One Health Bulletin
Issue 2,2024 Table of Contents
2024(2):47-54.
DOI: 10.4103/ohbl.ohbl_5_24
Abstract:
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for innovative strategies to mitigate the severe complications associated with infection caused by SARS-CoV-2. Developing empirical studies posited that the gut microbiota play a key role in modulating the immune response and overall health. This review explores the potential of synbiotics, a combination of probiotics and prebiotics, as a promising therapeutic approach to ameliorate COVID-19 complications. We conducted a comprehensive review of the literature to assess the impact of synbiotics on key aspects of the pathogenesis of this disease. Several studies indicate that synbiotics can bolster the gut microbiome, enhance mucosal barrier function, and regulate the immune system. These effects may be particularly beneficial in COVID-19, where immune dysregulation and cytokine storm are implicated in severe disease. We discuss the mechanisms through which synbiotics influence the gut axis, modulating the immune response and potentially reducing the risk of acute respiratory distress syndrome and other complications. Furthermore, synbiotics may help manage gastrointestinal symptoms often associated with COVID-19 and support the recovery of patients. While current research is promising, further clinical trials are needed to validate the safety and efficacy of synbiotics in the context of COVID-19. This review underscores the potential of synbiotics as an adjunctive therapy to conventional treatments for COVID-19, offering a novel and integrated approach to improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden of this health challenge worldwide.
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for innovative strategies to mitigate the severe complications associated with infection caused by SARS-CoV-2. Developing empirical studies posited that the gut microbiota play a key role in modulating the immune response and overall health. This review explores the potential of synbiotics, a combination of probiotics and prebiotics, as a promising therapeutic approach to ameliorate COVID-19 complications. We conducted a comprehensive review of the literature to assess the impact of synbiotics on key aspects of the pathogenesis of this disease. Several studies indicate that synbiotics can bolster the gut microbiome, enhance mucosal barrier function, and regulate the immune system. These effects may be particularly beneficial in COVID-19, where immune dysregulation and cytokine storm are implicated in severe disease. We discuss the mechanisms through which synbiotics influence the gut axis, modulating the immune response and potentially reducing the risk of acute respiratory distress syndrome and other complications. Furthermore, synbiotics may help manage gastrointestinal symptoms often associated with COVID-19 and support the recovery of patients. While current research is promising, further clinical trials are needed to validate the safety and efficacy of synbiotics in the context of COVID-19. This review underscores the potential of synbiotics as an adjunctive therapy to conventional treatments for COVID-19, offering a novel and integrated approach to improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden of this health challenge worldwide.
Kotresh Kuruba Narasappa
,
Sunil Kumar Kadiri
,
Prashant Tiwari
,
Ramanagowda Bindigi
,
Merugumolu Vijay Kumar
2024(2):55-59.
DOI: 10.4103/ohbl.ohbl_34_23
Abstract:
Nephrolithiasis is a common disease and incurs a significant burden on the health care system globally. Patients with kidney stones can be treated with natural remedy such as cranberry, pomegranate, and grape juice. Patients with kidney stone experience anxiety and insomnia as a result of the pain caused by the stones. As a result, physicians may prescribe anxiolytics to treat anxiety, among which alprazolam is a commonly prescribed medication. Meanwhile, cranberry and pomegranate juice are prescribed by many herbal specialists for the treatment of renal calculi. The enzyme CYP3A4 primarily metabolizes alprazolam, while fruit juices such as cranberry and pomegranate juices are potent inhibitors of CYP3A4. Therefore, there could be a drug-food interaction between alprazolam and cranberry and pomegranate juices when consumed concomitantly. A detailed pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic investigation is required to ascertain the food-drug interaction between alprazolam, cranberry, and pomegranate juice to avoid the possible toxicity of alprazolam. This review article provides insights about the possible CYP3A4-associated drug interactions between alprazolam and juices of cranberry and pomegranate, for the safe and effective usage of alprazolam in treating anxiety disorders caused by kidney stones.
Nephrolithiasis is a common disease and incurs a significant burden on the health care system globally. Patients with kidney stones can be treated with natural remedy such as cranberry, pomegranate, and grape juice. Patients with kidney stone experience anxiety and insomnia as a result of the pain caused by the stones. As a result, physicians may prescribe anxiolytics to treat anxiety, among which alprazolam is a commonly prescribed medication. Meanwhile, cranberry and pomegranate juice are prescribed by many herbal specialists for the treatment of renal calculi. The enzyme CYP3A4 primarily metabolizes alprazolam, while fruit juices such as cranberry and pomegranate juices are potent inhibitors of CYP3A4. Therefore, there could be a drug-food interaction between alprazolam and cranberry and pomegranate juices when consumed concomitantly. A detailed pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic investigation is required to ascertain the food-drug interaction between alprazolam, cranberry, and pomegranate juice to avoid the possible toxicity of alprazolam. This review article provides insights about the possible CYP3A4-associated drug interactions between alprazolam and juices of cranberry and pomegranate, for the safe and effective usage of alprazolam in treating anxiety disorders caused by kidney stones.
2024(2):60-68.
DOI: 10.4103/ohbl.ohbl_3_24
Abstract:
Objective: The aim of the study is to provide a comprehensive overview of the epidemiology and evolution of dengue virus (DV) in Bangladesh from 2020 to 2023. Methods: From January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2023, we analyzed the daily press releases on the dengue situation made public by the government. The published sequences from the period were then subjected to phylogenetic analysis, amino acid substitutions, evolutionary rate, and selection pressure analysis. Results: In Bangladesh, dengue fever usually peaks during the monsoon season. However, the increase in cases began considerably earlier, at the end of April 2023 and the disease had claimed 1 705 lives, marking its highest annual death toll ever. Dhaka is the city most severely affected. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that the Bangladeshi DV-1 strains clustered far from any known genotype, indicating the circulation of a novel genotype, whereas the DV-3 strains clustered within the existing circulating genotype I. The DV-1 strains had a total of 107 amino acid alterations and two deletions, while the DV-3 strains had 17 alterations. The Bangladeshi DV-1 and DV-3 strains evolve rapidly. Additionally, selection pressure analysis revealed one positive selection site in DV-1 and three in DV-3, respectively, which require further research. Conclusions: The circulation of novel genotypes, a higher mutation rate, and positive selection of DV might result in the recent dengue outbreaks in the country. The study will help in the development of strategies to control outbreaks in Bangladesh and other nations with similar conditions in the future.
Objective: The aim of the study is to provide a comprehensive overview of the epidemiology and evolution of dengue virus (DV) in Bangladesh from 2020 to 2023. Methods: From January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2023, we analyzed the daily press releases on the dengue situation made public by the government. The published sequences from the period were then subjected to phylogenetic analysis, amino acid substitutions, evolutionary rate, and selection pressure analysis. Results: In Bangladesh, dengue fever usually peaks during the monsoon season. However, the increase in cases began considerably earlier, at the end of April 2023 and the disease had claimed 1 705 lives, marking its highest annual death toll ever. Dhaka is the city most severely affected. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that the Bangladeshi DV-1 strains clustered far from any known genotype, indicating the circulation of a novel genotype, whereas the DV-3 strains clustered within the existing circulating genotype I. The DV-1 strains had a total of 107 amino acid alterations and two deletions, while the DV-3 strains had 17 alterations. The Bangladeshi DV-1 and DV-3 strains evolve rapidly. Additionally, selection pressure analysis revealed one positive selection site in DV-1 and three in DV-3, respectively, which require further research. Conclusions: The circulation of novel genotypes, a higher mutation rate, and positive selection of DV might result in the recent dengue outbreaks in the country. The study will help in the development of strategies to control outbreaks in Bangladesh and other nations with similar conditions in the future.
2024(2):69-75.
DOI: 10.4103/ohbl.ohbl_6_24
Abstract:
Objective: This mixed-methods study aims to develop and validate a comprehensive hygiene tool from a One Health perspective to document the assessment of hygiene at the human-animal interface. Methods: This mixed-methods study consisted of two components: a narrative review of the development of tool, followed by validation. The tool development was conducted in two phases. Phase 1 was a literature review, while phase 2 focused on the development and validation. Results: Tool version 1 consisted of 37 questions to assess personal hygiene practices among 16 households with livestock. Face validity, content validity, and multi-rater kappa scores were used to validate tool version 1. The questions with kappa score exceeding 0.74 were retained for further test. A total of 29 questions were obtained and incorporated into tool version 2, which was subsequently employed to evaluate the personal hygiene practices among 62 households with stock. The median total scores for 16 households and 62 households were 10.5 (range: 6-16) and 16 (range: 10-22), respectively. Conclusions: Many studies have assessed hygiene practices among livestock farmers, yet none used a validated assessment tool. Thus, this validated tool will facilitate the measurement of hygiene in human-animal interactions.
Objective: This mixed-methods study aims to develop and validate a comprehensive hygiene tool from a One Health perspective to document the assessment of hygiene at the human-animal interface. Methods: This mixed-methods study consisted of two components: a narrative review of the development of tool, followed by validation. The tool development was conducted in two phases. Phase 1 was a literature review, while phase 2 focused on the development and validation. Results: Tool version 1 consisted of 37 questions to assess personal hygiene practices among 16 households with livestock. Face validity, content validity, and multi-rater kappa scores were used to validate tool version 1. The questions with kappa score exceeding 0.74 were retained for further test. A total of 29 questions were obtained and incorporated into tool version 2, which was subsequently employed to evaluate the personal hygiene practices among 62 households with stock. The median total scores for 16 households and 62 households were 10.5 (range: 6-16) and 16 (range: 10-22), respectively. Conclusions: Many studies have assessed hygiene practices among livestock farmers, yet none used a validated assessment tool. Thus, this validated tool will facilitate the measurement of hygiene in human-animal interactions.
2024(2):76-84.
DOI: 10.4103/ohbl.ohbl_40_23
Abstract:
Objective: To investigate the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth infections among farmers of different age groups and the risk factors influencing disease transmission in different geographic settings with intermittent treatment in Delta North Agricultural Zone in Nigeria. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out among all age groups in some farming communities in freshwater swamp forest and lowland rainforest of Delta North Agricultural Zone. Kato Katz method was used to detect gastrointestinal helminth infections in stool samples. Study participants totalled 20 698 including 11 215 (54.2%) males and 9 483 (45.8%) females. Additionally, diagnostic tests performance for Schistosoma mansoni using Kato Katz and PCR were compared. Results: This study identified six parasites namely, Schistosoma mansoni, Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm, Trichuris trichiura, Enterobius vermicularis and Strongyloides stercoralis, with a total prevalence of 21.6%. The freshwater swamp forest had a slightly higher prevalence (21.8%) with six parasite species than that of the lowland rainforest (21.0%) with five species, but the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Factors that influenced disease transmission include sex, age, behaviour, type of infection, culture and environment, with vulnerabilities higher among children and females (P < 0.05). Additional investigation comparing Kato Katz method and PCR using Schistosoma mansoni 121 bp primer on 120 samples showed prevalence of 0.0% for Kato Katz and 4.2% for PCR. Conclusions: This study revealed persistent gastrointestinal helminth infections in areas where there is intermittent mass antihelminthic administration. This underscores the need for integrated control of gastrointestinal helminthiasis in farming communities.
Objective: To investigate the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth infections among farmers of different age groups and the risk factors influencing disease transmission in different geographic settings with intermittent treatment in Delta North Agricultural Zone in Nigeria. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out among all age groups in some farming communities in freshwater swamp forest and lowland rainforest of Delta North Agricultural Zone. Kato Katz method was used to detect gastrointestinal helminth infections in stool samples. Study participants totalled 20 698 including 11 215 (54.2%) males and 9 483 (45.8%) females. Additionally, diagnostic tests performance for Schistosoma mansoni using Kato Katz and PCR were compared. Results: This study identified six parasites namely, Schistosoma mansoni, Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm, Trichuris trichiura, Enterobius vermicularis and Strongyloides stercoralis, with a total prevalence of 21.6%. The freshwater swamp forest had a slightly higher prevalence (21.8%) with six parasite species than that of the lowland rainforest (21.0%) with five species, but the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Factors that influenced disease transmission include sex, age, behaviour, type of infection, culture and environment, with vulnerabilities higher among children and females (P < 0.05). Additional investigation comparing Kato Katz method and PCR using Schistosoma mansoni 121 bp primer on 120 samples showed prevalence of 0.0% for Kato Katz and 4.2% for PCR. Conclusions: This study revealed persistent gastrointestinal helminth infections in areas where there is intermittent mass antihelminthic administration. This underscores the need for integrated control of gastrointestinal helminthiasis in farming communities.
Subhojeet Biswas
,
Hemant K. Khuntia
,
Madhusmita Bal
,
Sanghamitra Pati
,
Sujata Dixit
,
Sushree S.S. Pattanaik
,
Prabir Manna
,
Sanandan Routray
,
Jagan Beuria
,
Manoranjan Ranjit
2024(2):85-92.
DOI: 10.4103/ohbl.ohbl_42_23
Abstract:
Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of pathogenic Escherichia (E.) coli causing diarrhea and urinary tract infection (UTI) in patients admitted for treatment in selected health care facilities in Odisha, an eastern Indian State. Methods: A total of 189 rectal swabs from patients with diarrhea and 297 urine samples from patients with UTI were collected from selected health care facilities. E. coli isolates were phenotypically confirmed using MacConkey agar, MacConkey sorbitol agar and blood agar along with biochemical tests. These phenotypically confirmed E. coli isolates were investigated genotypically for known pathogenic E. coli via multiplex PCR. Finally, the pathogenic E. coli was subjected to antibiotic sensitivity test. Results: Culture of 189 rectal swabs and 297 urine samples revealed 46 (24.3%) diarrheagenic E. coli (DEC) and 36 (12.1%) uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC). PCR analysis of DEC identified 27 (14.3%) enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), 8 (4.2%) enteropathogenic E. coli, 10 (5.3%) enteroaggregative E. coli and 1 (0.5%) Enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) in diarrhea patients and 5 (1.7%) ETEC, 7 (2.4%) enteroaggregative E. coli, 11 (3.7%) EHEC O157:H7 and 1 (0.3%) EHEC non-O157:H7 in UTI patients. DEC and UPEC exhibited multidrug resistance with a high rate of resistance to commonly prescribed antibiotics. A high frequency of ETEC causing diarrhea, atypical enteropathogenic E. coli harboring the eae gene was found among children with acute diarrhea, and ETEC (est+) and EHEC O157:H7 were detected in UTI patients along with high antibiotic resistance among DEC and UPEC were important findings. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report the prevalence of DEC and UPEC in patients admitted to hospital in Odisha, India, revealing a high rate of antimicrobial resistance.
Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of pathogenic Escherichia (E.) coli causing diarrhea and urinary tract infection (UTI) in patients admitted for treatment in selected health care facilities in Odisha, an eastern Indian State. Methods: A total of 189 rectal swabs from patients with diarrhea and 297 urine samples from patients with UTI were collected from selected health care facilities. E. coli isolates were phenotypically confirmed using MacConkey agar, MacConkey sorbitol agar and blood agar along with biochemical tests. These phenotypically confirmed E. coli isolates were investigated genotypically for known pathogenic E. coli via multiplex PCR. Finally, the pathogenic E. coli was subjected to antibiotic sensitivity test. Results: Culture of 189 rectal swabs and 297 urine samples revealed 46 (24.3%) diarrheagenic E. coli (DEC) and 36 (12.1%) uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC). PCR analysis of DEC identified 27 (14.3%) enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), 8 (4.2%) enteropathogenic E. coli, 10 (5.3%) enteroaggregative E. coli and 1 (0.5%) Enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) in diarrhea patients and 5 (1.7%) ETEC, 7 (2.4%) enteroaggregative E. coli, 11 (3.7%) EHEC O157:H7 and 1 (0.3%) EHEC non-O157:H7 in UTI patients. DEC and UPEC exhibited multidrug resistance with a high rate of resistance to commonly prescribed antibiotics. A high frequency of ETEC causing diarrhea, atypical enteropathogenic E. coli harboring the eae gene was found among children with acute diarrhea, and ETEC (est+) and EHEC O157:H7 were detected in UTI patients along with high antibiotic resistance among DEC and UPEC were important findings. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report the prevalence of DEC and UPEC in patients admitted to hospital in Odisha, India, revealing a high rate of antimicrobial resistance.
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