One Health Bulletin
Issue 1,2026 Table of Contents
1 Chikungunya fever outbreak: Addressing globle public health challenge through One Health approaches
2026(1):1-5.
DOI: doi: 10.4103/ohbl.ohbl_63_25
Abstract:
Since 2004, chikungunya fever (CHIKF), a neglected tropical disease, has emerged as a growing public health concern, with outbreaks reported in over 119 countries across Asia, Africa, the Americas, Europe, and Oceania. Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment available for chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection, highlighting an urgent need for innovative preventive strategies. In July 2025, an outbreak of CHIKF was reported in Foshan City, Guangdong Province, China, resulting in more than 7 000 confirmed cases within a single month. This review aimed to examine the intricate interactions among etiology, epidemiological distribution, Aedes mosquito vectors, environmental factors (such as urbanization and climate change), and human behavioral patterns in disease transmission within the One Health framework, providing policymakers with actionable insights to bridge existing disciplinary gaps between human medicine, veterinary science, and environmental management in addressing the threat of arboviral diseases.
Since 2004, chikungunya fever (CHIKF), a neglected tropical disease, has emerged as a growing public health concern, with outbreaks reported in over 119 countries across Asia, Africa, the Americas, Europe, and Oceania. Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment available for chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection, highlighting an urgent need for innovative preventive strategies. In July 2025, an outbreak of CHIKF was reported in Foshan City, Guangdong Province, China, resulting in more than 7 000 confirmed cases within a single month. This review aimed to examine the intricate interactions among etiology, epidemiological distribution, Aedes mosquito vectors, environmental factors (such as urbanization and climate change), and human behavioral patterns in disease transmission within the One Health framework, providing policymakers with actionable insights to bridge existing disciplinary gaps between human medicine, veterinary science, and environmental management in addressing the threat of arboviral diseases.
2026(1):6-12.
DOI: doi: 10.4103/ohbl.ohbl_2_25
Abstract:
Klebsiella (K.) pneumoniae is a major reason of multidrug-resistant infections worldwide. The Enterobacterales that produce β-lactamases represent significant sources of infections within healthcare environments. This prevalence can be attributed to the challenges they pose in treatment, their high potential for transmission, and their substantial economic and personal impact. Recent studies highlight the emergence of multidrug-resistant K. pneumoniae strains which show resistance to colistin, a last-line antibiotic, arising from mutational inactivation of the mgrB regulatory gene. The bacteria of greatest clinical relevance are those with resistance to third and fourth generation cephalosporins, extended spectrum β-lactamases and ampicillin-cephalosporin. Carbapenems represent a category of antibiotics that remain one of the limited options for addressing infections caused by multi-drug resistant pathogens. Typically, these antibiotics are reserved as a final solution when other therapies prove ineffective. Nevertheless, the rising prevalence of carbapenem-resistant bacteria presents a considerable obstacle to their efficacy. Continuous monitoring and the advancement of alternative therapeutic strategies are essential to tackle the escalating challenge of antibiotic resistance. However, the rise of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales poses significant health challenges. Notably, K. pneumoniae, a pan-resistant bacterium, is associated with high morbidity rates, particularly in public health settings. This study reviews the various aspects of antibacterial resistance, focusing on the genes present in the genome of K. pneumoniae and the mechanisms through which it develops resistance. Through the analysis of these factors, we intend to highlight the escalating threat posed by antibiotic resistance and the urgent requirement for effective measures to counteract it. Surveillance and diagnostics are vital for controlling outbreaks as they enable early detection of diseases, allowing for timely interventions to prevent further spread. Accurate laboratory diagnostics are essential for confirming cases and informing public health responses, thereby ensuring the effective allocation of resources during an outbreak. In this work, we have carried out a review on the antibacterial resistance antibiotics, genes found in its genome, as well as the resistance mechanisms involved. Finally, we focus on the main outbreaks causing hospital acquired infections during the last few years.
Klebsiella (K.) pneumoniae is a major reason of multidrug-resistant infections worldwide. The Enterobacterales that produce β-lactamases represent significant sources of infections within healthcare environments. This prevalence can be attributed to the challenges they pose in treatment, their high potential for transmission, and their substantial economic and personal impact. Recent studies highlight the emergence of multidrug-resistant K. pneumoniae strains which show resistance to colistin, a last-line antibiotic, arising from mutational inactivation of the mgrB regulatory gene. The bacteria of greatest clinical relevance are those with resistance to third and fourth generation cephalosporins, extended spectrum β-lactamases and ampicillin-cephalosporin. Carbapenems represent a category of antibiotics that remain one of the limited options for addressing infections caused by multi-drug resistant pathogens. Typically, these antibiotics are reserved as a final solution when other therapies prove ineffective. Nevertheless, the rising prevalence of carbapenem-resistant bacteria presents a considerable obstacle to their efficacy. Continuous monitoring and the advancement of alternative therapeutic strategies are essential to tackle the escalating challenge of antibiotic resistance. However, the rise of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales poses significant health challenges. Notably, K. pneumoniae, a pan-resistant bacterium, is associated with high morbidity rates, particularly in public health settings. This study reviews the various aspects of antibacterial resistance, focusing on the genes present in the genome of K. pneumoniae and the mechanisms through which it develops resistance. Through the analysis of these factors, we intend to highlight the escalating threat posed by antibiotic resistance and the urgent requirement for effective measures to counteract it. Surveillance and diagnostics are vital for controlling outbreaks as they enable early detection of diseases, allowing for timely interventions to prevent further spread. Accurate laboratory diagnostics are essential for confirming cases and informing public health responses, thereby ensuring the effective allocation of resources during an outbreak. In this work, we have carried out a review on the antibacterial resistance antibiotics, genes found in its genome, as well as the resistance mechanisms involved. Finally, we focus on the main outbreaks causing hospital acquired infections during the last few years.
2026(1):13-18.
DOI: doi: 10.4103/ohbl.ohbl_8_25
Abstract:
Objective: To determine the prevalence of, and identify the factors associated with, depression, anxiety, and stress (DAS), separately among Malaysian adults. Methods: An online based cross-sectional study was conducted among Malaysian adults from January to March 2021 comprising 499 participants. The SPSS software was utilized in data analysis. Chi-squared test of association and multiple logistic regression with a backward deletion strategy were performed to identify the factors associated with DAS, separately. Results: The prevalence (95%CI) of DAS were 49.7% (45.2%, 54.2%), 49.3% (44.8%, 53.8%), and 24.5% (20.7%, 28.5%), respectively. Based on the results of multiple logistic regression analysis, there was significant interrelationship of DAS among respondents. Depression was significantly associated with anxiety [ORadj (95%CI):13.8 (8.3, 23.0)] and stress [ORadj (95%CI): 15.3 (5.8, 40.7)]. Anxiety was significantly associated with depression [ORadj (95%CI): 12.3 (7.6, 20.1)] and stress [ORadj (95%CI): 8.6 (3.6, 20.2)]. Stress was significantly associated with depression [ORadj (95%CI): 12.7 (5.2, 31.4)] and anxiety [ORadj (95%CI): 7.8 (3.4, 17.9)]. Additionally, age group of the respondents was significantly associated with anxiety. However, residence and marital status of the respondents were found to have significant association with stress. Conclusions: DAS are highly prevalent among Malaysian adults. Appropriate community-based interventions should be undertaken in order to improve the mental health status, especially among youths, urban dwellers, and singles (or) unmarried persons. Further prospective studies should also be conducted to assess the directions of such disorders.
Objective: To determine the prevalence of, and identify the factors associated with, depression, anxiety, and stress (DAS), separately among Malaysian adults. Methods: An online based cross-sectional study was conducted among Malaysian adults from January to March 2021 comprising 499 participants. The SPSS software was utilized in data analysis. Chi-squared test of association and multiple logistic regression with a backward deletion strategy were performed to identify the factors associated with DAS, separately. Results: The prevalence (95%CI) of DAS were 49.7% (45.2%, 54.2%), 49.3% (44.8%, 53.8%), and 24.5% (20.7%, 28.5%), respectively. Based on the results of multiple logistic regression analysis, there was significant interrelationship of DAS among respondents. Depression was significantly associated with anxiety [ORadj (95%CI):13.8 (8.3, 23.0)] and stress [ORadj (95%CI): 15.3 (5.8, 40.7)]. Anxiety was significantly associated with depression [ORadj (95%CI): 12.3 (7.6, 20.1)] and stress [ORadj (95%CI): 8.6 (3.6, 20.2)]. Stress was significantly associated with depression [ORadj (95%CI): 12.7 (5.2, 31.4)] and anxiety [ORadj (95%CI): 7.8 (3.4, 17.9)]. Additionally, age group of the respondents was significantly associated with anxiety. However, residence and marital status of the respondents were found to have significant association with stress. Conclusions: DAS are highly prevalent among Malaysian adults. Appropriate community-based interventions should be undertaken in order to improve the mental health status, especially among youths, urban dwellers, and singles (or) unmarried persons. Further prospective studies should also be conducted to assess the directions of such disorders.
2026(1):19-26.
DOI: doi: 10.4103/ohbl.ohbl_9_25
Abstract:
Objective: This study aimed to identify Aedes (Ae.) aegypti mosquitoes in four areas on Java Island, Indonesia, and to characterize their phylogenetic relationship based on the cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. Methods: Mosquito specimens were collected from four geographical locations on Java Island using oviposition traps based on dengue outbreaks. Ae. aegypti larvae were morphologically identified and analyzed for their COI sequence. Sequences polymorphism was measured using DnaSP. Kimura two-parameter was used in MEGA X to estimate pairwise genetic distances. The median-joining haplotype network was generated using PopART, and the maximum likelihood tree was constructed using iTOL. Results: A total of 40 Ae. aegypti specimens were identified, with 13 haplotypes and 10 polymorphic sites detected. The number of haplotypes was higher in Jakarta (H=6) and lower in Bandung (H=2). The mean intraspecific genetic distance ranged from 0.1% to 1.0%, while the mean inter-specific distance varied between 0.3% to 0.9%. The phylogenetic tree revealed two clades and significant genetic differentiation occurred between Ae. aegypti populations, with a fixation index ranging from 0.00 to 0.50. The greatest genetic distance was found between Ae. aegypti populations in Bandung and Semarang. Conclusions: A significant genetic difference was observed among Ae. aegypti populations, suggesting that human activities and ecological conditions may affect the genetic differentiation of this species.
Objective: This study aimed to identify Aedes (Ae.) aegypti mosquitoes in four areas on Java Island, Indonesia, and to characterize their phylogenetic relationship based on the cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. Methods: Mosquito specimens were collected from four geographical locations on Java Island using oviposition traps based on dengue outbreaks. Ae. aegypti larvae were morphologically identified and analyzed for their COI sequence. Sequences polymorphism was measured using DnaSP. Kimura two-parameter was used in MEGA X to estimate pairwise genetic distances. The median-joining haplotype network was generated using PopART, and the maximum likelihood tree was constructed using iTOL. Results: A total of 40 Ae. aegypti specimens were identified, with 13 haplotypes and 10 polymorphic sites detected. The number of haplotypes was higher in Jakarta (H=6) and lower in Bandung (H=2). The mean intraspecific genetic distance ranged from 0.1% to 1.0%, while the mean inter-specific distance varied between 0.3% to 0.9%. The phylogenetic tree revealed two clades and significant genetic differentiation occurred between Ae. aegypti populations, with a fixation index ranging from 0.00 to 0.50. The greatest genetic distance was found between Ae. aegypti populations in Bandung and Semarang. Conclusions: A significant genetic difference was observed among Ae. aegypti populations, suggesting that human activities and ecological conditions may affect the genetic differentiation of this species.
2026(1):27-32.
DOI: doi: 10.4103/ohbl.ohbl_17_25
Abstract:
Objective: To determine the incidence and microbiological profile of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in a Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) in New Delhi, India. Methods: All patients aged 18 years and above who were admitted to the MICU and suspected of having HAIs by the treating physicians were enrolled in this study. Different samples (pus, blood, urine, and sterile fluid/aspirates) were collected from all patients according to standard protocol. Cultures and microscopy were performed on the samples, and identification of growth was done using biochemical tests and the VITEK-2 system. The antimicrobial susceptibility testing was also conducted according to Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute guidelines. Results: Among 81 patients with central lines, urinary catheters, and mechanical ventilation, HAIs were observed in 12 (14.8%) patients. Of these 81 patients, ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) occurred in 9 patients (11.1%) and central line-associated bloodstream infection was observed in 3 patients (3.7%). The microorganisms isolated from patients with VAP included Klebsiella pneumoniae in 6 cases, Acinetobacter lwoffii in 1 case, Escherichia coli in 1 case and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in 1 case. Among the Gram-negative isolates from VAP patients, high resistance was observed in Escherichia coli (83.33%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (100%) to both imipenem and meropenem. All the isolates were susceptible to colistin. Conclusions: The study highlights the high incidence of HAIs in critically ill MICU patients and the alarming prevalence of carbapenem resistance in the HAI-causing pathogens. HAIs are largely preventable through effective infection prevention and control measures.
Objective: To determine the incidence and microbiological profile of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in a Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) in New Delhi, India. Methods: All patients aged 18 years and above who were admitted to the MICU and suspected of having HAIs by the treating physicians were enrolled in this study. Different samples (pus, blood, urine, and sterile fluid/aspirates) were collected from all patients according to standard protocol. Cultures and microscopy were performed on the samples, and identification of growth was done using biochemical tests and the VITEK-2 system. The antimicrobial susceptibility testing was also conducted according to Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute guidelines. Results: Among 81 patients with central lines, urinary catheters, and mechanical ventilation, HAIs were observed in 12 (14.8%) patients. Of these 81 patients, ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) occurred in 9 patients (11.1%) and central line-associated bloodstream infection was observed in 3 patients (3.7%). The microorganisms isolated from patients with VAP included Klebsiella pneumoniae in 6 cases, Acinetobacter lwoffii in 1 case, Escherichia coli in 1 case and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in 1 case. Among the Gram-negative isolates from VAP patients, high resistance was observed in Escherichia coli (83.33%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (100%) to both imipenem and meropenem. All the isolates were susceptible to colistin. Conclusions: The study highlights the high incidence of HAIs in critically ill MICU patients and the alarming prevalence of carbapenem resistance in the HAI-causing pathogens. HAIs are largely preventable through effective infection prevention and control measures.
2026(1):33-39.
DOI: doi: 10.4103/ohbl.ohbl_14_25
Abstract:
Objective: To explore perceptions and behavioural intentions towards dengue preventive practices (DPP) using the Health Belief Model (HBM) among slum dwellers in Berhampore Municipality, Murshidabad of India. Methods: Our study, conducted in two selected slums of Berhampore between January and March 2024, explored varied perceptions and intentions in respect to six theoretical constructs: Perceived severity, perceived susceptibility, perceived benefit and barriers, cues to action and self-efficacy with a phenomenological approach. The study participants were purposively selected adult slum dwellers (≥18 years), representing certain socio-demographic characteristics (age, sex, occupation etc). After obtaining informed consent, each participant was interviewed with a priorly-framed in-depth interview guide based on six theoretical constructs of HBM. All in-depth interviews were also audio-taped. With 20 such interviews data saturation was reached, and content and thematic analysis was applied for presenting and interpreting the findings. Results: Despite favorable perceptions of severity and benefits, the intention of those slum dwellers to adopt DPP remains below the desired level, with low perceived susceptibility to dengue, certain perceived barriers, and misconceptions likely being the reasons. Conclusions: The nature and pattern of DPP among slum dwellers, along with prevailing perceptions and barriers, indicate that though participants were aware of dengue's severity and the benefits of prevention, they still remained unsure about taking necessary actions. This signifies the need to strengthen targeted interventions and apply participatory learning for action techniques.
Objective: To explore perceptions and behavioural intentions towards dengue preventive practices (DPP) using the Health Belief Model (HBM) among slum dwellers in Berhampore Municipality, Murshidabad of India. Methods: Our study, conducted in two selected slums of Berhampore between January and March 2024, explored varied perceptions and intentions in respect to six theoretical constructs: Perceived severity, perceived susceptibility, perceived benefit and barriers, cues to action and self-efficacy with a phenomenological approach. The study participants were purposively selected adult slum dwellers (≥18 years), representing certain socio-demographic characteristics (age, sex, occupation etc). After obtaining informed consent, each participant was interviewed with a priorly-framed in-depth interview guide based on six theoretical constructs of HBM. All in-depth interviews were also audio-taped. With 20 such interviews data saturation was reached, and content and thematic analysis was applied for presenting and interpreting the findings. Results: Despite favorable perceptions of severity and benefits, the intention of those slum dwellers to adopt DPP remains below the desired level, with low perceived susceptibility to dengue, certain perceived barriers, and misconceptions likely being the reasons. Conclusions: The nature and pattern of DPP among slum dwellers, along with prevailing perceptions and barriers, indicate that though participants were aware of dengue's severity and the benefits of prevention, they still remained unsure about taking necessary actions. This signifies the need to strengthen targeted interventions and apply participatory learning for action techniques.
2026(1):40-46.
DOI: doi: 10.4103/ohbl.ohbl_29_25
Abstract:
Objective: This study evaluated the prevalence and genotypes of Toxoplasma (T.) gondii oocysts, the infectious environmental stage, in soil and water samples collected from Gaza, Palestine. Methods: A total of 290 environmental samples (200 soil, 90 water) from diverse sites in Gaza, including Wadi Gaza, residential areas, markets, wells, and the main sewage plant. Samples were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Sheather’s flotation, with genotyping via Mse I endonuclease. Results: Out of 290 environmental samples, 22 (7.6%) were positive by PCR and 31 (10.7%) were positive by Sheather’s flotation. The prevalence of T. gondii significantly varied by location, with residential yards showing the highest contamination and public squares and gardens the lowest.Among soil samples, 26 (13.0%) tested positive by Sheather’s method, while PCR detected contamination in 18 (9.0%). Water had lower contamination rates, with 4 (4.4%) testing positive by PCR and 5 (5.6%) by Sheather’s. All positive water samples were from Wadi Gaza. Genotyping confirmed all four tested samples belonged to T. gondii Type I. Conclusions: The study demonstrated a statistically significant relationship between oocyst contamination prevalence and the source location of the samples. It concluded that T. gondii contamination is present in the soil and water in the study area, with soil showing higher contamination levels than water.
Objective: This study evaluated the prevalence and genotypes of Toxoplasma (T.) gondii oocysts, the infectious environmental stage, in soil and water samples collected from Gaza, Palestine. Methods: A total of 290 environmental samples (200 soil, 90 water) from diverse sites in Gaza, including Wadi Gaza, residential areas, markets, wells, and the main sewage plant. Samples were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Sheather’s flotation, with genotyping via Mse I endonuclease. Results: Out of 290 environmental samples, 22 (7.6%) were positive by PCR and 31 (10.7%) were positive by Sheather’s flotation. The prevalence of T. gondii significantly varied by location, with residential yards showing the highest contamination and public squares and gardens the lowest.Among soil samples, 26 (13.0%) tested positive by Sheather’s method, while PCR detected contamination in 18 (9.0%). Water had lower contamination rates, with 4 (4.4%) testing positive by PCR and 5 (5.6%) by Sheather’s. All positive water samples were from Wadi Gaza. Genotyping confirmed all four tested samples belonged to T. gondii Type I. Conclusions: The study demonstrated a statistically significant relationship between oocyst contamination prevalence and the source location of the samples. It concluded that T. gondii contamination is present in the soil and water in the study area, with soil showing higher contamination levels than water.
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