Canine Infection Research Articles

Brucella canis and Chlamydia spp.: insights into canine infections, diagnostics, and potential tick-borne transmission

Brucella and Chlamydia spp. are zoonotic pathogens with significant implications for both human and animal health. Brucella species, which is responsible for brucellosis, manifest in a range of clinical symptoms and present substantial zoonotic risks. Though less commonly reported, canine infections with Brucella raise concerns about the potential for transmission to humans and highlight the need for continued vigilance in veterinary settings. Chlamydia spp. is notable for its ability to cause diverse diseases in animals, from mild infections to severe systemic illnesses. In dogs, Chlamydia infections can lead to symptoms such as conjunctivitis, respiratory disorders, and reproductive issues, including infertility and abortion. The zoonotic potential of Chlamydia, particularly Chlamydia felis, emphasises the need for thorough monitoring and control measures in both domestic animals and humans. Ticks play a significant role in the transmission of these pathogens. Research has identified Chlamydia spp. in ticks; however, the exact epidemiological implications remain unclear. Similarly, Brucella has been detected in ticks, but conclusive evidence of tick-borne transmission to humans or between animals is still lacking. Improved diagnostic tools and control strategies are essential for managing the risks associated with Brucella and Chlamydia infections in both animals and humans, with a particular focus on the role of ticks as potential vectors.

TRP36-ELISA for E. canis detection: Concordance with TaqMan real-time PCR and point-of-care testing

Ehrlichia canis, a widely distributed tick-borne pathogen, requires prompt and accurate diagnosis for effective management. Real-time PCR serves as the reference standard for diagnosing E. canis infection, whereas serological tests are crucial for detecting antibody responses indicative of infection or post-exposure status. Early detection during the acute phase of the disease is essential for optimal treatment and recovery. E. canis Tandem Repeat Protein 36 (TRP36) elicits early acute phase responses. We developed an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using recombinant TRP36 to detect IgM and IgG antibodies against E. canis. We assessed the diagnostic agreement, sensitivity, and specificity of the rTRP36-ELISA and a commercial test kit (SNAP 4Dx Plus Test) with TaqMan Real-time PCR (qPCR) using the NCSS 2023 program version 23.0.1. Leftover serum samples from 32 dogs at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital were randomly selected and examined for E. canis infection using qPCR, rTRP36-ELISA, and SNAP 4Dx Plus Test. qPCR detected positive results in 12 (37.5 %), whereas ELISA and SNAP 4Dx Plus detected positive results in 10 (31.25 %) and 13 (40.62 %), respectively. Moderate agreement (κ = 0.545) was observed between rTRP36-ELISA and qPCR, and fair agreement (κ = 0.379) between SNAP 4Dx Plus and qPCR. Substantial agreement (κ = 0.79) was found between rTRP36-ELISA and SNAP 4Dx Plus. Compared to qPCR, the sensitivity and specificity of rTRP36-ELISA were 70 % and 77.27 %, respectively, compared to 53.85 % and 73.86 %, respectively, for SNAP 4Dx Plus. Our findings suggest that TRP36 is a promising antigen for E. canis serodiagnosis, potentially improving sensitivity and specificity.

Oxidative stress markers in canine parvovirus infection

Parvovirus infections are among the deadly viral diseases in dogs and sick puppies. Young dogs are more prone to the virus. Antioxidants are important components of the defense system which prevent cell damage by neutralizing reactive oxygen species. Malondialdehyde is a reliable and commonly used marker of oxidative stress. The present study was performed to determine the role of oxidative stress markers in canine parvovirus disease. Thirty Cane Corso male dogs with an average age of 3-6 months were enrolled in this study out of which 10 animals were spontaneously infected with the parvovirus and the other 10 were healthy. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and malondialdehyde were measured by colorimetric methods whereas the enzymatic activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPX) was measured. Catalase was measured by means of rapid spectrophotometry and chromography was used for obtaining the concentrations of vitamin D and vitamin E. The increase in malondialdehyde in infected dogs demonstrates that oxidative stress plays a role in the pathogenesis of the parvovirus. The significant elevation in TAC, and lack of important changes in superoxide dismutase and catalase are indicative of a good response by the antioxidant system against oxidative stress induced by the parvovirus. In conclusion, oxidative stress is involved in the pathogenesis of parvovirus. Thus, strengthening the antioxidant system can be effective in the prevention and treatment of canine parvovirus infection.

Immuno- and expression analysis of Ehrlichia canis immunoreactive proteins.

Ehrlichia canis is the primary etiologic agent of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis, a serious and sometimes fatal hemorrhagic disease of dogs. Diagnosis of E. canis infection is often retrospectively confirmed by serologic detection of antibodies by immunofluorescent microscopy. Our laboratory previously identified numerous major immunoreactive proteins with species-specific linear antibody epitopes that are useful for immunodiagnosis of CME. More recently, we have defined the entire antibody-reactive immunome of E. canis, substantially increasing the number of major immunoreactive proteins known to exist. In this study, we analyzed and compared seven recently identified antibody reactive E. canis proteins with established diagnostic antigens including tandem repeat proteins TRP19, TRP36 and TRP140 and observed comparable immunoreactivity. Many of these proteins were conserved in different E. canis strains. Multiple linear antibody epitopes were mapped in a highly conserved TRP (Ecaj_0126), including within the tandem repeat domain. Temporal antibody responses were examined, and multiple proteins reacted with antibodies in sera as early as 21 days post experimental infection. Host-specific expression of the proteins was examined which revealed that some proteins exhibited higher expression in mammalian cells, while others in tick cells. This study has identified new immunodiagnostic candidates that exhibit different host expression patterns, information which may be useful for developing ultrasensitive immunodiagnostics and effective vaccines for CME.

Efficacy of Sustained-Release Formulation of Moxidectin (Guardian SR) in Preventing Heartworm Infection over 18 Months in Dogs Living in a Hyperendemic Area.

This study investigates the efficacy of a sustained-release (SR) moxidectin microsphere formulation in preventing canine heartworm infection over 18 months in Canary Hound dogs, a hunting breed common in the Canary Islands, which is a hyperendemic region. These dogs typically do not receive preventive treatments and act as reservoirs for the disease. This field study was conducted across 11 hunting kennels with 109 dogs living outdoors, none of whom were receiving heartworm prophylaxis, with Dirofilaria immitis prevalence ranging from 11.1% to 57.1% (average 36.7%). Among these, 20 clinically healthy, heartworm-negative dogs were randomly selected to receive a single subcutaneous injection of moxidectin SR (0.17 mg/kg body weight). Antigen and Knott's tests were performed at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. All dogs completed the study without adverse reactions and remained heartworm-negative throughout. By the end of the study, kennel heartworm prevalence ranged from 14.3% to 46.7% (average 35.4%). A single subcutaneous dose of moxidectin SR at the recommended dosage may prevent patent heartworm infection in dogs for up to 18 months in hyperendemic regions. Further studies are required to confirm these findings. Extending the efficacy period of moxidectin could improve owner compliance, particularly among those with lower animal health awareness.

Regulation Effect of Toxocara canis and Anthelmintics on Intestinal Microbiota Diversity and Composition in Dog

Toxocara canis is an intestinal roundworm that can cause serious zoonotic parasitic diseases. Drontal Plus® Tasty (Dog) is a kind of commercial drug used to treat T. canis infection. Febantel, Praziquantel, and Pyrantel pamoate (PP) are its main component. However, there are few studies investigating the impact of Drontal Plus® Tasty (Dog) and its primary ingredients on the intestinal microbiota of dogs. In this study, we first collected the intestinal content samples of the dogs which administrated with anthelmintics or saline by sterile catheters, then used 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing technology combined with a variety of bioinformatic analysis methods to analyze the effect of anthelmintics on intestinal microbiota. First, the results of the α and β diversity analysis showed that the abundance and diversity of intestinal microbiota decreased with T. canis infection, and increased after anthelmintic treatment. Then, we found the dominant species (the value of relative abundance > 0.05) was both 28 on phylum and genus levels, besides the most dominant species was Bacillota on phylum level and Segatella and Clostridium_sensu_stricto were most dominant on genus level. Futher analyzing the differences in microbiotal composition on phylum level, we found that Drontal Plus® Tasty treatment could significantly increase the proportion of Bacillota, while Febantel, Praziquantel, or PP could induce the significantly changes of Bacillota and Bacteroidota. In addition, by analyzing the differences in microbiotal composition on genus level, we found that anthelmintic could significantly decreased the relative abundance of Clostridium_sensu_stricto and significantly increased the abundance of Segatella. However, Drontal Plus® Tasty had no regulatory effect on the abundance of Segatella. In short, these finding showed that various anthelmintics all have significant effects for changing the abundance and diversity of host intestinal microbiota.

Proteomics analysis reveals the differential protein expression of female and male adult Toxocara canis using Orbitrap Astral analyzer.

Toxocara canis, the most prevalent helminth in dogs and other canines, is one of the socioeconomically important zoonotic parasites, particularly affecting pediatric and adolescent populations in impoverished communities. However, limited information is available regarding the proteomes of female and male adult T. canis. To address this knowledge gap, we performed a comprehensive proteomic analysis to identify the proteins with differential abundance (PDAs) and gender-specifically expressed proteins between the two sexes adult T. canis. The comparative proteomic analysis was carried out by the Orbitrap mass spectrometry (MS) with asymmetric track lossless (Astral) analyzer. The difference analysis was conducted using t-test and the proteins verification was achieved through parallel reaction monitoring (PRM). The potential biological functions of identified adult T. canis proteins and PDAs were predicted by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) databases. The domain, transcription factor and subcellular localization of the identified proteins and PDAs were analyzed by InterPro, AnimalTFDB 4.0 and Cell-mPLOC 2.0 databases, respectively. A total of 8565 somatic proteins of adult T. canis were identified. Compared to male adult, 682 up-regulated PDAs and 844 down-regulated PDAs were identified in female adult with P-values < 0.05 and |log2FC|> 1, including 139 proteins exclusively expressed in female and 272 proteins exclusively expressed in male. The GO annotation analysis using all PDAs revealed that the main biological processes, cellular components and molecular functions corresponded to aminoglycan metabolic process, extracellular region and protein tyrosine phosphatase activity, respectively. The KEGG analysis using all PDAs showed that the pathways were mainly associated with adipocytokine signaling pathway, proximal tubule bicarbonate reclamation and PPAR signaling pathway. This study reveals the differential protein expression between female and male adult T. canis, providing valuable resource for developing the novel intervention strategies against T. canis infection in humans and animals, especially from the perspective of sexual development and reproduction.

Canine vector-borne infections of working dogs of the Sri Lanka Air Force, and free roaming, and privately owned dogs

Canine vector-borne infections (CVBIs) are a global health problem. The military working dogs of Sri Lanka die at an early age, and CVBIs have been a leading speculated cause. We examined CVBIs in the working dogs of the Sri Lanka air force (SLAF) and free-roaming dogs (FRDs) and privately owned dogs (PODs) country-wide. Giemsa-stained smears were prepared and conventional PCR-positive DNA was subjected to sequencing and phylogeny. Of the 668 dogs sampled, 212 (31.7%) had one or more CVBIs. The prevalence of infections among the FRDs (40.0%) was significantly higher than SLAF working dogs (30.0%; χ2 = 10.5216; p = 0.0012) and PODs (26.2%; χ2 = 5.3414, p = 0.0208) but not between SLAF dogs and PODs (χ2 = 1.7655, p = 0.1838). Many infected dogs were asymptomatic (57.4%), which was higher among the FRDs. Seven infectious agents were identified: Babesia gibsoni, B. canis, Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma platys, Leishmania sp., Hepatozoon canis, and filaria worms. The most common infection was B. gibsoni (13.8%), followed by E. canis (9.9%). Three tick species: Rhipicephalus linneai, Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides and Haemophysalis bispinosa were found infesting the dogs. The SLAF dogs were thoroughly quarantined upon arrival, but the infection prevalence was similar to PODs.

Evaluating the suitability of placental bovine explants for ex vivo modelling of host-pathogen interactions in Neospora caninum infections

Bovine abortions, often caused by infectious agents like Neospora caninum, inflict substantial economic losses. Studying host-pathogen interactions in pregnant cows is challenging, and existing cell cultures lack the intricate complexity of real tissues. To bridge the gap between in vitro and in vivo models, we explored the use of cryopreserved bovine placental explants. Building upon our successful development of protocols for obtaining, culturing, and cryopreserving sheep placental explants, we applied these methods to bovine tissues. Here, we compared fresh and cryopreserved bovine explants, evaluating their integrity and functionality over culture time. Additionally, we investigated their susceptibility to N. caninum infection. Our findings revealed that bovine explants deteriorate faster in culture compared to sheep explants, exhibiting diminished viability and function. Cryopreservation further exacerbated this deterioration. While fresh explants were successfully infected with N. caninum, parasite replication was limited. Notably, cryopreservation reduced infection efficiency. This pioneering work paves the way for developing ex vivo models to study reproductive pathogens in cattle. However, further optimization of the model is essential. These improved models will have the potential to significantly reduce the reliance on animals in research.

Babesiosis: Analysis of the Evidence for Infections in the United Kingdom.

Human babesiosis is caused when erythrocytes are invaded by Babesia. Infection can occur from the bite of an infected tick, blood transfusion or congenitally. Issues related to the infecting species, symptomology and testing technology are discussed and the implications of accurate incidence and prevalence of the disease discussed. Human babesiosis is considered to be relatively rare in the UK. With a considerable number of non-specific symptoms and diagnostic testing limitations, it is probable that true positives are being missed. Based on co-infection data for Borrelia and Babesia from Rhode Island and Connecticut, and on Borrelia seropositivity data from northeastern France, the prevalence of babesiosis in those aged under 35 years, 35 to 44 years, 45 to 54 years and 55 years and over would be expected to be 0.6%, 1.8%, 2.8% and 3.5%, respectively. Based on the prevalence of infections in ticks and canines and a disease model previously published, it is estimated that the UK incidence of human babesiosis is likely to be approximately 18,500 cases per year.

Tick-, flea- and mite-borne pathogens and associated diseases of public health importance in Bangladesh: a review: Vector-borne diseases in Bangladesh

BackgroundThis scoping review provides a baseline summary of the current records of the ticks, fleas, and mites of public health importance that are present in Bangladesh. It summarizes their geographic distributions and reports the levels of their infestation of livestock, pets, wildlife, and humans, and the clinical and epidemiological studies pertinent to these vectors and their pathogens. MethodsSixty-one articles were identified in a literature search, including 43 published since 2011. ResultsTwelve articles contained reliable information on ticks and their associated hosts. However, information on fleas and mites in Bangladesh is very limited. Seventeen species of ixodid ticks that commonly parasitize peridomestic animals and can bite humans are described: Rhipicephalus microplus, R. appendiculatus, R. sanguineus, Haemaphysalis bispinosa, Hyalomma anatolicum, and Amblyomma testidarium. Thirty-eight veterinary articles describe livestock pathogens, including Babesia, Anaplasma, and Theileria, and the diseases they cause. Few of those studies used modern molecular techniques to identify these pathogens. Eleven articles reported human diseases or surveillance studies, 10 from the last 10 years. Two country-wide serosurveys of 1,209 and 720 patients, using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA), respectively, reported human exposure to Orientia tsutsugamushi (8.8%–23.7%), typhus and spotted-fever group rickettsiae (19.7%–66.6%), and Coxiella burnetii (3%). The seropositivity rates varied regionally. PCR-based studies confirmed that febrile patients in Bangladesh may be infected with O. tsutsugamushi, Rickettsia typhi, Rickettsia felis, or Bartonella elizabethae. Only limited molecular research has been done with dogs and cats. These studies have reported PCR-confirmed canine infections with Babesia gibsoni (30%), Anaplasma bovis (58%), or Rickettsia monacenis (14%, n = 50), and feline infections with Rickettsia felis (21%, n = 100). Similarly, fleas from cats tested positive for Rickettsia felis (20.6%). ConclusionsThese findings indicate that diseases borne by non-mosquito vectors in Bangladesh urgently require more attention from public health, medical, and veterinary specialists to establish their true occurrence.

Molecular Detection of Microsporum Canis Infection in Cats in Baghdad Governorate

Microsporum canis is a keratinized skin fungus that causes diseases in all animals, especially in cats. It is able to infected human causes Tinea corporis and Tinea capitis. In this study,the aim was toward detection and confirmation of Microsporum canis infection in cats in Baghdad governorate using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).The diagnosis depend on sequencing of the PCR products obtained by using a universal primer to amplification of the primer DppV which was 895 bp.A total of two hundred and eighty three hair and skin scraping samples were collected from infected cats with and without skin lesions. Preliminarily examined of samples with 10% KOH preparation, and cultured for fungal identification . For the culture; Saboruad dextrose agar was used . Culture results showed that four isolates were positive for M. canis , the best growth of these isolates was confirmed by PCR and DPPV gene then sequencing of this gene. PCR technique showed that one isolate from the total of 283 isolates were assured for the DPPV gene and yielded a band at 895 bp, this finding is regarded as distinctive for the genus Microsporum canis ,which was dumped in the GenBank nucleotide sequence database under accession number OR126262. Results sequencing of this gene in Iraq revealed compatibility with global results in USA and Belgium.

Evaluation of protective immune responses induced by DNA vaccines encoding Echinococcus granulosus EgM123 protein in Beagle dogs.

Echinococcus granulosus, known as cystic echinococcosis, is a prominent zoonotic parasitic disease of significant global concern. The definitive hosts serves as the primary reservoir for the transmission of echinococcosis, as well as a main factor in the prevention and control of the disease. Unfortunately, there is currently no commercially available vaccine for these hosts. Nevertheless, DNA vaccines show potential as a feasible strategy for the control and management of parasitic diseases. In this study, the EgM123 antigen was selected for its well-documented immunogenic properties to develop a DNA vaccine aimed at combating E. granulosus infection in canines. The results showed a marked increase in IgG levels in the group vaccinated with pVAX1-EgM123 DNA compared to the PBS group. Additionally, the cytokines IL-1, IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-6 were significantly upregulated in the pVAX1-EgM123 DNA vaccine group. Furthermore, in comparison to the PBS control group, the EgM123 DNA vaccine group exhibited a notable 87.85% reduction in worm burden and a 65.00% inhibition in segment development. These findings indicate that the pVAX1-EgM123 DNA vaccine shows promising immunogenicity, successfully eliciting a targeted immune response in canines. Moreover, it significantly diminishes the worm burden and hinders the progression of tapeworms in the pVAX1-EgM123 DNA vaccine group. These findings suggest that the pVAX1-EgM123 DNA vaccine holds promise as a potential candidate vaccine for combating E. granulosus infection in dogs.

Phylogenetic analysis linked fatal neurologic disease in leopards (Panthera pardus) to Asia-5 lineage of canine distemper virus in Nepal

Canine distemper virus (CDV) is responsible for a highly contagious and often fatal neurological disease that affects various carnivores, including domestic dogs. In Nepal, recent reports of CDV exposure and illness in leopards (Panthera pardus) have raised concerns about the transmission of the virus among domestic dogs and wild carnivores. To investigate the genetic lineage and spread of CDV, our study utilized archived post-mortem samples from four leopards that exhibited clinical signs suggestive of canine distemper infection. These leopards were rescued in the Palpa, Dolakha, Kathmandu, and Parbat districts. Our phylogenetic analysis revealed that the CDV strains circulating among the leopards belong to the Asia-5 lineage, which is also prevalent among dogs and wild carnivores in Nepal and neighboring India. The genetic relatedness between the leopard CDV sequences and those from both dogs and other carnivores within the Asia-5 lineage suggests that leopards in Nepal may have acquired the virus from multiple sources, potentially facilitated by their generalist dietary habits preying on dogs and even mesocarnivores. Furthermore, we inspected specific amino acid substitution in the hemagglutinin gene of leopard CDV, which also suggests possible transmission from both domestic dogs and non-canid hosts, although further research is needed to draw definitive conclusions. Given the vulnerable state of the leopard population in Nepal, already threatened by poaching and retaliatory killing, the emergence of CDV as a potential novel threat is deeply concerning. Comprehensive surveillance studies are essential to understand the dynamics of CDV spillover and to develop informed interventions. Urgent measures, including vaccination programs and effective control of the dog population, are needed to mitigate the impact of this disease and safeguard the future of Nepal's leopards and other wild carnivores.

Exploring similarities and differences between Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum infections in dogs.

Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum infections in dogs are predominantly manifest asymptomatic. However, these infections can also present highly varied and potentially severe clinical signs. This is due to the parasites' ability to replicate in a number of cell types within the host organism, with N. caninum exhibiting a particular tropism for the central and peripheral nervous systems, and T. gondii targeting the central nervous system and musculature. In clinical practice, toxoplasmosis and neosporosis are often considered to be closely related diseases, despite their distinct epidemiological, clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic characteristics. The present review analyses the similarities and differences between these two protozoan infections, since an accurate and timely aetiological diagnosis is essential for establishing effective therapeutic protocols and control strategies.

Polymeric Antibiotic Beads for Canine Osteomyelitis: Advancing Localized Antibiotic Treatment with Enhanced Efficacy and Minimized Side Effects

Antibiotic beads represent a compelling treatment method for the treatment and prevention of canine osteomyelitis, as they provide localized antibiotic concentrations at the infection site with minimal systemic toxicity. The therapeutic efficacy of these beads has been demonstrated, highlighting their potential as a valuable local antibiotic therapy. In particular, the introduction of vancomycin - polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) beads is highlighted as a promising new form of local antibiotic therapy. This article focuses on the use of antibiotic-impregnated beads to treat localized bacterial infections in the bones and joints of canines. Typically composed of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) or polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), these beads contain antibiotics such as vancomycin, placed directly into the affected area, providing a high antibiotic concentration at the site of infection. These beads were developed for a slow antibiotic release over time; they ensure a constant protective effect against a broad spectrum of bacteria, demonstrating high efficacy and biocompatibility with the animal's body. This localized antibiotic treatment option offers several advantages over systemic antibiotics, such as reduced side effects and improved efficacy. It could be a promising option for the treatment of bone and joint infections in canines.

Clinical and laboratory characteristics of Toxocara canis infection among children in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

This study determines the clinical and paraclinical characteristics of children with Toxocara canis infection and serum eosinophil cut-off values for predicting toxocariasis in the group displaying symptoms of itching, urticaria and erythema. A cross-sectional study was conducted during March and April 2023 with a sample size of 986 children aged 3-15 y. In total, 140 (14.2%) of the 986 participants had anti-T canis antibodies. The most frequently experienced symptoms in this group were itching (10.1%), abdominal pain (8.2%) and urticaria (3.3%). The rate of IgE increased (37%), and the rates of mild and high eosinophilia were 38% and 2.2%, respectively. There were significant differences in IgE concentration and eosinophil count, and for both IgE concentration and eosinophil count between the two groups with and without toxocariasis. The optimal threshold for eosinophil to predict toxocariasis was 0.38 K/µL, with itching, urticaria and erythema resulting in a sensitivity of 61.5%, a specificity of 82.1% and a receiver operating characteristic curve (area under the curve) of 0.71. This study confirmed a positive association between IgE concentration, eosinophil count and positive serology for T. canis. A general blood count, including eosinophils, is a simple test that can be performed in hospitals. Clinicians should target and screen for T.oxocara canis infection when children display clinical symptoms of itching, urticaria, erythema and eosinophilia. NCT05208333.

Profiling of canine distemper virus infection from Small Animal Veterinary Clinics in Cities of Nueva Ecija, Philippines

Profiling of canine distemper virus infection from Small Animal Veterinary Clinics in Cities of Nueva Ecija, Philippines

Genomic Analyses of Methicillin-Susceptible and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius Strains Involved in Canine Infections: A Comprehensive Genotypic Characterization.

Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is frequently associated with several bacterial infections in dogs, highlighting a One Health concern due to the zoonotic potential. Given the clinical significance of this pathogen, we performed comprehensive genomic analyses of 28 S. pseudintermedius strains isolated from canine infections throughout whole-genome sequencing using Illumina HiSeq, and compared the genetic features between S. pseudintermedius methicillin-resistant (MRSP) and methicillin-susceptible (MSSP) strains. Our analyses determined that MRSP genomes are larger than MSSP strains, with significant changes in antimicrobial resistance genes and virulent markers, suggesting differences in the pathogenicity of MRSP and MSSP strains. In addition, the pangenome analysis of S. pseudintermedius from canine and human origins identified core and accessory genomes with 1847 and 3037 genes, respectively, which indicates that most of the S. pseudintermedius genome is highly variable. Furthermore, phylogenomic analysis clearly separated MRSP from MSSP strains, despite their infection sites, showing phylogenetic differences according to methicillin susceptibility. Altogether our findings underscore the importance of studying the evolutionary dynamics of S. pseudintermedius, which is crucial for the development of effective prevention and control strategies of resistant S. pseudintermedius infections.

Investigation of Hepatozoon Canis Related Alterations in the Haemato Biochemical Profile of Dogs

Aims: Hepatozoonosis, caused by a protozoan parasite Hepatozoon canis, is important for canine health due to its ability to cause chronic, debilitating disease, and the challenges it presents in terms of diagnosis and management. The present study was conducted to see the effect of H. canis infection on various haematological and biochemical parameters as compared to the normal healthy dogs in order to understand the disease pattern and suspecting the disease. Study Design: The clinically affected dogs that come to the veterinary hospital with symptoms of hepatozoonosis were included in the study. Haematological and biochemical parameters of dogs found positive for hepatozoonosis were analysed. The values of these parameters were subsequently compared to healthy animals in order to identify any significant difference caused by H. canis. Place and Duration of Study: The studied was conducted at Department of Veterinary Medicine, DUVASU Mathura, India. Total 212 blood samples were collected from the dogs that were brought for the treatment in between February 2023 to March 2024. Methodology: Total 212 dogs were included in the present study out of this 46 dogs were found positive with H. canis using PCR based molecular test. These positive animals were subjected to study the changes in biochemical parameters like blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, alkaline phosphatase, alanine transaminase, aspartate amino transferase, total leucocyte count, total erythrocyte count, haemoglobin, haematocrit, erythrocyte indices (MCV, MCH, MCHC), differential leucocyte count, platelet count and platelet indices (MPV, PDW) using autoanalyzer. Student's t-test in Graphpad Prism was used to compare these values to healthy animals. Results: The study confirms that Hepatozoonosis leads to significant haematological and biochemical changes in dogs. Infected dogs have lower Hb, TEC, and PCV than healthy animals, indicating anaemia. Thrombocytopenia and leukocytosis were also observed in the infected animals. Non-significant differences in MCV, MCH, and MCHC indicate normocytic, normochromic anaemia. Anisocytosis and non-regenerative anaemia is indicated by significant RDW-CV increases with decrease in MCV values. Increased liver-specific enzymes like ALT, AST, and ALP and kidney-related enzymes like BUN and CRT suggest hepatic and renal involvement in disease pathophysiology. Conclusion: In hepatozoonosis, haemato- biochemical parameters like non-regenerative anaemia. anisocytosis, thrombocytopenia, leukocytosis, low serum protein concentration and increased ALT, AST, ALP and BUN values may be used as non-specific biomarkers. The results can be used in making clinical decisions and monitoring therapeutic responses in cases of hepatozoonosis.