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Background Hemotropic Mycoplasma species are significant yet insufficiently investigated pathogens of small ruminants, and their molecular diversity and population structure remain poorly characterized in many endemic regions, including Türkiye. This study primarily aimed to determine the molecular prevalence of caprine hemotropic Mycoplasma species in Southeastern Türkiye and to characterize the detected isolates using phylogenetic, haplotype, and population genetic approaches. Results A total of 448 goat blood samples were screened by nested PCR targeting the 16S rRNA gene, and hemotropic Myco pla sma DNA was detected in 12.5% (56/448) of the samples. Although no significant differences were observed among provinces, breed and age were identified as significant risk factors, with higher infection rates in Hair goats and animals older than one year. Sequencing of 26 PCR-positive samples identified Mycoplasma ( M .) ovis (21/26, 80.8%) as the predominant species and C andidatus ( Ca .) M. haemovis (5/26, 19.2%). Phylogenetic analyses showed that the Turkish isolates clustered closely with previously submitted GenBank sequences from Asia, Europe, Africa, and North America, reflecting the highly conserved nature of the 1 6S rRN A gene. In contrast, haplotype and population genetic analyses revealed substantial intraspecific diversity. Analysis of an expanded global dataset, combining Turkish sequences with GenBank reference isolates, identified 27 haplotypes for M. ovis ( n  = 97) and 7 haplotypes for Ca. M. haemovis ( n  = 29). Minimum-spanning networks demonstrated widely distributed ancestral haplotypes shared across continents, together with multiple singleton haplotypes likely representing locally maintained variants. Neutrality and Fixation Index analyses further indicated microevolutionary diversification and geographically influenced population structuring. Conclusion The detection of both species in clinically healthy goats suggests subclinical circulation and a potential reservoir role in sustaining transmission. Overall, this study expands the global genetic framework of caprine hemoplasmas and provides the first molecular evidence of Ca . M. haemovis in Türkiye, as well as the first report of hemotropic Mycoplasma infection in goats from Southeastern Türkiye.

Background Theileria annulata , a tick-borne apicomplexan parasite, causes tropical theileriosis in cattle, leading to significant economic losses in endemic regions. In our previous study, T. annulata was detected in various bovine blood samples via sequencing, despite negative results from conventional species-specific PCR assays, suggesting potential sequence variation in diagnostic target regions. Building upon this observation, the present study aimed to investigate the genetic diversity and population structure of T. annulata isolates from Türkiye by analyzing two molecular markers with differing levels of variability: the conserved 1 8   S rRNA gene and the polymorphic Tams1 gene. Results A total of 36 bovine blood DNA samples previously confirmed as T. annulata -positive were analyzed using PCR and Sanger sequencing. All 36 sequences from the 18 S rRNA gene (717 bp) were identical, forming a single haplotype, and indicating strong conservation of this locus. In contrast, the Tams1 gene (584 bp) yielded 27 distinct haplotypes among 34 sequences, demonstrating high haplotype diversity (Hd = 0.988) and moderate nucleotide diversity (π = 0.0307). Neutrality tests revealed a significantly positive Tajima’s D (2.04089; P  < 0.05) and a strongly negative Fu’s Fs (–5.685; P  = 0.002) for the Tams1 region, indicating the presence of balancing selection and potential population expansion. Phylogenetic and haplotype network analyses further demonstrated significant genetic divergence within the Tams1 gene region, suggesting the presence of multiple divergent lineages and localized genetic structuring among isolates. Conclusion This study represents one of the few sequence-based efforts to characterize the genetic structure of T. annulata in Türkiye using both conserved and polymorphic molecular markers. The findings reveal substantial genetic diversity within the Tams1 gene and underscore the limitations of relying solely on conserved targets for molecular diagnostics. These results suggest that regional variation in genetic diversity may influence diagnostic sensitivity, thereby supporting the potential value of incorporating polymorphic markers into surveillance strategies to improve epidemiological monitoring and control efforts.

Background Toxoplasmosis and neosporosis are important protozoan infections affecting sheep production in Türkiye, with implications for both animal health and zoonotic risk. In light of their epidemiological relevance, the present study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence and endemic status of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum infections in the sheep population across Türkiye. Methods A total of 2,688 sheep serum samples randomly collected from the seven geographical regions of the country were analyzed using an indirect ELISA based on recombinant Tg SAG2 and Nc SAG1 proteins. Results According to the results, the overall seroprevalence was 30.51% for T. gondii and 5.21% for N. caninum . The highest T. gondii seropositivity was in the Black Sea Region (38.54%), and the lowest in Central Anatolia (19.27%) and the Mediterranean Region (21.35%). For N. caninum , the highest seroprevalence was also in the Black Sea Region (11.46%), and the lowest in the Aegean Region (2.60%). Mono-infections with T. gondii and N. caninum were 27.01% and 1.71%, respectively, while 3.50% of the animals were co-infected. T. gondii seropositivity was significantly higher in sheep over 12 months of age (33.92%) than in younger animals (18.41%) ( P  < 0.001), whereas no age-related association was found for N. caninum ( P  = 0.485). Regional differences were significant for both pathogens ( P  < 0.001). Although higher seropositivity rates were observed in rural areas for both infections, the differences were not statistically significant ( T. gondii : P  = 0.318; N. caninum : P  = 0.0777). Inoculation rates revealed endemic instability for both toxoplasmosis and neosporosis across all age groups, indicating a risk of uncontrolled spread and potential for periodic outbreaks. Conclusion In conclusion, T. gondii was found to be widespread among sheep in Türkiye, whereas N. caninum had a more limited yet notable distribution. Given the zoonotic importance of toxoplasmosis, it is crucial to strengthen biosecurity and implement region-specific, risk-based control strategies. This study lays a scientific foundation for future preventive measures by enabling nationwide epidemiological mapping of ovine toxoplasmosis and neosporosis.

Background Cats are hosts and reservoirs for many haemopathogens such as piroplasms, Rickettsia , hemotropic Mycoplasma , Bartonella , Ehrlichia , and Anaplasma , which are transmitted by various vector arthropods and some of which have a zoonotic concern. Although it is noteworthy that the rate of ownership of companion animals has increased in Türkiye in recent years and that cats account for a large proportion of these animals, there is limited research on the vector-borne infectious agents carried by them. The present study aimed to provide a comprehensive molecular epidemiological data and molecular characterization of feline vector-borne haemopathogens (FVBHs), including piroplasms, anaplasmataceae, rickettsias, haemoplasmas, and Bartonella species in Türkiye. In total, 250 feline blood samples were collected from client-owned cats ( n  = 203) and shelter cats ( n  = 47) brought to the Small Animal Hospital of Selcuk University, Veterinary Faculty. Results Overall, 40 (16%) cats were found to be infected with at least one of the investigated haemopathogens and piroplasm, Mycoplasma spp. and Bartonella spp. prevalence was 1.6%, 11.2%, and 4.8%, respectively. No Anaplasma / Ehrlichia spp. and Rickettsia spp. DNA was detected in the investigated feline samples. Sequence analysis revealed that all four piroplasms belonged to Babesia ovis with a 97.93–99.82% nucleotide sequence identity to 18S rRNA gene sequences from Spain and Türkiye, while some sequenced hemoplasmas were Mycoplasma haemofelis ( Mhf ), Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum ( C Mhm) and Mycoplasma wenyonii , and Bartonella spp. were Bartonella henselae and Bartonella koehlerae species. Co-infections with Mycoplasma spp. and Bartonella spp. were also detected in 4 cats (1.6%) in this study, where single infections were predominant. Conclusion This study provides valuable information on zoonotically important feline vector-borne hemopathogens in Türkiye, some of which have received attention under the One Health perspective, and is the first molecular epidemiological study to demonstrate the presence of Babesia ovis , the causative agent of ovine babesiosis, and Mycoplasma wenyonii DNA, the causative agent of bovine haemotropic mycoplasmosis, in cats. Further studies on the roles of such pathogens detected in unspecific hosts and the host specificity of the vectors that transmit them will contribute to the elucidation of this situation.

Parasitic diseases caused by ticks constitute a barrier on global animal production, mainly in tropical and subtropical regions. As a country with a temperate and subtropical climate, Turkey has topography, climate, and pasture resources, and these resources are suitable for animal breeding and parasite–host–vector relationships throughout the country. This geography restricts the regulations on animal movements in the southeastern and eastern Anatolia because of the close contact with the neighboring states. The livestock resources in Turkey are regulated by strong foundations. Almost 30% of the agriculture-based gross domestic product is provided by the livestock industry. Parasitic diseases arising from ticks are endemic in Turkey, and they have a significant impact on the economy and animal health, particularly for ruminants. The main and economically-important tick-borne diseases (TBDs) suffered by animals include theileriosis, babesiosis, hepatozoonosis, and cytauxzoonosis caused by protozoa, and anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis caused by rickettsiae. The most common hemoprotozoan and rickettsial agents are Anaplasma marginale, Anaplasma ovis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Anaplasma platys, Babesia bigemina, Babesia caballi, Babesia ovis, Cytauxzoon felis, Ehrlichia canis, Hepatozoon canis, Theileria annulata and Theileria equi. These diseases are basically controlled through treatment and measures for tick control. Vaccination can be performed for only tropical theileriosis caused in Turkey. We reviewed the studies published in domestic and international journals to gather epidemiological data regarding the major TBDs suffered by animals in Turkey.

The present study aimed to investigate endothelial glycocalyx (eGCx) damage in cats with feline hemotropic mycoplasmosis caused by Mycoplasma haemofelis using selected biomarkers and to determine the diagnostic and prognostic significance of these biomarkers. The study included 25 cats with feline hemotropic mycoplasmosis and 10 healthy cats. Clinical examination, blood gas analysis, complete blood count, and biochemical analysis were performed. Hemotropic mycoplasmosis diagnosed by microscopic examination and molecularly confirmed by PCR targeting the Mycoplasma haemofelis 16s rRNA gene. To evaluate endothelial glycocalyx damage, syndecan-1, endothelin-1 (ET-1), asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), and vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) concentrations were measured using cat-specific commercial ELISA kits. Of the cats with feline hemotropic mycoplasmosis, 14 (56%) survived and 11 (44%) died. While syndecan-1 and ET-1 concentrations were significantly higher in cats with hemotropic mycoplasmosis compared to the control group ( p  < 0.001), no statistically significant difference was found for ADMA and VEGF-A concentrations ( p  > 0.05). Endothelial glycocalyx biomarkers showed significant correlations with each other and with hematological parameters ( p  < 0.01). The results of the ROC analysis showed that ET-1 with area under the curve (AUC) of 0.821 ( p  < 0.01) and VEGF-A with AUC of 0.805 ( p  < 0.010) were found to be significant prognostic indicators. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that serum syndecan-1 and ET-1 can be used as diagnostic and serum ET-1 and VEGF-A as prognostic biomarkers in cats with hemotropic mycoplasmosis. Our results indicate the development of eGCx damage in feline hemotropic mycoplasmosis and suggest that glycocalyx disruption may contribute to the pathogenesis of the disease.

Ovine babesiosis, caused by Babesia ovis , is an acute, lethal, and endemic disease worldwide and causes a huge economic loss to animal industry. Pathogen genome sequences can be utilized for selecting diagnostic markers, drug targets, and antigens for vaccine development; however, those for B. ovis have not been available so far. In this study, we obtained a draft genome sequence for B. ovis isolated from an infected sheep in Turkey. The genome size was 7.81 Mbp with 3,419 protein-coding genes. It consisted of 41 contigs, and the N 50 was 526 Kbp. There were 259 orthologs identified among eight Babesia spp., Plasmodium falciparum , and Toxoplasma gondii . A phylogeny was estimated on the basis of the orthologs, which showed B. ovis to be closest to B. bovis. There were 43 ves genes identified using hmm model as well. They formed a discriminating cluster to other ves multigene family of Babesia spp. but showed certain similarities to those of B. bovis , B. caballi , and Babesia sp. Xinjiang, which is consistent with the phylogeny. Comparative genomics among B. ovis and B. bovis elucidated uniquely evolved genes in these species, which may account for the adaptation.

Although Hepatozoon spp. remains the most prevalent intracellular protozoa infecting snakes, it was reported only in a few snake species of the Colubridae family in Türkiye. Moreover, studies on these hemoparasites are not available in venomous nose-horned vipers from Türkiye. In this study, we investigated Hepatozoon spp. in three individual Vipera ammodytes using morphological and molecular methods. Our results were positive for intraerythrocytic Hepatozoon spp. gamonts in all three snakes, exhibiting low parasitemia. The microscopic findings were further confirmed through molecular data. A genus-specific PCR assay targeting the 18S rRNA gene region of Hepatozoon spp., was performed using HemoF/HemoR and Hep300/Hep900 primers. The obtained sequences were concatenated and used in phylogenetic analyses in comparison with different Hepatozoon species. Although our (OP377741) isolate was separated into a different branch, it was clustered with the isolates of H. massardi (KC342526), H. cevapii (KC342525), and H. annulatum (ON262426) from Brazilian snakes. Moreover, gene similarity and pair-wise distance between our isolate and other Hepatozoon species infecting snakes were found to be 89.30–98.63% and 0.009–0.077, respectively. Hence, we reported a new species of Hepatozoon , namely Hepatozoon viperoi sp. nov. infecting V. ammodytes . Since the literature does not indicate the existence of such a Hepatozoon species in V. ammodytes in different countries, our data may contribute to the expanding knowledge of Hepatozoon species in snakes, providing new insights into the biodiversity of the haemogregarine protozoan parasite.

Ovine babesiosis, caused by Babesia ovis , is a significant tick-borne disease affecting sheep globally, with severe economic implications for sheep farming, particularly in Türkiye. Babesia ovis is transmitted exclusively by adult Rhipicephalus bursa ticks, but the potential role of infected larval stages in modulating disease severity has remained unclear. This study investigated whether infestation with B. ovis -infected R. bursa larvae reduces the severity of babesiosis following subsequent exposure to infected adult ticks. Three experimental sheep were infested with B. ovis -infected larvae, while three control sheep were infested with Babesia -free larvae. Both groups were subsequently exposed to B. ovis -infected adult R. bursa . Daily clinical, molecular, and serological monitoring revealed no clinical signs of babesiosis or B. ovis infection following larval infestation. However, all sheep developed severe clinical babesiosis after exposure to infected adult ticks. No significant differences in disease severity, parasitemia levels, or clinical outcomes were observed between the experimental and control groups, indicating that larval infestation does not confer protection or lead to milder disease courses. These findings confirm the exclusive role of adult R. bursa in B. ovis transmission and emphasize the critical need for vector control strategies targeting adult tick populations during peak activity. This study highlights the importance of understanding stage-specific transmission barriers and their implications for vector-borne disease management. Future research should explore the molecular mechanisms limiting pathogen transmission by immature ticks and investigate comparative transmission dynamics across Babesia species to inform targeted control interventions.

BackgroundProstate cancer (PCa) is the most common malignancy diagnosed among men after lung cancer in developed countries. Investigation of the underlying molecular mechanisms of PCa is urgently needed in order to develop better therapeutic strategies and to reveal more effective therapeutic targets. In this study, we aimed at exploring the potential functions of CASC11 in association with miR-145 and IGF1R during the malignant progression of PCa cells.MethodsWe initially investigated the oncogenic potential of noncoding members of CASC gene family and analyzed the effects of CASC11 overexpression on proliferation, migration, and colony formation ability of DU145, LNCaP, and PC3 PCa cells. We, then, exprlored the association of CASC11, miR-145, and IGF1R expression and their impacts on PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in in vitro models.ResultsIn silico analysis revealed that of the CASC family only CASC11 showed consistent results considering its differential expression as well as its association with the overall survival of patients. We demonstrated that ectopic overexpression of CASC11 significantly increased the proliferation, colony formation, and migration capacity in all three cell lines. CASC11 overexpression caused suppression of miR-145 and overexpression of IGF1R, leading to activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.ConclusionIn summary, we found that CASC11 is upregulated in PCa cells and clinical tumor samples in comparison to corresponding controls and revealed that ectopic CASC11 overexpression promotes cellular phenotypes associated with PCa progression through CASC11/miR-145/IGF1R axis.