Search Results (341)

Background/Objectives: Bovine mastitis is a common infection in cattle causing significant economic losses globally in the dairy industry. While bacterial profiles and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) patterns are generally consistent worldwide, comprehensive epidemiological and AMR data from Kazakhstan are lacking. This study characterized mastitis-associated bacterial isolates and their AMR profiles from a single commercial Simmental dairy herd in the Akmola Region, Kazakhstan. Milk samples from 41 cows with clinical mastitis and documented treatment histories were collected. Methods: Bacterial identification was performed using MALDI-TOF MS, and antimicrobial susceptibility was tested phenotypically following EUCAST criteria. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) on a subset of isolates analyzed resistance and plasmid content using AMRFinderPlus v3.11.14 and Abricate v1.4.0, with the ResFinder and PlasmidFinder databases, respectively. Results: All samples yielded bacterial growth, resulting in 58 isolates across 11 species and five genera, from which Staphylococci predominated (50.0%), followed by Streptococci (28.0%), Escherichia coli (19%), one Aerococcus (1.72%) and one Corynebacterium (1.72%) strain. Phenotypic resistance to at least one antimicrobial class was found in 65.5% of tested isolates. Tetracycline resistance was the most frequent (71.7% of tested isolates), with multidrug resistance detected in 6.9%. WGS of a randomly selected subset of 33 isolates revealed that 27 (82%) carried at least one acquired AMR gene, predominantly tetracycline resistance genes (26/33), followed by lincosamide/macrolide (12 and 11 isolates) and aminoglycoside resistance genes (9 isolates). Plasmid replicon screening identified plasmid replicons in 21 of the 33 sequenced isolates, mainly of the repUS43 and repUS76 staphylococcal replicon families, suggesting a potential role of plasmids in AMR gene dissemination within the herd. Conclusions: This study offers a comprehensive phenotypic and genomic characterization of mastitis-associated pathogens and their AMR determinants within this single herd, highlighting the co-circulation of tetracycline, lincosamide/macrolide, and aminoglycoside resistance genes. As this study was limited to a single dairy herd, these findings should be regarded as descriptive, farm-level observations rather than being representative of the Akmola Region or Kazakhstan more broadly. These findings support farm-level mastitis surveillance that combines species identification, phenotypic AMR testing, and targeted molecular screening. Full article

The Zika virus (ZIKV) remains an important public health concern owing to its association with neurological disorders and congenital abnormalities. Genetically, ZIKV is classified into two major lineages—African and Asian—and continues to evolve, with evidence of genetic diversification following its introduction into the Americas. The study of the envelope (E) gene of ZIKV is a key tool for understanding viral biology, phylogenetic analysis, and developing antiviral drugs and vaccine candidates. However, few studies have focused on designing primers capable of efficiently detecting and amplifying this essential gene. In this study, we developed universal primer sets capable of amplifying and sequencing the full-length ZIKV E gene across genetically diverse lineages and strains. Primers were designed based on representative ZIKV sequences available in public databases and validated using viral isolates and in vitro-spiked plasma samples. The assay demonstrated high specificity and analytical sensitivity, with the analytical detection limit established using serially diluted DNA amplicons from the target region. Furthermore, ZIKV was successfully detected in plasma samples spiked at 1 × 10³ PFU/mL, which enabled complete sequencing of the E gene. These findings highlight the utility of our primers for molecular epidemiological studies, strengthening arbovirus surveillance and improving diagnostic capacity in regions where multiple arboviruses co-circulate, using a simple and reliable assay. Full article

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) represents a leading cause of both upper and lower respiratory tract infections among children and adults globally. To investigate the prevalence and evolution of hMPV in the Jiaxing area of China between 2023 and 2025, we screened 3600 pharyngeal swab specimens by real-time PCR, identified 101 positives, and obtained genomic sequences of 48 viral isolates using high-throughput sequencing. Using the sequencing data, we reconstructed a phylogenetic tree and examined amino acid substitutions. The epidemiological analysis revealed an overall hMPV positivity rate of 2.81% (101/3600) in Jiaxing during 2023–2025. Although positive cases were detected across all age groups, they were mainly children, with no significant difference between genders. Regarding seasonal patterns, the peak of hMPV activity occurred predominantly during winter and spring. Over the study period, four genotypes co-circulated, in the order of B2 (41.67%), A2.2.2 (37.50%), A2.2.1 (16.67%), and B1 (4.17%). Further phylogenetic analysis showed that the B1 strains from Jiaxing clustered primarily with those from Beijing, China, while B2, A2.2.1, and A2.2.2 strains were more closely related to strains from the United States and Beijing. Of note, an A2c_111nt-dup variant was identified in Jiaxing in 2023. Starting from November 2024, the prevailing genotype transitioned from A2.2.1/A2.2.2 to B2, and B2 emerged as the absolutely dominant strain by 2025. In comparison with earlier circulating strains, several amino acid substitutions have accumulated in current isolates, such as T223N, D280N, I392T, R396Q, S444N, K450R, and T521A in the F protein of B2 strains. Furthermore, the G, L, P, and SH proteins also displayed temporally patterned amino acid replacements. While the biological significance of these mutations is yet to be determined, these results highlight the public health importance of ongoing hMPV surveillance and dynamic monitoring of its genetic evolution. Full article

Background: Powassan virus (POWV) is the only tick-borne encephalitis-group flavivirus endemic to the United States (U.S.) and is an increasingly serious public health threat. Reported U.S. cases remain relatively few but have grown steadily—from fewer than two annually before 2005 to a record 60 in 2024—and neuroinvasive disease carries a 10–15% case fatality with lasting neurological sequelae in roughly half of the survivors. Examining POWV through a One Health lens, we conducted a scoping review of its ecological and zoonotic drivers, its interactions with co-circulating tick-borne pathogens, its full clinical spectrum, and its distinction from other tick-borne diseases. Methods: Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidance, we searched PubMed/MEDLINE, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) surveillance databases, state health-department publications, and vetted public-health news through early 2026. The review was conducted as an AI-integrative partnership among the authors, the Global Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology Online Network (GIDEON) database, and Claude (Anthropic), enabling a synthesis of human-curated archival records collected over six years alongside the published literature; this yielded over 200 sources, almost half unavailable through an AI search alone. Results: POWV is maintained in a sylvatic cycle involving I. scapularis ticks, small-mammal reservoirs, and incidental human spillover. Its clinical spectrum spans asymptomatic seroconversion to fatal meningoencephalitis; prodromal fever, headache, vomiting, and fatigue may progress to encephalitis, seizures, aphasia, cranial-nerve palsies, paralysis, and ataxia—the most severe neurological syndrome among U.S. tick-borne diseases. Cases cluster in the northeastern and Great Lakes states, with older males disproportionately affected, while viral evidence extends to the mid-Atlantic, southern, and western regions. POWV is distinguished by its flaviviral etiology, short (as little as 15 min) transmission window, absence of a characteristic rash, and complete antibiotic resistance. Of the 48 states surveyed, only 7 published POWV data. Conclusions: POWV is an escalating One Health threat driven by expanding vector tick ranges, land-use and climate change, and wildlife–human interface dynamics. Enhanced cross-sector surveillance integrating human, animal, and environmental monitoring, alongside improved public-health data reporting, is urgently needed. Full article

The molecular epidemiology and antiretroviral (ARV) drug resistance of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) remain incompletely outlined in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The aim of this retrospective molecular epidemiology study was to analyze MENA HIV-1 sequences for phylogenetic clustering and to delineate surveillance drug-resistance mutations (SDRMs) for nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), non-nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), and protease inhibitors (PIs) across various periods, locations, and subtypes/circulating recombinant forms (CRFs). Viral sequences were retrieved from the Los Alamos HIV Sequence Database as of 15 April 2026. Analyses were done using multiple sub-gene regions (two env regions (n = 224 and n = 60) and PR (n = 2413) and RT (n = 2103) of the pol gene). Phylogeny construction was conducted using maximum-likelihood estimation, while ARV drug resistance analysis was conducted using the Stanford HIVdb algorithm. The HIV-1 MENA sequences showed a remarkable genetic diversity, with co-circulation of multiple subtypes/CRFs, including subtype B in the Maghreb, Levant, and Egypt sub-regions, subtypes A1, G, CRF01_AE, and CRF02_AG in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Yemen sub-region, and subtypes C and D in the Horn of Africa and Sudan sub-region. The percentage of MENA HIV-1 sequences in clusters was 10.3% for env1, 8.3% for env2, 22.0% for PR and 37.2% for RT. Phylogenetic reconstruction hinted at a structured epidemic dominated by small transmission units, with most clusters comprising dyads (n = 260) or networks (n = 142) and a limited number of large clusters (n = 8) that were largely confined within national boundaries, with only occasional cross-border linkages (n = 8). Overall SDRM prevalence was 3.2% in the PR region and 14.9% in the RT region, with a higher percentage of NNRTI-associated mutations (10.0%) than NRTI-associated mutations (9.1%) and dual-class resistance observed in 4.1% of sequences. Phylogenetic clustering was not associated with the probability of harboring SDRMs; however, negative binomial models showed that non-clustered sequences had a greater burden of NRTI-associated mutations, whereas no such association was observed for NNRTI- or PI-associated mutations. The findings showed predominantly localized and fragmented MENA HIV-1 transmission dynamics. Heterogeneous ARV drug resistance dynamics indicated that resistance emergence might be shaped by broader epidemiologic and treatment-related factors rather than ongoing clustered transmission. There is a need for coordinated molecular surveillance and optimized ART strategies across the MENA countries. Full article

Bovine babesiosis is a tick-borne disease of major veterinary and economic importance, yet molecular epidemiological data from Kazakhstan remain limited. This study investigated the prevalence, distribution, and species composition of Babesia spp. in cattle across all 17 administrative regions of Kazakhstan. A total of 6455 cattle blood samples from 171 villages were screened by nested PCR targeting the cytochrome b (cytb) gene, and positive samples were characterized by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. The overall positive rate for Babesia spp. were 3.87% (95% CI: 3.41–4.37%). Of 250 PCR-positive samples, 215 yielded high-quality sequences and were assigned to four species: Babesia major (31.2%), B. occultans (29.6%), B. bigemina (18.0%), and B. bovis (7.2%). Marked regional heterogeneity was observed, with B. major and B. occultans predominating across most regions, whereas B. bigemina was dominant in Atyrau. Turkistan was the only region where all four species co-circulated. First molecular evidence of B. bovis and B. bigemina was obtained for Atyrau, Akmola, and West Kazakhstan regions. These findings expand current knowledge of bovine babesiosis in Kazakhstan and reveal a species composition dominated by B. major and B. occultans, contrasting with the B. bovis/B. bigemina-dominated patterns commonly reported elsewhere. The detection of pathogenic Babesia species in previously unsurveyed regions highlights the need for continued molecular surveillance. Full article

Background: In Italy, seasonal flu vaccination was recommended for all children aged 6 months to 6 years, all adults aged ≥60 years and specific at-risk groups. Influenza vac-cine effectiveness (IVE) varies from season to season. It can be related to several factors: possible mismatches between circulating virus strains and vaccine composition, the host immune response and the interval between the vaccine administration and the epidemic peak. The present study aimed to estimate IVE against acute respiratory infections (ARIs) caused by influenza during the 2024/25 season in the Province of Pescara, Abruzzo Region, Southern Italy. Methods: A retrospective test-negative case–control study was conducted in the tertiary hospital of the province of Pescara, Abruzzo region, Southern Italy. The study considered all naso/oropharyngeal swabs performed between 15 October 2024 and 1 April 2025. Results: During the study period, 5452 tests were performed and met the inclusion criteria. Among them, 637 tested positive for influenza (11.68%) and 4815 (88.32%) were considered controls. The IVE estimated using the fully adjusted model showed an overall effectiveness of 41.36% (from 1.08 to 57.29%). Considering influenza type, IVE against influenza A was 37.23%, whereas IVE against influenza B was 77.28%. Conclusions: The 2024/2025 season was characterized in our Italian region by a delayed start in flu circulation, with a concomitant and prominent co-circulation of all virus types. Available vaccines provided a moderate protection against laboratory-confirmed influenza, with an estimated VE of 41%. Full article

Successive dengue virus (DENV) outbreaks progressively reshape population immunity, influencing disease expression and diagnostic performance. This study evaluated the impact of secondary infections across sequential outbreaks on disease severity markers, serotype dynamics, and the agreement between routinely used direct diagnostic methods. This retrospective study analyzed 976 serum samples from three outbreaks in Misiones, Argentina. Clinical and serotype analyses included 869 acute-phase dengue cases confirmed by at least one direct detection method (2016: n = 512; 2019: n = 148; 2024: n = 209). A subset of 318 samples, including 107 RT-PCR/NS1-negative samples, was used to compare NS1 antigen rapid diagnostic tests (NS1 Ag) and RT-PCR. Viral serotypes and clinical and laboratory severity markers were evaluated. Secondary infections increased from 31.1% in 2016 to 43.2% in 2019 and 53.1% in 2024 (p < 0.001). Serotype distribution shifted from DENV-1 predominance in 2016 (95.1%) to DENV-1/DENV-4 co-circulation in 2019 (60.7%/39.3%) and DENV-2 predominance in 2024 (97.6%). Secondary infections were associated with increased frequency of laboratory severity markers, particularly in 2024, including higher hematocrit, liver enzyme levels and lower leukocyte and platelet counts. Concordance between NS1 Ag and RT-PCR was lower in secondary infections (κ = 0.457 vs. 0.759, p = 0.0013). The increasing frequency of secondary infections may influence laboratory markers associated with dengue severity and reduce the diagnostic concordance between direct detection methods, highlighting the need for optimized surveillance and diagnostic strategies during dengue outbreaks. 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

Objectives: Malaria remains a major global health burden, particularly in endemic regions such as Djibouti, where Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax co-circulate, complicating disease control strategies. Increasing resistance to current antimalarial drugs reduces treatment effectiveness and highlights the urgent need for new, safe, and affordable therapeutic agents. This study aimed to identify potential inhibitors from Djiboutian medicinal plants using an integrated in silico approach targeting key proteins from both parasite species. Methods: A library of 222 phytoconstituents was screened against Plasmodium vivax FK506-binding protein 35 (PDB ID: 3IHZ) and Plasmodium vivax dihydrofolate reductase–thymidylate synthase (PDB ID: 1J3K) using molecular docking. Top-ranked compounds were further analyzed for binding interactions and evaluated for drug-likeness and pharmacokinetic properties using QikProp in Maestro v11.5. Selected protein–ligand complexes were subjected to 100 ns molecular dynamics simulations, and their stability was assessed using multiple descriptors, including structural deviation, flexibility, compactness, solvent exposure, and hydrogen bond persistence. Results: Several phytoconstituents exhibited strong binding affinities, with docking scores ranging from −6.09 to −7.54 kcal/mol, outperforming the reference drug artemisinin. Interaction analysis revealed key hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic contacts with essential active-site residues. ADMET predictions indicated favorable pharmacokinetic profiles, including high oral absorption, good membrane permeability, and low predicted toxicity. Molecular dynamics simulations demonstrated stable behavior for most complexes, with compound 121 showing enhanced stability in the 1J3K system and compound 123 exhibiting consistent dynamic stability in the 3IHZ system. In contrast, compound 82 displayed greater structural fluctuations despite maintaining stable hydrogen bond interactions. Conclusions: The integration of molecular docking, ADMET prediction, and molecular dynamics simulations identified compounds 121 and 123 as the most promising antimalarial candidates, exhibiting an optimal balance of binding affinity, favorable pharmacokinetic properties, and dynamic stability. These findings highlight the potential of Djiboutian medicinal plants as a valuable source of novel antimalarial agents and provide a strong computational foundation for future experimental validation. Full article

Dengue fever represents a significant public health challenge in Saudi Arabia, yet comprehensive molecular characterization of circulating serotypes remains limited. This study combines epidemiological and phylogenetic analyses to understand dengue virus (DENV) dynamics in the Kingdom. A systematic review and meta-analysis of dengue epidemiological data from Saudi Arabia (1992–2026) was the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. All available DENV envelope (E) gene sequences from Saudi human cases (1992–2023) were retrieved from GenBank and Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID). Phylogenetic trees were constructed using maximum likelihood with 1000 bootstrap replicates and best-fit models. Selection pressure was analyzed using SLAC, FEL, FUBAR, and MEME methods, while glycosylation sites were predicted with NetNGlyc and NetOGlyc. The pooled seroprevalence from 25 studies (n = 32,393) was 40.71% (95% CI: 26.96–56.10%). DENV-2 predominated (80.25%), followed by DENV-1 and DENV-3, with DENV-4 remaining rare (0.42%). Males (67–78%) and adults aged 25–44 years were most affected. Phylogenetic analysis of 50 Saudi isolates showed DENV-1 strains clustered within American–African (1994) and Asian (2004–2011) genotypes, all DENV-2 within the Cosmopolitan genotype, and all DENV-3 within Genotype III (bootstrap support 99–100%). Selection pressure analysis indicated pervasive positive selection in DENV-2, episodic selection across serotypes, and strong purifying selection in the E gene. Several amino acid substitutions with potential functional importance were identified. No DENV-4 E gene sequences from Saudi Arabia are publicly available. Dengue in western Saudi Arabia is characterized by DENV-2 predominance, co-circulation of three serotypes, and multiple introductions. The absence of DENV-4 sequences highlights critical surveillance gaps. Sustained molecular surveillance, expanded genomic sequencing, and data sharing are essential for effective prevention and vaccine preparedness. Full article

The concurrent circulation of influenza A virus (IAV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has unveiled complex host–pathogen interactions governed by temporal dynamics of innate immune activation. This narrative review synthesizes evidence from human air–liquid interface (ALI) epithelial models, animal studies (hamster, ferret), clinical cohorts, and randomized controlled trials (2015–2026) to delineate the molecular mechanisms underlying viral interference between these two major respiratory pathogens. Prior IAV infection induces a robust type I/III interferon (IFN) response and broad interferon-stimulated gene (ISG) upregulation that restricts subsequent SARS-CoV-2 replication within a critical 24–72 h temporal window. Conversely, SARS-CoV-2 employs a multi-layered immune evasion strategy that blunts IFN induction, providing minimal heterologous protection. Simultaneous co-infection tends to exacerbate disease severity. Host genetic determinants, including OAS1 and TLR7 variants, modulate interference capacity. Therapeutically, early pegylated IFN-λ shows clinical benefit, while experimental evidence from in vitro and animal models suggests oseltamivir may paradoxically reduce IAV-induced interference. These findings underscore the need for multi-pathogen diagnostics, temporally informed clinical decision-making, and IFN-based therapeutic strategies during co-circulation periods. Full article

The co-circulation of respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, influenza A/B, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), represents a significant global health challenge that requires rapid, accurate, and differential diagnosis to support infection control and appropriate clinical decision-making. This narrative review summarizes emerging multimodal point-of-care testing (POCT) strategies for the detection and management of these respiratory viruses. Relevant studies were identified through literature searches of major scientific databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, focusing on recent advances in molecular diagnostics, biosensors, microfluidics, and digital health technologies. To improve clinical interpretation and comparative assessment, current POCT platforms were organized into four operational tiers based on infrastructure dependence, degree of portability, and level of decentralization of testing. Tier 1 (Professional Clinical Systems) includes fully integrated automated molecular diagnostic platforms designed for use in hospital and emergency care settings. Tier 2 (Field-Deployable Systems) comprises portable molecular and isothermal amplification technologies designed for use in decentralized or resource-limited environments. Tier 3 (Hardware-Lite Assays) includes simplified diagnostic approaches that minimize instrument requirements and are suitable for near-patient or low-infrastructure settings. Tier 4 (Consumer-Digital Diagnostics) encompasses emerging smartphone- and IoT-integrated diagnostic platforms that support user-driven testing and digital health connectivity. This tier-based framework reflects a proposed stratification of POCT technologies along a decentralization continuum and aims to facilitate comparison and selection of diagnostic strategies across diverse healthcare settings. Full article

Enterovirus G (EV-G) is an important enteric pathogen widely circulating in swine populations and is characterized by considerable genetic diversity and recombination potential. In recent years, recombinant EV-G strains carrying exogenous papain-like cysteine protease (PLCP) gene insertions have been increasingly reported; however, their genotype distribution and molecular characteristics in major pig-producing regions remain poorly understood. In this study, 356 clinical samples collected from Guangxi, southern China, between 2020 and 2025 were screened for EV-G, and 13 representative strains were subjected to whole-genome sequencing and sequence analysis. The overall EV-G positivity rate in Guangxi was 20.51% (73/356). Phylogenetic analysis showed that the 13 Guangxi EV-G strains were mainly classified into three genotypes, G1, G2, and G8, with G1 being the predominant genotype. Notably, PLCP gene insertions of 573–642 nt were identified at the 2C/3A junction in seven strains belonging to three distinct genotypes, G1, G2, and G8, demonstrating the cross-genotype distribution of PLCP insertions within a single geographic region. Phylogenetic analysis of the PLCP sequences demonstrated that all Guangxi-derived PLCP sequences clustered within the EV-G-PLCP clade and were clearly separated from the torovirus PLCP clade. Recombination analysis retained three potential recombination events with clearer combined support from RDP4 and SimPlot analyses, involving Guangxi strains GX3008, GX3022, and GX4292. Selection pressure analysis showed that the VP1 gene was overall under negative selection. Collectively, these findings demonstrate the co-circulation of multiple EV-G genotypes, the cross-genotype distribution of PLCP insertions, and the presence of potential recombination events in Guangxi. This study provides new evidence for understanding the genetic diversity, genomic plasticity, and regional molecular characteristics of EV-G, and also provides an important basis for future PLCP-related functional studies and continued EV-G surveillance. Full article

Schistosomiasis remains a major public health concern in Nigeria. We molecularly characterized Schistosoma eggs obtained from human urine to identify species and assess the presence of hybrid schistosomes in Abuja, Nigeria. Urine samples were collected from 1887 participants aged five years and above. Samples were examined for Schistosoma eggs using light microscopy. A total of 507 (26.9%) were positive for any form of Schistosoma while 91 (4.8%) had atypical Schistosoma eggs. DNA extracted from pooled ova was analyzed using metagenomic sequencing, read mapping, phylogenetic analysis, and BLASTn confirmation. Molecular analyses identified genetic signatures associated with both S. haematobium and S. bovis within pooled human urine samples, indicating the co-circulation of multiple schistosome species in the study area. Phylogenetic analyses based on trans-ITS and mitochondrial COX1 markers supported the presence of distinct nuclear and mitochondrial schistosome lineages. However, because sequencing was performed on pooled egg samples, the findings cannot distinguish between true recombinants and mixed infections involving co-circulating parental species. These findings highlight the potential complexity of schistosome transmission dynamics in endemic communities and underscore the need for enhanced molecular surveillance, especially single-parasite genomic approaches, and integrated One Health investigations to better understand schistosome transmission and its implications for control and elimination efforts in Nigeria. Full article