Feline leishmaniasis in an animal shelter in northeastern Brazil: Clinical aspects, coinfections, molecular detection, and serological study of a new recombinant protein.

Infection and clinical cases of leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania infantum in cats have been increasingly reported in several countries, including Brazil. In this study, we used an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and an immunochromatographic test (ICT) based on a recombinant antigen (rKDDR-plus) to detect anti-Leishmania antibodies in cats from an animal shelter in northeastern Brazil. We compared the results with an ELISA using L. infantum crude antigen (ELISA-CA). We also investigated the presence of Leishmania DNA in blood or ocular conjunctival samples as well as the association between Leishmania PCR positivity and serological positivity to feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and Toxoplasma gondii. Concerning serological assays, a higher positivity was detected using the ICT-rKDDR-plus (7.5%; 7/93) as compared to ELISA-rKDDR-plus (5.4%; 5/93) and ELISA-CA (4.3%; 4/93). Upon PCR testing, 52.7% (49/93) of the ocular conjunctival swabs and 48.3% (44/91) of the blood samples were positive. Together, PCR and serological testing revealed overall positivities of 73.1% (68/93) and 12.9% (12/93), respectively. Among PCR-positive samples, 45.5% (31/68) showed co-infection with FIV, 17.6% (12/68) with FeLV, and 82.3% (56/68) with T. gondii. More than half of the PCR-positive cats showed at least one clinical sign suggestive of leishmaniasis (58.8%; 40/68) and dermatological signs were the most frequent ones (45.5%; 31/68). Both tests employing the recombinant antigen rKDDR-plus (i.e., ICT-rKDDR-plus and ELISA-rKDDR-plus) detected more positive cats than the ELISA-CA but presented low overall accuracy. PCR testing using either blood or ocular conjunctival samples detected much more positive cats than serological tests.

Concurrent Histomonas meleagridis and Hemorrhagic Enteritis Virus Infection in a Turkey Flock with Recurrent History of Blackhead Disease.

Intestinal health is one of the key factors required for the growth and production of turkeys. Histomoniasis (blackhead disease), caused by a protozoan parasite, Histomonas meleagridis, is a reemerging threat to the turkey industry. Increased incidences of histomoniasis have been reported in recent years due to withdrawal of antihistomonas treatments. H. meleagridis affects ceca and causes cecal inflammation and necrosis. H. meleagridis migrates from ceca to the liver and causes liver necrosis, resulting in high mortalities. Ironically, field outbreaks of histomoniasis are not always associated with high mortalities, while low mortalities have also been documented. There are several exacerbating factors associated with high mortality rates in histomoniasis outbreaks, with concurrent infection being one of them. Recurrent histomoniasis outbreaks in a newly constructed barn were documented, and concurrent infection of H. meleagridis and hemorrhagic enteritis virus was confirmed. Currently, neither commercial vaccines nor prophylactic or therapeutic solutions are available to combat histomoniasis. However, there are treatments, vaccines, and solutions to minimize or prevent concurrent infections in turkeys. In addition to implementing biosecurity measures, measures to prevent concurrent infections are critical steps that the turkey industry can follow to reduce mortality rates and minimize the production and economic losses associated with histomoniasis outbreaks.

Infección simultánea por Histomonas meleagridis y el virus de la enteritis hemorrágica en una parvada de pavos con antecedentes recurrentes de enfermedad de la cabeza negra. La salud intestinal es uno de los factores clave necesarios para el crecimiento y producción de los pavos. La histomoniasis (enfermedad de la cabeza negra), causada por un parásito protozoario, Histomonas meleagridis, es una amenaza reemergente para la industria del pavo. En los últimos años se ha informado de un aumento de la incidencia de histomoniasis debido al retiro de los tratamientos con antihistomonas. Histomonas meleagridis afecta los ciegos y causa inflamación y necrosis cecal. Histomonas meleagridis migra desde los ciegos al hígado y causa necrosis hepática, lo que resulta en una alta mortalidad. Irónicamente, los brotes de histomoniasis en el campo no siempre se asocian con una mortalidad elevada, aunque también se han documentado mortalidades bajas. Hay varios factores exacerbantes asociados con altas tasas de mortalidad en los brotes de histomoniasis, siendo la infección concurrente uno de ellos. Se documentaron brotes recurrentes de histomoniasis en un alojamiento avícola recién construido y se confirmó la infección concurrente de H. meleagridis y el virus de la enteritis hemorrágica. Actualmente no se dis-pone de vacunas comerciales ni soluciones profilácticas o terapéuticas para combatir la histomoniasis. Sin embargo, existen tratamientos, vacunas y soluciones para minimizar o prevenir infecciones concurrentes en los pavos. Además de implementar medidas de bioseguridad, las medidas para prevenir infecciones concurrentes son pasos críticos que la industria del pavo puede seguir para reducir las tasas de mortalidad y minimizar las pérdidas económicas y de producción asociadas con los brotes de histomoniasis.

The coinfection of ALVs causes severe pathogenicity in Three-Yellow chickens.

The coinfection of ALVs (ALV-J plus ALV-A or/and ALV-B) has played an important role in the incidence of tumors recently found in China in local breeds of yellow chickens. The study aims to obtain a better knowledge of the function and relevance of ALV coinfection in the clinical disease of avian leukosis, as well as its unique effect on the pathogenicity in Three-yellow chickens. One-day-old Three-yellow chicks (one day old) were infected with ALV-A, ALV-B, and ALV-J mono-infections, as well as ALV-A + J, ALV-B + J, and ALV-A + B + J coinfections, via intraperitoneal injection, and the chicks were then grown in isolators until they were 15 weeks old. The parameters, including the suppression of body weight gain, immune organ weight, viremia, histopathological changes and tumor incidence, were observed and compared with those of the uninfected control birds. The results demonstrated that coinfection with ALVs could induce more serious suppression of body weight gain (P < 0.05), damage to immune organs (P < 0.05) and higher tumor incidences than monoinfection, with triple infection producing the highest pathogenicity. The emergence of visible tumors and viremia occurred faster in the coinfected birds than in the monoinfected birds. These findings demonstrated that ALV coinfection resulted in considerably severe pathogenic and immunosuppressive consequences.

Coinfection by Mycobacterium marinum and Mycolicibacterium fortuitum in a captive adult diamondback water snake causing disseminated mycobacteriosis with acute cutaneous ulceration.

An adult male captive diamondback water snake (Nerodia rhombifer) was found dead after a 1-d history of lethargy and cutaneous ulcers. The snake had eaten 2 sunfish (Mola spp.) 5 d before death. Gross examination revealed white-to-tan nodules in the lung and liver and segmental intestinal impactions with digested fish. Histopathology confirmed disseminated granulomas with numerous intrahistiocytic acid-fast bacteria in the skin, skeletal muscle, lung, liver, and intestines. Mycobacterium marinum and Mycolicibacterium fortuitum were identified by culture of the hepatic granuloma, followed by PCR and rpoB gene sequencing. To our knowledge, this is the first description of M. marinum and M. fortuitum coinfection in this species. Although M. fortuitum has been isolated from reptiles, lesions associated with its presence in tissues have not been described previously. Interestingly, the mineralization within granulomas that we observed in our case is not reported in mycobacterial infection in reptiles, whereas this finding is common in mammals.

Expanding the known distribution of phascolartid gammaherpesvirus 1 in koalas to populations across Queensland and New South Wales.

Koala populations across the east coast of Australia are under threat of extinction with little known about the presence or distribution of a potential pathogen, phascolartid gammaherpesvirus 1 (PhaHV-1) across these threatened populations. Co-infections with PhaHV-1 and Chlamydia pecorum may be common and there is currently a limited understanding of the impact of these co-infections on koala health. To address these knowledge gaps, archived clinical and field-collected koala samples were examined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction to determine the distribution of PhaHV-1 in previously untested populations across New South Wales and Queensland. We detected PhaHV-1 in all regions surveyed with differences in detection rate between clinical samples from rescued koalas (26%) and field-collected samples from free-living koalas (8%). This may reflect increased viral shedding in koalas that have been admitted into care. We have corroborated previous work indicating greater detection of PhaHV-1 with increasing age in koalas and an association between PhaHV-1 and C. pecorum detection. Our work highlights the need for continued surveillance of PhaHV-1 in koala populations to inform management interventions, and targeted research to understand the pathogenesis of PhaHV-1 and determine the impact of infection and co-infection with C. pecorum.

Lymphoproliferative Disease Virus and Reticuloendotheliosis Virus Detection and Disease in Wild Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo).

Lymphoproliferative disease virus (LPDV) and reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV) are oncogenic retroviruses that can cause disease in wild and domestic fowl. Lymphoproliferative disease virus infections are common and widespread in Wild Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) in the US and east-central Canada, while REV has been detected worldwide in numerous avian host species. We tested tissues (spleen, liver, and/or bone marrow, plus neoplastic tissue, if present) from 172 Wild Turkeys that underwent necropsy from December 2018 through October 2021 for both viruses using PCR. We evaluated demographic, geographic, temporal, and seasonal data by chi-square test of independence and logistic regression for turkeys infected with LPDV and/or REV. At least one of these retroviruses was detected in 80.8% (139/172) of Wild Turkeys from 15 US states, with significantly more turkeys being positive for LPDV (72.1%, 124/172) versus REV (43.6%, 75/172; P<0.001). Both viruses (coinfections) were detected in 34.9% (60/172) of turkeys. Among LPDV-infected turkeys (including coinfections), bone marrow had the highest detection rate (38/58, 65.5%), significantly higher than spleen (30/58, 51.7%) and liver (20/58, 34.5%; P<0.001). In REV-infected turkeys, bone marrow had the highest detection rate (24/58, 41.4%). All three tissues (spleen, liver, bone marrow) concurrently tested positive in most (15/25, 60%) REV-infected turkeys. These results suggest LPDV tissue tropism for bone marrow, whereas REV may have broader tissue tropism. Histopathology consistent with lymphoid proliferation and/or neoplasia characteristic of lymphoproliferative disease was evident in 29/172 (16.9%) turkeys assessed, including two REV-only-infected turkeys. Season was significantly associated with LPDV prevalence (highest in winter); year and season were both significantly associated with REV prevalence (highest in 2020 and winter). These data contribute to optimizing diagnostic strategies that may aid in pathogen monitoring and improve detections to increase our understanding of the potential impacts of these viruses on Wild Turkey populations.

Feeding Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation postbiotic products alters immune function and the lung transcriptome of preweaning calves with an experimental viral-bacterial coinfection.

Bovine respiratory disease causes morbidity and mortality in cattle of all ages. Supplementing with postbiotic products from Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation (SCFP) has been reported to improve growth and provide metabolic support required for immune activation in calves. The objective of this study was to determine effects of SCFP supplementation on the transcriptional response to coinfection with bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) and Pasteurella multocida in the lung using RNA sequencing. Twenty-three calves were enrolled and assigned to 2 treatment groups: control (n = 12) or SCFP-treated (n = 11, fed 1 g/d SmartCare in milk and 5 g/d NutriTek on starter grain; both from Diamond V Mills Inc.). Calves were infected with ∼104 median tissue culture infectious dose per milliliter of BRSV, followed 6 d later by intratracheal inoculation with ∼1010 cfu of Pasteurella multocida (strain P1062). Calves were euthanized on d 10 after viral infection. Blood cells were collected and assayed on d 0 and 10 after viral infection. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cells were collected and assayed on d 14 of the feeding period (preinfection) and d 10 after viral infection. Blood and BAL cells were assayed for proinflammatory cytokine production in response to stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or a combination of polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid and imiquimod, and BAL cells were evaluated for phagocytic and reactive oxygen species production capacity. Antemortem and postmortem BAL and lesioned and nonlesioned lung tissue samples collected at necropsy were subjected to RNA extraction and sequencing. Sequencing reads were aligned to the bovine reference genome (UMD3.1) and edgeR version 3.32.1 used for differential gene expression analysis. Supplementation with SCFP did not affect the respiratory burst activity or phagocytic activity of either lung or blood immune cells. Immune cells from the peripheral blood of SCFP-supplemented calves produced increased quantities of IL-6 in response to toll-like receptor stimulation, whereas cells from the BAL of SCFP-treated calves secreted fewer proinflammatory cytokines and less tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and IL-6 in response to the same stimuli. Transcriptional responses in lung tissues and BAL samples from SCFP-fed calves differed from the control group. The top enriched pathways in SCFP-treated lungs were associated with decreased expression of inflammatory responses and increased expression of plasminogen and genes involved in glutathione metabolism, supporting effective lung repair. Our results indicate that supplementing with SCFP postbiotics modulates both systemic and mucosal immune responses, leading to increased resistance to bovine respiratory disease.

Verminous pneumonia in European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus).

The European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) is a common wildlife species in European countries. Populations are declining due to anthropogenic factors and natural diseases. Verminous pneumonia has been observed as a frequent infectious disease in hedgehogs submitted for diagnostic postmortem examination. This prompted the present in-depth investigation on the lungs of 27 necropsied hedgehogs with confirmed lungworm infections, with or without antiparasitic treatment prior to death. The histological and/or parasitic (fecal samples) examination identified Capillaria aerophila infection in most animals (82%). The parasites were found free in the airway lumen and/or within the airway epithelium, from the larynx to bronchioles. Embedded worms and eggs were associated with epithelial hyperplasia or metaplasia, and long-term inflammation. More than half of the animals (59%) carried Crenosoma striatum, and 41% had a coinfection. C striatum adults were predominantly found free in the lumen of bronchi and bronchioles, and larvae were occasionally seen in granulomas in the pulmonary interstitium, the liver, and the intestine. Independent of the parasite species, a lymphoplasmacytic peribronchitis and, less frequently, interstitial infiltration of eosinophils, neutrophils, and macrophages as well as pneumocyte type II hyperplasia was seen. Interestingly, the extent of pneumonia was not correlated with age, respiratory clinical signs, antiparasitic treatment, or single or coinfection. Verminous pneumonia appeared to be the cause of death in over 25% of the animals, indicating that these parasites not only coexist with hedgehogs but can also be a primary pathogen in this species.

Evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection and co-infections in stray cats in Brazil.

The zoonotic virus SARS-CoV-2, which causes severe acute respiratory syndrome in humans (COVID-19), has been identified in cats. Notably, most positive cases were in cats that had close contact with infected humans, suggesting a role for humans in animal transmission routes. Previous studies have suggested that animals with immune depletion are more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection. To date, there is limited evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infections in stray and free-range cats affected by other pathogens. In this study, we investigated infections caused by SARS-CoV-2, Leishmania spp., Toxoplasma gondii, Mycoplasma spp., Bartonella spp., Feline leukemia virus (FeLV), and Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) in stray cats from an urban park in Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic. From February to September 2021, 78 mixed-breed cats were tested for SARS-CoV-2 and hemopathogens using molecular analysis at Américo Renné Giannetti Municipal Park, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect IgG in T. gondii. None of the animals in this study showed any clinical signs of infections. The SARS-CoV-2 virus RNA was detected in 7.7 % of cats, and a whole virus genome sequence analysis revealed the SARS-CoV-2 Delta lineage (B.1.617.2). Phylogenetic analysis showed that SARS-CoV-2 isolated from cats was grouped into the sublineage AY.99.2, which matches the epidemiological scenario of COVID-19 in the urban area of our study. Leishmania infantum was detected and sequenced in 9 % of cats. The seroprevalence of T. gondii was 23.1 %. Hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. was detected in 7.7 % of the cats, with Mycoplasma haemofelis and Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum being the most common. Bartonella henselae and Bartonella clarridgeiae were detected in 38.5 % of the cats, FeLV was detected in 17,9 %, and none of the cats studied tested positive for FIV. This study reports, for the first time, the SARS-CoV-2 infection with whole-genome sequencing in stray cats in southeastern Brazil and co-infection with other pathogens, including Bartonella spp. and Feline leukemia virus. Our study observed no correlation between SARS-CoV-2 and the other detected pathogens. Our results emphasize the importance of monitoring SARS-CoV-2 in stray cats to characterize their epidemiological role in SARS-CoV-2 infection and reinforce the importance of zoonotic disease surveillance.

Porcine circovirus type 2 and Glaesserella parasuis serotype 4 co-infection activates Snail1 to disrupt the intercellular junctions and facilitate bacteria translocation across the tracheal epithelium.

Clinically, Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) often causes disease through coinfection with other bacterial pathogens, including Glaesserella parasuis (G. parasuis), which causes high morbidity and mortality. However, the mechanism of PCV2 and G. parasuis serotype 4 (GPS4) co-infection is still not fully understood. In this study, swine tracheal epithelial cells (STEC) were used as a barrier model, and our results showed that PCV2 infection increased the adhesion of GPS4 to STEC, while decreasing the levels of ZO-1, Occludin and increasing tracheal epithelial permeability, and ultimately facilitated GPS4 translocation. Snail1 is a transcriptional repressor, and has been known to induce epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) during development or in cancer metastasis. Importantly, we found that Snail1, as a transcriptional repressor, was crucial in destroying the tracheal epithelial barrier induced by PCV2, GPS4, PCV2 and GPS4 coinfection. For the first time, we found that PCV2, GPS4, PCV2 and GPS4 coinfection cross-activates TGF-ß and p38/MAPK signaling pathways to upregulate the expression of Snail1, down-regulate the levels of ZO-1 and Occludin, and thus disrupt the integrity of tracheal epithelial barrier then promoting GPS4 translocation. Finally, PCV2 and GPS4 co-infection also can activate TGF-ß and p38/MAPK signaling pathways in vivo and upregulate Snail1, ultimately down-regulating the expression of ZO-1 and Occludin. Our study elucidates how PCV2 infection promotes GPS4 to breach the tracheal epithelial barrier and aggravate clinical manifestations.

Genetic diversity and microevolution in clinical Cryptococcus isolates from Cameroon.

Cryptococcal meningitis is the second most common cause of death in people living with HIV/AIDS, yet we have a limited understanding of how cryptococcal isolates change over the course of infection. Cryptococcal infections are environmentally acquired, and the genetic diversity of these infecting isolates can also be geographically linked. Here, we employ whole genome sequences for 372 clinical Cryptococcus isolates from 341 patients with HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis obtained via a large clinical trial, across both Malawi and Cameroon, to enable population genetic comparisons of isolates between countries. We see that isolates from Cameroon are highly clonal, when compared to those from Malawi, with differential rates of disruptive variants in genes with roles in DNA binding and energy use. For a subset of patients (22) from Cameroon, we leverage longitudinal sampling, with samples taken at days 7 and 14 post-enrollment, to interrogate the genetic changes that arise over the course of infection, and the genetic diversity of isolates within patients. We see disruptive variants arising over the course of infection in several genes, including the phagocytosis-regulating transcription factor GAT204. In addition, in 13% of patients sampled longitudinally, we see evidence for mixed infections. This approach identifies geographically linked genetic variation, signatures of microevolution, and evidence for mixed infections across a clinical cohort of patients affected by cryptococcal meningitis in Central Africa.

Cryptococcal meningitis, caused by Cryptococcus, results in approximately half a million deaths per year globally. We compare clinical Cryptococcus samples from Cameroon and Malawi to explore the genetic diversity of these isolates. We find instances of mixed-strain infections and identify genetic variants arising in Cryptococcus over disease.

A Multiplex Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction for the Rapid Differential Detection of Subgroups A, B, J, and K Avian Leukosis Viruses.

Avian leukosis (AL), caused by avian leukosis virus (ALV), is a contagious tumor disease that results in significant economic losses for the poultry industry. Currently, ALV-A, B, J, and K subgroups are the most common in commercial poultry and cause possible coinfections. Therefore, close monitoring is necessary to avoid greater economic losses. In this study, a novel multiplex quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay was developed to detect ALV-A, ALV-B, ALV-J, and ALV-K with limits of detection of 40, 11, 13.7, and 96 copies/µL, respectively, and no cross-reactivity with other ALV subtypes and avian pathogens. We detected 852 cell cultures inoculated with clinical samples using this method, showing good consistency with conventional PCR and ELISA. The most prevalent ALV strain in Hubei Province, China, was still ALV-J (11.74%). Although single infections with ALV-A, ALV-B, and ALV-K were not found, coinfections with different subgroup strains were identified: 0.7% for ALV-A/J, 0.35% for ALV-B/J, 0.25% for ALV-J/K, and 0.12% for ALV-A/B/K and ALV-A/B/J. Therefore, our novel multiplex qPCR may be a useful tool for molecular epidemiology, clinical detection of ALV, and ALV eradication programs.

Development and Validation of a Panel of One-Step Four-Plex qPCR/RT-qPCR Assays for Simultaneous Detection of SARS-CoV-2 and Other Pathogens Associated with Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex.

Canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC) is the primary cause of respiratory disease in the canine population and is caused by a wide array of viruses and bacterial pathogens with coinfections being common. Since its recognition in late 2019, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been reported to cause respiratory disease in dogs. Therefore, the rapid detection and differentiation of SARS-CoV-2 from other common viral and bacterial agents is critical from a public health standpoint. Here, we developed and validated a panel of four one-step multiplex qPCR/RT-qPCR assays for the detection and identification of twelve pathogens associated with CIRDC (canine adenovirus-2, canine distemper virus, canine herpesvirus-1, canine influenza A virus, canine parainfluenza virus, canine pneumovirus, canine respiratory coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus, Mycoplasma cynos, and M. canis), as well as the identification of three main CIV subtypes (i.e., H3N2, H3N8, and H1N1). All developed assays demonstrated high specificity and analytical sensitivity. This panel was used to test clinical specimens (n = 76) from CIRDC-suspected dogs. M. canis, M. cynos, and CRCoV were the most frequently identified pathogens (30.3%, 25.0%, and 19.7% of samples, respectively). The newly emerging pathogens CPnV and SARS-CoV-2 were detected in 5.3% of samples and coinfections were identified in 30.3%. This new multiplex qPCR/RT-qPCR panel is the most comprehensive panel developed thus far for identifying CIRDC pathogens, along with SARS-CoV-2.

Naturally occurring psittacid alphaherpesvirus 3 and probable adenovirus coinfection in an Indian ringneck parakeet in the United States.

Psittacid alphaherpesvirus 3 (PsAHV-3) is a rarely reported virus that has been associated with pneumonia in psittacine birds. A 5-mo-old Indian ringneck parakeet (syn. rose-ringed parakeet; Psittacula krameri) was euthanized after developing torticollis and lethargy. Postmortem examination of the parakeet revealed severe pneumonia with syncytial cells containing eosinophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies (INIBs) in the respiratory epithelium. Gene sequencing of total DNA extraction detected PsAHV-3 in the frozen lung. The pancreas had severe lytic necrosis, with the remaining parenchymal cells expanded by large basophilic INIBs. Electron microscopy of the pancreas revealed intranuclear paracrystalline arrays of viral particles morphologically resembling adenovirus. Although we found 3 PsAHV-3 cases in birds in a literature search, we found no cases with adenoviral coinfection.

Perspective on receptor-associated immune response to Candida albicans single and mixed infections: Implications for therapeutics in oropharyngeal candidiasis.

Oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC), commonly known as 'thrush', is an oral infection that usually dismantles oral mucosal integrity and malfunctions local innate and adaptive immunities in compromised individuals. The major pathogen responsible for the occurrence and progression of OPC is the dimorphic opportunistic commensal Candida albicans. However, the incidence induced by non-albicans Candida species including C. glabrata, C. tropicalis, C. dubliniensis, C. parapsilosis, and C. krusei are increasing in company with several oral bacteria, such as Streptococcus mutans, S. gordonii, S. epidermidis, and S. aureus. In this review, the microbiological and infection features of C. albicans and its co-contributors in the pathogenesis of OPC are outlined. Since the invasion and concomitant immune response lie firstly on the recognition of oral pathogens through diverse cellular surface receptors, we subsequently emphasize the roles of epidermal growth factor receptor, ephrin-type receptor 2, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, and aryl hydrocarbon receptor located on oral epithelial cells to delineate the underlying mechanism by which host immune recognition to oral pathogens is mediated. Based on these observations, the therapeutic approaches to OPC comprising conventional and non-conventional antifungal agents, fungal vaccines, cytokine and antibody therapies, and antimicrobial peptide therapy are finally overviewed. In the face of newly emerging life-threatening microbes (C. auris and SARS-CoV-2), risks (biofilm formation and interconnected translocation among diverse organs), and complicated clinical settings (HIV and oropharyngeal cancer), the research on OPC is still a challenging task.

This review aims to discuss the roles of Candida albicans single- and co-infections with non-albicans Candida species or oral bacteria as well as the receptor-mediated immune response in the pathogenesis of oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC). Current therapeutic approaches are also emphasized for OPC treatment.

Presence of co-infection between bovine leukemia virus and bovine herpesvirus 1 in herds vaccinated against bovine respiratory complex.

The aim of this study was molecular identification of bovine leukemia virus and possible co-infection with bovine respiratory disease complex (BRDC) viral agents in Mexican dairy herds. We collected 533 blood samples from cattle vaccinated against the BRDC virus in 9 states across Mexico. Peripheral blood leukocytes were removed and genetic material was extracted to detect bovine leukemia virus (BLV), bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1), bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), bovine parainfluenza virus 3 (BPIV-3), and bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) infection using polymerase chain reaction. We identified high BLV infection rates in 270 cattle (50.65%). One hundred and thirty-three cows (24.95%) tested positive for BoHV-1, of which 65 samples were positive for both viruses (BoHV-1 and BLV) and 68 were only positive for BoHV-1. Only 4 samples tested positive for BPIV-3 and no sample was positive for BVDV or BRSV. Relative risk and odds ratio analyses did not identify that the presence of BLV infection favors BoHV-1 co-infection in vaccinated herds.

Le but de cette étude était l'identification moléculaire du virus de la leucémie bovine et une éventuelle co-infection par des agents viraux du complexe des maladies respiratoires bovines (BRDC) dans des troupeaux laitiers mexicains. Nous avons recueilli 533 échantillons de sang de bovins vaccinés contre le virus BRDC dans neuf états du Mexique. Les leucocytes du sang périphérique ont été prélevés et le matériel génétique a été extrait pour détecter le virus de la leucémie bovine (BLV), le virus de l'herpès bovin 1 (BoHV-1), le virus de la diarrhée virale bovine (BVDV), le virus parainfluenza bovin 3 (BPIV-3), et le virus respiratoire syncytial bovin (BRSV) par réaction d'amplification en chaîne par la polymérase. Nous avons identifié des taux élevés d'infection par le BLV chez 270 bovins (50,65 %). Cent trente-trois bovins (24,95 %) ont été testés positifs pour le BoHV-1, desquels 65 échantillons étaient positifs pour les deux virus (BoHV-1 et BLV) et 68 étaient uniquement positifs pour le BoHV-1. Seuls quatre échantillons ont été testés positifs pour le BPIV-3 et aucun échantillon n'a été positif pour le BVDV ou le BRSV. Les analyses du risque relatif et des rapports de cotes n'ont pas identifié que la présence d'une infection par le BLV favorise la co-infection par le BoHV-1 dans les troupeaux vaccinés.(Traduit par les auteurs).

Real-life epidemiology and current outcomes of hospitalized adults with invasive fungal infections.

We aimed to describe the current epidemiology of both hosts with invasive fungal infections (IFIs) and causative fungi. And, detail outcomes of these infections at 12 weeks in a real-life cohort of hospitalized patients. The study was retrospective and observational to describe IFI diagnosed in a tertiary hospital (February 2017-December 2021). We included all consecutive patients meeting criteria for proven or probable IFI according to EORTC-MSG and other criteria. A total of 367 IFIs were diagnosed. 11.7% were breakthrough infections, and 56.4% were diagnosed in the intensive care unit. Corticosteroid use (41.4%) and prior viral infection (31.3%) were the most common risk factors for IFI. Lymphoma and pneumocystis pneumonia were the most common baseline and fungal diseases. Only 12% of IFI occurred in patients with neutropenia. Fungal cultures were the most important diagnostic tests (85.8%). The most frequent IFIs were candidemia (42.2%) and invasive aspergillosis (26.7%). Azole-resistant Candida strains and non-fumigatus Aspergillus infections represented 36.1% and 44.5% of the cases, respectively. Pneumocystosis (16.9%), cryptococcosis (4.6%), and mucormycosis (2.7%) were also frequent, as well as mixed infections (3.4%). Rare fungi accounted for 9.5% of infections. Overall, IFI mortality at 12 weeks was 32.2%; higher rates were observed for Mucorales (55.6%), Fusarium (50%), and mixed infections (60%). We documented emerging changes in both hosts and real-life IFI epidemiology. Physicians should be aware of these changes to suspect infections and be aggressive in diagnoses and treatments. Currently, outcomes for such clinical scenarios remain extremely poor.

Current epidemiology of the host and fungi and IFI treatments are changing. Real-life data on this subject are scarce. We present our most recent evidence to highlight the importance of the ongoing challenges that require further investigation and clinical adjustments.

Presumptive hemophagocytic syndrome associated with co-infections with FIV, Toxoplasma gondii, and Candidatus mycoplasma haemominutum in an adult cat.

A 9-year-old neutered male cat, previously test-positive for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), was presented with an history of vomiting, hyporexia, and weight loss. Panleukopenia was identified on complete blood counts, and bone marrow evaluation revealed ineffective granulocytic hyperplasia and rare neutro-, erythro-, and rubriphagocytosis. Prednisolone was initiated with no response, and progression to pancytopenia occurred. On abdominal ultrasonographic examination, splenomegaly was present. PCR testing was positive for Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum and IgG antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii were detected (titer 1:2560). Treatment with antibiotics, feline recombinant interferon-ω, chlorambucil, mycophenolate, and raltegravir was implemented with no clinical improvement, and splenectomy was performed. Cytologic evaluation of splenic aspirates revealed exuberant neutro-, erythro-, and rubriphagocytosis. Histopathology of the spleen also showed many erythrophagocytic macrophages with no evidence of malignancy, and a diagnosis of hemophagocytic syndrome (HS) was made. The WBC count and hematocrit reached reference values 1 day and 3 months, respectively, after splenectomy. The cat was treated with cyclosporine and lomustine. Disease progression led to the development of septic hepatitis, and the cat was euthanized. To our knowledge, this is the first case of presumptive HS in cats that might have been associated with FIV, Toxoplasma gondii, and Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum co-infection.

Molecular detection of mixed infection with peste des petits ruminants and retroviruses in Egyptian sheep and goats.

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a contagious viral disease causing massive economic loss to animal industries in endemic countries including Egypt. Although a vaccine is available, coinfections can overwhelm the animal immune system and interfere with vaccine protection. Small ruminant retrovirus (SRR), including enzootic nasal tumor virus (ENTV) and Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV), is responsible for coinfections with PPR. Investigation of clinical cases in this study confirmed the presence of PPR virus by RT-PCR among four flocks. Sequence of five PPR amplicons revealed that all strains had 100% aa similarity and belonged to lineage IV. In addition, these strains had 98-99% nt similarity with all previous Egyptian and African strains from Sudan (MK371449) and Ethiopia (MK371449). Illumina sequencing of a representative sample showed a genome of 5753 nt compatible with ENT-2 virus with 98.42% similarity with the Chinese strain (MN564750.1). Four ORFs representing gag, pro, pol, and env genes were identified and annotated. Pro gene was highly stable while gag, pol, and env showed eight, two, and three aa differences with the reference strains. Sanger sequencing revealed that two amplicons were ENT-2 virus, and one was JSRV. ENT-2 sequences had 100% similarity with KU258870 and KU258871 reference strains while JSRV was 100% similar to the EF68031 reference strain. The phylogenetic tree showed a close relationship between the ENT of goats and the JSRV of sheep. This study highlights the complexity of PPR molecular epidemiology, with SRR that was not molecularly characterized previously in Egypt.

Coinfection with Yellow Head Virus Genotype 8 (YHV-8) and Oriental Wenrivirus 1 (OWV1) in Wild Penaeus chinensis from the Yellow Sea.

At present, there are few studies on the epidemiology of diseases in wild Chinese white shrimp Penaeus chinensis. In order to enrich the epidemiological information of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)-listed and emerging diseases in wild P. chinensis, we collected a total of 37 wild P. chinensis from the Yellow Sea in the past three years and carried out molecular detection tests for eleven shrimp pathogens. The results showed that infectious hypodermal and hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHHNV), Decapod iridescent virus 1 (DIV1), yellow head virus genotype 8 (YHV-8), and oriental wenrivirus 1 (OWV1) could be detected in collected wild P. chinensis. Among them, the coexistence of IHHNV and DIV1 was confirmed using qPCR, PCR, and sequence analysis with pooled samples. The infection with YHV-8 and OWV1 in shrimp was studied using molecular diagnosis, phylogenetic analysis, and transmission electron microscopy. It is worth highlighting that this study revealed the high prevalence of coinfection with YHV-8 and OWV1 in wild P. chinensis populations and the transmission risk of these viruses between the wild and farmed P. chinensis populations. This study enriches the epidemiological information of WOAH-listed and emerging diseases in wild P. chinensis in the Yellow Sea and raises concerns about biosecurity issues related to wild shrimp resources.