Search Results (2,320)

Livestock, poultry, and fisheries play an important economic role in Pakistan’s animal industry. The pet industry is also emerging and contributing to the country’s economy and people’s emotional well-being. This review provides insight into the current challenges and future directions of the animal industry in Pakistan. Livestock, poultry, and fisheries provide an economically beneficial source of milk, meat, and eggs; however, they face challenges such as disease outbreaks, antimicrobial resistance, climate change, natural disasters, and a lack of proper policies. Likewise, humans benefit from companion animals that provide emotional attachment. Moreover, the pet food market has also shown potential growth, contributing to the country’s economy. Due to the close association between animals and humans, both are at risk for infectious disease transmission. Challenges such as the lack of strong animal welfare laws and the increasing number of stray dogs and cats threaten human safety and that of other animals. We highlight current problems and additional approaches to the management of livestock, poultry, fisheries, and pets, which need to be addressed to further advance the animal industry in Pakistan. Full article

Since the first emergence of the Bluetongue virus (BTV) in 2006 in Northern Europe, there has been a reported association between BTV Serotype 8 (BTV-8) and brain malformations in calves. The first BTV-3 outbreak in Germany was registered in October 2023. Since then, numbers have increased steadily. In a suckler cow herd in the Lower Saxony region, two Angus calves with clinical signs of diffuse encephalopathy, including ataxia, abnormal gait, and central blindness, were born in autumn 2024. Both calves were submitted for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and pathological examination, revealing hydranencephaly and internal hydrocephalus, respectively. BTV-3 was detected in blood and tissue samples of both calves using BTV-specific real-time PCR. The presented findings demonstrate that there seems to be an association between transplacental BTV-3 infections and congenital malformations in calves, as previously reported for BTV-8 and -10. Full article

Non-polio enteroviruses continue to cause numerous epidemics world-wide that range from mild to severe disease, including acute flaccid paralysis, meningitis, severe respiratory infections and encephalitis. Using publicly available data we present a comprehensive global and regional temporal distribution of non-polio enteroviruses, with a focus on highly prevalent genotypes. We found that regional distribution did vary compared to global prevalence where the top prevalent genotypes included CVA6 and EV-A71 in Asia, EV-D68 in North America and CVA13 in Africa, while E-30 was prevalent in Europe, South America and Oceania. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic did interrupt non-polio enterovirus detections globally, and cases rebounded in subsequent years, albeit at lower prevalence and with decreased genotype diversity. Environmental surveillance for non-polio enteroviruses does occur and has been used in some regions as an early-warning system; however, further development is needed to effectively supplement potential gaps in clinical surveillance data. Overall, monitoring for non-polio enteroviruses is critical to identify true incidence, improve understanding of genotype circulation, provide an early warning system for emerging/re-emerging genotypes and allow for better outbreak control. Full article

The 2025 avian influenza A(H5N1) outbreak has highlighted the urgent need for rapidly generated health communication materials during public health emergencies. Artificial intelligence (AI) systems offer transformative potential to accelerate content development pipelines while maintaining scientific accuracy and impact. We evaluated an AI-generated health communication material on bird flu precautions among 100 U.S. adults. The material was developed using ChatGPT for text generation based on CDC guidelines and Leonardo.AI for illustrations. Participants rated perceived message effectiveness, quality, realism, relevance, attractiveness, and visual informativeness. The AI-generated health communication material received favorable ratings across all dimensions: perceived message effectiveness (3.83/5, 77%), perceived message quality (3.84/5, 77%), realism (3.72/5, 74%), relevance (3.68/5, 74%), attractiveness (3.62/5, 74%), and visual informativeness (3.35/5 67%). Linear regression analysis revealed that all features significantly predicted perceived message effectiveness in unadjusted and adjusted models (p < 0.0001), e.g., multivariate analysis of outcome on perceived visual informativeness showed β = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.37–0.66, p < 0.0001. Also, mediation analysis revealed that visual informativeness accounted for 23.8% of the relationship between material attractiveness and perceived effectiveness. AI tools can enable real-time adaptation of prevention guidance during epidemiological emergencies while maintaining effective risk communication. Full article

Recent outbreaks of highly pathogenic human RNA viruses from probable zoonotic origin have highlighted the relevance of epidemic preparedness as a society. However, research in vaccinology and virology, as well as epidemiologic surveillance, is often constrained by the biological risk that live virus experimentation entails. These also involve expensive costs, time-consuming procedures, and advanced personnel expertise, hampering market access for many drugs. Most of these drawbacks can be circumvented with the use of pseudotyped viruses, which are surrogate, non-pathogenic recombinant viral particles bearing the surface envelope protein of a virus of interest. Pseudotyped viruses significantly expand the research potential in virology, enabling the study of non-culturable or highly infectious pathogens in a safer environment. Most are derived from lentiviral vectors, which confer a series of advantages due to their superior efficiency. During the past decade, many studies employing pseudotyped viruses have evaluated the efficacy of vaccines or monoclonal antibodies for relevant pathogens such as HIV-1, Ebolavirus, Influenza virus, or SARS-CoV-2. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of the applications of pseudotyped viruses when evaluating the neutralization capacity of exposed individuals, or candidate vaccines and antivirals in both preclinical models and clinical trials, to further help develop effective countermeasures against emerging neutralization-escape phenotypes. Full article

Background: Despite decades of high childhood vaccination coverage, pertussis has re-emerged in the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina (AP Vojvodina), Serbia. We aimed to describe the temporal, seasonal, and age-specific patterns of pertussis in AP Vojvodina and to analyze trends by vaccination status in order to highlight changes in epidemiology and potential gaps in vaccine-induced protection. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 2796 pertussis cases reported between January 1997 and December 2024, examining temporal, seasonal, and age-specific trends, stratifying by vaccination status across four consecutive periods (1997–2003, 2004–2010, 2011–2017, and 2018–2024). Results: Throughout the 28-year period, after low and sporadic cases in the pre-2012 period, a dramatic rise was observed in 2014, 2017, and 2018, culminating in the highest annual number of reported cases in 2024 (1011 cases). Throughout this period, primary vaccination coverage with the DTwP/DTaP three-dose series ranged between 91% and 98%, while first booster coverage gradually declined from 98% in the early 2000s to 83% in 2024. Regarding seasonality, a sharp increase in cases began in 2012, peaking in November 2023 (>350 cases) and early 2024 (312 in January, 268 in February), with a seasonal shift from summer peaks in the 2011–2017 period to higher incidence rates during colder months more recently. Adolescents aged 10–14 years had the highest cumulative incidence (1149.4/100,000), followed by infants under 12 months (978.5/100,000), despite the latter representing fewer absolute cases. The proportion of pertussis in fully vaccinated individuals rose from 6.3% (1997–2003) to 49.7% (2018–2024). Conclusions: These findings suggest that booster immunization in adolescence and routine maternal vaccination during pregnancy could reduce transmission, particularly to infants. Enhanced surveillance and updated immunization policies are critical to mitigating future pertussis outbreaks. Full article

The vast majority of viruses causing human and animal diseases are enveloped—their virions contain an outer lipid bilayer originating from a host cell. Small molecule antivirals targeting the lipid bilayer cover the broadest spectrum of viruses. In this context, we consider the chemical nature and mechanisms of action of membrane-targeting antivirals. They can affect virions by (1) physically modulating membrane properties to inhibit fusion of the viral envelope with the cell membrane, (2) physically affecting envelope lipids and proteins leading to membrane damage, pore formation and lysis, (3) causing photochemical damage of unsaturated membrane lipids resulting in integrity loss and fusion arrest. Other membrane-active compounds can target host cell membranes involved in virion’s maturation, coating, and egress (endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and outer membrane) affecting these last stages of viral reproduction. Both virion- and host-targeting membrane-active molecules are promising concepts for broad-spectrum antivirals. A panel of approved antivirals would be a superior weapon to respond to and control emerging disease outbreaks caused by new viral strains and variants. Full article

The seasonal patterns of viral diseases in farm animals present significant challenges to global livestock productivity, with cold stress emerging as a potential modulator of host–pathogen interactions. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the expression dynamics of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) in farm animals under cold-stress conditions and its potential roles as (1) a viral replication facilitator and (2) an immune response regulator. This review highlights cold-induced HSP70 overexpression in essential organs, as well as its effects on significant virus life cycles, such as porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), and bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), through processes like viral protein chaperoning, replication complex stabilization, and host defense modulation. By integrating insights from thermophysiology, virology, and immunology, we suggest that HSP70 serves as a crucial link between environmental stress and viral disease seasonality. We also discuss translational opportunities targeting HSP70 pathways to break the cycle of seasonal outbreaks, while addressing key knowledge gaps requiring further investigation. This article provides a framework for understanding climate-driven disease patterns and developing seasonally adjusted intervention strategies. Full article

Background/objectives: Proteus mirabilis is a frequent causative agent of urinary and wound infections in both community and hospital settings. It develops resistance to expanded-spectrum cephalosporins (ESCs) due to the production of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) or plasmid-mediated AmpC β-lactamases (p-AmpCs). Recently, carbapenem-resistant isolates of P. mirabilis emerged due to the production of carbapenemases, mostly belonging to Ambler classes B and D. Here, we report an outbreak of infections due to carbapenem-resistant P. mirabilis that were observed in a psychiatric hospital in Zagreb, Croatia. The characteristics of ESBL and carbapenemase-producing P. mirabilis isolates, associated with an outbreak, were analyzed. Materials and methods: The antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed by the disk-diffusion and broth dilution methods. The double-disk synergy test (DDST) and inhibitor-based test with clavulanic and phenylboronic acid were applied to screen for ESBLs and p-AmpCs, respectively. Carbapenemases were screened by the modified Hodge test (MHT), while carbapenem hydrolysis was investigated by the carbapenem inactivation method (CIM) and EDTA-carbapenem-inactivation method (eCIM). The nature of the ESBLs, carbapenemases, and fluoroquinolone-resistance determinants was investigated by PCR. Plasmids were characterized by PCR-based replicon typing (PBRT). Selected isolates were subjected to molecular characterization of the resistome by an Inter-Array Genotyping Kit CarbaResisit and whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Results: In total, 20 isolates were collected and analyzed. All isolates exhibited resistance to amoxicillin alone and when combined with clavulanic acid, cefuroxime, cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, cefepime, imipenem, ceftazidime–avibactam, ceftolozane–tazobactam, gentamicin, amikacin, and ciprofloxacin. There was uniform susceptibility to ertapenem, meropenem, and cefiderocol. The DDST and combined disk test with clavulanic acid were positive, indicating the production of an ESBL. The MHT was negative in all except one isolate, while the CIM showed moderate sensitivity, but only with imipenem as the indicator disk. Furthermore, eCIM tested positive in all of the CIM-positive isolates, consistent with a metallo-β-lactamase (MBL). PCR and sequencing of the selected amplicons identified VIM-1 and VIM-4. The Inter-Array Genotyping Kit CarbaResist and WGS identified β-lactam resistance genes bla_VIM, bla_CTX-M-15, and bla_TEM genes; aminoglycoside resistance genes aac(3)-IId, aph(6)-Id, aph(3″)-Ib, aadA1, armA, and aac(6′)-IIc; as well as resistance genes for sulphonamides sul1 and sul2, trimethoprim dfr1, chloramphenicol cat, and tetracycline tet(J). Conclusions: This study revealed an epidemic spread of carbapenemase-producing P. mirabilis in two wards in a psychiatric hospital. Due to the extensively resistant phenotype (XDR), therapeutic options were limited. This is the first report of carbapenemase-producing P. mirabilis in Croatia. Full article

Rapid vaccine availability is essential for effective epidemic and pandemic response. Building on the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) 100 Days Mission, which aims to have new vaccines ready for initial authorization and manufacturing at scale within 100 days of recognition of a pandemic pathogen, the CEPI has developed a Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls (CMC) Rapid Response Framework to define technical and logistical CMC requirements to enable rapid vaccine availability. Central to this framework is the availability of adaptable vaccine platforms that can be readily tailored to emerging pathogens. To support strategic decision-making and identify gaps in platform capabilities, CEPI has created the Platform Readiness Dashboard. This tool provides a structured, multi-dimensional initial assessment of platform maturity across six key categories: Adaptability, Compatibility, Suitability, Regulatory, Manufacturing, and Facility Readiness. Each category includes specific technical and operational considerations scored using a color-coded system to reflect outbreak response readiness level. This Dashboard aims to enable vaccine developers, manufacturers, funders, and outbreak response teams to evaluate platform strengths and limitations at any given time, informing funding, preparedness and response activities. By offering a dynamic view of essential platform readiness indicators, the dashboard can communicate progress supporting faster responses to future health emergencies. Full article

Background:Candida auris (now Candidozyma auris) is an emerging pathogen that causes nosocomial candidemia, particularly in intensive care unit (ICU) settings. Its high resistance rates, prolonged environmental persistence, and outbreak potential underscore the need for robust comparative studies with non-auris Candida species (NACS). Methods: In this retrospective, case–control study, adult ICU patients with candidemia were enrolled between April 2022 and October 2024. Clinical data, risk factors, and mortality at 14, 30, and 90 days were compared between the C. auris and NACS groups. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify mortality-associated factors. Results: Of the 182 patients analyzed, candidemia due to C. auris was identified in 33 (18.1%) cases, while 149 (81.9%) cases involved NACS. Fluconazole resistance (p < 0.001), prior antifungal exposure (p = 0.003), urinary catheter use (p = 0.040), and the length of ICU stay before the onset of candidemia (p < 0.001) were significantly higher in the C. auris cases. However, mortality rates at 14, 30, and 90 days were similar between the groups (p = 0.331, 0.108, and 0.273, respectively). The Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score was the only consistent independent predictor of mortality at all time points. In the NACS cases, the Pitt Bacteremia Score and sepsis also predicted 30- and 90-day mortality. While late recurrence was more frequent in the cases of C. auris, early recurrence and other risk factors were similar between the groups. Conclusions:C. auris candidemia was associated with higher fluconazole resistance, prior antifungal use, longer ICU stay, more frequent urinary catheterization, and later recurrence than the NACS cases. However, the mortality rates at 14, 30, and 90 days were comparable. Outcomes were primarily influenced by illness severity rather than the infecting Candida species, highlighting the importance of timely therapy, stewardship, and infection control. Full article

Scavenging domestic ducks significantly contribute to the transmission and maintenance of highly pathogenic H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b avian influenza viruses in Bangladesh, a strain of growing global concern due to its broad host range, high pathogenicity, and spillover potential. This study investigates the molecular epidemiology and pathology of HPAI H5N1 viruses in unvaccinated scavenging ducks in Bangladesh, with the goal of assessing viral evolution and associated disease outcomes. Between June 2022 and March 2024, 40 scavenging duck flocks were investigated for HPAI outbreaks. Active HPAIV H5N1 infection was detected in 35% (14/40) of the flocks using RT-qPCR. Affected ducks exhibited clinical signs of incoordination, torticollis, and paralysis. Pathological examination revealed prominent meningoencephalitis, encephalopathy and encephalomalacia, along with widespread lesions in the trachea, lungs, liver, and spleen, indicative of systemic HPAIV infection. A phylogenetic analysis of full-genome sequences confirmed the continued circulation of clade 2.3.2.1a genotype G2 in these ducks. Notably, two samples of 2022 and 2023 harbored HPAIV H5N1 of clade 2.3.4.4b, showing genetic similarity to H5N1 strains circulating in Korea and Vietnam. A mutation analysis of the HA protein in clade 2.3.4.4b viruses revealed key substitutions, including T156A (loss of an N-linked glycosylation site), S141P (antigenic site A), and E193R/K (receptor-binding pocket), indicating potential antigenic drift and receptor-binding adaptation compared to clade 2.3.2.1a. The emergence of clade 2.3.4.4b with the first report of neurological and systemic lesions suggests ongoing viral evolution with increased pathogenic potential for ducks. These findings highlight the urgent need for enhanced surveillance and biosecurity to control HPAI spread in Bangladesh. Full article

Food-borne botulism is a rare but serious disease caused by ingestion of botulinum neurotoxin pre-formed in food by Clostridium botulinum. Between 2006 and 2009, no foodborne botulism cases were reported in the UK. However, the period from 2010 to 2024 saw 13 cases, encompassing seven separate incidents and two outbreaks, with no reported fatalities. Cases were predominantly linked to imported, home-made, and artisanal foods, occasionally to commercial products. Diagnostic and public health challenges include delayed clinical diagnosis, delayed sample collection, inadequate specimen volumes, and the frequent unavailability of suspected food sources, hampering epidemiological investigations. The UK has an extremely low incidence of foodborne botulism with an estimated rate of 0.001 cases per 100,000 people per year, but despite this low occurrence, food botulism remains a public health emergency as it requires timely treatment and rapid reactive intervention to be undertaken by multiple regulatory agencies. Continuous professional training of medical staff, up-to-date clinical guidance, rapid diagnostic, and food investigations are essential for optimising patient outcomes and prevention. Full article

Aquaculture is a key food production sector responsible for meeting the nutritional needs of a rapidly growing global population. However, the emergence of disease outbreaks has become a major challenge for the aquaculture industry, resulting in significant economic losses. The use of costly and toxic antibiotics for treatment has a negative impact on the aquatic environment. Consequently, there has been a growing interest in probiotics as a non-antibiotic approach to manage disease outbreaks and improve fish performance. The use of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC) has shown remarkable benefits in aquaculture. In February 2025, a systematic search was conducted based on the Web of Science (WoS) database for the period 2015–2025 to identify relevant studies investigating the beneficial effects of SC in aquaculture. After searching on WoS, 466 documents were found and analyzed using R-bibliometric package for comprehensive analysis to identify research gap, trends, and distribution of global literature that focuses on SC in aquaculture. The most relevant and recent articles were reviewed, summarized and discussed. The yeast SC have shown a wide range of benefits, including improved growth performance, feed efficiency, enhanced diversity of the gut microbiome and immune response. The implementation of SC is becoming a recent trend and its efficacy in aquatic environments has been thoroughly investigated. This review aims to provide a valuable insight into SC as one of the most important aquaculture probiotics. It also emphasizes the need for further research to fully understand its benefits and the way it works. Full article

Background/Objectives: Mpox re-emerged in 2022 as a global health concern. Between 2022 and 2025, Portugal experienced three distinct outbreak waves, highlighting the critical role of laboratory surveillance and public health interventions. This study describes the epidemiological trends, diagnostic performance, and key lessons learned to improve outbreak preparedness. Methods: A total of 5610 clinical samples from 2802 suspected cases were analyzed at the National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge using real-time PCR methods. Positivity rates and viral loads (Ct values) were assessed across different clinical specimen types, including lesion, anal, oropharyngeal swabs, and urine samples. Results: Mpox was confirmed in 1202 patients. The first outbreak accounted for 79.3% of cases (n = 953), followed by a significant reduction in transmission during subsequent waves. Lesion and rectal swabs provided the highest diagnostic sensitivity (95.1% and 87.9%, respectively). Oropharyngeal swabs contributed to diagnosis in cases without visible lesions, while urine samples showed limited utility. Conclusions: This study underscores the importance of sustained laboratory surveillance and adaptive public health strategies in controlling mpox outbreaks. Optimizing specimen collection enhances diagnostic accuracy, supporting early detection. Continuous monitoring, combined with targeted vaccination and effective risk communication, is essential to prevent resurgence and ensure rapid response in non-endemic regions. Full article