Muhammad Zubair Arshad’s scientific contributions

Avian influenza viruses (AIVs) pose a significant threat to both poultry and human populations due to their ability to cross species barriers. This review explores the genetic diversity and factors influencing the pathogenicity of Influenza A viruses, focusing on the H5N2 subtypes currently circulating in China. The viral subtypes are determined by Neuraminidase (NA) and Hemagglutinin (HA) genes, with H5N2 variants dominating recent outbreaks. The presence of polybasic cleavage sites in the HA molecule is a key indicator of high pathogenicity. Notably, the NP, PB1, and PB2 proteins contribute to increased pathogenicity. Outbreaks are classified based on cytotoxicity and the presence of polybasic cleavage sites in the HA. The dissemination of AIVs is closely linked to wild birds, especially migratory species. HPAI spread through migratory flyways, raising concerns about cross-continental transmission. The study addresses the role of migratory birds, exploring questions regarding their ability to carry infections while migrating and the involvement of illegal exotic bird trade in viral spread. Surveillance measures are crucial for early detection and preparation, necessitating updated kits and knowledge about wild bird behavior. The global impact of AIVs on the poultry industry is profound, affecting both small and large-scale farmers. Economic losses, culling practices, and societal impacts are discussed, emphasizing the vulnerability of small-scale farmers in developing countries. Prevention strategies involve understanding migratory patterns, implementing effective surveillance, and preparing management protocols. Coordination among organizations and heightened situational awareness are vital components of proactive measures against AIV outbreaks.

Rat Bite Fever is an emerging and re-emerging zoonotic disease that occurs in periodic, endemic, and epidemic forms. It is an acute, febrile, and systemic disease classically characterized by acute relapsing fever, rashes, migratory polyarthritis which affects the hands, wrists, and knees. In 1926, in Haverhill, Massachusetts, a large bacterial outbreak was reported by Place and Sutton, caused by the contamination of milk products with Streptobacillus moniliformis (S. moniliformis) bacteria. This outbreak was named Haverhill fever. It is an infrequent disease transmitted by rats and its causative agents are two specific types of bacteria that generate two different kinds of illnesses as Spirillosis and Streptobacillosis. S. moniliformis bacteria are geographically present only in North America (Streptobacillary Rat Bite Fever) whereas Spirillum minus (S. minus) bacteria is only reported in Asia and causing Spirillary Rat Bite Fever. It is also called Sodoku in Japanese which means rat poison (So= rat and doku= poison). Both bacterial species are common in rats and can be transmitted from rats to humans through urine, nasal passages, feces, or eye excretions of an infested rat. However, sometimes the infection is spread through food contaminated with excretions such as feces and urine. Specialized culture conditions or PCR tests are usually used for the diagnosis of Rat Bite Fever. Treatment with Tetracycline and Penicillin is commonly used for Rat Bite Fever. If not treated, its mortality rate is 10% to 13%, and a 53% mortality rate with endocarditis in some cases. To decrease the risk of infection, when an individual has been bitten by a rat, the affected area should be thoroughly washed and cleaned with disinfected as soon as possible.