Viral infections at the animal–human interface—Learning lessons from the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic

Abstract

This Lilliput explores the current epidemiological and virological arguments for a zoonotic origin of the COVID‐19 pandemic. While the role of bats, pangolins and racoon dogs as viral reservoirs has not yet been proven, a spill‐over of a coronavirus infection from animals into humans at the Huanan food market in Wuhan has a much greater plausibility than alternative hypotheses such as a laboratory virus escape, deliberate genetic engineering or introduction by cold chain food products. This Lilliput highlights the dynamic nature of the animal‐human interface for viral cross‐infections from humans into feral white tail deer or farmed minks (reverse zoonosis). Surveillance of viral infections at the animal‐human interface is an urgent task since live animal markets are not the only risks for future viral spill‐overs. Climate change will induce animal migration which leads to viral exchanges between animal species that have not met in the past. Environmental change and deforestation will also increase contact between animals and humans. Developing an early warning system for emerging viral infections becomes thus a societal necessity not only for human but also for animal and environmental health (One Health concept). Microbiologists have developed tools ranging from virome analysis in key suspects such as viral reservoirs (bats, wild game animals, bushmeat) and in humans exposed to wild animals, to wastewater analysis to detect known and unknown viruses circulating in the human population and sentinel studies in animal‐exposed patients with fever. Criteria need to be developed to assess the virulence and transmissibility of zoonotic viruses. An early virus warning system is costly and will need political lobbying. The accelerating number of viral infections with pandemic potential over the last decades should provide the public pressure to extend pandemic preparedness for the inclusion of early viral alert systems.

Global Mapping and Visualization Analysis of One Health Knowledge in the COVID-19 Context

“…Moreover, ecosystems are disrupted by land use changes like deforestation, which also raises the danger of zoonotic disease transmission and the proximity of humans to wildlife. 117 , 118 This danger is made greater by biodiversity loss. 118 Deforestation affects disease vectors and ecological dynamics while causing changes in land use and biodiversity loss.…”

A concept for international societally relevant microbiology education and microbiology knowledge promulgation in society

“…Any family discussion of the pros and cons of acquiring a pet dog will benefit from knowledge of the microbiology. The microbiology content of this particular TF includes: pet dog enrichment of microbiome diversity of homes and families and the importance of microbial diversity for the development of immune systems of young children (Mulder et al., 2011 ; Okada et al., 2010 ; Rook, 2023 ) infections, some of which are zoonotic (and hence have relevance to COVID‐19: Brüssow, 2023 ; and One Health: https://www.fao.org/3/cc2289en/cc2289en.pdf ) infection prevention by vaccines/vaccine‐induced immunity climate and environmental footprints of dog food production (Swanson et al., 2013 ) dietary energy and agricultural resource commitments of dog food production (Okin, 2017 ) pollution of public spaces by dog faeces and urine and of underlying aquifers by nitrogen (meat‐rich diets) and phosphorus (‘give a dog a bone’; Hobbie et al., 2017 ) connectivity‐interdependencies: the chemical industry (agrochemicals)–mining industry (phosphorus)–energy industry (supply of the various industries with energy, but also agricultural biogas production)–environmental pollution–biodiversity–food production–health. Sustainability aspects discussed that are impacted by the microbiology issues treated are SDG2 (Zero hunger), 3 (Good health), 6 (Clean water), 7 (Affordable energy), 8 (Decent work), 12 (Responsible consumption and production), 13 (Climate action) and 14 (Life below water).…”

“…infections, some of which are zoonotic (and hence have relevance to COVID‐19: Brüssow, 2023 ; and One Health: https://www.fao.org/3/cc2289en/cc2289en.pdf )…”

Engineered two-dimensional nanomaterials based diagnostics integrated with internet of medical things (IoMT) for COVID-19

“…Based on a thorough analysis of the advancements and progress outlined in this research, it is evident and understood that scientific fields including nanotechnology, nanobiotechnology, materials science, public health, biotechnology, and biomedical engineering for diagnostic methods have the potential to effectively contribute and play a crucial role in mitigating the impact of SARS-CoV-2 and its associated effects during the pandemic. 381 Nevertheless, it is important to acknowledge the existence of biological limitations or obstacles in the utilization of nanomaterials and bionanomaterials in various scientific fields mentioned above. 382 Consequently, these materials must possess the ability to undergo biodegradation and effectively target specific cell types and must have other relevant parameters to enhance drug delivery.…”