Vector borne and zoonotic diseases最新文献

{"title":"Promising Effects of <i>Rhanterium epapposum</i> L. and Its Main Compounds Alone and Combined with Pyrimethamine Against <i>Toxoplasma gondii</i> Infection.","authors":"Areej Jameel Alghabban, Haifa A Alqhatani, Abdullah D Alanazi","doi":"10.1177/15303667251371872","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15303667251371872","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Herbs and their products are a source for drug discovery, and most of all synthetic drugs originate from them. The present study was designed to evaluate the <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i> efficacy, as well as the potential mechanisms, of <i>Rhanterium epapposum</i> essential oil (REE), β-myrcene (MC), camphene (CP), and limonene (LN) alone and in combination with pyrimethamine (PYM) against <i>Toxoplasma gondii</i>. <b><i>Materials and Methods:</i></b> <i>In vitro</i>, the effectiveness of REE and its components on tachyzoites, the infectivity rate, caspase-3 activity, and nitric oxide (NO) and expression levels of inducible NO synthase and gamma interferon (IFN-γ) genes were evaluated. In the <i>in vivo</i> assays, infected mice received REE, MC, CP, and LN either alone or in combination with PYM for 2 weeks. Subsequently, the number and diameter of tissue cysts, oxidant/antioxidant enzyme levels, inflammatory cytokines, and bradyzoite surface antigen 1 (BAG1) gene expression were examined. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The best 50% inhibitory concentration values were reported for MC + LN, PYM + MC, and MC + CP, with values of 12.1, 15.4, and 16.6 µg/mL, respectively. REE and its primary compounds significantly increased (<i>p</i> < 0.001) NO release (6.6-14.1 nM), caspase-3 activity, and the expression levels of inducible NO synthase and IFN-γ genes in cells. In addition, significantly decreased (<i>p</i> < 0.001) the number (0.0-115.3 cysts) and size (0.0-83.1 nm) of tissue cysts, oxidative stress markers, decreased the expression levels of IL-1β and TNF-α, and BAG1 (0.48-5.10 fold change), while, significantly increased (<i>p</i> < 0.001) glutathione peroxidase (1.65-5.12 U/mg) and superoxide dismutase (31.9-74.1 U/mg) levels in the infected mice. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> We demonstrated the high <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i> efficacy of REE and its principal compounds against chronic toxoplasmosis. The highest efficacy was observed following combination therapy of <i>T. gondii</i>-infected mice with PYM and these compounds, with a significant difference noted compared with PYM alone. However, further trials must validate these findings and clarify the underlying mechanisms.</p>","PeriodicalId":23683,"journal":{"name":"Vector borne and zoonotic diseases","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144971244","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Entry of Zika Virus into the Cells and Its Implication for Antiviral Therapy.","authors":"Nahla Ahmed Hassaan, Li Xing","doi":"10.1089/vbz.2024.0084","DOIUrl":"10.1089/vbz.2024.0084","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Background:</i></b> Zika virus (ZIKV) belongs to the <i>Flavivirus</i> genus of the <i>Flaviviridae</i> family. It is an enveloped RNA virus that enters host cells via receptor-mediated endocytosis. The interactions between viral proteins and particular receptors on the host cell surface is the initial step of the virus life cycle, which represents the key targets for antiviral therapeutic. <b><i>Materials and Methods:</i></b> This review highlights a variety of cell types infected by ZIKV, including human radial glial cells, endothelial cells, neural progenitor cells, astrocytes, microglia, and Sertoli cells. The cellular molecules involved in the entry process of ZIKV are detailed, and the advances in the development of chemical compounds and neutralizing antibodies targeting the ZIKV entry process are described. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The interactions of ZIKV with cellular molecules in various host cells during virus entry are reviewed, as the targets of the development of antiviral therapeutics. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> The entry of ZIKV into host cells involves complicated mechanisms, which remain to be further explored to facilitate the development of antiviral reagents.</p>","PeriodicalId":23683,"journal":{"name":"Vector borne and zoonotic diseases","volume":" ","pages":"527-538"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144289672","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Molecular Detection and Phylogenetic Analysis of <i>Anaplasma</i> Species in Ticks from Three Provinces of China.","authors":"Yuqing Cheng, Qinghong Yuan, Meng Yang, Junrong Liang, Zhongqiu Teng, Qingzhu Huang, Miao Lu, Tian Qin","doi":"10.1089/vbz.2024.0134","DOIUrl":"10.1089/vbz.2024.0134","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Background:</i></b> Anaplasmosis, caused by Anaplasma species, poses significant threats to public health and livestock productivity. Understanding the distribution and genetic diversity of these pathogens in tick vectors across China is critical for risk assessment and disease control. <b><i>Materials and Methods:</i></b> From April to June 2023, 875 ticks were collected across three Chinese provinces: Jiangxi, Yunnan, and Shaanxi. The collected ticks comprised Rhipicephalus microplus (from Jiangxi and Yunnan) and Haemaphysalis longicornis (from Shaanxi). Pathogen detection was performed using PCR, followed by phylogenetic analysis of the obtained sequences to determine genetic relationships. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Anaplasma capra was detected predominantly in R. microplus from Yudu County, Jiangxi (4.95%), and in H. longicornis from Meixian County (3.16%), Long County (5.99%), and Zhenba County (0.83%) in Shaanxi, exhibiting regional genetic variations. The detection rate of Anaplasma marginale was 6.59% in Yudu County, Jiangxi; significantly higher rates were found in Yunnan province: 41.75% in Nanjian County, 40.38% in Weishan County, and 52.04% in Yongsheng County. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that A. marginale isolates from Lijiang (Yongsheng), Yunnan, were highly homologous (99.63%-100%) to those from Yudu County, Jiangxi, while isolates from Dali (Nanjian and Weishan), Yunnan, formed a distinct clade. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> The findings demonstrate the widespread distribution of A. capra and A. marginale in ticks across the surveyed regions of China, with notable variations in prevalence and genetic characteristics. These pathogens represent potential threats to local residents and livestock. Future research should expand the geographic sampling range to fully understand their distribution patterns and explore effective prevention and control strategies to safeguard public health and safety.</p>","PeriodicalId":23683,"journal":{"name":"Vector borne and zoonotic diseases","volume":" ","pages":"539-545"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144555092","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Presence of <i>Leptospira</i> spp. in Nonhuman Primates and Wild Felids from a Brazilian Zoo.","authors":"Ana Cláudia de Souza Andrade, Francieli Gesleine Capote Bonato, Isabela Carvalho Dos Santos, Lídia Kazue Iukava, Sarah Gabriella Delallo Charnovski, Bruna Pereira Bitencourt da Silva, Edilson Monteiro Suci Junior, Lucienne Garcia Pretto-Giordano, Ranulfo Piau Junior, Rodrigo Neca Ribeiro, Zilda Cristiani Gazim, Gabriela Catuzo Canonico Silva, Lidiane Nunes Barbosa, Daniela Dib Gonçalves","doi":"10.1089/vbz.2025.0020","DOIUrl":"10.1089/vbz.2025.0020","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium <i>Leptospira</i> spp., which is divided into saprophytic and pathogenic. Transmission in zoos can occur due to infected urine in poorly sanitized environments, rodents, and animal accumulation. Aim: This study investigated the presence of antibodies and DNA of <i>Leptospira</i> spp. in nonhuman primates and wild felids from a zoo in western Paraná, Brazil. <b><i>Materials and Methods:</i></b> Samples were collected through chemical restraint and venipuncture. Antibody testing was performed by microscopic agglutination test and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). <b><i>Results:</i></b> Of the 24 samples analyzed (17 capuchin monkeys and 7 felines), 12.5% presented antibodies for the Butembo serovar, all in primates. No feline showed reaction or DNA amplification. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> The results highlight the importance of studies on leptospirosis in wild animals in captivity, considering factors such as biome and management of the zoo, which houses rescued species that cannot be reintroduced into the wild.</p>","PeriodicalId":23683,"journal":{"name":"Vector borne and zoonotic diseases","volume":" ","pages":"553-557"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144334005","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"<i>Babesia</i> Infections in Reservoir Hosts and the Possibility of Human Babesiosis in Ghana.","authors":"Linda A O Amoah, Evans P K Ameade, Benjamin Yeboah Ofori","doi":"10.1089/vbz.2024.0120","DOIUrl":"10.1089/vbz.2024.0120","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Background:</i></b> In Ghana, no research has recorded any positive cases of human babesiosis, despite the presence of <i>Babesia</i> reservoir hosts in many Ghanaian communities. Epidemiological studies have reported active infections in these hosts. Thus, this study explored possible cases of human babesiosis in selected major hospitals in the Greater Accra region and assessed the prevalence of <i>Babesia</i> infections in common reservoirs (dogs, cats, and rodents) from households and veterinary institutions. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> This cross-sectional study involved retrieving medical records from three major hospitals in urban (University of Ghana Hospital and Pentecost Hospital) and peri-urban (Shai-Osudoku District Hospital) areas that satisfied the eligibility criteria. Analysis of human babesiosis cases was conducted using appropriate search queries in Microsoft Excel. Genomic DNA was also isolated from 404 blood samples from <i>Babesia</i> reservoir hosts, and DNA analysis was performed using PIRO A1 and PIRO B primers targeting 18S rDNA. <b><i>Results:</i></b> These hospitals did not record cases of human babesiosis, although several cases of febrile illnesses and malaria were reported. The blood of 326 animals tested positive for <i>Babesia</i> DNA. Thus, the overall prevalence of <i>Babesia</i> infection in sampled animals was 80.69% (326/404), with infection prevalence varying among the targeted reservoir hosts: 53.07% (173/326) dogs, 3.99% (13/326) cats, and 42.9% (140/326) rodents. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Although the hospitals documented no cases of human babesiosis, <i>Babesia</i> transmission was active among reservoir hosts. Therefore, clinicians and laboratory scientists in the Greater Accra region and Ghana should maintain a high index of suspicion of human babesiosis to avoid missing such cases.</p>","PeriodicalId":23683,"journal":{"name":"Vector borne and zoonotic diseases","volume":" ","pages":"546-552"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144498184","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"West Nile Virus Antibody Prevalence in Horses During the 2023 Outbreak in Tunisia, North Africa.","authors":"Khalil Dachraoui, Raja Ben Osman, Sonia Ben Slama, Aida Sayadi, Yassine Maachach, Mounir Trifi, Imen Labidi, Jihene Lachheb, Chaima Badr, Imen Larbi, Elyes Zhioua","doi":"10.1177/15303667251359822","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15303667251359822","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>A total of 20 horses belonging to the Pasteur Institute of Tunis used for the production of therapeutic serum antiscorpion venom were tested for the presence of antibodies anti-West Nile virus (WNV) during the 2023 outbreak of West Nile disease that affected humans and horses in Tunisia. Of the 20 samples tested in November 2023 by enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay (ELISA), five were positive, leading to a seroprevalence of 25%. Since the number of horses is not substantial, all samples were tested also by virus microneutralization test (MNT) using the Tunisian strain of WNV lineage 1 isolated in 2014 from a pool of field-collected <i>Culex pipiens</i> from Central Tunisia. WNV-neutralizing antibodies were detected in two horses, yielding a seroprevalence of 10%. Of the five horses tested positive by ELISA, only two were positive by MNT. The follow-up of the serological analysis performed in December 2023 and January 2024 did not show any seroconversion in the remaining horses. No clinical cases were reported during the investigation. While molecular blood analysis failed to detect viral RNA, MNT-based seroprevalence provided strong evidence of the circulation of WNV during this outbreak. Taking into account that humans and horses share similar clinical symptoms and antibody responses following WNV infection, equid surveillance could provide an accurate and timely detection of WNV outbreaks.</p>","PeriodicalId":23683,"journal":{"name":"Vector borne and zoonotic diseases","volume":" ","pages":"558-564"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144620771","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Outbreak of Human Neuroinvasive West Nile Virus Infection in Campania, Italy, August-September 2024.","authors":"Nunzia Esposito, Giulio Viceconte, Lidia Festa, Francesco Antimo Alfè, Canio Carriero, Alessio Vinicio Codella, Antonio Glielmo, Luigi Forgione, Antonio Riccardo Buonomo, Franco Carmine Muccio, Marcello Lamberti, Roberto Alfano, Maria Grazia Coppola, Angelo Salomone Megna, Ivan Gentile","doi":"10.1177/15303667251360262","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15303667251360262","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Background:</i></b> West Nile Virus (WNV) infection is endemic in Italy, but it has rarely reported in humans in Southern Italy. We report the first human outbreak of WNV infection in the Campania region, Italy. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Five confirmed and seven probable cases of WNV were identified from August to September 2024. Predominantly affecting elderly males with comorbidities, all but one patient developed West Nile neuroinvasive disease, presenting with fever and impaired consciousness. Remdesivir was administered off-label in four cases, potentially reducing hospitalization and improving outcomes. Mortality was limited to two cases, attributed to bacterial infections. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> The outbreak underscores the importance of heightened surveillance in Italy and raises the potential for remdesivir in WNV treatment.</p>","PeriodicalId":23683,"journal":{"name":"Vector borne and zoonotic diseases","volume":" ","pages":"565-567"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144620770","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Phage Therapy: A Targeted Solution for Brucellosis.","authors":"Bahareh Lashtoo Aghaee, Mohammad Yousef Alikhani, Sima Kazemi, Mohammad Ahmadyousefi, Willem B van Leeuwen, Mona Nasaj","doi":"10.1177/15303667251367519","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/15303667251367519","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Background:</i></b> Brucellosis is a widespread zoonotic bacterial infection that affects over 500,000 people annually, with significant economic losses in the livestock industry, particularly in endemic regions such as the Middle East, Asia, and parts of Africa and Latin America. Despite standard antibiotic treatments, relapse rates remain as high as 10%-15%, highlighting the limitations of current therapeutic options. <b><i>Objective:</i></b> Phage therapy, which uses bacteriophages to selectively target and lyse Brucella spp. bacteria, offers a promising approach for managing brucellosis. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> This paper explores the current understanding of brucellosis, highlighting the impact on animal and human health, and reviews the mechanisms and efficacy of bacteriophages against Brucella spp.Results:Key factors, such as phage specificity, immune modulation, and recent advancements in phage encapsulation, are discussed as strategies to enhance treatment efficacy. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> This review aims to explore emerging alternative therapies beyond conventional antibiotics, focusing on approaches such as immunotherapy, bacteriophage therapy, and novel vaccine strategies to improve clinical outcomes and reduce disease burden.</p>","PeriodicalId":23683,"journal":{"name":"Vector borne and zoonotic diseases","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-08-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144822742","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Lyme Borreliosis and Tick Surveillance Epidemiology in the WHO Regions of the Americas, Eastern Mediterranean, Europe, South-East Asia, and Western Pacific: A Systematic Literature Review (2005-2022) Beyond North America (Canada, United States of America), European Union Countries, and China.","authors":"Leah Burn, Mark A Fletcher, Jehidys Montiel, Canna Jagdish Ghia, Ana Dantas, Patrick H Kelly, James H Stark","doi":"10.1177/15303667251364142","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/15303667251364142","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Background and Methods:</i></b> This Lyme borreliosis (LB) and <i>Borrelia burgdorferi sensu</i> lato (Bbsl)-infected <i>Ixodes</i> ticks surveillance review-from the WHO regions of the Americas, Eastern Mediterranean, Europe, South-East Asia, and Western Pacific-is informed by LB cases or incidence, Bbsl antibody seroprevalence, and <i>Ixodes</i> (<i>I.</i>) tick surveillance results from publications (2005-2022) and recent government websites. <b><i>Results:</i></b> LB cases, by the WHO region-country, were documented in the following: the Americas-Brazil and México; Europe-Russian Federation and Türkiye; South-East Asia-India; and Western Pacific-Japan, Mongolia, and South Korea. Mean incidence, cases/100,000 population per year (country, period), was as follows: Europe, 4.8 (Russian Federation, 2009-2021); Western Pacific, 0.01 (Japan, 2005-2021) and 0.03 (South Korea, 2012-2021). Two-tier testing Bbsl antibody seroprevalence estimate ranges were as follows: the Americas, 1.0-6.2% (Brazil), 4.6% (Colombia), and 23.1% (México); Europe, 0-15.8% (Türkiye); South-East Asia, 0.4-3.0% (India); and Western Pacific, 0-14.0% (Mongolia). <i>Ixodes</i> tick surveillance was presented by species (nymph, adult, or not reported, NR, life stage and [Bbsl-infected proportion]): the Americas-México, <i>I. scapularis</i> (NR [34.2%]); Eastern Mediterranean-Iran, <i>I. ricinus</i> (adult [0.9% <i>Borrelia</i>]); Europe-Russian Federation, <i>I. ricinus</i> (nymph [27.3%], nymph/adult [33.4%], adult/NR [9.8-80.4%]) and <i>I. persulcatus</i> (adult/NR [12.0-75.3%]) and Türkiye, <i>I. ricinus</i> (adult/NR [19.9%]); and Western Pacific-Japan, <i>I. persulcatus</i> (nymph [0-10.0%], nymph/adult [1.8-23.6%], adult/NR [detected-up to 25.5%]) and Mongolia, <i>I. persulcatus</i> (nymph [detected], nymph/adult [49.4%], adult [7.0-49.7%]). <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> LB burden might be underrecognized in certain countries of the Americas, Eastern Mediterranean, and South-East Asia, whereas LB cases or incidence, Bbsl antibody seroprevalence, and Bbsl-infected tick presence is established in certain countries of WHO Europe (Russian Federation and Türkiye) and Western Pacific (Japan, Korea, and Mongolia), and LB could be present in neighboring countries within these WHO regions (PROSPERO: CRD42021236906).</p>","PeriodicalId":23683,"journal":{"name":"Vector borne and zoonotic diseases","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-08-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144817641","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Fecal Carriage of <i>Helicobacter</i> Species Among Pet Animals Suffering from Gastroenteritis: A Potential Public Health Concern.","authors":"Aisha A Abd Al-Ghafar, Sherif A Marouf, Khaled A Abdel-Moein, Hala M Zaher, Ahmed Samir","doi":"10.1089/vbz.2025.0005","DOIUrl":"10.1089/vbz.2025.0005","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Background:</i></b> Although recent research has provided better insights into <i>Helicobacter pylori</i>, much remains unknown regarding non-<i>H. pylori Helicobacter</i> species in animals. Pet animals living close to humans may act as a potential reservoir for a diverse <i>Helicobacter</i> species. Hence, this study aimed to investigate <i>Helicobacter</i> spp.'s prevalence among pet animals suffering from gastroenteritis and their zoonotic relevance. <b><i>Materials and methods:</i></b> Eighty-seven fecal samples were collected from dogs (53) and cats (34) suffering from gastroenteritis. The DNA was extracted for the molecular detection of <i>Helicobacter</i> spp., <i>H. canis</i>, <i>H. felis</i>, and <i>H. pylori</i> through amplification of <i>Helicobacter</i> 16S rRNA as well as multiplex PCR targeting <i>H. canis</i> Hsp60, <i>H. felis</i> urease, and <i>H. pylori</i> urease C genes in all samples. Sequencing of some selected PCR amplicons and phylogenetic analysis were conducted. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The overall prevalence of <i>Helicobacter</i> spp. ws 34.5%, with the following rates: 37.7% and 29.4% among dogs and cats, respectively. <i>H. canis</i> had the highest occurrence rate (20.7%), whereas <i>H. pylori</i> was detected at 11.5%, followed by <i>H. felis</i> at 2.3%. Coinfection with more than one <i>Helicobacter</i> species has been documented. Furthermore, the phylogenetic analysis of three partial <i>H. canis</i> 16S rRNA sequences revealed a high genetic relatedness to strains derived from a diarrheic cat and human bacteremic patients with a history of pet exposure, indicating the public health implications of these sequences. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> The fecal carriage of diverse <i>Helicobacter</i> spp. among dogs and cats suffering from gastroenteritis, with a predominance of <i>H. canis</i>, highlights a potential risk of zoonotic transmission of such pathogens between pets and human contacts.</p>","PeriodicalId":23683,"journal":{"name":"Vector borne and zoonotic diseases","volume":" ","pages":"504-510"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144226821","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}