{"title":"Phylogeny analysis of Bartonella genus in hard tick samples associated to domestic animals in west of Iran","authors":"Mina Khamooshian , Amin Jaydari , Nemat Shams , Peyman Khademi , Hassan Nayebzadeh","doi":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102369","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102369","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Bartonella</em>, as emerging vector-borne pathogens infecting various domestic and wild mammals, pose a significant threat to public health due to their role as zoonotic agents. The objective of this study was to ascertain the prevalence of the genus and species of <em>Bartonella</em> and to conduct a phylogenetic analysis of these organisms in ticks from five western provinces Hamedan, Kermanshah, Lorestan, Ilam, and Kurdistan, in Iran. Ticks were also collected from dogs, sheep, and goats. A total of 978 ticks were collected and subsequently divided into pools of 10. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays were performed using specific primers to screen for the presence of <em>Bartonella</em> species. Additionally, sequence analysis was conducted based on the <em>rpo</em>B, <em>glt</em>A, <em>fts</em>Z, <em>gro</em>EL, and <em>rib</em>C genes to identify the presence of <em>Bartonella</em>. Phylogentic analysis was also performed using MEGA 11 software. The overall prevalence of the genus and species of <em>Bartonella</em> based on the <em>glt</em>A gene in 98 pooled samples in the study areas was 5 (5.01 %) (with a 95 % CI: 2.20 %-11.39 %). It is noteworthy that negative results were observed only in Ilam and Hamadan provinces. The presence of <em>Bartonella quintana</em>, <em>Bartonella clarridageiae</em> and <em>Bartonella</em> spp. was confirmed by phylogenetic analysis of the <em>glt</em>A, <em>gro</em>EL, <em>fts</em>Z, <em>rpo</em>B, and <em>rib</em>C genes, with a similarity of 96.96 %-100 %. In light of these findings, it can be posited that the genus and species of <em>Bartonella</em>, particularly <em>B. quintana</em> and <em>B. clarridageiae</em> are present in the ticks of western Iran.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50999,"journal":{"name":"Comparative Immunology Microbiology and Infectious Diseases","volume":"122 ","pages":"Article 102369"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144557569","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}
Fabrizio Bertelloni , Giulia Cagnoli , Maria Irene Pacini , Valeria Russini , Maria Laura De Marchis , Teresa Bossù , Valentina Virginia Ebani
{"title":"Occurrence of pathogenic and antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in feces of wild mammals from a National Park in Central Italy","authors":"Fabrizio Bertelloni , Giulia Cagnoli , Maria Irene Pacini , Valeria Russini , Maria Laura De Marchis , Teresa Bossù , Valentina Virginia Ebani","doi":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102372","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102372","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Wild animals can act as reservoirs and spreader for various pathogens, contributing to the environmental contamination. Additionally, wildlife is an important bioindicator of its habitats. This study aimed to investigate the presence of specific bacterial zoonotic pathogens and antimicrobial resistant bacteria in feces of wild mammals. A total of 124 fecal samples were collected from a National park in Central Italy and tested for the presence of <em>Salmonella</em> spp., <em>Yersinia enterocolitica</em>, <em>Listeria monocytogenes</em>, <em>Coxiella burnetii</em>, <em>Mycobacterium</em> spp., Extended Spectrum β-Lactamase (ESBL) and carbapenemase producing <em>Enterobacteriaceae</em>. <em>Salmonella enterica</em> serotype Agama was isolated from the feces of five badgers and one roe deer, displaying the same pulsotype, while <em>Salmonella enterica</em> serotype Eboko was identified in a single fecal sample from a mustelid. <em>Y. enterocolitica</em> was detected in 30 of the fecal samples from various species; Two isolates were classified as biotype 4, seven as biotype 3, and 21 as biotype 1 A, with all exhibiting different pulsotypes. Most isolates of <em>Salmonella</em> and <em>Yersinia</em> demonstrated full susceptibility to the antimicrobials tested. One ESBL producing <em>Escherichia coli</em> was detected in the feces of a mustelid, testing positive for the <em>bla</em><sub><em>TEM-1</em></sub> and <em>bla</em><sub><em>CTX-M-15</em></sub> genes. <em>L. monocytogenes</em>, <em>C. burnetii, Mycobacterium</em> spp., and cephalosporinase producing <em>Enterobacteriaceae</em> were not detected. These findings underscore the role of wild mammals as potential spreaders of zoonotic pathogens and antimicrobial resistant bacteria, despite the relatively low detection rates. Ongoing monitoring programs in wildlife are essential to know the microorganisms circulation in specific areas and to assess the risks they pose to public health.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50999,"journal":{"name":"Comparative Immunology Microbiology and Infectious Diseases","volume":"121 ","pages":"Article 102372"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144510966","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}
Otto Sahat Martua Silaen , Silvia Tri Widyaningtyas , Christian Marco Hadi Nugroho , Ryan Septa Kurnia , Muhammad Ade Putra , Agustin Indrawati , Desak Gede Budi Krisnamurti , Amin Soebandrio
{"title":"Potential of Clostridium perfringens sialidase as a novel antiviral agent against avian influenza H5N1 infection in BALB/c mice","authors":"Otto Sahat Martua Silaen , Silvia Tri Widyaningtyas , Christian Marco Hadi Nugroho , Ryan Septa Kurnia , Muhammad Ade Putra , Agustin Indrawati , Desak Gede Budi Krisnamurti , Amin Soebandrio","doi":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102373","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102373","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The public health concern about H5N1 avian influenza persists because of its lethal nature and its capability to spread between different species and its growing resistance to conventional antiviral medications. The antiviral drug potential of sialidases from <em>Clostridium perfringens</em> remains under investigation because these enzymes can strip sialic acid from viral surfaces which prevents viral attachment to host cells. This study aimed to determine the antiviral effects of <em>C. perfringens</em> sialidase on H5N1-infected BALB/c mice through both preventive and curative treatment protocols. The mice received intranasal sialidase at two concentrations of 187.5 mU/ml and 375 mU/ml for three consecutive days either before viral exposure or after viral challenge. The study included weight tracking and ELISA tests to measure lung tissue viral antigens as well as lung tissue histopathology and IL-6 and TNF-α expression analysis. The treatment with 375 mU/ml sialidase twice proved most effective in maintaining physiological function and reducing viral load and lung tissue damage. The treatment results demonstrated that it reduced inflammatory response by lowering IL-6 and TNF-α expression levels. The research proves that <em>C. perfringens</em> sialidase exhibits antiviral and immunomodulatory actions when used in vivo. The curative outcome depends heavily on treatment dose and frequency which will impact future implementation. The antiviral properties of <em>C. perfringens</em> sialidase make it a promising therapeutic option for treating influenza virus strains that are resistant to drugs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50999,"journal":{"name":"Comparative Immunology Microbiology and Infectious Diseases","volume":"121 ","pages":"Article 102373"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144501814","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}
Anna Cecilia Trolesi Reis Borges Costa , Yasmim Domingos da Silva , Julio Silvio de Souza Bueno Filho , James F. Lowe , Andrey Pereira Lage , Luciana Faria de Oliveira , Elaine Maria Seles Dorneles
{"title":"Spatiotemporal analysis of the bovine brucellosis vaccination rate in Minas Gerais, Brazil, from 2011 to 2022","authors":"Anna Cecilia Trolesi Reis Borges Costa , Yasmim Domingos da Silva , Julio Silvio de Souza Bueno Filho , James F. Lowe , Andrey Pereira Lage , Luciana Faria de Oliveira , Elaine Maria Seles Dorneles","doi":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102371","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102371","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The aim was to perform a spatiotemporal analysis of bovine brucellosis vaccination rate (BBVR) in Minas Gerais, Brazil, from 2011–2022 and to identify sociodemographic characteristics of cattle farmers associated with BBVR. A spatiotemporal analysis by means of a spatial autocorrelation test (Moran’s I test) and local spatial autocorrelation analysis (LISA) was conducted with the BBVR. A generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) was developed to investigate the influence of sociodemographic of cattle farmers on the BBVR from the agricultural census of 2017. The BBVR in Minas Gerais increased over time, and Moran’s I test revealed clusters of vaccination rates for all analyzed years, with low-high and high-high clusters becoming more prominent over the years. The GLMM revealed a positive influence of technical assistance, disease and parasite control, and sex on the BBVR. Therefore, our results elucidate the improvement of BBVR, indicating sociodemographic characteristics and regions that should be considered for tailored brucellosis control measures.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50999,"journal":{"name":"Comparative Immunology Microbiology and Infectious Diseases","volume":"122 ","pages":"Article 102371"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144557627","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":"Cutaneous leishmaniasis in Algeria: An expanding endemic disease","authors":"Assia Bentahar , Idir Moualek , Nacer Eddine Messahel , Hocine Kerkoub , Besma Safa Keffous , Ismail Lafri","doi":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102366","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102366","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), caused by <em>Leishmania</em> spp., is an important vector-borne and largely zoonotic disease in Algeria. The country ranks as the primary focus of leishmaniasis in the African subcontinent and the second-largest focus globally. Three distinct epidemiological types of CL have been described: anthroponotic CL (ACL), zoonotic CL (ZCL), and sporadic CL (SCL). The incidence of leishmaniasis fluctuates annually, highlighting the need for more efficient diagnostic tools, improved treatment options, and effective preventive measures. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary and discussion of studies on CL conducted in Algeria, with a particular focus on control strategies, the key challenges associated with their implementation, and the impact of environmental and climatic factors on the disease's spread. Published articles on leishmaniasis in Algeria were searched on PubMed, Google Scholar and ResearchGate databases. Inclusion criteria for the articles were based on keyword searches including “Cutaneous leishmaniasis in Algeria”, “Extension of leishmaniasis in Algeria”, and “Leishmaniasis epidemiology in Algeria” which are publicly accessible as of 31th December 2024. CL is a major and widespread parasitic infection in Algeria, with 299725 cases reported between 1982 and 2023. There is compelling evidence indicating that both zoonotic and anthroponotic forms of leishmaniasis are expanding their geographic range in the country, largely driven by factors such as climate and environmental changes. Infections have been reported in all provinces, including endemic regions in Algeria's arid and semi-arid areas. However, control strategies for leishmaniasis remain limited, poorly implemented in many parts of the country, and face numerous challenges.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50999,"journal":{"name":"Comparative Immunology Microbiology and Infectious Diseases","volume":"121 ","pages":"Article 102366"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144230750","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":"Dynamics of high pathogenicity avian influenza virus infection with multiple introductions in a crow flock in an urban park in Hokkaido, Japan","authors":"Norikazu Isoda , Takahiro Hiono , Yik Lim Hew , Fumihito Takaya , Bao Linh Nguyen , Daiki Kobayashi , Kaien Fujino , Yoshihiro Sakoda","doi":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102367","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102367","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Since 2021, high pathogenicity avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) of the H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b has been circulating globally, not only in domestic poultry but also in wild birds, both migratory and resident species. In March to May 2022, March to April 2023, and January to April 2024, crow die-offs were reported in an urban garden in Hokkaido, Japan, raising suspicions of HPAIV infection. Since August 2022, all dead carcasses were investigated for HPAIV detection and isolation. Phylogenetic analysis of the H5 hemagglutinin gene revealed that all detected HPAIVs belonged to clade 2.3.4.4b, a dominant lineage in Hokkaido since early 2022. Two distinct subgroups were identified: G2d (in 2022–2024) and G2a (in 2024). A maximum clade credibility tree, based on concatenated nucleotide sequences of the isolates, suggested that multiple distinct types of HPAIVs were introduced into the garden in rotation during the winters of 2022–2023 and 2023–2024. Infectious HPAIVs were isolated not only from the lungs and brains but also from the rectal contents of the dead crows, with no apparent difference in viral titers between the two subgroups. The case reproduction numbers of HPAIV infection in the crow flock ranged from 0.52 and 1.57 in the spring of 2022 and from 0.55 to 1.78 in the spring of 2023, suggesting that the contiguous HPAIV infections in the crows were due to multiple introductions into the flock. Crow can play a key role of potential spread to other animals, poultry and wildlife in urban areas or humans in rural areas.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50999,"journal":{"name":"Comparative Immunology Microbiology and Infectious Diseases","volume":"121 ","pages":"Article 102367"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144220834","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":"Detection of Chlamydia psittaci in pet parrots sold in Xining, China","authors":"Zeqi Liang , Te Ba , Lin Liang","doi":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102368","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102368","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Chlamydia psittaci</em> (<em>C. psittaci</em>) is a zoonotic pathogen, causing a systemic wasting disease in avian as well as lung infections in humans. To evaluate the risks of psittacosis posed through pet birds, 182 fecal samples were collected from commercially popular parrot species, including budgerigars (n = 87), cockatiels (n = 28), and lovebirds (n = 67), in Xining City, northwestern China. Through molecular methods, results revealed that an overall <em>C. psittaci</em> prevalence of 14.3 % (26/182), while species-specific infection rates of 21.8 % (19/87) in budgerigars, 10.7 % (3/28) in cockatiels, and 6.0 % (4/67) in lovebirds. Phylogenetic analysis <em>ompA</em>, 16S rRNA, and 16–23S rRNA intergenic spacer (IGS) gene sequence obtained in this study confirmed that all sequences were classified to the <em>Chlamydiaceae</em> family and showed a high similarity to <em>C. psittaci</em> strains 6BC, that was previously identified in avian. This is the first documented report of <em>C. psittaci</em> prevalence in the pet bird markets on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. These findings provided an essential baseline data for understanding the epidemiology of <em>C. psittaci</em> in northwestern China and highlighted the need for surveillance to mitigate potential zoonotic risks.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50999,"journal":{"name":"Comparative Immunology Microbiology and Infectious Diseases","volume":"121 ","pages":"Article 102368"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144178592","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}
Orla Ballesteros-García , Lola Martínez-Sáez , Ana Lesta , Pablo Jesús Marín-García , Ana Martínez-Guillen , Lola Llobat
{"title":"Seroprevalence of Leishmania spp. in pigs farms (Sus scrofa domesticus): Epidemiological insights and zoonotic implications","authors":"Orla Ballesteros-García , Lola Martínez-Sáez , Ana Lesta , Pablo Jesús Marín-García , Ana Martínez-Guillen , Lola Llobat","doi":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102365","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102365","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Leishmaniasis is a zoonotic disease caused by the <em>Leishmania</em> spp. an intracellular parasite which are transmitted by phlebotomine sand flies. Dogs have traditionally been considered the primary reservoir for <em>Leishmania infantum</em>, predominant agent in the Mediterrenean region. However, this parasite has also been identified in different host species, including wild animals and livestock. The role of farm pigs in the epidemiology of leishmaniasis remains unclear. The objective of this study has been to assess the seroprevalence of <em>Leishmania</em> spp. in farm pigs (<em>Sus scrofa domesticus</em>) from intensive farms in the Eastern Spain, a Mediterranean region. To carry out this study, a total of 94 pigs were tested for <em>Leishmania</em> spp. antibodies by serological test, and epidemiological data were collected regarding sex, age, reproductive status, farm type, and location. The overall seroprevalence of <em>Leishmania</em> spp. was 4.3 %, with a higher prevalence in weaned piglets (2.1 %) compared to new-born piglets and adults (1.1 %). A higher of seroprevalence was found in farrow-to-wean farms than in finishing farms. For the first time, <em>Leishmania</em> spp. antibodies have been detected in farm pigs of Europe, suggesting that these animals could play a role in the maintenance and transmission of this parasite in endemic areas. The results highlight the importance of further studies related to the epidemiology of leishmaniasis including in livestock, and the potential implementation of vector control strategies in farms to reduce transmission risk.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50999,"journal":{"name":"Comparative Immunology Microbiology and Infectious Diseases","volume":"121 ","pages":"Article 102365"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144125131","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}
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}