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}
Pub Date : 2025-10-07DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102407
Hakan Aydin , Mehmet Ozkan Timurkan , Osman Aktas
Pigs are considered the main reservoir of the zoonotic Hepatitis E virus (HEV) world-wide. However, in countries where there is no pork industry or pork consumption, the adaptation of zoonotic HEV (genotype 3) to different species has remained a controversial issue. The objective of our study was to investigate wild rodents as a potential new reservoir or host animal for the transmission of HEV to humans. In this study, HEV RNA was investigated in liver, lung, and spleen samples from 391 rodents of the genus Microtus collected from areas close to rural settlements and in blood samples taken from 50 anti-HEV IgG/IgM-positive individuals living in these regions. Sequence analyses and molecular characterizations of the HEV strains identified in both species were performed and phylogenetic trees were constructed. HEV RNA was detected in 8 of 50 human blood samples (16 %) and 6 of 391 rodents (1.5 %). When compared with the reference sequences obtained from NCBI, our rodent and human HEV strains were found to be genotype 3. It was determined that the rodent and human HEV sequences obtained from our study were 97.6–98.6 % identical. Reference rodent HEV strains formed a separate phylogenetic branch from the study strains and clustered within the Rocahepevirus group. Our study has shown that wild small mammals may play a role in the epidemiology of zoonotic HEV infection and therefore should be considered as potential reservoirs of the disease. Multidisciplinary collaboration (“One Health” approach) is required for the surveillance and control of HEV infection which threatens the public health.
{"title":"The changing reservoir of the zoonotic Hepatitis E virus in Türkiye: A novel potential threat to public health?","authors":"Hakan Aydin , Mehmet Ozkan Timurkan , Osman Aktas","doi":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102407","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102407","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Pigs are considered the main reservoir of the zoonotic Hepatitis E virus (HEV) world-wide. However, in countries where there is no pork industry or pork consumption, the adaptation of zoonotic HEV (genotype 3) to different species has remained a controversial issue. The objective of our study was to investigate wild rodents as a potential new reservoir or host animal for the transmission of HEV to humans. In this study, HEV RNA was investigated in liver, lung, and spleen samples from 391 rodents of the genus <em>Microtus</em> collected from areas close to rural settlements and in blood samples taken from 50 anti-HEV IgG/IgM-positive individuals living in these regions. Sequence analyses and molecular characterizations of the HEV strains identified in both species were performed and phylogenetic trees were constructed. HEV RNA was detected in 8 of 50 human blood samples (16 %) and 6 of 391 rodents (1.5 %). When compared with the reference sequences obtained from NCBI, our rodent and human HEV strains were found to be genotype 3. It was determined that the rodent and human HEV sequences obtained from our study were 97.6–98.6 % identical. Reference rodent HEV strains formed a separate phylogenetic branch from the study strains and clustered within the Rocahepevirus group. Our study has shown that wild small mammals may play a role in the epidemiology of zoonotic HEV infection and therefore should be considered as potential reservoirs of the disease. Multidisciplinary collaboration (“One Health” approach) is required for the surveillance and control of HEV infection which threatens the public health.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50999,"journal":{"name":"Comparative Immunology Microbiology and Infectious Diseases","volume":"124 ","pages":"Article 102407"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145253260","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 : 2025-10-06DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102408
Nabila Boukhalfa , Mohamed Douifi
Chlamydia abortus is a zoonotic pathogen responsible for enzootic abortion in sheep and goats, posing a significant threat to both livestock productivity and public health. In order to assess the prevalence of Chlamydia abortus and associated risk factors in the small ruminant population, a cross-sectional study was conducted between January 2023 and December 2024 across four provinces in north-central Algeria (Medea, Blida, Aïn Defla, and Djelfa). A total of 896 sheep and goats from 96 herds were tested using an indirect ELISA targeting anti-C. abortus IgG antibodies. The prevalence at the herd level and the individual level was 84.4 % and 30.4 %, respectively. Mixed-species herds showed the highest herd-level prevalence (87.8 %), followed by sheep (82.8 %) and goat herds (77.8 %). Transhumant herds (91.4 %) and those with reproductive losses (90.5 %) exhibited elevated prevalence rates, although the differences were not statistically significant. In contrast, large herds (>100 head) had significantly higher infection rates (95.2 %). At the individual level, females had a higher, though non-significant, prevalence than males (31.8 % vs. 25.3 %). Animals older than four years and females with reproductive disorders exhibited the highest seroprevalence rates (38.2 % and 60.0 %, respectively), both associations being statistically significant. The province of Djelfa emerged as the most affected province, with the highest herd-level (91.4 %) and individual-level (36.5 %) prevalence. These findings confirm the endemicity of Chlamydia abortus in north-central Algeria and call for improved surveillance and prevention.
{"title":"Prevalence and risk factors of Chlamydia abortus infection in small ruminants from North-Central Algeria","authors":"Nabila Boukhalfa , Mohamed Douifi","doi":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102408","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102408","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Chlamydia abortus</em> is a zoonotic pathogen responsible for enzootic abortion in sheep and goats, posing a significant threat to both livestock productivity and public health. In order to assess the prevalence of <em>Chlamydia abortus</em> and associated risk factors in the small ruminant population, a cross-sectional study was conducted between January 2023 and December 2024 across four provinces in north-central Algeria (Medea, Blida, Aïn Defla, and Djelfa). A total of 896 sheep and goats from 96 herds were tested using an indirect ELISA targeting anti-<em>C. abortus</em> IgG antibodies. The prevalence at the herd level and the individual level was 84.4 % and 30.4 %, respectively. Mixed-species herds showed the highest herd-level prevalence (87.8 %), followed by sheep (82.8 %) and goat herds (77.8 %). Transhumant herds (91.4 %) and those with reproductive losses (90.5 %) exhibited elevated prevalence rates, although the differences were not statistically significant. In contrast, large herds (>100 head) had significantly higher infection rates (95.2 %). At the individual level, females had a higher, though non-significant, prevalence than males (31.8 % vs. 25.3 %). Animals older than four years and females with reproductive disorders exhibited the highest seroprevalence rates (38.2 % and 60.0 %, respectively), both associations being statistically significant. The province of Djelfa emerged as the most affected province, with the highest herd-level (91.4 %) and individual-level (36.5 %) prevalence. These findings confirm the endemicity of <em>Chlamydia abortus</em> in north-central Algeria and call for improved surveillance and prevention.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50999,"journal":{"name":"Comparative Immunology Microbiology and Infectious Diseases","volume":"124 ","pages":"Article 102408"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145259893","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 : 2025-10-02DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102406
Sherin R. Rouby , Mohamed Mahmoud Abdel-Rahim , Amira M. Mazeed , Mohamed A. Bakry , Shawky M. Aboelhadid
The present study aims to describe an outbreak of canine brucellosis in a dog shelter on serological and molecular bases. The infected dogs exhibited testicular enlargement, epididymitis, prostatitis, and orchitis. All dogs were serotested for brucellosis using Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT), and buffered acidified antigen plate test (BAAPT). Serum samples and whole blood of serologically positive dogs were subjected to conventional, species-specific real-time, and multiplex PCRs to identify the circulating Brucellae on genus, species, and biovar levels, respectively. Positive results from serological tests confirm the presence of smooth brucellae. The overall seroprevalence of Brucella antibodies was 56.7 % as detected by RBPT and BAAPT. Molecular identification using primer sequences targeting the Immunodominant antigen, gene bp26 confirmed Brucella on the genus level. Results of species-specific real-time PCRs confirm the presence of B. melitensis DNA in blood sera of dogs. Multiplex PCR has amplified three fragments of 587 bp, 1071 bp, and 1682 bp characteristic for B. melitensis biovar 3. Trace investigation revealed that the dog's raw meat diet was the most likely source of infection.
{"title":"A common source outbreak of Brucella melitensis infection in male dogs: Serological and molecular investigation","authors":"Sherin R. Rouby , Mohamed Mahmoud Abdel-Rahim , Amira M. Mazeed , Mohamed A. Bakry , Shawky M. Aboelhadid","doi":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102406","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102406","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The present study aims to describe an outbreak of canine brucellosis in a dog shelter on serological and molecular bases<em>.</em> The infected dogs exhibited testicular enlargement, epididymitis, prostatitis, and orchitis. All dogs were serotested for brucellosis using Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT), and buffered acidified antigen plate test (BAAPT). Serum samples and whole blood of serologically positive dogs were subjected to conventional, species-specific real-time, and multiplex PCRs to identify the circulating <em>Brucellae</em> on genus, species, and biovar levels, respectively. Positive results from serological tests confirm the presence of smooth <em>brucellae</em>. The overall seroprevalence of <em>Brucella</em> antibodies was 56.7 % as detected by RBPT and BAAPT. Molecular identification using primer sequences targeting the Immunodominant antigen, gene bp26 confirmed <em>Brucella</em> on the genus level. Results of species-specific real-time PCRs confirm the presence of <em>B. melitensis</em> DNA in blood sera of dogs. Multiplex PCR has amplified three fragments of 587 bp, 1071 bp, and 1682 bp characteristic for <em>B. melitensis</em> biovar 3. Trace investigation revealed that the dog's raw meat diet was the most likely source of infection.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50999,"journal":{"name":"Comparative Immunology Microbiology and Infectious Diseases","volume":"124 ","pages":"Article 102406"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145221997","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 : 2025-10-01DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102405
Anna Morea , Paolo Trerotoli , Angela Stufano , Valentina Schino , Giorgio Di Leone , Isabella Intino , Francesca Indraccolo , Mariaelisa Carbonara , Giacomo Guido , Francesco Di Gennaro , Annalisa Saracino , Domenico Otranto , Filipe Dantas-Torres , Piero Lovreglio , Roberta Iatta
Q fever, a zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii, occurs in acute or chronic forms in humans. Diagnosing acute and chronic Q fever relies mainly on detecting antibody titers against phase II and I antigens by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT), the reference standard test. This study assessed the seroprevalence of anti-Coxiella burnetii antibodies by IFAT in 269 high occupational-risk workers along with the accuracy of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and a chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA), routinely used in diagnostic laboratories, compared to IFAT, in detecting both IgM and IgG against phase II and I antigens. The overall seroprevalence in the screened population detected by IFAT was 55 %, including one case with phase I IgG titer > 1:1024 (possible chronic form) and three cases with phase II IgG titers > 1:128 (possible acute form). The seroprevalence recorded by the three tests varied from 36.8 % (IFAT) to 57.2 % (CLIA), up to 78.1 % (ELISA) for phase II IgG. Similarly, phase II IgM and phase I IgG were detected in 3 % and 22.7 % by IFAT and 27.9 % and 39 % by ELISA. ELISA presented high sensitivity (100 % and 96 %) and negative predictive value (100 % and 93.2 %) in detecting phase II IgM and IgG, respectively. Conversely, ELISA and CLIA presented the lowest specificity (i.e., 32.4 % and 55.3 %, respectively) in detecting phase II IgG. These findings suggest that the results of ELISA and CLIA should be confirmed by IFAT, being useful in discriminating between acute, chronic, and past disease, when risk factors (e.g., employment in high-risk occupations) and/or clinical signs for Q fever are suspected.
{"title":"Toward assessing serodiagnosis of Q fever in high occupational-risk workers","authors":"Anna Morea , Paolo Trerotoli , Angela Stufano , Valentina Schino , Giorgio Di Leone , Isabella Intino , Francesca Indraccolo , Mariaelisa Carbonara , Giacomo Guido , Francesco Di Gennaro , Annalisa Saracino , Domenico Otranto , Filipe Dantas-Torres , Piero Lovreglio , Roberta Iatta","doi":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102405","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102405","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Q fever, a zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium <em>Coxiella burnetii</em>, occurs in acute or chronic forms in humans. Diagnosing acute and chronic Q fever relies mainly on detecting antibody titers against phase II and I antigens by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT), the reference standard test. This study assessed the seroprevalence of anti-<em>Coxiella burnetii</em> antibodies by IFAT in 269 high occupational-risk workers along with the accuracy of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and a chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA), routinely used in diagnostic laboratories, compared to IFAT, in detecting both IgM and IgG against phase II and I antigens. The overall seroprevalence in the screened population detected by IFAT was 55 %, including one case with phase I IgG titer > 1:1024 (possible chronic form) and three cases with phase II IgG titers <u>></u> 1:128 (possible acute form). The seroprevalence recorded by the three tests varied from 36.8 % (IFAT) to 57.2 % (CLIA), up to 78.1 % (ELISA) for phase II IgG. Similarly, phase II IgM and phase I IgG were detected in 3 % and 22.7 % by IFAT and 27.9 % and 39 % by ELISA. ELISA presented high sensitivity (100 % and 96 %) and negative predictive value (100 % and 93.2 %) in detecting phase II IgM and IgG, respectively. Conversely, ELISA and CLIA presented the lowest specificity (i.e., 32.4 % and 55.3 %, respectively) in detecting phase II IgG. These findings suggest that the results of ELISA and CLIA should be confirmed by IFAT, being useful in discriminating between acute, chronic, and past disease, when risk factors (e.g., employment in high-risk occupations) and/or clinical signs for Q fever are suspected.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50999,"journal":{"name":"Comparative Immunology Microbiology and Infectious Diseases","volume":"124 ","pages":"Article 102405"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145221996","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 : 2025-09-20DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102404
Javier Millán , Paula Santibáñez , Luis Vicente Monteagudo , Sofia M. Soares , Alberto Israel , Ruth Rodríguez-Pastor
Urbanization profoundly alters natural habitats, creating environments where adaptable species such as bats thrive. In developed countries, cities may act as hotspots for pathogen transmission from bats to humans, yet urban bat pathogens remain understudied in Europe. This study examined vector-borne and zoonotic bacteria and protozoa in soprano (Pipistrellus pygmaeus, PPY) and Kuhl’s pipistrelles (Pipistrellus kuhlii, PKU) inhabiting Zaragoza, Spain. A total of 213 bats (143 urban, 70 rural; including 7 recaptures) were live-trapped between 2022 and 2024, and blood samples were collected. Initial screening of 77 individuals for Anaplasmataceae, Bartonella, Borrelia, hemotropic Mycoplasma (hemoplasmas), and Leishmania revealed hemoplasmas as the only haemopathogens present. Sequencing of a 330-bp 16S rRNA fragment confirmed infection, which was subsequently assessed in the full sample. Overall, ten bats (4.69 %) tested positive: eight PPY (two rural, six urban) and two PKU (one rural, one urban). Two hemoplasma genotypes were identified. The first, detected in both species across habitats, showed similarity to sequences from bats in Germany and Chile. The second, found in PPY from both environments, clustered closely with the human hemolytic pathogen Candidatus Mycoplasma haematohominis. Extended 16S rRNA (∼ 1400 bp) and 23S rRNA (∼ 1100 bp) sequences were obtained only for the first genotype, which phylogenetic analyses indicated represents a novel species. Since both samples had 99.8–100 % sequence identity across markers, we propose naming it Candidatus Mycoplasma haematopipistrellus sp. nov. Despite the low pathogen diversity observed, results highlight bats as potential ecological bridges for hemoplasma transmission between rural and urban environments.
{"title":"Molecular screening for blood pathogens in synanthropic Pipistrellus bats in Spain reveals novel and human-related hemoplasmas","authors":"Javier Millán , Paula Santibáñez , Luis Vicente Monteagudo , Sofia M. Soares , Alberto Israel , Ruth Rodríguez-Pastor","doi":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102404","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102404","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Urbanization profoundly alters natural habitats, creating environments where adaptable species such as bats thrive. In developed countries, cities may act as hotspots for pathogen transmission from bats to humans, yet urban bat pathogens remain understudied in Europe. This study examined vector-borne and zoonotic bacteria and protozoa in soprano (<em>Pipistrellus pygmaeus</em>, PPY) and Kuhl’s pipistrelles (<em>Pipistrellus kuhlii</em>, PKU) inhabiting Zaragoza, Spain. A total of 213 bats (143 urban, 70 rural; including 7 recaptures) were live-trapped between 2022 and 2024, and blood samples were collected. Initial screening of 77 individuals for Anaplasmataceae, <em>Bartonella</em>, <em>Borrelia</em>, hemotropic <em>Mycoplasma</em> (hemoplasmas), and <em>Leishmania</em> revealed hemoplasmas as the only haemopathogens present. Sequencing of a 330-bp 16S rRNA fragment confirmed infection, which was subsequently assessed in the full sample. Overall, ten bats (4.69 %) tested positive: eight PPY (two rural, six urban) and two PKU (one rural, one urban). Two hemoplasma genotypes were identified. The first, detected in both species across habitats, showed similarity to sequences from bats in Germany and Chile. The second, found in PPY from both environments, clustered closely with the human hemolytic pathogen <em>Candidatus</em> Mycoplasma haematohominis. Extended 16S rRNA (∼ 1400 bp) and 23S rRNA (∼ 1100 bp) sequences were obtained only for the first genotype, which phylogenetic analyses indicated represents a novel species. Since both samples had 99.8–100 % sequence identity across markers, we propose naming it <em>Candidatus</em> Mycoplasma haematopipistrellus sp. nov. Despite the low pathogen diversity observed, results highlight bats as potential ecological bridges for hemoplasma transmission between rural and urban environments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50999,"journal":{"name":"Comparative Immunology Microbiology and Infectious Diseases","volume":"124 ","pages":"Article 102404"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145119743","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 : 2025-09-05DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102403
Ahmed M. Soliman , Hassan Y.A.H. Mahmoud , Moaz M. Amer , Samah Mohamed , Tatsuro Hifumi , Kyoko Tsukiyama-Kohara , Tetsuya Tanaka
Ticks are important vectors of various pathogens affecting human and animal health globally. In Egypt, camels are frequently infested with Hyalomma dromedarii, yet their role in harboring and transmitting tick-borne pathogens remains poorly understood. This study aimed to molecularly detect and characterize Borrelia species in H. dromedarii ticks collected from camels in three cities in southern Egypt: Esna, Draw, and Edfu. Of 300 ticks analyzed using PCR targeting the 16S rRNA and flaB genes, 21.3 % (64/300) tested positive for Borrelia species. The highest prevalence was recorded in Edfu (37 %), followed by Draw (19 %) and Esna (13.3 %). Sequencing of the flaB gene revealed two distinct genetic groups. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that one group clustered closely with Borrelia theileri, while the second formed a distinct clade within the relapsing fever group of Borrelia species, showing sufficient genetic divergence to suggest a putative novel genotype or locally adapted strain. This clade was supported by high bootstrap values (99 %) and showed no close relation to previously described species. To our knowledge, this study represents the first detection of B. theileri in camel-associated ticks in Egypt. These findings expand the known genetic diversity of Borrelia species in North Africa and highlight the need for further studies to assess the pathogenic potential and epidemiological significance of these strains in animal and human populations.
{"title":"Molecular detection and phylogenetic characterization of Borrelia theileri and a putative novel Borrelia genotype in Hyalomma dromedarii ticks infesting camels in southern Egypt","authors":"Ahmed M. Soliman , Hassan Y.A.H. Mahmoud , Moaz M. Amer , Samah Mohamed , Tatsuro Hifumi , Kyoko Tsukiyama-Kohara , Tetsuya Tanaka","doi":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102403","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102403","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ticks are important vectors of various pathogens affecting human and animal health globally. In Egypt, camels are frequently infested with <em>Hyalomma dromedarii</em>, yet their role in harboring and transmitting tick-borne pathogens remains poorly understood. This study aimed to molecularly detect and characterize <em>Borrelia</em> species in <em>H. dromedarii</em> ticks collected from camels in three cities in southern Egypt: Esna, Draw, and Edfu. Of 300 ticks analyzed using PCR targeting the 16S rRNA and <em>flaB</em> genes, 21.3 % (64/300) tested positive for <em>Borrelia</em> species. The highest prevalence was recorded in Edfu (37 %), followed by Draw (19 %) and Esna (13.3 %). Sequencing of the <em>flaB</em> gene revealed two distinct genetic groups. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that one group clustered closely with <em>Borrelia theileri</em>, while the second formed a distinct clade within the relapsing fever group of <em>Borrelia</em> species, showing sufficient genetic divergence to suggest a putative novel genotype or locally adapted strain. This clade was supported by high bootstrap values (99 %) and showed no close relation to previously described species. To our knowledge, this study represents the first detection of <em>B. theileri</em> in camel-associated ticks in Egypt. These findings expand the known genetic diversity of <em>Borrelia</em> species in North Africa and highlight the need for further studies to assess the pathogenic potential and epidemiological significance of these strains in animal and human populations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50999,"journal":{"name":"Comparative Immunology Microbiology and Infectious Diseases","volume":"124 ","pages":"Article 102403"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145050697","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}
Feline parvovirus (FPV) is a typical carnivore parvovirus that infects felines as well as foxes, raccoons, and other animals in their natural habitats. Cats infected with FPV exhibit symptoms of leukopenia. However, there are limited literature reports on the cause. We hypothesized that leukopenia might be related to the induction of PBMCs apoptosis by FPV. In this study, we explored the effect of FPV on PBMCs by IFA, CCK-8, and qPCR. The results showed that FPV could decrease cell viability and accelerate cell apoptosis. The expression levels of Intrinsic and extrinsic cytokines were significantly increased in cultured cells, and the expression levels of Intrinsic apoptosis-related cytokines were increased in vivo PBMCs. These results indicate that FPV can induce apoptosis through both Intrinsic and extrinsic pathways in vitro, but only through Intrinsic pathways in vivo.
{"title":"FPV induces apoptosis in PBMCs through intrinsic pathways both in vivo and in vitro","authors":"Haibing Dong , Jiahui Li , Xinyue Zhang , Yongle Yu, Haiyan Yang, Chuanmei Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102402","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102402","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Feline parvovirus (FPV) is a typical carnivore parvovirus that infects felines as well as foxes, raccoons, and other animals in their natural habitats. Cats infected with FPV exhibit symptoms of leukopenia. However, there are limited literature reports on the cause. We hypothesized that leukopenia might be related to the induction of PBMCs apoptosis by FPV. In this study, we explored the effect of FPV on PBMCs by IFA, CCK-8, and qPCR. The results showed that FPV could decrease cell viability and accelerate cell apoptosis. The expression levels of Intrinsic and extrinsic cytokines were significantly increased in cultured cells, and the expression levels of Intrinsic apoptosis-related cytokines were increased in vivo PBMCs. These results indicate that FPV can induce apoptosis through both Intrinsic and extrinsic pathways in vitro, but only through Intrinsic pathways in vivo.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50999,"journal":{"name":"Comparative Immunology Microbiology and Infectious Diseases","volume":"123 ","pages":"Article 102402"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145026707","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}