Pub Date : 2026-01-15DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2026.102439
Chen-Chen Yang , Wei-Hao Tan , Run-Jie Zou, Ying Liang, Xue-Lian Zhang, Jian-Wei Shao
Tembusu virus (TMUV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that causes substantial economic losses in the Asian poultry industry. While phylogenetic Cluster 2 has historically been dominant, recent reports signal the expansion of Cluster 3. In this study, we investigated TMUV infection in geese presenting with hepatitis-splenomegaly syndrome in Guangdong, China, a major waterfowl‑producing region in China. Among 50 clinical liver samples collected in late 2024, 16 (32 %) tested positive for TMUV by semi-nested RT-PCR. Complete genome sequencing of eight selected strains revealed that all belonged to the expanding Cluster 3 and shared high intra-clade identity. Phylogenetic analyses based on complete genomes and the envelope gene confirmed their placement within Cluster 3, a lineage genetically closer to mosquito-origin viruses. Notably, comprehensive recombination analysis identified a statistically supported recombination event in strain GDQY-298. Bootscan and phylogenetic incongruence tests indicated that GDQY-298 likely originated from recombination between two co-circulating Cluster 3 strains (GDQY-273 and GD/1650/2022). Our findings provide direct evidence for the ongoing displacement of Cluster 2 by Cluster 3 in Guangdong geese, underscoring the urgent need for subclade-specific surveillance and timely vaccine updates to counter the threat posed by evolving TMUV strains.
{"title":"Expansion of cluster 3 Tembusu virus in Guangdong geese with hepatitis-splenomegaly syndrome and evidence of recombination","authors":"Chen-Chen Yang , Wei-Hao Tan , Run-Jie Zou, Ying Liang, Xue-Lian Zhang, Jian-Wei Shao","doi":"10.1016/j.cimid.2026.102439","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cimid.2026.102439","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Tembusu virus (TMUV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that causes substantial economic losses in the Asian poultry industry. While phylogenetic Cluster 2 has historically been dominant, recent reports signal the expansion of Cluster 3. In this study, we investigated TMUV infection in geese presenting with hepatitis-splenomegaly syndrome in Guangdong, China, a major waterfowl‑producing region in China. Among 50 clinical liver samples collected in late 2024, 16 (32 %) tested positive for TMUV by semi-nested RT-PCR. Complete genome sequencing of eight selected strains revealed that all belonged to the expanding Cluster 3 and shared high intra-clade identity. Phylogenetic analyses based on complete genomes and the envelope gene confirmed their placement within Cluster 3, a lineage genetically closer to mosquito-origin viruses. Notably, comprehensive recombination analysis identified a statistically supported recombination event in strain GDQY-298. Bootscan and phylogenetic incongruence tests indicated that GDQY-298 likely originated from recombination between two co-circulating Cluster 3 strains (GDQY-273 and GD/1650/2022). Our findings provide direct evidence for the ongoing displacement of Cluster 2 by Cluster 3 in Guangdong geese, underscoring the urgent need for subclade-specific surveillance and timely vaccine updates to counter the threat posed by evolving TMUV strains.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50999,"journal":{"name":"Comparative Immunology Microbiology and Infectious Diseases","volume":"126 ","pages":"Article 102439"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145978839","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
A survey of insects was conducted at four locations in the Sétif region of northeastern Algeria: Ainarnat, Ainroua, Benifouda, and Ainazel. A total of 3924 diptera specimens belonging to 19 species and 10 families were collected. The number of species at each site varied considerably, with Ainazel having 13 species and Ainroua hosting 19. Haematophagous Diptera were dominant in all locations, with Stomoxys calcitrans, Culex pipiens, and Tabanus species being the most frequently recorded. Their relative abundance ranged from 31.4 % in Ainazel to 65.2 % in Benifouda. Non-haematophagous species, including saprophagous, necrophagous, nectarivorous, floricolous, and frugivorous taxa, were also well represented, particularly in Ainarnet, accounting for almost 62 % of captures. Musca domestica and Musca autumnalis predominated. The interaction between different Dipteran species varied considerably between sites. Ainroua exhibited the highest density of S. calcitrans (over 56 % of captures), while Benifouda displayed the greatest overall abundance (n = 1239). Although Ainazel yielded the smallest sample size (n = 414), its species composition was balanced, with M. domestica (46 %) and S. calcitrans (31 %) being dominant. Diversity indices revealed clear variations in species richness, suggesting the influence of local agroclimatic factors. The high prevalence of dipteran species of veterinary and medical interest indicates significant epidemiological risks to livestock and humans. This study provides the first comprehensive assessment of dipteran diversity and vectorial potential in northeastern Algeria, offering baseline data for future ecological and veterinary research.
{"title":"First comprehensive assessment of dipteran diversity and vectorial potential in northeastern Algeria: Ecological, veterinary, and one health perspectives","authors":"Khouloud Dekkiche , Amel Benatallah , Faiza Marniche","doi":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102438","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102438","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A survey of insects was conducted at four locations in the Sétif region of northeastern Algeria: Ainarnat, Ainroua, Benifouda, and Ainazel. A total of 3924 diptera specimens belonging to 19 species and 10 families were collected. The number of species at each site varied considerably, with Ainazel having 13 species and Ainroua hosting 19. Haematophagous Diptera were dominant in all locations, with <em>Stomoxys calcitrans</em>, <em>Culex pipiens</em>, and <em>Tabanus</em> species being the most frequently recorded. Their relative abundance ranged from 31.4 % in Ainazel to 65.2 % in Benifouda. Non-haematophagous species, including saprophagous, necrophagous, nectarivorous, floricolous, and frugivorous taxa, were also well represented, particularly in Ainarnet, accounting for almost 62 % of captures. <em>Musca domestica</em> and <em>Musca autumnalis</em> predominated. The interaction between different Dipteran species varied considerably between sites. Ainroua exhibited the highest density of <em>S. calcitrans</em> (over 56 % of captures), while Benifouda displayed the greatest overall abundance (n = 1239). Although Ainazel yielded the smallest sample size (n = 414), its species composition was balanced, with <em>M. domestica</em> (46 %) and <em>S. calcitrans</em> (31 %) being dominant. Diversity indices revealed clear variations in species richness, suggesting the influence of local agroclimatic factors. The high prevalence of dipteran species of veterinary and medical interest indicates significant epidemiological risks to livestock and humans. This study provides the first comprehensive assessment of dipteran diversity and vectorial potential in northeastern Algeria, offering baseline data for future ecological and veterinary research.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50999,"journal":{"name":"Comparative Immunology Microbiology and Infectious Diseases","volume":"126 ","pages":"Article 102438"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145845651","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-27DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102437
Farzad Mahdavi , Mina Mamizadeh , Mohammad Reza Mohammadi , Ali Pouryousef , Giovanni Sgroi , Ali Asghari , Fariba Shadfar
Cryptosporidium spp. are globally important protozoan pathogens infecting many vertebrates, including birds. Pigeons, which live in close contact with humans, may contribute to environmental contamination and zoonotic transmission, yet their infection patterns have not been comprehensively reviewed. We conducted a systematic search of international databases from inception to November 25, 2025, identifying 52 eligible studies. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) software, with subgroup analyses by continent, country, publication year, sample size, age, sex, and diagnostic method. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic, publication bias using funnel plots and Egger’s test, and robustness through sensitivity analysis. Univariable random-effects meta-regression examined potential sources of heterogeneity. The pooled global prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. in pigeons was 10 % (95 % CI: 6.9–14.4 %), with substantial heterogeneity (I² = 95.2 %). Prevalence differed significantly by continent, publication year, and sample size. Higher infection rates were reported in younger pigeons, whereas sex and diagnostic method showed minimal impact. Sequential study exclusion did not materially alter the pooled estimate. Funnel-plot asymmetry and Egger’s test (p = 0.01) indicated significant publication bias. Meta-regression identified publication year and sample size as significant predictors of variability, though considerable residual heterogeneity persisted. Winter exhibited the highest detection rate. Eight species and seven gp60 subtypes were reported, including five zoonotic species (C. meleagridis, C. parvum, C. hominis, C. andersoni, and C. muris). These findings highlight the potential zoonotic relevance of Cryptosporidium spp. detected in pigeons and reinforce the need for improved surveillance and molecular characterization within a One Health framework.
{"title":"Global prevalence and genetic diversity of Cryptosporidium spp. in pigeons: A systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Farzad Mahdavi , Mina Mamizadeh , Mohammad Reza Mohammadi , Ali Pouryousef , Giovanni Sgroi , Ali Asghari , Fariba Shadfar","doi":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102437","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102437","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Cryptosporidium</em> spp. are globally important protozoan pathogens infecting many vertebrates, including birds. Pigeons, which live in close contact with humans, may contribute to environmental contamination and zoonotic transmission, yet their infection patterns have not been comprehensively reviewed. We conducted a systematic search of international databases from inception to November 25, 2025, identifying 52 eligible studies. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) software, with subgroup analyses by continent, country, publication year, sample size, age, sex, and diagnostic method. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic, publication bias using funnel plots and Egger’s test, and robustness through sensitivity analysis. Univariable random-effects meta-regression examined potential sources of heterogeneity. The pooled global prevalence of <em>Cryptosporidium</em> spp. in pigeons was 10 % (95 % CI: 6.9–14.4 %), with substantial heterogeneity (I² = 95.2 %). Prevalence differed significantly by continent, publication year, and sample size. Higher infection rates were reported in younger pigeons, whereas sex and diagnostic method showed minimal impact. Sequential study exclusion did not materially alter the pooled estimate. Funnel-plot asymmetry and Egger’s test (p = 0.01) indicated significant publication bias. Meta-regression identified publication year and sample size as significant predictors of variability, though considerable residual heterogeneity persisted. Winter exhibited the highest detection rate. Eight species and seven gp60 subtypes were reported, including five zoonotic species (<em>C. meleagridis</em>, <em>C. parvum</em>, <em>C. hominis</em>, <em>C. andersoni</em>, and <em>C. muris</em>). These findings highlight the potential zoonotic relevance of <em>Cryptosporidium</em> spp. detected in pigeons and reinforce the need for improved surveillance and molecular characterization within a One Health framework.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50999,"journal":{"name":"Comparative Immunology Microbiology and Infectious Diseases","volume":"126 ","pages":"Article 102437"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145866174","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-18DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102436
Peyman Khademi , Amin Jaydari , Nemat Shams , Zahra Asadollahi , Ahmad Enferadi , Sam Ahmed Abbas , Maryam Najafi Asl , Gianmarco Ferrara , Giovanni Sgroi
Although the long-eared hedgehog (Hemiechinus auritus) may act as a reservoir for zoonotic tick-borne pathogens at the animal-human interface, little is known about the role of this wildlife in the epidemiology of Coxiella burnetti and Borrelia spp. Therefore, this study investigated the presence of these agents in live hedgehogs and related ticks at rescue centers in the Sulaymaniyah province (northeastern Iraq) between July 2024 and August 2025. Ticks and blood samples from hedgehogs were screened by Nested-PCR plus Sanger sequencing targeting genes and plasmids of C. burnetii (IS1111, icd, QpH1, QpRS, QpDV, QpDG) and Borrelia spp. (16S rRNA, 5–23S rRNA, ospA, QpRS and QpDV), as well. Out of 60 hedgehogs, 6 (10.0 %) tested positive for C. burnetii, showing an apparent good health status. All the hedgehogs were infested by ticks, with a total of 150 specimens morphologically identified as adults of Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (20 females, 30 males), Hyalomma aegyptium (25 females, 25 males), and Rhipicephalus turanicus (22 females, 28 males). Among these, 4 (2.7 %) were positive for C. burnetii, being 2 R. sanguineus s. l. engorged females and 2 H. aegyptium. All sequence types displayed ≥ 99 % nucleotide identity and close phylogenetic relationship with those in GenBank. No difference in prevalence based on the gender of hedgehogs and ticks was found (p > 0.05). No samples were positive for Borrelia spp. The ability of H. auritus to harbor a nonnegligible prevalence of C. burnetii infections and anthropophilic ticks make these animals a potential reservoir of infection for animals and humans.
{"title":"Molecular detection of Coxiella burnetii in long-eared hedgehogs (Hemiechinus auritus) and related ticks, Iraq","authors":"Peyman Khademi , Amin Jaydari , Nemat Shams , Zahra Asadollahi , Ahmad Enferadi , Sam Ahmed Abbas , Maryam Najafi Asl , Gianmarco Ferrara , Giovanni Sgroi","doi":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102436","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102436","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Although the long-eared hedgehog (<em>Hemiechinus auritus</em>) may act as a reservoir for zoonotic tick-borne pathogens at the animal-human interface, little is known about the role of this wildlife in the epidemiology of <em>Coxiella burnetti</em> and <em>Borrelia</em> spp. Therefore, this study investigated the presence of these agents in live hedgehogs and related ticks at rescue centers in the Sulaymaniyah province (northeastern Iraq) between July 2024 and August 2025. Ticks and blood samples from hedgehogs were screened by Nested-PCR plus Sanger sequencing targeting genes and plasmids of <em>C. burnetii</em> (<em>IS1111</em>, <em>icd</em>, <em>QpH1</em>, <em>QpRS</em>, <em>QpDV</em>, QpDG) and <em>Borrelia</em> spp. (<em>16S rRNA</em>, <em>5–23S rRNA</em>, <em>osp</em>A, <em>QpRS</em> and <em>QpDV</em>), as well. Out of 60 hedgehogs, 6 (10.0 %) tested positive for <em>C. burnetii</em>, showing an apparent good health status. All the hedgehogs were infested by ticks, with a total of 150 specimens morphologically identified as adults of <em>Rhipicephalus sanguineus</em> sensu lato (20 females, 30 males), <em>Hyalomma aegyptium</em> (25 females, 25 males), and <em>Rhipicephalus turanicus</em> (22 females, 28 males). Among these, 4 (2.7 %) were positive for <em>C. burnetii</em>, being 2 <em>R. sanguineus</em> s. l. engorged females and 2 <em>H. aegyptium</em>. All sequence types displayed ≥ 99 % nucleotide identity and close phylogenetic relationship with those in GenBank. No difference in prevalence based on the gender of hedgehogs and ticks was found (<em>p</em> > 0.05). No samples were positive for <em>Borrelia</em> spp. The ability of <em>H. auritus</em> to harbor a nonnegligible prevalence of <em>C. burnetii</em> infections and anthropophilic ticks make these animals a potential reservoir of infection for animals and humans.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50999,"journal":{"name":"Comparative Immunology Microbiology and Infectious Diseases","volume":"125 ","pages":"Article 102436"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145822074","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
FIV is the etiological agent of a cat disease with features similar to the HIV-induced human AIDS. FIV has negative effects on immune system, leaving the cat vulnerable to many other infections. However, epidemiological studies on FIV are relatively unknown in many parts of Iran. Thus, this study aimed to explore FIV prevalence in DSH client-owned cats in Tehran (capital of Iran) by serologic and molecular-based methods. For this study, 346 cats referring to different veterinary clinics in Tehran were screened in 2025 (January to May) by ELISA for FIV-Ab. Then, seropositive cats were analyzed by RT-PCR. Of those cats, we identified nine seropositive cats and 9 FIVs were genetically characterized using FIV V3-V5 env gene sequences. The FIV prevalence in this study population was low, 2.6 %, as determined by both ELISA and RT-PCR methods. Phylogenetic analysis showed that all FIVs belonged to B subtype/clade. The molecular characterization for the env gene of FIV among Iran’s cat population was reported for the first time. A significant diversification of amino acid substitutions was found in the V3-V5 sequences driven by charge-shifting mutations and glycosylation changes whilst core structural residues showed conservation. All the FIV-infected cats had concurrent secondary infections. Only mild anemia and mild hyperglobulinemia were found among the few FIV-positive cats, so there was not sufficient data to determine any other consistent hematological or biochemical abnormalities in the cats that tested FIV-positive. Altogether, this study suggests that intensive surveillance and effective prevention strategies are required to determine the prevalence of FIV genotypes in Iran and control continuous infections with FIVs.
{"title":"Molecular detection and genotyping of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) in domestic cats from Tehran, Iran","authors":"Mohaddese Mortazavi , Hamid Staji , Iradj Ashrafi Tamai","doi":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102435","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102435","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>FIV is the etiological agent of a cat disease with features similar to the HIV-induced human AIDS. FIV has negative effects on immune system, leaving the cat vulnerable to many other infections. However, epidemiological studies on FIV are relatively unknown in many parts of Iran. Thus, this study aimed to explore FIV prevalence in DSH client-owned cats in Tehran (capital of Iran) by serologic and molecular-based methods. For this study, 346 cats referring to different veterinary clinics in Tehran were screened in 2025 (January to May) by ELISA for FIV-Ab. Then, seropositive cats were analyzed by RT-PCR. Of those cats, we identified nine seropositive cats and 9 FIVs were genetically characterized using FIV V3-V5 <em>env</em> gene sequences. The FIV prevalence in this study population was low, 2.6 %, as determined by both ELISA and RT-PCR methods. Phylogenetic analysis showed that all FIVs belonged to B subtype/clade. The molecular characterization for the env gene of FIV among Iran’s cat population was reported for the first time. A significant diversification of amino acid substitutions was found in the V3-V5 sequences driven by charge-shifting mutations and glycosylation changes whilst core structural residues showed conservation. All the FIV-infected cats had concurrent secondary infections. Only mild anemia and mild hyperglobulinemia were found among the few FIV-positive cats, so there was not sufficient data to determine any other consistent hematological or biochemical abnormalities in the cats that tested FIV-positive. Altogether, this study suggests that intensive surveillance and effective prevention strategies are required to determine the prevalence of FIV genotypes in Iran and control continuous infections with FIVs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50999,"journal":{"name":"Comparative Immunology Microbiology and Infectious Diseases","volume":"125 ","pages":"Article 102435"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145737049","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-27DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102431
Jakson Ch. Del Solar , Victor Guillermo Cornejo Villanueva , Elthon T. Hinojosa Enciso , Jhorsan Mauri Pablo , Diana L. Arista Vargas , Nayeli V. Barrientos , Richard C. Polveiro , Dielson Da Silva Vieira , William Bardales , Jorge Luis Maicelo Quintana , Rainer M. Lopez Lapa
Cervical lymphadenitis is a serious inflammatory process that can be contagious and zoonotic, and significantly impacts guinea pig farming, particularly in Peru. The primary etiological agent is Streptococcus equi. This study investigates the microbiota composition of cervical lymph nodes in healthy and lymphadenitis-affected guinea pigs from the Amazonas region. Two guinea pigs breeds (Inti and Peru) were analyzed, including specimens with lymphadenitis and healthy controls. DNA was extracted from lymph node samples, and the 16S rRNA gene's V4 hypervariable region was sequenced. The results revealed significant differences in microbial diversity between healthy and affected guinea pigs, a critical finding was the identification of asymptomatic individuals with a microbiota virtually identical to that of sick animals. Alpha diversity indices demonstrated a higher microbial richness in healthy animals. Beta diversity analyses showed a marked separation between groups, indicating distinct microbial compositions. Taxonomic profiling revealed that genus Streptococcus dominated the microbiota in guinea pigs with lymphadenitis, while healthy animals exhibited a more diverse bacterial community. These findings suggest that cervical lymphadenitis leads to significant microbial alterations, characterized by reduced microbial diversity and an overrepresentation of Streptococcus. This study provides novel and relevant insights into the microbiota associated with guinea pig lymphadenitis, offering a foundational understanding of the disease and revealing the asymptomatic carrier phenomenon, which is crucial for developing improved prevention and diagnostic strategies in production systems
{"title":"Comparative metataxonomic analysis of bacterial communities in healthy and lymphadenitis-affected Cavia porcellus (guinea pig) lymph nodes","authors":"Jakson Ch. Del Solar , Victor Guillermo Cornejo Villanueva , Elthon T. Hinojosa Enciso , Jhorsan Mauri Pablo , Diana L. Arista Vargas , Nayeli V. Barrientos , Richard C. Polveiro , Dielson Da Silva Vieira , William Bardales , Jorge Luis Maicelo Quintana , Rainer M. Lopez Lapa","doi":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102431","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102431","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cervical lymphadenitis is a serious inflammatory process that can be contagious and zoonotic, and significantly impacts guinea pig farming, particularly in Peru. The primary etiological agent is <em>Streptococcus equi</em>. This study investigates the microbiota composition of cervical lymph nodes in healthy and lymphadenitis-affected guinea pigs from the Amazonas region. Two guinea pigs breeds (Inti and Peru) were analyzed, including specimens with lymphadenitis and healthy controls. DNA was extracted from lymph node samples, and the 16S rRNA gene's V4 hypervariable region was sequenced. The results revealed significant differences in microbial diversity between healthy and affected guinea pigs, a critical finding was the identification of asymptomatic individuals with a microbiota virtually identical to that of sick animals. Alpha diversity indices demonstrated a higher microbial richness in healthy animals. Beta diversity analyses showed a marked separation between groups, indicating distinct microbial compositions. Taxonomic profiling revealed that genus <em>Streptococcus</em> dominated the microbiota in guinea pigs with lymphadenitis, while healthy animals exhibited a more diverse bacterial community. These findings suggest that cervical lymphadenitis leads to significant microbial alterations, characterized by reduced microbial diversity and an overrepresentation of <em>Streptococcus</em>. This study provides novel and relevant insights into the microbiota associated with guinea pig lymphadenitis, offering a foundational understanding of the disease and revealing the asymptomatic carrier phenomenon, which is crucial for developing improved prevention and diagnostic strategies in production systems</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50999,"journal":{"name":"Comparative Immunology Microbiology and Infectious Diseases","volume":"125 ","pages":"Article 102431"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145790796","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a growing global threat to human health, food security, and animal welfare. Wild animals, often consumed as bushmeat, may serve as reservoirs of pathogenic and multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and antibiotic resistance profiles of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Salmonella spp. in wild animals intended for human consumption in Cameroon.
Methodology
Between September 2023 and December 2024, 427 fecal samples were collected from twelve wild animal species, including mammals (41.0 %), birds (57.6 %), and reptiles (1.4 %). Isolation, identification, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of E. coli and Salmonella were performed following standard protocols. Data analysis was conducted using R software.
Results
Overall, 66.1 % of samples were positive for at least one bacterium. E. coli was detected in 66.1 % of samples, while Salmonella spp. was present in 27.2 %. All isolates exhibited resistance to at least one antibiotic, with 21.1 % classified as MDR. Notably, resistance was observed against critically important antibiotic classes, including beta-lactams, and 26 % of E. coli and 9 % of Salmonella isolates were multidrug-resistant.
Conclusion
The high prevalence of resistant and MDR E. coli and Salmonella in wild animals consumed as bushmeat underscores a substantial public health risk. These findings highlight the need for enhanced AMR surveillance, promotion of safer bushmeat consumption practices, and prudent antibiotic stewardship in livestock and agricultural settings. Integrating these measures within a One Health framework is essential to mitigate zoonotic transmission and safeguard human and environmental health in Cameroon.
{"title":"First report of multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. in wildlife consumed as bushmeat in Cameroon","authors":"Karyom Djim-Adjim-Ngana , Ibrahima Djoulde , Hermann Landry Munshili Njifon , Cedric Fossi Tchinda , Lucia Nkengazong , Nicolas Njintang Yanou , Mohamed Moctar Mouiche Mouliom","doi":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102434","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102434","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a growing global threat to human health, food security, and animal welfare. Wild animals, often consumed as bushmeat, may serve as reservoirs of pathogenic and multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and antibiotic resistance profiles of Escherichia coli <em>(</em>E. coli<em>)</em> and Salmonella spp. in wild animals intended for human consumption in Cameroon.</div></div><div><h3>Methodology</h3><div>Between September 2023 and December 2024, 427 fecal samples were collected from twelve wild animal species, including mammals (41.0 %), birds (57.6 %), and reptiles (1.4 %). Isolation, identification, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of E. coli and Salmonella were performed following standard protocols. Data analysis was conducted using R software.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Overall, 66.1 % of samples were positive for at least one bacterium. E. coli was detected in 66.1 % of samples, while Salmonella spp. was present in 27.2 %. All isolates exhibited resistance to at least one antibiotic, with 21.1 % classified as MDR. Notably, resistance was observed against critically important antibiotic classes, including beta-lactams, and 26 % of E. coli and 9 % of Salmonella isolates were multidrug-resistant.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The high prevalence of resistant and MDR E. coli and Salmonella in wild animals consumed as bushmeat underscores a substantial public health risk. These findings highlight the need for enhanced AMR surveillance, promotion of safer bushmeat consumption practices, and prudent antibiotic stewardship in livestock and agricultural settings. Integrating these measures within a One Health framework is essential to mitigate zoonotic transmission and safeguard human and environmental health in Cameroon.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50999,"journal":{"name":"Comparative Immunology Microbiology and Infectious Diseases","volume":"125 ","pages":"Article 102434"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145624879","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a major threat to global cattle production with an expanding host range. In India, although LSDV-associated mortality in yaks (Bos grunniens) is a major concern, LSD epidemiology in yaks is poorly understood and genetic profile of LSDV from the Northeast is scarce. This study aimed to molecularly detect and genetically characterize the LSDV strains from the 2022–2023 LSD outbreaks in yaks and cattle in the Himalayan state of Sikkim. Infected yaks exhibited clinical signs akin to cattle and necropsy revealed lesions on vital organs. Testing of 23 yak samples and 123 cattle samples by LSDV real-time PCR and antibody ELISA demonstrated LSDV infection. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of four selected marker genes (GPCR, RPO30, EEV, and B22R) revealed that LSDV sequences from yaks and cattle belonged to the 1.2.1 sub-cluster, closely related to the circulating 1.2.1 variants from India and Tibet. However, they were distinct from the dominant LSDV strains circulating in India (1.2.2) and China (2.5 recombinant). Detection of identical LSDV sequences and close proximity between yaks and local cattle implied a spillover from cattle. Additionally, our findings showed that concatenated sequence-based analysis could function as a proxy to whole-genome sequence analysis, and the C-terminal 717 bp of the B22R gene may represent a potential single-gene sequencing target for classifying LSDV into well-supported clusters. These findings improved our understanding of LSDV molecular epidemiology and host range and highlight the necessity of LSD control in yaks, and monitoring of cross-border transmission.
{"title":"Genetic characterization of lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) from 2022 to 2023 outbreaks in yaks (Bos grunniens) and cattle in the Himalayan state of Sikkim, India, reveals dominant circulation of the LSDV 1.2.1 variant strain","authors":"Shashi Bhushan Sudhakar , Niranjan Mishra , Semmannan Kalaiyarasu , Seema Rai , Aniket Sanyal","doi":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102432","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102432","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a major threat to global cattle production with an expanding host range. In India, although LSDV-associated mortality in yaks (<em>Bos grunniens</em>) is a major concern, LSD epidemiology in yaks is poorly understood and genetic profile of LSDV from the Northeast is scarce. This study aimed to molecularly detect and genetically characterize the LSDV strains from the 2022–2023 LSD outbreaks in yaks and cattle in the Himalayan state of Sikkim. Infected yaks exhibited clinical signs akin to cattle and necropsy revealed lesions on vital organs. Testing of 23 yak samples and 123 cattle samples by LSDV real-time PCR and antibody ELISA demonstrated LSDV infection. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of four selected marker genes (GPCR, RPO30, EEV, and B22R) revealed that LSDV sequences from yaks and cattle belonged to the 1.2.1 sub-cluster, closely related to the circulating 1.2.1 variants from India and Tibet. However, they were distinct from the dominant LSDV strains circulating in India (1.2.2) and China (2.5 recombinant). Detection of identical LSDV sequences and close proximity between yaks and local cattle implied a spillover from cattle. Additionally, our findings showed that concatenated sequence-based analysis could function as a proxy to whole-genome sequence analysis, and the C-terminal 717 bp of the B22R gene may represent a potential single-gene sequencing target for classifying LSDV into well-supported clusters. These findings improved our understanding of LSDV molecular epidemiology and host range and highlight the necessity of LSD control in yaks, and monitoring of cross-border transmission.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50999,"journal":{"name":"Comparative Immunology Microbiology and Infectious Diseases","volume":"125 ","pages":"Article 102432"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145624910","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-25DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102433
Caroline Tostes Secato , Luiz Ricardo Gonçalves , Inalda Angélica de Souza Ramos , Renan Bressianini do Amaral , Anna Claudia Baumel Mongruel , Thiago Merighi Vieira da Silva , Rosangela Zacarias Machado , Marcos Rogério André
Brazil has the largest water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) herd outside the Asian continent. As buffalo farming has become an economically important activity and has grown in recent years, studies are needed on the occurrence of pathogens shared between cattle and water buffaloes, since, in most locations, these animals graze together. The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular occurrence of hemoplasmas and genetic diversity of Anaplasma marginale in water buffaloes and associated ectoparasites in southeastern Brazil. DNA was extracted from 81 blood samples, 165 Rhipicephalus microplus ticks, and 92 Haematopinus tuberculatus lice from water buffaloes. In 16S rRNA gene-based PCR assays, 25.9 % (21/81) of buffalo blood samples were positive for ‘Ca. M. haemobos’, 50.6 % (41/81) for M. wenyonii, and 23 (28.4 %) for both hemoplasma species. In the A. marginale qPCR targeting the msp1β gene, 46.9 % of buffalo blood samples, 1.08 % of louse samples, and 49.1 % of tick samples were positive. High genetic diversity of A. marginale, including 10 new strains and three previously reported strains, was found in water buffaloes and associated ticks in the studied region. Anaplasma marginale genotype E was the most prevalent. Genetic diversity indices indicated that the short sequence repeats (SSRs) of A. marginale msp1α were highly diverse within the studied region, but showed low dispersion to other regions of the country. The absence of anemia in water buffaloes co-infected with M. wenyonii, ‘Ca. M. haemobos’, and A. marginale suggests a possible resistance of these animals to infection by these agents.
{"title":"Molecular detection of hemoplasmas and genetic diversity of Anaplasma marginale in a dairy water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) farm from southeastern Brazil","authors":"Caroline Tostes Secato , Luiz Ricardo Gonçalves , Inalda Angélica de Souza Ramos , Renan Bressianini do Amaral , Anna Claudia Baumel Mongruel , Thiago Merighi Vieira da Silva , Rosangela Zacarias Machado , Marcos Rogério André","doi":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102433","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102433","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Brazil has the largest water buffalo (<em>Bubalus bubalis</em>) herd outside the Asian continent. As buffalo farming has become an economically important activity and has grown in recent years, studies are needed on the occurrence of pathogens shared between cattle and water buffaloes, since, in most locations, these animals graze together. The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular occurrence of hemoplasmas and genetic diversity of <em>Anaplasma marginale</em> in water buffaloes and associated ectoparasites in southeastern Brazil. DNA was extracted from 81 blood samples, 165 <em>Rhipicephalus microplus</em> ticks, and 92 <em>Haematopinus tuberculatus</em> lice from water buffaloes. In 16S rRNA gene-based PCR assays, 25.9 % (21/81) of buffalo blood samples were positive for <em>‘Ca.</em> M. haemobos’, 50.6 % (41/81) for <em>M. wenyonii</em>, and 23 (28.4 %) for both hemoplasma species. In the <em>A. marginale</em> qPCR targeting the <em>msp1β</em> gene, 46.9 % of buffalo blood samples, 1.08 % of louse samples, and 49.1 % of tick samples were positive. High genetic diversity of <em>A. marginale</em>, including 10 new strains and three previously reported strains, was found in water buffaloes and associated ticks in the studied region. <em>Anaplasma marginale</em> genotype E was the most prevalent. Genetic diversity indices indicated that the short sequence repeats (SSRs) of <em>A. marginale msp1α</em> were highly diverse within the studied region, but showed low dispersion to other regions of the country. The absence of anemia in water buffaloes co-infected with <em>M. wenyonii</em>, ‘<em>Ca.</em> M. haemobos’, and <em>A. marginale</em> suggests a possible resistance of these animals to infection by these agents.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50999,"journal":{"name":"Comparative Immunology Microbiology and Infectious Diseases","volume":"125 ","pages":"Article 102433"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145624857","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Toxoplasma gondii is a ubiquitous zoonotic protozoan with significant veterinary and public health implications. Despite the economic and cultural importance of dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) in the Saharan regions of Algeria, little is known about their role in the epidemiology of toxoplasmosis. This study represents a comprehensive seroepidemiological investigation of T. gondii in Algerian dromedaries. A total of 76 adult camels were sampled during January–February 2025 across four Saharan provinces (Biskra, Laghouat, Tindouf, and Oued Souf). Serum samples were analyzed using a commercial ELISA kit to detect specific anti-T. gondii antibodies. Seroprevalence was calculated with 95 % confidence intervals (CI), and regional differences were assessed through χ² test, odds ratios (OR), and Kruskal–Wallis analysis of antibody titers. Overall, the study revealed a high seroprevalence of T. gondii infection (61.8 %) in Algerian dromedaries. Significant heterogeneity was observed between regions (p < 0.01). The lowest prevalence occurred in Oued Souf (25 %; 95 % CI: 8.9–53.2), which served as the reference. In contrast, Biskra exhibited an extremely high prevalence (90 %; OR = 27.0; 95 % CI: 2.4–298.8; p = 0.001), followed by Tindouf (69.7 %; OR = 7.8; 95 % CI: 1.8–34.3; p = 0.005) and Laghouat (57.1 %; OR = 4.1; 95 % CI: 0.9–18.7; p = 0.048). Antibody titers correlated with prevalence, with notably elevated values (>180–250) in Biskra and Tindouf, suggesting intense or repeated exposure. The strong regional disparities likely reflect differences in feline density, water source hygiene, herd management, and microclimatic conditions. The exceptionally high prevalence observed, particularly in Biskra, raises concerns for both animal productivity and zoonotic transmission, given the common consumption of raw camel milk and undercooked meat. This pioneering study highlights the epidemiological significance of dromedaries in the transmission of toxoplasmosis in Algeria and emphasizes the need for integrated surveillance, molecular confirmation of infections, and targeted preventive measures to mitigate zoonotic risks in arid ecosystems.
{"title":"Seroepidemiological investigation and public health implications of Toxoplasma gondii infection in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) in southern Algeria","authors":"Meriem Mekroud , Amel Titi , Abdesslem Mekroud , Ikram Chettih , Ali Dahmani , Nadjet Amina Khelifi Touhami , Nassim Ouchene","doi":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102430","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102430","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Toxoplasma gondii</em> is a ubiquitous zoonotic protozoan with significant veterinary and public health implications. Despite the economic and cultural importance of dromedary camels (<em>Camelus dromedarius</em>) in the Saharan regions of Algeria, little is known about their role in the epidemiology of toxoplasmosis. This study represents a comprehensive seroepidemiological investigation of <em>T. gondii</em> in Algerian dromedaries. A total of 76 adult camels were sampled during January–February 2025 across four Saharan provinces (Biskra, Laghouat, Tindouf, and Oued Souf). Serum samples were analyzed using a commercial ELISA kit to detect specific anti-<em>T. gondii</em> antibodies. Seroprevalence was calculated with 95 % confidence intervals (CI), and regional differences were assessed through χ² test, odds ratios (OR), and Kruskal–Wallis analysis of antibody titers. Overall, the study revealed a high seroprevalence of <em>T. gondii</em> infection (61.8 %) in Algerian dromedaries. Significant heterogeneity was observed between regions (p < 0.01). The lowest prevalence occurred in Oued Souf (25 %; 95 % CI: 8.9–53.2), which served as the reference. In contrast, Biskra exhibited an extremely high prevalence (90 %; OR = 27.0; 95 % CI: 2.4–298.8; p = 0.001), followed by Tindouf (69.7 %; OR = 7.8; 95 % CI: 1.8–34.3; p = 0.005) and Laghouat (57.1 %; OR = 4.1; 95 % CI: 0.9–18.7; p = 0.048). Antibody titers correlated with prevalence, with notably elevated values (>180–250) in Biskra and Tindouf, suggesting intense or repeated exposure. The strong regional disparities likely reflect differences in feline density, water source hygiene, herd management, and microclimatic conditions. The exceptionally high prevalence observed, particularly in Biskra, raises concerns for both animal productivity and zoonotic transmission, given the common consumption of raw camel milk and undercooked meat. This pioneering study highlights the epidemiological significance of dromedaries in the transmission of toxoplasmosis in Algeria and emphasizes the need for integrated surveillance, molecular confirmation of infections, and targeted preventive measures to mitigate zoonotic risks in arid ecosystems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50999,"journal":{"name":"Comparative Immunology Microbiology and Infectious Diseases","volume":"125 ","pages":"Article 102430"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145594754","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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