Research in veterinary science最新文献

{"title":"Epidemiological factors of Eucoleus aerophilus infection in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from semi-arid Mediterranean environments","authors":"I. Arcenillas-Hernández ,&nbsp;M. Català-Barrasetas ,&nbsp;P. Pérez-Cutillas ,&nbsp;M.R. Ruiz de Ybáñez ,&nbsp;C. Martínez-Carrasco","doi":"10.1016/j.rvsc.2026.106064","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rvsc.2026.106064","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Eucoleus aerophilus</em> is a ubiquitous zoonotic nematode found in the tracheobronchial mucosa of the definitive hosts, described in wild and domestic canids, including the red fox (<em>Vulpes vulpes</em>). To assess <em>E. aerophilus</em> occurrence and intensity in red foxes, the respiratory system of 126 foxes from Region of Murcia (SE, Spain) were examined. Statistical analyses were performed to investigate the influence of biotic and abiotic factors on the parasite's occurrence. The occurrence of <em>E. aerophilus</em> was 28.6% (95% CI: 20.6–36.4), with a mean intensity of 3.1 nematodes per parasitised fox. The infection rate and parasite intensity were higher in forested areas, suggesting that earthworm abundance and a longer survival of infective <em>E. aerophilus</em> eggs increase the risk of transmission and maintenance in the environment. Moreover, an inverse relationship between <em>E. aerophilus</em> occurrence and temperature (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.05) was observed. Results demonstrated that foxes participate in maintaining the cycle of <em>E. aerophilus</em> in semi-arid Mediterranean environments. This should be taken into account at the wild-domestic-human interface. The development of a predictive model of <em>E. aerophilus</em> infection risk in red foxes will allow the design of future strategies for the prevention of capillariosis, especially in areas where contact between foxes, domestic carnivores, and humans exists.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21083,"journal":{"name":"Research in veterinary science","volume":"202 ","pages":"Article 106064"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146012034","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Electroretinographic measures and their correlation with retinal vascular calibers in bitches with pyometra-induced systemic inflammatory response syndrome","authors":"Fábio Dumit Pizzinatto ,&nbsp;Alexandre Pinto Ribeiro ,&nbsp;Bianca Eidt Rodrigues ,&nbsp;Emilio Fernandes Rodrigues Junior","doi":"10.1016/j.rvsc.2026.106067","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rvsc.2026.106067","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Pyometra is characterized by a uterine inflammatory process that leads to systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). Bitches with pyometra-induced SIRS (P-SIRS) develop marked retinal microvascular alterations that may affect ERG findings. Therefore, this study aimed to assess potential changes in implicit times, wave amplitudes in pyometra-induced SIRS. Furthermore, we evaluated possible correlations between retinal vascular calibers and ERG parameters in the same patients. A prospective observational study was conducted on 14 bitches diagnosed with P-SIRS and 10 clinically healthy bitches (CG). In the P-SIRS group, the caliber of the retinal arterioles was significantly smaller (<em>p</em> = 0.0004), whereas venules were significantly larger (<em>p</em> = 0.008). The amplitude of the a-wave in the mixed rod–cone response was significantly smaller in the P-SIRS group compared to the CG (<em>p</em> = 0.03). The a-wave implicit times in the mixed rod–cone response were negatively correlated with both retinal arteriolar (<em>p</em> = 0.01) and venular (<em>p</em> = 0.03) calibers (Table 5; Fig. 3). Positive correlations were also observed between arteriolar (<em>p</em> = 0.04) and venular (<em>p</em> = 0.01) calibers and photoreceptor negative response (PhNR). This study demonstrated that retinal arteriolar constriction and venular dilation in pyometra-induced SIRS reduces the a-wave amplitude in the mixed rod–cone response. The observed correlations between retinal vascular calibers and the implicit times of the a- and b-waves, as well as between PhNR and vessel calibers, suggest that SIRS-induced changes in retinal vasculature can alter retinal blood flow, which is reflected in ERG parameters.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21083,"journal":{"name":"Research in veterinary science","volume":"202 ","pages":"Article 106067"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146039303","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Intrauterine oxygen/ozone mixture for the treatment of subclinical endometritis in repeat breeder cows","authors":"Alice Carbonari ,&nbsp;Matteo Burgio ,&nbsp;Lorenza Frattina ,&nbsp;Vincenzo Cicirelli ,&nbsp;Fabrizio Iarussi ,&nbsp;Maria Tempesta ,&nbsp;Maria Stella Lucente ,&nbsp;Annalisa Rizzo ,&nbsp;Grazia Greco","doi":"10.1016/j.rvsc.2026.106075","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rvsc.2026.106075","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Repeat Breeder Syndrome is a multifactorial condition in which subclinical endometritis (SCE) may represent an underlying cause. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of an intrauterine oxygen/ozone gas mixture administered at heat in Repeat Breeder (RB) cows with SCE. Of 156 RB cows, 57 affected with SCE based on cytological evaluation using the cytobrush technique were enrolled in the controlled clinical trial. These cows were randomly allocated, using randomization software, into two groups including treated (GM; 30) and untreated (CON; 27) animals. The intrauterine bacteria occurrence was monitored before (T0) and 12 h (T12) after treatment, along with an evaluation of reproductive parameters after the 1st and 2nd artificial insemination (AI). At T0, both groups showed similar bacterial positivity rates (12/30, 40% GM vs. 14/27, 51.85% CON; <em>p</em> = 0.43). At T12, all GM-positive cows had cleared cultivable bacteria, whereas all CON-positive cows remained bacteriological positive (<em>p</em> = 0.00001). This result indicated a 100% in-vivo clearance of cultivable bacteria. Furthermore, increasing pregnancy percentages were recorded after the 1st and 2nd AI in GM group (9/30, 30% and 9/21, 43%, respectively; <em>p</em> &lt; 0.05) compared to the CON group (2/27, 7% and 1/25, 4%, respectively; <em>p</em> &lt; 0.001).</div><div>Overall, these preliminary findings suggest that intrauterine ozone therapy may represent a promising complementary tool for the management of SCE in RB cows, although further studies are required to confirm its efficacy and long-term benefits.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21083,"journal":{"name":"Research in veterinary science","volume":"202 ","pages":"Article 106075"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145981850","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Minimally invasive glove port hernioscopy in a female dog with an intermittent hernia and abdominal mass: A case report","authors":"Catherine Konrad Nava Calva ,&nbsp;Amanda Oliveira Paraguassú ,&nbsp;Anna Vitória Hörbe ,&nbsp;Felipe Auatt Batista de Sousa ,&nbsp;Otávio Henrique de Melo Schiefler ,&nbsp;Layla de Jesus Neri Cerqueira ,&nbsp;Luna Silvestri Souto ,&nbsp;Felipe Augusto Ruiz Sueiro ,&nbsp;Andrigo Barboza de Nardi ,&nbsp;Maurício Veloso Brun","doi":"10.1016/j.rvsc.2026.106086","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rvsc.2026.106086","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Minimally invasive surgery in small animals is constantly advancing, reducing tissue trauma, and improving diagnostic accuracy. This report documented the first use of hernioscopy associated with the glove port technique in a female dog with an partially reducible inguinal hernia. The 11-year-old patient exhibited a right inguinal swelling containing intestinal loops, concomitant with a extensive cystic intra-abdominal mass. An exploratory laparoscopy was performed through the inguinal hernia utilizing the glove port technique to establish multiport access without muscle wall incision. This method minimized tissue trauma and enabled comprehensive evaluation of the abdominal cavity, as well as partial mass resection. The procedure offered palliative benefits and introduced a novel application of laparoscopy for managing inguinal hernias in dogs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21083,"journal":{"name":"Research in veterinary science","volume":"202 ","pages":"Article 106086"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146039741","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"An evaluation of alternative buffers for the transport and detection of Moraxella bovis and M. bovoculi on cotton wool swabs","authors":"Louis H. Maartens ,&nbsp;Bruce Gummow ,&nbsp;John D. Grewar ,&nbsp;Peter N. Thompson ,&nbsp;Jacqueline A. Picard","doi":"10.1016/j.rvsc.2026.106069","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rvsc.2026.106069","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Bovine keratoconjunctivitis is a globally important inflammatory condition affecting the eyes of cattle. The reliable detection of <em>Moraxella bovis</em> and <em>M. bovoculi</em> on conjunctival specimens is crucial for observational studies aiming to unravel the complex epidemiology of this disease. The stability of <em>Moraxella</em> DNA was evaluated in three experiments using cotton wool swabs spiked with varying concentrations of sample suspensions and submitted either with or without DNA stabilizers. Swabs were subjected to different storage temperatures (4 °C or 25 °C), and DNA was extracted at 0, 24, 48, and 72 h using an automated system, followed by qPCR analysis. DNA from both species remained detectable on damp cotton-wool swabs under all conditions, indicating resilience to transport delays and cold-chain interruptions. Although MagNA Pure Bacteria Lysis Buffer and MagNA Pure DNA Tissue Lysis Buffer provided acceptable stabilization, specimen submission without stabilizers was analytically more sensitive, detecting <em>Moraxella</em> DNA at higher dilutions and yielding higher inferred DNA concentrations (lower Cq values). These results indicate that <em>Moraxella</em> specimens can be packaged for transport without stabilizing buffers.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21083,"journal":{"name":"Research in veterinary science","volume":"202 ","pages":"Article 106069"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145981848","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluated the immune efficacy of a bivalent inactivated vaccine against post-weaning multisystemic wasting syndrome and mycoplasmal pneumonia of swine","authors":"Jianli Shi ,&nbsp;Chang Liu ,&nbsp;Xiaoyan Wu ,&nbsp;Yongming Wang ,&nbsp;Chen Li ,&nbsp;Jun Li","doi":"10.1016/j.rvsc.2026.106076","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rvsc.2026.106076","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>PMWS and MPS are severe respiratory diseases in piglets, causing developmental disorders and significant economic losses. The conventional approach to control these diseases relies on separate immunization with individual vaccines, which is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and may induce stress reactions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the immune efficacy of a bivalent inactivated vaccine containing the clinically isolated Mhp Q strain and purified PCV2 Cap VLPs. Thirty-five Changbai piglets were randomly divided into seven groups (<em>n</em> = 5, per group): A (bivalent inactivated vaccine with PCV2 challenged), B (bivalent inactivated vaccine with Mhp challenged), C (commercial PCV2 vaccine with PCV2 challenged), D (commercial Mps vaccine with Mhp challenged), E (sham-vaccinated with PCV2 challenged), F (sham-vaccinated with Mhp challenged), and G (sham-vaccinated with sham challenged). The immune efficacy results demonstrated that 5/5 protection with bivalent inactivated vaccine and 4/5 protection with commercial vaccine against PCV2 challenge, which was consistent with the serology results. The pneumonia lesion scores result demonstrated that the immune protection effect provided by the bivalent inactivated vaccine was comparable to that of the commercial Mps vaccines. Furthermore, the overall clinical trial results indicated that the bivalent inactivated vaccine was safe and controllable, with no adverse reactions observed in both age-matched and non-age-matched pigs. Following immunization, the pigs exhibited significant resistance to infections with both PCV2 and Mhp, reflecting a robust immunoprotective capacity. Collectively, these results support the bivalent inactivated vaccine as a safe and effective strategy for preventing and controlling PMWS and MPS, with promising potential for further clinical development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21083,"journal":{"name":"Research in veterinary science","volume":"202 ","pages":"Article 106076"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146039304","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Primary phthalate metabolite concentrations in the hair of dairy cows in Kyrgyzstan","authors":"Slawomir Gonkowski ,&nbsp;Nariste Kadyralieva ,&nbsp;Elena Vakonaki ,&nbsp;Thomas Lamprakis ,&nbsp;Manolis Tzatzarakis","doi":"10.1016/j.rvsc.2026.106074","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rvsc.2026.106074","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Phthalates are commonly used in industry, contaminating the environment and harming living organisms. However, there is very limited information regarding farm animal exposure to these chemicals. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the levels of primary phthalate metabolites (monomethyl phthalate - MMP, monoethyl phthalate - MEP, mono-isobutyl phthalate - MiBP, monobutyl phthalate - MBP, monobenzyl phthalate - MBzP, mono-cyclohexyl phthalate - MCHP and mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate - MEHP) in dairy cows' hair. Hair samples were collected from dairy cows bred in three regions of Kyrgyzstan. Phthalate metabolite levels were analysed using the liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry (LC–MS) method.</div><div>Phthalate metabolites were detected in dairy cow hair. MEHP was the most frequently observed (in 70.8% of samples), with a mean concentration (±standard deviation) of 27.3 ± 27.8 pg/mg. MiBP and MBP were found less frequently (in 60.4% of samples), with mean concentrations of 50.7 ± 103.9 pg/mg and 18.8 ± 31.7 pg/mg, respectively. MMP and MBzP were noted in 15% and 2.1% of the samples, respectively, and their mean concentrations were below the limit of detection (LOD). MEP and MCHP were not observed in hair samples in this study. Statistically significant differences in MEHP levels were noted between the regions included in the study.</div><div>The study has demonstrated that hair analysis is a suitable method for biomonitoring phthalates in cow's hair. Moreover, it has been shown that dairy cows in Kyrgyzstan are primarily exposed to di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate, di-isobutyl phthalate, and dibutyl phthalate, which are the parent substances of MEHP, MiBP, and MBP, respectively.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21083,"journal":{"name":"Research in veterinary science","volume":"202 ","pages":"Article 106074"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145981847","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Phenylalanine as a biomarker of disease in animals: Current evidence and future perspectives","authors":"James Mettam ,&nbsp;Nauman Zaheer Ghumman ,&nbsp;Bao-Tao Liu ,&nbsp;Henry Annandale ,&nbsp;Jully Gogoi-Tiwari","doi":"10.1016/j.rvsc.2026.106066","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rvsc.2026.106066","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Phenylalanine (Phe), an essential aromatic amino acid, is emerging as a potential biomarker of metabolic and health status in animals. Altered Phe concentrations reflect changes in metabolic, inflammatory, and disease processes. In companion animals, shifts in serum or biofluid Phe have been linked to hepatopathies, inflammatory enteropathies, and neoplastic conditions. In livestock, variations in milk or serum Phe accompany mastitis, metabolic stress, lameness, and other production-related disorders. Evidence for cats, horses, poultry, and aquaculture species remains limited. Interpretation is complicated by analytical variability, small sample sizes, and confounding factors such as diet, stress, and microbiome composition.</div><div>Non-invasive sampling of milk, urine, saliva, and breath, shows promise for Phe monitoring across animal species. Advances in multi-omics, particularly metabolomics, proteomics, and microbiome analyses, can clarify mechanisms and support development of composite biomarker panels. This review evaluates current evidence on Phe as a biomarker across species, highlights gaps in research coverage and methodology, and outlines priorities for future work. Expanding studies to underrepresented species, standardizing measurement protocols, and conducting longitudinal research. Addressing these priorities is essential to establish Phe as a robust biomarker, for veterinary diagnostics, health monitoring, and the optimization of animal welfare and production systems.</div></div><div><h3>Short summary</h3><div>This review looks at phenylalanine (Phe), an amino acid, as a possible health indicator in animals. Changes in Phe levels may show problems with metabolism, inflammation, or disease. Evidence is strongest for dogs and dairy cows, but limited for cats, horses, poultry, and fish. Results vary due to measurement methods and other factors. Future studies should standardize testing, include more species, and combine methods to improve Phe's usefulness in monitoring animal health.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21083,"journal":{"name":"Research in veterinary science","volume":"202 ","pages":"Article 106066"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146039743","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Antiparasitic practices in Portuguese animal shelters: A survey of veterinarians","authors":"Ana Luísa Martins ,&nbsp;Joana Mourão ,&nbsp;Irina Amorim ,&nbsp;Luís Cardoso ,&nbsp;João Rodrigo Mesquita","doi":"10.1016/j.rvsc.2026.106073","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rvsc.2026.106073","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Animal shelters often operate under significant resource constraints while caring for large populations of dogs and cats, many of whom are affected by parasitic infections that impact animal health and pose zoonotic risks. These limitations hinder the implementation of standardized, evidence-based parasite control protocols. This study surveyed veterinarians working in Portuguese shelters to describe current antiparasitic treatment practices and identify key limitations. A structured questionnaire was distributed to veterinarians in shelters or kennels affiliated with ICBAS, University of Porto, collecting data on animal populations, location, diagnostic testing, and antiparasitic drug use. A total of 41 responses were analysed. Additionally, a cost analysis was performed using 2024 wholesale antiparasitic treatment prices, based on average weights (20 kg dogs, 5 kg cats). Commercially available products were reviewed for active ingredients, target parasites, and cost per treatment. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize responses; no inferential analyses were performed given the limited sample size. Ectoparasiticides were the most frequently used treatments, followed by broad-spectrum nematocides and cestocides. Only 12% of shelters reported conducting diagnostic testing prior to treatment. Drug selection was primarily influenced by cost and perceived efficacy. Commonly used compounds included praziquantel, pyrantel, fipronil, fenbendazole, and milbemycin oxime, several of which have reported resistance in parasite populations. Treatment costs ranged from €0.82 to €219 per dose for 20 kg dogs and €0.73 to €34.84 for 5 kg cats. The limited use of diagnostics and reliance on broad-spectrum drugs reflect a reactive rather than preventative approach. Findings underscore the need for improved diagnostic protocols and strategic drug selection to enhance parasite control and animal welfare.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21083,"journal":{"name":"Research in veterinary science","volume":"202 ","pages":"Article 106073"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146039302","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Anti-inflammatory gut immune modulation induced by direct-fed endospores of bacteriostatic lipopeptide-producing Bacillus velezensis MFF 2.2 and B. subtilis TC12 in BALB/c mice: A first step toward a probiotic additive to prevent post-weaning diarrhea.","authors":"Ana Lucía Di Giácomo ,&nbsp;Lorena Nadia Azcurra ,&nbsp;Gisela Romina García ,&nbsp;José María Raviolo ,&nbsp;María Carolina Grosso ,&nbsp;Cecilia Ana Dogi ,&nbsp;María Laura González Pereyra","doi":"10.1016/j.rvsc.2025.106038","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rvsc.2025.106038","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Restrictions on the use of antibiotic growth promoters and the increasing pressure to reduce prophylactic antibiotic use due to rising antimicrobial resistance have intensified the need for safer strategies to prevent post-weaning diarrhea (PWD) in swine. Probiotic <em>Bacillus</em> strains represent a promising alternative because of their resilience, stability, and capacity to modulate gut microbial and immune responses. This study assessed the safety and immunomodulatory effects of endospores from <em>Bacillus velezensis</em> MFF 2.2 and <em>B. subtilis</em> TC 12 in a mouse model, as an initial screening step before conducting trials in the target species. Mice (<em>n</em> = 6 per group) received a daily oral dose of 10⁸ CFU/ml for 10 consecutive days, or saline as control. No signs of toxicity or histopathological alterations were observed. In the small intestine, goblet cell counts and intraepithelial lymphocyte numbers did not differ significantly from controls, and no increases in TNF-α or IFN-γ were detected. However, treated mice showed a significant rise in IL-10 and in the IL-10/IFN-γ ratio. Previous studies demonstrated that lipopeptide extracts (LPE) from MFF 2.2 exert anti-inflammatory and bacteriostatic effects against PWD-associated pathogens. Based on the modest anti-inflammatory response elicited by the endospores, a combined endospore + LPE formulation appears to be the most suitable candidate for future evaluation in swine.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21083,"journal":{"name":"Research in veterinary science","volume":"200 ","pages":"Article 106038"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145834697","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}