Veterinary Quarterly最新文献

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) causes a highly contagious disease in pigs, and the intricacies of its host-pathogen interactions require further elucidation. Chinese Min piglets, known for their superior resistance to stress and disease, were compared with Yorkshire piglets to investigate breed-specific resistance mechanisms. We established PEDV infection models in both breeds and analyzed differences by assessing cytokine levels, viral loads, and histological changes in jejunal tissues. Transcriptomic analysis of jejunal tissues identified 5422 differentially expressed (DE) protein-coding genes (PCGs) and 1999 DE long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) between the two pig breeds. Functional annotation revealed that Yorkshire piglets exhibited upregulation of inflammatory and apoptotic pathways, whereas Chinese Min piglets displayed strong inflammatory responses and enhanced mucosal immunity. Notably, glucose-6-phosphatase catalytic subunit 3 (G6PC3) expression was significantly higher in Chinese Min piglets than in Yorkshire piglets. Knockdown of G6PC3 in the intestinal porcine epithelial cell line J2 (IPEC-J2) resulted in increased PEDV replication and decreased expression of immune-related genes involved in the glycolysis/gluconeogenesis metabolism pathway. These findings highlight the distinct immune responses of Chinese Min and Yorkshire piglets to PEDV infection, and identify key PCGs and lncRNAs associated with PEDV immunity.

Cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM) destruction is a hallmark of femoral head necrosis (FHN) in broilers. Chondrocytes undergo metabolic reprogramming under stress to maintain function. However, the metabolic alterations in FHN chondrocytes remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the overall changes of metabolic state in FHN chondrocytes and its functions. Femoral head cartilage of healthy and FHN broilers was collected for non-targeted metabolome and transcriptome analyses. Additionally, primary chondrocytes were isolated from femoral head cartilage of control (CON) and FHN broilers for bioenergetic analysis and mechanistic investigation. Multi-omics profiling revealed significant enrichment of the glycolysis pathway, decreased levels of tricarboxylic acid cycle metabolites (citrate and malate), upregulation of the lactate dehydrogenase A (Ldha) gene, and downregulation of genes encoding mitochondrial complexes in cartilage from FHN broilers. Compared with primary chondrocytes isolated from CON broilers, FHN primary chondrocytes exhibited elevated basal extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) and increased lactate production. Concurrently, the basal respiration of FHN chondrocytes was decreased, accompanied by unbalanced mitochondrial dynamics and decreased ATP production. Furthermore, fructose-1,6-bisphosphate (FBP) or rotenone treatment was used to mimic the metabolic shift from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis, resulting in downregulation of matrix synthesis genes and upregulation of matrix degradation genes in CON primary chondrocytes. Glycolysis inhibition suppressed matrix degradation gene expression in FHN chondrocytes. These findings suggest that glycolytic reprogramming occurs in FHN chondrocytes, and targeting glycolysis may alleviate ECM destruction in FHN broilers, providing a novel insight into the pathological mechanisms of FHN.

Canine osteosarcoma (OSA) represents a highly aggressive malignancy known for its high rates of recurrence and metastatic potential. This study establishes and characterizes two novel OSA cell lines, OSA-424 and OSA-55, derived from osteoblastic and chondroblastic subtypes, respectively. We conducted a comparative analysis against the established canine chondrosarcoma line Mango. Comprehensive characterization included primary tumor imaging using computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), as well as histopathological evaluation and immunohistochemical (IHC) profiling. In vitro, functional analyses assessed cellular morphology, karyotypic stability, proliferative capacity, extracellular matrix (ECM) composition, proteomic profiling, migratory potential, invasive behavior, and in vivo tumorigenicity. Both cell lines demonstrated stable propagation beyond 40 passages while maintaining subtype-specific characteristics, with distinct ECM protein expression patterns identified. These validated cellular models provide essential resources for investigating the OSA heterogeneity and advancing the development of subtype-targeted therapeutics.

Small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLV) are responsible for significant economic losses in sheep and goat farming; however, effective vaccination strategies remain unavailable. This study evaluated the immunogenicity, safety, and protective efficacy of a recombinant Sendai virus vector (SeV) expressing SRLV gag-P25 (rSeV-GFP-P25) in lambs. Twenty-one SRLV-negative lambs were divided into three groups and inoculated intranasally thrice with culture medium (group 1); SeV-GFP (group 2) or rSeV-GFP-P25 (group 3). Lambs were challenged with homologous SRLV at 16 weeks post-first immunization. Clinical and hematological parameters, antibody responses, SRLV viral loads in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and target tissues, histopathological and histomorphometric analyses, assisted with artificial intelligence, of interstitial pneumonia were assessed. No clinicopathological alterations were observed, except for a transient temperature increase in group 3 post-first immunization. Group 2 showed mild SeV-neutralizing antibodies, while rSeV-GFP-P25 (group 3) induced negligible SRLV-specific antibody responses. Group 3 exhibited higher SRLV DNA copies in PBMCs but lower in most SRLV target tissues compared to control groups, with no SRLV DNA detected in spleen and bone marrow. Histomorphometry revealed reduced alveolar septal thickening in group 3, indicating partial protection against early SRLV-associated interstitial pneumonia. These results warrant further investigation into cellular immunity and long-term protection.

We isolated 6,561 Salmonella strains from food animals, cattle (n = 217), pigs (n = 1526), chickens (n = 3942), and ducks (n = 876). Isolates were evaluated for antimicrobial sensitivity, mutations in quinolone resistance determination regions (QRDRs), and plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes. Clonal relationship and genetic diversity were assessed by multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Overall, 3.1% of isolates exhibited resistance to ciprofloxacin. Commonly identified mutations in QRDRs were S83F, D87N, and D87G in gyrA; T57S and S80I in parC; and L416F in parE. Furthermore, mutations differed by serotypes. In S. Albany, S83F mutation in gyrA and T57S in parC were prevalent, while in S. Kentucky, S83F and D87N in gyrA, T57S and S80I in parC; and in S. Indiana, S83F and D87G in gyrA, T57S and S80R in parC, and L416F in parE were common. Amongst PMQRs, qnrS was mainly observed in S. Albany, aac(6')-Ib-cr in S. Indiana, and qnrB1 in S. Albany. Among STs, ST198 S. Kentucky was predominant, followed by ST292 S. Albany and ST17 S. Indiana. Of 26 pulsotypes, KX1KA1 was mainly identified in S. Kentucky, AX1AA1 in S. Albany, and IX1IA1 in S. Indiana. Taken together, ciprofloxacin-resistant Salmonella can pose health hazards to humans and other animals.

SARS-CoV-2 infection susceptibility in dogs and cats has been documented, with identified risk factors contributing to transmission dynamics. Understanding viral prevalence and the evolution of emerging variants across pandemic waves can clarify the potential role of pets as reservoirs. This study evaluated 3298 serum samples (1921 dogs, 1377 cats) collected from 2020 to 2024. Samples were analyzed using ELISA and viral neutralization assays, revealing a positivity rate of 2.7%. We assessed neutralizing antibody titers (nAbs) against the Wuhan-Hu-1 and Omicron BA.1 strains, finding higher titers in felines compared to canines. A marked reduction in samples exceeding the detection limit was observed after November 2022. Longitudinal data from up to 30 months in a dog and 15 months in two cats demonstrated sustained antibody responses, with increased nAb titers in 7 of 14 monitored animals. Multivariable logistic regression of 275 samples indicated that a pet's vaccination status was associated with an increased risk of infection, while spring season, the owner's number of COVID-19 vaccinations, and the owner's vaccination status were protective factors. These results emphasize the significance of vaccination strategies for both human and animal health, supporting the One Health approach.

Vitamin A in cattle is essential due to its antioxidant properties and importance in vision, immune function, reproduction, and cellular differentiation. This study investigates the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment outcomes of hypovitaminosis A in 15 Piedmontese calves, referred to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Turin for vision impairment between 2016 and 2024. Neurological and ophthalmological evaluations revealed hypovision or blindness in 87% of cases, with additional epileptic seizures in 13%. Ophthalmological findings included papilledema, optic nerve atrophy, and retinal abnormalities, which were consistent predictors of poor prognosis for vision recovery. Serum vitamin A levels were below the reference range in all cases, confirming a primary dietary deficiency linked to the use of dry, preserved forages.Parenteral administration of vitamin A and dietary supplementation improved clinical outcomes in most cases, with 67% of affected calves achieving complete recovery. Histopathological analysis of one subject revealed ischemic degeneration presumably due to narrowed optic foramina caused by vitamin A deficiency. The findings emphasize the importance of early diagnosis through ocular and neurological assessments to prevent irreversible damage and economic loss in cattle herds. Prompt supplementation can mitigate health and productivity losses, emphasizing its critical role in herd management practices.

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) remains a major threat to global livestock health, and current inactivated vaccines face limitations in biosafety and cross-protection. Virus-like particle (VLP) -based vaccines offer a safer alternative, however, their production is often hindered by the cytotoxicity of the viral 3C protease. In this study, we developed a modified 3C protease with reduced cytotoxicity, enabling efficient expression of FMDV VLPs via an internal ribosome entry site (IRES)-based system. To enhance immunogenicity, the swine IgG Fc fragment (sFc) was genetically fused to the VLP capsid protein by modifying the VP1-2A region, resulting in successful surface display of sFc on the VLPs. The modified VLPs were then incorporated into a replication-defective adenoviral vector (Ad5), allowing for efficient antigen delivery and presentation. Immunization of swine with the Ad5-FMDV VLP-sFc vaccine elicited robust FMDV-specific IgG and neutralizing antibody responses, along with a balanced Th1/Th2 cytokine profile. These findings suggest that the Ad5-FMDV VLP-sFc construct is a promising FMD vaccine candidate with enhanced safety and immunogenic potential.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary isatidis root polysaccharide (IRP) on diarrhea, immunity, and intestinal health in weanling piglets. Forty healthy piglets were randomly assigned to five groups receiving varying dosages of IRP. The findings indicated that different concentrations of IRP significantly reduced diarrhea scores (p < 0.01). Notably, the serum levels of immunoglobulin A and immunoglobulin G increased linearly and quadratically (p < 0.01), while immunoglobulin M also showed a linear increase (p < 0.05) in IRP-fed piglets. The secretory immunoglobulin A levels in ileal contents were significantly higher compared to control piglets (p < 0.01). Key intestinal health parameters, including villus height, villus height-to-crypt depth ratio, and goblet cell numbers, showed linear and quadratic increases in both the jejunum and ileum (p < 0.05), while crypt depth decreased significantly (p < 0.01). Additionally, the expression of IL-10, ZO-1, occludin, and mucin2 was upregulated linearly and quadratically in IRP-fed piglets (p < 0.05). In cultured IPEC-J2 cells, ZO-1 and occludin expression levels significantly increased upon exposure to 400 μg/mL IRP (p < 0.01). Furthermore, the relative abundances of Escherichia coli, Ralstonia pickettii, and Desulfovibrio fairfieldensis decreased linearly with increasing dietary IRP concentration. In conclusion, IRP shows promise as an effective dietary supplement for mitigating diarrhea and enhancing intestinal health in early weaned piglets.

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) causes significant global agricultural losses. Despite commercial inactivated and live attenuated vaccines, persistent outbreaks underscore the need for more effective solutions. Here, we isolated a novel Chinese PEDV variant, PEDV ShXXY2-2023, with amino acid substitutions in key neutralizing epitopes (N-terminal domain, receptor-binding domain, and CO-26K equivalent epitope) compared to vaccine strains. An inactivated ShXXY2-2023 vaccine induced higher neutralizing antibodies and superior cross-protection versus commercial vaccines. Vaccinated sows conferred enhanced protection to offspring, improving piglet survival post-challenge. Maternal serum neutralizing antibody titers correlated strongly with piglet survival; titers of 1:377-1:774 at one week prepartum yielded >80% protective efficacy. These findings emphasize neutralizing antibodies' critical role in PEDV prevention and position ShXXY2-2023 as a promising vaccine candidate, with broader implications for coronavirus vaccine development.