Explore the vast range of titles available.

Zoonotic diseases are like a sneaky game of “tag” between animals and humans, where the stakes are high and the consequences can be deadly. From the bubonic plague to COVID-19, zoonotic diseases have affected humanity for centuries, reminding us of our interconnectedness with the animal kingdom and the importance of taking proactive measures to prevent their spread. Whether it is avoiding contact with animals or practicing good hygiene, staying safe from zoonotic diseases is a game we all need to play.

With the increase in keeping exotic companion mammals as pets, concerns about antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and its impact on animal and human health are growing. Guinea pigs, a popular pet in Hong Kong and globally, have limited studies regarding antimicrobial culture and sensitivity results. We reviewed bacteriologic and antimicrobial sensitivity results from clinically ill pet guinea pigs from 2019 to 2023 using data from the City University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. Of the 234 clinical samples from 22 veterinary clinics in Hong Kong, 134 (57.3%) showed positive bacterial growth, of which 23 (17.2%) showed mixed bacterial growth. In total, 156 bacterial isolates were identified. Gram-positive bacteria (n = 104, 66.7%) were most commonly recovered, representing 25 bacterial species, most commonly Streptococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp., and Corynebacterium spp. The majority of positive samples were from the integument (43.6%) and urinary tract (33.8%). A total of 85.9% of all isolates were resistant to at least one antimicrobial agent, with over 40% of isolates exhibiting resistance to three or more antimicrobial agents, and 27.6% were multidrug resistant (resistant to at least one agent in three or more antimicrobial classes). High resistance rates were observed for penicillin (45.6%), gentamicin (43.7%), doxycycline (42.1%), and azithromycin (36.3%). In contrast, isolates were highly susceptible to ceftazidime (84.1%), chloramphenicol (82.6%), ciprofloxacin (72.7%), and marbofloxacin (72.2%). These findings highlight the high frequency of AMR in this population of clinically ill pet guinea pigs in Hong Kong and the need for informed and judicious antimicrobial use.

Surra is a non-cyclic parasitic disease caused by Trypanosoma evansi ( T. evansi ) and spread by biting flies. The disease has a severe impact on camel health, productivity, and market value, posing a significant threat to food safety and the economy. In a cross-sectional study, 370 blood samples were collected from camels in three Egyptian governorates. Samples were tested using parasitological (thin blood smear (TBS)), card agglutination test for T. evansi (CATT), and PCR to estimate the prevalence of T. evansi infection . Overall, the prevalence of T. evansi among examined camels was 17.3%, 18.9% and 22.7% using TBS, CATT and PCR methods, respectively. The risk of T. evansi infection in older camels (> 10 years) is higher than that in young ones (odds ratio (OR) = 9; 95% CI: 3.5–23.1), particularly during spring (OR = 2.5; 95% CI: 1.1–5.7). Furthermore, females and poor conditioned camels were 2.6 and four times more likely to get infection than males and good conditioned camels, respectively. The level of agreement between diagnostics tests were perfect kappa (> 0.83). Moreover, CATT showed higher sensitivity (0.83; 95% CI: 0.74–0.91) than TBS (0.76; 95% CI: 0.66–0.85) and both had perfect specificity (100%). In conclusion, our findings revealed a high rate of T. evansi infection in camels from the three Egyptian governorates. The CATT is a good test for routine use in control program of trypanosomiasis in camels.

Background: Canine pyoderma and otitis externa are prevalent bacterial skin infections in veterinary practice, frequently complicated by the emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens. Objectives: To investigate the frequency, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles, and frequency of MDR bacterial isolates from dogs with pyoderma or otitis externa in Hong Kong. Methods: A retrospective study of bacterial isolates from 215 clinical samples collected from dogs presenting with pyoderma (n = 63) or otitis externa (n = 152) at veterinary clinics across Hong Kong between 2018 and 2022. Bacterial isolates were identified and subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing against 13 antimicrobial classes. Results: Staphylococcus spp., particularly S. pseudintermedius, were the most commonly isolated species, followed by Pseudomonas spp. and Proteus spp. High resistance rates were observed for orbifloxacin (61.3% in pyoderma; 76.7% in otitis externa), doxycycline (59.3%; 69.2%), clindamycin (62%; 68.9%), and enrofloxacin (50%; 55.5%). Most isolates were sensitive to ofloxacin, ticarcillin–clavulanate, tobramycin, ciprofloxacin, cefpodoxime, cefuroxime, and cefixime. MDR was detected in 67.5% of pyoderma and 66.8% of otitis externa isolates. Gram-negative bacteria exhibited significantly higher MDR rates than Gram-positive isolates. The multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index averaged 0.41 for pyoderma and 0.52 for otitis externa isolates. We found no significant associations between MDR and non-modifiable risk factors (i.e., age, sex, breed, and reproductive status). Conclusions: These findings highlight the critical need for prudent antimicrobial use and continuous surveillance of AMR trends in companion animals. A higher focus should be placed on topical antiseptic therapy, with oral antibiotics used only in exceptional cases and after susceptibility testing. From a One Health perspective, the potential transmission of MDR bacteria between companion animals and humans underscores the importance of a coordinated approach to antimicrobial stewardship across both veterinary and human medicine.

The emergence of pandrug-resistant (PDR) and extensive drug-resistant (XDR) methicillin-resistant and vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA and VRSA) isolates from bovine milk samples along with biofilm formation ability and harboring various virulence genes complicates the treatment of bovine mastitis and highlights the serious threat to public health. This study investigated for the first time the frequency, antimicrobial resistance profiles, biofilm-forming ability, virulence factors, spa and staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCC mec ) types of MRSA and VRSA isolated from clinical and subclinical bovine mastitis in Egypt. A total of 808 milk samples were collected from each quarter of 202 dairy animals, including 31 buffaloes and 171 cattle. The frequency of mastitis in the collected milk samples was 48.4% (60/124) in buffaloes and 29.2% (200/684) in cattle. A total of 65 Staphylococcus species isolates were recovered, including 27 coagulase-positive S. aureus (CoPS) isolates and 38 coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS). The CoNS included 27 mammaliicocci (20 Mammaliicoccus lentus and 7 M. sciuri ) and 11 Non-aureus staphylococci ( S. lugdunensis ) isolates. All the CoPS isolates were mec A positive and resistant to 20–33 tested antimicrobials with multiple antibiotic resistance index ranging from 0.61 to 1. Three isolates were PDR, four were XDR, and 20 were multidrug resistant isolates. VRSA was detected in 85.2% of CoPS isolates with minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranging from 64 to 1024 µg/mL. The van A gene was found in 60.8%, van B in 73.9%, and both genes in 43.5% of VRSA isolates. All the CoPS isolates exhibited biofilm formation ability, with 55.6% being strong, and 44.4% moderate biofilm producers, and harbored ica A (74.1%) and ica D (74.1%) biofilm-forming genes. All S. aureus isolates harbored both beta-haemolysin ( hlb ) and leucotoxin ( luk MF) genes, while 44.4% were positive for toxic shock syndrome toxin ( tsst ) gene. Enterotoxin genes sea , seb , sec , sed , and see were found in 59.3%, 40.7%, 18.5%, 33.3%, and 14.8% of isolates, respectively. Additionally, 70.4% of the isolates had  spa X-region gene, and exhibited eight different MRSA spa types (t127, t267, t037, t011, t843, t1081, t2663, and t1575), with spa t127 being the most common. Three SCC mec types (I, II and III) were identified, with SCC mec I being predominant, and were further classified into subtypes 1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.n.1, and 4.1.1. The ability of MRSA and VRSA isolates to produce biofilms and resist antimicrobials highlights the serious threat these pathogens pose to bovine milk safety, animal welfare, and public health. Therefore, strict hygiene practices and antimicrobial surveillance are crucial to reduce the risk of MRSA and VRSA colonization and dissemination.

Cryptosporidium is a protozoan that causes acute gastroenteritis, abdominal pain, and diarrhea in many vertebrate species, including humans, animals and birds. A number of studies have reported the occurrence of Cryptosporidium in domestic pigeons. Thus, this study aimed to identify Cryptosporidium spp. in samples collected from domestic pigeons, pigeon fanciers, and drinking water, as well as to investigate the antiprotozoal activity of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on the viability of isolated Cryptosporidium parvum ( C. parvum ). Samples were collected from domestic pigeons (n = 150), pigeon fanciers (n = 50), and drinking water (n = 50) and examined for the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. using microscopic and molecular techniques. The antiprotozoal activity of AgNPs was then assessed both in vitro and in vivo. Cryptosporidium spp. was identified in 16.4% of all examined samples, with C. parvum identified in 5.6%. The highest frequency of isolation was from domestic pigeon, rather than from pigeon fanciers or drinking water. In domestic pigeons, there was a significant association between Cryptosporidium spp. positivity and pigeon's age, droppings consistency, housing, hygienic and heath conditions. However, Cryptosporidium spp. positivity was only significantly associated with pigeon fanciers' gender and heath condition. The viability of C. parvum oocysts was reduced using AgNPs at various concentrations and storage times in a descending manner. In an in vitro study, the highest reduction in C. parvum count was observed at the AgNPs concentration of 1000 µg/mL after a 24 h contact time, followed by the AgNPs concentration of 500 µg/mL after a 24 h contact time. However, after a 48 h contact time, a complete reduction was observed at both 1000 and 500 µg/mL concentrations. Overall, the count and viability of C. parvum decreased with increasing the AgNPs concentration and contact times in both the in vitro and in vivo studies. Furthermore, the C. parvum oocyst destruction was time-dependent and increased with increasing the contact time at various AgNPs concentrations.

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is the costliest complex disease affecting the cattle industry worldwide, with significant economic losses. BRD pathogenesis involves several interactions between microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses, and management factors. The present study aimed to characterize the nasal virome from 43 pooled nasal swab samples collected from Egyptian nonvaccinated cow-calf operations with acute BRD from January to February 2020 using metagenomic sequencing. Bovine herpesvirus-1 (BHV-1), first detection of bovine herpesvirus-5 (BHV-5), and first detection of bovine parvovirus-3 (BPV-3) were the most commonly identified in Egyptian cattle. Moreover, phylogenetic analysis of glycoprotein B revealed that the BHV-1 isolate is closely related to the Cooper reference strain (genotype 1.1), whereas the BHV-5 isolate is closely related to the reference virus GenBank NP_954920.1. In addition, the whole-genome sequence of BPV-3 showed 93.02% nucleotide identity with the reference virus GenBank AF406967.1. In this study, several DNA viruses, such as BHV-1 and first detection BHV-5, and BPV-3, were detected and may have an association with the BRD in Egyptian cattle. Therefore, further research, including investigating more samples from different locations to determine the prevalence of detected viruses and their contributions to BRD in cattle in Egypt, is needed.

Migratory wild birds acquire antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria from contaminated habitats and then act as reservoirs and potential spreaders of resistant elements through migration. However, the role of migratory wild birds as antimicrobial disseminators in the Arabian Peninsula desert, which represents a transit point for birds migrating all over Asia, Africa, and Europe not yet clear. Therefore, the present study objective was to determine antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in samples collected from migratory wild birds around Al-Asfar Lake, located in Al-Ahsa Oasis, Eastern Saudi Arabia, with a particular focus on Escherichia coli virulence and resistance genes. Cloacal swabs were collected from 210 migratory wild birds represent four species around Al-Asfar. E. coli, Staphylococcus, and Salmonella spp. have been recovered from 90 (42.9%), 37 (17.6%), and 5 (2.4%) birds, respectively. Out of them, 19 (14.4%) were a mixed infection. All samples were subjected to AMR phenotypic characterization, and results revealed (14–41%) and (16–54%) of E. coli and Staphylococcus spp. isolates were resistant to penicillins, sulfonamides, aminoglycoside, and tetracycline antibiotics. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) E. coli and Staphylococcus spp. were identified in 13 (14.4%) and 7 (18.9%) isolates, respectively. However, none of the Salmonella isolates were MDR. Of the 90 E. coli isolates, only 9 (10%) and 5 (5.6%) isolates showed the presence of eaeA and stx2 virulence-associated genes, respectively. However, both eaeA and stx2 genes were identified in four (4.4%) isolates. None of the E. coli isolates carried the hlyA and stx1 virulence-associated genes. The E. coli AMR associated genes blaCTX-M, blaTEM, blaSHV, aac(3)-IV, qnrA, and tet(A) were identified in 7 (7.8%), 5 (5.6%), 1 (1.1%), 8 (8.9%), 4 (4.4%), and 6 (6.7%) isolates, respectively. While the mecA gene was not detected in any of the Staphylococcus spp. isolates. Regarding migratory wild bird species, bacterial recovery, mixed infection, MDR, and AMR index were relatively higher in aquatic-associated species. Overall, the results showed that migratory wild birds around Al-Asfar Lake could act as a reservoir for AMR bacteria enabling them to have a potential role in maintaining, developing, and disseminating AMR bacteria. Furthermore, results highlight the importance of considering migratory wild birds when studying the ecology of AMR.

Background The spread of extended-spectrum β -lactamases (ESBL) producing E. coli from food animals and the environment to humans has become a significant public health concern. The objectives of this study were to determine the occurrence, pathotypes, virulotypes, genotypes, and antimicrobial resistance patterns of ESBL-producing E. coli in retail meat samples and workers in retail meat shops in Egypt and to evaluate the bactericidal efficacy of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs-H 2 O 2 ) against multidrug resistant (MDR) ESBL-producing E. coli . Results A total of 250 retail meat samples and 100 human worker samples (hand swabs and stool) were examined for the presence of ESBL- producing E. coli . Duck meat and workers’ hand swabs were the highest proportion of ESBL- producing E. coli isolates (81.1%), followed by camel meat (61.5%). Pathotyping revealed that the isolates belonged to groups A and B1. Virulotyping showed that the most prevalent virulence gene was Shiga toxin 2 ( stx2 ) associated gene (36.9%), while none of the isolates harbored stx1 gene. Genotyping of the identified isolates from human and meat sources by REP-PCR showed 100% similarity within the same cluster between human and meat isolates. All isolates were classified as MDR with an average multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index of 0.7. AgNPs-H 2 O 2 at concentrations of 0.625, 1.25, 2.5 and 5 μg/mL showed complete bacterial growth inhibition. Conclusions Virulent MDR ESBL-producing E. coli were identified in retail meat products in Egypt, posing significant public health threats. Regular monitoring of ESBL-producing E. coli frequency and antimicrobial resistance profile in retail meat products is crucial to enhance their safety. AgNPs-H 2 O 2 is a promising alternative for treating MDR ESBL-producing E. coli infections and reducing antimicrobial resistance risks.

Abstract Background Refractometry is used to assess transfer of passive immunity (TPI), but studies evaluating different refractometers and appropriate thresholds for recommended target immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations for beef calves are limited. Objectives To evaluate test performance of digital (DSTP) and optical (OSTP) serum total protein (STP) refractometers and a digital Brix (DBRIX) refractometer for assessment of passive immunity in beef calves. Animals A total of 398 beef calves from 6 herds, 1 to 7 days of age. Methods Serum IgG concentration was estimated by DSTP, OSTP, and DBRIX, and measured by radial immunodiffusion (RID). Correlation coefficients (r) among results were calculated. Optimal STP and Brix thresholds for identification of IgG <10, <16, and <24 g/L were determined using interval likelihood ratios. Refractometer performance and agreement were assessed using areas under the curve (AUC), diagnostic test characteristics, Cohen's kappa (κ), and Bland-Altman analysis. Results Refractometer results were highly correlated with RID (r = 0.82-0.91) and with each other (r = 0.91-0.95), and overall test performance was excellent (AUC = 0.93-0.99). The STP concentrations of ≤5.1, ≤5.1, and ≤5.7 g/dL and Brix percentages of ≤7.9%, ≤8.3%, and ≤8.7% indicated IgG concentrations <10, <16, and <24 g/L, respectively. Agreement of refractometers with RID was variable (κ = 0.46-0.80) and among refractometers was substantial (κ = 0.62-0.89). Conclusions and Clinical Importance All refractometers showed good utility as monitoring tools for assessment of TPI in beef calves.