Search Results (1,438)

Background/Objectives: Bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) is a major infectious disease of cattle caused by bovine viral diarrhea virus genotypes 1 and 2 (BVDV-1 and BVDV-2). Current inactivated and live attenuated vaccines provide incomplete cross-genotype protection and may exhibit limitations related to durability of immunity or safety. This study evaluated whether co-expression of the BVDV envelope glycoproteins E1 and E2 in a Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA) vector could support antigen expression and induce immune responses in a proof-of-concept model. Methods: Recombinant Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA) viruses expressing BVDV-1 E1E2 or BVDV-2 E1E2 were generated by homologous recombination. Recombinant viruses were purified and characterized for antigen expression, genetic stability, and growth properties in vitro. Immunogenicity was evaluated in a BALB/c mouse model by measuring E2-specific antibody responses, virus-neutralizing antibodies, and antigen-responsive cellular immune responses. Results: Both recombinant MVA constructs showed detectable E2 expression when E1 and E2 were co-expressed, and exhibited growth characteristics comparable to parental MVA with stable maintenance after serial passage. In contrast, recombinant MVA expressing E2 alone did not yield detectable E2 protein under the same experimental conditions. Immunization induced detectable humoral and cellular immune responses, including E2-specific IgG antibodies, virus-neutralizing antibodies, and increased frequencies of antigen-responsive CD8⁺ T cells with a tendency toward a Th1-biased profile. Conclusions: These findings indicate that co-expression of BVDV E1 and E2 in an MVA vector can support detectable antigen expression and induce measurable immune responses in a mouse proof-of-concept model. Further studies in cattle, including challenge experiments, will be required to determine the protective efficacy and practical applicability of this platform for BVDV vaccine development. Full article

Virus-like particles (VLPs), nanoscale self-assembled structures lacking viral genetic material, have emerged as a versatile platform for vaccines, targeted delivery systems, and gene-editing applications owing to their strong immunogenicity, favorable biosafety profile, and high engineerability. However, the complex architecture of VLPs, their significant size heterogeneity, and the diversity of process- and product-related impurities generated in different expression systems make downstream purification a major bottleneck limiting product quality, yield, and manufacturability. This review systematically discusses advanced downstream purification strategies for VLPs from the perspective of three major objectives: preservation of structure and biological activity, control of product heterogeneity, and assurance of viral safety. First, strategies for maintaining VLP integrity and function are examined, including optimization of solution conditions, adoption of gentle yet efficient separation operations, and integration of process analytical technology (PAT) to reduce process-induced damage. Second, the review summarizes multi-step purification approaches—spanning clarification, ultrafiltration/diafiltration (UF/DF), chromatography, and disassembly/reassembly—to remove host cell proteins, host cell DNA, and product-related impurities while improving particle homogeneity and stability. Third, viral safety is discussed primarily from the perspective of downstream virus clearance under host-dependent risk, with particular attention to orthogonal clearance steps tailored to VLP properties and expression systems such as CHO cells and insect cell–baculovirus platforms. Overall, this review provides a CQA-oriented framework and practical guidance for the development of robust, scalable, and GMP-compliant downstream purification processes for VLP-based products. Full article

This paper presents a novel approach for the early detection of cattle diseases. We present a uniquely integrated image classification-based project for real-time cattle disease diagnosis that combines image classification models to identify diseases accurately; a seamless, user-friendly dashboard for real-time monitoring with data visualization and instant predictions; and a mobile application that acts as a data source. The mobile application enables real-time collection of farmer and cattle-related data, including age, number of cattle, vaccination cycles, cattle images, and location metadata. Our AI-based cattle health monitoring project enables the early, efficient, scalable, and timely detection of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) and Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in cattle with high accuracy. A dataset of approximately 1600 LSD/non-LSD images and 840 FMD images was used to train multiple classification networks such as EfficientNetB0, ResNet50, VGG16, EfficientNetV2B0, and EfficientNetV2S, along with a soft-voting ensemble at inference. The proposed framework achieved a maximum testing accuracy of 98.36% for LSD classification and 99.84% for FMD classification under internal validation. These results indicate strong disease recognition capability, with ensemble-based prediction improving robustness, particularly for FMD classification. The proposed system enables practical, early, efficient, and scalable applications of AI research to improve livestock health monitoring and support the early prevention of widespread disease outbreaks. Full article

Our community-based participatory research (CBPR) partnership convened an in-person, bilingual empowerment theory-based community forum to disseminate and translate findings from our trial of Nuestra Comunidad Saludable (Our Healthy Community), a multilevel intervention designed to improve uptake of COVID-19 testing and vaccination among Spanish-speaking Latine communities in North Carolina. The forum brought together community members, healthcare providers, organizational representatives, and academic researchers from across North Carolina. Drawing on findings from the intervention trial, participants engaged in facilitated, structured dialogue to identify community priorities and generate recommendations to advance health equity among Latine communities. Thirty-six participants identified eight priorities: (1) reducing health service gaps and inequities exposed by COVID-19; (2) expanding access to bilingual, culturally responsive mental health services; (3) improving understanding of HIV prevention and treatment; (4) strengthening services for children with disabilities; (5) protecting immigrant rights and ensuring safe access to services; (6) increasing political and social support for Latine health; (7) improving access to trusted, culturally responsive providers and community organizations; and (8) addressing social determinants of health, including employment, housing, and food security. The empowerment-based forum identified community priorities, challenges, and recommendations that can inform practice, intervention, policy, and research, and advance health equity for Spanish-speaking Latine communities. Full article

Glaesserella parasuis (formerly Haemophilus parasuis, HPS), Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (APP), Streptococcus suis (SS), and Pasteurella multocida (PM) are common bacterial pathogens associated with Porcine Respiratory Disease Complex (PRDC), a major cause of economic losses in the swine industry. To address this, a cross-sectional study was conducted across 27 large-scale swine farms in Xinjiang, China (October 2024–May 2025). A total of 1239 clinical samples were analyzed by species-specific PCR, and positive samples were further serotyped. Overall, SS and HPS were the predominant pathogens, with higher detection rates in winter and spring. Notably, SS and HPS were most frequent in nasal swabs, while APP and PM predominated in tissue samples. Furthermore, co-infections were common, with HPS + SS being the most prevalent. Serotyping revealed dominance of HPS serotype 12, APP serotype 12, SS serotype 3, and PM serotypes A and B (serotypes E and F not detected). In addition, SS was also detected in environmental samples and farm workers’ nasal swabs. These findings suggest that future prevention and control strategies should focus on developing multivalent vaccines targeting the predominant serotypes identified, implementing regular serotype surveillance to guide precision immunization protocols, and strengthening environmental disinfection and biosecurity practices to reduce co-infections and occupational exposure risks. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cycle threshold (Ct) values from SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR are widely reported in clinical practice, yet their interpretation in outpatient settings remains challenging due to substantial temporal and clinical variability. This study aimed to characterize day-by-day Ct distributions after symptom onset and to evaluate how symptom timing and fever severity inform diagnostic interpretation in primary care. Methods: We conducted a single-center retrospective study of 906 outpatients with COVID-19 who underwent saliva RT-PCR testing (January 2022–April 2023). Ct values were summarized according to days since symptom onset (Day 0–14). Peak self-reported temperature was categorized into 1 °C strata (36–40 °C), with temperature analyses restricted to patients tested on Day 0. Spearman’s correlation and multivariable linear regression with 95% confidence intervals were used to assess associations. Results: Ct values increased with longer intervals from symptom onset but demonstrated substantial variability within each day (Spearman’s ρ = 0.166, p < 0.001). On Day 0, higher temperature strata were associated with lower Ct values (p = 0.018). In multivariable analysis, days since onset, temperature category, sex, and age group were independently associated with Ct values, whereas vaccination doses and comorbidities were not. Conclusions: Incorporating symptom onset timing and fever severity may support more nuanced, context-based interpretation of Ct values in primary care, rather than reliance on isolated thresholds. Full article

Background: The Karamoja sub-region of Uganda addresses significant challenges in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WaSH), deeply linked to public and environmental health and regional development. Objectives: This study applied a Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) survey within a One Health framework to assess WaSH conditions, hygiene behaviour, livestock management, and disease prevention in the Moroto and Napak districts. Methods: A total of 195 respondents were surveyed, providing insights into socio-demographic factors, hygiene practices, livestock management, and disease prevention. Results: Findings highlighted gender disparities, with women less likely to achieve good knowledge compared to men (OR = 0.04; p = 0.002), probably reflecting limited access to information in traditionally male-focused community settings, and their greater involvement in water collection tasks. Age significantly influenced WaSH knowledge, with older individuals (aged ≥ 30 years) showing higher odds of good knowledge (OR = 20.39; 95% CI: 2.74–151.83; p = 0.003), probably due to their roles in knowledge transmission within the community. Proximity to water sources shaped behaviours, with greater distances associated with improved attitudes (OR = 3.56; p = 0.002) but reduced hygienic practices (OR = 0.20; p = 0.01). Livestock ownership, particularly of small ruminants, strongly correlates with good hygiene knowledge (OR = 16.89; p = 0.02), probably due to interactions with veterinarians and authorities during vaccination campaigns. Integrated communication strategies, including community meetings, home visits, and radio outreach, were strongly associated with improved practices (e.g., home visits: OR = 30.78; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Despite progress, challenges such as water scarcity, waste management, and gender disparities persist. Improving water infrastructure, promoting equitable access, and integrating tailored communication strategies are essential for fostering sustainable development, health equity, and the empowerment of women in Karamoja. Full article

Vaccine performance in livestock and poultry often varies under field conditions. Conventional explanations, such as handling errors, cold-chain failures, or antigen mismatch do not fully account for inconsistent immunogenicity and durability. Increasing evidence suggests that the gut microbiome acts as an upstream regulator of vaccine responses through microbial structural signals and metabolites that shape antigen presentation, B-cell metabolism, and inflammatory tone. Early life microbiome disruption can impair antibody responses to multiple vaccines, highlighting a plausible causal role for dysbiosis in suboptimal vaccine efficacy. Microbiota-derived metabolites, particularly short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), can influence B-cell differentiation and antibody production through metabolic and epigenetic pathways. However, these effects are dose- and context-dependent, highlighting the need for controlled translation rather than generalized assumptions that higher SCFA levels are beneficial. This review synthesizes microbiome–immunometabolism pathways relevant to vaccine responses in food animals and assesses practical nutritional and microbiome-targeted strategies, such as amino acids, trace minerals, organic acids, phytogenics, and postbiotics, that may modulate these pathways to improve outcomes. We also propose field-deployable biomarker panels that combine immune readouts with inflammation- and microbiome-linked metabolite proxies to stratify likely responders, monitor intervention effects, and improve trial comparability. Finally, we outline translational study designs that connect microbiome shifts to protective immune endpoints and performance outcomes, enabling evidence-based integration of microbiome-informed strategies into vaccination programs for poultry, with broader conceptual relevance to other food animals. Full article

Background: Pertussis and influenza immunization during pregnancy protects both mother and infant through transplacental transfer of antibodies. However, global vaccination coverage among pregnant women remains suboptimal. Aim: This systematic review aimed to assess influenza and pertussis vaccination coverage during pregnancy and identify determinants influencing vaccine uptake. Methods: A systematic search of MEDLINE, SCOPUS, and grey literature was conducted for studies published between 2000 and 2023. Studies reporting actual vaccination rates for influenza and/or pertussis among pregnant women were included, while those assessing only willingness were excluded. Studies on H1N1 pandemic vaccination in pregnant women were excluded to avoid bias, as awareness levels during the pandemic differed from routine influenza vaccination. Determinants of vaccine acceptance were recorded. Study quality was evaluated using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Results: Of 3251 identified records, 78 studies on influenza (N₁ = 287,124 participants) and 51 on pertussis (N₂ = 172,801) met inclusion criteria after removing overlapping populations. Most influenza studies (55/78) reported vaccination coverage below 50%. A key determinant of influenza vaccination uptake was physician recommendation, while maternal attitudes, parity, and previous influenza vaccination also had a significant impact. For pertussis, vaccination coverage was primarily driven by physician recommendation, with parity and maternal perceptions of vaccine safety and effectiveness further influencing uptake. Regarding quality assessment, 52.5% of influenza studies and 37.5% of pertussis studies scored above 6 on the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Conclusions: Maternal vaccination coverage for influenza and pertussis remains inadequate worldwide and is shaped by national strategies, healthcare provider practices, and maternal perceptions. Addressing vaccine hesitancy and improving awareness are essential to increase uptake. Full article

For vaccine-preventable diseases, vaccination uptake is among the best public health behaviors to prevent infection, disease and death. However, public confidence in this behavior has waned in recent years alongside the twin respiratory threats of influenza and COVID-19. Moreover, certain populations, such as emerging adults, may be amenable to vaccination attitude and behavior change as they navigate their path between adolescence and adulthood. The current investigation presents two studies that address influenza and COVID-19 vaccination uptake among emerging adults. First, among more than 2000 emerging adults during the years of 2022–2024, we examined rates of vaccination uptake and attitudes, as well as relationships of vaccine rates with other concomitant health behaviors. Second, we explored the efficacy of a classroom-based vaccination promotion experience in altering both attitudes and behaviors regarding vaccination uptake among 275 emerging adults at college. Results highlighted some health behaviors that are related to influenza uptake but not COVID-19 uptake. Moreover, results from Study 2 demonstrated that attitudes, but not behavior, seem to be most amenable to the classroom-based approach to encourage health behavior change, as a significant increase in positive attitudes toward both influenza and COVID-19 vaccines was observed. These findings are discussed further, considering theoretical and practical applications. Full article

Background: Childhood vaccination remains the cornerstone of public health strategies, substantially reducing global morbidity and mortality, yet suboptimal uptake persists in many settings. In South Africa, the challenge is evident, with persistent outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases. Addressing localised immunisation shortfalls requires elucidating the complex interplay of factors beyond conventional access barriers. This qualitative study provides context-specific insights into the behavioural and social drivers influencing childhood vaccination uptake among caregivers in Cape Town, South Africa. Methods: Utilising an exploratory qualitative research design, thematic analysis was applied to interview data (n = 25 caregivers) collected via a purposive sampling strategy designed to capture maximum variation in experiences within targeted low-uptake subdistricts. Interpretation of the data was systematically guided by the World Health Organization’s Behavioural and Social Drivers (BeSD) framework. The latter consists of four domains, namely, “Thinking and Feeling”, “Social Processes”, “Motivation”, and “Practical Factors”. Findings: Analysis across BeSD domains reflected a pattern of the intention–behaviour gap, where caregivers are motivated for vaccination but face structural and practical barriers affecting timely uptake. In the Thinking and Feeling domain, widespread conviction regarding the vital benefits of vaccination co-existed with significant anxiety concerning minor side effects (e.g., pain and fever), which sometimes precipitated missed subsequent appointments. Caregivers frequently accept immunisation as a social routine despite having limited knowledge of the diseases it prevents. Social Processes demonstrated that while decision-making authority rested primarily with mothers, compliance relied on the delegation of logistical responsibilities to extended family members. Critically, reports of poor communication, judgment, or negative attitudes among healthcare workers undermined trust and acted as barriers to sustained engagement. Within the Practical Factors domain, structural constraints frequently overshadowed high intent, with pervasive issues such as long waiting times and financial costs cited as the main reasons for missed appointments. Conclusions: Participants generally expressed strong acceptance of vaccination, but attainment of optimal coverage is constrained by systemic failures in patient–provider communication and persistent logistical barriers within the public healthcare delivery system. Strategic public health interventions must therefore move beyond addressing only attitudinal opposition to prioritise targeted efforts that mitigate structural constraints and reinforce personalised, empathetic communication to sustain caregiver confidence and adherence. Full article

Background/Objectives: Nonpharmaceutical interventions such as social distancing and face mask use were central to controlling infectious disease transmission during the early phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly when vaccines and treatments were limited or unevenly available. Although public health strategies emphasized individual compliance, adherence varied widely. Empirical evidence remains limited regarding how individuals integrate influences across individual, interpersonal, and community levels when assessing their ability and readiness to socially distance. This study examined how residents evaluated, prioritized, and experienced multi-level factors shaping perceived ability and readiness to practice social distancing during the early phase of the COVID-19 epidemic. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional online survey of adults (≥18 years) residing in St. Louis City and St. Louis County, Missouri, between April and July 2020. Participants selected and ranked individual/interpersonal and community-level factors influencing social distancing and provided open-ended explanations of their choices. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively to assess selection frequency and ranking priority. Qualitative responses were analyzed using iterative thematic coding to examine how participants interpreted and combined these factors. Results: The analytic sample included 1692 respondents. At the individual/interpersonal level, family and friends’ distancing behavior (58.9%), desire for in-person interaction (52.4%), and personal risk of COVID-19 (48.9%) were frequently selected, while personal risk, caring for others, and ability to work from home were most often ranked as the highest priority. At the community level, others’ distancing in public spaces (66.2%), availability of COVID-19 testing (58.9%), and businesses’ ability to ensure distancing and sanitation (57.2%) were most frequently selected, with epidemic severity, testing availability, and treatment availability ranked as most influential. Qualitative findings indicated that respondents experienced these influences as interconnected, integrating personal and relational risk, local epidemic conditions, healthcare access, visible community norms, and employer policies. Conclusions: Perceived ability and readiness to practice social distancing emerge from interdependent social and structural conditions rather than isolated individual motivations. Public health responses to emerging infectious diseases may be more effective when individual-level guidance is complemented by accessible testing and treatment, supportive workplace policies, and community environments that visibly reinforce protective behaviors. Full article

Background: Placental malaria (PM) is a serious complication of malaria in pregnancy (MiP). It has major repercussions for mothers’ and neonates’ health, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). As current preventive measures lose efficacy due to drug resistance, malaria vaccines can play a crucial role in malaria control. The main objective of this study was to generate evidence that can guide the design of social and behaviour change interventions to raise awareness of PM and improve vaccine acceptance. Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional survey was conducted; five dichotomised indicators were constructed; multivariate logistic regression was adjusted for age, education, and districts; and prespecified sensitivity analyses were done. Results: General malaria knowledge and preventive practices were high. Many women (53.4%) reported having had experienced fever during pregnancy. Prevention behaviour was not significantly associated with age or education. Both high knowledge (aOR 0.30, 95% CI 0.16–0.57) and perceived risk awareness (aOR 0.35, 95% CI 0.18–0.68) were lower for Mpemba than for Thyolo. Biomedical healthcare services were less likely utilised by women in Madziabango as compared to Thyolo (aOR 0.47, 95% CI 0.23–0.96). Although 92% acknowledged possible harm, nearly all of them (97%) reported willingness to accept a future maternal malaria vaccine. Conclusions: There was a high level of maternal malaria vaccine acceptability; however, these findings suggest that local context-specific delivery strategies could be useful for effective future PM vaccine introduction. Full article

Background/Objectives: The main goal of this study is to identify predictors associated with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) seropositivity in children, including demographics, history of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection of the child and the household members, prevention practices, and maternal vaccination. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study within the Caribbean Consortium for Research in Environmental and Occupational Health (CCREOH)/MeKiTamara cohort included 300 mother-child dyads recruited in Paramaribo and Nickerie, Suriname (February–April 2023). The total immunoglobulin G (IgG) anti-spike domain 1 (S1) and anti-nucleoprotein (NP) were quantified in dried blood spot (DBS) eluates from children using indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Demographic information, COVID-19 prevention measures, history of viral infection of the child and the household members, and COVID-19 vaccination questionnaire data were recorded. Predictors of SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence were determined using binary logistic regression. Results: Among 278 seropositive children in 2023, 73.4% were in the 5–6-year-old age group, 54.7% were female, 36.3% were of Asian descent, and 69.8% were recruited in Paramaribo. Seroprevalence increased from 33.8% in 2021–2022 to 93.3% in 2023, with a mean follow-up of 21.5 months. Of the 100 children previously tested by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) or antigen test, 25 had confirmed COVID-19, as reported by mothers. Children from unvaccinated mothers were 6.11 times more likely to be seropositive (p = 0.022). Conclusions: This study shows a significant increase in SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity in Surinamese children aged 3–6 years between collection periods, indicating multiple exposures. Future public health interventions and policies should account for maternal vaccination status to reduce children’s exposure to COVID-19 during future outbreaks. Full article

West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus of growing importance for both human and equine health in Europe. Horses are highly susceptible to neurological disease and, because they share ecological exposure with humans, they represent valuable sentinels for detecting local viral circulation within a One Health framework. However, diagnosis of WNV infection in equines is complicated by the short and low-level viraemia, which limits the sensitivity of molecular assays, and by serological cross-reactivity with related flaviviruses and the confounding effects of vaccination. In this narrative review, we summarise the current diagnostic tools for WNV in horses, including direct detection methods (RT-qPCR, virus isolation, antigen detection) and indirect serological approaches (IgM and IgG ELISA, virus neutralisation tests), and discuss their practical performance and constraints in clinical and surveillance settings. We further examine equine surveillance systems, passive clinical reporting, active serosurveys and sentinel cohorts, and their integration with vector, avian and environmental monitoring. Key challenges include methodological heterogeneity, limited access to confirmatory testing and variable cross-sector data sharing. Finally, we outline future directions, highlighting the need for harmonised laboratory protocols, innovative field-deployable diagnostics, genomic surveillance and integrated, multi-source monitoring systems to strengthen early warning capacity and improve preparedness for WNV outbreaks in equine populations. Full article