Infection Genetics and Evolution最新文献

{"title":"Transcriptome integration analysis of shared biomarkers and common immune mechanisms in SLE and PSO","authors":"Meijia Cheng ,&nbsp;Yue Pei ,&nbsp;Baoyue Li ,&nbsp;Yanhui Yu ,&nbsp;Jiangning Li ,&nbsp;Jingyan Zhang ,&nbsp;Xiaodong Sun ,&nbsp;Dan Zou ,&nbsp;Yunen Liu ,&nbsp;Yichen Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.meegid.2026.105886","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.meegid.2026.105886","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study aimed to identify shared diagnostic biomarkers and common immune mechanisms between systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and psoriasis (PSO) via integrated transcriptomic analysis, and to elucidate the role of genetic susceptibility in driving disease pathogenesis following viral infection. GEO datasets of SLE and PSO were analyzed. Shared genes were screened using differential expression analysis and WGCNA. 92 DEGs were identified, and 7 key shared genes (<em>OASL, SAMD9, IFI6, OAS3, NMI, UBE2L6, MX1</em>) were determined after WGCNA and intersection analysis. Among 8 machine learning models, LASSO performed best: for SLE, training set AUC was 0.935, external validation AUCs were 0.764 (accuracy 0.745) and 0.844 (accuracy 0.896); for PSO, training set AUC was 0.841, internal validation AUC 0.910 (accuracy 0.989), external validation AUCs 0.941 (accuracy 0.968) and 0.869 (accuracy 0.815). Immune infiltration analysis showed significant correlations between key genes and specific immune cell subsets.Immunofluorescence analysis confirmed elevated protein expression levels of UBE2L6 and SAMD9 in both diseases.Single-cell analysis revealed that most key genes were differentially expressed in dendritic cells and monocytes in SLE, but in T cells in PSO. SLE and PSO share 7 susceptibility genes that are significantly enriched in immune response pathways related to viral infections. The genetic susceptibility of these genes can lead to imbalance or excessive activation of the body's antiviral defense, and through dysregulation of innate and adaptive immunity, promote the occurrence and development of the diseases. The LASSO model further supports the reliability of these genes as potential diagnostic biomarkers for SLE and PSO.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54986,"journal":{"name":"Infection Genetics and Evolution","volume":"138 ","pages":"Article 105886"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146025080","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Population pharmacokinetics of isoniazid in adult Indian tuberculosis patients: Evaluation of NAT2 polymorphisms","authors":"Levin Thomas ,&nbsp;Jaya Shree Dilli Batcha ,&nbsp;Chaithra ,&nbsp;Shubham Upadhyay ,&nbsp;Sakshi Sanjay Parate ,&nbsp;T.S. Keshava Prasad ,&nbsp;S.V. Chidananda Sanju ,&nbsp;Kavitha Saravu ,&nbsp;Muralidhar Varma ,&nbsp;Surulivelrajan Mallayasamy ,&nbsp;Mahadev Rao","doi":"10.1016/j.meegid.2026.105883","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.meegid.2026.105883","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Gene polymorphisms in <em>N</em>-acetyltransferase 2 (<em>NAT2</em>) contribute to inter-individual variability in isoniazid pharmacokinetics among tuberculosis patients. India is a high tuberculosis-burden country and exhibits substantial genome diversity, which has important implications for precision medicine initiatives in tuberculosis. This study aimed to develop an isoniazid population pharmacokinetics (PopPK) model to elucidate <em>NAT2</em> genotype-dependent variability in isoniazid clearance, thereby facilitating the advancement of individualized dosing strategies in Indian tuberculosis patients in real-world settings.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>In this prospective observational study, tuberculosis patients were genotyped for single nucleotide polymorphisms in the <em>NAT2</em> gene by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Plasma isoniazid concentrations were quantified by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. The isoniazid PopPK analysis was performed using the Pumas package in Julia.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Isoniazid pharmacokinetics were best described by a two-compartment model with two transit compartments and first-order absorption and elimination. A trimodal distribution pattern in isoniazid clearance was observed across the <em>NAT2</em> acetylator phenotypes, with estimated values of 36.3 L/h, 23.2 L/h, and 16.5 L/h for rapid, intermediate, and slow acetylators, respectively. Isoniazid clearance was lower in females than in males, and in patients with antitubercular drug-induced liver injury compared to those without. Diabetic tuberculosis patients exhibited higher isoniazid clearance compared to non-diabetic tuberculosis patients.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Our <em>NAT2</em> genotype-integrated PopPK model, developed for adult Indian tuberculosis patients, revealed distinct differences in isoniazid clearance across <em>NAT2</em> phenotypes; however, these differences were not statistically significant. <em>NAT2</em> slow acetylators exhibited more than two-fold lower clearance compared to <em>NAT2</em> rapid acetylators. These findings highlight the potential importance of <em>NAT2</em> genotype-guided individualized isoniazid dosing strategies in clinical settings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54986,"journal":{"name":"Infection Genetics and Evolution","volume":"138 ","pages":"Article 105883"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146031633","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Frequent HIV-1 recombination among MSM in Beijing revealed by subtyping and near full-length genome analyses","authors":"Mengying Li ,&nbsp;Fengting Yu ,&nbsp;Mingfeng Xiao ,&nbsp;Fang Wang ,&nbsp;Hanxi Zhang ,&nbsp;Ruolei Xin ,&nbsp;Fujie Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.meegid.2026.105885","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.meegid.2026.105885","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The high mutation and recombination rates of HIV-1 drive extensive genetic diversity. Co-infection with different subtypes or recombinant forms facilitates the emergence of new recombinants, complicating transmission networks and posing challenges for molecular surveillance. Although antiretroviral therapy (ART) coverage is high among diagnosed individuals in China, ongoing HIV-1 transmission—including from undiagnosed infections—likely contributes to the continued circulation and accumulation of recombinant lineages. We retrospectively analyzed 1006 plasma samples from 993 individuals diagnosed with HIV-1 at Beijing Ditan Hospital between January 2022 and August 2023. Subtyping of the <em>pol</em> region was conducted using seven tools. For seven cases with discordant results, near full-length genome (NFLG) sequencing and phylogenetic analysis were performed. The study cohort included a significantly higher proportion of male infected individuals (<em>n</em> = 932, 93.86%) than female (<em>n</em> = 57, 5.74%), with a higher proportion of homosexual transmission (<em>n</em> = 570, 57.40%) compared to heterosexual transmission (<em>n</em> = 168, 16.92%). The most prevalent genotypes were CRF01_AE and CRF07_BC, accounting for 23.76% (239/1006) and 11.03% (111/1006), respectively. Among seven NFLG-analyzed samples, four were identified as second-generation URFs composed of CRF01_AE and CRF07_BC, and three as CRF121_0107. Bayesian analysis provided a broad temporal context for the emergence of CRF121_0107. Single-genome amplification did not identify the pre-recombination parental strains in the four URF samples. The URF detection rate was 0.4% (4/1006), which may be underestimated due to limitations of partial-genome genotyping. Together, these findings highlight the importance of continued molecular surveillance to monitor novel recombinants and inform HIV-1 prevention and treatment strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54986,"journal":{"name":"Infection Genetics and Evolution","volume":"138 ","pages":"Article 105885"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146031587","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Functional annotation of HBV-associated host genetic variants in the Saudi population: A bioinformatic analysis for precision hepatitis B research","authors":"Saira Sarfraz Khalid ,&nbsp;Khalid Alswat","doi":"10.1016/j.meegid.2026.105878","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.meegid.2026.105878","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection poses a global public health challenge, for which an effective cure remains elusive. A substantial amount of data has shown that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within host genes can affect the regulation and expression of proteins, thereby influencing the susceptibility to HBV infection as well as disease progression and response to treatment. HBV-related SNPs have been identified in the population of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), however, there is a lack of in-depth characterization of the translational and functional impact of these SNPs. This narrative review summarizes and functionally contextualizes the twenty-three reported SNPs across ten genes that showed significant association with HBV-related complications within the Saudi population. These genetic variants are primarily involved in immune signaling, interferon response, and inflammatory regulation pathways, indicating their potential influence on host-virus interactions and disease progression. Using bioinformatic prediction tools, their possible functional impacts were evaluated, providing insights into their biological relevance. The review also highlights future research directions for HBV genomics in Saudi Arabia. Collectively, these findings could contribute to the development of more effective preventive and therapeutic strategies through personalized management of HBV infection.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54986,"journal":{"name":"Infection Genetics and Evolution","volume":"138 ","pages":"Article 105878"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146020871","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evolutionary dynamics of new lineages GII.4 noroviruses circulating in the amazon region","authors":"Jonaia Novaes da Costa ,&nbsp;Jones Anderson Monteiro Siqueira ,&nbsp;Dielle Monteiro Teixeira ,&nbsp;Patrícia dos Santos Lobo ,&nbsp;Sylvia de Fátima dos Santos Guerra ,&nbsp;Isadora Monteiro Souza ,&nbsp;Bruna Trindade Moreira Cardoso ,&nbsp;Luana Silva Soares Farias ,&nbsp;Hugo Reis Resque ,&nbsp;Yvone Benchimol Gabbay ,&nbsp;Arnaldo Jorge Martins Filho ,&nbsp;Luciana Damascena da Silva","doi":"10.1016/j.meegid.2025.105876","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.meegid.2025.105876","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigates the evolutionary dynamics of norovirus GII.4 lineages circulating in the Amazon region of Brazil, with a particular focus on the recently emerged GII.4 San Francisco variant. A molecular descriptive design was employed, analyzing 615 stool samples from gastroenteritis patients collected between November 2023 and December 2024. Norovirus prevalence was 14.5%, with genotype characterization revealing a diverse array of circulating genotypes: GII·P31/GII.4, GII·P17/GII.17, GII·P16/GII.4, GII·P8/GII.8, GII·P7/GII.6, GII·P16/GII.10, and GII·P7/GII.7. Phylogenetic reconstruction and molecular clock analyses, performed using Bayesian inference in BEAST, demonstrated that Brazilian GII.4 strains are closely related to global lineages and highlighted rapid viral evolution, with a substitution rate of 2.28 × 10⁻⁴ substitutions/site/year. The GII.4 San Francisco variant, likely derived from the GII·P16/GII.4- Sydney_2012, was detected for the first time in Brazil, and a key recombination event was identified between the GII·P16 type and the GII.10 genotype. The research underscores substantial genetic diversity and ongoing evolution of norovirus in this region, emphasizing the necessity for continuous genomic surveillance to detect emerging variants and guide public health initiatives.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54986,"journal":{"name":"Infection Genetics and Evolution","volume":"138 ","pages":"Article 105876"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145994226","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Population structure of G. pallidipes tsetse flies in Northwestern Kenya - Towards effective vector control.","authors":"Winnie A Okeyo, Sylvia Korir, Daniel Ochieng' Gamba, Miriam Jemutai, Samuel Onyoyo Guya, David N Ndung'u, Paul O Mireji, Rosemary Bateta","doi":"10.1016/j.meegid.2026.105881","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.meegid.2026.105881","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Tsetse flies are vectors of trypanosome parasites responsible for Human and Animal African Trypanosomiasis (HAT and AAT), diseases that greatly affect health and economic growth across sub-Saharan Africa. Vector control, one of the possible strategies to tackle these diseases, is most effective on genetically isolated tsetse populations. While the population genetic structure of Glossina pallidipes tsetse flies has been well studied in southern Kenya, little is known about populations in northwestern Kenya. This study investigated the presence, genetic diversity, and population structure of G. pallidipes in Turkana County in northwestern Kenya and surrounding regions.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Tsetse fly surveys were carried out in Turkana, West Pokot, Samburu and Baringo Counties in northwestern Kenya. DNA was extracted from the legs of flies for genotyping using 11 microsatellite markers for G. pallidipes, followed by analysis using various population genetics software to evaluate the genetic diversity and population structure. DNA from gut and mouthparts was screened for trypanosomes.</p><p><strong>Results and discussion: </strong>G. pallidipes were only detected in Turkana despite similar ecological conditions in adjacent counties, which is mostly semi-arid. This suggests that anthropogenic factors like habitat clearing and vector control may limit their distribution. Genetic analysis revealed high genetic diversity in Turkana populations, similar to those from the previously described cluster in eastern Kenya, indicating demographic stability in this ecosystem. Clustering analysis showed that while most Turkana samples grouped with eastern Kenyan populations, those from Northern Turkana (Oropoi) formed a distinct cluster, pointing to possible genetic isolation. Trypanosome screening identified T. vivax in 3.3% of the samples, though not indicating active transmission.</p><p><strong>Recommendations: </strong>The possibly genetically distinct tsetse population in Oropoi suggests limited gene flow, possibly due to geographic or ecological barriers. Further studies with expanded sampling are needed to confirm these findings and assess the boundaries of this genetic cluster beyond the Kenya-Uganda border. Integrating genetic data into surveillance and control programs will enhance the effectiveness of tsetse management strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":54986,"journal":{"name":"Infection Genetics and Evolution","volume":" ","pages":"105881"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145991854","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Transcriptomic insights into the antimicrobial effect of Pediococcus pentosaceus on multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa","authors":"Chollachai Klaysubun ,&nbsp;Siriwan Kompramool ,&nbsp;Thitaporn Dechathai ,&nbsp;Nattarika Chaichana ,&nbsp;Sirikan Suwannasin ,&nbsp;Kamonnut Singkhamanan ,&nbsp;Rattanaruji Pomwised ,&nbsp;Monwadee Wonglapsuwan ,&nbsp;Thunchanok Yaikhan ,&nbsp;Sarunyou Chusri ,&nbsp;Komwit Surachat","doi":"10.1016/j.meegid.2026.105879","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.meegid.2026.105879","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Antimicrobial resistance in <em>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</em> is a critical global health challenge. In this study, we profiled the transcriptomic response of multidrug resistant <em>P. aeruginosa</em> PA01 to the cell-free supernatant of <em>Pediococcus pentosaceus</em> ENM104. Differential expression analysis using edgeR (|log₂FC| ≥ 2, FDR ≤ 0.05) identified a high-confidence set of 952 core differentially expressed genes (492 upregulated, 460 downregulated). Functional enrichment (GO/KEGG) and STRING v12.0 mapping revealed a shift prioritizing protein synthesis and envelope defense with induction of ribosomal proteins, aminoacyl tRNA synthetases and components of oxidative phosphorylation. Additionally, antimicrobial peptide (AMP) resistance appears reinforced through PhoQ/Arn mediated L-Ara4N lipid-A remodeling and increased expression of the MexAB–OprM efflux system. Transcriptomic signatures also suggest metabolic rewiring consistent with acid stress adaptation along with broad attenuation of proteostasis mechanisms. The upregulation of <em>pnp</em> (encoding PNPase) suggests increased RNA turnover and quality control<em>.</em> These changes may support homeostatic adjustment and tolerance to acid and AMP stress. However, this study lacks biological replicates, and dispersion was assumed in edgeR. Future work should identify the active CFS constituents and validate key nodes by qRT-PCR assays.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54986,"journal":{"name":"Infection Genetics and Evolution","volume":"138 ","pages":"Article 105879"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145991913","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Application of non-destructive DNA extraction for the molecular and morphological identification of tick species and their pathogens","authors":"Camille Lorang ,&nbsp;Clémence Galon ,&nbsp;Olivier Plantard ,&nbsp;Denis Augot","doi":"10.1016/j.meegid.2026.105880","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.meegid.2026.105880","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Tick-borne diseases remain a major concern in both human and animal health in most biogeographical regions. Since certain tick-borne pathogens are transmitted by specific tick species, tick identification through morphological and biomolecular examination of the species is highly recommended for investigation of tick-borne diseases. In this study, we assessed a non-destructive DNA protocol for identifying tick species and screening of pathogens and evaluate the effects of this protocol on the tick body, using geometric morphometric (based on coxa 1). Overall, 80 <em>Ixodes</em> spp. specimens (<em>I. ricinus</em>, <em>I. hexagonus</em>, and <em>I. acuminatus</em>) conserved in alcohol for more than 15 years were tested here, including all stages (male, female, nymph and larva). Molecular investigation using 16S rRNA enabled 92% of ticks to be assigned to a species. The microfluidic chip demonstrates the presence of <em>Bartonella</em> sp. (13%), <em>Rickettsia helvetica</em> (63%) and <em>Hepatozoon</em> sp. (13%) in tested engorged females. Comparison of the coxa 1 shape before and after extraction showed no changes in morphology. We demonstrated that DNA can be extracted from old specimens of hard ticks using non-destructive methods, allowing for molecular identification of ticks and pathogens without altering their morphology. As a result, this technique makes it possible to preserve specimens from laboratory or museum collections. Additionally, non-destructive DNA extraction could be useful in medical entomology for monitoring arrivals of alien species and emergence of associated tick-borne diseases affecting humans, domestic animals, or wildlife.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54986,"journal":{"name":"Infection Genetics and Evolution","volume":"138 ","pages":"Article 105880"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145981925","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Genomic insights into Mycobacterium orygis in wild ungulates in Chennai, India","authors":"Harini Ramanujam ,&nbsp;Mahaprabhu Ramalingam ,&nbsp;Ahmed Kabir Refaya ,&nbsp;Priya Rajendran ,&nbsp;M. Baskar ,&nbsp;Natesan Palanivel ,&nbsp;Saraswathi Devarajan ,&nbsp;Angayarkanni Balasubramaniam ,&nbsp;R. Nithya ,&nbsp;Sivakumar Shanmugam ,&nbsp;Kannan Palaniyandi","doi":"10.1016/j.meegid.2025.105869","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.meegid.2025.105869","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) represents a significant global threat to livestock, wildlife, and human health, yet wildlife tuberculosis (wTB) remains underreported in India. This study aimed to investigate the presence of <em>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</em> complex (MTBC) species in wild ungulates at Guindy National Park, Chennai. Postmortem tissue samples and fecal pellets were collected from spotted deer, sambar deer, and blackbuck, and analyzed using culture, molecular diagnostics, histopathology, and whole genome sequencing (WGS). <em>Mycobacterium orygis</em> was isolated from tissue samples of four animals, while molecular assays detected MTBC DNA in nine fecal samples. Drug resistance was identified in three fecal samples. Histopathology revealed characteristic granulomatous lesions, and WGS confirmed <em>M. orygis</em> in all tissue-derived isolates. Pangenome analysis identified 4222 genes with an estimated γ value of 0.0086, suggesting an open pangenome with novel genes accumulating at a slow rate. Comparative genomic analysis, including insertion sequence (IS) profiling and SNP analysis, revealed limited overall diversity but unique SNPs in Chennai isolates, suggesting local genomic differentiation. These findings highlight the dynamic nature of <em>M. orygis</em> within MTBC and highlight the importance of functional studies to understand host specificity and adaptability and the urgent need for systematic wTB surveillance and One Health-based interventions in India.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54986,"journal":{"name":"Infection Genetics and Evolution","volume":"137 ","pages":"Article 105869"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145806429","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Gaining insights into novel pathogen hosts: Characterisation of Actinomyces weissii strains isolated from companion animals","authors":"Beyza Cirak ,&nbsp;Antonia Kreitlow ,&nbsp;Maria Borowiak ,&nbsp;Christiane Hoffmann ,&nbsp;Christoph Lämmler ,&nbsp;Carsten Heydel ,&nbsp;Christa Ewers ,&nbsp;Burkhard Malorny ,&nbsp;Madeleine Plötz ,&nbsp;Amir Abdulmawjood","doi":"10.1016/j.meegid.2025.105867","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.meegid.2025.105867","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Actinomyces weissii</em> was first isolated from the oral cavity of dogs in 2012. This study characterised the phenotypic and genotypic features of 11 additional strains obtained from diverse pathological lesions in companion animals. A multi-faceted approach was employed, combining culture techniques, biochemical profiling, MALDI-TOF MS, real-time PCR, sequencing of genetic markers, and whole-genome analysis. Despite minor phenotypic variation, MALDI-TOF MS and genotypic analyses consistently confirmed species identity and revealed intraspecies diversity. Whole-genome sequencing revealed four haemolysin family protein genes, and all isolates exhibited complete β-haemolysis. Pan-genome analysis defined a conserved core genome of 1559 genes, shared by all isolates and the reference strain, including haemolysin-related genes. Phylogenetic comparisons placed <em>A. urogenitalis</em> and <em>A. trachealis</em> as closest relatives.</div><div>These findings broaden the host spectrum of <em>A. weissii</em>, with the first isolation from a cat, suggesting that this species may also occur in felines and merits consideration in veterinary diagnostics. Its presence in companion animals raises the possibility of zoonotic risk, and together with the detection of haemolysin family protein genes, underscores the need for further investigation to clarify its pathogenic significance and potential impact on veterinary practice and public health.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54986,"journal":{"name":"Infection Genetics and Evolution","volume":"137 ","pages":"Article 105867"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145795587","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}