Pub Date : 2025-08-20DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102397
Alejandra Núñez , Maria Sabrina de Freitas , Maria Natália de Freitas , Thaiza Fernanda da Silva , Raul Dias Bispo e Silva , Arlyson Sousa Ferreira , Maria do Carmo Aragão , Saulo Pereira Cardoso , José Nilton da Cruz , Luciano Nakazato , Arleana do Bom Parto Ferreira de Almeida , Danny Laura Gomes Fagundes Triches , Valéria Régia Franco Sousa
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a vector-borne disease which is among the six most important endemic diseases in the world. In Brazil, one of the countries with the highest number of cases, it is caused by the protozoan Leishmania infantum. In humans, VL may be associated with a rare and high-mortality syndrome known as Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis Syndrome (HLH). This syndrome, not yet described in dogs, is characterized by an exaggerated inflammatory reaction, uncontrolled and dysfunctional activation of T lymphocytes, macrophages, and natural killer (NK) cells. This study aimed to analyze the clinical and laboratory characteristics related to the occurrence of HLH and correlate them with the clinical score, parasite load and serum cytokines in dogs with VL. Of the 55 dogs with canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL), eight dogs (14.55 %) presented five criteria of the HLH. The clinical score demonstrated a weak indirect association with hemoglobin, the parasite load had a weak indirect relationship with ferritin, and a weak direct relationship with triglycerides. The cytokines IL-6 and IL-2 had an indirect relationship with bleeding time and neutrophils, respectively. These results demonstrated the occurrence of five clinical characteristics of HLH, indicating that this rare and highly fatal syndrome occurs in CVL and is correlated with a worse clinical score.
{"title":"Hemophagocytic syndrome secondary to canine visceral leishmaniasis: Relationship with clinical score, parasite load and serum cytokines","authors":"Alejandra Núñez , Maria Sabrina de Freitas , Maria Natália de Freitas , Thaiza Fernanda da Silva , Raul Dias Bispo e Silva , Arlyson Sousa Ferreira , Maria do Carmo Aragão , Saulo Pereira Cardoso , José Nilton da Cruz , Luciano Nakazato , Arleana do Bom Parto Ferreira de Almeida , Danny Laura Gomes Fagundes Triches , Valéria Régia Franco Sousa","doi":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102397","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102397","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a vector-borne disease which is among the six most important endemic diseases in the world. In Brazil, one of the countries with the highest number of cases, it is caused by the protozoan <em>Leishmania infantum</em>. In humans, VL may be associated with a rare and high-mortality syndrome known as Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis Syndrome (HLH). This syndrome, not yet described in dogs, is characterized by an exaggerated inflammatory reaction, uncontrolled and dysfunctional activation of T lymphocytes, macrophages, and natural killer (NK) cells. This study aimed to analyze the clinical and laboratory characteristics related to the occurrence of HLH and correlate them with the clinical score, parasite load and serum cytokines in dogs with VL. Of the 55 dogs with canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL), eight dogs (14.55 %) presented five criteria of the HLH. The clinical score demonstrated a weak indirect association with hemoglobin, the parasite load had a weak indirect relationship with ferritin, and a weak direct relationship with triglycerides. The cytokines IL-6 and IL-2 had an indirect relationship with bleeding time and neutrophils, respectively. These results demonstrated the occurrence of five clinical characteristics of HLH, indicating that this rare and highly fatal syndrome occurs in CVL and is correlated with a worse clinical score.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50999,"journal":{"name":"Comparative Immunology Microbiology and Infectious Diseases","volume":"123 ","pages":"Article 102397"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144885971","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}
Carbapenem resistance genes in Gram-negative bacteria (CR-GNB) are a major cause of critical infections and are considered an urgent public health concern. The present study aimed to describe the prevalence of CR-GNB and the dissemination of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) and carbapenemase genes in clinical isolates from Casablanca, Morocco. Firstly, the strains were collected and identified using phenotypic and biochemical methods, then the antibiotic susceptibility was evaluated by the disc diffusion assay to screen isolates resistant to carbapenems. Secondly, three traditional methods, the carbapenem inactivation method, the modified Hodge, and the in-house carba-NP, were performed to predict the carbapenemase production by the included strains. Finally, conventional PCR was utilized to validate and detect the carbapenemase- and ESBL-related genes. Concerning the results, out of the identified 122 strains, 48 were CR isolates, including 30 Klebsiella pneumoniae, 13 Escherichia coli, and 5 Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Furthermore, these strains presented a high level of resistance. Moreover, the prediction of carbapenemase production by the phenotypic methods showed variable results. Also, the PCR analysis revealed a high occurrence of β-lactamase (ESBL and carbapenemase) genes in the included clinical strains, and most strains harbored multiple resistance genes. Our findings suggest that the three existing methods have some limitations, and a validation study is still necessary for the carbapenemase diagnostics.
{"title":"Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of carbapenem encoding genes among carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria isolated from North Casablanca, Morocco","authors":"Fatima Mourabiti , FatimaZahra Jouga , Yasmina Mouzoun , Sinem Arslan , Rossana Schena , Yassine Zouheir , Abdelaziz Soukri , Luisa De Martino , Francesca Paola Nocera , Bouchra El Khalfi","doi":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102399","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102399","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Carbapenem resistance genes in Gram-negative bacteria (CR-GNB) are a major cause of critical infections and are considered an urgent public health concern. The present study aimed to describe the prevalence of CR-GNB and the dissemination of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) and carbapenemase genes in clinical isolates from Casablanca, Morocco. Firstly, the strains were collected and identified using phenotypic and biochemical methods, then the antibiotic susceptibility was evaluated by the disc diffusion assay to screen isolates resistant to carbapenems. Secondly, three traditional methods, the carbapenem inactivation method, the modified Hodge, and the in-house carba-NP, were performed to predict the carbapenemase production by the included strains. Finally, conventional PCR was utilized to validate and detect the carbapenemase- and ESBL-related genes. Concerning the results, out of the identified 122 strains, 48 were CR isolates, including 30 <em>Klebsiella pneumoniae</em>, 13 <em>Escherichia coli</em>, and 5 <em>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</em>. Furthermore, these strains presented a high level of resistance. Moreover, the prediction of carbapenemase production by the phenotypic methods showed variable results. Also, the PCR analysis revealed a high occurrence of β-lactamase (ESBL and carbapenemase) genes in the included clinical strains, and most strains harbored multiple resistance genes. Our findings suggest that the three existing methods have some limitations, and a validation study is still necessary for the carbapenemase diagnostics.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50999,"journal":{"name":"Comparative Immunology Microbiology and Infectious Diseases","volume":"123 ","pages":"Article 102399"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144892833","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 : 2025-08-19DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102398
Lorena Freitas das Neves , Clara Morato Dias , Anna Claudia Baumel Mongruel , Gabrielly de Oliveira Lopes , Liliane Maria do Rosario Batista , Francisco Anilton Alves Araujo , Gener Tadeu Pereira , Rosangela Zacarias Machado , Marcos Rogério André
Bartonella henselae is a significant zoonotic agent, with domestic cats serving as primary reservoirs. This study investigated the occurrence and genetic diversity of B. henselae in domestic cats from central-western Brazil, including both animals from veterinary clinics and cat blood donors. Serological, microbiological, and molecular techniques were employed. Serum samples were tested using the Indirect Fluorescence Antibody Test (IFAT) to detect anti-B. henselae IgG antibodies. Molecular detection of Bartonella spp. was performed using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) targeting the 16–23S rRNA intergenic spacer region, both directly from blood and after enrichment in Bartonella Alpha Proteobacteria Growth Medium (BAPGM). Antibodies were detected in 60.75 % of cats, while qPCR identified Bartonella spp. DNA in 32 % and 46 % of cats from veterinary clinics and blood donors, respectively. Following BAPGM enrichment, 78.2 % of previously negative samples were tested positive by qPCR. Co-positivity in serology and qPCR was observed in 25.3 % of cats. No sample tested positive in all diagnostic methods. Three B. henselae strains were isolated—two from clinic cats and one from a blood donor. Multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) revealed the presence of sequence types ST1, ST2, and ST5. This study is the first to report Bartonella in cat blood donors in South America and the first identification of ST5 in this population. Additionally, ST2 was reported for the first time in cats from the Americas. These findings highlight the potential risk of zoonotic B. henselae transmission via blood transfusion and the limited reliability of serology alone for screening blood donor cats.
{"title":"Zoonotic variants of Bartonella henselae in domesticated cats, including blood donors, in central-western Brazil","authors":"Lorena Freitas das Neves , Clara Morato Dias , Anna Claudia Baumel Mongruel , Gabrielly de Oliveira Lopes , Liliane Maria do Rosario Batista , Francisco Anilton Alves Araujo , Gener Tadeu Pereira , Rosangela Zacarias Machado , Marcos Rogério André","doi":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102398","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102398","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Bartonella henselae</em> is a significant zoonotic agent, with domestic cats serving as primary reservoirs. This study investigated the occurrence and genetic diversity of <em>B. henselae</em> in domestic cats from central-western Brazil, including both animals from veterinary clinics and cat blood donors. Serological, microbiological, and molecular techniques were employed. Serum samples were tested using the Indirect Fluorescence Antibody Test (IFAT) to detect anti-<em>B. henselae</em> IgG antibodies. Molecular detection of <em>Bartonella</em> spp. was performed using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) targeting the 16–23S rRNA intergenic spacer region, both directly from blood and after enrichment in Bartonella Alpha Proteobacteria Growth Medium (BAPGM). Antibodies were detected in 60.75 % of cats, while qPCR identified <em>Bartonella</em> spp. DNA in 32 % and 46 % of cats from veterinary clinics and blood donors, respectively. Following BAPGM enrichment, 78.2 % of previously negative samples were tested positive by qPCR. Co-positivity in serology and qPCR was observed in 25.3 % of cats. No sample tested positive in all diagnostic methods. Three <em>B. henselae</em> strains were isolated—two from clinic cats and one from a blood donor. Multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) revealed the presence of sequence types ST1, ST2, and ST5. This study is the first to report <em>Bartonella</em> in cat blood donors in South America and the first identification of ST5 in this population. Additionally, ST2 was reported for the first time in cats from the Americas. These findings highlight the potential risk of zoonotic <em>B. henselae</em> transmission via blood transfusion and the limited reliability of serology alone for screening blood donor cats.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50999,"journal":{"name":"Comparative Immunology Microbiology and Infectious Diseases","volume":"123 ","pages":"Article 102398"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144889192","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 : 2025-08-05DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102387
Hammed Olawale Fatoyinbo, Parul Tiwari, Ryan H.L. Ip, Victor Miranda
The spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus in wild birds, poultry, and other livestock worldwide has caused great concerns, especially in Asia, where the migration routes of many wild birds intersect with poultry farms. This often leads to interactions between wild and domestic birds during seasonal migration. These interactions influence the emergence and re-emergence of subclades and serotypes of avian influenza in Asia countries that are endemic to the disease. Using outbreak data from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), we examine the geographical distribution of confirmed HPAI H5 cases in wild birds and poultry across Asia between January 2004 and August 2024. H5N1 is the most prevalent serotype among all HPAI H5 serotypes reported, followed by H5N8. The temporal analysis reveals three waves of outbreaks across Asian regions: an initial peak in 2004–2005, a second wave around 2009–2011, and a third, more recent wave, from 2017 to 2023. Multivariable Poisson regression models were used to assess the geographical, seasonal and yearly patterns of confirmed HPAI H5 cases among different categories of birds. The results indicate that these factors significantly influence the prevalence of HPAI H5, with a higher risk of H5N1 in Southeast Asia and H5N8 in East Asia, particularly during the winter and in poultry, as compared to wild birds. Our findings highlight the need for targeted surveillance, risk-based management, and coordinated interventions to mitigate the spread of HPAI H5 in high-risk areas. This study provides valuable insights that could be used to improve biosecurity measures and inform policies for the effective control and prevention of HPAI outbreaks in Asia.
{"title":"Multivariable analysis of highly pathogenic H5N1 and H5Nx avian influenza in wild birds and poultry in Asian subregions","authors":"Hammed Olawale Fatoyinbo, Parul Tiwari, Ryan H.L. Ip, Victor Miranda","doi":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102387","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102387","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus in wild birds, poultry, and other livestock worldwide has caused great concerns, especially in Asia, where the migration routes of many wild birds intersect with poultry farms. This often leads to interactions between wild and domestic birds during seasonal migration. These interactions influence the emergence and re-emergence of subclades and serotypes of avian influenza in Asia countries that are endemic to the disease. Using outbreak data from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), we examine the geographical distribution of confirmed HPAI H5 cases in wild birds and poultry across Asia between January 2004 and August 2024. H5N1 is the most prevalent serotype among all HPAI H5 serotypes reported, followed by H5N8. The temporal analysis reveals three waves of outbreaks across Asian regions: an initial peak in 2004–2005, a second wave around 2009–2011, and a third, more recent wave, from 2017 to 2023. Multivariable Poisson regression models were used to assess the geographical, seasonal and yearly patterns of confirmed HPAI H5 cases among different categories of birds. The results indicate that these factors significantly influence the prevalence of HPAI H5, with a higher risk of H5N1 in Southeast Asia and H5N8 in East Asia, particularly during the winter and in poultry, as compared to wild birds. Our findings highlight the need for targeted surveillance, risk-based management, and coordinated interventions to mitigate the spread of HPAI H5 in high-risk areas. This study provides valuable insights that could be used to improve biosecurity measures and inform policies for the effective control and prevention of HPAI outbreaks in Asia.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50999,"journal":{"name":"Comparative Immunology Microbiology and Infectious Diseases","volume":"123 ","pages":"Article 102387"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144780330","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}
Avian influenza is a viral infection that affects birds and can spread to humans and other animals, causing severe illness and high mortality in both populations. Migratory birds are the primary transmitters of the virus, shedding it into the environment. This study investigates the effects of contaminated environments in the transmission dynamics of avian influenza. We suggest a deterministic mathematical model to capture the interactions between humans, domestic birds, and contaminated environments. A model takes the form of a system of non-linear ordinary differential equations. The next-generation matrix technique calculates the basic reproduction number (). The stability of both the disease-free and endemic equilibrium points is analyzed. When , the avian influenza free equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable, whereas when , the endemic equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable. The Latin Hypercube Sampling (LHS) and partial rank correlation coefficients (PRCC) methods are employed to assess the sensitivity of the model parameters. A numerical simulation is performed to investigate the effects of different model parameters associated with environmental contamination towards . The results indicate that the transmission rates of avian influenza virus by humans and domestic birds are directly proportional to .
{"title":"Modeling the effects of contaminated environments on the transmission dynamics of avian influenza in humans and domestic birds","authors":"Serapia Soka , Maranya Mayengo , Moatlhodi Kgosimore","doi":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102370","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102370","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Avian influenza is a viral infection that affects birds and can spread to humans and other animals, causing severe illness and high mortality in both populations. Migratory birds are the primary transmitters of the virus, shedding it into the environment. This study investigates the effects of contaminated environments in the transmission dynamics of avian influenza. We suggest a deterministic mathematical model to capture the interactions between humans, domestic birds, and contaminated environments. A model takes the form of a system of non-linear ordinary differential equations. The next-generation matrix technique calculates the basic reproduction number (<span><math><msub><mrow><mi>R</mi></mrow><mrow><mn>0</mn></mrow></msub></math></span>). The stability of both the disease-free and endemic equilibrium points is analyzed. When <span><math><mrow><msub><mrow><mi>R</mi></mrow><mrow><mn>0</mn></mrow></msub><mo><</mo><mn>1</mn></mrow></math></span>, the avian influenza free equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable, whereas when <span><math><mrow><msub><mrow><mi>R</mi></mrow><mrow><mn>0</mn></mrow></msub><mo>></mo><mn>1</mn></mrow></math></span>, the endemic equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable. The Latin Hypercube Sampling (LHS) and partial rank correlation coefficients (PRCC) methods are employed to assess the sensitivity of the model parameters. A numerical simulation is performed to investigate the effects of different model parameters associated with environmental contamination towards <span><math><msub><mrow><mi>R</mi></mrow><mrow><mn>0</mn></mrow></msub></math></span>. The results indicate that the transmission rates of avian influenza virus by humans and domestic birds are directly proportional to <span><math><msub><mrow><mi>R</mi></mrow><mrow><mn>0</mn></mrow></msub></math></span>.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50999,"journal":{"name":"Comparative Immunology Microbiology and Infectious Diseases","volume":"122 ","pages":"Article 102370"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144686948","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}
This study aimed to analyze the relationships between Toxoplasma gondii infection and hemotropic species (i.e., Rickettsiales, Hepatozoon spp., Mycoplasma spp., Babesia spp., Bartonella spp., and Trypanosoma spp.) via qPCR and to explore the associations between T. gondii monoinfection or coinfection with hemotropic species and the characteristics of dogs and cats in Antioquia (Colombia). A cross-sectional study was conducted with blood samples from dogs and cats positive for T. gondii by qPCR, with or without hemotropic coinfection. Hemogram results and demographic data were analyzed. Associations with monoinfection/coinfection were tested via Fisher’s exact test or the ꭕ² test (p < 0.10). Among the 590 animals (383 dogs, 207 cats), 262 (44.4 %) tested positive for T. gondii (dogs: 175/262, 66.8 %; cats: 87/262, 33.2 %). Among the dogs, 73.7 % had coinfections, including Rickettsiales (101/129), Mycoplasma spp. (55/129), Hepatozoon spp. (9/129), Bartonella spp. (7/129), and Babesia spp. (2/129); none tested positive for Trypanosoma spp. Coinfections were associated with breed, outdoor access, reticulocytes, lymphocytes, or reproductive status. In cats, 72.4 % had coinfections: Bartonella spp. (40/63), Mycoplasma spp. (23/63), Rickettsiales (11/63), and Hepatozoon spp. (3/63). All the cats tested negative for Babesia spp. and Trypanosoma spp. Coinfections were associated with leukocyte, neutrophil, lymphocyte, and protein alterations. T. gondii is prevalent in dogs and cats, with frequent coinfections. Environmental and biological factors influence these patterns, underscoring the importance of integrated diagnostics and surveillance. These findings suggest associations that warrant further investigation.
{"title":"Disclosing coinfections: The interaction between Toxoplasma gondii and hemotropic agents in Colombian dogs and cats","authors":"C. Ríos-Úsuga , L.M. Rendón-Ramos , I.L. Jaramillo-Delgado , N.M. Correa-Valencia","doi":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102385","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102385","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study aimed to analyze the relationships between <em>Toxoplasma gondii</em> infection and hemotropic species (i.e., Rickettsiales, <em>Hepatozoon</em> spp<em>.</em>, <em>Mycoplasma</em> spp<em>.</em>, <em>Babesia</em> spp., <em>Bartonella</em> spp., and <em>Trypanosoma</em> spp<em>.</em>) via qPCR and to explore the associations between <em>T. gondii</em> monoinfection or coinfection with hemotropic species and the characteristics of dogs and cats in Antioquia (Colombia). A cross-sectional study was conducted with blood samples from dogs and cats positive for <em>T. gondii</em> by qPCR, with or without hemotropic coinfection. Hemogram results and demographic data were analyzed. Associations with monoinfection/coinfection were tested via Fisher’s exact test or the ꭕ² test (p < 0.10). Among the 590 animals (383 dogs, 207 cats), 262 (44.4 %) tested positive for <em>T. gondii</em> (dogs: 175/262, 66.8 %; cats: 87/262, 33.2 %). Among the dogs, 73.7 % had coinfections, including Rickettsiales (101/129), <em>Mycoplasma</em> spp<em>.</em> (55/129), <em>Hepatozoon</em> spp<em>.</em> (9/129), <em>Bartonella</em> spp<em>.</em> (7/129), and <em>Babesia</em> spp<em>.</em> (2/129); none tested positive for <em>Trypanosoma</em> spp<em>.</em> Coinfections were associated with breed, outdoor access, reticulocytes, lymphocytes, or reproductive status. In cats, 72.4 % had coinfections: <em>Bartonella</em> spp<em>.</em> (40/63), <em>Mycoplasma</em> spp<em>.</em> (23/63), Rickettsiales (11/63), and <em>Hepatozoon</em> spp<em>.</em> (3/63). All the cats tested negative for <em>Babesia</em> spp. and <em>Trypanosoma</em> spp. Coinfections were associated with leukocyte, neutrophil, lymphocyte, and protein alterations. <em>T. gondii</em> is prevalent in dogs and cats, with frequent coinfections. Environmental and biological factors influence these patterns, underscoring the importance of integrated diagnostics and surveillance. These findings suggest associations that warrant further investigation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50999,"journal":{"name":"Comparative Immunology Microbiology and Infectious Diseases","volume":"122 ","pages":"Article 102385"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144695065","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}
The recent study by Nocera et al. sheds light on the role of stray dogs and cats as potential reservoirs for multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria in urban environments, particularly focusing on Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and Staphylococcus felis. This Letter critically appraises the methodological strengths and public health implications of their findings, while comparing them with existing literature. We highlight the significance of their resistance profiling approach, the emerging zoonotic potential of coagulase-negative staphylococci, and the environmental interface of stray animals with AMR dissemination. Furthermore, we propose integrative One Health strategies and future research directions that can leverage stray animals as environmental sentinels for early AMR detection. These perspectives underline the urgent need for expanding surveillance beyond clinical and companion animals into urban, free-roaming populations.
{"title":"Stray animals and antimicrobial resistance: A sentinel warning for one health preparedness","authors":"Nathkapach Kaewpitoon Rattanapitoon, Natnapa Heebkaew Padchasuwan, Nav La, Schawanya Kaewpitoon Rattanapitoon","doi":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102386","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102386","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The recent study by Nocera et al. sheds light on the role of stray dogs and cats as potential reservoirs for multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria in urban environments, particularly focusing on <em>Staphylococcus pseudintermedius</em> and <em>Staphylococcus felis</em>. This Letter critically appraises the methodological strengths and public health implications of their findings, while comparing them with existing literature. We highlight the significance of their resistance profiling approach, the emerging zoonotic potential of coagulase-negative staphylococci, and the environmental interface of stray animals with AMR dissemination. Furthermore, we propose integrative One Health strategies and future research directions that can leverage stray animals as environmental sentinels for early AMR detection. These perspectives underline the urgent need for expanding surveillance beyond clinical and companion animals into urban, free-roaming populations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50999,"journal":{"name":"Comparative Immunology Microbiology and Infectious Diseases","volume":"122 ","pages":"Article 102386"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144663620","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}
Toxoplasmosis, caused by Toxoplasma gondii, is a zoonotic disease with significant global public health implications. In Algeria, data on its epidemiology are scarce. This study aimed to assess for the first time the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis and identify associated risk factors among pregnant women in Biskra governorate in southeastern of Algeria. A cross-sectional survey (October 2022–May 2023) involved 453 women. Data on socio-demographics characteristics, gynecological history, and lifestyle habits were collected via structured questionnaires. Plasma samples were analysed for IgG and IgM antibodies using ELISA techniques. Statistical analyses, including univariate and multivariate logistic regression, were performed to identify significant risk factors associated with seropositivity. The overall seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis was 30.02 %. Univariate analysis identified several significant associated risk factors, including a history of spontaneous abortion (OR = 3.897), having single spontaneous abortions (OR = 4.96), consumption of unpasteurized milk (OR = 1.789), and owning pets (OR = 1.593). Living in urban areas appeared to be a protective factor (OR = 0.60). Multivariate analysis further highlighted feeding raw meat to animals (AOR = 8.395) and having given birth to a malformed child (AOR = 6.718) as major risk factors. Additionally, fast food consumption (AOR = 2.07) and cats ownership (AOR = 3.724) were also significantly associated with T. gondii seropositivity. The findings underscore the importance of implementig robust screening, prevention, and treatment strategies for toxoplasmosis, particularly among pregnant women. This study offers valuable epidemiological insights into toxoplasmosis in Algeria, addressing a critical knowledge gap.
{"title":"Cross sectional survey on the prevalence and associated risk factors of toxoplasma infection in pregnant women in Biskra (Southeastern Algeria)","authors":"Rayenne Benkacem , Mohammed Titaouine , Adel Mammeri , Djalel Eddine Gherissi , Nabil Mohamdi , Yahia Chebloune","doi":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102384","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102384","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Toxoplasmosis, caused by <em>Toxoplasma gondii</em>, is a zoonotic disease with significant global public health implications. In Algeria, data on its epidemiology are scarce. This study aimed to assess for the first time the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis and identify associated risk factors among pregnant women in Biskra governorate in southeastern of Algeria. A cross-sectional survey (October 2022–May 2023) involved 453 women. Data on socio-demographics characteristics, gynecological history, and lifestyle habits were collected via structured questionnaires. Plasma samples were analysed for IgG and IgM antibodies using ELISA techniques. Statistical analyses, including univariate and multivariate logistic regression, were performed to identify significant risk factors associated with seropositivity. The overall seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis was 30.02 %. Univariate analysis identified several significant associated risk factors, including a history of spontaneous abortion (OR = 3.897), having single spontaneous abortions (OR = 4.96), consumption of unpasteurized milk (OR = 1.789), and owning pets (OR = 1.593). Living in urban areas appeared to be a protective factor (OR = 0.60). Multivariate analysis further highlighted feeding raw meat to animals (AOR = 8.395) and having given birth to a malformed child (AOR = 6.718) as major risk factors. Additionally, fast food consumption (AOR = 2.07) and cats ownership (AOR = 3.724) were also significantly associated with <em>T. gondii</em> seropositivity. The findings underscore the importance of implementig robust screening, prevention, and treatment strategies for toxoplasmosis, particularly among pregnant women. This study offers valuable epidemiological insights into toxoplasmosis in Algeria, addressing a critical knowledge gap.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50999,"journal":{"name":"Comparative Immunology Microbiology and Infectious Diseases","volume":"122 ","pages":"Article 102384"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144654487","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 Calicivirus (FCV) and Felid Alphaherpesvirus 1 (FeAHV-1), commonly detected in cats, are significant viral pathogens causing upper respiratory tract disease (URTD) and various clinical signs. Co-infection with both viruses is common and a major problem in feline health worldwide. This study investigated the presence and prevalence of both FCV and FeAHV-1 in suspected cats with either clinically healthy or clinical signs in relation to various parameters related to the sampled animals. A total of 331 diagnostic samples (conjunctival, nasal, and oropharyngeal swabs, and EDTA blood samples) were collected from 107 cats and examined using PCR. FCV nucleic acid was detected in cats 33.64 % (36/107), while FeAHV-1 nucleic acid was found 64.48 % (69/107). Of the cats with clinical signs (n = 31), 48.38 % (15/31) and 74.19 % (23/31) were positive for FCV and FeAHV-1, respectively, while 27.63 % (21/76) and 60.52 % (46/76) of the clinically healthy cats (n = 76) were positive for FCV and FeAHV-1, respectively. The overall positivity rates for FCV and FeAHV-1 were 90.32 % (28/31) in cats with clinical signs and 72.36 % (55/76) in clinically healthy cats, respectively. Additionally, 20.33 % (12/59) of vaccinated cats were positive for FCV and 64.40 % (38/59) for FeAHV-1, whereas 48.88 % (22/45) of unvaccinated cats were positive for FCV and 66.67 % (30/45) for FeAHV-1. The results indicate that both infections are prevalent among clinical and/or clinically healthy, vaccinated/unvaccinated cats. This indicates that clinically healthy cats may play a significant role in the epidemiology of these infections, and that vaccination may not provide complete protection against FCV and FeAHV-1 infection.
{"title":"Molecular epidemiology of feline calicivirus (FCV) and felid alphaherpesvirus 1 (FeAHV-1) in cats with clinical signs and clinically healthy cats","authors":"Gulizar Acar , Seval Bilge-Dagalp , Tarik Fedai , Mehmet Ozkan Timurkan , Hakan Aydin","doi":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102383","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102383","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Feline Calicivirus (FCV) and Felid Alphaherpesvirus 1 (FeAHV-1), commonly detected in cats, are significant viral pathogens causing upper respiratory tract disease (URTD) and various clinical signs. Co-infection with both viruses is common and a major problem in feline health worldwide. This study investigated the presence and prevalence of both FCV and FeAHV-1 in suspected cats with either clinically healthy or clinical signs in relation to various parameters related to the sampled animals. A total of 331 diagnostic samples (conjunctival, nasal, and oropharyngeal swabs, and EDTA blood samples) were collected from 107 cats and examined using PCR. FCV nucleic acid was detected in cats 33.64 % (36/107), while FeAHV-1 nucleic acid was found 64.48 % (69/107). Of the cats with clinical signs (n = 31), 48.38 % (15/31) and 74.19 % (23/31) were positive for FCV and FeAHV-1, respectively, while 27.63 % (21/76) and 60.52 % (46/76) of the clinically healthy cats (n = 76) were positive for FCV and FeAHV-1, respectively. The overall positivity rates for FCV and FeAHV-1 were 90.32 % (28/31) in cats with clinical signs and 72.36 % (55/76) in clinically healthy cats, respectively. Additionally, 20.33 % (12/59) of vaccinated cats were positive for FCV and 64.40 % (38/59) for FeAHV-1, whereas 48.88 % (22/45) of unvaccinated cats were positive for FCV and 66.67 % (30/45) for FeAHV-1. The results indicate that both infections are prevalent among clinical and/or clinically healthy, vaccinated/unvaccinated cats. This indicates that clinically healthy cats may play a significant role in the epidemiology of these infections, and that vaccination may not provide complete protection against FCV and FeAHV-1 infection.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50999,"journal":{"name":"Comparative Immunology Microbiology and Infectious Diseases","volume":"122 ","pages":"Article 102383"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144596054","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}
Bartonella, as emerging vector-borne pathogens infecting various domestic and wild mammals, pose a significant threat to public health due to their role as zoonotic agents. The objective of this study was to ascertain the prevalence of the genus and species of Bartonella and to conduct a phylogenetic analysis of these organisms in ticks from five western provinces Hamedan, Kermanshah, Lorestan, Ilam, and Kurdistan, in Iran. Ticks were also collected from dogs, sheep, and goats. A total of 978 ticks were collected and subsequently divided into pools of 10. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays were performed using specific primers to screen for the presence of Bartonella species. Additionally, sequence analysis was conducted based on the rpoB, gltA, ftsZ, groEL, and ribC genes to identify the presence of Bartonella. Phylogentic analysis was also performed using MEGA 11 software. The overall prevalence of the genus and species of Bartonella based on the gltA gene in 98 pooled samples in the study areas was 5 (5.01 %) (with a 95 % CI: 2.20 %-11.39 %). It is noteworthy that negative results were observed only in Ilam and Hamadan provinces. The presence of Bartonella quintana, Bartonella clarridageiae and Bartonella spp. was confirmed by phylogenetic analysis of the gltA, groEL, ftsZ, rpoB, and ribC genes, with a similarity of 96.96 %-100 %. In light of these findings, it can be posited that the genus and species of Bartonella, particularly B. quintana and B. clarridageiae are present in the ticks of western Iran.
{"title":"Phylogeny analysis of Bartonella genus in hard tick samples associated to domestic animals in west of Iran","authors":"Mina Khamooshian , Amin Jaydari , Nemat Shams , Peyman Khademi , Hassan Nayebzadeh","doi":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102369","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102369","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Bartonella</em>, as emerging vector-borne pathogens infecting various domestic and wild mammals, pose a significant threat to public health due to their role as zoonotic agents. The objective of this study was to ascertain the prevalence of the genus and species of <em>Bartonella</em> and to conduct a phylogenetic analysis of these organisms in ticks from five western provinces Hamedan, Kermanshah, Lorestan, Ilam, and Kurdistan, in Iran. Ticks were also collected from dogs, sheep, and goats. A total of 978 ticks were collected and subsequently divided into pools of 10. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays were performed using specific primers to screen for the presence of <em>Bartonella</em> species. Additionally, sequence analysis was conducted based on the <em>rpo</em>B, <em>glt</em>A, <em>fts</em>Z, <em>gro</em>EL, and <em>rib</em>C genes to identify the presence of <em>Bartonella</em>. Phylogentic analysis was also performed using MEGA 11 software. The overall prevalence of the genus and species of <em>Bartonella</em> based on the <em>glt</em>A gene in 98 pooled samples in the study areas was 5 (5.01 %) (with a 95 % CI: 2.20 %-11.39 %). It is noteworthy that negative results were observed only in Ilam and Hamadan provinces. The presence of <em>Bartonella quintana</em>, <em>Bartonella clarridageiae</em> and <em>Bartonella</em> spp. was confirmed by phylogenetic analysis of the <em>glt</em>A, <em>gro</em>EL, <em>fts</em>Z, <em>rpo</em>B, and <em>rib</em>C genes, with a similarity of 96.96 %-100 %. In light of these findings, it can be posited that the genus and species of <em>Bartonella</em>, particularly <em>B. quintana</em> and <em>B. clarridageiae</em> are present in the ticks of western Iran.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50999,"journal":{"name":"Comparative Immunology Microbiology and Infectious Diseases","volume":"122 ","pages":"Article 102369"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144557569","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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