Veterinary Microbiology and Diagnostics

A special issue of Microbiology Research (ISSN 2036-7481).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 February 2025 | Viewed by 8674

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
1. School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia
2. Gulbali Institute, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia
Interests: molecular diagnosis and genotyping of veterinary pathogens; epidemiology of infectious diseases
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are delighted to announce the initiation of a Special Issue for the Journal of Microbiology Research, focusing on the theme “Veterinary Microbiology and Diagnostics”. Recognising the crucial role of microbiology and diagnostics in veterinary science, we aim to present a comprehensive collection of high-quality research papers, reviews, and short communications in this specialised discipline.

This Special Issue on “Veterinary Microbiology and Diagnostics” is committed to highlighting cutting-edge developments in the field. We invite veterinary professionals, researchers, and scholars to contribute their original work, spanning a diverse array of topics including infectious diseases, genotyping of veterinary pathogens, antimicrobial resistance, cutting-edge and rapid diagnostic techniques, surveillance, monitoring of veterinary pathogens, and emerging trends. This initiative serves as a collaborative platform, fostering cooperation and facilitating the exchange of knowledge among professionals and researchers deeply engaged in veterinary microbiology. By addressing critical aspects of the field, from molecular characterisations to innovative diagnostic tools and beyond, we aim to create a comprehensive collection that advances our understanding and applications of veterinary microbiology and diagnostics. Authors are encouraged to contribute their expertise, driving the dialogue forward and enhancing the collective knowledge base in this field. Join us in this effort to shape the future of veterinary microbiology and diagnostics through impactful research and collaborative exploration.

You may choose our Joint Special Issue in Microorganisms.

Dr. Seyed Ali Ghorashi
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • infectious diseases
  • antimicrobial resistance
  • diagnostic techniques
  • genotyping
  • emerging trends
  • zoonotic diseases
  • vaccination
  • pathogen genomics
  • molecular diagnostics
  • One Health
  • rapid diagnostics
  • veterinary pathogens
  • wildlife microbiology

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 1369 KiB  
Article
Blood Parasites (Haemosporida, Trypanosomatida) in Culex pipiens: A Study and Review of Hibernating and Active Mosquitoes
by Kristina Valavičiūtė-Pocienė, Margarita Kazak, Tatjana Iezhova, Gabrielė Kalinauskaitė and Rasa Bernotienė
Microbiol. Res. 2024, 15(4), 2184-2198; https://doi.org/10.3390/microbiolres15040146 - 25 Oct 2024
Viewed by 598
Abstract
Culex pipiens mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) are widespread during warm periods and actively feed on blood while serving as vectors for various human and animal pathogens. Culex mosquitoes overwinter as adults in temperate zones, raising the question of whether hibernating Cx. pipiens can act [...] Read more.
Culex pipiens mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) are widespread during warm periods and actively feed on blood while serving as vectors for various human and animal pathogens. Culex mosquitoes overwinter as adults in temperate zones, raising the question of whether hibernating Cx. pipiens can act as pathogen reservoirs. In this study, hibernating mosquitoes and mosquitoes collected during the warm season were tested for the presence of trypanosomatids and avian haemosporidian parasites using PCR. Midgut preparations were made from Cx. pipiens females in order to search for trypanosomatids morphologically. In total, 1037 Cx. pipiens mosquitoes (556 collected during the warm season and 481 overwintering mosquitos) were investigated. The parasite prevalence differed for mosquitoes collected during the warm season and hibernating ones for both Haemosporida (2.9% in warm-season and no infections in overwintering mosquitoes) and Trypanosomatida (1.6% and 0.4%, respectively) parasites. A phylogenetic analysis confirmed that the trypanosomatids found in hibernating mosquitoes were monoxenous and were not parasites of vertebrates. The peak prevalence of Haemosporida parasites was detected in July (4.9%) and August (2.8%), and for Trypanosomatida, it was detected in May (3.5%). The results of the present study show that overwintering Cx. pipiens mosquitoes are questionable reservoirs for avian haemosporidian parasites, but some monoxenous trypanosomatids can be found in overwintering females. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Veterinary Microbiology and Diagnostics)
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17 pages, 4777 KiB  
Article
Development of a Quadruplex RT-qPCR for the Detection of Feline Kobuvirus, Feline Astrovirus, Feline Bufavirus, and Feline Rotavirus
by Kaichuang Shi, Mengyi He, Feng Long, Junxian He, Yanwen Yin, Shuping Feng and Zongqiang Li
Microbiol. Res. 2024, 15(4), 2129-2145; https://doi.org/10.3390/microbiolres15040143 - 21 Oct 2024
Viewed by 621
Abstract
Feline kobuvirus (FeKoV), feline astrovirus (FeAstV), feline bufavirus (FeBuV), and feline rotavirus (FRV) are important pathogens for gastroenteritis, which is characterized by vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. Four pairs of primers and probes were designed to target the FeKoV VP1, FeAstV ORF2, FeBuV VP2, [...] Read more.
Feline kobuvirus (FeKoV), feline astrovirus (FeAstV), feline bufavirus (FeBuV), and feline rotavirus (FRV) are important pathogens for gastroenteritis, which is characterized by vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. Four pairs of primers and probes were designed to target the FeKoV VP1, FeAstV ORF2, FeBuV VP2, and FRV NSP4 genes, and a quadruplex real-time quantitative RT-PCR (RT-qPCR) assay capable of the simultaneous detection of four feline enteroviruses was developed after optimization of reaction conditions. The established quadruplex RT-qPCR assay showed high specificity, sensitivity, and reproducibility. The assay could detect and discriminate FeKoV, FeAstV, FeBuV, and FRV, but not other feline-related pathogens. The limits of detection (LODs) of FeKoV, FeAstV, FeBuV, and FRV were 109.761, 115.834, 125.481, and 113.875 copies/reaction, respectively. The intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation (CV) were 0.15–1.61% and 0.15–1.59%, respectively. In all, 1869 clinical samples from Guangxi province in Southern China were tested using the developed assay, and the positivity rates of FeKoV, FeAstV, FeBuV, and FRV were 1.93%, 9.36%, 0.32%, and 0.75%, respectively. These samples were also tested using reference assays, and the coincidence rates of the results between the developed and reference methods were 99.63% (FeKoV), 98.72% (FeAstV), 100% (FeBuV), and 100% (FRV), respectively. The results indicated that the developed assay could provide a new detection method for these four viruses associated with feline gastroenteritis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Veterinary Microbiology and Diagnostics)
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8 pages, 1164 KiB  
Article
Correlation between Anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG Antibodies in Serum and Colostrum of Naturally Infected Sheep and Passive Immunization in Lambs
by Felipe Boniedj Ventura Alvares, Brendo Andrade Lima, Ana Maria Santos Lima, Samira Pereira Batista, Antônia Aniellen Raianne Moisés Aguiar, Larissa Claudino Ferreira, Welitânia Inácia Silva, Thais Ferreira Feitosa and Vinícius Longo Ribeiro Vilela
Microbiol. Res. 2024, 15(3), 1806-1813; https://doi.org/10.3390/microbiolres15030120 - 6 Sep 2024
Viewed by 603
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis, caused by Toxoplasma gondii, poses a significant threat to sheep flocks, affecting reproductive performance and meat quality, and leading to economic losses. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies in the serum and colostrum of [...] Read more.
Toxoplasmosis, caused by Toxoplasma gondii, poses a significant threat to sheep flocks, affecting reproductive performance and meat quality, and leading to economic losses. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies in the serum and colostrum of naturally infected ewes and to assess passive immunity in newborn lambs. Blood and colostrum samples were collected from 162 ewes and 182 lambs across 20 sheep farms in Paraíba, Brazil. Samples were tested for anti-T. gondii and anti-Neospora caninum IgG using indirect fluorescence antibody tests (IFATs), with titers ≥ 1:64 considered positive. Among the ewes, 45.1% tested positive for anti-T. gondii IgG in serum, with titers ranging from 1:64 to 1:16,384. The colostrum from 94.6% of the ewes also tested positive, although 74% had higher titers in their serum than in their colostrum. Concordance between serum and colostrum was high, with a kappa coefficient of 0.950. Lamb serum showed a perfect agreement with maternal colostrum (kappa = 0.962), demonstrating effective passive transfer of antibodies. This study confirms that colostrum is a reliable matrix for detecting anti-T. gondii antibodies and assessing passive immunity in lambs. The high concordance between serum, colostrum, and lamb titers suggests that IFATs on colostrum can be a practical tool for monitoring maternal antibody transfer, contributing to the better management of T. gondii infections in sheep flocks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Veterinary Microbiology and Diagnostics)
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14 pages, 1161 KiB  
Article
Detection of Bacteria with Potential to Cause Hospital-Associated Infections in a Small-Species Veterinary Hospital in Mexico
by Diego Josimar Hernández-Silva, Ana Isabel Rivera-González, Laura Karina Avilés-Benitez, Mayra M. Becerra-Reyes, Carlos Rivera-Ballesteros, Rodrigo Morales-García, Larisa García-Ramírez, Orlando Federico Chávez-Moreno, Gabriela Aguilar-Tipacamu, José Guadalupe Gómez-Soto and Juan Mosqueda
Microbiol. Res. 2024, 15(3), 1758-1771; https://doi.org/10.3390/microbiolres15030117 - 31 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1264
Abstract
Hospital-Associated Infections (HAIs) are caused by microorganisms that are not present before patients are admitted to healthcare facilities, and usually have multidrug resistance profiles. There is ample information and active research in human medicine to create preventive and control measures, but there have [...] Read more.
Hospital-Associated Infections (HAIs) are caused by microorganisms that are not present before patients are admitted to healthcare facilities, and usually have multidrug resistance profiles. There is ample information and active research in human medicine to create preventive and control measures, but there have been fewer efforts in animal medicine, and studies in only a few countries have been examining how this problem presents in veterinary hospitals. In Mexico, there have been no studies on the presence of multidrug-resistant bacteria associated with HAIs in veterinary medicine. Therefore, the surfaces of inanimate objects and equipment in a university veterinary hospital for small species were sampled to search for bacteria with the potential to cause HAIs. After isolation, molecular identification and multidrug resistance tests were carried out. One bacterial strain was found to be resistant to carbapenems, third-generation cephalosporines, and penicillin/β-lactamase inhibitors. Additionally, other susceptible bacterial genera were identified as potential nosocomial pathogens in humans and animals. The presence of multidrug-resistant bacteria was confirmed. Further studies should be conducted to determine the isolate’s origin and its relationship with reported human clinical genotypes. This type of study highlights the importance of epidemiological surveillance and the need to not underestimate the potential risk posed by multidrug-resistant microorganisms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Veterinary Microbiology and Diagnostics)
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11 pages, 2074 KiB  
Article
Temporal Trends in Antimicrobial Resistance of Klebsiella pneumoniae in Clinically Affected Canine and Feline Populations in Germany: A 2019–2021 Analysis
by Stefanie Katharina Frenzer, Leonie Feuer, Wolfgang Bäumer, Antina Lübke-Becker, Babette Klein and Roswitha Merle
Microbiol. Res. 2024, 15(3), 1634-1644; https://doi.org/10.3390/microbiolres15030108 - 22 Aug 2024
Viewed by 812
Abstract
Klebsiella (K.) pneumoniae is a major pathogen in human and veterinary medicine, known for its high resistance rates. Comprehensive resistance data are essential to combat global antibiotic resistance. This study aims to (a) document the prevalence of resistant K. pneumoniae and [...] Read more.
Klebsiella (K.) pneumoniae is a major pathogen in human and veterinary medicine, known for its high resistance rates. Comprehensive resistance data are essential to combat global antibiotic resistance. This study aims to (a) document the prevalence of resistant K. pneumoniae and (b) assess the utility of routine laboratory data for passive monitoring. We analyzed a dataset of 175,171 samples from diseased dogs and cats in Germany collected between 2019 and 2021, identifying 1185 K. pneumoniae isolates with measurable minimum inhibitory concentration values. We evaluated resistance rates to a third-generation cephalosporin (cefovecin) (16.3%), chloramphenicol (16.1%), doxycycline (13.9%), enrofloxacin (8.9%), gentamicin (6.0%), nitrofurantoin (24.8%), and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (15.0%). Notably, feline K. pneumoniae isolates from the urinary tract showed a high cefovecin resistance rate of 70.0%. Comparing our findings with third-generation cephalosporin-resistant human isolates from the Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance database (ARS) maintained by the Robert Koch Institute revealed a lower resistance rate (7.7%). This study presents Germany’s most comprehensive dataset on K. pneumoniae resistance in companion animals over a three-year period. These findings can strengthen national resistance monitoring efforts and enhance data interpretation through substantial datasets. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Veterinary Microbiology and Diagnostics)
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17 pages, 993 KiB  
Article
New Insights into Molecular Characterization, Antimicrobial Resistance and Virulence Factors of Methicillin-Sensitive Coagulase-Positive Staphylococcus spp. from Dogs with Pyoderma and Otitis Externa
by Faten Ben Chehida, Wafa Tombari, Haythem Gharsa, Youssef Rabia, Sana Ferhi, Maha Jrad and Lilia Messadi
Microbiol. Res. 2024, 15(3), 1208-1224; https://doi.org/10.3390/microbiolres15030081 - 12 Jul 2024
Viewed by 881
Abstract
The first Tunisian national molecular survey of coagulase-positive staphylococci (CoPS) isolated from dogs with pyoderma and otitis externa was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of CoPS and identify its phenotypic and genotypic diversities. A total of 99 out of the 195 samples collected [...] Read more.
The first Tunisian national molecular survey of coagulase-positive staphylococci (CoPS) isolated from dogs with pyoderma and otitis externa was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of CoPS and identify its phenotypic and genotypic diversities. A total of 99 out of the 195 samples collected from 39 sick dogs were identified across multiple sites as methicillin-susceptible CoPS belonging to the species S. pseudintermedius (64.4%), S. aureus (20.2%), S. coagulans (10.1%), and S. hyicus (5%). Fifteen sampled dogs carried more than one Staphylococcus species. Their antibiotic resistance and virulence factors were determined using conventional and molecular methods. Of the S. pseudintermedius isolates found, 17.4% were multidrug-resistant, whereas high rates of virulence genes were observed among the S. aureus isolates. On polystyrene surfaces, 75% of S. aureus isolates were biofilm producers, of which 15% were classified as strong producers. The capsular polysaccharide cap8 genotype was predominant among them. A MultiLocus Sequence Typing (MLST) analysis clustered the S.aureus isolates into five distinct sequence types (STs), with four assigned for the first time. Our findings highlight the spread of CoPS among diseased dogs and, especially, the emergence of S. hyicus, S. coagulans, multidrug-resistant S. pseudintermedius and S. aureus isolates with high genetic variability. The precise characterization of these strains, as well as their continuous monitoring, is necessary for the implementation of preventive strategies given the significant public health risk. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Veterinary Microbiology and Diagnostics)
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16 pages, 4806 KiB  
Article
A Quadruplex Reverse Transcription Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction for Detecting Canine Coronavirus, Canine Rotavirus, Canine Parvovirus, and Canine Distemper Virus
by Yandi Shi, Feng Long, Kaichuang Shi, Mengyi He, Yuwen Shi, Shuping Feng, Yanwen Yin, Xiankai Wei and Zongqiang Li
Microbiol. Res. 2024, 15(2), 746-761; https://doi.org/10.3390/microbiolres15020049 - 10 May 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1260
Abstract
Background: Canine coronavirus (CCoV), canine rotavirus (CRV), canine parvovirus (CPV), and canine distemper virus (CDV) cause gastroenteritis in dogs, and co-infections of these pathogens are common in China. In particular, CCoV and CRV are confirmed to have important zoonotic potential and cause public [...] Read more.
Background: Canine coronavirus (CCoV), canine rotavirus (CRV), canine parvovirus (CPV), and canine distemper virus (CDV) cause gastroenteritis in dogs, and co-infections of these pathogens are common in China. In particular, CCoV and CRV are confirmed to have important zoonotic potential and cause public health issues. It is difficult to diagnose these diseases based only on clinical manifestations and pathological damage. Methods: In this study, four pairs of specific primers and probes targeting the CCoV M, CRV VP7, CPV VP2, and CDV N genes were designed. The reaction conditions, including the primer and probe concentrations, annealing temperatures, and reaction cycles, were optimized for the development of a quadruplex RT-qPCR for the detection of CCoV, CRV, CPV, and CDV. The assay was used to test 1028 clinical samples to validate its application. Results: A quadruplex RT-qPCR was successfully established for the differential detection of CCoV, CRV, CPV, and CDV, with good specificity, high sensitivity, and excellent repeatability. The assay could specifically detect CCoV, CRV, CPV, and CDV without cross-reactivity with the other canine viruses tested. It showed high sensitivity with limits of detection (LOD) of 1.1 × 102 copies/reaction for all four plasmid constructs. It showed excellent repeatability, with 0.05–0.90% intra-assay variation and 0.02–0.94% inter-assay variation. The 1028 clinical samples were tested using the quadruplex RT-qPCR and a reported reference RT-qPCR. The positivity rates of CCoV, CRV, CPV, and CDV were 9.53%, 0.97%, 25.68%, and 5.06% using the developed assay, and 9.05%, 0.88%, 25.68%, and 4.86% using the reference assay, with agreements higher than 99.32%. Conclusion: The results indicated that a rapid and accurate quadruplex RT-qPCR was developed for the detection and differentiation of CCoV, CRV, CPV, and CDV. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Veterinary Microbiology and Diagnostics)
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Review

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11 pages, 538 KiB  
Review
Alteration of the Intestinal Bacterial Community in Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss): The Role of Animal, Plant, and Microbial Diets
by Aleksandra S. Chervochkina, Nadezhda O. Pastukhova and Andrey S. Aksenov
Microbiol. Res. 2024, 15(4), 2199-2209; https://doi.org/10.3390/microbiolres15040147 - 26 Oct 2024
Viewed by 899
Abstract
Intestinal bacterial community in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) is increasingly recognized as important for aquaculture and fish health. This review summarizes the current knowledge on how various feed components, including animal- and plant-derived ingredients, as well as other feed additives, influence [...] Read more.
Intestinal bacterial community in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) is increasingly recognized as important for aquaculture and fish health. This review summarizes the current knowledge on how various feed components, including animal- and plant-derived ingredients, as well as other feed additives, influence the gut microbiota of rainbow trout. Studies using 16S rRNA gene profiling and metagenomics demonstrate how dietary changes affect the composition, diversity, and functionality of bacterial communities. The findings suggest that there is no single optimal alternative ingredient for fish feeds, but emphasize that the ratio of natural components plays a more significant role in shaping the intestinal bacterial community of trout. This balance is crucial for maintaining diversity, functionality, and overall fish health, thereby promoting growth and disease resistance, while enhancing aquaculture efficiency. The use of popular animal protein derived from the larva of Hermetia illucens increases the amount of Pseudomonadota, but the chitin they contain can prevent the absorption of nutrients. Thus, the development of optimal feed formulas requires careful selection and balancing of various natural ingredients to sustain a healthy microbiota and overall fish well-being. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Veterinary Microbiology and Diagnostics)
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Other

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8 pages, 973 KiB  
Brief Report
Germination and Culturability after UV Irradiation of Metarhizium anisopliae Native from Soils of Tropical Cattle Farms
by Miguel Ángel Alonso-Díaz, María de Lourdes Lozano-Velázquez, Iván Adrián García-Galicia and Agustín Fernández-Salas
Microbiol. Res. 2024, 15(3), 1326-1333; https://doi.org/10.3390/microbiolres15030089 - 25 Jul 2024
Viewed by 889
Abstract
The use of entomopathogenic fungi (EF) is a promising alternative for the control of Rhipicephalus microplus, an important tick affecting cattle globally. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of ultraviolet irradiation (UV) exposure on the percentage of conidia germination and number [...] Read more.
The use of entomopathogenic fungi (EF) is a promising alternative for the control of Rhipicephalus microplus, an important tick affecting cattle globally. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of ultraviolet irradiation (UV) exposure on the percentage of conidia germination and number of colony-forming units of eight strains of Metarhizium anisopliae (MaV55, MaV35, MaV31, MaV25, MaV13, Ma08, MaV05, and MaV02). The UV (UV-A and UV-A+B) irradiation was carried out with an ultraviolet radiation emission lamp. The conidia of each strain were exposed to the UV irradiation treatments for 3 h. MaV25, MaV08, MaV05, MaV13, and MaV31 showed higher tolerance to UV-A radiation exposure, as assessed by conidia germination. UV-A+B radiation decreased the germination percentage of all the M. anisopliae strains. The eight evaluated strains showed good tolerance to UV-A radiation, as assessed by the development of colony-forming units (CFU). UV-A+B radiation did not significantly affect (p > 0.05) the count of the CFU of six of the M. anisopliae strains evaluated (MaV35, MaV13, MaV08, MaV05, MaV31, and MaV02). The novel findings of the UV-tolerant M. anisopliae strains may potentially improve the effectiveness of EF under environmental conditions. Integral research under real tropical conditions is advised to evaluate the effectiveness of the EF strains. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Veterinary Microbiology and Diagnostics)
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