Verotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC) are one of the most important emerging foodborne pathogens and the principal cause of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). This entity has been recognized worldwide as a priority issue in the field of zoonoses and public health, and Argentina is the country with the highest incidence of HUS in children less than 5 years of age.The lack of specific treatment, combined with the high morbidity rate of VTEC infection, makes prevention the main tool for reducing the incidence of HUS. The current work aimed at assessing the factors associated with sporadic VTEC infection in children with acute diarrhea from the Central Eastern area of Argentina where the incidence rate of HUS in children under 5 is the highest worldwide. A univariate analysis was performed to identify potential factors associated with VTEC infection by calculating odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Then, a multivariate logistic regression model was performed. Interaction and association between significant factors were checked. "Recent consumption of food prepared outside home" (OR: 2.4, 95% CI 1.05-5.7) and "recent vegetables consumption" (OR=0.4; 0.2-0.8) were identified as independent factors associated with VTEC infection. We believe that the data obtained from this study further the current knowledge about the epidemiology of VTEC infection in Argentina and could be considered when planning strategies for the prevention of the disease.

Dogs harbour a wide range of endoparasites, many of which pose a significant risk to public health globally due to their zoonotic potential. Addressing the dynamics of zoonotic parasites comprehensively requires epidemiological studies under the One Health paradigm, incorporating multidisciplinary methodologies to explore the complex interactions among humans, animals and the environment. The present study aimed to investigate the presence of canine parasites in public green places (PGPs) in Tandil, Argentina, using epidemiological and geographical tools to enhance efforts towards the prevention and control of canine parasitic diseases impacting public health. Between August 2024 and January 2025, 893 canine faecal samples were collected through a randomised two-stage sampling process from 92 public green places. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 29.9% and the identified parasites were Trichuris vulpis, Ancylostoma caninum, Eucoleus spp., Uncinaria stenocephala, Toxascaris leonina, and Cystoisospora sp. Risk factors identified included the presence of playgrounds and a higher dog density, while protective factors comprised sampling during spring vs. winter and presence of areas of bare soil on the public green places. Spatial analysis revealed clusters of high prevalence in areas with lower socioeconomic status, and clusters of low prevalence in higher socioeconomic areas. These findings emphasise the need for targeted preventive measures, including responsible pet ownership policies. Moreover, the methodological approach adopted could be replicated in other regions to enhance public health protection and mitigate the risks associated with zoonotic parasitic diseases.

Background: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is a common cause of acute clinical hepatitis worldwide and is emerging as a disease in Argentina. It is primarily transmitted through contaminated water and food, following the fecal-oral route. Furthermore, is a zoonotic disease with swine as the primary reservoir. Prevalence of HEV infection in humans in several regions of Argentina remains unknown.Objectives: (i) Determine the seroprevalence of HEV among the human population in Tandil, Buenos Aires, Argentina; (ii) Evaluate its association with demographic, socioeconomic and other risk exposures variables, and (iii) Describe and analyze spatial patterns related to HEV infection.Methods: From August 2020 to July 2021, serum samples were collected from 969 individuals aged 1–80 years. Seroprevalence and 95% Confidence Interval was determined. To assess the factors associated with the presence of anti-HEV antibodies, associations between the variables and seropositivity were evaluated through bivariate and multivariate analysis. Spatial scanning for clusters of positivity was carried out. Factors associated with these clusters were also assessed.Results: Anti-HEV antibodies were detected in 4.64% (IC 95% 3.27–6.02) of samples. Dark urine was associated with seropositivity (p = 0.02). Seropositivity was linked with the presence of natural water courses near their households (p = 0.02); the age (p = 0.04); and previous travel to Europe (p = 0.04). A spatial cluster of low rates of HEV seropositivity was detected, with greater distance of the households to water courses associated to the cluster, and male sex inversely associated to it.Discussion and conclusion: This study is the first study to investigate the prevalence of HEV in the population from Tandil, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Considering HEV infection in the differential diagnosis in individuals presenting acute hepatitis is highlighted. The incorporation of HEV testing into blood screening policies should be mandatory. Factors related to the infection and spatial patterns of high and low risk were determined, and should be considered when implementing specific preventive measures.