Viral zoonosis: A comprehensive review

Abstract

Zoonoses are human diseases caused by animal pathogens or animal diseases that are transmissible to humans. Zoonotic pathogens identified are mostly viral origin and are emerging and reemerging. Zoonotic viral infections are grouped based on the type of infection they produce in natural host. Some are associated with encephalitis/hemorrhages and others may cause only local lesions like rashes and arthalgia. Transmission of these viruses usually involves arthropod vectors, which sometime act either as mechanical and/or biological vectors. Some zoonotic agents may be transmitted directly through animal bite or close contact with infected animals or fomites. The zoonotic microbes continue to evolve and adapt with tremendous acceleration and expansion of global trade, human movement and population explosion for efficient adaptation in new host and ecosystem results in catastrophic effects. They continue to cause health hazards in most parts of world and are economically important and public health concern. Control of zoonotic diseases and protection of public health are challenging tasks as the world population is increasing proportionately. The prevention of these infections depends on improved diagnosis and highly effective therapeutics/prophylactics. The collective effort of professionals from medical and veterinary and others is necessary to combat these zoonotic infections. In this review most important zoonotic infections along with their specific etiology, transmission (role of wild-life) manifestations and epidemiology and control/preventive measures are described, so as to create awareness to the scientific/public health community. © 2010 Academic Journals Inc.