Listeria (L.) ivanovii is a Gram-positive, facultatively intracellular rod-shaped bacterium. It is predominantly associated with animal infections, particularly in ruminants. Unlike L. monocytogenes, which is widely recognised as a major zoonotic and foodborne pathogen, L. ivanovii is often overlooked, despite documented cases of abortion, stillbirth, and neonatal septicemia in sheep, goats, and cattle. This review provides an overview of L. ivanovii taxonomy, microbiological characteristics, virulence determinants, host adaptation, epidemiology, transmission routes, diagnostic challenges, antimicrobial susceptibility, and preventive measures in animal husbandry. Available evidence suggests that infections with L. ivanovii tend to be sporadic, with occasional outbreaks of abortions in small ruminant flocks. Large-scale epizootics and sustained interregional spread have not been documented. Human infections are rare and predominantly occur in immunocompromised individuals, which supports the assumption that the zoonotic potential is limited under normal conditions. Underdiagnosing and missing awareness likely contribute to the perception of rarity, as routine laboratory workflows often do not differentiate Listeria species beyond the genus level. The increasing use of molecular confirmation and whole-genome sequencing may improve species-level detection and clarify epidemiological patterns. Overall, L. ivanovii should be regarded as a specialised pathogen predominantly associated with ruminants and of veterinary relevance. Improved diagnostics and integration into existing surveillance frameworks could enhance our understanding of its true epidemiological role and prevent it from being endemic.
Immunosuppression remains a major constraint in intensive poultry production, compromising growth performance and increasing susceptibility to disease. This study investigated the comparative preventive and therapeutic efficacy of dietary Spirulina platensis and β-glucan in broiler chickens subjected to cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression. A total of 240 one-day-old Sasso broiler chicks were casually allotted into six experimental groups (n = 40/group; 4 replicates of 10 birds). Treatments included a control, a cyclophosphamide-treated group, and groups supplemented with Spirulina or β-glucan in either preventive or therapeutic regimens. Growth performance, lymphoid organ indices, hematological parameters, phagocytic activity, oxidative stress biomarkers, inflammatory gene expression, and histopathological alterations were evaluated on days 21 and 28. Cyclophosphamide administration significantly impaired growth performance, reduced lymphoid organ indices, suppressed leukocyte counts and phagocytic activity, and induced oxidative stress, as evidenced by augmented malondialdehyde levels and reduced glutathione content and catalase activity. These changes were accompanied by upregulation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and downregulation of interleukin-10 (IL-10) expression in lymphoid tissues. Dietary supplementation with Spirulina or β-glucan significantly ameliorated these adverse effects, restoring growth performance, enhancing immune function, improving antioxidant status, and modulating inflammatory responses. Histopathological examination confirmed marked recovery of lymphoid tissue architecture, with more pronounced improvements observed under preventive supplementation.In conclusion, Spirulina platensis and β-glucan effectively mitigate cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression in broiler chickens, with preventive administration providing superior protection. These findings support their application as functional feed additives to enhance immune competence and productivity in poultry production systems.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major bottleneck limiting the sustainable development of global animal husbandry. Avian colibacillosis, caused by Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC), incurs severe economic losses in the poultry industry due to its high pathogenicity, multidrug resistance, and potential zoonotic risk. This study aimed to clarify the material basis of the Ilex rotunda Thunb.-Cyperus rotundus L. herb pair and its preventive mechanisms against avian colibacillosis in chickens. Volatile oil from C. rotundus and water-soluble components of the herb pair were co-extracted via steam distillation combined with water extraction, and compounds were identified using GC-TQMS and UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS. An avian colibacillosis model was established with the multidrug-resistant APEC strain E-37 (ST350), and eight experimental groups were set to evaluate the extract's effects on chick growth performance, immune function, antioxidant capacity, hepatic injury, bacteremia, and intestinal microbiota. Results showed that 93 bioactive compounds were identified in the herb pair extract (CIRC), with cyperotundone, α-cyperone, caffeic acid, and oleanolic acid as core components. Prophylactic administration of CIRC significantly reduced chick mortality (30%∼45% vs. 60% in the model group), regulated immune organ indices (decreased spleen index, increased thymus and bursa of Fabricius indices), inhibited pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α), upregulated the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, and elevated serum IgM/IgY levels. Additionally, CIRC decreased serum malondialdehyde (MDA) content, restored antioxidant enzyme activities, downregulated hepatic transaminase levels, alleviated liver damage, reduced blood bacterial load (3.75×10² vs. 2.82×10³ CFU/mL), lowered lipopolysaccharide (LPS) bioactivity and procalcitonin (PCT) levels, increased the abundance of probiotics (Firmicutes, Bacteroides), reduced pathogenic bacteria (Escherichia-Shigella), and restored intestinal microbiota diversity. This study confirms that CIRC prevents avian colibacillosis through immune regulation, antioxidation, bacteremia inhibition, and intestinal microbiota remodeling, providing experimental evidence for developing green veterinary drugs as antibiotic alternatives.
To provide an overview of contemporary perianesthetic management practices for brachycephalic dogs and to identify areas in which research may improve patient safety and outcomes. We developed an online survey that was made available from December 8, 2025, through January 4, 2026, that included questions regarding respondent and patient demographics, perianesthetic management practices, and perianesthetic complications in brachycephalic dogs. The survey was distributed to licensed veterinarians and veterinary technicians across the US. Response frequencies were summarized for each survey item, and generalized structural equation models were used to evaluate associations between responses and prespecified predictor variables. Response variables were grouped into domains, including previsit management, premedication practices, induction and intraoperative management, recovery and discharge practices, and medications administered during recovery. The survey was distributed to 32,626 veterinary professionals, yielding 1,386 responses (4.3%). Most respondents (937 of 1,386 [67.6%]) practiced within general small-animal practice, with elective neuter procedures being the most common reason for anesthesia in these dogs. A high degree of variability was observed in perianesthetic monitoring and pharmacologic protocols utilized. Responses varied based on years of practice experience and whether the respondent was a general practitioner or specialist. Perianesthetic management of brachycephalic dogs differs substantially between general practitioners and specialists and across experience levels, with the widest gaps in previsit medications, monitoring, and recovery practices. Substantial variability in previsit medications, antiemetic and prokinetic use, monitoring, preoxygenation, and recovery practices, influenced by practice type and clinical experience, underscores the need for standardized perianesthetic protocols for brachycephalic dogs.
Dog aggression toward humans represents a relevant public health issue. In Italy, small animal veterinarians are expected to contribute to the early identification of at-risk situations and to aggression prevention. This study aimed to assess, through a nationwide survey, veterinarians' perception of this role, regulatory awareness, and clinical practices related to dog aggression prevention in Italy. A cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2025 and February 2026 using an anonymous online questionnaire disseminated through provincial veterinary boards to private veterinarians working in small animal practice. A total of 1088 valid responses were analyzed using descriptive, inferential, and multivariable analyses. Almost all respondents reported frequent encounters with aggressive behavior, with more than 60% managing at least five aggressive dogs per year. Although 80% recognized an active preventive role for veterinarians, only 55% were aware of the current Ministerial Ordinance and 19% had ever submitted a report to public veterinary services. Specific training in behavioral medicine was independently associated with greater regulatory awareness and reporting behavior. Strong support also emerged for mandatory owner training and early behavioral assessment. A substantial gap persists between the preventive role assigned to veterinarians and the practical implementation of preventive tools. These findings support the need for strengthened behavioral medicine training and improved integration between private practitioners and public veterinary services.
As the threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) escalates globally, the influence of indiscriminate antimicrobial use (AMU) in livestock cannot be overlooked. Antimicrobial use practices are continually explored in larger food-producing animals; however, small ruminants (sheep and goats) receive comparatively less research attention. Our study addresses this gap by investigating small ruminant production practices in Nigeria and exploring how they affect the use of antimicrobials and alternatives. We adopted a mixed-methods study design. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to 785 farmers. Following this, a focus group discussion (FGD) was conducted with 23 small ruminant industry stakeholders, which included farmers, para-veterinarians, and butchers. Participants were split into three round tables, with 7-8 participants per table. Of questionnaire respondents, 68% of farmers never vaccinated their flock against peste de petits ruminants (PPR) nor contagious caprine pleuropneumonia virus. Several health problems were regularly experienced by animals, including PPR, mastitis, and dermatophilosis. Diseases were mostly self-managed with antibiotics and herbs (> 70%) rather than through reliance on veterinary care (< 15%). More farmers (48%) used antibiotics than herbal remedies (14%) over the previous three months. Farmers' use of herbs was affected by their having low awareness of available options and how to use them appropriately. Perceived effectiveness also influenced farmers' choice between antibiotics and herbs, while economic considerations also led them to sell off sick animals before or during treatment. Among farmers who used animal health services, more farmers (59%) consulted unlicensed para-veterinarians and drugstore vendors rather than licensed government and private veterinarians (36%), a disparity attributed to the unavailability of qualified veterinary doctors. Most farmers had poor knowledge (62%), attitudes (47%), and practices (43%) towards AMU and AMR. We recommend conducting further studies to identify and investigate the efficacy of currently used herbs in treating common diseases. There is a crucial need to improve farmers' access to vaccines, veterinary care, and laboratory diagnostics. Barriers that hinder better compliance with regulations that govern the use of non-prescribed antimicrobials should be explored. Awareness programmes could be conducted to improve farmers' awareness of AMR and appropriate disease preventive practices.
This paper presents a stakeholder engagement process conducted as part of a larger research project to develop a new framework to support the adoption of preventive medicine practices on ruminant farms. Stakeholder engagement enhances research relevance by aligning it with the needs of end users. While common in human healthcare, it is less prevalent in veterinary medicine. Stakeholders engaged in this work included future end users-veterinarians and livestock farmers. A combination of approaches was utilised, including in-person and online group discussions and individual conversations. Stakeholder contributions significantly shaped the research-both the content and structure of the framework, as well as the methods used to develop it. Their involvement improved the framework's practical relevance and usability, increasing the likelihood of future adoption. The findings demonstrate that stakeholder engagement is not only valuable but also feasible within veterinary research settings.
Myiasis caused by Cochliomyia hominivorax larvae is a reemerging challenge in the Americas due to the recent reappearance of this species in areas where it had been eradicated and reports of doramectin inefficacy, despite its recognition as the most effective avermectin for prevention in cattle. As an alternative, 5% fluralaner administered via pour-on has shown 100% efficacy in the treatment and prevention of myiasis. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of three antiparasitic treatments, namely 1% doramectin administered subcutaneously, 5% fluralaner pour-on, and 1% fluralaner administered orally, in preventing umbilical myiasis caused by C. hominivorax in newborn calves. The study was conducted on a commercial beef cow-calf farm in Brazil. On day 0, during umbilical care, 200 newborn calves were randomly allocated to 4 groups: negative untreated control; 1% doramectin subcutaneously (200 µg/kg); 5% fluralaner pour-on (2.5 mg/kg); and 1% fluralaner orally (0.5 mg/kg, experimental formulation). All umbilical stumps were disinfected with 10% iodine tincture (10-30 s) without larvicidal compounds. Umbilical sites were evaluated on days 3, 7, and 14 for the presence of C. hominivorax larvae and lesion scores (0-3). The results showed marked differences among treatments in the prevention of umbilical myiasis. In the control group, myiasis occurrence was 26% (95% CI 15-39%), confirming the high field risk of the disease. Treatment with 1% doramectin did not reduce (P = 0.8153) myiasis occurrence (22%; 95% CI 12.7-35.2%), showing a relative risk reduction of only 15.4%. Pour-on 5% fluralaner reduced myiasis occurrence to 4% (95% CI 1.1-13.4%), corresponding to a preventive efficacy of 84.6%. Despite proven 100% fluralaner efficacy, maternal licking may have contributed to the removal of the pour-on product in newborn calves, potentially reducing skin residues and being associated with the occurrence of umbilical myiasis. Orally administered 1% fluralaner showed 100% preventive efficacy. Umbilical lesion scores corroborated these findings, with a predominance of score 0 in fluralaner-treated groups. Doramectin was ineffective in preventing umbilical myiasis in newborn calves, whereas orally administered fluralaner showed 100% preventive efficacy. Pour-on fluralaner did not achieve complete preventive efficacy, possibly due to maternal licking at the product application site in calves.
Brucellosis is a neglected but significant zoonotic disease that poses serious public health and economic challenges, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) related to brucellosis among high-risk occupational groups in Bangladesh, including dairy workers, livestock handlers and butchers. A cross-sectional study was conducted through face-to-face interviews using a structured, closed-ended questionnaire. A total of 435 participants from five districts were randomly selected. The questionnaire covered socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of brucellosis, attitudes towards the disease and preventive practices. Descriptive statistics, univariable and multivariable logistic regression and correlation analyses were performed. Overall, 186 (43%) of participants demonstrated good knowledge about brucellosis. The majority of respondents (96%) exhibited a positive attitude towards the disease, and 59% reported correct practices at their workplaces. Notably, 52.9% of participants were aware of brucellosis transmission routes, and 90.6% reported proper disposal of aborted animal materials. Dairy workers were significantly more knowledgeable (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.00; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.11-3.63; p = 0.021) and demonstrated better practices (AOR = 4.69, CI: 2.30-9.88, p < 0.001) compared to butchers. Participants who had received training were significantly more likely to have good knowledge (AOR: 2.01; 95% CI: 1.12-3.61; p = 0.019) and to practice correct behaviours (AOR: 4.42; 95% CI: 2.11-8.83; p < 0.001) than those without training. A statistically significant, very weak positive correlation was observed between knowledge and practice scores. This study highlights considerable gaps in knowledge and preventive practices among high-risk occupational groups in Bangladesh. Targeted educational interventions and comprehensive control programmes are urgently needed, especially for livestock handlers, butchers and individuals with lower educational levels, to reduce the risk of animal-to-human transmission and control the spread of brucellosis in the country.
Getah virus (GETV) is a mosquito-borne zoonotic arbovirus, and clinical infections in animals have been reported with increasing frequency in recent years, posing a potential threat to animal health and public health. In this study, a Getah virus strain, designated GETV-HN2024, was isolated from a spleen sample collected from an aborted fetus in a swine herd in Anhui Province. Phylogenetic trees based on the complete genome and the E2 gene revealed that HN2024 belongs to GETV genotype GIII and is relatively distant from the original Malaysian prototype strain (MM2021), while exhibiting higher genetic homology with porcine-derived GETV strains. Amino acid sequence analysis of the E2 coding region further demonstrated that HN2024 shared 96.9% to 99.8% amino acid identity with reference strains deposited in GenBank. Using the field isolate, rabbit polyclonal antibodies targeting the GETV E1 protein were generated. Simultaneously, the full-length viral genome was cloned into the pBluescript SK(+) vector downstream of the T7 promoter, leading to the successful rescue of the recombinant virus rHN2024. The results showed that the rescued virus exhibited biological characteristics similar to those of the parental strain and maintained good genetic stability. In conclusion, we isolated a contemporary GETV strain, constructed a full-length infectious cDNA clone, and successfully rescued the recombinant GETV. This infectious clone provides a practical reverse genetics platform that will facilitate detailed studies on the virulence determinants, pathogenic mechanisms of GETV, as well as the development of novel vaccines and control strategies in veterinary preventive medicine.
Bacteria and viruses engage in complex synergistic and antagonistic interactions with profound implications for host health, particularly through functional modulation by intestinal and other mucosal (e.g., skin, gill) microbiota. In teleost models, intestinal microbiota demonstrates dual regulatory capacities-either potentiating or suppressing viral infections. However, the mechanistic underpinnings of these interactions remain inadequately explored in aquatic species. This review systematically delineates the dual regulatory pathways (facilitative vs. inhibitory) through which the gut microbiota modulates viral infections in fish. Based on these mechanisms, we propose a novel microbiota-gut-immunity axis framework-defined as the bidirectional communication network linking gut microbial communities, intestinal barrier function, and host systemic immunity-for the development of integrated antiviral interventions. Furthermore, we critically evaluate emerging strategies-including probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, synbiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), microalgae, seaweed, and phytoactive compounds-to develop preventive and therapeutic countermeasures. Based on mechanistic insights, probiotics and prebiotics emerge as the most promising candidates for large-scale application, as they directly reshape gut microbial composition and enhance host immunity along the microbiota-gut-immunity axis. In contrast, FMT and herbal medicines, while acting on multiple nodes of the axis, currently face safety and standardization challenges, positioning them as adjunctive therapies. Importantly, these mechanistic insights reveal evolutionarily conserved immune pathways with significant translational potential for human virology.
Global pork production has increased substantially over the past few decades, making swine a critical source of animal protein. However, endemic diseases in pigs continue to pose significant challenges to animal health, productivity, and food security. Several etiologies affect farm-level performance and have broader implications for zoonotic risks and public health. Many diagnostic cases are submitted to veterinary diagnostic laboratories, and their aggregation can yield insights into etiological activity. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a composite etiology index using confirmed tissue diagnosis data from the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (ISU-VDL) to assess endemic etiology activity across the United States. A total of 59,950 porcine tissue cases from 2020 to 2024 were analyzed, focusing on 81 etiologies of bacterial, viral, parasitic, and metabolic/intoxication origin. Four normalized variables: disease occurrence, codiagnosis, state occurrence, and Early Aberration Reporting System (EARS) alarms were integrated using the CompidexR package to generate a weighted index ranging from 0.01 to 1. Temporal consistency was evaluated using the Manhattan distance, Spearman's correlation, and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Also, a bootstrap resampling method was developed to detect anomalies in the distribution of etiologies. The index demonstrated strong year-over-year stability, with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and Streptococcus suis consistently receiving yearly highest scores. Reemerging viruses like porcine sapovirus (PSaV) and astrovirus (AsV) showed notable increases in index values, reflecting rising diagnostic activity and geographic spread. Bootstrap analysis showed that over 55% of etiologies fell within expected confidence intervals (CIs) and had low root mean square errors (RMSEs), detecting anomalies such as PCV2 occurrences in 2024. The index summaries were visualized through an interactive Power BI dashboard, enabling dynamic exploration of etiology trends. This framework offers a scalable, reproducible tool for monitoring endemic swine diseases using routine diagnostic data. The ability to generate information on endemic etiology rankings can support decision-makers with evidence-based disease management and control. The developed model has flexibility and can be adapted to other species and disease systems. The index provided a robust foundation for enhancing surveillance of endemic pathogens in swine populations.
This study provides the first comprehensive PPP model for livestock disease surveillance in Korea. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks have increased globally, placing growing pressure on veterinary services. In the Republic of Korea, the proportion of unfilled public veterinary positions rose from 29.5% in 2019-41.4% in 2023. This study proposes a public-private partnership (PPP) framework for HPAI surveillance using the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) PPP framework. We analyzed international PPP models from Australia's Emergency Animal Disease Response Agreement, Japan's focus-area system, and the European Union's SIGMA project. We also evaluated a 2024 pilot project conducted by three private testing facilities across four provinces and covering 267 farms, using WOAH's 44 evaluation criteria. The international comparison showed diverse PPP approaches emphasizing government-industry cost sharing, inter-ministerial coordination, and automated reporting systems. The Korean pilot project revealed major challenges, including farmer non-cooperation, regulatory constraints, and limited private facility capacity. Gap analysis identified major deficiencies in the legal framework, resource allocation, and information sharing domains. Based on these findings, we propose a phased Korean PPP model with clearly defined roles: MAFRA for policy coordination, APQA for technical support and confirmatory testing, provincial laboratories for supervision, and private facilities for M-gene screening. Successful implementation will require clear legal authority, sustainable funding, quality assurance through ISO 17025 certification, and improved information sharing via the Korea Animal Health Integrated System (KAHIS). This study provides the first comprehensive PPP model for livestock disease surveillance in Korea.
Cryptosporidium spp. is a major opportunistic pathogens in HIV/AIDS patients, contributing substantially to morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite advances in HIV/AIDS management, the global burden, genetic diversity, and risk factors of cryptosporidiosis in this high-risk group remain incompletely understood. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of cross-sectional and case-control studies published between January 1, 2017, and June 10, 2025, in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Literature searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science, supplemented by Google Scholar. Eligible studies reported the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. in HIV/AIDS patients, with or without comparison groups, using microscopy, serology, or molecular methods. Data extraction was performed independently by two reviewers, and study quality was assessed using the JBI checklist. Random-effects models were applied in Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software, with subgroup analyses and meta-regression conducted to explore prevalence and heterogeneity. A total of 89 studies were included. The pooled prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. among HIV/AIDS patients was 9.5% (95% CI: 7.6-11.8). Based on 17 case-control studies, HIV-positive individuals had a significantly higher risk of infection compared to HIV-negative controls (OR: 3.5, 95% CI: 2.1-5.9). Subgroup analyses revealed higher pooled prevalence in smaller studies, medium-HDI and lower-middle-income countries, and African and Central American settings. Pooled prevalence did not differ significantly across diagnostic methods. Among HIV/AIDS patients positive for Cryptosporidium spp., 39.8% were aged ≤ 30 years and 64.7% were > 30 years. Females represented 54.5% of positives, slightly higher than males at 45.8%. Most infected patients had CD4 counts ≤ 200 cells/μL (62.5%), compared to 43.2% with counts > 200. Diarrhea was present in 78.4% of positive cases, versus 43.8% among those without infection. Meta-regression confirmed a significant inverse association between sample size and prevalence (β = -0.0019, p = 0.003). Molecular data identified diverse species and subtypes, with C. hominis and C. parvum predominating but zoonotic species such as C. meleagridis, C. felis, C. viatorum, C. canis, C. suis, C. andersoni, and C. cuniculus also reported. Sensitivity analyses showed no single study significantly influenced the pooled prevalence. Funnel plot asymmetry and Egger's test indicated publication bias. This updated synthesis demonstrates that cryptosporidiosis remains a substantial health burden in HIV/AIDS patients, with notable genetic diversity reflecting both anthroponotic and zoonotic transmission routes. The strong association with immunosuppression, as evidenced by low CD4 counts and diarrheal symptoms, underscores its clinical relevance. These findings highlight the urgent need for improved surveillance, molecular epidemiology, and preventive interventions to mitigate the impact of Cryptosporidium spp. in vulnerable populations.
Rabies remains a critical global health concern, particularly in endemic regions where timely access to postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) is often limited. The effectiveness of PEP relies heavily on rabies immune globulin (RIG), yet plasma-derived products continue to face persistent issues of limited supply, variable potency, and high cost. These constraints have intensified the demand for recombinant monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that provide consistent quality and scalable production. Here, we describe the development of a fully human mAb, H81L90, directed against the rabies virus glycoprotein (RABV-G). The antibody was isolated from a phage-display library constructed using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from vaccinated donors. H81L90 exhibited strong, specific binding to native RABV-G with nanomolar affinity as determined by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis. In cell-based neutralization assays, H81L90 efficiently blocked infection by the ERA-enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) strain, achieving complete viral inhibition at low microgram concentrations. Protective efficacy was subsequently evaluated in a murine challenge model, where a single intramuscular injection of H81L90 conferred full survival when administered before or at the time of viral exposure and retained measurable activity at reduced doses postexposure. Histopathological assessment revealed substantially lower viral antigen in hippocampal tissue from treated animals, indicating suppression of early neuroinvasion. Collectively, these data establish H81L90 as a potent, fully human antibody with both preventive and postexposure prophylactic potential, supporting its continued development as a next-generation biologic to complement or replace current RIG formulations in rabies PEP.
Porcine parvovirus (PPV) is a major pathogen causing reproductive disorders in sows and remains widely prevalent worldwide. In recent years, PPV has undergone rapid mutations and frequently co-infects with other pathogens, making vaccination the most effective preventive measure. Our previous study showed that co-expression of the chaperone protein Tf16 and VP2 in prokaryotic cells could produce highly immunogenic PPV virus-like particles (VLPs). However, whether these VLP vaccines can induce durable immune memory through sustained antibody recall responses has not been fully elucidated. In this study, mice were immunized with VLPs formulated with ISA 201 VG adjuvant, and the responses of follicular helper T cells (Tfh) and germinal center B cells (GC B cells) were analyzed. The results demonstrated that recombinant VLPs significantly enhanced Tfh and GC B cell responses after the third immunization compared to a commercial inactivated vaccine. More importantly, PPV VLPs effectively induced the generation of specific long-lived plasma cells (LLPCs) and memory B cells (MBCs). These findings enhance our understanding of PPV VLP immunogenicity and may inform the design of more efficacious PPV vaccines.
Malaria remains a major public health burden in Southeast Asia, where elimination depends on consistent community-level use of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) and residual spraying, despite limited regional evidence on ITN utilization. To address this gap, a systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to assess ITN utilization in Southeast Asia. A comprehensive search was performed across PubMed, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect, followed by PRISMA guidelines. Of 450 records screened, 28 studies published between 2003 and 2023 met the inclusion criteria for qualitative synthesis, with 20 included in quantitative analyses, comprising 14,556 households and 122,258 individuals. Meta-analysis results indicated a consistent disparity between insecticide-treated net ownership or access and their actual use across different population groups. Substantial heterogeneity was observed across studies, reflecting pronounced variability between settings. The risk factor meta-analysis indicated that geographic region was the strongest determinant of ITN non-use, with higher odds in coastal areas than in delta regions (pooled OR = 4.73, 95% CI: 1.59-14.06), followed by socioeconomic status, with higher non-use in the poorest than in the richest (pooled OR = 1.70, 95% CI: 1.01-2.86). These findings highlight the predominance of contextual and structural determinants, particularly geographic settings and socioeconomic status, over demographic factors alone. Effective malaria prevention requires area-specific risk assessment that accounts for spatial and population-level heterogeneity to optimize the coverage and impact of preventive interventions. Toward elimination of malaria in Southeast Asia, targeted efforts to improve consistent ITN utilization remain essential, and these findings can guide population-specific control strategies and evidence-based policy decisions.
Streptococcal diseases critically harm the health and productivity of animals as well as humans, and are generally considered an obstacle in the development of the breeding industry. However, there is little data on Streptococcus bovis in different seasons in different regions of Tibet. In this study, a total of 964 yak serum samples from three different cities in the Tibet Autonomous Region, comprising 326 samples from Lhasa city, 522 samples from Naqu City, and 116 samples from Xigatse city, were collected randomly. An enzyme-linked S. bovis ELISA kit (YJ233340) was used for detection. An overall seroprevalence of 1.87% was revealed in Tibet during 2021-2024, in which the seroprevalence of Lhasa city was 3.99%, followed by Naqu City (0.96%), and Xigatse City (0%). Seroprevalence was more frequent in the spring season (6.42%) and in 2024 (11.36%). The results of this study serve as a reference for the development of sustainable policies regarding the cattle raising industry and the preventive measures for S. bovis in the Tibet Autonomous Region.
mRNA vaccines have revolutionized development and continue to advance through clinical and research applications. Circular RNA is emerging as a promising alternative to linear RNA. However, no direct comparison has identified the optimal RNA platform for mRNA-based drug development. This study compares linear and circular RNA platforms in vitro and in vivo, focusing on expression dynamics, immune responses, and safety. In terms of expression efficiency, the circular RNA showed prolonged expression compared to linear RNA. The immunogenicity was evaluated using influenza HA as an antigen. In humoral immune response, linear RNA with modified nucleosides (Lin-m1Ψ) and circular RNA with unmodified nucleosides (Circ-WT) showed higher neutralizing antibody titers than linear RNA with unmodified nucleosides (Lin-WT). Lin-m1Ψ and Lin-WT induced slightly higher cell-mediated immune responses than Circ-WT. In mice, all RNA types showed a decrease in reticulocytes, monocytes, and alkaline phosphatase on day 2 following high-dose intramuscular injection. Furthermore, Lin-WT and Circ-WT showed greater decreases in platelets than Lin-m1Ψ. However, these changes recovered to normal by day 14 post-vaccination in all groups. These findings provide insights into developing RNA-based immunotherapies and selecting suitable RNA platforms for various applications, including preventive and therapeutic vaccines as well as protein-replacement therapies.
Leptospirosis is a neglected zoonosis with significant impact on public and veterinary health, with equines acting as potential maintenance hosts of infection. This study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of Leptospira in Lavradeiro horses under semi-feral conditions in Indigenous communities in the state of Roraima, Brazil. A total of 387 serum samples were subjected to the microscopic agglutination test (MAT), using antigens of Leptospira spp. from 18 serogroups. The overall prevalence was 15.8% (95% CI: 12.3-19.8%), with the most frequent serogroups being Australis, Tarassovi, Autumnalis, and Pomona. Seropositivity was higher among adult animals (17.6%) than foals (9.8%), although not statistically significant. Between sexes, there was no significant difference in positive females (16.8%) and males (14.7%). Horses that lived in areas that were likely to flood had a higher seroprevalence (23.6%). Titers of 800 or higher were found in 23 animals, most of which were from the municipality of Pacaraima. The Australis serogroup was the most common in this group. This study reports the first evidence of Leptospira exposure in Lavradeiro horses, with higher seroprevalence in flood-prone areas and reactivity to uncommon serovars. Our findings highlight pathogen circulation in equine under semi-feral conditions and the need for integrated surveillance and conservation of the Lavradeiro horse in the Northern Brazilian Amazon.