The Monkeypox virus, commonly abbreviated as mpox, is a viral zoonosis that is experiencing a resurgence in prevalence. It is endemic to regions of West and Central Africa that are characterized by dense forested areas. Various measures pertaining to animals, humans, and the environment have been recognized as potential factors and catalysts for the spread of the disease throughout the impacted regions of Africa. This study examines the various factors contributing to the transmission of the virus in Nigeria, with a particular focus on the animal-human and inter-human modes of transmission in rural communities and healthcare facilities. The One Health approach was emphasized as crucial in the prevention and management of this issue. Literature suggests that preventing repeated zoonotic introductions could potentially halt the transmission of the mpox virus from animal to human hosts, leading to a potential decrease in human infections.
The (re)emergence of several infectious zoonoses underlines the need for the re-evaluation of the transmission patterns and key players responsible for effective inter-species transfer of diseases. Anthrax is caused by Bacillus anthracis, a zoonotic rod-shaped, Gram-positive, spore-forming bacterium that is highly fatal to both human and animal populations. B. anthracis is widespread across several regions of the world, including Africa, Asia, southern Europe, North and South America, and Australia, and it has a remarkably high attendant impact on the sustainability and profitability of livestock. The current trend in the global distribution of anthrax necessitates an urgent contextual understanding of the key drivers of the spread of B. anthracis in different parts of the world toward the end goal of an anthrax-free world. The understanding of the drivers is integral for the development of control and preventive measures, and also the development of agents such as therapeutics and vaccines against B. anthracis. This review presents a holistic description of the transmission pattern and epidemiology of B. anthracis, and updates on the diagnostic techniques and approaches available for the detection of B. anthracis. In addition, this review highlights plausible prevention and control strategies for the bacterium. This review further underscores the need for participatory epidemiology, hygiene, and safety protocols, the establishment of comprehensive surveillance systems, and global collaborative efforts toward vaccine development as critical steps in controlling anthrax.
3 November 2023 in New Microbes and New Infections
Impediment to the aquaculture industry and consequently, impoverishment of the Nigerian populace can be attributed to several factors ranging from managemental to infectious or noninfectious. Despite the abundantly blessed land capacity and nourishment, the industry continues to face several losses. As part of the very important infectious agents known to cause high morbidity and mortality across several fish species is Edwardsiella tarda. E. tarda is directly associated with enteric septicemia in several fish species and ages. Infections caused by this bacterium is usually presented as gastrointestinal (gastroenteritis) and extra-intestinal (myonecrosis, bacteremia and septic arthritis) infections. E. tarda is an economic and public health threat because of its extensive impacts on the aquaculture industry as well as its ability to cause severe human infections such as diarrhea, gastroenteritis, typhoid-like illness, peritonitis with sepsis, cellulitis and meningitis. Furthermore, they are associated with the global antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in human and animal population. The threat posed by this bacterium have necessitated this current review on the overview of the risk factors and the presence of the organism in Nigeria. An elucidation into the bacterium, its epidemiology, threat to aquaculture industry and the global population are reviewed and the probable ways to control the presence of the organism are also discussed. Novel genetic engineering of the genes of the organism as a vital tool to drug and vaccine development are germane in this current age as a useful tool and strategy to have a world safe and in health. In conclusion, this review highlighted the necessary steps and approach to mitigate the bacterium and safe the Nigerian aquaculture from the emergence of a fatal infectious disease from fishes to human, as well as improvement in global trading.