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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2026

Whole-Genome Sequencing of Feline Uropathogens Reveals Multidrug Resistance and Zoonotic Potential in Domestic Cats in Tunisia.

BACKGROUND: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in cats are increasingly recognized as clinically relevant conditions frequently associated with multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria of potential zoonotic origin, yet genomic data on feline uropathogens remain scarce in Tunisia. METHODS: We used whole-genome sequencing to characterize seven bacterial isolates recovered from six cats with clinical signs of UTI: Mammaliicoccus lentus (n = 2), Staphylococcus schleiferi (n = 1), Mammaliicoccus sciuri (n = 1), Enterococcus faecalis (n = 1), Enterococcus casseliflavus (n = 1), and Klebsiella aerogenes (n = 1). RESULTS: Resistome analysis revealed determinants conferring resistance to β-lactams (blaZ, blaCMY-132), methicillin (mecC-type), macrolides (erm(43), ermB), tetracyclines (tet(M), tet(45), tetB), fosfomycins (fosI, fosB, fosA5), and aminoglycosides (aac(6'), aph(3')-IIIa, aph(6)-Id), alongside efflux pump genes (efrA, sepA, sdrM, oqxA, KpnE/F/G), vancomycin-operon genes (vanT, vanY, vanC, vanG), and biofilm/biocide-tolerance genes (salB, qacG). Notably, M. lentus S104 carried mecC-type elements, the first such report in Tunisia, while K. aerogenes displayed an extensive MDR profile, including blaCMY-132 and fosA5. Multilocus sequence typing/ribosomal multilocus sequence typing (MLST/rMLST) identified diverse lineages, including the internationally distributed E. faecalis ST19 and the rarely reported K. aerogenes ST242. Plasmids were absent in all isolates; a Tn916/1545-type transposon occurred in E. casseliflavus, and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas systems were unevenly distributed. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight companion animals as reservoirs of clinically important resistance genes, reinforcing the need for One Health AMR surveillance.

Animals↗
PubMed2025

Molecular Evolution and Zoonotic Potential of Muju Virus (Orthohantavirus puumalaense) in Craseomys regulus, Republic of Korea.

Orthohantavirus puumalaense causes hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in Europe, with Puumala virus (PUUV) as its primary representative. Muju virus (MUJV), harbored by Craseomys regulus, an Arvicolinae rodent species endemic to the Republic of Korea (ROK), is also a genotype of O. puumalaense. However, their genomic diversity and zoonotic potential remain largely unknown. To investigate their prevalence, 185 voles were collected from 23 regions of the ROK between 2012 and 2023. Serological assays detected anti-PUUV immunoglobulin G antibodies in five samples (3.1%), whereas reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction confirmed MUJV RNA in identical specimens (2.7%). Amplicon-based nanopore sequencing facilitates near-complete genome recovery, enabling high-resolution comparative analysis. Phylogenetic analysis revealed distinct genetic lineages in Gangwon and Jeollabuk Provinces. Evolutionary rate estimates indicated greater sequence divergence in the S and L segments than in the M segment. A zoonotic risk assessment revealed that most MUJV variants exhibited moderate-to-high spillover potential. The molecular detection of MUJV in Cheorwon, Gangwon Province, expands its known geographic range and provides the first molecular evidence of MUJV circulation in this region. These findings highlight the need for continued surveillance and seroprevalence studies of MUJV to assess its potential for human exposure and public health relevance in the ROK.

Animals↗
PubMed1976

Prevalence and zoonotic potential of Ancylostoma ceylanicum in cats in Thailand.

Ancylostoma ceylanicum and Ancylostoma caninum were found in cats from Prachin Buri, Thailand, with infection rates of 92% and 23%, respectively. In this survey, 75% of cats were infected with A. ceylanicum alone, the rest had mixed infections of A. ceylanicum and A. caninum. The worm burden range in 26 cats for A. ceylanicum and A. caninum were 1 to 83 and 1 to 10, respectively. For A. ceylanicum, both males and females were found in the gut from the first part of duodenum to rectum. In the case of A. caninum the distribution was not constant. The sex ratio between male and female A. ceylanicum was 1:1.4. The egg count for A. ceylanicum was in the range 31-150 per gram of faeces (mean 70). The zoonotic potential of these parasites was discussed.

Ancylostoma↗
PubMed1991

[A potential zoonotic parasitosis: Coccidial dermatitis due to Caryospora. New techniques for exploration within human nutrition].

The genus Caryospora belongs to the phylum Apicomplexa, class Sporozasida, order Eucoccidiorida. The primary hosts of its species, the best known of which are C. simplex Leger 1904 and C. bigenetica Wacha and Christiansen 1982, are carnivorous reptiles and birds of prey. The life cycle of the parasites, in these primary hosts, is a typical coccidian one, monoxenous, leading to the production of sporulated oocysts, infectious for snakes and birds, in the enterocytes of which the parasite will evolve. Beside this life-cycle, another one may take place, involving secondary hosts; these are rodents, getting infected by sporulated oocysts produced by the primary hosts, and which allow an exenteral but complete life-cycle, in various tissues, mainly connective tissue and dermis. The upshot of this life-cycle is the production of caryocysts formed from sporozoïtes having left the sporulated oocysts in the infected exenteral tissues. An interesting point is that dog and pig may be infected either from oocysts emitted by primary hosts, or by consuming infected secondary hosts bearing caryoscysts. As a matter of fact, the infection can evolve among secondary hosts, without any passage in primary hosts. The infected dogs exhibit a severe, sometimes generalized pyo-granulomatous dermatitis, that, in deficient animals, may be associated with a poor general state of health. On the other hand, Caryospora species may grow and evolve in human cells grown in vitro. According to all these facts, one cannot help conjuring up the possibility, for man, to get the caryosporan infection.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Survey of veterinarians' recommendations for treatment and control of intestinal parasites in dogs: public health implications.

A systematic, random sample of 450 small and mixed-animal practitioners was selected from the client list of a prominent veterinary pharmaceutical and animal health company. A telephone survey was conducted, using a standard questionnaire, to assess whether current veterinary practices concerning prophylaxis and treatment of canine roundworm (Toxocara canis) and hookworm (Ancylostoma spp) infections are adequate to prevent transmission to human beings. Analysis of results focused on 3 questions related to prevention: practitioner's frequency of client education regarding zoonotic potential of roundworms and hookworms, pup age at which veterinarian recommends first anthelmintic treatments, and proportion of veterinarians recommending prophylactic drug administration for pups and nursing bitches. Despite the proven association of household pet dogs and human toxocariasis, only a third (148/450) of veterinarian respondents routinely discussed the potential zoonotic hazards of canine roundworms with their clients. A total of 29% (130/450) of veterinarians surveyed either never discussed these potential hazards or discussed them only when asked by their clients. With regard to anthelmintic treatment practices, 31% (140/450) of veterinarians surveyed recommended that pups first be examined and treated for intestinal parasites within 4 weeks of age. Thirty-three percent (163/450) recommended first examination and deworming at 5 to 6 weeks of age, and 36% (163/450) suggested that it be done at or after 7 weeks of age. Less than half (208/450) of veterinarians administered anthelmintics prophylactically to at least some pups and dogs. Sixty-four percent (287/450) of respondents recommended routine testing and treatment of nursing bitches.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Ancylostomiasis↗
PubMed2025

Clinical and Microbiological Insights into Caseous Lymphadenitis in Sheep and Goats in Khorasan Razavi, Iran.

INTRODUCTION: Caseous lymphadenitis (CLA), a chronic bacterial disease caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, significantly impacts small-ruminant health and productivity worldwide, causing economic losses through reduced wool and milk yields, reproductive issues, and carcass condemnation. Despite its importance, CLA prevalence and microbial dynamics remain under explored in Iran, where small ruminants are vital to rural economies. This study assessed the prevalence, clinical manifestations, and bacteriological profile of CLA in Khorasan Razavi Province, northeast Iran, to inform regional control strategies and address potential zoonotic risks. MATERIALS & METHODS: We examined 15 flocks totaling 4,733 animals (4,640 sheep, 93 goats) through clinical inspections and microbiological analysis of pus samples from affected lymph nodes. RESULTS: The results revealed a lymphadenitis prevalence of 11.59% (95% CI, 10.58%, 12.66%), with 8.62% of sheep (400/4640) and 8.60% of goats (8/93) affected, varying across flocks from 0% to 28.57%. Submandibular lymph nodes were most commonly affected (51.35%), followed by retropharyngeal (18.02%) and parotid (15.32%) nodes, with peak incidence in the 2-3-year age group (38.24%), likely linked to shearing practices. Bacteriological analysis of 102 pus samples identified C. pseudotuberculosis in 19.6% (20/102) of cases, characterized by small, dry, white colonies with β-hemolysis on Columbia blood agar. A diverse microbial profile included Actinobacillus spp. (7.8%), Trueperella pyogenes (3.9%), and novel isolates like Acinetobacter spp. and Yersinia spp. (1.0% each), with 43.14% of samples sterile, suggesting chronicity or sampling challenges. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate CLA etiology is complex, extending beyond a single pathogen and influenced by local husbandry practices. The study underscores CLA's economic burden and zoonotic potential, given rare but documented human cases. Integrated control measures-enhanced molecular diagnostics, recombinant phospholipase D (PLD) vaccine trials, and improved biosecurity-are urgently needed. Future research should prioritize genomic strain typing and environmental reservoir analysis to refine CLA management in Northeast Iran, offering insights applicable to similar agroecosystems globally.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Pet-associated lung diseases.

With the development of new diagnostic techniques, several diseases have emerged in recent years as zoonotic or potentially zoonotic. Even so, most pet-associated illnesses are infrequent, and therefore, health care providers may not be familiar with their manifestations or with the appropriate preventive measures. This article reviews the epidemiology, diagnosis, therapy and prevention of lung disorders acquired from dogs and cats.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Surveillance and control of emerging zoonoses.

"Emerging zoonoses" are defined as zoonotic diseases caused either by apparently new agents, or by previously known microorganisms, appearing in places or in species in which the disease was previously unknown. New animal diseases with an unknown host spectrum are also included in this definition. Natural animal reservoirs represent a more frequent source of new agents of human disease than the sudden appearance of a completely new agent. Factors explaining the emergence of a zoonotic or potentially zoonotic disease are usually complex, involving mechanisms at the molecular level, such as genetic drift and shift, and modification of the immunological status of individuals and populations. Social and ecological conditions influencing population growth and movement, food habits, the environment and many other factors may play a more important role than changes at the molecular level. Diseases associated with changing farming practices, trade and consumer habits. Bacterial enteric diseases due to Salmonella enteritidis and Echerichia coli 0:157 are examples of diseases associated with changing farming practices and consumer habits. The increasing trade in live animals for animal production and research led to the introduction of the New World screwworm to the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya in 1989 and an Ebola-like virus in monkeys in quarantine facilities in the United States of America. The development of the epidemics of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in the United Kingdom is due to multiple factors including the increasing use of ruminant proteins as feed for animals. Diseases associated with changing environmental conditions which influence reservoirs, vectors and/or victim species population parameters.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adaptation, Biological↗
PubMed2026

Association of Enterocytozoon bieneusi Infection with chronic/persistent diarrhea and ITS genotypic diversity: a hospital-based case-control study in Suburban Shanghai, China.

Enterocytozoon bieneusi is a globally distributed zoonotic enteric pathogen that remains largely overlooked in routine diarrheal disease surveillance. Although previous studies in Shanghai, China, have reported elevated prevalence in diarrheal populations, case-control data from suburban areas at the peri&#x2011;urban interface and the strength of the association between E. bieneusi infection and chronic diarrhea in non-immunocompromised individuals remain poorly characterized. We performed a hospital-based case-control study in suburban Shanghai, enrolling 286 diarrheal outpatients without documented immunodeficiency and 138 asymptomatic controls frequency-matched for age and sex. Fecal specimens were collected and subjected to genomic DNA extraction. E. bieneusi was detected via nested PCR amplification of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. Factors associated with infection were identified using multivariate logistic regression. Genotypic diversity and zoonotic potential were assessed by Sanger sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. The overall prevalence of E. bieneusi was 12.2% (35/286) in diarrheal patients, significantly higher than the 2.2% (3/138) observed in asymptomatic controls (P < 0.001). E. bieneusi positivity was independently associated with chronic/persistent diarrhea (adjusted odds ratio = 2.63, 95% confidence interval: 1.25-5.54, P = 0.011). Fourteen distinct ITS genotypes were identified, comprising five known genotypes (D, EbpD, SHW7, Henan-III, and CHG5) and nine novel genotypes (designated SHH2 to SHH10). Thirteen genotypes clustered within Group 1, and one genotype (CHG5) fell within Group 2, two phylogenetic groups that contain genotypes with documented zoonotic potential in global surveillance. E. bieneusi was detected at a relatively high prevalence among diarrheal patients in suburban Shanghai, and its detection was associated with chronic/persistent diarrhea. The predominance of zoonotic genotypes and the identification of nine novel Group 1 genotypes indicate phylogenetic similarity to known zoonotic lineages and warrant further investigation of local zoonotic transmission; no animal or environmental samples were analyzed in this study. These findings suggest that E. bieneusi testing may be considered as part of the differential diagnosis for patients with unexplained chronic/persistent diarrhea and highlight the need for One Health surveillance in the surveyed area.

Diarrhea↗
PubMed2026

First Report of Enterocytozoon bieneusi, Encephalitozoon spp. and Blastocystis spp. in Hair Goats in T&#xfc;rkiye.

INTRODUCTION: Blastocystis spp., Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon spp. are prevalent zoonotic gastrointestinal parasites that cause severe diarrhoea and enteric diseases in humans and animals worldwide. This study investigated the molecular occurrence, genetic diversity and zoonotic potential of E. bieneusi, Blastocystis spp. and Encephalitozoon spp. in domestic hair goats in Central Anatolia. METHODS: A total of 300 faecal samples were collected from hair goats in Kayseri, Aksaray and Sivas Provinces and genomic DNA was extracted from these samples. The presence of the three pathogens was detected using PCR and nested PCR targeting the SSU rRNA for Blastocystis spp., the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) for E. bieneusi and Encephalitozoon spp., respectively. Positive PCR products were sequenced to determine the species, subtypes and genotypes of the pathogens. RESULTS: The overall prevalence rates of E. bieneusi and Blastocystis spp. were 5.3% (16/300) and 6.7% (20/300), respectively. None of the faecal samples tested was positive for Encephalitozoon spp. and no co-infections among these three pathogens were detected. The SSU rRNA sequence analysis revealed Blastocystis spp. ST10, a subtype predominantly associated with animals. Additionally, one known E. bieneusi genotype (BEB6) was identified. The BEB6 genotype falls into zoonotic Group 2 of E. bieneusi in the phylogenetic tree. CONCLUSION: Our study is the first report of Blastocystis spp. and E. bieneusi infection in hair goats in T&#xfc;rkiye, highlighting their potential role in zoonotic transmission within a One Health framework. Our results provide scientific data for the prevention and control of these two intestinal pathogens. Further investigations are necessary to better understand their genetic characteristics and zoonotic potential in T&#xfc;rkiye.

Enterocytozoon bieneusi↗
PubMed1978

Rodent zoonoses in North Queensland: the occurrence and distribution of zoonotic infections in North Queensland rodents.

A study of potentially zoonotic infections was carried out on 351 rodents trapped in north-eastern Queensland. Their ecosystems included towns, agricultural and livestock areas, wookland and rainforest. Nine serotypes of salmonellae were obtained from asymptomatic carries in predominantly settled locations. Two strains of Ps. pseudomallei occurred in rainforest near Innisfail and one on a cattle property adjacent to Townsville. Ps. aeruginosa caused bronchopneumonia in one animal from Townsville harbour. Ifection by leptospirae of six serogroups and seven serovars were identified by serological or cultural examinations. Enzootic foci occurred on the Mount Spec rainforest where celledoni and australis were being excreted by rats adjacent to the Paluma dam system. In addition to the scrub typhus locations at Rocky Creek, Atherton Tableland and Bullocky Creek, near Ingham, which were confirmed, a new focus of infection by R. tsutsugamushi was identified at El Arish near Tully. Water rat (H. chrysogaster) at Townsville harbour constituted a reservoir of toxoplasmosis. In addition to the known human pathogenic helminths H. nana and H. diminuta, localized foci of hookworms (Ancylostoma spp.) were found. Histological evidence of cytomegalic disease of the salivary glands or kidneys was a common finding.

Animals↗
PubMed2026

AI-enabled viral genomics: from virus discovery to host prediction and emerging variant forecasting.

The rapid expansion of metagenomic sequencing has generated vast repositories of viral sequence data that far outpace our capacity to interpret them using conventional approaches. Highly divergent sequences, sparse functional annotation, and taxonomically uneven sampling present fundamental challenges for reference-dependent methods, which lose sensitivity precisely for novel and understudied viruses with high public health relevance. Artificial intelligence (AI) provides a new avenue to address these challenges by enabling predictive inference from viral genomes and proteins while reducing dependence on sequence similarity. In this Review, we discuss representative advances in AI for virus discovery, taxonomic classification and functional annotation, prediction of host range and zoonotic potential, and efforts toward forecasting emerging variants. These advances are transforming viral genomics from a largely descriptive discipline into one with increasing predictive capability. We also critically assess the major challenges that constrain current approaches, including the availability of high-quality and representative datasets, rigorous model evaluation, biological interpretability and responsible governance for increasingly capable AI models.

Artificial Intelligence↗
PubMed2026

Characterization of the oral microbiota and antimicrobial resistance genes in shelter dogs in Japan.

Companion animals can serve as reservoirs of antimicrobial resistance genes and zoonotic microorganisms, yet information on shelter dogs remains limited. This study characterized the oral microbiota and screened for antimicrobial resistance genes in shelter dogs in Japan. Oral swabs were collected from 81 dogs, microbial genomic DNA was extracted, bacterial communities were profiled by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, and antimicrobial resistance genes were screened by PCR. We detected genes conferring resistance to several antimicrobial classes, including &#x3b2;-lactams, tetracyclines, macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B, phenicols, and sulfonamides. cfxA was detected in all 81 samples, followed by sul1 (66/81), tet(M) and sul2 (65/81), floR (39/81), mecA (17/81), and erm(B) (15/81). We identified potentially pathogenic genera including Capnocytophaga, Pasteurella, Fusobacterium, Campylobacter and Corynebacterium. Microbiome analysis revealed that at the phylum level, Pseudomonadota and Bacteroidota were the most dominant, while Porphyromonas, Frederiksenia and Moraxella were the most prevalent genera. Our findings highlight that (i) the oral microbiota of shelter dogs broadly resembles that reported in companion dogs and (ii) shelter dogs represent an overlooked reservoir of clinically relevant antimicrobial resistance genes and potentially zoonotic bacteria. Therefore, it is necessary to include shelter animals in antimicrobial resistance surveillance programs to capture any potential gaps in the antimicrobial resistance prevalence in companion animals and prevent dissemination of resistant bacteria to humans following adoption of shelter dogs and cats.

antimicrobial resistance gene↗
PubMed2026

MicroRNAs in Veterinary Viral Diseases: A Comprehensive Review from Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Translation.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules, approximately 22 nucleotides in length, that regulate post-transcriptional gene expression and have emerged as pivotal modulators of host-virus interactions. Veterinary viral diseases continue to pose substantial challenges to animal health, livestock productivity, food security, and public health, particularly due to their zoonotic potential. While miRNA research has advanced considerably, a comprehensive and critically integrated understanding of their biological functions and clinical applications across veterinary viral diseases remains incomplete. This comprehensive critical narrative synthesis addresses four overarching research questions: (1) What conserved and species-specific miRNA-mediated mechanisms govern major veterinary viral diseases? (2) What contextual factors determine antiviral vs. proviral duality? (3) To what extent do circulating miRNA signatures offer diagnostic and prognostic utility? (4) What translational barriers currently prevent clinical implementation, and how can the One Health framework help overcome them? Integrating three interconnected dimensions-molecular mechanisms, pathogen-specific responses, and translational applications-the review synthesizes evidence across PRRSV, avian oncogenic viruses (MDV, ALV), the immunosuppressive IBDV, FMD, BVDV, Ebola, Hendra, Rabies, and aquatic viral diseases. A key contribution of this review is the proposal of a four-axis contextual framework that explains the antiviral/proviral duality of miRNAs, and a 'One miRNA, One Health' convergence model with a concrete implementation roadmap. Key findings include: (a) a four-axis contextual framework (cell type, infection stage, viral strain, host-viral miRNA competition) that explains the antiviral/proviral duality; (b) virus-encoded miRNAs (v-miRNAs) as lower-risk therapeutic targets due to their absence from uninfected host genomes; (c) circulating miRNA biomarkers validated only at proof-of-concept stage (TRL 1-3), with no veterinary product yet at TRL&#x2009;&#x2265;4; and (d) zoonotic conservation of miR-155, miR-146a, miR-21, and miR-122 across human and veterinary pathogens, supporting a 'One miRNA, One Health' convergence strategy. Critical short-term priorities are standardized pre-analytical protocols, open-access veterinary miRNA databases, and multicenter validation in natural infection cohorts.

Antiviral therapy↗
PubMed2026

Genomic diversity and resistance determinants of staphylococci from cow and buffalo milk.

BACKGROUND: Staphylococci are important mastitis pathogens in dairy animals and serve as reservoirs of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) having zoonotic potential. Genomic characterization of resistant isolates is essential to understand their diversity, resistance mechanisms, and One Health implications. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 363 cow and buffalo milk samples-including 108 from animals with mastitis-were screened, yielding 98 staphylococcal isolates, comprising 20 Staphylococcus aureus and 78 coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed resistance to cefoxitin (CoNS: 21.7%; S. aureus: 10%), tetracycline (CoNS: 19.2%; S. aureus: 10%), erythromycin (CoNS:16.7%; S. aureus: 10%), gentamicin (CoNS: 10.2%; S. aureus: 10%) and fluoroquinolone (CoNS: 10.2%), while the majority were sensitive to chloramphenicol, cotrimoxazole (~&#x2009;95%, each), linezolid (~&#x2009;97%), and vancomycin (100%). Nineteen isolates, including two S. aureus, were cefoxitin-resistant, and eight carried the mecA gene. Whole genome sequencing of these eight isolates revealed genome sizes ranging from 2.27 to 2.78&#xa0;MB, with the methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA, ERSST98) isolate possessing the largest genome and the highest rRNA copy number. Comparative genomic analysis revealed various SCCmec types along with an extensive array of resistance determinants, encompassing aminoglycosides, macrolides, tetracyclines, efflux systems, and heavy metals, underscoring the multifaceted resistance repertoire of these strains. Virulence profiling of ERSST98 demonstrated a broad arsenal of adhesins, toxins, and biofilm&#x2011;associated genes, highlighting its pathogenic capacity. Mobile genetic elements with diverse plasmid replicons and insertion sequence families further contributed to genomic plasticity. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, this study underscores the genomic diversity of methicillin-resistant staphylococci from dairy animals with extensive resistance determinants and highlights their zoonotic relevance within One Health framework.

Animals↗
PubMed2026

Toxoplasma gondii IgG seroprevalence in Mauritanian dromedary camels: First multi-regional survey.

Toxoplasma gondii is a globally distributed zoonotic parasite, and dromedary camels are important intermediate hosts in arid and semi-arid regions. However, information on T. gondii exposure in camels is lacking in Mauritania, which harbors one of the largest camel populations in West Africa. This study reports the first multi-regional seroepidemiological survey to estimate T. gondii seroprevalence and identify associated risk factors in Mauritanian dromedaries. Between 2023 and 2024, serum samples were collected from 953 camels across eight climatically distinct regions. Anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies were detected using the Modified Agglutination Test (MAT; cutoff&#x2265;1:20). Risk factors investigated included geographical region, sex, age group, and season of sampling, using multivariable logistic regression and a mixed-effects linear probability model accounting for regional clustering. The overall seroprevalence was 15.0% (143/953). Exposure varied markedly across regions, ranging from 0% in the hyper-arid northern regions of Adrar and Tagant to 41.7% in the southern Sahelian region of Guidimakha. This pronounced spatial gradient is consistent with contrasting climatic and ecological conditions, as higher rainfall and humidity in the south are hypothesized to favor environmental oocyst survival compared to the extreme aridity of the north. Geographical region and age were independent predictors of seropositivity. Compared with camels from Nouakchott, those from Guidimakha had higher odds of exposure (aOR = 2.63), whereas camels from Trarza had a markedly lower risk (aOR = 0.09). Camels older than 6 years were more than twice as likely to be seropositive as those aged 3-5 years, whereas sex and season were not associated with seropositivity. These findings indicate that T. gondii exposure is widespread in Mauritanian dromedaries and that ecological conditions may influence exposure patterns. The marked spatial heterogeneity supports targeted surveillance and One Health interventions to reduce the potential zoonotic risk associated with camel-derived food products.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Critical comparison of Giardia duodenalis from Australia and Switzerland using isoenzyme electrophoresis.

Isoenzyme electrophoresis using 13 enzyme systems was applied to 31 Australian and 7 Swiss isolates of Giardia of human, cat, cattle, dog, sheep and rat origin. The Portland (ATCC No. 30888) reference strain was also included. The 39 isolates were divided into 22 different zymodemes. These consisted of 19 zymodemes containing the P1 and Australian isolates and three zymodemes containing Swiss isolates only. Differences in enzyme profiles between zymodemes was measured by euclidean distance and it was found that Australian isolates of Giardia exhibited more variation than the Swiss isolates. Relationships between zymodemes determined by clustering analysis are discussed with particular reference to the zoonotic potential of Giardia.

Animals↗