Pathogens最新文献

{"title":"Trends in Antibiotic Resistance of <i>Escherichia coli</i> Strains Isolated from Clinical Samples (2019-2023): A Hospital-Based Retrospective Analysis.","authors":"Claudia Daniela Goleanu Vasiloiu, Corneliu Ovidiu Vrancianu, Daria Adelina Goleanu, Monica Marilena Tantu, Ortansa Csutak","doi":"10.3390/pathogens14090927","DOIUrl":"10.3390/pathogens14090927","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major public health concern. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) account for up to 85-90% of community-acquired cases. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted healthcare access and may have influenced resistance patterns. In this context, we retrospectively evaluated the antibiotic resistance dynamics of various bacterial strains isolated between 2019 and 2023 in a hospital unit; Methods: A total of 8217 clinical specimens (urine, wound secretions, sputum, pharyngeal exudate, nasal exudate, tracheal secretions, vaginal and cervical secretions, puncture fluids, purulent secretions, blood, ear secretions, eye secretions) were processed using standard microbiological techniques. Pathogen identification and susceptibility testing were performed with the VITEK 2 Compact system, following CLSI guidelines.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Following the analysis of 8217 clinical samples collected over a five-year period (2019-2023), a total of 2900 microorganisms were isolated and identified. Among these, the most frequently encountered were <i>E. coli</i> strains, with 1204 isolates. Urine cultures represented 71.3% of all processed samples. Out of these 5860 urine cultures, 1530 (26%) were positive. The resistance of <i>E. coli</i> strains to ampicillin (48-55.2%), trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (22.9-34%), and ciprofloxacin (21.4-31.5%) remained high throughout the period. ESBL-producing strains peaked at 17.6% in 2020, with multidrug resistance rates ranging from 14% to 22.4%.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong><i>E. coli</i> strains displayed persistently high resistance to ampicillin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, and ciprofloxacin, with peaks in ESBL production and multidrug resistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. These trends underscore the importance of continuous surveillance and antibiotic stewardship, with direct implications for empirical UTI therapy and broader strategies to mitigate the public health impact of antimicrobial resistance.</p>","PeriodicalId":19758,"journal":{"name":"Pathogens","volume":"14 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12472492/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145177442","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Phenotypic and Genotypic Characterization of <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> Isolated from Patients with Chronic Furunculosis and Osteomyelitis from Northwestern Poland.","authors":"Aleksandra Wcisłek, Joanna Jursa-Kulesza, Helena Masiuk, Bartłomiej Grygorcewicz, Beata Hukowska-Szematowicz, Piotr Prowans, Paweł Ziętek, Danuta Kosik-Bogacka","doi":"10.3390/pathogens14090923","DOIUrl":"10.3390/pathogens14090923","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>, a Gram-positive coccus commonly found in the environment, is indeed a common cause of both superficial and deep infections. The aim of the study was to determine the virulence factors of <i>S. aureus</i> characteristic of chronic infections, including chronic furunculosis and chronic osteomyelitis. Phenotypic characteristics of the bacteria (ability to produce hemolysis, clumping factor, and coagulase; antibiotic susceptibility) and genotypic characteristics (presence of genes responsible for the production of enzymes and toxins; ability to form biofilm) were examined. The real-time PCR method was used to determine the presence of virulence genes. Biofilm production was confirmed using the crystal violet method. Antibiotic and chemotherapeutic susceptibility tests were performed using the disk diffusion method. In 90% of cases, <i>S. aureus</i> strains possessed the following virulence genes: clfA, clfB, spa, cna, eap, hlgA, hlgB, hlg, hld, bap, bbp, ebpS, fib, fnbA, fnbB, and pvl. A total of 82% of <i>S. aureus</i> strains showed susceptibility to methicillin (MSSA), whereas 12% of strains were susceptible to methicillin and simultaneously resistant to macrolides, lincosamides, and streptogramin B, including 10.5% with inducible resistance and 1.5% with constitutive resistance (MSSA/MLSB). In addition, 1.5% were methicillin-resistant <i>S. aureus</i> (MRSA) and susceptible to the remaining antimicrobial agents. The predominance of MSSA in the etiology of chronic furunculosis and chronic osteomyelitis was observed. It has been demonstrated that MSSA possesses a similar set of virulence genes to MRSA and that MSSA is responsible for most cases of chronic osteomyelitis and furunculosis. The findings indicate that <i>S. aureus</i> possesses numerous virulence factors that play a key role in the processes of adhesion to and proliferation within host cells.</p>","PeriodicalId":19758,"journal":{"name":"Pathogens","volume":"14 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12472269/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145177211","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Genomic Analysis of Lumpy Skin Disease Virus from Western and Central Africa Suggests a Distinct Sub-Lineage Within the 1.2 LSDV Cluster.","authors":"John Fadele, Olusola Ogunsanya, Oluwatobi Adedokun, Akeemat Ayinla, Mbitkebeyo Pami, Ayotunde Sijuwola, Femi Saibu, Harouna Soumare, Urbain Fanou, Corrie Brown, Bonto Faburay, Christian Happi, Anise Happi","doi":"10.3390/pathogens14090922","DOIUrl":"10.3390/pathogens14090922","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Lumpy Skin Disease Virus (LSDV) is a transboundary pathogen that affects cattle, causing significant economic losses, particularly in Africa and Asia. While the virus was originally endemic to sub-Saharan Africa, it has rapidly spread to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, necessitating comprehensive genomic surveillance. Despite LSDV's African origins, genomic data from West and Central Africa remain scarce, limiting insights into regional viral evolution and vaccine compatibility. In this study, molecular detection of LSDV was carried out on cattle samples from Nigeria, Cameroon, and Benin. However, comparative genomic analysis was performed using two near-complete LSDV genomes obtained from Cameroon. Phylogenetic evaluation revealed that LSDV strains from Nigeria and Cameroon cluster within the classical 1.2 lineage. Furthermore, the two sequences from this study cluster with the only publicly available sequence from West and Central Africa, supporting earlier findings of the presence of a West/Central African sub-lineage. Functional genomic analysis identified mutations in genes encoding ankyrin repeat Kelch-like proteins, and envelope proteins involved in immune evasion and viral virulence, raising concerns about vaccine effectiveness. Furthermore, the detection of LSDV in flesh flies (<i>Sarcophaga</i> spp.) underlines their potential role in virus transmission. These findings highlight the importance of genomic monitoring and targeted surveillance.</p>","PeriodicalId":19758,"journal":{"name":"Pathogens","volume":"14 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12472838/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145177229","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"In Vivo Efficacy of a Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Combination Against Yellow Fever in a Hamster Model.","authors":"Abbie E Weight, Hunter Stanger, Robert J Geraghty, Laurent F Bonnac, Justin G Julander","doi":"10.3390/pathogens14090925","DOIUrl":"10.3390/pathogens14090925","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Yellow fever virus (YFV) recurrently causes severe outbreaks in tropical regions of South America and Africa and an average of 30 to 40 thousand deaths worldwide each year. An effective vaccine is available but the coverage of the population in countries at risk is not optimal. No antivirals are currently approved for YFV treatment. Herein, we describe the evaluation of 6-MMPr, a <i>de-novo</i>-purine-nucleotide biosynthesis inhibitor, as a potentiator for enhanced activity of the broad-spectrum antiviral drug favipiravir in a hamster model of yellow fever. Administration of 6-MMPr was well-tolerated and a combination of favipiravir and 6-MMPr did not cause overt toxicity as indicated by normal weight gain of treated hamsters. Treatment with a combination of a suboptimal dose of favipiravir with 6-MMPr was significantly more effective in improving survival, weight change and virus replication when compared with monotherapy. The initiation of treatment two days after virus challenge was also effective in improving survival when compared with monotherapy. Our results demonstrate the safety and efficacy of such a combination either as a preventive or delayed treatment.</p>","PeriodicalId":19758,"journal":{"name":"Pathogens","volume":"14 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12472584/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145177440","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Seroprevalence of Antibodies to <i>Burkholderia pseudomallei</i> in Mississippi Gulf Coast Residents, September 2023.","authors":"Katherine M DeBord, Mindy G Elrod, Claire Hartloge, William A Meyer, Brooke E Swanson, Caroline A Schrodt, Maria E Negron, Zachary P Weiner","doi":"10.3390/pathogens14090921","DOIUrl":"10.3390/pathogens14090921","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In 2022, <i>Burkholderia pseudomallei</i> was first identified in continental United States (U.S.) environmental samples from the Mississippi Gulf Coast following two autochthonous infections. To better understand the extent of exposure to this emerging bacterium, we tested a convenience sample of 825 residual sera samples (550 from the Mississippi Gulf Coast, 275 from the northern U.S.) from a commercial diagnostic laboratory for the presence of antibodies to <i>B. pseudomallei</i>, using an indirect hemagglutination assay. We estimated seroprevalence of antibodies to <i>B. pseudomallei</i> in Mississippi Gulf Coast residents and in controls from northern regions of the U.S. where <i>B. pseudomallei</i> is less likely to persist in the environment. At a titer cut-off of ≥1:40, we observed a similar seropositivity between Mississippi Gulf Coast residents (14%, 95% CI: 11%, 17%) and controls (17%, 95% CI: 13%, 18%). Similarities in seropositivity suggest environmental exposure to <i>B. pseudomallei</i> in the Mississippi Gulf Coast may be limited; however, a lack of accompanying illness and exposure information limits our ability to conclusively interpret these findings. These estimates can serve as a baseline of seropositivity in the U.S. for future studies and to track the spread of <i>B. pseudomallei</i> in the U.S. over time.</p>","PeriodicalId":19758,"journal":{"name":"Pathogens","volume":"14 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12472831/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145177330","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Immune Sensitization to <i>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</i> Among Young Children with and without Tuberculosis.","authors":"Jesús Gutierrez, LaShaunda L Malone, Mitchka Mohammadi, John Mukisa, Michael Atuhairwe, Simon Peter G Mwesigwa, Salome Athieno, Sharon Buwule, Faith Ameda, Sophie Nalukwago, Ezekiel Mupere, Catherine M Stein, Christina L Lancioni","doi":"10.3390/pathogens14090924","DOIUrl":"10.3390/pathogens14090924","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Identification of young children with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection is critical to curb pediatric morbidity and mortality. The optimal test to identify young children with Mtb infection remains controversial. Using a tuberculosis (TB) household contact (HHC) study design among 130 Ugandan children less than 5 years of age with Mtb exposure, this study was conducted to determine the following: (1) the prevalence of Mtb immune sensitization in young children heavily exposed to TB using both the tuberculin skin test (TST) and QuantiFERON Gold Plus (QFT-Plus) interferon gamma release assay, and to examine the concordance of these two tests; and (2) the diagnostic accuracy of TST and QFT-plus for confirmed and unconfirmed TB in young children. Prevalence of Mtb immune sensitization was determined using TST at both 5 mm and 10 mm thresholds for positivity; manufacturer's thresholds were utilized to establish QFT-Plus positivity. Concordance analysis between TST and QFT-Plus results was performed, including correlation between QFT-Plus tube TB.1 and tube TB.2. The sensitivity and specificity of TST and QFT-Plus for confirmed and unconfirmed TB was determined, and a logistic regression model was utilized to estimate the odds of TB. A 5 mm TST threshold identified the most children with Mtb sensitization (49.2%) and had moderate agreement with QFT-Plus (Cohen's Kappa 0.59). The odds of TB were two times higher among children with a positive TST using a 5 mm threshold. Concordance between 10 mm TST threshold and QFT-Plus was substantial (Cohen's Kappa 0.65), with higher concordance observed among older children (2-5 years). The QFT-Plus tube TB.1 and tube TB.2 results were highly correlated. Positive TST using a 5 mm threshold demonstrated the highest sensitivity for TB (60%), whereas QFT-Plus testing demonstrated the highest specificity (72%). Overall, our findings support that among a population of young, BCG-vaccinated children with heavy household exposure to TB, the TST using a 5 mm threshold identified more children with evidence of Mtb immune sensitization, and children with TB disease, than the QFT-Plus. These findings are highly relevant for children who are TB HHCs in endemic settings, and most at risk for TB following an exposure. We recommend that TST testing continue to be performed to assess for Mtb sensitization in young, TB-exposed children in TB-endemic settings to both prioritize provision of preventive therapy and to aide in diagnosis of pediatric TB.</p>","PeriodicalId":19758,"journal":{"name":"Pathogens","volume":"14 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12472572/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145177298","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Association Between Pre-Existing Conditions and COVID-19 Hospitalization, Intensive Care Services, and Mortality: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of an International Global Health Data Repository.","authors":"Basant M S Elsayed, Lina Altarawneh, Habib Hassan Farooqui, Muhammad Naseem Khan, Giridhara Rathnaiah Babu, Suhail A R Doi, Tawanda Chivese","doi":"10.3390/pathogens14090917","DOIUrl":"10.3390/pathogens14090917","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The use of globally shared individual-level data in answering epidemiological questions during health emergencies of international concern is still debatable. In this study, we investigated the association between pre-existing conditions and clinical outcomes of COVID-19 using data from a global data sharing repository.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We used data of all cases recorded in the Global Health Data repository up to the 10th of March 2021 to carry out a cross-sectional analysis of associations between cardiovascular diseases (CVD), hypertension, diabetes, obesity, lung diseases, and kidney disease and hospitalization, ICU admission, and mortality due to COVID-19. The Global Health repository reported data from 137 countries, but only Brazil, Mexico, and Cuba reported more than 10 COVID-19 cases in participants with preexisting conditions. We used multivariable logistic regression to compute adjusted odds ratios (aOR) of the three outcomes for each pre-existing condition in ten-year age groups from 0 to 9 years and up to 110-120 years.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>As of March 10, the Global Health repository contained 25,900,000 records of confirmed cases of COVID-19, of which 2,900,000 cases from Brazil, Mexico, and Cuba had recorded data on pre-existing conditions. The overall aOR of ICU admission for each pre-existing condition were; CVD (aOR 2.1, 95%CI 1.8-2.4), hypertension (aOR 1.3, 95%CI 1.2-1.4), diabetes (OR 1.7, 95%CI 1.5-1.8), obesity (OR 2.2, 95%%CI 2.1-2.4), kidney disease (OR 1.4, 95%CI 1.2-1.7) and lung disease (aOR 1.1, 95%CI 0.9-1.3). Overall aORs of mortality for each pre-existing condition were: CVD (aOR 1.7, 95%CI 1.6-1.7), hypertension (aOR 1.3, 95%CI 1.3-1.4), diabetes (aOR 2.0, 95%CI 1.9-2.0), obesity (aOR 1.9, 95%CI 1.8-2.0), kidney disease (aOR 2.7, 95%CI 2.6-2.9), and lung disease (aOR 1.6, 95%CI 1.5-1.7). The odds of each adverse outcome were considerably larger in children and young adults with these preexisting conditions than for adults, especially for kidney disease, CVD, and diabetes.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This analysis of a global health repository confirms associations between pre-existing diseases and clinical outcomes of COVID-19, and the odds of these outcomes were especially elevated in children and young adults with these preexisting conditions. This study shows that global data sharing can unlock answers to many epidemiological questions efficiently especially during the early stages of global health emergencies.</p>","PeriodicalId":19758,"journal":{"name":"Pathogens","volume":"14 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12472582/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145177095","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Infectious Disease Awareness Among Future Health Professionals: A Comparison of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Between Nursing Students in Japan and Laos.","authors":"Hansani Madushika Abeywickrama, Tiengkham Pongvongsa, Marcello Otake Sato, Rie Takeuchi, Yoichi Abiko, Tippayarat Yoonuan, Jun Kobayashi, Megumi Sato","doi":"10.3390/pathogens14090920","DOIUrl":"10.3390/pathogens14090920","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study assessed and compared the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of nursing students in Japan and Laos, two countries with distinct epidemiological and socioeconomic contexts, regarding neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and zoonoses. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire among 190 nursing students from Japan and 254 students from Laos. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and Fisher's exact test were used to analyze intergroup differences. Most of the study participants were female and in their first or second year of their nursing program. Knowledge gaps were identified in both groups. Japanese students showed a higher perceived susceptibility to infections and greater adherence to hygiene practices. Laotian students reported higher exposure to endemic diseases and more frequent contact with livestock. Attitudes toward public health education were generally positive, although Japanese students expressed a greater willingness to engage in future educational roles. However, gaps between attitude and actual practice were apparent in both groups, including inconsistent use of soap and insect repellents. The findings reveal a gap in knowledge of NTDs and zoonoses and a deficit in translating knowledge and attitudes into preventive behaviors. Findings highlight the need for tailored educational strategies considering behavioral and cultural factors to strengthen the nurse's role in infectious disease prevention.</p>","PeriodicalId":19758,"journal":{"name":"Pathogens","volume":"14 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12472601/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145177385","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence of Cytomegalovirus Antibodies in Croatian Childbearing-Aged and Pregnant Women: A Ten-Year Retrospective Study (2015-2024).","authors":"Tatjana Vilibić-Čavlek, Klara Barbić, Tadej Ježek, Dan Navolan, Ana Sanković, Mario Sviben, Sara Glavaš, Daniel Mureșan, Laurentiu Pirtea, Maja Bogdanić","doi":"10.3390/pathogens14090916","DOIUrl":"10.3390/pathogens14090916","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Due to possible congenital infections, cytomegalovirus (CMV) remains a significant public health concern in childbearing-aged and pregnant women. We analyzed the spatial, temporal, and age-related trends in CMV seroepidemiology in Croatia over 10 years. A total of 2838 childbearing-aged and pregnant women, aged 16-45 years, tested between 2015 and 2024 were included in the study. CMV IgM/IgG antibodies were detected using a commercial ELISA. IgM/IgG-positive samples were tested for IgG avidity. CMV IgG antibodies were detected in 2006 (70.6%) of participants. No significant differences were observed between 2015-2019 and 2020-2024 (72.0% vs. 69.8%), while yearly differences were of borderline significance, ranging from 62.4 to 77.3%. The overall seropositivity increased progressively with age from 49.6% in the 16-20 age group to 77.5% in the 36-40 age group. Significant regional differences in IgG seroprevalence were observed: 68.6% in the City of Zagreb/Northern Croatia, 78.5% in Pannonian Croatia, and 71.9% in Adriatic Croatia, while differences between settlement types were not significant. IgG seroprevalence was higher in women with an unfavorable obstetric history (85.3%) than in non-pregnant women and those with a normal pregnancy (70.6% and 66.5%, respectively). IgM antibodies were detected in 278 (9.8%) of participants. Acute infections were more common in younger participants, with rates decreasing from 13.6% in the youngest age group to 6.7% in the oldest. Logistic regression showed that age was a significant predictor of both IgG and IgM positivity. Region and obstetric history were significant predictors of IgG seropositivity, while settlement was a significant predictor of IgM seropositivity.</p>","PeriodicalId":19758,"journal":{"name":"Pathogens","volume":"14 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12472778/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145177177","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sociability Linked to Reproductive Status Affects Intestinal Parasite Infections in the Red-Billed Chough.","authors":"Guillermo Blanco, Maria M Garijo-Toledo, José Luis González Del Barrio, Óscar Frías, Raymundo Montoya Ayala, Iñigo Palacios-Martínez","doi":"10.3390/pathogens14090915","DOIUrl":"10.3390/pathogens14090915","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Social behaviour plays a crucial role in the dynamics of parasitic infections in wild bird populations. The red-billed chough (<i>Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax</i>), a corvid undergoing notable population declines, shows contrasting social structures linked to reproductive status: non-breeding individuals aggregate in communal roosts during winter, whereas breeding pairs often maintain territorial pair-bonds and roost at nesting sites. This study tested whether differences in sociality (communal roosting vs. territorial pairs) affect intestinal parasite infections. Fresh faecal samples were collected during winter in central Spain and analysed using flotation and McMaster techniques to detect and quantify coccidian oocysts and helminth eggs. The results revealed a relatively high positive rate of <i>Isospora</i> (36.2%, <i>n</i> = 116) and a low positive rate of helminths (9.5%, <i>n</i> = 116) among communally roosting non-breeders, while no parasites were detected in samples from territorial pairs. One communal roost in the Southern Plateau showed higher coccidian positive rate, possibly influenced by structural features that facilitate faecal contact. Although sample size for pairs was limited, the absence of parasites in this group suggests reduced infection risk, likely reflecting superior condition and immune defences rather than differences in exposure alone. These findings highlight the value of non-invasive parasite monitoring as an early-warning tool in wildlife health assessments and stress the importance of considering social behaviour and environmental heterogeneity into conservation strategies for threatened species.</p>","PeriodicalId":19758,"journal":{"name":"Pathogens","volume":"14 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12473022/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145177368","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}