gene in Salmonella species Isolated from Chicken. Animals. 2021; 11 (1):206.
Chicago/Turabian StyleBashir Uddin; Sm Hossain; Mahmudul Hasan; Mohammad Alam; Mita Debnath; Ruhena Begum; Sawrab Roy; Ahmed Harun-Al-Rashid; Shahidur Rahman Chowdhury; Mahfujur Rahman; Mukter Hossain; Fazle Elahi; Mohammed Chowdhury; Josef Järhult; Mohamed El Zowalaty; Syed Ahmed. 2021. "Multidrug Antimicrobial Resistance and Molecular Detection of mcr-1 Gene in Salmonella species Isolated from Chicken." Animals 11, no. 1: 206.
The emergence of antimicrobial-resistant, livestock-associated Escherichia coli represents a great public health concern. Here, we report the draft genome sequences of two multidrug-resistant, livestock-associated E. coli strains isolated from sheep in South Africa. The genomic DNA of E. coli strains MEZEC8 and MEZEC10 was sequenced using an Illumina MiSeq platform. Generated reads were trimmed and de novo assembled. The assembled contigs were analyzed for antimicrobial resistance genes and chromosomal mutations, extra-chromosomal plasmids and multi-locus sequence type (MLST). To compare the strains MEZEC8 and MEZEC10 to other previously sequenced E. coli strains, raw read sequences of E. coli from livestock were downloaded from NCBI’s sequence read archive, and all sequence files were treated identically to generate a core genome bootstrapped maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree. Multidrug resistance genes were detected in both MEZEC8 and MEZEC10 toward tetracycline and macrolides. MEZEC10 harbored two extra-chromosomal plasmids (p0111 and Incl2) while MEZ8 did not contain any extrachromosomal plasmids. MEZEC8 and MEZEC10 serotypes were H25:O9 and H49:O8 respectively, and MEZEC8 belonged to ST58 and MEZEC10 belonged to ST1844. The genome sequences of strains MEZEC8 and MEZEC10 will serve as a reference point for molecular epidemiological studies of livestock-associated antibiotic-resistant E. coli in Africa. In addition, this study allows in-depth analysis of genomic structure and will provide valuable information that enable us understand the antimicrobial resistance of livestock associated E. coli.
Ahmed E. El Zowalaty; Rachel A. Hickman; Sydney M. Gambushe; Oliver T. Zishiri; Josef D. Järhult. Genome sequences of two multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli strains MEZEC8 and MEZEC10 isolated from livestock in South Africa. Journal of Global Antimicrobial Resistance 2020, 23, 445 -449.
AMA StyleAhmed E. El Zowalaty, Rachel A. Hickman, Sydney M. Gambushe, Oliver T. Zishiri, Josef D. Järhult. Genome sequences of two multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli strains MEZEC8 and MEZEC10 isolated from livestock in South Africa. Journal of Global Antimicrobial Resistance. 2020; 23 ():445-449.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAhmed E. El Zowalaty; Rachel A. Hickman; Sydney M. Gambushe; Oliver T. Zishiri; Josef D. Järhult. 2020. "Genome sequences of two multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli strains MEZEC8 and MEZEC10 isolated from livestock in South Africa." Journal of Global Antimicrobial Resistance 23, no. : 445-449.
Monitoring antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and use (AMU) is important for control. We used Escherichia coli from healthy young calves as an indicator to evaluate whether AMR patterns differ between Swedish organic and conventional dairy herds and whether the patterns could be related to AMU data. Samples were taken twice, in 30 organic and 30 conventional dairy herds. Selective culturing for Escherichia coli, without antibiotics and with nalidixic acid or tetracycline, was used to estimate the proportions of resistant isolates. Microdilution was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for thirteen antimicrobial substances. AMU data were based on collection of empty drug packages. Less than 8% of the bacterial growth on non-selective plates was also found on selective plates with tetracycline, and 1% on plates with nalidixic acid. Despite some MIC variations, resistance patterns were largely similar in both periods, and between organic and conventional herds. For most substances, only a few isolates were classified as resistant. The most common resistances were against ampicillin, streptomycin, sulfamethoxazole, and tetracycline. No clear association with AMU could be found. The lack of difference between organic and conventional herds is likely due to a generally good animal health status and consequent low AMU in both categories.
Karin Sjöström; Rachel A. Hickman; Viktoria Tepper; Gabriela Olmos Antillón; Josef D. Järhult; Ulf Emanuelson; Nils Fall; Susanna Sternberg Lewerin. Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns in Organic and Conventional Dairy Herds in Sweden. Antibiotics 2020, 9, 834 .
AMA StyleKarin Sjöström, Rachel A. Hickman, Viktoria Tepper, Gabriela Olmos Antillón, Josef D. Järhult, Ulf Emanuelson, Nils Fall, Susanna Sternberg Lewerin. Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns in Organic and Conventional Dairy Herds in Sweden. Antibiotics. 2020; 9 (11):834.
Chicago/Turabian StyleKarin Sjöström; Rachel A. Hickman; Viktoria Tepper; Gabriela Olmos Antillón; Josef D. Järhult; Ulf Emanuelson; Nils Fall; Susanna Sternberg Lewerin. 2020. "Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns in Organic and Conventional Dairy Herds in Sweden." Antibiotics 9, no. 11: 834.
The overall aim of the current study was to test the hypotheses that (i) antibiotic resistance in bacteria were more frequent in clinically health pigs in intensified company owned, medium-scale farms (MSFs) (100–500 sows) than in pigs in family-owned, small-scale farms (SSFs) (1–50 sows) and (ii) that farmers working at the MSFs were more prone to attain antibiotic resistant bacteria than farmers working at SSFs. The study was conducted in North-Eastern Thailand, comprising fecal Escherichia coli isolates from pigs, farmers working with the pigs (contact humans) and persons living in the same household as the farmer (non-contact humans) at 51 MSFs and 113 SSFs. Samples from all farms were also screened for methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which was not detected in pig samples, but was found in one human sample. Susceptibility was tested by disc-diffusion for seven antibiotics commonly used in the study area. Resistance in pig isolates from MSFs were more frequent for chloramphenicol which (P < 0.001), trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (P < 0.001) and gentamicin (P < 0.05) compared with isolates from SSFs, whereas the opposite was true for tetracycline (P < 0.01). Resistance in the human isolates was lower than those in the isolates from pigs for tetracycline, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and chloramphenicol (P < 0.001). The frequency of resistance in the contact human samples from SSFs and MSFs did not differ. There was no difference between isolates from contact and non-contact humans for any of the tested antibiotics. Multidrug resistance in isolates from pigs was 26%, significantly higher (P < 0.01) than the 13% from humans. The data indicate that (i) resistance to antibiotics, including those critical and highly important for human medicine, were more common in fecal E. coli from pigs at the MSFs than at the SSFs, whereas (ii) the resistance in fecal E. coli from pig farmers seemed not to be influenced by the level of intensification of the farm they were working at.
Kamonwan Lunha; Thongpan Leangapichart; Jatesada Jiwakanon; Sunpetch Angkititrakul; Marianne Sunde; Josef D. Järhult; Gunilla Ström Hallenberg; Rachel A. Hickman; Thomas Van Boeckel; Ulf Magnusson. Antimicrobial Resistance in Fecal Escherichia coli from Humans and Pigs at Farms at Different Levels of Intensification. Antibiotics 2020, 9, 662 .
AMA StyleKamonwan Lunha, Thongpan Leangapichart, Jatesada Jiwakanon, Sunpetch Angkititrakul, Marianne Sunde, Josef D. Järhult, Gunilla Ström Hallenberg, Rachel A. Hickman, Thomas Van Boeckel, Ulf Magnusson. Antimicrobial Resistance in Fecal Escherichia coli from Humans and Pigs at Farms at Different Levels of Intensification. Antibiotics. 2020; 9 (10):662.
Chicago/Turabian StyleKamonwan Lunha; Thongpan Leangapichart; Jatesada Jiwakanon; Sunpetch Angkititrakul; Marianne Sunde; Josef D. Järhult; Gunilla Ström Hallenberg; Rachel A. Hickman; Thomas Van Boeckel; Ulf Magnusson. 2020. "Antimicrobial Resistance in Fecal Escherichia coli from Humans and Pigs at Farms at Different Levels of Intensification." Antibiotics 9, no. 10: 662.
Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the virus evolved, and we therefore aimed to provide an insight into which genetic variants were enriched, and how they spread in Sweden. Methods: We analyzed 348 Swedish SARS-CoV-2 sequences freely available from GISAID obtained from 7 February 2020 until 14 May 2020. Results: We identified 14 variant sites ≥5% frequency in the population. Among those sites, the D936Y substitution in the viral Spike protein was under positive selection. The variant sites can distinguish 11 mutational profiles in Sweden. Nine of the profiles appeared in Stockholm in March 2020. Mutational profiles 3 (B.1.1) and 6 (B.1), which contain the D936Y mutation, became the predominant profiles over time, spreading from Stockholm to other Swedish regions during April and the beginning of May. Furthermore, Bayesian phylogenetic analysis indicated that SARS-CoV-2 could have emerged in Sweden on 27 December 2019, and community transmission started on February 1st with an evolutionary rate of 1.5425 × 10−3 substitutions per year. Conclusions: Our study provides novel knowledge on the spatio-temporal dynamics of Swedish SARS-CoV-2 variants during the early pandemic. Characterization of these viral variants can provide precious insights on viral pathogenesis and can be valuable for diagnostic and drug development approaches.
Jiaxin Ling; Rachel A. Hickman; Jinlin Li; Xi Lu; Johanna F. Lindahl; Åke Lundkvist; Josef D. Järhult. Spatio-Temporal Mutational Profile Appearances of Swedish SARS-CoV-2 During the Early Pandemic. Viruses 2020, 12, 1026 .
AMA StyleJiaxin Ling, Rachel A. Hickman, Jinlin Li, Xi Lu, Johanna F. Lindahl, Åke Lundkvist, Josef D. Järhult. Spatio-Temporal Mutational Profile Appearances of Swedish SARS-CoV-2 During the Early Pandemic. Viruses. 2020; 12 (9):1026.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJiaxin Ling; Rachel A. Hickman; Jinlin Li; Xi Lu; Johanna F. Lindahl; Åke Lundkvist; Josef D. Järhult. 2020. "Spatio-Temporal Mutational Profile Appearances of Swedish SARS-CoV-2 During the Early Pandemic." Viruses 12, no. 9: 1026.
Avian influenza (AI) is endemic and frequently causes seasonal outbreaks in winter in Bangladesh due to high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 and low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) H9N2. Among avian influenza A viruses (AIV), H5, H7, and H9 subtypes have the most zoonotic potential. Captive birds in zoos and safari parks are used for educational, recreational, breeding, and conservational purposes in Bangladesh. To screen for AIV in captive birds to assess potential public health threats, we conducted a cross-sectional study in two safari parks and one zoo in Bangladesh for four months, from November to December 2013 and from January to February 2014. We collected blood samples, oropharyngeal, and cloacal swabs from 228 birds. We tested serum samples for AIV antibodies using competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (c-ELISA) and AIV sero-subtype H5, H7, and H9 using hemagglutination inhibition (HI) test. Swab samples were tested for the presence of avian influenza viral RNA using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR). Across all the samples, AIV antibody prevalence was 9.7% (95% CI: 6.1–14.2, n = 228) and AIV HA subtype H5, H7 and H9 sero-prevalence was 0% (95% CI: 0–1.6, n = 228), 0% (95% CI: 0–1.6, n = 228) and 6.6% (95% CI: 3.72–10.6, n = 228), respectively. No AI viral RNA (M-gene) was detected in any swab sample (0%, 95% CI: 0–1.6, n = 228). Birds in the Safari park at Cox’s Bazar had a higher prevalence in both AIV antibody prevalence (13.5%) and AIV H9 sero-prevalence (9.6%) than any of the other sites, although the difference was not statistically significant. Among eight species of birds, Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) had the highest sero-positivity for both AIV antibody prevalence (26.1%) and AIV H9 prevalence (17.4%) followed by Golden pheasant (Chrysolophus pictus) with AIV antibody prevalence of 18.2% and AIV H9 prevalence of 11.4%. Our results highlight the presence of AI antibodies indicating low pathogenic AIV mingling in captive birds in zoos and safari parks in Bangladesh. Continuous programmed surveillance is therefore recommended to help better understand the diversity of AIVs and provide a clear picture of AI in captive wild birds, enabling interventions to reduce the risk of AIV transmission to humans.
Mohammad M. Hassan; Mohamed E. El Zowalaty; Ariful Islam; Rahman; N. U. Chowdhury; Hatem S. M. Z. Nine; Rahman; Josef D. Järhult; A. Hoque. Serological Evidence of Avian Influenza in Captive Wild Birds in a Zoo and Two Safari Parks in Bangladesh. Veterinary Sciences 2020, 7, 122 .
AMA StyleMohammad M. Hassan, Mohamed E. El Zowalaty, Ariful Islam, Rahman, N. U. Chowdhury, Hatem S. M. Z. Nine, Rahman, Josef D. Järhult, A. Hoque. Serological Evidence of Avian Influenza in Captive Wild Birds in a Zoo and Two Safari Parks in Bangladesh. Veterinary Sciences. 2020; 7 (3):122.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMohammad M. Hassan; Mohamed E. El Zowalaty; Ariful Islam; Rahman; N. U. Chowdhury; Hatem S. M. Z. Nine; Rahman; Josef D. Järhult; A. Hoque. 2020. "Serological Evidence of Avian Influenza in Captive Wild Birds in a Zoo and Two Safari Parks in Bangladesh." Veterinary Sciences 7, no. 3: 122.
Low vaccination coverage of livestock is one of the major challenges to control anthrax in Bangladesh. This study was conducted to assess an alternate approach to maximize vaccination coverage. The method included traditional vaccination campaigns, livestock census, interviews, focus group discussions of cattle farmers, vaccination and livestock personnel, and validation workshops. It was observed that a mass vaccination program covered only 44% of the cattle population. It was found that 54.1% of the respondents did not bring their cattle to mass vaccination programs due to the difficulties of handling cattle and that there was no male member in the household. Only 12.5% of respondents acknowledged that they were not aware of the vaccine, and 3% of the respondents claimed that they ignored vaccination due to cost. All of the respondents from livestock personnel agreed that manpower was not enough to cover the total area. Further, 20% of vaccinators mentioned that they did not get enough vaccines. For an effective vaccination program, 58.33% of respondents recommended door-to-door service, and 54.16% of respondents suggested to arrange regular vaccination campaigns in six-month intervals. Thus, regular campaigns with door-to-door vaccination services are suggested to control anthrax outbreaks in Bangladesh.
M. Sarker; Mohamed E. El Zowalaty; M. Ahosanul Haque Shahid; M. Sarker; M. Bahanur Rahman; Josef D. Järhult; K. H. M. Nazmul Hussain Nazir. Maximization of Livestock Anthrax Vaccination Coverage in Bangladesh: An Alternative Approach. Vaccines 2020, 8, 435 .
AMA StyleM. Sarker, Mohamed E. El Zowalaty, M. Ahosanul Haque Shahid, M. Sarker, M. Bahanur Rahman, Josef D. Järhult, K. H. M. Nazmul Hussain Nazir. Maximization of Livestock Anthrax Vaccination Coverage in Bangladesh: An Alternative Approach. Vaccines. 2020; 8 (3):435.
Chicago/Turabian StyleM. Sarker; Mohamed E. El Zowalaty; M. Ahosanul Haque Shahid; M. Sarker; M. Bahanur Rahman; Josef D. Järhult; K. H. M. Nazmul Hussain Nazir. 2020. "Maximization of Livestock Anthrax Vaccination Coverage in Bangladesh: An Alternative Approach." Vaccines 8, no. 3: 435.
Neuraminidase inhibitors (NAIs) are the gold standard treatment for influenza A virus (IAV). Oseltamivir is mostly used, followed by zanamivir (ZA). NAIs are not readily degraded in conventional wastewater treatment plants and can be detected in aquatic environments. Waterfowl are natural IAV hosts and replicating IAVs could thus be exposed to NAIs in the environment and develop resistance. Avian IAVs form the genetic basis for new human IAVs, and a resistant IAV with pandemic potential poses a serious public health threat, as NAIs constitute a pandemic preparedness cornerstone. Resistance development in waterfowl IAVs exposed to NAIs in the water environment has previously been investigated in an in vivo mallard model and resistance development was demonstrated in several avian IAVs after the exposure of infected ducks to oseltamivir, and in an H1N1 IAV after exposure to ZA. The N1 and N2 types of IAVs have different characteristics and resistance mutations, and so the present study investigated the exposure of an N2-type IAV (H4N2) in infected mallards to 1, 10 and 100 µg l−1 of ZA in the water environment. Two neuraminidase substitutions emerged, H274N (ZA IC50 increased 5.5-fold) and E119G (ZA IC50 increased 110-fold) at 10 and 100 µg l−1 of ZA, respectively. Reversion towards wild-type was observed for both substitutions in experiments with removed drug pressure, indicating reduced fitness of both resistant viruses. These results corroborate previous findings that the development of resistance to ZA in the environment seems less likely to occur than the development of resistance to oseltamivir, adding information that is useful in planning for prudent drug use and pandemic preparedness.
Viktoria Tepper; Marie Nykvist; Anna Gillman; Erik Skog; Michelle Wille; Hanna Söderström Lindström; Chaojun Tang; Richard H. Lindberg; Åke Lundkvist; Josef D. Järhult. Influenza A/H4N2 mallard infection experiments further indicate zanamivir as less prone to induce environmental resistance development than oseltamivir. Journal of General Virology 2020, 101, 816 -824.
AMA StyleViktoria Tepper, Marie Nykvist, Anna Gillman, Erik Skog, Michelle Wille, Hanna Söderström Lindström, Chaojun Tang, Richard H. Lindberg, Åke Lundkvist, Josef D. Järhult. Influenza A/H4N2 mallard infection experiments further indicate zanamivir as less prone to induce environmental resistance development than oseltamivir. Journal of General Virology. 2020; 101 (8):816-824.
Chicago/Turabian StyleViktoria Tepper; Marie Nykvist; Anna Gillman; Erik Skog; Michelle Wille; Hanna Söderström Lindström; Chaojun Tang; Richard H. Lindberg; Åke Lundkvist; Josef D. Järhult. 2020. "Influenza A/H4N2 mallard infection experiments further indicate zanamivir as less prone to induce environmental resistance development than oseltamivir." Journal of General Virology 101, no. 8: 816-824.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5 viruses have pandemic potential, cause significant economic losses and are of veterinary and public health concerns. This study aimed to investigate the distribution and diversity of hemagglutinin (HA) subtypes of avian influenza virus (AIV) in poultry and wild birds in Bangladesh. We conducted an avian influenza sero-surveillance in wild and domestic birds in wetlands of Chattogram and Sylhet in the winter seasons 2012–2014. We tested serum samples using a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (c-ELISA), and randomly selected positive serum samples (170 of 942) were tested using hemagglutination inhibition (HI) to detect antibodies against the 16 different HA sero-subtypes. All AIV sero–subtypes except H7, H11, H14 and H15 were identified in the present study, with H5 and H9 dominating over other subtypes, regardless of the bird species. The diversity of HA sero-subtypes within groups ranged from 3 (in household chickens) to 10 (in migratory birds). The prevalence of the H5 sero-subtype was 76.3% (29/38) in nomadic ducks, 71.4% (5/7) in household chicken, 66.7% (24/36) in resident wild birds, 65.9% (27/41) in migratory birds and 61.7% (29/47) in household ducks. Moreover, the H9 sero-subtype was common in migratory birds (56%; 23/41), followed by 38.3% (18/47) in household ducks, 36.8% (14/38) in nomadic ducks, 30.6% (11/66) in resident wild birds and 28.5% (2/7) in household chickens. H1, H4 and H6 sero-subtypes were the most common sero-subtypes (80%; 8/10, 70%; 7/10 and 70%; 7/10, respectively) in migratory birds in 2012, H9 in resident wild birds (83.3%; 5/6) and H2 in nomadic ducks (73.9%; 17/23) in 2013, and the H5 sero-subtype in all types of birds (50% to 100%) in 2014. The present study demonstrates that a high diversity of HA subtypes circulated in diverse bird species in Bangladesh, and this broad range of AIV hosts may increase the probability of AIVs’ reassortment and may enhance the emergence of novel AIV strains. A continued surveillance for AIV at targeted domestic–wild bird interfaces is recommended to understand the ecology and evolution of AIVs.
Mohammad M. Hassan; Mohamed E. El Zowalaty; Ariful Islam; Shahneaz A. Khan; K. Rahman; Josef D. Järhult; A. Hoque. Prevalence and Diversity of Avian Influenza Virus Hemagglutinin Sero-Subtypes in Poultry and Wild Birds in Bangladesh. Veterinary Sciences 2020, 7, 73 .
AMA StyleMohammad M. Hassan, Mohamed E. El Zowalaty, Ariful Islam, Shahneaz A. Khan, K. Rahman, Josef D. Järhult, A. Hoque. Prevalence and Diversity of Avian Influenza Virus Hemagglutinin Sero-Subtypes in Poultry and Wild Birds in Bangladesh. Veterinary Sciences. 2020; 7 (2):73.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMohammad M. Hassan; Mohamed E. El Zowalaty; Ariful Islam; Shahneaz A. Khan; K. Rahman; Josef D. Järhult; A. Hoque. 2020. "Prevalence and Diversity of Avian Influenza Virus Hemagglutinin Sero-Subtypes in Poultry and Wild Birds in Bangladesh." Veterinary Sciences 7, no. 2: 73.
The environment is an integral component of human and animal health. COVID-19 is a global health challenge in the twenty-first century. The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 in Wuhan, China in December 2019, and its spread to regional countries and nowadays affecting more than 210 countries worldwide represents the first pandemic in history to be caused by a coronavirus. The COVID-19 pandemic has huge impacts on most aspects of human activities, as well as on the economy and health care systems. Lock-downs, quarantines and border closures in the wake of the pandemic have led to reductions in air pollution through decreased travel and production. These positive environmental effects are likely mostly temporary, but may serve as an example that changes in our way of life can have prompt positive effects for the environment and demonstrate the usefulness of travel-reducing measures such as teleconferencing. Thus, acknowledging that COVID-19 is first and foremost a global disaster, the pandemic may inspire to future behavioral changes with positive environmental effects.
Mohamed E. El Zowalaty; Sean G. Young; Josef D. Järhult. Environmental impact of the COVID-19 pandemic – a lesson for the future. Infection Ecology & Epidemiology 2020, 10, 1768023 .
AMA StyleMohamed E. El Zowalaty, Sean G. Young, Josef D. Järhult. Environmental impact of the COVID-19 pandemic – a lesson for the future. Infection Ecology & Epidemiology. 2020; 10 (1):1768023.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMohamed E. El Zowalaty; Sean G. Young; Josef D. Järhult. 2020. "Environmental impact of the COVID-19 pandemic – a lesson for the future." Infection Ecology & Epidemiology 10, no. 1: 1768023.
SARS-CoV-2 is a zoonotic Betacoronavirus causing the devastating COVID-19 pandemic. More than twelve million COVID-19 cases and 500 thousand fatalities have been reported in 216 countries. Although SARS-CoV-2 originated in China, comparatively fewer people have been affected in other Asian countries than in Europe and the USA. This study examined the hypothesis that lower temperature may increase the spread of SARS-CoV-2 by comparing attack rate and case fatality rate (until 21 March 2020) to mean temperature in January–February 2020. The attack rate was highest in Luxembourg followed by Italy and Switzerland. There was a significant (p = 0.02) correlation between decreased attack rate and increased environmental temperature. The case fatality rate was highest in Italy followed by Iran and Spain. There was no significant correlation between the case fatality rate and temperature. This study indicates that lower temperature may increase SARS-CoV-2 transmission (measured as an increased attack rate), but there is no evidence that temperature affects the severity of the disease (measured as case fatality rate). However, there are clearly other factors that affect the transmission of SARS-CoV-2, and many of these may be sensitive to interventions, e.g. through increased public awareness and public health response.
Mohammad M. Hassan; Mohamed E. El Zowalaty; Shahneaz A. Khan; Ariful Islam; Raihan K. Nayem; Josef D. Järhult. Role of Environmental Temperature on the Attack rate and Case fatality rate of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic. Infection Ecology & Epidemiology 2020, 10, 1 .
AMA StyleMohammad M. Hassan, Mohamed E. El Zowalaty, Shahneaz A. Khan, Ariful Islam, Raihan K. Nayem, Josef D. Järhult. Role of Environmental Temperature on the Attack rate and Case fatality rate of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic. Infection Ecology & Epidemiology. 2020; 10 (1):1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMohammad M. Hassan; Mohamed E. El Zowalaty; Shahneaz A. Khan; Ariful Islam; Raihan K. Nayem; Josef D. Järhult. 2020. "Role of Environmental Temperature on the Attack rate and Case fatality rate of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic." Infection Ecology & Epidemiology 10, no. 1: 1.
Controlling antibiotic resistance is a global concern. The One Health initiative has provided a strategy to deal with this problem efficiently within a country. However, due to the global nature of the problem it is paramount not only to focus on specific countries, but to establish ways to avoid the development of antibiotic resistance in different geographical regions. In this letter, we propose a One Health - One World approach that would enable different countries to connect by sharing information about infections, outbreaks and surveillance. We believe such a strategy should be implemented worldwide in order to mitigate the development and dissemination of antibiotic resistance.
Jaime R. Cabrera-Pardo; Rolf Lood; Klas Udekwu; Gerardo Gonzalez-Rocha; Jose M. Munita; Josef D. Järhult; Andrés Opazo-Capurro. A One Health – One World initiative to control antibiotic resistance: A Chile - Sweden collaboration. One Health 2019, 8, 100100 .
AMA StyleJaime R. Cabrera-Pardo, Rolf Lood, Klas Udekwu, Gerardo Gonzalez-Rocha, Jose M. Munita, Josef D. Järhult, Andrés Opazo-Capurro. A One Health – One World initiative to control antibiotic resistance: A Chile - Sweden collaboration. One Health. 2019; 8 ():100100.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJaime R. Cabrera-Pardo; Rolf Lood; Klas Udekwu; Gerardo Gonzalez-Rocha; Jose M. Munita; Josef D. Järhult; Andrés Opazo-Capurro. 2019. "A One Health – One World initiative to control antibiotic resistance: A Chile - Sweden collaboration." One Health 8, no. : 100100.
Seoul virus (SEOV) is the etiologic agent of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). It is carried by brown rats (Rattus norvegicus), a commensal rodent that closely cohabitates with humans in urban environments. SEOV has a worldwide distribution, and in Europe, it has been found in rats in the United Kingdom (UK), France, Sweden and Belgium, and human cases of SEOV infection have been reported in Germany, UK, France, and Belgium. In the search of hantaviruses in brown rats from the Netherlands, we found both serological and genetic evidence for the presence of SEOV in the local wild rat population. To further decipher the relationship with other SEOV variants globally, the complete genome of SEOV in the Netherlands was recovered. SEOV sequences obtained from three positive city rats (captured at close trapping locations at the same time) were found highly similar. Phylogenetic analyses demonstrated that two lineages of SEOV circulate in Europe. Strains from the Netherlands and UK, together with the Baxter strain from US, constitute one of these two, while the second includes strains from Europe and Asia. Our results support a hypothesis of diverse routes of SEOV spread into Europe. These findings, combined with other indications on the expansion of the spatial European range of SEOV, suggest an increased risk of this virus for the Public Health, highlighting the need for increased surveillance. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Jiaxin Ling; Jenny Verner-Carlsson; Per Eriksson; Angelina Plyusnina; Mare Löhmus; Josef D. Järhult; Frank Van De Goot; Alexander Plyusnin; Åke Lundkvist; Tarja Sironen. Genetic analyses of Seoul hantavirus genome recovered from rats (Rattus norvegicus) in the Netherlands unveils diverse routes of spread into Europe. Journal of Medical Virology 2019, 91, 724 -730.
AMA StyleJiaxin Ling, Jenny Verner-Carlsson, Per Eriksson, Angelina Plyusnina, Mare Löhmus, Josef D. Järhult, Frank Van De Goot, Alexander Plyusnin, Åke Lundkvist, Tarja Sironen. Genetic analyses of Seoul hantavirus genome recovered from rats (Rattus norvegicus) in the Netherlands unveils diverse routes of spread into Europe. Journal of Medical Virology. 2019; 91 (5):724-730.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJiaxin Ling; Jenny Verner-Carlsson; Per Eriksson; Angelina Plyusnina; Mare Löhmus; Josef D. Järhult; Frank Van De Goot; Alexander Plyusnin; Åke Lundkvist; Tarja Sironen. 2019. "Genetic analyses of Seoul hantavirus genome recovered from rats (Rattus norvegicus) in the Netherlands unveils diverse routes of spread into Europe." Journal of Medical Virology 91, no. 5: 724-730.
Wild birds of the orders Anseriformes (mainly ducks, geese and swans) and Charadriiformes (mainly gulls, terns and waders) constitute the natural reservoir for low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) viruses. In Egypt, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 and LPAI H9N2 viruses are endemic in domestic poultry, forming a threat to animal and human health and raising questions about the routes of introduction and mechanisms of persistence. Recently, HPAI H5N8 virus was also introduced into Egyptian domestic birds. Here we review the literature on the role of wild birds in the introduction and endemicity of avian influenza viruses in Egypt. Dabbling ducks in Egypt harbor an extensive LPAI virus diversity and may constitute the route of introduction for HPAI H5N1 and HPAI H5N8 viruses into Egypt through migration, however their role in the endemicity of HPAI H5N1, LPAI H9N2 and potentially other avian influenza virus (AIV) strains – by means of reassortment of viral genes – is less clear. Strengthened surveillance programs, in both domestic and wild birds, that include all LPAI virus subtypes and full genome sequencing are needed to better assess the wild–domestic bird interface and form a basis for evidence-based measures to limit and prevent AIV transmission between wild and domestic birds.
Mahmoud M. Naguib; Josanne H. Verhagen; Ahmed Samy; Per Eriksson; Mark Fife; Åke Lundkvist; Patrik Ellström; Josef D. Järhult. Avian influenza viruses at the wild–domestic bird interface in Egypt. Infection Ecology & Epidemiology 2019, 9, 1575687 .
AMA StyleMahmoud M. Naguib, Josanne H. Verhagen, Ahmed Samy, Per Eriksson, Mark Fife, Åke Lundkvist, Patrik Ellström, Josef D. Järhult. Avian influenza viruses at the wild–domestic bird interface in Egypt. Infection Ecology & Epidemiology. 2019; 9 (1):1575687.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMahmoud M. Naguib; Josanne H. Verhagen; Ahmed Samy; Per Eriksson; Mark Fife; Åke Lundkvist; Patrik Ellström; Josef D. Järhult. 2019. "Avian influenza viruses at the wild–domestic bird interface in Egypt." Infection Ecology & Epidemiology 9, no. 1: 1575687.
The natural reservoir for all influenza A viruses (IAVs) is wild birds, particularly dabbling ducks. During the autumn, viral prevalence can be very high in dabbling ducks (> 30%) in the Northern Hemisphere, and individuals may be repeatedly infected. Transmission and infection is through the fecal–oral route, whereby birds shed viruses in feces and conspecifics are infected though feeding in virus-contaminated water. In this study we wanted to assess two alternative infection routes: cloacal drinking and preening. Using experimental infections, we assessed patterns of infection using a combination of virus shedding, as assessed by real-time PCR from cloacal swabs, and patterns of viral replication using virus-immunohistochemistry of gastrointestinal tissues. The cloacal drinking experiment consisted of two trials using cloacal inoculation at two different time points to account for age differences, as well as a trial whereby ducks were allowed to take up virus-laden water through the cloaca. All ducks became infected, and rather than the bursa of Fabricius being the main site of replication, the colon had the highest intensity of replication, as inferred through immunohistochemistry. In experiments assessing preening, feathers were contaminated with virus-laden water and all ducks became infected, regardless of whether they were kept individually or together. Further, naive contacts were infected by the individuals whose feathers were virus-contaminated. Overall, we reinforce that IAV transmission in dabbling ducks is multifactorial—if exposed to virus-contaminated water ducks may be infected through dabbling, preening of infected feathers, and cloacal drinking.
Michelle Wille; Caroline Bröjer; Åke Lundkvist; Josef D. Järhult. Alternate routes of influenza A virus infection in Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos). Veterinary Research 2018, 49, 110 .
AMA StyleMichelle Wille, Caroline Bröjer, Åke Lundkvist, Josef D. Järhult. Alternate routes of influenza A virus infection in Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos). Veterinary Research. 2018; 49 (1):110.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMichelle Wille; Caroline Bröjer; Åke Lundkvist; Josef D. Järhult. 2018. "Alternate routes of influenza A virus infection in Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)." Veterinary Research 49, no. 1: 110.