Search Results (502)

Gastrointestinal (GI) parasitic infections are still a major concern for cattle health and productivity in tropical and subtropical regions. However, epidemiological data on GI parasitism in cattle from western Thailand remain limited, particularly in border areas with frequent animal movement. This study focuses on establishing the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitic infections and identifies its related risk factors among the cattle in Kanchanaburi province, western Thailand. Cross-sectional study was performed from December 2022 to January 2023 involving 153 cattle from the following three study populations: local cattle from Thong Pha Phum district, Sangkhlaburi district, and cross-border cattle imported from Myanmar. Fecal samples were examined using both simple flotation and formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation techniques, and data on animal and management factors were collected through questionnaire surveys. Overall, 35.9% (55/153) of the cattle had at least one GI parasite species positive. Six parasite taxa were identified, with Strongyle-type nematodes being the most frequently detected (26.1%), followed by other helminth parasites. The prevalence of infection and parasite diversity increased progressively in cattle populations located closer to the Thai–Myanmar border, suggesting that this region may represent a potential hotspot for GI parasite transmission. From a One Health perspective, these findings highlight the potential for some helminths to circulate across animal, human, and environmental interfaces. The presence of 1.3% for both Capillaria spp., Trichuris spp. and 0.7% of Fasciola spp. suggests possible zoonotic transmission pathways, particularly via the fecal-oral route. Although 93.5% of cattle had reportedly received anthelmintic treatment, no apparent protective effect was observed. These findings highlight that the Thai–Myanmar border acts as a hotspot for parasite transmission and the need for improved parasite control strategies in this region, alongside integrated One Health surveillance linking animal, human, and environmental health in this cross-border region. Full article

Nano- (NPs, <1 µm) and microplastics (MPs, 1 µm–5 mm) are ubiquitous contaminants whose toxicity to invertebrates carries implications at the individual scale and (although not yet quantitatively validated) at the population scale. This semi-systematic narrative review organizes available evidence within an adverse outcome pathway (AOP) framework, linking primary molecular initiating events (MIEs) to adverse outcomes while flagging evidence strength at each step. It involves a structured synthesis that applies selected PRISMA 2020 transparency principles, namely disclosed databases, a priori eligibility criteria, and explicit harvest and de-duplication counts, but does not attempt the exhaustive paired screening, formal risk-of-bias scoring, or quantitative meta-analysis of a full systematic review; this design was chosen because the marked heterogeneity of particle physicochemistry, exposure regimes, and endpoint metrics across the available literature makes pooled statistical synthesis premature. Evidence is appraised across Daphnia, Artemia, Chironomus, Caenorhabditis elegans, Eisenia, marine mollusks, and crustaceans. Polymer chemistry, size, surface charge, weathering, biofilm formation, additives, and adsorbed co-contaminants shape uptake and downstream toxicity. Reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial dysfunction, lysosomal destabilization, and ER stress recur as coupled key events downstream of four MIEs (direct membrane interaction, protein corona formation, surface-catalyzed redox chemistry, and Trojan horse delivery). Multi-omics datasets converge on dysregulated stress, repair, apoptotic, immune, and inflammatory programs; epigenetic marks are increasingly considered as substrates for persistent and potentially heritable toxicity, although stable transgenerational transmission remains poorly demonstrated. The review delivers (i) an AOP map with evidence-strength annotations (strong, moderate, emerging), (ii) a structured cross-study synthesis comparing NP and MP effect profiles, and (iii) a critical layer that reinterprets biphasic and apparently contradictory data as mechanistically informative once particle physicochemistry and tissue context are resolved. Progress will depend on standardized characterization, environmentally realistic mixtures, and AOP-anchored designs that distinguish experimentally demonstrated mechanisms from inferred mechanisms and theoretical extrapolations. Full article

In 2025, a severe mass mortality outbreak struck captive Geochelone sulcata at a zoo in Guangdong Province, China. To trace the causative agent, identify the viral strain and characterize associated pathological lesions, respiratory tract samples collected from diseased tortoises were subjected to a combined technical workflow. Metagenomic high-throughput sequencing was first applied to screen for potential pathogens, followed by virus isolation via cell culture. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observe viral morphology. The major capsid protein (MCP) gene was amplified by PCR for molecular identification, and whole-genome sequencing together with phylogenetic analysis was performed to clarify the genetic features of the isolate. The results verified that ranavirus was the primary pathogen responsible for the mortality. Pathological examination demonstrated acute necrosis, hemorrhage and inflammatory infiltration in multiple organs including the liver, spleen, lung, and pancreas. TEM observation revealed typical iridovirus-like particles with an average diameter of approximately 70 nm. Molecular and genomic analyses confirmed the pathogen as Tiger Frog Virus (TFV) of the genus Ranavirus, designated TFV-CN2025, which shared 99.8% nucleotide sequence homology with known TFV reference strains. To our knowledge, this is the first report of lethal TFV infection in G. sulcata, which provides detailed pathological evidence for this cross-species transmission event from amphibian hosts to terrestrial chelonians. Our findings indicate that TFV poses considerable risks to the tortoise breeding industry and ecological security in China. We therefore suggest incorporating TFV detection into routine quarantine and disease surveillance programs for captive tortoises. Full article

Rotaviruses (RVs) are important pathogens which induce gastroenteritis in different kinds of animals, including mammals and birds. Rotaviruses are divided into nine species (RVA-RVD and RVF-RVJ), and RVA-RVC and RVH can infect both humans and pigs. It is vital to understand the genetic diversity and evolution of porcine rotavirus (PoRV) for effective prevention and control of this disease. In this study, 5320 intestinal tissue samples and fecal swabs were collected from different pig farms in Guangxi Province, southern China, from 2022 to 2025. These samples were tested for PoRV species A (PoRVA), PoRVB, PoRVC, and PoRVH using the multiplex RT-qPCR. The positive samples of PoRVA were further selected to amplify and analyze the VP4, VP6, and VP7 gene sequences. The phylogenetic trees were constructed based on the PoRVA VP4, VP6, and VP7 gene sequences. Bayesian time-dynamic analysis and recombination analysis were performed for the PoRVA VP4 gene. The results indicated that the PoRVA, PoRVB, PoRVC, and PoRVH positivity rates were 16.92% (900/5320), 0.51% (27/5320), 12.71% (676/5320), and 6.22% (331/5320), respectively. Fifty-two VP4, VP6, and VP7 gene sequences were obtained from the 52 selected PoRVA-positive clinical samples. The nucleotide and amino acid identity analysis of the obtained PoRVA VP4, VP6, and VP7 genes indicated that the genetic diversity of the VP4 gene was higher than that of the VP6 and VP7 genes. The phylogenetic trees based on the VP4, VP6, and VP7 genes revealed that the predominant strains of PoRVA in Guangxi Province were the G9P[13]I5 genotype. Bayesian analysis indicated that the population size of PoRVA kept steady with no significant expansion from its discovery in the 1970s to approximately 2016, then exhibited gradual growth. Sequence analysis of the PoRVA VP4 gene revealed substitutions and recombination in the PoRVA strains, and one strain was derived from recombination of a porcine-originating strain and a human-originating strain. This study provided useful information on the molecular characteristics and genetic diversity of PoRVA and supplied important clues for in-depth research on the cross-species transmission of PoRVA. Full article

The emergence of swine acute diarrhea syndrome coronavirus (SADS-CoV), an alpha-coronavirus that causes fatal enteric disease in neonatal piglets with mortality rates up to 90%, demonstrates that bat-origin coronavirus has expanded its host range to pigs. Although SADS-CoV exhibits significant pandemic potential and capacity for cross-species transmission, the replication mechanisms of SADS-CoV remain largely unexplored. Identifying host factors responsible for SADS-CoV replication and elucidating its underlying mechanisms is essential for advancing fundamental knowledge of coronavirus biology and developing antiviral therapies. Here, we identified PABPC1 as a novel interactor of the SADS-CoV nucleocapsid (N) protein. Overexpression of PABPC1 restricted SADS-CoV infection, whereas knockdown of PABPC1 enhanced viral replication. Further study indicated PABPC1 as a host restriction factor of SADS-CoV in a manner dependent on its PABC domain. Mechanistically, PABPC1 enhances the ubiquitination of the N protein, therefore facilitating its recognition by the cargo receptor TOLLIP for selective autophagic degradation. This study systematically analyzes the interaction of host factors and the SADS-CoV N protein and identifies PABPC1 as a host restriction factor that limits viral replication via TOLLIP-mediated selective autophagy degradation of the N protein. These findings expand our knowledge of the SADS-CoV replication mechanism and provide additional antiviral strategies for controlling SADS-CoV. Full article

Q fever, caused by Coxiella burnetii, remains an important zoonotic disease with significant implications for animal health, livestock production, and public health. Epidemiological data regarding the circulation of C. burnetii in Romania remain limited, particularly in the western region of the country. This study aimed to assess the observed seropositivity and geographic distribution of anti-C. burnetii antibodies among sampled small ruminants from Western Romania. A cross-sectional sero-epidemiological survey was conducted using 546 serum samples collected from sheep (n = 451) and goats (n = 95) originating from five counties (Timiș, Arad, Bihor, Caraș-Severin, and Hunedoara). Sera were tested for IgG antibodies against C. burnetii using a commercial indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Overall, 87 animals were seropositive, corresponding to an observed seropositivity of 15.9% (87/546). Species-specific seropositivity was significantly higher in goats (25.3%) than in sheep (14.0%) (p = 0.006). Seropositive animals were detected in all surveyed counties, with prevalence ranging from 5.1% in Arad County to 21.3% in Timiș County. Significant geographic variation in seroprevalence was also observed among the investigated counties (p = 0.040). These findings indicate widespread serological evidence of exposure to Coxiella burnetii among the sampled small-ruminant population in Western Romania and reveal heterogeneous exposure patterns associated with both host species and geographic location. Continued surveillance integrating serological and molecular approaches is warranted to better characterize the epidemiology and transmission dynamics of C. burnetii within a One Health framework. Full article

Emerging viral variants can affect both commercial insect production and wild insect populations, highlighting the need to identify molecular features associated with viral host range. TdNV-Korea, isolated from the Korean rhinoceros beetle Allomyrina dichotoma (syn. Trypoxylus dichotomus), represents a Korean isolate within the Oryctes rhinoceros nudivirus (OrNV) lineage associated with infection of a non-Oryctes scarab host. To define candidate features associated with host-range variation, we compared the sequence and predicted structural properties of viral entry factors across OrNV-related isolates using sequence analysis, structural modeling, and electrostatic surface analysis. The major capsid protein VP39 was highly conserved and served as a comparative baseline, whereas the per os infectivity factors GP106 and GP126 showed greater divergence despite their expected constraints during oral entry. GP106 retained an invariant chitin-binding domain, with substitutions restricted to a peripheral C-terminal region, whereas GP126 concentrated most substitutions within a predicted disordered interdomain segment associated with a localized electrostatic shift on a candidate host-interaction surface. Because functional assays were not performed, these findings should be interpreted as a hypothesis-generating model in which two entry factors follow contrasting modes of sequence change. GP126, and secondarily, the GP106 C-terminal region are prioritized for future experimental validation of nudivirus host-range determinants. Full article

Background: Malaria remains a major public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, where asymptomatic infections continue to hinder elimination efforts. Although the clinical and epidemiological consequences of microscopic infections are well documented, the health implications of submicroscopic Plasmodium falciparum infections remain poorly understood, particularly in Ghana. This study assessed the burden of submicroscopic P. falciparum infections and their association with antimalarial drug resistance markers among outpatients attending Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 345 participants was conducted. Malaria infection was assessed using mRDT, blood smear microscopy, and LAMP-PCR for parasite detection and species identification. Antimalarial drug resistance markers were analyzed by multiplex PCR and Oxford Nanopore sequencing. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA version 14, applying Pearson’s chi-square test and logistic regression. Results: The overall prevalence of asymptomatic P. falciparum infection was 35.0% (117/334), with 18.9% microscopic and 16.1% submicroscopic infections. The wild-type pfcrt K76 allele, associated with chloroquine susceptibility, was highly prevalent (90.1%). Conclusions: Asymptomatic P. falciparum infections are common in this population, with a substantial proportion occurring at submicroscopic levels. The high prevalence of chloroquine-susceptible parasites and identified transmission hotspots underscore the need for sensitive diagnostics and targeted interventions to support malaria elimination efforts in Ghana. Full article

Feline and canine coronaviruses (FCoVs and CCoVs) are widely prevalent in companion animals. The recent emergence of a highly virulent FCoV-CCoV recombinant virus, FCoV-23, caused a rapid feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) outbreak in Cyprus, which raises a serious concern about the cross-species transmission of CoVs among companion animals. Here, we evaluated the prevalence, transmission and evolution of FCoV and CCoV in the Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces of China in 2025. A universal RT-qPCR assay for FCoV and CCoV was established and used for the detection of 700 clinical samples, including 501 from cats and 199 from dogs. A total of 92 samples (13.14%, 92/700) were detected as positive, containing 79 positive samples (15.76%, 79/501) from cats and 13 positive samples (6.5%, 13/199) from dogs. Ten complete S genes and two complete genomes were obtained from positive samples. Fragment comparison and phylogenetic analysis identified one CCoV-I sequence from a feline sample and one FCoV-II sequence from a canine sample. Furthermore, recombination analyses not only detected intra-species recombination events but also inter-species cross-over events. Collectively, this study, for the first time, revealed that cross-species transmission and recombination events occurred between FCoV and CCoV among companion animals in the Jiangsu–Zhejiang region of China in 2025. Full article

The northeastern region of China is characterized by complex ecosystems, including forests and wetlands, and borders North Korea, Russia, and Mongolia. It serves not only as a natural reservoir for various microorganisms but also as a critical geographical and ecological hub for cross-border exchanges in Northeast Asia. Based on metagenomics and meta-transcriptomics investigations, this study systematically reviews the current research status of novel pathogens in the northeastern border region of China. It systematically organizes the newly discovered species, their classifications, and geographical distributions, with a focus on analyzing novel viruses that have potential pathogenicity to humans. The novel viruses identified in the northeastern border region belong to 11 viral families, including 9 from the Nairoviridae, 4 from the Rhabdoviridae, 3 each from the Astroviridae, Picornaviridae, and Parvoviridae, and 1–2 from other viral families, indicating a broad diversity of newly discovered viruses. These novel viruses are found in a wide range of hosts, including humans, ticks, minks, Marmota sibirica, and Myodes rufocanus, underscoring the significant public health risks these viruses pose. Geographically, the novel viruses discovered in the northeastern border region show a clustering pattern, with new species primarily concentrated in areas bordering Russia and North Korea. This highlights the unique role of the region as a hotspot for cross-border pathogen transmission and risk. The findings provide a systematic scientific reference for understanding the spectrum of unknown novel pathogens and their geographical distribution in the northeastern border region, assessing the risk of emerging infectious diseases, and optimizing active surveillance systems. Full article

Mpox is a zoonotic infectious disease caused by the species Orthopoxvirus monkeypox (MPV), which is becoming an increasing public health concern. While human-to-human transmission of the virus is well established, the role of domestic animals in MPV infection remains poorly understood. Investigating how the virus is transmitted among humans, dogs, and cats can improve our understanding of the disease’s pathogenesis and help develop strategies to limit its dissemination during future outbreaks. In this study samples were collected from four domestic animals (three dogs and one cat) in May 2023. These animals lived in a household where a human mpox case had been confirmed by PCR in March 2023, approximately 2 months before animal sampling. A plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) using vaccinia virus was performed to detect anti-orthopoxvirus (OPV) neutralizing antibodies (nAbs). Our data demonstrated that anti-OPV nAbs were present in samples obtained from three dogs and one cat with neutralization titers ranging from 1:5 to 1:20. These results indicate that the domestic animals were exposed to OPVs after contact with an individual with confirmed mpox, suggesting possible human-to-animal transmission within a household. Nevertheless, due to the cross-reactive immune response among OPVs, and the endemic circulation of vaccinia virus in Brazil, it is not possible to determine the specific viral species based solely on PRNT results. Therefore, these serological findings should be interpreted as evidence of OPV’s exposure rather than confirmed MPV infection. Full article

The effect of reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization on the structure, morphology, and thermal degradation behavior of polypropylene glycol maleate–acrylic acid copolymers (p-PGM:AA) was investigated using 2-cyano-2-propyl dodecyl trithiocarbonate (CPDT) as the RAFT agent. Copolymers synthesized at different CPDT concentrations were characterized by ¹H/¹³C NMR spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis coupled with mass spectrometry (TG–MS), isoconversional kinetic methods, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. ¹H NMR spectroscopy revealed a progressive decrease in the relative intensity of vinyl proton signals with increasing CPDT concentration, indicating enhanced conversion of unsaturated fragments during copolymerization. Alkaline hydrolysis followed by ¹H NMR and GPC analysis of the degradation products confirmed cleavage of polyester segments and yielded low-molecular-weight fragments with M_n = 1370 g mol⁻¹ and narrow dispersity (Đ = 1.035), providing additional information on the architecture of the vinyl-polymerized segments. Increasing CPDT concentration resulted in lower molecular weights and narrower molecular weight distributions of the soluble copolymer fractions. TEM analysis demonstrated broader domain size distributions and increased morphological heterogeneity in RAFT-modified samples, accompanied by an increase in swelling degree. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that RAFT-modified systems undergo multi-stage thermal degradation with the appearance of an additional low-temperature stage associated with thermolabile fragments. TG–MS revealed earlier evolution of CO₂ and oxygen-containing species and changes in the distribution of volatile products. DFT calculations indicated a decrease in the HOMO–LUMO energy gap and suggested the participation of RAFT-derived fragments in the energetic characteristics of decarboxylation processes. Isoconversional and nonlinear kinetic analyses demonstrated increased kinetic heterogeneity for branched copolymer s synthesized at elevated CPDT concentrations, whereas cross-linked systems exhibited more uniform degradation behavior. The combined experimental and theoretical results demonstrate that RAFT polymerization provides an effective route for tuning the macromolecular architecture, morphology, and thermal degradation pathways of p-PGM:AA copolymers. Full article

The emergence and global dissemination of pandrug-resistant (PDR) Acinetobacter baumannii represents a critical public health crisis. This One Health study provides comprehensive surveillance and molecular characterization of carbapenem-resistant, extensively drug-resistant (XDR), and PDR A. baumannii isolates isolated from hospitalized patients and diseased chickens/environment in Egypt. We investigated cross-species clinical and pathological impacts, characterized resistance genes, and analyzed potential transmission links. Of 145 samples, 48 A. baumannii isolates were identified. Resistance profiling revealed an alarming prevalence, with PDR (56.3%) being the dominant phenotype, followed by XDR (43.7%), all exhibiting high multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) indices (≥0.67). Chickens and humans infected with PDR A. baumannii suffered from increased neutrophilia, anemia, elevated inflammatory markers (CRP and procalcitonin), renal and liver impairment, and upregulation of MMP-9 and IL-8 response genes. Molecular analysis showed that all PDR isolates co-harbored multiple carbapenemase genes, including Class D beta-lactamases (bla_OXA-23 (most prevalent), bla_OXA-48, bla_OXA-58, bla_OXA-24) and Class B metallo-beta lactamase (bla_VIM, bla_IMP, bla_NDM). A substantial proportion also carried bla_KPC (44.4%) and the carO gene (81.48%). Genotyping using ERIC PCR and Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST) identified a high diversity (23 ERIC types, DI = 0.986). Significantly, two ERIC types (ET19 and ET20) contained isolates from both human and chicken sources. MLST confirmed this interspecies correlation, with isolates from both hosts clustering into Sequence Types (STs) ST1410 and ST1828. These findings confirm the rapid and alarming spread of highly virulent, multi-carbapenemase-producing PDR A. baumannii strains across the human–animal interface in Egypt. The detection of shared STs between clinical and poultry isolates underscores a potential zoonotic or environmental transmission route, necessitating integrated One Health surveillance and urgent infection control interventions. Full article

Background/Objectives: Emerging viral zoonoses represent a growing threat to global public health, with most newly emerging infectious diseases originating from animal reservoirs. Recent outbreaks of monkeypox, Ebola virus disease, Marburg virus disease, Rift Valley fever, and avian influenza highlight the capacity of zoonotic viruses to cross species barriers, spread internationally, and generate substantial health, social, and economic consequences. This review examines the ecological, epidemiological, and biological determinants of viral zoonotic emergence and transmission, with particular emphasis on vaccination and outbreak prevention strategies. Methods: A structured narrative review was conducted using a predefined literature search strategy across major scientific databases. Peer-reviewed epidemiological, clinical, and public health publications published between January 2000 and February 2026 were screened and selected according to predefined relevance criteria. Results: The emergence of viral zoonoses is driven by complex interactions among animal reservoirs, environmental and climatic changes, human behavior, and viral adaptation. Although transmission pathways and clinical outcomes differ among pathogens, common determinants of spillover and outbreak amplification were identified. Current evidence supports the importance of integrated surveillance, genomic monitoring, vaccination strategies, and community engagement as key components of preparedness and response. Emerging preventive approaches targeting pathogen transmission, including transmission-blocking strategies and vector-associated microbiota interventions, may provide additional opportunities for disease control. Conclusions: Strengthening preparedness for emerging viral zoonoses requires coordinated One Health approaches integrating human, animal, and environmental health. Future priorities include the development of next-generation vaccines, expansion of digital and genomic surveillance systems, improved equitable access to vaccines, and innovative interventions aimed at reducing zoonotic spillover and interrupting pathogen transmission. Full article

Dairy cows are economically significant ruminants in China, and the dairy industry is closely linked to food safety and the agricultural economy. However, various factors such as pathogenic microorganisms often lead to frequent diseases in dairy cows. Furthermore, as potential hosts for diverse viruses, dairy cows can harbor zoonotic pathogens, which pose a threat to public health. The Shaanxi–Gansu–Ningxia region boasts abundant natural resources and extensive pastures. It is a major animal husbandry base in Northwest China, and dairy farming plays a significant role in the local economy. However, research on dairy cow virus diversity in this region remains limited; epidemic prevention and control capabilities are constrained, and the risk of disease outbreaks is elevated. In this study, 790 dairy cow samples were collected from 13 large-scale farms and free-range households in the Shaanxi–Gansu–Ningxia region from 2021 to 2023. Sample types consisted of nasal and anal swabs. Six viral metagenomic libraries were constructed and analyzed using high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics methods, leading to the identification of 51 viral families. These comprised 16 positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus families, one Retroviridae family, four double-stranded RNA virus families, 21 double-stranded DNA virus families, and nine single-stranded DNA virus families. Among these, RNA viruses were represented by families such as Astroviridae, Coronaviridae, Caliciviridae, Picornaviridae, and Picobirnaviridae; DNA viruses were primarily detected in Circoviridae, Papillomaviridae, Genomoviridae, and Smacoviridae. Alpha diversity analysis revealed no significant differences in viral diversity and abundance among the three regions (p > 0.05); however, significant differences were observed in the read counts and proportions of RNA and DNA viruses across the provinces. Phylogenetic analysis further indicated that viruses carried by dairy cows exhibit considerable genetic diversity and pose potential cross-species transmission risks. This study established a reference database for the dairy cow virome in the Shaanxi–Gansu–Ningxia region, elucidated the phylogenetic relationships of key viruses, and provided a scientific basis for future monitoring and prevention of dairy cow viruses. Full article