1. Special Acknowledgments
Understanding Zoonosis: The Study of Transmissible Diseases and Infections Sarah Ahmed, MD., PhD., George Tarabelsi, MD., PhD., Zara Khan, MD., PhD., Shubhankar Joshi, MD., PhD., Francesca Corsini, MD., PhD., Megi Resulaj, MD., PhD. College of Science and Mathematics, University of Massachusetts Boston
4 ways in which one can be infected by zoonotic disease: exposure to the virus, infection by the virus, transmission of the virus to members of the population, and the adaptations the virus makes to infect others more effectively
While we have advanced in understanding the affects of the virus, there are certain aspects that we must continue to explore: the study of when and where the virus forms, what it is that causes the spread of the virus, and how we can limit the virus' natural reservoir, which would in turn, limit the spread of the virus.
The development of a zoonotic disease occurs through the exchange between humans and animals, and as a first defense against the development of these diseases the exchange of bodily fluids between humans and animals must be addressed. Not only to be sure that the exchanges are humane, but also done cleanly in order to deter any more diseases from developing.
Conclusion
Rationale
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Ebola
WHAT IS IT?
Treatment:
A virus that is transmitted from animals to humans via blood contact with an infected animal host and lesions in the hands of a human
Staying out of areas effected by the virus and maintain proper sanitation
Remaining hydrated and addressing any wounds or rashes that appear due to disease
It's transmitted through direct contact with blood or bodily fluids
Ebola kills 90% of those infected
The Zoonotic spread of ebola:
The disease originates from an human came into contact with the excretions or blood from an animal infected with the disease
Can be spread via contaminated medical equipment
We chose to investigate zoonosis because of the recent attention it has received in the news and media, specifically in cases of Ebola, H5N1, and H1N1. We wish to explore the biological mechanisms which allow these viruses to expand their host range. In addition, some of our examples also illustrate the wide range of consequences these viruses can exhibit, from mild to detrimental.
Zoonosis is a disease or infection that is naturally transmissible from vertebrate animals to humans, and vice-versa. The disease is caused by all types of pathogenic agents, including bacteria, parasites, fungi, and viruses. Humans can get zoonotic diseases by coming into contact with the infected live poultry, rodents, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and other domestic and wild animals. Anyone who has contact with animals can get a zoonotic disease, but people may be more at risk than others. These include people with a weakened immune system, children age 5, the elderly, and pregnant women. About 75% of recently emerging infectious diseases affecting humans are diseases of animal origin, and approximately 60% of all human pathogens are zoonotic. There are four steps of a zoonotic infection:
Exposure to the virus 
Infection by the virus 
Spread of the virus to other members of the
population
4. Adaptations that the virus acquires in order to
infect more effectively.
Introduction
H1N1 Virus (Swine Flu)
What is it?
Prevention and Treatment:
A respiratory illness found in pigs
No known treatment
An Orthomyxovirus that contains:
Preventative care includes flu vaccination and proper personal protective equipment
Haemagglutinin – glycoprotein causing red blood cells to clump together and then binding the virus to the red blood cell
Neuraminidase – enzymes that assist in transferring the virus particles through the infected cell
The virus appeared as a new strain of H1N1 which resulted to be a triple re-assortment of bird, swine, & human flu
How is it spread?
Through airborne droplets
Transmitted through hand-eye, nose, or mouth contact
Future Discussion
-Do animals show the same symptoms for the disease as humans?
-What is the body’s initial response to the diseased cell? Do the cells go undetected?
-What are some ways researchers are trying to find a cure for these diseases?
H5N1 (Avian Influenza)
WHAT IS IT? - It is a highly pathogenic avian bird flu virus - There have been about 650 human cases
reported from 15 different countries since Mortality rate is about 60% of those infected
with the virus
References
Link:
"H1N1 (originally Referred to as Swine Flu)." H1N1 (Swine Flu). U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, n.d. Web.
Special Acknowledgments
Zoonotic spread of avian influenza: There are three different barriers that a virus must overcome in order to spread from one species to another. 1. Cross-species host-host interaction
2. Virus-host interactions
3. Intraspecies host-host interactions
We are thankful to Sanofi Genzyme and Dean Andrew Grosovsky for making this possible.