A protocol for a scoping review on the determinants that facilitate zoonotic pathogen spillover and spill back

Abstract

Zoonotic pathogen transmission is rapidly increasing, with an estimated 75% of infectious pathogens of human health concern originating from a wildlife source. If a pathogen becomes established in the human population, it can subsequently spillover again into wildlife – a phenomenon termed spillback. There are many environmental and social determinants that may drive these processes and a solid understanding of the factors facilitating both spillover and spillback will enhance preparedness for future disease outbreaks. Using a One Health approach, our project will conduct a scoping review of the literature on the determinants that facilitate zoonotic pathogen spillover, with a special focus on spillback. Social and environmental determinants of health that drive both human and animal pathogen transmission will be the main factors investigated. The findings from the scoping review will be utilized to establish a framework for conducting future research on the determinants that drive emerging zoonotic pathogen transmission. Furthermore, these findings may help create future prevention and mitigation strategies.