Rodent-borne zoonoses in Qatar: A possible One-Health framework for the intervention of future epidemic

Md Mazharul Islam; Elmoubashar Farag; Mohammad Mahmudul Hassan; Syed Shariq Jaffrey; Muzzamil Atta; Abdulla M Al-Marri; Abdulaziz M Al-Zeyara; Hamad Al Romaihi; Devendra Bansal; Zilungile L Mkhize-Kwitshana

doi:10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100517

Rodent-borne zoonoses in Qatar: A possible One-Health framework for the intervention of future epidemic

One Health. 2023 Feb 26:16:100517. doi: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100517. eCollection 2023 Jun.

Authors

Affiliations

¹ Department of Animal Resources, Ministry of Municipality, Doha, Qatar.
² School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa.
³ Ministry of Public Health, Doha, Qatar.
⁴ Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chattogram 4225, Bangladesh.
⁵ Queensland Alliance for One Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, QLD 4343, Australia.
⁶ College of Animal Production, Bahry University, Khartum, Sudan.
⁷ Division of Research Capacity Development, Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, Cape Town 7505, South Africa.

Abstract

The increasing frequency of spillover of zoonotic pathogens from animals to humans in recent years highlights a need to develop a more comprehensive framework to investigate and prevent pathogens of animal origin, including rodents. Despite the presence of several species of rodents, there is a certain knowledge gap regarding rodent-borne zoonoses in Qatar. The current review provides an update on rodent-borne zoonoses in Qatar, its possible drivers and transmission dynamics, and proposed a One Health framework for intervention. Following an extensive literature review, we conducted a field investigation. Then the qualitative information and knowledge gaps were addressed with a virtual discussion with national, regional, and international experts in the relevant field. Overall, Rattus norvegicus population was found to be more prevalent, followed by Rattus rattus, and M. musculus, which are mainly found in animal farms, followed by agricultural farms, residential areas, and other facilities. Over 50% of rodents carry at least one pathogen of public health importance. Several pathogens were identified at the human, animal, and ecosystem interface, which can be mediated in transmission by rodents. E. coli, Salmonella spp., and Campylobacter spp. are the frequently reported bacteria. Hymenolepis spp., Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia spp., Entamoeba spp., and Toxoplasma spp. are the major parasites. In addition, many vectors, including Ornithonyssus bacoti and Xenopsylla astia were reported in this country. Based on the changes over the past 70 years in Qatar, seven drivers have been identified, which could be important in rodent-borne disease emergences, such as the Oil and gas revolution, fast population growth, rapid urbanization, importation of food and agricultural products, agricultural and livestock development, farm biosecurity, and stray animals. The experts emphasized that mixed-species animal farming with poor biosecurity and management can be associated to increase the risk of zoonoses. Moreover, rapid urbanization and global climate change together can alter the ecosystem of the country and impact on vectors and vector-borne diseases. Finally, the One Health framework has been proposed for the surveillance, and mitigation of any future spillover or epidemic of rodent-borne zoonoses.

Keywords: One Health; Qatar; Rodent; Rodent-borne zoonoses.

Publication types

Review