Issue 1 - Journal of Epidemiology and Infection Biology

Research Article

DNA Damage and Chromosomal Aberrations Assessment in Trace Mineral Deficient Patients

Komal Ashraf

Minerals play vital roles in human health. They are important in genome stability. Deficiency of macro and micro minerals can lead to high oxidative stress which affects the genomic DNA. This study was aimed to determine the genotoxicity status in mineral deficient patients. A total of 200 blood samples were taken from the confirmed mineral deficient individuals and free of any kind of other diseases. Negative control group included healthy individuals that were not having any kind of deficiency and disease with no smoking habits and drug addiction. Individuals with any kind of disease, smoking habits, or drug addiction were excluded from the study. To evaluate genotoxic effects in mineral-deficient group, Comet assay, micronucleus and chromosomal aberration assay were performed. Among deficient minerals, sodium was found to be highest deficient mineral while phosphorus was found least deficient. Comparison of genotoxicity revealed a significant difference among all performed tests. DNA damage was observed showed highest in the mineral deficient individuals. Negative control individuals were having no significant genotoxic effects. Results of chromosomal aberrations appeared in three distinctive shapes i.e. V-shaped, Breakage or Circular. It was concluded that mineral deficient were having genotoxic effects which can lead to the cancer.

Research Article

Knowledge, Attitude and Practices in Veterinarians and Pet owners for Fungal Infections in Pets and its Zoonotic Impact

Tayyaba Akhtar, Maryam Wasif, Faiza Riaz, Hina Faiqa, Javeria Nousheen, Rabia Malik, Kinza Mohsin

Fungal infections, such as dermatophytosis and systemic mycoses, pose significant health risks to both animals and humans. Fungal infections of zoonotic origin could lead animal handlers to serious life conditions in immunecompromised persons. This study determined the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding fungal infections in pets and their zoonotic implications among pet owners and veterinarians. Various aspects of fungal infections such as animal handling SOPs, importance of fungal treatment completion, and transmission of fungal infections were explored in this KAP survey. Majority of the respondents had a sound knowledge of importance of hygiene and zoonotic potential of fungal infections. Overall, positive attitude was observed towards contraction of disease while respondents showed high variation of attitude in response to the importance of fungal infections. A minority of respondents were not practicing the use of hand gloves and not observing the clinical signs at all. Veterinarians obtained higher marks in both attitude and practices as compared to pet owners (p-value <0.001). On the other hand, veterinarians and pet owners showed no difference in the knowledge levels. Pearson’s residual analysis showed low level of knowledge is highly correlated with the bad practices (p-value <0.001). These findings will contribute to enhancing public health efforts, veterinary education, and communication about zoonotic fungal infections. Strengthening the veterinary health system will eventually promoting better health outcomes for pets and their human companions.

Research Article

Isolation and Identification of Helicobacter Pylori from Poultry Meat in Lahore, Pakistan

Zainab Masood, Tanveer Majeed

Helicobacter pylori is a gram-negative bacterium that is recognized as a causative agent of major diseases in the gastrointestinal tract, peptic ulcer disease, and gastric cancer. The poultry meat origin has also been a cause of concern due to its zoonotic capability. This study sought to investigate the presence of H. pylori in poultry meat tissue samples obtained from Lahore, Pakistan, and further examined the resistance of isolated bacteria to antibiotics. A total of 50 samples were collected from the home-affairs including casual yet expandable retailing facilities and coded samples were cultured on Brucella blood agar under microaerophilic conditions. Biochemical tests including catalase, urease and indole tests helped to detect only 1 sample of H. pylori confirming its occurrence and lower prevalence level. The isolate was found to be susceptible to ampicillin, kanamycin, but not streptomycin. 34% of the samples exhibited poly – microbial growth; this might have made it difficult to isolate H. pylori in other instances. This suggests that the direct zoonotic impact of poultry meat is low although the potential transmission will persist particularly in areas with poor hygiene. Further research should be considered the geographical expansion of the relationship between H. pylori prevalence and the level of antibiotic resistance for better evaluation of poultry meat public health risk.

Review Article

Potential Genotoxic Effects of Waterpipe Smoking on Human Health: Lessons Learnt from Lab and Field studies

Muhammad Noman Ashraf, Naghmana Aleem, Zabeehullah, Rida Junaid, Aqeel Khan

ABSTRACT Waterpipe smoking is widely considered as safer alternative to cigarette smoking due to its filtration through water. However, recent studies suggested that waterpipe smoke may have significant genotoxic effects that could lead to different diseases. This rapid review aims to identify the effects of genotoxicity of waterpipe smoking. A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar, following PRISMA guidelines. Studies were included if they investigated DNA damage, chromosomal changes etc associated with waterpipe smoking in human studies and laboratory models (in vitro and in vivo). Of total 211 studies searched, a total of 27 studies met the inclusion criteria. Most included studies were in vitro (cellular models) and in vivo (animal models), while fewer studies were based on human observations. Commonly reported markers included 8-OHdG and MDA for oxidative stress, and IL-6 and TNF-α for pro-inflammatory response. Network analysis revealed clusters related to genotoxicity markers, heart, bone marrow, lungs etc. These findings suggest a robust mechanistic basis for waterpipe smoke-induced genotoxicity in laboratory settings, though further human-based research is warranted to confirm these effects. This review consolidates evidence of genotoxic effects from waterpipe smoking, demonstrating that oxidative stress and inflammation play critical roles in mediating DNA damage which will further form basis of organ-associated diseases. Although in vitro and in vivo models provide valuable insights but human-based studies are needed to validate these mechanisms and inform public health strategies.

Research Article

Comparative Genome Analysis Reveals Insights into New Agr-operon Defects in Staphylococcus aureus

Waqas Ahmad, Erman Salih İstifli

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Among the emerging pathogens, Staphylococcus aureus has ability to secrete virulence factors solely depends upon the Quorum Sensing (QS) system especially Accessory gene regulating (agr) operon. If agr-operon is disrupted, they are no longer virulent to establish the disease. This study aims to understand the disruptions in the agr-operon. A total of 460 complete genomes of S. aureus were downloaded from NCBI and analyzed using ANI and insilico MLST. For downstream analyses, 459 genomes were selected and pangenome was estimated along with core genome phylogeny and recombination identification. It was revealed that these genomes were mainly isolated from humans (n=308) and animals (n=54) while isolation history of 98 genomes was unknown. There was also significant difference in distribution of genomes association with clonal complexes. Pan-genome studies revealed higher percentage of accessory genes as compared to core and unique genes. On the other hand, agr-defects were present in 30 (6.5%) strains of the pangenome. Except agrD, other agr genes i.e. agrA, agrB and agrC were found defective. AgrB defects have not been previously reported. Frame shift mutations or small indels could be major causes of these defects. This could be a possible outcome of genome reduction, facilitating prolonged infection in chronic cases, antibiotic-resistant strains, elderly individuals, and immuno-compromised cases.

Research Article

Spatio-Temporal Analysis of High Pathogenic Avian Influenza outbreaks reveal persistent and emerging subtypes

Muhammad Harris Rashid, Rajaa Haamid, Ahmed Riaz Khan

Avian Influenza (AI) is a significant global concern due to its impact on animal health, agriculture, and public health. High pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses, particularly H5 and H7 subtypes, are known for causing severe outbreaks in poultry. This study aims to analyze the spatio-temporal distribution and subtype dynamics of HPAI outbreaks globally. Data from the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) spanning 2005 to May 2024 were analyzed. A total of 19,216 reports documented 20,093 outbreaks and 93.9 million cases involving 159 species, including domestic and wild birds. Temporal density analysis revealed H5N1 as the most persistent and problematic subtype, with other subtypes like H5N6 and H5N8 causing outbreaks in recent years. Seasonal patterns highlighted recurring outbreaks, particularly during late winter and early spring, with variations in outbreak intensity across years. Spatial analysis showed a high concentration of cases in countries like the USA, China, and Russia reporting the largest caseloads. HPAI subtype diversity was highest in Asia and Europe, with reporting unique subtypes such as H5N9 in Europe and H7N9 in Asia. Spatio-temporal clustering using the ST-DBSCAN algorithm identified persistent clusters in specific regions and emergence of new clusters in subsequent years. It suggests that there is shift in geographic impact and introduction of new subtypes. Domestic birds accounted for more than 75% of cases, with significant differences in infection duration and subtype susceptibility compared to wild birds. Statistical analyses highlighted regional variations in subtype prevalence and outbreak dynamics. The study underscores the need for continuous monitoring and tailored biosecurity measures to address the evolving HPAI threat. Identifying spatio-temporal trends and high-risk regions can guide targeted interventions and improve global readiness for future outbreaks.