Vector borne and zoonotic diseases最新文献

{"title":"Low Prevalence of Zika Virus RNA Among Thai Blood Donors.","authors":"Sineenart Oota, Duangnapa Intharasongkroh, Wilaiwan Saekram, Peeraya Suriya, Pichanant Kumsawang, Kriangsak Chaiwong, Thanunrat Thongmee, Sarawut Khongwichit, Sompong Vongpunsawad, Pawinee Kupatawintu, Yong Poovorawan","doi":"10.1177/15303667261419564","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15303667261419564","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Zika virus (ZIKV) is primarily transmitted by <i>Aedes</i> mosquitoes, which thrive in tropical regions. However, reports indicate that asymptomatic carriers can inadvertently transmit ZIKV through blood and blood components.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>To evaluate the risk of ZIKV transmission via blood donation, we investigated the prevalence of ZIKV RNA among healthy Thai blood donors over two consecutive rainy seasons. From January 2020 to September 2021, a total of 64,705 blood donations from 56,145 individual donors were screened for ZIKV RNA at Thailand's National and Regional Blood Centers. Testing was performed using the cobas Zika test, with initially reactive samples subjected to further confirmation via in-house real-time RT-PCR. Donors with confirmed positive results were recalled for follow-up testing. The complete coding genome was sequenced and analyzed phylogenetically to determine the ZIKV strain lineage.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>ZIKV RNA was detected in four confirmed-reactive blood donations, equating to a prevalence of 0.006% (95% CI: 0.0000, 0.0002) or approximately 1 in 16,176 donations. These cases originated from four individual donors who were asymptomatic at the time of donation but subsequently developed mild symptoms, which were resolved within a week. Genetic analysis revealed that the identified ZIKV strains belonged to the Asian lineage.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The very low prevalence of ZIKV RNA in blood donations from healthy Thai donors over the 20-month study period suggests that routine ZIKV nucleic acid screening for blood donations is not currently warranted.</p>","PeriodicalId":23683,"journal":{"name":"Vector borne and zoonotic diseases","volume":" ","pages":"220-225"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146214317","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 Investigation of <i>Borrelia</i> spp. in Small Ruminants and Collected Hard Ticks from Them in Kurdistan Province, Western Iran.","authors":"Mahsa Farhoodi Moghaddam, Mina Latifian, Meysam Moravedji, Mojdeh Fehri, Maryam Rahravani, Saber Esmaeili","doi":"10.1177/15303667251411799","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15303667251411799","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Vector-borne diseases, especially those carried by ticks, are one of the major public health challenges worldwide, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. Ticks, as vectors and reservoirs of dangerous pathogens, play an important role in the transmission of common diseases between humans and animals. Relapsing fever caused by <i>Borrelia</i> spp. is one of these diseases that has become endemic in many regions of the world, as well as in Iran.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>Blood samples and ticks were collected from small ruminants in eight counties of Kurdistan province, Western Iran. DNA from collected ticks and blood samples was extracted, and all were tested for the detection of the 16S rRNA gene of <i>Borrelia</i> spp. by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). For the identification of <i>Borrelia</i> species, <i>flaB</i> and <i>groEL</i> genes were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and then sequenced.</p><p><strong>Result: </strong>In this study, 416 blood samples from sheep and goats and 520 collected ticks from these animals were examined from eight counties in Kurdistan Province. Molecular analyses revealed that 3.1% of the blood samples and 1.74% of the tick samples were infected with <i>Borrelia</i> spp. The highest infection rates in both livestock and ticks were observed in Marivan County. The identified tick species were predominantly <i>Rhipicephalus bursa</i> (60.9%) and <i>Rhipicephalus sanguineus</i> (33.4%), and all positive tick samples belonged to these two species. Phylogenetic analysis of <i>flaB</i> and <i>groEL</i> gene sequences confirmed the presence of <i>Borrelia lonestari</i> and <i>Borrelia theileri</i> in blood samples.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study provides the molecular evidence of <i>Borrelia</i> species in livestock and ticks from Kurdistan Province, Iran. However, the limited number of positive samples and the restriction of sampling to a single province should be considered when interpreting these results. Broader studies covering multiple regions and host species are needed to better understand the epidemiology of <i>Borrelia</i> infections in Iran.</p>","PeriodicalId":23683,"journal":{"name":"Vector borne and zoonotic diseases","volume":"26 4","pages":"191-200"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147504780","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":"Metagenomic Surveillance of Blood-Fed Mosquitoes for Assessing Zoonotic Risk in Managed Animal Settings.","authors":"Mukesh Thakur, Stanzin Dolker, Avijit Ghosh, Lenrik K Wangmo, Vinaya K Singh, Mehedi Hasan, Aditya P Acharya, Ankush Biswas, Siddik Sarkar, Lalit Kumar Sharma, Dhriti Banerjee","doi":"10.1177/15303667261417424","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15303667261417424","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Vector-borne zoonotic diseases remain a major global public health concern, particularly at interfaces where humans, domestic animals, and wildlife interact closely. Conventional surveillance approaches often fail to detect early zoonotic spillover events, especially in farm and zoological settings. Blood-fed mosquitoes, which feed on diverse vertebrate hosts, offer a unique opportunity for non-invasive environmental surveillance through xenosurveillance. This study evaluates the feasibility of using blood-fed mosquitoes as biological samplers to assess zoonotic risk in managed animal settings in eastern India.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 185 blood-fed female mosquitoes were collected from livestock farms and zoological enclosures in West Bengal, India, and grouped based on host association (cattle, buffalo, goat, poultry, zebra, and deer). Mosquito species were identified using mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene sequencing. Host-group-wise pooled DNA from mosquito heads and abdomens was subjected to shotgun metagenomic sequencing using Oxford Nanopore MinION technology. Taxonomic classification was performed using Kraken 2, and microbial diversity was analyzed through alpha and beta diversity metrics using phyloseq.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Six mosquito species were identified, including Culex tritaeniorhynchus, Culex vishnui, and Mansonia uniformis, known vectors of zoonotic pathogens. Metagenomic analysis revealed diverse microbial communities dominated by Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Firmicutes, with significant host-associated variation in microbial composition. Buffalo- and zebra-associated mosquitoes exhibited the highest microbial richness, while cattle-associated mosquitoes showed comparatively lower diversity. Genomic fragments corresponding to potential zoonotic and veterinary pathogens-including Plasmodium relictum, Babesia bigemina, and Clostridium botulinum-were detected across multiple host groups. Beta diversity analysis demonstrated clear host-driven clustering of mosquito-associated microbiomes.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This pilot study demonstrates that blood-fed mosquitoes can serve as effective non-invasive biological samplers for detecting environmental DNA signatures of potential zoonotic pathogens in managed animal settings. While the detection of pathogen-associated genomic fragments does not confirm active infection or transmission, the findings highlight the utility of mosquito-based metagenomic surveillance as an early warning and risk-detection tool within a One Health framework. Integrating such approaches with targeted diagnostics and epidemiological surveillance may strengthen preparedness for emerging vector-borne zoonotic threats.</p>","PeriodicalId":23683,"journal":{"name":"Vector borne and zoonotic diseases","volume":" ","pages":"201-210"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146031066","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":"First Evidence of <i>Mammarenavirus</i> in the Giant Fruit Bat (<i>Artibeus lituratus</i>) in Mexico.","authors":"Gloria Tapia-Ramírez, Maribel Soto-Nava, Consuelo Lorenzo, Santiago Ávila-Ríos, Daniela Tapia-Trejo, Margarita Matías-Florentino","doi":"10.1177/15303667251377563","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15303667251377563","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>In Mexico, two <i>Mammarenavirus</i> genotypes have been identified: Real de Catorce virus and Ocozocoautla de Espinosa virus (OCEV), which are found in rodents (<i>Neotoma leucodon</i> and <i>Peromyscus mexicanus</i>). Mammarenaviruses from clade B cause mild to severe infectious diseases in humans, particularly in South America. A 1967 outbreak in Chiapas, Mexico, was potentially linked to the OCEV.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Between 2017 and 2020, we collected bats across southern/southeastern Mexico to identify <i>Mammarenavirus</i> reservoirs. We analyzed 81 liver samples from 14 bat species using nested PCR. For quality control, we synthesized and OCEV S-region fragment into an ampicillin-resistant pUC57 plasmid, cloned in One Shot Stbl3 chemically competent <i>E. coli</i>.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Here, we report the first detection of a <i>Mammarenavirus</i> (OCEV) in an <i>Artibeus lituratus</i> bat from Sabancuy, Campeche, southeastern Mexico. This finding represents the third <i>Mammarenavirus</i> recorded in this bat species in the Americas, suggesting it may harbor multiple <i>Mammarenavirus</i> species (OCEV and <i>Mammarenavirus tacaribeense</i>).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>While this represents the first documentation of OCEV in a bat, it remains unknown whether environmental stressors could facilitate potential transmission to humans, particularly given the close association between <i>Artibeus</i> bats and human populations.</p>","PeriodicalId":23683,"journal":{"name":"Vector borne and zoonotic diseases","volume":" ","pages":"167-172"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146228835","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 Insights into Q Fever: PCR-Based Detection of <i>Coxiella burnetii</i> from Clinical Specimens-A Retrospective Study from a Tertiary Care Hospital of North India.","authors":"Bashir Ahmad Fomda, Uksim Qadri, Mubashir Nazir, Altaf Hussain Khan","doi":"10.1177/15303667251392365","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15303667251392365","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Q fever, caused by <i>Coxiella burnetii</i>, is an underdiagnosed zoonotic disease with significant public health implications. Serological tests remain the diagnostic cornerstone but often fail in early infection. This study investigates the utility of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the IS1111 gene for molecular detection of <i>C. burnetii</i> in human clinical samples from a resource-limited setting.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A retrospective PCR-based study was conducted on 243 archived clinical specimens collected from febrile patients across 11 districts of North India. DNA was extracted and subjected to conventional PCR targeting the IS1111 insertion sequence. Samples positive for <i>C. burnetii</i> were further evaluated for coinfection with rickettsial pathogens using real-time and nested PCRs. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis were performed on positive samples to determine genetic relationships.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong><i>C. burnetii</i> DNA was detected in 4 of 243 samples (1.64%). Half the positive cases belonged to the patients in 1-15 year age group, and two had coinfections with <i>Orientia tsutsugamushi</i>. One case showed coinfection with spotted fever group rickettsia. Clinical features included fever (100%), myalgia (75%), and rash (25%). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the isolates clustered with the Z3055 reference strain, indicating a close genetic relationship to known zoonotic strains.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>PCR targeting IS1111 is a valuable diagnostic tool for early detection of <i>C. burnetii</i>, particularly in settings where serological testing is delayed or unavailable. Detection in pediatric patients and coinfection with other rickettsiae underscore the need for broader diagnostic consideration of Q fever in endemic febrile illnesses.</p>","PeriodicalId":23683,"journal":{"name":"Vector borne and zoonotic diseases","volume":" ","pages":"137-142"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145402209","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":"Bridging Gaps in Dengue Management: A Review of Diagnostics, Transfusion Needs, and Public Health Challenges.","authors":"Ghazi Khairallah Alanazi, Yasir Awad Ahmed, Yousef Alobaisi","doi":"10.1177/15303667251415105","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15303667251415105","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Dengue fever remains a major global public health challenge, particularly in endemic regions, due to its complex clinical presentation, diagnostic limitations, evolving epidemiology, and immunopathogenic mechanisms such as antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE). Despite advancements, integration among clinical care, diagnostics, transfusion practices, vector control, and public health systems remains limited.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This review aimed to synthesize current evidence on dengue management by integrating clinical, diagnostic, transfusion, and public health domains, highlighting persistent gaps and proposing coordinated, multidisciplinary response strategies.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A narrative review was conducted using peer-reviewed English-language literature published between 2018 and 2025. Databases searched included PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Search terms included \"dengue diagnosis,\" \"transfusion management,\" \"vector control,\" and \"public health intervention.\" A total of 30 studies were selected based on relevance to diagnostic practices, transfusion strategies, vector control, and systemic health responses. Thematic synthesis and quality assessment were applied.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Findings confirm that ADE contributes to increased viral replication and severity, highlighting the need for individualized fluid management and evidence-based transfusion protocols. Rapid diagnostic tests and biomarkers such as C-reactive protein and IPF% facilitate early detection of severe dengue but are underutilized. Platelet transfusions are inconsistently applied, often without standardized clinical criteria. Integrated vector control strategies, including Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes, and community engagement approaches demonstrate effectiveness, although postpandemic disruptions and poor interagency coordination limit their impact. Cost-effectiveness studies support combined vaccination and vector interventions for optimal disease reduction.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This review emphasizes the necessity of a unified, systems-based approach to dengue management. By integrating clinical staging, diagnostics, transfusion protocols, vector control, and public health frameworks, dengue outbreak responses can be substantially strengthened. Multidisciplinary coordination, behavior-informed health strategies, and sustained public health engagement are essential to improving preparedness and reducing the global burden of dengue.</p>","PeriodicalId":23683,"journal":{"name":"Vector borne and zoonotic diseases","volume":"26 3","pages":"121-136"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147310361","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":"Assessing the Impact of Climate Change on the Habitat of the Common Vole, an Important Host of Tularemia in Armenia.","authors":"Arsen Manucharyan, Gayane Melik-Andreasyan, Ruben Danielyan","doi":"10.1177/15303667251389711","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15303667251389711","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Throughout Armenia, a range of climate conditions exist, from dry subtropical to cold alpine, with a topographic diversity from 400 to 4,100 meters above sea level. Climate analysis has suggested what the territory of Armenia may experience in response to climate change. The persistence of tularemia in Armenia, in conjunction with observed ecological trends, indicates that host reservoir distributions are likely to shift, consequently altering the geographic regions at risk of transmission. This study endeavors to evaluate the potential effects of climate change on the habitat suitability and population dynamics of the common vole, the principal reservoir of <i>Francisella tularensis</i> in Armenia. The objectives aim to elucidate prospective changes in disease-endemic areas, thereby informing targeted control strategies to mitigate pathogen dissemination and reduce public health risks associated with tularemia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Field and laboratory data from 2000 to 2023 on the common vole and presence of tularemia were compiled from the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention archived records. For spatial and geostatistical analyses, data were compiled from monthly historical temperature and precipitation records from 2000 to 2021 and forecasted data from the WorldClim database. Data were analyzed using a geographic information system.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The comparison of current climate data with predictive models indicates a likely shift in regions with favorable habitats for the common vole. By 2100, areas below 2,000 meters are projected to partially lose suitability, the conditions there could be less suitable for particular animal species. Currently, the common vole's habitat area is above an altitude of 1,400 meters above sea level but by 2100, changes in climate suggest the habitat will shift above an altitude of 2,000 meters above sea level.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The vole distribution shrinks because of the change in habitats attributed to climate change. This dynamic underscores the critical need for more targeted surveillance and integrated collaboration between human and animal health agencies to effectively monitor alterations in the ecology of zoonotic diseases. Such proactive measures are essential to anticipate and prevent future cases of human tularemia, ensuring a coordinated response to emerging public health threats.</p>","PeriodicalId":23683,"journal":{"name":"Vector borne and zoonotic diseases","volume":" ","pages":"158-166"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145347599","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":"Brucellosis Seroprevalence in Humans and Risk Factors Among High-Risk Groups at Two Urban Populations in Kenya.","authors":"Esra Buyukcangaz, Bethel Alebel Bayrau, Ananya Pinnamaneni, Caroline Ichura, Francis Maluki Mutuku, Bryson Alberto Ndenga, Angelle Desiree LaBeaud","doi":"10.1177/15303667251392007","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15303667251392007","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Brucellosis is a zoonotic bacterial disease that can affect humans and animals. It is often transmitted to humans through the consumption of contaminated animal products or by direct contact with infected animals. In Kenya, data on human and animal brucellosis are limited.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>To investigate the seroprevalence and molecular prevalence of human brucellosis in Kenya, we randomly selected from the healthy participants with possible exposure to animals and animal products and randomly selected 348 out of 2,779 human blood samples, that were obtained from a larger longitudinal cohort study that investigated of dengue, chikungunya and Rift Valley Disease exposure in western (Kisumu) and coastal (Ukunda) Kenya.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Our study included 126 males (36%), 222 females (64%) in different age categories, and 61 children aged 16 years and younger (18%), with an overall median age of 29.5 years (2- to 75-year age range). Samples were tested by Abnova Brucella IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) Kit (KA0954). Of the tested individuals, anti-Brucella IgG antibodies were detected in 96 (28%) of 348 randomly selected participants. All samples yielded negative results in quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis. There was no statistically significant correlation between Brucella exposure and study site, gender, age, socioeconomic status, ownership of particular livestock (sheep, goats, and cattle), or consumption of raw animal products. However, highly educated individuals were more likely to have Brucella exposure (odds ratio = 2.02, 1.20-3.41, <i>p</i> = 0.01).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In comparison to previous seroprevalence-based studies conducted in nonpastoral Kenyan communities, our study revealed relatively higher seropositivity. This article emphasizes the importance of conducting surveillance for brucellosis in urban areas. Urban brucellosis surveillance within the framework of One Health could serve as a baseline to guide future research on brucellosis in humans.</p>","PeriodicalId":23683,"journal":{"name":"Vector borne and zoonotic diseases","volume":" ","pages":"143-152"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145426445","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":"Retrospective Evaluation of 13 Cases of Anthrax in Children: A Clinical and Therapeutic Perspective.","authors":"Emine Hafize Erdeniz, Ayşe Sena Dönmez","doi":"10.1177/15303667251412066","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15303667251412066","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Anthrax is a zoonotic infection caused by <i>Bacillus anthracis,</i> predominantly affecting livestock, and may be transmitted to humans through direct or indirect contact with infected animals.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This retrospective study included all children aged 0-18 years who presented to Erzurum City Hospital, a major regional referral center, between January 2019 and January 2020 and were either clinically diagnosed with anthrax or identified as high-risk contacts and received prophylaxis. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data, as well as treatment regimens, were evaluated.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 13 children (median age: 9 years; range: 4-16) were included; 11 (84.6%) were male and 2 (15.4%) were female. All children were from rural areas; 10 (76.9%) had direct contact with sick animals or consumed contaminated animal products, and four (30.7%) asymptomatic children were evaluated due to a high-risk exposure. Cutaneous anthrax occurred in 9 (69.2%) patients, involving the hands (5/9, 55.5%), forearms (2/9, 22.2%), and feet (2/9, 22.2%), all of whom developed a characteristic black eschar. Cultures and PCR were negative in all cases, and diagnoses were based on clinical and epidemiological criteria. Prophylaxis consisted of oral ciprofloxacin; therapeutic regimens included ciprofloxacin or amoxicillin-clavulanate. No complications or deaths occurred during follow-up.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Anthrax should be considered in children with painless black-eschar lesions and a history of contact with infected animals in endemic regions. Early recognition and appropriate treatment may prevent complications.</p>","PeriodicalId":23683,"journal":{"name":"Vector borne and zoonotic diseases","volume":"26 3","pages":"153-157"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147310524","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>Borrelia miyamotoi</i> in <i>Ixodes ricinus</i> Ticks Removed from Hosts in Northern Italy.","authors":"Emanuela Olivieri, Sara Rigamonti, Nadia Vicari, Andrea Grassi, Iyad Karaman, Irene Bertoletti, Alessandro Bianchi, Claudio Marco Lodola, Giuseppe Polonini, Giulia Maioli, Paola Prati","doi":"10.1089/vbz.2025.0017","DOIUrl":"10.1089/vbz.2025.0017","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Borrelia miyamotoi</i> is a relapsing fever spirochete, first identified in Japan and later detected in various <i>Ixodes</i> species across the northern hemisphere. The pathogen was linked to human infections in North America, Europe, Asia, and Russia, causing symptoms ranging from flu-like illness to severe neurological damage. This study aimed to assess the presence of <i>B. miyamotoi</i> in <i>Ixodes ricinus</i> ticks collected from wildlife, dogs, and humans in Lombardy, Northern Italy, between 2020 and 2023. A total of 3,886 ticks were sampled, with a 1% positivity rate. The spirochete was detected in all life stages of ticks, with sequences 100% identical to European strains. The pathogen was found mostly in northern mountain regions. Although no human cases have been reported in Italy, these areas pose a potential risk due to high tourist activity.</p>","PeriodicalId":23683,"journal":{"name":"Vector borne and zoonotic diseases","volume":" ","pages":"173-175"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144334004","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}