Search Results (350)

Several studies have demonstrated that methionine supplementation in fish diets enhances immune status, inflammatory response, and resistance to bacterial infections by modulating for DNA methylation, aminopropylation, and transsulfuration pathways. However, the immunomodulatory effects of methionine in viral infections remain unexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of methionine supplementation on immune modulation and resistance to the viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus (VHSV) in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Two diets were formulated and fed to juvenile rainbow trout for four weeks: a control diet (CTRL) with all nutritional requirements, including the amino acid profile required for the species, and a methionine-supplemented diet (MET), containing twice the normal requirement of DL-methionine. After feeding, fish were bath-infected with VHSV, while control fish were exposed to a virus-free bath. Samples were collected at 0 (after feeding trial), 24, 72, and 120 h post-infection for the haematological profile, humoral immune response, oxidative stress, viral load, RNAseq, and gene expression analysis. In both diets, results showed a peak in viral activity at 72 h, followed by a reduction in viral load at 120 h, indicating immune recovery. During the peak of infection, leukocytes, thrombocytes, and monocytes migrated to the infection site, while oxidative stress biomarkers (superoxide dismutase glutathione S-transferase, and glutathione redox ratio) suggested a compromised ability to manage cellular imbalance due to intense viral activity. At 120 h, immune recovery and homeostasis were observed due to an increase in the amount of nitric oxide, GSH/GSSG levels, leukocyte replacement, monocyte influx, and a reduction in the viral load. When focusing on the infection peak, gene ontology (GO) analysis showed several exclusively enriched pathways in the skin and gills of MET-fed fish, driven by the upregulation of several key genes. Genes involved in recognition/signalling, inflammatory response, and other genes with direct antiviral activity, such as TLR3, MYD88, TRAF2, NF-κB, STING, IRF3, -7, VIG1, caspases, cathepsins, and TNF, were observed. Notably, VIG1 (viperin), a key antiviral protein, was significantly upregulated in gills, confirming the modulatory role of methionine in inducing its transcription. Viperin, which harbours an S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) radical domain, is directly related to methionine biosynthesis and plays a critical role in the innate immune response to VHSV infection in rainbow trout. In summary, this study suggests that dietary methionine supplementation can enhance a more robust fish immune response to viral infections, with viperin as a crucial mediator. The improved antiviral readiness observed in MET-fed fish underscores the potential of targeted nutritional adjustments to sustain fish health and welfare in aquaculture. Full article

Low social status leads to chronic social stress that predicts risk for physical and mental illness, especially when it starts early in life. To examine the longitudinal effects of low social status on the immune system, this study assessed the effects of low social status on developmental secretory patterns of pro- and anti-inflammatory markers under baseline conditions, as well as in response to an immune challenge (lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced activation of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines) in a translational rhesus monkey model of lifelong social subordination stress. Baseline blood samples were collected in 27 socially housed female rhesus monkeys (13 dominants, DOM, and 14 subordinates, SUB) during infancy (6 months), the juvenile pre-pubertal period (16 months), and adulthood (9–10 years) to examine the longitudinal effects of social status on inflammatory markers in unstimulated versus LPS-stimulated conditions mimicking exposure to bacterial infection. Basal levels of the stress hormone cortisol in blood were measured to examine associations between inflammation and activity of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis throughout the life span. Basal peripheral levels of inflammatory markers (e.g., IL-6) increased across development in both SUB and DOM animals with no significant differences. Basal cortisol levels were significantly higher in infancy as compared to adulthood, but no significant effects of social rank were detected. However, in adulthood, SUB animals showed a cytokine-specific immune response to ex vivo LPS stimulation with significantly higher secretions of IL-1β, IL-2, and IL-10 compared to DOM animals, whereas IL-8 response to LPS was lower in SUB animals than in DOMs. This cytokine-specific response to an immune challenge that mimics bacterial infection could reflect dysregulated immune cells that may have short-term adaptation, but at the cost of longer-term risks for low-grade chronic inflammation and accelerated immune aging for socially subordinate female macaques. Full article

During the summer of 2023, a spontaneous disease outbreak occurred in intensively stocked hybrid catfish (♀ channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus × ♂ blue catfish, I. furcatus) in earthen ponds on a commercial aquaculture farm in South Texas. The farmer reported 50 to 80 dead fish per pond daily for a month. The fish were market size (1.0 ± 0.3 kg on average), resulting in substantial economic losses. Fifteen moribund fish were submitted for laboratory examination. Grossly, the fish showed distended abdomens, erythematous fins, and inflamed vents. Autopsy demonstrated visceral congestion, distended gastrointestinal tracts, and serosanguineous peritoneal effusion. Bacterial cultures from the internal organs revealed homogeneous bacterial growth after incubation. Presumptive biochemical characterization of the isolated bacteria identified Plesiomonas shigelloides. Further molecular confirmation was achieved by species-specific PCR amplification and 16S-rRNA sequencing. Juvenile catfish were experimentally challenged with the recovered isolates to fulfill Koch’s postulates. Moreover, an antibiogram was performed to evaluate the susceptibility of the isolates to a panel of FDA-approved antimicrobials. P. shigelloides isolates were pathogenic to channel catfish and alarmingly multidrug-resistant. We report here, for the first time, P. shigelloides infection in Texas commercial catfish aquaculture, emphasizing its significance as an emerging enteric pathogen that is difficult to treat with FDA-approved antimicrobials. Full article

Aquaculture has been established as a sustainable alternative to traditional fisheries, which face challenges such as overexploitation and environmental degradation. However, disease outbreaks, often caused by poor farming conditions, pollution, and environmental stress, remain a major concern, leading to economic losses and increasing the risk of antibiotic resistance due to the overuse of antibiotics. Therefore, it is crucial to seek new strategies that improve fish health and well-being, preventing drug resistance and promoting sustainable practices. GHRP-6, a synthetic growth hormone-releasing peptide that mimics ghrelin, has shown potential immunostimulatory properties and feed efficiency in fish. In this study, we evaluated the effects of orally administered GHRP-6 in an oil-based formulation on juvenile tilapia (Oreochromis sp.) challenged or unchallenged with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We assessed its influence on immune gene expression and digestive enzyme activity. The results demonstrated that GHRP-6 treatment significantly enhanced growth performance (weight and length), reduced in vivo bacterial load after infection, and modulated key genes related to innate and adaptive immunity in the gills, intestine and head kidney. In addition, our results demonstrated, for the first time, a direct link between a growth hormone secretagogue in fish and the modulation of specific enzyme activity in the gut following a bacterial challenge. These findings highlight the potential of GHRP-6 as a dietary immunomodulator and growth promoter in fish farming, offering a promising strategy to reduce antibiotic usage and promote more sustainable aquaculture practices. Full article

Sometimes, mandatory rules for eradicating pathogens specifically target crops that hold intrinsic economic value, cultural heritage, and are a lucrative tourist attraction as well as an appealing part of the landscape due to their historical presence in the region. An example of this is the introduction of Xylella fastidiosa subsp. pauca (Xfp), mainly vectored by Philaenus spumarius to olive groves in Apulia. Twelve years after the first official report on its presence and numerous studies, this review aims to reconsider some of the quarantine measures in place to prevent the spread of Xfp. Surveys carried out within the demarcated areas have shown a low incidence of Xfp over the years ranging from 0.06% to 0.70%. Furthermore, the bacterium is now present throughout the region, from the south to the north, potentially suggesting that the bacterium may be endemic in the region. Epidemiological models have indicated low or negligible infectivity for asymptomatic trees. Rigorous vector control, achieved through the mechanical removal of eggs and juvenile forms, coupled with the contemporary reduction in the Xfp load within the olive crown using bactericidal compounds, could effectively reduce the spread of Xfp in both infected and demarcated areas. These actions could also serve as preventive measures in current free areas. Once the prevalence of both vectors and Xfp is low, only olive trees in demarcated areas that test positive for the bacterium should be uprooted. Trees within a 50 m radius of an Xfp-positive olive tree should not be removed if they test negative for Xfp upon detection. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the pharmacokinetics (PK), effectiveness, and safety of the direct interleukin-6 (IL-6) inhibitor olokizumab (OKZ) in adolescent patients with active polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pJIA) who had an inadequate response or intolerance to methotrexate (MTX). Methods: We analyzed results from an open-label, single-arm trial of OKZ therapy at a dose of 64 mg every 4 weeks for 24 weeks. We evaluated pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters, clinical effectiveness, serum C-reactive protein (CRP) dynamics, and adverse events (AEs). Results: Sixteen patients were included in the study, of whom 13 (81.2%) received OKZ through Week 24. The PK profile was consistent with observations in adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). By Week 16, 12 (80%) patients achieved an ACRpedi30 response, 11 (73.3%) achieved an ACRpedi50 response, and 2 (13.3%) reached inactive disease status. This response was sustained through Week 24, and no disease flares were observed. A trend toward a better response was noted among patients with baseline CRP > 10 mg/L, higher baseline IL-6, and those naïve to biologic DMARDs. Twelve patients (75.0%) experienced twenty-three mild or moderate AEs. Infections were the most frequent AEs (in 6 patients, 37.5%). No serious AEs or deaths occurred. Conclusions: OKZ treatment reduced pJIA disease activity and was well tolerated. The safety profile was consistent with that of other IL-6 inhibitors, and the PK profile matched that seen in adult RA patients. Full article

The free-living infective juveniles of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are critical biological control agents against insect pests. The field efficacy of EPNs is largely determined by their tolerance to low-humidity stress, a trait closely linked to the mobilization of their energy reserves. This study aims to investigate how varying levels of humidity stress influence energy reserve dynamics in two EPNs, Steinernema kraussei 0657L and Heterorhabditis brevicaudis 0641TY, and their relationship with the survival rate and pathogenicity. The results demonstrated that lipids were the predominant energy reserve, followed by proteins and sugars. Notably, neutral lipid constituted approximately 3% of the total lipid content. Among sugars, soluble sugar levels were the highest, followed by glycogen and trehalose. Exposure to low-humidity stress resulted in increased levels of protein, total lipid, glycogen, and trehalose in nematodes. These increases were more pronounced in S. kraussei 0657L, a highly drought-resistant strain, compared to H. brevicaudis 0641TY. Furthermore, the accumulation of protein, total lipid, and trehalose was negatively correlated with survival rate and pathogenicity. However, positive correlations were observed between trehalose and both total lipids and soluble sugars. Furthermore, transcriptome analysis revealed that under low-humidity stress, S. kraussei 0657L exhibited an enrichment of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, fatty acid metabolism, and glycerophospholipid metabolism pathways. This indicates that S. kraussei 0657L regulated energy metabolism to adapt to low-humidity stress. These findings provide insights into the mechanisms underlying drought resistance in EPNs and offer an experimental basis for their application in arid environments. Full article

Background: The intensification of aquaculture has led to increased use of chemical agents, such as trichlorfon, for controlling parasitic infections in farmed fish. While effective, this organophosphate compound may exert toxic effects even at sublethal concentrations, posing risks to economically important species such as tambaqui (C. macropomum). This study investigated the molecular effects of trichlorfon on the expression of genes involved in stress response, energy metabolism, and apoptosis in juvenile tambaqui. Methods: Fish were exposed to two sublethal concentrations of trichlorfon (30% and 50% LC_{50–96 h}, equivalent to 0.261 and 0.435 mg/L) for 48, 72, and 96 h. Expression levels of fkbp5, p53, pim-2, pir, me1, bbox1, and higd1a were quantified in liver tissue using qPCR. Results: fkbp5 and p53 were strongly upregulated at 48 h, indicating acute stress and genotoxic activation. me1 and pim-2 were also upregulated, reflecting activation of compensatory energy metabolism and anti-apoptotic survival pathways. bbox1 showed an early induction followed by collapse at 96 h, while higd1a and pir exhibited delayed overexpression at 96 h, suggesting mitochondrial hypoxia and inflammation. Conclusions: Trichlorfon triggers a multifaceted toxic response characterized by initial activation of compensatory pathways (stress response, antioxidant defense, and anti-apoptotic mechanisms) followed by late-phase metabolic collapse, mitochondrial hypoxia, and inflammation, with both time- and dose-dependent effects. These findings demonstrate that even sublethal concentrations disrupt hepatic homeostasis and support the use of these genes as molecular biomarkers for environmental monitoring in aquaculture. Full article

The common swift is the most observed swift species in Germany. During the summer months in urban areas, juvenile swifts in need of help are frequently cared for in wild bird rescue centers. Providing adequate housing and veterinary treatment for hundreds of juvenile swifts can be very challenging for non-specialized organizations and contact with other bird species is often unavoidable. The knowledge about the transmission of infectious diseases between individuals of this bird species specialized in an airborne life and of other bird species is limited. In this presented case a wild juvenile common swift was hand-reared for about 17 days and was noticed to have increasing feather abnormalities in a wildlife rescue center with close proximity to other wild birds. At the time of the investigation, the swift was of an age of about 35 days, and in good physical condition. The affected body, wing, and tail feathers showed retentions of feather sheaths, malformation of the feather vane, and circumferential constrictions with feather loss. The virological examination of the dystrophic feathers revealed a positive result for the circovirus and a negative result for the polyoma-consensus-nested PCR. The detected sequence of the circovirus showed the highest identity in 300 base pairs of 83.11% to a Canary circovirus isolate in NCBI Blast analysis. In addition to a transmission between common swifts during the nestling phase, other wild bird species can be discussed as a possible source of the infection. Full article

West Nile fever is a mosquito-borne zoonotic disease caused by West Nile virus (WNV), maintained in an enzootic cycle between avian hosts and Culex mosquitoes. While birds are the principal reservoirs, WNV also infects a wide range of mammals, including humans, horses, and wildlife species. In this study, we assessed WNV seroprevalence in wild ungulates, wild boars, golden jackals, and the invasive rodent nutria in Serbia. A total of 522 serum samples from wild animals were tested. Antibodies against WNV were detected across all tested species, with seroprevalence rates of 37% in wild boars, 11.9% in nutrias, 32.4% in golden jackals, 50.6% in red deer, and 9.1% in roe deer. Detection of antibodies in both adults and juveniles provides evidence of recent transmission during the study period. These findings confirm widespread circulation of WNV in Serbian wildlife and suggest that wild ungulates, carnivores, and invasive rodents may serve as useful sentinel species for monitoring WNV prevalence and geographic spread in natural ecosystems. Full article

A free-ranging 10-month-old male American black bear (Ursus americanus) was presented to a rehabilitation facility in eastern Tennessee for being orphaned and emaciated, and was diagnosed with bile duct stenosis, leading to euthanasia. On initial intake, liver values including gamma-glutamyl transferase, alanine aminotransferase, and serum bile acids were elevated. The cub was treated for intestinal parasites and discharged to a rehabilitation facility for monitoring. Three weeks later, all liver values markedly increased despite improvements in body condition, appetite, and overall energy level. Abdominal ultrasound and dual phase computed tomography confirmed stenosis of the biliary outflow tract with gallbladder dilation and bile ducts in two locations. Surgical treatment and release were not performed due to the lack of clinical follow-up, likelihood of a genetic anomaly, and risk of it being passed to offspring. Necropsy findings further confirmed the bile duct stenosis with chronic regionally extensive fibrosis. The cause of this lesion is hypothesized to be congenital; however, inflammation secondary to a previous infection was not able to be ruled out. This case report documents the presentation and multidisciplinary approach to diagnosing a juvenile bear with bile duct stenosis, not previously reported in the literature. Full article

Background: The extensive use of antibiotics in aquaculture has raised serious concerns, emphasizing the need for sustainable and natural alternatives. This study evaluated the potential of red dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) juice by-products (RJB) as a functional feed additive for juvenile red seabream (Pagrus major). Materials and Methods: The bioactive composition and antioxidant capacity of RJB were analyzed, and five experimental diets containing 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, and 1% RJB were fed to fish for 56 days. Results: Growth performance, feed utilization, body composition, antioxidant enzyme activities, and lysozyme activity were evaluated. RJB contained substantial levels of phenolic and flavonoid compounds and exhibited strong radical-scavenging activity. Dietary inclusion of up to 1% RJB did not significantly affect growth, feed efficiency, or plasma biochemistry. However, fish fed the 1% RJB diet showed increased catalase and glutathione levels, significantly enhanced lysozyme activity, and improved survival following Edwardsiella tarda infection. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that RJB can be safely incorporated into marine fish diets to enhance antioxidant capacity and innate immune defense. The valorization of fruit-processing by-products such as RJB offers a promising strategy for developing antibiotic-free and sustainable aquaculture practices. Full article

Background: Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell (CAR-T) cell therapy has revolutionized cancer treatment and is now being explored as a novel approach to treat refractory autoimmune diseases by targeting autoreactive immune components, especially B cells. Objective: Our aim was to provide a narrative review of the current evidence, mechanisms, efficacy, safety, and future directions of CAR-T cell therapy in autoimmune diseases. Methods: A structured literature search was conducted in MEDLINE via PubMed using keywords such as “CAR-T”, “chimeric antigen receptor T-cell”, “autoimmune diseases”, “lupus”, “rheumatoid arthritis”, “multiple sclerosis”, and “vasculitis”. Studies on CAR-T mechanisms, efficacy, safety, and clinical outcomes were included. Results: CAR-T cell therapies, especially CD19-directed constructs, demonstrated sustained drug-free remission in all patients across early SLE case series (n = 5–7), with normalization of serological markers and improved renal outcomes. Emerging preclinical and early clinical data in rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, ANCA-associated vasculitis, juvenile autoimmune diseases, and idiopathic inflammatory myopathies also report clinical improvement and biomarker normalization. Reported adverse events in autoimmune cohorts were limited to mild cytokine release syndrome in a minority of cases, with no severe neurotoxicity or life-threatening infections, suggesting a more favorable safety profile compared to oncology settings. In parallel, next-generation innovations—including dual-target CARs, CAR-Tregs, and molecular safety switches—are advancing toward clinical translation. Conclusions: CAR-T cell therapy is emerging as a transformative strategy for autoimmune disease management, especially in refractory cases. Although initial outcomes are promising, long-term safety, cost-effectiveness, and broader accessibility remain key challenges. Future research should focus on optimizing cell targets, minimizing off-target effects, and improving affordability. Full article

As a staple food, potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) (Solanaceae) is one of the most produced food crops to ensure food security. The potato tuber moth (PTM), Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller, 1873) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), is a major pest of potato, damaging both the growing and storage processes. In recent years, green pest control strategies have been gaining importance to reduce the adverse effects of chemicals and protect the environment. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) and their bacterial endosymbionts (Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus spp.) have been one of the top topics studied in sustainable pest control approaches. In the present study, the two most common EPN species, Steinernema feltiae and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, and their bacterial associates, Xenorhabdus bovienii and Photorhabdus luminescens subsp. kayaii were evaluated against PTM larvae separately and in combination with spinosad. The survival rates of infective juveniles (IJs) of EPNs were over 92% after 72 h of direct exposure to spinosad. Co-application of EPNs and bioactive compounds (BACs) of endosymbiotic bacteria with spinosad induced synergistic interactions and achieved the maximum mortality (100%) in PTM larvae 48 h post-treatment. Spinosad and BAC combinations were highly efficient in controlling the PTM larvae and provided LT₅₀ values below 23.0 h. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis identified 29 compounds in total, 20 of which belonged to P. luminescens subsp. kayaii. The results indicate that the integration of EPNs and BACs of endosymbiotic bacteria with spinosad presents a synergistic interaction and enhances pest control efficacy. Full article

The two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae Koch) (Acari: Tetranychidae) is one of the most widespread and destructive phytophagous mite species, occurring across all climatic zones worldwide. Currently, the control of spider mites in crop protection relies primarily on chemical acaricides. However, the selection of resistant populations to their active ingredients is reducing their efficacy. The aim of the present study was to assess the susceptibility of T. urticae to a native isolate of entomopathogenic nematodes, Steinernema feltiae Filipjev ZWO21, under laboratory conditions. The experiment was conducted using Petri dishes, each containing 22–28 adult T. urticae. Infective juveniles (IJs) of the nematodes were then applied at a dose of 8000 IJs per dish (±300 IJs per mite). Petri dishes with mites treated with nematodes were placed in a Sanyo incubation chamber at 25 °C and 60% relative humidity. After three days, dead mites were collected from the Petri dishes and dissected, and mortality was subsequently determined. The present study confirmed that the S. feltiae ZWO21 isolate exhibited considerable potential for the biological control of T. urticae, causing 37.5–83.3% (mean 57.0%) mortality in this pest species. Although this result indicates a moderate efficacy when nematodes are applied alone, it also underscores the relevance of further research into their integration with other control strategies, including acaricides, within integrated pest management (IPM) programmes. Full article