Ornithosis – Psittacosis: Focus on this rare infection

Ornithosis, also known as psittacosis, is a rare bacterial infection caused by Chlamydia psittaci . This bacterium is found mainly in birds. Transmissible to humans, the disease can cause severe symptoms, including atypical pneumonia and respiratory problems. What is the infectious agent? The terms “psittacosis” and “ornithosis” refer to human infections caused by C. psittaci, … Read more

Listeriosis: Understanding and preventing this foodborne infection

Listeriosis is a serious bacterial infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes. This pathology, often linked to the consumption of contaminated food, can have severe consequences, particularly in vulnerable people such as pregnant women, newborn babies, the elderly and immunocompromised individuals. What bacteria are responsible? Listeria monocytogenes and Listeria ivanovii are bacteria present in the environment. Listeriosis … Read more

Leptospirosis: A Neglected Zoonosis with Serious Implications

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infectious disease that mainly affects animals, but can also affect humans. Caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira, this zoonosis is often underestimated despite its potentially serious implications for public health. It is transmitted mainly through exposure to water or soil contaminated by the urine of infected animals, particularly rodents. What … Read more

Hydatidosis: a silent parasitic infection

Hydatidosis, also known as hydatid cyst, is a parasitic zoonosis caused mainly by the parasite Echinococcus granulosus. Although rare in developed countries, this infection remains a public health problem in many parts of the world. It mainly affects the liver and lungs, but can also affect other organs. It can lead to serious complications if … Read more

Monkey Herpes B: A Rare but Fatal Zoonotic Virus

Herpes B, also known as virus B or Herpesvirus simiae, is a rare zoonotic virus that is potentially fatal to humans. Originating in macaques, it can cause serious infections in people exposed through bites, scratches or contact with the secretions of infected monkeys. Although rare, herpes B infection in humans requires urgent medical attention. It … Read more

Hantavirus: A Silent Viral Threat

Hantavirus is a potentially serious viral disease, transmitted mainly by rodents. Its symptoms are similar to those of influenza in the early stages, but it can develop into severe complications such as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) or haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). This animal disease is not considered contagious. Legislation does not include it … Read more

Cat’s Claw Disease: Health Maze

Cat scratch disease, or feline regional lymphadenitis, is an infectious condition caused mainly by the bacterium Bartonella henselae. Although often considered a benign disease, it can lead to severe complications in immunocompromised individuals. The condition also represents a zoonotic risk, with documented cases of transmission of the bacteria to humans via scratches or bites from … Read more

Animal Scabies: A Common Zoonosis

Animal mange, also known as scabiosis, is a parasitic skin disease caused by microscopic mites of the genus Sarcoptes. Although this condition is mainly seen in domestic animals such as dogs, cats, rabbits and rodents, it presents a significant zoonotic risk, which can be transmitted to humans. The mites responsible for scabies burrow under the … Read more

Q fever: Understanding a little-known bacterial disease

Q fever, a bacterial disease caused by Coxiella burnetii, is often overlooked despite its potential seriousness. This bacterium infects a variety of animals, including sheep, goats, cattle and wildlife, making it an important zoonosis. Transmission to humans is mainly by inhalation of contaminated airborne particles. These may come from the excrement, urine or abortion products … Read more

Journey to the heart of West Nile Fever

West Nile Fever (WNF) is a viral disease transmitted mainly by infected mosquitoes of the genus Culex. Although most infected people have no symptoms, some can suffer serious neurological complications and even death. The disease is spreading rapidly in various parts of the world, particularly in North America and Europe, and is causing growing concern. … Read more

Spotted fever: a tick-borne disease

Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF), also known as spotted fever, is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Rickettsia conorii. It is transmitted by ticks of the genus Rhipicephalus. Although it is mainly found in Mediterranean regions, it can also be found in other parts of the world where the vector ticks are present. The disease … Read more