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}
Pub Date : 2025-11-15DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102422
Rajesh Man Rajbhandari , Seily Shrestha , Prajwol Manandhar , Rajindra Napit , Amir Sadaula , Ashok Chaudhary , Roji Raut , Christian Gortázar , Paulo Célio Alves , José de la Fuente , João Queirós , Giovanni Forcina , Dibesh Karmacharya
The study of gut microbiome in both animals and humans living in proximity has proven crucial in understanding their coevolution, the potential for microbial transfer and the dynamics behind various diseases. Similarly, the investigation of respiratory microbiomes has been gaining popularity due to its significance and impact on respiratory health. Here, we use 16S rRNA metabarcoding to explore the respiratory microbiome of captive Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) and their mahouts (i.e., trainers and handlers) in Chitwan National Park (Nepal), with local villagers residing out of the protected area acting as control. Sputum samples were collected to characterize their bacterial composition, while its functional profile was inferred with PICRUSt2. Additionally, the occurrence of genera hosting potentially pathogenic ESKAPE-E species was evaluated. Our findings revealed high similarity in the bacterial and functional composition of the respiratory microbiome of elephants and mahouts, with Bacillota and Pseudomonadota emerging as the most abundant phyla across all host categories and the controls displaying the highest diversity. A striking difference was observed in relation to the family Bacillaceae that dominated the microbial composition of both mahouts and elephants but not controls. Genera hosting potentially pathogenic ESKAPE-E bacteria were found in all host categories, which underscores the need for in-depth analyses to identify the species involved. Our study delivers valuable insights in the respiratory microbial community of both Asian elephants and humans, thus laying the basis for further investigations on their diversity and function, unveiling their role in respiratory health of both host species.
{"title":"Comparing the respiratory tract microbiome in captive elephants and humans in Chitwan National Park: Implications for conservation medicine","authors":"Rajesh Man Rajbhandari , Seily Shrestha , Prajwol Manandhar , Rajindra Napit , Amir Sadaula , Ashok Chaudhary , Roji Raut , Christian Gortázar , Paulo Célio Alves , José de la Fuente , João Queirós , Giovanni Forcina , Dibesh Karmacharya","doi":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102422","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102422","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The study of gut microbiome in both animals and humans living in proximity has proven crucial in understanding their coevolution, the potential for microbial transfer and the dynamics behind various diseases. Similarly, the investigation of respiratory microbiomes has been gaining popularity due to its significance and impact on respiratory health. Here, we use 16S rRNA metabarcoding to explore the respiratory microbiome of captive Asian elephants (<em>Elephas maximus</em>) and their <em>mahouts</em> (i.e., trainers and handlers) in Chitwan National Park (Nepal), with local villagers residing out of the protected area acting as control. Sputum samples were collected to characterize their bacterial composition, while its functional profile was inferred with PICRUSt2. Additionally, the occurrence of genera hosting potentially pathogenic <em>ESKAPE-E</em> species was evaluated. Our findings revealed high similarity in the bacterial and functional composition of the respiratory microbiome of elephants and <em>mahouts</em>, with Bacillota and Pseudomonadota emerging as the most abundant phyla across all host categories and the controls displaying the highest diversity. A striking difference was observed in relation to the family <em>Bacillaceae</em> that dominated the microbial composition of both <em>mahouts</em> and elephants but not controls. Genera hosting potentially pathogenic <em>ESKAPE-E</em> bacteria were found in all host categories, which underscores the need for in-depth analyses to identify the species involved. Our study delivers valuable insights in the respiratory microbial community of both Asian elephants and humans, thus laying the basis for further investigations on their diversity and function, unveiling their role in respiratory health of both host species.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50999,"journal":{"name":"Comparative Immunology Microbiology and Infectious Diseases","volume":"125 ","pages":"Article 102422"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145594751","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 : 2025-11-01Epub Date: 2025-08-08DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102389
Mana Esaki, Kosuke Okuya, Kaori Tokorozaki, Yuko Haraguchi, Jun Ito, Makoto Ozawa
The Izumi plain, located in the southern part of Japan, serves as a major overwintering site for endangered crane species, including the hooded crane (Grus monacha) and the white-naped crane (Grus vipio). Since the 2012/13 winter season, continuous surveillance of avian influenza viruses (AIVs) in environmental water and wild birds has been conducted in this region. During the 2023/24 winter season, 45 isolates of H5N1 high pathogenicity AIVs (HPAIVs) and 24 isolates of low pathogenicity AIVs (LPAIVs) were obtained at different time points from crane roost water. Additionally, H5N1 HPAIVs were detected in four wild ducks in November 2023 and in eight cranes in December 2023. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that all H5N1 HPAIVs belonged to subclade G2d of clade 2.3.4.4b, with early winter isolates-particularly those from wild ducks and roost water-occupying more ancestral phylogenetic positions. These findings suggest that wild ducks likely introduced HPAIVs into the overwintering site. Genotype analysis based on the genetic constellations of all eight gene segments indicated the co-introduction of multiple HPAIV genotypes into the Izumi plain and suggested bidirectional gene segment exchange between HPAIVs and LPAIVs. Hemagglutination inhibition assays detected no H5 HA-specific antibodies in six overwintering cranes, implying a limited role for cranes in virus dissemination. Collectively, these findings underscore the importance of continued virological surveillance and genetic monitoring of AIVs at major overwintering sites, where close ecological interactions between wild ducks and cranes facilitate cross-species transmission.
{"title":"Surveillance of avian influenza viruses in the Izumi plain reveals the role of wild ducks in the introduction of H5N1 HPAIVs during the 2023/24 winter season.","authors":"Mana Esaki, Kosuke Okuya, Kaori Tokorozaki, Yuko Haraguchi, Jun Ito, Makoto Ozawa","doi":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102389","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102389","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The Izumi plain, located in the southern part of Japan, serves as a major overwintering site for endangered crane species, including the hooded crane (Grus monacha) and the white-naped crane (Grus vipio). Since the 2012/13 winter season, continuous surveillance of avian influenza viruses (AIVs) in environmental water and wild birds has been conducted in this region. During the 2023/24 winter season, 45 isolates of H5N1 high pathogenicity AIVs (HPAIVs) and 24 isolates of low pathogenicity AIVs (LPAIVs) were obtained at different time points from crane roost water. Additionally, H5N1 HPAIVs were detected in four wild ducks in November 2023 and in eight cranes in December 2023. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that all H5N1 HPAIVs belonged to subclade G2d of clade 2.3.4.4b, with early winter isolates-particularly those from wild ducks and roost water-occupying more ancestral phylogenetic positions. These findings suggest that wild ducks likely introduced HPAIVs into the overwintering site. Genotype analysis based on the genetic constellations of all eight gene segments indicated the co-introduction of multiple HPAIV genotypes into the Izumi plain and suggested bidirectional gene segment exchange between HPAIVs and LPAIVs. Hemagglutination inhibition assays detected no H5 HA-specific antibodies in six overwintering cranes, implying a limited role for cranes in virus dissemination. Collectively, these findings underscore the importance of continued virological surveillance and genetic monitoring of AIVs at major overwintering sites, where close ecological interactions between wild ducks and cranes facilitate cross-species transmission.</p>","PeriodicalId":50999,"journal":{"name":"Comparative Immunology Microbiology and Infectious Diseases","volume":"123 ","pages":"102389"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144812627","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 : 2025-11-01Epub Date: 2025-08-05DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102388
Leigha M Stahl, Stephanie Kadletz, Julie B Olson
Antibiotic resistance is an increasing issue that affects human and animal health. Birds can serve as reservoirs of antibiotic resistant bacteria, which combined with their ability to fly, increases the risk of disseminating resistant bacteria. To assess antibiotic resistance patterns, bacteria were isolated from fecal samples collected from raptors, defined as birds of prey, admitted to a raptor rehabilitation center. A total of 389 isolates from the Enterobacteriaceae family were recovered from 61 raptors, and each isolate was subjected to phenotypic susceptibility tests for nine antibiotics. Resistant phenotypes were recorded, and the highest levels were observed when isolates were exposed to tetracycline (71/389 isolates; 18.3 %), ampicillin (35/389 isolates; 9.0 %), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (21/389 isolates; 5.4 %), and trimethoprim (19/389 isolates; 4.9 %) via the disk diffusion method. Of the resistant isolates, 31.6 % displayed resistance to two or more antibiotics within the same isolate and 6.3 % displayed multidrug resistance; the greatest amount of multidrug resistance was observed in Escherichia coli and Enterobacter hormaechei isolates, some due to intrinsic resistance for En. hormaechei. Birds slated for release maintained similar antibiotic resistance profiles compared to intake. Conversely, non-releasable birds harbored different types of antibiotic resistance. Based on logistic regression for 374 isolates and a subset of isolates collected from the same bird at different timepoints, our study indicates that time influences phenotypic antibiotic resistance during rehabilitation. Antibiotic use, variety of food items, and bird health outcome also influence antibiotic resistance patterns, suggesting that this is a complex but relevant topic for study.
{"title":"Patterns of antibiotic resistance in Southeastern US raptors before and after rehabilitation.","authors":"Leigha M Stahl, Stephanie Kadletz, Julie B Olson","doi":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102388","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102388","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Antibiotic resistance is an increasing issue that affects human and animal health. Birds can serve as reservoirs of antibiotic resistant bacteria, which combined with their ability to fly, increases the risk of disseminating resistant bacteria. To assess antibiotic resistance patterns, bacteria were isolated from fecal samples collected from raptors, defined as birds of prey, admitted to a raptor rehabilitation center. A total of 389 isolates from the Enterobacteriaceae family were recovered from 61 raptors, and each isolate was subjected to phenotypic susceptibility tests for nine antibiotics. Resistant phenotypes were recorded, and the highest levels were observed when isolates were exposed to tetracycline (71/389 isolates; 18.3 %), ampicillin (35/389 isolates; 9.0 %), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (21/389 isolates; 5.4 %), and trimethoprim (19/389 isolates; 4.9 %) via the disk diffusion method. Of the resistant isolates, 31.6 % displayed resistance to two or more antibiotics within the same isolate and 6.3 % displayed multidrug resistance; the greatest amount of multidrug resistance was observed in Escherichia coli and Enterobacter hormaechei isolates, some due to intrinsic resistance for En. hormaechei. Birds slated for release maintained similar antibiotic resistance profiles compared to intake. Conversely, non-releasable birds harbored different types of antibiotic resistance. Based on logistic regression for 374 isolates and a subset of isolates collected from the same bird at different timepoints, our study indicates that time influences phenotypic antibiotic resistance during rehabilitation. Antibiotic use, variety of food items, and bird health outcome also influence antibiotic resistance patterns, suggesting that this is a complex but relevant topic for study.</p>","PeriodicalId":50999,"journal":{"name":"Comparative Immunology Microbiology and Infectious Diseases","volume":"123 ","pages":"102388"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144812626","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 : 2025-10-27DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102421
Amal Semmar , Djamel Bendjoudi , Bilal Dik , Faiza Marniche , Haroun Chenchouni
The Columbidae are widely distributed in Algeria and play important ecological and cultural roles. However, they are also recognized as hosts of diverse ectoparasite communities that may affect bird health and act as potential reservoirs of zoonotic pathogens. Despite this importance, knowledge about the diversity, distribution of ectoparasites associated with columbids in Algeria remains fragmentary. This study aimed to provide a complete inventory of ectoparasites infesting domestic and wild columbids in northern Algeria, specifically to (i) assess the species richness of ectoparasites across hosts (ii) identify potential host-specific infestation patterns and (iii) report new records that extend the known geographic distribution of ectoparasitic taxa. Fieldwork was conducted between 2020 and 2023 in three regions of northern Algeria (Blida, Algiers, Tipaza). A total of 133 individuals from six columbid species were examined using standardized capture, handling, and parasite collection protocols. Ectoparasites identified through morphological keys under stereomicroscopy, supplemented by taxonomic descriptions from the literature. A total of 11,294 ectoparasites were recovered, belonging to 16 species across different groups: 13 lice (Phthiraptera), one mite (Acarina), one tick (Ixodida), and one fly (Diptera). Notably, three lice (Colpocephalum turbinatum, Bonomeilla columbae, and Coloceras hilli) were recorded for the first time in Algeria, while Columbicola joudiae was documented for only the second time worldwide and the first time in the country. Lice were the most abundant and showed clear host specificity across columbid species. The mite Falculifer sp., the tick Argas reflexus, and the fly Pseudolychia canariensis were less frequent but indicate a broad spectrum of ectoparasitic taxa infesting columbids. This study offers the first comprehensive overview of columbid ectoparasites in Algeria, revealing high diversity and new records. It emphasizes their ecological and veterinary significance, and calls for further molecular and ecological studies on host–parasite interactions and pathogen transmission.
{"title":"Ectoparasite prevalence and new records of bird lice (Insecta: Phthiraptera) in dove and pigeon species (Aves: Columbidae) in Algeria","authors":"Amal Semmar , Djamel Bendjoudi , Bilal Dik , Faiza Marniche , Haroun Chenchouni","doi":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102421","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102421","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Columbidae are widely distributed in Algeria and play important ecological and cultural roles. However, they are also recognized as hosts of diverse ectoparasite communities that may affect bird health and act as potential reservoirs of zoonotic pathogens. Despite this importance, knowledge about the diversity, distribution of ectoparasites associated with columbids in Algeria remains fragmentary. This study aimed to provide a complete inventory of ectoparasites infesting domestic and wild columbids in northern Algeria, specifically to (i) assess the species richness of ectoparasites across hosts (ii) identify potential host-specific infestation patterns and (iii) report new records that extend the known geographic distribution of ectoparasitic taxa. Fieldwork was conducted between 2020 and 2023 in three regions of northern Algeria (Blida, Algiers, Tipaza). A total of 133 individuals from six columbid species were examined using standardized capture, handling, and parasite collection protocols. Ectoparasites identified through morphological keys under stereomicroscopy, supplemented by taxonomic descriptions from the literature. A total of 11,294 ectoparasites were recovered, belonging to 16 species across different groups: 13 lice (Phthiraptera), one mite (Acarina), one tick (Ixodida), and one fly (Diptera). Notably, three lice (<em>Colpocephalum turbinatum</em>, <em>Bonomeilla columbae</em>, and <em>Coloceras hilli</em>) were recorded for the first time in Algeria, while <em>Columbicola joudiae</em> was documented for only the second time worldwide and the first time in the country. Lice were the most abundant and showed clear host specificity across columbid species. The mite <em>Falculifer</em> sp., the tick <em>Argas reflexus</em>, and the fly <em>Pseudolychia canariensis</em> were less frequent but indicate a broad spectrum of ectoparasitic taxa infesting columbids. This study offers the first comprehensive overview of columbid ectoparasites in Algeria, revealing high diversity and new records. It emphasizes their ecological and veterinary significance, and calls for further molecular and ecological studies on host–parasite interactions and pathogen transmission.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50999,"journal":{"name":"Comparative Immunology Microbiology and Infectious Diseases","volume":"124 ","pages":"Article 102421"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145417036","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 : 2025-10-24DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102419
Jia Yang , Rui Mei , Kangyixin Sun , Fuqiang Xu , Fan Jia
Feline Herpesvirus-1 is a major pathogen that causes feline viral rhinotracheitis, pneumonia, and ocular diseases. This virus is transmitted through direct or indirect contact with secretions from infected cats. Approximately 80 % of infected cats establish lifelong latent infections, making FHV-1 a persistent and significant threat to feline health. Current control strategies mainly rely on antiviral medications and vaccines to mitigate disease severity and reduce viral transmission. However, the extent to which individual cats can develop protective immunity following FHV-1 infection or vaccination remains unclear. Therefore, in this study, a double-reporter FHV-1 was employed to detect neutralizing antibody titers in serum samples collected from 89 domestic cats. The results revealed that 93.75 % of unvaccinated cats exhibited a positive FHV-1-neutralizing antibody, whereas 82.19 % of the cats in the vaccinated group lacked detectable neutralizing antibodies, indicating individual variation in immune responses. Subsequent correlation analyses within the vaccinated group demonstrated that cats aged 3–12 months and aged ≥ 12 months were 11.32-fold and 9.22-fold more likely to exhibit viral suppression compared to those aged ≤ 3 months, respectively. These findings suggest that FHV-1 has a high natural infection rate, and vaccination can enhance the levels of neutralizing antibodies, although vaccine effectiveness varies among individuals. Therefore, the development of diverse vaccine formulations and the implementation of routine serological screening are crucial for disease control.
{"title":"Detection of neutralizing antibody to Feline herpesvirus type 1 in cat serum","authors":"Jia Yang , Rui Mei , Kangyixin Sun , Fuqiang Xu , Fan Jia","doi":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102419","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102419","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Feline Herpesvirus-1 is a major pathogen that causes feline viral rhinotracheitis, pneumonia, and ocular diseases. This virus is transmitted through direct or indirect contact with secretions from infected cats. Approximately 80 % of infected cats establish lifelong latent infections, making FHV-1 a persistent and significant threat to feline health. Current control strategies mainly rely on antiviral medications and vaccines to mitigate disease severity and reduce viral transmission. However, the extent to which individual cats can develop protective immunity following FHV-1 infection or vaccination remains unclear. Therefore, in this study, a double-reporter FHV-1 was employed to detect neutralizing antibody titers in serum samples collected from 89 domestic cats. The results revealed that 93.75 % of unvaccinated cats exhibited a positive FHV-1-neutralizing antibody, whereas 82.19 % of the cats in the vaccinated group lacked detectable neutralizing antibodies, indicating individual variation in immune responses. Subsequent correlation analyses within the vaccinated group demonstrated that cats aged 3–12 months and aged ≥ 12 months were 11.32-fold and 9.22-fold more likely to exhibit viral suppression compared to those aged ≤ 3 months, respectively. These findings suggest that FHV-1 has a high natural infection rate, and vaccination can enhance the levels of neutralizing antibodies, although vaccine effectiveness varies among individuals. Therefore, the development of diverse vaccine formulations and the implementation of routine serological screening are crucial for disease control.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50999,"journal":{"name":"Comparative Immunology Microbiology and Infectious Diseases","volume":"124 ","pages":"Article 102419"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145363056","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 : 2025-10-23DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102420
José Salcedo-Jiménez , Yazmín Alcala-Canto , Ernestina Valadez-Moctezuma , Juan José Pérez-Rivero
Leptospirosis, a globally important zoonosis, poses a significant health risk to both human and animal populations. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of Leptospira spp. in feral and domestic dogs in Texcoco, Mexico, and to model the disease's transmission dynamics. We tested 349 asymptomatic dogs using the Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT) for antibodies against multiple serovars. To simulate disease spread, we developed a Susceptible–Exposed–Infectious–Chronic–Recovered–Deceased (S-E-I-C-R-D) compartmental model, simulating transmission over 365 days. Overall seropositivity was 51 % (178/349), with a higher prevalence in feral dogs (55.3 %) and in non-vaccinated animals. The most frequent serovars were L. canicola (79.7 %) and L. bratislava (45.6 %). The model projected sustained transmission within the feral dog population, with prevalence peaking and stabilizing at a high level. This finding, with a simulated prevalence that approached 98 %, suggests that chronic carriers and constant environmental exposure could drive high pathogen circulation. Domestic dogs, while showing a lower simulated prevalence, likely contribute to the pathogen's persistent circulation. The combination of high field seroprevalence and model-based findings underscores that leptospirosis remains a significant public health concern in Texcoco, highlighting the urgent need for integrated control strategies that include vaccination, rodent management, and community education, aligned with a One Health approach that links animal, human, and environmental health.
{"title":"Modeling and field-derived insights into canine leptospirosis in feral and domestic dogs of Texcoco, Mexico: A One Health approach","authors":"José Salcedo-Jiménez , Yazmín Alcala-Canto , Ernestina Valadez-Moctezuma , Juan José Pérez-Rivero","doi":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102420","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102420","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Leptospirosis, a globally important zoonosis, poses a significant health risk to both human and animal populations. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of <em>Leptospira</em> spp. in feral and domestic dogs in Texcoco, Mexico, and to model the disease's transmission dynamics. We tested 349 asymptomatic dogs using the Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT) for antibodies against multiple serovars. To simulate disease spread, we developed a Susceptible–Exposed–Infectious–Chronic–Recovered–Deceased (S-E-I-C-R-D) compartmental model, simulating transmission over 365 days. Overall seropositivity was 51 % (178/349), with a higher prevalence in feral dogs (55.3 %) and in non-vaccinated animals. The most frequent serovars were <em>L. canicola</em> (79.7 %) and <em>L. bratislava</em> (45.6 %). The model projected sustained transmission within the feral dog population, with prevalence peaking and stabilizing at a high level. This finding, with a simulated prevalence that approached 98 %, suggests that chronic carriers and constant environmental exposure could drive high pathogen circulation. Domestic dogs, while showing a lower simulated prevalence, likely contribute to the pathogen's persistent circulation. The combination of high field seroprevalence and model-based findings underscores that leptospirosis remains a significant public health concern in Texcoco, highlighting the urgent need for integrated control strategies that include vaccination, rodent management, and community education, aligned with a One Health approach that links animal, human, and environmental health.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50999,"journal":{"name":"Comparative Immunology Microbiology and Infectious Diseases","volume":"124 ","pages":"Article 102420"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145394988","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 : 2025-10-22DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102418
Christine Griebsch, Nicolle Kirkwood, Michael P. Ward, Jacqueline M. Norris
Using microscopic agglutination test (MAT), a single titre ≥ 1/800 in dogs unvaccinated against leptospirosis is considered suggestive of infection. The emergence of canine leptospirosis in Sydney, Australia, led to considerable vaccination uptake with monovalent Leptospira interrogans serovar Copenhageni, yet the humoral response post-vaccination has not been described. Aims were to characterise magnitude and duration of humoral response post-vaccination with serovar Copenhageni (Protech®C2i, Boehringer Ingelheim, Australia) in healthy dogs to assess potential effects on diagnosis. Serial MAT testing (24 serovars) was performed before and after annual booster vaccination (group 1, n = 13) and primary vaccination (group 2, n = 14). Serum was collected before and 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 26, 39 and 52 weeks post-vaccination. Antibodies against serovar Copenhageni developed in 62 % (8/13) in group 1 (highest titre 1/100) and 71 % (10/14) in group 2 (highest titre 1/400). Antibodies developed against seven other serovars both from the same and from multiple different serogroups and exceeded titres to Copenhageni in 33 %. In group 2, titres reached 1/800 in weeks 1 and 2 post-vaccination (serovar Bratislava). One dog (group 1) developed antibodies to Bratislava but not Copenhageni. Four in group 1 (31 %) and group 2 (29 %) had no antibody response detected. There was no association between vaccination history and seroconversion, however response was more pronounced after primary vaccination. Most (group 1, 77 % (10/13); group 2, 71 % (10/14)) had no antibodies by week 12. Vaccination elicited a weak, short humoral response, unlikely to interfere with diagnosis, except within two weeks of completing a primary vaccination course.
{"title":"Vaccination with monovalent Leptospira interrogans serovar Copenhageni and its implication for the diagnosis of natural infection in dogs","authors":"Christine Griebsch, Nicolle Kirkwood, Michael P. Ward, Jacqueline M. Norris","doi":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102418","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102418","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Using microscopic agglutination test (MAT), a single titre ≥ 1/800 in dogs unvaccinated against leptospirosis is considered suggestive of infection. The emergence of canine leptospirosis in Sydney, Australia, led to considerable vaccination uptake with monovalent <em>Leptospira interrogans</em> serovar Copenhageni, yet the humoral response post-vaccination has not been described. Aims were to characterise magnitude and duration of humoral response post-vaccination with serovar Copenhageni (Protech®C2i, Boehringer Ingelheim, Australia) in healthy dogs to assess potential effects on diagnosis. Serial MAT testing (24 serovars) was performed before and after annual booster vaccination (group 1, n = 13) and primary vaccination (group 2, n = 14). Serum was collected before and 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 26, 39 and 52 weeks post-vaccination. Antibodies against serovar Copenhageni developed in 62 % (8/13) in group 1 (highest titre 1/100) and 71 % (10/14) in group 2 (highest titre 1/400). Antibodies developed against seven other serovars both from the same and from multiple different serogroups and exceeded titres to Copenhageni in 33 %. In group 2, titres reached 1/800 in weeks 1 and 2 post-vaccination (serovar Bratislava). One dog (group 1) developed antibodies to Bratislava but not Copenhageni. Four in group 1 (31 %) and group 2 (29 %) had no antibody response detected. There was no association between vaccination history and seroconversion, however response was more pronounced after primary vaccination. Most (group 1, 77 % (10/13); group 2, 71 % (10/14)) had no antibodies by week 12. Vaccination elicited a weak, short humoral response, unlikely to interfere with diagnosis, except within two weeks of completing a primary vaccination course.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50999,"journal":{"name":"Comparative Immunology Microbiology and Infectious Diseases","volume":"124 ","pages":"Article 102418"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145395039","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 : 2025-10-10DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102409
Valdir Vieira da Silva , Wanessa Ingrid de Albuquerque Paiva , Magadyel Matias Moura de Melo , Isabelle Valente Neves , Samy Bianchini , Denny Parente de Sá Barreto Maia Leite , Jonatas Campos de Almeida , José Wilton Pinheiro-Junior , Pollyanne Raysa Fernandes de Oliveira , Rinaldo Aparecido Mota
Glanders is a zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium Burkholderia mallei, affecting equids and posing a public health risk. In Brazil, the disease remains endemic in several regions, particularly in the Northeast. This study aimed to analyze the spatiotemporal distribution of glanders cases and the risk of infection in equines in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil, between 2020 and 2024. Official data on confirmed glanders cases in equines from all 185 municipalities of Pernambuco were used. Incidence risk (IR), global and local spatial autocorrelation (Moran's Index), Kernel density analysis, and space-time cluster identification using SaTScan™ software were applied. A total of 120 glanders cases were reported across 43 municipalities, with the highest concentration in the Metropolitan, Agreste, and Zona da Mata mesoregions. The year 2022 showed the highest number of cases (38) and the highest IR (2.87 per 10,000 equines). Spatial analysis revealed a positive autocorrelation (I = 0.023; p = 0.005), with high/high risk patterns in the municipalities of Olinda, Paulista, Camocim de São Félix, and Sairé. Cluster analysis identified primary high-risk clusters in Olinda under both retrospective (RR = 582.77) and prospective (RR = 299.80) approaches. It is concluded that glanders displays a heterogeneous and regionalized distribution in the state, with critical transmission areas. The results underscore the importance of integrated and targeted surveillance for the prevention and control of the disease in endemic and border areas.
腺病是一种由马氏伯克霍尔德菌引起的人畜共患疾病，影响马科动物并构成公共卫生风险。在巴西，该病仍在几个地区流行，特别是在东北部。本研究旨在分析2020年至2024年巴西伯南布哥州马腺病例的时空分布和感染风险。使用了伯南布哥所有185个市的马中确认的腺病病例的官方数据。应用发生率风险（IR）、全局和局部空间自相关（Moran’s Index）、核密度分析和时空聚类识别（SaTScan™软件）。43个城市共报告了120例鼻炎病例，其中最集中在大都会、阿格勒斯蒂和中区。2022年的病例数最多（38例），IR最高（每万匹马2.87例）。空间分析显示出正自相关（I = 0.023; p = 0.005），在Olinda、Paulista、Camocim de sade o f和sair市存在高/高风险模式。聚类分析通过回顾性（RR = 582.77）和前瞻性（RR = 299.80）方法确定了Olinda的主要高危聚类。结果表明，该州的腺病毒呈异质性和区域化分布，存在关键传播区。结果强调了在流行地区和边境地区进行综合和有针对性的监测以预防和控制该病的重要性。
{"title":"Geospatial distribution of Glanders in a tropical area of northeastern Brazil: A retrospective spatial and spatiotemporal approach (2020–2024)","authors":"Valdir Vieira da Silva , Wanessa Ingrid de Albuquerque Paiva , Magadyel Matias Moura de Melo , Isabelle Valente Neves , Samy Bianchini , Denny Parente de Sá Barreto Maia Leite , Jonatas Campos de Almeida , José Wilton Pinheiro-Junior , Pollyanne Raysa Fernandes de Oliveira , Rinaldo Aparecido Mota","doi":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102409","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102409","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Glanders is a zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium <em>Burkholderia mallei</em>, affecting equids and posing a public health risk. In Brazil, the disease remains endemic in several regions, particularly in the Northeast. This study aimed to analyze the spatiotemporal distribution of glanders cases and the risk of infection in equines in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil, between 2020 and 2024. Official data on confirmed glanders cases in equines from all 185 municipalities of Pernambuco were used. Incidence risk (IR), global and local spatial autocorrelation (Moran's Index), Kernel density analysis, and space-time cluster identification using SaTScan™ software were applied. A total of 120 glanders cases were reported across 43 municipalities, with the highest concentration in the Metropolitan, Agreste, and Zona da Mata mesoregions. The year 2022 showed the highest number of cases (38) and the highest IR (2.87 per 10,000 equines). Spatial analysis revealed a positive autocorrelation (I = 0.023; p = 0.005), with high/high risk patterns in the municipalities of Olinda, Paulista, Camocim de São Félix, and Sairé. Cluster analysis identified primary high-risk clusters in Olinda under both retrospective (RR = 582.77) and prospective (RR = 299.80) approaches. It is concluded that glanders displays a heterogeneous and regionalized distribution in the state, with critical transmission areas. The results underscore the importance of integrated and targeted surveillance for the prevention and control of the disease in endemic and border areas.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50999,"journal":{"name":"Comparative Immunology Microbiology and Infectious Diseases","volume":"124 ","pages":"Article 102409"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145321319","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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