ABSTRACT Case history An adult male wētāpunga (Deinacrida heteracantha), wild-caught under permit in May 2024 as part of a group collected for conservation breeding purposes, presented in mid-August 2024 with a month-long history of gradually worsening discolouration of the left eye and periocular region of the gena. Clinical findings The left eye was internally discoloured a blotchy yellow colour with a metallic bronze-gold sheen, while the periocular region was discoloured dark brown, radiating approximately 5 mm circumferentially from the eye. No samples from affected tissues were able to be taken ante-mortem for diagnostics. Fungal infection was suspected, and empirical treatment was started using once daily application of a topical ointment of povidone-iodine 10% w/w, equivalent to 1% w/w available iodine. Within 24 hours, discolouration of the eye, but not the periocular region, temporarily resolved during treatment and with no obvious adverse effects. The animal died 1 month after presentation, despite ongoing treatment. Gross necropsy showed focally extensive black discolouration of tissues deep to the left eye. Histopathology revealed extensive keratitis, rhabdomyositis and steatitis with multisystemic fungal infection. Fungal culture and phenotypic assessment were consistent with Metarhizium species, and genomic sequencing confirmed M. anisopliae as the causative agent. Retrospective evaluation of six previous cases of integumentary lesions in wētāpunga revealed some similarities in case presentation but key differences in the severity of infection. Diagnosis Multisystemic fungal infection due to Metarhizium anisopliae. Clinical relevance Metarhizium species are ubiquitous in the environment, and M. anisopliae is a known keratophilic pathogen of insects with application as a biologic pest control agent. While empirical topical treatment appeared to alleviate the external clinical signs of the ocular infection, the severity of infection was difficult to determine ante-mortem. Here, through retrospective analyses of this and similar cases at Auckland Zoo, we show that fungal integumentary and/or ophthalmic disease in wētāpunga may present as focal darkening of the exoskeleton and pallor of the affected eye(s). Given the limitations for ante-mortem diagnostics and treatment options in invertebrates, and the unknown capacity for these animals to perceive pain, subsequently making it more challenging to assess their welfare while diseased, euthanasia remains an important treatment option in invertebrate medicine.

Canine distemper is a highly contagious viral disease of dogs that causes multisystemic infection and severe immunosuppression, often predisposing affected animals to secondary opportunistic infections. The present case report describes a non-oliguric acute kidney injury associated with haemorrhagic manifestations in a two-year-old unvaccinated male non-descript dog diagnosed with concurrent canine distemper and anaplasmosis. The animal was presented with clinical signs including tick infestation, pyrexia, vomiting, diarrhoea, serous ocular and nasal discharge, melena, hyperkeratosis of nasal planum and foot pads, and ecchymotic haemorrhages over various body regions. Serological testing using an immunochromatographic assay confirmed infection with Anaplasma spp., while clinical findings were suggestive of systemic canine distemper. Haemato-biochemical analysis revealed leukopenia, lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia, hypocalcaemia and elevated phosphorus levels initially, followed by marked increases in blood urea nitrogen, creatinine and liver enzymes indicating acute renal involvement. The dog was treated with doxycycline, supportive fluid therapy, antihistamines, diuretics and immunosuppressive therapy, along with oral supplements. Progressive clinical improvement was observed, and the animal recovered completely by day 18 post-treatment. This case highlights the importance of early screening for vector-borne infections in dogs with immunosuppressive viral diseases such as canine distemper, as coinfections may worsen clinical outcomes and complicate diagnosis and management.

Scrub typhus is a multisystem infection that can mimic surgical and other infectious conditions, and delayed recognition may lead to fatal outcomes. We report a 14-year-old girl who presented with features suggestive of an acute abdomen, including abdominal pain, vomiting, loose stools, and marked guarding. Initial evaluation favored surgical and common infectious differentials, but investigations showed multisystem involvement, including leukocytosis with thrombocytopenia, hepatic dysfunction, renal impairment, and elevated D-dimer. Imaging revealed abdominal inflammatory changes and bilateral pulmonary opacities. In view of high-grade fever with thrombocytopenia and organomegaly, scrub typhus was suspected and confirmed by positive immunoglobulin M serology. During hospitalization, she rapidly deteriorated with hypotension and tachycardia requiring vasoactive support and intensive care. Respiratory distress progressed to hypoxemic respiratory failure with radiographic worsening consistent with acute respiratory distress syndrome, necessitating endotracheal intubation and invasive mechanical ventilation. Screening echocardiography demonstrated left ventricular systolic dysfunction with an ejection fraction of approximately 40% without supportive electrocardiographic changes or abnormal cardiac enzymes reported. She developed worsening acute kidney injury with metabolic acidosis and hyperkalemia, along with coagulopathy treated with blood products for disseminated intravascular coagulation. Despite escalation of antimicrobial therapy and organ support, she suffered sudden ventricular tachycardia and died within four days of presentation. This case highlights the need to consider scrub typhus in endemic settings when acute abdomen is accompanied by thrombocytopenia and early organ dysfunction, and to initiate targeted therapy promptly.

Lyme disease is a multisystem zoonotic infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, transmitted through the bite of infected Ixodes scapularis ticks. It is the most common tick-borne illness in the northern hemisphere, with growing relevance for clinical practice in the UK. This review looks at the current evidence base, with clinical guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence and international best practice to support the early recognition, accurate diagnosis and effective management of Lyme disease in primary care.

The spirochete Borrelia is responsible for Lyme disease, a multisystemic infection and growing public health concern. This study aimed to evaluate host response dynamics to Borrelia bavariensis by analyzing hematological parameters as potential immuno-inflammatory markers in a murine model. Forty C3He/HeNCrl mice were inoculated intradermally with B. bavariensis (5 × 105 spirochetes/100 µL/mouse) and monitored for 90 days. Samples were collected at defined intervals for microbiological examination, hematology, and qPCR. Microbiological and qPCR testing revealed infection between days 7–21; results were negative on days 28–42. At later stages (days 60 and 90), Borrelia was only detectable by qPCR, highlighting differences in diagnostic sensitivity. Hematological analysis showed that the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and systemic immuno-inflammatory index (SII) peaked on day 7 (p < 0.0001), followed by gradual normalization until day 35. These markers reflected the intensity of the inflammatory response and defined three distinct phases of host reaction. Overall, results demonstrate the complexity of immune responses in B. bavariensis infection and underscore the value of monitoring hematological indices for understanding host–pathogen interactions. This approach supports the potential use of simple blood markers in diagnostic strategies with translational relevance for clinical practice.

Patient: Male, 52-year-oldFinal Diagnosis: Endogenous endophthalmitis • group G streptococcus bacteremia • infective endocarditis • meningitisSymptoms: FeverClinical Procedure: —Specialty: Infectious DiseasesObjective: Rare coexistence of disease or pathologyBackgroundGroup G streptococcus (GGS), primarily Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis, is a commensal organism found on the skin, oropharynx, and the gastrointestinal and female genital tracts, often associated with superficial infections such as pharyngitis and cellulitis. Recent epidemiological trends indicate an increase in invasive GGS infection. While isolated cases have been reported, to our knowledge, this is the first reported case involving the simultaneous occurrence of infective endocarditis, endogenous endophthalmitis, and meningitis caused by GGS.Case ReportA 53-year-old man with a history of the Bentall procedure presented with 2 days of fever, slightly decreased consciousness, and ocular symptoms. He subsequently developed bilateral endogenous endophthalmitis and bacterial meningitis, both of which were diagnosed promptly through ophthalmologic examination and cerebrospinal fluid analysis. Blood cultures identified GGS, and he was treated with ampicillin 2 g every 4 hours. Blood cultures became negative on hospital day 4, after which he completed 8 weeks of antibiotics. He underwent vitrectomy and intravitreal antibiotics, which led to visual recovery in his right eye. Despite an initial echocardiogram that did not detect vegetations, gallium scintigraphy revealed signs of prosthetic valve endocarditis. His condition improved, and he was discharged on hospital day 66.ConclusionsThis case underscores the potential for GGS to cause severe, multisystem invasive disease and highlights the importance of early recognition and comprehensive management. Further research is needed to better understand the epidemiology, develop diagnostic strategies, and prevent invasive GGS infections.

Background: Hyperkalemia (HK) prevalence in the general population is estimated at 2–3%; by contrast, prevalence is up to 73% in patients with CKD and 39% in those with heart failure (HF). TRACK is a prospective, real-world evidence study of HK management strategies, therapeutic objectives, and outcomes during 12 months follow-up of patients with HK. This analysis focuses on use of CKD and HF therapies, potassium (K + ) binder use, and HK complications in patients with CKD and/or HF. Methods: TRACK enrolled patients with serum K + &gt;5.0 mmol/L in Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK, and the US. Data were gathered from participants’ medical records at 3-month intervals on therapeutic objectives, treatment regimens, K + normalization rates, continuation of RAASi and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA) therapy, and clinical outcomes. All participants provided informed consent. We conducted descriptive statistical analyses to identify trends between participants with CKD, HF, neither, or both. Results: Of 1330 TRACK participants, 741 had CKD at baseline, 83 HF, 385 both, and 121 neither. Mean age was 68±14 years, 31% were female, 8% Latino, 66% White, 29% Black, and 1% Asian. At baseline, ACE/ARB/ARNI and MRA use, respectively, was 51% and 3% among patients with CKD; 84% and 51% for those with HF; 62% and 28% for those with both; 60% and 6% for those with neither ( P =0.0006 for ACE/ARB/ARNI use among the four groups and P &lt;0.0001 for MRA). Dose adjustment was infrequent. K + binder initiation or dose increase was reported for 12%, 3%, 16%, and 0% of those with CKD, HF, both, or neither, respectively ( P =0.0008 for K + binder initiation/dose increase among the four groups). Metabolic acidosis and death were the most common sequelae of HK ( Table ); causes of death included renal, cardiac, and multisystem failure, infection, and cancer. Occurrence of any HK complication or death was similar in patients with CKD (event rate at 12 months: 13.6 [95% CI 11.1, 16.2], P =0.09) or HF alone (10.3 [95% CI 3.5, 17.0], P =0.08) versus those with CKD and HF (18.6 [95% CI 14.6, 22.6]). Complications/death were more frequent among patients with CKD and HF versus those with neither (7.5 [95% CI 2.3, 12.6], P =0.0123) ( Figure ). Conclusion: Patients with HK with CKD and HF are at particularly high risk for poor outcomes. More consistent guideline-directed HK management including K + binder use is needed to improve current suboptimal use of potentially life-saving CKD and HF therapies.

To determine the serum ferritin levels, single-center prevalence of hyperferritinemia and its association with mortality in critically ill children with severe sepsis. This prospective study was conducted in pediatric intensive care unit of a tertiary care teaching hospital in North India over a period of 13 months (June 2023-June 2024), including children 3 months-12 years old with severe sepsis. At admission, blood was collected for estimation of serum ferritin levels. Hyperferritinemia was defined as ferritin levels >500 ng/mL. The primary outcome was to determine the association between serum ferritin and mortality; and secondary outcomes were estimation of serum ferritin levels, single-center prevalence of hyperferritinemia, best cutoff of serum ferritin to predict mortality, and correlation of serum ferritin with severity scores. We enrolled 115 children with a median (interquartile range) age of 3 (1-7) years. The common diagnoses were community-acquired pneumonia (39.1%), scrub typhus (13.9%), CNS infections (10.4%), multisystem viral infection (10.4%), dengue (9.6%), GI sepsis (6.1%), and disseminated Staphylococcal sepsis (4.3%). The median (interquartile range) serum ferritin level was 550 (233-1633) ng/mL and 52% (n = 60) had hyperferritinemia. Nonsurvivors had significantly higher serum ferritin levels compared with survivors [1355 (860-4435) vs. 233 (108-306), P = 0.01]. The mortality was significantly higher in children with hyperferritinemia (38.3% vs 16.4%, P = 0.012). The best cutoff of serum ferritin to predict mortality was 705 ng/mL (Area under curve [AUC]: 0.653, sensitivity and specificity of 63% each, P = 0.011). Children with hyperferritinemia had a longer duration of illness and higher occurrence of organ dysfunction (coagulopathy, hepatic dysfunction, shock, acute respiratory distress syndrome and acute kidney injury). Serum ferritin was positively correlated with pediatric risk of mortality III score ( ρ = 0.342, P = 0.001) pediatric logistic organ dysfucntion-2 score on day 2 ( ρ = 0.204, P = 0.042) and day 5 ( ρ = 0.235, P = 0.046) and vasoactive inotropic score on day 1 ( ρ = 0.305, P = 0.033). Hyperferritinemia was common in critically ill children with severe sepsis and was significantly associated with mortality.

Enteric fever, referred to as typhoid fever, is an overwhelming multi-systemic infection with major health consequences. It is caused by Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi, a member of the Enterobacteriaceae family, which can lead to various gastrointestinal infections. If left untreated, the disease can lead to severe complications such as delirium, intestinal hemorrhage, bowel perforation, and even death within a month of infection. Typhoid fever is widespread across the world, especially in areas with poor sanitation and water infrastructure. This bacterial bloodstream illness is still one of the most common in Asia due to inadequate sanitation and contaminated water sources. This infectious disease spreads by house flies and other vectors through contaminated food, drink, and water. The prevalence of typhoid fever in China, Japan, Mongolia, Korea, Taiwan, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh was determined by searching online databases. According to epidemiological data, typhoid fever is more prevalent in developing countries like Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan where access to clean water and proper sanitation are major issues. In contrast, Asian nations like China, Japan, Mongolia, and Taiwan report significantly lower incidence rates. Over recent years, this infectious pathogen has demonstrated increasing antibiotic resistance, making prevention a critical strategy for reducing disease burden. Effective prevention and control require high-impact interventions targeting healthcare infrastructure, alongside improvement in sanitation, access to safe water, and planned urbanization.

Multisystemic myxozoan infection in toadfish, Tetractenos hamiltoni, caused by Monomyxum incomptavermi

Advances in biosensors: A breakthrough in rapid and precise brucellosis detection.

Despite dozens of studies and the American NIH’s $1.6 billion expenditure on research, 18 million people in the US and 65 million globally still have long COVID. The symptoms range from neuropsychiatric to somatic, and the ongoing variant infections will further the toll. Like other unresolved chronic infections, the exact reasons for the chronicity and pathophysiology of long COVID remain obscure. Unlike the prevalent biochemical and molecular research on chronic infections and diseases, the presented model explores pathogens and afflicted organs on an ontologically deeper level (submolecular or electromagnetic), for their detection and treatment. The applied diagnostic and therapeutic technology in this domain resembles the physics of Smartphone medicine, by applying a scan-like diagnosis and water-imprinted therapeutic signals. The latter constitutes the nature of homeopathic and other production platforms. Based on the reported reversals of long COVID through this specific treatment, that matches the identified pathogens and afflicted organs, this pathology appears to have a multifactorial nature consisting of multisystemic malfunctions, infections, toxicological agents, and other pathogens. The approach does not requireknowledge of physics,is enrooted in prudent conventional medical knowledge, and can be implemented by physicians. Despite being ostracized as “alternative,” these interventions have substantial scientific support and are free from scientific conflicts, further emphasizing the need for proper studies to validate this approach. If verified, it may prompt the development of novel medical technologies, including physics-based vaccines and treatments.

Abstract Background Melioidosis is a multi-system infection caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, a bacterium living in soil which is transmitted to humans through inoculation, inhalation or ingestion. According to numerous studies, diabetes mellitus (DM) is the major risk factor, not only predisposing to melioidosis but also altering the immune response to the infection. Objectives of this study were; to analyze the prevalence of DM among a local cohort of culture positive melioidosis patients and to assess the effect of DM on the disease entity and clinical parameters. Methods Anonymized data of 83 culture positive melioidosis patients from December 2014 to February 2024 were accessed to analyze disease entity, risk factors and laboratory investigations on admission. Fisher’s exact test was used to determine any statistical association between variables and a p value of less than 0.05 was taken as significant. Results Among 83 patients, 59 (71.1%) were diabetics. Age groups &amp;gt;60yrs females and &amp;lt; 20yrs males were 100% diabetics. Among 40-60yrs males had 88% prevalence of DM. There were patients with abscesses including deep seated ones (35, 42%), pneumonia (17, 21%), septic arthritis (7, 9%), pyelonephritis (6, 7%) and other disease entities (18, 22%) including rare ones like endocarditis (2, 2%). Mortality rate was 18/83 (22%) of which 13 (72%) were DM. There was a significant association between abscesses/pus formation and the presence of DM (p=0.0016). Melioidosis antibody titer was tested in 64 (77%) and there was a highly significant association of high titers &amp;gt;1:160 with the presence of DM (p=0.0004). Associations of white cell count (WCC) &amp;gt;11000/µL, and ESR &amp;gt;100mm/1st hr. with DM were statistically significant (p=0.0219 and p=0.0305 respectively). Association of high platelet counts ( &amp;gt;400000/µL) with DM was not statistically significant (p=0.19750). Conclusion Diabetes was a significant comorbidity in culture positive Melioidosis. Meticulous investigation for pus formation in melioidosis among diabetics is recommended to ensure proper treatment including pus drainage. Presence of DM is in significant association with higher antibody titres, high ESR and high WCC which may indicate more chronic or extensive disease needing aggressive and prolonged treatment. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Abstract Background Whipple's disease (WD) is a rare chronic multisystemic infection that primarily affects the gastrointestinal tract. There are no FDA-approved treatments for WD. Standard treatment involves prolonged antibiotic regimens that can be controversial, especially in cases of relapse or neurological involvement. This study uses CURE ID, an online case reporting platform, to investigate WD cases in the literature, analyze combination therapies currently being used, and identify strategies that improve patient outcomes.Figure 1:Geographic Distribution of Whipple’s Disease Cases Methods We identified WD cases on PubMed and Embase reported between 2019-2024 using relevant keywords, MeSH terms, and Emtree terms. Rayyan.ai was used to screen articles following a PRISMA protocol. Out of 271 identified cases, 84 met inclusion criteria. They were added to CURE ID via the case report form. The aggregated WD data was then analyzed.Figure 2:Age Distribution of Whipple’s Disease Patients Results 74/84 patients improved or recovered (Table1). Figure 1 displays that most cases originated in Europe and North America, followed by a minority in Asia and South America. WD predominantly occurred in males (61/84) and most cases occurred in middle-aged patients (Figure 2). Most cases were associated with favorable outcomes (Table 1). As shown in Figure 3, the most used antibiotic combination was ceftriaxone and TMP-SMX and was associated with the best outcome followed by doxycycline and hydroxychloroquine. Corticosteroids were added in 4 patients to prevent the formation of Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome (IRIS), and all cases were associated with a positive result.Figure 3:Outcome of the most frequently used treatment regimens Conclusion There appears to be a geographic clustering of WD cases as well as higher incidence in males. This needs to be investigated further for explanations for this correlation. It was noted that the majority of the cases occurred in immunocompromised patients. We aim to investigate this further in a full manuscript. The standard treatment of WD is using combination therapy with ceftriaxone and TMP-SMX and this was associated with favorable outcomes. Interestingly, the combination of doxycycline and hydroxychloroquine also emerged as a successful alternative in cases where the preferred combination was not tolerated or failed. We aim to further explore the mechanism of this combination and establish it as a standard alternative regimen.Table 1:Composite table of patient outcomes and frequency of drugs used. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Lyme disease (LD) is a multisystemic infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi and transmitted by Ixodes ticks, affecting the skin, nervous system, heart and joints. Neuroborreliosis (LNB), a nervous system manifestation of LD, occurs in 10-15% of cases and may present with neurological symptoms at varying stages. We present the case of an 84-year-old man, admitted to the emergency department following a seizure, with fever and oropharyngeal erythema. After the administration of penicillin for presumed tonsillitis, a generalised skin rash developed and spontaneously resolved after 4 hours. Within 24 hours, two well-defined round erythematous lesions were observed on the neck and shoulder. Due to new onset of confusion and lethargy a lumbar puncture was performed, revealing polymorphonuclear pleocytosis, elevated protein levels and normal glucose. An empirical ceftriaxone course was started for suspected neuroborreliosis. Neuroborreliosis was diagnosed based on the clinical presentation of fever and neurological changes, with supporting cutaneous manifestations and compatible Borrelia burgdorferi serology. The initial rash was interpreted as a Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction, and the two skin lesions were classified as erythema migrans. After completing treatment, the patient made a full recovery. This case underscores the diagnostic complexity of LNB as an initial manifestation of LD, particularly in elderly patients. Early neurological symptoms, often preceding classic cutaneous signs, may lead to diagnostic delays. This highlights the importance of maintaining clinical suspicion for LD, given the limitations of serological and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) testing. Prompt recognition and intervention are essential to prevent progression and ensure favourable outcomes. Lyme disease can present with neurological symptoms such as neuroborreliosis (LNB) before typical cutaneous signs, complicating diagnosis, especially in older adults. Early detection relies on clinical suspicion and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, even when serology and PCR may be negative.Serum IgM antibodies can aid diagnosis, but their absence does not rule out LNB. CSF analysis often shows non-specific findings, and PCR testing has low sensitivity. The Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction, seen after treatment, can mimic an allergic response and should be recognised.

Background: Lyme disease (LD) is a multisystemic infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi and transmitted by Ixodes ticks, affecting the skin, nervous system, heart and joints. Neuroborreliosis (LNB), a nervous system manifestation of LD, occurs in 10–15% of cases and may present with neurological symptoms at varying stages. Case description: We present the case of an 84-year-old man, admitted to the emergency department following a seizure, with fever and oropharyngeal erythema. After the administration of penicillin for presumed tonsillitis, a generalised skin rash developed and spontaneously resolved after 4 hours. Within 24 hours, two well-defined round erythematous lesions were observed on the neck and shoulder. Due to new onset of confusion and lethargy a lumbar puncture was performed, revealing polymorphonuclear pleocytosis, elevated protein levels and normal glucose. An empirical ceftriaxone course was started for suspected neuroborreliosis. Neuroborreliosis was diagnosed based on the clinical presentation of fever and neurological changes, with supporting cutaneous manifestations and compatible Borrelia burgdorferi serology. The initial rash was interpreted as a Jarisch–Herxheimer reaction, and the two skin lesions were classified as erythema migrans. After completing treatment, the patient made a full recovery. Conclusion: This case underscores the diagnostic complexity of LNB as an initial manifestation of LD, particularly in elderly patients. Early neurological symptoms, often preceding classic cutaneous signs, may lead to diagnostic delays. This highlights the importance of maintaining clinical suspicion for LD, given the limitations of serological and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) testing. Prompt recognition and intervention are essential to prevent progression and ensure favourable outcomes.

This study describes the first outbreaks with virulent avian paramyxovirus 1 (APMV-1) since 2005 in Denmark. Both outbreaks were caused by pigeon specific variants, denoted pigeon paramyxovirus 1 (PPMV-1). The first outbreak was in June 2022 and affected captive pigeons near Næstved, in southeast Denmark, where 1053 captive birds were housed, and hereof 851 pigeons. A second and separate outbreak occurred in June 2023 in Aalborg, northwest Denmark, involving 1851 captive birds, of which 40 were pigeons. In both outbreaks, pigeons were predominantly affected, characterised by high mortality, and presented with neurological signs, along with thin-shelled eggs. Pathological and virological assessment revealed multi-systemic infections in pigeons, including neuronal and vascular endothelial tropism. Chickens were affected only in the 2022 outbreak, with reported extended hatching periods and chicks dead at hatching, and with no apparent lesions detected at both macro- and microscopic investigations. Fusion protein (F) gene sequence classified the 2022 virus isolate as genotype VI.2.1.1.2.2 and the 2023 virus as genotype XXI.1.1, with polybasic cleavage sites 112RRQKRF117 (2022) and 112KRQKRF117 (2023). However, mean death time (MDT) tests categorised both virus isolates as mesogenic, and an intracerebral pathogenicity index (ICPI) test of the 2022 virus isolate showed an ICPI index of 0.65, categorising the virus as lentogenic. This is the first report of PPMV-1 isolates with polybasic cleavage site and associated mortality in captive pigeons in Denmark. The sudden resurgence of outbreaks in Denmark after nearly two decades without similar incidents highlight the potential threat posed by circulating viruses in wild birds, such as feral pigeons, and emphasise the importance of surveillance in wild bird populations for improved risk recognition and early detection of emerging threats.

Melioidosis is a severe infectious disease caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, a Gram-negative bacterium endemic to tropical regions. While it most commonly affects the lungs, melioidosis can present as a multisystemic infection, impacting various organ systems, including the liver, spleen, kidneys, skin, and central nervous system.

Coronavirus (CoV) causes intestinal and respiratory diseases in birds, mammals, and humans. In dogs, CoV occurs in two main serotypes, namely, type I and type II, based on mutations and recombination in the spike protein. The pantropical strains are characterized as hypervirulent and multisystemic infections in dogs. Recent outbreaks of coronavirus infection among humans have attracted interest in animal CoV as a source of direct and indirect zoonoses. A literature search was conducted in research databases and open internet sources to analyze coronaviruses in dogs. A total of 189 sources were analyzed, with 142 published in the last decade. Canine coronavirus (CCoV) has undergone mutations and recombination over the past few decades, resulting in changes in tropism, virulence, and the formation of new divergent genetic lines. CCoV is a common component of the canine infectious respiratory disease complex and enteritis of all breeds and ages. CoV infection in pets raises concerns about spreading and transmitting the virus to people and other animals, posing risks to animal and public health. Understanding canine coronaviruses and genetic information sharing could improve prevention and control strategies for future zoonotic coronaviruses.

Background: Nocardia species, particularly Nocardia farcinica, are rare causative agents of brain abscesses, with primary infections accounting for less than 2% of all brain abscesses. This report describes a unique case of a primary Nocardia farcinica brain abscess in an immunocompetent patient, highlighting diagnostic challenges and treatment outcomes. In this paper, we describe a case of an immunocompetent patient with cerebral nocardiosis. A 56-year-old male presented with a focal seizure affecting the right arm. Initial imaging revealed a well-defined contrastenhanced lesion in the left occipital lobe. The patient was afebrile with no signs of sepsis, raising suspicion for metastatic disease.