Bacterial Infectious Diseases in Animals: Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, and Control Strategies

A special issue of Veterinary Sciences (ISSN 2306-7381). This special issue belongs to the section "Veterinary Microbiology, Parasitology and Immunology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2026 | Viewed by 2920

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Guest Editor
College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471000, China
Interests: veterinary; bacteria; infection; immunity; prevention

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue of Veterinary Sciences, titled “Bacterial Infectious Diseases in Animals: Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, and Control Strategies” is dedicated to advancing our understanding and management of bacterial pathogens that critically impact animal health, welfare, and productivity worldwide. In the face of evolving challenges such as antimicrobial resistance (AMR), intensification of animal production, and the interconnectedness of ecosystem health, there is an urgent need to consolidate contemporary research and foster innovative solutions. This collection aims to serve as a comprehensive resource by integrating multidisciplinary insights into the complex dynamics of bacterial diseases across various animal species.

The overall focus of this Special Issue is threefold: (a) to elucidate the epidemiological patterns of both established and emerging bacterial infections, including their transmission dynamics, host range, and environmental reservoirs; (b) to deepen the understanding of molecular and cellular pathogenesis, exploring virulence mechanisms, host-pathogen interactions, and immune evasion strategies; and (c) to evaluate and promote novel prevention and control strategies, encompassing vaccine development, diagnostic advancements, antimicrobial alternatives (e.g., probiotics, bacteriophages, immunomodulators), and sustainable management practices within a One Health framework.

Its scope encompasses original research articles, systematic reviews, and concise communications that present novel findings or synthesize current knowledge on bacterial pathogens affecting livestock, poultry, companion animals, and wildlife. We encourage submissions that employ advanced methodologies, from genomic surveillance and functional genomics to epidemiological modeling and controlled intervention studies. The core purpose is to bridge fundamental research with practical applications, facilitating the translation of scientific discoveries into effective tools and policies that enhance biosecurity, reduce economic losses, and mitigate public health risks associated with zoonotic pathogens.

This issue will usefully supplement the existing literature by providing a timely and synthesized platform that addresses critical gaps. While significant research exists on individual pathogens or specific control tools, there is a need for integrated analyses that connect epidemiological trends with pathogenesis insights to inform smarter interventions. Furthermore, this collection will specifically highlight strategies combating AMR—a priority area often treated in isolation—within the broader context of holistic disease management. By curating works that emphasize interdisciplinary approaches and the One Health paradigm, this Special Issue will offer a cohesive reference point that advances the field beyond fragmented knowledge, supporting the development of robust, adaptable, and sustainable control programs for the veterinary community and allied stakeholders.

Prof. Dr. Zhanqin Zhao
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • veterinary
  • bacteria
  • epidemiology
  • pathogenesis
  • immunity
  • prevention
  • One Health

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 779 KB  
Article
Comparative Agreement of Intradermal Tuberculin Test and Interferon-Gamma Release Assay in Bovine Tuberculosis Surveillance in Sicily, Italy (2024–2025)
by Delia Gambino, Lucia Galuppo, Tiziana Orefice, Maurilio Saladino, Giuseppe Barbaccia, Natale Sergio Glorioso, Antonino Calagna, Mario Richiusa, Antonio Vella, Giovanni Cassata and Francesca Di Gaudio
Vet. Sci. 2026, 13(9), 849; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci13090849 (registering DOI) - 22 Aug 2026
Abstract
Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) remains endemic in southern Italy, particularly in Sicily, posing challenges for disease control and eradication. This study evaluated the diagnostic agreement between the intradermal tuberculin test (IDT), interferon-gamma release assay (IFN-γ), and post-mortem lesion detection in 1801 cattle from 44 [...] Read more.
Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) remains endemic in southern Italy, particularly in Sicily, posing challenges for disease control and eradication. This study evaluated the diagnostic agreement between the intradermal tuberculin test (IDT), interferon-gamma release assay (IFN-γ), and post-mortem lesion detection in 1801 cattle from 44 herds in the province of Palermo during 2024–2025. Diagnostic agreement between IDT and IFN-γ was substantial in 2024 (κ = 0.731; 95% CI: 0.64–0.82; n = 991) and decreased to moderate in 2025 (κ = 0.453; 95% CI: 0.33–0.57; n = 572), reflecting a higher proportion of IFN-γ positive and inconclusive animals. An increase in inconclusive results for IFN-γ was observed in 2025, but the available data did not allow investigation of the factors underlying this difference. Agreement between ante-mortem tests and post-mortem lesion detection was poor in a selected subgroup of slaughtered animals, potentially subject to verification bias, highlighting the limitations of single diagnostic tools and the need for a complementary approach combining immunological and pathological methods. These findings support the interpretation of the complementary roles of IDT and IFN-γ within herd-level bTB surveillance, highlight the need for standardized protocols to manage inconclusive IFN-γ results, and underline the complementary contribution of post-mortem inspection within integrated surveillance strategies in endemic settings. Official confirmation of bovine tuberculosis relies on an integrated evaluation combining diagnostic results, post-mortem findings, and epidemiological investigations. Given the absence of a validated gold standard applicable to all animals in this observational dataset, the study was designed as a diagnostic agreement study rather than a formal accuracy assessment. Full article
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15 pages, 1749 KB  
Article
Comparison of Various Rose Bengal Plate Tests, Serum Tube Agglutination Tests, and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays Used in Brucellosis Serosurveillance in Sheep, Bovines, and Spotted Deer
by Weldeab Solomon Ghebrezgabher, Guodong Song, Jiazhen Ge, Yijian Liu, Pengcheng Gao, Renge Li, Fuying Zheng and Yuefeng Chu
Vet. Sci. 2026, 13(8), 804; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci13080804 - 14 Aug 2026
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Abstract
Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease causing significant economic losses, and necessitating standardized diagnostic kits for effective surveillance. The objectives of this study are to investigate brucellosis serosurveillance in ruminants, and to evaluate three serological tests—Rose Bengal Plate Tests (RBPTs), Serum Tube Agglutination Tests [...] Read more.
Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease causing significant economic losses, and necessitating standardized diagnostic kits for effective surveillance. The objectives of this study are to investigate brucellosis serosurveillance in ruminants, and to evaluate three serological tests—Rose Bengal Plate Tests (RBPTs), Serum Tube Agglutination Tests (STATs), and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISAs)—each from three manufacturers. A total of 5797 serum samples (5260 sheep, 83 bovines, and 454 spotted deer) were initially screened with the RBPT, and 54 RBPT-positive selected samples were subsequently analyzed by the STAT and ELISA. RBPT screening showed significant variability: kit A (0.86%) showed significantly lower positivity than kits B and C (1.45% and 1.43%, p < 0.05). Among 54 RBPT-positive samples, STAT positivity from manufacturers A, B, and C was 61.11%, 70.37%, and 66.67%, respectively, with no significant differences (p > 0.017 in pairwise comparisons). All ELISAs consistently outperformed STATs. Kit B (competitive ELISA, 90.74%) had significantly higher positivity than kits A (indirect ELISA, 77.78%) and C (competitive ELISA, 74.07%) (p < 0.017 in pairwise comparisons). Key implications: Results from different manufacturers are not directly comparable, and concurrent use of different techniques on the same sample can yield discrepant outcomes. This underscores the urgent need for diagnostic kit standardization in brucellosis prevalence studies. Full article
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13 pages, 4089 KB  
Article
Analysis of Bacterial Diversity in Fresh Milk from Commercial Dairy Farms in Xinjiang Based on Metagenomic Sequencing
by Yingni Sun, Shuyun Xu, Zhijie Luo, Taishan Fan and Xia Zhou
Vet. Sci. 2026, 13(7), 688; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci13070688 - 15 Jul 2026
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Abstract
To investigate the biological characteristics of microbes in fresh milk, this study gathered fresh milk from seven large-scale dairy farms in the southern and northern regions of Xinjiang, analyzing the composition and abundance of bacterial communities in these samples through metagenomic sequencing technology. [...] Read more.
To investigate the biological characteristics of microbes in fresh milk, this study gathered fresh milk from seven large-scale dairy farms in the southern and northern regions of Xinjiang, analyzing the composition and abundance of bacterial communities in these samples through metagenomic sequencing technology. Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria were consistently identified as the dominant phyla across all samples, with stable relative abundance patterns across regions. At the genus level, the genera with the highest relative abundances were Sporosarcina, Streptococcus, and Escherichia, with relative abundances of 2.51–2.58%, 2.23–2.27%, and 1.93–1.97%, respectively. While exploring species richness, it was observed that the XN group had the most OTUs, the DR group had the fewest, and there were significant differences in community structure between the ND group and the other six groups. Further Alpha diversity analysis revealed no significant variation in Chao1 indices across the seven sample groups, highlighting a significant difference in Shannon index for ND samples, and no significant differences in Shannon indices between the CJ, JY, KT, DR, and TR samples. Shifting focus to functional potential, the top three relative abundances in the microbial metagenome KEGG functional library are biological systems, human diseases, and environmental information processing; additionally, within the CAZy (Carbohydrate-Active enZymes) database, the three most abundant categories are glycosyltransferases (GT), glycoside hydrolases (GH), and carbohydrate-binding modules (CBM). By delineating these patterns, this study demonstrates the microbial spectrum characteristics of fresh milk from southern and northern Xinjiang, China, offering a theoretical foundation for enhancing the quality of fresh milk in the area. Full article
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17 pages, 7382 KB  
Article
Functional Characterization of tetR in Tetracycline Resistance of Aeromonas hydrophila
by Nannan Shen, Ting Qin, Bingwen Xi, Kai Chen, Yifan Lu and Jun Xie
Vet. Sci. 2026, 13(6), 577; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci13060577 - 12 Jun 2026
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Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the molecular basis of high-level tetracycline resistance to tetracycline antibiotics in Aeromonas hydrophila isolated from fish farming. Comparative genomic analysis of the tetracycline-sensitive strain NJ-35 and the tetracycline-resistant strain AH823 revealed that the tetracycline repressor gene tetR in [...] Read more.
This study aimed to investigate the molecular basis of high-level tetracycline resistance to tetracycline antibiotics in Aeromonas hydrophila isolated from fish farming. Comparative genomic analysis of the tetracycline-sensitive strain NJ-35 and the tetracycline-resistant strain AH823 revealed that the tetracycline repressor gene tetR in AH823 had undergone base mutations, resulting in premature translational termination. The tetR gene in NJ-35 was inhibited using a plasmid-based antisense RNA strategy, and the knockdown efficiency was confirmed by RT-qPCR. The resulting tetR antisense RNA-expressing strain, AHtetR-as, exhibited significantly increased resistance to tetracycline antibiotics (minocycline, tetracycline, and doxycycline), but did not affect biofilm formation or hemolysis. Moreover, tetR knockdown in NJ-35 was associated with increased efflux activity and reduced intracellular doxycycline accumulation. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that genes encoding the 30S ribosomal subunit proteins showed a differential expression pattern, with rpsO upregulated and rpsD and rpsP downregulated. These findings suggest that tetR contributes to tetracycline resistance in A. hydrophila and is associated with broad transcriptional changes related to cellular transport and ribosomal function. Full article
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18 pages, 3953 KB  
Article
Population Genetic Architecture of the Streptococcus suis Antigen HP0197
by Guopeng Mei, Junfeng Zhang, Lijun Guan, Shangbo Ning, Yun Xue and Zhanqin Zhao
Vet. Sci. 2026, 13(4), 376; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci13040376 - 13 Apr 2026
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Abstract
S. suis is a major zoonotic infectious disease whose serological diversity brings challenges to vaccine development. Based on the whole-genome data of 169 S. suis strains, this study conducted a systematic bioinformatics analysis of the surface antigen protein HP0197 that reveals its distribution [...] Read more.
S. suis is a major zoonotic infectious disease whose serological diversity brings challenges to vaccine development. Based on the whole-genome data of 169 S. suis strains, this study conducted a systematic bioinformatics analysis of the surface antigen protein HP0197 that reveals its distribution characteristics, sequence diversity, domain composition and antigenic epitope distribution. The results showed that the HP0197 gene, which has a detection rate of 91.72%, can be divided into seven major phylogroups (I–VII) and the following two structural types: short form (HP0197-S) and long form (HP0197-L). All sequences contained signal peptides, transmembrane structures, LPXTG anchoring motifs, as well as conserved GAGBD and G5 domains, among which tandem repeats of the G5 domain existed in the long HP0197-L type. Tertiary structure prediction indicated that HP0197 has a spatial architecture of “conserved at both ends and flexible in the middle”, in which B-cell epitopes are mainly enriched near the GAGBD and G5 domains, suggesting these regions are the key targets for inducing cross-immune protection. It systematically elucidates the diversity and structural characteristics of the HP0197 protein from the perspective of population genetics, which provides a theoretical basis for optimizing existing subunit vaccines, designing broad-spectrum multi-epitope vaccines and exploring novel anti-infection strategies. Full article
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32 pages, 14435 KB  
Systematic Review
Prevalence of Brucellosis in Small Ruminants in Africa from 2000 to 2025: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Weldeab Solomon Ghebrezgabher, Jiazhen Ge, Guodong Song, Fuying Zheng and Yuefeng Chu
Vet. Sci. 2026, 13(7), 638; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci13070638 - 30 Jun 2026
Viewed by 457
Abstract
Brucellosis remains a critical zoonotic threat to public health and livestock economies globally, particularly constraining small ruminant productivity in Africa, yet continental data remain scarce. The objectives of this review are to provide apparent small ruminant brucellosis prevalence/positivity estimates across Africa by country, [...] Read more.
Brucellosis remains a critical zoonotic threat to public health and livestock economies globally, particularly constraining small ruminant productivity in Africa, yet continental data remain scarce. The objectives of this review are to provide apparent small ruminant brucellosis prevalence/positivity estimates across Africa by country, region, continent, and diagnostic modality. A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar for articles published from 2000 to 2025. Data from 151 eligible studies representing 28 countries were extracted and meta-analyzed. Due to extreme heterogeneity (I2 > 97%), a single continental pooled estimate is not epidemiologically meaningful. For descriptive reference, Africa’s apparent pooled seroprevalence was 4.9% (95% CI: 3.0–7.5%; prediction interval: 0.1–32.1%), and pooled PCR positivity was 12.7% (95% CI: 6.0–21.9%; prediction interval: 0.8–38.9%). Descriptive regional seroprevalence ranged from 3.3% (95% CI: 1.2–7.4%) (West Africa) to 6.2% (95% CI: 3.8–9.4%) (East Africa). Country-level crude seroprevalence ranged from 0.18% (Morocco) to 19.53% (Libya), with diagnostic method prevalence ranging from 3.37% (2-Mercaptoethanol (2-ME)) to 21.54% (Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS)). Both B. abortus and B. melitensis are reported with significant variations. Data absence from several African countries highlights a critical knowledge gap. We propose multi-level prevention and control strategies. Full article
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