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Pestiviruses, including bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), are significant pathogens in veterinary medicine, posing diagnostic and biosecurity challenges in livestock. This study investigated the seroprevalence of BVDV-1 and BVDV-2 in pigs from the micro-region of Ponte Nova, Minas Gerais, Brazil, a significant swine-producing area. A total of 400 serum samples were collected from sows and finished pigs, across nine farms practicing intensive farrow-to-finish systems. Virus neutralization assays were performed to detect neutralizing antibodies against BVDV-1 and BVDV-2. The results revealed a seroprevalence of 0.25% (BVDV-1) and 4.5% (BVDV-2), predominantly in finished pigs. The findings suggested variable exposure or susceptibility across the production stages and highlighted the potential antigenic cross-reactivity with the classical swine fever virus (CSFV). Despite the region’s CSFV-free status, the absence of routine surveillance, could hinder the early detection of potential incursions. This study provided a valuable baseline data for BVDV circulation in Brazilian swine populations and underscores the importance of continued pestivirus surveillance. Enhanced diagnostic protocols and biosecurity measures are recommended to mitigate interspecies transmission risks and to improve disease control strategies in mixed-species farming environments. RESUMO: Os pestivírus, incluindo o vírus da diarreia viral bovina (BVDV), são patógenos significativos na medicina veterinária, representando desafios diagnósticos e de biossegurança em animais de produção. Este estudo investiga a soroprevalência de BVDV-1 e BVDV-2 em suínos da microrregião de Ponte Nova, Minas Gerais, Brasil, uma área significativa de produção de suínos. Um total de 400 amostras de soro foram coletadas de matrizes e suínos de terminação em nove granjas que praticam sistemas intensivos de ciclo completo. Ensaios de neutralização viral foram realizados para detectar anticorpos neutralizantes contra BVDV-1 e BVDV-2. Os resultados revelaram uma baixa soroprevalência de BVDV-1 (0,25%) e uma prevalência relativamente maior de BVDV-2 (4,5%), predominantemente em suínos de terminação. Os achados sugerem exposição ou suscetibilidade variável entre os estágios de produção e destacam a potencial reatividade cruzada antigênica com o vírus da peste suína clássica (PSC). Apesar do status da região livre de PSC, a ausência de vigilância de rotina pode dificultar a detecção precoce de possíveis incursões. Este estudo fornece dados básicos valiosos sobre a circulação de BVDV em populações suínas brasileiras e reforça a importância da vigilância contínua de pestivírus. Protocolos diagnósticos aprimorados e medidas de biossegurança são recomendados para mitigar os riscos de transmissão interespecífica e melhorar as estratégias de controle de doenças em ambientes de produção com múltiplas espécies.

Carnivore protoparvovirus 1 (canine parvovirus 2, CPV-2) has undergone a rapid evolution through mutations in the capsid protein VP2, giving rise to variants associated with unique clinicopathological and immunological features. VP2 is a major capsid protein involved in key steps of virus biology, including interactions with cellular receptors and with the immune system. This study analyzed the complete VP2 coding sequence of 38 CPV-2 isolates obtained from dogs with clinical parvovirosis in southern Brazil. Amplicons encompassing the whole VP2 coding region were subjected to nucleotide sequencing, and predicted amino acid sequences were analyzed to identify molecular markers of viral variants. Viral variants were classified as CPV-2a, -2b or -2c based on the presence of the amino acid Asn, Asp or Glu, respectively, at VP2 residue 426. Amino acid sequence analysis identified 20 CPV-2c and four CPV-2b isolates. Eleven viruses were identified as New CPV-2a, two as New CPV-2b, and one resembled the original CPV-2 and was designated CPV-2-like. In addition to the mutation at amino acid 426 of VP2, new 2a/2b variants containing a Ser297Ala mutation at residue 297 were identified. CPV-2-like samples contained some mutations that were also present in the original CPV-2 isolate, including as Leu, Thr, Ala and Asp at residues 87, 101, 300 and 305, respectively. The New CPV-2a isolates had three additional mutations (Phe267Tyr, Tyr324Ile and Thr440Ala) associated with selective pressure and development of disease in vaccinated dogs. The resemblance of the CPV-2-like isolate to CPV-2 suggests reemergence of CPV-2 and/or evolution from vaccine strains. Phylogenetic analysis grouped the variants with their respective reference strains, in general, according to amino acid changes. These results demonstrate the high VP2 diversity of CPV circulating in dogs in southern Brazil and indicate the emergence of new viral variants that differ markedly from the current vaccine strains.

Zika virus (ZIKV) infections have impacted public health in Brazil since 2015, primally due to Congenital Zika Virus Syndrome (CZVS) cases, which may lead to microcephaly and other clinical manifestations, such as hearing and visual impairments. More than ten years after the first diagnosis of Zika in Brazil, some progress has been made and the epidemiological scenario has improved considerably. However, despite these advances, more than a thousand ZIKV infections are reported annually in Brazil and new CZVS cases continue to be observed. Herein, we performed a retrospective and prospective analysis to assess the progress made and identify gaps and challenges that still need to be addressed. Overall, we believe that future ZIKV control efforts in Brazil must include: enhanced vector control measures; surveillance for potential vertebrate reservoirs; medical care for pregnant women, including prevention of infection and vertical transmission; sensitive and specific intrauterine CZVS diagnosis; ongoing support for children and families with CZVS cases; expansion of the national diagnostic network for arboviruses, including encouraging healthcare professionals to perform laboratory tests; assessment of the impactof the dengue vaccine, recently implemented in Brazil, on ZIKV infections; and affordable, sensitive and specific multiplex diagnostic strategies adequately validated for cross-reactivity with other arboviruses circulating in Brazil.

The Hepatitis C virus causes chronic infections in humans, which can develop to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The Bovine viral diarrhea virus is used as a surrogate model for antiviral assays for the HCV. From marine invertebrates and microorganisms isolated from them, extracts were prepared for assessment of their possible antiviral activity. Of the 128 tested, 2 were considered active and 1 was considered promising. The best result was obtained from the extracts produced from the Bacillus sp. isolated from the sponge Petromica citrina. The extracts 555 (500 µg/mL, SI>18) and 584 (150 µg/mL, SI 27) showed a percentage of protection of 98% against BVDV, and the extract 616, 90% of protection. All of them showed activity during the viral adsorption. Thus, various substances are active on these studied organisms and may lead to the development of drugs which ensure an alternative therapy for the treatment of hepatitis C.

Background In 2024, Brazil experienced its largest dengue virus (DENV) epidemic alongside the widest spread of Oropouche virus (OROV) to date. This scenario may have strongly impacted public health surveillance efforts, as DENV and OROV infections often lead to similar clinical signs and symptoms, making clinical differential diagnosis challenging. Herein, we investigated whether the co-circulation of DENV and OROV in Brazil in 2024 may have hampered OROV detection and tracking, potentially contributing to possible underdiagnosis. Methods The number of confirmed cases of dengue and Oropouche in 2024, as well as the probable states of infection, were collected on June 9, 2025, from the Brazilian Ministry of Health database. For dengue, cases were analyzed according to the diagnostic approach: laboratory testing or diagnosis by clinical-epidemiological criteria. All Oropouche cases considered here were confirmed by laboratory testing. Finally, dengue and Oropouche cases were grouped by state and epidemiological week, and their temporal-spatial overlap was assessed to discuss its potential negative effect on OROV reporting. Results A total of 5,956,257 dengue cases were recorded in Brazil, of which only 2,191,326 were laboratory confirmed. All states, including the Federal District, registered dengue cases, with highest number in São Paulo and Minas Gerais states (Southeast region). Dengue peaks occurred in early 2024 for Brazil overall and for individual states. Regarding Oropouche, 13,856 cases were recorded in 22 states, the majority in Espírito Santo (Southeast region) and Amazonas (North region). Oropouche cases in Brazil (total cases) showed two peaks: a smaller one at the beginning of 2024 and a higher one at the end of the year. On the other hand, OROV peaked in different periods depending on the state analyzed. In general, Oropouche cases were described close to the dengue reporting period, mainly in Amazonas, Pará and Rondônia states (northern Brazil), where there was evident overlap between the dengue and Oropouche curves. Conclusion DENV and OROV co-circulated in most of Brazil in 2024. Furthermore, most dengue diagnoses were based on clinical-epidemiological criteria. This approach, combined with the clinical and temporal-spatial overlap between dengue and Oropouche cases, may have contributed to misdiagnoses, potentially hindering OROV detection and tracking. These findings reinforce the importance of laboratory testing for accurate arbovirus identification and surveillance in Brazil.

This study evaluated the vaccine-induced serological response after administering four commercial formulations containing Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) type-1, BVDV-2, and Bovine Herpesvirus type 1 (BoHV-1) to young heifers with circulating maternal antibody titers. The study also determined the anamnestic response to vaccinations after the complete metabolization of maternal antibodies when the calves reached six months. Eighty-seven Holstein heifers were selected and randomly distributed into four experimental groups based on the vaccine administered. The four vaccine-based experimental groups were as follows: vaccine A (n = 22), vaccine B (n = 22), vaccine C (n = 24), and vaccine D (n = 19), given on the 60th, 90th, and 180th day of life, respectively. Virus-neutralization (VN) tests were performed at baseline (day 60) and 30 days after administering the second (day 120) and third doses (day 210). We analyzed the effect of vaccine group (P ≤ 0.001), day of vaccination (P ≤ 0.001), and group versus vaccine day interaction (P ≤ 0.001) for antibody titers produced against BVDV-1, BVDV-2, and BoHV-1 using the PROC MIXED method (Statistical Analysis System -SAS 9.4). Antibody titers against BVDV-1, BVDV-2, and BoHV-1 were similar at baseline and on day 60 of life. The mean antibody titers were constant and persisted against BVDV-1 in heifers immunized with vaccines A and C. Heifers immunized with vaccine A alone had a similar effect against BVDV-2. Regarding BoHV-1, the antibody titers decreased between days 60 and 210 in groups B, C, and D. The antibody titer for heifers in group A also decreased between days 60 and day 120, and an intense increase in titers was observed on day 210. After being immunized with formulations B, C, and D, the frequency of animals with titers above protective levels for BVDV-1, BVDV-2, and BoHV-1 was very low or null. Indicators of anamnestic response were observed in heifers vaccinated with formulation A only. Therefore, it can be concluded that passive immunity negatively interferes with antibody production after vaccination. RESUMO: O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar a resposta sorológica induzida após vacinação com quatro formulações comerciais contendo o BVDV-1, BVDV-2 e BoHV-1 em novilhas jovens com títulos de anticorpos maternos circulantes, assim como analisar uma possível resposta anamnéstica em vacinações, após a completa metabolização dos anticorpos maternais aos seis meses de idade. Foram selecionadas 87 novilhas Holandesas, distribuídas aleatoriamente em quatro grupos experimentais de acordo com as vacinas: vacina A (n = 22), vacina B (n = 22), vacina C (n = 24) e vacina D (n = 19), aplicadas aos dias 60, 90 e 180 de vida. Testes de vírus-neutralização (VN) foram realizados no momento basal (D60) e 30 dias após a aplicação da 2ª dose (D120) e 3ª dose (D210). Observou-se efeito do grupo (P ≤ 0,001), dia da vacinação (P ≤ 0,001), e interação grupo versus dia (P ≤ 0,001) para os títulos de anticorpos produzidos contra o BVDV-1, BVDV-2 e BoHV-1, por meio do comando PROC MIXED (Statistical Analysis System, versão 9,4). Os títulos de anticorpos contra o BVDV-1, BVDV-2 e BoHV-1 eram semelhantes no momento basal aos 60 dias de vida. Os títulos médios de anticorpos foram constantes e persistentes contra o BVDV-1 nas novilhas imunizadas com as vacinas A e C, porém apenas a vacina A teve este mesmo perfil contra o BVDV-2. Em relação ao BoHV-1, os grupos B, C e D apresentaram queda nos títulos de anticorpos do D60 ao D210, enquanto as novilhas do grupo A apresentaram queda do D60 ao D120, com aumento intenso dos títulos no D210. A frequência de animais com títulos acima dos protetores contra o BVDV-1, BVDV-2 e BoHV-1 foram muito baixos ou nulos após as vacinações nos animais imunizados com as formulações B, C e D. Sugere-se que a imunidade passiva interferiu negativamente na indução de anticorpos pelas vacinas, observando-se indicadores de resposta anamnéstica apenas para as novilhas vacinadas com a formulação A.

Infectious enteritis is highly prevalent among dogs worldwide and, in some cases, it can be fatal. This study describes the clinical and laboratorial findings of single and mixed infections associated with severe enteritis in 76 dogs from Southern Brazil. Intestinal segments and/or fecal samples were subjected to histopathology and molecular detection of DNA viruses, bacteria and protozoa. Severe intestinal lesions were observed in most cases. Single infections were detected in 52.6% of cases, double (36.8%) and triple (10.5%) infections were also identified. Carnivore protoparvovirus 2 (CPV-2) was the most frequent agent in single infections (36.8%). Coinfection by CPV-2 and Giardia spp. was the most common in dual infections (19.7%), followed by CPV-2 and Cryptosporidium spp. (10.5%). The most frequent triple infection was CPV-2, Giardia sp. and Cryptosporidium spp. (6.6%). Our results shown that single and mixed infections are associated with severe enteritis in dogs in southern Brazil, mainly involving CPV-2 and Giardia sp. RESUMO: Enterites infecciosas são altamente prevalentes entre cães em todo o mundo e, em alguns casos, podem ser fatais. Este estudo descreve os achados clínicos e laboratoriais de infecções simples e mistas associadas a enterites graves em 76 cães do sul do Brasil. Segmentos intestinais e/ou fezes foram submetidos à análise patológica e detecção molecular de vírus de genoma DNA, bactérias e protozoários. Lesões intestinais severas foram observadas na maioria dos casos. Infecções únicas foram detectadas em 52,6% dos casos, e infecções duplas (36,8%) e triplas (10,5%) também foram identificadas. O Protoparvovírus carnívoro 2 (CPV-2) foi o agente mais frequente nas infecções simples (36,8% do total). Coinfecção por CPV-2 e Giardia sp. foi a mais comum em infecções duplas (19,7%), seguido por CPV-2 e Cryptosporidium spp. (10,5%). A tripla infecção mais frequente foi CPV-2, Giardia spp. e Cryptosporidium spp. (6,6%). Nossos resultados demostraram que infecções simples e mistas estão associadas a enterites graves em cães no sul do Brasil, envolvendo principalmente CPV-2 e Giardia sp.

Orf virus (ORFV) causes contagious ecthyma (CE), a highly transmissible, zoonotic disease of small ruminants. CE most commonly affects lambs and unvaccinated sheep. This work reports epidemiologic, clinicopathologic, and virologic findings in a CE outbreak in a vaccinated sheep flock in Uruguay and failure to detect ORFV in a commercial vaccine.

Contamination of biological products with Mycoplasma spp. represents a major problem for laboratories and vaccine industry. Herein, we investigated Mycoplasma spp. contamination in cell cultures and viral strains maintained at the Virology Section of the Universidade Federal de Santa Maria and evaluated drugs and protocols for decontamination. Among 25 cell lines and primary cultures tested by PCR, 16 (64%) were contaminated. Fourteen bovine viral strains were also found contaminated, including three bovine viral diarrhea virus 1 (BVDV-1), two BVDV-2, four bovine alphaherpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1), one each: HoBiPeV, BoHV-2, BoHV-5, bovine parainfluenza virus 3 (bPI-3V) and bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV). Two drugs (Plasmocin ® [P] and gentamicin [G]) were used individually or mixed for decontamination. Bovine (MDBK and CRIB cells), porcine (PK-15), rabbit (RK-13) and hamster (BHK-21) cell lineages were maintained in media containing the drugs and tested by PCR at weekly intervals. The combined P + G treatment was effective in eliminating Mycoplasma spp. from four cultures between days 35 and 42, followed by treatment with Plasmocin ® (3/4) and gentamicin alone (1/4). The CRIB cell line could not be decontaminated. After, a decontamination protocol of viral seeds was carried out, consisting of amplification in cell culture, centrifugation of the viral suspension, filtration, limiting dilution and culture in mycoplasma-free cells. The fourteen viral strains were decontaminated after 1 to 4 cycles of the protocol. Overall, we detected a high frequency of Mycoplasma spp. contamination in cell cultures and viral strains and successfully applied drugs and protocols for decontamination. RESUMO: A contaminação de produtos biológicos com Mycoplasma spp. representa um grande problema para laboratórios e indústria de vacinas. Este trabalho investigou contaminação por Mycoplasma spp. em cultivos celulares e cepas virais do Setor de Virologia da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria e avaliou drogas e protocolos de descontaminação. Dentre 25 cultivos celulares testados por PCR, 16 (64%) estavam contaminados. Quatorze cepas virais também estavam contaminadas, incluindo três do vírus da diarreia viral bovina 1 (BVDV-1), dois BVDV-2, quatro do alfaherpesvírus bovino tipo 1 (BoHV-1) e um de HoBiPeV, BoHV-2, BoHV-5, vírus parainfluenza bovino 3 (bPI-3V) e vírus sincicial respiratório bovino (BRSV). Duas drogas (Plasmocin ® [P] e gentamicina [G]) foram utilizadas individualmente ou combinadas para a descontaminação celular. Linhagens celulares bovinas (MDBK e CRIB), suínas (PK-15), de coelho (RK-13) e de hamster (BHK-21) foram mantidas em meio contendo as drogas e testadas por PCR a intervalos semanais. O tratamento combinado P + G foi eficaz na eliminação de Mycoplasma spp. de quatro cultivos entre os dias 35 e 42, seguido pelo tratamento com Plasmocin ® (3/4) e gentamicina (1/4). A linhagem CRIB não pôde ser descontaminada. Posteriormente, um protocolo de descontaminação de cepas virais foi realizado, consistindo em amplificação em cultivo celular, centrifugação, filtração, diluição limitante e amplificação em células livres de Mycoplasma spp. As quatorze cepas virais foram descontaminadas após 1 a 4 ciclos do protocolo. Em conclusão, detectou-se uma alta frequência de contaminação por Mycoplasma spp. em cultivos celulares e cepas virais e aplicou-se com sucesso drogas e protocolos de descontaminação.

Upper digestive tract (UDT) cancer is rare in cattle, however in Southern Brazil, the UDT squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) are relatively common and have been associated with bracken fern consumption and the presence of papillomas. Although a theory of pathogenesis considers bovine papillomavirus type 4 (BPV-4) as a cofactor in the development of these SCCs, some aspects of the etiopathogenesis of this disease need to be more investigated. In fact, detection of BPV-4 in UDT papillomas is scarce in other regions of the world and has not been performed in Brazil. Therefore, this study had two aims: 1) to analyze the epidemiological, clinical and pathological aspects of 100 natural cases of SCCs in the UDT of cattle grazing on bracken fern (Pteridium arachnoideum) highly contaminated areas, investigating the associations between these parameters; and 2) to investigate the presence of papillomavirus DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the UDT papillomas (n = 47) from 30 cattle that also had UDT SCCs. There were statistically significant associations between clinical signs and tumor localization in the UDT; between histological grade of differentiation and tumor localization; and a trend towards significant association between histological grade of differentiation and presence of metastases. The average age of cattle with oropharyngeal SCCs was 7.39 years, with statistically significant difference comparing to cattle with esophageal SCCs (8.6 years). No statistical association was observed among other clinical-pathological parameters (growth pattern and primary site of the tumor) analyzed. No BPV DNA was detected in papillomas by PCR. Therefore, these results suggest the possibility that papillomas of the UDT are not necessarily associated with BPV infection.