Samia Ameziane , Omar Salhi , Nabila Hammami , Salim Zaidi , Amina Amraoui , Aya Bensalem , Meriem Tahraoui , Nassim Ouchene , Nadjet Amina Khelifi Touhami , Sana Hireche , Amir Agabou
{"title":"First report on the molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of meq oncogene from virulent serotype-1 Marek's disease virus in laying hen flocks and broiler breeders in Algeria","authors":"Samia Ameziane , Omar Salhi , Nabila Hammami , Salim Zaidi , Amina Amraoui , Aya Bensalem , Meriem Tahraoui , Nassim Ouchene , Nadjet Amina Khelifi Touhami , Sana Hireche , Amir Agabou","doi":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102358","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102358","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Marek's disease (MD) is a highly contagious viral infection in poultry, caused by Gallid alphaherpesvirus 2 (GaHV-2), better known as serotype 1 of Marek’s disease virus (MDV-1). It is one of the most concerning diseases in the poultry industry due to its significant economic impact. The disease mainly affects chickens, although other avian species can also be affected. The objective of this study was to examine the occurrence of Marek's disease virus (MDV) in fourteen poultry farms in Algeria through autopsy, histopathological analysis and molecular characterization of Marek's disease virus. This study represents one of the first investigations combining macroscopic, histopathological, and molecular analyses to assess the prevalence and genetic diversity of Marek's disease virus in Algerian poultry farms. A survey to assess the current occurrence of Marek's disease in poultry farms in Algeria was conducted from June to December 2024. Tissue samples were collected from 70 chickens, including 35 from broiler breeder farms and 35 from layer farms. Macroscopic and histopathological examinations were performed. Macroscopic pathological alterations, such as hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, renal hypertrophy, and sciatic nerve enlargement with follicular atresia and lymphomatous infiltration, were observed. Histopathological analyses revealed diffuse and multifocal whitish infiltration of the spleen, neoplastic infiltration of the liver, intrafollicular lymphoid infiltration in the bursa of Fabricius, and infiltration in the sciatic nerves. The molecular characterization of MDV through PCR amplification and sequencing of the <em>meq</em> gene provides novel insights into the circulating strains in Algeria. The samples were screened by PCR amplification of the <em>meq</em> gene. Additionally, we sequenced the <em>meq</em> gene from five samples per flock, and a phylogenetic tree was constructed using the deduced amino acid sequences of the <em>meq</em> gene. This study is the first to identify and classify MDV strains in Algerian broiler breeder and laying hen farms, revealing the presence of very virulent (vv) MDV pathotypes. Marek's disease remains a major veterinary and economic challenge in the poultry industry, requiring ongoing research to better understand its mechanisms, genetic variations, and control methods.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50999,"journal":{"name":"Comparative Immunology Microbiology and Infectious Diseases","volume":"120 ","pages":"Article 102358"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143943503","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Immunization of BALB/c mice with detoxified lipopolysaccharide and hydrolytic O-polysaccharide from Brucella melitensis either in combination with or conjugated to tetanus toxoid, enhances protective immune responses against the pathogen","authors":"Nima Khoramabadi , Reza Hosseini Doust , Ashraf Mohabati Mobarez , Reza Shapouri","doi":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102357","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102357","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is the major surface antigen of <em>Brucella</em>, an intracellular pathogen that causes brucellosis in both animals and humans. A deeper understanding of the immune responses elicited by this key antigen may offer valuable insights for the development of effective vaccines for use in both humans and animals. In this study, detoxified LPS (d-LPS) and hydrolytic O-polysaccharide (OPS) from <em>B. melitensis</em> were prepared and separately conjugated to tetanus toxoid (TT) as a carrier protein. The resulting conjugates, d-LPS-TT and OPS-TT, as well as mixture of d-LPS+TT and OPS+TT, were used to immunize separate groups of BALB/c mice. The conjugated antigens induced significant IgG2a-specific serum responses targeting the polysaccharide components. Furthermore, mice immunized with d-LPS-TT and OPS-TT demonstrated elevated levels of IL-12 and IFN-γ following intraperitoneal challenge with <em>B. melitensis</em> 16 M. Notably, the strongest protective immune responses were observed in mice receiving the d-LPS-TT. Most previous studies have attributed protective responses primarily to specific serum antibodies. Although antibodies against Brucella polysaccharides typically associated with T-helper 2 (Th2) type responses, develop during infection, they are insufficient to eliminate the intracellular pathogen from the host. While the precise mechanism remain to be fully elucidated, our findings suggest that immunization with covalently conjugated polysaccharide antigens may promote T-helper 1(Th1) type cellular immunity, which appear to play a more pivotal role in protection against <em>B. melitensis</em>.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50999,"journal":{"name":"Comparative Immunology Microbiology and Infectious Diseases","volume":"121 ","pages":"Article 102357"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144070782","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Carlos Ramiro Silva-Ramos , J. Manuel Matiz-González , C. Alexander Barrero-Rubiano , Juan Diego Villar , Jerson Andrés Cuéllar-Sáenz , Camila López-Rivera , Laura Natalia Robayo-Sánchez , José J. Henao-Osorio , Alexandra Cardona-Giraldo , Julián A. Mejorano-Fonseca , Piedad Agudelo-Flórez , Jesús Alfredo Cortés-Vecino , Álvaro A. Faccini-Martínez , Claudia Cuervo , Héctor E. Ramírez-Chaves , Marylin Hidalgo , Alejandro Ramírez-Hernández
{"title":"Molecular detection and characterization of Leptospira species in bats and other small wild mammals from Villeta municipality, Colombia","authors":"Carlos Ramiro Silva-Ramos , J. Manuel Matiz-González , C. Alexander Barrero-Rubiano , Juan Diego Villar , Jerson Andrés Cuéllar-Sáenz , Camila López-Rivera , Laura Natalia Robayo-Sánchez , José J. Henao-Osorio , Alexandra Cardona-Giraldo , Julián A. Mejorano-Fonseca , Piedad Agudelo-Flórez , Jesús Alfredo Cortés-Vecino , Álvaro A. Faccini-Martínez , Claudia Cuervo , Héctor E. Ramírez-Chaves , Marylin Hidalgo , Alejandro Ramírez-Hernández","doi":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102355","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102355","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Leptospira</em> is a bacterial genus which includes several pathogenic species. Wild mammals can act as reservoir hosts, shedding bacteria in their urine. Leptospirosis is an important health problem in Villeta, but data regarding potential reservoirs hosts and natural sources of infection are still scarce. We aimed to detect and characterize the presence of <em>Leptospira</em> among small wild mammals from Villeta municipality, Colombia. Small wild mammals from three orders: Didelphimorphia, Chiroptera and Rodentia, were sampled in the region. DNA was extracted from kidney samples and screened for <em>Leptospira</em> through real-time PCR targeting a the 16 s rRNA gene. Positive samples were screened through conventional PCR using five complementary genes: <em>adk</em>, <em>icdA</em>, <em>lipL32</em>, <em>lipL41</em> and <em>secY</em>. Amplicons were sequenced and used for phylogenetic analysis. A total of 75 kidney samples were collected from three small wild mammal orders: 62 bats, 5 opossums, and 7 rodents. <em>Leptospira</em> spp. was detected in 38.7 % of the samples, with bats presenting the most frequent infection rate (43.5 %). The infection rate varied by sampling site, with the highest frequency observed in Mave village (57.1 %). Concatenated phylogenetic analysis revealed that all sequences clustered within the P1/Pathogenic <em>Leptospira</em> major clade, forming three subclades: two bat-related <em>Leptospira</em> subclades, and one subclade including <em>Leptospira interrogans</em>, <em>Leptospira kirschneri</em>, and <em>Leptospira noguchii</em> species. This study describes the presence of <em>Leptospira</em> among bats and opossums from Villeta, Colombia. It also identifies the circulation of several P1/pathogenic <em>Leptospira</em> species among bats forming three clusters, two of them composed exclusively of bat-related leptospires, and one together with recognized pathogenic species.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50999,"journal":{"name":"Comparative Immunology Microbiology and Infectious Diseases","volume":"120 ","pages":"Article 102355"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143937674","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sejal P. Antiya , Arun C. Patel , Kishan Kumar Sharma , H.C. Chauhan , Sandip S. Patel , Sushil Kumar Mohapatra , Mehul D. Shrimali , Harshkumar A. Patel
{"title":"Molecular detection of enteric viruses in symptomatic and asymptomatic dogs in Gujarat, India","authors":"Sejal P. Antiya , Arun C. Patel , Kishan Kumar Sharma , H.C. Chauhan , Sandip S. Patel , Sushil Kumar Mohapatra , Mehul D. Shrimali , Harshkumar A. Patel","doi":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102356","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102356","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In the recent past, canine astrovirus (CaAstV) and SARS-CoV-2 have emerged as newly identified agents contributing to canine viral gastroenteritis alongside established pathogens <em>viz</em>. canine coronavirus (CCoV), canine parvovirus (CPV), and canine distemper virus (CDV). To study the molecular epidemiology of these viruses in India, faecal samples (n = 168) were collected from diarrhoeic and healthy dogs and history of animals was recorded. Viruses were identified with real-time PCR using virus-specific primers. Sequencing of CaAstV and CPV positive amplicons was done for confirmation of diagnosis and to know the prevalent strains/variants of viruses in the study area, respectively. 75.60 % (127/168) of the samples were positive for intended viruses, and CPV-2 (73.80 %) was found as the most prevalent virus, followed by CDV (11.90 %), CaAstV (5.95 %), SARS-CoV-2(3.57 %) and CCoV (1.19 %). In clinically healthy dogs, CPV-2, CDV, CaAstV, SARS-CoV2 and CCoV were recorded in 57.73 %, 7.21 %, 3.09 %, 1.03 % and 0 % of samples, respectively. In diarrhoeic dogs, the prevalence of CPV-2, CDV, CaAstV, SARS-CoV2, and CCoV was found to be 95.77 %, 18.30 %, 9.86 %, 7.04 % and 2.81 %, respectively. Co-infections were present in 27.56 % (35/127) of the positive samples, CPV-2 and CDV formed the most prevalent combination. CDV and CPV infection was also seen in incompletely or fully vaccinated dogs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50999,"journal":{"name":"Comparative Immunology Microbiology and Infectious Diseases","volume":"121 ","pages":"Article 102356"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144070781","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yi-Xiang Wang , Yi-Dan Ma , Hui-Hui Li , Wen-Juan Duo , Qi-Wang Jin , Kai-Jun Zhou , Yan-Ran Gao , Jun-Nan He , Yu-Jie Xie , Liang Chu , Xiao-Di Yang
{"title":"Schistosoma japonicum cystatin attenuated CLP-induced sepsis in mice though inducing tolerogenic dendritic cells and regulatory T cells","authors":"Yi-Xiang Wang , Yi-Dan Ma , Hui-Hui Li , Wen-Juan Duo , Qi-Wang Jin , Kai-Jun Zhou , Yan-Ran Gao , Jun-Nan He , Yu-Jie Xie , Liang Chu , Xiao-Di Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102345","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102345","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Sepsis is a life-threatening complication caused by the overwhelming immune response to bacterial infection leading to the fatal organ damage and even death. Helminth infections modulate host’s immune system through secreting functional proteins to reduce host immune attack as a survival strategy, therefore have been used for the therapy of some inflammatory or autoimmune diseases. <em>Sj</em>-Cys is a cysteine protease inhibitor secreted by <em>Schistosoma japonicum</em> exerting strong immunomodulatory function which has been used to treat sepsis, however, the mechanism underlying the therapeutic efficacy has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we expressed <em>Sj</em>-Cys as recombinant protein (r<em>Sj</em>-Cys) in prokaryotic system and r<em>Sj</em>-Cys was used to incubate with mouse bone marrow derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) <em>in vitro</em>. Our study revealed that r<em>Sj</em>-Cys was able to induce differentiation of BMDCs to tolerant property (TolDCs). Adoptive transfer of r<em>Sj</em>-Cys induced-TolDCs into mice with cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced sepsis conferred a significant therapeutic effect on CLP-induced sepsis in mice with reduced mortality and vital organ damage. The therapeutic effect of <em>Sj</em>-Cys-induced TolDCs was associated with upregulation of CD3<sup>+</sup>CD4<sup>+</sup>CD25<sup>+</sup>Foxp3<sup>+</sup> regulatory T cells (Tregs) and reduced inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α and boosted level of regulatory cytokines IL-10 and TGF-β. The results identified in this study further suggest r<em>Sj</em>-Cys has the potential to be developed into a drug substance for the treatment of inflammatory or autoimmune diseases due to its immunomodulatory effect on tolerant dendritic cells and regulatory T cells.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50999,"journal":{"name":"Comparative Immunology Microbiology and Infectious Diseases","volume":"120 ","pages":"Article 102345"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143924841","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Seroprevalence and risk factor modeling of marek’s disease virus in indigenous tilili breed chickens of the Amhara Region, Ethiopia","authors":"Kassahun Berrie , Wudu Temesgen , Animaw Shite , Bemrew Admassu , Achenef Melaku , Mastewal Birhan , Kalkidan Getenet , Melkie Dagnaw Fenta , Mebrie Zemene Kinde , Abebe Belete Bitew , Asnakew Mulaw , Yesuneh Tefera Mekasha","doi":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102341","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102341","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study aims to assess the seroprevalence and potential risk factors associated with Mareke’s disease occurrence in indigenous Tilili breed chickens and its crosses. A cross-sectional serological study and questionnaire survey were conducted in seven districts of the Amhara region, Ethiopia, from November 2023 to June 2024. Using multi-stage sampling, 17 Kebeles (peasant associations) were selected from the seven districts. A total of 768 chicken sera were sampled and tested for presence of Mareke’s disease virus antibodies using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay test. According to the study, the overall apparent seroprevalence of MDV was 74.6 %, with Ankesha district having the lowest prevalence (57.5 %) and Banja district having the highest (93.8 %).The prevalence varied significantly across the studied districts, and there was a statistically significant variation in disease distribution among the peasant associations. Key risk factors associated with Marek’s disease virus seropositivity in Tilili breeds included contact with other birds in the vicinity, sex, age group, and sanitation of the housing. However, factors such as breed, rearing method, and farming type were not significantly associated with Marek’s disease sero-status. This high seroprevalence of the disease in this chicken ecotype indicates active circulation of the virus in the area, underscoring the need for stringent control measures. Further molecular studies and identification of MDV DNA in active outbreaks is critical to characterize the circulating virus and assess the economic impact of the disease on these valuable indigenous chickens of Ethiopia.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50999,"journal":{"name":"Comparative Immunology Microbiology and Infectious Diseases","volume":"120 ","pages":"Article 102341"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143899153","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Corrigendum to \"Comparative efficacy of recombinant VP6 protein based in-house Latex Agglutination test with other diagnostic assays for detection of Rotavirus A from calves, piglets and children\" [Comp. Immunol. Microbiol. Infect. Dis. 119 (2025) 102336].","authors":"Bilal Ahmad Malla, Zunjar Baburao Dubal, Ajay Kumar, Obli Rajendran VinodhKumar, Aquil Mohmad, Pashupathi Mani, Kaushal Kishor Rajak, Kiran Narayan Bhilegaonkar","doi":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102339","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102339","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50999,"journal":{"name":"Comparative Immunology Microbiology and Infectious Diseases","volume":" ","pages":"102339"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144049692","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The impact of stray animal populations on public health in Naples, Italy: A preliminary study on antimicrobial resistance on the road","authors":"Francesca Paola Nocera , Sinem Arslan , Rossana Schena , Francesca Pizzano , Fatima Mourabiti , Silvia Cappiello , Cristina Di Palma , Barbara Lamagna , Marina Pompameo , Luisa De Martino","doi":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102344","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102344","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The rise of antimicrobial resistance poses a significant public health challenge, with an increasing number of organisms developing resistance to many antimicrobial agents used to treat infections in humans and animals. This study investigated the role of stray dogs and cats as sentinel animals in the urban environment. Therefore, the sampling of healthy skin was performed to isolate bacterial species present and assess their antimicrobial resistance profile. A total of 690 swabs were collected, comprising 351 cutaneous swabs from dogs and 339 from cats. A total of 770 strains were identified, including 381 Gram-positive bacteria (94 %) and 19 Gram-negative bacteria (6 %) from dogs, and 355 Gram-positive bacteria (97 %) and 11 Gram-negative bacteria (3 %) from cats. In dogs, <em>Staphylococcus pseudintermedius</em> was the most frequently isolated Gram-positive bacterium, with 53 strains identified. Meanwhile, in cats, coagulase-negative staphylococci were the most common, with <em>Staphylococcus felis</em> being the predominant species, represented by 50 strains. Among the isolated Gram-negative bacteria in both animal species, <em>E. coli</em> was predominant. Among the recovered Gram-positive bacteria, multidrug resistance was observed in 105 out of 129 (81.4 %) canine isolates and 87 out of 143 (60.8 %) feline isolates. Additionally, phenotypic resistance to penicillin, oxacillin, and cefoxitin in 42 out of 53 (79.2 %) <em>S. pseudintermedius</em> strains and 8 out of 50 (16.0 %) <em>S. felis</em> strains was identified, suggesting the presence of the methicillin resistance gene. The above findings underscore the need for stricter monitoring of antibiotic resistance specifically in stray dogs and cats which can act as reservoirs for resistant bacteria.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50999,"journal":{"name":"Comparative Immunology Microbiology and Infectious Diseases","volume":"120 ","pages":"Article 102344"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143892195","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Reza Ataee Disfani , Ali Asghari , Ali Pouryousef , Laya Shamsi , Amir Farzam , Mohammad Ghafari-Cherati , Behzad Bijani , Farajolah Maleki
{"title":"Comparative global epidemiology and species distribution of Sarcocystis spp. in new and old world camelids: A systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Reza Ataee Disfani , Ali Asghari , Ali Pouryousef , Laya Shamsi , Amir Farzam , Mohammad Ghafari-Cherati , Behzad Bijani , Farajolah Maleki","doi":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102340","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102340","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study aimed to investigate the global prevalence, species diversity, and geographical distribution of <em>Sarcocystis</em> spp. in Old World Camelids (OWCs) and New World Camelids (NWCs). A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases, covering studies up to December 22, 2024. The analysis included 36 studies (28 on OWCs and 8 on NWCs), comprising data from 5942 camelids (4850 OWCs and 1092 NWCs) across 13 countries in three continents. A random-effects model was used to estimate pooled prevalence rates, and heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic. The overall prevalence of <em>Sarcocystis</em> spp. in camelids was 57.7 % (95 % CI: 49.4–65.6 %). NWCs exhibited a significantly higher pooled prevalence (77.6 %, 95 % CI: 55–90.8 %) compared to OWCs (55.1 %, 95 % CI: 46.4–63.6 %). The highest regional pooled prevalence was observed in South America (82.3 %), particularly in the WHO AMR region (82.3 %), with Peru reporting the highest pooled prevalence at 99.3 %. The oesophagus was the most frequently infected tissue. Four valid <em>Sarcocystis</em> species were identified in camelids: <em>S. cameli</em> and <em>S. ippeni</em> in OWCs, and <em>S. aucheniae</em> and <em>S. masoni</em> in NWCs. Many positive samples were classified only as <em>Sarcocystis</em> spp. Although none of these species poses a zoonotic risk, some like <em>S. cameli</em> and <em>S. aucheniae</em> are particularly significant due to their economic and veterinary impact on camelids. Their ability to form macroscopic cysts can negatively affect meat quality, leading to considerable economic losses in the camel industry. Targeted surveillance and control measures are recommended, particularly in high-prevalence regions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50999,"journal":{"name":"Comparative Immunology Microbiology and Infectious Diseases","volume":"120 ","pages":"Article 102340"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143882854","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Alisher Safarov , Djalaliddin Azimov , Nozima Mukhitdinova , Haqqul Abdukholikov , Firuza Akramova , Abdurakhim Kuchboev , Adolat Mirzaeva , Hanène Belkahia , Mourad Ben Said
{"title":"Prevalence, risk factors, and phylogeny of Toxascaris leonina in stray dogs and cats in Tashkent region, Uzbekistan, with a note on co-infection with Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati","authors":"Alisher Safarov , Djalaliddin Azimov , Nozima Mukhitdinova , Haqqul Abdukholikov , Firuza Akramova , Abdurakhim Kuchboev , Adolat Mirzaeva , Hanène Belkahia , Mourad Ben Said","doi":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102343","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102343","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Toxascaris leonina</em> is a significant parasitic agent, affecting domestic carnivores, with implications for public health. This study investigates the prevalence, risk factors, and phylogenetic relationships of <em>T. leonina</em> in stray dogs and cats in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, while also examining co-infection rates with <em>Toxocara canis</em> and <em>Toxocara cati</em>. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Tashkent Region of Uzbekistan, focusing on stray dogs and cats. From February 2023 to September 2024, 180 dog and 84 cat necropsies were collected for analysis. Parasitological examinations were performed to identify <em>T. leonina</em>, <em>T. canis</em>, and <em>T. cati</em>. Epidemiological data, including species, sex, age group, and collection location, were recorded. Molecular analysis was conducted on selected <em>T. leonina</em> specimens to assess genetic variations, and a phylogenetic analysis was performed. The study revealed a high prevalence of <em>T. leonina</em> in stray dogs (95 %) and cats (63.1 %), with significantly different co-infection patterns identified: 78.89 % of dogs were co-infected with <em>T. canis</em>, while 28.57 % of cats had co-infections with <em>T. cati</em>. Notably, in dogs, the infection rate of <em>T. leonina</em> among different age groups was statistically significant. Genetic analysis revealed 100 % nucleotide identity among local <em>T. leonina</em> isolates. The phylogenetic analysis indicated four distinct clusters within the <em>T. leonina</em> group, with our isolates exclusively forming a cluster, which is genetically close to an isolate infecting a dog from Australia. The findings highlight the urgent need for monitoring and control strategies for <em>T. leonina</em> and its co-infections in stray carnivores in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Understanding the genetic diversity and risk factors associated with these infections will aid in developing effective public health interventions and inform future research in the region.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50999,"journal":{"name":"Comparative Immunology Microbiology and Infectious Diseases","volume":"120 ","pages":"Article 102343"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143892196","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}