Chapters authored
Zoonotic Tuberculosis: A Concern and Strategies to Combat
Mycobacterium bovis is the main causal agent of bovine tuberculosis that causes zoonotic tuberculosis in humans. The most common routes of transmission of the agent to human are airborne transmission, consumption of unpasteurized milk, direct contact with infected animals or untreated animal products. Conventional diagnostic methods in combination with modern molecular and immunological techniques should be used for early and accurate diagnosis of the disease. Some of the challenges to tackle and eradicate zoonotic TB in developing countries are having many hosts, absence of early diagnosis, presence of other acute diseases, being economically unable to implement control strategies, and other social and cultural issues. Usually treatment is not recommended in animals but vaccination is carried out in some countries as a preventive measure. Due to the grave consequences of M. bovis infection on animal and human health, it is necessary to introduce accurate control measures to reduce the risk of disease in human and animal populations. Proper food hygiene practices, slaughter of the affected animals in developed countries, and segregation of the suspected animals in developing countries along with stronger intersectoral collaboration between the veterinary and medical professions are important for the control of the disease.
Part of the book: Basic Biology and Applications of Actinobacteria
Rickettsial Diseases of Recent Significance in India
Rickettsial diseases are considered as re-emerging zoonotic diseases in India caused by rickettsial pathogens. The rickettsial organisms are obligate intracellular vector-borne pathogens causing wide-ranging symptoms. Rickettsia is subdivided into typhus and spotted fever groups. The reports of the disease have been increasing since the start of the 20th century in different parts of India mainly in rural areas with abundant vector populations especially in the post-monsoon season (August-November). The reports of outbreaks are recorded in various states such as Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh, Manipur, Delhi, Puducherry, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Maharashtra, Karnataka, West Bengal and northestern parts of India. The outbreak of Scrub typhus is found to be the major among the diseases. However, the burden of the disease in India remains still unclear owing to the lack of accurate diagnostic facilities. The larval stages of the vectors are vital to the transmission of the disease and cause symptoms such as eschar formation present in 50%–80% of cases, fever, vomiting, headache, abdominal pain, breathlessness and lymphadenopathy. With the advancement in molecular biology, PCR and qPCR and serological assays such as Weil-felix and ELISA are adopted for diagnostic purposes. Surveillance strategies, avoidance of open defecation and urination, and wearing fully covered clothes are key strategies to prevent infection.
Part of the book: Current Topics in Zoonoses