Search Results (1,768)

Background: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an increasingly recognized cause of acute viral hepatitis in Thailand as the burden of hepatitis A, B, and C has declined. HEV is a positive-sense RNA virus in the family Hepeviridae with three major open reading frames encoding replication proteins (ORF1), the capsid protein (ORF2), and an accessory protein involved in viral egress (ORF3). Unlike highly endemic regions where genotypes 1 and 2 are linked to waterborne outbreaks, infections in Thailand are reported mainly as sporadic cases associated with zoonotic transmission, most commonly genotype 3. Objectives: This review summarizes the epidemiology, transmission routes, and public health implications of HEV infection in Thailand. Methods: Peer-reviewed studies on HEV seroprevalence, molecular epidemiology, and transmission in Thailand were identified through PubMed using combinations of the keywords “HEV” and “Thailand”. Two investigators independently screened titles, abstracts, and full texts. Eligible studies were synthesized qualitatively. Results: Earlier studies suggested low population exposure, but more recent evidence indicates substantial cumulative risk. A nationwide survey among blood donors reported anti-HEV IgG seroprevalence of about 30%, with geographic variation and increasing prevalence with age. Detection of HEV RNA in pigs, slaughterhouse environments, and retail pork products, together with links to raw or undercooked pork consumption, supports pigs as the principal reservoir and foodborne exposure as an important route. Transfusion-associated infection has also been documented. Conclusions: In Thailand, HEV infection is linked mainly to zoonotic and foodborne transmission involving genotype 3. Stronger surveillance, food safety measures, and risk-based blood safety policies are needed. Full article

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has driven the global COVID-19 pandemic, imposing a tremendous burden on public health. As the virus continually evolves through rapid mutations, the pandemic has transitioned into a prolonged endemic phase. Despite the development of novel drugs and vaccines, clinical outcomes remain suboptimal for vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those with comorbidities or compromised immunity. Tea polyphenols, a class of structurally diverse and bioactive nutraceuticals, may modulate viral entry, replication, and host inflammatory pathways implicated in disease progression through pleiotropic effects on viral attachment, membrane fusion, intracellular replication, and proteolytic processing. Here, we provide an updated chemo-biological perspective on the antiviral and immunomodulatory mechanisms of tea polyphenols against SARS-CoV-2. Current evidence highlights their potential to serve as promising candidates for further mechanistic and translational investigation as adjunctive strategies and nutraceuticals for COVID-19 management. Importantly, no large-scale randomized controlled trials have yet demonstrated clinical benefit of tea polyphenols in COVID-19. Full article

Measles remains a significant public health threat despite widespread vaccination, with recent resurgences driven by vaccine hesitancy and coverage gaps. Existing mathematical models often fail to capture the substantial temporal heterogeneity in incubation periods, vaccine-induced protection, and recovery processes that characterize measles transmission. We develop and analyze an SVEIR epidemic model incorporating four independent distributed time delays with exponential survival factors, capturing the realistic variability in these epidemiological processes. The model features compartment-specific mortality rates, disease-induced mortality, and imperfect vaccination with failure probability $\theta$. Using next-generation matrix methods adapted for delay kernels, we derive the delay-dependent reproduction number ${\mathcal{R}}_0^d$ and prove, via systematic construction of Volterra-type Lyapunov functionals, that it constitutes a sharp threshold: the disease-free equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable when ${\mathcal{R}}_0^d\le 1$, while a unique endemic equilibrium emerges and is globally stable when ${\mathcal{R}}_0^d>1$. Normalized forward sensitivity analysis reveals that the transmission rate $\beta$ and recruitment rate $\Lambda$ exhibit maximal positive elasticity, while the vaccination rate p, vaccine failure probability $\theta$, and incubation delay ${\tau }_3$ possess the largest negative elasticities. Critically, ${\tau }_3$ exerts exponential influence via $e^{-n_3{\tau }_3}$, making interventions that delay infectiousness—such as post-exposure prophylaxis—unusually potent. We derive an explicit expression for the critical delay ${\tau }_3^{\mathrm{cr}}$ at which ${\mathcal{R}}_0^d=1$, demonstrating that prolonging the effective incubation period sufficiently can shift the system from endemic persistence to extinction. Numerical simulations using Dirac delta kernels confirm all theoretical predictions. These findings provide three actionable insights for public health: (1) maintaining high vaccination coverage among new birth cohorts remains paramount; (2) improving vaccine quality (reducing $\theta$) yields substantial returns; and (3) the incubation delay represents a quantifiable, measurable target for evaluating the population-level impact of time-sensitive interventions. The framework is broadly applicable to infectious diseases characterized by significant temporal heterogeneity. Full article

Background: The species richness and endemism of the species of the tribes Astragaleae, Crotalarieae, Genisteae, Indigofereae, and Loteae in northeastern Mexico are poorly documented and the systematics of these groups in the study area have not been updated according to the new taxonomic modifications proposed by the LPWG. Objective: Our objective is to update the taxonomy and to document the richness and endemism of legumes of the tribes Astragaleae, Crotalarieae, Genisteae, Indigoferae, and Loteae distributed in northeastern Mexico. Methods: This work is based primarily on fieldwork conducted by some of the authors over the past 40 years, and on the review of botanical specimens held in national and international herbaria. Results: Five tribes, eight genera, and 60 species of legumes were recorded and distributed as follows: Astragaleae, one genus (Astragalus), 29 species, and eight infraspecific categories; Crotalarieae, one genus (Crotalaria), 10 species, and three infraspecific categories; Genisteae, two genera (Lupinus and Spartium) and 11 species; Indigofereae, one genus (Indigofera), six species; Loteae, three genera (Acmispon, Coronilla, and Hosackia), and four species. Four introduced species were recorded: Coronilla varia, Crotalaria retusa var. retusa, Indigofera subulata var. scabra, and Spartium junceum, all of them with few records in the wild or cultivated as ornamentals, with no reports of weedy behavior or threats of population expansion. Twenty-nine species and two infraspecific categories are endemic to Mexico, of which 18 are exclusive to the northeastern region. Half and one-third of the recorded species are endemic to Mexico and northeastern Mexico, respectively, demonstrating their uniqueness and importance for conservation purposes. Astragalus and Lupinus constitute up to 95% of the endemic species for the northeastern part of the country. The taxa richness of legumes in NE Mexico is unique, because almost half of them are endemic to the country and a third are endemic to this region, which requires the creation of appropriate measures for the conservation of the specific ecosystems where these species grow. Full article

Ips typographus is one of the most destructive bark beetles affecting conifer forests in Europe, where climatic disturbances and the movement of infested wood can rapidly shift populations from endemic levels to severe outbreaks. Early detection through border inspections and forest monitoring is essential to prevent new introductions and limit the spread of established populations. Here, we developed and validated a probe-based TaqMan qPCR assay, targeting the mitochondrial COI barcode region, for the rapid and species-specific detection of I. typographus from both insect material and environmental DNA recovered from frass and exit-hole wood chips. Validation followed EPPO PM7/98(5) guidelines, assessing analytical specificity, sensitivity, repeatability, reproducibility, and inter-laboratory transferability. High analytical specificity was demonstrated against a broad panel of non-target species, and reliable amplification was obtained across different tested matrices. The method showed strong analytical sensitivity, with limits of detection of 0.32 pg/µL for adult-derived DNA and 1.6 pg/µL for artificial frass. Repeatability, reproducibility, and inter-laboratory blind testing further confirmed the diagnostic reliability of the method. This validated qPCR assay provides a rapid and sensitive molecular tool for the early detection of I. typographus, supporting border inspection and phytosanitary diagnostic laboratories in forest biosecurity activities. Full article

African swine fever (ASF) has become one of the most significant transboundary animal diseases affecting countries worldwide. Wild boars play a major role in virus persistence and in local spread through geographical contiguity, while long-distance and transboundary dissemination is more commonly associated with human-mediated activities, particularly the movement of contaminated pork products and materials. Hunting is frequently considered a central tool for disease control; however, its epidemiological impact remains debated. This review comparatively analyses the approaches adopted by countries of European continent affected by ASF, paying particular attention to the role of hunting within integrated management strategies. The review examines country-specific control measures, including surveillance systems, carcass search and removal, fencing, zoning, and population reduction policies. The analysis shows that successful eradication was associated with early detection, temporary suspension of hunting in infected core areas, rapid spatial containment through fencing, and intensive passive surveillance based on systematic carcass removal. Hunting was reintroduced only after containment, as a regulated depopulation tool under strict biosecurity supervision. In contrast, where the virus was already widespread at detection and containment measures were delayed or fragmented, intensified hunting alone did not prevent endemic persistence. These findings indicate that hunting is neither inherently protective nor detrimental; rather, its effectiveness depends on timing, coordination, and integration within a structured epidemiological framework. Effective control requires combining wildlife management with surveillance, biosecurity, and clear governance. Full article

The Numidian cypress (Cupressus sempervirens var. numidica, C. numidica hereafter) is a rare, almost unknown, endemic taxon of Tunisia whose conservation has long been hampered by human activities, taxonomic uncertainty and limited ecological knowledge, with only 64.33 ha of its populations remaining. Although recent genetic studies have confirmed its native status and long-term isolation, detailed information on its distribution, population structure and threats remain lacking. This study provides the first comprehensive assessment of C. numidica across its remaining range. Field surveys revealed that the species persists in only three small, fragmented forests, Bou Abdallah, Sidi Amer, and Dir Satour, covering a total of 64.33 ha. Soil analysis revealed some differences among sites, with Bou Abdallah showing higher clay content and Dir Satou exhibiting the highest levels of nitrogen, organic carbon, Olsen P, and available Mn and Mo. Climatic analyses indicate a semi-arid Mediterranean environment with pronounced summer droughts and a clear warming trend. Trees showed widespread damages, due to intensive grazing, tree cutting, crown dieback (drought), and pest and pathogen attacks. Natural regeneration was limited, and the condition of affected trees ranged from moderate to severe, with Bou Abdallah showing the highest levels of degradation. Notably, the severe fungal pathogen Seiridium cardinale, causal agent of cypress canker, was detected on C. numidica for the first time, highlighting an urgent conservation concern. Our results point to a staged conservation approach over time. In the immediate term (within 1 year), urgent monitoring and management of S. cardinale is needed. In the short term, efforts should focus on protecting carefully selected areas, about 5–10 regeneration microsites per forest, from grazing to support natural regeneration, reduce ongoing soil degradation, and establish clonal and seed-production plantations along with long-term seed storage. In the long term, the survival of C. numidica will only be possible with the active involvement of local communities, through awareness campaigns, adapting traditional practices such as gdel, and developing small-scale ecotourism that provides sustainable livelihoods while reinforcing support for conservation. Full article

Ammopiptanthus nanus (Fabaceae) is a Class II nationally protected endangered evergreen shrub in China and is endemic to the arid regions of Central Asia. To assess how contrasting ex situ management histories are associated with sequence-variant retention at an ecologically relevant gene, we analyzed a 594 bp coding fragment of the antifreeze protein gene (AnAFP) in one wild population and two ex situ collections maintained under active versus passive management contexts. Only two variable sites were detected across 75 individuals, both represented by single-base indels near the 5′ end of the coding region. The wild population contained both rare variants, the actively managed ex situ collection retained one of them at low frequency, and the passively maintained collection was monomorphic across the analyzed fragment. Rarefaction analysis indicated that the absence of variation in the passive collection is unlikely to be explained by sample-size disparity alone at this targeted locus. Because only one locus was analyzed, these results are interpreted as locus-specific patterns rather than evidence of genome-wide diversity change. Nevertheless, the observed pattern is consistent with reduced retention of rare sequence variants in the passive ex situ collection and with the possibility that a narrow founder base, together with the absence of subsequent genetic supplementation, contributed to this outcome. These results support the view that ex situ conservation of A. nanus may benefit from maximizing founder representation, maintaining sufficiently large managed collections, and combining neutral marker approaches with targeted monitoring of ecologically relevant loci. Targeted loci such as AnAFP should, however, be regarded as complementary indicators rather than stand-alone proxies for broader genetic diversity or adaptive potential. Full article

Yellow fever remains a major public health threat in endemic and re-emerging regions of Africa and South America, with recent outbreaks highlighting persistent gaps in prevention and surveillance. Pregnant women represent a particularly vulnerable population, yet the epidemiology, clinical impact, and preventive strategies for yellow fever in pregnancy are insufficiently characterized. Physiological and immunological changes during gestation may influence host responses to infection; however, current evidence does not demonstrate increased susceptibility to or severity of yellow fever during pregnancy. Adverse materno-fetal outcomes, including miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm birth, and, in rare cases, perinatal transmission, have been reported but remain poorly characterized. Diagnostic challenges, overlapping clinical presentations with other arboviral and hepatic diseases, and limited access to specialized care further complicate clinical management in many endemic settings. This perspective provides a comprehensive overview of yellow fever in pregnancy during the 2024–2026 outbreak in the Americas, including a risk-stratification framework for prevention. We summarize current evidence on epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and supportive care, and examine prevention strategies with particular emphasis on vaccination. Accumulated observational evidence and substantial real-world experience have not demonstrated an increased risk of serious adverse events and generally support the effectiveness of yellow fever vaccination during pregnancy when administered with appropriate clinical judgment. In high-risk settings, the benefits of maternal immunization clearly outweigh theoretical concerns, supporting a flexible, risk-based approach, despite relatively limited evidence. We also discuss national and international policies, post-pregnancy booster recommendations, and the importance of integrating vaccination assessment into antenatal care. Finally, we highlight critical knowledge gaps and research priorities, including the need for prospective registries and strengthened pharmacovigilance. Coordinated clinical and public health strategies are essential to protect maternal and neonatal health and to reduce the burden of yellow fever in endemic and re-emerging settings. Full article

This study develops an integrated mathematical model to investigate the interaction between tuberculosis (TB) transmission and childhood stunting, which is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3). The population is structured into two age groups (0–5 years and ≥5 years), with stunting explicitly incorporated into the pediatric population to capture its potential influence on TB dynamics. The model is formulated as a system of ordinary differential equations and analyzed using equilibrium and stability analysis, with the basic reproduction number, $R_0$. The disease-free equilibrium is locally asymptotically stable when $R_0<1$, while an endemic equilibrium exists when $R_0>1$. Sensitivity analysis indicates that the transmission rate ($\beta$), progression rate from latent to active infection ($\sigma$), and recovery rate ($\gamma$) are the most influential parameters affecting $R_0$. These parameters are therefore selected as control variables in an optimal control framework to design effective intervention strategies. Numerical simulations show that the combined control strategy significantly reduces TB transmission, resulting in a reduction of more than $80\%$ in active TB cases within a relatively short intervention period. The results suggest that integrated interventions targeting transmission, disease progression, and recovery are substantially more effective than single-measure strategies. This study provides a quantitative framework to support integrated public health policies addressing TB and childhood stunting simultaneously. Full article

Hopea celebica Burck is an endangered dipterocarp endemic to Sulawesi, Indonesia, occurring in two ecologically contrasting habitats: karst and ultrabasic forests. These environments differ markedly in soil composition and topography, potentially driving ecological specialization and genetic divergence. To investigate the genetic variation and genetic structure of this species, we applied newly developed microsatellite (SSR) markers, together with the chloroplast DNA sequences of the trnL–trnF region. Genotypes at 15 SSR loci were determined for 255 individuals collected from six populations covering the range of the species’ distribution across karst and ultrabasic forests. Genetic diversity was consistently higher in karst than in ultrabasic populations. DIYABC and VarEff analyses revealed a historical bottleneck and earlier recovery in the karst populations. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed that 35% of the genetic variation was partitioned between habitat types (F_RT = 0.345, p = 0.001). Bayesian clustering (STRUCTURE), principal coordinate analysis (PCoA), and UPGMA dendrograms consistently showed two distinctive clusters corresponding to habitat type. Chloroplast haplotypes differed between populations in the karst and ultrabasic forests. These results suggest that populations in the karst and ultrabasic forests have undergone a long history of differentiation without migration. The strong habitat-related genetic structure likely reflects ecological isolation and early-stage speciation. We recommend treating the karst and ultrabasic populations as distinct conservation units to preserve the evolutionary potential and adaptive capacity of H. celebica under ongoing environmental change. Full article

The continuous and rapid spread of African swine fever (ASF) still poses a significant threat to Eurasian wild boar and domestic pigs, leading to substantial economic losses in all associated sectors annually. In Europe, including Germany, affected wild boar populations have become an important driver and host of ASF virus (ASFV), and monitoring and surveillance is key to tailor control measures that impede viral spread. While molecular methods are used to confirm the disease and to monitor viral evolution, serology gains importance in endemically affected regions as it provides insights into disease dynamics and possible attenuation of ASFV strains. Frontline serological diagnosis is done using ELISA assays, of which several are commercialized. However, accurate performance of ELISA assays is key for correct interpretation of wild boar samples. Due to the various stages of hemolysis and decay, field samples from wild boar can be challenging for ELISA assays. To assess which indirect or competitive ELISA kit performs best when dealing with such samples, we compared the sensitivity and specificity of four commercially available ELISA kits that are licensed in Germany, as well as three unlicensed but commercially available kits. For this comparison, we used all wild boar samples submitted to the National Reference Laboratory (NRL) for ASF in years 2021 and 2022, as well as samples from domestic pigs to have a control cohort where sample quality is optimal. We observed that wild boar samples, varying in stage of hemolysis and decay, were challenging for all kits included in this study. However, samples of domestic pigs were largely interpreted correctly by ELISA, using immunoperoxidase test as verification method. Additionally, the comparability of results obtained by regional laboratories was high. Our study provides data that highlights the importance of careful kit selection, assessment of sample quality, and data interpretation for effective ASFV surveillance and control. Full article

The Qinghai–Tibet Plateau and surrounding mountain regions form one of the world’s most distinctive freshwater environmental gradients. Schizothoracinae are among the most representative endemic fish lineages in these systems and provide a useful model for studying how drainage history, genome evolution, adaptation, and conservation interact. In this review, we synthesize schizothoracine research within an environment–evolution–conservation framework. We examine how drainage history and connectivity shape divergence and gene exchange, how polyploidy and genome remodeling provide the genomic background for adaptive inference, and how phenotypic and population-genomic evidence can be translated into conservation units and management priorities. Across current studies, cold-associated metabolic remodeling and UV-related DNA damage response and repair emerge as the most recurrent molecular themes, whereas hypoxia-related signals are more context-dependent. We further show that morphology, otolith chemistry, age–growth traits, and population structure can strengthen MU/ESU interpretation when integrated with genomic evidence. Future progress will depend on broader chromosome-level genome coverage, more systematic comparison of structural genomic variation, standardized stressor-linked designs, and denser sampling in geomorphic transition zones and putative hybrid regions. Full article

Rana kukunoris is an amphibian species endemic to the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau and adapted to high-elevation environments. To clarify its genetic diversity and phylogeographic structure, mitochondrial cytochrome b (Cytb) sequences from multiple localities across the northeastern plateau were analyzed. The results indicate moderate haplotype diversity coupled with low nucleotide variation, suggesting a demographic history shaped by historical bottlenecks and limited expansion. Furthermore, population genetic analyses reveal restricted gene flow and notable genetic differentiation among geographically separated localities. Phylogenetic reconstruction supports the presence of two major lineages, corresponding to northern and southern groups divided by an elevational boundary at approximately 3200 m. Historical demographic inference further suggests regionally distinct population dynamics rather than a pronounced, synchronous expansion. Overall, these findings demonstrate that plateau topography and Quaternary climatic oscillations have played key roles in shaping the evolutionary history and current genetic structure of R. kukunoris. Full article

Background: Brucella canis is an emerging zoonotic pathogen responsible for canine reproductive disorders and public health concerns. This study assessed the seroprevalence of B. canis in dogs from Campania, Southern Italy (2022–2025). Methods: Serum samples (n = 400) were retrospectively screened using an indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFAT), performed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Screening was conducted at a 1:40 cut-off, followed by serial dilutions to determine endpoint titres. Statistical analysis included chi-square tests for univariable screening, followed by nominal logistic regression models to evaluate the association between IFAT positivity and predictive factors (year, province, and sex of dogs). Additionally, a general linear model (GLM) was applied to the seropositive subset (n = 69) to analyse the magnitude of the antibody response, expressed as geometric mean titres (GMTs). Results: The overall seroprevalence was 17.3% (95% CI: 13.6–21.0%). Dog’s sex, year of sampling, and province were not significant independent predictors of infection (p > 0.05), but GLM analysis showed that sampling year (p = 0.0024) and province (p = 0.0490) significantly influenced antibody intensity. A significant temporal increase in antibody intensity was observed towards 2025 (p = 0.037), suggesting an intensification of infection pressure. Conclusions: Our results confirm that Brucella canis is an endemic pathogen in the shelter dog population of southern Italy. The high seroprevalence and significant increase in antibody magnitude (GMT) over the study period indicate rising infection pressure, highlighting the urgent need for mandatory screening and a coordinated One Health surveillance strategy to manage zoonotic risk effectively. Full article