Veterinary World最新文献

{"title":"A novel missense single-nucleotide polymorphism (c.149G>A) in the bovine <i>leptin</i> gene and its association with growth traits in Madura cattle.","authors":"Kuswati Kuswati, Irida Novianti, Rizki Prafitri, Wike Andre Septian, Rafika Febriani Putri, Chairdin Dwi Nugraha, Ahmad Furqon","doi":"10.14202/vetworld.2025.2072-2077","DOIUrl":"10.14202/vetworld.2025.2072-2077","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and aim: </strong>The <i>leptin</i> (<i>LEP</i>) gene plays a pivotal role in regulating growth, metabolism, and fat deposition in cattle. Genetic polymorphisms in this gene can influence phenotypic traits and may serve as molecular markers for selection in breeding programs. However, comprehensive characterization of <i>LEP</i> gene variants in local Indonesian breeds, such as Madura cattle, remains limited. This study aimed to identify novel single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within exon 2 of the bovine <i>LEP</i> gene and assess their association with growth traits in Madura cattle.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Forty-five Madura cows (aged 2-4 years) were phenotypically evaluated for body weight (BW), wither height (WH), body length (BL), chest girth (CG), hip height (HH), head length (HL), and head width (HW). Genomic DNA was extracted and subjected to polymerase chain reaction amplification followed by Sanger sequencing. Detected SNPs were analyzed for genotype and allele frequencies, Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE), and their associations with growth traits using a general linear model.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Three SNPs were identified in exon 2 of the <i>LEP</i> gene: c.126T>C (synonymous), c.148T>C (missense), and a novel missense SNP c.149G>A, resulting in a cysteine to tyrosine substitution at amino acid position 50. The c.149G>A SNP showed polymorphism with three genotypes (GG, GA, AA), and the heterozygous GA genotype had the highest frequency (64.4%). This SNP deviated from HWE (p < 0.05), indicating potential selection pressure or population structure effects. While no statistically significant associations were found between genotypes and growth traits (p > 0.05), the AA genotype showed the highest mean values across most body measurements.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Although the novel c.149G>A SNP was not significantly associated with growth traits, its polymorphic nature and descriptive trait patterns suggest it may have biological relevance. Larger-scale studies are recommended to validate its utility as a genetic marker for growth and development in Madura cattle.</p>","PeriodicalId":23587,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary World","volume":"18 7","pages":"2072-2077"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12415149/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145030336","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":"Selective bactericidal efficacy of 465-nm blue light phototherapy against standard and canine wound pathogens: An <i>in vitro</i> evaluation.","authors":"Pimsiri Ngowwatana, Naruepon Kampa, Somphong Hoisang, Suvaluk Seesupa, Duangdaow Khunbutsri, Saikam Chaimongkol, Preenun Jitasombuti, Supranee Jitpean, Thanikul Srithunyarat, Chalermkwan Nonthakotr, Nitaya Boonbal, Piyasak Wipoosak, Duangdaun Kaenkangploo","doi":"10.14202/vetworld.2025.2064-2071","DOIUrl":"10.14202/vetworld.2025.2064-2071","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and aim: </strong>Antibiotic resistance poses a growing threat to wound management in veterinary medicine. Blue light phototherapy has emerged as a non-antibiotic bactericidal alternative with additional benefits for wound healing. However, its effectiveness in clinical veterinary contexts remains inadequately explored. This study evaluated the bactericidal efficacy of 465-nm blue light against standard pathogens and bacteria isolated from infected canine wounds, aiming to determine optimal energy doses for clinical use.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Three standard bacterial strains - <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> (American Type Culture Collection [ATCC] 25923), <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> (ATCC 27853), and <i>Escherichia coli</i> (ATCC 25922) - along with five clinical isolates from canine wounds, were exposed to 465-nm blue light at energy doses of 28, 56, and 112 J/cm² (15, 30, and 60 min, respectively). Colony-forming units (CFUs) were quantified post-irradiation and compared to non-irradiated controls. Statistical significance was assessed using appropriate parametric and non-parametric tests.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong><i>P. aeruginosa</i> (ATCC 27853) exhibited significant, dose-dependent inhibition at all energy doses, resulting in reductions of 36.3%, 60.5%, and 82.8%. Clinical <i>P. aeruginosa</i> isolates demonstrated 21.1% and 78.8% inhibition at 56 and 112 J/cm², respectively (p < 0.05). <i>E. coli</i> (ATCC 25922) was significantly inhibited only at 112 J/cm² (46.4% reduction, p = 0.045). No significant reductions were observed for <i>S. aureus</i>, <i>Acinetobacter baumannii</i>, <i>Staphylococcus haemolyticus</i>, clinical <i>E. coli</i>, or <i>Enterococcus faecalis</i> at any dose.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Blue light at 465-nm exhibits selective bactericidal activity, effectively inhibiting <i>P. aeruginosa</i> and <i>E. coli</i> (ATCC), with efficacy dependent on bacterial species and applied energy dose. Its limited effect on other pathogens underscores the importance of species-specific treatment planning. Higher energy doses (112 J/cm²) may be required in unknown or mixed infections. Further investigation is recommended to refine device specifications and assess clinical utility in veterinary settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":23587,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary World","volume":"18 7","pages":"2064-2071"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12415134/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145030699","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 characterization and phylogenetic diversity of fowl aviadenovirus serotype 8b associated with inclusion body hepatitis in Thai chickens.","authors":"Tawatchai Pohuang, Kanlaya Worawong, Kingkarn Sarachu, Duangdaow Khunbutsri, Sucheeva Junnu","doi":"10.14202/vetworld.2025.1685-1693","DOIUrl":"10.14202/vetworld.2025.1685-1693","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and aim: </strong>Inclusion body hepatitis (IBH) is an acute and economically significant disease in poultry, caused by fowl aviadenovirus (FAdV), particularly serotypes belonging to species D and E. In Thailand, outbreaks of IBH associated with FAdV have been sporadically reported since 2007, yet comprehensive molecular surveillance remains limited. This study aimed to detect, molecularly characterize, and phylogenetically analyze FAdV strains associated with IBH in commercial broiler and breeder chicken farms across four provinces in Thailand.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A total of 28 liver samples were collected from chickens exhibiting clinical signs of IBH in Kanchanaburi, Chonburi, Lopburi, and Songkhla Provinces between June and December 2024. Gross and histopathological examinations were conducted, followed by a polymerase chain reaction targeting the hexon gene. Six representative positive samples were subjected to DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis using MEGA 11 software. Comparative amino acid sequence analysis was also performed to evaluate potential strain divergence.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>All 28 samples tested positive for FAdV, with gross pathology revealing pale, friable, and hemorrhagic livers. Histopathological analysis confirmed multifocal hepatic necrosis with characteristic basophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis identified all isolates as FAdV species E, serotype 8b. The isolates shared 94.73%-100% nucleotide similarity with reference strains from China, Indonesia, and Turkey. Phylogenetic clustering revealed two distinct groups among the Thai isolates, associated with specific amino acid substitutions at positions 17, 19, 20, 22, and 37 of the hexon gene.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study represents the first report of FAdV-E serotype 8b as the causative agent of IBH outbreaks in multiple commercial broiler and breeder chicken farms in Thailand. The detection of two phylogenetically distinct groups suggests the concurrent circulation of genetically diverse strains, potentially linked to vertical transmission routes. These findings underscore the urgent need for molecular surveillance, vaccination strategies utilizing local strains, and enhanced biosecurity measures to mitigate the spread of FAdV in the Thai poultry industry.</p>","PeriodicalId":23587,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary World","volume":"18 6","pages":"1685-1693"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12269957/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144675823","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 coconut meal inclusion on growth performance, nutrient utilization, carcass characteristics, and meat quality in Awassi Lambs.","authors":"Ja'far Al-Khaza'leh, Belal Obeidat","doi":"10.14202/vetworld.2025.1411-1420","DOIUrl":"10.14202/vetworld.2025.1411-1420","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and aim: </strong>Feed cost constitutes a major constraint in small ruminant production systems in Jordan. The search for alternative, cost-effective feed ingredients has prompted interest in coconut meal (COC), a by-product of coconut oil extraction. This study evaluated the effects of including 10% COC (COC10) in the diet on the growth performance, nutrient utilization, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of growing Awassi lambs.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Twenty-four male Awassi lambs (17.2 ± 0.63 kg) were randomly assigned to two dietary treatments: A control diet without COC (CON) and a test diet with 100 g/kg dry matter (DM) COC (COC10). The feeding trial lasted 70 days, comprising a 7-day adaptation and a 63-day experimental period. Feed intake and growth performance were monitored throughout. On day 49, five lambs per group were used to assess nutrient digestibility and nitrogen balance using total fecal and urine collection in metabolic cages. On day 64, lambs were slaughtered to evaluate carcass characteristics and meat quality. Blood samples were collected for serum biochemical analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The inclusion of COC10 significantly increased acid detergent fiber and ether extract intake (p ≤ 0.05), with no adverse effects on DM intake, weight gain, feed efficiency, or nutrient digestibility (p > 0.05). Economic analysis revealed a 16% reduction in production cost per kg of weight gain in the COC10 group (p = 0.05). No significant effects were observed on carcass traits, meat quality parameters, or blood biochemical profiles.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Incorporating COC10 into the diet of Awassi lambs had no detrimental impact on growth, carcass characteristics, or health status, while improving economic efficiency. COC is a viable alternative protein and energy source in lamb diets. Further research is warranted to determine optimal inclusion rates under varying production systems.</p>","PeriodicalId":23587,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary World","volume":"18 6","pages":"1411-1420"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12269937/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144675861","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":"Reproductive impacts and disease burden of metritis and placental retention in dairy cows: A longitudinal monitoring study in Southern Vietnam (2022-2024).","authors":"Thuong Thi Nguyen, Lien Thi Bich Nguyen, Khang Nguyen Duong, Thuan Khanh Nguyen","doi":"10.14202/vetworld.2025.1433-1439","DOIUrl":"10.14202/vetworld.2025.1433-1439","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and aim: </strong>Postpartum reproductive disorders, particularly metritis and placental retention, significantly compromise dairy herd productivity and calf viability. In Vietnam, where dairy production is expanding, limited data exist on the prevalence and consequences of such disorders under modern farm conditions. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of metritis and placental retention in dairy cows on an industrial farm in southern Vietnam from 2022 to mid-2024 and to evaluate their reproductive and neonatal health consequences.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A longitudinal study was conducted on a dairy herd monitored through skin conductance responses activity sensors and DataFlow™ II software (Allflex Livestock Intelligence, MSD Animal Health Intelligence, USA). Health alerts triggered clinical examinations to identify genital infections. Metritic cows were treated using antibiotics and hormonal therapies and were monitored for recovery and subsequent breeding success. Neonatal calves were examined for respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders for 21 days post-birth. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square tests at a 95% confidence level.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Genital infections affected 23.5%-38.8% of cows annually, with metritis prevalence ranging from 7.2% to 9.8%. Placental retention remained consistent at approximately 13% across years. Quarter 2 consistently exhibited the highest incidence of reproductive disorders. Treatment success for metritis was high (85.8%-88.6%); however, post-treatment pregnancy rates declined over time (68.5% in 2022 and 54.8% in 2024). Neonatal respiratory infections (2.9%-4.4%) were more frequent than gastrointestinal infections (0.1%-0.8%), with calf mortality declining from 3.4% in 2022 to 0.7% in 2024.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Metritis and placental retention remain prevalent challenges in Vietnamese dairy herds, adversely impacting reproductive efficiency and calf health despite high treatment efficacy. The seasonal spike in disease incidence underscores the need for tailored herd health management during hotter months. Although early detection through precision monitoring improved recovery outcomes, residual effects on fertility persisted. Strengthened periparturient care, postpartum surveillance, and colostrum management are recommended to enhance both maternal and neonatal health outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":23587,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary World","volume":"18 6","pages":"1433-1439"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12269940/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144675920","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":"Reproductive integration of leptin and kisspeptin in small ruminants: Mechanisms, biomarker potential, and prospects for precision breeding.","authors":"Herdis Herdis, Ismeth Inounu, Santoso Santoso, Rahma Isartina Anwar, Sari Yanti Hayanti, Mohammad Firdaus Hudaya, Desiana Ade Mahari, Florentina Bety Indah Lupitasari, Anita Hafid, Marchie Asrid da Costa, Nur Adianto, Pradita Iustitia Sitaresmi","doi":"10.14202/vetworld.2025.1614-1633","DOIUrl":"10.14202/vetworld.2025.1614-1633","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Kisspeptin and leptin (LEP) are two essential proteins that play a central role in regulating reproductive hormones in small ruminants through the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. These proteins influence the secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone, which, in turn, controls key hormones such as follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone. Acting in synergy, kisspeptin and LEP also interact with other metabolic and reproductive signals, including insulin, estrogen, and neuropeptides, to coordinate reproductive function. Despite their importance, the detailed mechanisms by which these proteins operate, especially in relation to body condition score are not yet fully understood. This review explores their biological roles, interactions, and potential as markers for selecting high-performing livestock. External factors such as diet, stress, and seasonal changes can further influence their expression and activity. Understanding these pathways can support improved fertility management and the development of genetic or therapeutic strategies to enhance reproductive efficiency in goats and sheep.</p>","PeriodicalId":23587,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary World","volume":"18 6","pages":"1614-1633"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12269918/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144675921","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":"African swine fever virus: Virology, pathogenesis, clinical impact, and global control strategies.","authors":"Tridiganita Intan Solikhah, Firda Rostiani, Assyuria Fahma Putri Nanra, Adilah Dwi Putri Paras Dewi, Putri Haibah Nurbadri, Qurrotul Aini Dwi Agustin, Gahastanira Permata Solikhah","doi":"10.14202/vetworld.2025.1599-1613","DOIUrl":"10.14202/vetworld.2025.1599-1613","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>African swine fever (ASF) is a highly contagious and lethal viral disease affecting domestic pigs and wild boars, with profound implications for global swine production and food security. Caused by the ASF virus (ASFV), a complex double-stranded DNA virus of the <i>Asfarviridae</i> family, the disease exhibits diverse clinical outcomes - from peracute death to chronic infection - depending on viral genotype and host immunity. ASFV primarily targets monocytes and macrophages, leading to severe lymphoid depletion, systemic inflammation, and vascular pathology mediated by cytokine storms. The virus demonstrates remarkable environmental resilience and is transmitted through direct contact, fomites, and biological vectors such as <i>Ornithodoros</i> soft ticks. With 23 genotypes identified to date, ASFV poses ongoing challenges to diagnosis, control, and vaccine development. Diagnostic methods, including polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and virus isolation, are essential for timely detection and containment. Despite advances in live-attenuated vaccine research, safe and broadly protective vaccines remain elusive. This review synthesizes current knowledge on ASFV's molecular biology, transmission dynamics, immunopathogenesis, clinical presentations, and control strategies and underscores the urgent need for integrated surveillance systems, cross-sectoral collaboration, and innovative tools for outbreak prediction and disease mitigation.</p>","PeriodicalId":23587,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary World","volume":"18 6","pages":"1599-1613"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12269935/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144675834","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":"Global prevalence and risk factors of equine infectious anemia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"Lintang Winantya Firdausy, Faisal Fikri, Arya Pradana Wicaksono, Hakan Çalışkan, Muhammad Thohawi Elziyad Purnama","doi":"10.14202/vetworld.2025.1440-1451","DOIUrl":"10.14202/vetworld.2025.1440-1451","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and aim: </strong>Equine infectious anemia (EIA) is a lentiviral disease affecting members of the Equidae family, with global distribution and significant implications for animal health and biosecurity. Despite numerous individual reports, a comprehensive synthesis of its global prevalence and risk factors remains lacking. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the global prevalence of EIA, identify diagnostic trends, and evaluate factors associated with heterogeneity across studies.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A systematic search was conducted in six major databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, and ProQuest), yielding 312 records. After Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-guided screening, 29 eligible studies published between 1975 and 2024 were included in the study. Meta-analysis was performed using R Studio (version 4.4.2) employing a random-effects model. Subgroup analyses and meta-regression were conducted to explore heterogeneity across host species, continent, diagnostic method, and study period. Publication bias was assessed through funnel plots and Egger's test.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The global pooled prevalence of EIA was estimated at 20.97% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 11.08-30.85), with substantial heterogeneity (I² = 99.3%). South America reported the highest regional prevalence (27.21%), while horses showed the greatest susceptibility among Equidae (25.40%). Diagnostic methods varied, with agar gel immunodiffusion being the most commonly used (18.62% prevalence detection). A declining trend in prevalence (2.19%-28.70%) was noted from 2015 to 2022. No significant publication bias was detected. Meta-regression revealed that climate and study period partially explained the heterogeneity.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study highlights the substantial global burden and diagnostic variability of EIA, emphasizing the need for enhanced surveillance in endemic areas, standardized diagnostic protocols, and strengthened quarantine practices. Expanding serological monitoring in underrepresented regions and integrating climatic and ecological data into control strategies are vital for mitigating EIA transmission risks.</p>","PeriodicalId":23587,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary World","volume":"18 6","pages":"1440-1451"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12269943/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144675878","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, risk factors, and zoonotic implications of gastrointestinal parasites in urban cats in Kazakhstan: A cross-sectional multicity study.","authors":"Lyudmila A Lider, Vladimir Kiyan, Dinara M Seitkamzina, Altay Ussenbayev, Botakoz E Akmambaeva, Rabiga S Uakhit, Nellya E Mannapova, Igor Sytnik, Christian Bauer","doi":"10.14202/vetworld.2025.1748-1758","DOIUrl":"10.14202/vetworld.2025.1748-1758","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and aim: </strong>Cats act as reservoirs for various gastrointestinal parasites, including species of significant zoonotic concern such as <i>Toxocara cati, Toxoplasma gondii</i>, and <i>Giardia intestinalis</i>. However, data on the prevalence and risk factors associated with feline endoparasites in Kazakhstan remain limited. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, species diversity, and risk factors of intestinal parasitic infections in urban cat populations across five major cities in Kazakhstan, thereby supporting the One Health framework for the prevention of zoonotic diseases.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A cross-sectional survey was conducted from August 2023 to January 2025, involving 1,301 fecal samples collected from both client-owned and stray cats in Almaty, Astana, Oral, Qostanai, and Shymkent. Standardized Sheather's sugar flotation was used to detect helminth eggs and coccidia oocysts in all samples, while <i>Giardia</i> coproantigen was assessed in 1,256 samples using a commercial immunochromatographic assay (FASTest® CRYPTO-GIARDIA strip test kit, MEGACOR, Austria). Prevalence differences across categories - ownership status, sex, age class, and city - were evaluated using the Chi-squared test, and odds ratios (OR) were calculated to identify significant risk factors.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Overall, 17.7% (230/1,301) of cats were infected with at least one intestinal parasite species. The most prevalent species were <i>Cystoisospora felis</i> (7.2%), <i>T. cati</i> (6.2%), <i>Cystoisospora rivolta</i> (2.0%), and <i>Giardia</i> (6.4%). <i>T. gondii</i>-like oocysts (<i>T. gondii</i> or <i>Hammondia hammondi</i>) were detected in 0.6% of samples. Significant variation in parasite prevalence was observed among cities. Stray cats were significantly more likely to harbor <i>C. felis</i> and <i>C. rivolta</i>. Female cats had higher odds of testing positive for <i>Giardia</i> (OR = 1.8). Infections with <i>T. cati</i>, <i>C. felis</i>, and <i>Giardia</i> showed a significant association with age, with kittens (<6 months) being approximately twice as likely to test positive for these parasites compared to adult cats.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study represents the first comprehensive assessment of gastrointestinal parasitism in urban cats in Kazakhstan. The detection of zoonotic parasites and identification of significant demographic risk factors underscore the need for enhanced public health strategies, including educational outreach, targeted deworming protocols, and environmental hygiene measures. Future molecular investigations are necessary to differentiate <i>T. gondii</i> from <i>Hammondia hammondi</i> and to genotype <i>Giardia</i> assemblages. Soil surveillance in public spaces is also recommended to assess environmental contamination and potential exposure risk to humans, particularly children.</p>","PeriodicalId":23587,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary World","volume":"18 6","pages":"1748-1758"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12269952/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144675918","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":"Immunoinformatic development of a multiepitope messenger RNA vaccine targeting lipoate protein ligase and dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase proteins of <i>Mycoplasma bovis</i> in cattle.","authors":"Dhafer Rasheed Al-Fetly, Dhama Alsallami, Amjed Alsultan","doi":"10.14202/vetworld.2025.1675-1684","DOIUrl":"10.14202/vetworld.2025.1675-1684","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and aim: </strong><i>Mycoplasma bovis</i> is a significant pathogen in cattle, causing respiratory, reproductive, and mammary diseases, leading to substantial economic losses. Conventional control measures remain ineffective due to antimicrobial resistance and the absence of an approved vaccine. This study aimed to develop a multiepitope messenger RNA (mRNA)-based vaccine against <i>M. bovis</i> using immunoinformatic and molecular modeling approaches.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Two conserved surface-exposed proteins - lipoate protein ligase (LplA) and dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (PdhD) - were selected as vaccine targets. T- and B-cell epitopes were predicted using Immune Epitope Database and evaluated for antigenicity, allergenicity, toxicity, and conservancy. Selected epitopes were linked using specific amino acid linkers and combined with a resuscitation-promoting factor E (RpfE) adjuvant and untranslated regions (hemoglobin subunit beta and rabbit beta-globin) to improve translation and stability. The vaccine construct was modeled and validated through physicochemical profiling, secondary and tertiary structure prediction, molecular-docking with bovine toll-like receptors 4 (TLR4), and codon optimization. Molecular dynamics simulations were conducted to assess the stability of the vaccine-receptor complex.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The modeled vaccine construct contained five cytotoxic T lymphocyte, six helper T lymphocyte, and five B-cell epitopes. The construct was predicted to be highly antigenic (score: 0.835), non-allergenic, and non-toxic. Structural validation showed 93.5% of residues in favored regions of the Ramachandran plot and a Z-score of -10.6. Docking simulations revealed strong binding affinity to bovine TLR4, supported by robust molecular dynamics simulation outcomes, including high stability, low eigenvalues, and favorable covariance patterns. Codon optimization yielded a guanine-cytosine content of 59.8% and a codon adaptation index of 0.87, indicating efficient expression in cattle. The predicted mRNA structure exhibited good thermodynamic stability (minimum free energy: -321.42 kcal/mol).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study presents a computationally designed mRNA vaccine candidate against <i>M. bovis</i> based on LplA and PdhD epitopes. The construct demonstrated promising immunogenicity, structural integrity, and receptor-binding properties, representing a viable vaccine strategy. Nonetheless, <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i> validation is essential to confirm the construct's efficacy and safety in cattle.</p>","PeriodicalId":23587,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary World","volume":"18 6","pages":"1675-1684"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12269942/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144675819","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}