Journal of Veterinary Research最新文献

{"title":"First identification of orf virus from an outbreak of contagious ecthyma in Polish sheep.","authors":"Magdalena Larska, Agnieszka Nowakowska, Urszula Pękala-Duda","doi":"10.2478/jvetres-2026-0035","DOIUrl":"10.2478/jvetres-2026-0035","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Contagious ecthyma (CE) is a skin disease of goats, sheep and some other domesticated and wild ruminants worldwide, including Poland. The infection is caused by the orf virus (ORFV) of the <i>Parapoxvirus</i> genus. It is characterised by the appearance of skin lesions in the form of papules and pustules, most often in the area of the mouth and nostrils, hooves and genitals. The disease causes economic losses, especially in countries with high sheep and goat production. In Europe, the threat posed by this disease is rather underestimated, but following the re-emergence of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in the region in 2025, there is increased vigilance and a need to have differential diagnostic methods proven and ready.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>DNA was extracted from lesions on mouth and hooves of sheep. The animals were on a farm located in southwestern Poland on which FMD was ruled out. A PCR was performed using two pairs of specific primers for detecting <i>vIL10</i> and <i>GIF</i> gene fragments which were then sequenced.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Sequencing confirmed ORFV infection in all tested sheep samples. The sequences obtained for Polish viruses were also highly homologous to other parapoxviruses, indicating that the method used may be applicable for broad diagnosis of parapoxvirus infections not only in ruminants.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This is the first molecular characterisation of ORFV in sheep in Poland. It signals a potential herd biosecurity problem in view of the neglected but re-emerging nature of CE. The marked genetic divergence between Polish field ORFV isolates and currently available vaccine strains may influence CE vaccine efficacy in Poland.</p>","PeriodicalId":17617,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Research","volume":"70 2","pages":"177-184"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13334292/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148437294","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Paraben concentrations in cat hair samples.","authors":"Sławomir Gonkowski, Manolis Tzatzarakis, Elena Vakonaki, Thomas Lamprakis, Krystyna Makowska","doi":"10.2478/jvetres-2026-0036","DOIUrl":"10.2478/jvetres-2026-0036","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Parabens, organic substances used as preservatives in various branches of industry, penetrate the environment and living organisms. There is only scant knowledge of cats' exposure to parabens. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess the levels of common industrial parabens in samples of cat hair.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>Concentration levels of four parabens (methylparaben - MeP, ethylparaben - EtP, propylparaben - PrP and butylparaben - BuP) were analysed in cat hair samples (n = 70) using a liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. The signalment, body condition score and possibility of outdoor access were recorded for each cat.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>All four parabens were found in the cat hair. The concentrations of parabens in pg/mg were as follows: MeP - range 28.7-7,094.7, median 273.5 and mean 620.6 ± 1,193; EtP - range 10.8-6,458.2, median 43.1 and mean 188.2 ± 778.1; PrP - range 6.6-1,793, median 33.2 and mean 107.5 ± 246.9; and BuP - range 8.9-276.5, median 11.5 and mean 27.2 ± 49.5. Statistically significantly higher levels of PrP were noted in strictly indoor cats compared to cats with outdoor access. Statistically significant differences in paraben levels between animals of different sexes, ages and body conditions were not observed.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The obtained results have shown that cats are exposed to parabens to a considerable extent, which suggests that the exposure to these compounds may negatively affect cats' health.</p>","PeriodicalId":17617,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Research","volume":"70 2","pages":"341-351"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13334297/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148437242","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"<i>Tectum opticum</i> development in embryonic quail <i>(Coturnix japonica)</i> and the role of HSP70 in the developmental process.","authors":"Dilem Gülece Ermutlu, Serap İlhan Aksu, Turgay Deprem, Serap Koral Taşçi, Şahin Aslan, Rumeysa Nur Aslan","doi":"10.2478/jvetres-2026-0030","DOIUrl":"10.2478/jvetres-2026-0030","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The <i>tectum opticum</i>, which is a section of the mesencephalon, is located between the cerebellum and the ventral hemispherium of birds. In birds, the <i>tectum opticum</i> has a well-developed, thick, layered structure. It is quite large compared to those of other vertebrates and is considered the primary pathway of visual information to the telencephalon. Heat-shock proteins (HSPs) are molecules that help fold newly synthesised polypeptides, assemble multiprotein complexes and transport proteins across cellular membranes.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>In this study, 50 fertilised quail eggs were used to monitor embryonic development. The fixed tissues were blocked in paraffin, and Crossmonn's triple stain was applied to these sections for histological examination. The avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex technique was applied to determine the immunohistochemical localisation of HSP70.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Histologically, the <i>tectum opticum</i> was observed to consist of six main layers. They were formed starting from embryonic day 7 (E7). Ten sublayers of the <i>stratum griseum et fibrosum superficiale</i> layer became clear starting from embryonic day 12. Immunohistochemical staining showed HSP70 immunoreactivity in neuron bodies and nerve fibres starting from E7.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings suggest that HSP70 contributes to the protection of cells and the continuity of developmental processes. The regulatory effect of HSP70 on cell cycle, apoptosis and differentiation processes during embryonic development is of vital importance for the healthy development of avian embryos. Therefore, it is clear that the mechanisms of HSP70 expression need to be known.</p>","PeriodicalId":17617,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Research","volume":"70 2","pages":"313-320"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13334307/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148437160","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Analysis of sales of antimicrobials used in veterinary medicine in Poland compared to Europe.","authors":"Ilona Barbara Materek, Katarzyna Pasik, Ewa Borzym","doi":"10.2478/jvetres-2026-0032","DOIUrl":"10.2478/jvetres-2026-0032","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a global threat to public and animal health, and its progression is closely linked to the use of antimicrobials in veterinary medicine. In Europe, programmes such as the European Surveillance of Veterinary Antimicrobial Consumption (ESVAC) and subsequently European Sales and Use of Antimicrobials for Veterinary Medicine (ESUAvet) monitor and attempt to reduce the consumption of antimicrobials in food-producing animals. The study analyses the trends in the volume and sales structure of veterinary antimicrobials in Poland in 2011-2023 and compares them with data reported by other European countries.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>The analysis was based on data from ESVAC reports (2011-2022) and the first ESUAvet report (2023), as well as data from the European Medicines Agency's Antimicrobial Sales and Use Platform. The data were evaluated by antimicrobial class, pharmaceutical form and Antimicrobial Advice Ad-hoc Expert Group (AMEG) categories, the latter being A (avoid), B (restrict), C (caution) and D (prudence).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>While total sales of veterinary antimicrobials in Europe decreased by 48.0% between 2011 and 2023, in Poland they increased by 19.5% during the same period. In Poland, the predominance of AMEG category D antimicrobials persisted, although their share declined from 79% to 64% with a concurrent increase in sales of category C. The sales structure shifted significantly towards oral solutions, replacing oral powders. Penicillins became the dominant antimicrobial group in the later years, while tetracyclines sales declined.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The Polish trend diverges from the European one of reducing veterinary antimicrobial consumption. To align with EU reduction targets, Poland should strengthen antimicrobial stewardship, tighten prescription control and promote preventive measures such as vaccination and higher biosecurity within the One Health framework.</p>","PeriodicalId":17617,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Research","volume":"70 2","pages":"233-244"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13334298/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148437178","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The yearly pattern of <i>Ashworthius sidemi</i> Schulz, 1933 infection in cervids: a 10-year study in southern Poland and northern Slovakia.","authors":"Jerzy Kowal, Anna Wyrobisz-Papiewska, Weronika Rynkiewicz, Marek Wajdzik, Paweł Nosal","doi":"10.2478/jvetres-2026-0037","DOIUrl":"10.2478/jvetres-2026-0037","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The widespread distribution of the blood-sucking parasitic species <i>Ashworthius sidemi</i> among cervids highlights the need for increased understanding of how to prevent its transmission to livestock. Such knowledge should include detailed data on its life cycle, which may provide insights into the pattern of invasion and guide control measures.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>Adult and subadult specimens of <i>A. sidemi</i> were obtained by necropsy examinations of 108 naturally infected cervids between 2011 and 2021. The month of host collection was used to divide the obtained data into two periods of the year: warm (May to October) and cold (November to March). The differences in the overall mean intensity of infection within a particular month and between periods were statistically analysed. Molecular analyses were conducted to confirm species identification.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 16,574 specimens were found. The mean intensity of infection for adults and for subadults differed significantly, both within a particular month and between the two periods of the year (P-value < 0.01). Correspondence analysis revealed two distinct groups based on the month of collection from the host and the increased occurrence of adults and/or subadults in the abomasum. The occurrence of adult specimens was the greatest during the warm periods of the year, with their first appearance recorded in May.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Although infection intensity remains relatively stable throughout the year, eggs shedding may be influenced by the occurrence of adults, what depends on the period of the year.</p>","PeriodicalId":17617,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Research","volume":"70 2","pages":"209-214"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13334291/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148437263","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Association between serum type-I, -III and -IV collagen concentrations and inguinal hernia status in piglets.","authors":"Adam Brodzki, Janusz Kocki, Paulina Gawin, Rafał Maszkowski, Magdalena Krakowiak","doi":"10.2478/jvetres-2026-0033","DOIUrl":"10.2478/jvetres-2026-0033","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Inguinal hernias are a significant health and economic problem in pig farming, affecting animal welfare and production profitability. Suspected aetiological factors include disorders in the metabolism of extracellular matrix components, including collagen, which is responsible for the integrity and strength of connective tissue. The aim of the study was to compare the concentrations of type-I, -III and -IV collagen in the blood serum of pigs with inguinal hernias to those in healthy animals.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>The study used 87 pigs, comprised of 59 hernia-affected individuals in the experimental group and 28 unaffected counterparts in the control group. The animals were of the same age and came from the same genetic line. The study used ELISA tests for the quantitative measurement of serum collagen concentrations.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The results showed significantly higher concentrations of type-I (P-value < 0.001) and type-III (P-value < 0.01) collagen in the experimental group, indicating an association between collagen metabolism and hernia status. For type-IV collagen, the differences were not statistically significant.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Changes in type-I and type-III collagen levels may be associated with inguinal hernia status in pigs and warrant further investigation as potential risk biomarkers. Type-IV collagen showed no relationship with hernia status in the study population.</p>","PeriodicalId":17617,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Research","volume":"70 2","pages":"335-340"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13334303/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148437155","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Multimodal characterisation of spontaneous Merkel cell carcinoma in the endangered Caucasian squirrel <i>(Sciurus anomalus pallescens):</i> integrating spatial transcriptomics, imaging mass cytometry and metagenomic sequencing.","authors":"Peyman Mohammadzadeh, Amin Pilvaieh, Arshia Dousti, Mohammad Reza Salim Bahrami, Farshad Ziaee","doi":"10.2478/jvetres-2026-0034","DOIUrl":"10.2478/jvetres-2026-0034","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Merkel cell carcinoma is an aggressive neuroendocrine skin malignancy rarely reported in non-domestic species.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>A cutaneous nodule from an endangered Caucasian squirrel (<i>Sciurus anomalus pallescens</i>) was examined using histopathology, immunohistochemistry, imaging mass cytometry, spatial transcriptomics (10× Visium) and metagenomic sequencing.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Histology revealed a high-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma with frequent mitoses (52 per 2.37 mm²) and necrosis. Tumour cells were positive for cytokeratin 20 (paranuclear dot pattern), synaptophysin and chromogranin A, with a high Ki-67 index (68%). Spatial analyses delineated a distinct tumour core and combined invasive front and stromal compartments, revealing upregulation of neuroendocrine (atonal basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor 1 and neurogenic differentiation factor 1) and proliferative (marker of proliferation Ki-67) programmes, and activation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase-AKT serine/threonine kinase 1-mechanistic target of rapamycin and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways. No evidence of Merkel cell polyomavirus was found. The tumour microenvironment was immune-excluded, with programmed-death ligand 1 expression on ~22% of tumour cells and CD8⁺ T cells restricted to the stroma.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study provides a comprehensive methodological framework for high-resolution tumour profiling in conservation pathology and highlights the emergence of neoplasia in threatened wildlife.</p>","PeriodicalId":17617,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Research","volume":"70 2","pages":"321-334"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13334306/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148437227","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessment of the pathogenicity of <i>Mycoplasma gallisepticum</i> and the immunogenicity of its membrane proteins in geese.","authors":"Xueyan Wang, Baoyi Deng, Ming Li, Weihuo Li, Yangshuo Li, Sheng Yuan, Nan Zhang","doi":"10.2478/jvetres-2026-0031","DOIUrl":"10.2478/jvetres-2026-0031","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong><i>Mycoplasma gallisepticum</i> (MG) imposes heavy losses on the goose industry in China, yet its goose-specific biology is poorly understood. In elucidation of the biology, the pathogenicity and immunogenicity of MG in geese were analysed.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>Goslings were divided into three groups and either infected with the goose isolate MG-GD01/22, infected with chicken-derived MG R(low) or left untreated as controls. Clinical scores were recorded, and morbidity/mortality, air-sac lesions and tracheal and lung histopathology evaluated. Isolate membrane proteins were separated by SDS-PAGE and screened by Western blot with goose hyper-immune sera.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Both MG-GD01/22 and MG R(low) established infection, with morbidity rates of 90% and 80% and qPCR positivity of 100% and 80%, respectively. The MG-GD01/22 isolate caused 20% mortality and more severe respiratory signs, whereas MG R(low) induced milder disease without deaths. Both strains produced airsacculitis and interstitial pneumonia, but MG-GD01/22 caused more marked pulmonary haemorrhage. Gel electrophoresis showed similar bands at 50-130 kDa with differences at 25-50 kDa. Western blot revealed strong immune responses to conserved 75 kDa and 67 kDa proteins, particularly those of MG-GD01/22.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Both strains are pathogenic in geese, with MG-GD01/22 exhibiting higher virulence. The conserved 75 kDa and 67 kDa proteins represent promising targets for the development of diagnostic assays and vaccines against <i>Mycoplasma gallisepticum</i> infection in geese.</p>","PeriodicalId":17617,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Research","volume":"70 2","pages":"201-208"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13334300/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148437143","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Phenotypic characterisation of <i>Pasteurella multocida</i> strains isolated from rabbits in Poland.","authors":"Sylwia Budniak, Agnieszka Kędrak-Jabłońska, Krzysztof Szulowski","doi":"10.2478/jvetres-2026-0029","DOIUrl":"10.2478/jvetres-2026-0029","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong><i>Pasteurella multocida</i> is an important pathogen in many species of domestic and wild mammals, as well as birds. It is also a commensal in the nasopharynx of clinically healthy animals. The aim of the study was to characterise and classify field strains of <i>P. multocida</i> isolated from rabbits in Poland.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>A total of 115 field strains isolated from rabbits in 1999-2020 were used. The examined strains were evaluated morphologically and microscopically, and their ability to produce catalase and oxidase was determined. Identification of <i>P. multocida</i> strains was performed on basis of biochemical characteristics and serotype classification.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Based on the biochemical profile assessment using API 20E and the ID 32E (bioMérieux), the strains isolated from rabbits were identified as <i>P. multocida</i>. Among 17.4% were classified as <i>P. multocida</i> subsp. <i>multocida</i>, 80% as ornithine decarboxylase negative <i>P. multocida</i> subsp. <i>multocida</i> and 2.6% as <i>P. multocida</i> subsp. <i>septica</i>. The capsule of type A was found in 87.8% of strains, type D in 8.7%, and type F in 3.5%. The somatic antigen of serotype 12 was present in 64.3% of strains, and serotype 3 in 36.7% of strains. The capsular type A was predominant among strains from rabbits that were asymptomatic carriers, while the capsular type D and F were found mainly in strains isolated from sick animals. In turn, the somatic antigen of serotype 12 was present in strains from both healthy and diseased animals, while strains of serotype 3 were much more frequently isolated from diseased rabbits.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The conducted research allowed to classify and obtain new in-depth data on the population structure of <i>P. multocida</i> strains isolated from rabbits in Poland.</p>","PeriodicalId":17617,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Research","volume":"70 2","pages":"191-199"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13334299/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148437278","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Metagenomic analysis of the vaginal microbiota in cows with ovarian cysts.","authors":"Gamze Evkuran Dal, Baran Çelik, Ahmet Sabuncu, Merve Yılmaz, Ayşe Ilgın Kekeç, Emek Dümen, Serkan İkiz, Kadir Serdar Diker","doi":"10.2478/jvetres-2026-0028","DOIUrl":"10.2478/jvetres-2026-0028","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>This study compared the vaginal microbiota composition of dairy cows with follicular and luteal ovarian cysts using metagenomic analysis.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>Ovarian cysts, which impair reproductive performance through endocrine disruption, were diagnosed by ultrasonography and serum hormone evaluation in Holstein cows 30-60 d postpartum. Forty-five cows were initially included and divided into follicular cyst, luteal cyst and control groups. Vaginal lavage samples were analysed using third-generation sequencing, and taxonomic classification was performed through 16S rRNA gene analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 258 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were identified, with the highest diversity observed in the control group (mean of 56.8 OTUs) and the lowest in the luteal cyst group (mean of 49.0 OTUs). Proteobacteria was the dominant phylum across all groups (93.4%), followed by Tenericutes (5.9%). Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes and Fusobacteria accounted for less than 1%. At the family level, Burkholderiaceae (62.7%) and Pasteurellaceae (24.0%) were predominant, while of the genera, <i>Ralstonia</i> was the most abundant (62.2%). The luteal group had the highest relative abundance of Burkholderiaceae, whereas Pasteurellaceae was most abundant in the control group.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These results indicate that cystic cows exhibit reduced microbial diversity and altered bacterial composition in comparison with healthy animals. The predominance of Proteobacteria and <i>Ralstonia</i> suggests a potential link between endocrine imbalance and changes in the vaginal microenvironment. Hormonal analyses supported the classification of cyst types, with follicular cyst cows showing low progesterone (0.31 ± 0.05 ng/mL) and high oestradiol-17β concentrations (55.57 ± 7.91 pg/mL), whereas luteal cyst cows exhibited higher progesterone (2.89 ± 0.74 ng/mL) and lower oestradiol-17β concentrations (6.19 ± 0.56 pg/mL) (P < 0.001). These results may support future studies evaluating vaginal microbial profiles as complementary indicators of ovarian status in dairy cows.</p>","PeriodicalId":17617,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Research","volume":"70 2","pages":"215-225"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13334294/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148437212","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}