Search Results (1,134)

Background: Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease causing substantial economic losses in livestock. Conventional intramuscular (IM) vaccination is widely used for FMD control but may be associated with transient reductions in milk production. This study evaluated whether intradermal (ID) vaccination could induce comparable immune responses and protection while minimizing potential impacts on productivity. Methods: In cattle, the immunogenicity of an experimental bivalent ID vaccine was compared with that of a commercially available IM vaccine by measuring antibody responses for up to 140 days post-vaccination (dpv). Milk production was monitored for 7 dpv in a separate cohort of lactating cattle. Protective efficacy was evaluated in goats following ID vaccination and challenge with a 2025 Republic of Korea serotype O field isolate (O/ME-SA/Ind-2001). Results: ID vaccination induced humoral immune responses comparable to those elicited by IM vaccination throughout the 140-day observation period. Although no statistically significant difference in milk production was observed, the ID group showed a smaller numerical reduction in milk yield. Following viral challenge, ID-vaccinated goats developed rapid neutralizing antibody responses, exhibited no clinical signs, and showed lower viral RNA levels than unvaccinated controls. Conclusions: Intradermal vaccination induced long-lasting immune responses comparable to conventional IM vaccination, was associated with a smaller numerical reduction in milk yield, and protected goats against challenge with a contemporary FMDV field isolate. These findings provide preliminary evidence supporting the potential of ID vaccination as an alternative strategy for FMD control in ruminants and warrant further comparative studies with conventional IM vaccination. Full article

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is one of the most infectious viral diseases of cloven-hoofed animals. The crucial strategy for FMD control is the combination of animal quarantine and a rapid onsite diagnostic assay capable of differentiation of infected from vaccinated animals (DIVA). Herein, we have developed a lateral flow immunoassay to detect specific antibodies against FMDV non-structural protein (NSP), based on recombinant mu3ABC produced by E. coli as an antibody detector, the so-called mu3ABC strip test. The performance of this test was examined using 366 field serum samples from cattle, pigs, and goats and compared with the commercial ELISA kit, resulting in a diagnostic sensitivity (DSn) and specificity (DSp) of 98.05% and 93.16%, respectively. Additionally, efficacies of this test and commercial ELISA were determined using 200 reference bovine serum samples (100 positives, 100 negatives) classified by the Regional Reference Laboratory for Foot-and-Mouth Disease in South East Asia (RRL). The result reveals that the DSn and DSp of the test were 78% and 91%, respectively, while those for the commercial ELISA kit were 69% and 100%, respectively. The developed mu3ABC strip tests are effective and can be used to differentiate the infected animals in parallel with the sero-surveillance ELISA test. Full article

Background: The objective was to assess how preferences for a self-dissolving dexamethasone mouth film versus conventional tablets for acute allergic reactions may vary according to population characteristics and the level of outcome knowledge for the intervention (i.e., ex ante, interim, and ex post). Methods: We used preference data from two studies: a questionnaire study with a choice between mouth film and tablets based on a description of the mouth film (ex ante), and a clinical trial with ratings of accessibility and perceived security when the mouth film was available (interim) or used for acute allergic reactions (ex post). Associations between preferences and participant characteristics (demographics and clinical history) were analyzed using logistic regression models. Results: Preference for the mouth film over tablets remained strong as outcome information increased from ex ante to ex post and was consistent across study populations. Higher relative preference was associated with female sex, longer disease duration, older age, and prior severe reactions, whereas satisfaction with current treatment and regular allergy check-ups were linked to weaker relative preference. Conclusions: Preference for the mouth film over tablets was stable, but the degree of preference may depend on characteristics that influence sensitivity to treatment challenges in acute situations. Full article

Background: The movement of endemic diseases from tropical and disadvantaged areas is gradually spreading to developed countries as well. Amoebiasis, in particular, represents a significant threat to public health, amplified by globalization and increasing contact between humans and animals or vectors. In this way, atypical diseases may emerge in our country, also through an unusual mode of transmission—likely sexual, as “sexually transmitted enteric (STE) diseases”. Objective: We report and discuss the clinic approach to a rare case of dual human infestations by ecto- and endo-parasites with multiple liver abscesses presentation in a young truck driver residing in Northern Italy. Methods: The patient underwent a comprehensive screening with laboratory and microbiological tests, and CT images. Results: In July, the patient was admitted to our hepatology unit following the ultrasound identification of two hypoechoic lesions in the right lobe of the liver. In his medical history, in April, after a seemingly harmless infestation of body lice, effectively treated, he suffered from a prolonged and debilitating episode of acute diarrhea, lasting a month. This status was also accompanied by intestinal cramps, weight loss, and recurring fever episodes. Afterwards also appeared a Quincke’s-like angioedema involving the lips and mouth mucosa, with evening time exacerbation. Conclusions: The differential diagnosis of this complex and unusual clinical picture, together with the temporal evolution of the patient’s signs and symptoms, led us to hypothesize the presence of concomitant infections. These were most likely borreliosis and a STE disease, the latter ultimately diagnosed as amebiasis with hepatic invasion, allowing appropriate treatment and a favorable clinical outcome. Full article

Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) is a chronic orofacial pain condition characterized by persistent burning sensations in the absence of consistently identifiable pathology. This mismatch between severe symptoms and inconclusive findings challenges conventional diagnostic reasoning, which presumes that subjective complaints reflect underlying biological lesions—leading to repeated investigations, diagnostic delay, and uncertainty about symptom legitimacy. This paper uses BMS as a paradigmatic case to question a core assumption of clinical reasoning: that objective pathology constitutes primary evidence. In this Perspective, drawing on phenomenology and medical anthropology, we argue that when pathology is indeterminate, illness—the lived experience of suffering—must be treated as primary clinical evidence rather than as a secondary expression of disease. We propose a bidirectional conceptual framework in which physiological processes, psychological states, and lived experience interact dynamically, with symptoms actively participating in the maintenance of the condition. This framework explains persistent diagnostic uncertainty, heterogeneous treatment responses, and the clinical significance of validation and meaning-making. Reframing BMS in this way supports earlier recognition, reduces reliance on exclusion-based strategies, and justifies multimodal interventions addressing both biological and experiential dimensions of pain. More broadly, it suggests that clinical reasoning must expand to incorporate lived experience as indispensable evidence wherever pathology is indeterminate. Full article

The aim of this study was to detect and characterize foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) serotypes circulating in cattle from Nigeria and to determine the genetic relationship with FMDV from previous studies in Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was undertaken between 2017 and 2020, during which a total of 234 epithelial tissue samples were collected from reported outbreaks in nine states across Nigeria over a four-year period. Serotypes O/EA-3 and SAT2/VII were identified in samples from 2017 and 2018, serotypes A/Africa/G-IV and SAT2/VII in 2019, and all three serotypes including O/EA-3 and O/WA were identified in samples from 2020. This study identified the presence of three FMDV serotypes (O/EA-3 and O/WA, A/Africa/G-IV and SAT2/VII) circulating in Nigeria. The three serotypes detected in this study can be recommended for production of the appropriate vaccines to control FMDV in Nigeria. Full article

Timely detection of specific antibodies against foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) is critical to effective prevention and control of the disease. In this study, we developed a competitive chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay (cCLEIA) based on recombinant FMDV VP2 protein (FMDV-VP2 cCLEIA) for simultaneous detection of antibodies against FMDV serotypes O and A in serum samples. Using a cut-off of 35% percentage inhibition (PI), the FMDV-VP2 cCLEIA achieved a relative sensitivity of 101.5% and a relative specificity of 102% compared with commercial FMDV serotypes O and A liquid-phase blocking ELISA (LPBE) kits. The assay showed high specificity for detection of antibodies against FMDV serotypes A and O, with no cross-reactivity observed against positive sera for classical swine fever virus, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus, and Senecavirus A. Both intra-batch and inter-batch coefficients of variation were below 15%, confirming excellent assay reproducibility. The testing of 40 field serum samples yielded a positive detection rate of 95% using the FMDV-VP2 cCLEIA, compared with 92.5% using the FMDV serotypes O and A LPBE kits. In conclusion, the FMDV-VP2 cCLEIA developed is a rapid, sensitive assay for simultaneous detection of antibodies against FMDV serotypes O and A, which may offer a valuable tool for foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) surveillance and control programs. Full article

Bacterial stomatitis, or mouth rot (MR), caused by Tenacibaculum maritimum, is a persistent health issue for farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in seawater, leading to elevated mortality and reduced growth during the early months of production. Despite its impact, economic estimates of MR have been lacking. We developed a model to estimate selected direct costs associated with MR at the farm and industry levels in British Columbia (BC), Canada. This model incorporated parameters directly affected by MR, including revenue loss from mortality, and antibiotic treatment costs, while accounting for the feed-cost offset associated with mortality. To address variability across farms, MR-associated mortality, non-MR mortality, smolt weight, the number of treatments for MR, fish sale price, feed price, price of drug, and the proportion of farms affected by MR were simulated (Monte Carlo simulation with 10,000 iterations) using ModelRisk. Results indicated that MR imposed an average farm-level economic burden of USD 0.74 million (SD: USD 0.45 million) per production cycle and an industry-level burden of USD 10.58 million (SD: USD 6.54 million) annually. This study provides model-based estimates of selected direct economic costs associated with MR, based on BC specifications, and highlights the need for improved mitigation strategies and policy prioritization for this disease. Full article

Enterovirus alphacoxsackie (EV-A) is a highly diverse viral species containing at least 25 serotypes with diverse biological and clinical characteristics. EV-A can cause diseases ranging from asymptomatic infections to severe neurological disorders, as well as mucocutaneous diseases such as hand, foot, and mouth disease. 2A, a cysteine protease expressed by EV-A, plays critical roles in virus–host interactions. Although 2A orthologs of different EV-A serotypes share consistent protease-catalytic motifs and cleavage patterns, they show functional diversity in interacting with cellular proteins, probably due to distinct protease-independent activities determined by the single amino acid polymorphisms (SAPs) among different 2A orthologs. However, routine sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis can hardly identify the key SAP sites (kSAPs) contributing to the functional variance, mainly due to the high conservation of the proteins and the unequal weight of SAPs in determining protein function. Herein, we developed Single Amino Acid Polymorphism Statistics (SAAPS), an information-entropy (IE)-based algorithmic pipeline, to identify the functional kSAPs of EV-A 2A. The core principle of the algorithm is that the IE of the kSAPs can be neither too low (highly conserved sites not leading to variance) nor too high (random neutral mutations). Using SAAPS, we identified 56 kSAPs from 2A of 25 EV-A serotypes. Based on the kSAPs, the 2As can be clustered into three major groups with a few outliers, which was distinct from the clustering generated by phylogenetic analysis using the whole amino acid sequences. Functional verification with transcriptomic profiles of HEK-293T cells expressing different 2A variants revealed closer alignment of kSAP clustering than phylogenetic clustering. Notably, EV-A89, an outlier identified by kSAP clustering but not phylogenetic clustering, showed a unique expression pattern with an altered shift in the molecular weight, which suggested that it was related to three SAPs identified by SAAPS. This study presents SAAPS as a useful tool for prioritizing functionally relevant SAPs to guide mechanistic discovery and can be applied to highly conserved proteins like EV-A 2A. Full article

Enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) is a major causative agent of hand, foot, and mouth disease, yet no specific antiviral therapy has been approved. This study systematically evaluated the efficacy and mechanisms of alkaloids against EV-A71 infection by integrating meta-analysis, network pharmacology, and molecular docking. Nine animal studies were included. Meta-analysis suggested that alkaloid intervention significantly improved survival (OR = 30.62, 95% CI: 10.44–89.82), reduced clinical severity, attenuated body weight loss, and decreased viral loads in infected tissues. Subgroup analyses preliminarily suggested that quinolizidine alkaloids and high-dose regimens (>5 mg/kg) may be associated with preclinical intervention effects. Network pharmacology predicted 155 shared targets between seven active alkaloids and EV-A71-related genes, with MAPK1, MAPK3, JUN, AURKB, and MAPK8 recognized as core targets through computational screening. Functional enrichment analysis suggested significant involvement of the MAPK, TNF, and IL-17 signaling pathways. Molecular docking provided computational support for stable binding affinities between active alkaloids and core targets (−6.7 to −9.3 kcal/mol). Collectively, these findings suggest that alkaloids exert anti-EV-A71 effects through both direct antiviral activity and host-directed regulatory mechanisms, supporting their potential as candidates for the development of novel anti-EV-A71 therapeutics. Full article

Background/Objectives: Menopause is a complex physiological transition characterized by progressive estrogen deficiency and systemic biological changes that can affect multiple organs and tissues, including the oral cavity. Growing evidence suggests that hormonal fluctuations during the menopausal transition may influence periodontal health, salivary function, oral sensory perception, and overall oral health-related quality of life. Objective: This narrative review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the biological mechanisms and clinical manifestations associated with the relationship between menopause and oral health, with particular attention to periodontal outcomes, salivary changes, oral discomfort, dental status, and the potential role of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Methods: This narrative review was based on a structured literature search conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE and Scopus to identify studies published between January 2005 and May 2026. Predefined eligibility criteria were applied to identify relevant human studies. The retrieved evidence was synthesized narratively according to major oral health domains and menopausal phenotypes. Results: Fifty studies met the inclusion criteria. Overall, menopause was associated with poorer periodontal parameters, including increased probing depth, clinical attachment loss, and periodontal inflammation. Reduced salivary flow, dry mouth, altered salivary composition, burning symptoms, and taste disturbances were frequently reported in peri- and postmenopausal women. A higher prevalence of caries and tooth loss was also reported, although the contribution of age and other confounding factors varied across studies. New evidence suggests that estrogen deficiency may influence oral health through interconnected pathways involving immune regulation, bone metabolism, salivary gland function, and host–microbiome interactions. Evidence regarding the effects of HRT has been mixed, although several studies have reported improvements in salivary function and periodontal outcomes among treated women. Conclusions: Menopause appears to act as an important systemic modifier of oral health through multifactorial biological mechanisms. Menopause-associated oral manifestations go beyond local tissue changes and reflect broader interactions between hormonal status, inflammation, bone metabolism, and microbial ecology. Increased awareness among dental and medical professionals and a multidisciplinary approach could improve the prevention, diagnosis, and management of oral diseases in postmenopausal women. Further, well-designed longitudinal studies are needed to clarify causal relationships and identify effective therapeutic strategies. Full article

Inflammasomes arise from complex protein assembly mechanisms and play a fundamental role in managing inflammation and the innate immune response. The molecules that trigger inflammasome assembly and activation are molecules derived from pathogens or DNA fragments released following cellular damage. The phenomena resulting from inflammasome activation range from the activation of caspases, such as caspase-1, to the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, to cellular death by apoptosis or pyroptosis. Various diseases have been linked to aberrant inflammasome activation, including several autoimmune diseases, leading scientists to direct experiments toward identifying the mechanisms responsible for aberrant inflammasome activation so as to develop new therapeutic strategies. In this review, we summarize the assembly mechanisms and involvement of two specific inflammasomes, NLRP3 and AIM2, in autoimmune Sjögren’s disease (SjD). NLRP3 and AIM2 aberrant activations appear to be involved in the exacerbation of inflammation, which becomes chronic, leading to dry mouth and dry eye and to an increased risk of developing B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in these patients. Understanding how different inflammasomes contribute to the pathogenesis of SjD could be fundamental to a better understanding of the complex molecular mechanisms underlying this disease. Full article

(1) Background: Transboundary notifiable infectious viral diseases, such as lumpy skin disease (LSD), highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), and foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), continue to severely disrupt Europe’s animal health and welfare, food security, and the multi-burdened livestock sector. (2) Methods: Through an extensive literature search, with data collected from the scientific literature, outbreak notifications, and European Union (EU) policy reports, this study synthesises evidence on the economic and societal impacts of preventive mass vaccination compared with stamping out for listed viral animal diseases in Europe. (3) Results: Evidence from LSD, HPAI, and FMD indicates that preventive vaccination reduces outbreak size, duration, and associated economic losses, particularly in high-risk and endemic settings. For LSD, vaccination is essential in eradication, as culling alone fails. For HPAI, evolving epidemiology supports vaccination-to-live strategies. In contrast, for FMD, despite epidemiological benefits of vaccination, the maintenance of FMD-free status without vaccination remains the dominant policy objective, constraining adoption of vaccination-to-live due to trade implications. (4) Conclusions: Overall, findings support the following recommendations: shifting toward preventive vaccination tailored by country and disease, prioritising vaccine-to-live strategies within a harmonised regulatory framework, and strengthening differentiating infected from vaccinated animals (DIVA)-based surveillance and trade-compatible frameworks, all sensible approaches to protect animal welfare and economic stability in Europe’s livestock sector. Full article

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) represents one of the most severe transboundary animal diseases globally. Although considered endemic in Ghana, recent data on circulating serotypes are limited. This study investigated and characterized FMD outbreaks occurring between July and December 2024, assessed the occurrence of the infection in seemingly healthy cattle imports, and explored alternative methods to enhance early diagnosis in livestock; using probang Sera, epithelial tissue and oral mucosal swabs were obtained from cattle exhibiting signs suggestive of FMD from farms, livestock markets and a slaughter facility. This was followed by a cross-sectional survey at two major points of entry (POE) to Ghana to obtain oropharyngeal samples using probang from healthy cattle to assess the possible role of imported cattle in the outbreaks in the northern and southern regions of the country. Samples were analysed for FMD virus (FMDV) and non-structural protein (NSP) antibodies to assess infection and exposure from the outbreak foci and POE. Positive samples were sequenced to characterize the virus serotypes. Outbreaks were reported in 38 kraals, three livestock markets, and one slaughter facility across 14 districts in nine regions. Morbidity rates ranged from 8% to 100% (median = 50%), with fatalities occurring in three kraals. Of the 247 samples from outbreak locations, FMD virus was detected in 49.4% (122/247). A majority of cattle (66.03%, 140/212) tested seropositive for FMD NSP antibodies. From healthy cattle at POE, 250 oropharyngeal (probang) samples were collected, with 62.4% testing positive, distributed between the north and south. Only 1.6% of the samples had FMDV RNA detected using PCR. Phylogenetic analysis identified serotypes O, A, and SAT2. These findings confirm the co-circulation of multiple FMDV serotypes in Ghana and highlight the necessity for enhanced molecular surveillance and coordinated cross-border control measures. Full article

The consequences of foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreaks in non-endemic countries are devastating. Early detection and confirmation of foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV) are critical for controlling outbreaks. Diagnostic sampling currently uses direct sampling of suspected animals, including swabs and/or vesicular fluid. In the event of an FMD outbreak, there is limited veterinary capacity to sample all animals in the control zones. Thus, environmental sampling methods (shoe booties, ropes, and environmental swabs) were assessed and compared to direct animal sampling for experimentally infected cattle and swine. Environmental sampling methods such as shoe booties were sufficient to identify FMDV by reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and nanopore sequencing, similarly to oral swabs collected from animals. Furthermore, a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP)-based point-of-care test produced by ZiP Diagnostics was able to rapidly detect FMDV from clinical and environmental samples with Cq values of 30 or less. This study demonstrates a proof of concept that shoe booties can be used to detect FMDV in animal pens prior to the onset of clinical signs in animals. The use of shoe booties for surveillance sampling of non-clinical animals on multiple premises in a given zone would increase operational capacity and enable earlier detection for a faster response to FMD outbreaks. Full article