Veterinary Medicine and Science最新文献

{"title":"Comparative Analysis of Nuclear (Ef1α) and Mitochondrial (mt-CO1 and mt-Nad5) Markers for Molecular Characterization of Sheep Isolates of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato.","authors":"Seyma Gunyakti Kilinc, Harun Kaya Kesik, Figen Celik, Sami Simsek","doi":"10.1002/vms3.70313","DOIUrl":"10.1002/vms3.70313","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Echinococcus granulosus is a zoonotic disease that is widespread worldwide.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed to determine the genetic diversity of E. granulosus isolates in sheep. Partial mitochondrial and nuclear gene sequences were used to determine intraspecific variation.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>For this purpose, 41 sheep hydatid cyst isolates were collected from slaughterhouses in Elazig and Bingol provinces of Türkiye. Following genomic DNA isolation from the germinal membrane of the cysts, PCR amplification and subsequent DNA sequence analysis were performed using primers that amplify mitochondrial CO1, Nad5, and nuclear ef1α gene regions.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>DNA sequence analyses of mt-CO1 (1603 bp) and mt-Nad5 (625 bp) gene regions showed that 39 out of 41 isolates were identified as G1 and two isolates as G3. When the phylogenies formed by the sequences belonging to different gene regions were evaluated; in the phylogenetic tree created with the mt-CO1 and Nad5 gene dataset, G1 and G3 isolates were in separate clades with the reference sequences, while in the phylogenetic tree created with the nuclear gene region ef1α dataset, the isolate belonging to the G3 genotype (ef1a.01) formed a sister clade with the G1 genotypes and the reference sequence. According to the haplotype network results obtained, 14 haplotypes, 15 haplotypes, and two haplotypes were determined for mt-CO1, mt-Nad5, and ef1α gene regions, respectively. Haplotype analysis of mt-CO1 and mt-Nad5 gene regions revealed high haplotype and low nucleotide diversity. Low nucleotide diversity was detected, and two haplotypes were determined as a result of haplotype analysis ef1α (1343 bp) gene.</p>","PeriodicalId":23543,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary Medicine and Science","volume":"11 2","pages":"e70313"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11923390/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143664781","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":"Changes in Doppler Ultrasonography and Echotexture Parameters in Cows During the Last 10 Days of Pregnancy.","authors":"Murat Can Demir, Merve Sena Demir, Burak Büyükbaki, Mushap Kuru, Semra Kaya, Cihan Kaçar","doi":"10.1002/vms3.70256","DOIUrl":"10.1002/vms3.70256","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aimed to investigate changes in Doppler sonographic measurements of uterine artery blood flow to the placenta, as well as variations in placentome echotexture/perfusion and myometrial thickness in cows during the last 10 days of pregnancy.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The study utilized eight pregnant Brown Swiss cows. In assessing the echotexture of the placentome and myometrium, the mean grey value (MGV) was measured, along with the placentome area and myometrium thickness (MT). For placentome perfusion analysis and spectral analysis of the uterine artery, parameters, including pulse rate (PR), resistance index (RI), blood flow velocity (BFVe), blood flow volume (BFVo) and diameter (DM), were recorded.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>During the last 10 days of pregnancy, the placentome area and MT exhibited a declining trend from the start of sampling until delivery (p = 0.005). Both placentome and myometrium MGV showed an increasing trend over the study period (p < 0.001). Placentome perfusion decreased significantly 3 days prior to delivery (p < 0.05). A significant difference was observed in BFVe/DM in the uterine arteries between pregnant and non-pregnant horns. RI (p = 0.005) and PR (p = 0.009) values changed significantly over time.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>As a result, differences in ultrasonographic findings were observed during the last 10 days of pregnancy in cows. It can be concluded that changes, particularly in the final 2 days, may be associated with placental maturation mechanisms.</p>","PeriodicalId":23543,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary Medicine and Science","volume":"11 2","pages":"e70256"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11911928/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143650977","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":"Ecological, Molecular, Histopathological and Public Health Implications of Zoonotic Metacercariae Clinostomum complanatum (Rudolphi, 1814) in the Endemic Anatolian Fish, Alburnus escherichii.","authors":"Nurten Aydogdu, Simonetta Mattiucci, Marialetizia Palomba, Ali Aydogdu, Çiğdem Ürkü, H Emre Yılmaz, I Tülay Çağatay, Sadi Aksu","doi":"10.1002/vms3.70270","DOIUrl":"10.1002/vms3.70270","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aims: </strong>Clinostomid metacercariae infect a wide range of freshwater fish species, posing a zoonotic risk to human health when consumed raw or undercooked, potentially leading to Halzoun disease. Although these parasites are generally considered a health threat in Asian countries, they are also present in various regions of Türkiye and have been found in 12 different freshwater fish species commonly consumed in local cultures. However, their presence has not been reported in the endemic Anatolian fish, Alburnus escherichii. This study aims to determine the presence of clinostomid species in A. escherichii from the Sarısu stream in Eskişehir, Türkiye.</p><p><strong>Methods and results: </strong>In addition to using a combination of ecological, morphological, molecular and histopathological approaches, our findings revealed the presence of Clinostomum complanatum within the branchial and buccal cavities of A. escherichii. Further histopathological examination revealed encysted metacercariae of C. complanatum invading the host tissues encapsulated within a thin fibrotic layer and accompanied by moderate inflammatory cell infiltration and degenerative changes in muscle cells.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>These results provide new insights into the geographical and host distribution as well as histopathological impacts of C. complanatum metacercariae in teleost species.</p>","PeriodicalId":23543,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary Medicine and Science","volume":"11 2","pages":"e70270"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11911927/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143650978","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":"Targeted Nutritional Metabolomic Analysis of Marine Species (Tursiops truncatus, Phoca vitulina, Otaria flavescens and Pygoscelis papua).","authors":"Lola Llobat, Francesco Bordignon, Torben Larsen, Pablo Jesús Marín-García","doi":"10.1002/vms3.70302","DOIUrl":"10.1002/vms3.70302","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Ecological nutrition aims to unravel the extensive web of nutritional links that drive animals in their interactions with their habitat. Metabolomic profiling of species could increase the knowledge of their ecology, as well as allowing us to better understand the interactions of environment, including distribution, availability of food and fitness of the species, among others. Metabolomic profile is affected by several causes such as nutrition, physiological status, metabolism and species. Thus, the main aim of this work will be to provide, for the first time, values of the nutritional metabolome profile in marine species, as well as to study the differences in the metabolomic profile due to the classification group. To achieve this, blood samples from marine animals (n = 55) were used in this experiment, including Gentoo penguin (Pygoscelis papua), Patagonian sea lion (Otaria flavescens), Harbour seal (Phoca vitulina) and Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). Blood samples were analysed to determine the nutritional metabolites, specifically non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA), glucose, triglyceride, uric acid, cholesterol, albumin, total protein and inorganic phosphorous (iP). Pygoscelis papua exhibited the most statistically significant differences compared to the other groups, showing higher levels of plasma glucose, triglycerides, uric acid, and cholesterol, and lower levels of albumin, total protein, urea, and iP relative to the average values (simple means) observed in the other species. Also, it can be concluded that nutritional metabolome of Tursiops truncatus is different from that of Otaria flavescens, due to the differences in urea and albumin. These results show the potential of metabolomics to elucidate the relationship between metabolism and external factors in species. However, more molecular ecology studies are necessary to deepen the study of the interrelationships between the environment and metabolism, with the aim of including this tool in specific programmes for conservation and biological study.</p>","PeriodicalId":23543,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary Medicine and Science","volume":"11 2","pages":"e70302"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11923695/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143664783","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":"Retrospective Analysis of Clinical Presentation, Prognostic Factors and Outcome in 32 Dogs with Subcutaneous Mast Cell Tumours Treated with a Curative-Intent Approach.","authors":"Xavier Escoda Llorens, Eduard Anadon Cámara, Núria Llorens Bárbara, Ignacio Rodríguez-Pizá","doi":"10.1002/vms3.70291","DOIUrl":"10.1002/vms3.70291","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Subcutaneous mast cell tumours (ScMCTs) have been traditionally associated with a good prognosis, with low rates of recurrence and metastasis.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aims to describe the clinical presentation, outcome, and prognostic factors in dogs diagnosed with ScMCTs and treated with a curative-intent approach.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Clinical and histopathological data were retrospectively collected from dogs diagnosed with ScMCTs after undergoing curative-intent surgery and complete staging between 2018 and 2023 in a single institution. Adjuvant and neoadjuvant therapies were allowed. The study's endpoints were the disease-free interval (DFI) and disease-specific survival time (DSST). Variables, including location, histopathological description, clinical stage, infiltrative behaviour, atypia, Darier's sign, surgical margins, mitotic count (MC) >4 in 10 high power fields (HPF), nodal status, and chemotherapy after surgery, were evaluated as potential influences on DFI and DSST.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Thirty-two cases were included. Lymphadenectomies were performed in 18/32 (56.3%), and nodal metastases (early or overt) were documented in 12/32 (37.5%). The median follow-up was 405 days (range 79-1312). In 9/32 (28.1%), the disease progressed, and 7/32 (21.9%) died of ScMCT-related causes. The median DFI and DSST were not reached at 1312 days. The overall 1-year and 2-year survival rates were 80% and 70%, respectively. Patients presenting with Darier's sign, MC >4 in 10 HPF, and those who received chemotherapy had a higher risk of dying from the disease (hazard ratios of 14.9, 5.8 and 8.4, respectively).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Our results suggest that despite the overall good long-term prognosis of ScMCTs, they may exhibit a higher metastatic rate at presentation than previously reported. Additionally, patients with Darier's sign or a high mitotic count may be associated with a poorer prognosis.</p>","PeriodicalId":23543,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary Medicine and Science","volume":"11 2","pages":"e70291"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11875060/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143543505","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":"Corneal Fibropapilloma in Loggerhead Turtles (Caretta caretta) in Mediterranean Sea.","authors":"Özgür Kanat, Veysel Soydal Ataseven, Pınar Karabağlı","doi":"10.1002/vms3.70287","DOIUrl":"10.1002/vms3.70287","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Fibropapillomatosis (FP) is a panzootic and neoplastic disease. In the current study, we aimed to characterize a tumour-like mass and reveal spirorchid-like parasitic eggs in the ocular tissues of Caretta caretta turtles. In this study, seven ocular tissue samples, including six eye/eyelid tissues taken from Loggerhead turtles (C. caretta) with healthy-looking animals and one tumour-like ocular mass obtained from a C. caretta turtle with a clinical lesion, were used as study material. Unilateral spirorchid-like parasite eggs were detected in the tissue samples of only two healthy-looking animals. The characterization and identification of a tumour-like mass were performed using histopathology, PCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Unilateral corneal scarring, spirorchid-like parasite eggs and papilloma virus by PCR were detected in the ocular tumour-like mass evaluated as fibropapilloma. However, in immunohistochemical staining, Ki-67, p16, pan-cytokeratin, vimentin and herpesvirus showed positive staining, whereas p53 showed negative staining. Koilocytosis was observed in some cells. Our findings indicate that papillomavirus, herpesvirus and spirorchid-like parasite eggs may have a predisposing role in the occurrence of FP. This study provides the first research data on spirorchid-like parasite eggs and FP in loggerhead turtles (C. caretta) in the Mediterranean Sea in Türkiye.</p>","PeriodicalId":23543,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary Medicine and Science","volume":"11 2","pages":"e70287"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11866044/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143516373","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":"Effect of Agaricus bisporus Stalk Replacement of Soybean on Productive Performance, Egg Quality and Intestinal Microbiota of Laying Hens.","authors":"Kun-Liang Han, Yan Yan, Yong Li, Sheng-Tao Li, Rong-Ling Jia, Chao-Ning He, Zhan-Bin Wang, Tian-Wei Zhang","doi":"10.1002/vms3.70185","DOIUrl":"10.1002/vms3.70185","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aimed to investigate the effects of Agaricus bisporus stalks on the performance, egg quality, serum biochemistry and intestinal microorganisms of laying hens, as well as determine the optimal replacement ratio of soybean. The results showed that compared to the control group, Agaricus bisporus stalks could significantly increase the Haugh unit (p < 0.05) in 10%, 15% and 20% substitution, markedly reduced the abdominal fat rate in 15% and 20% substitution (p < 0.05), significantly increased the ALB levels in 15% substitution and improved the serum antioxidative state in all substitution (p < 0.05). Moreover, Agaricus bisporus stalks had benefits in maintaining the morphology and integrity of the intestinal and oviduct ampulla, and modified the intestinal microorganisms' structure, especially at the 10% substitution level, leading to an increase in the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Alloprevotella. In conclusion, replacing 10% to 20% of soybean meal with Agaricus bisporus stalks in the diets of Hy-Line Brown laying hens had no adverse effects and could enhance the egg quality, antioxidant function of the laying hens as well as modulate the intestinal microbial structure. Overall, the recommended amount of Agaricus bisporus stalks to replace soybean meal is 10%-15% in diet of laying hens.</p>","PeriodicalId":23543,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary Medicine and Science","volume":"11 2","pages":"e70185"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11935983/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143711177","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":"Calculation of the Lumbosacral Segment Volume of the Spinal Cord in Ducks (Anas) Using the Stereological Method.","authors":"Gamze Cakmak, Zafer Soyguder","doi":"10.1002/vms3.70289","DOIUrl":"10.1002/vms3.70289","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In this study, white and grey matter volume densities of the lumbosacral part of spinal cord in ducks (Anatinae) were investigated by a stereological method. Ten healthy ducks weighing 3-4 kg, regardless of gender, were used as material. Anesthetized animals were perfused with 10% buffered formaldehyde. The lumbosacral parts of the ducks were exposed by dissecting the spinal cords. The lumbosacral section was segmented. Tissue samples from each segment were determined. A total of 12 sections were taken from these tissue samples, each 250th section with a thickness of 5 µm on the microtome. These sections were stained with haematoxylin-eosin. Photos were taken with an X10 objective. By using Cavalieri's Principle, volume density calculations of both the whole tissue and the white and grey matter were performed separately in each segment of the lumbosacral part of the spinal cord in ducks. Shtereom I program was used for calculations. As a result, the white matter and grey matter volume values of all tissue in the duck lumbosacral segments and their volume fractions with each other were determined and evaluated in the light of the literatures. In this study, when all the volume values of the lumbosacral spinal segment in duck were revealed, it was determined that the volume value increased in the range of LS3 and LS8 segments. The increase in the whole volume value in these segment ranges in ducks gave rise to the idea that the enlargement called intumescentia lumbosacralis may be between these segments.</p>","PeriodicalId":23543,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary Medicine and Science","volume":"11 2","pages":"e70289"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11926915/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143674572","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":"Environmental and Breed-Related Determinants of Bovine Ephemeral Fever Outbreaks in Southeastern Türkiye.","authors":"Fuat Özyörük, İrfan Özgünlük, Sena İnel Turgut, Yılmaz Şengül, A Akif Yığman, Veli Gülyaz","doi":"10.1002/vms3.70257","DOIUrl":"10.1002/vms3.70257","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Bovine ephemeral fever (BEF) is a biphasic febrile, vector-borne viral disease affecting cattle and buffaloes, leading to significant reductions in milk production and economic losses. BEF's episodic nature often leads to its classification as non-notifiable disease.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aimed to investigate the environmental and breed-related determinants of BEF in Şanlıurfa, a region in southeastern Türkiye notable for its vulnerability to vector-borne diseases.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We integrated temperature, precipitation and irrigation data with the occurrence of clinical BEF cases to identify critical environmental conditions associated with outbreaks. Additionally, we conducted an epidemiological analysis focused on a state-owned dairy farm to assess breed-specific morbidity, case fatality and mortality rates. A partial G-gene sequence from a positive sample was phylogenetically analysed to trace its origins.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Temperatures above 15°C, excessive rainfall and increased agricultural irrigation were identified as key factors associated with the emergence and spread of BEF. The cropping pattern, including maize and cotton cultivation, significantly influences irrigation practices and, consequently, vector population dynamics. Holstein-Friesian cattle showed higher morbidity (58.4%), case fatality (12.9%) and mortality (7.5%) rates compared to Simmental cattle, which exhibited lower rates (morbidity 28.1%, case fatality 5.2%, mortality 1.5%). Phylogenetic analysis linked the virus strain to a Middle Eastern clade from the 2018 to 2020 period.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The study highlights the importance of considering environmental conditions, crop patterns, and breed-specific health risks in managing BEF. Tailored intervention strategies are crucial for mitigating the economic and health impacts of BEF on dairy farms.</p>","PeriodicalId":23543,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary Medicine and Science","volume":"11 2","pages":"e70257"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11893727/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143596930","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":"Investigation of the Blood Microbiome in Horses With Fever of Unknown Origin.","authors":"Yining Sun, Y Tina Yu, Ximena Olarte Castillo, Renee Anderson, Minghui Wang, Qi Sun, Rebecca Tallmadge, Kelly Sams, Guillaume Reboul, Jordan Zehr, Joel Brown, Xiyu Wang, Nicholas Marra, Bryce Stanhope, Jennifer Grenier, Nicola Pusterla, Thomas Divers, Linda Mittel, Laura B Goodman","doi":"10.1002/vms3.70272","DOIUrl":"10.1002/vms3.70272","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Fever of unknown origin (FUO) without a respiratory component is a frequent clinical presentation in horses. Multiple pathogens, both tick-borne and enteric, can be involved as etiologic agents. An additional potential mechanism is intestinal barrier dysfunction.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This case-control study aimed to detect and associate microbial taxa in blood with disease state.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Areas known for a high prevalence of tick-borne diseases in humans were chosen to survey horses with FUO, which was defined as fever of 101.5°F or higher with no signs of respiratory illness or other recognisable diseases. Blood samples and clinical parameters were obtained from 52 FUO cases and also from matched controls from the same farms. An additional 23 febrile horses without matched controls were included.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Broadly targeted polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification directed at conserved sequence regions of bacterial 16S rRNA, parasite 18S rRNA, coronavirus RdRp and parvovirus NS1 was performed, followed by deep sequencing. To control for contamination and identify taxa unique to the cases, metagenomic sequences from the controls were subtracted from those of the cases, and additional targeted molecular testing was performed. Sera were also tested for antibodies to equine coronavirus.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Over 60% of cases had intestinal microbial DNA circulating in the blood. Nineteen percent of cases were attributed to infection with Anaplasma phagocytophilum, of which two were subtyped as human-associated strains. A novel Erythroparvovirus was detected in two cases and two controls. Serum titres for equine coronavirus were elevated in some cases but not statistically different overall between the cases and controls.</p><p><strong>Main limitations: </strong>Not all pathogens are expected to circulate in blood, which was the sole focus of this study.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The presence of commensal gut microbes in blood of equine FUO cases is consistent with a compromised intestinal barrier, which is highlighted as a direction for future study.</p>","PeriodicalId":23543,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary Medicine and Science","volume":"11 2","pages":"e70272"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11893731/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143597079","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}