Comparative Immunology Microbiology and Infectious Diseases最新文献

{"title":"Genetic characterization of lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) from 2022 to 2023 outbreaks in yaks (Bos grunniens) and cattle in the Himalayan state of Sikkim, India, reveals dominant circulation of the LSDV 1.2.1 variant strain","authors":"Shashi Bhushan Sudhakar ,&nbsp;Niranjan Mishra ,&nbsp;Semmannan Kalaiyarasu ,&nbsp;Seema Rai ,&nbsp;Aniket Sanyal","doi":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102432","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102432","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a major threat to global cattle production with an expanding host range. In India, although LSDV-associated mortality in yaks (<em>Bos grunniens</em>) is a major concern, LSD epidemiology in yaks is poorly understood and genetic profile of LSDV from the Northeast is scarce. This study aimed to molecularly detect and genetically characterize the LSDV strains from the 2022–2023 LSD outbreaks in yaks and cattle in the Himalayan state of Sikkim. Infected yaks exhibited clinical signs akin to cattle and necropsy revealed lesions on vital organs. Testing of 23 yak samples and 123 cattle samples by LSDV real-time PCR and antibody ELISA demonstrated LSDV infection. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of four selected marker genes (GPCR, RPO30, EEV, and B22R) revealed that LSDV sequences from yaks and cattle belonged to the 1.2.1 sub-cluster, closely related to the circulating 1.2.1 variants from India and Tibet. However, they were distinct from the dominant LSDV strains circulating in India (1.2.2) and China (2.5 recombinant). Detection of identical LSDV sequences and close proximity between yaks and local cattle implied a spillover from cattle. Additionally, our findings showed that concatenated sequence-based analysis could function as a proxy to whole-genome sequence analysis, and the C-terminal 717 bp of the B22R gene may represent a potential single-gene sequencing target for classifying LSDV into well-supported clusters. These findings improved our understanding of LSDV molecular epidemiology and host range and highlight the necessity of LSD control in yaks, and monitoring of cross-border transmission.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50999,"journal":{"name":"Comparative Immunology Microbiology and Infectious Diseases","volume":"125 ","pages":"Article 102432"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145624910","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":"Seroepidemiological investigation and public health implications of Toxoplasma gondii infection in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) in southern Algeria","authors":"Meriem Mekroud ,&nbsp;Amel Titi ,&nbsp;Abdesslem Mekroud ,&nbsp;Ikram Chettih ,&nbsp;Ali Dahmani ,&nbsp;Nadjet Amina Khelifi Touhami ,&nbsp;Nassim Ouchene","doi":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102430","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102430","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Toxoplasma gondii</em> is a ubiquitous zoonotic protozoan with significant veterinary and public health implications. Despite the economic and cultural importance of dromedary camels (<em>Camelus dromedarius</em>) in the Saharan regions of Algeria, little is known about their role in the epidemiology of toxoplasmosis. This study represents a comprehensive seroepidemiological investigation of <em>T. gondii</em> in Algerian dromedaries. A total of 76 adult camels were sampled during January–February 2025 across four Saharan provinces (Biskra, Laghouat, Tindouf, and Oued Souf). Serum samples were analyzed using a commercial ELISA kit to detect specific anti-<em>T. gondii</em> antibodies. Seroprevalence was calculated with 95 % confidence intervals (CI), and regional differences were assessed through χ² test, odds ratios (OR), and Kruskal–Wallis analysis of antibody titers. Overall, the study revealed a high seroprevalence of <em>T. gondii</em> infection (61.8 %) in Algerian dromedaries. Significant heterogeneity was observed between regions (p &lt; 0.01). The lowest prevalence occurred in Oued Souf (25 %; 95 % CI: 8.9–53.2), which served as the reference. In contrast, Biskra exhibited an extremely high prevalence (90 %; OR = 27.0; 95 % CI: 2.4–298.8; p = 0.001), followed by Tindouf (69.7 %; OR = 7.8; 95 % CI: 1.8–34.3; p = 0.005) and Laghouat (57.1 %; OR = 4.1; 95 % CI: 0.9–18.7; p = 0.048). Antibody titers correlated with prevalence, with notably elevated values (&gt;180–250) in Biskra and Tindouf, suggesting intense or repeated exposure. The strong regional disparities likely reflect differences in feline density, water source hygiene, herd management, and microclimatic conditions. The exceptionally high prevalence observed, particularly in Biskra, raises concerns for both animal productivity and zoonotic transmission, given the common consumption of raw camel milk and undercooked meat. This pioneering study highlights the epidemiological significance of dromedaries in the transmission of toxoplasmosis in Algeria and emphasizes the need for integrated surveillance, molecular confirmation of infections, and targeted preventive measures to mitigate zoonotic risks in arid ecosystems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50999,"journal":{"name":"Comparative Immunology Microbiology and Infectious Diseases","volume":"125 ","pages":"Article 102430"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145594754","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":"Molecular detection and genotyping of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) in domestic cats from Tehran, Iran","authors":"Mohaddese Mortazavi ,&nbsp;Hamid Staji ,&nbsp;Iradj Ashrafi Tamai","doi":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102435","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102435","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>FIV is the etiological agent of a cat disease with features similar to the HIV-induced human AIDS. FIV has negative effects on immune system, leaving the cat vulnerable to many other infections. However, epidemiological studies on FIV are relatively unknown in many parts of Iran. Thus, this study aimed to explore FIV prevalence in DSH client-owned cats in Tehran (capital of Iran) by serologic and molecular-based methods. For this study, 346 cats referring to different veterinary clinics in Tehran were screened in 2025 (January to May) by ELISA for FIV-Ab. Then, seropositive cats were analyzed by RT-PCR. Of those cats, we identified nine seropositive cats and 9 FIVs were genetically characterized using FIV V3-V5 <em>env</em> gene sequences. The FIV prevalence in this study population was low, 2.6 %, as determined by both ELISA and RT-PCR methods. Phylogenetic analysis showed that all FIVs belonged to B subtype/clade. The molecular characterization for the env gene of FIV among Iran’s cat population was reported for the first time. A significant diversification of amino acid substitutions was found in the V3-V5 sequences driven by charge-shifting mutations and glycosylation changes whilst core structural residues showed conservation. All the FIV-infected cats had concurrent secondary infections. Only mild anemia and mild hyperglobulinemia were found among the few FIV-positive cats, so there was not sufficient data to determine any other consistent hematological or biochemical abnormalities in the cats that tested FIV-positive. Altogether, this study suggests that intensive surveillance and effective prevention strategies are required to determine the prevalence of FIV genotypes in Iran and control continuous infections with FIVs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50999,"journal":{"name":"Comparative Immunology Microbiology and Infectious Diseases","volume":"125 ","pages":"Article 102435"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145737049","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":"Comparative metataxonomic analysis of bacterial communities in healthy and lymphadenitis-affected Cavia porcellus (guinea pig) lymph nodes","authors":"Jakson Ch. Del Solar ,&nbsp;Victor Guillermo Cornejo Villanueva ,&nbsp;Elthon T. Hinojosa Enciso ,&nbsp;Jhorsan Mauri Pablo ,&nbsp;Diana L. Arista Vargas ,&nbsp;Nayeli V. Barrientos ,&nbsp;Richard C. Polveiro ,&nbsp;Dielson Da Silva Vieira ,&nbsp;William Bardales ,&nbsp;Jorge Luis Maicelo Quintana ,&nbsp;Rainer M. Lopez Lapa","doi":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102431","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102431","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cervical lymphadenitis is a serious inflammatory process that can be contagious and zoonotic, and significantly impacts guinea pig farming, particularly in Peru. The primary etiological agent is <em>Streptococcus equi</em>. This study investigates the microbiota composition of cervical lymph nodes in healthy and lymphadenitis-affected guinea pigs from the Amazonas region. Two guinea pigs breeds (Inti and Peru) were analyzed, including specimens with lymphadenitis and healthy controls. DNA was extracted from lymph node samples, and the 16S rRNA gene's V4 hypervariable region was sequenced. The results revealed significant differences in microbial diversity between healthy and affected guinea pigs, a critical finding was the identification of asymptomatic individuals with a microbiota virtually identical to that of sick animals. Alpha diversity indices demonstrated a higher microbial richness in healthy animals. Beta diversity analyses showed a marked separation between groups, indicating distinct microbial compositions. Taxonomic profiling revealed that genus <em>Streptococcus</em> dominated the microbiota in guinea pigs with lymphadenitis, while healthy animals exhibited a more diverse bacterial community. These findings suggest that cervical lymphadenitis leads to significant microbial alterations, characterized by reduced microbial diversity and an overrepresentation of <em>Streptococcus</em>. This study provides novel and relevant insights into the microbiota associated with guinea pig lymphadenitis, offering a foundational understanding of the disease and revealing the asymptomatic carrier phenomenon, which is crucial for developing improved prevention and diagnostic strategies in production systems</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50999,"journal":{"name":"Comparative Immunology Microbiology and Infectious Diseases","volume":"125 ","pages":"Article 102431"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145790796","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":"Molecular detection of Coxiella burnetii in long-eared hedgehogs (Hemiechinus auritus) and related ticks, Iraq","authors":"Peyman Khademi ,&nbsp;Amin Jaydari ,&nbsp;Nemat Shams ,&nbsp;Zahra Asadollahi ,&nbsp;Ahmad Enferadi ,&nbsp;Sam Ahmed Abbas ,&nbsp;Maryam Najafi Asl ,&nbsp;Gianmarco Ferrara ,&nbsp;Giovanni Sgroi","doi":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102436","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102436","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Although the long-eared hedgehog (<em>Hemiechinus auritus</em>) may act as a reservoir for zoonotic tick-borne pathogens at the animal-human interface, little is known about the role of this wildlife in the epidemiology of <em>Coxiella burnetti</em> and <em>Borrelia</em> spp. Therefore, this study investigated the presence of these agents in live hedgehogs and related ticks at rescue centers in the Sulaymaniyah province (northeastern Iraq) between July 2024 and August 2025. Ticks and blood samples from hedgehogs were screened by Nested-PCR plus Sanger sequencing targeting genes and plasmids of <em>C. burnetii</em> (<em>IS1111</em>, <em>icd</em>, <em>QpH1</em>, <em>QpRS</em>, <em>QpDV</em>, QpDG) and <em>Borrelia</em> spp. (<em>16S rRNA</em>, <em>5–23S rRNA</em>, <em>osp</em>A, <em>QpRS</em> and <em>QpDV</em>), as well. Out of 60 hedgehogs, 6 (10.0 %) tested positive for <em>C. burnetii</em>, showing an apparent good health status. All the hedgehogs were infested by ticks, with a total of 150 specimens morphologically identified as adults of <em>Rhipicephalus sanguineus</em> sensu lato (20 females, 30 males), <em>Hyalomma aegyptium</em> (25 females, 25 males), and <em>Rhipicephalus turanicus</em> (22 females, 28 males). Among these, 4 (2.7 %) were positive for <em>C. burnetii</em>, being 2 <em>R. sanguineus</em> s. l. engorged females and 2 <em>H. aegyptium</em>. All sequence types displayed ≥ 99 % nucleotide identity and close phylogenetic relationship with those in GenBank. No difference in prevalence based on the gender of hedgehogs and ticks was found (<em>p</em> &gt; 0.05). No samples were positive for <em>Borrelia</em> spp. The ability of <em>H. auritus</em> to harbor a nonnegligible prevalence of <em>C. burnetii</em> infections and anthropophilic ticks make these animals a potential reservoir of infection for animals and humans.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50999,"journal":{"name":"Comparative Immunology Microbiology and Infectious Diseases","volume":"125 ","pages":"Article 102436"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145822074","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":"First report of multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. in wildlife consumed as bushmeat in Cameroon","authors":"Karyom Djim-Adjim-Ngana ,&nbsp;Ibrahima Djoulde ,&nbsp;Hermann Landry Munshili Njifon ,&nbsp;Cedric Fossi Tchinda ,&nbsp;Lucia Nkengazong ,&nbsp;Nicolas Njintang Yanou ,&nbsp;Mohamed Moctar Mouiche Mouliom","doi":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102434","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102434","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a growing global threat to human health, food security, and animal welfare. Wild animals, often consumed as bushmeat, may serve as reservoirs of pathogenic and multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and antibiotic resistance profiles of Escherichia coli <em>(</em>E. coli<em>)</em> and Salmonella spp. in wild animals intended for human consumption in Cameroon.</div></div><div><h3>Methodology</h3><div>Between September 2023 and December 2024, 427 fecal samples were collected from twelve wild animal species, including mammals (41.0 %), birds (57.6 %), and reptiles (1.4 %). Isolation, identification, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of E. coli and Salmonella were performed following standard protocols. Data analysis was conducted using R software.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Overall, 66.1 % of samples were positive for at least one bacterium. E. coli was detected in 66.1 % of samples, while Salmonella spp. was present in 27.2 %. All isolates exhibited resistance to at least one antibiotic, with 21.1 % classified as MDR. Notably, resistance was observed against critically important antibiotic classes, including beta-lactams, and 26 % of E. coli and 9 % of Salmonella isolates were multidrug-resistant.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The high prevalence of resistant and MDR E. coli and Salmonella in wild animals consumed as bushmeat underscores a substantial public health risk. These findings highlight the need for enhanced AMR surveillance, promotion of safer bushmeat consumption practices, and prudent antibiotic stewardship in livestock and agricultural settings. Integrating these measures within a One Health framework is essential to mitigate zoonotic transmission and safeguard human and environmental health in Cameroon.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50999,"journal":{"name":"Comparative Immunology Microbiology and Infectious Diseases","volume":"125 ","pages":"Article 102434"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145624879","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":"Ectoparasite prevalence and new records of bird lice (Insecta: Phthiraptera) in dove and pigeon species (Aves: Columbidae) in Algeria","authors":"Amal Semmar ,&nbsp;Djamel Bendjoudi ,&nbsp;Bilal Dik ,&nbsp;Faiza Marniche ,&nbsp;Haroun Chenchouni","doi":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102421","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102421","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Columbidae are widely distributed in Algeria and play important ecological and cultural roles. However, they are also recognized as hosts of diverse ectoparasite communities that may affect bird health and act as potential reservoirs of zoonotic pathogens. Despite this importance, knowledge about the diversity, distribution of ectoparasites associated with columbids in Algeria remains fragmentary. This study aimed to provide a complete inventory of ectoparasites infesting domestic and wild columbids in northern Algeria, specifically to (i) assess the species richness of ectoparasites across hosts (ii) identify potential host-specific infestation patterns and (iii) report new records that extend the known geographic distribution of ectoparasitic taxa. Fieldwork was conducted between 2020 and 2023 in three regions of northern Algeria (Blida, Algiers, Tipaza). A total of 133 individuals from six columbid species were examined using standardized capture, handling, and parasite collection protocols. Ectoparasites identified through morphological keys under stereomicroscopy, supplemented by taxonomic descriptions from the literature. A total of 11,294 ectoparasites were recovered, belonging to 16 species across different groups: 13 lice (Phthiraptera), one mite (Acarina), one tick (Ixodida), and one fly (Diptera). Notably, three lice (<em>Colpocephalum turbinatum</em>, <em>Bonomeilla columbae</em>, and <em>Coloceras hilli</em>) were recorded for the first time in Algeria, while <em>Columbicola joudiae</em> was documented for only the second time worldwide and the first time in the country. Lice were the most abundant and showed clear host specificity across columbid species. The mite <em>Falculifer</em> sp., the tick <em>Argas reflexus</em>, and the fly <em>Pseudolychia canariensis</em> were less frequent but indicate a broad spectrum of ectoparasitic taxa infesting columbids. This study offers the first comprehensive overview of columbid ectoparasites in Algeria, revealing high diversity and new records. It emphasizes their ecological and veterinary significance, and calls for further molecular and ecological studies on host–parasite interactions and pathogen transmission.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50999,"journal":{"name":"Comparative Immunology Microbiology and Infectious Diseases","volume":"124 ","pages":"Article 102421"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145417036","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":"Molecular detection and phylogenetic characterization of Borrelia theileri and a putative novel Borrelia genotype in Hyalomma dromedarii ticks infesting camels in southern Egypt","authors":"Ahmed M. Soliman ,&nbsp;Hassan Y.A.H. Mahmoud ,&nbsp;Moaz M. Amer ,&nbsp;Samah Mohamed ,&nbsp;Tatsuro Hifumi ,&nbsp;Kyoko Tsukiyama-Kohara ,&nbsp;Tetsuya Tanaka","doi":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102403","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102403","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ticks are important vectors of various pathogens affecting human and animal health globally. In Egypt, camels are frequently infested with <em>Hyalomma dromedarii</em>, yet their role in harboring and transmitting tick-borne pathogens remains poorly understood. This study aimed to molecularly detect and characterize <em>Borrelia</em> species in <em>H. dromedarii</em> ticks collected from camels in three cities in southern Egypt: Esna, Draw, and Edfu. Of 300 ticks analyzed using PCR targeting the 16S rRNA and <em>flaB</em> genes, 21.3 % (64/300) tested positive for <em>Borrelia</em> species. The highest prevalence was recorded in Edfu (37 %), followed by Draw (19 %) and Esna (13.3 %). Sequencing of the <em>flaB</em> gene revealed two distinct genetic groups. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that one group clustered closely with <em>Borrelia theileri</em>, while the second formed a distinct clade within the relapsing fever group of <em>Borrelia</em> species, showing sufficient genetic divergence to suggest a putative novel genotype or locally adapted strain. This clade was supported by high bootstrap values (99 %) and showed no close relation to previously described species. To our knowledge, this study represents the first detection of <em>B. theileri</em> in camel-associated ticks in Egypt. These findings expand the known genetic diversity of <em>Borrelia</em> species in North Africa and highlight the need for further studies to assess the pathogenic potential and epidemiological significance of these strains in animal and human populations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50999,"journal":{"name":"Comparative Immunology Microbiology and Infectious Diseases","volume":"124 ","pages":"Article 102403"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145050697","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":"Molecular screening for blood pathogens in synanthropic Pipistrellus bats in Spain reveals novel and human-related hemoplasmas","authors":"Javier Millán ,&nbsp;Paula Santibáñez ,&nbsp;Luis Vicente Monteagudo ,&nbsp;Sofia M. Soares ,&nbsp;Alberto Israel ,&nbsp;Ruth Rodríguez-Pastor","doi":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102404","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102404","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Urbanization profoundly alters natural habitats, creating environments where adaptable species such as bats thrive. In developed countries, cities may act as hotspots for pathogen transmission from bats to humans, yet urban bat pathogens remain understudied in Europe. This study examined vector-borne and zoonotic bacteria and protozoa in soprano (<em>Pipistrellus pygmaeus</em>, PPY) and Kuhl’s pipistrelles (<em>Pipistrellus kuhlii</em>, PKU) inhabiting Zaragoza, Spain. A total of 213 bats (143 urban, 70 rural; including 7 recaptures) were live-trapped between 2022 and 2024, and blood samples were collected. Initial screening of 77 individuals for Anaplasmataceae, <em>Bartonella</em>, <em>Borrelia</em>, hemotropic <em>Mycoplasma</em> (hemoplasmas), and <em>Leishmania</em> revealed hemoplasmas as the only haemopathogens present. Sequencing of a 330-bp 16S rRNA fragment confirmed infection, which was subsequently assessed in the full sample. Overall, ten bats (4.69 %) tested positive: eight PPY (two rural, six urban) and two PKU (one rural, one urban). Two hemoplasma genotypes were identified. The first, detected in both species across habitats, showed similarity to sequences from bats in Germany and Chile. The second, found in PPY from both environments, clustered closely with the human hemolytic pathogen <em>Candidatus</em> Mycoplasma haematohominis. Extended 16S rRNA (∼ 1400 bp) and 23S rRNA (∼ 1100 bp) sequences were obtained only for the first genotype, which phylogenetic analyses indicated represents a novel species. Since both samples had 99.8–100 % sequence identity across markers, we propose naming it <em>Candidatus</em> Mycoplasma haematopipistrellus sp. nov. Despite the low pathogen diversity observed, results highlight bats as potential ecological bridges for hemoplasma transmission between rural and urban environments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50999,"journal":{"name":"Comparative Immunology Microbiology and Infectious Diseases","volume":"124 ","pages":"Article 102404"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145119743","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":"A common source outbreak of Brucella melitensis infection in male dogs: Serological and molecular investigation","authors":"Sherin R. Rouby ,&nbsp;Mohamed Mahmoud Abdel-Rahim ,&nbsp;Amira M. Mazeed ,&nbsp;Mohamed A. Bakry ,&nbsp;Shawky M. Aboelhadid","doi":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102406","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102406","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The present study aims to describe an outbreak of canine brucellosis in a dog shelter on serological and molecular bases<em>.</em> The infected dogs exhibited testicular enlargement, epididymitis, prostatitis, and orchitis. All dogs were serotested for brucellosis using Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT), and buffered acidified antigen plate test (BAAPT). Serum samples and whole blood of serologically positive dogs were subjected to conventional, species-specific real-time, and multiplex PCRs to identify the circulating <em>Brucellae</em> on genus, species, and biovar levels, respectively. Positive results from serological tests confirm the presence of smooth <em>brucellae</em>. The overall seroprevalence of <em>Brucella</em> antibodies was 56.7 % as detected by RBPT and BAAPT. Molecular identification using primer sequences targeting the Immunodominant antigen, gene bp26 confirmed <em>Brucella</em> on the genus level. Results of species-specific real-time PCRs confirm the presence of <em>B. melitensis</em> DNA in blood sera of dogs. Multiplex PCR has amplified three fragments of 587 bp, 1071 bp, and 1682 bp characteristic for <em>B. melitensis</em> biovar 3. Trace investigation revealed that the dog's raw meat diet was the most likely source of infection.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50999,"journal":{"name":"Comparative Immunology Microbiology and Infectious Diseases","volume":"124 ","pages":"Article 102406"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145221997","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}