Open Veterinary Journal最新文献

{"title":"<i>Lactiplantibacillus plantarum</i>-fermented shallot (<i>Allium cepa</i> L.) extract: A novel natural antibiotic alternative in drinking water for <i>Escherichia coli</i>-challenged broilers.","authors":"Hoang Thi Anh Phuong, Nguyen Dinh Vinh, Nguyen Xuan Hoa, Vo Thi Minh Tam, Phan Vu Hai","doi":"10.5455/OVJ.2026.v16.i5.28","DOIUrl":"10.5455/OVJ.2026.v16.i5.28","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The global poultry industry is under pressure to reduce its reliance on antibiotics, necessitating the search for effective alternatives. Pathogenic <i>Escherichia coli</i> infections remain a major challenge, leading to significant economic losses due to impaired growth performance and increased mortality.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of shallot extract (<i>Allium cepa</i> L.) fermented by <i>Lactiplantibacillus plantarum</i> 1582 fermented shallot (FS) as a potential antibiotic alternative in experimentally challenged <i>E. coli</i> broiler chickens.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 300 1-day-old J-Dabaco broilers were randomized to six treatments (<i>n</i> = 50; five replicates of 10): negative control (NC), (PC), antibiotic control (AB), and three challenged groups receiving FS at 1%, 2%, or 3% (FS1-FS3). Challenged birds were orally inoculated with <i>E. coli</i> ExPEC_A338 (3 × 10⁸ CFU/ml) on days 7 and 8. Outcomes included growth performance, cecal microbiota, jejunal histomorphology, immune-organ indices, serum Immunoglobulin M (IgM), Immunoglobulin A (IgA), and Immunoglobulin G levels, and mRNA expression of tight-junction proteins (ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-2) and cytokines [IL-4, IL-1β, TNF-α, and Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ)].</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Supplementation with FS, especially the 3% dose (FS3), significantly improved body weight gain by 9.4% and restored survival to 100%, matching the NC and AB groups. FS3 enhanced gut health by reducing the densities of pathogenic <i>E. coli</i> and <i>Salmonella</i> spp<i>.</i> while simultaneously increasing the densities of beneficial <i>Lactobacillus</i> spp<i>.</i> (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Morphological analysis showed that the FS3 group had the highest villus height (VH) (1,049.86 µm) and VH/Crypt Depth ratio (13.05) (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Although immune-organ indices remained unchanged, dietary FS at 2%-3% significantly upregulated ZO-1, while IFN-γ increased at 1% FS (FS1) but remained comparable to the challenged control at 2%-3% (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Serum IgM increased at 1%-2%, and serum IgA decreased at 3% (<i>p</i> < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Collectively, these findings demonstrate that <i>L. plantarum-</i>FS extract, particularly at a 3% inclusion level, represents a promising non-antibiotic strategy for broilers challenged with <i>E. coli</i>, primarily through enhanced growth performance, intestinal integrity, and a favorable gut microbial balance.</p>","PeriodicalId":19531,"journal":{"name":"Open Veterinary Journal","volume":"16 5","pages":"2860-2868"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13313892/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148353025","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence and characteristics of ovine cœnurosis in the province of Kenitra (Morocco).","authors":"Kamal Brik, Hassouni Taoufik, Belghyti Driss","doi":"10.5455/OVJ.2026.v16.i5.37","DOIUrl":"10.5455/OVJ.2026.v16.i5.37","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Cœnurosis is a cestodosis of the central nervous system of sheep is caused by <i>Coenurus cerebralis</i>, a larva of <i>Taenia multiceps</i>, a tapeworm that infests the small intestine of dogs. This parasitic disease is a major health problem that can lead to the death of the animal, causing significant economic losses. Cœnurosis generally shows no clinical symptoms at the onset of infection; therefore, farmers and veterinarians struggle to identify the early signs of the disease in the field.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>The objective of the research is to determine the prevalence of cœnurosis in sheep in the province of Kenitra and to highlight the relationship between this disease and risk factors, namely sex, age, farming system, and seasons.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a study on 687 animals from various locations. The latter adopt extensive and intensive farming methods. We collected all brains of sheep showing neurological signs of cœnurosis; all cysts extracted from infected brains were stored in coolers for subsequent analysis of their fertility and viability to create a database for determining the prevalence of the disease and identifying the risk factors that influence its persistence.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Post-mortem examination of the heads of infected animals showed that 12.37% harboured cœnurosis cysts filled with a translucent fluid containing numerous clearly visible protoscolices; data analysis revealed a positive relationship between the prevalence of <i>T. multiceps</i>., age, and farming system, while there was no association with sex or season. The survey also showed a link between <i>T. multiceps</i> infection in dogs and cœnurosis.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>It should be concluded that the prevalence of sheep cœnurosis in Kenitra, Morocco, has reached a worrying level (12.37%), which requires increased attention to sheep health in the region to prevent the spread of this disease. It is necessary to raise awareness among sheep farmers, to permanently eliminate infected animals by burying or incinerating them, to regularly deworm dogs, and finally to collect and destroy dog droppings near feed storage areas or water points to prevent sheep from ingesting tapeworm eggs while grazing.</p>","PeriodicalId":19531,"journal":{"name":"Open Veterinary Journal","volume":"16 5","pages":"2948-2954"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13314275/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148353036","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Outbred mice as an appropriate model for evaluating the immunogenicity of vaccines against porcine circovirus 2.","authors":"Vitor Barbosa Fialho Martins, Guilherme de Brito Viana, Emylli Teles de Melo Zocarato, Karen Ferraz Faria, Marina Caporusso Garcia da Silva, Taís Fukuta da Cruz, Igor Renan Honorato Gatto, Marcus Antonio Martins Buso, Ferdinando Nielsen de Almeida, Hélio José Montassier","doi":"10.5455/OVJ.2026.v16.i5.26","DOIUrl":"10.5455/OVJ.2026.v16.i5.26","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is the causative agent of porcine circovirus-associated diseases, leading to substantial economic losses in global swine production. Although various commercial vaccines exist, an appropriate and translational animal model is essential for evaluating vaccine-induced immune responses. Inbred mouse strains are traditionally preferred due to their genetic uniformity; however, outbred animals may reflect a broader immunological variability than the natural target species. The number of comparative studies assessing outbred mice for PCV2 vaccine immunogenicity remains limited.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study aimed to determine whether outbred mice represent an appropriate model for assessing the immunogenicity of PCV2 vaccines by comparing them with two commonly used inbred strains, C57BL/6 and BALB/c.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 108 6-week-old female mice from three genetic backgrounds (Swiss, C57BL/6, and BALB/c) were immunized with recombinant PCV2a- or PCV2b-based vaccines or inoculated with water for injection as controls. Vaccinations were administered on days 0 and 14, and blood samples were collected on days 0 and 28. Humoral immune responses were assessed using an in-house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to determine seroconversion rates and end point antibody titers. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance, with a significance threshold of <i>p</i> < 0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>All vaccinated animals were seroconverted at 28 days post-vaccination, whereas the control groups remained negative. High antibody titers, ranging from 1:25,600 to 1:102,400, were observed in all immunized groups, ranging from 1:25,600 to 1:102,400 depending on strain and vaccine genotype. No statistically significant differences were detected among the vaccinated groups (<i>p</i> = 0.0631), indicating that the humoral immune responses of Swiss outbred mice were comparable to those of the inbred strains.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Outbred Swiss mice exhibited robust antibody responses equivalent to those of C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice following immunization with the PCV2a and PCV2b vaccines. These findings support the suitability of Swiss mice for assessing total IgG humoral responses in immunogenicity studies and PCV2 vaccine quality-control assays.</p>","PeriodicalId":19531,"journal":{"name":"Open Veterinary Journal","volume":"16 5","pages":"2839-2848"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13314108/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148353057","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Differentiation of common histological lesions in bovine liver using convolutional neural network-based deep learning.","authors":"Susumu Iwaide, Kumiko Kimura, Ryo Sugiura, Yu Oishi, Tomoyuki Shibahara","doi":"10.5455/OVJ.2026.v16.i5.65","DOIUrl":"10.5455/OVJ.2026.v16.i5.65","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Liver lesions occur in livestock due to various causes, including infection and poisoning. Liver diseases can affect multiple organs, making accurate and efficient pathological diagnosis essential. Therefore, a model capable of automatically classifying various lesions could assist in diagnosis.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study aimed to classify common lesions in bovine livers-lymphoma, necrosis, and fibrosis-using deep learning based on a convolutional neural network to develop a potential pathological diagnosis support model.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We prepared 10 bovine cases for four groups: lymphoma, necrosis, fibrosis, and normal liver. After scanning the slides as whole slide images, we divided the images into patches and collected 50 patches per slide containing the target tissue. The patches were split into 2 groups: training cross-validation (80%) and test (20%) groups. A DenseNet-based convolutional neural network was trained via cross-validation, and its performance was evaluated with the test set.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The model achieved a classification accuracy of 84.5% on the test data with an average F1-score of 83.5% across the four labels. The precision and recall for each label were 92.6% and 50% (lymphoma), 95.8% and 92.0% (necrosis), 89.8% and 97.0% (fibrosis), and 69.7% and 99.0% (normal liver), respectively.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Image classification using a deep learning model based on a convolutional neural network showed promising performance for classifying common lesions in bovine livers, particularly necrosis and fibrosis. However, further improvement is required for reliable lymphoma detection.</p>","PeriodicalId":19531,"journal":{"name":"Open Veterinary Journal","volume":"16 5","pages":"2735-2745"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13314324/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148353032","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Seminal plasma protein profiles and their association with semen quality parameters in Aceh bulls: A comparative study.","authors":"Edy Sophian, Hikmayani Iskandar, Tulus Maulana, Syahruddin Said, Mohamad Agus Setiadi, Raden Iis Arifiantini, Erni Damayanti, Hendri Hendri","doi":"10.5455/OVJ.2026.v16.i5.35","DOIUrl":"10.5455/OVJ.2026.v16.i5.35","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Semen quality is a crucial determinant of male fertility, and seminal plasma proteins play an essential role in the regulation of sperm function, protection, and fertilization ability. Profiling these proteins can provide insights into fertility-associated markers in livestock, particularly in indigenous cattle such as the Aceh bull.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study aimed to determine the seminal plasma protein profile of Aceh bulls and analyze its relationship with semen quality parameters.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Semen was collected once a week using an artificial vagina. The collected samples were evaluated both macroscopically and microscopically. Macroscopic evaluation included volume, color, pH, and consistency, while microscopic evaluation assessed mass movement, motility, viability, morphology, membrane integrity (MI), and acrosome integrity using an Olympus BX51 microscope. Sperm concentration was measured using an (SDM 6, Minitube, Tiefenbach, Germany). Seminal plasma proteins were analyzed using one-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (1D SDS-PAGE).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Aceh bull semen had an average volume of 6.25 ± 1.25 ml, a pH of 6.7 ± 0.04, a milky white color, and medium viscosity. Microscopic evaluations revealed motility of 76.30% ± 3.79%, concentration of 1541 ± 79.9 × 10⁶/ml, viability of 76.44% ± 3.21%, MI of 79.77% ± 4.59%, morphology of 88.04% ± 4.65%, and intact acrosome integrity of 93.58% ± 0.2%. The protein concentration ranged from 151.38 to 158.34 µg/ml. The seminal plasma protein concentration ranged from 151.38 to 158.34 µg/ml. 1D SDS-PAGE revealed distinct banding patterns based on the molecular weight (MW). Bulls with sperm motility >75% exhibited nine protein bands, whereas those with motility <75% displayed ten bands. Higher MW bands were absent in some individuals, particularly within the range of 270-176 kDa. The protein MW distribution was negatively correlated with sperm motility (<i>r</i> = -0.48), concentration (<i>r</i> = -0.18), viability (<i>r</i> = -0.47), MI (<i>r</i> = -0.46), morphology (<i>r</i> = -0.46), and acrosome integrity (<i>r</i> = -0.47). No significant differences in sperm concentration, viability, morphology, or acrosome integrity were observed between bulls, whereas MI differed among individuals.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The seminal plasma protein profiles of Aceh bulls showed a negative correlation with semen quality parameters. Lower MW proteins were associated with higher semen quality, indicating their potential as fertility assessment biomarkers in Aceh bulls.</p>","PeriodicalId":19531,"journal":{"name":"Open Veterinary Journal","volume":"16 5","pages":"2929-2938"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13314322/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148353013","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of Oral Nanocurcumin on Uterine Caspase-3 and IL-10 Expression in Noise-Stressed Pregnant Mice.","authors":"Viski Fitri Hendrawan, Ropi Faiha, Dwi Kristianto, Handayu Untari, Dwi Rahmawati, Ertika Fitri Lisnanti","doi":"10.5455/OVJ.2026.v16.i5.13","DOIUrl":"10.5455/OVJ.2026.v16.i5.13","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Exposure to environmental noise during pregnancy has been linked to the disruption of immune and apoptotic balance in uterine tissues. Caspase-3 (Casp-3) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) are key apoptosis and anti-inflammatory signaling biomarkers, respectively. Nanocurcumin has shown promise as an antioxidant and immunomodulator.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study aimed to evaluate the effects of oral nanocurcumin on Casp-3 and IL-10 expression in gestational noise-exposed pregnant mice.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Twenty-five pregnant BALB/c mice were divided into five groups: negative control (K-), positive control with noise (K+), and three treatment groups exposed to noise and given nanocurcumin at 14 (P1), 21 (P2), and 24.5 mg/kg body weight (BW) (P3). Oral treatments were given from gestational day (GD) 6-18. Uterine tissues were harvested for immunohistochemical analysis. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance, Tukey's HSD, and linear regression (<i>p</i> < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Noise exposure increased Casp-3 and reduced IL-10 expression (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Nanocurcumin reversed these effects in a dose-dependent manner; Casp-3 decreased by 20.7%, whereas IL-10 increased by 41.7% in the P3 group compared with the K+ group. Linear regression analysis showed strong correlations between the dose and expression levels of both markers.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Oral nanocurcumin effectively reduced uterine apoptotic signaling and improved anti-inflammatory responses in pregnancies with noise stress, supporting its potential role as a non-hormonal therapeutic in reproductive stress conditions. This study also aligns with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-being, particularly in advancing maternal health through nutraceutical interventions during pregnancy under environmental stress.</p>","PeriodicalId":19531,"journal":{"name":"Open Veterinary Journal","volume":"16 5","pages":"2704-2713"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13314323/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148353030","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Antimicrobial activity of buffalo milk whey hydrolysates against multidrug-resistant bacteria isolated from dairy products.","authors":"Noor Adil Abood, Nawras Kadhum Mahdee Alnakeeb, Ali Abd Sharad, Orooba Meteab Faja, Ziad M Alkhozai, Basima Jasim Mohammed, Haifa Jumaa Hassan","doi":"10.5455/OVJ.2026.v16.i5.21","DOIUrl":"10.5455/OVJ.2026.v16.i5.21","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background: &lt;/strong&gt;Dairy products are nutritionally rich food items that are potentially reservoirs for food pathogenic microorganisms, especially multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, if produced and/or handled under poor hygienic conditions. In addition to the fear of acquiring antimicrobial resistance within the dairy production chain, bioactive peptides from milk whey are attracting attention as natural substitutes for antimicrobial agents and as potential replacements for traditional antibiotics.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Aim: &lt;/strong&gt;The current study attempts to isolate and describe different bacterial species from various frequently consumed products from the dairy industry and determine their antimicrobial resistance patterns. In addition, this study aimed to determine the antimicrobial activity of peptides to be fractionated from enzymatically hydrolyzed buffalo milk whey against selected MDR dairy-derived isolates.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;Dairy samples were taken from multiple sites, totaling 290 items, including yogurts, cheeses, and creams, and were then processed in aseptic conditions. Bacterial isolates were cultured and purified using the VITEK®2 Compact System and other biochemical techniques. Using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion technique, the antimicrobial susceptibility exhibited 15 antibiotics and a multi-antibiotic resistance (MAR) index was calculated. The 16S rRNA gene was amplified and sequenced for molecular identification and phylogenetic analysis using universal primers. The antimicrobial activities of the whey hydrolysates and peptide fractions from processed, enzymatically hydrolyzed, and fractionated buffalo milk whey were evaluated using minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;From the dairy products recovered, 12 species were represented by 136 bacterial isolates, with approximately equal levels across cheeses, creams, and yogurts. Significant MAR indices, with most isolates showing &gt;0.2, indicated that many of the isolates came from environments of high contamination risk, showing resistance to tetracycline and erythromycin, ciprofloxacin, and ampicillin. Phylogenetic analysis for all isolates confirmed the closely related genetic relationship to other strains from various parts of the world for the amplified 16S rRNA gene (approximately 1,500 bp). The buffalo milk whey that had been enzymatically hydrolyzed, along with some of the selected chromatographic fractions, exhibited high levels of antibacterial activities against the MDR isolates, although some differences in MIC values were dependent on the specific strain.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion: &lt;/strong&gt;The use of biochemical and molecular methods proved to be more successful in determining the type of bacteria in dairy products and showed a high frequency of isolates resistant to multiple drugs. The whey peptides derived from buffalo milk exhibited strong antimicrobial properties against the aforementioned resistant","PeriodicalId":19531,"journal":{"name":"Open Veterinary Journal","volume":"16 5","pages":"2792-2802"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13313993/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148353073","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Molecular identification of <i>Escherichia coli</i> in poultry wet markets in Sulaymaniyah Province, Iraq.","authors":"Alle Mahamood Rashid, Zaid Khalaf Khidhir, Eman Dhahir Arif","doi":"10.5455/OVJ.2026.v16.i5.10","DOIUrl":"10.5455/OVJ.2026.v16.i5.10","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong><i>Escherichia coli</i> is an enteric bacterium that is one of the leading causes of gastrointestinal illnesses, particularly when food products, including poultry, become contaminated during slaughter and processing. Microbial contamination of poultry meat is likely in markets with poor sanitary conditions.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study aimed to molecularly investigate the contamination of poultry wet markets by <i>E. coli</i> and assess the occurrence of selected virulence genes in the Sulaymaniyah Province, Iraq.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We examined 134 <i>E. coli</i> isolates from 210 specimens collected from poultry carcasses, equipment, and workers, as well as from water at Sulaymaniyah wet markets. We extracted genomic DNA using the boiling method and used polymerase chain reaction testing to identify the species-specific <i>uspA</i> gene and two virulence genes (<i>stx1</i> and <i>eae</i>). Then, we performed partial sequencing on specific samples to conduct phylogenetic analysis using MEGA-11 software.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong><i>Escherichia coli</i> was found in 116 (55.24%) of 210 samples. The rates of <i>E. coli</i> detection on machine surfaces were the highest (86% in total; 26/30). Determining that <i>stx1</i> and <i>eae</i> virulence genes were identified in samples positive for <i>uspA</i>. The highest number of 116 <i>uspA</i>-positive samples was found in carcasses (39), machines (26), and tables (23). The overall presence of virulence genes was minimal. In the phylogenetic analysis, the <i>E. coli</i> isolate (Accession PV941795) was closely related to strain lhrS16 and formed a cluster independent of other divergent lineages.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings of the research demonstrate a critical health hazard in society that needs to be addressed by poultry wet markets by instituting better cleanliness standards.</p>","PeriodicalId":19531,"journal":{"name":"Open Veterinary Journal","volume":"16 5","pages":"2677-2684"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13314030/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148353089","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Nano-formulated curcumin restores hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis disturbance in cadmium-induced female reproductive toxicity.","authors":"Mohammed Nabeel Abbas Al-Muhja, Jabbar Abbas Ahmed Al-Saaidi","doi":"10.5455/OVJ.2026.v16.i5.5","DOIUrl":"10.5455/OVJ.2026.v16.i5.5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Cadmium (Cd) is a pervasive environmental toxicant associated with female reproductive dysfunction through endocrine disruption and oxidative stress. Strategies that enhance antioxidant bioavailability may improve therapeutic efficacy against heavy metal-induced ovarian damage.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To investigate the protective efficacy of polycaprolactone/polyvinyl alcohol-loaded curcumin nanoparticles (PCL/PVA/Cm NPs) against CdCl₂-induced reproductive toxicity in female rats, focusing on hormonal modulation and hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis gene expression.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Forty-eight adult female rats were allocated into six groups: control, CdCl₂, Cm, CdCl₂ + Cm, PCL/PVA/Cm NPs, and CdCl₂+PCL/PVA/Cm NPs. Body and reproductive organ weight, Serum gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), follicle stimulating-hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol, progesterone, and prolactin (PRL) levels were assessed after 4 weeks. Ovarian (LHR, FSHR, and aromatase) and pituitary (LHβ, FSHβ, CYP450, and PRL) gene expression levels were quantified.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The results revealed that CdCl₂ exposure significantly reduced body, ovarian, and uterine weights and suppressed GnRH, FSH, LH, estradiol, and progesterone levels while elevating PRL levels. Ovarian and pituitary reproductive gene expression was markedly downregulated. Cm partially reversed these effects; however, nanoformulated Cm produced significantly greater restoration, normalizing hormonal profiles and gene expression patterns to near-control values.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The nano-encapsulation markedly enhances Cm bioefficacy, effectively restoring endocrine balance and molecular signaling within the reproductive axis. PCL/PVA/Cm NPs represent a promising nanotherapeutic strategy for mitigating Cd-induced female reproductive toxicity.</p>","PeriodicalId":19531,"journal":{"name":"Open Veterinary Journal","volume":"16 5","pages":"2619-2630"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13313952/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148353139","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Molecular detection of CTX-M ESBL-encoding genes in <i>Escherichia coli</i> isolated from quail cloacal swabs in Surabaya markets.","authors":"Wiwiek Tyasningsih, Maria Oliva Keytimu, Aswin Rafif Khairullah, Freshinta Jellia Wibisono, Ummi Rahayu, Mustofa Helmi Effendi, John Yew Huat Tang, Mariana Febrilianti Resilinda Putri, Irfan Alias Kendek, Riza Zainuddin Ahmad, Bima Putra Pratama, Saifur Rehman, Wasito Wasito, Dea Anita Ariani Kurniasih, Ilma Fauziah Ma'ruf","doi":"10.5455/OVJ.2026.v16.i5.27","DOIUrl":"10.5455/OVJ.2026.v16.i5.27","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong><i>Escherichia coli</i> (<i>E. coli</i>)is a common commensal bacterium in poultry and a key indicator of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The emergence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing strains, particularly those carrying cefotaximase (CTX-M) genes, poses a significant One Health concern. However, data on CTX-M-producing <i>E. coli</i> in quails from traditional markets in Surabaya are limited.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study aimed to detect the CTX-M gene in <i>E. coli</i> isolates obtained from quail cloacal swabs from traditional markets in Surabaya and to assess their antimicrobial resistance profiles.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 100 cloacal swab samples were collected from quails in five traditional markets from November to December 2024. <i>Escherichia coli</i> isolation and identification were performed using Eosin Methylene Blue Agar, Gram staining, and biochemical tests. The Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method was also used to assess antibiotic sensitivity in accordance with the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. The CTX-M gene was then detected in aztreonam (ATM)-resistant isolates using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 100 samples, 98% were confirmed to be <i>E. coli</i>. High resistance to ciprofloxacin (50%), tetracycline (33.67%), and ATM (20.4%) was observed. Four isolates (4.08%) demonstrated multidrug resistance. Among 20 ATM-resistant isolates, eight tested positive for CTX-M genes by PCR. Resistance patterns differed among markets due to differences in antimicrobial usage or exposure.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The high prevalence of <i>E. coli</i> and the detection of CTX-M-positive isolates indicate that traditional markets may act as reservoirs of ESBL-producing bacteria in quails. These findings underscore the need for strengthened AMR surveillance, improved hygiene practices, and One Health-oriented interventions along the quail production and distribution chain.</p>","PeriodicalId":19531,"journal":{"name":"Open Veterinary Journal","volume":"16 5","pages":"2849-2859"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13313885/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148353141","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}