Vector borne and zoonotic diseases最新文献

{"title":"Optimized Sindbis Virus RNA Detection Using Novel RT-qPCR: Isolation and Characterization of Sindbis Virus from a Patient Sample.","authors":"Eveliina Ekström, Katariina Kaansalo, Phuoc T Truong Nguyen, Maija T Suvanto, Olli Vapalahti, Hannimari Kallio-Kokko, Essi Korhonen, Hanna Vauhkonen, Teemu Smura, Eili Huhtamo, Anne J Jääskeläinen","doi":"10.1089/vbz.2025.0037","DOIUrl":"10.1089/vbz.2025.0037","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Background:</i></b> Strains of Sindbis virus (SINV) are rarely detected and isolated from human blood samples as the viremia is low and short in Pogosta disease patients. <b><i>Materials and Methods:</i></b> To optimize SINV RNA detection in patient samples, a sensitive and specific SINV-RT-qPCR method was developed and validated. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The new SINV-RT-qPCR method was determined to be more sensitive than a previously used method. The assay was used to screen 882 serum samples from 846 patients suspected of Pogosta disease in Finland in 2023-2024. One sample was detected to be SINV-RNA-positive and was further subjected to virus isolation with whole genome sequencing. The sequence analysis suggested the strain to be closely related to those detected in Finland in 2005 and 2018, Germany in 2012 and 2016, and Sweden in 2009. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> The new optimized SINV RNA detection method is a useful tool for the detection of viremic samples for further studies.</p>","PeriodicalId":23683,"journal":{"name":"Vector borne and zoonotic diseases","volume":" ","pages":"523-525"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144286624","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":"Epidemiology of Intracellular Bacterial Pathogens <i>Rickettsia</i> spp., <i>Borrelia</i> spp., <i>Coxiella</i> spp., and <i>Bartonella</i> spp. in West Africa from 2000 to 2023: A Systematic Review.","authors":"Merci Muhigwa, Nina Gouba, Etienne Bilgo, Aboubakar Soma, Fernand Michodigni, Yaya Sozanga Sanou, Abdoulaye Diabate, Abdoul-Salam Ouedraogo","doi":"10.1089/vbz.2025.0011","DOIUrl":"10.1089/vbz.2025.0011","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Background:</i></b> Intracellular bacteria such as <i>Rickettsia</i> spp., <i>Borrelia</i> spp., <i>Coxiella</i> spp., and <i>Bartonella</i> spp. cause febrile illnesses similar to malaria and arboviruses, leading to under-reporting in sub-Saharan Africa. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses guidelines, we included studies on these bacteria in humans, animals, and vectors in West Africa (2000-2023). Case reports, editorials, studies on other pathogens, and coinfections were excluded. Data was retrieved from African Journals Online, Google Scholar, and PubMed (last search: December 31, 2023). The risk of bias was assessed using an adapted Cochrane RoB 2.0 tool. Data were analyzed using Excel 2016 and QGIS. A random-effects model estimated prevalence, with subgroup analysis based on country, detection method, period, and host type. Heterogeneity was measured via the <i>I</i>² index (>50% indicating moderate heterogeneity). Publication bias was assessed by stratifying studies by risk of bias. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Out of 27 articles included, 10 covered studies on <i>Rickettsia</i> spp., 5 <i>Borrelia</i> spp., 6 <i>Coxiella</i> spp., 3 <i>Bartonella</i> spp., and 3 both <i>Rickettsia</i> spp. and <i>Coxiella</i> spp. Among them, 10 studies focused on vectors, 5 on animals, 5 on humans, and 7 on One Health. The prevalence of <i>Rickettsia</i> spp. was the highest in humans, 19.46%, 95% confidence interval: [19.42-19.50]. <i>Bartonella</i> spp. had the highest prevalence in animals, 82.57%, 95% CI: [82.46-82.69], and vectors 37.62%, 95% CI: [37.53-37.71]. Prevalence increased significantly post 2010 (81.4%). PCR-based detection showed a higher prevalence (63%). In the risk-of-bias analysis, the quality of the studies, which were included, did not affect the results and overall validity of findings. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Intracellular bacteria spread widely among humans, animals, and vectors. One Health approach is essential for managing zoonotic bacterial diseases in Africa. Variation in prevalence underlines the need for methodological standardization and future research should focus on harmonizing methods by integrating molecular methods.</p>","PeriodicalId":23683,"journal":{"name":"Vector borne and zoonotic diseases","volume":" ","pages":"491-503"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143987461","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":"Sensitive and Specific Detection/Identification of <i>Leishmania major</i>, <i>Leishmania tropica</i>, and <i>Leishmania infantum</i> by a Single Real Time PCR Targeting <i>Hsp70</i>.","authors":"Reza Mohammadi Manesh, Parisa Mousavi, Mahshid Shakibapour, Mehdi Mohebali, Behrooz Ataei, Hossein Mirhendi","doi":"10.1089/vbz.2024.0087","DOIUrl":"10.1089/vbz.2024.0087","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Backgrounds:</i></b> Leishmaniasis is one of the neglected tropical diseases, distributed across 89 countries in both the Old and New Worlds. Among the 54 identified <i>Leishmania</i> species, 21 are known to be pathogenic to humans. Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is primarily caused by <i>L. major</i> and <i>L. tropica</i>, while visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in Iran is caused by <i>L. infantum</i>. Accurate detection and species identification of <i>Leishmania</i> spp. are crucial for more effective treatment, epidemiology, and control strategies for the disease. Among the molecular targets recently used for detecting <i>Leishmania</i> species, the heat-shock protein 70 (<i>Hsp70</i>) gene has proven to be highly suitable. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> This study aimed to establish and evaluate a SYBR Green real-time PCR targeting the <i>Hsp70</i> gene to identify and differentiate three <i>Leishmania</i> species: <i>L. major</i>, <i>L. tropica</i>, and <i>L. infantum</i> in clinical specimens. A total of 219 microscopic smears, consisting of both positive and negative leishmaniasis cases diagnosed by microscopy, were subjected to DNA extraction and the <i>Hsp70</i> real-time PCR assay designed in this study. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Based on the analysis of the melting temperature (T_m) of the amplified <i>Hsp70</i> target, 115 microscopy-positive smears were identified, comprising 70.4% <i>L. major</i>, 23.5% <i>L. tropica</i>, and 6.1% <i>L. infantum</i>. All results were confirmed using a commercial diagnostic kit. Sanger sequencing of selected positive amplicons unequivocally confirmed the accuracy of this method in identifying and distinguishing the three <i>Leishmania</i> species. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> The <i>Hsp70</i> real-time PCR can be considered an effective method for detecting and identifying <i>Leishmania</i> species from microscopic slides prepared from CL and VL cases in different regions of Iran.</p>","PeriodicalId":23683,"journal":{"name":"Vector borne and zoonotic diseases","volume":" ","pages":"511-516"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144217101","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":"Zoonotic Ectoparasites Infesting Commensal Invasive Murid Rodents.","authors":"Mabatho M Nkoko, Ndivhuwo Shivambu, Tinyiko C Shivambu, Takalani Nelufule, Nozipho Khumalo, Nimmi Seoraj-Pillai, Tshifhiwa C Nangammbi","doi":"10.1089/vbz.2025.0019","DOIUrl":"10.1089/vbz.2025.0019","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Rodents are associated with the spread of deadly zoonotic and emerging infectious diseases. Their widespread distribution is strongly linked to their ability to thrive in human-altered environments with access to food and shelter. Thus, humans are exposed to zoonotic agents that can spread and infect them directly and indirectly. We sourced published literature on ectoparasites associated with <i>Rattus rattus</i>, <i>R. norvegicus</i>, and <i>Mus musculus</i> from various academic databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. The relevant literature was screened and selected in R statistical software using the packages ''metagear'' and ''revtool.'' We reviewed and analyzed a total of 53 articles published between 1994 and 2024. The literature review covered studies from 29 countries, represented by six continents, namely, Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania, and South America, with the majority of the studies from Asia. <i>R. rattus</i> had the most published studies. Our literature review identified 87 species of zoonotic ectoparasites, with <i>Xenopsylla cheopis</i>, <i>Polyplax spinulosa</i>, and <i>Laelaps echidninus</i> being the most reported across all host species. Mites were the most reported ectoparasites (40.83%), followed by fleas (25%), ticks (20%), and lice (14.17%). Most of these ectoparasites were reported from <i>R. rattus</i>, with the highest number of documented ectoparasites. Investigating the prevalence, distribution, and potential risks of alien invasive rodents and their ectoparasites is paramount for public health and improving integrated pest management control strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":23683,"journal":{"name":"Vector borne and zoonotic diseases","volume":" ","pages":"481-490"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144120974","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":"Association Between CD55 Polymorphisms and Susceptibility to Uncomplicated Malaria Imported from Africa in a Chinese Han Population.","authors":"Chao Xu, Hongjie Dong, Ting Xiao, Song Zhu, Fan Bai, Qi Wang, Wenju Zhu, Hui Sun, Jin Li, Guihua Zhao, Yongbin Wang, Qingkuan Wei, Kun Yin","doi":"10.1089/vbz.2024.0132","DOIUrl":"10.1089/vbz.2024.0132","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Background:</i></b> The increasing number of imported malaria cases has become a serious public health issue in China. However, the relationship between human genetic variations and malaria susceptibility within the Chinese Han population remains insufficiently understood. This study aims to investigate the contribution of CD55 polymorphisms to the susceptibility of uncomplicated malaria infection imported from Africa in Han Chinese individuals. <b><i>Materials and Methods:</i></b> This case-control study included 348 patients with uncomplicated <i>Plasmodium falciparum</i> (<i>P. falciparum</i>) infections imported from Africa and 276 healthy controls from a Chinese population. Genotyping of CD55 polymorphisms rs2564978, rs6691942, and rs1507765 was conducted using a Sequenom MassARRAY system. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated through nonconditional logistic regression analysis. Haplotype and linkage disequilibrium tests were performed using the Haploview 4.2 software. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Of the 624 samples, 619 were successfully genotyped for rs2564978, and 620 were successfully genotyped for rs6691942 and rs1507765. A statistically significant difference in genotype distribution between the case and control groups was observed for the rs2564978 polymorphism. Specifically, the heterozygous CT genotype (<i>p</i> = 0.035) and the dominant genetic model CC + CT versus TT (<i>p</i> = 0.044, OR = 1.441, 95% CI: 1.010-2.056) of rs2564978 were associated with an increased risk of uncomplicated malaria, respectively. Haplotype analysis revealed that rs2564978 and rs6691942 were in linkage disequilibrium. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> The findings suggested that the rs2564978 polymorphism of the CD55 gene may increase the risk of uncomplicated malaria imported from Africa in the Chinese Han population.</p>","PeriodicalId":23683,"journal":{"name":"Vector borne and zoonotic diseases","volume":" ","pages":"517-522"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144235377","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":"Xenomonitoring and Molecular Characterization of <i>Brugia malayi</i> from <i>Mansonia annulifera</i> in Alappuzha, Kerala, India.","authors":"Kiruthiga Tamilselvan, Aiswarya R Suresh, Sivalaxmi Balakrishnan, Harish Kumar Shah, Bhairavi Balasubramanian, Jessu Mathew, Hisham Moosan","doi":"10.1089/vbz.2025.0015","DOIUrl":"10.1089/vbz.2025.0015","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Background:</i></b> Lymphatic filariasis is a major public health problem known for its disfiguring and debilitating effects. Alappuzha district in Kerala has been a hotspot for Brugian and Bancroftian filariasis. The efforts to combat Brugian filariasis in this region about two decades earlier led to notable decline in vector density and interruption of disease transmission. <b><i>Materials and Method:</i></b> A cross-sectional survey was carried out in Alappuzha district and 12 wards were selected using multistage random sampling method. An entomological survey was conducted in the selected wards. <b><i>Result:</i></b> Fourteen out of 69 Ma. annulifera were positive for filarial parasites. The average infection and infectivity rate was 20% and 0%. Molecular characterization of positive samples confirmed the parasites as Brugia malayi. Phylogenetic analysis of the isolates revealed that they belong to the same clade. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> This study highlights the importance of continued vector surveillance and timely intervention by appropriate vector control measures to prevent transmission of the disease.</p>","PeriodicalId":23683,"journal":{"name":"Vector borne and zoonotic diseases","volume":" ","pages":"476-479"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144044370","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":"Understanding the Burden of Agriculturally Significant Vector-Borne and Parasitic Diseases in Kansas.","authors":"Kristin Michel, Nicole M Ioerger, Ashlie M Ake, Susan M Hettenbach, Cassandra Olds, Dustin L Pendell, James Stack, Stephen Higgs, Dana L Vanlandingham","doi":"10.1089/vbz.2025.0023","DOIUrl":"10.1089/vbz.2025.0023","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Background:</i></b> The state of Kansas (KS) has been called the \"agricultural heartland\" of the United States. Vector-borne and parasitic diseases (VBPD) have a major impact on the production of livestock, such as cattle, swine, goats and sheep, as well as crops, such as wheat, corn, and sorghum. The purpose of this review is to educate agricultural professionals in the state of KS about VBPD of current or potential concern and to inform the public about the challenges faced by the agricultural community. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> This review describes and discusses the endemic VBPD that currently impact agricultural production in KS and foreign VBPD of concern. In addition, we outline the major arthropod vectors of VBPD in KS, including ticks, mites, and various insects. In the context of this review, parasites are strictly limited to arthropod ectoparasites that negatively impact livestock production. Modern agricultural data for the state of KS were mostly sourced from the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, and current KS VBPD data were mostly sourced from the KS State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> These VBPD have a large economic impact on the state and country, and we have concluded there is a need for updated estimates regarding the economic burden of VBPD in KS and throughout the United States to make better animal and crop health investment decisions.</p>","PeriodicalId":23683,"journal":{"name":"Vector borne and zoonotic diseases","volume":" ","pages":"429-443"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12394814/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144064804","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Clinical Characteristics of Five Cases of <i>Chlamydia psittaci</i> Pneumonia Diagnosed Using Metagenomics Next-Generation Sequencing.","authors":"Wei Wang, Chun-Liang Yan, Qi-Shan Xue","doi":"10.1089/vbz.2025.0009","DOIUrl":"10.1089/vbz.2025.0009","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Objective:</i></b> This study aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics of five cases of <i>Chlamydia psittaci</i> pneumonia diagnosed using metagenomics next-generation sequencing (mNGS) and to provide help for its diagnosis and treatment. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Five patients who were admitted to the department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine of Beijing Aerospace General Hospital between June 2020 and December 2021 and diagnosed with <i>C. psittaci</i> pneumonia using mNGS were selected, including one case with severe pneumonia. We analyzed the clinical characteristics, epidemiology, laboratory results, treatment, and prognosis of the five participating patients. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The main clinical manifestations were high fever, dry cough, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and myalgia. All five patients had a history of contact with poultry. The white blood cell count was normal or slightly increased, the lymphocyte count was significantly decreased, and the percentage of neutrophil granulocyte, C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and procalcitonin were significantly increased. Chest computed tomography showed inflammatory infiltration and consolidation of one or more lung lobes, possibly accompanied by pleural effusion and liver function impairment. Bronchoscopy mainly showed congestion and edema of airway mucosa with less sputum in the airway. In all patients, we detected the nucleic acid sequences of <i>C. psittaci</i> in alveolar lavage fluid or sputum using mNGS and confirmed the diagnosis of <i>C. psittaci</i> pneumonia based on clinical manifestations and exposure history. After adjusting antibiotics to a moxifloxacin-based treatment regimen, the disease improved. The application of the mNGS assay enables us to make faster diagnoses of diseases so that timely medication can be administered, thus shortening the duration of a patient's illness. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> <i>C. psittaci</i> pneumonia has an acute onset, and fever and cough are common symptoms. A history of contact between the patient and birds is an important diagnostic clue; however, clinical symptoms and laboratory and imaging examinations lack specificity. The detection using mNGS of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid can quickly confirm the diagnosis and reduce missed diagnoses and misdiagnoses. Moxifloxacin-based therapy is effective, and patients require combination therapy if they have other bacterial infections.</p>","PeriodicalId":23683,"journal":{"name":"Vector borne and zoonotic diseases","volume":" ","pages":"463-469"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144112129","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":"Simultaneous Detection and Genome Analysis of the Kindia Tick Virus in Cattle and <i>Rhipicephalus</i> Ticks in the Republic of Guinea.","authors":"Mikhail Yu Kartashov, Ekaterina I Krivosheina, Ekaterina V Naidenova, Kirill S Zakharov, Alexander N Shvalov, Sanaba Boumbaly, Vladimir A Ternovoi, Valery B Loktev","doi":"10.1089/vbz.2024.0056","DOIUrl":"10.1089/vbz.2024.0056","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Background:</i></b> Over the past decade, numerous new tick-associated flavi-like viruses with segmented genomes have been discovered almost worldwide. Kindia tick virus (KITV) was first detected in <i>Rhipicephalus geigyi</i> ticks in West Africa in 2017. The current study aimed to detect viral RNA in tick and cattle samples collected in Guinea and to perform complete sequencing of KITV isolates and their analysis. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Adult ticks and blood samples were collected from cattle in Coyah, Dubréka, Forécariah, and Kindia prefectures of the Republic of Guinea in 2022. These samples were tested for KITV infection by RT-PCR with primers targeting the NS5 gene. Positive probes were sequenced using Illumina technology, and their analysis was performed for obtaining complete sequences of all KITV segments. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The RNA of the KITV was detected by RT-PCR in <i>Rh. geigyi</i>, <i>Rh. annulatus</i> ticks, and blood samples of cattle. The prevalence rates for cattle were 6.6%, for <i>Rh. annulatus</i> 6.9%, and for <i>Rh. geigyi</i> ticks 10.7%. The analysis of 15 complete sequences of KITV genomes showed 99.61-99.67% identity for amino acid sequences for segments 1 and 4 and 97.88-98.83% for segments 2 and 3 with previously detected KITV isolate in Guinea in 2017. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that obtained KITV sequences can be classified as typical for clade A of the Jingmen tick virus (JMTV) group together with Mogiana tick virus. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> The KITV isolates from cattle and feeding ticks show practically full identity sequences for all four viral segments, and these sequences can be classified as clade A of the segmented flavi-like virus JMTV group.</p>","PeriodicalId":23683,"journal":{"name":"Vector borne and zoonotic diseases","volume":" ","pages":"470-475"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144128824","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 of <i>Francisella</i> spp. in Blood, Milk, and Ticks Infesting Small Ruminants in Urmia, Iran.","authors":"Zahraalsadat Tavakolian, Amir Tukmechi, Abdulghaffar Ownagh, Ahmad Enferadi","doi":"10.1089/vbz.2025.0007","DOIUrl":"10.1089/vbz.2025.0007","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Background:</i></b> Zoonotic diseases pose a significant global health challenge, accounting for over half of all newly emerging infectious illnesses. One such pathogenic agent is the bacterium Francisella tularensis, which causes tularemia, a zoonotic disease spread in the Northern Hemisphere through various means, including tick bites. Unfortunately, there is limited literature on tick-borne bacteria affecting human and animal health. This research confirmed the presence of Francisella spp. in ticks in the Urmia region, highlighting the potential for ticks to act as vectors for transmitting the bacteria to livestock and humans. <b><i>Materials and Methods:</i></b> A total of 397 ticks, 315 blood samples, and 241 milk samples were gathered from sheep and goats to screen for the existence of Francisella spp. The nested PCR technique revealed the existence of Francisella spp. 16S rRNA gene in the samples. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Blood and milk samples from small ruminants did not show the presence of Francisella spp., but the bacteria were detected in 6 tick pools (<i>n</i> = 79; 7.59%; 95% CI: 3.52%-15.59%). The positive ticks identified were Hyalomma asiaticum 2 (<i>n</i> = 24; 8.33%; 95% CI: 2.31%-25.84%), Hyalomma eagyptum 3 (<i>n</i> = 9; 33.33%; 95% CI: 12.06%-64.58%), and Rhipicephalus sanguineus 1 (<i>n</i> = 15; 6.67%; 95% CI: 1.19%-29.82%) and the presence of Francisella tularensis subspecies holarctica was found to be positive in 3 out of 79 tick pools (3.80%; 95% CI: 1.3%-10.58%). The positive ticks identified in this experiment were female Hyalomma aegyptium (1 out of 3; 33.33%; 95% CI: 6.15%-79.23%), male Hyalomma asiaticum (1 out of 14; 7.14%; 95% CI: 1.27%-31.47%) and female Rhipicephalus sanguineus (1 out of 7; 14.29%; 95% CI: 2.57%-51.32%). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> The study explored the presence of Francisella species, especially the most dangerous, F. tularensis, in small ruminants and the ticks that attach to them using molecular techniques in the Urmia region of northwestern Iran. The research seeks to improve knowledge of Francisella spp. epidemiology. Understanding the risk of human-livestock transmission of this pathogen is crucial for public health, particularly for individuals working in animal-related fields.</p>","PeriodicalId":23683,"journal":{"name":"Vector borne and zoonotic diseases","volume":" ","pages":"454-462"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144037091","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}