A systematic review on reverse-zoonosis: Global impact and changes in transmission patterns

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Veterinary Medicine
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Reverse zoonosis (pathogen transmission from humans to animals) is an understudied but significant public health and animal health risk.
• Increased human-animal interactions due to urbanization, globalization, and environmental changes amplify reverse zoonotic events.
• Understanding these transmission dynamics is critical for managing emerging infectious diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the global impact and transmission patterns of reverse zoonosis.
• To identify anthropogenic and intrinsic factors contributing to the emergence of reverse zoonotic diseases.
• To highlight key risk factors and propose mitigation strategies.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of 91 scientific articles published between 2000 and 2022.
• Analysis encompassed viral, bacterial, parasitic, fungal, and protozoal reverse zoonoses.
• Identified geographical distribution, causative agents, and contributing risk factors.

Main Results:

• Viral infections, especially respiratory viruses (e.g., SARS-CoV-2, influenza), show the highest incidence.
• Bacterial infections (e.g., tuberculosis, MRSA) are also significant.
• The United States, India, and Hong Kong reported the most reverse zoonotic events; key risk factors include environmental degradation, climate change, AMR, and wildlife trade.

Conclusions:

• Enhanced surveillance systems, interdisciplinary collaboration, and stringent regulations are crucial for mitigating reverse zoonosis risks.
• Effective strategies require a comprehensive understanding of human-animal pathogen transmission dynamics.
• Protecting animal and public health from emerging infectious diseases necessitates addressing these complex interactions.