Underdiagnosis and underreporting of scrub typhus has increasingly affected public health in Bhutan since its initial detection in 2008. Identifying scrub typhus risk factors would support early diagnosis and treatment for this nonspecific febrile disease, reducing the incidence of potentially fatal complications. We conducted a hospital-based, case‒control study during October‒December 2015 in 11 scrub typhus‒prone districts.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe present research shows the results of a national study documenting the occurrence and genetic diversity of and species across Bhutan. Environmental dog faecal samples (n = 953) were collected from 2016 to 2018 in all 20 Bhutanese districts, mainly in urbanised areas. Cystic echinococcosis cysts were isolated from 13 humans and one mithun ().
View Article and Find Full Text PDFInt J Parasitol Parasites Wildl
April 2021
The endangered Bengal tiger () is a keystone species playing an essential role in ecology as well as in the social and spiritual lives of the Himalayan people. The latest estimate of the Bengal tiger population in Bhutan accounts for 103 individuals. Infectious organisms, including zoonotic parasites causing high burden in human health, have received little attention as a cause of mortality in tigers.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFFoot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease of cloven-hooved animals. Global outbreaks have highlighted the significant economic, trade, psychosocial and animal welfare impacts that can arise from the detection of disease in previously 'FMD-free' countries. Rapid and early diagnosis provides significant advantages in disease control and minimization of deleterious consequences.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFScrub typhus (ST) is a vector-borne rickettsial infection causing acute febrile illness. The re-emergence of ST in the Asia-Pacific region represents a serious public health threat. ST was first detected in Bhutan in 2008.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFRodents are well-known reservoirs and vectors of many emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, but little is known about their role in zoonotic disease transmission in Bhutan. In this study, a cross-sectional investigation of zoonotic disease pathogens in rodents was performed in Chukha district, Bhutan, where a high incidence of scrub typhus and cases of acute undifferentiated febrile illness had been reported in people during the preceding 4-6 months. Twelve rodents were trapped alive using wire-mesh traps.
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