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Microorganisms
Special Issues
Infectious Diseases in Animals
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Infectious Diseases in Animals

A special issue of Microorganisms (ISSN 2076-2607). This special issue belongs to the section "Veterinary Microbiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2026 | Viewed by 4623

Editors

Dr. Lilian Gregory

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Internal Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-220, Brazil
Interests: neosporosis; tuberculosis; coxiellosis; dengue; emerging diseases due to climate changes
Dr. Huber Rizzo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor Assistant
Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Recifa, PE, Brazil
Interests: neosporosis; tuberculosis; coxiellosis; dengue; emerging diseases due to climate changes

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Infectious diseases in animals, caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, pose significant challenges not only to animal health but also public health, causing zoonoses such as neosporosis, tuberculosis, and coxiellosis. Environmental changes and globalization have contributed to the emergence and re-emergence of these diseases, altering the distribution of vectors and hosts and enabling pathogens to spread into new geographical areas.

Despite scientific advancements, controlling infectious diseases in animals—especially in wildlife and livestock—remains a challenge. Understanding disease transmission, improving surveillance, and developing effective prevention and treatment strategies are critical to mitigating future outbreaks.

This Special Issue aims to address the current status of infectious diseases in animals, their transmission dynamics, and future perspectives. We welcome original research articles and reviews that contribute to this field, including studies on disease surveillance, host–pathogen interactions, novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, and strategies for prevention and control. 

We look forward to your valuable contributions.

Dr. Lilian Gregory
Guest Editor

Dr. Huber Rizzo
Guest Editor Assistant

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Microorganisms is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • neosporosis
  • tuberculosis
  • coxiellosis
  • dengue
  • emerging diseases due to climate changes

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

12 pages, 4895 KB  
Article
Molecular Epidemiological Characteristics and Genetic Evolution of Bluetongue Virus in Yunnan Province, China
by Zhenxing Yang, Yuwen He, Yongkang Li, Jinxin Meng, Nan Li, Susheng Li, Haisheng Miao and Jianling Song
Microorganisms 2026, 14(8), 1697; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms14081697 - 2 Aug 2026
Viewed by 275
Abstract
Bluetongue is an insect-borne disease of ruminants caused by the Bluetongue virus (BTV). It is primarily transmitted through the bites of Culicoides midges and is widely distributed in tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions around the world. Due to its favorable geographical location and [...] Read more.
Bluetongue is an insect-borne disease of ruminants caused by the Bluetongue virus (BTV). It is primarily transmitted through the bites of Culicoides midges and is widely distributed in tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions around the world. Due to its favorable geographical location and abundant population of BTV vector midges, Yunnan Province, China, has become a key region for research on BTV diversity. However, there are gaps in research on the genetic evolution of BTV in this region. Between January 2024 and December 2025, Culicoides midges were collected from three border counties in Yunnan Province. Researchers isolated BTV strains and sequenced the full-length segment 2 (Seg-2) gene. Subsequently, phylogenetic analysis, Bayesian evolutionary rate analysis, population dynamics analysis, and phylogeographic analysis were performed utilizing Seg-2 sequence data sourced from the NCBI database. Four BTV serotypes (BTV-1, BTV-4, BTV-5, and BTV-16) were identified. The estimated average evolutionary rate varied from 2.88 × 10−4 to 4.26 × 10−3 substitutions per site per year, with ancestral origins dating back to the period between 1872 and 1988. The effective population size displayed significant fluctuations over time. Phylogeographic reconstructions indicated that the pathogen entered Yunnan through various transcontinental transmission pathways, originating from Europe, South Asia, Oceania, and East Asia, with evidence of reciprocal transmission between Africa, Europe, and West Asia. The BTV serotypes circulating in Yunnan Province are highly diverse, and the population dynamics of different serotypes exhibit significant heterogeneity. Yunnan is simultaneously exposed to BTV introductions from multiple directions, including Europe, South Asia, Oceania, and East Asia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Infectious Diseases in Animals)
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8 pages, 224 KB  
Communication
Molecular Evidence of Canine Distemper Virus Circulation in Red Foxes and Golden Jackals from Western Romania
by Florin Vlad Gheorghe, Vlad Iorgoni, David Purec, Diana Maria Degi, Janos Degi, Cristian Zaha, Bogdan Alexandru Florea and Viorel Herman
Microorganisms 2026, 14(8), 1651; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms14081651 - 29 Jul 2026
Viewed by 294
Abstract
Canine distemper virus (CDV) is a highly contagious multi-host pathogen that poses a significant threat to both domestic and wild carnivore populations. The increasing overlap between wildlife habitats, peri-urban environments, and domestic animal populations has raised concerns regarding the epidemiological role of wild [...] Read more.
Canine distemper virus (CDV) is a highly contagious multi-host pathogen that poses a significant threat to both domestic and wild carnivore populations. The increasing overlap between wildlife habitats, peri-urban environments, and domestic animal populations has raised concerns regarding the epidemiological role of wild canids in maintaining and disseminating CDV. This study investigated the occurrence of CDV infection among free-ranging wild canids from western Romania. Brain tissue samples collected from 64 free-ranging wild canids, including 38 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and 26 golden jackals (Canis aureus), were initially screened using a commercial immunochromatographic antigen detection assay. Positive samples were subsequently subjected to molecular confirmation by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). CDV antigen was detected in 16 of the 64 investigated animals (antigen-positive proportion: 25.0%), including 12 red foxes (31.6%) and 4 golden jackals (15.4%). All antigen-positive samples were subsequently confirmed by RT-qPCR, demonstrating the presence of CDV RNA in the screened-positive subset. Since molecular testing was performed only on antigen-positive samples, these proportions should not be interpreted as molecular prevalence estimates. Viral RNA was confirmed in all antigen-positive samples by RT-qPCR, providing molecular evidence of CDV infection in opportunistically sampled wild canids. Although a higher antigen-positive proportion was observed in red foxes, no statistically significant association was identified between host species and CDV positivity (χ2 = 2.16, p = 0.142). These findings provide molecular confirmation of CDV infection in opportunistically collected rabies-negative wild canid carcasses from western Romania. Although the study demonstrates the presence of CDV in both investigated species, the sampling strategy does not allow estimation of population-level occurrence or broader epidemiological inference. Continuous molecular surveillance integrating wildlife, domestic animals, and environmental monitoring is warranted to improve understanding of CDV epidemiology and transmission dynamics in southeastern Europe within a One Health framework. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Infectious Diseases in Animals)
14 pages, 1228 KB  
Article
Construction and Characterization of the Novel Engineered Endolysin ALC005: A New Alternative Antimicrobial Against Riemerella anatipestifer
by Hongmei Chen, Nansong Jiang, Weiwei Wang, Qizhang Liang, Qiuling Fu, Rongchang Liu, Chunhe Wan, Yu Huang, Guanghua Fu and Longfei Cheng
Microorganisms 2026, 14(8), 1622; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms14081622 - 24 Jul 2026
Viewed by 322
Abstract
The increasing serotypic diversity and multidrug resistance of Riemerella anatipestifer pose a serious threat to the poultry industry, necessitating novel antimicrobial agents. Although phage-derived endolysins offer rapid and specific bactericidal activity with low resistance potential, their efficacy against this Gram-negative pathogen is severely [...] Read more.
The increasing serotypic diversity and multidrug resistance of Riemerella anatipestifer pose a serious threat to the poultry industry, necessitating novel antimicrobial agents. Although phage-derived endolysins offer rapid and specific bactericidal activity with low resistance potential, their efficacy against this Gram-negative pathogen is severely constrained by the outer membrane barrier, driving the need for strategies to enhance endolysin penetration. In this study, the native endolysin NA of phages vB_RanS_CRP2 was verified to lack antibacterial activity. To overcome this barrier, we constructed three chimeric proteins—ALC001, ALC005, and ALC007—by fusing a receptor-binding protein, a cell-penetrating peptide, or a polycationic nonapeptide, respectively. All three chimeras exhibited dose-dependent antibacterial activity, with ALC005 demonstrating the best performance. ALC005 achieved a lytic rate of 72.2% against the tested Riemerella anatipestifer strains, remained stable at 0–40 °C and pH 6–9, and was shown by transmission electron microscopy to exert its bactericidal effect by disrupting the bacterial cell envelope and inducing cell lysis. Collectively, cell-penetrating peptide fusion is a reliable and effective strategy to potentiate endolysin activity against Riemerella anatipestifer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Infectious Diseases in Animals)
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20 pages, 2493 KB  
Article
Ginsenoside Rb3 Suppresses Peste des Petits Ruminants Virus Replication by Inhibiting Autophagy to Potentiate Immune Responses
by Qinglu Zhao, Hongmei Chen, Zhanying Hu, Dingcheng Wei, Xueliang Zhu and Rui Zhang
Microorganisms 2026, 14(4), 738; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms14040738 - 26 Mar 2026
Viewed by 681
Abstract
Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), a highly contagious disease of domestic and wild small ruminants, is characterized by severe morbidity and mortality. PPRV, the causative agent, is a morbillivirus in the family Paramyxoviridae. The virus poses a significant barrier to sustainable agricultural [...] Read more.
Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), a highly contagious disease of domestic and wild small ruminants, is characterized by severe morbidity and mortality. PPRV, the causative agent, is a morbillivirus in the family Paramyxoviridae. The virus poses a significant barrier to sustainable agricultural development in the developing world. Currently, no effective therapeutics agent for PPRV infection is available. Ginsenoside Rb3, the major bioactive constituent in the plants of ginseng, was reported to exert a wide range of pharmacologic and immunologic effects. However, it is unclear whether Ginsenoside Rb3 can act as an antiviral against PPRV infection. Here, we show that Ginsenoside Rb3 exhibits significant antiviral activity against PPRV in cell culture models. The mechanism of action of Ginsenoside Rb3 against PPRV is mainly attributed to its ability to inhibit PPRV-mediated autophagy, thus leading to promotion of interferon responses. In summary, our study establishes Ginsenoside Rb3 as a novel antiviral agent effective against PPRV, sheds light on its mode of action, and reveals a novel immunomodulatory strategy that may prove essential for combating both current and future viral outbreaks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Infectious Diseases in Animals)
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16 pages, 1309 KB  
Article
Distribution and Quantification of Infectious and Parasitic Agents in Managed Honeybees in Central Italy, the Republic of Kosovo, and Albania
by Franca Rossi, Martina Iannitto, Beqe Hulaj, Luciano Ricchiuti, Ani Vodica, Patrizia Tucci, Franco Mutinelli and Anna Granato
Microorganisms 2026, 14(1), 219; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms14010219 - 17 Jan 2026
Viewed by 831
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the presence of relevant infectious and parasitic agents (IPAs) in managed honeybees from Central Italy and the Republic of Kosovo and Albania to assess the overall health status of local apiaries by determining the contamination levels and co-occurrence. [...] Read more.
This study aimed to determine the presence of relevant infectious and parasitic agents (IPAs) in managed honeybees from Central Italy and the Republic of Kosovo and Albania to assess the overall health status of local apiaries by determining the contamination levels and co-occurrence. Therefore, pathogens and parasites such as Paenibacillus larvae, Melissococcus plutonius, Vairimorpha apis, V. ceranae, the acute bee paralysis virus (ABPV), black queen cell virus (BQCV), chronic bee paralysis virus (CBPV), deformed wing virus variants DWV-A and DWV-B, and the parasitoid flies Megaselia scalaris and Senotainia tricuspis were detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and reverse transcriptase qPCR (RT-qPCR) in clinically healthy adult honeybees collected from 187 apiaries in the Abruzzo and Molise regions of Central Italy, 206 apiaries in the Republic of Kosovo in 2022 and 2023 and 18 apiaries in Albania in 2022. The percentages of positive samples and contamination for V. ceranae, P. larvae and DWV-B were significantly higher in the Republic of Kosovo and Albania, while the percentages of samples positive for M. plutonius, CBPV, DWV-A, and the parasitoid flies were higher in Central Italy. Additionally, P. larvae and some viruses showed significantly different occurrence rates between the two years in Italy and the Republic of Kosovo. The co-occurrence of IPAs also differed between the two geographic areas. Their varying distribution could depend on epidemiological dynamics, climatic factors, and management practices specific to each country, whose relative impact should be defined to guide targeted interventions to reduce honeybee mortality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Infectious Diseases in Animals)
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10 pages, 5469 KB  
Article
Evaluation of the Protective Efficacy of Foot-and-Mouth Disease Vaccines Against O/CATHAY Topotype Virus in Pigs
by Ye-Ji Kim, Dong-Wan Kim, Mi-Kyeong Ko, Donghyeon Kim, Seo-Yong Lee, Yerin Kim, Yeonrea Chae, Tae-jun Kim, Hyejin Kim, Min Ja Lee, Sung-Han Park, Jaejo Kim, Jong-Hyeon Park, Ji-Hyeon Hwang and Yoon-Hee Lee
Microorganisms 2026, 14(1), 186; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms14010186 - 14 Jan 2026
Viewed by 1415
Abstract
The world is divided into seven regional pools based on the serotype distribution and geographical spread of the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) virus. The Republic of Korea (ROK) belongs to Pool 1, where serotypes O, A, and Asia1 are endemic. Recently, the risk of [...] Read more.
The world is divided into seven regional pools based on the serotype distribution and geographical spread of the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) virus. The Republic of Korea (ROK) belongs to Pool 1, where serotypes O, A, and Asia1 are endemic. Recently, the risk of incursions by the O/CATHAY topotype has increased in Pool 1, raising concerns about its potential introduction into the ROK. To assess the protective effectiveness of three commercial FMD vaccine strains—O1/Manisa + O/3039, O/Primorsky, and O1/Campos—currently used in the ROK against this topotype, an animal challenge experiment was conducted. Three treatment groups (n = 4 in each) of pigs received a single 2 mL injection of one of the vaccines at 8–10 weeks of age, and the other group (n = 2) served as the control. All pigs were challenged with the O/HKN/5/2019 virus (O/CATHAY topotype) at 21 days post-vaccination. All vaccines conferred protective effects, with O1/Campos demonstrating the highest efficacy by inducing fewest clinical signs and significantly reducing virus shedding in the treated groups compared with those in the control group. These findings suggest O1/Campos may serve as an emergency measure; nevertheless, the development of a vaccine specifically targeting the O/CATHAY topotype is warranted. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Infectious Diseases in Animals)
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