Search Results (76)

Background/Objectives: Edible bird’s nest (EBN) benefits skin, but its transgenerational effects are unknown. This study investigated whether maternal EBN or its key component, sialic acid (SA), could program offspring skin pigmentation and antioxidant capacity. Methods: Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were supplemented with EBN or equi-sialic acid SA. Offspring skin brightness (L*, ITA°), melanin content, and key molecular targets (e.g., MITF, TYR, TRP1/2, PMEL, RAB27A, p-CREB, p-ERK, CAT, GCS, MDA) were assessed at postnatal days 0–21. Results: Maternal EBN induced a dose-dependent skin-brightening effect in offspring. High-dose EBN increased skin L* by 10.46% and ITA° by 14.28%, while reducing total melanin by 26.77%. This was mediated by downregulation of the MITF-TYR/TRP axis and its upstream CREB/ERK signaling, suppression of melanosome transport proteins (PMEL, RAB27A), and enhancement of antioxidant defenses (increased CAT/GCS, decreased MDA). SA alone showed similar but weaker effects. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that maternal EBN intake programs offspring skin towards a lighter phenotype and enhanced antioxidant status through multi-faceted regulation of melanogenesis. The superior efficacy of whole EBN over pure SA highlights the value of the intact food matrix, suggesting EBN as a promising functional food for maternal nutrition. Full article

Theileria haneyi, a recently discovered tick-borne hemoparasite infecting equids globally, has significant implications for equine health. Although it is closely related to T. equi (sharing 23% genomic divergence), it establishes an asymptomatic carrier state in persistently infected horses, creating a silent transmission reservoir. Its discovery and unique genetics justify its classification as a new taxon. A critical diagnostic challenge is that the lack of the ema-1 gene in T. haneyi prevents its detection by the standard T. equi cELISA, emphasizing the need for species-specific tools. Although species-specific PCR assays, including PCR and qPCR targeting genes like chr1sco or ema-11, respectively, and an indirect ELISA targeting the EMA-11 recombinant protein, have been developed, global genetic variations may limit their serological utility. Therapeutically, T. haneyi exhibits resistance to the key antiparasitic drug, imidocarb dipropionate (ID), and interferes with the clearance of co-infecting T. equi. Major knowledge gaps persist, particularly regarding the identification of its competent vector. The current work presents an overview of T. haneyi virulence, transmission, diagnostics, and therapeutic gaps while pinpointing the deficits in current information necessary for advancing our understanding of the parasite’s biology. Finally, the review discusses and recommends further studies to develop effective control and surveillance strategies for T. haneyi infection. Full article

Continuity of Care (CoC) refers to how individuals experience care over time and is a vital component of delivering high-quality, person-centred primary healthcare (PHC). It is especially valuable for Persons with Disabilities who experience barriers in accessing healthcare and are at risk for poor health outcomes. In South Africa (SA), as the healthcare system evolves and aims to achieve universal healthcare, it is crucial to evaluate how primary healthcare policies address the CoC needs of Persons with Disabilities within primary healthcare (PHC). This study examined four policies: (1) the Policy on Quality in Health Care for South Africa (2007), (2) the Policy Framework and Strategy for Ward-Based Primary Healthcare Teams (2018/19–2023/24), (3) the Referral Policy for South African Health Services and Referral Implementation Guidelines, and (4) the Framework and Strategy for Disability and Rehabilitation Services in South Africa (FSDR) (2015–2020). Using an exploratory modified EquiFrame analysis, the findings reveal interesting insights into how CoC is conceptualized and articulated across these policies. While the Framework and Strategy for Disability and Rehabilitation Services displayed moderate alignment with CoC’s Core Concepts, it lacked detailed implementation strategies. Although PHC policies in SA recognize the significance of CoC, they exhibit gaps in conceptual clarity and practical application, posing challenges for the implementation of integrated and inclusive health systems. Full article

Caseous lymphadenitis (CLA), an infectious disease caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis (C. pseudotuberculosis), poses a significant economic burden to the global small ruminant industry. This study aimed to investigate genetic variations in the CP40 gene of C. pseudotuberculosis and to develop a rapid detection assay for enhanced pathogen identification. Homology analysis was performed to compare the CP40 gene sequence of the FJ-PN strain with other Corynebacterium species. Specific primers targeting CP40 were designed, and a SYBR Green I-based real-time PCR protocol was optimized. The assay’s specificity, sensitivity, and reproducibility were subsequently validated. The FJ-PN strain exhibited ≥99.65% nucleotide identity and ≥98.94% amino acid identity with C. pseudotuberculosis biovar ovi reference strains, showing 90.18–91.84% nucleotide identity and 88.63–90.77% amino acid identity with C. pseudotuberculosis biovar equi, and ≤82.71% nucleotide identity and ≤78.63% amino acid identity with other Corynebacterium species. The established qPCR assay demonstrated high specificity, the limit of detection was 52 copies/μL, and it demonstrated good reproducibility (intra- and inter-assay CV < 1.0%). Clinical sample testing revealed 18.8% positivity rates in nasal swabs, which was higher than that detected by conventional PCR (16.3%). These results indicate that the CP40 gene is evolutionarily conserved and represents a specific molecular marker for the identification of C. pseudotuberculosis biovar ovis. The developed SYBR Green I real-time PCR assay enables the efficient detection of C. pseudotuberculosis and provides technical support for CLA surveillance and control. Full article

Ascending placentitis is a significant cause of equine pregnancy loss, yet the upstream inflammatory triggers are poorly defined. Recently, we identified S100A8/S100A9 (S100A8/A9) alarmins as potential upstream regulators in a chronic equine placentitis model. The current study aimed to determine whether this upregulation is sustained in the acute model and in clinical cases, and to elucidate the expression of their downstream inflammatory mediators. Using an experimental model, we quantified S100A8/A9 mRNA expression in acute (n = 5) and chronic (n = 6) placentitis induced by Streptococcus equi ssp. zooepidemicus. We found mRNA expression of S100A8 and S100A9 was significantly upregulated in chorioallantois during both acute (p < 0.001) and chronic (p < 0.0001) disease compared to controls (n = 5), demonstrating their role is not limited to chronic pathology. A strong positive correlation (r = 0.945) underscored their coordinated expression. Immunohistochemistry revealed minimal staining in controls but dense infiltrations of S100A8/A9-positive neutrophils and macrophages in placentitis tissues. To define the clinical relevance of the downstream pathway, we analyzed RNA sequencing data from clinical placentitis cases (placentitis, n = 4) compared to normal postpartum placenta (control, n = 4). This confirmed upregulation of S100A8/A9 and revealed a concurrent increase in their receptors (TLR4, RAGE) and a spectrum of NF-κB-driven effectors, including pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL1β, IL6, TNF), chemokines (CXCL8, CCL2, CXCL10), and the apoptotic mediator CASP3. Our findings establish that S100A8/A9 upregulation is a sustained feature of equine placentitis and delineates a coherent S100A8/A9-TLR4/RAGE-NF-κB signaling axis that drives inflammation and tissue damage in clinical disease. These findings highlight the diagnostic potential of S100A8/A9 and position this alarmin system as a promising therapeutic target for mitigating infection-induced pregnancy loss. Full article

The forest fly (Hippobosca equina) is an obligate haematophagous dipteran insect (order Diptera) that primarily infests horses and may contribute to the circulation of vector-borne pathogens. This study aimed to investigate the presence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., Babesia caballi, and Theileria equi, important vector-borne pathogens of equids, in forest flies collected from horses in endemic areas of Spain. A total of 170 forest flies were collected from 39 equids across four geographical regions in Spain (Segovia, Madrid, Toledo, and Menorca) and blood samples were collected from 27 of these horses. All flies were morphologically and molecularly identified as H. equina, and DNA extracted from flies and equine blood was screened using multiplex real-time and nested PCR, followed by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Neither flies nor horses tested positive for A. phagocytophilum, whereas one fly was positive for B. burgdorferi s.l. (0.6%). In contrast, T. equi and B. caballi DNA were detected in 11.2% and 1.2% of flies, respectively, and all positive flies were collected from horses positive for equine piroplasmosis (T. equi/B. caballi infection), with identical 18S rRNA sequences between hosts and flies. Nested PCR showed a higher detection rate than real-time PCR for the detection of these piroplasms in flies and blood samples. These findings provide the first molecular evidence of EP pathogens in H. equina and support further investigation into the epidemiological importance of forest flies in equine pathogen surveillance. Full article

This study investigated the bacterial community composition and diversity in air and exercise yard bedding samples from large-scale donkey farms in Liaocheng, China, during summer using 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing. Air samples were collected from five functional areas of donkey barns, while bedding samples were obtained from eight farms housing Dezhou donkeys. Sequencing analysis revealed 894 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) in air samples and 3127 OTUs in bedding samples. Alpha diversity indices indicated that the mare barn exhibited the highest microbial diversity in air, while the foal barn showed the lowest. Actinobacteriota, Proteobacteria, and Firmicutes were the dominant phyla across different functional areas. Rhodococcus was identified as the predominant airborne genus, representing a potential pneumonia risk in foals. In bedding materials, Firmicutes, Actinobacteriota, and Proteobacteria predominated, with Corynebacterium, Salinicoccus, and Solibacillus as dominant genera. Several potentially pathogenic bacteria were detected, including Rhodococcus, Corynebacterium, Clostridium, Streptococcus, and Escherichia-Shigella. These findings provide critical insights into the microbial ecology of intensive donkey farming environments and offer scientific evidence for developing targeted biosecurity strategies to safeguard animal health and promote sustainable livestock production. Full article

Equine theileriosis, caused by the protozoan parasite Theileria equi, represents a significant economic threat to the equine industry. In Xinjiang, China, an endemic area for this disease, systematic research on the genetic diversity of T. equi has been notably lacking. The aim of this study was to obtain molecular epidemiological data pertaining to the parasite in selected regions of Xinjiang, China, and analyze the genetic characteristics (including 18S rRNA, EMA-1, and COI genes) and genotype distribution patterns of isolates from these regions, providing a scientific basis for developing targeted prevention and control strategies. Blood samples were collected from 440 horses across four regions (Altay, Ili, Tacheng, and Urumqi) and subjected to PCR assays. Positive samples were sequenced for phylogenetic and haplotype network analyses, and genetic diversity indices were calculated. The overall infection rate of T. equi was 38.41% (169/440), with Tacheng having the highest prevalence (86.27%) and Altay the lowest (20.88%); these regional differences were statistically significant. Phylogenetic analysis identified two genotypes of the 18S rRNA gene: genotype E (predominant) and genotype A. All EMA-1 sequences clustered exclusively within genotype A. Notably, all COI gene sequences formed a monophyletic group, exhibiting closer genetic relationships to isolates from France and Senegal. This study presents the first comprehensive genotyping of T. equi in Xinjiang based on three target genes and constructs an associated haplotype network. The analysis identified 18S rRNA genotype E and EMA-1 genotype A as the predominant genotypes. Furthermore, the genetic diversity of T. equi was found to be higher in Urumqi than in the other regions studied. Full article

Infection of susceptible horses with Streptococcus equi subspecies equi (S. equi), the causative agent of strangles, is associated with commingling. Exposure may occur among horses at equestrian events, sales, or horses moved among different equine stabling environments. Strangles can affect all horses on a farm, leading to the death of up to 10% of cases depending on their immunity status at the time of infection, the development of complications, the success of biosecurity measures, and the use of vaccination. The current retrospective study used ELISAs to measure the exposure of horses to S. equi at a farm that experienced an outbreak of strangles shortly after the introduction of a new horse on the same day that the majority of the 17 resident horses were vaccinated with Strangvac for the first time. One vaccinated horse, which subsequently tested positive for S. equi and EHV-4, developed a cough, elevated body temperature, and nasal discharge 11 days after the first vaccination. Two other horses developed fever for one day at 22 days post-first vaccination, but only one had serological evidence of exposure to S. equi. All vaccinated horses had high antibody titres to vaccine components, whilst 7 of the 17 resident horses, and the new arrival, tested seropositive for exposure to S. equi. Although 3 out of the 17 vaccinated horses developed mild signs of disease before second vaccination, serological data support the effectiveness of vaccination in resident populations of horses to minimise the risk of strangles following the introduction of a new horse. Full article

Equine bacterial abortion presents substantial economic and One Health challenges; however, comprehensive epidemiological data from China are limited. This study sought to ascertain the overall prevalence of key pathogens—namely, Chlamydia spp., Coxiella burnetii, Salmonella abortus equi, and Brucella spp.—in equine populations in northwestern China. In this study, we aimed to further elucidate the characteristics of co-infections, profile antimicrobial resistance genes, and identify associated risk factors. Conducted as a cross-sectional analysis across four provinces, we collected 508 blood samples and 24 abortion tissue samples from 15 farms. Pathogen detection was performed using ELISA and real-time PCR, complemented by a targeted PCR panel screening for 29 AMR genes. The highest prevalence was observed for S. abortus equi (serology: 35.03%; molecular: 23.03%), followed by C. burnetii (28.94%; 15.35%) and Chlamydia spp. (18.90%; 14.17%). No PCR-confirmed cases of Brucella spp. were detected, despite low-level seropositivity. Notably, donkeys and horses aged 5–10 years exhibited higher positivity rates, and co-infections were common, particularly S. abortus equi + C. burnetii (n = 44). Among the 196 PCR-positive samples, extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) genes were predominant, with CTX-M (n = 158) and TEM-1 (n = 106) being the most prevalent. Additionally, we identified a high prevalence of genes conferring resistance to fluoroquinolones (qnrA/B), tetracyclines (tetM), macrolides (ermA/B/C), and sulfonamides (sul1), along with sporadic occurrences of carbapenemase genes. This study presents the inaugural comprehensive analysis of pathogen prevalence and associated antimicrobial resistance (AMR) gene carriage in equine abortion cases in northwest China. The findings highlight the imperative for integrated serological and molecular surveillance, revealing a significant discrepancy between empirical therapeutic approaches and the prevalent resistance genotypes. Consequently, this research lays the groundwork for evidence-based biosecurity measures and antimicrobial stewardship within a One Health framework. Full article

Background: Streptococcus equi subspecies equi (S. equi) is the cause of strangles, one of the most prevalent diseases of horses worldwide. The disease is characterised by fever and the formation of abscesses in the lymph nodes of the head and neck, which can restrict the airway. A multicomponent subunit vaccine, Strangvac, has been shown to effectively reduce clinical signs of strangles and to reduce its incidence. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the immune response against the immunoglobulin-cleaving endopeptidase IdeE, a key protective component within the vaccine and the ability of antibodies to neutralize the proteolytic activity of IdeE. Methods: An in vitro assay was developed to measure the functional inhibition of recombinant IdeE by horse sera pre- and post-vaccination. The IdeE-neutralising titres were compared to the corresponding IdeE-specific antibody titres measured by iELISA (indirect Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay). Results: A significant IdeE-specific antibody response in blood serum collected from ponies was induced after Strangvac vaccinations. Concomitantly, significant increases in the neutralising activity of IdeE occurred, persisting for at least 12 months post-second vaccination. IdeE-neutralising activity was further increased significantly after a third vaccination, even when the third dose was administered 12 months after the second dose, demonstrating that immunological memory to the vaccine persisted for 12 months. There was a significant correlation between the IdeE-neutralising activity of blood sera and the level of IdeE-specific antibodies. Conclusions: These data provide insights into one potential mechanism by which this vaccine protects Equids against or during S. equi infection. Full article

The equine respiratory and reproductive tract microbiomes are complex and subject to constant fluctuations. Among the microbial inhabitants, Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus (SEZ) is recognized as the dominant bacterium. It is an opportunistic pathogen that may occasionally lead to various types of infections. A key virulence factor of SEZ is the streptolysin S (SLS) toxin, which is responsible for the characteristic β-hemolysis on blood agar and tissue damage. Viruses and bacteria may interact and aggravate lesions and disease. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of an SLS-containing supernatant from SEZ on the nasal and vaginal mucosa and the subsequent replication of equine herpesviruses. The SLS-containing supernatant was prepared, and three 10-fold dilutions (optical density “OD” 10⁻², 10⁻³, 10⁻⁴) were applied to equine nasal and vaginal explants. Untreated and EGTA-treated explants served as controls. Epithelial integrity was assessed by measuring the thickness and intercellular spaces. Nasal explants were inoculated with EHV-1 and EHV-4, while vaginal explants received EHV-1 and EHV-3. Viral replication was estimated via immunofluorescence staining and confocal microscopy. SLS-containing supernatants 10⁻² and 10⁻³ compromised epithelial integrity. Viral replication increased in explants treated with SLS 10⁻³, demonstrating SLS’s damaging effects on the epithelium, facilitating equine herpesvirus replication. Full article

Monitoring infectious diseases is essential for safeguarding equine health and ensuring the sustainability of the horse industry. In 2019, the Royal Veterinary Association of the Netherlands (KNMvD) and Royal GD (GD Animal Health) launched SEIN (Surveillance of Equine Infectious diseases in the Netherlands), a voluntary surveillance system for laboratory-confirmed outbreaks of equid alphaherpesvirus 1 (EHV-1), equid alphaherpesvirus 4 (EHV-4), equine influenza virus (EIV), and Streptococcus equi subsp. equi. This retrospective study analyzed 364 confirmed outbreaks reported through SEIN between June 2019 and April 2023. S. equi was the most commonly reported pathogen overall (64%). Among outbreaks involving respiratory disease, S. equi accounted for 74% of cases, followed by EHV-4 (16%), EIV (6%), and EHV-1 (4%). The geographical distribution of outbreaks covered 80 of the 90 postal code regions (89%), and approximately half of all participating practices generated at least 1 alert. Vaccination data revealed low coverage against EHV-1/4, EIV, and S. equi among both affected horses and premises. Clinical signs overlapped between pathogens, but some were more pathogen-specific, e.g., coughing in EIV, and abscessation in S. equi. The SEIN system provided spatiotemporal information on confirmed outbreaks. These results underscore the importance of quick diagnostics and structured surveillance systems in guiding prevention strategies. Full article

The purpose of this study was to determine any associations of EHV-2, EHV-5, and dual infection with EHV-2/-5 with demographic parameters, clinical signs, and coinfection with other common respiratory pathogens. Nasal swabs collected from 9737 horses were tested for EHV-2 and EHV-5, as well as EHV-1, EHV-4, EIV, S equi, ERAV, and ERBV, by qPCR. Clinical signs and demographic parameters were recorded, and prevalence factors were evaluated for significance regarding EHV-2 and/or EHV-5 infection. Out of the 9737 horses in this study, 17.8% tested EHV-2-positive (n = 1731), 15.8% tested EHV-5-positive (n = 1536), 33.4% tested positive for both viruses EHV-2/-5 (n = 3247), and 33.1% tested negative for both viruses (n = 3223). When comparing EHV-2 and/or EHV-5 infected horses to horses testing qPCR-negative for both viruses, horses infected with EHV-2 alone were more likely to be younger Thoroughbreds with a history of recent transportation, presenting with fever, and having a higher rate of coinfections with EHV-4 and S. equi. Horses infected with EHV-5 alone were less likely to be used for pleasure purposes, had fewer clinical signs, and were more likely to be coinfected with EHV-4. Horses dually infected with EHV-2 and EHV-5 were much more likely to be younger, used for competition, presenting with a fever, and coinfected with additional respiratory pathogens. It is apparent from the study population that horses infected with EHV-2 alone or in combination with EHV-5 had breed predilections, greater frequency of clinical signs, and a higher rate of coinfections with EHV-4, ERBV, and S. equi. Full article

Solar energy and biomass offer sustainable alternatives to meet the energy demand and reduce the environmental impact of fossil fuels. In this study, through mass and energy balances, a comparative analysis of energy, exergy, and environmental impact (LCA) was conducted on two renewable thermal sources: solar energy and coconut shell biomass, both coupled to a supercritical CO₂ Brayton cycle (sCO₂) with an organic Rankine cycle (ORC) for waste heat recovery. The sCO₂–ORC–biomass configuration showed higher exergy efficiency (41.1%) and lower exergy destruction (188.88 kW) compared to the sCO₂–ORC–solar system (23.76% and 422.63 kW). Thermal efficiency (50.6%) and net power output (131.73 kW) were similar for both sources. However, the solar system (204,055.57 kg CO₂-equi) had an 85.6% higher environmental impact than the biomass system (109,933.63 kg CO₂-equi). Additionally, the construction phase contributed ~95% of emissions in both systems, followed by decommissioning (~4.5%) and operation (~0.1%). Finally, systems built with aluminum generate a higher carbon footprint than those with copper, with differences of 2% and 3.2% in sCO₂–ORC–solar and sCO₂–ORC–biomass, respectively. This study and an economic analysis make these systems viable thermo-sustainable options for clean energy generation. Full article