Zoonotic parasitic infections remain a major public health concern in sub-Saharan Africa, especially where humans and livestock share water sources. Cattle may serve as reservoirs for schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths (STHs), thereby undermining control programs that focus solely on humans. This study applied a One Health lens to investigate the parasitic burden in cattle from peri-urban communities near Weija Lake in the Ga South District of Ghana. A cross-sectional study was conducted across 13 cattle kraals (KRLs) from five endemic communities. Fecal samples (n = 131) were collected by certified veterinary officers and analyzed using sedimentation and flotation techniques. Parasites were identified through light microscopy, and prevalence data were analyzed with 95% confidence intervals. Spatial data and KRL-level variables were also recorded to assess environmental risk factors. Overall, 80.15% (105/131) of cattle were infected with at least one parasite. The most prevalent species was Fasciola spp. (58.77%), followed by Schistosoma spp. (SCH) (45.03%), hookworm (21.37%), and Taenia spp. (14.50%). Mixed infections occurred in 61.90% of cases, with Fasciola spp. SCH combinations accounting for 50% of mixed cases. Notably, Schistosoma mansoni – a typically human parasite – was detected in 1.53% of cattle. Parasite prevalence varied significantly by location, and proximity to water sources significantly influenced the risk of infection. The high prevalence of zoonotic parasites, including human-specific S. mansoni in cattle, underscores the animals’ role in maintaining transmission cycles. These findings support the integration of veterinary interventions with human public health efforts under the One Health framework. Co-targeting cattle in mass deworming campaigns and implementing environmental controls are crucial for the sustainable elimination of neglected tropical diseases.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) presents a major global health threat, particularly at the interface of human and animal health. Escherichia coli is a key indicator organism for AMR surveillance and is commonly found in both humans and pigs. Pigs are recognized as significant reservoirs of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), facilitating the potential transmission of resistant bacteria to humans. This study aimed to systematically review ARG profiles and associated phenotypic resistance in E. coli isolates from human and pig sources using whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data. A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Wiley Online Library for English-language studies published from January 1, 2019, to October 21, 2024. Studies were included if they reported WGS-based ARG profiles and corresponding phenotypic resistance data for E. coli isolates from either humans or pigs. Data extraction and synthesis followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Gene nomenclature was standardized using the National Center for Biotechnology Information and the Compre-hensive Antibiotic Resistance Databases. Of 3,550 records screened, 13 studies met inclusion criteria, comprising 7 on human isolates, 5 on pig isolates, and 1 covering both. Ampicillin resistance was the most prevalent overall (71.4%), with rates of 75% in humans and 100% in pigs. A total of 80 ARGs spanning 11 antibiotic classes were identified, with 58 appearing in multiple studies. The most frequently reported ARGs were bla_TEM, sul1, sul2, dfrA17, tet(A), and tet(B). Notably, the qnrS gene, conferring quinolone resistance, was consistently detected in pig isolates. Geographic variation was observed, with a dominance of Chinese studies and variable resistance patterns across continents. This review highlights a high prevalence of multidrug-resistant E. coli in both human and pig sectors, under-scoring the misuse of antibiotics in medical and agricultural settings. The consistent detection of ARGs, particularly bla_TEM and qnrS, calls for urgent cross-sectoral action. A One Health approach is essential to strengthen AMR surveillance, promote prudent antibiotic use, and implement coordinated interventions across human, veterinary, and environmental domains. Future research should integrate metagenomics and environmental monitoring to capture broader resistance dynamics.

Rabies is a fatal yet preventable zoonotic disease, disproportionately affecting children in endemic regions. Despite the availability of post-exposure prophylaxis, behavioral gaps in prevention persist. Understanding the determinants of preventive behaviors and evaluating the effectiveness of educational interventions are critical for achieving the global goal of eliminating dog-mediated human rabies deaths by 2030. This study aimed to systematically review the psychosocial, cognitive, and contextual determinants influencing rabies prevention behaviors in children, and to evaluate the effectiveness of related interventions through meta-analysis. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted in line with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines and registered in International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD420251085699). Four databases (PubMed, SCOPUS, Google Scholar, and Thai Citation Index) were searched for peer-reviewed studies published from 2015 to 2024. Thirteen eligible studies were included: Six observational and seven intervention studies. Effect sizes were synthesized using random-effects models. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were conducted to examine heterogeneity and moderator effects. Environmental factors (r = 0.28), knowledge, attitudes, and practices variables (r = 0.22), health literacy (r = 0.20), and protection motivation theory constructs (r = 0.16) were significantly associated with rabies prevention behaviors. Parental attentiveness showed a strong inverse relationship with risk behaviors (r = −0.30). Interventions demonstrated large pooled effect sizes (standardized mean differences [SMD] = 1.54–2.10), although statistical significance was affected by heterogeneity (I2 >90%). Short interventions (<2 weeks) were significantly more effective (SMD = 1.93) than longer ones (SMD = 0.31). Eastern country settings yielded greater behavioral improvements than Western contexts. Children’s rabies prevention behaviors are shaped by contextual, cognitive, and parental influences. Short, developmentally appropriate, theory-based interventions – particularly those implemented in schools – demonstrate practical effectiveness. Standardized evaluation frameworks and culturally adapted strategies are essential for improving behavioral outcomes and informing One Health policy efforts in high-risk regions.

The global rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) poses a major threat to environmental and public health, particularly in regions with inadequate wastewater treatment. Iraq’s Euphrates River is heavily contaminated with pharmaceuticals and resistant pathogens due to poor disposal practices and untreated effluents. This study evaluated the antibacterial efficacy of the electro-Fenton (EF) process, an advanced oxidation method that generates hydroxyl radicals (•OH), in reducing ARB from Euphrates river water. Water samples were collected during May–August 2024 from three sites in Al-Muthanna Governorate: Al-Samawah, Al-Mahdi, and Al-Khidhir. Samples were subjected to eight EF treatments (5–40 V, 20 min each) using a locally fabricated EF unit with hydrogen peroxide, potassium chloride, and nitric acid to optimize hydroxyl radical generation. Bacterial contamination was assessed using multiple tube fermentation, thermotolerant detection of fecal coli­forms, total plate counts, biochemical identification, and analytical profile index (API) 20E tests. Antibiotic susceptibility was determined through disk diffusion against eight antibiotics. Before EF treatment, high bacterial loads were recorded across all sites, with counts exceeding >1600 most probable number (MPN)/100 mL for Escherichia coli, fecal coliforms, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter cloacae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Many isolates exhibited multidrug resistance, including resistance to vancomycin, ampicillin, and tetracycline. After EF treatment, bacterial counts markedly declined to <1.8 MPN/100 mL for most species, aligning with World Health Organization and Environmental Protection Agency water quality standards. Thermotolerant fecal coliforms were reduced to 6.8 MPN/100 mL. A slight resurgence of bacterial growth occurred at 40 V (treatment 8), likely due to com­peting side reactions at higher voltages. This is the first study in Iraq to demonstrate the application of EF for ARB removal from river water. The results confirm EF as a highly effective, environmentally sustainable, and scalable approach for degrading pharmaceutical residues and reducing ARB contamination in surface water. Future research should include molecular profiling of resistance genes and broader geographic evaluation.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical global health threat, projected to cause up to 10 million deaths annually by 2050. Livestock production, where antimicrobials are widely used, plays a significant role in the emer­gence and spread of resistant pathogens. In India, small-scale dairy farming forms a key part of rural livelihoods, yet lim­ited evidence exists on antimicrobial usage and animal health practices in this sector. This study assessed antimicrobial usage patterns, awareness, and associated animal health management practices among smallholder dairy farmers in West Medinipur district, West Bengal. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted between January and June 2024. Using expert-validated questionnaires and observational checklists, data were collected from 302 household dairy farmers and eight veterinarians across four blocks. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and logistic regression analyses were per­formed to identify factors associated with antimicrobial misuse and non-adherence to withdrawal periods. All farmers reported antimicrobial use for their cattle, yet only 18.2% had heard of AMR and 8.9% adhered to drug withdrawal periods. About 13.2% used antimicrobials without prescriptions and 15.2% relied on previous prescriptions. Storage of antimicrobials at home (odds ratio [OR] = 3.998; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.598–10.002), sharing drugs with peers (OR = 5.289; 95% CI = 2.148–13.020), and lack of veterinary consultation (OR = 0.148; 95% CI = 0.0365–0.597) were significant predictors of misuse. Farm-level practices such as absence of isolation units, herd overcrowding, and poor cleaning frequency were significantly associated with higher cattle morbidity (p < 0.001). While all farmers vaccinated and dewormed cattle, 78.1% did not quarantine new animals, and only 19.5% maintained treatment records. Veterinarians generally adhered to guidelines but reported inadequate facilities for safe drug disposal. This study reveals widespread antimicrobial misuse and low AMR awareness among small-scale dairy farm­ers, compounded by inadequate biosecurity and waste disposal practices. Strengthening AMR mitigation requires targeted farmer education, regulation of over-the-counter antimicrobial sales, better veterinary infrastructure, and integration of One Health-based waste management systems. Interventions should prioritize prescription-based antimicrobial access, continuous farmer training, and community-level monitoring to safeguard both animal and human health.

Malaria remains highly prevalent in Papua Province, Indonesia, accounting for nearly 89% of the national malaria burden. Although interventions are ongoing, most studies emphasize either human or environmental dimensions, often neglecting animal-related factors. This study aimed to apply a comprehensive One Health framework, combined with the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), to prioritize malaria risk indicators in Jayapura Regency. A cross-sectional study was conducted in West Sentani district, Jayapura Regency, between June and August 2024. In stage one, malaria risk indicators across human, animal, and environmental domains were identified through literature review, interviews, and focus group discussions with five experts. In stage two, an AHP-based question­naire was administered to 10 malaria and public health experts. Pairwise comparisons were analyzed using Expert Choice v.11 to generate priority weights and rankings, with a consistency ratio threshold of 0.10. Human factors (weight = 0.349) were ranked as the most significant contributors to malaria risk, followed by envi­ronmental (0.331) and animal (0.321) domains. Across all 11 indicators, completion of malaria medication (0.127), effective diagnostic screening (0.120), mosquito breeding site density (0.120), and proximity of animal enclosures to homes (0.117) emerged as top priorities. Five of the six highest-ranked indicators belonged to the human domain, highlighting the central­ity of behavioral and healthcare-seeking practices. The integration of One Health and AHP provided a transparent and evidence-based prioritization of malaria risk factors in Jayapura. The findings emphasize the importance of treatment adherence, improved diagnostic capacity, community-driven vector control, and livestock management to reduce transmission. Strengthening health education, enhancing rapid diagnostic test quality, and introducing geospatial tools for environmental mapping are recommended. This One Health–AHP approach demonstrates strong potential for informing multisectoral malaria elimination strategies in endemic regions.

The re-emergence of monkeypox (mpox) as a global public health concern necessitates assessing awareness and preparedness, particularly among educated youth who can act as health knowledge multipliers. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding mpox among undergraduate and postgraduate students at Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2024 to March 2025 among 443 university students selected through a simple random sampling method. A structured, prevalidated questionnaire was used to assess knowledge (18 items), attitudes (8 items), and practices (10 items). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests to identify associations between demographic factors and KAP domains, with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Most participaints were male (75.2%) and from urban areas (58.0%). Overall, 94.6% recognized mpox as a viral disease, while 77.7% identified it as a zoonotic disease. However, misconceptions persisted; only 55.8% acknowledged airborne transmission and 47.2% recognized possible reverse zoonosis. Concern about contracting mpox was expressed by 53.3% of students, and 61.6% were willing to receive vaccination. Knowledge levels were significantly associated with academic year (p = 0.003) and major (p = 0.010), with medical students demonstrating better knowledge (55.0%) compared to their non-medical peers (25.4%). Gender significantly influenced attitudes (p < 0.001) and practices (p = 0.025), with females showing lower positive attitudes and practice scores. Common preventive behaviors included handwashing (93.9%) and seeking medical attention (84.9%), while only 34.1% were vaccinated. Although awareness about mpox was high among Gomal University students, notable gaps existed regarding the transmission and prevention of the disease. Gender, academic discipline, and study year had a significant influence on knowledge and attitudes. Integrating zoonotic disease education into university curricula, campus health promotion, and social media-based awareness programs could strengthen students’ preventive practices and outbreak preparedness.

Despite the availability of the two-dose JYNNEOS Mpox vaccine, global uptake remains suboptimal due to limited awareness, low perceived personal risk, and persistent mistrust in health institutions. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a brief, multimedia educational package, comprising an animated video, infographic, and frequently asked question (FAQ) sheet, on improving knowledge, perceived risk, and vaccine intention among adults in Aseer, Saudi Arabia. A single-group pre-post design was implemented between March and April 2025 in three primary healthcare networks across Aseer. A total of 150 unvaccinated adults (mean age 38.4 ± 11.2 years; 51% female) completed pre- and post-intervention surveys. The intervention, developed using the Health Belief Model framework, aimed to enhance perceived susceptibility, severity, and self-efficacy. Knowledge (0–10 scale), perceived risk (1–5 scale), and vaccination intention (5-point Likert) were assessed before and immediately after the intervention. Paired t-tests and Wilcoxon tests were used to evaluate changes in scores, and hierarchical regression identified predictors of post-intervention acceptance. Mean knowledge scores increased from 4.2 ± 2.1 to 8.9 ± 1.0 (p < 0.001; Cohen’s d = 1.02). The proportion with good or moderate knowledge rose from 45% to 96% (+51 percentage-points [pp]). Combined vaccine acceptance increased from 30% to 58% (+28 pp; p < 0.001; d = 0.84), while reluctance decreased from 40% to 16%. Video-dominant delivery yielded the highest gain (+36 pp). Independent predictors of intention included higher knowledge (β = 0.32), greater perceived severity (β = 0.24), and prior positive vaccine experience (β = 0.19) (R2 = 0.41). Qualitative insights highlighted residual barriers, access limitations, and institutional mistrust. A 5-min culturally adapted educational package produced substantial and statistically significant improvements in Mpox knowledge, perceived risk, and vaccine intention. Integrating such micro-learning interventions into primary healthcare and digital health platforms may bridge information gaps and foster vaccine confidence. Combining concise multimedia education with accessible, same-day vaccination services can rapidly enhance preparedness and close the immunity gap in emerging infectious diseases.